A Brief Comment from Niagara At Large publisher Doug Draper
The late Tory stalwart Jim Flaherty was respected by all parties – Conservative, Liberal and NDP alike – for his dedication to public service.
In the hours following the death of former federal Finance Minister Jim Flaherty, I learned that Flaherty, who was just a few years older than this baby boomer who came of age in the 1960s, got his inspiration to do something that involved engaging in politics and public life from the late U.S. Senator Bobby Kennedy, who was assassinated while running for president of his country in 1968.
So here I am, now trying to come to terms with the fact that Flaherty – a cabinet minister for both the federal Stephen Harper and former Ontario Mike Harris governments, whose policies I almost always have found to result in destructive and sometimes even tragic consequences for many Ontarians and Canadians – shared the same hero when we were in our formative years.
How could that possibly be? Who the hell knows. except that it may have something to do with Kennedy’s all-embracing call for people to look beyond themselves and get more involved in public affairs.
Flaherty certainly did that, even when it seemed clear to seem him, over the past couple of years, standing up to make statement or answer a question, on the parliamentary channel, that he did not look well for a person in his early 60s.
Let’s hope that in the few days leading up to a state funeral for this person this coming Wednesday, April 16th, gives all of us – however much we may have some of the current ‘government sucks- taxes are a form of theft-all politicians are liars and crooks’ mentality coursing through our veins – we people as a country, collectively consider how important it is to get more engaged in the civic affairs of our country and the communities we live in.
That kind of collective reflection might be the best legacy the untimely death of Jim Flaherty leaves us.
For more information on the plans for a state funeral for Jim Flaherty click on the following CBC story at http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/jim-flaherty-state-funeral-to-be-held-wednesday-in-toronto-1.2607292 .
(NOW IT IS YOUR TURN. Niagara At Large encourages you to share your views on this post. A reminder that we only post comments by individuals who share their first and last name with them.)
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I met Jim Flaherty a few times and although I didn’t always agree with his politics, he was always friendly and considerate when dealing with government employees.
I think that he was one of those rare politicians who actually wanted to make life better for people. We may not agree with the way he did some things, but he did feel that individuals should take more responsibility for their own well-being.
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Although I was not a supporter of his Conservative views, like Churchill who was considered a loser by the people, he was the right guy for wartime UK after the emergency was over the people turfed him out, Jim Flaherty had his moment in the sun, when the Wall Street crash in 2008 hit, and money dryed up, Jim embarked on a stimulus deal for Canada, Towns that had shovel ready projects but no money got first dibs of Federal cash, Fort Erie a Town that can’t handle money at the best of times, recieved money to pay for Garrison Road a huge project, sewer ,and new water lines,sidewalks etcet. the Frenchmans Drain Project another huge deal that put in pumping stations and water lines and sewer lines to the treatment plant. and the downtown Ridgeway renewal , also drains and water, plus street -scaping,he also started the much maligned “Action Canada” grant program, money available for roofs , handicapped access projects , which our Black Creek Community Centre tapped into. so this stuff benefits a lot of people and money that we can see.!!! Jim had his moments just like Churchill, and we will remember the good and not the bad.” Rest with the Angels “Jim, you came through for us.
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I also am very surprised to hear that he felt he modeled his life after the Late Robert Kennedy…Kennedy in my mind was a “Social Democrat” whose total concern was for the common folk, the blue collared and the many who were totally dis-enfranchised by economic reasons and by others who put them down…
Yes!!! Doug I agree with everything you have written and I also see a dilemma in the context of his supposed ideals Because Harris and Harper are certainly no Robert Kennedy.
A Brief Note here from Niagara At Large publisher Doug Draper – I apologize if my brief piece on Jim Flaherty gave the impression that, as commentor Joe Somers writes, that Flaherty “modeled his life” after the late U.S. Senator Robert Kennedy. What I tried to say, perhaps not clearly enough, is that Falherty was reportedly inspired, at a young age, to get into politics by Kennedy’s call to people to get involved in some form of service service.
As for where Jim Flaherty took that call, I doubt very much that Kennedy would care very much for the politics and policies of Mike Harris and Stephen Harper, the two leaders Flaherty went on to serve in cabinet. More likely, Kennedy would have vehemntly opposed their policies. If Kennedy were a Canadian and alive today, I imagine he would be good friends with people like Stephen Lewis, Maude Barlow and David Suzuki, and would be leaning toward the policies of the NDP.
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Jim Flaherty, whether you liked his politics or not, must be acknowledged for what he was: a man of character. For personal reasons, as well as for those of the publc, he had a great heart for making the community accessible to people of all levels of ability. He served, I think few will disagree, with integrity. He earned our respect if not our agreement.
Mr. Flaherty’s passing is a shock and a great loss to his community. We wouild do well to learn a lesson from him: that public service, while demanding, is gratifying. Too few, do so much, for so many as those who give of themselves for the benefit of the rest of us.
I am grateful every day for the opportunities I have to volunteer my skills and service to Niagara Regional agencies in which I put my time. While I may give I certainly get back more in satisfaction and spiritual — yes, spiritual — growth. Public service, especially voluntary public service, is a most gratifhying kind of service that enriches those who give it.
Jim Flaherty could have earned more money in private life than he did in public service. Be clear on that! Ah, but he got back a level of respect and appreciation few will ever experience because he gave more than he took: as a parent, a freind of many, and a servant to all — even those of us who disagreed with much of what he put forth in his budgets. He was a Canadian worthy of our respect and appreciation for the service he gave. He certainly has mine! Our familiy’s sympathies go out to the Flaherty family at this time. The country has lost a leader of note.
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Well said Mr Page, well said!
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