Harper Pressed For Even Closer Economic, Military, Geopolitical Ties To USA

This argument was coupled to a call for the US elite to pay greater heed to Canada’s contribution to the buttressing of US power, including by adjusting US policy in accordance with Canadian demands in a handful of areas, and to repeated emphatic assertions of Canada’s geo-political importance and determination to be a force in world affairs. Harper introduced the main body of his address with a question: “Why, ladies and gentlemen, in a turbulent and uncertain world, when our economy and our security are affected by developments in far-off lands, should you focus your attention and your energies on Canada?” Most of the remainder of Harper’s speech was meant to provide an answer, but the crux and tone of his argument was indicated in the next two paragraphs. “Because Canada is ... a stable and positive force for good,” a state, moreover, that “has much to bring to the table in chaotic and trying times” and that is determined to be “a player” on the world stage. Harper then highlighted “three things Canada has to offer the US.” “First, a strong and robust economy and, in particular, an energy industry that is increasingly one of the most important in the world; “Second, a strong partnership in building both a more competitive and more secure North America; “And third, a common will to advance, in concert with our democratic allies, our shared values and interests throughout the world.” www.wsws.org/articles/2006/sep2006/harp-s23.shtml [Proofreader's note: this article was edited for spelling and typos on September 25, 2006]

Note: www.wsws.org/articles/2...