The attempted assassination of President Donald Trump was a cause for reflection for many in public office.
Alberta Premier Daniel Smith used the opportunity to reflect on just how badly his political opponents have behaved.
“I really hope that some of the progressive politicians here will be careful with their language, because they are saying the same about conservative politicians and they need to tone it down,” the premier told reporters at a conference of premiers that kicked off in Halifax on Monday.
Two days earlier, a 20-year-old man armed with a semi-automatic rifle shot the former president in the right ear with a bullet, but the motive has never been determined. But Trump’s fellow Republicans, especially the new president, Vice Presidential Candidatethis heinous act, President Joe Biden and other Democrats.
Their political attacks include: Conservative rhetoric.
In a northern country with a relatively small history of revolutions or attempted assassinations of leaders, Smith condemned the rhetoric used by the New Democrats and Liberals against him and the federal Conservative leader.
“Have you not seen the headlines about Pierre Poirievre being described as a danger?” the prime minister said. “The Leader of the Opposition in Alberta described me as a danger? When you start using that kind of rhetoric, it ends up increasing the risk to all of us.”
It is true that the new Alberta NDP Leader, Naheed Nenshi, has repeatedly criticised Smith. “Immoral” and “Dangerous” In many cases “Incompetent” Forming three derogatory terms: Smith waves around the D-word in despair over her future actions; Transgender Rights PolicyHowever, Nenshi uses these terms more extensively than her predecessor, Rachel Notley.
If Smith were an angel in this respect, it would strengthen her case for blaming only progressives. She is not an angel. Who is an angel in today’s nosebleed politics?
Her most apocalyptic rhetoric has long been focused on the federal Liberal Party. Once said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s father “nearly destroyed our province,” but his son wants to “finish the job” with an energy sector profits tax (which the Liberals never enacted or proposed).
Earlier this year, Smith asked Tucker Carlson, a well-known, incendiary commentator, to accuse Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault of being a “scientific scientist” who is “a scientist who is a … In his “sights” He accused the federal minister of a “continued betrayal” of Albertans because of his stance on climate change.
Smith was asked about those comments shortly after she criticized others for calling her and Poirievre “dangerous.” She said she did not regret calling for Guilbeault to be fired and that she would “continue to stand firm” in her comments about Guilbeault.
Alberta Premier Daniel Smith was responding to a question about Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault’s use of the words “betrayal” and “targeting” in comments about the policy.
The increased risk for one party is due to the stubbornness of another party, or sometimes it’s the same party, depending on who is saying the words.
Trudeau Said The anger his main opponent is stoking “is dangerous for Canadians,” Poirievre said. last week They called Trudeau and the NDP “extremists” and “ideological lunatics,” and their tone might lead an outside observer to declare one side a plague. both Their home.
Does all radical rhetoric threaten politicians’ safety, or are none of it the case and shooters simply acting out of a violent psyche?
Concern about politicians’ rhetoric and political metaphors has historically been reactive and temporary.
After the 2011 shooting of Arizona Rep. Gabby Giffords, some critics Map highlighted Posts posted by former Governor Sarah Palin’s political action committee targeting politicians like her. Although no causal link has been established between the two, Discussion after the shooting.
concentration Let’s dive into these terms for a bit and then return To exist standard parts of language On competitive politics.
That’s not to say there’s nothing to see here.
Canadians are no exception. An increasingly tense political atmosphere And the real danger. Threats to Diet members are Panic Button.
Liberals, Conservatives and The New Democratic Party The risk of harassment fuelled by angry voters and social media is increasing.
This, too, is becoming commonplace. Flags and bumper stickers reading “Fuck Trudeau” are flying in Alberta and elsewhere. Everyday parts Of urban and rural landscapes.
There are many situations Smith could have mentioned where politicians’ safety is at risk in the wake of the shooting of President Trump.
She instead chose to highlight only those protesting against her and her political comrade Poirierbre, blatantly ignoring calls for self-reflection.
It is rare to find politicians willing to express concern about what is going on on both sides, or even all, of the political divide.
