Treason?

People's response to the news never ceases to amaze me.

I’m not talking about folks who don’t care. But, I don’t necessarily mean folks who are extremely involved. I guess you have to at least pay some attention to the news and have some opinions on politics to qualify.

In the last couple of days, Canadian politics has been intriguing. Opposition parties have threatened a take over. They say it’s because the Conservatives have improperly addressed the financial situation. Officially, it’s over the Finance Minister’s budget update (a confidence issue).

Here, rather than me rewrite all the details, take a look at this:

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2008/11/28/fed-govt.html

This news item talks about the most recent developments and gives some background about what the “budget update” included.

Although opposition parties say they’re outraged because of the “lack of recognition of the seriousness of Canada’s economic situation,” they’re really angry because of the move to damage opposition party financial backing.

For example, this move would bankrupt the Liberal party. The Liberals are already greatly trailing in financial support and are going through other tremendous pressures. The implications of the budget update could be disastrous.

But, for now, I’m going to stay away from my behind the scene speculating (something I greatly enjoy). Back to the original thesis.

I can never help myself. I always find myself reading the first several pages of comments attached to news articles. I never respond. I hate forums and trolls always destroy it for everyone.

However, I’m always surprised to note just how ignorant the average poster is. Whether right or left leaning, the average poster seems to have the analytical tools of a tree. (I dunno why I said “tree.” I was trying to think of something more clever, but I’m running out of free time before I need to get back to work and so I just need to move on). People’s analyses are always so shallow. I suppose I shouldn’t expect in depth reviews. But take this post for example:

“Harper must not only step down but I firmly believe the RCMP needs to review his traitorous comments today.”

Seriously? Tried for treason? And step down as what?

Obviously the extreme hyperbole (to the extent of just being inaccurate) pisses me off. But what pisses me off most is that there is lots of room for real criticism. But people just keep missing the point.

Anyway I need to end this here, for now. But people who hang on to poorly thought out positions really piss me off.