An added note

In the post below, I quoted Steven Fletcher who talked about how Stephen Harper is making Canada "stronger, safer and better".

This is actually a common phrase coming out of the government these days. For example, it is included in this PMO press release. (It has to be said that I actually agree with the slogan on all three counts.)

Singing from the same song sheet is all fine and well when it comes to a united policy front and not going off script when it comes to contentious issues that could potentially hurt the party in terms of public opinion. Harper seems to have been determined to unite his party's messaging after the 2004 defeat, but it looks like they've just gone way too far in how they go about it.

While a united policy front is practical and looks disciplined, using the same catchphrases and slogans just comes across as cynical and artificial. Wouldn't Steven Fletcher have looked more genuine if he said something a bit more off the cuff? Like Stephen Harper is making Canada "safer, stronger and more prosperous" or whatever? (The use of better seems odd and comes across as a bit egotistical in how it overstates the Government of Canada's ability to immediately impact the nature of the entire country in a positive way)