Politics: Quebec: Political manifesto gives pause, translation of critique of Pour un Quebec lucide

refWrite's translation of a blog entry in the excellent francophone blog La sphère des idées J. H. (Jacques Hamel), posted there by jmike on Friday, Oct21,2k5. - Owlb

For Québec's clarity

Since all the media are talking about it, I'm taking a few moments between two exams [at the university], to direct your attention to a [recent political] Manifesto: Pour un Québec lucide, an easy-to-read document of ten pages. Endorsed by several personalities, this proclamation draws a critical portrait regarding Quebec and its future. Described as alarmist by some, as realistic by others, the Manifesto clarifies four key arguments:

1.) the economic weakness of Québec
2.) the public debt
3.) significant demographic decline on its way
4.) international competition

And overall, Québec society's refusal to change.

I will not elaborate immediately each of the Manifesto's arguments, but we must nevertheless recognize it's necessary to be somewhat worried [by it all]. The way in which Québéc society will tackle each subject will in part determine the
future of Quebec. We have two options: to anticipate the challenges to come to reduce their impacts, or to let [the foreseeable problems and their repercussions] come at us [as they will].

To inform us on the position to be adopted, the Manifesto's authors supported three attitudes:

1.) clearness
2.) responsibility
3.) freedom

On the one hand, it will be necessary to recognize the problems which will undermine Quebec as the future approaches. Then, it will be necessary to discuss the actions necessary to avoid those [presently-foreseeable problems], and we will have to respect the freedom of those whose solutions [would have us depart from] the dogma of the [existing] Québéc model.

In short, the authors express to us the need for reforming our institutions and for adapting them to the 21st Century. But is this [agenda] politically realizable? I doubt the will of politicians to make reforms, especially if the proposals are not popular. Let us not forget that the [self-]interest of a politician is to be re-elected in four-years time. What good is it to revise the Québéc model, if to do so is to lose the election?

The best example of such a case would be [former Québec premier] Lucien Bourchard['s attempt]. In his Manifesto, he tried to propose to us solutions intended to bring Québec into the 21st Century, he having had all the leisure to do so as a Prime Minister. Would the case show us all the [general] hypocrisy of politicians? It seems that it is necessary to deviate from normal politics to really express one's opinion.

It is a pity, because the gasoline of Manifesto-proclamation is legitimate.

posted by jmike in French on La sphère des idées de J. H. (Jacques Hamel)