Beyond The Commons

Beyond The Commons

Aaron Wherry covers all the goings-on in and around Parliament Hill. Follow Aaron on Twitter: @aaronwherry

The definition of a statesman

by Aaron Wherry on Friday, September 21, 2012 8:23pm - 0 Comments

Stephen Harper’s eulogy for Peter Lougheed.

But it is quite a recognition, the recognition due and now unreservedly accorded to a statesman. And I do also use the term ‘statesman’. It is also an overused, as well as a misunderstood, designation.

For we think of the statesman as what he often becomes in later life, a gentle, wise and experienced advisor who has moved beyond the fray. But in his time of leadership, the statesman is not created by remaining above the battle, but by recognizing it taking shape on the horizon, by accepting the responsibility to lead the charge and by providing the vision and strength that brings eventual success. And that is what Peter Lougheed provided, above all else, to this province.

Bookmark and Share

From Macleans