A great show of courage

There is no doubt that the recent bombing attacks in Boston have challenged every value which we hold dear in our democratic society. Prime Minister Stephen Harper and countless others have vehemently raised the flag of retributional justice for the betterment of the greater society. They have challenged Justin Trudeau to do the same, and chided him for looking beyond the revenge instinct.

This may be the first instance, and I hope not the last, where the young Trudeau lives up to his name. The judiciary will deal with any terrorists and all that aspire to be so in the most severe means available to them. It is a leader’s role in our democratic society to step beyond that which will be done, and envision what could be accomplished. I believe it is a great show of courage and insight that at this time of rabid anxiety a leader might ask the critical question: What motivates the perpetrators of such acts of devastation?

Harper will play to the masses and tell them what they want to hear. However, the threat of severe consequences for those that perpetrate such crimes has not prevented them from happening in the past. Harper has not offered any insight or direction as to how this situation might be avoided in one of Canada’s major cities.

Justin Trudeau was asked how he would respond to an act of terrorism on Canadian soil. He provided an insightful and challenging response. Within his answer, he challenged us to be a better, more considerate society. He challenged us to live up to a greater vision of ourselves where no one is left behind no matter the economic, intellectual or philosophical differences. That is the essence of leadership.

STEVE BEVERLEY, Manotick