Liberals ... Canadians' party?

Apparently many Liberals are dismayed at their MPs splitting their support in the House vote to extend the Afghan mission. The media is all over it with one headline blaring, "Afghanistan vote reveals chasms in Liberal party." And of course the other parties were quick to exploit the "chasm," with Jack Layton telling reporters, "I think Canadians should be extremely concerned that a Liberal party can't get its act together on something as fundamental as the assignment of our troops for two years in a very dangerous place ....''

Far from being chagrined, the Liberals should be delighted. Canadians are split on their support for this adventure, roughly half supporting and half opposing. The Liberals simply represented this division, thereby illustrating they represent a broad spectrum of Canadians. The Conservatives were unanimous, illustrating they only represent one end of the spectrum.

While it is true some Liberals voted against the extension because of the Conservatives' politicization of it rather than because of its lack of merit, they showed nonethelesss they are the only party that represents a healthy cross-section of Canadians. This, one would think, is a very good thing.

But political parties, being the tribal societies they are, hate division, and so the Liberals will no doubt be more displeased than pleased with the vote. Pity.