A choice of sides

One of the more comical arguments in favour of the HST has been that since some right-wing elements also oppose it, progressives should get in line behind it regardless of its practical effect on citizens. And there's no doubt that the campaign against the HST has featured both an unusual mix of voices on each side, and some bizarre antics from the right. But in case there was ever any doubt, the last week has offered a clear indication that while the two may be directed toward the same ultimate goal, the reasonable and principled progressive case against transferring the tax burden from corporations onto individuals is entirely different from the right-wing histrionics on the issue.

One the one hand, the NDP has been leading a consistent effort in both B.C. and Ontario to highlight the impact of the HST on citizens. In Ontario, Andrea Horwath's combination of examples of individuals who would be harmed by the tax and effective procedural moves to ensure some public hearings on the issue has won the NDP major plaudits from political observers. In B.C., Carole James has provided effective opposition to the HST inside and outside the legislature. And the federal NDP has joined with its provincial cousins in the effort to present a reasoned case against harmonization.

In contrast, the bizarre stunts surrounding the HST have originated entirely from the right side of the spectrum. In Ontario, Tim Hudak's PCs launched multiple temper tantrums in an effort to make lots of noise on the issue - but it was the NDP which worked out a means of providing the hearings demanded by the Cons.

And the face of B.C.'s right-wing resistance is currently carrying out an inexplicable attack on the Governor General which seems primarily designed to raise money rather than to accomplish anything useful for the cause. (Even if the issue surrounding the HST were one of constitutionality rather than the merits of the policy, surely Bill Vander Zalm has been around long enough to know that it's the courts rather than the GG who would make that decision.)

Now, the above isn't to say that progressives fighting the HST should entirely avoid working with their counterparts on the right. After all, any hope of changing the minds of the governments involved inevitably requires as much public support as the NDP can muster.

But there shouldn't be any doubt that it's possible to fight the HST on an entirely reasonable basis rather than as a matter of opposing for the sake of opposing. And those who hold that position will find their natural home in the NDP.