The Herd's New Shepherd: A Tale of Power and Submission in the Political Theater

Lo, behold the spectacle that unfolds before our discerning eyes! In the frozen wastes of the northern realm called Canada, where comfort and mediocrity reign supreme, a curious transformation has taken place within the Conservative Party, that bastion of the middling masses.

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre points to his
Observe how the weak seek a master! They who proclaimed freedom as their highest virtue now bow before their chosen shepherd, surrendering their individual will to the collective herd. What delicious irony! What sublime contradiction!

For two cycles of the sun, Pierre Poilievre, he who promised to forge "the freest country in the world," has instead crafted golden chains for his followers. The Conservative parliamentarians, once proud speakers of their minds, now scurry like mice beneath the watchful eye of their master.

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre addresses his caucus on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024.

In the hallowed halls of Parliament, where the sleepers gather to dream their democratic dreams, a great silence has descended. The once-loquacious representatives now seal their lips like oysters, awaiting permission to speak from their appointed sovereign.

See how they huddle together, these last men! They blink and nod, saying "We have invented happiness" - happiness being the freedom from the burden of thought!

The watchers - ah, what faithful servants they are! - stand guard in corridors and committee rooms, noting every whispered word, every furtive glance, every forbidden fellowship with the enemy. They are the shepherds' dogs, keeping the flock in line.

Sam Lilly, spokesman for the Leader of the Official Opposition, is often present at the entrance to the caucus, documenting MPs' comments to journalists.

The reward system is simple, as befits the simple minds of the herd: repeat the master's words - "wacko," "radical," "Justinflation" - and receive the warm praise of the collective. Dare to speak original thoughts, and face banishment to the outer darkness of reduced speaking time.

What is this if not the triumph of the mob-spirit? They who feared chaos have embraced uniformity; they who dreaded tyranny have welcomed their chains with aplomb!

Even the ancient custom of press gallery fellowship has been forsaken. Where once there was discourse between tribes, now there is only isolation. The master's servants record every interaction, like scribes documenting sins in a great book of transgressions.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau shares a laugh with Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer

Those who dare to deviate face swift correction. Witness the fate of the seventeen who sought housing funds for their constituencies - publicly humiliated and forced to recant their heresy. Observe Karen Vecchio, stripped of her committee chair for the sin of cooperation with the enemy.

How they scurry to conform! How eagerly they sacrifice their will upon the altar of party unity! Is this not the very essence of the herd animal - to prefer safety to freedom, conformity to creativity?

Yet beneath this facade of strength lies a curious weakness. The master himself, this Poilievre, works tirelessly, refusing rest, controlling every message with obsessive precision. He who would control others is himself controlled by the very power he wields.

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre holds a press conference

And what of the future? Should this shepherd ascend to the highest office in the land, will his grip tighten further? The wise ones whisper that such control, while effective in opposition, may become a millstone in power.

But hark! Do you not see the greatest irony of all? These followers, who surrendered their freedom for the promise of making their nation "the freest in the world," have become willing slaves in their master's garden! O what sweet mockery!

Thus stands the Conservative Party of Canada, a perfect mirror of our age - an age where freedom is sacrificed for security, where originality bows before uniformity, where the last men blink and say, "We have found our shepherd, and he shall lead us to greatness."

Yet remember this, ye who read these words: The strongest winds break the strongest trees, while the reed that bends may yet survive the storm. When the time comes - and come it shall - for this iron grip to loosen, what manner of men will emerge from beneath its shadow?