S. Peterson

Child of God, saved by grace. Lover I of my beautiful wife. Father of 3 wonderful young ladies.

[S. Peterson @SPeterson19]

@DavidStaplesYEG @ABDanielleSmith @UCP Yes

[S. Peterson @SPeterson19]

@philipnation You have heard it said, but Jesus did not say - Believe in Yourself. Proverbs 3.4-5 & Jeremiah 17.7-8

[Matthew Barrett @MattMBarrett]

🎉GIVEAWAY 🎉

Today *On Classical Trinitarianism* @ivpacademic releases! Over 4O Theologians retrieving Nicaea. https://t.co/RNWR5pojN1 Win this copy! LIKE. FOLLOW. RETWEET.

Here are a few endorsements:

"One will be hard-pressed to find a more comprehensive explanation of trinitarian doctrine than this collection of essays. Matthew Barrett has assembled a prestigious team of scholars to explain what the Trinity is and why it still matters. On Classical Trinitarianism is an outstanding achievement in modern scholarship on the Christian doctrine of God."
-@mbird12 Michael Bird, deputy principal at Ridley College in Melbourne, Australia and author of A Bird's-Eye View of Luke and Acts

"On Classical Trinitarianism is a breathtaking accomplishment. An astonishing array of contributions maps the field of trinitarian theology—historical, dogmatic, and polemical. The forty chapters, written by prominent theologians from each of three major branches of the church, are a major refutation of the so-called revival of the Trinity in twentieth-century theology. This publication is a serious, in-depth reassertion of classical Nicene theology over against the recent onslaught of social trinitarianism with its rationally comprehensible and compositional (and, often, subordinationist) view of the Trinity. Anyone attempting a return to the social trinitarianism of the previous century will have to reckon with Matthew Barrett's major accomplishment in this volume."
-Hans Boersma, the Order of St. Benedict Servants of Christ Chair in Ascetical Theology at Nashotah House Theological Seminary, Wisconsin

"Evangelical retrieval of classical trinitarianism is a vital project. This massive resource represents various approaches and levels of polemical intensity along with a core set of convictions. I can't believe I read the whole thing! But its many fine essays convey valuable insights, sound some necessary alarms, and pose enduring questions."
-Daniel J. Treier, Gunther H. Knoedler Professor of Theology and PhD program director at Wheaton College

"This admirable book makes the rediscovery of trinitarian theology truly exciting. After showing the struggles of the early Fathers for an adequate terminology to express the mystery of the Trinity, it carefully traces the history of the doctrine. The book also provides a healthy corrective to the many ways that contemporary theology has strayed from the tradition of Nicaea." -Michael J. Dodds, OP, professor of theology at the Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology in Berkeley, California "With a wide variety of historical, dogmatic, and critical essays, this book invites and equips its readers to join the revival of classical trinitarian theism."
-Michael Gorman, professor of philosophy at The Catholic University of America

"Like a meteor on the scene of contemporary theology, Matthew Barrett's edited volume, On Classical Trinitarianism, makes a big impression. Physically, it is a massive book, full of hefty articles by many of the world's leading theologians. Intellectually, it is an equally massive response to recent innovations in the doctrine of God—from social trinitarianism to eternal functional subordinationism—in favor of orthodox trinitarian theology and its attendant doctrine of divine simplicity. It is also a reminder of the importance of thinking with ecclesial tradition and of the corresponding dangers, when talking about the profoundest of mysteries, of trying to think about God apart from it—lest even Christians forget that they are trinitarian monotheists and that God is simply Father, Son, and Spirit."
-John Betz, associate professor of systematic theology at the University of Notre Dame

"Matthew Barrett's remarkable collection shows evangelicalism getting its doctrinal house in order, but its importance also lies well outside evangelicalism as an ecumenical collection: in authorship, mood, method, and—most of all—common confession of the Nicene faith. Everything we could wish for is here in abundance: attention to the Bible, history, doctrine, texts, figures, and vocabulary. Like some collection of glorious music or poetry offered on the anniversary of a beloved monarch as a 'garland,' On Classical Trinitarianism is a magnificent garland in honor of the Nicene Creed after seventeen centuries."
-@AP_Davison, Regius Professor of Divinity at the University of Oxford

"This is a marvelous primer on the church's historic understanding of the Trinity. Its topics and authors have been very well chosen. May God use it to renew our discipleship today, growing everyone who reads it in the knowledge and love of God."
-Douglas A. Sweeney, dean of Beeson Divinity School at Samford University

"On Classical Trinitarianism is the most significant text published this year, if not this century. While a trinitarian renaissance certainly began in the twentieth century, distinctly modern and postmodern echoes of ancient heresies arose to challenge believers who seek to restate with integrity for our day 'the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints' (Jude 1:3). The scholars herein, wisely gathered by Matthew Barrett, not only represent a wide spectrum of Christian tradition but offer deep studies into orthodoxy's exegetical and historical basis and helpfully describe the contours of this indispensable dogma. Renewing our understanding of God the Trinity so that we may worship him truly and confess him properly will be the best way to celebrate the signal accomplishment of Nicaea. So, please, take up and read!"
-@MusingsOnChrist Malcolm Yarnell, research professor of theology at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary

"On Classical Trinitarianism presents not a 'Nicene option' but the Nicene necessity . Against the revisionism of some of the most popular trinitarian theologians of the last fifty years, a team of mature theologians makes the definitive case that Nicaea's trinitarian theology is materially necessary for a biblical, evangelical, catholic, and orthodox faith. This is the best kind of polemic—one in which the positive vision outshines the object of critique." Matt Jenson, professor of theology at Torrey Honors College at Biola University "Matthew Barrett has compiled the perfect guest list of authors to celebrate the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea. This is the perfect textbook for learning the biblical and trinitarian grammar of God—and for learning why retrieving classical trinitarianism matters more than ever."
-@VanhoozerKevin, research professor of systematic theology at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School

"The essays in this collection, individually and collectively, offer a comprehensive account of that fundamental doctrine of the Christian faith, the mystery of the Trinity. Attempts by some theologians to squeeze and crush that mystery into a new scholasticism of expectations have to be deflected, pushed back, from within a robust appreciation of what we have been given in good faith and hope. Contemporary theology has replaced the burden of false histories by a bondage to the future. Our faith has become suspended between the past and the future. Our memory of that faith has sometimes become weak and patchy, and wherever memory fades, so too does Christian identity. Here in these essays, new voices of classical Christianity are giving us the means to bring 'what has been' together with 'what we are now'; with this collection we have been given an opportunity to act, to live within our faith today and grow in devotion. The essays in On Classical Trinitarianism deserve to be recognized as signs that there still is a right path: that hard-earned scholarship can still point the way for those who seek direction or strengthening. In these essays, the reader finds the fundamental doctrine of Christian faith—God existing in the reality of Trinity—received, remembered, and given energy and clarity. The result is a diverse collection of insights, explorations, and renewal that remains true to the authentic history of Christian faith seeking understanding. Reading these essays, you will recognize both true scholarship at work and the present fruits of the Spirit."
-Michel Rene Barnes, associate professor emeritus of theology at Marquette University

"Controversy, in the hand of our triune God, drives the church into deeper clarity concerning its beliefs. That proved true in the Arian controversy that produced the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed. It has also proven true in the modern evangelical controversy over the doctrine of the Trinity, and On Classical Trinitarianism is strong evidence of that deepening clarity. Matthew Barrett has brought together forty essays by trinitarian scholars that explore the lofty theological mountain peaks of the Trinity, the eternal generation of the Son, the spiration of the Holy Spirit, God's simplicity, aseity, and impassibility, and inseparable operations. Such doctrines require hard thinking, and this is not a book for the intellectually faint of heart, but the fruit of such profound theology is magnificent doxology as we bow before the incomprehensible mystery of our infinite Creator and Redeemer."
-@JoelBeeke, professor of homiletics and systematic theology at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary in Grand Rapids, Michigan

"The Trinity gives coherence to Christian faith and life. While multiauthor volumes often lack coherence, a beautifully biblical and classically catholic vision of the Trinity draws these contributors together. Presenting a positive, and overwhelmingly persuasive, depiction of ideas such as divine simplicity, processions, missions, and appropriations, this book has potential to change permanently how many modern Christians think about the Trinity. Though it is likely naive to hope that this will be the case, this material should kill and bury any notion of subordination in the Trinity, showing that such dead ideas are incompatible with the living faith of the church. A lot remains at stake in trinitarian theology, and this volume goes a long way toward illustrating why and how."
-Ryan M. McGraw, Morton H. Smith Professor of Systematic Theology at Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary

[Reformation Heritage Books @RHB_Books]

July 25, 325 | The Council of Nicea comes to a close

We believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of His Father before all worlds; God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God; begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father, by whom all things were made; Who, for us men and for our salvation, came down from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary, and was made man; and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate; He suffered and was buried; and the third day He rose again, according to the Scriptures; and ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father; and He shall come again, with glory, to judge both the living and the dead; Whose kingdom shall have no end.

And we believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and Giver of Life; who proceeds from the Father and the Son; who with the Father and the Son together is worshiped and glorified; who spoke by the prophets. And we believe in one holy catholic and apostolic church. We acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins; and we look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

“This council helped clarify what it means for Jesus to be both God and man. An early fourth-century church leader named Arius claimed that Jesus was really a being created by God the Father (Arianism), saying, “There was a time when the Son was not.” But the New Testament teaches that Christ is both the Son of God and the Son of Man. If He were not so, He could not reconcile us to God and bring us into God’s presence.

As a finite creature, His death would not have had infinite power to save us from the infinite guilt of sin against the infinite majesty of God. Fourth-century theologian Athanasius argued for the New Testament view of Christ as the God-man.

Thanks to Athanasius, among others, the doctrinal formula produced by the Council of Nicaea, the Nicene Creed, grounded the church in the New Testament view of the person and work of Jesus Christ.”

—Church History 101 (Beeke, Ferguson, and Haykin)

[Michelle Rempel Garner @MichelleRempel]

Parliament Hill Valentines, 2024 edition:
💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕
🧵 1/

[S. Peterson @SPeterson19]

https://t.co/f9Tn0LE9m2

[S. Peterson @SPeterson19]

When once truth is regarded only as that which works at any particular time, it ceases to be truth. The result is an abysmal skepticism. J. Gresham Machen

[S. Peterson @SPeterson19]

https://t.co/bOEwGz3DoK

[S. Peterson @SPeterson19]

“Christ died” - that is history; “Christ died for our sins” - that is doctrine. Without these two elements, joined in an absolutely indissoluble union, there is no Christianity. Machen

[S. Peterson @SPeterson19]

where spiritual adventure will be discouraged & democracy will be regarded as consisting in the reduction of all mankind to the proportions of the narrowest & least gifted of the citizens. J. Gresham Machen in Christianity & Liberalism (1923).

🤔

[S. Peterson @SPeterson19]

The truth is that the materialistic paternalism of the present day, if allowed to go unchecked, will rapidly make of America (insert Canada) one huge “Main Street,”

[Credo @CredoMagazine]

🚨BOOK GIVEAWAY!🚨

Like, RT, and follow to win!

Common Grace: God's Gifts for a Fallen World by Abraham Kuyper
@LexhamPress @ActonInstitute

https://t.co/1iQYlGO3mu

[S. Peterson @SPeterson19]

“It is good to say that you are afraid,” Sakim said. It’s not good to be too bold. A little fear makes a man think. It is better to be a little afraid, and yet do what has to be done.” Louis L’Amour

[Dan Knight @DanKnightMMA]

Well, well, well, good morning, Canada! I hope you've braced yourself with a strong cup of coffee this morning because we’re diving deep into the never-ending theatrics of the Trudeau administration. And this time, it’s not another political blunder but rather the skyrocketing cost of groceries. Just when you thought it couldn’t get more laughable, it does.

The numbers are in, and they're staggering! Ladies and gentlemen, buckle up for this next gem. Are you ready? The cumulative inflation for your food from December 2021 to June 2023 is, brace yourself, a staggering 18.2%. That's right, in less then three years nearly one-fifth of your money's buying power has evaporated, just like that! Poof! But here’s the kicker: Trudeau had this very data in his hands in a report by the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food—a report that he commissioned since last June. And yet, what does he do? Yesterday, almost four months after the report was published - opts for the political theatrics of summoning grocery CEOs and flirting with the tax hammer.

I almost have to admire the audacity. After an exhaustive, taxpayer-funded study, instead of heeding its recommendations, our Prime Minister thought a cup of tea in Ottawa with the grocery bigwigs was the golden solution. But Trudeau’s approach is like a bad poker player bluffing with a hand everyone can see.

Let's face it, the food sector is going through a whirlwind. Your local farmer? He’s not basking in the sun. His operating expenses surged by a jaw-dropping 16.1%. And our small and medium-sized food processors? They’re trapped in a quagmire of rising costs, from packaging to transport, battling labor shortages and supply chain disruptions. It’s a rough world out there.

Yet, while everyday Canadians are stretching every dollar, guess who’s making bank? Food and beverage retailers, with their whopping $1.8 billion in net income in early 2021. Oh, and those cozy profit margins? They've nearly doubled by the end of 2022.

Ah, folks, brace yourselves because this story just keeps giving. Now the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food, bless their ever-so-diligent hearts, did their homework. I mean, they really put in the time: eight meetings, 58 witnesses from all sorts of sectors. What comes out of it? A report brimming with recommendations—good ones, by the way. But guess what's missing from their laundry list? Oh, you guessed it: Trudeau’s favorite catch-all solution—more taxes. That's right, not a peep about taxation, but plenty about transparency, competition, and fairness in the food supply chain. It’s almost as if these things might actually work. But lo and behold, it appears those pages in the report were conveniently invisible to our Prime Minister.

And hold on, because the comedy of errors is far from over. Trudeau, in what can only be described as a moment of divine inspiration, has decided to summon the CEOs of Canada's grocery titans to Ottawa. Oh, the imagery is rich! Picture it: a roundtable of executives, all nervously sipping on their double espressos, waiting for Justin Trudeau to bestow upon them his pearls of wisdom. It's as if Trudeau believes that an 'aha!' moment is just one boardroom away. Forget about the experts: economists, small-scale farmers, supply chain specialists. Why would we ever listen to them? No, Trudeau’s grand plan is a cozy chit-chat with the one-percenters.

Now here's the kicker: Trudeau wants to consult with the CEOs because, according to him, they have the best view on supply chains. Excuse me, Mr. Prime Minister, but you have a GODDAMN REPORT ON YOUR LAP! You heard from 58 witnesses, some of whom were these very CEOs! You've got the information right there, black and white, delivered to you on a silver platter. And you want more committees? The level of incompetence emanating from this Prime Minister is unparalleled. Saying he's sleeping at the wheel would be the understatement of the century. Ladies and gentlemen, if you're looking for a masterclass in how not to run a country, Justin Trudeau is apparently offering free lessons.

But of course, it’s Trudeau’s classic move. When the going gets tough, wave the threat of taxes. It’s like trying to fix a leaky roof with duct tape—temporary, ineffective, and bound to create more problems.

And let’s not even get started on Industry Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne, who seems to be singing from the same hymn sheet. His 'enough is enough' might sound catchy, but it lacks substance and action.

The Retail Council of Canada made it clear: there’s a world of issues from rising vendor costs to global conflicts that are influencing our grocery bills. But for Trudeau, why understand the nuance when you can flex the might of government intervention?

After yesterday's press conference, Justin Trudeau must've had a light bulb moment. "Wouldn’t it be just splendid if we had, I don’t know, some sort of government agency that reviewed, oh say, Canadian monopolies and competition?" Well, surprise, surprise! Enter stage left: Canada's Competition Bureau! Who could've seen that coming? Oh wait, just about everyone.

And you're not going to believe it—actually, you probably will. It turns out that Canada's Competition Bureau turned in their homework right around the same time as another thrilling read, "Grocery Affordability: Examining Rising Food Costs in Canada," authored by the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food. Now, don't rush to download these page-turners, let me give you the cliff notes. They've finally admitted what you and I have known since, oh, forever: Canada's grocery sector is an oligopoly. That's right, a small number of massive corporations are essentially running the whole show.

Now, this report, ladies and gentlemen, reads like an encyclopedia of "Well, duh!" revelations. They tell us we need more competition in the grocery sector. But you know what? Credit where credit is due. They've publicly acknowledged something we've all been screaming from the rooftops for years. So a tip of the hat to them for finally joining the conversation we've been having since what feels like the invention of the shopping cart. But you know what? At least they're stating it. It's high time someone in government recognized the tight stranglehold a select few grocers have over the nation's food supply.

But here's where it gets interesting. Amidst all these revelatory findings, there's a glaring omission of action about this lack of competition from our Prime Minister. Justin Trudeau is quick to point fingers at grocery store CEOs in press conferences, making for some great sound bites. But will he take on these grocery giants? Not likely.

See, Idea #2 suggests that large grocers should be broken up to foster competition. While it sounds noble, does anyone truly believe that Trudeau, who's been Prime Minister for how long now, will suddenly become the champion of the little guy and take on these colossal entities? After all, actions speak louder than words, and Trudeau's track record isn't exactly bursting with aggressive antitrust actions.

And then there's the Bureau's call to allow international grocers to set up shop in Canada. Idea #8, if implemented, might actually give Canadians a fighting chance at lower prices and better choices. It's a solid proposal. The world doesn't just revolve around Loblaw and Sobeys, after all. There are global players who can introduce a fresh perspective to our stale grocery aisles.

The Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food had a real brainstorming session as well. They came up with ideas that had the audacity to focus on—wait for it—actual competition. See the pattern? As if the only way to break the stranglehold of a few big players isn't to tax them to death but to introduce real, fair competition. What a novel idea, almost as if the free market could actually solve problems if it were allowed to operate freely. But, you see, these big grocery monopolies have been thriving not because of capitalism, but because of a lack of it—a distortion allowed and perpetuated by the government's inaction.

And oh, you've got to hear this. Some witnesses at the Committee, including the grocery CEOs, made an interesting observation. Apparently, these grocery giants aren't just profiting from selling you lettuce and cereal. No, they're also diving into cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and a smorgasbord of other retail goodies. So, the question beckons: how exactly do you impose a windfall tax on these empires when they're raking in cash from more than just your weekly grocery haul? What are you going to do, Mr. Prime Minister? Slap a tax on Joe Fresh clothing? Are you going to tax Walmart's flat-screen TVs?

You see, it's not just groceries padding these giants' wallets. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not against capitalism; it's monopolies that really grind my gears. And these grocery juggernauts are monopolies, make no mistake about it. But Justin Trudeau doesn't have the courage to let you in on that little secret. Instead, he'd rather keep you in the dark while these corporations continue to dominate the market, unchecked and unchallenged.

Ladies and gentlemen, let's cut to the chase here. All of a sudden, Justin Trudeau is concerned about grocery prices in Canada. Why now? Could it be he's finally seeing the light, waking up to an issue that hardworking Canadians have been painfully aware of for years? No, no, let's not kid ourselves. The real reason Trudeau is suddenly interested in your grocery bills is because he's sinking—fast—in the polls. Pierre Poilievre and his Conservatives are not just nipping at his heels; they're sprinting past him into majority territory. The numbers don't lie, but politicians sure do.

See, Trudeau is a man more committed to the optics of leadership than the substance of it. He's a connoisseur of photo ops and soundbites, a master at packaging empty promises in glossy wrapping paper, but when it comes to actionable governance? Crickets. He's like the captain of a ship who's more concerned with how his hat looks than whether the vessel is sinking. And let's be honest, the S.S. Trudeau is taking on water.

And don't even get me started on the word "taxes," which seems to be his solution for everything. It's like he's gardening in our economy, but instead of pulling out the weeds, he's planting more! Taxes here, taxes there, taxes everywhere. If Trudeau had his way, we'd be taxed for the air we breathe.

So here's the question: Has Trudeau even read this groundbreaking report from Canada's Competition Bureau? You know, the report that actually outlines steps that could help Canadians and stimulate genuine competition? The report that's based on fact, logic, and a sincere understanding of market dynamics?

This goes beyond mere ignorance; this is a glaring failure of leadership. I mean, come on, we should've seen the writing on the wall back during the SNC-Lavalin affair. That fiasco alone should've been a red flag, a stark revelation of corruption and ethical lapses. But what happened then? Collective amnesia, particularly among our friends in Toronto, and the political theatre just kept on rolling.

For some context, let's remember Stephen Harper, a Prime Minister for whom integrity wasn't just a buzzword. Harper once reprimanded a minister, Bev Oda, for expensing a $16 orange juice—yes, you heard that right, $16 for a glass of orange juice. In Harper's administration, such a minor scandal was cause for public correction because integrity actually mattered. What a concept, right? Accountability, personal responsibility—those were more than just words; they were principles that guided governance. Ah, how the standards have slipped.

And let me make one thing crystal clear: I'm not here to play favorites. If Pierre Poilievre or any of his merry band of Conservative upstarts’ wade into the same murky swamp that Trudeau seems to luxuriate in, you better believe I'll be the first to call it out. Corruption is a non-partisan issue. It corrodes the foundation of any democracy, and it needs to be rooted out, swiftly and decisively.

The next election in 2025 can't be just about kicking someone out for incompetence—though let's not kid ourselves, that's a pretty big reason. No, it needs to be a clarion call, a resounding message to future leaders that Canadians won't stand for virtue-signaling ineptitude over competent leadership. We demand, we deserve, and we will hold out for leaders who can actually steer this ship without running it aground. That's not just patriotism, folks; that's just common sense.

#cdnpoli

[S. Peterson @SPeterson19]

The idea of a “safe space” is counterproductive – USU Eastern Eagle https://t.co/ZdLU4hiWfT

[Josh Ryan 🍁 @joshryanjames]

Pierre Poilievre is asked to describe what WOKE means by a Liberal MP and he let 'er rip.

[Dan Knight @DanKnightMMA]

In a jaw-dropping turn of events that would make even the most seasoned political analysts sit up and take notice, Justin Trudeau is finding himself in a position that’s, frankly, a long time coming. Let's not mince words here; this could be the Waterloo moment for Trudeau's political career, and it's about time. Why? Because the numbers are speaking louder than any of Trudeau's rehearsed talking points or Instagram-ready moments.

What's truly astonishing is the resurgence of the Conservative Party. Led by Pierre Poilievre, a man who makes no bones about his skepticism of Trudeau's leadership—or lack thereof—the Conservatives are now firmly in majority territory. A feat not seen since the SNC-Lavalin affair of 2019. And guess what? These aren't some fringe polls; we're talking about reliable data from Pallas Data, Abacus Data, and Mainstreet Research. Each one of them shows the Conservatives pulling ahead by 9 to 13 points. It's as if the country woke up and smelled the maple syrup, realizing the sticky mess Trudeau's gotten us into.

What's happening here? Why are the Conservatives managing to gain ground in Atlantic Canada and Ontario? Could it be that Canadians are finally fed up with years of soaring rhetoric that never really lands? It looks like Trudeau's star is finally falling, and in its place, the Conservatives are shining brighter, reaching places that have historically been Liberal strongholds.

And what about Trudeau himself? Let's look at the data. According to Abacus, 56% of Canadians think he should step aside, and just 27% want him to run again. But hold on, it gets better—or worse, if you're Trudeau. Even among those who voted for him in 2019, 28% are saying it's time for him to pack his bags. Now, don't get me wrong, Trudeau's been a crafty campaigner. He's turned many an election in the 11th hour. But there's something in the air this time; it's as if Canadians are finally saying, "Enough is enough."

Alright, let's unpack this for a moment: Since swaggering into the political arena, Justin Trudeau has managed, with a mix of charm and strategic media appearances, to keep the Liberal ship on a steady course. The captain of his ship, and no doubt the star of his own show. But every show has its finale, and as the curtain starts to close on the Trudeau era, who's waiting backstage?

Enter Chrystia Freeland? Now, no offense to Ms. Freeland, but to many Canadians, she seems like a dollar-store version of Hillary Clinton. She's got the political lingo down, but none of the charisma. If the Liberals think she's their ace in the hole, they might want to reconsider their hand.

And speaking of reconsidering, there's Anita Anand. The Liberals have been working overtime, trying to paint her as the fiscal wonder woman, ready to rescue their sinking budgetary ship. But here's a dose of reality: Her husband's seemingly miraculous business boom with government contracts post her election might be, to put it mildly, a PR nightmare. Canadians pinching pennies during COVID don't take too kindly to those who seemed to cash in.

Now, remember Bill Morneau? Trudeau's one-time financial whiz who was thrust under the bus during the WE Charity fiasco? His name's been whispered in some quarters as a potential Trudeau replacement. But come on, his reputation's taken more hits than a hockey puck at a playoff game.

Mark Carney's name does keep popping up. And sure, he's smart, but the transition from central banking to charismatic leader? It's like asking a librarian to lead a rock concert.

What it comes down to is this: The Liberal talent pool is looking more like a kiddie splash pad. Trudeau, love him or loathe him, held that party together. Now that he's seemingly on the outs with the public, one has to wonder: Do the Liberals have anyone in the wings who can genuinely take the spotlight? Less then 20 months to next election?

Let's be crystal clear: the Liberal Party is at a significant crossroads, they don't have the luxury of time on their side. If this trend continues, we might have to bid farewell to the Trudeau era for good. And what will be left then? A legacy of broken promises, questionable ethics, and a talent for dividing rather than uniting the nation.

Canada, this great nation built on the principles of freedom, democracy, and hard work, deserves leadership that honors those values. And Justin Trudeau? He's been more of a cautionary tale than a leader. A man born into privilege, who never had to understand what it means to truly struggle, wants to steer the ship? It's as if we handed the keys to the family car to a teenager.

You see, Canada isn't just some plaything for trust fund politicians to parade around in selfies and photo ops. Canada's own 'Man of the People'—or so he'd like you to believe. Just look at those photo-ops, rolling up his sleeves like he's about to dig a ditch or fix a car engine. Please! This is a guy who's probably never changed a tire in his life.

You know, when Barack Obama rolled up his sleeves, we at least believed he knew what work was. Trudeau? His idea of hard work is probably choosing which flavor of gelato to have after a hard day of, what, photo shoots and scripted platitudes in P.E.I?

Let's not mince words: Justin Trudeau is an actor playing a role. Only the role isn't Prime Minister; it's a caricature of what he thinks a blue-collar Canadian is. And let me tell you, he's not winning any Oscars for that performance. He's like a teenager wearing a costume at a party, desperately hoping he'll fit in. Except the party is a country, and the costume is, well, leadership.

You've got to wonder, who's he trying to fool? Because real Canadians—the ones working 9 to 5s, struggling with rising costs, and yes, actually rolling up their sleeves for work—they're not buying what he's selling.

As we stare down the barrel of 2025, there's a sense of real optimism. Not the fake, airbrushed kind Trudeau likes to peddle, but the kind that comes from the promise of genuine, honest governance. Trudeau's departure might not just be good; it might be rejuvenating for a country tired of the same old script.

So, if the man of a thousand photo-ops wants to make his exit, let him. Canada deserves better. It deserves a leader who understands the meaning of hard work without needing a photo to prove it. And when that day comes—and I firmly believe it will—I'll be here, calling it like I see it, as Canada turns the page on this awkward chapter of its history.

The countdown to 2025 is on, and it's about time we bring down the curtain on the Trudeau drama. There's a standing ovation waiting, but it's not for him. It's for the end of an era of disingenuous, out-of-touch leadership. And that, ladies and gentlemen, is something to look forward to.

#cdnpoli

[Lorrie Goldstein @sunlorrie]

High-level judges may have paid to meet Trudeau before their appointments:
Liberal 'cash-for-access' events may have allowed prospective superior court applicants to meet with top cabinet ministers https://t.co/D8Ruf3XH6y via @nationalpost