Harris isn't just smart, he's statesman-like. Critics can sneer, but he knows
the only way Canada will stay united is through negotiation. Bouchard has more respect
for him than most other politicians.
For Harris to take a gunslinger approach, either way, would further divide
the country. Ideologues like Hampton have difficulty understanding that, but Harris
picks his words carefully.
That's what he did when he waded into the issue of topless women at the same
scrum yesterday.
There's a fine line, he said, between someone baring all at the beach, where
one might reasonably expect people to shed a layer or two, and someone else frolicking
braless at a senior's festival downtown.
"I think this summer will point out that we will have to find what that
line is," Harris said.
After all,if women can now parade topless, what's to stop men, in the name
of liberation, from letting it all hang out? Suppose a marcher at the Gay Pride
parade decided to make a stand for male equality by displaying his genitalia. He
could argue that what's sauce for the goose should be gravy for the gander. But
is Ontario ready for full frontal male nudity?
Harris makes a good point. Anyone who has ever travelled to the south of France
knows topless bathing only happens at the beach. You won't find the average French
housewife discarding her halter while she's squeezing hamburger buns at the boulangerie.
After all, the French are too fashion conscious.
Are female topless squeegee girls exploiting their nudity for commercial ends?
These are tricky questions. Before long, there will be pressure from most parts
of the province for Ottawa to amend the Criminal Code to restrict topless (and bottomless)
frolicks.