Nihilism has a cash value in Canadian politics - never forget it. I emphasize that I'm talking about the apolitical realm, where normal heroism can flourish. Politics is too pragmatic for the same standards that we apply to, say, hockey players or other sports figures. The standards of a good politician are therefore lower. If you're wondering why honest, but unpoliticized, patriotism is alternative up here, that's the reason.
Cynicism is mainstream.
But a moment was reached with the destroying of the PCs. We've been sold too many false hopes in the past, in part by people that despise patriots as patsies.