Belinda Stronach and I dwell in the same condo building, when in Ottawa. She lives upstairs in (I presume) a big fancy suite. I live below in my little bachelor pad. We encounter in the elevator from time to time, and she is a thoroughly pleasant and professional woman.
Today, of course, she sat there in the House of Commons, not far away from where the Halton Independent Party (HIP) is now located, and looked pouty, angry, victimized, condescending and patronizing, all at the same time (she is remarkable). Across from her was former beau Peter MacKay, professing to the Speaker that he never did call that woman a dog. In fact he said he had never said anything bad about anyone. And, as he did so, he avoided looking at Stronach.
The opposition MPs hooted and stomped and groaned. The Conservative MPs clapped a little, and looked upset. It was a moment you could not really soak up unless you were in that chamber at the very moment. It struck me instantly that Mackay could be a man in trouble.
Well, if you followed the news, Liberal women MPs then pulled a publicity stunt and trooped out to feign outrage for the cameras. A handful of other Grit MPs signed legal documents claiming they had heard Peter diss Belinda last Thursday. The Speaker, wishing like hell he could wiggle away for this one, agreed to revisit the whole affair, and – as a result – Mackay now stands accused of lying to Parliament, which is a far worse crime than being a simple chauvinist, jocko dork.
I was not in the House last Thursday to hear, or not hear, the offending comment. At that time I was holding a press conference on my own sad state. I wish I could offer independent verification but, alas, I cannot. So, he’s probably guilty (this is the natural male condition). But this post is not about those two who, like me, have received far more attention than they deserve. Instead the Fido incident takes us to the heart of a far more serious issue, which is the almost total irrelevance of the physical House of Commons, of which QP is the best example.
Apart from votes, which usually happen at night when journalists have gone to bed, QP is the only time when all of the MPs are in their seats. The opposition comes up with questions and statements that will embarrass, challenge and discredit the government, while the ministers answering try to survive or, like John Baird, go ballistic and attack the attackers. When opposition guys are on their feet, their colleagues applaud and egg them on. When ministers answer a question, the Conservative MPs often leap to their feet, clap and shout. Especially after a provoked Baird attack.
When I sat on the government side, I thought this was excessive and juvenile. Now that I am sitting on the other side, it looks even more infantile. And now that I am a wedgie between Libs and Blocs, I find the opposition guys are also mindlessly partisan – with a few notable exceptions. Michael Ignatieff, for example, sits beside my desk and stares off with a bemused look on his face, as one would ponder a Parliamentary ant farm.
However, QP is a joke. It’s a shame this is the only time that the media gallery is full of name-brand journalists, and that the public galleries fill up. There is no good to come out of this kind of confrontation, and yet huge amounts of time are spent by both sides preparing for it. And as the drama unfolds, the opposition and government lobbies behind the curtains are jammed with aides, advisors, communications directors and party hacks. The prime minister alone takes five to seven people with him to QP, not counting the wire-in-the-ear guys that patrol the lobby when he is in the House.
Of course, QP will never change, until the House of Commons becomes a virtual forum. Can’t wait for that. The Speaker will never be able to control it. Smart ass MPs will continue to hurl comments and cracks and slurs at each other. In fact, that kind of banter is more or less continuous. It is usually harmless, often good-natured and most jovial, because MPs actually like each other as persons – a fact they try to hide.
But sometimes the veil slips. And when a man of influence and import has a throw-away macho line picked up by a shrewd and calculating opponent, there are consequences. When Belinda is involved, they’re nuclear. You’d think he’d know. She’s just not that interesting.
Excuse me. I have to put a glass on the ceiling.
61 comments ↓
I have been asked a number of times to run for provincial and federal politics. Each time I say no because I feel I would have to toe the party line and lose my independence.
My hat off to you.
I always thought that there should be a Independent Party, all the Independent MPs could sit as the Independent Party, maybe getting official Party Status, As it currently is, even if independents were the majority they would not form the government. Now the Independents would have to elect one of their fellow MPs as a Party Leader BUT, it would be mostly in name only where each member would vote according to their constituents wishes without party interferences. The only Party platform would be that members are not Controlled by the Party. I think that this would sway more people to sit as independents and give them more power and maybe Laws created according to what real people want.
Dear Mr Prime Minister:
My wife and I are members of Garth Turner’s riding and have been
very happy to have him represent us in Ottawa. He has been quick
to respond to my e-mails and has been open and accessable,
making us feel included in the process of governing our country.
In fact we both chose to become members of the Conservative
Party of Canada to ensure he was nominated to represent the CPC
in our riding at the next election.
It it therefore with great disappointment that we have watched
the events around his suspension from your caucas. To date I
have been unable to find specific proof supporting the the
allegations to his repeated abuse of caucas confidentiality. I
have looked on the CPC website and noticed no mention of Garth
Turner at all !! (you should include a search engine on the
site). Consequently I am asking for you to provide such proof.
In its absence I must accept Mr Turner’s view that it is his
independant opinions (of which there is plenty of evidence)
rather than his blog that has resulted in his suspension.
If this is the case then I am deeply dissapointed in your
actions and encourage you to reconsider your method of
government. I believe that even in a minority government there
must be opportunity for individual MPs to express there opinions
where their constituents can hear them (and not just in a closed
caucas meeting).
I would also ask that you provide me with a means of contacting
my riding association.
SM
Oakville, Ont
Hello Garth,
I am not in your riding and you don’t know me. I’m a recent member of
the Green Party though. I won’t take up your time, I just wanted to say
that I think it would be great if you joined the Greens. I hope you are
giving it serious thought. You could make such a positive difference.
And I want you to know there are people out here that support you.
Take care!
I think you should join the Green Party, You’d be the first
Green MP in Canadian History, it would really get people thinking about how important the environment is.
Hi Garth.
I just watch you video clip of you on MPTV when you raised question to the
finance minister on pension income spitting, your first as an independent MP
congratulations. What I would like see in the next budget is a tax brake
for people the commute to work by bicycle. Because the transit pass was a
good first step towards a cleaner environment by the bike would be the next.
what do you think? Just my thought.
I’ve wondered about QP, too. I think there’s a kind of ritualistic symbolism about it, and that it has some kind of deeper anthropological meaning, because it can’t be what it is purported to be– a period when government ministers render accounts to the opposition and thus the people.
I disagree with you on a lot of things, but I think you are quite right about it being overblown. I don’t know that it’s a COMPLETE waste of time. Parliamentarians do ask questions and sometimes pry info out of the Government, which is what it’s for. But on the whole, it’s juvenile.
Even though it’s juvenile, I think there’s a tendency in human nature to behave the way MP’s do, and for the audience– the average Joe– to want to watch something “interesting”– like witty repartee, no matter how inconsequential– rather than an exercise in gravitas and seriousness.
I remember when I was a member of the Quebec Provincial Liberals. I went to a youth camp to train about politics. I never needed politics dumbed down for me to find it interesting or worthwhile. But even among these supposed keeners, things had to be “made fun” i.e. comical. I think it’s the same with many members of the public, and to a degree, the behaviour of the MP’s on camera (and behind) fulfills that tendency.
I’m not saying it’s right, it’s just how people behave.
I do think, that in spite of that, the decorum should be elevated. Perhaps the Speaker should have (or if he already does exercise) the power to remove rowdy MP’s with security guards. What party would like to have one of their MP’s being removed on tape?
Anyhow, thanks for posting on this subject.
Garth: Instead of the glass on the ceiling , why not go upstairs and borrow a cup of sugar?
What an astounding piece of literature Garth. I believe to be one of your best and most profound.
If I hadn’t been laughing so hard, I’d be sobbing. Without trying to decide which emotion it best illicites, please know that brought to its base element, we suffer a tragedy.
When history records your complete works in print, I shall place them between my Shakespeare and Plato.
In honour of this most wonderful blog post, I quote to you from my hand signed 1941 “CANADA The Foundations Of It’s Future” by Prof. Stephen Leacock, wherein the dedication states “Of all the natural resources of Canada the greatest is its people to whom this volume is respectfully dedicated” I repeat to you a statement on the publishers card “It is as a service to thinking Canadians that we send you this copy of the private and limited edition of a great history of a great country by a great writer.”
In the first paragraph of the author’s forward, Leacock states; “But this dark hour is illuminated by the white light of courage: the bitterness of this suffering is alleviated by the inspiration of patriotism; and this dark cloud carries a silver lining that fortells the coming dawn.”
And the last paragraph;…”But there is no need to despair of what the social world may yet be made, nor of what part Canada may play in the making. When we have taken our share in beating down iniquity, we must take more than our share in setting up happiness. Our day is to-morrow.”
32%….and sliding….woof, woof…..
QP is, as far as I can tell, a circus. Pre-scripted, pre-planned, it’s an opportunity for politicians regardless of party to try to score cheap political points. Both sides completely understand that they are both doing it, but that’s OK because it’s a game.
As far as the Belinazilla issue in QP ( What a waste of good resources..do these people NOT get that they are there to do the nations business) I listened to the taunting of McKay and as far as I could hear from the tape, McKay did NOT say anything, it was rather the taunter who made the reference,with some indication that there was a gesture by McKay to the reference only) I never heard McKay himself say such a thing, at least not on the tape I heard.
Enough already in QP with these accusations hurled and tauntings from across the aisle. Do we not have enough to worry about in these times?
Does the electorate already exercise extreme patience in getting the kind of goverment we have waited for and now, must wait again for implementation of real changes that may just effect our bottom line favourably?
I am with you that QP is a disgrace and a show of truly petulant and childish behaviour we have had to suffer long enough.
And while we are ’suffering’ ..enough of these really ‘green’ greens pleadings to get you into their party.
They are too fringe and would not be effective for the kind of change we need your expertise for. It appears you have already decided that..hope it stays that way!
Garth, you are entirely correct in saying that QP is a joke, but you didn’t go far enough on this one. It is an embarassment. Grown adults (question that one) behaving like primary grade school children is pretty sad. The business of government seems to take a back seat to this petty bickering.
As far as the Fido incident – Peter McKay is not the first to use the term and, in fact, I hear more women referring to ther women by the term than I do men. The “outrage” from female Opposition MPs is ridiculous. And none of them has ever referred to a male as something equally scurrilous? Sure. Yupper.
Adults would look at the situation, shake their heads and move on. This is something between two former sweethearts and should not be dominating either the press or QP. And I do not, for a second, believe that Belinda is a helpless victim.
It is all so childish and unbecoming. Am I wrong in expecting decorum and a little bit of class and maturity from this crowd? Or am I out of step with the rest of the planet?
Off-topic: I hope your pooch is back home and doing well. I really do hope that his epilepsy can be controlled.
Garth, I agree with you, some of the MPs on all sides are wannabe drama queens. It’s evident in QP, the scrums, and “news” clips. In this day and age – women want to be treated the same as men, but, when an alleged off handed comment comes their way, they wanted to be protected. Well, what’s it going to be?
Stephen Harper was made fun of for his weight, by the media and yes even in the house. Recall that last year, Paul Martin told him about the South Beach diet in the house? Now, I do see many obese women MPs in the house – why isn’t the media commenting on them?
Stephen Harper was made fun of his dress attire. I do see some women MPs with unattractive wardrobes? So where is that commenting?
I recall that Stockwell Day was made fun of by the MPs and the media? Where was the outcry?
BTW: I really enjoyed Debra Grey when she was an MP. To me, she is one real woman – intelligent, smart, gutsy, articulate, and strong. Hey Belinda – you want respect – start acting like Debra.
BTW2: why did our UNelected senate gut the Accountability Act. I heard that they removed some Access to Info for some stuff? Why? Maybe it’s time to scrap the senate – no more jobs for life.
Also, I heard that the opposition gutted the law & order stuff – removing the mandatory sentencing for major crime offences. Well – as one who was impacted by a repeat Break and Enter offender – I don’t really want him sitting in his comfy home! Shame on the opposition. I really am beginning to believe that our current “justice” system promotes jobs for life for our lawyers. Because if these thugs and criminals were behind bars, there would not be a need for so many lawyers.
AND, if the senate and the opposition wants to prevent bills from passing, then, maybe it’s time for an election now! I don’t have an problem with going to vote in December!
You can contact the Halton riding association by various means – just go to the website for contact names, numbers, postal & email addresses: http://www.haltoncpc.ca
They can also send your messages along to the party on your behalf.
So Burlington Conservative MP Mike “Judas” Wallace says nothing for the first months of office and then he suddenly rises up and lambasts Garth in the local papers – and lo and behold what happens? They give this former door-to-door window salesman (funny how they skip over his occupation in his bio)Garth’s seat on the Finance Committee.
Amazing how the party system works.
I say lets have a economic debate between Mike and Garth in front of a panel of independent economic leaders and let the best one be appointed to the committtee.
How about it Mike – are you willing to give up your 30 pieces of gold??
Gerry,
Wonderful idea!
While it was refreshing to have Garth and Mike win these much needed CPC seats in Halton (Burlington is actually in the ‘Region of Halton’ for the purposes of Municipal boundaries) there would be no contest between the two MPs in an economic debate.
As a constituent in the ‘Region’ of Halton, I’d much prefer Mr. Turner on the National Finance Committee. Mike should withdraw if he’s been offerred Garth’s seat. I think I’ll write to the Regional Chair and the Provincial MPP to consider providing their input on to who this REGION should back as a representative MP on that Finance committee.
…so you see Jay Haill and PMSH, by attempting to discredit Garth Turner-not only will you lose Halton, you’ll lose Burlington, possibly the Provincial riding, and so on and so on and so on.
Whereas there a cute picture of Garth on this blog way back as the cpc member parting the waters in the GTA, and gaining cpc intellectual strength in Ontario, so this action on your part is about to undermine party desire to gain a majority in Ontario- and ‘that’ too is ‘must’ NOT, under party principles.
David Miller? Mayoral Incumbent in Toronto. You were quick to congratulate Garth, as CPC MP
One of your municipal jobs is to work ‘WITH’ other levels of gov’t, in the interest of Canadian Gov’t (it’s on my sons Grade 5 social studies test next monday)- what do YOU think about replacing an esteemed economist with a window salesman MP on a National Finance Committee?
Speak up Mr. Miller, Toronto voters can’t hear you?
(who let the dogs out, woof, woof, woof)
What I can’t understand is how the Canadian public puts up with all this BS in QP. I admit, I am not the most avid follower of politics but what has been on the news these last few days has been worth the watching. Really, who outside of those involved gives a rat’s fart in a wind storm whether he said it or not? I know I don’t. I do care however about the lack of leadership being shown by all MPs in this matter. Now McKay is in hot water because he most likely lied. Isn’t that what we expect from most of our politicians? Isn’t it part of the job description? Now, why is the opposition jumping on this like a bunch of kids swinging at a pinata? I would probably be more interested in these events if they happened in my house, but they didn’t. I say let’s get on with the issue of running Canada and not who said some stupid remark, whether it’s true or not.
I watched yesterday’s QP, you were shown a few times you did look utterly bored. They also showed my MP and he was nodding off! I wanted to call his office to notify him to wake up!
Mind you I would probably fall asleep too!
Garth;
Congratulations on your promotion.
I’ve been following your progress since you were the MP in Caledon in the 90’s sending out your newletters with articles regarding the federal budget. You’re a straight shooter and tell it like it is.
I think you would do a great service to this country by becoming the first Green Party MP. The Green platform is sensible, farsighted and sustainable. You don’t even have to eat granola. Try some organic grass-fed local beef. Read some David Suzuki. Read the Green platform & policies. Let’s conserve this planet – it’s the only one we have.
Dear Jay Hill, Chief Government Whip:
My heavens, I have never written to so many politicians in my life as in the last few weeks.
There is just something so right about what Garth Turner ,in the majority of cases ,represents. What he is doing and how he is going about it has some how motivated me to strongly support him.
I would certainly like to see more MP’s communicate as he has been doing.
I remain very surprised ,indeed shocked, that the Conservatives were unable to recognize his skills and to use them to their advantage.
I am led to understand Mr. Turner is to be ejected from his current office,and am further led to understand you have control whether he does or not. I would like to express my wish to see Mr. Turner remain in his existing office for the time being.
Indeed it would seem to me if Mr. Turner cannot be considered a conservative,given his history,then that must imply many of us out there who have been supportive will need to reassess their allegiance.
I think you should get him back in the caucus. Mind you I must admit it would be very interesting to see what this intelligent,knowledgable and skilled communicator can achieve as an independent.
Ron
Hi there, Garth, I’d really like to hear your take on what’s going on with Peter MacKay. Watching QP yesterday, I get the sense that even his own party believes he made the remark and are a bit concerned that he’s lying now–it seems like a risky thing to do and would be less risky for himself and the government for him to just simply apologize. So, do you think he was under pressure from the PMO to apologize and is just too stubborn to do it, OR do you think the party thinks the issue will go away so encouraged him to lie, OR do you think SH is hoping Peter will be caught in a lying to parliament and will have to resign? I’d love to hear your thoughts since you probably have more insight into the whole matter than most of the media.
Good Morning To All
I thought this e-mail I received would be worth
reading. I cannot tell you whether it’s true or not as
this is the first I’ve heard of it. However, I feel
that is something that needs to be taken seriously as
it would appear that some people out there are trying
to censure even further what I can and cannot watch on
television. I feel it also infringes on my
constitutional rights. Personally, I am agnostic, but
I very much enjoy watching the Christmas specials and
the odd time I might watch a Sunday mass.
I also feel that this stupidity has gone on long
enough and it is time that the majority of people run
things, instead of the minority. (No disrespect or
inference intended toward the present government)I
have sent a copy of this e-mail to various MPs and the
PM. Maybe the issue isn’t on their radar yet, but at
least now they will hopefully be ready to deal with
this, should it happen to make it into some sort of
bill before the house.
Thank you.
Peter
E-mail received:
Apparently we are to be allowed to watch TV programs
that use every foul word in the English language, but
not the word “God.” It will only take a minute to read
this and see if you think you should send it out.
CBS discontinued “Touched by an Angel” for using
the word God in every program. Madeline Murray O’Hare,
an atheist, successfully managed to eliminate the use
of Bible reading from public schools a few years ago.
Now her organization has been granted a federal
hearing on the same subject by the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) in Washington ,DC .
Their petition, Number 2493, would ultimately pave
the way to stop the reading of the gospel and our Lord
and Savior, on the airwaves of America and Canada.
They got 287,000 signatures to back their stand! If
this attempt is successful, all Sunday worship
services being broadcast on the radio or by
television will be stopped! . This group is also
campaigning to remove all Christmas programs and
Christmas carols from public schools!
You as a Christian can help! We are praying for at
least 1 million signatures. This would defeat their
effort and show that there are many Christians alive,
well and concerned about our country. As Christians we
must unite on this. Please don’t take this lightly.
We ignored this lady once and lost prayer in our
school and in offices across the nation.
Please stand up for your religious freedom and let
your voice be heard. Together we can make a difference
in our country while creating a way for the lost to
know the Lord.
But QP does have its revealing moments.
Here was Peter MacKay on his feet, denying a pardonable slip in grace in a personal exchange with David McGuinty, and there was Rona Ambrose staring at something 90 degrees from MacKay, face averted throughout. She might as well have held her nose.
An unintended moment of truth in Parliament.
I would really like everyone to drop the Peter/Belinda thing. Yes it was wrong, yes I think that everyone has changed their opinion of Peter because of it, and no it can’t be proven. Now move on and take care of this country’s business. It’s almost like they don’t have anything to do so fill the time with this frivolity.
I took my own little survey about the McKay v.s Stronach love-issue (should be on Pay Per View for us political junkies)
NO ONE CARES!!!!!!!!!!NOT WOMEN, NOT MEN, NOT EVEN MY DOG. NOT ONE SINGLE PERSON……NOBODY!!!!!!!!!! Get to work please, we have nukes going off in the world.
Hi Garth,
Good luck to the Halton CPC riding association tonight, I hope that they survive the meeting with the hatchet men of the Dear Leader (at least I have stopped calling him the false prince).
I think your former caucus member is going to learn one of the simplest rules in politics, it isn’t the scandal that kills you, it’s the cover up.
All he had to do was apologise that afternoon, and it would be over, now he is going to have to go down for lying to Parliament.
I think he would have been cut loose already if they had just not axed you two days before, but if they cut him now it will look like an all out war on the Progressive Conservative members.
One more thing, is Monte Soleberg still alive? Or is he just another smart progressive person who has to heal to the wants of the Dear Leader.
For any journalists out there, start looking in to Government purchases of Cognac, I am sure they are about to increase.
I hope your dog is doing well.
Ray
If he did call her a dog, than the population subset that should be really upset is dogs…
Dogs are loyal!
What?
No David and Goliath on tv?
No Prince of Peace and Free Speech humbly asking “Let my People Go (to Ottawa)”?
Jeese Chris Kringle! Hell, I’ll sign.
CBS discontinued “Touched by an Angel†for using the word God in every program.
Raymond, your indication as to whether or not the email is true or not lies in the sentence above. CBS would not have cancelled that show as long as it was making money. Only those who wear tin foil hats or believe that there was no moon landing would believe that there was a “God Conspiracy” in the US.
Garth, Keep up the good work.
After the next election the CPC will be the official opposition.
Remember to REDUCE TAX.
“Only those who wear tin foil hats or believe that there was no moon landing would believe that there was a “God Conspiracy†in the US.”
Ed, I don’t say that there is a conspiracy, but it is awfully funny how any religous items aren’t allowed in public buildings in the U.S. The e-mail may be true or not. I think the point has been missed. Check the FCC hearing webpage and you will see that it is slated. Are you willing to just slip quietly into the night?
The religious freedom e-mail has been circulating for awhile now and has become an “urban legend”. My Internet savvy son tells me there is a site on the “net” that debunks these sort of things. Check it out and don’t believe everything you get in your e-mail.
As far as Petey McKayboy is concerned -didn’t he always look guilty-whether he did it or not-I think he was upset because Belishous the homewrecker took Ty Domi to NewYork to carry her bags instead of him. As the Hill Turns should be the name of this pathetic soap story.
I think you made the right choice to sit as a conservative independant.People who voted for you .”the man” in your riding probably would vote for you no matter what party you chose. But you would have probably lost thos constituents who voted for you as a conservative. and in the end might have lost your seat in the next election. Although I am not in your riding, and am not a conservative, I admire you for sticking to your beliefs. Keepl upl tdhe good work.
My problem is not the smartass remarks. I’ve read the hansard’s from the Australian & British parliments and they’re ten times worse (funnier too, especially those Aussie’s and their affininty for comparing the opposition to lizards). My problem is that is all that Canadian MPs say.
If for once, Ambrose would answer the question posed to her, instead of simply recite her tired script or worse answer the question with a totally unrelated piece of information I would be struct dead instantly.
As for the McKay incident. He’s officially a plague carrier. He let his personal life sneak into a comment, it was caught on tape, and then he lied and he continues to lie and PM SHHHH! equivocates. Everything and everyone he touches from now until he makes a very public appology will be tainted. What should have been a one day story now has a private members bill attached to it (Hopefully you will all let it drop after it loses it’s political capital) and the press can do turns on the theme of “liar, liar, pants on fire” and dog jokes as headlines until the cows come home.
Further: What special kind of emotional 40 lbs. weakling is Mackay? She just wasn’t that in to you. Get over it.
Interesting what you said about QP…it reminded me of my visit to Ottawa (about 7 or 8 years ago)and my stop at the Parliament Hill (I wanted so much to see, hear and feel live QP)…and what a show it was, I’ll never forget the theatrics and circus like atmosphere. But when I reflected for a moment that that’s how our representatives debate important matters to our country to all Canadians…all I felt was …shame and sadness :-
“Good luck to the Halton CPC riding association tonight, I hope that they survive the meeting with the hatchet men…”
No luck req’d methinks. (shrug?)
S-tephen W-ill (be) A-ccountable (to) T-urner (or T-actical if you prefer?) Unit is armed with Constitutional CPC Party Policies, Members MUST fulfill qualification requirements.
Hatchets are no match Mr. Jay Hill…Sorry Charlie, this is Halton’s Hill.
Sure hope MPtv can make it!?
(shine your cowboy boots Garth, kay?)
Government Reform: Canada’s Embarrassing Foreign Minister
Peter Mackay, a man of poor character and slim talent
October 26, 2006
CANADA’S EMBARRASSING FOREIGN MINISTER
A Man of Poor Character and Thin Talents
John Chuckman
Were a senior member of any national government to insult a woman in public, there would be reason for concern. An apology might put the act down in the public’s mind to poor judgment in the fierce heat of partisan debate. Were the senior member then to refuse admitting what he had done, despite many witnesses, surely a question of character is raised.
But reportage of Peter MacKay’s sleazy remark in Parliament about Belinda Stronach has revealed other behavior far more disturbing. Apparently for months, MacKay has been glaring and making faces at Stronach. His abusive behavior continued with such intensity that her party changed her seat to one behind another member.
This is not the mooning of a lovesick pup or the melancholy of a jilted lover, although the mainline press has tended to treat it in this light fashion. This is aggressive behavior by an obsessive personality, carried out repeatedly in a public place without any concern for embarrassment or shame, behavior typical of a stalker, warning signs of a dangerous personality.
We already knew there were serious flaws in MacKay’s character. There was his unapologetic, hasty breaking of a written agreement made at the former Conservative Party leadership convention. He simply brushed it off with saying politics was a blood sport, a rather odd choice of words coming from the representative of a party trying to promote itself as doing business in a new and ethical way.
Following Stronach’s crossing the floor to the Liberals, MacKay busied himself doing simpering interviews about being abandoned both as deputy party leader and as lover. In fact, without MacKay’s bizarre little press blitz, most Canadians would never have known about his affair with Stronach.
This, too, was commonly attributed to the freshly-jilted lover’s overwrought emotion. His words and tone in these interviews seemed tailored to give that sympathetic impression, but they were quite unconvincing coming from a self-professed, blood-sport politician. What MacKay was actually doing was character assassination only slightly disguised as sympathetic pouting.
What also bothered me at the time was that no one in the press raised the important issue of a senior executive in an organization, the deputy leader of the new Conservative Party, having an affair with someone directly under his authority. This is not considered ethical in the business world, a situation fraught with many possibilities for abuse, and is often a reason for dismissal.
MacKay has shown himself unfit for high office, not because of an affair, but because of his repeated display of questionable character and personality traits, and these traits are accompanied by what can only be called a slim endowment of talent. MacKay has made blundering statements as foreign minister several times that certainly have embarrassed his boss. It really is time for him to go.
Woof Woof
Peter/Raymond… another thing about that email, even if it WERE true, it’s 100% about the US (the FCC is American, as is CBS).
Now, I don’t doubt someone has a petition out there at any given time about anything, no matter how dumb it sounds, but that doesn’t mean anything, and if you got all riled up about everything you’d go nuts. You could also try google searches when you’re not sure about something, I found this as the top result:
http://www.sptimes.com/2003/04/26/Floridian/_Angel__hangs_up_its_.shtml
Saying the people involved with the show say it was a good run but ratings had dropped and it was time to end. All shows eventually end, and 9 years is a good run.
The whole thing makes me wonder if this Belinda-gate is not just a way to take the heat off the non-enviro bill!
It does suck, however, that women in positions of power are the cynosure of this kind of negative hype.
Hi Garth,
As you were not elected as an Independent, but a member of a group supporting certain philosophies and ideas, I believe the only democratic thing for you to do would be to resign your position and hold a by-election for Halton.
One could argue either way that you were voted in for a party, or as an individual, but the fact is that you did not represent yourself as an independent when constituents asked you to represent them in parliament.
It’s a tough pill to swallow, but good medicine in the end.
Drew Riedstra. http://www.drews.ca
Just so nobody confuses us Ray Hall is not Raymond
Ray Hall
Christmas pageants and Christmas hymns should be performed in church, not public schools.
With so many of our public schools in Canada attended by children of faiths other than Christianity, why should these children have to perform material that is against their religious beliefs?
This is not the 40’s or 50’s when 99% of children attending public schools also attended Christian churches. Times have changed-religious programs should be taught in religious facilities.
I wonder if these same proponents of Christmas pageants and hymns would also welcome Islamic ceremonies and prayer?
[...] cinating to follow his story and inside perspective of parliament, including today’s post about the often infantile, frequently entertaining drama of question period and the continuing sag [...]
Judy – you give rise to the hypocracy of the secular wing. You want respect and inclusion. You want schools to embrace diversity and to reflect the students. You want society to be inclusive. But…you stomp all over anything which is Christian. Would you say the same thing about Ramadan or Hannukah? Would you slam Diwali? No. You are simply a horrible person who has an ax to grind and you want to eliminate any type of Christian faith.
I have news for you. Christmas, marking the birth of our Saviour, is the best part of the year for retailers. It is a time of peace and a time when everybody used to, for a short while, be good to each other.
And, what is wrong with the 40s and 50s, anyway. I remember the 50s as being great. Our parents didn’t have to worry about shootings in schools, drugs among us, women could walk down the street without fear, our houses didn’t need security system.
You are, quite simply, a truly bitter b**ch, Judy. You hate everything and everybody. Until you can say and do something constructive, why don’t you just belt up and quit making the rest of the world miserable.
If you hate life that much, perhaps you should retire to some hole in a mountain and commune with…nobody. Grow up, Judy.
Oh, by the way, Judy – I have many friends of different faiths and not one of them has a problem with Christian events. Islam, for example, reveres Christ. I do not know one Jew, Muslim, Hindu or Sikh who is offended by Christian traditions. It is only losers like yourself who have nothing to offer the world who have a problem with it. You’re just a trouble maker, Judy. If you changed your attitude, perhaps your life would turn around for the better. Grow up, Judy.
Oh, Judy, one more thing. I celebrate other religions’ traditions with some of my friends. Those of us who are proponents of Christmas pageants would not object to other religions’ traditions. You are an idiot. Grow up, Judy. For somebody over 60, you sure are infantile.
I am surprised Richard. This topic was about Peter Mackay calling Belinda a dog. Now you have just called Judy one. What would Belinda say to you Richard? Maybe you should run for MP in your riding as you could probably do well in QP as well.
Oh, Judy, one more thing. I celebrate other religions’ traditions with some of my friends.
Festivus for the rest of us.
Now, Marc, you are being ridiculous. You know very well that this is not what I did. You, like Judy and the Opposition, took one little thing and made it the entire issue. I suggest that you read my whole posting and use your brain to see what I am really saying. Don’t play dumb – unless you really are. I know your game and it is stupid.
So the Liberals want to make a federal case out of this dog thing….
Then, maybe someone should ask why did David McGuinty call Belinda Stronach a dog in the first place.
Quite obviously David McGuinty knew that Peter and Belinda had an affair last year. Hmmmmm….
Catherine,
McGuinty’s dog comment to Peter was a vile Liberal tactic called entrapment. Have you no shame McGuinty? Have you no shame Liberal Party? SHAME! SHAME! Arrrrgh!
To be fair Catherine, I believe Mc Guinty enquired about Peter’s dog. Actually McGuinty thinks Belinda is (wink,wink) beautiful.
This ongoing farce reminds me of an old vaudeville routine in which a comic said to a lady, “You’re as lovely as a million bucks.” She replied, “Yeah, and how would you know. You’ve never seen a million dollars. That’s what I mean” he continued, “you look like something I’ve never seen before.”
Too bad Peter hadn’t learned there’s more than one way to call a dog a dog.
There’s a big difference between the Canadian House of Commons and the British one. Look carefully.
The term “back bench MPs” comes from the fact that they sit on benches in the UK (albeit plush green leather ones).
Maybe if the Canadian House removed the individual chairs and desks, the talking down over the desk syndrome might help clean up the slanging match called QP.
This “dog” incident bothers me… how ridiculous it is yet what a powerful statement it says about how our elected officials act in QP, and more specifically Peter McKay.
When a gentleman is accused of saying something, whether intentional or not, doesn’t he simply apologize and get on with (more important) business???
I hope Mr. McKay will simply set things straight (like many others in QP should) and apologize.
Garth, keep advocating for a tax system based on family income, and reducing our income taxes, which are still too high. I don’t like all this “tax credit” garbage that sounds good yet is provides very little relief and is more work than good.
Keep up your good work, Garth.
Richard: Such anger! My comments were about multi-religious festivals being observed in public schools. Had nothing to do with how you and your friends care to celebrate your religions.
Just how long do you think the fundamentalist Christian lobby would tolerate the celebration of Islam and its teachings in our schools.
Richard: religious teachings are for religious schools. You want your kids to be educated in a religious setting? Send them to Christian schools, or Catholic schools, or Jewish schools, or Islamic schools.
Why the need to observe Christian holidays in publicly funded schools?
Seems to me your churches are empty 6 1/2 days of the week. Why not use them 7 days a week to promote your religion?
I think churches outnumber public schools about 10 to 1 (or more).
Use your own buildings.
Four stinking lousey pieces of legislation the Barnum and Bailey party(all clowns) has managed to pass in nine months.
Three money bills and a nothing piece of legislation about farms or something .
“I will always bear in mind that the people express their wishes as much through the Opposition as through the government.” Eat your words Harpo you silly goof .
He keeps blathering on about his stupid mandate from the people when only one in four supported these morons in the last election .
I warned you Garth back in Februrary you would learn to despise these people(?)
Good luck trying to get a majority with 22%, supprt that I predict you will have when the election is called in the Spring .
On a personal note I find it reassuring that things are going so well here in Canada that enormous amounts of time can be taken up dealing with tis “issue”. The Environment? The Economy? Competitiveness? Infrastructure? War? Apparently there’s nothing really important left for out political “leadership” to spend time on. Only in Canada.