I heard the footfalls when they were still sixty feet away. Actually, we both did. Stephane Dion’s EA and I looked up from the impromptu meeting we were having in a back corridor of Centre Block, and saw the crowd approaching.
Headed by four burly men walking abreast, briskly, the group consumed all the real estate between both walls, forcing us to huddle to one side as they swept by. Behind the phalanx were a half dozen aides, followed by Stephen Harper, who was trailed by additional plainsclothes security officers and a few more assistants. It was quite the spectacle.
The show of prime ministerial power was made even more bizarre by the fact this private corridor is off limits to people visiting Parliament Hill, and under guard 24/7 by uniformed House of Commons security staff – four of them in this one hallway alone. My friend and I watched the executive entourage march off towards the waiting motorcade before doing the only reasonable thing. We giggled.
Without a doubt, there’s a new tone in Ottawa these days. Call it brazen.
It was there Tuesday afternoon after the minister of finance concluded a grandstanding meeting with Canadian retailers. The issue was too-high consumer prices now that the dollar’s soared. No matter it’s not the retailers fault. No matter rising mortgage rates are a hell of a bigger issue. No matter Mr. Flaherty was overstepping himself. No matter most small retailers see no overhead drop from our lofty loonie.
It was just an opportunity to have a media conference, interrupt regular programming, and spin. Media staging area built especially for this, in the Finance lobby. Pool feed. Podium signage. New artwork for a ministerial backdrop. Speaking notes, translated. Book props. Brazen.
It was there a few days ago when the government got tough on crime. Four ministers for that one. This time the backdrop was alive – crime victims and crime group spokespeople assembled on risers standing awkwardly before a small forest of flags. Ten feet in front was a podium with another sign, plunked in the middle of the magnificent Railway Committee Room as Bill C-2 was unveiled.
No matter that all the legislation it contained was old, or recycled. No matter it had already been debated for more than 1,000 days at committee, or heavily improved by opposition MPs. It was an opportunity for op-ed pieces and fighting words on Duffy and Newman. To do some retail politics. Call the opponents weak on crime. Be brazen.
It was there just before this session opened as Stephen Harper swept into the National Press Theatre for an unexpected session with journalists. No matter they had been systematically denied access to him for months. No matter that this was the most controlling leader in recent history, whose ministers do not scrum and whose MPs live in mortal fear of trolling microphones.
The PM-starved scribes could not help but give the man wall-to-wall coverage for exactly what he came to impart: Fish or cut bait. Give me control of Parliament, or I will give you an election. Defy me, and take your chances. Brazen.
The Conservatives, without a doubt, are a cocksure bunch at the moment. Pumped up on vats of secret party testosterone, they strut and plump and crow. Like the Con trolls who wait in the weeds here each night for the latest blog posting to gorge on, they see the world divided into two groups: Them and prey.
The packaging and retailing of legislative initiatives is unparalleled. The pre-determined roll out of events like the Flaherty non-news newser is something Ottawa has not seen before. The aggression flashing in the eyes of a prime minister is arresting.
No doubt, our Conservative government’s itching for a fight. Hungry for it. Rocking-on-its-heels-and-smirking for it.
I hear there’s a mini-budget coming now within days. Pool feed. Podium signage. Slogan. Talking points. Flags. Flaherty. Followed by a quick vote the opposition dare not support, yet dare not defeat. Pre-determined, orchestrated and packaged. If you stop and listen, you can almost hear the footfalls. And the giggles.
Sadly, Mr. Harper, life is unpredictable.
98 comments ↓
Are you claiming the Liberals didn’t have security officers, hold media events, get Cabinet Ministers doing the rounds of talk shows, etc?
Well, that didn’t take long, did it? — Garth
Garth, you made an interesting point: “The Conservatives, without a doubt, are a cocksure bunch at the moment.”
Indeed, they are cocksure: but I am reminded of a quote by a great man:
“The trouble with the world is that the stupid are cocksure while the intelligent are full of doubt.” (Bertrand Russell)
Let the CON’s be cocksure. Let them strut and crow and preen like vain peacocks infront of a mirror (the tory blogosphere). It will all come crashing down in comical fashion. 4 years ago George W. Bush was the preening peacock – the great military leader. Now he is mud. Harper won’t last as long.
Anytime Dion wants to pull the trigger the better! That or ask for the HOC to lower the thermostat cause it’s going to get very warm with all the Liberals sitting on their hands and Harper Reich spewing hot air!
Brazen, cocksure. In the vernacular of my youth, a bunch of hard-ons. Too dense to see that their self-import is shared only amongst themselves, that their use of human props in such a one-dimensional manner – borrowed from our neighbours to the south – is disrespectful to those individuals, that their spectacle is largely a joke to the observer, that their ideas are just plain idiotic. Like this brilliant gem of an idea, more tax-payer-paid-focus-group-evaluated sloganeering, to supplant that oh so dated “New Government” brand. From a news item today (the old dog still cannot learn):
And some reaction to the above:
Giggles and hard-ons. Oh brother…
13 years lost in the wilderness!
I waited 13 years for a change….endured watching my Govt. steal my money…..endured Liberal power struggles….endured political correctness to the point of absurdity……endured watching my country come within the brink of seperation…..endured a PM I could never understand…endured watching our dollar and global reputation sink to the lowest of lows…..FINALLY I am once again proud to be Canadian…thank you PM Harper and the CPC Govt…….
My response or your witty attempt to avoid answering the question? Fact is there’s nothing “brazen” in any of the points you raise; they’re standard fare for any party in power. You should know that.
Stephen Harper is the greatest Prime Minister in recent history.
Harper Rules!!!
Turner Drools!!!
Garth, you made an interesting point: “The Conservatives, without a doubt, are a cocksure bunch at the moment.â€
Let the CON’s be cocksure. Let them strut and crow and preen like vain peacocks infront of a mirror (the tory blogosphere). It will all come crashing down in comical fashion. 4 years ago George W. Bush was the preening peacock – the great military leader. Now he is mud. Harper won’t last as long.
By Elias on 10.23.07 10:55 pm
…………………………………
I see the Canadian government as being dignified and confident on behalf of all Canadians. If anybody is cocksure it must be Liberal leader Dion who tells us the Liberal party is united and strong behind his leadership.
What puzzles me is your obsession with Bush and Harper. Can you explain it ??
By the way, it is ironic that you would begin your Oct. 22 speech to an empty house by saying that politics is not about making speeches.
Elias on.,
I hope your right and PMSH doesn’t last as long as Bush? They seem to be in the same secret gang. Harper wants Canada to become part of the USA through the SPP shadowy dealings.
For thows that mist it,
Most simple, concise, complete Global warming argument.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B1PPY6ElKZM
Even PMSH and Blair should be able to understand it??? Why aren’t they doing something to help us all deal with Global climate change and peak-oil?
Don’t they care, are the sociopathes?
Mr Garth TurnerMP,
Video about peak-oil.
‘The most IMPORTANT Video You’ll ever see’ part 1-8.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-QA2rkpBSY
Dion, you, Rae, and Ignatieff need to continue to hammer home the point that this is juvenile, and you guys beed to express disdain and even contempt at what is happening to Parliament.
Tell Canadians that this grandstanding over the crime bill is stupid and more importantly, cowardly. The opposition already approved it, it already edited it. And now the CPC is calling it their own. The nerve of it all. How little short term memory do they possess?!
Eventually, the media will stop spreading their legs for the CPC to get the “priviledge” of government access. It will eventually realize that they are being played like fools, and they need to be told that they are acting no better than the Canadian equivalent of Pravda and Izvestia during the height of Stalinist USSR.
And most importantly, make sure that everything that is said is fact and fact only. This is what the CPC lacks and what they will fall flat on their face over…
Brazeness masks cowardice and insecurity. Contradictions only need be revealed in the face of this.
Austin
So since it was a normally secure hallway, the PM is supposed to have his entourage take a different, non Prime Ministerial route and meet him at the other end to head out to the limos, rather than accompany him to the same destination via the same route?
This entire season of discontent was brilliantly spoken by the woman from Winnipeg, when she defined what the North Star was. Give her a hug for me Garth!
Dam I can’t paste, the Hansard’s not done.
Off topic, but a small group of us were interested in talking with a few friends who had been to a three day conference in Minneapolis this past weekend.
They stayed at a large downtown hotel. One of the hotel rooms was jammed full of wealthy businesspeople, who were buying up new homes dirt cheap, from lending companies who had foreclosed because the original owners couldn’t stay afloat, with higher mortgages caused by rising interest rates.
Unfortunately (as is always the case), the rich are becoming increasingly wealthier, while the middle-class is being eroded to poor status.
I have no trouble with a person who becomes wealthy by his/her own hard work and a little good luck, but these ultra wealthy businesspeople are simply shysters, who don’t give a damn about those losing their homes.
I remember in your newspaper columns a couple of years or so ago, Garth, you said something to the effect that it will “all end very badly”, and now this does seem to be taking hold.
Not good news at all, including Canadians as it will eventually affect us. Pay down and stay out of debt.
Addendem to the post a few minutes ago, if people continue doing this, where will their retirement money come from?
It certainly won’t be the feds (US or Cdn.), because we’re already in too deep over our heads.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/yourmoney/chi-ym-borrowing-1014oct14%2C0%2C5181066.story
Everybody listen up to “shop around” Flaherty.
Sadly, Mr. Harper, life is unpredictable.
posted by Garth Turner on 10.23.07 @ 10:20 pm
Ohhhhhh don’t taunt us Garth. Is sumthin a brewin’? Or are you just gettin’ us all goin’ again?
Hmm, wonder when the jackboots will come out or the MIB in the middle of the night to remove the profiled individuals deemed too disruptive for Harper’s perfect Canada.
I was in walmart when it took Mr.Flahertys’advice and cut prices…I bought my sweet grandsons in Ottawa some shirts for five bucks…problem is I have to take them back as I did not notice till I got home..Made in China…
Yup… the neoCons are cocksure of themselves and are itching for an election. I posted this in another thread under a previous topic yesterday and I still believe that this is the best strategy for the Liberals to pursue…..
To win the next election that is looming ever closer (front page of the Toronto Star indicates Harper’s upcoming ‘mini-budget’ will be designed to force an election) the Liberals will have to do much more than pit Dion against Harper in terms of ‘looking like a leader’. I fear that the Conservative attack ads have already swayed the ’sheep’ media to be skewed against Dion.
The Liberals will need to pit their entire leadership team against Harper to win… Dion, Rae, Ignatieff, Dryden, Brison, McCallum, Hall-Findley, Kennedy, Goodale, Turner, etc. The Conservatives have no hope of matching the combined intelligence and skill of this team.
Harper will no doubt try and run the next campaign from a central office, tightly scripted, with himself making all of the platform announcements. The Liberals should use their top 8 or 10 members of the leadership team to fan out across the country, take areas of specialty in the Liberal platform and pound the hell out their positions, focusing on an action-oriented platform, not simply whining about the Conservatives. Parry and thrust…brush off the neoCon attacks with the realityh of neoCon inactivity….and hammer the hell out of them with intelligent, action-oriented solutions.
Dion should be able to ‘out content’ Harper in terms of policy decisions. Harper has shown himself to be short-sighted, and only interested in piece-meal solutions that offer no integrated vision and plan. Dion along with his platform team (Rae etc.) has the intellect and talent to put forth an outstanding platform.
To win the hearts of voters is another matter. Neither Dion or Harper is a ‘warm’ personality. The Liberals will need to showcase the likes of Rae, Kennedy, Justin Trudeau, Hall-Findley, Turner, Brison to pull on the emotions of the electorate. The neoCons do not have any ‘warm’ personalities to put into battle. Prentice may be their closest. Other than attack dogs like Baird the Canadian public hasn’t been exposed to many of the Conservatives. The Liberals need to capitalize on this lack of familiarity by showcasing their team that does have some recognition in the homes of average Canadians.
The Conservatives may have a bigger war chest…but the Liberals can win this one if they fight smart.
Garth, truly is this man for real, sadly it reminds me of watching a old WW II movie with a devil in uniform held the world hostage.
In a Democracy where the minority overides the majority Democracy is soon to be lost. hence:
If we choose to live out of harmony, our lives become filled with anger, hate, selfishness, dishonesty, etc. When these things appear in our lives, we give up accountability and blame it on something or someone else.
Ladies and gentlement have you seen or heard anything like this?
Perhaps if Mr. Flaherty is sincere should say while he is standing on his soap box, that our gas prices should be the first to reflect the rise in the Canadian dollar and bring them in line with US gas prices. That would give the retailers a break in transportation costs that would benifit all Canadians.
Where’s the Duffy and Newman on that or any our MSM.
I do love that pic.
I can hear Flip Flop Flaharty saying, “I told you guys…bounce…to NOT make…bounce….these …. bounce…panels…. bounce…. more than three feet high…bounce….bounce….bounce…..bounce…..bounce.
Geo
Somehow, I’m not convinced by this opposition rhetoric about a scary set of government actions.
Give them what they want, or… they’ll give you a chance to defeat them at the polls! (Which you might well have done, had you defeated the Throne Speech. The latest polls, Ipsos aside, have the two major parties running pretty closely — just as close as it was in November 2005.)
And if you don’t go along with them next week, why, they’ll… give you a chance to defeat them again!
Will the Conservative reign of terror never end?!
[...] Comments Whether or not the Conservative government wants a fight, I think it’s clear that Garth Turner wants [...]
Your comment “them and prey”reminded me of a book I read called, “The Hunter and the Hunted”. The basis was that in business opposite your competitors you are one or the other. Fits perfectly with the challenges you and your party face. Developing a sound strategy ( which I am sure you are actively doing)and then implementing to become the hunter is key to future success. A winning strategy has to be implemented quickly because you cannot count on the hunter becoming weaker as your path to success. as always I enjoy reading your Blog, Thanks.
Garth,
This is one of your best blogs yet. It is crafted by a wordsmith.
I feel sorry for Harper’s children. What a sad example of “win at any cost” and “hate your neighbor” he sets for them, and for all children in the country. Quite a contrast to the Trudeau/Clark era of respect for one’s opponent
Garth;
I know you claim to be a man of priciples.
So, I’m looking forward to you voting against the throne speach today.
Canada’s Jim Flaherty:
The Forrest Gump of Finance Ministers
http://communities.canada.com/financialpost/blogs/francis/archive/2007/10/24/canada-s-jim-flaherty-the-forrest-gump-of-finance-ministers.aspx
http://communities.canada.com/financialpost/photos/francis/images/134180/425×293.aspx
“Canada is just a box of candy to Flaherty and his foreign investor fans.
Hey, did you see what that old bastard just did?
Nope….
He held the door at the Financial Post and kissed Diane Francis on the arse at the same time…
Was he a gymnast?
Dunno, but he sure looked determined.
Laugh of the day: Jim Flaherty is going to use ‘moral suasion’ with China to get them ‘to bend to’ Canada’s interests.
Oh come on Maggie. Trudeau respect? When? He only respected one thing: his ego! To hell with the rest (including many parts of Canada).
Ed the Hun
Them and prey.
Well Garth. The opposition has it within their collective power to turn them into the prey.
If Mr. Harper wants to be so brazen, make his day. To add to the drama, don’t tell anyone when the ax is going to fall. Let the CPC sweat a little.
But don’t wait too long.
hey garth. they are calling you out at stevejanke.com. In the past you would have hit back. You must still be smarting from the beating you took from van loan.
If one were beaten by Mr. Van Loan, how would one know? Kind of like being attacked by a vindictive Twinkie. Almost tasty. — Garth
‘priciples. throne ‘speach’ today.”
By Graeme Edge on 10.24.07 7:27 am
You’re one very large fart smeller
Ooops, Houston we have a spell-checker problem here.
Talk about corny – stupid insulting slogans like we were in grade school and his supporters follow with silly slogany attacks on Garth. I think part of our education system should be a class in how to act like grown ups – it’s sure lacking with the CPC supporters.
I couldn’t believe it when Flaherty asked people to shop around – shows how out of touch he is with reality, but then again, he’s doesn’t have to worry about money. Does he not realize that the average Canadian does shop around, look for sales in the flyers that come with newspapers – ya, right – we all go out to buy a car and just pick the first one without considering if there’s a better deal somewhere else. Does he not realize that a mother with kids already looks for sales, discounts etc.?
Typical CPC – put the blame and responsibility on someone else’s shoulder – you know, just like kids do. Our government desparately needs adult supervision.
You’re one very large fart smeller – PYTOTR PETROBITCH
At least I can put together a coherent sentence. Obviously, you can’t (see above).
Garth wrote –
“I heard the footfalls when they were still sixty feet away.”
You sound like you were impressed with your hearing aids Garth.
Or, was the hall only sixty feet long ??
You should be able to hear a large group of men in dress shoes, walking down a hallway from way over 120 feet.
Go to your ear Doctor Garth. You need to be able to listen in your job. Maybe this has been a problem for you all along.
Try to keep up. — Garth
I love the pic too.
I can just picture two aides at the side…
Aide#1: “Isn’t Jim supposed to be standing up, not sitting down, for consumers?”
Aide#2: “Oh, that’s nothing, wait till he starts ‘lieing’!”
—
Or more simply, a caption …
“Speak no Evil!”
FINALLY I am once again proud to be Canadian…thank you PM Harper and the CPC Govt…….
By John G on 10.23.07 11:18 pm
Well, that is one reform party supporter who is happy the reformers, aka CPC, have formed the gov’t.
Me, I want my Conservative Party back, along with my Canada. While Mr. Harper may be an economist, he sure seems to have missed his history classes. He’s acting like one of several previous despots who have been dethroned over the last 75 years.
Well, that is one reform party supporter who is happy the reformers, aka CPC, have formed the gov’t. – REG
Make that two.
I’m not only happy with the government, I’m happy that they are making the Liberal party look irrelevant too.
We giggled.
… and then we went to Suzie’s house for a sleep-over. We did each other’s hair and made fudge. Suzie’s little brother was a big silly goose.
Now here would be a pleasant surprise…
The Libs vote en masse against the TS. today! The PM et al have given enough reasons in the last week for Mr. Dion to change his mind.
I wonder how open the GG’s schedule is for the coming weeks?
Kilroy was here! Or is that Killjoy??
http://www.sevenoaksart.co.uk/chad.htm
What we have here …
DEMONSTRATES CRIMINAL INCOMPETENCE:
Lead CSI Toronto: Diane Francis FPost
“Exhibit One
All Canadian workers took a hit. The Canada Pension Plan has lost $158 million on its income trust portfolio since the Oct. 31, 2007 attack by Flaherty. This on top of $35 billion lost in total, not counting lost opportunity costs after the Prime Minister’s promise to protect them was broken.”
http://communities.canada.com/financialpost/blogs/francis/archive/2007/10/24/canada-s-jim-flaherty-the-forrest-gump-of-finance-ministers.aspx
What we have here ….
DEMONSTRATES CRIMINAL INCOMPETENCE:
Lead CSI Toronto: Diane Francis FPost
Exhibit Two
Some $37 billion, or roughly 15% of all income trusts, have been bought out, mostly by foreigners. The new owners will divert income trust unit distributions into interest payments on offshore loans to buy up Canada. Before the spring, such interest payments bore a 15% withholding tax. Not anymore, thanks to Flaherty.
http://communities.canada.com/financialpost/blogs/francis/archive/2007/10/24/canada-s-jim-flaherty-the-forrest-gump-of-finance-ministers.aspx
Garth,
Obviously the security personnel preceeded Harper, or the halls are really wide there?
There is no way Harper and four security guards could walk side by side down those corridors. I have been to the building and the hallways are too narrow for that breadth of petards.
Regardless, it made me giggle too. Actually more like LMAO!
Question, were they all in lock step? Any goose stepping seen, or did Harper just look like a waggling goose walking?
How is Caesar Disgustus BTW?
Read it again. The security officers preceeded him. BTW you would not know the girth of that hallway as it is not open to the public. Trust me, four big guys fit, plus one giant ego. — Garth
By PYOTR PETROBITCH on 10.24.07 7:32 am
Hey, what’s up with making fun of Forest Gump? There is more simple wisdom in that movie than there is on the hill.
The love of some of you for your political parties is a lot like Gump’s fatal attraction for his long sought love, Jenny..
“Well well, if isn’t Private Gumpâ€, said Lieutenant Dan.. “and they gave you a Congressional Medal Of Honor, an idiot, who goes on national television and makes a fool of himself, and they gave YOU, a Congressional Medal of Honor…â€
The football coach said, “He must be the stupidest sumbitch alive, but he sure is fast!!!â€
Lieutenant Dan asks, “Have you found Jesus yet Gump?†to which Forrest replies, “I didn’t know I was supposed to be lookin’ for him Sirâ€â€¦
Remind you of anyone???
FORREST GUMP FOR PRIME MINISTER!!!
What we have here …
DEMONSTRATES CRIMINAL INCOMPETENCE:
Lead CSI Toronto: Diane Francis FPost
Exhibit Three
Minister’s actions spark unprecedented foreign melee so Tories last week announced they may refuse takeovers for “national security†reasons.
Then Flaherty struck again, saying he would grandfather foreigners who have made recent takeovers (he didn’t extend the same courtesy to income trust owners a year ago) then made it much worse by saying nothing would be done until next year. In hours, two more foreign buyouts were announced and a queue is forming.
Li Ka-Shing paid a bargain basement price of $629 million for TransAltaPower*** and hinted more will follow (next on the foreign hit list are Northland Power and Innergex Power). Right after its purchase TransAlta announced a doubling of earnings. Nice. People are furious.
More Canadian bargain candies: Earlier this week, 16% of Fairborne Energy Trust was sold to Americans for C$100 million and is sure to spark a bidding war by outsiders. Fairborne got $7.45 a share and was worth $12.47 a share before the income trust attack and handed out $75.7 million in annual taxable distributions.
***TransAlta plugs solid outlook as Q3 profit jumps 87 per cent to $65.9M
http://www.recorder.ca/cp/Business/071023/b102389A.html
http://communities.canada.com/financialpost/blogs/francis/archive/2007/10/24/canada-s-jim-flaherty-the-forrest-gump-of-finance-ministers.aspx
Now that Harper has placed us in “kiddie time” I can’t help but think of the book – The Little Engine that Could”.
…that little engine made it….
What we have here …
DEMONSTRATES CRIMINAL INCOMPETENCE:
Lead CSI Toronto: Diane Francis FPost
Exhibit Four
Flaherty has given away chunks of Corporate Canada and forgiven future taxes.
Here’s the math in one case: Abu Dhabi’s acquisition of Prime West Energy Trust for US$5 billion removes an estimated $32 million paid in withholding taxes by its foreign unitholders; $57 million paid by its Canadian unitholders and another $25 million deferred but eventually paid by RRSPs. That’s $114 million a year which the Arabs will use to make tax-free payments to their foreign bondholders who just bought their bonds this week to pay for this takeover and two others.
This minister is in way over his head.
No pun intended.
(Photo: Tom Hanks as Forrest Gump, Paramount Pictures)
http://communities.canada.com/financialpost/blogs/francis/archive/2007/10/24/canada-s-jim-flaherty-the-forrest-gump-of-finance-ministers.aspx
Hmmm….while watching excerpts of Bush’s speeches and questions from the media – he repeats – we’re workin hard, we’re gettin it done….?? Sound familiar?
What we have here …
DEMONSTRATES CRIMINAL INCOMPETENCE:
Lead CSI Toronto: Diane Francis FPost
Exhibit One, Subsection (a)
The Canada Pension Plan has lost $158 million on its income trust portfolio since the Oct. 31, 2007 attack by Flaherty.
http://www.caiti.info/
Your Honours, it is our wish to now move directly to the examination of any defence motions in these proceedings.
ASSEMBLED JUSTICES NOD IN ASSENT.
I thought the theater performance that Flaherty put on was quite funny in fact. I only caught a few seconds of it on the local news.
The backdrop reminded me of Bush. You know how he’ll stand in front of a fancy background like “Made in America” or “Scouts for America” and then return back to his office to sign a one-way trade deal with Costa Rica, or cut boy scout funding by 5 million.
So it reminded me of Flaherty.
You can’t command the markets to do anything. Even Dodge trying to rattle the currency markets didn’t work (it’s called technical trading Dodge, economic fundamentals only play into the 6-8 month trade range).
And so it will go with retailers. Their markets are not nearly as liquid as the FOREX market, and thus, subject to market lag.
It’s called economics.
Yes, Canadian prices will drift down. Zellers has started. Local retailers have started on specific goods. But in general, they’ll find their way down.
I’ll accuse the Minister of economic ignorance on the face of it.
But in reality, it’s just a big fraud.
DO WE WANT TO LIVE LIKE THIS?
“Finally, there’s the new Tom Flanagan book proving that all the dark and duplicitous arts of the American Republican political culture have moved north. In Harper’s Team, Flanagan, Harper’s close friend, political strategist and former campaign manager, quotes himself in one memorable passage on how to fund raise:
“…(M)ake people angry and afraid and set up an opponent for them to give against.”
…do you really want to live in constant fear via fearmongering like the Americans do? This IS NOT healthy.
The Conservatives may have a bigger war chest…but the Liberals can win this one if they fight smart.
By TS on 10.24.07 5:04 am
I want my Canada Back!
Good words by TS. Brains vs the “Bully on the Hill”
Well, that is one reform party supporter who is happy the reformers, aka CPC, have formed the gov’t. – REG
Make that two.
I’m not only happy with the government, I’m happy that they are making the Liberal party look irrelevant too.
By Graeme Edge on 10.24.07 8:41 am
Graeme, at least you admit to being a reformer. I can respect that. Thank you for your honesty.
Want the prices to come down fast? STOP buying until they do.
What puzzles me is your obsession with Bush and Harper. Can you explain it ??
By Harry S on 10.23.07 11:32 pm
————————
Funny Harry, I was wondering the same thing about you and other Conservative Trolls on here that are obsessed with Dion and the Liberals. If they are so irrelevant then why are y’all so obsessed with them?
ASSEMBLED JUSTICES:
“We will now hear the plea on behalf of the defence.”
Defence Counsel:
“We call forward the Pallister Five, as character witnesses, Your Honours, since they ALL BEHAVED in unison before the Finance Committee.”
PALLISTER FIVE:
Brian Pallister, Portage La Prairie, MB
Diane Ablonczy, Calgary Nosehill, AB
Dean Del Mastro, Peterborough, ON
Rick Dykstra, St. Catherines, ON
Mike (aka Mikey) Wallace, Burlington, ON
ASSEMBLED JUSTICES:
“Who is your spokesperson?”
Defence Counsel:
“Brian Pallister, Your Honours.”
ASSEMBLED JUSTICES:
“You may begin, Mr. Pallister.”
PALLISTER:
“Well, Your Honours, we ALL TRIED TO BLOCK HAVING THE FINANCE MINISTER APPEAR BEFORE THE FINANCE COMMITTEE, but we were outvoted by other committee members.”
ASSEMBLED JUSTICES:
“You’re not claiming that as a character reference or defense, are you?”
PALLISTER:
“But, Your Honours, WE DID PROVIDE EIGHTEEN BLACKED-OUT PAGES IN SUPPORT OF OUR ‘RATIONALE’ FOR THE INCOME TRUST DECISION. And, we even threatened to sue one of the financial advisers if he failed to return the 18 pages of ‘RATIONALE’ documents!”
ASSEMBLED JUSTICES:
Looking quizzically at one another …
CHIEF JUSTICE:
“Mr. Pallister, your witness to the character of the Finance Minister, merely substantiates his incompetence. Do you have anything further which could be considered by way of mitigation?”
PALLISTER:
“Well, that’s what happened, Your Honours.”
CHIEF JUSTICE:
“Defence Counsel, how does YOUR defendant now plead?”
Defence Counsel:
Fidgeting, shuffles papers, looks at the Finance Minister nervously … “Criminal Incompetence, Your Honours.”
Chief Justice:
“Finance Minister Flaherty is to be taken forthwith and with all due haste, to a holding area, where he will be confined by shackles, cuffs and whatever further restraints are required pending selection of a suitable country for his exile.”
OVERHEARD FROM THE BENCH:
“The defendant would appear to be a suitable counter-foil for President Mugabe in Zimbabwe … who issues decrees in much the same fashion.”
The antics of the PMS reminds me of Criminal Personality theory. Basically, someone with this type of personality will walk into a house and claim “This is all mine”. The only thing he has to figure out is how to get it out of the hands of the current owner and into his own.
…do you really want to live in constant fear via fearmongering like the Americans do? This IS NOT healthy.
By slg on 10.24.07 9:25 am
But it is VERY healthy for the pharmaceutical companies who have a little pill for all the stress related ailments their, and our, society fosters on the masses.
Every day brings a new Fear du jour! it’s the American way of life!
Thanks to your party for keeping this agenda going. You may call Harper Brazen but there is much worse terms that could be used to define Dion and his gang of losers.
During the 2006 election campaign Garth Turner said.
” The Liberals are a corrupt and immoral party that has abused the trust of Canadians and do not deserve the right to govern this country”
He also stated in reference to the Adscam Scandal ” Paul Martin was a prominent Quebec Cabinet Minister in the Chretien government and must of known what was going on. If he did then he is guilty of corruption, if he didn’t then he is guilty of being incompetent and therefore is not qualified to lead this nation “.
Correct me if I’m wrong but wasn’t Dion also a prominent Cabinet Minister in that same Chretien government ???
Mr. Dion was environment minister for a year and a half. Mr. Martin, as you may recall, was defeated. Did you have a point? — Garth
Well Garth. The opposition has it within their collective power to turn them into the prey.
If Mr. Harper wants to be so brazen, make his day. To add to the drama, don’t tell anyone when the ax is going to fall. Let the CPC sweat a little.
But don’t wait too long.
By James- Chatham
——————
Seems to me James that is exactly what the Liberals are doing right now, and will continue doing until they decide when to bring down the Harper Government. On the Liberals time agenda, not Harpers. Making the Conservative Government and their supporters sweat is quite fun to watch and read about. Harper is not going to bully his way into an election. Dion is playing the right game with Harper and Steve doesn’t like it one bit.
“Con trolls who wait in the weeds here each night for the latest blog posting to gorge on, they see the world divided into two groups: Them and prey.”
Wonder if someone is paying them for their vigilence.
Annoying as they are, their constant presence here means that they’re obviously worried that all their dirty little secrets aren’t so secret any more.
Keep up the good work.
I just had a call from Cathy Bates, star of MISERY, (starring opposite James Caan)who says she is now working on behalf of StockYard Day, Canada’s Minister of Security.
Cathy says although she’s a fan of good writers, and derring-do plots, she now has the authority to visit to break both my ankles, UNLESS I write a DIFFERENT ENDING to FLAHERTY’S UNSEEMLY PLOT!
Brazen. If one desired to be such, would it not be prudent to have private mercenarys?
Said Ed the Hun:” Oh come on Maggie. Trudeau respect? When? He only respected one thing: his ego! To hell with the rest (including many parts of Canada).”
I refer to the time Justin spoke about, where Justin, as a child, was saying childish, insulting things to his father about Joe Clark in the cafeteria. Pierre told Justin something to the effect of how one can disagree with an opponent’s position without slagging the person, and then proceeded to walk Justin to Joe’s table and introduce him to Joe and Joe’s daughter.
I am talking about basic human decency, civility and class, none of which Mr. Harper will ever have or display because his hate gets in the way. And I repeat, he sets a very sorry example for his own and all children.
While Mr turner since you seem to everything,how would you deal with it? Since is waht is wrong with the opposition they find it so easy to critize the governmnet but where are their alternative solutions?
hey Garth, In a previus thred you sated that it is the opposition’s job to oppopse. Then can you explain why the Liberals are not opposing the Throne speech but are abstaining instead? Soory the excuse that the voters don;t want an election just doesn’t wash. Wgat that actually maens is that we the Liberal party can not afford an election now and we are not ready for an election now.
I am afraid that Dion’s decision to abstain will come back and bite him in the ass when the opposition gets up the courage to actually bring the government down.
>I am talking about basic human decency, civility >and class, none of which Mr. Harper will ever have >or display because his hate gets in the way. And I >repeat, he sets a very sorry example for his own >and all children. By Maggie.
It is very obvious that you know absouyely nothing about harper and arre basing all your views upon what happens in the house of commons. You really do have a problem.
Good column, Garth! And here’s a local columnist’s take on Harper’s poor conduct in the wake of a town hall meeting with Dion in Winnipeg – http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/subscriber/columnists/top3/story/4063344p-4666792c.html
By van on 10.24.07 12:09 pm
Van the opposition job just seems to oppose anything and everything the government tries to introduce.(or that is at least Garths Job) It does not seem to be the job of the opposition to actually provide solutions to things they oppose. Pretty sad in my opinion.
Wait for it. Your fears will be quite realized. — Garth
I can’t believe that one of the Liberal trolls actually stated that she “feels sorry for Harpers children”. Pretty disgusting to bring up a politicians private life into his political life.
Oh, you mean like Dion’s citizenship, and his dog? — Garth
Marc, do you mind telling me what causes you to call me, a perfect stranger and decent human being, a troll? Any parent knows that we are our childrens’ first example in what is right and wrong. We preach against bullying in school. Mr. Harper’s behaviour and attitude set an example for his own children and my children too. I did not say I feel sorry for his children, I said he sets a sorry example for them, and for mine. I fail to see how this is some low, disgusting opinion to express. My kids watch QP. They are disgusted with Mr. Harper’s behaviour, and the behaviour he tolerates from his caucus.
Van, how would you know what I know about Harper, and why do you diagnose me as having a problem? I have read his writings, and base my opinions on much more than a snapshot of behaviour in the House. Read the article posted by JudyK http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/subscriber/columnists/top3/story/4063344p-4666792c.html
The picture looks like Mr. Flaherty’s going under.
Guess he can’t swim with all the weight of his flip-flops and heavy spending.
Oops! I did say I felt sorry for Harper’s children in my original post. I regret having said that. I stand by “he sets a sorry example” though.
Oh, you mean like Dion’s citizenship, and his dog? — Garth
They are both disgusting. A political life is and should be separate from a politicians private life.
I refer to the time Justin spoke about, where Justin, as a child, was saying childish, insulting things to his father about Joe Clark in the cafeteria. Pierre told Justin something to the effect of how one can disagree with an opponent’s position without slagging the person, and then proceeded to walk Justin to Joe’s table and introduce him to Joe and Joe’s daughter.
I am talking about basic human decency, civility and class, none of which Mr. Harper will ever have or display because his hate gets in the way. And I repeat, he sets a very sorry example for his own and all children.
By maggie on 10.24.07 11:27 am
Do you think Justine was watching when his Dad showed that “basic human decency” by giving the finger to the good people of Salmon Arm, B.C., Maggie?
Wait for it. Your fears will be quite realized. — Garth
I have been waiting patiently for quite some time. How long is the estimated wait?
Never said Trudeau was perfect, just suggesting ALL members treat one another with a certain level of respect and civility. We are not at war with one another, for crying out loud! In many peoples’ opinions, SL has done more than any other PM to cause/allow the level of decorum in the House to plunge to an all-time low, and I think that as the leader of the country he needs to set a better example. Fini
Oh, you mean like Dion’s citizenship, and his dog?
Ah! Laughter is good for the soul! Poor widdle Kyoto should stop reading the papers if he’s feeling down.
As for Mr. Dion’s citizenship; since he advertises himself as the next Prime Minister, it is certainly germane. It is not – despite his efforts to paint it so – just a detail from his private life.
Maggie, I apoligize for calling you a troll. I think I let my emotion get the better of me. Good to see that you regret your statement. Regards
Do you think Justine was watching when his Dad showed that “basic human decency†by giving the finger to the good people of Salmon Arm, B.C., Maggie?
By Bob Frill on 10.24.07 1:22 pm
Wasn’t Trudeau’s action, in a moment of childishness, a reaction to fingers saluting him as his train passed the crowd?
Stephen Harper hasn’t learned the basic lesson that you can’t make people love you. He can threaten and bully all he wants, but it won’t work. I don’t even think very many in his own party like him. They are terrified to speak unless they have a script from the PMO.
He has the same effect on me that Dubya Bush has, such a visceral and immediate dislike that I can’t watch him for more than a few seconds on newscasts. I have to get up and leave the room.
And for all those who say, a la Machiavelli, that it is better to be feared than to be liked, don’t stop there. Read the next bit.
Was Harper always like this? Did someone do something awful to him in school and he feels the need to get back at – everyone? The “bullied become bullies” theory. Does anyone know?
To use a little Repub rhetoric, “Why does Harper hate Canada?
Marc- Likewise. I look forward to the day our elected members drop the hatred and divisiveness and work together for the benefit of all. To quote John Lennon, “you may say that I’m a dreamer…”
Perhaps the “entourage” was heading somewhere which was not guarded 24/7 – like the outdoors where the motorcade met them. Kind of makes sense that they go as a group even if they have to pass through an inside corridor. Kind of a non-issue, Garth. Flat tax is more my kind of issue.
Wasn’t Trudeau’s action, in a moment of childishness, a reaction to fingers saluting him as his train passed the crowd?
Doesn’t matter, Garth. Trudeau thought himself above the fray and professionalism should have kept him from doing it. Same for fuddle duddle.
Maggi,
First of all your cooments were filled with hate etc and they were getting very personal when you included Harpers children. Only a person who has a problem would say such sick things unless they had personal experience with Harper and his family life. Secondly thr article you quoted is an opinion piece which is no better then either your or mi own opinions and like us the journalists is entitled to her opinion.
I for one have never said Dion was dumb. He is trying to cultivate an image of integrity and honesty etc while at the same time he allows our MPs like Garth and their defence critic and the likes of McQuinty (who`s hate for anything conservative shows in his face)to do his dirty work for him.
The fact is that Dion is no better than any other leader. For example his flip flop on Kyoto. In 2006 he said he couldn`t neet the targets and in 2007 he said he copuld if the public voted him as the PM. He parachutes his friends into ridings and his special,academic friend in defeated. He doesn`t allow local ridings to determine who will run in their own ridings by parachuting in star candidates. He disenfranchised NS voters by making a deal with Green`s May by not running a candidate in her chosen riding and she in turn does the same fro him. Both Dion and Garth have the job of the Offical Opposition is to oppose and yet in tonights vote in the house Dion and the Liberals are going to abstain. This is playing politics and very hypocritical to say the least. This in not the actions of a man of great integrity as Dion claims to be but that of a politician like all the others. It appears that the public agrees with me as Dion`s is stuck at 28% for PM while Harper is at 55%.
But Harper critics like yourself say nothing when Dion does things like those above but scream bloody murder when Harper does it and the start calling him every name in the book.In the srticle you quoted the writer was commenting on what Dion was saying. Well Maggi dion is trying to garner support so what would you expect him to say. Of course he will try to portary himself in gthe best light as possible.I wouldn`t expect anything less from any PM want to be reagardless of the political party they belong to. Finally, Maggi you said that you based your opinion upon so called reaserch then you go an quote an opinion piece.
I suggest that you take the old saying to heart about “believing nothing you read and only half of what you see.` If you think about it, you will find there is a lot of truth to that saying especially about comments on this blog and journalist`s opinion pieces.
It is time for all the Liberal “zombies” wandering around murmuring “Harper…evil” to either “fish or cut bait”. If the CPC is so evil, so bereft of direction and morals, vote down the government and go to an election and show us all what YOU could do better. PUT UP OR SHUT UP.
OK. — Garth
Garth,
This blog exposes you as a wasted talent. Man, can you write!!! What in heck are you doing in a role that any half frozen pumpkin could serve.
Okay, okay I take that back. That’s your next job.
I can add one small fact to your brilliance. You say “Pumped up on vats of secret party testosterone, they strut and plump and crow.” I know what the secret party testosterone is and where it comes from.
It’s Stephen Harper’s bathwater.
“Read it again. The security officers preceeded him. BTW you would not know the girth of that hallway as it is not open to the public. Trust me, four big guys fit, plus one giant ego. — Garth”
That should actually read “Garth’s”.
Thanks for one of the best laughs I have had all day.
Van, I hate to waste time and real estate here, but if you consider my comments hateful, you must be blind to the crap spewed here by Conservative supporters.
As for the article, I read it after JudyK posted the link, and pointed to it to illustrate the fact that Mr. Harper’s confrontational style is not going over well with everybody. I am not basing my opinion of Harper on that article; if you had read what I wrote, I have read many of his writings over the past few years, so I don’t know why you’re trying to put words in my mouth.
And it’s a bit of a stretch to paint me as “a person who has a problem would say such sick things” for saying Harper’s bullying, divisive example is a sad one for his kids and mine. The truth is the truth, and I don’t see that as getting too personal. Unless his family lives in a bubble, I’m sure his children are aware of his behaviour, attitudes, and the country’s reactions to them. Goes with the territory.
At no point did I accuse you of saying Dion was dumb (WTH??)
Have a good night.
Re: article posted by JudyK on 10.24.07 12:23 pm
With the Stephane Dion of this article I could relate!!!!
Just a comment. It is difficult to understand how anyone can be so negative about another person especially the PM. I see the TS passed with the 89 liberals not exercising their vote. This is a poor example to make when we have so much trouble getting people in the country to vote at election time. Everyone but the Liberal voted. The people of Canada have been cheated. Then you appeared on camera for your 10 seconds of fame and stated that you can only shoot when you have a round in the chamber. after all your blog comments you sat on your hands (flippers)like a pet seal. These are the same practises you have been acusing the PM of that are now practised by your new leader. The actions of the Liberals today will go down in history as gutless and disgraceful. You either support the TS speech or you do not. As the PM stated “fish or cut bait” THE LIBERALS LOOK VERY BAD.
They you did not look closely. The entire Liberal caucus was united in its support of Stephane Dion. We have a plan for bringing Mr. Harper down when he will stay down. Stay tuned. — Garth
With talk like that and the suggestions that one’s imagination might extrapolate from it, it’d better be substantive and incontrovertible, not something frivolous and deceptive. And especially not underwhelming. There’s enough calculating and duplicitousness from the Government side of the House. Please be above board with whatever counterpunch you’ve got planned. I like how the Opposition has conducted itself in the House since returning to Parliament – stay true to that form.
“They you did not look closely. The entire Liberal caucus was united in its support of Stephane Dion.”
Or they were cowering behind him, afraid for their seats?