Wherever you are...whatever you do...enjoy the long weekend...and get home safely.
Revel in being able to call the greatest country in the world...home!
Friday, June 29, 2007
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Harp under microscope
Boss Harp has been PM for long enough to have a record. It's now Canada's Typical Tory Government. Spending like drunken sailors, cutting real services and tinkering on tax "rates". Just like Mike Harris with his Nonsense Revolution in Ontario. Harp is aided and abetted by the Four Horses Asses of the Harris Apocalypse...4Flaherty (Flim Flam Flip Flop, if you are wondering about the 4 in front of his name), Bully Baird, Creepy Clement and Tubby Van Loan.
It is no wonder that Tim Naumetz reports today that Public Works violated all kinds of rules in a $24 million study of IT procurement. Conservatives have no ability to manage their way out of a wet paper bag...and that becomes clearer with each passing day.
It is also no surprise that the stench around the last Mayoralty campaign in Ottawa continues to waft across the City. Johnboy Baird has his hands in that pie.
Fro those of you interested in a real belly laugh though, you have to monitor Stockboy Day's weekly on-line column in his riding. This week's is a real hoot. You can visualize the rooster tail of a ski doo while reading it. He wonders about the historic "accomplishment" of a minority passing two budgets in a row with a passing reference to Mike Pearson (who had a minority from 65 to 68 so I suspect there were at least 2 budgets in there...not to mention Medicare, the flag and the CPP). He then goes on to sing the virtues of Harper's Accountability Act that is about 80% not in force. And for a real nose-stretcher he lauds "environmental legislation". Not sure where that comes from, as Bully Baird and Stevie have no "environmental legislation" under way other than the dearly dismissed Rona Ambrose's Clean (H)Air Act. That is more commonly known as C-30...the Bill the Tories sent to Committee and now will not bring back to the House. Stockie also mentions the "wait times guarantee" or rather non-guarantee rolled out a while back by Creepy Clement and Steve...but fails to mention that the "wait times" mentioned are almost all LONGER than currently exist in the specific jurisdictions. Of course, Day also takes a shot at Harper's favourite wedgie...law and order as right wingers like to call it...but again he fails to mention that Liberals offered several times to fast track about two thirds of the legislation and most was passed when the Tories finally brought it back to the Order Paper in the last week of the sitting. The whole column...like the Tried Tory Government...is about saying whatever comes into your head at any given moment and truth be damned. Mulroney must be proud of his proteges.
It is, on the other hand, reassuring to note that people the world over feel the same way about Steve Harper's role model George Bush.
It is no wonder that Tim Naumetz reports today that Public Works violated all kinds of rules in a $24 million study of IT procurement. Conservatives have no ability to manage their way out of a wet paper bag...and that becomes clearer with each passing day.
It is also no surprise that the stench around the last Mayoralty campaign in Ottawa continues to waft across the City. Johnboy Baird has his hands in that pie.
Fro those of you interested in a real belly laugh though, you have to monitor Stockboy Day's weekly on-line column in his riding. This week's is a real hoot. You can visualize the rooster tail of a ski doo while reading it. He wonders about the historic "accomplishment" of a minority passing two budgets in a row with a passing reference to Mike Pearson (who had a minority from 65 to 68 so I suspect there were at least 2 budgets in there...not to mention Medicare, the flag and the CPP). He then goes on to sing the virtues of Harper's Accountability Act that is about 80% not in force. And for a real nose-stretcher he lauds "environmental legislation". Not sure where that comes from, as Bully Baird and Stevie have no "environmental legislation" under way other than the dearly dismissed Rona Ambrose's Clean (H)Air Act. That is more commonly known as C-30...the Bill the Tories sent to Committee and now will not bring back to the House. Stockie also mentions the "wait times guarantee" or rather non-guarantee rolled out a while back by Creepy Clement and Steve...but fails to mention that the "wait times" mentioned are almost all LONGER than currently exist in the specific jurisdictions. Of course, Day also takes a shot at Harper's favourite wedgie...law and order as right wingers like to call it...but again he fails to mention that Liberals offered several times to fast track about two thirds of the legislation and most was passed when the Tories finally brought it back to the Order Paper in the last week of the sitting. The whole column...like the Tried Tory Government...is about saying whatever comes into your head at any given moment and truth be damned. Mulroney must be proud of his proteges.
It is, on the other hand, reassuring to note that people the world over feel the same way about Steve Harper's role model George Bush.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
...and Bush is not a moron
George W. Bush says Tony Blair was not his poodle in newspaper interview
Jun 27, 2007
LONDON (AP)
Tony Blair was no poodle, U.S. President George W. Bush said in a newspaper interview published Wednesday.
Bush said that he and the outgoing British prime minister had worked together to achieve world peace...and told The Sun that the accusations levelled against Blair were nothing more than "background noise.''
"I've heard he's been called Bush's poodle,'' The Sun quoted Bush as saying. "He's bigger than that."
Perhaps he is a Great Dane?
Jun 27, 2007
LONDON (AP)
Tony Blair was no poodle, U.S. President George W. Bush said in a newspaper interview published Wednesday.
Bush said that he and the outgoing British prime minister had worked together to achieve world peace...and told The Sun that the accusations levelled against Blair were nothing more than "background noise.''
"I've heard he's been called Bush's poodle,'' The Sun quoted Bush as saying. "He's bigger than that."
Perhaps he is a Great Dane?
Bourque Shills...BLOCK BOURQUE
No conflict-of-interest evident on Bourque's site today. Nope...none at all...as he highlights a line from a Decima poll. The line says that Liberal supporters attend NASCAR in about equal numbers to Conservative supporters.
Of course, since it is Mr. Bourque himself who benefits from the Tory largesse with taxpayer funded dollars. we should not expect him to be anything but "selective" in his use of quotes from the Decima wire story. He did miss out on other salient points...in addition to not noticing that the line he does quote really means nothing, unless you first determine how many "Likely Voters" are in the NASCAR pool.
Other parts of the CP Wire poll story that Mr. Bourque inexplicably (ha ha) left out were:
"...most Canadians aren't much interested in NASCAR racing, or actively dislike it."
or
"...62 per cent are indifferent and 13 per cent either dislike it or outright hate it."
or
"...NASCAR fans tend to be rural males at a time when the Tories are thought to be wooing urban women in pursuit of an elusive majority government."
or
Bruce Anderson suggested the strategy in some ways seems aimed at existing supporters. "It does have the ability to play disproportionately among those who they think are their core supporters,'' he said.
or the real cruncher that gets Petey Put-put's name into ink...
"The Tories announced June 17 that they had struck a deal with Whitlock Motor Sports to put a party logo on a car on the Canadian NASCAR circuit. The car is driven by Pierre Bourque, who runs a well-visited political web site that sells a headline service."
If you believe that Bourque is not paid for such headlines as today's...well...you must be a Tory. On the other hand, if you really get ticked at Bourque's facade...just "BLOCK BOURQUE" from your bookmark or faves!
Of course, since it is Mr. Bourque himself who benefits from the Tory largesse with taxpayer funded dollars. we should not expect him to be anything but "selective" in his use of quotes from the Decima wire story. He did miss out on other salient points...in addition to not noticing that the line he does quote really means nothing, unless you first determine how many "Likely Voters" are in the NASCAR pool.
Other parts of the CP Wire poll story that Mr. Bourque inexplicably (ha ha) left out were:
"...most Canadians aren't much interested in NASCAR racing, or actively dislike it."
or
"...62 per cent are indifferent and 13 per cent either dislike it or outright hate it."
or
"...NASCAR fans tend to be rural males at a time when the Tories are thought to be wooing urban women in pursuit of an elusive majority government."
or
Bruce Anderson suggested the strategy in some ways seems aimed at existing supporters. "It does have the ability to play disproportionately among those who they think are their core supporters,'' he said.
or the real cruncher that gets Petey Put-put's name into ink...
"The Tories announced June 17 that they had struck a deal with Whitlock Motor Sports to put a party logo on a car on the Canadian NASCAR circuit. The car is driven by Pierre Bourque, who runs a well-visited political web site that sells a headline service."
If you believe that Bourque is not paid for such headlines as today's...well...you must be a Tory. On the other hand, if you really get ticked at Bourque's facade...just "BLOCK BOURQUE" from your bookmark or faves!
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Hippity-hoppity...Harper's on his way
Summer officially arrived last week just in time for the House to rise and for Steve Harper to begin his summer tour. So for the next while we'll just call him Hip-hop Harp.
Just yesterday, for example, he was in Fredericton, New Brunswick to for a photo-op and to re-announce a road program that he dished up first in March of 2006. He no doubt used one of those sleek National Defence Challenger aircraft to get there. All the effort didn't seem to have much impact on some, as Harper was slammed at meeting of Atlantic leaders .
Then, lo and behold, later the same day finds our Energizer bunny PM all the way out in Calgary. And guess what he was doing there? Yes! Another hockey photo-op! Journalists have lost track of how many hockey photo-ops Steve has now done...it just seems a shame that the Canadian taxpayer has to pick up the tab as he writes his "book on hockey" that his spinners rail on about periodically. It will be a helluva big volume at this rate. At any rate, all the effort isn't having a great impact there either as Albertans say it's time to expect more from government.
And this is just domestic travel...just wait till our Boss Harp starts flaunting himself on the international scene in coming weeks and months...he is on a high carb burning (and not the good kind) diet this summer!
Just yesterday, for example, he was in Fredericton, New Brunswick to for a photo-op and to re-announce a road program that he dished up first in March of 2006. He no doubt used one of those sleek National Defence Challenger aircraft to get there. All the effort didn't seem to have much impact on some, as Harper was slammed at meeting of Atlantic leaders .
Then, lo and behold, later the same day finds our Energizer bunny PM all the way out in Calgary. And guess what he was doing there? Yes! Another hockey photo-op! Journalists have lost track of how many hockey photo-ops Steve has now done...it just seems a shame that the Canadian taxpayer has to pick up the tab as he writes his "book on hockey" that his spinners rail on about periodically. It will be a helluva big volume at this rate. At any rate, all the effort isn't having a great impact there either as Albertans say it's time to expect more from government.
And this is just domestic travel...just wait till our Boss Harp starts flaunting himself on the international scene in coming weeks and months...he is on a high carb burning (and not the good kind) diet this summer!
Monday, June 25, 2007
Harper replays ecoFraud...on Aboriginal Affairs
Steve has tried for months to govern by photo-op and saying whatever comes into his mean-spirited mind. Nothing was too cheep for him to say...like accusing Liberals of being Taliban sympathisers.
Since that approach didn't work, the ole Boss Harp has decided on a slight change. Now, in addition to photo-ops and loose lips, we can add in the generous use of taxpayers dollars to "buy" the image of a middle-of-the-road PM just doing his job. I guess we shouldn't expect any less from a "conservative" government that brought in the biggest spending budget in Canadian history.
Proof of the "new" approach was seen in recent days. After ignoring the aboriginal file for a year (at the behest of Tom Flanagan, no doubt) the rightists are now realising that the issues of aboriginal equity are essential. That is why they launched their Specific Claims initiative and that is why Indian Affairs minister Jim Prentice reached a settlement with the Roseau River First Nation. Yeah sure! Both of these so-called "landmark" efforts are a result of the simple fact that we have an Aboriginal Day of Action fast approaching. Look at the Specific Claims initiative, for instance.
Not long ago Prentice fired all the negotiators (and started replacing them with former business partners), which hardly indicates a desire to settle claims. Then he makes his announcement replete with requisite Harper photo-op and cheap shots in the House at the former government (as well as saying that the Grits had allocated only $1.9 Million in the previous year). In fact, the amount talked about by Prentice ($250 million per year for 10 years) was already allocated and the $1.9 million was actual spending...but, hey, what's truth in Torytalk!
Indeed, in spite of the typical "cheap shot" the fact of the matter is that last year...the Conservative's first full year...was the second lowest spending on specific claims in the last 11 years (by at least a twofold factor). The only reason that there was such limited Liberal spending in 2005-06 is because it was a partial year for them and it was also interrupted by that pesky little Harper creation of the election. From 2000-01 through until 2004-05 the Grits averaged $160 Million per year spending on Specific Claims (and event that included reduced amounts in the previous 2004-05 election year. Because you don't want to appear to be buying votes...unless you are Steve Harper.
Which brings us to the Roseau River announcement...buying favour is now apparently part of this excessively partisan Prime Minister's arsenal. He is proving once again that he will say and do anything to get that majority.
It didn't work with their ecoFraud effort...let's see how aboFraud stacks up.
Since that approach didn't work, the ole Boss Harp has decided on a slight change. Now, in addition to photo-ops and loose lips, we can add in the generous use of taxpayers dollars to "buy" the image of a middle-of-the-road PM just doing his job. I guess we shouldn't expect any less from a "conservative" government that brought in the biggest spending budget in Canadian history.
Proof of the "new" approach was seen in recent days. After ignoring the aboriginal file for a year (at the behest of Tom Flanagan, no doubt) the rightists are now realising that the issues of aboriginal equity are essential. That is why they launched their Specific Claims initiative and that is why Indian Affairs minister Jim Prentice reached a settlement with the Roseau River First Nation. Yeah sure! Both of these so-called "landmark" efforts are a result of the simple fact that we have an Aboriginal Day of Action fast approaching. Look at the Specific Claims initiative, for instance.
Not long ago Prentice fired all the negotiators (and started replacing them with former business partners), which hardly indicates a desire to settle claims. Then he makes his announcement replete with requisite Harper photo-op and cheap shots in the House at the former government (as well as saying that the Grits had allocated only $1.9 Million in the previous year). In fact, the amount talked about by Prentice ($250 million per year for 10 years) was already allocated and the $1.9 million was actual spending...but, hey, what's truth in Torytalk!
Indeed, in spite of the typical "cheap shot" the fact of the matter is that last year...the Conservative's first full year...was the second lowest spending on specific claims in the last 11 years (by at least a twofold factor). The only reason that there was such limited Liberal spending in 2005-06 is because it was a partial year for them and it was also interrupted by that pesky little Harper creation of the election. From 2000-01 through until 2004-05 the Grits averaged $160 Million per year spending on Specific Claims (and event that included reduced amounts in the previous 2004-05 election year. Because you don't want to appear to be buying votes...unless you are Steve Harper.
Which brings us to the Roseau River announcement...buying favour is now apparently part of this excessively partisan Prime Minister's arsenal. He is proving once again that he will say and do anything to get that majority.
It didn't work with their ecoFraud effort...let's see how aboFraud stacks up.
Friday, June 22, 2007
Harper lies again
Steve Harper used to rip every Liberal government for their "government advertising". Well...it seems that in Boss Harp's first year that Government of Canada advertising sky-rocketed by more than 70%.
Another Harper promise broken. But his old friends George Bush and Brian Mulroney will be proud.
Another Harper promise broken. But his old friends George Bush and Brian Mulroney will be proud.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
NASCAR nights
Pierre Bourque is in to more self-interested headline posting today. He is feeling the heat on the Tory NASCAR flub, likely just as much as the dweeb in the Tory shack who thought their use of public money on this sort of sponsorship was a good idea. (Yes, Virginia, most of the money the Party gets is heavily subsidized by tax credits or is a direct transfer from the government)
This morning his site carries a link to a "flattering" piece by Charles Adler, a noted rightist apologist. But, suspiciously, he fails to post a link to today's Sun piece by Greg Weston. It is hard to believe that any unbiased "aggregator" could miss a column that runs in every Sun paper across the land.
Conclusion...Bourque is about as unbiased as, say, Mrs. Harper. Oooops...change that...as, say, Sandra Fightin'-for-My-Job Buckler.
This morning his site carries a link to a "flattering" piece by Charles Adler, a noted rightist apologist. But, suspiciously, he fails to post a link to today's Sun piece by Greg Weston. It is hard to believe that any unbiased "aggregator" could miss a column that runs in every Sun paper across the land.
Conclusion...Bourque is about as unbiased as, say, Mrs. Harper. Oooops...change that...as, say, Sandra Fightin'-for-My-Job Buckler.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Thanks Bill and Jim...
Yesterday we said goodbye to Bill Graham and, if the Globe is to be believed, today Jim Peterson. Both are to be congratulated for their long service to their country...through good times and bad...both have epitomised the Liberal Party and Liberal values. Canada is richer for their service and efforts.
In truth, all MPs of whatever stripe should be commended more regularly by all. It is a difficult job, if not impossible. It pulls individuals in a thousand directions at once and renders normal family life obsolete. The hours are incredible. No one ever gets rich in this line of endeavour either, contrary to popular belief.
So...hats off to all retiring MPs...regardless your political affiliation, you have earned your time to relax.
In truth, all MPs of whatever stripe should be commended more regularly by all. It is a difficult job, if not impossible. It pulls individuals in a thousand directions at once and renders normal family life obsolete. The hours are incredible. No one ever gets rich in this line of endeavour either, contrary to popular belief.
So...hats off to all retiring MPs...regardless your political affiliation, you have earned your time to relax.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Buckler up!
The decision to reward Tory hack Pierre Bourque with advertising dollars for his CASCAR efforts has gone down just about as well as one might expect. It would be fun to be in the Tory Caucus meeting this week to hear precisely what MPs of Canada's Tired Government think of Sandra Buckler's latest brainwave. It just might be the final nail in her already waiting coffin...if the clips today are any indication...
Opposition parties blast Conservatives over support of NASCAR vehicle
Globe and Mail, Canada -1 hour ago
OTTAWA, TORONTO -- The latest advertising vehicle for the Conservative Party gets about five miles a gallon, a fact the opposition parties jumped on ...
Backing NASCAR may mean torqued Tory headlines
Canoe.ca, Canada -2 hours ago
By CP OTTAWA -- The federal Conservative party isn't just targeting the speed-demon demographic by sponsoring a car on the Canadian NASCAR circuit. ...
Tories' stock car sponsorship deal likely to finish short of ...
Ottawa Citizen (subscription), Canada -3 hours ago
Tony Novotny admits that he's surprised -- quite surprised, in fact -- by the Conservative party's decision to sponsor a car on the Canadian NASCAR circuit. ...
Tories get the lead out; critics agog at sponsorship of gas guzzlers
Brooks Bulletin, Canada -5 hours ago
OTTAWA (CP) - Government critics were agog Monday that the supposedly green-hued Conservative party is sponsoring a sport that burns leaded gasoline by the ...
Critics takes shine off new Tory car
Globe and Mail, Canada -8 hours ago
The latest advertising vehicle for the Conservative Party gets about five miles a gallon, a fact the opposition parties jumped on Monday to ridicule the ...
On another note...adios Myron! Too bad for Steve though, as Myron's departure means one less person to choose from (with military experience) when he replaces Goner O'Connor.
Opposition parties blast Conservatives over support of NASCAR vehicle
Globe and Mail, Canada -
OTTAWA, TORONTO -- The latest advertising vehicle for the Conservative Party gets about five miles a gallon, a fact the opposition parties jumped on ...
Backing NASCAR may mean torqued Tory headlines
Canoe.ca, Canada -
By CP OTTAWA -- The federal Conservative party isn't just targeting the speed-demon demographic by sponsoring a car on the Canadian NASCAR circuit. ...
Tories' stock car sponsorship deal likely to finish short of ...
Ottawa Citizen (subscription), Canada -
Tony Novotny admits that he's surprised -- quite surprised, in fact -- by the Conservative party's decision to sponsor a car on the Canadian NASCAR circuit. ...
Tories get the lead out; critics agog at sponsorship of gas guzzlers
Brooks Bulletin, Canada -
OTTAWA (CP) - Government critics were agog Monday that the supposedly green-hued Conservative party is sponsoring a sport that burns leaded gasoline by the ...
Critics takes shine off new Tory car
Globe and Mail, Canada -
The latest advertising vehicle for the Conservative Party gets about five miles a gallon, a fact the opposition parties jumped on Monday to ridicule the ...
On another note...adios Myron! Too bad for Steve though, as Myron's departure means one less person to choose from (with military experience) when he replaces Goner O'Connor.
Monday, June 18, 2007
Yee haw...Harp at the wheel...
Reaching further into the George Bush bag of tricks, Steve Harper's Conservative Party of Canada has entered the NASCAR advertising and promotional business. Whether this is a legitimate political use of public funds (political donations and parties are HIGHLY subsidized through direct transfers and tax credits) is worth a thought.
But the whole notion is questionable for a "regular guy" who just so desperately wants to have a majority. It is pretty safe to assume that Stevie already has the votes of a lot of NASCAR aficionados. So why do the right wingers feel a need to prop up their base support? It is also a cruel twist of fate that on the very day that Diane Findlay (spouse of the Con's Campaign Chair) and Flim Flam Flaherty showed off their latest "coup" that a family of six was killed at a charity stock car event in Selmer, Tennessee.
Other headlines for Boss Harp are equally bad today...
Harper's office concedes gift policy violated
Vancouver Sun, Canada -12 hours ago
OTTAWA - Prime Minister Stephen Harper and his wife mistakenly accepted some gifts from private companies or individuals during their first year in office, ...
Board vacancies adding to refugee backlog
Canoe.ca, Canada -2 hours ago
By CP OTTAWA -- Thousands of refugee claims are bogged down in a growing backlog due to the Harper government's failure to fill vacancies on the Immigration ...
Prentice succeeds, Baird fails
Toronto Star, Canada -2 hours ago
If Canadians were as concerned with aboriginal issues as they are with climate change, Prime Minister Stephen Harper's Conservatives might be in better ...
Accord fight bad for federal-provincial relations, Tory fortunes ...
The Amherst Daily, Canada -8 hours ago
HALIFAX — Federal-provincial relations are among the short-term casualties of Ottawa’s fight with Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador over their ...
But the whole notion is questionable for a "regular guy" who just so desperately wants to have a majority. It is pretty safe to assume that Stevie already has the votes of a lot of NASCAR aficionados. So why do the right wingers feel a need to prop up their base support? It is also a cruel twist of fate that on the very day that Diane Findlay (spouse of the Con's Campaign Chair) and Flim Flam Flaherty showed off their latest "coup" that a family of six was killed at a charity stock car event in Selmer, Tennessee.
Other headlines for Boss Harp are equally bad today...
Harper's office concedes gift policy violated
Vancouver Sun, Canada -
OTTAWA - Prime Minister Stephen Harper and his wife mistakenly accepted some gifts from private companies or individuals during their first year in office, ...
Board vacancies adding to refugee backlog
Canoe.ca, Canada -
By CP OTTAWA -- Thousands of refugee claims are bogged down in a growing backlog due to the Harper government's failure to fill vacancies on the Immigration ...
Prentice succeeds, Baird fails
Toronto Star, Canada -
If Canadians were as concerned with aboriginal issues as they are with climate change, Prime Minister Stephen Harper's Conservatives might be in better ...
Accord fight bad for federal-provincial relations, Tory fortunes ...
The Amherst Daily, Canada -
HALIFAX — Federal-provincial relations are among the short-term casualties of Ottawa’s fight with Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador over their ...
Friday, June 15, 2007
Mini-ster Lunn reappears
Gary Lunn is a minister after all. He has not been seen much ever since Johnboy Baird (Harp's fave) was shuffled into Environment. At that moment any meanigful role for Lunn curled into the air like a wisp of smoke from a fine Cuban stogie.
But this week the Mini Min burst back onto the scene with his announcement (after 14 wasted months) that Canada's Tired Tories support the Nuclear Waste Management Organisation recommendations first brought forward way back in 2005. A glance at the response to this "announcement" shows why Baird didn't take part. You will also notice that the NRCAN press release reads like an advertisement from the Canadian Nuclear Association, who were predictably ready to offer their thanks to mini-Lunn.
Mini Lunn calls nuke power Clean, Safe, Responsible...the Nuclear industry gets the same message across with slightly different words Clean, Reliable, Affordable. Nicely interchangeable. Just like the "Stronger, Safer, Better" title for this year's budget...which coincided nicely with the George Bush 2004 campaign slogan of Safer, Stronger, Better".
You have to wonder about the Lunn timing though. Probably just plain bad luck after twiddling his tumbs on this file for 14 months...But...Just two days prior there was word of tritium seepage into the Great Lakes from Ontario Hydro nuke plants. It will also be interesting to see which city or town on the Canadian Shield will leap at this "opportunity" to be the home for Canada's spent nuclear fuel.
But this week the Mini Min burst back onto the scene with his announcement (after 14 wasted months) that Canada's Tired Tories support the Nuclear Waste Management Organisation recommendations first brought forward way back in 2005. A glance at the response to this "announcement" shows why Baird didn't take part. You will also notice that the NRCAN press release reads like an advertisement from the Canadian Nuclear Association, who were predictably ready to offer their thanks to mini-Lunn.
Mini Lunn calls nuke power Clean, Safe, Responsible...the Nuclear industry gets the same message across with slightly different words Clean, Reliable, Affordable. Nicely interchangeable. Just like the "Stronger, Safer, Better" title for this year's budget...which coincided nicely with the George Bush 2004 campaign slogan of Safer, Stronger, Better".
You have to wonder about the Lunn timing though. Probably just plain bad luck after twiddling his tumbs on this file for 14 months...But...Just two days prior there was word of tritium seepage into the Great Lakes from Ontario Hydro nuke plants. It will also be interesting to see which city or town on the Canadian Shield will leap at this "opportunity" to be the home for Canada's spent nuclear fuel.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
HarperSpeak
It is a joke...surely.
Canada's Tired Government failed to draw any realistic distinction between "discussion" and "negotiation" with respect to the Atlantic Accords and Boss Harp's rash denial of any "side deals". So now they need to find "language" to describe a "side deal" as not a real "side deal".
The minions over at Flim Flam Flaherty's office (all left overs from the Mike Harris Nonsense Revolution) think they have just the trick. Now they are looking at an "insurance policy" for Nova Scotia. No word on whether the so-called "insurance policy" would apply to Newfoundland and Labrador.
Insurance salesmen across the land (who have enough credibility issues of their own) should be mightily pissed that this incompetent bunch of bumblers are indirectly slagging them now!
Meanwhile, Saskatchewan Premier Lorne Calvert is ready to take up Stephen Harper's "sue me" challenge from earlier in the week. In a usual display of Harper DoubleSpeak, and seemingly as if he has amnesia with respect to this prior challenge, when asked about this in Question Period yesterday Harper said: "Now the premier of Saskatchewan, who has no accord, is going to sue us for breaking his accord. I do not even understand what they are saying any more."
Duh! He never did "understand"...he always says whatever it takes to satisfy his own petty partisan purposes...just like his muse George Bush.
Time for this Tired Old Government to pack it in for the summer.
Canada's Tired Government failed to draw any realistic distinction between "discussion" and "negotiation" with respect to the Atlantic Accords and Boss Harp's rash denial of any "side deals". So now they need to find "language" to describe a "side deal" as not a real "side deal".
The minions over at Flim Flam Flaherty's office (all left overs from the Mike Harris Nonsense Revolution) think they have just the trick. Now they are looking at an "insurance policy" for Nova Scotia. No word on whether the so-called "insurance policy" would apply to Newfoundland and Labrador.
Insurance salesmen across the land (who have enough credibility issues of their own) should be mightily pissed that this incompetent bunch of bumblers are indirectly slagging them now!
Meanwhile, Saskatchewan Premier Lorne Calvert is ready to take up Stephen Harper's "sue me" challenge from earlier in the week. In a usual display of Harper DoubleSpeak, and seemingly as if he has amnesia with respect to this prior challenge, when asked about this in Question Period yesterday Harper said: "Now the premier of Saskatchewan, who has no accord, is going to sue us for breaking his accord. I do not even understand what they are saying any more."
Duh! He never did "understand"...he always says whatever it takes to satisfy his own petty partisan purposes...just like his muse George Bush.
Time for this Tired Old Government to pack it in for the summer.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Boss Harp true to form...Deceivin' Stephen on the job
Boss Harp is playing out the string on the House Session true to form. When in trouble...organise a photo-op.
Yesterday it was on Aboriginal specific land claims. Nice photo-op and fancy web site...no talk of money involved...so, as aboriginals are wisely saying, let's wait for the details before proclaiming "peace in our time" or "mission accomplished". At least we found out that Harper noticed this element of Stephane Dion's leadership policy on land claims...though he missed the part on comprehensive claims. Oh well...on a day when the debate centres around Atlantic Accords and side deals any other issue is a haven for the weary PM...even in the troubled aboriginal file.
Also could not help noticing this morning that Mr. Ed (the Premier, not the horse) had a rough day in byelections in Fortress Toryland.
It is also good to see that even the John Ivison's of the world are recognising the true "Get Even" Stephen. Of course, Ivison has the typical smugness of a lazy central Canadian Scot journalist (he accepts the federal "case" without question) buried in his article. Just what the hell would be wrong with Nova Scotians having a net worth slightly more than Ontarians? It will take many years at that rate before the historical inequities are balanced out. And, by the way, Ontarians do not complain about being the glue that binds this nation together! That is left to politicians, journalists and economists. Come to think of it "Deceivin' Stephen IS an economist.
Meanwhile, it would be interesting to see what dictionary the economist uses to find the distinction between "negotiation" and "discussion". It is minimal. He will get hoisted on that rhetorical legerdemain shortly no doubt.
Yesterday it was on Aboriginal specific land claims. Nice photo-op and fancy web site...no talk of money involved...so, as aboriginals are wisely saying, let's wait for the details before proclaiming "peace in our time" or "mission accomplished". At least we found out that Harper noticed this element of Stephane Dion's leadership policy on land claims...though he missed the part on comprehensive claims. Oh well...on a day when the debate centres around Atlantic Accords and side deals any other issue is a haven for the weary PM...even in the troubled aboriginal file.
Also could not help noticing this morning that Mr. Ed (the Premier, not the horse) had a rough day in byelections in Fortress Toryland.
It is also good to see that even the John Ivison's of the world are recognising the true "Get Even" Stephen. Of course, Ivison has the typical smugness of a lazy central Canadian Scot journalist (he accepts the federal "case" without question) buried in his article. Just what the hell would be wrong with Nova Scotians having a net worth slightly more than Ontarians? It will take many years at that rate before the historical inequities are balanced out. And, by the way, Ontarians do not complain about being the glue that binds this nation together! That is left to politicians, journalists and economists. Come to think of it "Deceivin' Stephen IS an economist.
Meanwhile, it would be interesting to see what dictionary the economist uses to find the distinction between "negotiation" and "discussion". It is minimal. He will get hoisted on that rhetorical legerdemain shortly no doubt.
Monday, June 11, 2007
"Get Even" Stephen
The mean-spirited Get Even Stephen was back at work today...
PM challenges provinces to court fight
Toronto Star, Canada
OTTAWA — A combative Prime Minister Stephen Harper says he is prepared to go to court to rebut politically damaging allegations that his budget violated ...
PM challenges provinces to court fight
Toronto Star, Canada
OTTAWA — A combative Prime Minister Stephen Harper says he is prepared to go to court to rebut politically damaging allegations that his budget violated ...
Boss Harp returns from ecoFraud World Tour
It seems that the Nova Scotia Premier is not to freaking impressed with either Steve Harper or his Finance Minister. Rod MacDonald is the latest to call for defeat of Flim Flam Flaherty's budget...which continues to make news (all bad) almost three months after its DOA arrival.
Speaking of Flaherty...his new name will be Flip Flop Flim Flam Flaherty...or more simply 5F. The latest 5F flipper move concerns foreign takeovers. It was not so long ago that Dull Knife Emerson was telling the Liberal Party that they should take a valium on the issue when Stephane Dion had the temerity to ask for a simple review of Investment Canada. Why even Boss Harp got into the act on May 28th: Mr. Speaker, as I have said before, there are of course foreign takeovers going on in Canada and likewise growing Canadian investment overseas. That is part of being in a globalized economy. Harper then said, on May 30th, "I don't think players who are involved in takeovers or the subject of takeovers can expect the government to change rules in midstream.''
In spite of that, the Globe reports today...that it is hard to keep a good Dion idea down! Why didn't the mean-spirited Tories just admit that Dion was right and get on with the job? The short answer is...they had to check the polls first no doubt!
Tories eye revamp of takeover rules
Globe and Mail, Canada -3 hours ago
Asked if he believes there's a need to increase protection for Canada in foreign investment screening, Mr. Flaherty said Ottawa must bear in mind that there ...
Speaking of Flaherty...his new name will be Flip Flop Flim Flam Flaherty...or more simply 5F. The latest 5F flipper move concerns foreign takeovers. It was not so long ago that Dull Knife Emerson was telling the Liberal Party that they should take a valium on the issue when Stephane Dion had the temerity to ask for a simple review of Investment Canada. Why even Boss Harp got into the act on May 28th: Mr. Speaker, as I have said before, there are of course foreign takeovers going on in Canada and likewise growing Canadian investment overseas. That is part of being in a globalized economy. Harper then said, on May 30th, "I don't think players who are involved in takeovers or the subject of takeovers can expect the government to change rules in midstream.''
In spite of that, the Globe reports today...that it is hard to keep a good Dion idea down! Why didn't the mean-spirited Tories just admit that Dion was right and get on with the job? The short answer is...they had to check the polls first no doubt!
Tories eye revamp of takeover rules
Globe and Mail, Canada -
Asked if he believes there's a need to increase protection for Canada in foreign investment screening, Mr. Flaherty said Ottawa must bear in mind that there ...
Saturday, June 09, 2007
The Goner O'Connor
As the Aimless Tory Government winds down this leaderless session one question will dominate Boss Harp's return from the world stage (PM's 'laggard' effort on Africa assailed)...How long will Goner O'Connor last at DND? Not long according to the pundits...apparently...
O'Connor going, going ...
Canoe.ca, Canada -3 hours ago
Defence Minister Gordon O'Connor has the telltale symptoms: Low-level rumblings in the department, spreading speculation around Parliament Hill, ...
Rumblings indicate Defence boss could be shuffled out of cabinet
ChronicleHerald.ca, Canada -30 minutes ago
OTTAWA — Defence Minister Gordon O’Connor has the telltale symptoms: the low-level rumblings in the department, the spreading speculation around Parliament ...
Defence minister's got a bad case of Rona Ambrose
CTV.ca, Canada -13 hours ago
OTTAWA -- Defence Minister Gordon O'Connor has the telltale symptoms: the low-level rumblings in the department, the spreading speculation around Parliament ...
End of line for O'Connor
Toronto Star, Canada -6 Jun 2007
OTTAWA–Gordon O'Connor's attempt to blame the military bureaucracy for a mix-up in paying the funeral expenses of fallen soldiers has sparked an "ugly" mood ...
O'Connor unfit for Afghan war job
Vancouver Province (subscription), Canada -3 Jun 2007
Defence Minister Gordon O'Connor should have been fired months ago for misleading the Commons numerous times on the war in Afghanistan. ...
But wait a minute...Steve has a problem...his mean-spirited and childish remark a while back will limit just who he can put into the DND portfolio. On May 31st he asserted: "The Minister of National Defence was a member of the Canadian Forces. He has served this country courageously in uniform for 32 years. And when the leader of the opposition is able to stand in uniform and serve his country, then I'll care about his opinion of the performance of the (minister).''
So who does Boss Harp have in his Caucus with 32 years of military service (other than his own obvious predilection for playing with toy soldiers)? How about Myron? He has the added bonus of having served in the US military! Perhaps Boss Harp would prefer a little outreach effort to ethnic communities and, if so, the truly dynamic Wajid Khan has a military background. Or maybe the Big Guy would like to try a hand at building his fortunes in Quebec (June 24th is fast approaching) by appointing a Separatist to his Cabinet...in which case Serge Menard would do the trick!
And, of course, there is Laurie Hawn...but, YIKES! Even he's two years short of the magic 32 years of service.
O'Connor going, going ...
Canoe.ca, Canada -
Defence Minister Gordon O'Connor has the telltale symptoms: Low-level rumblings in the department, spreading speculation around Parliament Hill, ...
Rumblings indicate Defence boss could be shuffled out of cabinet
ChronicleHerald.ca, Canada -
OTTAWA — Defence Minister Gordon O’Connor has the telltale symptoms: the low-level rumblings in the department, the spreading speculation around Parliament ...
Defence minister's got a bad case of Rona Ambrose
CTV.ca, Canada -
OTTAWA -- Defence Minister Gordon O'Connor has the telltale symptoms: the low-level rumblings in the department, the spreading speculation around Parliament ...
End of line for O'Connor
Toronto Star, Canada -
OTTAWA–Gordon O'Connor's attempt to blame the military bureaucracy for a mix-up in paying the funeral expenses of fallen soldiers has sparked an "ugly" mood ...
O'Connor unfit for Afghan war job
Vancouver Province (subscription), Canada -
Defence Minister Gordon O'Connor should have been fired months ago for misleading the Commons numerous times on the war in Afghanistan. ...
But wait a minute...Steve has a problem...his mean-spirited and childish remark a while back will limit just who he can put into the DND portfolio. On May 31st he asserted: "The Minister of National Defence was a member of the Canadian Forces. He has served this country courageously in uniform for 32 years. And when the leader of the opposition is able to stand in uniform and serve his country, then I'll care about his opinion of the performance of the (minister).''
So who does Boss Harp have in his Caucus with 32 years of military service (other than his own obvious predilection for playing with toy soldiers)? How about Myron? He has the added bonus of having served in the US military! Perhaps Boss Harp would prefer a little outreach effort to ethnic communities and, if so, the truly dynamic Wajid Khan has a military background. Or maybe the Big Guy would like to try a hand at building his fortunes in Quebec (June 24th is fast approaching) by appointing a Separatist to his Cabinet...in which case Serge Menard would do the trick!
And, of course, there is Laurie Hawn...but, YIKES! Even he's two years short of the magic 32 years of service.
Friday, June 08, 2007
Accolades fro Poilievre
China has erected a thirty foot statue to honour the deeds and accomplishments of Pierre Poilievre, the MP for Ottawa-Nepean and the Parliamentary Secretary to the President of the Treasury Board. It is a fitting monument to one of the biggest in the world.
This says it all...G8
Leaders fail the planet
Ottawa Citizen (subscription), Canada -4 hours ago
The failure of world leaders in Germany this week to do anything other than pay lip service to the climate crisis was predictable, but sad. ...
Ottawa Citizen (subscription), Canada -
The failure of world leaders in Germany this week to do anything other than pay lip service to the climate crisis was predictable, but sad. ...
Thursday, June 07, 2007
Tories grasp at straws
You have reports of more abuse in Afghanistan...you have a PM making Canada into a laughing stock on the world stage...you have Tories playing games because one of them saw through the sham of Flim Flam Flaherty's budget...you have a Defence Minister who is not allowed to speak, unless he is blaming the Chief of Defence Staff for his latest goof...you have students getting shafted by a Tory summer employment program gone bad...you have a Minister double dipping for his friends on contracts...you have a government that buys tanks that double in price and other equipment that won't even be delivered until after the mandate is supposed to end...and what do you focus on?
You let the mean-spirited and churlish Pierre Boilover (or whatever the little snake's name might be) puff up his pretty little chest in righteous indignation, flip his fancy-pants hair back, and try to revive matters dealt with years ago...about a program that was stopped years ago (until the Tories re-started it under and "odour of Oda")...what a phenomenal admission of absolute desperation on the part of Canada's Tired Government!
You let the mean-spirited and churlish Pierre Boilover (or whatever the little snake's name might be) puff up his pretty little chest in righteous indignation, flip his fancy-pants hair back, and try to revive matters dealt with years ago...about a program that was stopped years ago (until the Tories re-started it under and "odour of Oda")...what a phenomenal admission of absolute desperation on the part of Canada's Tired Government!
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
Stockwell Day's summer vacation plans...
Good to see that Stockboy won't have a problems deciding what to do with his summer vacation. He'll be visiting a museum...
Creationism museum opens
Creationism museum opens
When the Harp's away
Steve Harper is running his ecoFraud across Europe...even though very respectable researchers, like Deutsche Bank, and journalists around the world have figured him out.
But...while the Harp is away...his little mice continue to play back home...
Tory MP kicked out of caucus over budget vote
Globe and Mail
OTTAWA -- A Nova Scotia MP has been booted from the Conservative caucus after voting against budget legislation that he says will cost his province as much as a billion dollars.
Ottawa's decision to deny her entry brings Winnie Mandela to tears
Globe and Mail
TORONTO -- Winnie Madikizela-Mandela learned she had been denied entry to Canada just hours before she was to be driven to Johannesburg's OR Tambo International airport to fly to Toronto to give a speech at a fundraising event last night.
Government admits that no-fly list could be misused
Globe and Mail
Ottawa -- Federal air safety officials said yesterday they have no way of keeping a new Canadian no-fly list out of the hands of a foreign government that might misuse it.
And the kicker of the day, which is totally in keeping with Boss Harp's view of the media...and totally in keeping with the RCMP shackling of a lowly bureaucrat a few weeks back...
Permission to shield sources challenged
Toronto Star
The Crown has launched a long-awaited attack on a landmark court ruling recognizing a journalist's right to protect a confidential source, calling the decision a serious threat to Canadian police investigations.
Ooops...almost missed this one...
Dion Attack Ad Hurts Harper More in Canada
Angus Reid Global Monitor, Canada
(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - A television spot authorized by the Conservative party which questions Liberal leader Stéphane Dion has affected the views of ...
But...while the Harp is away...his little mice continue to play back home...
Tory MP kicked out of caucus over budget vote
Globe and Mail
OTTAWA -- A Nova Scotia MP has been booted from the Conservative caucus after voting against budget legislation that he says will cost his province as much as a billion dollars.
Ottawa's decision to deny her entry brings Winnie Mandela to tears
Globe and Mail
TORONTO -- Winnie Madikizela-Mandela learned she had been denied entry to Canada just hours before she was to be driven to Johannesburg's OR Tambo International airport to fly to Toronto to give a speech at a fundraising event last night.
Government admits that no-fly list could be misused
Globe and Mail
Ottawa -- Federal air safety officials said yesterday they have no way of keeping a new Canadian no-fly list out of the hands of a foreign government that might misuse it.
And the kicker of the day, which is totally in keeping with Boss Harp's view of the media...and totally in keeping with the RCMP shackling of a lowly bureaucrat a few weeks back...
Permission to shield sources challenged
Toronto Star
The Crown has launched a long-awaited attack on a landmark court ruling recognizing a journalist's right to protect a confidential source, calling the decision a serious threat to Canadian police investigations.
Ooops...almost missed this one...
Dion Attack Ad Hurts Harper More in Canada
Angus Reid Global Monitor, Canada
(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - A television spot authorized by the Conservative party which questions Liberal leader Stéphane Dion has affected the views of ...
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
Harp on world stage
Boss Harp continues his world stage tour...today in France to meet new President Sarkozy. He was quite a hit yesterday in Germany where German leader Angela Mekel scolded him. Harper stuck to his Kyoto a no-go approach and tossed out his idea of an‘intensity-based’ approach to climate change. This led environmentalists to pan the pitch immediately.
Meanwhile, rock star Bob Geldof entered the fray and attacked the Harp government for its obstructionist refusal to put "its money where its mouth is" on African aid. A charge that Harper rejected...in fact, he inexplicably actually noted that the commitment had been made in 2005 . That would be a Liberal program...Yikes! He must have been jet-lagged.
It is also a bit of a mystery why the Harp government, both on the road and in the House yesterday, continues to talk as if China is not part of the Kyoto framework. Actually, unlike the US, China did sign the Protocol. Its signature was contingent upon China being a part of the post-2012 elements...and it has now announced that it will be proceeding to fulfill its commitments.
Back in Ottawa we have word this morning that Tory MP Bill Casey will be voting against the budget unless Flim Flam Flaherty reverses the offshore accord provisions.
On another matter, it is also possible that the Omar Khadr case could influence debate on new Tory anti-terrorism legislation that Stockboy Day is planning to introduce. The dinosaur-loving Security Minister wants to reinstate preventative arrest measures that Parliament sunsetted earlier this year.
Meanwhile, rock star Bob Geldof entered the fray and attacked the Harp government for its obstructionist refusal to put "its money where its mouth is" on African aid. A charge that Harper rejected...in fact, he inexplicably actually noted that the commitment had been made in 2005 . That would be a Liberal program...Yikes! He must have been jet-lagged.
It is also a bit of a mystery why the Harp government, both on the road and in the House yesterday, continues to talk as if China is not part of the Kyoto framework. Actually, unlike the US, China did sign the Protocol. Its signature was contingent upon China being a part of the post-2012 elements...and it has now announced that it will be proceeding to fulfill its commitments.
Back in Ottawa we have word this morning that Tory MP Bill Casey will be voting against the budget unless Flim Flam Flaherty reverses the offshore accord provisions.
On another matter, it is also possible that the Omar Khadr case could influence debate on new Tory anti-terrorism legislation that Stockboy Day is planning to introduce. The dinosaur-loving Security Minister wants to reinstate preventative arrest measures that Parliament sunsetted earlier this year.
Monday, June 04, 2007
Harper ecoFraud hits the road
Boss Harp is in Europe this week. This story (below) is running on the Mop & Pail web site right now. It is a nice piece of fiction that Harp is spinning. There is NO Tory legislation on climate change. Period. Bill C-30 has not been brought back to the Commons by the Tory prevaricators.
Harper offers Canada's law as greenhouse template
Globe and Mail -3 hours ago
BERLIN - Prime Minister Stephen Harper says that Kyoto holdouts such as the United States and China should consider using Canada's new environmental legislation as a template in reducing their own greenhouse gas pollution.
I guess we should not expect the student of Lyin' Brian to tell the truth even when he is on the road.
Harper offers Canada's law as greenhouse template
Globe and Mail -
BERLIN - Prime Minister Stephen Harper says that Kyoto holdouts such as the United States and China should consider using Canada's new environmental legislation as a template in reducing their own greenhouse gas pollution.
I guess we should not expect the student of Lyin' Brian to tell the truth even when he is on the road.
Sunday, June 03, 2007
Howard and Harper...again
Soul mates Boss Harp and Australian PM John Howard continue to live in parallel worlds. They truly must compare notes daily.
We see now that Howard has had his "awakening"...just like Harp in recent months. It appears to be a lot like Harp's revival on the climate change if the headlines are any indication: 'Howard doesn't understand climate change'. That is probably because at the same time he professes to be heading down the environmental road to Damascus, Howard sends out his attack poodle Environment Minister Malcolm Turnbull to charge Labor's green 'fanatics' in denial, says Turnbull. Sounds familiar...right Johnboy?
As the pressure mounts (and polls tumble) for Howard, he steals pages from Steve Harper's rightist playbook in order to generate photo-ops and clips that are cheap shots but will play to his base...attacking those infected with HIV one minute and creating "security-related" photo-ops in another.
We see now that Howard has had his "awakening"...just like Harp in recent months. It appears to be a lot like Harp's revival on the climate change if the headlines are any indication: 'Howard doesn't understand climate change'. That is probably because at the same time he professes to be heading down the environmental road to Damascus, Howard sends out his attack poodle Environment Minister Malcolm Turnbull to charge Labor's green 'fanatics' in denial, says Turnbull. Sounds familiar...right Johnboy?
As the pressure mounts (and polls tumble) for Howard, he steals pages from Steve Harper's rightist playbook in order to generate photo-ops and clips that are cheap shots but will play to his base...attacking those infected with HIV one minute and creating "security-related" photo-ops in another.
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