MUMMY DEAREST

Isn't it just like a CON to publically commemorate the issue or group you are at the same time trying to bury?
Well, Harpor showed both faces this week, both burnished with a rosey glow from his make-over consultant (memo to Ms. Muntean, try to get the PM out of the glow box before the full 20 minutes are up, or at least baste him with a little less chicken lard... unless its self-applicating).
One moment, he's snubbing with full-Tory press the celebration of Canada's Charter of Rights. Harpor went to the trouble of making sure no one from his government participated in the celebration. The next, he's bucking up federal funds to help complete Canada's Human Rights Museum.
Well, no one can accuse ol' Dr Jeckyl and Mr Hyde of being inconsistent.
In one swoop, he slurs a treasured item that has opened up a lot of freedoms for those who had been marginalized and excluded from the same rights as 'average' Canadians. Then he makes like Santa Claus, well, if Santa Claus was a self-centred, wholly-consumed absolutist... What's the value of a vote in Winnipeg these days, anyways? He already had the Asper kiddies onboard with a veiled promise to release the hounds on Canadian ownership regulations once he becomes king...
But, back to the Charter.
Former PM Jean Chretien marked the 25th anniversary with some wise words: "It was, in fact, a step to reducing somewhat the powers of the Parliament of Canada and the provinces, to guarantee more rights to the citizens of Canada. And with the diversity that we have in Canada, it's very, very important that fundamental rights be completely protected."

And Harpor, who's wet dream is to eviscerate the federal government's role and ability to participate in passing legislation (well, ones that don't involve sending troops to die overseas, exclude him from jetting him and his staff to foreign lands, and ability to buy votes during the dying days of his mandate), doesn't like the Charter? Heaven forbid that Canadians would have a vehicle inwhich to live and celebrate their freedoms, right Mr Tubby?

Certainly, Harpor would prefer to bury the Charter beneath the museum, in a tomb along with memories of past Liberal administrations that allowed such abominations like equality and accessibility to emerge. I mean really, as a geek in his Toronto suburb, didn't Harpor think that his vengeance on all those tormenters, real and imaginary, wouldn't be shared with the rest of the land?
It's a shame that freedom's such a bitch, eh Harpor?

A MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN...

I wasn't too keen when I first heard the rumours, but when you consider the strategic value of this partnership, it certainly has way-more pluses than negatives. Dion and May have been singing a similar tune for nearly 3 years now, and while EM's fondness for Mulrooney is like me admitting to liking that ol' mullet I use to wear in the early '80s, she has a refreshing candidness to her that makes all those whacky endorsements fade away.
Dion, on the otherhand, has been struggling to get past the environment issue. Many pundits claim that this move will only cement his feet even more to the greenery, I believe it could actually free him up to appeal, well, more polished and statesmanlike. Here's a politician who isn't trying to knee-cap someone who could cost him an election. Instead, he sees some very strong common links that he says Liberals should be aware of. For the loyal Grits in Central Nova who are hurt by the expected endorsement today, I can only say I feel your pain. Our provincial body has thrusted a candidate upon us who knows little of the riding and who apparently is going into this race using it as a training ground for a future run in a 'better riding.'
It stings but, hey, what can you do? I believe 100% that Dion has the best interest of Canada and the Liberal Party at heart. So I'll have to reluctantly disagree with Kermit, at least this once, and say It's easy being Green (if you're in Central Nova)...
Hopefully, we can say 'Welcome to the Cabinet, Lizzie!' following Harpor's next folly.