Here's to backbone

About 20 minutes ago the Ontario Liberal government introduced the 3rd reading of the OMERS reform bill. Ontario's CUPE leadership has now declared that as of 12:01 tomorrow morning, they will be on strike.

A big salute to those locals, such as the Ottawa area membership who have resisted Sid Ryan's illegal directives and have declared themselves to not go on strike in unison.

Another salute to Hamilton's city officals for negotiating a means by which to make any strike action as minimally disruptive as possible! Here is to foresight.

More that is right in the world

I think that on behalf of the entire Canadian sporting public and those who still hold a little of the ideals of the Olympic Games, it is beyond necessary to give a warm thank you for the sportsmanship and compassion offered by the Norwegians and specifically one of their x-country sprint ski coaches. His willingness to offer a replacement ski pole in mid-race to a Canadian skier exemplifies what the Games are about, particularly since one of the results was that Norway finished one place out of the medals! Thanks!

What is good for the goose....

So the Buzz Hargrove incident has now flown all over the media. In today's papers he is noted to state his disbelief that they would throw out someone who had been a member for 41 years that easily.

Buzz...grow up. The NDP is a voluntary organization who can pick and choose who its members are. They have no official responsibility to keep members who their leadership feel are not faithful members. At least you, Buzz, have the option of not giving the party your money or support. What would have happened if a CAW member was in the same situation and came out on the national stage and expressed reservations or comments that were counter to the Auto Workers organization? They would most likely be disciplined heavily with the larger the and more public the comments, the more harsh the punishment.

Buzz, you chose to join the NDP. If you feel so strongly about the Liberals, be a man and join them officially. Your own membership did not have a choice to join the CAW if they wanted a job in your industry. However, you do not allow them to freely and publicly express their dismay, if they wish, in a very public forum without repercussions, either formally or informally via moral suasion.

Take the lead from a very democratic institution and don't expect blind allegiance and loyalty.

There is something right in the world

Despite the incongruencies and lapses of fortitude that have plagued the new Harper regime in Ottawa there have been at least a couple of bright lights in Canadian politics in the last few days.

First, and coming out of the Tories themselves, is Garth Turner's display of gonads...thank you Garth for sticking to your guns, saying what you think, what you believe and what you told others you believe. There will be a Cabinet post for in the future. It may be in the the Great House of Commons in the Sky, but that is a great gain in exchange for the likely office space deep below Parliament Hill. Start a fringe renegade party and you have my support! That support goes even further on the strength of Garth's comments on the evening of February 9th. Much respect due Garth! Incidentally, it is intersting to see politican weblogs used by the press as a source of quotations in their reporting.

The second is the smarts of the NDP Executive for giving the big boot to celebrity Liberal endorser Buzz Hargrove as a result of is actions in support of Paul Martin's dismal campaign. The Dippers would have shown even greater guts by having revoked his party membership right after appearing on-stage with Paul back in December. The question that remains (at least in this neck of the woods) is, has Sheila Copps given up her Liberal party membership yet? If not, how long will it be before Paul's henchmen do the same to Ms. Copps for her work with the NDP and the Tories against Valeri in Hamilton East-Stoney Creek?

Say What?!??!?!?

Over time a few comments on the new federal Cabinet.....

But why start with the obvious....let's ask what was Harper thinking when:

He chose Chuck Strahl as Minister of Agriculture and Minister of the Wheat Board....were the Tories shut out of Alberta, Saskatchewan andManitoba? Not at last check! And let'ssee what is his background and portfolio history....Industry, Indian Affairs, Northern Development, Heritage, Natural Resources. WHY?!?!? WHY?!?! It's like giving say Rona Ambrose responsibility for Fisheries and Oceans!

Chuck's riding is Chilliwack-Fraser Canyon. It encompasses Native reserve territory, and derives significant income from manufacturing. Would Indian Affairs and Northern Development have been a little more logical? Heck, his riding borders West Van. Is that not close enought for the folks in Vancouver to count as their own representation in Cabinet? I would think that would be a whole lot more convincing and acceptable than taking a Liberal floor-crosser like Emerson.

Timeto step down for a moment.