No, it is not a typo. It is probably the best way to describe Canada's version of our top politician's speech on TV, compared to how it's done south of the border.
U.S. President George W. Bush would speak for at least twenty minutes, look straight into the camera and discuss matters of state. Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin, on the other hand, spoke for only a few minutes to the nation, looked like he was going to cry, and talked about what amounted to his political future. He did, however, set a time frame, saying he would call an election within thirty days after the results of the Gomery Inquiry are in around December of this year.
The Conservatives are riding higher in the polls than the Liberals and look like they have a better chance than ever of winning, at least a minority. The polls, however, tell us that a healthy majority of Canadians want to wait until the results of the Gomery Inquiry are in, which is exactly what Martin promised.
The math is not good for Martin right now. He just crawled into bed with New Democratic Party commissar Jack Layton and agreed not to give corporations a tax break, and will instead spend the money on many environmental and social programs. This still leaves the Liberal/socialist horde a few votes short. The three independent members will be courted so much they could hold out for cabinet seats.
This union gave Harper the excuse he needed, and with socialist Bloc Quebecois leader Gilles Duceppe at his side Harper said he would bring down this government as soon as he can. Both have their excuses co-ordinated, "The government has lost the moral right to govern," whatever that means. Duceppe smells a clean sweep victory across Quebec, possibly even a decisive referendum victory.
Now let's say the vote is on in time for summer. Quebec is going entirely to the Bloc (Martin should find a riding in Windsor, where he was born, and get out of Quebec), the Prairies and British Columbia to the Conservatives, the Atlantic Provinces - who cares? - which leaves Ontario, upon which all future of Canada rests.
Yet, Ontario is unhappy. After many decades the fact that Ontario is paying Ottawa more than it is getting back is chafing, and Ontario wants the money it has been lavishing on the teachers and other goodies back from uncle Paul. And just now, when Martin needs Ontario most.
But why is Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty acting like this? Wait, look, right beside Dalton's left ear is Warren Kinsella, former Prime Minister Jean Chretien's attack pit bull, telling him that if they get rid of Martin, Dalton could become prime minister. Oh what tangled webs we weave ....
Anyway, why are the Conservatives so indignant? It was but 12 or so years ago that they were reduced to two seats, for corruption, and where - in Quebec. So the game goes on, with a revolving door, with really nothing changing until somebody stands up, and promises to do major surgery on a corrupt system.
Meanwhile, we have members of parliament who have been helping the Estonian cause and they are:
*Peter Van Loan (Estonian, Conservative, York-Simcoe-Jõekääru) 1-877-738-3748
*The Hon. Sarmite Bulte (Latvian, Liberal, Parkdale-High Park) 416-952-0823
*Borys Wrzesnewskyj ( Ukranian/Polish, Liberal, Etobicoke-Centre ) 416-249-7322
Canada's State of the Onion speech
Archived Articles | 29 Apr 2005 | Adu RaudkiviEWR
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