Blue Like You

Archive for November 30th, 2007

Tonight the local CTV affiliate gave an update on the Kerwin Harrison story. The plight of the poor homeless man whose meager belongings were torched by vandals has certainly moved a lot of people, including myself.

Kerwin didn’t want to use a homeless shelter, because it meant abandoning his two dogs. Thanks to the publicity, a kind animal rescuer who lives on a farm took Kerwin in.

Tonight, an update revealed that Kerwin and his dogs are doing well. He said he has been overwhelmed by the generosity of the local community. His dogs are happy, warm and well-fed as is Kerwin. He is earning his keep by helping out at the farm, but plans to move back to Waterloo Region very soon. Apparently RIM may offer him a part-time job.

Anyway, I thought I would share this good news with all of you who were touched by the original story.

As one of my readers pointed out yesterday, the silver lining in the whole circus going on in Ottawa was that it stole the spotlight from McGuinty’s Throne Speech. Heh.

Too bad in one way. This was David Onley’s debut for the occasion as lieutenant-governor. I have nothing but great respect and admiration for the man.

However, the throne speech is another matter. McGuinty’s government could promise the moon, and I think many Ontarians (that didn’t vote Liberal) would be highly skeptical.

Some things I would prefer that he didn’t enact, such as the province-wide pesticide ban, but on the other hand at least there would be some continuity. Property rights would once again take a hit though. Oh wait, there aren’t any property rights in Canada…. Pierre left that one out of his beloved Charter.

Anyway, back to the throne speech. The Post doesn’t seem very impressed with the government’s plans to fight poverty - McGuinty’s phony war. As expected, the Star is gushing with praise.

The Sun thinks McGuinty has missed the important targets, while the Globe calls it ’short on specifics’.

Well, I don’t believe throne speeches in general are meant to be anything other than a hint of where the government’s priorities are. For the McGuinty Liberals that is obviously to stay in power. No threat there due to the Ontario voters’ decision to reward him for all the broken promises with another majority.

All in all, I think Christina Blizzard’s column is my favourite review - Ontario Neverland throne speech. At one point she mocks McGuinty’s Nanny-state penchant for bans:

In one of those curious, off-the-wall nanny state-type bans, the Libs are poised to ban trans fat from school cafeterias. Kind of reminds you of the attempted ban on sushi and the pitbull prohibition.

Tuck into those fries while you can, kids. The long arm of the broccoli cops will grab them some time soon.

If only Dalton would ban himself.

Perhaps he’ll do Ontario a favour and throw his hat into the next LPC leadership race.