Blue Like You

Archive for September 27th, 2008

The federal Conservative party has often been criticized for lacking ‘bench-strength’ - a label which I feel is unjustified. There are many very competent Ministers in Government, such as Jim Prentice, Chuck Strahl, Jim Flaherty and Peter Mackay, just to name a few. Monte Solberg is also a great guy and I’m sorry that he’s not running again.

By far, one of my favourite Ministers is Stockwell Day and I had the honour of meeting him this morning. While I was watching him speak at a Conservative rally in Waterloo, I was thinking that here is a man who could very well take over Stephen Harper’s job someday. Of course, a leadership race in the Conservative Party is way off in the future, and I am SO glad to have Stephen Harper as our Prime Minister. He is a brilliant, decent, compassionate man and as well as being a strong leader. But if Mr. Harper ever decided that he wanted a new challenge someday, I am sure that Stockwell Day could fill his shoes.

Minister Day started off his address by thanking Kitchener-Waterloo candidate Peter Braid (who had introduced him) for the rainy weather, because it reminded him of BC weather. This drew chuckles all around.

He talked about a rising momentum in the Party, and the ‘look of wonder’ on the faces of some in MSM as they watch what’s going on. Stockwell said it really shouldn’t be all that surprising, because we have a great leader.  Or as he quoted Don Cherry, "It’s not rocket surgery" .  (More laughter)

I actually took copious notes, most of which I can’t even read…   I’ll just give a brief listing here of some highlights I noted:

- Many traditionally NDP or Liberal voters often continue to vote that way ‘because their parents did’, but we are facing challenging times. This reminded me of a previous post I did on Voting by Rote. Canadians really need to take the time to assess the leaders, the issues and the current economic situation.

- Canada is now being noticed on the world stage as a country of stability and strength.

- Families: "We believe in families being able to make decisions". How novel. Definitely not the ‘popcorn and beer’ philosophy there!

- Crime and Justice: Serious crime should mean serious time. The tough on crime proposals are targeting serious, violent repeat offenders. Minister Day said that it’s time to start focusing on the rights of people who keep the law. He said if you want to talk about a ’shift’ let’s shift our attention to the needs of the victim. He also said regarding the failed gun registry and talk about gun bans that the Liberals and NDP want to go after the duck hunters, whereas the Conservatives want to go after the criminals.

Well, this is getting long and I may tack on a few more thoughts later. I just want to close by saying that I thoroughly enjoyed meeting Peter Braid (K-W), Stephen Woodworth (Kitchener-Centre), and seeing my ‘adopted’ MP Harold Albrecht (Kitchener-Conestoga) again, who is such a nice guy and so easy to talk too. I just think the world of him.

Stephen Woodworth could end up being a serious challenge for Karen Redman, as will Peter Braid for the Incumbent Andrew Telegdi. (BTW, I enjoyed Woodworth’s closing comments when he thanked Stockwell Day for coming, and referred to his energy, humour, and that a man who has 12 grandchildren could look so young! And indeed he does.)

And if that ‘bench strength’ issue is still a concern for some Canadians, the answer is easy. Elect more Conservative MPs - especially in the major cities.

In addition, I think there are several very talented and hardworking Conservative back-benchers that deserve some extra recognition and possibly a promotion. Harold Albrecht is certainly one of them.

And again, Minister Day, it was a pleasure.

(Stockwell Day on left with Harold Albrecht and PC MPP Elizabeth Witmer)

This story by Randell Denley really touched me - Harper stands by his man McGarry in tough times. (Citizen) - H/T National Newswatch.

Conservative Candidate Brian McGarry offered to step aside in the election race, since his wife has a serious illness and he would not be able to give the campaign sufficient attention.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper wouldn’t hear of it, and told McGarry to just do what he could:

“‘This is what is want you to do. I want you to stick with it, do as much campaigning as you can, but if you can’t do any, don’t worry about it.’

“I left that room — I don’t usually admit to being a softie, but I had tears in my eyes,” McGarry said. “I thought, the guy is hanging in with me. I left there with a weight off my shoulders. I really appreciated his answer.

Mrs. Harper has stepped in to help by having their daughter over to 24 Sussex.

This quiet demonstration of compassion is so inspiring.

I wish the McGarry family all the best and pray for Mrs. McGarry’s recovery.

And perhaps the vandals in Ottawa Centre could look for something more constructive to occupy their time.