Still on a bit of a break here, but I’m throwing out a new thread since comments to the previous post are getting rather numerous, causing things to slow down when loading.
Anyway, I’m taking the suggestion of several readers and trying to focus on our renewed Conservative government now, rather than the pitiful backstabbing shenanigans of the ‘awfficial’ opposition.
So here is the challenge: If you were our brilliant Prime Minister, who would you put in charge of the various portfolios? Please bear in mind that today (only) Don Martin is right – we do need more women in Cabinet and there is a wealth of talent and possibility there. (Martin’s comments about Helena Guergis notwithstanding – what the heck did she ever do to him?)
Conservative Reporter has a great post up showing the new faces so we can become familiar with them. As Don Martin notes, some of them may receive serious consideration for a Cabinet post or at least some kind of promotion because of their ability to advocate for a previously unrepresented area.
In any case, I think we can safely start the conversation with Jim Flaherty being retained as Minister of Finance.
I’ll leave the rest to you.
Thursday Update: Harper poised to make major cabinet shakeup -Ottawa Citizen.
This post has been picked up by Jack’s Newswatch – Daily Blogger.
* * * *
Update: Via a loyal reader – Totally different topic: Warren Kinsella muses about CTV and the Liberal conspiracy theory.
So let me get this straight, Warren. You methodically lay out the reasons why Blogging Tories are justified in suspecting that there is a lot of underlying pro-Liberal bias in the CTV hierarchy, and then go on to tell us that we’re crazy, fringe, marginal Conservatives because we dare to express those concerns?
Thursday Update: H/T to SDA for this one: Richard Evans expresses my thoughts about Kinsella’s post in a very pithy manner:
…And so on, and so on. Get the picture? CTV makes mistakes, like any big organization does. But to attack them all the time – like marginal Conservatives do – is dumb.
Right. Loosely translated: "Canada’s biggest national TV network is still on our (the Liberal) side. The Duffy thing was just a mistake. Now STFU before your whining makes things worse!"
IRONY ALERT!!!
Does anyone else find it amusing that Kinsella derides conservatives for complaining about the liberal media bias while confirming said liberal media bias?
I sure do.
I’d like to see Vic Toews back in the Justice portfolio. He was a great Justice minister for Gary Fillman in Manitoba and I don’t think he was given a fair enough judgement nationally for PMSH. He is a great speaker and has a solid background in Justice matters.
Diane Ablonczy from Alberta for just about anything. She is wait overdo for further recognition and it would be good to see a Reformer in a high Cabinet position.
I guess Peter Kent will have to represent Toronto, but he would be a great Foreign Minister. Maybe Trade?
Yes, Peter Kent in cabinet for sure. He’s good on his feet and he knows all their is to know about the media and was great at that in his former job.
I think Peter McKay will stay in his spot along with Baird and Flaherty.
I’d sure like to see the First Nation’s member get a caucus seat and the member from Sask, and PEI too.
Lisa R. from Halton would be a huge asset to the front bench, but just where I’m not sure.
I’m pretty sure Gerry Ritz is going to be replaced.
PMSH likes to keep his cabinets “small” (by Liberal standards) so look for less than 30. If you go region by region and 1 from the Territories (northern initiative) there should be about 5 each. This really restricts the female / male ratio, the overloading of Alberta or BC members and the incumbents who were all returned except Fortier. He may increase the “junior portfolios and aides to ministers as a training ground. I suspect Harper will have many sleepless nights in the next week.
Thank you Joanne
Yes I am sure Peter Kent will be put into cabinet. I do not think though that he will get a big portfolio (maybe later). Jim Prentice could very well replace David Emmerson.
Making up the Cabinet is nice. Making up the Committees would be more practicable. There are 26 standing committees, which may be found here:
http://www2.parl.gc.ca/CommitteeBusiness/CommitteeList.aspx?Language=E&Mode=1&Parl=39&Ses=2
Remember: it’s the committees where members get to make significant input to legislation before the House.
Diane Ablonczy for sure would be good in any cabinet post. She is smart,articulate and cool headed. Jason Kenney also deserves a promotion. Maxime Bernier, I think maybe deserves to sit this one out but in the future he can be put back in Industry. He was good in that portfolio.
James Moore should have more of a high profile cabinet post. He is young, smart, bilingual, and very articulate.
Maybe he should be getting groomed to take on the leadership one day well into the future when PMSH decides to retire.
I don’t have any particular suggestions about individuals, since I don’t really know the newcomers, except for Peter Kent. I just hope that the PM will draw on the candidates’ relevant experience, i.e. what previous work they’ve done that will help them with their portfolio. I don’t think this is the time for prospective ministers to be learning on the job.
I realize things like gender, region, ethnic origin and so on are considerations – I just wish they weren’t. Put the best person in to do the job.
Oh yes, and about the environment, whoever is the minister should stop singing the song about “13 years and the Liberals didn’t get it done” and start emphasizing what this government HAS done so far and what else it intends to do. There are far too many people accusing the Conservatives (wrongfully, IMO) of not having a plan, and it’s about time Canadians were told some facts.
Diane Ablonczy needs a post this time. Period. And give James Moore a more prominent portfolio. Also put Ritz back AND Bernier back in cabinet. They won overwhelmingly in their ridings; stick it back to their detractors.
That Stay Stephane petition at SDA is seriously funny. If you need a good laugh, check it out!
Bring Bernier back (to a low level job, Quebce would like that).
Make Kent Foreign Minister, and Jim Prentice Deputy PM and give Ablonczy a big portfolio, maybe health?
With these high profile ministers, Harper will show those liberals what a “team” really looks like!
Warren never left the dark side, Joanne. Never trust snakes. He’s looking to get back in and make himself a hero (or reho in Dionia).
I have thought right from the beginning that Peter Kent should be foreign affairs minister. We need someone who wont be intimidated by Bob Rae and MSM.
It might help their standing to at least make parliamentary secretaries out of those who unseated Lib lifers such as Karen Redmond.
Diane should take on the Immigration portfolio. She did quite a bit of work with it while the party was in opposition. Findlay has had a rough go of it but I must say she is improving and she was able to get the new legislation passed. I am sure there is something else she can do.
Prentice will probaly get Foreign Affairs and MacKay will stay in defence. He has done a good job there.
We already know that Flaherty is staying in Finance so there will be no surprises there.
I agree that Baird needs to be removed from the environment. I am sick to death of his talking points about the Liberals. Talk about our plan and convince Canadians we are committed to the 20/20 plan and ensure steps are taken to meet it.
I heard that David Emerson may be appointed Ambassador to Washington. That would be great and the government will not lose his considerable talents. Unfortunately he got such a rough ride when he switched party’s he is probably turned off politics.
My serious prediction (for what it is worth) is that Diane Ablonzy, will take Fortiers place.
Despite criticism, Baird was the guy for environment at THAT time because he had the shoulders and sense of humour to take the kicks in the unmentioneds. I suspect enviroment is going to someone with a TON of HoC experience that can be taken seriously and will not get bullied. I see a woman…maybe Diane there too.. oh my this is tougher than I thought HA (ps LISA from Halton will be in for kicking Garth’s butt)
Reading the comments over at Warrens made me laugh – especially this one.
“On the other hand, watching Julie Van Dusen’s coverage of the federal election on Newsworld, it was clear that she would rather drink molten lead than say anything nice about Liberals and the Liberal Party at any time.”
I was expecting to see Conservatives and the Conservative Party at the end of that statement – I just about spewed my hot Chai latte (yes, today I am a latte sipper) when I read it. Yikes!!
Some great ideas, guys. I particularly like Ablonczy at Public Works, and Emerson as ambassador. There’s a rumour that Prentice will get Foreign Affairs, which would give him good international exposure.
When I think of all the talent in the supposedly weak Conservative caucus, I really have to laugh. The Liberal front bench is so full of overwhelming ability that they are seriously pushing for a guy who has been out of elected politics for 11 years to come and rescue them.
It is nice to see so many talented and good looking women elected as MPs, and all have decent hairdos.
Next I would like to see a post of all our minority MPs to counter the spin that we are bigoted etc.
As for cabinet posts, Peter Kent for sure, wonder what he would do to the CBC if he was given the chance. Warren needs hearing aids and glasses if he thinks JVD was anti-liberal.
Give Bernier a position in charge of Quebec, a go to person. Diane needs a high post. Anyone knocking off an entrenched liberal needs a position of some kind to let the voters know they did the right thing.
How about Ritz in charge of NFLD.
Toew in Justice with Mrs Cadman as something there.
And just maybe PMSH will increase Cabinet to take advantage of his newly elected TEAM.
Is Iggy still deputy leader or will Dion change his front bench.
With all the push for McKenna does that mean liberals have changed their stand on abortion. Guess that topic will be off the table next election. And, would you give up a good job, respect, great pay, for a chance to win the leadership next year and at least 3 yrs from getting the prize.
Jason Kenney Heritage
Ablonczy Public Works
Maxime for Industry Ministry
Leona Aglukkaq health
I seriously doubt Mrs. Cadman wants anything high profile. I’m basing that on two observatios:
1. When CPAC went to her riding during the elction she was adamant that she was concerned primarily with her riding …and I found her to be, let’s say not very dynamic.I don’t think she would fir a portfolio position.
2. The whole tape schmozzle.Again, I get the feeling she wants to keep a low profile.
It is so refreshing to see no ‘affirmative action’ comments here!Get the best people suited for the portfolio…forget about the gender!
I really think there was too much fuss about Ablonczy and Kenny WRT the last Cabinet. It seems they were content, and Kenny has proven himself to be a strong ‘right hand man’, not distracted with a heavy portfolio. When the media tried to portray PMSH as a one man show they always neglected the fact that Kenny is one of the many strong voices in the PMO.
Of course the Libs and media wouldn’t let facts get in the way of their rants, eh?
I would really like to see my MP Micheal Chong back in the cabinet.
Alberta girl, thanks for posting the “Warren” hint. Although it is sort of off topic I am always so creeped out by how angry and indulged they all sound. Some of the “Alberta” slurs get me the most I must admit. Thanks
Re Mrs Cadman, no she probably does not want a high profile position, but there must be somewhere in Justice she could do a good job. Justice is why her husband got into politics, and she has the same zeal for that. She has a reason for that.
Don Newman is still missing in action, winning that award must have gone to his head.
Still waiting to find out how many liberal women were elected for the first time, and how many re-elected or defeated.
I’m cutting back but I can’t stop cold turkey
I agree with frmgrl. Give Diane Ablonczy a cabinet post. A really good one. She rocks. I’d like her to get something higher profile than public works. Give Jason Kenny and James Moore promotions; they deserve high profile as well. Keep Jim Prentice in cabinet, He’s indispensible. Whatever your hard one is he can do it. Jim Flaherty, Peter Mackay, Stockwell Day, and Rona Ambrose should definitely stay put; they are doing great and those portfolios really shouldn’t be messed with. John Baird has done pretty well on the environment so I think he should stay there but I agree he should explain more. Keep Helena Guergis too; maybe not a promotion but she shouldn’t be kicked out. I know point people in Quebec are needed but again I agree with frmgrl that Bernier should sit this one out. I don’t believe regionalization of politics should take precedence over talent. There are other Quebec Tories that were elected. Diane Findley does pretty well in her post so if she feels up to it healthwise let her stay in cabinet. Tony Clement should stay too he’s done a good job. I can’t vouch for Lisa R or Peter Kent; I don’t know them. I would be cool if the MP from Egmont got something. I think Gerry Ritz did okay but he’s not as indispensible as the others. Jeeze when I think about it there are so many talented people in the Tory caucus. Just give Diane Ablonczy a good cabinet post or I will scream.
I’ve got it; the perfect post for the MP from Egmont (I’ve forgotten her name unfortunately I didn’t know her from Eve last week). Give the Agriculture portfolio to the Tory from P.E.I. The Islanders will love that.
Looking forward to chiming in here later.
FYI though, Warren K. is on MDL. *Yawn*
CBC pundits speculating that Jim Prentice will be named to Foreign Affairs.
MacKay in Defence, and responsible for NFLD (he was responsible for PEI last time). That way, whenever Williams wants to have a meeting with MacKay, Peter can make him wait by saying, “Sorry old chap, not today, gotta visit the troops, check out new equipment, etc … I’m sure you will agree that the safety and morale of our troops comes before everything else”
Caught Warren on MDL and thought MD looked a bit dewey eyed as in…in awe. Whats up with that?? Seems to me that it will be the same channel….different week. Same complaining..same arguements..same baiting(Warren is serious about that tactic) BORRRING!
Add 2 positions to the Cabinet, 1 Deputy PM and 1 equivalent for Quebec representation.
Just an observation … IMO Diane Ablonczy, Jason Kenny and the late great Monty Solberg were tremendous “political operatives” while in opposition. they relished their rolls as critics and ran the government of the day ragged. But are they “suitable managers” in a cabinet running a department developing policy. David Emerson, I feel, was a great cabinet minister who in reality hated the political spin and didn’t like being in opposition – a does if you like.
Abloncsy and Harper go way back to the founding of Reform so he should be aware of her strengths and how the party / government can best use her talents. Don’t misunderstand, she may be a wonderful cabinet minister but I suspect she would be a better “point person” on a file that is being hammered in the House.
sorry s/b “a doer if you like” for Emerson
There has to be a spot for Lisa Raitt. Wonderful down-to-earth person; she did a great job standing up to Garth’s crap, and laid a pretty good smack-down on him in the end.
Give everyone a chance to make a case for cabinet. The experience of doing so is how they learn to do a better job. The ones that screwed up last time should get another opportunity, and a warning to smarten up.
I didn’t start my job as a genius, I just grew into it from experience.
Oh, and whatever Mr. Harper has against Diane A., he should reconsider for the good of the party.
There has to be a spot for Lisa Raitt.
One point for getting the riding back, and another point for having to put up with the prattling of The Garth.
Deputy PM – Lawrence Cannon
Transport Minster – Lisa Raitt
Immagration – Jason Kenney
Foreign Affairs – Jim Prentice
Industry – Maxime Bernier
International Trade – Bob Dechert
Public Works – Diane Ablonczy
Defence – Peter Mackay
Minister of Public Safety – Stockwell Day
Minster of Finace – Jim Flaherty
Heratage – Josie Verner
Indian Affairs – Chuck Strahl
An even better question is how many and who will Harper poach to fill cabinet positions? Are there even any Emmersons out there?
Could be wrong and often am but I have a very strong feeling that we will see representation from every province for sure but and a BIG BUT, my other serious prediction is that the WEST will be in ( not that we care specifically cause we are not anal) but also bigger representation from ONTARIO than QUEBEC????MAYBE…
Looks like PMSH has a very strong team and a great looking front bench. Now, next project, what should be in the throne speech.
Abolition of gun registry
Ablolition of all HRC, to be reconsidered etc with severe limits on what is and is not a violation of Human Rights.
Anyone complaining to a HRC should be able to prove that said violation is insulting to all canadians equally, not just one person.
We know there will be lots in there re the economy, but it might be time to rethink what is covered for health care. Sex change operations should not be covered, along with many other items.
In an effort to avoid a deficit payment per vote is reduced to .50 cents.
Prisoners will be denied the right to vote. (anyone got stats on how many voted)
And most important, tell the GG to read said speech with dignity, not like last time. When is her term up. Do not reappoint her.
Wonder if the above would pass.
Mary T…
ALL OF THE ABOVE! GIGGLE GIGGLE….
Did you mention the YOA and age of consent…whoa that will cause a stir.
Apparently, there is a strong fear out there of deficit so cut, cut, cut the fluff.
Mary T..yes!!
I know you didn’t mention scrap the CBC because we all have discussed that and then some!
Moebius…unless you have inside info just wondering why you think PMSH has something against Ablonczy. For all we know perhaps she declined a huge portfolio in order to be more effective close to the PMO. Same for Kenny.
Does anyone have the inside story there?
Thank you Joanne
My pleasure, CR. I see that Jack has picked up your post too, and rightly so.
Why don’t we see this type of thing in MSM?
Hah! That’ll be the day.
Bluetech, did you catch the item at NNW re CBC icons in an uproar about a couple of their reporters being let go. Imagine is the whole place was finished.
I think the age of consent passed but perhaps is held up in the Senate. Within a very short time of the new session PMSH has to get his Senate bill passed or stack it with strong conservatives in about the 50 yr age group, so they will be there at least 25 years. As each liberal reaches 75, find another conservative. Let the liberals deal with an opposition Senate in about 20 yrs when they get back to power.
And why is no one mentioning McKennas position on abortion when they are begging him to run for office.
If elected does that mean liberals will have become very anti abortion, maybe even asking M to give back his snowflake.
This next few months will be much fun blogging.
Making up the Committees would be more practicable.
Good point, Phantom Observer. And I understand that the increase in seats should allow the Conservatives more representation in committees.
MaryT @ October 22nd, 2008 at 9:07 pm suggested some items for inclusion in the throne speech.
Here’s a really good idea by a commenter – sorry, I don’t remember whom nor where.
Political parties now receive about $1.93 for each vote cast in their favour. Why not cut that down to $1 per vote because of the economic situation? There have been hints that some programs need trimming – why not this one?
That means that some parties which have problems raising funds from donors – hint, hint – would receive less taxpayer money to maneuver with.
Also, how about MPs, senators and judges, whose salaries are used as a guideline for MPs salaries, taking a cut in salary until the danger of deficits and recession pass? That may help some cynics believe in politicians again, showing they’re willing to tighten THEIR belts if they ask the general population to do so.
Or, introduce a salary scale based on presence in the House or Senate. Why should MPs or senators continue to draw their salaries if they’re never present in the House/senate, like Belinda Stronach or Paul Martin did?
Joanne,
Re: Warren Kinsella
See: “Warren Kinsella lost his marbles”
at: http://bloggingtories.ca/forums/viewtopic.php?p=48118
and:”Toothless tiger roars again.”
http://bloggingtories.ca/forums/viewtopic.php?p=48096
Gabby @ 11:40 – All good suggestions. For sure there should be no more salary increases for the time being!
Fascinating links, Karol. Thanks. I had forgotten about BT forum. Good discussion going on there.
Kinsella has obviously been hired by the LPC to do some PR work or punditry or something. This will be interesting to watch.
It’s really boring when bloggers take time off.
Come back soon, Joanne. We all miss you.
Thanks, Ruth.
I’m working up to it. But you guys are doing such a great job here!
Feel free to leave new post ideas. I usually go with what infuriates or interests me but am always looking for news tidbits I may have missed.
Looks like the Citizen agrees with a lot of our cabinet choices.
Joanne, you have a lot to write about. Dalton your buddy, is back. $500million deficit and they blame Harris for making serious cut-spoken like true socialist and an ass. why hasn’t the MSM show Dalton to the door.
they blame Harris for making serious cut
As long as they do that, we are allowed to remember the ‘Rae Days’ – especially if Boob wins the Liberal Leadership.
Why do the liberal spinners think that getting a new leader will make AB, SASK or BC to flock to them in the next election. A lot will depend on their actions in the HofC in the next few weeks. If they try to bring up smear scandals, stmts from the past 30 yrs, or abstain, a new leader will not help them at all.
Forget anyone from Quebec, or Toronto, sorry it wont sell in the ROC. They want 10,000 delegates to make the decision in May. And why is everyone talking about another election within months. PMSH had a minority for over two years, this time he has a larger minority, so could go four years.
Ujjal, being touted as a popular choice in the west, think again, he barely survived the election but no one mentions that. If we wanted an NDP PM we would vote Layton. How many ndpers are in the liberal caucus, I call it a trojan horse. And, if Ont is so upset with Rae, why did he get elected twice.
If Charest does call a sudden election I hope it backfires big time on him and he gets a smaller minority or goes to the other side. Congrats on being picked up by JNW.
On the Warren thing, read this piece titled “Maybe the CJC thing didn’t pan out” from The Surly Beaver, who apparently knew Kinsella back in the day. That would be the day he tried to parachute into North Vancouver as a Liberal candidate in 1957 against the Reform Party.
Congrats on being picked up by JNW.
Hey, that’s cool! Thanks, Mary T.
Jad, do you have the year wrong, there was no reform in 1957.
Oops – should be 1997.
Regular readers may be interested in a post I just published at Jack’s Newswatch. It’s a bit long but I was just fed up with the 24/7 media attention the Liberals were getting and Warren Kinsella’s reaction to events.
Its here for those who want to rant along with me.
Joanne,
Your blog has become quite popular for political punditry. Congratulations. Your hard work has really paid off nicely. I’d comment more but your readers are already doing a nice job of it. Good to see.
Thanks, Raph! That’s a great compliment coming from you. I’ve always admired your ability to be so objective. It’s a very rare quality in a political blogger.
The sad part here is that I was planning to take a break from blogging, but obviously I’m somewhat addicted.
“I’ve always admired your ability to be so objective”
Joanne – funny that I should just have gotten a taste of Raph’s “objectivity” over my comments about his jumping on the “let’s destroy Sarah Palin” bandwagon.
I guess his calling me an “unrepentant partisan hack” because I dared to challenge the continual degredation of Sarah Palin, the person, by so many in the media, the left and even the right.
Funny though, I spoke from the position of a wife and a mother; not from a political perspective yet his comments to me were hurtful and anything but “objective”.
Just a comment after I saw your comment to him.
AG, I guess I should have used the word ‘non-partisan’, rather than objective. Raph gives it out equally to any party, and doesn’t hold back just because he’s a member of the BT.
I haven’t read that post yet, but I’m surprised (and disappointed) that he would call you a name over a difference in opinion. I’ll have to check it out.
Well in the cold light of day the whole thing is just a frustrating – I have probably only posted a couple dozen comments (it might be more – I really haven’t kept track) at Raph’s ever!. Considering he blogs on alot of issues – his intimation that it was my comments that caused him to shut down his comments for a few weeks is – in my mind – silly. It seems that he doesn’t believe that a women running for V.P could spend $150,000. To me -
a. it is a moot point – because I would bet every candidate and their families spent that much or more yet there has been no microscope on their budgets and
b. the real point is that the clothing is just the last in a long line of microscopic focus on the things that make her look stupid.
perhaps non-partisan is a better word – as an “unrepentent partisan hack” I admit there are lots of things the Tories do that make me cringe – but I also believe in a minority situation; they have to do things differently.
My point with Raph was that he brought the abortion issue into a post about clothing, then challenged me when I mixed social conservatism with fiscal conservatism.
But it is his blog and it is apparent that he doesn’t want to be challenged – or maybe it is that he doesn’t consider my comments “valuable, thoughtful or insightful” enough for him. Anyway, I don’t need to be crapped on for expressing my opinion in a forum that invites comments, so I won’t be doing that anytime soon.
Well I am off to have my coffee!! Thanks for listening Joanne – it is just that my feelings were hit hard by his comments about me, then I read your comment to him and just had to get it off my chest.
Alberta Girl — I just happened to read your comments. I am really surprised Ralphael treated you as you described. But, from what I can gather the point of the original conversation — I agree with you.
The Palin clothing budget is a red herring. The Republican Party invited this woman to run for VP. She is not a rich person. Why on earth does she have to look frumpy? Or, is that what so many want? Another reason to put her down. It’s a no brainer.
Check out how much Hillary Clinton paid for her clothes or Michelle Obama has spent — if the record is available. Oh right, neither is running for VP. Yet, my bet is they both spent just as much.
As you say, it is just another way to minimize her — just as so many are doing regarding whether or not she is an intellectual.
Most guys don’t get it. They have never be minimized over being a wife and mother. Surely, wives and mothers cannot be intellectuals seems to be the message.
Well, I disagree. I have two grad degrees. Do they make me an intellectual? Or, does having a lot of common sense?
Well, I have known many colleagues with three or more degrees that I would never consider an intellectual if having common sense was the chief criterion. LOL
Whatever anyone may say about Sarah Palin, that woman has more balls than most men. And, they minimize her at their peril. Even if McCain doesn’t win, she will be back.
Hang in there AG. And I know Joanne would agree when I say: You are a regular we all respect.
Hey, and I haven’t forgotten that letter to the editor you got printed in the Hill Times. It was appreciated!
BT’s are a community. While we all have our different points of view, we all agree with the main point — we recognize the Harper government’s accomplishments and we want it to continue to succeed even in hard times.
Like Joanne, I really like Ralphael as well, but we are all human and sometimes we don’t realize we are hurting someone. The blogosphere can be a tough place in that regard — one reason COTM is on hiatus.
Hang in there!
Thanks Sandy – when I get comments like Raph made about me last night, it really hits hard. Funny – and I don’t know if he realizes it – but the only derogatory comments he made were directed at myself and Hunter – the only two women who disagreed with him. And both of us were speaking as wives and mothers about the silliness of how the “clothing budget” proves she is not ready for office?
Anyway, I really appreciate you boosting my self-esteem with your comment – I was ready to turn off my computer after his comment to me. I did go back this morning and challenge him on a few things though, so I might be down – but not out! Ha Ha
I sure agree that putting one’s self out there takes nerves of steel – that is why I admire, and appreciate, those who actually do the blogging like yourself and Joanne because their are vicious people in this world.
Take care Sandy and thanks again.
Here’s one I’d add to the mix. Shelly Glover, who just defeated RaySimard here in Winnipeg. She would be pefect as a Parliamentary Secretary for Justice. She’s been a member of the innipeg Police Service for 19 years and got into politics to make changes to victims rights. Whle being too new to plitics, I tink she would be a good fit as the Parliamentary Secretary, or at least on the Justice Commitee.
Wow! Brett, Shelly Glover sounds perfect for a law & order type file. I totally agree with you.
Alberta Girl,
This might be a girl-boy thing. Even my mother expressed annoyance that everybody seems to be ganging up on Palin. And my mother is very liberal. If you look at my thread, I pissed off mostly women:
Alberta Girl, Hunter, Kateland, etc etc
As well, despite my unchanging opinion of Palin, I was tactless in the way I spoke to you. I regret making you feel bad about yourself, and it was a shitty thing to do. I’m sorry. Please feel free to believe whatever you like, and I will try to find a way to disagree with you without the personal attacks.
I’m really saying this because I don’t want to dissuade you from maintaining an interest in politics, nor keep an open mind about those who dissent with you. As I recently read on another blog, the problem is that it’s frustrating sifting through the “sycophants, party messagers and cynical truth-benders” who make it difficult to ascertain an honest and open perspective on the reality of the moment.
…I was tactless in the way I spoke to you. I regret making you feel bad about yourself, and it was a shitty thing to do. I’m sorry. Please feel free to believe whatever you like, and I will try to find a way to disagree with you without the personal attacks.
That was nice, Raph. I hope she reads it.
[...] of his picks mesh with ours from a previous post, but there are a few challenges that we may have [...]
“That was nice, Raph. I hope she reads it.”
I just did – thanks to Joanne for directing me here because I had missed this.
Thank you Raph for your apology and I accept it graciously. As the election – it is now over and seems to obviously be a moot point.