I’m afraid that this post is going to upset some of my readers but I just have to say it. Helena Guergis needs to take a time-out and get it together.
Yes, I know that the manner in which the Liberal Party received the melt-down information from the PEI airport was questionable at best, but Ms. Guergis has been under a lot of pressure lately and she is not handling it well. As a favour to herself and her party she should gracefully resign from Cabinet and sit as a backbencher for a while.
When any MP and especially a member of the Cabinet becomes a constant messaging headache, it’s time for that politician to realize that being part of a team means making it less about themselves and more about the party and especially about their constituents who got them there in the first place.
And Guergis doesn’t seem to have a lot of friends in the Tory caucus anyway.
A timeout and a healthy dose of humility might be the best thing for her.
I totally agree Joanne, and I mention this in my blog as well!
I agree, but the move is hers to make at this stage and for the sake of all concerned, herself, her party and Prime Minister Harper. It’s hard to understand how she could carry on given the personal problems with her husband’s actions and controversy over his sentencing. Perhaps the airport incident was just one last straw for her to handle.
Carolyn if you want to post a link to your blog here, please feel free. When I clicked on your name it didn’t work. Thanks.
Liz, maybe she’s just waiting for things to calm down a bit and then she’ll tender her resignation. That’s my guess.
I’m feeling she’s pregnant and feeling like crap. Heard her say last year she wanted a family, so maybe. Good as any other rumour.
I disagree that this is an appropriate time to pile on her and I further disagree that Don Martin is a source of balance.
And we wonder why we don’t see more of our PM’s wife and female MP’s in the limelight. Could it be that their every word and behaviour would be put under a microscope? Their clothing (boots anyone??) and hairstyles dissected and analysed?
Nope, I’m not buying into this charade until I hear it from the courageous (sarc) anonymous AC employee and this MP.
I’m tired of this double standard.
Bec, I know. I really feel torn on this one. There does seem to be a double standard. On the other hand she is a bit like (dare I say it?) I-Ruby…
Helena definitely does need at time out. She’s had a lot going on the last little while, it would do a whole lot of good if she just chilled for awhile. Step aside and quietly work on her personal life.
Obviously, she’s too distracted right now to be able to do a good job on the files that need tending to.
I hope she remains strong
the rumors continue
they are just that RUMOURS
fh
They try to knock the women down, look what they did to Rona Ambrose. First it was her hair and then her lousy job. I hope all the women can rise above the MSM.
I think it boils down to one question: does she have control of her own image management?
Based on what we’ve seen so far, I’m afraid the answer is “no.” Even if the rumour about her planning a lawsuit were false, it would have been better for her if she said so herself, in front of a camera, rather than let John Baird say it for her.
We also have to remember that Status of Women is a junior ministry, one that’s not supposed to make a lot of demands on a minister. If Ms. Guergis cannot regain control of her public image, there’s no way she can be entrusted with a bigger ministry.
And about the idea of a “timeout”: if she leaves Cabinet, she’s not coming back, because people will remember that she cannot handle the pressures inherent with a Cabinet position.
Oh, oh! We are miles apart on this issue, Joanne.
First of all, full disclosure: I don’t know Ms. Guergis, I am not of her ethnic origin, I’ve never been a beauty queen, nor do I live or have ever lived anywhere near her riding. All of that to say I have no personal stake on this issue.
My beef is FAIRNESS. I find the efforts to demolish a female politician’s reputation while at the same time tut-tutting that there aren’t enough female politicians in the male-dominated political sphere is the height of hypocrisy.
Who’s been saying that Guergis doesn’t have many friends in the Tory caucus? The same kind of dirtbags and drunks who are now moralizing and lecturing Jaffer & Guergis. Listening to a few of the CBC Friday Power Panels hee-haw sessions clued me in to the fact Don Martin likes to down a few himself. Has he ever let loose a few expletives in a stressful situation? Has he been stopped for drunk driving? We’ll never know, will we, because then right to privacy would be invoked.
The same goes for any journalist that has disparaged Guergis. Does the public get a chance to voice an opinion on their objectionable behaviour, or are they saints who’ve never let fly an F-bomb?
Getting back to Guergis … I watched part of Guergis’s appearance before the SOW committee. She answered questions put to her with no discernible rancour despite the fact she has been and continues to be treated shabbily by MPs like Cruella Neville and others.
She seemed very articulate about her ministry’s work, and has responded appropriately to questions during QP prior to this incident. THAT is what she should be judged on, not her one-time meltdown, nor the possibility of this incident becoming a liability to the party.
I disagreed when Harper “demoted” Ambrose from the Environment portfolio and O’Connor from Defence for the simple reason it was letting the tongue-waggers win, but those are the PM’s decisions to make, not mine.
The jackals in the House and their media pals smell blood, and they’re out for the kill. I hope the PM says “screw you” to them.
I usually try to stay away from the personality of politicians, criticizing the policies they espouse rather than their mannerisms or personality. Perhaps that’s why I feel Guergis is being treated unfairly, and she’s being held responsible not only for her own meltdown but also for her husband’s behaviour.
While I’m far from being a Conservative supporter, I’m glad that some Conservatives can see that she’s become a liability to the PM. I would have more respect for her if she was to step down from Cabinet, re-group, and deal with her issues. She’s my MP in Simcoe-Grey, and she needs to focus more on her riding, and her personal life.
This transgression is hardly in the same category as IRuby though. IRuby, was being accused of using and abusing nannies and the system. Those people CAME FORWARD and put their money where their mouths were.
With Helena, that has NOT OCCURED! She has had to endure this situation with the loudest voice being an opposition MP, his female tag team and an ANONYMOUS AC employee.
In my eyes, that is hardly the same. She is fighting with shadows and that is not fair!
Bec, I meant the I-Ruby reference as being in the category of ‘Drama Queen’. But you make some good points as have others about the anonymity of the AC accusers.
I simply don’t trust anyone in the media, Don Martin included. When they once in a while sway our way it they have ulterior motives.
Having no inside information on whether Helena is liked by other caucus members have to ask why it’s relevant to her problems aside from piling on with more crap.
As for I-Ruby, she’s not hiding, still filling her seat but has lost her roar. It was standard for her stand in QP, and shout in dramatic fashion.
Ladies can have “type A” personalities too. That combined with the pile on! she’s Conservative! is certainly at work here also. We, as a party, as a minority Government do not need a “Drama Queen” I can understand that things have not gone well for the last while, Hubby is still attracting more attention then he deserves. I have felt a little, well more than a little annoyed myself at airports a few times. Giving a whole lot of authority to some airport security people can result in a very snotty attitude. If they are addressing s customer having a bad day results can be spectacular.
But, be all this as it may…. it is a needless distraction from the buisness at hand. Mr Ignatieff after whinin’ like a gut-shot coyote for a couple of months about “Getting back to work” is out listening to Canadians? Phone me Iggy I have a few thoughts that Joanne would not want to post here. He and the Liberals are getting a pass on proroging themselves from the budget debate, where is the outrage? All we are hearing about is Helena, her boots etc. Happy Frickin’ birthday Helena, now give yourself a badly needed time-out.
I want the airport complainants to step up here, and give an interview. Why are they being treated with kid gloves?
They were willing to make it an issue, but now want to be kept hidden from public scrutiny themselves.
Is that how Canada works?
This does not condone what Guergis is said to have done, and apologized for, but, really who else would be given such immunity all while another person’s life is shredded?
Acacia, that’s a fair comment.
I think Guergis should hang in there and don’t let the character assassins win this one. Her event at the airport should be a one day wonder but Liberals with help of MSM have been driving a nothing story for a week. The Tim Horton’s crowd is seeing there is nothing to this story and have less faith in the Liberals that they have anything to offer – who sees a lot to this story. Did she physically abuse someone? She lost her cool – big deal – who doesn’t from time to time – no violence involved – nobody hurt – nobody lost their job – nobody stole taxpayer money. This story is another Wafer gate, H1N1, Body Bags, door knobs, Taliban prisoners etc.
In the mean time economy rebounds and Harper gets the credit and after G8 the polls change and Conservatives will resume their ad campaign to tell their story if MSM won’t.
Given the reputation of Air Canada for shoddy service, I would be somewhat skeptical of any accounts of other’s bad behaviour. Is there any corroborative evidence of the PEI meltdown?
Also, Don Martin is hardly an unbiased observer, but it should be a record if Ms Guergis is hard on staff.
What I find ironic is the liberals and their media arm are demanding names, documents, transparency etc., in everything unless it involves them. So, when will we find out the name of the AC employee who contacted Wayne. Did he verify the accounts of what supposedly happened.
When Helen finally resigns on her own, it would be a great time for the PM to abolish this position.
Then listen to the cry, but what are the responsibilities of that position.
I notice that the very worst attacks on Consevative women come from their sisters in the Liberal party. Guergis was targeted long before this spring; Carolyn Bennett was caught ridiculing her voice in QP last year. She denied it, of course, offering no apology.
Some of these same women bemoan the lack of women MPs, even calling for quotas and special nominating rules. Vultures like Neville and Jennings are attacking her indirectly, through the actions of her husband. I thought this was against femminist principle. If the troubles of Guergis set an example of how women will be treated, it is little wonder more young women do not aspire to political carreers.
I’m with Bec and Gabby on this.
So Don Martin says she has no friends in the Tory ranks? Sorry… I really can’t see Tories running to him or Travers with their ‘inside’ stories.
Sounds like the opinion here is leaning in favour of Ms.Guergis.
Well, at least this shows that we have the ability to discuss things like this in a civil fashion amongst ourselves.
It appears Ms. Guergis may have lied about her education as well..
http://www.hilltimes.com/blogs/macleod/?p=357
My blog post about politicians behaviour is here:
http://renegadetory.blogspot.com
Carolyn @ 12:59pm. Sorry that one got caught in the spam filter.
I’ll have to put comment moderation on again anyway soon though since I’m going out.
Speaking of body bags, where’s DOCTOR Carolyn Bennett? Haven’t seen her hands flailing about in QP in this session, guess we’re all healthy now, she’s one of the many hard working-during-prorogation-Liberals who are taking a March break.
It’s odd the women of the Liberal party are all so offended by Helena’s actions and even tossing in her husband’s saga, these would be the same women who want more women in politics but can’t allow one transgression? At least we haven’t heard from Hedy Fry on the matter, it’s bad enough to hear the likes of Beer and Popcorn Reid commenting on decorum on the shams called political programs at CBC and CTV.
Yes, politics is a team sport. And yes, she has let the team down. But, from what’s been reported, I’m far from convinced that she should resign.
If she gives in to the howling hyenas on the Opps side, then that will just embolden them to go after the next Cabinet Minister who screws up in a minor way.
I say, give the Opps nothing. At some point, if not already, their over-reaction will backfire, and normal people will say: “Okay Libs, you made your point … repeatedly. Now back off and leave the woman alone.”
Helena is MP for the riding that I live in, I have no problem continuing to support her, we are all human and slip up from time to time.
I just think that it is wrong that the public and media are taking the Air Canada employees story as gospel. Has anyone come forward to back up the details on the story? Then we have leftist haters smearing her by calling her a drug addict. Shame on those who are smearing her.
Here is a list of Helena’s Accomplishments as Minister of State (Status of Women)
http://www.helenaguergis.ca/EN/helena's_accomplishments_as_minister_of_state_(status_of_women)/
I appreciate you weighing in here, Rural & Right. Good to hear from one of her constituents.
Then we have leftist haters smearing her by calling her a drug addict.
Seriously? I didn’t hear that.
I agree with you Joanne. I took some flak yesterday for suggesting it would be best if she resigned. I think it is absurd what some in the opposition have been saying on this subject, but her family has been through quite an ordeal. I watched her testimony in committtee yesterday, and she seemed visibly shaken.
A new development, Guergis at the sametime claims she has an MBA from UA and doesn’t.
http://bcinto.blogspot.com/2010/03/helana-guergis-earns-mba-while-serving.html
Well it certainly would appear that if the Liberals were looking for a sleazy distraction to deflect their own realities such as a MIA leader or 29 MIA MP’s, they have accomplished that but what I don’t understand is the many BT bloggers calling for this woman’s head on a platter are sourcing their information from the gossip-iest* of the gossipers. (*not a word but I kinda like it)
I also think it would be pragmatic for some, to actually BE PRAGMATIC and not use verbs that leave a nothing short of slanderous impression.
Just sayin’
For those who missed it … Here is a clearly disappointed Tom Clark
on yesterday’s Power Play (@ the 6 minute mark):
“I don’t agree with your [Rick Dykstra] characterization of it as ‘tabloid journalism’, because I think the issue is a LOT deeper than that …
But let me turn it on the two opposition members … the fact of the matter is, you had Helena Guergis sitting there, and you had NDP members there, you had Liberal members there.
And NOBODY asked about the elephant in the room !? NOBODY said ‘what happened in Charlottetown, and how did you get away with it’ ???”
“blah blah we’re there to do committee work yadda yadda” from the Lib and Dipper MPs
I think I just heard the sound of an issue falling over DEAD right now”
Poor Tom. He’s going to need a new faux scandal to fill up the air time.
Canada geese are flying north.
Liberal Puffin Iffy is flying south while gergging himself on crow and peroggies …..> cawcawcaw ….
“Liberal leader” Bobby Rae is “minding the fort back in Ottawa,” Ignatieff told reporters Monday.”
Iffy? “”We’re working actively in the House, and I’ll be back later.”
… cawcawcaw ….
…-
“Ignatieff defends cross-country tour
Federal Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff says his listening tour across Canada this month is worthwhile, even as it takes him away from a reopened House of Commons.
Ignatieff, who had repeatedly attacked Prime Minister Stephen Harper for proroguing Parliament in January, is now holding meetings in cities across Canada, even though Parliament is now in session.”
Read more: http://www.cbc.ca/politics/story/2010/03/16/ignatieff-meeting-tour-316.html#ixzz0iMcZFeST
If PMSH thought Helena wasn’t up to the job, he would have shuffled her out weeks ago.
If her constituents think she is not up to the job, she will not be elected by the 55% that elected her in 2008.
An apology is enough for Helena’s meltdown.
It’s always been enough for any MP that goes over the emotional line to apologize, move on, nobody is perfect.
This very beautiful young women needs to do her Ministerial job and deal with her personal life as she sees fit.
I stand with Helena in standing up against the media and the gossip mongering public.
Canadian voters had better start paying attention to substance.
To be truthful, I do not know if there is any substance to Minister Guergis’ activities in Government. In the absence of evidence to the contrary, I would assume there is.
Let’s say for the sake of argument that she is a good minister. Many are suggesting she should resign because of some silly event in which the accuser is anonymous, and after which there is a pile-on. So we would be willing to do away with the services of a competent Minister in order to satisfy an indignation which has been exacerbated by the opposition and the media?
Rona Ambrose was the victim of just such a process. Our country was deprived of a very competent Minister who, as history has shown, had exactly the right ideas and programs that Canada needed. But it was her “big hair” (or something)that caused the fury. Quickly now,- can anyone relate one useful thing that has been accomplished on the environment file since her ouster? Curly light bulbs anyone?
If “we the people” allow this nonsense to continue, Canada will be the worse off for it.
So what to do?
Make sure our elected people and the press know what we think. We did it when the coalition reared its ugly head, and we should keep up the pressure on issues we feel strongly about.
And of course, keep up the good work, Joanne. These discussions are informative.
Joanne it was internet commenter’s on face book and newspaper article comments sections that were making libellous statements such as calling her a coke head.
It would be a story if I found some one of importance making allegations like that but it is only internet ranting leftbot trolls trying to create a story.
Should we pile on Iffy? Why not?
For how many years did Liberals PET, et al dump on Canada?
Sock it to Iffy and his cronies.
After all, Iffy is “Just Visiting”.
…-
“Now that Parliament’s back, Michael, let’s hit the road!
* March 16, 2010 11:30 AM
* By Andrew Davidson
Hilarious.*
“Federal Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff says his listening tour across Canada this month is worthwhile, even as it takes him away from a reopened House of Commons.
Ignatieff, who had repeatedly attacked Prime Minister Stephen Harper for proroguing Parliament in January, is now holding meetings in cities across Canada, even though Parliament is now in session.”
On Monday, he held meetings in the St. John’s area on issues including post-secondary education.
“Don’t you worry. We’re minding the fort back in Ottawa,” Ignatieff told reporters Monday.
Oh, we’re not worried, sir, and neither are the Conservatives.
And judging by yesterday’s question period — the first QP of the first full week of the 40th parliamentary session, and the first opposition day, just so we’re clear — nor is Bob Rae, either.
(*Brutal.)”
http://www.cbc.ca/politics/insidepolitics/2010/03/now-that-parliaments-back-michael-lets-hit-the-road.html
ps…I also think that there are some people that go through airline security that should have a speed pass.
If MPs are entitled to see documents that could be a risk to national security,
why are they not trusted as a non-security risk when bording and airplane between 2 Canadian cities?
It’s just bizarre.
OT, but it appears the liberals have taken another tactic re the detainee inquiry. Bob Rae referred to the Judge as a lawyer, and later as just Mr. The PM replied using the title, Justice.
What is the reason for this, unless to try and undermine the job this Judge has to do.
One more rumour trashed, thank you Elizabeth Thompson.
Guergis has not lied about her education.
http://links.assetize.com/links/1fc841
Elizabeth Thompson is reporting that Ms. Guergis does in fact have an MBA from the University of Alberta. No word yet on her undergrad status.
http://links.assetize.com/links/1fc841
another -hide-the -wafer media driven let’s crush another one of PMSHs Ministers…..sahme on all of them
OT again, but Canadiansense has a breakdown of the latest Nanos poll. Seems the question was, (confirmed voters only) please list your two top preferences.
Wonder what the results would be if only one preference was allowed.
Hmmm,, wasn’t going to comment on this one but what the heck, here is a simple question for everyone who travels through any airport in the world, who doesn’t think they are all hell holes, they are filled with a bunch of people being paid to herd you like cattle through a system that is invasive and arbitrary and Air Canada is the worst of them all. They consistently over book flights, give little to no information when there are delays and act as if they are doing you a favor by allowing you on their planes despite the hundreds and thousands of dollars you have paid. Should she have blown up like she did, no,, she shouldn’t of but I can totally understand her doing so, I have had harsh words with a few AC employees myself. To the total crap of dumping on her husband, justify that to me, he is a former MP,, I think former is the key word here, he is not running for office. The incident with John McCallum was worst in my mind, at least Jaffer didnt blame his mother.
Wayne is losing his cool again in QP, Now he is saying he has been told by many conservatives they are unhappy with Helen.
Could/would he please give names.
Do we really have the whole truth and accurate story about the Airport incident or is it just an embellished version from Door Knob Easter? And we would go along with destroying a person’s career on his version of the facts, or Don Martin’s or Robert Fife’s, or Anita Neville, Marlene Jennings, Scott Reid, Warren Kinsella etc.etc.
I would like to make this clear: I do not wish to start dumping on Air Canada, or its employees, for this incident.
Both parties — Ms. Guergis and the airport personnel involved — got steamed. I’ve been willing from the beginning to leave it at that. But since some people think otherwise, I insist on defending Ms. Guergis for what I perceive to be unjust accusations.
As I said previously, I’m willing to eat humble pie — better than Olympic mittens — if I’m proven wrong, although these are opinions we’re all expressing, so it’s not really a question of “wrong.”
One airport worker, whose identity remains unknown, decided to write a letter to former Liberal cabinet minister and current MP Wayne Easter about the incident. That was perhaps his/her way of letting off steam, although when my meaner conspiratorial side takes hold, I wonder if that airport worker’s family name is Easter, or whether the MP was instrumental in getting the person the job.
But we have no way of knowing, because 19 days later, we still don’t know who spilled the beans, do we?
But that is not so “pure” speculation on my part, so let’s discard that speculation.
However, the FACT is Ms. Guergis apologized on Feb. 26. That was 19 days ago.
She apologized both in writing and later in the House on March 4 when asked about the incident:
” Mr. Speaker, as the member knows, I have acknowledged that I spoke emotionally. I did in fact apologize. I realize it was inappropriate. I not only apologized to the employees, I did follow up with a statement.”
So why is this still an issue? After an MP apologizes in the House, that should be the end of it, right?
But no. People are now digging to find out about the validity of Guergis’s university degrees.
If this isn’t a witch-hunt, I don’t know what is.
The MSM continues to focus on this issue.
For how long did they focus on this 10%er sent out by Hedy Fry:
http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/fullcomment/archive/2009/09/14/steve-janke-hedy-fry-steps-in-it-again.aspx#ixzz0iMxiMWZf
“The flyer, sent from Vancouver Centre MP Hedy Fry, depicts a tattered Canadian flag and what could be taken to be a soldier’s ruck sack, alongside the statement: “We used to wear it with pride.”
Or this Fry other brain-fart?
http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/fullcomment/archive/2009/11/02/national-post-editorial-board-hedy-fry-s-latest.aspx#ixzz0iMyD4Dkc
“Hedy Fry, the Liberal MP for Vancouver Centre, suggested on Thursday that members of Parliament should get their own H1N1 clinic on Parliament Hill– which presumably would allow MPs and their staff to receive the swine-flu vaccine on a priority basis, ahead of ordinary citizens. Her reasoning? “MPs are at risk:We shake hands with people I don’t know how many times a day.”
Or this other brilliant idea:
http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Politics/2009/10/28/11559901-sun.html
“Liberal MPs apologized Wednesday for distributing a household flyer that attacks the government’s handling of H1N1 among aboriginals with the slogan “No vaccines, just body bags.”
The flyer, mailed as a message from Liberal health critic Dr. Carolyn Bennett, features a picture of body bags in a lab and a sick aboriginal child.”
Guess what: both ladies are certified — or should I say certifiable? — MDs.
And since we’re now checking into people’s university degrees, I want to see all journalists post their magna cum laudes on their blog and/or their article sites.
Oh, BTW, Bennett asked two questions of the Health Minister in QP today. During the answer from Minister of Agriculture Ritz, Conservatives sitting behind him were craning their necks with puzzled looks on their face to see who was the source of some weird noises from across the aisle. I bet it was that paragon of lady-like behaviour Carolyn Bennett, the MD (Mad Doctor?)
You can add Tom Clark, Craig Oliver, Kady – make your own list. Those people are terrorists trying to destroy Stephen Harper and the Conservative Party and we should be fool enough to take their advice and follow their directives?
Was anybody fool enough to think they were dispensing advice to help Harper and the Conservatives?
If there are any Judas’s in the party who are collaborating with these terrorists (enemy) they should be exposed and turfed from the party?
Oh, and an aside for the warmists;
“According to a news story, if global warming continues, in 20 years the only chance we’ll have to see a polar bear is in a zoo. So in other words, nothing is going to change.”
From http://www.rd.com
I think you need to check your facts more thoroughly Carolyn Gardner
a telephone call by ELIZABETH Thompson eye on the hill confirms degree granted 2009
more RUMOURS
fh
I find myself switching sides back & forth as I read the various comments. Very thoughtful responses here.
Pingback: The Phantom Observer » Blog Archive » Blogging Tories Challenge: Should Helena Guergis Stay In Cabinet?
Excellent point, Wilson at 2:20 pm, about “speed passes” for MPs.
“Speed passes for MPs” – Great idea. I guess then you have to ask who else should get them though and where we would draw the line. i.e. Senators? Heads of police?
I totally disagree with you Joanne. At a time when she needs our support, this sort of arrow throwing should not happen. This young couple is going through a tough time and instead of either keeping silent about their woes we seem to be following in the opposition’s footsteps of constantly harping on this subject.
Also, where are the Lefties who complained about her behaviour at the airport? Could we see their faces and hear their voices so we can judge for ourselves? Why are they hiding?
We have had enough adverse judgement flung on the Minister. I stand in her corner. Being an immigrant with a heavy color content, I am prone to think that the criticism directed at Helena Guergis, whether consciously or otherwise, smacks of racism because she is married to a non-white.
Being an immigrant with a heavy color content, I am prone to think that the criticism directed at Helena Guergis, whether consciously or otherwise, smacks of racism because she is married to a non-white.
Maria @ 6:01 pm – I’m going to take the high road and assume that you’re not referring to me.
I think Helena should take a break as well, but ONLY because I believe she and hubby need to work on personal issues. There’s clearly some problems there that need to be dealt with. Other than that, I have no issues with her performance….
No surprises here, eh..bet a dozen reporters could say the same:
bigcitylib posts:
”Will Jeff Jedras bring down a Cabinet Minister?
If so, I’m going to be very jealous. I’ve been trying to do that for ages.”
http://bigcitylib.blogspot.com/2010/03/education-of-helena-guergis.html
Thx Gabby,
I don’t know why Helena didn’t point that out,
as LibDippers demand to see docs that risk national security, they hypocritically pile on re: MPs do not deserve special treatment at airport security!
Joannne, anyone who is privy to national security documents surely can be trusted not to have a bomb in their underwear.
It’s not an entitlement issue, it is just sensible.
I do not see any problem whatsoever with speed passes to all Parliamentarians.
In fact, I bet it would be cheaper to fill up those idle govt challengers with MPs , twice a week, than it is to fly them to and from home, commercially.
Wilson @ 6:22 pm – Yes I see your point. Sometimes my imagination works on overtime though. Maybe too much “24″ but anyway it’s not my job to worry about such things.
MariaS:
That is complete nonsense. There has not even been a whisper of racism in any comments I have seen.
The word you are looking for is BIAS. If these were not people of the CONSERVATIVE persuasion, you can be sure there would be nothing said about the whole thing.
We will offer opinions on a variety of issues. Surely you would not try to tell me that we cannot offer a negative comment about someone who is non-white?
The press is not on Jaffers case because he is non-white. They are on his case because he is Conservative.
Sandy!! That’s awful. Oh my gosh.
A nice balanced solution for this is for the PM to simply give Helena a break based on compassionate grounds. Make it clear that she will be back because he does believe she’s doing a great job. Sometimes a rest is as good as a change.
Also, I picked up on something Gabby said a few threads ago about the comments made by a person at a TorStar column who admitted to starting the whole Guergis ball of wax. How easy would it be to track that person down?
I have my own theory. Before Helena ran for federal office she was the EA for the Ontario Minister of Education Janet Ecker under Mike Harris. I wouldn’t put it past any of the federal Ontario MPs who were in Ontario through the Harris years or possibly their union shills to have cast the net over Guergis. She was an exceptional EA. Kind of like the twits in the LPOC who tried to link Jim Flaherty to this because it was he who appointed the judge way back when he was with the Harris gov’t.
Also, is it at all possible that there’s a common thread spinner with the LPOC who was responsible for Wafergate that could be linked to this kind of stunt? Think about someone who lives for this kind of stuff and to make even the most innocent stuff stick? Who was it on CTV the other day, with John Tory when Oliver made the error re: Jaffer being an MP? Could this jive with a certain Prince of Darkness mode of operation? Just asking.
Oh Sandy, don’t give up. We need more people blogging, not less. You had all those lists of the govt. accomplishments, and put so much work into it.
Hope you feel better about it in a few days.
Yes I too am devastated for you, Sandy. Your computer can’t be taken to a computer whiz and have them try to salvage your files?
I hope you look into any and all options but in the meantime, I hope you know that I feel so badly for you and can well imagine your distress and sadness.
Wilson at 6:11 pm, Guergis was not in a position to suggest speed passes for MPs & Senators for the simple reason it might have been interpreted like Dingwall’s “i’m entitled to my entitlements.” The Canadian Press’s Rob Russo already made that association on the Friday “Power Panel” on the CBC’s Power & Politics.
But it is another question that our “intrepid reporters”™ failed to raise, isn’t it?
And kudos to Elizabeth Thompson for clearing up the question about Ms. Guergis’s credentials. If it weren’t a bit of a hassle to sign up for her blog, I would go over & tell her so.
=====
On another tack … I started keeping a copy of all my comments a couple of years ago, with date & place where I made them, in case events like at Sandy’s happen. It saves me having to look up certain worthwhile information & links I may have dug up.
P.S. I forgot to mention, Joanne, that my BLY/Joanne’s Journey file is the thickest, at … drumroll … 462 pages!
Richco at 6:44 pm, the person I mentioned in another thread who took credit for starting the communion wafer story appears to be a Liberal who’s dissatisfied with the present state of affairs within the federal Liberal party. I don’t recall him ever mentioning the provincial Liberals.
Bye for now … going to YouTube for the PM’s Q & A.
O/T Don’t forget the youtube interview with the PM tonight…
Anyone seeing anything on YouTube?
Not seeing anything
Kady is liveblogging. It’s pretty funny.
Me either … not seeing anything …
Help! techies! what to do?
I like reading all of the posts that make it out to be the Liberals fault..Did the Liberals arrive 15 minutes before the plane was to take off taking a hissy fit? Did the Liberals cause her husband to speed while drunk? Did the Liberals plant the drugs on her husband? Did the Liberals make her obtain her MBA while she’s a sitting MP and a member of the Cabinet?
The bottom line is that her problems are that, her problems which she’s created herself. I would be acting the same way had this been a Liberal Minister..If she needs time off, then ask for it, and take a bit of a break to re-group, but please stop making this out to be a big Liberal plan..I for one don’t think the Liberals are that smart, and they would not waste their time with Guergis…
Kady says they changed it to 8:00. Unreal.
Ah-ha. Thanks JDot (and Fh). Well time to finish cleaning up the kitchen then.
time changed to 8 pm
fh
No, Joanne, I didn’t have you in mind. It’s just that I am trying to figure out why so many are jumping on the bandwagon of “resign Helena”.
Whatever happened at that airport, people who use airports frequently can sympathize with the Minister. We don’t know what sort of a high and mighty tone the airport workers used on her knowing who she was and her being late for the flight, she was at their mercy. She should have had the presence of mind to keep her cool, but I can make excuses for her by just reading the stuff that has been plastered all over the MSM about her husband’s troubles with the law. I know that if it was me, I would have been a basketcase with those kind of troubles and then couple that trying to juggle a busy Ministerial job in the bargain.
Lee, the same explanaiton as above for you too. It is fine to criticize and go after someone whom you have perceived to have done wrong but what degree of wrongness do you give the airport incident? Is the degree of wrongness so horrible that the Minister has to resign from her job? Or is there a element of something more sinister and indiscernable to the human eye in the case of Helena Guergis?
Ruby Dhalla had incriminating witnesses who came forward detailing her mistreatment of them in her household -maids…. remember?
There was a lot of criticism then from the conservative bloggers but I did not see much from her own side and kudos to them for that.
Why are we eating our own?
actually it might be 8 30 we will have to wait and see
fh
Maybe it has something to do with the DST change last Sunday.
8.00 is really just 7.00.
Somebody forgot to change the clocks.
if you click on comments under video you get them every few seconds
hope they explain delay
fh
So this seems to be the latest:
Kady:
Alright, this liveblog is being adjourned — but not prorogued — until — 8:30ish or so. We’ll keep you posted. Follow me (@kady) on twitter for latebreaking updates.
She’s actually quite entertaining.
Paul Wells just tweeted this:
InklessPW
We’ve found a screen grab from the PM’s Youtube!!! MUST CREDIT INKLESS http://tweetphoto.com/14654791
Steve @ 7:14 pm
YOU, have simply JUST PROVEN the point.
1)The ‘hissy fit’ was announced in an anonymous e-mail and has yet to be substantiated by the alleged victim or author.
She acknowledged her rotten behaviour 19 days ago, get over it media.
2)Her husband sped, period….the other allegation, he was not convicted
3)Her husband was not convicted of drug possession
4)A liberal blogger alleged that she DID NOT have an MBA
On many news sites, the facts have yet to be corrected.
The current gossip and crap, is not her doing. It is the gossip and innuendo that keep the BS going. Something like what your posted, unsubstantiated and legally false.
Swine flu fraud + AGW fraud = Our Enemy, The State.
…-
“Feds start talks with industry, provinces on next pandemic flu vaccine contract
(CP) – 43 minutes ago
TORONTO — The federal government has told the vaccine industry it wants to explore options for Canada’s next pandemic flu vaccine contract.
In a request for information issued this week, the government says its new strategy will look at whether it is feasible and worthwhile to have a back-up supplier of vaccine.
But the government says the strategy will be based on having a domestically located manufacturer that can provide 100 per cent of Canada’s pandemic flu vaccine needs.
The only company currently in a position to meet those criteria is GlaxoSmithKline, which owns the only flu vaccine manufacturing plant in Canada.
The federal government has invited vaccine manufacturers interested in Canada’s flu vaccine business to a meeting in Ottawa at the end of the month to discuss the options.
The current 10-year pandemic vaccine contract expires at the end of March 2011.”
http://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5hXbZjzmN9zp8SBn-8TG3XTT2NMlw
…-
“Reconstruction of a Mass Hysteria
The Swine Flu Panic of 2009
Swine flu kept the world in suspense for almost a year. A massive vaccination campaign was mounted to put a stop to the anticipated pandemic. But, as it turned out, it was a relatively harmless strain of the flu virus. How, and why, did the world overreact? A reconstruction. By SPIEGEL staff.
At first things did not look good for Edgar. The five-year-old boy had a high fever. He’d lost his appetite, his throat was burning and his entire body ached.
The people in the Mexican village of La Gloria were quick to blame the pigs. They had long been convinced that the animals were a curse. In the nearby town of Perote, half a million hogs were being fattened for slaughter. The wind carried the stench through the narrow streets of the surrounding villages. No one was very surprised when Edgar Hernandez fell ill.
But then, after only four days, the boy recovered. His illness disappeared as quickly as it had started. It turned out to be nothing more than the flu, and the people of La Gloria soon forgot about it.
‘Boy Zero’
It wasn’t until several weeks later that a laboratory in Canada tested a mucosal smear taken from the boy. The results made him famous. Edgar didn’t have an ordinary flu, but had been infected with a new kind of pathogen, the swine flu virus. Edgar went down in history as niño cero, “boy zero,” the first person to fall ill with the new plague.
The Mexican boy’s infection was mild, like an overwhelming majority of the millions of cases that would occur worldwide in the coming months. The new virus would probably have attracted far less attention if it hadn’t been for modern molecular medicine, with its genetic analyses, antibody tests and reference laboratories. The swine flu would have conquered the world, and no doctor would have noticed.
But the world did notice, largely because of high-tech medicine and the vaccine industry. From Ebola to SARS to the avian flu, epidemiologists, the media, doctors and the pharmaceutical lobby have systematically attuned the world to grim catastrophic scenarios and the dangers of new, menacing infectious diseases.
None of these diseases receives more attention than influenza. Researchers in more than 130 laboratories in 102 countries are constantly on the lookout for new flu pathogens. Entire careers and institutions, and a lot of money, depend on the outcomes of their work. “Sometimes you get the feeling that there is a whole industry almost waiting for a pandemic to occur,” says flu expert Tom Jefferson, from an international health nonprofit called the Cochrane Collaboration. “And all it took was one of these influenza viruses to mutate to start the machine grinding.”
Now turned up, the machinery was set into motion. Researchers got to work examining the molecular structure of the virus. The pharmaceutical industry started to develop vaccines. Government agencies laid out disaster plans. There was only one thing that everyone was ignoring: The new pathogen was, in fact, relatively harmless.
How did all this happen?
April 24, 2009 : WHO Headquarters in Geneva” (more)
http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/0,1518,682613,00.html
Is the feed supposed to come from the original YOUTUBE link??
I’m not sure Bec.
And to top it all off, Twitter is now crashing (over capacity). So much for the new technology.
Steve at 7:15 pm, it may have escaped your notice, but the topic of this thread is about Helena Guergis and whether she should resign or be removed from cabinet.
So why re-introduce the topic of her husband with your obviously leading questions:
“Did the Liberals cause her husband to speed while drunk?
Did the Liberals plant the drugs on her husband?”
You also fault Guergis for getting her MBA while sitting as an MP. Personally, because one of my conservative values is personal industriousness, I see that as an achievement, not as a fault. I don’t know where you’re going with that line of questioning.
As for the Liberals being blamed, I guess you’ve missed the point entirely re: some of the barbs directed at the Liberals. Let me recapitulate some of the complaints I’ve raised:
1. Some relevant questions and/or information about the incident were not brought out by the media, which yes, I believe it to be Liberal-friendly. So shoot me for thinking so.
2. The Liberals have been calling for her head regardless of the very timely apology she gave.
3. Other more objectionable incidents or statements by Liberal MPs were quickly forgotten by the media, whereas in her case it’s been 19 going on 20 days.
I invite you to re-read the comments here and on previous threads so that you can point out where commenters have said, as you crudely have put it “… that make it out to be the Liberals fault.”
MariaS:
We are not eating our own. We are having a discussion about the issues.
Not surprisingly, there are points to be made on both sides of the issue. You will notice that the discussion is respectful of opposing points of view.
We are for the most part Conservatives. We do not eat our own, but we are not blind either. We are not afraid to offer our opinion even if it does not reflect favourably on a politician.
I have found that most conservatives are open to be persuaded, but you must have something more than opinion to back up your arguements.
looks like you tube is keeping us hostage
heads should roll
fh
On now!!
about time..
Gabby, please start your own blog….you always have volumes of good information for us.
Ruth says:
Gabby, please start your own blog….you always have volumes of good information for us.
Ruth,right on! Gabby yes do, the more the merrier!
Yes Gabby would make an awesome blogger.
Kevin Gaudet just sent out a tweet that the Liberal bill to curb the use of tenpercenters passed. That surprises me. I thought the NDP wanted to keep things the way they were. On the plus side, no more junk mail from Jack Layton. Yay!
Thanks Gabby @7:59…it had to be said, and you said it well!!
Lee @7:59.
Well said … you echo my thoughts exactly.
Like many here, I have mixed feelings on whether Ms. Geurgis should step down or not. I am a huge fan of PM Stephen Harper and voted Conservative in the last few elections (Liberal before that), but I’m sure not going to unconditionally sanction the mis-behavior of ANY (Conservative) MP, just because they are Conservative. On the other hand, I believe in forgiveness for Minor mis-steps, and Ms. Geurgis has apologized for her actions and comments at the airport.
My preference is that we leave it there, and allow our PM to adjust Cabinet as he sees fit, at the next appropriate time. I don’t see what purpose it would serve for Ms. Geurgis to give up her portfolio at this stage of the proceedings. Just my opinion.
Listening to YouTube as I write this … Mr. Harper is doing well, no?
Gabby – I don’t think we can rule out anything when it comes to postings whether it be comments over at the newspapers. There are far too many in Ontario who would think it nothing at all to set something like this up. There are many in the Lib. caucus and their supporters who were around during the time of Harris in Ontario that wouldn’t think twice about setting something like this up.
re: 10%ers – doesn’t bother me in the least. My MP has other great ways to stay in touch with his constituents. As a matter of fact this is going to come back to bite the Liberals in a big way I think too because they have no money for ads or to pay for their own mailings. I’m pretty sure that the CPC and NDP do have money to spend on advertising. I’m betting the gov’t let the Liberals have this one because they know it’s going to hurt the Libs. more than any of them.
I understood “CURBING” to mean, in your riding ONLY, not others?? Am I not correct or did they can them entirely?
As for the PM, I thought he did great but I thought MOST of the questions, pathetic.
The creepy guy (wow did he ever talk alot, hey) asking about Universal Childcare had the dumbest one.
I absolutely loved the marijuana response, that was awesome!
Thank you to those of you urging me to start my own blog.
I could interpret that like Sally Fields did years ago, exclaiming when she got an Oscar: “You like me! You really like me!”
Or
You really want to get rid of me.
Tongue-in-cheek, folks!
But seriously …
While I appreciate your suggestion, I respectfully decline because:
1. I already spend far too much time at the computer.
2. There are already very good blogs that I can contribute to whenever I want to.
3. I would fritter away far too much time trying to choose an appropriate topic for discussion.
4. I’m not an early riser, so I’d be covering some stale stories, and always feel I’m in catch-up mode.
Anyway, I think it’s time to call it a day. I’ve overstayed my welcome as it is. Bye for now.
Goodnight Gabby. You never overstay your welcome though.
Great comments everyone! I’ll be putting moderation back on shortly and calling it a day soon. Thanks for your participation and the wonderful civility in a tricky topic here.
Good reply from PM Harper re: child care.
First, I agree, Gabby never overstays her welcome and I really enjoy her comments. One thing about blogs is we get to hear from people from across Canada, and what they are thinking. We don’t get that input from the media-print or tv.
I had to miss the PM tonight so will have to wait for comments on his responses.
As for the 10%ers, this will hurt the opposition parties, as the conservatives have the money for paid ads, and also the blogs to get their message out.
Today we received a letter from the Friends of the CWB, asking for a donation. It went to all the mailboxes. They are upset with the changes the govt wants to make. Listed things from 1998-2010 as to what the govt has done to gag the CWB from getting its message out. They didn’t mention that a liberal govt put western farmers in jail for selling their own grain. And the never mentioned that SH was not PM during most of those years. They are really upset that 16,000 farmers were removed from the voting list re Barley.
If those farmers who were removed were like us, we had not had a permit book for years, but were still listed. A lot of those names were dead or retired.
This is way off topic but will be a hot topic in the days to come.
For those who might wonder, CWB-Canadian Wheat Board.
I wonder who paid for the 2 page letter we got today, and why we are on their mailing list. I am not a friend of the CWB.
Found the interview, and I agree with his response to the drug question. I wonder if the person asking it is aware of all the violence in Mexico over the wkend, with several murders of innocent people, including American govt workers, and especially the 4 victims who were found beheaded.
If we want to delve further into speculation on the PEI airport incident we could say the island isn’t exactly a Conservative bastion. When I saw Doorknob Easter standing in QP yesterday demanding again Guergis be turfed it made me think, no sir, she should stay, hold her ground. She didn’t insult all PE Islanders but that’s what Easter is trying to put out.
MaryT, thanks. I enjoy your comments too, especially your sense of humour.
I think the last line of your post about Helena taking time out and a healthy dose of humility is just about right after all is said and done.
Pardon me for saying so Gabby but I think you’re a better resource and independent participant on the blogs than you may be having your own. Your ability to turn the discussion is good and interesting at the same time.
I don’t for one minute believe the success of this blog is because of one or two who contribute.
It’s everyone. So kudos all around even though you still like to torture yourselves with things like CBC and Power Play.
Richco at 8:55 am, you’re right, blogs are successful because of ALL contributors.
But … if I didn’t “torture” myself with watching CBC & QP — I don’t watch Power Play, as I don’t have that channel — I would be almost speechless, with nothing to critique, discuss, argue … and I wouldn’t be living up to my moniker.
BTW, for those who missed the PM on YouTube, there’s a transcript of it up at the G&M:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/transcript-of-harpers-youtube-interview/article1502591/
I see the NDP in their publication Canada Reviews, are joining Liberals, Travers, Weston, Neville, Jennings, Scott Reid , Warren Kinsella, Wayne Easter, Fife etc. in calling for Guergis to resign – and we should listen to them??
http://www.canadaviews.ca/2010/03/16/what-theyre-saying-helena-guergis-on-resigning/
In the NDP article, because Guergis called for the resignation in the past of Judy Sgro, Belinda Stronach and Paul Martin she should resign – the difference is Guergis had good political reasons for asking these incompetent politicians to resign – it wasn’t because of some minor hissy fit.
If we listened to these people Harper would have resigned and turned the government over to Three Stooges as they demanded.
To be honest, I was with you on Guergis until yesterday, Jo, but with the fuss over her MBA, and today the “tax break” for the charitable donation, I’ve changed my mind. This is nothing but a witchhunt, and if she steps down the Conservatives are just going to look like they gave in to all the gossip.
This is nothing but a witchhunt
It’s sure beginning to look like that Jad. I’ve been out all morning but I’ll have to catch up on this ‘tax break’ thing.
This is hilarious!!! Ardvark: Helena Guergis beat me up and stole my lunch.
Withhunt? INDEED it is….check out AA!
http://thealbertaardvark.blogspot.com/2010/03/helena-guergis-beat-me-up-and-stole-my.html
Bec, I guess we both saw that at the same time. Heh. Ardvark is so clever.
just wondering if anyone here has written to Helena in support?
(am also trying to see if I can finally get posted here this morning – haven’t been able to)
Well, on a serious note, maybe Ms. Guergis should get a few supportive brief emails from some of us conservatives, teliing her we appreciate her apology and her trying to stay above the fray despite all the petty barbs aimed at her. Don’t give in and don’t give up!
That’s what I’m going to do right now.
Her email: GuergH@parl.gc.ca
Good suggestion Gabby.
BTW someone may have already mentioned this Radwanski column but he makes a pithy observation here:
Bingo! These guys are going after such really trivial stuff. They’re hardly worthy to even be considered an opposition party.
Does anybody read beyond the headlines that grabb attention?
In the latest pile on of Jaffer and Guergis we have this malicious headline thrown out
First a plea bargain, now a tax break
for Rahim Jaffer
When we take the time to read the article we find that Jaffer made a $500 voluntary charitable contribution and is thus entitled to a tax receipt and an income tax rebate as does everyone else who does the same.
Do we have good reason to question the motives of the media when they put out this pernicious and harmful headline?
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/blogs/bureau-blog/first-a-plea-bargain-now-a-tax-break-for-rahim-jaffer/article1502917/
Peter @ 1:44pm – Good grief. Taber’s really grasping at straws now.
This is way over the top. (A lot of people are chewing her out in the comment section.)
Reports on the Helena’s meltdown at the airport would leave one to picture a big dame tossing shoes, pounding on glass doors and shouting obscenities so I believe she’d be capable of beating a guy up and stealing his lunch.
Too bad Wayne Easter wasn’t there to see the action first hand.Wonder where he got all his information? How does he deduct she offended all PE Islanders?
Maybe she’s lucky they didn’t call the RCMP, she may have gotten tasered, I mean she must have been really out of control, they’re still talking about it in the HOC and among the Liberals shills in the media.
Boob Rae and Dopey Dosanjh, Dipper turncoats, are still on the Afghan prisoner thingy smearing the troops and their country. Today we’ll see ig the righteous sisters, Jennings and Neville stand to go after that big bully, Helena.
It is interesting to see that the Globe and Mail has now removed the offensive Jane Taber blog on Rahim Jaffer from their website with no apology.
However it is still available if one goes to
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/blogs/bureau-blog/first-a-plea-bargain-now-a-tax-break-for-rahim-jaffer/article1502917/
because it is archived in cyberspace.
Someone has labelled Guergis’ behaviour at the airport a ‘hissy fit’.
Asking for her to resign is way over the top, especially when one considers the Greatest Hissy Fit of all…grabbing a protester by the throat.
Well, Ms. Guergis appears to be fighting back.
She was asked two questions by Cruella Neville during QP, one of them referencing the Liberals’ “pink book”. Helena let Cruella have it back but good, saying something about women in pink rooms papered over by pink paper from the pink book, but with no concrete results for women whatsoever. She got a standing O from her colleagues.
(I’m paraphrasing — will need to wait till Hansard has the actual answer tomorrow)
Go get ‘em, Helena!
Gabby @ 4:14 pm. Yay for Helena!!
O.K. I’m back on board as a Helena Guergis supporter. (I know, I know. I’m fickle.)
Gabby @ 1:pm, great idea, I’ve just done exactly that.
Great, Liz J. I hope Ms. Guergis feels buoyed by that kind of support … and that she lives up to our loyalty and trust in her.
Ok, I’m in trouble.
I agree with Joanne’s original point of view. We feel this woman has issues. We heard about her during the Brenda Martin case. Now this. Ok, just a gut reaction, tuition, if you will, but I pick up bad vibes from her. Regardless of the party you represent, whether you’re a man or woman, there’s a proper way to address the public, especially if you are a cabinet minister.
Some say she’s a beautiful woman. So does that give you special privileges? There are beautiful woman out there with terrible characters/personalities. She should be judged on her behaviour and comportment with the general public. After all, we pay her salary and expect to be treated with respect. That goes for anyone dealing with the general public. There are prima donas out there, I knew one, and you don’t want them working for you, unless you want trouble down the road. Yeow, I’m going to get it now!! LOL
Ed, I just don’t know what I think about this anymore.
Ed at 5:43 pm:
“… there’s a proper way to address the public, especially if you are a cabinet minister …”
Agreed, but do we know how she was initially greeted by the airport personnel? I don’t think we do, and I’m not assuming anything or accusing anyone … but it is within the realm of possibility that she was ticked off by what someone said to her to begin with. Don’t forget that they were waiting for a “V.I.P” who was running late.
Just to give you an example … Yesterday it was rather windy in my neck of the woods, so I was inside the bus shelter waiting for the bus. I was looking away from where the bus was coming, and only noticed it as it pulled up to the curb because of another passenger who stepped out of the shelter just before me. The bus driver — a woman — chewed me out, telling me I shouldn’t stay INSIDE the shelter, because she couldn’t see me. Now, I’m not exactly tiny … and I’ve never been told that before, even in the dead of winter, with snow blowing.
So, once I paid my ticket I went down the aisle muttering to myself about the bus driver’s remark. No, I didn’t consider taking my boots off, but if she’d persisted in scolding me, I might have let her have more than a shrug and a dirty look.
Mind you, I should have replied to her: “Oh, I didn’t know the STM is hiring blind drivers.”
All this to say that respect is a two-way street.
Ed at 5:43
I will add your comment to the drive by smears of others. What did you hear about Guergis in the Brenda Martin case or are you just leaving something hanging out there – I suspect anything you heard was from the Liberals or Robert Fife or the like.
You state she has “issues” and leave that hanging out there for people to imagine all kinds of terrible things – cheap shot again.
You say you have “vibes” about her so we should jump all over her because you have vibes – how ridiculous can you be. Destroy someone’s political career on this kind of nonsense you float out there that isn’t even good gossip.
If you have something of substance to say spit it out and a hissy fit is nothing of substance – everybody has them at one time or another. Her husband is a separate issue.
Too many people making judgments on Wayne (door knob) Easter’s version of events. Who feels they have the whole story, the truth and the facts?
Correction: intuition, not tuition.
Gabby, a two way street, I agree.
Peter B, I’ll get back to you tomorrow. Nasty little fellow aren’t you. LOL You should be careful about making accusations.
Ed
Pardon me who is making accusations – and particularly with those of little substance – vibes, issues and gossip – not enough evidence there to take anyone down as far as I am concerned.
You and Wayne(door knob) Easter remind me of someone left from the mob that did in Joan of Arc.
Froma Hansard, March 17, 2010
“Hon. Anita Neville (Winnipeg South Centre, Lib.):
Mr. Speaker, I invite the minister to read the Liberal pink book. It has a real action plan for all Canadian women developed after a consultation process. It is not three pillars unilaterally thought up over lunch. [This got a very loud reaction from the government side - no, not applause! -- Gabby]
The Minister of State for the Status of Women deflects questions on child care, pay equity, the court challenges program, maternal health, and housing. Is she responsible really for anything, or is her job to sit in the screen shot during question period?
Hon. Helena Guergis (Minister of State (Status of Women), CPC):
Mr. Speaker, what I can say to the member is that we on this side of the House, we Conservative women, were not relegated to the pink back room with a pink pad of paper and asked to write down for the third time a list of pink broken promises made by the previous Liberal government.
What we have done is we have increased the availability of those grassroots organizations across the country which are able to deliver to the most vulnerable women in Canadian society.”
That should be “From” not “Froma” ;-D
the security tape at the airport has been mentioned
where is it?
fh
Peter B, here’s a “drive-by” commentary on your remarks.
“I will add your comment to the drive by smears of others.”
First of all, I’m not a “drive by.” I’ve been on BLY for quite some time. That’s called being ignorant. Also, my comment is not a smear. False accusation!!
“What did you hear about Guergis in the Brenda Martin case or are you just leaving something hanging out there – I suspect anything you heard was from the Liberals or Robert Fife or the like.”
Ignorant, again. Why don’t you do some research and get up to date? Then you make an insinuation and an assumption. Wrong, in both cases. That’s ignorance.
“You state she has “issues” and leave that hanging out there for people to imagine all kinds of terrible things – cheap shot again.”
Wrong. I said: “We FEEL this woman has issues.” That’s my impression. And then you make another insinuation. Wrong, again.
“… so we should jump all over her because you have vibes – how ridiculous can you be.”
That’s what You say. Don’t put words in my mouth, it’s unsanitary!!
“Destroy someone’s political career on this kind of nonsense you float out there that isn’t even good gossip.”
There you go, another accusation. Wrong, again. Take another look at your statement, now that’s what I call nonsense.
“If you have something of substance to say spit it out and a hissy fit is nothing of substance – everybody has them at one time or another.”
Obviously you didn’t READ what I said.
“Her husband is a separate issue.”
I didn’t mention him.
“Too many people making judgments on Wayne (door knob) Easter’s version of events.”
Again, another false assumption.
“Pardon me who is making accusations – and particularly with those of little substance – vibes, issues and gossip – not enough evidence there to take anyone down as far as I am concerned.”
It’s not about taking someone down. It’s about the office a person holds.
“You and Wayne(door knob) Easter remind me of someone left from the mob that did in Joan of Arc.”
Now you have me burning Helena at the stake. Wow, get a life!!
For the record, I gave my opinion which I’m entitled to. This was not meant as a personal attack but as a commentary on a public official’s relationship with the public.
Unfortunately this has become a very emotional issue.
It’s not about taking someone down. It’s about the office a person holds.
Ed. that’s exactly why I keep going back & forth on this one. I’m not crazy about what she did but I think that the opposition and the media are taking advantage of this incident. At this point she would be wise to just stay in the background for a while.
And I agree that you’re far from a ‘drive-by’.
Ed
Here is your case for destroying political career of Guergis.
I heard she had issues in Brenda Martin case. I have bad vibes about her -trust me because it is not based on anything that I can support it with. There are beautiful women out there with terrible personalities (I’m sure there are and your point is what)
There are prima donas out there and you don’t want them working for you (I’m sure there are and your point is what)
That’s my case and now I join Wayne(door knob) Easter, Neville, Jennings, Kinsella, Fife etc. and destroy her political career. If only we could convince Harper as we have demanded in the past that he fire Raitt, Ambrose, Oda, Aglukkaq then we could make the charge he doesn’t have enough women in cabinet.
Does anybody believe that this story would have these legs and that Harper’s enemies smell blood if it weren’t for her husband’s problems.
My reference to “drive by” was not in reference to you being a stranger on this board but I consider your attack a drive by smear because you haven’t offered any facts or evidence to support your position – and as I said before a person losing their cool ( under questionable circumstances for which we may not have the truth or the facts) does not require her removal. There is also no evidence she has compounded her problems with any bad actions since that incident or about that incident.
You guys are free to debate this here. Let’s just please keep it civil. Thanks.
Peter B and Ed you both support the conservative party you are both entitled to your opinions doesn’t
make you right doesn’t make you wrong
Joanne is in a conundrum I am clear I support Helena Guergis
fh
Well said, FH.
I’ve been preoccupied with my grandson today. What the heck is going on with this Afghan thing now?
I wish the opposition would devote half as much energy to ways and means to keep our troops from being killed over in Afghanistan
I feel the opposition has lost sight of the matters that are important to the majority of Canadians
all my friends cannot understand their obsession with detainees
the polls do not reflect any gain for the opposition
my opinion is they hope to gain in the polls they are not they need to move on
fh
I agree with you Fh.
Peter B, I must be powerful if you feel I can destroy Helena’s political career. In reality, only she can destroy her career.
Who’s talking about destroying political careers other than you? Obviously, you did not READ my reply to you. Either that or you deliberately misconstrue my point of view.
Furthermore, after reading your reply, it’s obvious to me that you do not understand some of the points I made.
Also, you’re telling me how I think. You’re telling me what I mean. Amazing, you must have divine powers.
BTW, Liberals will take every opportunity to slam the Conservatives. Even if we didn’t hear about her husband, the Liberals would have jumped on the Helena case. If I’m not mistaken, Easter represents a PEI riding so he hears about everything that occurs there.
The bottom line is stop putting words in my mouth and misconstruing what I said and meant.
As for Raitt, Ambrose, Oda, and Aglukkaq, I’ve supported them all along.
Nice response Ed. Factual and to the point.
Ed
To put it simply so you understand I support Guergis and she should not step down or resign.
You want her out and are prepared to side in with Wayne(door knob)Easter, and his story as he presented it , Jennings, Neville, Kinsella, Fife, Travers and the rest of the Liberals and have her removed.
I would only warn Oda, Ambrose, Raitt, Aglukkaq etc. that don’t count on Ed for support when the Liberals again demand their resignation for the most trivial of matters.
It wasn’t a surprise for me that Easter represents a PEI riding “and hears everything that occurs there” and that doesn’t make his version of events factual, and his reporting of what happened is open to question and I suspect open to much self serving embellishment and exaggeration.It is shameful that there are people who would throw Guergis overboard on the case Easter and Liberals have made.
I appreciate your comments Joanne. I’m just trying to be objective about the issue. As you know, I justifiably blast the opposition when they deserve it. At the same time, I think it’s nice for people out there to know that as Conservatives we can be objective and, as a result, raise the bar when it comes to political discourse. Like you, I realize that the Liberals will do anything to defame the Conservatives. At the same time, let’s not give them a helping hand.
Peter B, my responses to your remarks:
“To put it simply so you understand I support Guergis and she should not step down or resign.”
I have no problem with that. Did you notice I didn’t put you down for your point of view?
“You want her out and are prepared to side in with Wayne(door knob)Easter, and his story as he presented it , Jennings, Neville, Kinsella, Fife, Travers and the rest of the Liberals and have her removed.”
Where did I say I wanted her out?? I have no use for Easter nor the others you noted. I never even read what he said. You have to stop putting words in my mouth.
“I would only warn Oda, Ambrose, Raitt, Aglukkaq etc. that don’t count on Ed for support when the Liberals again demand their resignation for the most trivial of matters.”
You’re being silly. When you counter like that, you sound more and more like a Liberal.
BTW, I’m a very passionate Conservative. I want Conservative MPs to stand tall, to rise above the fray, to be role models for Canadians. And you can take that to the bank!!
“It wasn’t a surprise for me that Easter represents a PEI riding “and hears everything that occurs there” and that doesn’t make his version of events factual,”
Who said his version of the events was factual, certainly not me.
“and his reporting of what happened is open to question and I suspect open to much self serving embellishment and exaggeration.”
Isn’t your statement here the type of commentary that has you throwing accusations my way? Do you see me making an accusation based on what you just said? Of course not.
“It is shameful that there are people who would throw Guergis overboard on the case Easter and Liberals have made.”
I’m not throwing Helena overboard. I’m sure she’d me quite the companion on any boat. I might argue with her but it would be fun.
You do not give Conservatives much credit if you think they make decisions or offer opinions on the basis of what Liberals parrot to the national media on a daily basis.
I feel I’m not getting anywhere here. It reminds me of the times debating or discussing issues with Liberals. It drives me crazy. It’s like talking to a cement wall, you just can’t get through.
Well you’ve both made your point. Let’s leave it there. No use bashing heads on this one. It boils down to the fact that two Conservative supporters can have different points of view.
And that’s o.k. In fact I see it as very healthy.
Oh dear – Second cabinet minister loses cool in airport.
Joanne @ 5:40 am, no comment!!
No comment? I hope I didn’t stifle the debate earlier. I just want to keep things civil and avoid personal attacks.
No Joanne, you certainly do not/did not stifle debate! Just waiting to see where our friends in the media take this one. It’ll be another chance for the pile-on gang to shoot off, they’ll be saying Conservatives are rude bullies or something worse.
Liz @ 8:33 am – For sure. I think they’ve already started. Very predictably so.
At least it was only the bottle that wasn’t allowed,Blackburn himself was fit to board the plane!
Oh and realizing MP’s are public figures and all that, but who’s reporting this stuff? Customs personnel? Was media following right behind Blackburn to get the scoop and know there was a heated exchange? Isn’t there a certain amount of privacy allowed even MP’s?
How many ordinary have issues with customs and become frustrated, aside from Liberals and their buddies and all time pals in the media of course?
Wonder if Fife ever tried to smuggle a large bottle of strawberry blond hair dye across the border?
Hi
i want to make a few comments here regarding Helena Guergis.
1) Loosing it at the airport was inappropriate and making those comments was shameful. Something that should be a learning. Her apology perhaps should have been better …she did apologyze.
Now, is this reasonable grounds to have the party HIGH officials speak against her ..NOT AT ALL shame on those people for their lack of loyalty and double standards.
I assure you I see plenty of MEN and OTHER MALE MINISTER and they are given the Royal treatment, the notion that she was questioned and lectured about how long she needs to be at the airport tells me there is a fellow in an uniform that could not wait to put her on her place. AT no time they stated feeling threatened by her behaviour and yet the LIB BLOGGERS followed by the media called for her to be taser …BECAUSE is a woman looses her temper in the airport she is a brat, throwing a tantrum. She is given child like attributions.
I am upset because I know in a million years would a men ever be put through this…. LOOK at the pictures of her in the media before and after ….before her pictures always seem to have that air of a beauty queen an image that as a politician she wanted to leave behind. Now her pictures are all harsh looking and angry or the last one I seen her nose is up in the air HA obviously they want to portray her as someone with a sense of entitlement.
DID THE news report that the Minister Helena Guergis received an award by the Global Network of Women’s shetlers ? her and 2 other Ministers from Austria and Mexico ..for their contribution and commitment to violence against women. NOPE no where
Did they talk about the fact that she was able to get the funding for the SISTER of Spirit which Cruella Deville could not stop talking about before the announcement then she was silent on the issue=
When she mentioned that she had an MBA uff all over the paper and they short of accuse her of lying about having one ..they blogged about it …they did articles about it they phone the University and alas ….they confirmed it …of course then they began to put down the academic institution …..because their is no end to this WITCH HUNT ….they stopped when they found out that Myke Percy is the Dean and he was the Liberal leader of the provincial party for years …..
Now they are trying to get a hold of her paper, her grades, its not enough that she has an MBA …they want to know if she has a undergraduate …….its like saying …I do not care that you have a degree I want to know if you graduated from high School….
If you look at the situation is crazy and as women we should question how they are destroyed when you enter politics or any position where you have power. I feel we are so backwards in Canada and I am concern that the high officials would talk about members of their own party like that …..
Rahim did get a brake and she should not be penalize for the actions of the male partner… Ok said enough but really I would never go into politics.
Ok said enough but really I would never go into politics.
Pat, I agree that the media pile-on does not help the case for women entering politics. In fact I would go so far as to say that a woman needs to be a bit tougher than some guys to withstand the various attacks. And yet when a woman does lose it in the political arena, she is criticized.
Joanne
Help me. I read now where Ed claims he didn’t want Geurgis either to resign or for Harper to remove her from her portfolio. “Where did I say I wanted her out” his comment.
Amongst his other comments he did say “I agree with Joanne’s original point of view”. Joanne if you understand Ed tell us does he want Geurgis to remain in her current position or is he lining up with Wayne(door knob) Easter, Jennings, Neville, Fife, Travers, and Kinsella and wants her to either resign or Harper to dismiss her. Can’t we have a simple answer?
I would also just say at this time that it isn’t only Conservatives who lose their cool at airports – many stressed out travelers do so and it won’t be the first and it won’t be the last incident.It isn’t right or acceptable but after a sincere apology and scoring a few cheap political points it is time to move on instead of joining the pile on.
Peter, I am able to interpret Ed’s position I think he feels pretty close to the way I do on this, which is that having Helena Guergis stay on in Cabinet is not doing the party any favours right now. However, I don’t like the media and opposition pile-on either. That makes me want to defend her choice to stay on. Maybe she should just have a time-out.
As I said before, I’m betwixt and between on this one.
Pat
Well said and I agree 100% with everything you said. I just wish more Conservatives would be coming from where you are rather than condemning her because they hear she has “issues” or they have “bad vibes” about her. Referring to her as a prima dona is a personal attack and uncalled for ( something I would only expect from a Liberal)
We don’t often have nit picking on this blog, we can agree, disagree somewhat or disagree totally but we don’t go on and on about it, we talk it through and may even change our minds on a subject. That’s why it’s a great site to exchange opinion without nattering or insulting our fellow commenters.
That’s why it’s a great site to exchange opinion without nattering or insulting our fellow commenters.
Thanks for that, Liz. I find myself really being pulled back and forth on this issue as you know. But ultimately I guess it will be between Ms. Guergis and the PM.
Liz J at (:38 am:
” Wonder if Fife ever tried to smuggle a large bottle of strawberry blond hair dye across the border?”
LOL!
Ooops1 that should be 9:38 am.
OK, today is going to be one of those days where I make a lot of typos, it seems. Sorry, but they do bug me.
lol! Gabby don’t worry about typos.
Giving up carbs for Lent eh? That could have a side benefit of losing some weight. Not a bad idea.
And about typos, I was referring to mine!
OK, I agree with what Pat said, especially when she said that some Conservatives — I’m referring to people like the PM’s former communications guy Kory Teneycke and the PM’s former advisor Tom Flanagan — got on the bandwagon & piled on Guergis.
Mind you, Flanagan’s sense of humour showed through when on Power & Politics he said something to the effect that “I wish Liberals would quote me more often on some of the other stuff I say” [paraphrasing] when he was told that Liberal MPs were quoting him on the Guergis incident.
I also find John Baird’s defence of her during QP rather weak. Maybe it’s because he’s nursing a cold. Personally, I would have preferred that Guergis herself stand up every time and repeat she had already apologized and that that should be the end of the story … unless the opposition does not believe in the value or sincerity of people’s apologies.
If that did not make opposition hyenas like Jennings, Easter, and Neville shut up, I would have my staff research past Liberal misbehaviour and quote THEIR apologies, asking her accusers if THOSE apologies were acceptable and sincere.
You can count on the desperate Liberals coming to the HOC Monday accusing Conservative of throwing tantrums at airports. Tequila Blackburn doesn’t have the same ring as the “Tequila Sheila” moniker John Crosbie gave Sheila Copps.
Liz, nonetheless I’m sure Tommy PP will try to make something out of it tonight.
Well said Pat!!! I had no sympathy for Helena or Rahm but the continual pile on by the Liberals with the help of MSM has changed my mind.
I remember that Jason Kenney was very fair with Ruby Dhalla.
I have no problem with people having no sympathy for Guergis but piling on and demanding she step down or Harper give her the axe is somewhat over the top. She hasn’t made a mess of her portfolio and in fact it is interesting that even the braying jackals haven’t accused her of that, so that should be indicative of something.
Anybody see the Fife clip will note that Wayne (door knob) Easter is demanding now that Blackburn resign. I guess we are lucky that he isn’t demanding Harper and his government step down and hand the government over to the three stooges.
Pat, I’m not going to allow your comment because it verges on libel, and I’m not convinced that you aren’t a Liberal troll.
Is your blog
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwESOQZLqww
I based my comment on this interview ….he is a former PMO communications person he uses that title to go on TV ….
Nope I am not a liberal and yes I do support the Conservative party but I am not involved in the politics of it. I am however; someone who works on women’s issues and it is with that lens that I have been responding not only in your blog but in others …
It is my opinion on this guy based on his response to the issue.
I am curious why you think it verges on Libel?
O.K. Pat. I’ll give that some thought. Thanks for your clarification.
Just as an observation, this post is now moving towards the archives and has yet received an incredible number of comments.
Clearly there is a lot of emotion.
WOW ! Three and a half weeks later, and you are right on the money ! Care to pick some stocks for me ?
I had a bad feeling, Douglas. But who knows how this will all turn out?