I think the Canadian media deserves an audit. At the very least we should be auditing them regarding non-partisanship and objectivity, unless of course they have already declared a bias.
This audit would seek out media pundits and columnists who try to manipulate the Canadian public into thinking they are presenting the ‘truth’, when in fact they have a particular axe to grind or a party to disparage.
The CBC should be under particular scrutiny here because we the taxpayers are subsidizing them even though the Ceeb has performed its own audit and declared itself to be free of bias. (The irony is breathtaking.)
In any case, I’m throwing this out to the BLY nation to state the best and the worst of Canadian media and why.
I’ll start things out with my favs which include Lorrie Goldstein, Charles Adler, and Rex Murphy. To the best of my knowledge Goldstein and Murphy don’t have partisan ties and their work is balanced and objective. Charles Adler probably favours the Tories but what the heck? We need someone to champion our side against all the fomenting left-wingers. The good guys deserve our recognition.
Even though this post is just for fun, please refrain from personal attacks against individual columnists. I think their media products are fair game though.
* * * *
Update
I’ll keep a rough tally here of the Good, the Bad and the Ugly, based on readers’ comments.
THE GOOD
Excellence in Talk Radio include:
- Roy Green, John Gormley, Dave Rutherford, Charles Adler, Lowell Green, Tommy Schnurmacher, Brian Lilley, Mark Sutcliffe, Rob Snow, Jerry Agar, Nick Vandergragt (CFRA), Steve Madely (CFRA), Rex Murphy (Cross Country Checkup).
Excellence in Print media:
- Christy Blatchford, Kelly McParland, Lorne Gunter, Lorrie Goldstein (Sunmedia), Rex Murphy (Post), Brian Lilley, Norman Spector, Matt Gurney, Angelo Persichilli, L. Ian Macdonald, Margaret Wente, Monte Solberg (an obvious bias but very witty!), Andrew Coyne, Chantel Hebert, Barbara Kay.
- Lord Conrad Black!!!
Excellence in Broadcast media:
- Rex Murphy (CBC) – One bright light in our public network.
- Michael Coren (CTS)
- Mark Sutcliffe (The Week with Mark Sutcliffe on CPAC)
- Joel Denis Bellevance (also in print media), and Jean Lapierre (sometimes shows bias though)
* * * *
THE BAD:
- Michael Harris, James Travers, Jane Taber (many times over), Don Martin, Susan Delacourt, Terry Mileskwi, Kady O’Malley (although she’s more of a blogger, she is paid by the CBC and hence us).
More bad media: Bill Good (ironically), Heather Mallick (who really should be in the “all-time worst” class), Neil Macdonald, CP’s Jennifer Ditchburn, G & M’s Steve Chase, CP’s Bruce Cheadle, CTV’s Bob Fife, Sun’s Greg Weston, Frances Russell, Stephen Maher, Lawrence Martin, CPAC’s Goldhawk, CBC’s Evan Soloman, CTV’s Craig Oliver, Kevin Neuman (Global) and John Moore (NewsTalk 1010), Kathleen Petty (CBC), Tom Clark (CTV), Rosemary Barton (CBC), Suhanna Mercherand (CBC), Peter Mansbridge (CBC), Susan Delacourt (Star), Aaron Wherry, Don Martin (Post), Julie Van Dusen!!!
* * * *
THE UGLY:
We are unable to publish this list because as Ezra Levant found out, hurt feelings are not allowed in Canada.
THE MUSHY MIDDLE (Media Purgatory?):
- Greg Weston (moved from ‘Bad’), Andrew Coyne (moved to GOOD at Russ Campbell’s request), Paul Wells, John Tory (??)
* * * *
General observations: People really, really don’t like Jane Taber, Bill Good and Heather Mallick! I might even go so far as to suggest that they’re not hot!
Who is hot is Lorrie Goldstein. Also Persichilli, Rex Murphy and several others.
* * * *
Sunday Update
More excellence from Lorrie Goldstein this morning, and this fits in perfectly with our topic – The CBC’s Graves mistake.
Roy Green of the Corus network is pretty good too!! John Gormley out of CKOM (Saskatoon) is excellent as well.
Talk radio is so important here, as it is in the U.S. Otherwise we would barely ever hear the conservative point of view on things….
Add Dave Rutherford to the list of good guys.
I agree with Soccermom. Roy Green did a fantastic job filling in for Dave Rutherford last week. Rutherford is my favorite though. Lowell Green,CFRA is pretty good too. As far as print goes Christy Blatchford, Kelly McParland,Lorne Gunter, Lorrie Goldstein are my favorites. Rex Murphy seems to hit the nail on the head most of the time. Amazing he’s still with the CBC.
I think what we need to do to turn things around here to get better quality media, is to encourage conservative young people to go into journalism and support them all the way.
Good point everyone! Talk radio is becoming a terrific resource.
Lowell Green: they should clone this guy, the country would be all the better for it. LOL
His research skills are great, mainly I think, as he might put it, because he actually does research the topics he deals with unlike so many in the media today!!
He speaks the truth, brings up topics others refuse to touch, and often brings out stories and information that are not common knowledge and unreported.
Well, there’s one area he tends to tread lightly on but, then again, who’s perfect. The key is he has the passion, that fire in the belly that Tim could use.
A couple of days ago, I heard that a poll revealed that people trust radio news over all other forms of media. Well ahead of tv and print media. Maybe, it’s posted on the net somewhere?
The CBC needs to be de-funded, the capital assets sold off and pink slips issued to all employees.
I like Tommy Schnurmacher on CJAD. The guy who replaced Bill Carroll on CFRB is also pretty good. Brian Lilley is an excellent reporter and sometime columnist.
CFRA the good:
Lowell Green
Steve Madeley
Mark Sutcliffe
Rob Snow
CFRA the bad:
Michael Harris, this guy is annoying beyond belief
Norman Spector has an unassuming way of pointing out the fair and Balanced. I am also a big fan of Christy Blanchford who comes across as all Canadian.
Matt Gurney courageously tried to pont out NDP affliations of facebook against prorogation.
Have you noticed that the media that is closest to the real people seem to be the most objective? Talk radio for sure but also local and community newspapers, local news reporters, the “on the ground” journalists versus those who sit in their ivory towers, mostly in Toronto, who really have no idea about what real Canadians need, want – or even how we live our lives across this great nation.
These sheltered elites hob knob with their own; invite their own to comment on issues,(note: panels of like minded Toronto or Montreal journalists to discuss and reinforce each other’s jaded points of view) .No wonder we feel so detatched from the maninstream media- they do not reflect the real Canada because they don’t live in the real world. To them we are herds of plebian stereotypes based on region, race, gender and religion and political leanings.
It’s like Ignatieff who said he understand farmers because he visited his grandfather’s barn a few times and likes the smell of manure.
These media and other elites just do not know what they do not knw – therefore they think they know it all.
We could not have had this conversation, this exchange of ideas, ideals, hopes for our’s and our Country’s future, in the not too distant past. The rise of citizen journalism is unique and empowering, it is passionate and real. CBC, CTV, the Mandsbridge’s or Groves of the world no longer control the agenda, we do, thanks to Joanne, Kate and many others who were sick and tired of being marginalized and mocked for our values and opinions. The self proclaimed Elite don’t like the net much, they would like to control it. I hope that never happens. This is real and as relevant as a chat between neighbors. No spinnin’ no grinnin’ we’re winnin’. Cheers!
CBC, CTV, the Mandsbridge’s or Groves of the world no longer control the agenda, we do, thanks to Joanne, Kate and many others who were sick and tired of being marginalized and mocked for our values and opinions.
Thanks Bubba!
Michael Coren for excellence in Broadcast media.
Where’s Elections Canada………….????????????????????????
Grit leadership hopefuls still in hock
http://www.torontosun.com/news/canada/2010/05/21/14041491.html
Tuesday, 18 May 2010 12:50 UK
“Radio is the most trusted source of news in the UK, beating both TV and the internet, according to a report from Ofcom.
The regulator found that 66% of people considered radio to be reliable and accurate, compared with 58% for online, 54% for TV and just 34% for newspapers.
It is the first time that news websites have overtaken television as a trusted source for current affairs.
The survey, of 1,824 people over the age of 16, was conducted in 2009.”
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment_and_arts/10121759.stm
The Bad? I would say Don Martin, Susan Delacourt, Jane Taber, Terry Mileskwi. Oh yes, must not forget about Kady O’Malley and Heather Mallick.
For the good, don’t forget Angelo Persichilli from the Red Star.
The bad? Real bad? Bill Good on ‘NW in Vancouver,and CTV.So Leftwing and elitist,and he doesn’t even realize it.
Bill gets very offended when anyone mentions his perspective,which is that of a person born with the proverbial silver spoon,and a coddled and elitist lifestyle beyond the comprehension of most Canadians.
His convoluted logic on so many issues will astound any listener with a modicum of knowledge on global warming, gun control, immigration,Islam,Natives,you name it,Bill doesn’t get it!
My favourite, Rex Murphy.
Can we make a very very special category for Heather Mallick? hahahaha!
Can we make a very very special category for Heather Mallick?
Oh boy, that’s a good question. Is there a word we can use to describe Heather Mallick’s columns? The word trash is too kind.
I agree with dmorris on the topic of Bill Good. He doesn’t even know most of the news items people call in to talk about….not a clue!
Lorrie Goldstein!
The two “journalists” I’d say have the most biased slants are Jane Taber and Kady O’Malley. It is often difficult to tell where Taber ends and Donolo begins. We should call them Tabolo. Kady even considers herself to be a real journalist, and her writing is all over the CBC Politics page. I get the feeling that Kory Teneycke is being slowly phased out, while Scott Reid in the same role gets plenty of face time on CBC Newsworld.
I think of Kady as a glorified blogger. I am a Conservative blogger and I do not consider myself to be a journalist. I’m an opinionist, and I think that it is important for people to see my political affiliation at the top of my website before they proceed to read my opinion.
A few weeks ago I ran a poll question on this subject. I left out O’Malley as an option on purpose because I don’t think she’s a real journalist.
WHICH CANADIAN JOURNALIST DO YOU THINK IS THE MOST LIKELY TO BE FORCED TO RESIGN FOR REPORTING A FALSE OR SLANDEROUS NEWS STORY?
Bob Fife (33%)
Terry Milewski (32%)
Jane Taber (21%)
Jim Traverse (6%)
Julie Van Dussen (4%)
Iceman @ 1:57 pm – What a motley crew that is!
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/article724844.ece
“Editor’s note: The original version of this article has been amended since publication.”
There were 6 pages of Google related stories re this amended “kill him, kill him dead” piece written by Scott Reid on
3rd on Bill good and CKNW in general. Mike Smith was such a welcome change but Bill’s back and it’s culture war and global warming again.
Cont..haha whoops!
Nov 29, 2008
IMO, this was the worst of the worst of horrible journalism that was permitted to permeate the circus that is referred to as MSM.
To have this person continue on in any political capacity is deplorable and would not have happened had he been a Conservative.
However, had he been a Conservative, I would have been first out of the gate asking for his PERMANENT dismissal from all things political.
Trust the CBC to see it another way and give him a voice.
Rosie di Manno for her straight reporting on the facts about Afghanistan. She even writes for the Star, so extra points for courage !
Jerry Agar is good over at Newstalk 1010 (CFRB doesn’t exist any longer). He replaced Bill Carroll who is now in L.A.
I think we have to differentiate between reporters, who are supposedly simply reporting on the day’s events, and columnists, who are paid to give their opinion on or analyze those events. It seems that even journalists themselves forget that distinction, for reporters often convey their opinions by the slant they give to their stories. Prime examples for me are the CBC’s Neil Macdonald and Terry Milewski.
What I find most annoying is the pretense that journalists are completely objective in assessing events or politicians. I do not object to anyone having a particular POV, given the person’s life experience. However, a professional journalist, by his/her training, should not allow that POV to emerge and become obvious to the listener/viewer/reader.
Some reporters whose “objectivity” I doubt:
• the CBC’s Neil Macdonald and Terry Milewski
• the CP’s Jennifer Ditchburn
• the G & M’s Steve Chase
• the CP’s Bruce Cheadle
• the CTV’s Bob Fife
Among my most fave columnists:
L. Ian Macdonald
Angelo Persichilli
Lorrie Goldstein
Margaret Wente
And least fave:
Jane Taber
Jane Taber
And Jane Taber
BTW, something else I try to keep in mind. I try not to base my opinion of a journalist on just one report/column/program alone. I recall some negative comments here about our very own Senator Mike Duffy (I don’t recall the issues) while he was still at CTV, and even Susan Riley, usually expressing an anti-Conservative POV, getting an occasional thumbs up here. And wasn’t Lowell Greene — or was it Roy Green? — who championed Brenda Martin’s cause? Since I don’t listen to either Green, I cannot advance a fair opinion of them simply on that basis. And talk radio is an entirely different cateGORY.
Then there’s one by the name of Jennifer Ditchburn who disappeared for a while when we went after her for skewing a report on an event/speech by the PM, taking it out of context. She’s back again like a bad smell, thinking we’ve all forgotten.
Mallick = Malice
The Roy Green Show today is advocating the legalization of marijuana.
Best = Monty Solberg
Worst = Greg Weston
Frances Russell
Stephen Maher
James Travers
Larry Martin
TV programs besides all of CBC…..GOLDHAWK is biased.
OOPS….can’t forget to add this to the worst list
The House with Kathleen Petty on CBC radio.
Having a hard time for the BEST list. Few and far between.
Oh boy, it looks like I really stirred up a hornet’s nest here. My apologies if I don’t get everyone’s feedback posted on the update.
Re: talk radio/TV … we don’t necessarily get a “fair & balanced” POV there either, unless we happen to share the host’s POV.
Many issues are “discussed” because of the controversy surrounding them, and the more anger and wrath they generate, the better. The few talk show hosts I’ve become familiar with through the years have unfortunately increased the noise & outrage levels but decreased the depth of understanding.
One recent positive discovery is Mark Sutcliffe (The Week with Mark Sutcliffe on CPAC). Based on the few times I’ve viewed his program, he appears to be knowledgeable, fairly objective, and gives ample time to callers to express their POV.
Goldhawk OTOH, also on CPAC, invites mostly anti-Conservative guests.
Solomon constantly interrupts his Conservative guests in mid-sentence, whereas he gives Liberals free rein to pursue their train of thought. And I’m beginning to wonder what is the point of some panels, if everyone talks at the same time, leaving the viewer wondering who said what. Even the old guard venerables Don Newman and Daniel Lessard get in on the game, with the two war horses speaking over one another while Solomon is interjecting himself into the fray. So, a discussion? Nah, more like a useless free-for-all.
And as someone else mentioned, it appears Kory Teneycke has lost his gig on Solomon’s show. Although at times too abrasive for my taste, at least he presented a conservative POV on that show. There’s a diminishing list of conservative POVs it seems.
“a hornet’s nest here”?
More like a lively topic. Everyone has his/her say, with no stings, at least so far.
Gabby this is really informative from my POV. I’ve learned some new names in media to watch for. The bad ones I already knew about.
Interesting that so far the broadcast media is the biggest wasteland of quality commentary whereas the print media and radio talkshows seem to be where the action is.
Kevin Neuman of Global and John Moore on NewsTalk 1010 (formally CFRB) are very biased too.
I would add Craig Oliver to the list with Taber and Fife. He’s just as bad.
Newman is done in August, I think. Wonder what the real reason is. He failed in his USA attempt a few years ago, and come back a so called hero.
Iceman @ 2:57…..guest host Rob Breakenridge is filling in for Roy Green this weekend….
I do my own audit every time I pick up a newspaper or turn on radio/TV. Gave up the Victoria TC about a year ago and no longer listen to CFAX and any of their talking Lafties. I spend my money on FoxNews. Audit done!
Joanne at 3:48 pm: “I’ve learned some new names in media to watch for.”
So have I, Joanne, but I’m not as good at multi-tasking as you are, so some of those media mavens will have to remain unknowns to me.
I can’t help commenting on NewsTalk 1010′s John Moore, though. He used to be an unremarkable movie reviewer cum actor here in Montreal until he went on to greener pastures in Toronto. I don’t know how well he does in his relatively new job, but it seems Conrad Black doesn’t think too highly of him, and vice versa.
Sorry…off subject but Iggy is at the Canadians hockey game sitting behing the Canadians bench..with Ken Dryden…CBC has shown 3 shots of iggy so far. If it was PM Harper we wouldn’t see his face. Iggy is wearing a stuffy tweed blazer…lol.
Drydon coming on in the 2nd intermission. Iggy laying low…doesn’t want to speak in fear of the polls dipping below 25%.
Last time in Vancouver Iggy wore their sweater and they lost. My son-in law is upset Iggy is at the game…he supports Montreal.Bad LUCK….Thanks Iggy….Montreal is losing 2-0…..so far.
My son-in law is upset Iggy is at the game…he supports Montreal.Bad LUCK….Thanks Iggy….Montreal is losing 2-0…..so far.
My husband has a glum look on his face too.
I see Iceman is attempting a different kind of media audit. Good for him!
Will have to turn on the game to see if Iggy looks like he knows what is going on. Hope someone is sitting around him with a camera phone.
Paul Wells and Andrew Coyne at Macleans, even if you don’t agree with them, do their homework,
and they at least try to represent the truth before fiction.
I think Greg Weston is only 1/2 bad,
there are times he does put out articles that tell the whole story, rather than half truths like so many others that are obviously antiHarper.
I think Greg Weston is only 1/2 bad,
Yeah, I have to agree with you there. In fact even Craig Oliver can be alright once in a while. Paul Wells and Andrew Coyne seem o.k. most of the time but they get stuck on their little issues.
Agree that Goldhawk is pro Liberal.
I am hoping prime Minister attends the memorial cup in Brandon. Go Wheat Kings Go!
Ron McLean seems to be a Conservative….mentioned Quebec as a nation…said to Dryden…1st star…Conservatives….2nd star…Liberals….lol..Dryden looked “Stunned.”Don Cherry wouldn’t even sit at the desk with the guy…he was in the background.
Then McLean mentioned some story about being “DIVISIVE”.
Then McLean told Dryden, something about the LIBERALS…”It’s like 17 years without the cup, and your not going to bail on the Montreal Canadians”.
Dryden looked and talked like he had one too many pucks hit him in the skull. The guy is totally WEIRD.
If CBC is to be investigated for bias, then the Canadian Press should be too.
Many of the antiHarper articles originate with CP, tho you have to dig around abit to find out where the lazy ones cut and paste from.
Don’t kid yourselves about Weston…he has his column in our daily newspaper every second day. Harper smearing…our editor is a Liberal. Weston is still looking for his Liberal senate seat…ho hum.
How could Iggy do this to our Montreal Canadians? PLEASE go home to the USA.Just because PM Harper is writing a book on HOCKEY Iggy is at a hockey game. What a laugh. Seems the announcers arn’t too keen on Montreal either.Go Canada GOOO!!!!!
Any chance the bad and the ugly will read these comments.
John Moore Trivia – IMO he was much better at his Montreal gig than he is at Newstalk 1010. Did you see him when he was on Jeopardy? He didn’t make it to Final Jeopardy.
Fifth-columnist slot is full;
but, a pew of his own is reserved for the CBC’s Dr. Fruit Fly.
Canadians pay $1,000,000,000.00 + to CBC
to allow Fruit Fly to copulate with Gaia.
…-
“Jail politicians who ignore climate science: Suzuki ******
David Suzuki has called for political leaders to be thrown in jail for ignoring the science behind climate change.”
http://www.nationalpost.com/news/story.html?id=290513
I just want to put in a plug for some of my favorite “insiders” …
Norman Spector, former chief-of-staff to Brian Mulroney, who is on CKNW every Monday at 10:00 AM, and writes ofen in the Globe. He is good at pointing out hypocricies, for example Jean “women’s inalienable right to choose” Charest having previously voted for Mulroney’s failed abortion bill.
L. Ian MacDonald, former speech-writer for Mulroney, who writes a column about once a week, and appears occasionaly on CTV, and is a Harper sympathizer.
And a welcome new addition, Kory Teneycke, who is a pleasure to watch, when he lets loose on the leftie-du-jour on Solomon’s show.
Totally off topic, but I just saw on Global that the Google tribute to PacMan is actually playable! I had no idea!
No one has mentioned Joel Denis Bellevance! I kinda like him..and he gets in some pretty good shots at how poorly the Libs are doing in Que.Also,Jean Lapierre,now that he’s doing commentary..as an ex-Lib MP he is pretty brutal to his former party.
As for the absolutely horrid,I would put Taber,and Tom Clark front and center.I just DETEST the smug,sarcastic look that they both get when they think they are screwing a Cons.for all the country to see.Rosemary Barton sets my hair on end with her schoolgirl giggling..very unproffessional.Suhanna Mercherand makes me want to throw a workboot through the tv..and Mansbridge makes my skin crawl.Besides his blatant partisanship,there is something creepy about him.I would absolutely concur that Mallice/Mallick belongs in some special Hall of Shame for wannabe journalists,and she could take Delacourt there with her.
Joel Denis Bellevance
Yes! He’s great. And I agree that Jean LaPierre tells it like it is.
I would like access to the information on CBC programming expenses, but I have to wait until after this court case is settled otherwise I’m wasting $5. The CBC is in court to protect Milewski’s expense account.
Iceman – Fascinating. Please keep us posted.
BTW anyone who still is tempted to shed a tear over alleged Taliban mistreatment should read this.
This is also disturbing – Crack in cabinet on Afghanistan.
Did anybody mention that Wherry character at MacCleans and his questionable question period blow by low blow somewhat left leaning anal-ysise ?
Cantuc – You’re right. Wherry is awful.
Totally off topic but delicious! From Scott Morrison’s (TSN) Twitter page:Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff sitting behind the losing bench.Enough said.
see:http://twitter.com/morrisonHNIC
Sammy, that was hilarious! Thanks.
Has anyone added Barbara Yaffe to the worst list yet? She’s highly deserving. And don’t forget Julie “cut and paste” Van Duesen to the worst list as well. She is a perfect example of the CBC’s bias, wherein she was caught editing a question to the PM with an answer to another during the Palestinian conflict.
Stephen Maher is also a bottom-feeder in the worst category.
A while back Adler had a woman named Lesli Prevo (not sure of spelling) fill in for him. Has anyone heard her I believe she works out of Edmonton??
Do you think Scott Morrison is a Conservative or a disenchanted Liberal?
Nick Vandergragt on CFRA is a winner. He is another who speaks the truth, no politically correct nonsense from him. He’s an up and comer in the fashion of a Lowell Green. A positive for him is that he’s patient and allows callers to complete their point of view. He’s on Sunday mornings at 9 AM eastern time.
Steve Madely on CFRA as well is very good. (6 to 9 weekday mornings).
Mark Sutcliffe is so-so at best. He’s on the fence too often. Nick is much, much better in that he has fire in his belly and is not afraid to take a stand.
Jean LaPierre: no, no and no. Heard him too often to think otherwise. There is a bias.
Tommy Schnurmacher: sadly only a shadow of his former self. I think he’s been weakened by having to deal with all those Liberals and lefties on his show and all over Montreal. You know, Liberals like John Moore, Aislin, and too many others in the media to mention. Montreal is crawling with Liberals and lefties, sad but true.
Nick Vandergragt on CFRA is a winner. He is another who speaks the truth, no politically correct nonsense from him. He’s an up and comer in the fashion of a Lowell Green. A positive for him is that he’s patient and allows callers to complete their point of view. He’s on Sunday mornings at 9 AM eastern time.
That’s good to know Ed. I’m always looking for some good talk shows on the weekend.
Jean LaPierre: no, no and no. Heard him too often to think otherwise. There is a bias.
Ed, the thing about Jean LaPierre is that we know he was/is a Liberal so his bias is declared. He doesn’t try to hide it. Now he is in the media business and I am sometimes astounded how brutally honest he is about the Liberal party.
I added a link in an update to Lorrie Goldstein’s column for today. Comments are worth checking out too:
Mac:
May 23rd 2010, 7:00am
Good for you Lorrie, give them hell.
For heaven’s sake people take a look at a waste of time show CBC’s Power and Politics with Evan,
NEVER have I seen a more bisased bunch, this programe should be taken off the air.
The Liberals should be paying the tab for CBC as it is their voice to the masses.
By the way Lorrie go and kick Greg Weston in the butt for me.
“A while back Adler had a woman named Lesli Prevo (not sure of spelling) fill in for him. Has anyone heard her I believe she works out of Edmonton?? ”
Lesley Primo…and yes…I CANNOT STAND her…she is one of the most bigotted people (as in, she HATES Conservatives). Funny thing though -she rants about putting the criminals in jail and throwing away the key…. so maybe it is just Stephen Harper she doesn’t like. Somehow her hosting Adler did not compute…I did not listen when she was on. But at least it gave you all a taste of what she is like – lol!
I wonder if any of these journalists are reading this….somehow I think our complaining invigorates them and prompts them to be more left wing. Any “hits” Joanne?
=
I’ll have to check that out AG. Things are usually quieter on the weekend though.
Didn’t Jean LaPierre have a falling out with LPC over some slight or something? He certainly has no problem being “brutally honest” about them.
There is still a great divide in the LPC and a big reason they can’t get their act together, can’t seem to find themselves but that doesn’t stop them and their media arm from trying to foist them on the country. It’s all about power, not what’s best for the country, if it were they’d be concentrating on getting their own house in order and becoming something that resembles a government in waiting, a true Opposition.
Didn’t Jean LaPierre have a falling out with LPC over some slight or something?
Aha. That could explain a few things.
Dan Leger is on CBC right now. He called the Conservatives ‘Telfon Tories’. Heh.
Leslie Primo, haven’t heard her name for years, she used to have a show on an Edmonton station, back when Bill Mattheson/Terry Bland had their talk show on CJOC, pre Dave R days. Last time I listened to her she was all upset about some by-law or something that would keep her from her favorite pastime in the summer-sunbathing in the nude on her balcony.
And she was always going after our conservative govt in AB, and did not like Ralph K.
Someone must be reading this blog, as NNW has some of those named sort of bashing libs today. The Speakers perks get an airing.
Also a story why Preston Manning should be the new GG, with an explanation of what brought about a lot of fiscal policies that Martin/Iggy are taking credit for.
And then the killer story on why the libs/ndp should start preparing for a coalition govt.
And if one notices, there are a few cracks developing in that one in England.
Hey BLY nation…where’s Don Martin? He has definately moved to the inept dark side…..so sad too!
Hey BLY nation…where’s Don Martin?
Thanks Bec. That was definitely an oversight. Just tacked him on at the end of the ‘Baddies’
Socialism’s natural end result is posted by the liberal New York Times.
Canadian MSM ignores the collapse of socialism.
Socialism is the ideology of the Separatist Coaltion of LibZIffy, Taliban Jack LaytoNDP, and commie Duceppe Bloc.
…-
“Payback Time
Crisis Imperils Liberal Benefits Long Expected by Europeans
Across Western Europe, the “lifestyle superpower,” the assumptions and gains of a lifetime are suddenly in doubt. The deficit crisis that threatens the euro has also undermined the sustainability of the European standard of social welfare, built by left-leaning governments since the end of World War II.
Europeans have boasted about their social model, with its generous vacations and early retirements, its national health care systems and extensive welfare benefits, contrasting it with the comparative harshness of American capitalism.
Europeans have benefited from low military spending, protected by NATO and the American nuclear umbrella. They have also translated higher taxes into a cradle-to-grave safety net. “The Europe that protects” is a slogan of the European Union.
But all over Europe governments with big budgets, falling tax revenues and aging populations are experiencing rising deficits, with more bad news ahead.”
““The easy days are over for countries like Greece, Portugal and Spain, but for us, too,” said Laurent Cohen-Tanugi, a French lawyer who did a study of Europe in the global economy for the French government. “A lot of Europeans would not like the issue cast in these terms, but that is the storm we’re facing. We can no longer afford the old social model, and there is a real need for structural reform.””
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/23/world/europe/23europe.html?hp
Canadian MSM ignores the collapse of socialism.
I am astonished as to how many politicians and pundits still hold up Europe as some kind of model – especially when it comes to environmentalism. If the economy can’t sustain it, it will fail eventually.
What is going on in Ottawa, first the AG wants to audit expenses, committee against it and the Speaker is on that committee. Now an expose of the perks of his office and demands for an audit of same.
He made a ruling re afghan documents. Now we see a story of how the liberal government paid little or no attention to Rwanda. Liberal minister at the time is saying, gee, those documents etc never made it to my desk. The Star has accessed previously unpublished documents or Rwanda.
Knowing the liberals hid or paid no attention to these during their time, perhaps they assume the PM is doing the same with the detainee ones.
Every time they try to get the PM, the past comes back to change the channel.
Question of the day-will Iggy ever attend another hockey game or wear a hockey sweater. (could we put him in a Flyer sweater)
And way OT, but Fergie has been caught in a sting operation.
Can’t believe no one remembered this CBC worst one for the list…SUSAN SMITH. No matter what the subject is, she always manages to equate PM Stephen Harper into it and bashes him non stop.Other guests can’t get a word in when she’s on, and Solomon lets her have her say without interruption.
Another one is Elizabeth Thompson, except lately she seems to be writing the news, not giving her biased opinions. BUT, she always manages to LEAVE LITTLE THINGS OUT, like the rest of the reporters. 1/2 stories to make the Conservatives look bad and Libs better.
I still say Susan Delacourt tops them all for Queen of mean and twisted opinions.
Can’t believe no one remembered this CBC worst one for the list…SUSAN SMITH.
Well that’s where things get a bit dicey. Would she be a MSM personality or a paid partisan strategist? Yeah Elizabeth Thompson has always seemed biased against the Tories.
Nick is on CFRA now. Show sounds interesting. He will be talking about the CBC’s self audit on bias.
A report from the UK.
More of the natural end result of socialism.
Cuts to the liberal/socialists’ arts.
Notice the words, “the new coalition government”.
Watch for the “Big Unions”‘s reaction. Will there be rioting in the streets of the UK? Will the left-socialists/unionists surrender peacefully?
…-
“Eurozone crisis has made cuts imperative, says Clegg, as Queen’s speech leaked
Public spending cuts have been made imperative by the crisis in the eurozone, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said today as the new coalition government prepared to start chipping away at Britain’s record £156bn deficit.
Years of Labour “throwing money around like there was no tomorrow” had left a “black hole” in the country’s finances, he said.
Mr Clegg’s scathing assessment of the outgoing regime came as Chancellor George Osborne prepared to announce tomorrow where the axe will fall for his first £6bn of cuts – most of which will be ploughed straight into paying off the deficit.”
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article7134302.ece
SUSAN SMITH, yeah, she’s one insufferable wench, one of several. She must get paid by the Liberals and the media sure let her blabber on, interrupt others on guest panels etc.
and the media sure let her blabber on, interrupt others on guest panels etc.
Yes that is a big problem on shows like Power Play and Power & Politics.
Hey BLY nation…where’s Don Martin? He has definately moved to the inept dark side…..so sad too!
Bec, I agree. Don Martin, back in the days when he was covering the Legislature in Edmonton, he was not half bad. He was actually pretty fair and balanced. He actually did a pretty decent job. Ottawa has sure changed him.
Yikes – Weston is in fine form today….he gets a thumbs up for this one.
http://www.ottawasun.com/comment/columnists/greg_weston/2010/05/21/14038911.html
Weston is in fine form today….he gets a thumbs up for this one.
AG – I was a bit hesitant to stick him in the ‘bad’ category. I may have to revise that one.
FYI..Adler will be on QP today,topic of discussion will be the audit of MP’s expenses.
The big question is what’s in it for the scribes and talking heads to have the Liberals in power? What kind of fools would back the Liberals in their present state with a poor leader and in no way fit to run this country? They must have had one hell of a great ride when the Liberals were in power and longing for their return. Makes no sense otherwise, especially when we are being well governed with the Liberals offering nothing but gotcha games trying to get something to ride them to power, cheapest form of politics with no substance.
OT, but a few weeks ago Mr Z asked a question in the HofC demanding the govt give details of how our troops will be involved in the coming offensive in Afghan. Yesterday, the taliban attacked our troops.
In discussing this attack on the news last night, one high ranking supporter of the taliban said, this attack is in retaliation for the coming attacks on us. (words to that effect) Thanks Iffy, for giving secrets to the enemy.
Did I read somewhere that Ron McLean interviewed Dryden on HNIC during the Habs game??? OMG! That would put the Energizer Bunny on speed to sleep.I guess Iggy had to take Dryden along to the game with him to ‘translate’ what was going on..so he wouldn’t screw up and be shown cheering at the wrong time.
Craig Oliver,in the lead to QP showing PMSH and the photos of him with music ‘stars’..and somewhat mocking him.Did any of you notice how Oliver made fun of Taylor Swift on PP Fri?? He basically wrote her off as some ‘no-name’ talent..as did Evan Solomon and Giggles 2 Barton..saying they had no clue who she was..where have these idiots been????
Adler NAILING Iggy on QP!!!!
Good Lord! Craig just stated that Adler was ‘fairly or unfairly’ hard on Iggy! Awwwwww,Craig,isn’t Chuck playing fair and drinking the Lib koolaid?
The socialist dream/vision/nightmare/fantasy from the UN.
Socialist Liberal Ziffy and his Separatist Coalition will endorse/support the criminal UN.
Our Enemy, the United Nations.
…-
“U.N. report suggests dropping ‘climate change’ in favor of ’saving the natural world’ — ability to regulate, tax everything
The economic case for global action to stop the destruction of the natural world is even more powerful than the argument for tackling climate change, a major report for the United Nations will declare this summer.
This way they can tax all kinds of things — not just energy…
The report will advocate massive changes to the way the global economy is run so that it factors in the value of the natural world.”
http://politipage.com/2010/05/23/u-n-report-suggests-dropping-climate-change-in-favor-of-saving-the-natural-world-ability-to-regulate-tax-everything/
Must watch on QP: Giggles interview with James Moore re the cbc/Graves issue! Question for you,what is it with Janey and her ‘poor cbc’ crap? Taber states that the Cons benefit from this ‘war’ to fundraise.Gawd she’s a loon.
Linda McQuaig is another one . She’s usually a liberal cheerleader , but will occaisionaly criticise them , but it has to be for something really stupid . She should be critcising them a lot more , like every time Ignegatiff opens his mouth , but I guess it’s a start
Mary T and Rob C: http://www.630ched.com/Primeau/Index.aspx
From Mr weston’s article: “What we do know is just over $170,000 will go to the worthy cause of hospitality. Milliken does a lot of that.”
I run a small business. As a business owner, we are restricted in some extent on how much “entertaining” we do as business owners, if the level of entertaining becomes a red flag to the CRA. Ergo, an audit of those “entertainement” expenses. Who, what and why they are incurred are common questions from government auditors. We also can only deduct 50% of theose entertainment expenses against business earnings and only 50% of the costs of GST on those expenses.
Is Mr Milliken “in business”? If so what business is he in? Influence peddling? How much does that “entertainment” generate in busiiness earnings for the government, ie the taxpayer paying for these expenses? Who is he entertaining? Other government employees? Is that kind of entertainment considered “an adventure or concern in the nature of trade”?
For what and for whom? If not, end it.
Audit. Considering the current state of the economy, excessive or frivolous expenditures by government should be curtailed and audits of the expenses of government should be routine.
What happened to Travers nose.
Be careful about Travers’ nose, MaryT . I said something about it on here a couple of months back and damned if mine didn’t start getting weird pimples and start turning red . Theres a hex on it , or a pox upon it, but it ain’t nice.
Yeah Travers may have rosacea.
(Or maybe he had surgery?)
Wasn’t Marlene Jennings a real sweetheart chatting with Giggles on QP? Really rich how she mentioned that Gotcha politics that’s being played right now might be a possible reason why MP’s are reluctant to have their expense accounts made public, especially when she’s one of the ring leaders on that front. Gawd, what a phony.
BTW, has anyone any recollection of the Speaker ruling on her and supremely angry mouthy Mark Holland’s thievery of documents?
Sammy @ 11:26 am
I know, it’s so weird that Giggles has picked up the guard and protect the CBC thing.
A NORMAL network and a NORMAL journalist working for the competition would in my opinion be doing the opposite, as in chastising them too.
For me, it’s all very suspect and terribly inconsistent for someone that considers themselves a ‘balanced journalist’.
I can’t imagine any other country where a private broadcaster would CONSTANTLY defend a public broadcaster. If the CBC had to compete fairly with the CTV, the CTV would win imo.
Re the abortion discussion on QP. Sorry guys, abortion is not covered in the new health care bill, and it is not on the agenda for the G8. In fact there is an out in the bill for the anti-abortion side. Insurers or States do not have to cover abortion. And states and insurers are dropping such coverage in droves.
And another thing, companies etc are going to be dropping health care coverage for employees in the thousands, as it will be cheaper for them to pay the fine than pay for coverage.
On QP, the journalists’ panel was criticizing the PM’s so-called staged Q&A with students and his reluctance to meet with the Canadian media.
Both Oliver & Travers mentioned the success he’s had with interviews he gave to the US media, saying that he’s articulate, knows his files, etc. So they question the staging of Q&As here in Canada, especially with somnolent students whose questions may have been less than spontaneous.
I agree that having a bunch of students or young people as a backdrop to the PM’s Q&As is stagey, especially if they don’t seem to be listening or interested in the proceedings.
BUT what the QP media panel forgets is that the US media they alluded to were not looking for “gotcha” opportunities. They conducted respectful and serious information/opinion gathering interviews. Instead, most of our media people are looking for the wrong word, the wrong gesture, the wrong clothing, the wrong anything that they can wring from an announcement or presser into a negative story about the PM. So why would he want to cater to them?
Proof? As they were criticizing the PM’s most recent Q&A with students http://pm.gc.ca/eng/media.asp?id=3364, they showed a shot of one student in that audience who was nodding off, implying the PM’s talk was uninteresting, and embarrassing that individual student to boot.
So please don’t pretend, esteemed ladies & gents of the Canadian media, that the “gotcha” moments are not what you look for.
“So please don’t pretend, esteemed ladies & gents of the Canadian media, that the “gotcha” moments are not what you look for.”
Very well said, Gabby!
As I read through your wise words, I recalled with clarity several examples.
Bathroom- gate, sticks out and enrages me to this day when I recall Fife asking the PM in his first question about the circumstances.
The Obama visit and the gotcha attempts during the presser.
This pack of media hounds made their own bed immediately after the PM was elected and formed the first minority government.
It would be my opinion that the despicable, heartless analysis of a Father reacting with his children on their departing nuances was imo the game changer.
This PM is a thoughtful and kind man to say nothing of his adoring fatherly nature.
The media messed with his kids and that was it!
Did that panel mention that the Big O has not had a presser or taken questions from the media in over a YEAR.
OT sort of, but my 10 year old g/daughter was thrilled and jealous of the PM and his daughter in that picture.
Guess those panelists or hosts have no kids or g/kids to keep them in the loop.
They must still pine for Elvis and MJ.
Oh, and before I forget … also on QP, the “important” work done by committees in ferretting out information from a government purportedly unwilling to provide it … here’s a sample of that “important” work
http://www2.parl.gc.ca/HousePublications/Publication.aspx?DocId=4503271&Language=E&Mode=1&Parl=40&Ses=3
Read on to find out the important topics covered during that particular meeting. I don’t know how long it was, but it seems an inordinate amount of time spent on whether NDPer Pat Martin was justified in saying “It’s just that I wish I’d had some advance notice” about the committee’s agenda and whether the meeting was going to be televised or not.
OK, maybe not ALL committee meetings are that pointless, but still …
Bec at 12:35 pm, the sad thing is that the PM’s reluctance to meet with the media has consequences.
What are they?
We political junkies seek information from various sources, but a very large number of the public does not. Their POV is shaped by the snippets they see/hear on broadcast media or read in headlines, so the “information” is always filtered through mostly adversarial eyes.
Personally, I think the PM should have a monthly presser so that perhaps his own words could get through, not his words as interpreted by the media.
Gabby @ 12:58 pm said
“Personally, I think the PM should have a monthly presser so that perhaps his own words could get through, not his words as interpreted by the media.”
Oh I agree Gabby but here’s the thing, imo, how many times have we STARTED to watch a presser only to have it cut short?
What about the hordes of media that follow him on the junkets and we get nothing back here?
Where is the postive press that is out there everywhere but in this country?
Here is the message for PM Harper and Minister Flaherty:
>>> “His message was clear: Taxes are too high, the federal government has grown too large, and wasteful government spending hinders economic prosperity.”
Cut our taxes, both income and business taxes; cut down Big Government; cut “wasteful government spending”.
…-
GOP wins House seat in Obama’s home district
“HONOLULU — A Honolulu city councilman has defeated two Democrats to give Republicans a midterm election victory in the U.S. congressional district where President Barack Obama grew up.
Charles Djou’s win Saturday is the latest triumph for the GOP as it looks to take back control of Congress. And it came as a blow to Democrats who could not rally around a candidate and find away to win a congressional race that should have been a cakewalk. The seat had been held by a Democrat for nearly 20 years and is located where Obama was born and spent most of his childhood.
“This is a momentous day. We have sent a message to the United States Congress. We have sent a message to the national Democrats. We have sent a message to the machine,” Djou said. “The congressional seat is not owned by one political party. This congressional seat is owned by the people.””
http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/World/2010/05/23/14053761.html
“Personally, I think the PM should have a monthly presser so that perhaps his own words could get through, not his words as interpreted by the media”
Unfortunately Gabby, that same media hold the on/off switch and have the ability to present only parts of any presser; which enables them to control the message. To me, that is why he just doesn’t do it.
Bec at 1:19 pm, I agree, it often happens that the PM’s announcements are cut short on the networks in order to deal with “breaking news” — but those are usually what the media complains about, the scripted announcements where only a few Qs are taken, so they feel justified in cutting those off.
What would happen if the PM made himself available for a regular 1/2-hour presser at the end of each month, without a specific agenda, only answering questions from those great intellects in the media? Well, a few of them might have to be reanimated from minor heart attacks … and once that shock is over, I figure it would be a win-win for the PM, because he usually comes off well in such circumstances.
Or barring that, why not upload such pressers to YouTube? One half-hour presser per month, perhaps with time for some questions from the public as well, like he did in March http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/pm-takes-your-questions-on-youtube/article1502651/
Who will be first blogger to post a picture of someone snoozing at a speech by Iggy. They are out there.
And you can be sure someone will be watching for it from now on.
Have these panelists ever been to Church, they would see a lot of sleeping/nodding off/parishioners there.
Perhaps that student was bribed to do that for a photo op.
Remember the Vice President nodding off at some big speech by O. And he wasn’t the only one, I think it was the State of the Union deal.
And, I have noticed over the years that some MPs nod off during QP.
Alberta Girl at 1:34 pm: “that is why he just doesn’t do it”
But then, who loses out? The public, who ends up being misinformed, and the PM, who doesn’t get his unfiltered message out. The media doesn’t lose, because if they have nothing that is factually accurate to write/comment on, they’ll invent as they go along. I’ve often said many of them would make excellent screenwriters or scriptwriters.
Maybe he should try it, perhaps after the G8/G20 summits.
Bec @ 1:19 I think a monthly presser would be great if it was posted on the net. I tried a couple of times early on to watch our PM speak, all I would get would be a video feed showing PM Harper speaking, foreground the “talking head” telling me his/her version of what was said and what they thought it meant. Always through the contemptuous filter of the “Mewling Media” with deletions of any content showing the very high regard our PM and his policies are regarded throughout the world.
The U.N. is another Liberal/socialist sinkhole that has turned into the mother of all howling monstrosities. Their bi-polar attachment to the environment is just another step towards “world government” the lib/socialist utopia. Liberals/socialist like Mr Ignatieff love the U.N. makes them somehow appear relevant, at least in their tiny minds.
MaryT I picked up on the Iffy brain freeze moment when he asked what the plans for the coming offensive were. DUH! I guess he wants them posted on Al-Jihads so the terrorists can get ready.Stupid is as stupid does, but then our Brave Troops welfare is not a Liberal Value is it? Disgraceful, and treasonous IMO
Lastly I am thinking that the whole “Cabal” that passes for Media in this Country is “Old Media” We
here are the “New Media” I kinda like the sound of that. Fresh, focused and furious. blog-on!
Mary T said @ 1:49pm
“Who will be first blogger to post a picture of someone snoozing at a speech by Iggy. They are out there.”
EXACTLY! I can’t claim to know about a snoozing story but I can claim to know about a committed Lib student who was dismissed rudely by Iffy at a University town hall.
This young man has completely made a 180 over this incident and there was definately press there to report it if they were so inclined.
Nothing at all but more important, he was entirely unprepared on the file or question.
The environment…his pet!
As far as I’m concerned, private sector media can be as biased as they want and so can the CBC, once it’s privatized. Let the volume of reader/viewership be the driving force.
Yes, Louise makes a good point.
I’m way late, but I concur with the lists already established — except that there seems to be a glaring error: Where’s Julie Van Dusen? ‘Wonder if her middle name is Susan?
‘Only thing to add, is that Susans in the broadcast media are in a class by themselves: Susan Delacourt, Susan Ormiston, Susan Riley, Susan Smith (Liberal commenter on CBC), Susan Bonner (better than most Susans but she does work for the CBC) and a few other harpies whose last names I can’t remember.
SUSAN = SUSpect Anal-retentive, Nitpickers
The Van Dusens in general are problematic. But I must add Julie post haste.
Yes and what’s up with Susans? Although I’m sure there must be some good true-blue Susans out there somewhere.
O.K. I modified the list somewhat.
O/T but Cross Country Checkup is really good – re: Sheila Fraser etc.
I agree with Louise @3:36.
The left-liberal world.
GG and her tears crash into the reality of her “homeland”(nice MSM word).
Haiti: the sewer of the Caribbean complete with crime, rape, murder, voodoo, etc.
PM Harper: Get Canada and Canadians out of Haiti. Stop the pouring of our tax dollars into the Haiti/hell.
“But an investigation by The New York Times casts doubt on the official version of events and instead indicates that Haitian authorities shot unarmed prisoners and then sought to cover it up. Many of the bodies were buried in an unmarked grave.”
Will the Canadian left-liberal MSM/Taber/Oliver/CBC, etc., cover this horror?
…-
“Governor General delivers tearful statement on Haiti”
http://www.thestar.com/news/world/haiti/article/750385–governor-general-delivers-tearful-statement-on-haiti
…-
“Signs of a Cover-Up After Killings in a Haitian Prison
LES CAYES, Haiti — When the earth shook violently on Jan. 12, the inmates in this southern city’s squalid prison clamored to be released, screaming: “Help! We’re going to die in here.”
Elsewhere in Haiti, inmates were fleeing largely undeterred. But here, where the prison itself sustained little damage, there was no exit. Instead, conditions worsened for the inmates, three-quarters of them pretrial detainees, arrested on charges as petty as loitering and locked up indefinitely alongside convicted felons.
After the earthquake, guards roughed up the noisiest inmates and consolidated them into cells so crowded their limbs tangled, former prisoners said. With aftershocks jangling nerves, the inmates slept in shifts on the ground, used buckets for toilets and plotted their escape.
The escape plan, set in motion on Jan. 19 by an attack on a guard, proved disastrous. With Haitian and United Nations police officers encircling the prison, the detainees could not get out. For hours, they rampaged, hacking up doors and burning records, until tear gas finally overwhelmed them.
In the end, after the Haitian police stormed the compound, dozens of inmates lay dead and wounded, their bodies strewn through the courtyard and crumpled inside cells. The prison smoldered, a blood-splattered mess.”
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/23/world/americas/23haiti.html?partner=rss&emc=rss
Among the best of the best would be Lord Conrad Black. He brings much gravitas to the National Post!
Conrad Black? Anyone else second that?
YES, I second that!!
Alright! He’s up there on his own special line!
Off topic but, Glo-Bull Warming is the biggest fraud ever perpetrated in human history;
May 18 (Bloomberg) — Four gorillas found dead in Rwanda’s Karisimbi area probably died of extreme cold, the New Times reported, citing Rica Rwigamba, head of tourism at the Rwanda Development Board.
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?sid=aOaFHvG_SF6U&pid=20601087
Glo-Bull Warming huh????????
Crop growth hampered by cool weather
http://www.southwestiowanews.com/articles/2010/05/23/around_the_region/doc4bf68ea4b081e549092778.txt
Joanne, I think something has been caught in the filter…….about gorillas.
Yeah sorry Bruce about the filter. No idea why.
Wheat Rises on Speculation Cold Weather May Damage U.S. Crop
http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-05-04/wheat-rises-on-speculation-cold-weather-may-damage-u-s-crop.html
This is an example of the kind of information about MPs’ expenses that will make headlines, calling into question the validity of those expenses and their purpose:
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20100523/harper-government-jets-100523/20100523?hub=QPeriod
From the Canadian Press, In the usual unattributed article:
“PM used government jets over 50 times to sell stimulus
Date: Sunday May. 23, 2010 2:03 PM ET
OTTAWA — Prime Minister Stephen Harper boarded his government jet and took to the skies more than 50 times last year to promote the government’s multibillion-dollar economic stimulus program in two-dozen towns and cities.
A total of 34 domestic trips Harper took on government Challenger jets from April 2009 to last December — with 53 destinations or stopovers from coast to coast — cost taxpayers nearly $500,000.
The prime minister spent another $341,080 on a week-long Airbus tour of the Arctic, in part to promote the economic stimulus program and also as part of his plan to demonstrate Canadian sovereignty in the North. …”
Had the PM spent all his time in Ottawa, the CP would have said he was hiding from Canadians, hunkering down in his bunker.
Idiots.
Heard on the radio today that the government had hired an agency ?? to track the blogs and to correct wrongful information. Not sure if it was on CFRA or CJAD.
Headlines at Bourque:
“Harper used government jets over 50 times to sell stimulus JETTING ABOUT LIKE A RUTTING BILLIONAIRE” AND “Meanwhile, Harper muzzles political staffers”. Nice stuff to be printing about our Prime Minister, not a shred of respect shown for the man or the Office.
Idiots is right Gabby. How do we deal with them?
What did it cost for Clarkson for all her trips, and that rug.
Gee, the PM visited about 24 towns and cities and boarded his plane 50 time, about. Yes, if he went, he had to return.
How much did it cost for iffy to go across Canada to talk to universities, from coast to coast to coast.
What about the trip Giles made across Canada.
And I doubt those trips of the PM came out of his office budget.
And why are we taxpayers paying for the Speaker’s private stash of scotch.
Further to previous post:
Bureaucrats eyeing online forums to correct misinformation.
Steve Lambert, The Canadian Press May 23, 2010 10:16:31 AM
“The next time you post an opinion in an online forum or a Facebook group message board, don’t be surprised if you get a rebuttal from a federal employee.
The government is looking for ways to monitor online chatter about political issues and correct what it perceives as misinformation.”
“The firm alerts the government to questionable online comments and then employees in Foreign Affairs or the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, who have recently been trained in online posting, point the authors to information the government considers more accurate.
It appears to be just the beginning.
The seal hunt pilot project was set up in part “to establish foundations and recommendations for future programs and campaigns to use social media as another way to listen to, inform and engage with Canadians,” MacAndrew added.
For some, the move to online monitoring was to be expected.
“I think we’re seeing the government recognize that millions of Canadians are actively participating online in social networks,” said Michael Geist, a law professor at the University of Ottawa who specializes in Internet law.”
Read the full story at:
http://www.660news.com/news/national/article/58267–bureaucrats-eyeing-online-forums-to-correct-misinformation
I’m thinking of that truism that goes something like, “whatever is watched changes,” and am curious to see if it applies the bad list Joanne has published. A guy can hope.
I was sorry to see Andrew Coyne in your THE MUSHY MIDDLE category. I believe Andrew has one of the keenest analytical minds in journalism. I’m a fan. He’s probably a liberal, but he offers insights, especially in financial/fiscal matters that most of the others including conservative commentators totally miss.
I’m a bit more tolerant of some others too, e.g., John Tory.
What about Chantal Hébert? I like her work. She often offers a perspective others have missed and I like that quality in a journalist.
As to most of the rest, right on, Joanne.
Mmmmm… Russ, I agree that Andrew Coyne shouldn’t be in that category. The term Mushy Middle was a catch-basin for media personalities that weren’t always stellar in their craft. However I think maybe we should move him back up to the Good.
Chantel? Yes, good point. She’s pretty balanced for the most part and quite analytical in her approach.
Maybe I just need a new name for Mushy Middle – journalistic purgatory perhaps? Give them a chance to atone?
PET Cemetery Report: Selected shorts from Ziffy’s obituary.
>>> “Toronto Star columnist Chantal Hébert said on last week’s The National’s At Issue show that former prime minister Jean Chrétien and former NDP leader Ed Broadbent are having coalition discussions.”
Liberal Ziffy’s abortion policy: “prepared by the Bloc”.
Have you seen/read such bee-sss?
“an abortive coalition government agreement with the NDP, prepared by the Bloc.”
“Another Liberal MP, who didn’t want to be named, was more blunt.
“I was having a conversation with somebody, and they said, ‘What do you expect? He doesn’t know what the hell he’s doing because he’s been 35 years out of the country.’”
…-
“Liberals ‘in chaos from a leadership point of view’
Some Grits say there would be a lot more interest in dumping Michael Ignatieff if there were a significant replacement in the wings. There isn’t.”
“Liberal MP Martha Hall Findlay (Willowdale, Ont.) complained the media are too focused on Mr. Ignatieff’s performance and not enough on what the government is and isn’t doing in terms of public policy. She said history shows it would be premature to write his political obituary just yet.”
http://www.thehilltimes.ca/page/view/liberals-05-24-2010
Maz2,
“She said history shows it would be premature to write his political obituary just yet.”
What history?
Apparently she doesn’t know-yet, that her party is the most corrupt party in canadian history.
All that money taken from the public, the missing millions, some of the liberals including her still owe thousands to E.C. which we know may not happen.
The LPOC wrote their own obituary years ago.
Looking for another designation to fit Andrew Coyne?
How about contra-dic-TORY?
Ha! Good one Gabby. I think we could put Gerry Nichols in that category too.
Nick Vandergragt is replacing Lowell Green this morning at 10AM Eastern, 8AM Alberta, 7AM B.C..
You have to listen to him for a week or two to see what he’s like. Sunday mornings do not have the audience you get on a weekday morning. You may notice the positive comments given to him from callers.
Good topic on CFRA’s Lowell Green show right now with Nick Vandergragt filling in. It stems from an interview on Mark Sutcliff’s earlier show with Matthew Fisher who has been reporting from Afghanistan. He sure is not impressed with what the media has been reporting and he really does know what’s going on in Afghanistan. From what he said we should be very concerned about the misinformation/wrong information and factual errors and omissions from our Western media as a whole as well as our own. We simply are not getting the truth. They’re very helpful to the enemy in some cases, they thrive on the publicity they get and they use it to keep them going.
I like Coyne as well but found he has drifted somewhat Left since his sister I think it is became a candidate for the Liberal Party.
And I’m not sure if anyone has mentioned Steve Paikin(sp?). Although he’s not so much a journalist as a talk show host he seems quite balanced in taking all parties to task.
Hope I’m not too late but I think Barbara Kay might qualify as Good.
A Few Figs – Just added Barbara Kay.
Monday morning, May 24, Job #1 put the “Borque” from favorites to “deleted ” used to think OK slightly tilted right but “PM jetting around like rutting billionaire” that is so over the top, whats next. Perhaps a criminal code charge “governing while Conservative”? No bias here! His paintings stink too.
Just catching up here. So Bourque is in our bad books again?
Reading headlines like the one Bruce at 12:54 pm pointed out confirms what I’ve thought for a long time: the media’s one and only purpose is to be shit-disturbers (sorry for the crude language).
The media — and I include radio/TV talk shows, print, news aggregators, and even blogs — often go on hand-wringing binges, deploring the incivility prevalent in public discourse, yet they are primarily the ones who encourage the irreverence, the put-down, the finger-pointing, the innuendo, the insult, etc.
I wish I could say that it’s the media’s reaction to their present insecurity, what with diminishing revenues and the encroaching role of the internet on their turf. But that kind of agenda-driven s**t-disturbing tendency was prevalent way before the media lost ground to the internet.
With you on that one Bubba @ 12:54, that headline was beyond reason and over the top showing total disrespect for the PM. Bye, bye Mr Bourque.
Maybe the categories should be “friendlies” “unfriendlies” and “how the wind blows” or “MSM PMSsing”
Heh. Good suggestions Gabby.
I’ve been outside for the most part today. Beautiful gardening weather!
Here, too hot — for my taste — to be outdoors. Anyway, I’m a magnet for bees and other little critters, so I venture outdoors on a need-to basis. The times when I would lie on the grass in the backyard or in a park, slathered in baby oil to get a good tan, are over for me!
A veggie or a flower garden?
Gabby – Yeah it is a bit too hot. I’ve just got a small veggie area – mostly cherry tomatoes and some herbs. I like to throw a few annuals in too for colour, but mostly hanging baskets and containers. I find it so relaxing to garden.
Sounds great. My “garden” is limited to indoor plants, primarily violets & Christmas cactus. The latter have a mind of their own. Didn’t flower at Christmas, but decided to do so now. As long as they’re happy, so am I.
The latter have a mind of their own. Didn’t flower at Christmas, but decided to do so now.
Gabby – Maybe they’re Libertarians.
My Christmas cactuses (cacti?), Libertarians.
Good one, Joanne!
Joanne at 1:21
Greg Weston is as bad as they come. His article on Milliken is on neutral side as it is not about Liberals or Conservatives so I don’t give him big marks on that one for being non-partisan – in fact he takes a back-handed swipe at Harper in his last line giving credit to Paul Martin.
“A recent column incorrectly credited Stephen Harper with forcing ministers and staff to disclose their expenses online. In fact, it was the Liberal government of Paul Martin.”
http://www.ottawasun.com/comment/columnists/greg_weston/2010/05/21/14038911.html
Weston had a non-political column going but couldn’t resist getting a shot at Harper and Conservatives into his column.
He is bad news trust me.
Nick Vandergragt of CFRA is a gem and they don’t come any better – I can vouch for him what he says publicly on air and what he says confidentially tells me he has his head screwed on right – wish he had more air time.
Bill Good can be accussed of being milquetoast on any given issue within any difficult category but do not put him in any category beside Heather Mallick. Bill Good has no particular bone to pick. He is egalitarian and he is a moderate liberal who embraces fairness and niceties to a fault. He also is CTV’S supperhour newsreader in BC while doing the am radio show each morning on Corus’ CKNW radio. This alone may render him cajone-challenged.
On Good’s recent haitus for hip replacement, Michael Smyth, the political writer for daily The Province newspaper, filled in and was consistently spectacular. He is smart, no nonsense, rapid fire and calls it as he sees it in every interview. It was a refreshing change from fence sitter but all around nice guy Bill Good. Despite being wishy washy it is a big mistake to lump Good in with malicious ideological man-hating Mallick.
And if you want the very best of conservative values, conservative commentary, coupled with the most up to date advice on investing and the stock market, look to Michael Campbell’s weekly show on the Corus Network on Saturday mornings (CKNW in Vancouver). Campbell mostly talks investing but also rails against political correctness, talks confidently about educational excellence and his favourite writer is Mark Steyn.
Mike Campbells current affairs commentary to open his show Moneytalks is must listen radio at 8:32 PST to 8:45every Saturday morning. Hey what can I add. I’m a fan.
You guys are hilarious. So you are a bunch of conservatives and you claim to have some ability to rate journalists. Formula is as predictable as it is funny.
Journalists who agree with our preconceived notions = GOOD!
Anyone else (including some pretty freaking smart people) = BAD!
Funny stuff!