Julie Smyth's House was One Martin Short for Afghan Vote gives an insiders' look at the past week in Ottawa. Smyth declares, "The opposition parties' obsessive need to deride all things American is approaching phobic proportions."
She singles out Kitchener-Centre M.P. Karen Redman among others, for some over-the-top comments made during "one session of Question Period" this past week:
- Karen Redman, Liberal Whip: "Will the Prime Minister admit that he is happy to take his orders on global warming from the White House and he wants the rest of the world to do the same?"
- Ms. Redman: "When will the Prime Minister just admit he has no made-in-Canada plan, only a made-in-the-U.S.A. plan designed by American republican pollsters?"
My Question:
When will the Honourable member from Kitchener-Centre finally admit that she has just plain run out of fresh material?
* * * * * * *
64 comments:
Regardless of Redmen, I'd like to see this "Made in Canada" plan Joanne. Also, I'd like to see how this "made in Canada" plan would combat international pollution.
I've been hearing about it since the Alliance days.
mr ed, I'm aware of Kyoto's flaws. I'm more interested in Harper's "made in Canada" approach.
We've been hearing about it for years. He has a chance to impliment it and thus far we have heard only sparse info about it.
If Kyoto is to be scrapped or disregarded, I'd like to know what it is going to be replaced with.
Fred, I understand the flaws of Kyoto, I'm not disputing them. I just want to know what the new plan is?
Whats a made in Canada solution going to entail? How will it control international pollution?
If we are scrapping the Kyoto plan, what are we replacing it with?
You say that, "Harper & Ambrose are on the right track" but what is it?
stop me cold but I'm going to agree with Zac. I think Canadian's won't care if we sign out of Kyoto as long as the Conservatives actually announce their own plan for emissions. The goal is to LOWER emissions who cares how we do it right?
I think we're all eager to find out how the Conservatives plan on doing this.
Oh and I also have my own Karen Redman quote up on my blog JUST for Joanne haha
Thanks, Riley! That is awesome!!
I agree that the government hasn't done a great job explaining the Made in Canada plan. I'm sure those details will be forthcoming. I have heard about an effort to give incentitives to increase public transit, and help individual companies to reduce pollution at the local level. If I can find more details, I will post them.
But Kyoto is a word; it in itself does nothing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Canada.
"stop me cold but I'm going to agree with Zac."
how horrible for you riley.
"I have heard about an effort to give incentitives to increase public transit, and help individual companies to reduce pollution at the local level."
I hope you guys aren't planning to go to the electorate with just that.
Canadians want action on climate change, and they aren't voting Green.
Hopefully Ambrose will come up with something. She used to be my favourite Tory.
The "flaws" are not with Kyoto, but rather wither the hypocrites who pretended to be the protectors of our vital oxygen supplies.
Kyoto US signatory? Clinton's VP. Clinton did not ratify. But Bushie is the villain?
Our Kyoto signatories. Crettin, Martin, Dionne and the Belmonts.
The US, not signed on the dotted line, but successfully posted some reductions.
Canada, signed on the dotted line, but posting 35% INCREASES, ABOVE OUR TARGETS.
If Harper's government did nothing, Canada couldn't look worse than we did under the Liberals.
Hell's bells. Even if we COULD follow the US model, we would certainly look better than the last bunch of pseudo-"environmentalists" who blew forty million tax dollars to show the world just how bad a job the liberals could do with the environment.
And dear Karen and her crowd laugh at, and mock and revile Rona Ambrose?
More nerve than Dick Tracy. And no shame.
Yup. Libs. Looking phonier every day.
And I'm still luvvin it!
L.H. & K.
So, this is the "made in Canada" solution?
Tango - "If Harper's government did nothing, Canada couldn't look worse than we did under the Liberals."
lol!! I'm loving it!
There is some information at Rona's site, which links to the M.of E.:
http://www.ec.gc.ca/press_e.html
"She outlined the recent $1.7 billion investment in new cleaner transportation to get Canadians out of their cars and into public transit. The Minister also noted that the Government will work, in collaboration with the provinces and territories, to move forward on a 5% average renewable content in Canadian motor fuels. Increased use of renewable fuels will result in real, tangible benefits to the environment and economic benefits to the agricultural sector as well as others."
Mr. Ed - Thanks for the info. A bit over my head, but much appreciated.
Zac,
Relax, agreeing with you isn't so horrible I was just trying to be funny.. guess it didn't work.
Ambrose is still my favorite Tory cause she is by far the hottest MP in parliament and she gets attacked the most so I give her credit for a strong spine.
Also did anyone catch her on Rick Mercer's show when they tapped Maple Syrup from trees together? Hilarious.
Transit passes and 5% renewable fuels isn't going to be enough for me. I want to see some real policy ideas. Martin didn't seem to have any either so I'm not pretending any party has great solutions, just saying I'd really like to see some.
My best suggestion for the environment would be to heavily invest in sewage treatment plants in cities, invest in university research on more fuel efficient automobile engines (there are plenty of uni's doing this, invest in a national power grid to coordinate energy uses (which would hopefully lower them) and continue with the public transit and biofuels scheme of the Cons.
Seriously though a national power grid and new technologies for sewage treatment would go a lot farther than people think. We're dumping tons of garbage into our rivers and oceans and following the example of cities like ThunderBay Ontario would be a huge improvement for Canada.
Herehere, thanks for that. Don Martin has been a bit cranky of late, but we'll take it for what it's worth.
Riley, I agree with you. I want to see a concrete solution to pollution, or at least an effort. I hate going for a walk and suffocating on car exhaust fumes!
But honestly, how is Kyoto going to solve that problem? Sending money to Russia to buy credits does not make the air cleaner here. We live in one of the worst areas for pollution (Southern Ontario). It stinks. Plain and simple.
When will the good citizens of Kitchener-Centre stop voting for TWITS???
;)
"Relax, agreeing with you isn't so horrible I was just trying to be funny.. guess it didn't work."
Yeah, my post was sort of a joke there too Riley. I guess its hard to get sarcasim across when we're typing. Meh, either way.
++++
"Ambrose is still my favorite Tory cause she is by far the hottest MP in parliament"
I think we can both agree on that one. Perhaps, we should mount an effort to have her cross the floor. From what I can tell all the attractive female MP's like to be with the LPC.
I think any of the young liberal events can attest to that also.
Ever been to a young CPC event? Yeah, no hotties anywhere. Kinda depressing...kinda sad.
"But honestly, how is Kyoto going to solve that problem?"
Kyoto is flawed, I've been saying that for sometime now. A made in Canada solution is all well and fine, but we need to find ways to end 3rd world reliance on coal energy and we need to get smaller, industrialized nations on board. We can cut our emissions all we want. In fact, we can produce no emissions, but it won't do much good without the rest of the world on board.
++++
"We live in one of the worst areas for pollution (Southern Ontario). It stinks. Plain and simple."
Yeah, southern ontario sucks for pollution but try being in Hamilton. If I make it to 30 without lung cancer, I'll jump for joy. This city is god-awful when it comes to emissions.
Zac,
I posted a long reply to your statements over on my blog and I'm dieing to hear your response about the Liberal party principles.
I have to disagree about young CPC ladies... I happen to know a couple fire-brand Conservative foxes who would dispel your myth. Ambrose isn't alone... ever see some of the young CPC staffers on the hill? It's enough to make any redblooded Liberal turn blue.. haha
great post, joanne. Karen Redmen is yankophobic and like any other phobia, she should be shamed out of mainstream politics.
(Zac, Kyoto is useless and because its useless it makes a mockery of the concept of multilateralism and international treaties.)
"(Zac, Kyoto is useless and because its useless it makes a mockery of the concept of multilateralism and international treaties.)"
Yes CC, it is useless...I've been saying that for some time now.
Don't worry, we're on the same page for once.
Zac,
Still waiting for you to grill me on my liberal principle comment over at my blog.
We all agree Kyoto is just a word and useless. I think the deal here is that we're all interested in what the government is going to do about Canada's environment. I'm ready for some debate. There are tons of simple things we can do to lower our own emissions, and set trends in other countries.
Riley, I posted something. You may not like it, but either way..its how I see things.
PGP - "When will the good citizens of Kitchener-Centre stop voting for TWITS???'
Please come here and stage an intervention! We need help. The problem is that people in this area like the status quo. It is a bit scary for them to be thinking about change.
Hey Zacster!
Stand by! Stay Alert! Keep your eyes peeled, 'cause things are going to start happening faster and faster around this NEW & IMPROVED OTTAWA.
You don't seem to like the prospect of a possible Conservative version of a 'made in Canada' environmental solution.
Do you really prefer the Liberal 35% increase in Canada's environmental PO-lution?
Two more years of THAT kind of environmental stewardship, and you'd have to have been counting yourself lucky to be making it to twenty-seven, Steel-Town residency notwithstanding. Keep defending the indefensible. It's a hoot to watch. And, of course, as you are now very well aware . . .
this is me laffin', 'cause you all sound like you resemble cold and shivering little half-drowned rodents trying to escape the Titanic before the suction take you all down with it, and it's all so charmingly pathetic . . . and . . . I'M LOVING IT!!! But you probably already quessed that, I'll bet, didn't you? I just can't seem to sneak ONE SINGLE THING past you, can I?
L.H. & K.
Vicki - That's an interesting comment about Toronto's garbage problem. From my perspective it looks like McGuinty and Miller are burying their heads in the trash.
Contrary to what Omar says, I think it is the Liberals that pray the problem goes away, while the Conservatives tend to take action.
Hey Tangster!!!
You told me to "Keep defending the indefensible" but I havent been defending Kyoto. In fact, I've been saying that is it useless.
"I have to disagree about young CPC ladies..."
I don't know Riley, I've been to a few CPC youth events and let me tell you, its like an animal testing facility.
Either way, the young Lib ladies are muuuuuuch better.
Zac The Impatient and the Shallow:
Give Harper 13 years and he could come up with something that'd just might be a tad better than a 35% increase in killer emissions. You're making it sound like this kind of failure, after all that kind of time, is so much better than honesty after 100 days. hoooo-HAH!!
"...Ever been to a young CPC event? Yeah, no hotties anywhere. Kinda depressing ...kinda sad..."
I'm guessing that when the Young CPC females see guys like you coming down the road towards them, they just use their god-given intelligence to get their god-given feet to move their god-given beauty going down the road away from you.
I think it has something to do with natural selection and survival of the fittest. That'd be "fittest" not "most vapid and vacuous."
The young lib-oriented swain offers up a very typical reaction to his failed encountering of someone with exacting standards. "...depressing...sad..." then launch an attack aime at the CPC females on the extremely subjective basis of some superficial values.
It's all so, like, just soooo shallow:
"gee. you're all such smart women. with standards. won't even give poor little hard-drinking me the time of day. well...you're not good looking anyway. i wouldn't even ever return your calls should you find yourselves sooo desperate that you might condescend to give me a call after finding my name and number listed under Dorks on some shabby bathroom wall..."
ciao, sweet loser ~
I'm....ya know....like ... just SOO-O-O LUH-ving IT!!
L.H.& K.
For those of you who haven't been able to come up with a definition of neo-con.
We're the ones with the dog-eared copy of our international hidden-agenda rolled up in our back pocket. We're the ones with the special propeller beanie in our secret colour-coded badges of rank. We're the ones with the secret compass - decoder ring - with built in water squirting machinery. We're the ones with the plans to turn all our children into criminals, raising them on a steady diet of popcorn and beers. We're also the ones with tasty recipes on how to cook up and fry your children for lunch for our evil master. We are also the ones with the plans and know-how on how to get the sun to rise in the west, and we know the secrets of how to guarantee that the sky will fall tomorrow morning. We also are the ones with that ultra-right-wing conspiratorial uber secret handshake. llibs, hags and kisses~
set to hez,99.5/plk{}[]-<...,,...,> 2 left 2 right:
iuwhuhfrgthhknendireuiournkjnsiow983476542birt34j5i6h68u34524iufh982y4by321t34bhii.,230j8rth.lgtrh][pc[']\86 39=8
~blpftksjiuy
Zac - If you feel that any of the above is a personal attack or insult, please let me know.
Chucker - "Yankophobic" Perfect! I was searching for a word like that. I may borrow it sometime. Thanks!
"I don't know Riley, I've been to a few CPC youth events and let me tell you, its like an animal testing facility."
What? Please explain!
Disappointing to see misogyny make an appearance to link a female's political value to her looks. Thumbs up to Vicki for calling the guys out.
I've made my Kyoto comments over at my own place; suffice to say I'm happy to hear of yesterday's news.
The increasing frequency and intensity of the rhetoric used to bash Harper by linking him to Bush is both entertaining and sad at the same time. The left clearly has no salient direction on a lot of international issues in order to focus a true critique of Canadian policy, so instead it goes on anti-Bush rant. Elizabeth May, a Green Party leadership candidate, did not mention Harper's name once in her appearance on NewsNet yesterday but she sure loved to talk about how Bush is the root of all evil. There was a time when opposition parties actually concentrated on the Canadian government instead of the American Administration.
Thanks, RGM. A good post on your site.
Releasing a bunch of hot air about Bush is not going to accomplish anything.
"...Joanne (True Blue) said...
Zac - If you feel that any of the above is a personal attack or insult, please let me know..."
Joanne True Blue:
Ask the same question of your other female readers and contributors.
You think there might be some post that Zac might find to be " a personal attack or insult...?"
You mean apart from some of his own writing? How about him tossing out a few 'mea cuplas' for his male chauvinistic pig attitude about CPC young women who he sees as "...I've been to a few CPC youth events and let me tell you, its like an animal testing facility..." where I'm guessing that he doesn't quite have the sense to be comparing them to the high-I.Q. folks in the white lab coats.
My bet is that he'll probably respond with some inane equivocation, some feeble (tee-hee-hee) "I was just joking" routine.
If we ourselves start buying into the Lib BS, and start to pre-emptively extend virtual appologies to these character-assasins, then this country is hading into a world of seriously deep and messy doo-doo.
If you let someone dish out the trash, please, please, please, let them likewise suffer the consequences of their actions and let them bear the brunt of the subsequent reciprocal responses of retribution.
He's a liberal supporter. You can tell that he's lying and trying to be insulting, if his lips are moving or if his fingers are. My daughters would have his piglet gibblets for lunch -- if only to feed to their puppy, Trots da Pet, a Pit Bull. (He got the name Trots da Pet, by the way, 'cause he was housebroken on the writings of Trotsky as well as on old P E True-dough campaign posters.)
L.H.& K.
Tango - Excellent points. Thanks.
Zac, writing that stuff about women at CPC youth conventions just shows your immaturity. And if that was an attempt at humour, I don't think it was funny.
Well I see the wagon's have circled on ol' Zac.
Well nobody really joke funny. That's ok. Guess Riley and I are a little out of our age group here.
But yes soccermom, it does show how immature I am. Yes, RGM it's sad to see mysogeny come back. A guy like you must be heartbroken. And yes, Tango I am shallow loser. Thanks for pointing that out. Without you I'd still think I was I was a winner.
Well, If my joke offended anyone, I'm sorry but it was just that - a joke. So sorry to the CPC youth ladies, sorry to soccermom, sorry to Joanne and sorry to RGM.
L.H.&K
I think the idea of "lining the pockets of beaurocrats in Costa Rica" is a bit of a red herring. I haven't read the Kyoto protocol, so for anyone who actually has, feel free to correct my views.
As I understand it, the idea behind Kyoto is to change pollution from what economists call an "externality" into a cost for polluters. If you do the cost analysis of comparing the cost of reducing emissions with zero (doing nothing), then it is never economic to do so. Having to pay for not reducing emissions should change the economic analysis.
Stephen's idea of tax breaks for reductions is a good one. The only problem is that it puts the government's interest on the wrong side of the equation. Reduced emissions means reduced revenue. It should also mean reduced health care costs, but not immediately.
So whether the carbon tax money goes to Costa Rica or to our government should not make a difference to the business decision of spending money to reduce emissions.
I dislike the idea that certain countries have higher emission limits, which can therefore be traded. Though it should have the effect of global reductions, it may not. The "tradeable" credits should only be based on emission reductions in other countries based on the same limits and reductions expected of us.
I think the people who negotiated Kyoto were so happy to get wide international agreement, that they overlooked these basic flaws.
In tandem with Kyoto, there should be trade tariffs for products based on the emissions of the specific industries involved. That can lead to bogus regulations "saving the environment" that are really just protectionism, but if fairly implemented, it could be a way to balance the unbalanced distribution of emission limits.
Zac - I didn't take offense, personally. Please do bear in mind however, that when you refer to the Minister of the Environment as "hot", it does nothing to further the public's desire to entice more women into politics. I don't hear many women discussing how "hot" various male politiicans are.
But maybe everyone is over-reacting here.
Liberal Supporter, thanks for that. A little too heavy for me to dissect on a holiday weekend, but I'll give it some thought.
Well that was Riley who refered to her as "hot", I said a few things that I probably shouldn't have though. And you are very apt in saying that this sort of attitude is the reason why many more women aren't in politics. I'll certainly keep that in mind in the future.
While I do think that Rona Ambrose is very attractive, I also respect her intellect. A master's degree in public policy is nothing to scoff at. In fact her resume is so impressive that the prime minster entrusted her with a cabinet position.
I do recall women referring to Gerard Kennedy and Stockwell Day as "hot" though. I've also heard that Trudeau had quite a female following, in fact I got to meet a lady at the LPC(O) who was a Trudeaumaniac in the sixties who still refers to him as the "sexiest" politician who ever lived.
Zac - Sorry, you're right. It was Riley. We'll have to tar and feather him. ;)
Yeah, this political correctness can go a bit too far. My guess is that Ms. Ambrose doesn't hate being regarded as attractive. But of course, that shouldn't overshadow her qualifications.
BTW, was it just me or was Jane Taber really rude during CTV's Question Period at noon? Jane kept interrupting Rona like crazy. Maybe she's jealous. lol!
Vikki, RGM and others...
Riley to the Rescue...
First off...can everyone just CHILL OUT?
When I said Rona Ambrose was hot, you're darned right I meant it. When Jane Taber says gerard Kennedy is an attractive young man, she meant it too. When I say there are fire-brand young attractive CPC women.. I mean that as well.
Zac was teasing about "animal testing" relax. Furthermore no one is being mysogentistic (spelling?) on this blog. If I said "Rona get back in the kitchen where you belong" you can call me out on that. If I said "Rona's only value is that she's hot" you can call me out on that too. I've worked for female candidates, I've encouraged my own mother to run, and I strongly support women in politics.
Richard get off your HIGH horse on pornography, women and other junk and come back to reality. People need a sense of humour. Zac wasn't insulting the intelligence of any official, nor was I. If someone said "man riley can give a good speech" and someone added "he's got a cute butt too" I wouldn't be offended!
But what REALLY grinds me is the politically correct nonsense that we spew sometimes. Zac and I were amicably dolling compliments to Rona Amrbose. Zac's comments about the "animal testing" were not my taste, BUT he was tossing a joke around. Hence I took no offence and didn't think anything of it.
Unlike Zac, I'm not going to apologize. I did nothing wrong, I wrote nothing wrong, and I stand by my statements.
I not only mentioned Ambrose was attractive, I also stated she gets picked on and handles herself well, and noted how humorous she was on Rick Mercer. Richard you're going to call me out on that? Gimme a break people. Lighten up. If people are going to attack Zac and I for something so small and minute, I will reconsider posting comments in these sections despite my affection for the blog and its author.
Political parties make good use of it though. I remember during the election, the CPC had a desktop's available on thier website of Rona and Helena. Kinda odd how Monte Solberg or someone else didn't get one though.
The LPC did something similar but with Ruby Dhalla.
The young Liberals have buttons that say "what's Sexy? The Young Liberals." They also have brochures that say "What' Sexy? Progressive Public Policy" with a picture of Belinda next to it.
It goes both ways.
Hey Riley, your comments were harmless yes, but mine were a bit out of line and so I apologize for them.
I made a generalization about CPC youth. It was a joke, but it was a bit off colour.
Lighten up, Riley!
As for hot and sexy, no one does it better for the ladies than John McCallum! Oooh, that fresh from a roll in the hay hair of his just gets me goin', I tell yah! That sexy devil! (groooowwwwwl!)
soccermom,
I am lightened up, just irks me when people go on moral tirades.
Also I noticed McCallum was able to bypass his usual Sunday morning hangover to preach on CTV's Question Period. He's probably the biggest joke in the Liberal party right now.
lol, good one, Riley! Yes, he does look hungover most days. Just adds to the sexiness (those bedroom eyes! sigh!)
"If people are going to attack Zac and I for something so small and minute, I will reconsider posting comments in these sections despite my affection for the blog and its author."
No, please Riley!! Not that! I'll let you post anything you want! Don't go, please!!!
I'm not kidding though, word on the street from several sources I have in the party is that he is an alcoholic.
McCallum? Yeah, I've heard that too from many sources. The guy has bags under his eyes that are just scary. And that voice!! It mkes me think of gravel on a chalkboard - with the gravel stuck in your fingernails...
BTW, Gerard Kennedy is NOT hot.
Let's see...PM Pierre was considered sexy. Check out what he did to Canada.
If I want sexy, I check out my honey.
In government, I don't want sexy, I want good. I want honest. I want bright. I want hard-working.
It's the House of Parliament, not some juke-joint or singles bar. Le Cruising Chambre, I s'pose. There are some guys with the same attitude who pretend to be running churches, but they're really there 'cause it's like the old Dominion stores ads used to proclaime: "It's mainly because of the meat!"
That's right, Tango! Bedrooms have no business in the politics of the nation.
Good one, Joanne!
Thanks, Mac. That was one of my better quips.
No Riley, I will not do any such thing regarding "pornography, women, and other junk." The point of view that I express is mine, and I am certainly not going to change that because it makes you upset; after all, isn't this Canada, where we encourage people with a wide range of political views to come forward and exchange perceptions and points of discussion?
A high, wait, HIGH, horse, you say? Because I'm opposed to sexism-based comments? In that very vein, I'm sure that women don't like being cast into that type of categorization with pornography as being "junk." I am deeply aware of reality, far more than you realize or care to acknowledge because it clashes with your view. What exactly do you mean by "reality," anyways?
Are you opposed to the idea of a man speaking in favour of a woman's right to be seen as more than the sum of her parts? Because when you say that Rona Ambrose is your favourite MP because she "is by far the hottest MP in parliament," that's what you're doing. If you don't like the fact that you're getting called on that, don't do it. It's not something "small and minute" if you were to ask a feminist or any woman who seeks to be treated as an equal in this society and be held as someone's favourite for reasons that are more profound than "she's hot."
Joanne (T B):
Totally excellent! Like. Tubular. So, un-square. Migosh, who knew that people other than liberals have a creative sense of humour?
"... Bedrooms have no business in the politics of the nation...."
Nyuk-nyuk-nyuk.
Now I'm reeeeeaallllllly LUH-VIN' IT!!!
L.H.& K.
Ha! Thanks, Tango. One of those rare moments of inspiration..
RGM - Thanks for championing the cause for women. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, as long as it doesn't cross some politically correct line which is in the eye of the observer (?).
yawn...
RGM you're on a high horse cause you attack a simple comment I made which was a COMPLIMENT.
I have no time for chest-thumpers. I listed several reasons for why Ambrose was my favorite MP not just cause she was hot, you obviously didn't read my entire comment.
I'm not going to stand here and be called mysogenistic for saying someone is hot. Take a valium or thump your chest when somebody actually says something outrageous.
O.K. Everyone chill out. No harm done.
So we all agree that Rona Ambrose has it all - looks, personality and brains. Good for her. It's a rare combination.
but is she getting it regular?
ok I got a bit down the comments, and don't have time for the rest I have to work but I'll throw my twoonie in for this part.
Kyoto has its flaws and Canada's target was not met nor was it even getting close. Therefore it was useless to us and costing more money.
This made in Canada is a good thing but yes I agree its not been decided on what it is yet. We'll see if it was worth the wait lol.
Is she getting what regular, Sara? :)
Has anyone see the former Liberal government's environmental plan? Did it exist or was it another one of those 'scribbled on a napkin five days before the government got defeated' things??
Oh wait... we had the "One Ton Challenge" didn't we? Yeah, there's a solid plan! Let's give a bunch of money to some Liberal-friendly advertizing firms, maybe fill Rick Mercer's pockets up a bit so he gives us some positive press...
Doesn't the fact that the targets were not met illustrate the problem with having no financial incentive to reduce emissions? Kyoto was not in effect during the recent increases, and many polluters hoped that somehow they would not be required to make reductions in the future.
As I understand it, we had signed onto Kyoto during the previous Liberal government, and emissions are now 35% above the Kyoto target negotiated under their watch.
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