There is much hullaballoo in the media about PMSH’s “control” over what is and is not said by various ministers in his cabinet and where they say it. There is great concern over what this means to democracy (because without the media, we have no way of getting information, do we? and no way of verifying the accuracy thereof, either).
The very thought that perhaps PMSH is trying to avoid the kind of mixed messages coming from the Opposition parties on Afghanistan appears to be just a little too difficult to believe for those who fear a hidden agenda.
Gimme a friggin’ break already. This strikes me as an exercise in filling the airwaves with drivel rather than actually going out & looking for news, like, say, our paralympic team’s many successes, or the real quagmire that is Palestinian politics.
Crossposted at Waking Up On Planet X
headline all the day long on CBCpravda–Liberal convention in December, should keep their narrow minds occupied for the next 9 months. That way they wont be complaining about what Harpers not telling them.
the only way CBCpravda would feature something about the current Prime Minister is if he were assisinated. and then only for 6 hours till a story of “Lactating mothers society” or “Terrorists united against democracy” or “Midwifery- funding the unfundable” or “For profit journalism, are we paying Peter Mansbridge or is he working at cost” surplanted it.
The media in Canada has positioned itself as an adversary to Conservative thought and policy, and indeed PM Harper himself. The PM is no fool, is he supposed to forget the way he himself and his collegues have been protrayed in the media? He understands that the MSM will try and bait MP’s into saying something controversial to fuel their headlines. Why should he reward the media with photo opts when they continuosly spin everything the CPC does as bad?
Frankly, I find it hilarious to watch the MSM bitch and complain that they are not being notified of, and asked their approval of, every move the gov’t makes. Its not their place, their job is to report the news, not act as a third opposition or wing of the Liberal party. Whatever happened under Liberal reign, the PMO does not seem to be inclined to feed the media, so i guess they will actually have to work for their stories.
Instead it seems that they are going to try and hold the gov’t hostage, ie. they won’t play nice until the gov’t includes them. The biggest story (positive story that is) in recent Canadian political history occurs (Harper’s trip to Afghanistan) and the MSM can’t seem to wait to get it out of the way so they can get back to reporting important things like the Emerson crossing (for the 6th straight week)
Unfortunatly, I don’t know if the PM can hold this strategy in a minority, I think he’s taking a page from Mulroney, trying to freeze the media out, but Mulroney had a majority.
Ref PMSH’s “control”, no big deal, as Warren Kinsella posted on March 17 2006:
“I don’t get it – what’s the big deal? We did the same thing. Everyone does. As Norman Spector once said to me, all that PMO does is (a) control communications of government (b) plan cabinet shuffles and (c) plan their next trip”.
“Palestinians complain bitterly that almost all the West’s demands for moderation are directed at them, while Israeli actions that may be extremely damaging to any prospect for peace can seem to go almost unremarked.”
The Palestinians boxed themselves into a corner. Now they have an elected terrorist regime as government – not lurking conveniently in the shadows anymore. The pretense is over. Funds are drying up for them. I read an article today that they are running out of flour.
Let’s see, who walked from the Oslo Accords that were so generously in their favor and never looked back?
By “Israeli actions” I presume it’s the defined borders. Needless to say, if any of us had rabid pittbulls repeatedly straying into our yards we’d have put up high fences too.
The little gutblowers now have a harder time terrorizing Israel with the wall in place and tighter checkpoints. In blocking the Palestinian’s most favorite form of warfare – terrorism – will they be stupid enough to attack Israel in an all out military assault? I think Israel has wised up and gotten tired of death by a thousand paper cuts.
I get lots of information from my new Prime Minister – I subscribed to receive all of the press releases and statements right in my in box. For more in depth I go the Conservative site.
I have sent questions to both the PMO and my MP and received replies.
I can access every single Federal ministry on line for programs and announcements.
I can go online and browse Hansard. I can go online and find all of the expence accounts of MPs and senior beurocrats.
I can get indepth links on various blogs to lead me to information.
I can go on site and read every news release put out on the various news wires from around the world. ..Unfiltered. Unadulterated. Without “opinion” thrown in to tell ME what I am supposed to think about things. I can make up my own mind; I don’t need a sensational skewed biased headline to cloud my thinking.
My LAST source of credible information is from the television news or mainstream newspapers except for CPAC where I can see entire press conferences, announcements or conferences instead of being fed a manipulated sound bite.
Talk radio is also a good source of real information.
So the PMO is communicating with Canadians – they are just making sure we get honesty that is not filtered through biased headline seeking career building quasi-journalists.
I feel VERY well informed. The media could use the same sources I do and perhaps they would once again become a source of information.
No kidding, Maria. Perhaps a little old fashioned work for a change. I read the Vancouver Sun almost cover to cover, and almost daily send in a complaint about their obvious biases. I rarely watch the TV news because I am afraid I might throw something at it (or throw up something like my dinner at it). So, I too do not think I am missing out on stuff that I find important.
It was funny watching CTV news the other night, while David Akin was discussing the dearth of info coming from the PMO. He acknowledged that the public “might think we’re just whining” – hmmm, I guess he’s been reading some blogs? They need to get their hands out of the sand or lose what little relevance they have.
Message to the media: If you want me to buy your papers or watch your “newscasts” spend as much time on the Scott Brison email as you did/do on the Emerson floor crossing. Brison should go to jail.
“Brison should go to jail”
Yes Ward. Martin and Goodale as well.Why has no one in the MSM asked these clowns what they thought would happen to the value of ITF,s when they started the ball rolling?
Pure market manipulation on a grand scale.
Penny,
Peace is not possible with Hamas. They must be overthrown.
http://tinyurl.com/kv6vw
Letter from Jerusalem: With Hamas victory, a changed Middle East
Steven Erlanger
FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 2006
JERUSALEM Minimizing the impact of unexpected change is a protective instinct, especially when comfortable assumptions and bureaucratic industries are at risk. The victory of Hamas in the Palestinian legislative elections has altered the Middle East. It feels comparable to the revolution that overthrew the shah of Iran and brought the mullahs of Shia Islam to power.
Hamas, who bring you a different form of kiddie porn Web site, suggesting the walking bomb hobby for kids, have decided to go quiet for a time, while plotting *big* things.
Use the link above to know your enemy..Hamas. TG
10Words.ca
I think it is great that the MSM is helping to prove their own irrevelevance…poetic justice you might call it.
They have been spinning their own ‘truth’ for so long, they don’t know how to find it, or what it would look like if they ever did their jobs.
Chemical Ali/Bot posted the above. +
Letter shows Saddam ordered plans for chemical attack
The Scotsman ^ | March 20, 2006 | BASSEM MROUE
Posted on 03/20/2006 1:36:42 AM PST by MadIvan
SADDAM Hussein ordered plans to be drawn up for a chemical weapons attack on Kurdish guerrilla bases in northern Iraq in 1987, according to a letter signed by his personal secretary.
The letter was among a series of memos between Saddam’s office, military intelligence and the army found by United States troops in Iraq; they do not say if the attack was carried out.
The planned attack appears to have been part of the 1987-88 campaign that left more than 180,000 Kurds dead and demolished hundreds of Kurdish villages in northern Iraq. In the most notorious incident, the town of Halabja was bombed with mustard and nerve gas in 1988, killing 5,000 residents.
In the papers released by the US, a report from Iraq’s military intelligence details the bases of Kurdish rebels, led by Ibrahim Barzani, and Iranian troops.
Saddam’s secretary replies, saying, “The leader Mr President has ordered that your department study with experts a surprise attack with special ammunition in the areas of Barzani’s gangs and the [former Iranian leader Ayatollah] Khomeini Guards.”
“Special ammunition” is the phrase used throughout Saddam’s regime for chemical weapons. Later documents mention specifically the nerve agent sarin and mustard gas.
The US military says the government “has made no determination regarding the authenticity of the documents, validity or factual accuracy of the information contained therein” +
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1599466/posts
It is the media complaining that their jobs have become harder.
While that elicits a chorus of “So Whats” and “Too F’in Bad” from this crowd it is something PMSH has to keep an eye on.
I have said in other posts that they are a channel of access to voters, not THE channel. You don’t have to like them but you do need to understand their job pressures.
That means assisting them where you can and where your interests allow you to. You can engender respect without getting them to hate you. The moving of cabinet press conferences was fine, but the I’ll speak to you when I have something to announce was likely unecessary.
It is a welcome change to move away from press pandering, and sometimes immeadiate reaction is not the best reaction but you’ll need access to the media for something YOU want to say at some point. Mind you he is PM and that means by definition when he speaks it is news.
Still early and still sending messages. I suspect PMSH is working in the background to get the throne speech ready rather than be distracted by this. I agree with Strategy before action and silence before strategy.
The cost…stories like the ones that have been pointed out
I think the media is nostalgic for the sight of Chretien’s butt wobbling its way up the stairs, while they shout questions at it. And it often answered.
The media is great at regurgitating facts – without checking into the background to see how TRUE those facts are.
Case in point – I am watching Canada AM this morning and Marci Ian throws out that the YWCA has done a poll showing that the majority – get that the MAJORITY of Canadian women (last time I looked I was a Canadian woman) – want a national daycare program.
It is this kind of reporting – throw out a news item that implies one thing and unfortunately leaves most of us yelling at the TV.
I resent that these groups do a baised “poll” then present it as the majority. It pisses me off that these womens groups “speak” for me!
I am going to the YWCA website and sending them an e-mail stating my disgust that they assume to speak for women!
There – now I feel better.
Alberta Girl, how do you know the poll was biased?
On meesage here, was it not Harper and the CPC that strumped around claiming that they would heal the democratic deficit, restore transparence to Governement?
So far we have Harper ruling with OFC’s, slectioning un-elected Cabnet ministers, appointing un-elected Sanators and promoting floor crossers straight into Cabnet.
Sounds more like the Liberal party then the mythical CPC that was talked about during the election, and now all the CPC shills are in full spin to try to justify this crap.
Liberal = CPC = Martini = Harper = Corrupt
SSDD
Zorphoneous: Islamist terrorist earns 72 goats.
Lookee, French troops in Afghanistan; supporting Prime Minister Harper. Mon dieu, sose Frenchies are corrupt. Vive la Reine.
Another Islamist terrorist taken out of the human gene pool. Darwinism trumps again. +
Bomber Botches Afghanistan Suicide Attack
Posted by stm
On 03/20/2006 4:59:20 AM PST � 21 replies � 314+ views
Fox News ^ | March 19, 2006 | AP
KANDAHAR, Afghanistan � A suspected suicide attacker triggered a car bomb near a convoy of French troops Sunday in southern Afghanistan, killing himself but injuring no one else, Afghan officials said. +
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1599503/posts
Zorphy, sweetie – I know the poll was biased because when I go to their website they link to the Childcare Advocacy Group – a group that gets government funding (well, did under the Lieberals – hopefully that funding will stop under the Conservatives).
I know because there are other polls showing that the majority of Canadians want the CPC plan. I know because polls can say whatever you want them to say depending on the way you ask the questions and where you do the polling.
When I go to their website – it is obvious to me their partisan beliefs – I am sure they too, are receipients of government dollars.
So Zorphy, sweetie – how do you know it isn’t biased.
As for all other other comments – yeah, yeah, yeah – why don’t you WAIT until the government actually starts sitting in the house – WAIT until you see HOW PMSH makes these choices work before you start with you PARTIAN slams.
Wouldn’t it be something for the media to just REPORT the news rather than try to CREATE the news?? I used to think that with the exception of Global National, all the media were one sided leftist goons. Then, when that weasel kevin newman did his famous{IN} interview with Stephen Harper at his “home” in toronto I even changed my mind about Global. They’re ALL weasels that try to CREATE news rather than report it!!
If the prime minister has something to say to the Canadian people I’m sure he’s gonna say it. Not like that photo opp hungry paul martin that would walk a mile if he figured there was a news crew there. If they were there filming a cat being rescued out of a tree he would stand in front of that tree and make like it was him or his government that called 911 and from this day forth, would ban trees in Canada!!
If you don’t have something important to say, then shut up, if you do have something to say, we’re listening. Simple as that!
Forget the “grandstanding” and lets get governing already!
I for one have enjoyed watching the media whine. I must admit it has been refreshing to have a government that can go about its business without having the media spin approval on everything. I voted for a government not a reporter. The last time I looked at the calendar we still have a couple weeks before the house sits. What I can’t wait for is the leadership camp. to start. I am sure the old boys in the Lib’s were trying to figure out a way to get BS and Scottie out of the running. They (the Lib party) will be up to their old tricks. Both of these fools are expendable. Purpose served, they are really not needed. When it comes down to the wire to make deals, these two will find it very hard to anyone to support them in the end.
MaryM – I believe that is why they put the rules that any contender can only spend $10,000 of their own money – they actually have to go out and get supporters – that right there will weed out those contenders who have a high profile but behind the scenes don’t have the support.
BS and Scottie bring in good ratings but you are right – they are expendable, the Liberals are using them to get the press, but the “get out and get money from supporters” rule will be their downfall.
Correction of post above – should be $50,000 rather than $10,000 to enter leadership race.
Alberta Girl:
I think you were right in your first post, lol. And your correction is also right.
They need 50,000 to enter the race.
They can only spend 10,000 of their own money.
Liberal party president was on cbc this a.m. and said there may be 20 running for the leadership. Do the math, that is a lot of money to help pay their debt. Will all those spend 3.4million to get elected? Probably 5 will emerge as possible winners. I see this as a scam to get 15 possible candidates to spend money on polls, fund raising, new members etc and turn this info & money over to the leaders, thus bypassing all restrictions on spending. Remember, this is a liberal campaign, with a history of corruption. All we conservatives should take out memberships and be elected as delegates, (in AB and other ridings, with no elected MPs, we might be welcome) and go vote for the least likely to be elected as PM. We could take over 185 riding associations and be moles. Too bad the convention is in Montreal and most contenders are from Toronto.
maryT, I’d have a tough time deciding which loser to promote!
Alberta Girl and Candace, With all of this “found” money I wonder if the Liberal’s will finally pay back the 1.5 million that the stole from us the taxpayers. We could have lots of fun when all of the contenders names are mentioned. We should run a reverse leadership same as what they have been doing to Emerson. They are going to be in a “pickle” trying to find twenty or so that have NO bones in their closets. We could start with Ralphie, BS, Scottie, this could be good. Okay I have to mention that the Lib’s are spinning already, they are going to elect the “next PM” of Canada…give me a break.
I will be watching with keen interest what policies these new contenders consider important to Canadians.This past election,at least to me,showcased the Liberals ONLY burning issue with the electorate…KEEP US IN POWER!
I would like to give the Libs a fair chance to create something fresh and exciting for the country.Sadly,I just cannot imagine it happening.
I have said this on this site before:
Martin,gleefully followed by his party,orchestrated the most vile,arrogant and divisive campaign I have ever witnessed.Not a new idea or positive thought amongst the lot of them.
I do believe we will witness a civil war within this party.As we have witnessed through many of their posts here,there is not much tolerance for
a diversity of opinion outside of the Liberal party,let alone within it’s own ranks.
I guess,fundamentally,we will just be hearing more about those ever elusive Canadian values and the inherent evil of the right.PLEASE,Liberal Party of Canada,prove me wrong!!
Well, since they’ve essentially given PMSH a free pass until December, it will be interesting to see what he gets passed from a legislative point of view. If he can pass even half of the five (I’m thinking Accountability, GST and hopefully childcare, although I won’t see a dime), they’ll be hard pressed to say he’s doing a crappy job.
They also can’t bash about Afghanistan, since they put us there.
Alberta Girl,
I never claimed the poll wasn’t bias, but here is the rub, you haven’t privide one single scrap of proof that it is. IE, examining of method and analysis. The funding of the poll is completely immaterial to whether the poll is biased or not, this is commonly known as the straw man arguement.
As for my “partisan slams” sorry, it is the truth. Harper is leading and just like the liberals before him. You can call the kettle light absorbing, I simply call it black 😉
Cheers
Maz, what the freaking hell are you talking about?
MaryT I agree with almost everything you have said. This country needs a shake down of the Liberanos and I want that to happen. Just like the campaign, I want a new parliament to focus on an issue a day; singling out the Liberano crimes against the Canadian people ONE BY ONE. I know that Mr. Duceppe would enjoy that also, the Conservatives can give the scandal a day thing a break once a week – maybe Friday – to pass major legislation on their 5 points. Whacko Jacko and his Dippers will have very little to say, the Liberanos will screetch and hiss like squawking geese and I will just enjoy the show from my couch. After we have rooted out the thieves and liars and thugs, what is left of the fetid Liberano outfit can find themselves a new wimp to call ‘dear leader’. heh.