There are daffodils here.
And I think that at the moment, I prefer those to blogging.
If I can get my laptop online, I’ll post a few road photos, (including some shots of the flooding in southern Illinois yesterday.) Otherwise, those will wait till I get home. Ive got a busy few days ahead, so the likelihood of any regular current events blogging from me are rather slim.
o/t
breaking news;
possible recall of Pamela Wallin, Canadian Counsel General to New York.
Hey Kate, glad to hear your taking time out to “smell” the flowers!
Doug,
And the Liberals are outraged, saying that it would go against their “traditions” to recall them.
I say, the more Liberal “traditions” we can go against, the better off we will be.
And the less we hear from these guys, the better off we will be as well.
Help Clean Out The Stables, the Ottawa Stables*. +
“What A Mess”
By Greg Weston
Over drinks the other day, a senior bureaucrat now serving his fourth prime minister observed that under Stephen Harper�s new Conservative administration, most of the government is now �officially in a state of complete paralysis.�
The general view in the bureaucracy, he said, seems to be that any program in any federal department not on Harper�s list of �five priorities� � government ethics, law and order, family allowances, health care and cutting the GST � need not apply for money or attention for at least the next six months.
�But, hey,� he hastens to add, �that�s a huge improvement over what we went through post-12/12.�
Such was the bureaucratic mess created during the brief 18 months Paul Martin was in charge, that the lexicon of official Ottawa actually now includes �pre- and -post 12/12� � before and after Mr. Dithers was first sworn in as PM on Dec. 12, 2003.
…
Virtually every public policy initiative that Martin claimed as a political victory was in fact a visionless deal of convenience that offered only short-term Liberal gain for what is now an enduring pain in the butt for Harper.
The new Conservative intergovernmental affairs minister, Michael Chong, an intelligent man not given to hyperbole, put the situation rather bluntly in a recent interview with Sun Media bureau chief Bill Rodgers:
�The previous government has left us with a complete and utter mess with regards to the fiscal arrangements (with the provinces),� Chong said. �They (the Liberals) basically ran the country like an investment banking firm … making one-off, ad hoc, late-night deals.
�They did deal after deal with no consistency or principles in their approach, and now we … have a difficult task trying to untangle this mess and move forward.�
And, oh, what a mess. + more …
http://www.ottawasun.com/News/Columnists/Weston_Greg/2006/03/11/1483537.html
*98.02.06: Hercules the hero: understanding the myth
Hercules made an agreement with Augeas whereby the king would give the hero one tenth of his cattle if he was able to clean out the stables in one day. …
http://www.yale.edu/ynhti/curriculum/units/1998/2/98.02.06.x.html – 47k –
No worries Kate… enjoy yerself. There’ll be time enough later on. keep safe.
Kate:…here’s to the daffodils…enjoy…it’s 55F on my front porch today and the snow is gone!…checkin’ my front lawn for ‘small dead animals’ but nothin’ so far…
UN has lost Milosevic to old man Death.
When will the UN call Rwanda Willy Clinton to the bar?
After Clinton is locked away, the UN will bring Mugabe to trial. +
Milosevic’s death marks ‘total defeat’ for UN tribunal, prosecutor says
cbc.ca ^ | Sun, 12 Mar 2006 11:35:20 EST | CBC News
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1595038/posts
I’ve called three snow removal companies and they’re booked into the middle of next week. I’ve reluctantly arranged for a neighbour to bring in his bobcat to clean my 300 foot country lane because I’ve been parking my car at the end of it and walking in dragging my groceries on a sled for the past two days. Enjoy the flowers, Kate. You’re not missing anything here at home.
Enjoy NC and the daffodils Kate…
They cannot do you justice!
You have great and dangerous summits yet to clime.
We are all with you.
Have some fun!
From Newsweek: “After Gay Marriage, Polygamy Activism Rises”…
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/11786790/site/newsweek/
This is exactly what Harper said mere months ago would happen. The PM has some amazing foresight — or at least some common sense. The two are frequently confused for each other nowadays.
The AdScam Librano$ are still at their scams: bilking Canadian taxpayers out of million$.
The Librano$ invoices will come due for years to come: One $ dollar at a time. +
Lawyers collected millions for AdScam probe: docs
OTTAWA (CP) – Taxpayers are picking up the tab for
more than $1.3 million in legal fees to help Jean
Chretien and two top aides, Jean Pelletier and
Jean Carle,
defend their actions in the sponsorship affair,
government documents show. +
via canoe news
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1595175/posts
Harper visits troops in Afghanistan
Toronto Star ^ | March 12, 2006 | SUSAN DELACOURT
Posted on 03/12/2006 3:23:22 PM PST by West Coast Conservative
Prime Minister Stephen Harper has landed in Kandahar for a surprise, two-day visit with Canadian troops stationed in Afghanistan. +
Stand Up For Canada.
Long live free Afghanistan.
Cnews places you-see-what below Milosevic.
Why?
Read/feel/sense the contempt, nay hatred, for Prime Minister Harper and Canada & her soldiers from CP, aka Communist Press.
Down with Canadian Press.
Long live Canada & Afghanistan. +
U.N. official: Milosevic died of heart attack
THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) – A heart attack killed Slobodan Milosevic in his jail cell, the United Nations war crimes tribunal said, citing preliminary findings from Dutch pathologists who conducted a nearly eight-hour autopsy Sunday on the former Yugoslav leader. Full Story
Report: Traces of foreign substance confirmed in blood
Milosevic’s family clashes over where he should be buried
Harper makes secret high-security visit to troops in Afghanistan
KANDAHAR, Afghanistan (CP) – Stephen Harper has made a surprise visit to Afghanistan’s most violent corner at a time when polls suggest there is growing unease about Canada’s more robust role there. Full Story
Harper visits Cdn troops in Afghanistan
KANDAHAR, Afghanistan — Stephen Harper picked a harsh and hostile combat zone as the destination for his first international trip as prime minister, making a high-security surprise visit to Kandahar yesterday to salute the Canadian troops +
via cnews
Just heard the news myself about Harper being in Afghanistan, I am thrilled he did this! Wonder if Mansbridge had already been on his way home or is still there? It was said that some news media was told Friday afternoon but sworn to secrecy, have to wonder if CBC was one of them? Likely, but if not look out for some serious flipping out on the news, headline: HARPER SNEAKS OUT OF CANADA TO ESCAPE CONTROVERSY, NOW IN HIDING!
Good one, Anne!
Or they report he looked nervous, didn’t finish all his breakfast and they heard an Afghani mutter a criticism about the Emerson issue.
Seriously, it’s great to see him there. What a contrast to the muttering, bumbling liberal “leadership” we’ve endured for years. Apparently Chretien set foot on an airstrip for a few seconds once, but he probably didn’t know where exactly he was. (“Whaaat? Gid me oudda here before i gid ‘urt!”
Maz2: You are really on the ball, Thanks alot. I was being lazy and not surfing…. This is great news. This is just the beginning of what its going to be, having a Prime Minister that really cares about this country. Good on you PM Harper!
I can tell you that that is not one place that I would book for an overnighter. This will be a huge boost to our men and women serving overseas.
Complete with photo with soldiers. Read their faces.
Salute Prime Minister Stephen Harper: facile princeps: Hail To The Chief. +
Comment # 9.
“Good on you, Stephen!!!
Now that’s a Prime Minister!” +
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1595175/posts#comment?q=1
Great boost for the troops, and can be seen on their faces as they meet the Prime Minister.
Hey Maz2: When this was originally introduced in the House of Commons was there not a debate? Did they hold a vote? I remember the discussions but do not recall if in fact there was a vote on this issue. I can not believe CTV talking like Canadian’s have changed their minds on this mission. I seem to recall that this was a Liberal plan to send these troops. It would be interesting to see the vote split if there was a vote in fact held. The lokks on the troops face was worth everything!
Canoenews Watch: “harsh and hostile combat zone” +
Lest We Forget: Battle of Paaschendale, 1917.
rftmdareil1t1, Cohen, 1917, 1917, 1, Battle of Paaschendale, Canada, L. rgx45392, Robaeys, 1893, 1893, 1, Paaschendale, West Flanders, Belgium, Belgium, L …
search.geneanet.org/result.php3?place=paaschendale – 28k – Supplemental Result
Stories bumped down on site. Why? +
U.N. official: Milosevic died of heart attack
THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) – A heart attack killed Slobodan Milosevic in his jail cell, the United Nations war crimes tribunal said, citing preliminary findings from Dutch pathologists who conducted a nearly eight-hour autopsy Sunday on the former Yugoslav leader. Full Story
Milosevic family members clash over where he should be buried
Report: Traces of foreign substance confirmed in blood
Russia expects orange wave reversed as its man tops Ukraine opinion polls
MOSCOW (CP) – Two key post-Soviet states, Belarus and Ukraine, head into elections this month amid dramatic accusations of planned coups, vote-fixing and outside interference
Harper visits Cdn troops in Afghanistan
KANDAHAR, Afghanistan — Stephen Harper picked a harsh and hostile combat zone as the destination for his first international trip as prime minister, … +
http://cnews.canoe.ca/
That moron Bourque is running the story about PMSH’s visit under self-written headline “Harper Sneaks into Afghanistan”, which completely misrepresents the story he links to. What a jerk!
Interestingly enough, he now appears to have removed the “comments” portion on his website…he was getting severely criticized by posters for his dishonest headlines, I guess he chickened out because of the comments.
Eugene,
To suggest that “the PM has some amazing foresight” is more than a little innaccurate. First, the article you mention is talking about people in Arizona. According to the article you cite, the Canadian Justice Department report that recommends decriminalizing polygamy came out in January of this year, while the decision of the U.S. Supreme court that supports polygamy was made in 2003.
In fact Harper appears to be more than two years behind with his “prediction.”
Now back to your regularly scheduled discussion of “PM in Afghanistan.” Sorry for the divergence, but I just couldn’t pass that up.
Bruce, seriously, that was the headline?? Did I nail that or what? Okay, not CBC but close. I quit reading Bourque exactly because of this kind of display.
When is the full moon? Starting to notice that the moonbats are flying around, thought that might have something to do with it. 😉
Revised operational plan for
NATO �s expanding mission in Afghanistan
On 8 December, NATO Foreign Ministers endorsed a revised Operational Plan, prepared by NATO’s Military Authorities, which will guide the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) to assist the Afghan Government to extend and exercise its authority and influence across the country.
The Plan addresses the tasks and challenges ISAF will face as it continues to expand its area of operations to the south and subsequently to the east of the country.
It provides the strategic focus to create the conditions for stabilisation and reconstruction across the country. It recognizes the primacy of the Afghan Government and the paramount importance of continued, coherent and consistent development of Afghan political institutions and security capability. In addition, it outlines clear arrangements for enhanced coordination and deconfliction between ISAF�s stabilisation mission and the Coalition counter-terrorism mission. It also highlights the need for ISAF to cooperate effectively with the other key international community agencies in Afghanistan , notably the UN, the EU, the G8 lead nations and the NGO community. + more…
via newsbeat1.com
http://www.nato.int/issues/afghanistan_stage3/
(BTW, join in “Boycott Bhjlwse”.)
Maz2: CTV and CBC should be reporting this stuff. You make them look sad. Thanks for all the info.
Harper is in Kandahar!!! Great on him. I think this shows Martin and his minions what true leadership is. This has got to be a real morale booster for our men and women over there. Even though most of the troops are out on an operation I’m sure they will appreciate the fact that someone in government (particularly the PM) is finally showing support and respect for them.
Other than king paul (emphasis ignored by author) getting in the way of aid efforts in South Asia after the tsunami, I think the most dangerous place he ever visited was a public restroom in a private club.
BTW, I agree that Bourque’s headline is shameful and pitiful. Perhaps it should have been “Harper Shows more Courage and Conviction than Martin or Chretien Ever Did!!!”
Gerry
I am getting so SICK of Bourques headlines – While he doesn’t have his comments section up – he does have an “email Bourque” so I did as below
God Bourque – get a life – Harper sneaks into Afganistan – What the hell did you expect – he was going to let you know so you could put some lame headline on your site!! Give me a break and get a life – you really have sunk down to the level of all the other MSM that are pissed that the Prime Minister isn’t giving them any food – or are you just pissed that he didn’t invite you on the trip!!
Perhaps some e-mails to let him know how his Headlines SUCK!
On the Real political front – BRAVO PMSH!!! Now that’s leadership!!
Anne — good one.
Nazz rune — doubly good — the line about the afghani muttering something about Emerson made me laugh.
Kate — daffs in full bloom in Vancouver now. I cut the lawn this weekend too! Spring has sprung. Reminds me of a Far Side cartoon, with the elder cow giving sage advice to the young cow “just remember, as you travel the road of life, take the time to stop and eat the roses”.
Looking forward to your photos; enjoy your road odyssey. 😉
You are so right, Kate.
Yay to North Carolina and its daffodils. I used to go there at this time of year to visit a girlfriend and it’s a pretty state. Make sure you hit the coast if you’re not there already!
And, yay for Stephen Harper too. I just have this weird sense of calmly sitting here feeling proud of my country: something I haven’t felt consistently for so long.
I used to be in the military as an infantry (foot soldier) reservist. I wasn’t a great soldier and my career didn’t stand out.
But I worked with some mighty-fine people.
I understand how the general lack of respect they felt from the previous government, while they tried and succeeded in working around it, negatively impacted morale.
Our current leader is different.
In my estimation, Stephen Harper has no great understanding of military matters (many of Canada’s eventual greatest Prime Ministers didn’t either).
What he has is a willingness to learn, a profound respect, a sense of much-needed seriousness and clarity, and personal courage.
He’s a man that leads to lead in a positive direction (and not just “control” — or, in fact, just sit there like Paul Martin).
We do live in a great country when we work together for a noble cause. It’s fantastic to be reminded visibly of that fact.
lovingbear.net
Harper Supporting our Troops
May God Bless Mr, Harper , and our Troops.
Well Jack , If this had been the NDP in power, Afgan women would have no chance for an education , have no right to vote , and be continually subject to the Taliban Tyrants. Furthermore, If we applied the NDP policies across the board , we would keep Saddam in power to oppress his people , rape their women , and terrorize neighbouring countries .
In addition , the US would be our enemy instead of our allie , Osama could have a permanent home here in Canada with full protection under our Charter with entitlements to our social programs to assist with his military build up .
You could be their with all your social programs to remind us how reliant we need to be from cradle to grave on your government, while we infiltrate a company of Tyrants to take over our country so that our women could be subject to discrimination , and rape.
I say this because it is evident that Jack would never have the balls to empose any force on anyone if people in our military get killed while in the line of duty. These cowards think the only way to deal with Terrorism is with feel good politics . These guys are the same crowd that claims that they approve of our charter status with NATO , while undermining our military subject to a NATO lead mission in Afganistan.
They like rubbing shoulders with the International crowd but will cower under pressure for political gain. Why , I am surprised that they do not have a pretty pink ribbon yet to launch the scare ranting campaign. Listen up Jack . We either believe in our Charter status with NATO or we don’t. If we are going to cower , well lets pull out of NATO today and stop pretending that we are a part of a International resolusion to help stabilizing young democracies.
Freedom has a price Jack , Thank God the brave men and women of our armed forces do not think like you. Historically ,These are the people that gave us the liberties we enjoy today that are under continuous attack. Now is the time to take the battle to them , not wait around for them to bring the battle to us. If 911 was any lesson at all , it should told us that any western allie is a potential target. The good will gestures of our armed forces has a balanced approach for victory, because anything less than victory is not an option.
So Jack stop pretending that your party is the one that really cares. In your little corner of the world you may have fooled yourself to think that feel good politics works . But in the real world Tyrants laugh at your socialist antics. From all accounts , our Military is putting a fully balanced program together that attends to relief , humanitarian aid , and combat .Their efforts has gained the support of over 30 countries under a NATO lead mission. So Jack , you are either with the program or not , you can’t have it both ways.
morison – how did you manage to cut the lawn with all the Emerson demonstrators in your way? /sarc
Harper is undoubtedly the first Cdn PM to visit a theater of war. McKenzie-King visited our troops in the UK in 1942 but that hardly counts as a battlefront. The troops were not happy to see him and complained about the miserable British rations. A veteran on a local call-in show yesterday said that all they got was mutton “with the wool still on it”. – JL
Yes President Harper visited the troops. A great PR move but answer me this? How many politicians have kids in the army? Not many.