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'Mad Max' and the mangled message

CAMPBELL CLARK AND KONRAD YAKABUSKI

From Saturday's Globe and Mail

Latest comment posted at 4:02 AM EST 19/04/08

Maxime Bernier is taking heat for his Afghanistan gaffe, leaving some wondering whether he can handle the sensitive Foreign Affairs job ...Read the full article

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  1. Ricky for a Centrist Canada from Canada writes:
    Harper doesn't have enough closets to hide all the wingnuts and idiots in the Con Party.
  2. H Chu from Canada writes:
    Enough with tese rank amateurs who'd be more qualified to land a drive thru job, they're a national embarassment and an international laughing stock.
  3. Popeye Dillon from North Vancouver, Canada writes: Yeah lets get those 'ADSCAM' Liberals back in power!
  4. Hello/ Bonjour from Canada writes: I wish Maxime Bernier was the PM. He has tons of great ideas to pull Canada out of it's 40 year malaise.
  5. Paul Wallnutz from Ontario, Canada writes: H Chu from Canada writes: 'Enough with these rank amateurs who'd be more qualified to land a drive thru job, they're a national embarassment and an international laughing stock.'

    What, you didn't enjoy watching Mad Max's predessor, Peter MacKay, licking Condi Rice's boots on the behalf of all of us Canadians?

    You are correct of course sir, but poor Steve doesn't seem to be overwhelmed by talent in his cabinet. All of those Thermodynamic Drinking Birds don't seem to be able to do much by themselves.
    -
  6. pran manga from ottawa, Canada writes: Bernier is the max in embarrassing the Conservative government. Harper should keep him around. He makes all the other incompetents in the cabinet look OK by comparison.
  7. Michael Sharp from Victoria, Canada writes:

    Whatever.

    Is this what passes for journalism in the GTA?

    Gawd.
  8. spicydoc--That'll do, spicydoc, that'll do... from Canada writes:

    Stupid article and stupider headline.

    Tempest in a teapot overstates the reality of this 'gaffe'. Nobody cares (aside from Bob Rae), not even the Afghan government.

    Besides, what he said was true, wasn't it? In other words, a member of Harper's cabinet spoke frankly and honestly to a group of reporters. Waitasec, this isn't supposed to happen. Need to find negative spin....

    If Bernier simply said 'no comment' every time one of these reporters asked a question, we'd get the old 'Harper muzzles his key Ministers' garbage we heard for the last 2 years.
  9. First Name: View, Last Name: Middle from Canada writes: Ricky wrote:
    .
    'Harper doesn't have enough closets to hide all the wingnuts and idiots in the Con Party'.
    .
    Amen.
  10. Vancouver-Kingsway Antics-Shy Voter from Canada writes: So, Mad Max turns out to be more than a token. Who knew?

    His women dress differently than women do in Calgary? Gasp!

    What now, Mr. Harper's going to demote him for flaunting?

    Serves Mr. Harper right for trying to run under a Quebec name brand without actually supporting one. Near-sighted planning, as usual, sees Mr. Harper run into the wall of reality.

    What ever with Mr. Harper do? Can't sack the token Quebecois, can't keep him on in the file, can't demote him without looking like a complete manipulator and opportunist. Can't keep him in Foreign Affairs where he's making Dion look like a paragon of suave and dashing in the French manner...

    Quite the cornichon Mr. Harper finds himself in.

    I'm surprised Mr. Harper's psychic makeup artist/hairdresser didn't take one look at Max, his hair and his women and tell Harper he was in way, way over his head.

    Mr. Harper could always run some ads of his wife on her Harley, before she became a Harper... that might save some face with the fashionable Quebecois nation AND save Bernier's hide. For a while.

    Worth a shot.

    Not much to lose, really.

    Canada didn't have much of a reputation to start with. Stephen Harper said Canadians were second rate and by golly he means to prove it.
  11. Johann Decruyff from La Paz, Bolivia writes: not much of a news story here. lets move on.
  12. John Brown from Maritimes, Canada writes: Certain irony here that has yet again jumped up to bite Mr Harper in his posterior region. It would seem he has a propensity for appointing the wrong people to the wrong job, I can't wait for his next exciting choice to what is probably the most important post in the country at the moment, the new Chief of Defense Staff; will he appoint a politician or a qualified leader and decision maker. You can not really blame this Bernier individual, he was appointed to a post he has no interest or experience with and then we expect miracles; of course he will cause embarrassment to the Conservatives, the man is a thinker unlike his boss. Perhaps Canada is left with egg on her face again but to believe it is at the hands of this Bernier chap is not totally correct, he spoke the words true enough but ultimately the responsibility is on the head of the man who made the appointment, Mr Harper. To think anyone can coach or control a free-spirited, deep thinker to follow a script is assinine at best and as usual it is the hard line Harper supporters who deign this to be a non-story because the party is embarrassed yet again. As for the die-hard Liberal supporters, I don't think this party is any better off at the moment, I do not think Mr Dion is any better qualified for the job then Mr Harper is.
  13. A Canadian from Cole Harbour, Canada writes: This is not news, this is a liberal editorial piece being pushed on the canadian public as news. So he is a bit flamboyant, wasnt Trudeau the same in his days, riding around in his convertible
  14. Johann Decruyff from La Paz, Bolivia writes: some interesting information on minister bernier in that editorial piece.
  15. Bert Russell Paradox, BC from Canada writes: Liberals past is coming back to haunt ... just peruse the article in GM on Benoit Corbeill Liberal crony who worked for Denis Coderre - Al Rock - Brian Tobin of the Liberals. Iggy says he is pis$ed because he alleges it appears it was taken from Liberal coffers. Is that the same coffer that owes Canadians millions in kick backs from Sponsorgate. The Liberal Legacy lives on. If Quebecors arn't sick to their stomach of the Liberal way of doing business .... well I'm just stay in tune.

    Whats the saying 'no honour amongst thieves'.
  16. John Deriso from Edmonton, Canada writes: God forbid a politician have a personality.

    Although, to be honest, a politician with a personality should never be allowed to leave the country. Diplomacy is a boring man's (or woman's) game.

    I'm not a big PC fan (I voted gasp NDP the last couple of elections), but why not have someone with a soul running around? It makes things interesting.
  17. R. Carriere from Maritimes, Canada writes:

    Quite the piece of journalism that could have been a great story had it not shown its true colours-it really missed the point.

    As for the media claiming no one talks in the Harper govt., let' see, we have the typical, 'Conservtive strategist,' along with 'Some Tories think,' and 'Many in government' or 'One Tory insider' or 'a Tory MP'..

    This story loses credibility.

    I love the maverick type. Rocking the boat is sometimes a good thing. Look at one of my favourite all-timers LB Pearson.

    He riled US President Johnson so much when he gave a speech at Temple University and said the US should stop bombing Vietnam. Johnson replied, ' don't come into my home and piss on my carpet.'

    Pearson is now seen as one of the best ever PM's of Canada!

    Of course 'diplomacy' is a sensitive matter, but the media did a great diservice this week.

    Instead of attacking the messenger, they should have attacked the messsage:

    That the Afghan govt. is corrupt-that we are NOT moving forward-that we lose lives and money supporting a corrrupt govt that has accomplished almost nothing in 6 years!

    That is what should have been attacked. Go Max! Forget about the jealousy!
    .
  18. Geoffrey May from Canada writes: So Bernier's gaffe would be a big deal in a real government , but compared to the role that Rona Ambrose, John Baird and PM Harper played in trying to sabotage international meetings over the kyoto Protocal ,that left the international community and media scratching their heads , his comment hardly matters . Most Afghans know that Karzia is an american puppett, they know he's in office as long as the US keeps troops in Afghanistan, and not one month longer.
    with a PM himself so corrupt he can't see straight, Flaherty's $122,000 budget speech , and VanLoans week long attempt to mislead the house re electoral fraud and police raids , in a caucus with Rob Anders and gay bater Lukiwski, and God knows what else , Bernier is small joe louise .
  19. Catherine S. from Canada writes: By that same logic, Stephane Dion is not fit to lead the country as our Prime Minister. Recall that Stephane Dion mused to the press that he wanted NATO forces to invade Afghanistan after his middle east visit several months ago.
  20. Catherine S. from Canada writes: Off topic - what CPC data does Elections Canada? Does it have the membership personal data? Does it have the candidates' personal data? Has Elections Canada broken any privacy laws?
  21. Layton's Mustache from Canada writes: Would be good to work out a plan with Dumont to take him back to Quebec politics if he is such a loose cannon.

    Geoffrey May from Canada writes: So Bernier's gaffe would be a big deal in a real government

    Let me fill in the rest of your rant: 'led by my sister Elizabeth May. Really, you should check her out on Youtube, as she is a real dynamite speaker (and if I say so myself) and kinda hot'!
    I'm almost thinking that someone who keeps touting the Youtube Princess as a viable politician should at least inject some humour into the comments, as her overall stature does come off as a joke.
    Sorry Bro.
  22. Anuradha Bose from ottawa, writes: Straight talking is one thing-foot in mouth disease is another!
  23. R. Carriere from Maritimes, Canada writes:

    Catherine S. from Canada writes: ... Recall that Stephane Dion mused to the press that he wanted NATO forces to invade Afghanistan after his middle east visit several months ago.

    Morning Catherine: to pick up on your post:

    Dion, the Opposition 'leader' makes the following confusing points and puts Canada and NATO in a very bad position:

    'If they (Pakistani leaders) are not able to do it on their own, it is something we could consider with NATO, how to help Pakistan help us bring peace to Afghanistan,' Dion said Wednesday

    To which Pakistan replied:

    Pakistani officials chided Liberal Leader Stephane Dion for suggesting NATO troops should intervene in Pakistan to help curb the flow of terrorists across the border it shares with Afghanistan.

    In a statement released by the Pakistan High Commission in Ottawa, the government said it was 'DISMAYED' by the opposition leader's comments,

    'It shows a LACK of understanding of the ground realities. We have, at the highest level, made it clear that Pakistan will not allow any foreign forces to operate within its territory under any circumstances,'read the statement, released late Thursday.

    Mad Stephane?
    .
  24. A B from Calgary Area, Canada writes: It is a known fact that Bernier was given the job because he is a high-profile politician from Quebec... if he was from Southern Ontario, he would have NEVER got the nod from Harpler.

    Quebec Vote Buying bites King Steve again.
  25. Thomas Price from Whitefish, Canada writes: Mr Bernier got it right. The current Afghanistan government wants our troops there to fight their battles and die for their personal ambitions but not to interfere with their corruption. If we should not interfere with how they are not running things then we should not be there at all. The next logical, common sense, intelligent thing that Mr Bernier should be saying is 'Fine we will no longer interfere, our soldiers are coming home'. Then Mr Harper must ignore GWB and bring them home. It should be obvious that if Mr Bernier keeps telling the truth he will quickly become the Conservative of choice in Canada and Mr Harper will be out of a job.
  26. L.B. MURRAY from Canada L.B. MURRAY from Canada from Canada writes: R. Carriere writes : Instead of attacking the messenger, they should have attacked the messsage:

    That the Afghan govt. is corrupt-that we are NOT moving forward-that we lose lives and money supporting a corrrupt govt that has accomplished almost nothing in 6 years!
    _______________________

    Bravo R. Carriere... Attacking the message would only prove that Max Bernier was right... I still think that Dr. Kouchner, the French Foreign Minister had quite a talk with our Mr Bernier...

    According to the U.S. government's G.A.O. (General Accounting Office), the billions spent on Afghanistan were wasted, especially in the Pakistan-Afghanistan border region where the Pakistan Army was supposed to prevent the Taliban from going back and forth... This was surprisingly on some mainstream media yesterday (Wolf Blitzer on CNN among others) ... I haven't had time yet to check what the weekend papers are reporting regarding the G.A.O.

    That should be interesting...

    -
  27. Pearls before Swine from Lower Economy, Canada writes: A Canadian from Cole Harbour, Canada writes: 'This is not news, this is a liberal editorial piece being pushed on the canadian public as news. ' Didn't the 'liberal' (that's a joke, no?) G&M endorse Harper and his cons in the last election?
  28. L.B. MURRAY from Canada L.B. MURRAY from Canada from Canada writes: R. Carriere writes : I love the maverick type. Rocking the boat is sometimes a good thing. Look at one of my favourite all-timers LB Pearson.

    He riled US President Johnson so much when he gave a speech at Temple University and said the US should stop bombing Vietnam. Johnson replied, ' don't come into my home and piss on my carpet.'
    _________________________

    That was Pearson at his best... I remember that episode and let's not forget that Pearson the Liberal was doing this to Lyndon Johnson the democrat...who simply got absolutely furious and went on bombing Vietnam and sending more and more troops to fight that losing battle...

    Fighting the Viet Cong in Vietnam and fighting the Taliban in Afghanistan... When will we ever learn...

    -
  29. Dr. Winston O'Boogie from London, United Kingdom writes: Face it. He blew it. Now trot out the paid shills: spinnydoc writes “Nobody cares (aside from Bob Rae), not even the Afghan government.” I guess spinnydoc doesn’t care about the Geneva Convention. Mike Sharp writes: “Is this what passes for journalism in the GTA?” Answer: ya. But you won’t find it on rags with very large fonts on small-sized paper, with lots and lots of pretty pictures… like Hustler… or whatever wank it is that you consider ‘journalism”. Popeye Dillon pulls bleats out the olde time classic: “Liberals are bhaaad” The Paradox is paradoxical, and so is the “B (team)” Canadian, by reciting the outright lie that there is a “left-wing media bias’ ala Faux news. After the 120K Flaherty spent on the budget speech, there must not be left for guys, eh? (Hence the complete lack of originality, time after time, and post after post). You guys have been on the same shtick for a couple of years now – could you come up with some new stuff already?? You’re boring. You’re white bread.
  30. Mei-Xing Xu from Canada writes: harper and bernier know who their foreign masters are.

    interesting to watch the cpc talking point drones on this one, doesn't the cpc trust its supporters to have independent thoughts, why must they be formed and shaped by party hq.
  31. A Canadian from Cole Harbour, Canada writes: Pearls before Swine from Lower Economy, Canada writes: A Canadian from Cole Harbour, Canada writes: 'This is not news, this is a liberal editorial piece being pushed on the canadian public as news. ' Didn't the 'liberal' (that's a joke, no?) G&M endorse Harper and his cons in the last election?

    Please read the story and tell me if this is actual news or an editorial piece. I still cant believe it actually took two reporters to write this.
  32. A Canadian from Cole Harbour, Canada writes: Dr. Winston O'Boogie from London, United Kingdom writes:Canadian, by reciting the outright lie that there is a “left-wing media bias’ ala Faux news. You guys have been on the same shtick for a couple of years now – could you come up with some new stuff already?? You’re boring. You’re white bread.

    You mean just like the liberal's shtick about the conservative hidden agenda they have used for years.
  33. jeff franklin from Canada writes: Is. M. Bernier 'on' or 'off' P. M. Harper's Rapture Train?
  34. Dr. Winston O'Boogie from London, United Kingdom writes: B Canadian: So you admit that you’re boring. Good. That’s the first step.
  35. Geoffrey May from Canada writes: Layton's mustache, ?
    Elizabeth May is the only federal party leader who has 5 books in print, 3 honoraray degrees , and is an officer of the Order of Canada .The Green Party of Canada stands alone with common sense solutions to a wide variety of issues , is the only party with a climate change plan that meets IPCC/Kyoto goals for CO2 reduction .
    The Green Party offers a vision for Canada's future as opposed to the CPC,LPC and NDP which are about nothing but their own thirst for power.
    Green poll numbers and election results since E May became leader continue to rise , despite the fact that mainstream media treat the Greens like third class party, and hardly ever mentions Green Party positions on issues
    And , as you point out , the GPC makes great use of popular new technology, like Youtube, of coures with an intellegent leader who can think on her feet , it is a perfect medium for them, and since the Green Party isn't in the pocket of any corporate consortium, they won't have enough money to violate elections Canada spending limits !
  36. Shawn W from Toronto, Canada writes: Although not a CPC supporter, I'm inclined to think kindly of Mr. Bernier. As some other posters have pointed out, he is a charming, talented man in a sea of Tory boredom. He certainly knows how to raise eyebrows with his attractive companion; the fact that demon-bi&ch from hell Sandra Buckler was angered by the dress just makes me laugh. Jealous much Sandra?
  37. Expert Eel from OttaPettaOshawawawawa, Canada writes: is it any wonder as to why Harper muzzles his cabinet and caucus??
  38. Bob Smitherman from Canada writes: Catherine S. from Canada writes: By that same logic, Stephane Dion is not fit to lead the country as our Prime Minister. Recall that Stephane Dion mused to the press that he wanted NATO forces to invade Afghanistan after his middle east visit several months ago.


    -----------------------------------
    Uhm, Catherine, I think it was Pakistan. And by the way his comments made a lot of sense. In fact General Petraeus, before the Armed Services Committee last week, said that the US must address the situation in Pakistan, more or less along the same lines as what Mr. Dion said.
  39. Jesse Winger from Calgary cold and snowy, Canada writes: Max is way over head.... and I think most Canadians would agree with me on this one. Trouble is there isn't much talent on Harpers bench to fill his shoes so we may be stuck with him 'til the next election.
  40. Bob Smitherman from Canada writes: Interesting debate on last night's French CBC. Members from each federal party were talking about the week's events.

    Pierre Poilievre defended the choice of Mr. Bernier as foreign minister by saying this government brought MP's with diverse backgrounds to the table. In the case of Mr. Bernier, Poilievre said he had a business background, as if this was a pre-requisite for the post. How exactly does a business background prepare one for the job of foreign affairs minister? Clearly Mr. Bernier is out of his depth. He has absolutely no experience in the language of diplomacy, something which, one would think, is a pre-requisite for the position.
  41. John Hertz from Ottawa, Canada writes: In addition to Mr. Bernier's involving himself in the internal affairs of another country - a big no no, he appears to carry a lot of baggage.

    Advisor to the PQ and against the idea of one regulatory exchange commission? What was Harper thinking when he picked this guy.

    I guess Harper has some empathy with separatists since Harper himself was for Alberta separating from Canada.

    And what's this business about Bernier's companion not wearing a dress that would meet the approval of Harper's wife???!!!!

    Does mean in the future that Canadians will be subjected to a dress code that must be approved by the Harpers??? Will Harper institute an arm of CSIS or the RCMP to ensure that people follow the dress code ???

    What a joke!! How many ministers now has Harper had to fire because of incompetence or failing to follow Harper's micro management instructions???

    It's about time that Harper just got rid of the Commons and the Senate and declared himself KING with the unalienable power of Divine Right and the ability to talk directly to god so we all could in the
    revelations of Steven Harper. I can see it now the ten commendents as revealed by god to Stephen Harper..........

    'I, Harper, am thy true leader thou shalt have no other leader of Canada than ME'

    'Thy shall not talk the name of thy Harper in vain'

    'Thou shalt not kill unless they be Afghans or Iraqis or other true enemies of thy Harper like Liberals'

    'Thou shalt not steal unless it be in the name of thy Harper'

    etc. etc etc
  42. Free The West from Free the West, BC, Canada writes: Yet another classic G&M headline, using their usual unnamed source, in this case it is 'some'. As in 'leaving some to wonder' about another arch-evil Conservative memeber. More often it is 'critics say' that is used, or the nebulous 'the Opposition says'. In each case you can just replace those terms with 'the G&M editorial staff'.
  43. jack doober from brantford, Canada writes: He knows the truth , the trouble is that he said it..
  44. Mr. Harper's x men use the north star as a moral compass from Canada writes: Johann Decruyff from La Paz, Bolivia writes: some interesting information on minister bernier in that editorial piece.
    Posted 19/04/08 at 5:00 AM EDT

    How many more gems in the rough is this ' leader ' hiding behind his radical right wing skirts or warming the back benches ?

    I thought a leader identified quality and used resources effectively ? Maybe Canadians should replace Sandra ?
  45. R. Carriere from Maritimes, Canada writes:

    L.B. MURRAY from Canada L.B. MURRAY from Canada from Canada writes: R
    That was Pearson at his best... I remember that episode and let's not forget that Pearson the Liberal was doing this to Lyndon Johnson the democrat...who simply got absolutely furious and went on bombing Vietnam and sending more and more troops to fight that losing battle...

    Fighting the Viet Cong in Vietnam and fighting the Taliban in Afghanistan... When will we ever learn...

    Morning L.B.

    A truly great time for Canada-a truly great Nobel Prize winning Liberal PM who was 'politically incorrect' at the time, but history treated him well.

    A Liberal PM who gave us social Health Care, our own flag, the Canada Pension plan, and threw out old immigration policies that descriminated against the Chinese and the jewish people-signed the Auto Pact with the US.......

    Unfortunately after that, the Liberal Party has never been the same-some have said hijacked by supposed left wing extremists, but greatly owing and controlled by Big Business. The examples are legion.
    .
    .
  46. John Hertz from Ottawa, Canada writes:
    Well Jack doober from brantford

    As true as it maybe what a government never ever ever does is to publicly involve itself in the affairs of another country.

    Bernier should be fired
  47. Bob Smitherman from Canada writes: Free The West from Free the West, BC, Canada writes: Yet another classic G&M headline, using their usual unnamed source, in this case it is 'some'. As in 'leaving some to wonder' about another arch-evil Conservative memeber. More often it is 'critics say' that is used, or the nebulous 'the Opposition says'. In each case you can just replace those terms with 'the G&M editorial staff'.


    ---------------------------------------
    Don't confuse news stories and headlines, with opinion pieces. This is clearly an opinion piece, one that is critical of Bernier. I haven't seen too many opinoin pieces anywhere else, including the National Post, that defends Bernier's actions and seeming lack of experience.

    By the way, Konrad Yakabusli is a freelance writer. I'm not aware that he's affiliated with the G&M. I don't know about Campbell Clark.
  48. John Hertz from Ottawa, Canada writes:
    Well now we have another conservative MP Rob Anders comparing the Olympics in China to the 1936 Olympic Games in Nazi Germany ??

    OUCH MR Harper that can't be good
  49. Jasper the Black Lab from Vancouver, Canada writes:
    Conservative ministers are amateurs and buffoons. What this boils down to is that if the Liberals had a leader, we could have an election and kick the goofs out.

    But they don't so we can't.
  50. Richard Soley from writes: Must be a slow day as the liberal fish are biting at flies! Bernier deserves the order of Canada for speaking candidly for a change. For those who don't get it we have troops fighting for the right to critize the administration in Afghanistan. When the Karzi government no longer wants our help he can do and appoint whom ever he wants but as long as Canadians are helping his administration we have payed the price to be critical of his governments appoinments if they hinder our efforts. Support the troops and fire the politicans who lie. would be a quite house of commons wouldn't it!
  51. The Conservative Centrist from Canada writes: It appears to me the writer of the article has a problem with Bernier. Too bad. So sad. If this minor 'gaffe' is the worst thing Maxine can do, the Libs must REALLY be scrambling trying to find problems to diss the Gov't on. International diplomacy NEEDS shaking up.... it was about the only thing I liked about Trudeau...remember the pirouhette? :-)

    Keep On Movin' On Mad Max! :-) Shake 'em up, Baby, twist and shout! :-)
  52. Fred Heff from cowtownCalgary, Canada writes: The G&M is trying to compete against the British tabloids its all they have left

    You dont stand a chance!
  53. Ken Woodwords from Ottawa, Canada writes: Bernier spoke the truth and got hammered by all kinds of accusations. To be able to solve an issue, in this case the Afghan mess, one has to identify the problem first. We seem to applaud and vote for smooth talking politicians who lie in our face. We deserve the governments we get.
  54. Catherine S. from Canada writes: 'By that same logic, Stephane Dion is not fit to lead the country as our Prime Minister. Recall that Stephane Dion mused to the press that he wanted NATO forces to invade Afghanistan after his middle east visit several months ago. '

    Correction - I meant to write 'By that same logic, Stephane Dion is not fit to lead the country as our Prime Minister. Recall that Stephane Dion mused to the press that he wanted NATO froces to invade Pakistan after his middle eas visit several months ago.
  55. Kevin Desmoulin from Toronto, Canada writes: At the least he seems to be his own person compared to the rest of the clamped down people in this government.
    Mistakes are not good esp in foreign relations.
    What I got from the article is the moralizing comment about Maxime Bernier girlfriend attire, Steven Harper's wife will not wear that to a swearing in.
    Pretty Strange I think.
    Of course not a surprise, makes one wonder what other questionable standards and practices they come up with based on some silly standard based on what Stevie's wife would wear.

    Maybe they should cut the flash and photo ops and work on matters of substance.
  56. Beetle Bailey from Canada writes: Catherine S. from Canada writes: 'Recall that Stephane Dion mused to the press that he wanted NATO forces to invade Afghanistan after his middle east visit several months ago.'

    Catherine, let me bring you up to date in the news department: NATO has already invaded Afghanistan!
  57. Dr. Winston O'Boogie from London, United Kingdom writes: The Conservative Centrist makes the REAL Don Adams look pretty good! :)
  58. Fred Heff from cowtownCalgary, Canada writes: Geoffrey May from Canada writes: Layton's mustache, ?
    Elizabeth May is the only federal party leader who has 5 books in print, 3 honoraray degrees , and is an officer of the Order of Canada .The Green Party of Canada stands alone with common sense solutions to a wide variety of issues , is the only party with a climate change plan that meets IPCC/Kyoto goals for CO2 reduction

    Geoffrey ! But she is a nutbar with no policies other than the enviroment.

    And what Mad Max says compared to the baglady is not even close in stupid land.
  59. The Conservative Centrist from Canada writes: L.B.Murray, re Pearson/LBJ.... to put things into perspective, we have to remember that the Dems in the US are to the right of our Cons. While there may be Dipper types in the US, they don't have a party like they do here. LBJ probably related to Pearson much the same as the Cons relate to Dion.... ie. no respect for his position. :-)
  60. bob london from Canada writes: Cretin and Turdo were gaffeing on a daily basis. They should feel comefortable with Mad Max
  61. Joe Little from Calgary, Canada writes: Rob Anders may be a perfect Minister to deliver Harpo's messages. Anders firmly stood up for some terrorist.
  62. True North from Canada writes: Bernier is an international embarrassment on the world stage, always tripping over his tongue. An empty suit and token Quebecois in Harper's government, Bernier is way over his head on this file. The reason that Harper muzzles his ministers is because they are incompetent in the first place. Ambrose, O'Connor, Baird, Lunz, Clement, Flaherty, the list goes on and on...

    Harper's government cannot be trusted.
  63. Dr. Winston O'Boogie from London, United Kingdom writes: “to put things into perspective, we have to remember that the Dems in the US are to the right of our Cons.”

    There he goes, telling another lie. But in this case, it’s not like he’s making up his own lie, he’s just repeating a lie he’s heard.
  64. The Conservative Centrist from Canada writes: Canada's press would make a real whoop -te -doo out of it if they caught Maxine's girlfriend going topless on a Carribbean beach. I don't know how anyone can have any respect for what the press reporters in this Country say .... they're not concerned with news, simply looking for sensationalist articles to get their names in print.
  65. The Conservative Centrist from Canada writes: O'boogleberry, I'd suggest you study up on the US Gov't and their political partise and policies. You might learn something useful :-)
  66. Dr. Winston O'Boogie from London, United Kingdom writes: But Centrist, it was Harper’s posse that freaked out about Maxine’s dress….. did you happen to read this article, or did you jump straight to the comments section again?
  67. Mr. Harper's x men use the north star as a moral compass from Canada writes: Beetle Bailey from Canada writes: Catherine S. from Canada writes: 'Recall that Stephane Dion mused to the press that he wanted NATO forces to invade Afghanistan after his middle east visit several months ago.'

    Catherine, let me bring you up to date in the news department: NATO has already invaded Afghanistan!
    Posted 19/04/08 at 8:57 AM EDT |

    While our ' leaders ? ' were picking fluff from their belly buttons Dion made an assesment of the situation and stated ' Pakistan terrorists and the border are the main problems ' Much ha ha ha ha from radical right ? Then light bulb lit ? larry , curley and moe who's on first government of Canada ?
  68. The Conservative Centrist from Canada writes: Boogler, love to stay and play with you, but got to get going. Boiling off a pan this weekend, should end up with about 50 l of the best darn maple syrup produced in Ontario! :-)
  69. The Conservative Centrist from Canada writes: GO, MAXIME, GO! Shake 'em up Baby, twist and shout! :-)
  70. Beetle Bailey from Canada writes: R. Carriere from Maritimes, Canada writes: ''Look at one of my favourite all-timers LB Pearson.
    He riled US President Johnson so much when he gave a speech at Temple University and said the US should stop bombing Vietnam. Johnson replied, ' don't come into my home and piss on my carpet.' ''
    It was also reported that LBJ grabbed Mr. Pearson's lapels and lifted him off the floor. In my opinion, that was a good opportunity for Lester to give him a good swift kick.
  71. Chuck Berry from Canada writes: Why is the G&M allowing comments on a negative Conservative piece, but no comments are accepted on a negative Liberal piece? Enough said.
  72. Mikey Dee from Canada writes: sorta looks like the conservative think tank has sprung yet another leak.....start bailing boys
  73. Catherine S. from Canada writes: Beetle Bailey from Canada - read my correction.
  74. Beetle Bailey from Canada writes: Catherine S. from Canada writes: ''Beetle Bailey from Canada - read my correction.''
    I submitted my post before your correction appeared. I suggest you proof-read before sending.
  75. Bob Smitherman from Canada writes: The usual neo-cons are at work here. What they lack in brains they make up with in brawn.

    I have yet to see anyone explain how Bernier's actions last week were useful. The nuances that can make or break a deal seem to elude this poor excuse for a chief diplomat. With those simple, stupid words, he undid what was already in the making through behind-the-scenes negotiations and pressures by the international community.
  76. L.B. MURRAY from Canada L.B. MURRAY from Canada from Canada writes: Max Bernier is not the only one being candid about Afghanistan...have any of you seen or read about what's going on in the U.S. Foreign Affairs Committee?? ''The GAO, which is the investigative arm of the US Congress, also blamed the Bush administration for depending entirely on the military while ignoring other important segments of the Pakistani society. “It is appalling that there is still no comprehensive, inter-agency strategy concerning this critical region, and this lack of foresight is harming US national security,” said Democratic lawmaker Howard Berman, head of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. '' Howard Berman, head of the House Foreign Affairs Committee had plenty to say yesterday... Don't worry about Max Bernier... he's a small fish in the big U.S. pond... For those who want someone to replace Mr Bernier, pray tell, WHO do you want?? Rona, Oona,Baird,Flaherty.... WHO? -The real mess in Afghanistan is the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, on which border reside ''brothers and cousins'', all Pashtun ... and it became apparent yesterday that the U.S. never had a plan to control that border and left it to the goodwill of the Paskistani government... Seven years (7) in Afghanistan and the situation getting worse every day. At least our good General Rick Hillier is retiring and won't have to face the humiliation of defeat ... Thank you both General Hillier and Foreign Affairs Minister Bernier for being candid and telling us what's going on.... -
  77. L.B. MURRAY from Canada L.B. MURRAY from Canada from Canada writes: Sorry, my paragraphs disappeared and now I know why this happens once in a while...

    When we get some message to the effect that our comment is being reviewed and will be posted, the paragraphs disappear.

    That's it for now. Back later. Gotta finish perusing U.S., European and UK press and especially the Editorials and see what they've got to say about Afghanistan-Pakistan-Iraq-Iran...

    -
  78. Beetle Bailey from Canada writes: Kevin Desmoulin from Toronto, Canada writes: ''What I got from the article is the moralizing comment about Maxime Bernier girlfriend attire, Steven Harper's wife will not wear that to a swearing in. ''

    On the subject of attire, I am surprised that someone hasn't ''spoken'' to a particular high ranking, dark-haired conservative member about her revealing attire. Quite improper for the HoC.
  79. Bob Smitherman from Canada writes: Catherine S. from Canada writes: Beetle Bailey from Canada - read my correction.


    --------------------
    Even with your correction, your argument makes no sense. Are you aware that Dion's approach would actually target the terrorists, instead of those peasant Taliban farmers? Are you aware that US public policy is about to shift along these lines given General Petraeus' recommendations to the Armed Services Committee?

    Remember the main purpose of the Afghan invasion was to rout out Al Qaeda and their training camps. Now that they're out, the new 'reason' for being there is to liberate the women and children from their oppressors. Whatever happened to fighting terrorism?

    Americans want out of Iraq, but want the terrorists killed. The fact that the terrorists are hiding on the Pakistani border means the majority of armed actions are currently misguided and there needs to be a re-targetting towards Pakistan, be it with or without Pakistani assistance.
  80. Fred Heff from cowtownCalgary, Canada writes: Dr. Winston O'Boogie from London, United Kingdom writes: Fred Heff admits he’s a bigot and discriminates against gays & lesbians. He also thinks it&8217;s ok to do so openly on a public forum because his gov&8217;t tolerates such points of view.

    Dr ! The Liebrano govt voted for the family up until a few years ago but they saw 1% of the population vote that would vote for them and turned there backs on the other 99% Canadians ! no vote in the HOC just photo ops. The public forum here is the G&M doctor of nothing.
  81. Supply-Side Jesus from Canada writes: LOL, the conbots are out in force with the usual message...one that does not address the deficiencies of Maxime but only attacks the messenger. Please for once rebut the facts presented in the story, the guy is a terrible statesman, he lacks all the qualitites necessary for foreign relations....regardless of whether what he said was correct or incorrect he should not have aired it publicly.

    Now back to your Globe and Mail bashing.
  82. Geoffrey May from Canada writes: Fred Heff , Green Party has policies on every issue ,read them at www.greenparty.ca . Elizabeth May is the smartest, and likely the sanest of all the national party leaders . 'Nutbars' don't receive honorary degrees ( except from nutbar colleges), Orders of Canada, and other international awards.
    But if you like skyrocketting energy prices,poverty, pollution, corruption,globalization,and greed, you won't want to vote Green.
  83. L.B. MURRAY from Canada L.B. MURRAY from Canada from Canada writes: -
    Just found this from the Associated Press, April 17, 2008

    ''Terrorists are still operating freely in Pakistan along the country's Afghanistan border, despite the U.S. giving Pakistan more than $10.5 billion in military and economic aid, according to a government watchdog agency.

    The Government Accountability Office says in a report released Thursday that the U.S. lacks a comprehensive plan to deal with the terrorist threat.''

    What did we tell you?? No plan... no comprehensive plan...There was no plan for the ''occupation'' of Iraq, no plan for Afghanistan...no plan... Just smoke and mirrors and wasting billions of dollars and the blood of civilians and troops ...

    -
  84. Layton's Mustache from Calgary, Canada writes: Geoffrey May from Canada writes:

    But if you like skyrocketting energy prices,poverty, pollution, corruption,globalization,and greed, you won't want to vote Green.

    Even if it takes a hundred years to get elected, my sister will make sure that everyone recycles their waste into their gardens to make this a much greener planet.
    Planet, green, waste, Youtube, what's not to like with my sister?
  85. Mike Quinlan from Gatineau QC, Canada writes: Really Bob Smitherman? You have insider information? How many more months of 'negotiations and pressures by the international community' did you foresee? Why according to you is diplomacy best conducted with unaccountable secrecy or public disinformation. What may I ask was the reason in the first place for there to be a need for 'negotiations and pressures'?
  86. Dr. Winston O'Boogie from London, United Kingdom writes: Heff: I guess you (or Jason Kenny) are going to have to explain to me how recognizing the RIGHT of same-sex people to marry equals the gov’t “turning their back on” heterosexual people. If you think that denying people of their rights means that the gov’t is somehow denying you of something more, then you really are living in the bizarro universe.

    I wouldn’t be surprised if you also supported the Alberta gov’t when they tried to invoke the not-withstanding clause to deny recompense to handicapped people who were involuntarily sterilized.
  87. L.B. MURRAY from Canada L.B. MURRAY from Canada from Canada writes: -
    Please, people, this conversation is about:

    'Mad Max' and the mangled message

    Kindly stick to the subject: Max Bernier and his comments in Afghanistan.

    Thank you.

    -
  88. Layton's Mustache from Calgary, Canada writes: Dr. Winston O'Boogie from London

    I wouldn’t be surprised if you also supported the Alberta gov&8217;t when they tried to invoke the not-withstanding clause to deny recompense to handicapped people who were involuntarily sterilized.

    Is this an area of interest for you Doctor? Was this how you spent your internship?
    I guess the program did not work out to the levels you assume, as we still have NDP and Liberal voters in Alberta.
  89. Layton's Mustache from Canada writes: Mike Quinlan from Gatineau QC, Canada writes: Really Bob Smitherman? You have insider information? How many more months of 'negotiations and pressures by the international community' did you foresee? Well that's easy to explain: Just stay up all night surfing websites like the Daily KOS, Media Matters, Huffington Post, CBC, or Toronto Star and you can obtain all the insider information you need to prove your point. Just cuz I read it there means it's true.
  90. S Boatright from Canada writes: Stephane Dion creates gaffes on a weekly basis - and the rest of his 'Dream Team' spend most of their time explaining what Dion 'really meant' on any given day.

    I've yet to see an article in the Globe and Mail focusing on Dion's issues, and suggesting that he might be on the verge of being turfed out of his position. In fact, when Dion made the infamous statement about invading Pakistan - NOBODY seemed to give it more than a passing glance in the media. And that, in my opinion, was a much bigger foreign relations issue. And Dion actually wants to become Prime Minister!

    So yes, I'm starting to agree with the others who say that the Globe and Mail is losing credibility on the political front. They are truly becoming nothing more than an editorial paper.
  91. L.B. MURRAY from Canada L.B. MURRAY from Canada from Canada writes: -
    Mr Mustache, I don't need to check my pulse... I'm sticking to the sbuject and as soon as I find something very WORTHWHILE reporting, such as the U.S. GAO, I do...

    I won't bother you with quoting in German or French... I just gave you a quote from the Associated Press and what happened in the U.S. this week, at the Foreign Affairs Committee following the GAO Report, is worth reading.

    Back later. Instead of attacking the messengers, Mr Mustache, you should start reading, reading a lot.

    Thank you and good day.

    -
  92. Layton's Mustache from Calgary, Canada writes: Jasper the Black Lab from Vancouver, Canada writes:
    Conservative ministers are amateurs and buffoons. What this boils down to is that if the Liberals had a leader, we could have an election and kick the goofs out.

    But they don't so we can't.

    Sure you do: Mark Holland; Scott Bryson; Garth Turner; Bob Rae; Dennis Coderre; Heddy Fry.
    All are stellar individuals who just need a little prompting to have their heads explode on cue.
    Yup, stellar supporting cast there guys. All ready for leadership duties.
  93. L.B. MURRAY from Canada L.B. MURRAY from Canada from Canada writes: -
    P.S. Mr Mustache and the band

    A good place to see what's happening is to go to the website of the Swiss newspaper ''Le Monde Diplomatique''...

    If you don't read French, have a BabelFish translation

    -
    • Posted 19/04/08 at 10:21 AM EST |