I liked the passion and fire in Stéphane Dion in question period today. Here's some highlights:
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
(Video) Dion ate his wheaties in question period today
You know it's over when they're laughing at you Steve
Ha ha, this is priceless:
Harper's appeal to flag falls flatRecommend this Post on Progressive Bloggers
Source: The Canadian Press
Dec 2, 2008 15:32
OTTAWA _ An attempt by Stephen Harper to wrap himself in the flag and take a dig at the opposition coalition fell flat Tuesday.
The prime minister has been portraying the Liberal-NDP-Bloc Quebecois government-in-waiting as an unholy alliance of ``socialists and separatists.''
During question period, he suggested the opposition parties staged their pact-signing ceremony Monday without a Canadian flag in the background because of the separatist Bloc.
``Yesterday, as part of the culmination of the machinations of the leader of the NDP, we had these three parties together, forming this agreement, signing a document and they wouldn't even have the Canadian flag behind them,'' he said.
``They had to be photographed without it because a member of their coalition does not even believe in the country.''
Video confirms that Harper was technically right. There wasn't a Canadian flag in the background -- there were two.
Quote of the day goes to Her Excellency for a most excellent quote
Governor General Michaelle Jean:
"The prime minister and myself need to have a conversation."Indeed. Recommend this Post on Progressive Bloggers
An historic day in Canadian politics
What an amazing press conference yesterday with Stéphane Dion, Jack Layton and Gilles Duceppe. Three political leaders that disagree on a lot setting it all aside to work for Canada (and Quebecers), agreeing to form a coalition government that could well change the face of Canadian politics forever. It’s high-risk but high-reward, and was an example of a statesmanship that fits the times, and that has been sorely missing on the other side of the House of Commons of late.
We’re a long ways from nirvana still, but as a Dionista from day one who had given up hope of ever seeing Stéphane in the PMO this was a heady day indeed, bringing back memories of the heady idealism of the Montreal convention. Even if it’s just for a few months, to see Stéphane leading our country will be sweet indeed.
And I have to say full credit to the NDP, and to Jack Layton. Both our parties have had to compromise to get this agreement done, but from compromise and negotiation comes good, stable, moderate and responsible government. With the best of both our parties, I’m excited to see what a progressive coalition can do for Canadians. I haven’t been a big fan of Jack Layton in the past, that’s no secret. But I liked the Jack Layton I saw in that press conference yesterday. Articulate, reasoned and passionate.
Certainly, there is risk involved here for all parties. For my Liberals, we risk elevating the NDP and giving them a new legitimacy and prominence. A move to the left may alienate some of our centre/right supporters. The NDP, as well, risks alienating their leftish supporters with a move towards the centre. Both sides are having to compromise.
However, I feel, and obviously Stéphane and Jack agree, that these risks are worth it to provide Canada the leadership it need in a time of economic crisis. The kind of leadership Stephen Harper has been continually unwilling to provide.
I’ll have more to say later about the challenges of the week ahead, and bringing this thing home. For now, let me just say that I do truly hope that this coalition, should it take government and should it prove successful, will herald a new era of cooperative Canadian politics.
With the fracturing of the political spectrum, any party getting a majority these days is highly unlikely, and that may never change. It’s time for a new norm in federal politics. Hopefully this progressive coalition will show Canadians the way.
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