Nothing fills a Canadian with pride more than a passing reference by a politician in another country. We go all giggly and forget ourselves. This thing with Obama and NAFTA, though, is a bit different. As Ben points out, it seems to be a bit of collateral damage from the Canadian Federal government's new program called L.A.S.H. or Let's Attack Systematically and Holistically:
From putting a stick into the spokes of Barack Obama’s bicycle, to sending the bailiffs to Stephane Dion’s home and serving him, well, Canada’s head of government is making his presence felt. What the end result of these fights is, I can’t say. But it’s been interesting. :pWell, there won't be any colon and lower case "P" on the face of Obama if he knows what is good for him as he may be facing the wrath of Suitmaster 3000TM, the robot newly acquired by the Conservative caucus housed in the PMO in Ottawa. Apparently the robot has discovered a little known medieval writ of suit that can be brought that is in the nature of mandamus. The writ, last used in 1352, is called operor quis inquam and under it, apparently, the sovereign could make anyone else do as he said.
So, expect Obama to stare glassy-eyed into the TV cameras soon reciting conservative supplied text, calling Dion a sleazy wimp, praising the train to nowhere, slagging Ontario for no good reason and maybe New Brunswick, too, just to make sure.
Comments
Hans - March 4, 2008 9:20 am
I've been giving the Harper government a wide berth but it is clear that they can't help themselves from gleefully plunging into the cesspool of historical craven Tory power piggeriness. This latest round of course is coloured by Harper's unique brand of meanness. In the past, after the Libs had been in for 12 years or so, the Tories would yell about Liberal arrogance and corruption and how a new broom would sweep clean. Then the Tories would get and act like starving pigs at the trough. Mulroney's first term was the quintessential example. Look at how many of his cabinet had to resign in disgrace. When Harper came in it was the exact same thing; examples abound in PEI, at least. The "Harper Difference" is only that he is instigating attacks willy-nilly perhaps as camouflage for the other foolishness but more likely as an outgrowth of the syndrome "once-we-finally-get-elected-we-are-really-gonna-milk-government-for-all-its-worth-including-doling-out-goodies-to-our-corporate-pals-and-kicking-dirt-in-the-face-of-our-opponents."
Ben (The Tiger) - March 4, 2008 9:36 am
Re the Suitmaster 3000 -- I didn't believe, but I hoped.
sean liddle - March 4, 2008 9:48 am
I didn't believe the Suitmaster 3000 bit either but I did click in in hopes for some sort of Genx40 easter egg.. Then I clicked on mandamus and got as far as " ...prerogative writs..." and closed the window due to cranial discomfort..
I am actually surprised that more democrats don't reference us positively in speeches. I mean, we're like the kooky uncle who lives in a shack outside of Timmins who shows up every couple of years at Christmas with singing bass on plaques for everyone in the family. Odd, loveable and funny even though we smell like wood smoke and drink all the beer.