Note: I started writing this entry on Friday, but didn’t manage to finish it— so my apologies for bringing on a topic that doesn’t seem all that timely anymore :P

Boring entry alert!

There’s not much to do in the office, since my main-boss decided to take an extended holiday. So I thought I’d write some political hamburger paragraphs.

So definitely it’s been quite a week in Parliament Hill!

Maybe because there isn’t much good television on these days or that I’m lacking that pinch of drama in my life, I’ve been craving the political drama in Ottawa.

This is way cooler and more exciting than that stupid OC.

Seriously though, major kudos to Belinda Stronach. I’ve had an eye on her since she was running for the Conservative Party leadership. I remember watching the debates between with her opponents Harper and Clement, and since then I’ve perceived her to be a very alluring, charismatic, and determined woman who wants to get things done.

Since the PC-Alliance merger, I’ve always thought that the party be better off to have a leader from Central Canada. Yes, for sure, I’m being partially biased, being an Ontario resident and all, but I really feel that the merged party reflected more from the Western Canada’s Alliance ideals and less from the ‘nationally mainstream’ Progressive Conservatives.

Through Harper’s leadership, I feel we as Ontarians holds this feeling of mistrust towards the party. From the beginning, I ask myself: who is this Harper character? What’s he all about? Ontarians have no clue, except for his reputational arguably right-wing conservative “Bush-like” policies. Also the fact that his appearance is not soft around the edges realluy doesn’t help.

So yes, it seems as though the Conservative agenda is skewed to the West and doesn’t adequately address the values and ideals of the remaining parts of the country, especially vote-rich Ontario. I’ve always said, as I’m sure many of you agree, it seems as though there’s something Stephen Harper is not telling to the public, like as if he has a “hidden agenda” that will bring out the dark side of the force (sorry for the pathetic reference to Star Wars). That’s why both Clement and Stronach would have made better candidates for the party leader.

I personally like both of them, particularly Tony Clement. Clement is a respectful fellow, and proved himself to be a great leader through the way that he dealt with the SARS crisis as the provincial Health Minister. I really applaud his efforts in that regard. Also, my Public & Planning Policy professor last term, who was Deputy Minister for the Ministry of Health and later for Municipal Affairs / Housing, mentions that Clement would spend each and every Friday afternoon in his Brampton riding and knock door-to-door to speak to his constituents. It is a shame that he was not re-elected in Ontario nor federally; I guess politics was not in his cards. As for Stronach, she’s always had exposure in the business community, her involvement in the automotive supergiant Magna.

I think I’m digressing. I think Belinda rocks. I don’t blame her for standing up against her colleagues for not supporting the separatists and the call for an immediate election.

I’m not going to begin a long discussion of the Belinda “whoring” statements, as I’m sure many of you already read enough of it. Surely, the word “whore” literally doesn’t refer to only females— so literally speaking, it doesn’t make it a sexist remark. However, let’s be honest here: if a male MP had crossed parties as Stronach did, these statements wouldn’t have been made.

You’d think Canada has made big strides in gender equality; this is a simple example that a lot of work still needs to be done. Matthew is not impressed.

Nevertheless of whether or not the statement was sexist, one thing is for sure, expressing the displeasure of someone in such a tasteful and crude fashion is unacceptable, and reveals the level of maturity of these individuals. Let us remind these MPs that they are representatives of their constituents, and are accountable to them. Also, Harper called it a “relief” that Stronach has left the party— what a prick— no wonder she left. Let me remind you Harper that she was not the reason that the government stills stands, and hallelujah to that!

Though I wonder what happened to the former Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development? Google didn’t help me to find out that answer.

Oh last point I want to make is about Peter Mackay. I find it very amusing that there was full coverage in almost every media source related to Mackay being “gobsmacked” (From National Post, gotta love these terms) by Stronach’s decision to switch parties. There were images of Mackay looking gloomy in this farm in Nova Scotia, as he claims to “go back to his roots,” and herd the sheep (don’t quote me on the sheep). Surely, I suppose I somewhat feel bad for the guy but seriously why is this even newsworthy? Sure, this might be good material for Global News and the National Post, but seriously, the Star and CTV? I’m a little appalled.

This is the end.

Boy, those are bad hamburger paragraphs. I think I should redo Grade Nine Canadian History.