Blogging Tory "Sort of Political" practically creams his Stephen Harper underoos in an orgiastic display of man-crush:
I have to say, not in my lifetime can I remember this kind of take charge and get it done right now, if not even sooner, leadership from our federal government.
Yes, this is the way it should always be.
Point being, it hasn't been until now.
"It hasn't been until now." I'm betting people like Brenda Martin, Abousfian Abdelrazik and Suaad Hagi Mohamud would testify to that. But, in the end, it's important to appreciate that Stephen Harper can get off his ass and get things done.
That is, when he feels like it. He just doesn't always feel like it.
9 comments:
I just heard that Canada's NEW Government (tm) has pledged to match the donations of ordinary citizens up to $50 million. It's a nice sound bite, but jesus fucking christ this isn't a fund raiser for a new arena somewhere in voterland, it's one of the largest humanitarian disasters EVER.
That's the public service getting it done, the public service New Conservatives are planning to cut to ribbons in the next budget.
If Canadians donate 50 million dollars, Canada will send 100 million.The United states, with 300+ million people, has pledged 100 million.
With relief supplies totaling around 10 million already, and with Canada deploying 2 ships, 2 c-17's, 4 search helicopters (2 on the ships)2 c-130's, the DART team as well as an engineering squadron, I would say Canada is pulling its weight.
My point is that the gov't should just commit the $50 mil, and never mind guilting the populace. Responsible, reasonable adults have and will make a commitment to send what they can.
cc is right. that mancrush is rather creepy and disturbing.
doublenickel: regarding the government's pledge of matching dollars(up to $50 million). Perhaps that should be interpreted as an incentive to the public to donate more than they might otherwise.
I agree with Backseat, that is the purpose of matching funds...
But the PMO is promoting the shit out of Harper (I only wish)...
Apparently...
When the silly servants said they needed Haiti's permission to send in the aid. Harper replied:
"Send the ships now... their phone lines are down.... We will worry about the diplomacy later" ...
Yes Harper a man of action. Fife told me so last night on CTV.
Perhaps that should be interpreted as an incentive to the public to donate more than they might otherwise.
That's exactly what it is. And I approve of this psychological trick, despite knowing full well that what the government pledges to match is *our* money.
Omg he did his job!!
Does he want a cookie?
(which isn't to say I'm not happy hr is doing his job, just that the slavish knob shining is a bit much)
'Don't send us your blankets or water bottles, just give us your cash'
-George Bush on the white house lawn a few days ago.
Similarly to the Sudan and Katrina fundraising efforts, I think the money being donated is going to be misused, it won't make it to the people on the ground, and the further instability will lead to redoubled security efforts by American, Canadian and French troops. Clinton and Bush - who both supported a coup that further destabilized Haitian society during the past two decades are now saying that this is a moment of significant opportunity for Haiti(economic opportunity for them perhaps?), meanwhile the corpses are still piling up and the aid still isn't reaching people.
Haitian sorrow and strife will persist for months to come. The powers that be will undoubtedly seek to exploit this tragedy.
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