More on Layton and the NDP
Either way, I haven’t changed my view: some within the NDP have shamelessly and cynically exploited that man’s death. They should be ashamed of themselves. And they should let him R.I.P.
The car dancer
My eldest son – now about to return early to Toronto for hockey camp – shot this video a few days ago when we were driving into Kittery. You can watch it here. Her enthusiasm for her music was endearing. She was in her own world.
Don’t sweat it, Phony Tony
One’s the flip-floppin’ Ontario PC candidate. The other is the cool and collected Ontario Liberal candidate. Can you spot the winner?
(HT to GritChik for the photo montage!)
Mitt Romney: a portrait
Down at the beach early, this fine morn, and I was moved to sketch a portrait of Mitt Romney. What do you think? Good likeness?
We get letters: from the Sun web site
I don’t usually pay any attention whatsoever to what’s found below my Sun columns. Life’s too short, etc. And, besides, it’s unkind to laugh at mental defectives.
Dunno why, but decided to see the comments beneath this weekend’s effort. The one below was just too good, and it cried out for a wider (and saner) audience.
Check it out, from “Schwat” or “WolfyW.” It’s a classic.
sweet fucking hell kinsella, you are a fukin complete clown, your whole job was to ride on popularity
its amazing you decry it now you complete waste of space.
i guarantee you are still on the liberal dole collecting fat “consulting” checks for doing nothing but shilling for the libs
die in @ fire pls
WolfyW
In Sunday’s Sun: in Jack’s name
It’s not possible to know what he thinks about things that happened after he died, however.
For example, it’s impossible to know what Layton would feel about the willingness of those in his party — some, not all, but enough — to exploit his name for partisan advantage. He’s been gone a year, so we’ll never really know what he thinks about what has been done after the fact.
What has been done in Jack Layton’s name by New Democrats — again, not all of them, but enough of them — is pretty … well, you decide for yourself.
Take Dan Harris, for example (please). For now, he’s the NDP MP for Scarborough-Southwest. In last year’s Ontario provincial election, Harris recorded a robocall for Bruce Budd, a Toronto-area candidate for the provincial NDP. In the recorded message received by voters, Harris said:
“This has been a difficult time for New Democrats everywhere with the incredible loss of our leader, Jack Layton. We shared sadness but we also shared a sense of renewed commitment, inspiration and hope. It’s up to us now! In just a few short weeks, we have an opportunity to meet Jack’s challenge. This is our chance to move forward in Ontario! Bruce Budd is your provincial NDP candidate here in Scarborough Southwest. Please join me in supporting Bruce!”
Harris’ robocall then went on to peddle — wait for it — NDP lawn signs. Presumably acceptance of a lawn sign was a way to express “commitment, inspiration and hope” and “meet Jack’s challenge.”
Lance Armstrong
I’ve been wearing @lancearmstrong’s LiveStrong bracelet since my Dad died, eight years ago. I plan to keep on wearing it.
Where are you now, Joe Sullivan?
Yesterday, during our morning run, the little guy and I went way, way out near the point at Kennebunk Beach. The tide was out, so we could get pretty far.
Here’s what we spotted by chance. It’s on a big old rock that is under the ocean for half the day.
It says JOE SULLIVAN OCT.1940. We looked at it for a long time, and tried to imagine where Joe is now, and what compelled him to bring out his hammer and chisel, 72 years ago. “Is he still alive, Daddy?” the little guy asked.
“I dunno, buddy,” I said. “I hope so.”
Let fury have the hour, anger can be power
Joey Keithley, née Shithead, has been a friend of mine for about 35 years. When I was in the Hot Nasties, he was the driving force of DOA, and we did plenty of shows together in Western Canada.
He is a thoughtful and decent guy, and surprisingly gentle. He founded and runs a very successful music company, and is a real family guy. He has also been active on the fringes of politics of years (mainly as a Green), but now he’s decided to take the plunge. You can read all about it here.
Former NDP national director Brad Lavigne was at SFH’s Ottawa show a couple weeks back, and I told my friend Brad what I now tell you: if Joey wins that nomination, I will be heading out to BC to help him win that seat. Other friends I’ve got in my punk-politico circle may do likewise.
That’s not an NDP-Liberal merger, per se, but it’s start. Now, go Joey go!
Layton, one year later
An NDP friend recently told me that his party has not attempted to take partisan advantage on Jack Layton’s name and legacy since his death. I told my friend that he is delusional. We made a bet.
Help me out: who has published examples of the NDP, federal or provincial, shamelessly attempting to capitalize on their former leader’s death, please add to comments. Merci.