Mraz in Post: When the federal Liberals erect a small tent

“In any event, it is clear that the Liberals have decided they will go it alone. To that end, Michael Ignatieff has cautioned progressive Canadians that a vote for the Greens or the NDP is a vote for Stephen Harper. He might have added that he’s running a big tent, and he’d welcome anyone from the NDP or Greens. Even their leaders.

Even more honestly, he could simply say that without the votes of the Greens and the NDP, he will not win.”

UPDATE: “I don’t really know John Mraz.” Spare us, Rob. And quoting a blogger whose main political poll client is…the current Liberal leader. Uh-huh. What-ever.


Coming soon

  • Ethical tobacco
  • Ethical lead
  • Ethical trans fats
  • Ethical MSG
  • Ethical mercury
  • Ethical pesticides
  • Ethical asbestos
  • Ethical radiation
  • Ethical PCBs
  • Ethical smack

Drinking problem

The greatest-ever drinking song, about drinking problems.  The genius Street Dogs, in acoustic session, with a tune about one of their own.  Here’s a punky version, too.

Yes, SFH got together last night.  Why do you ask?


When senior strategists are neither senior nor strategic

This morning: the Star’s Susan Delacourt tilts against anonymous “senior Liberal strategists.

She’s right, of course. As a rule, I insist on always being “on the record” with whatever I say to the media. I also tape every encounter.

There’s a bit more at work here, however. Susan’s brother – who is a smart, amazing guy – works for the Liberals. So I think there is some familial frustration surfacing in her opinion piece, which is totally understandable.

There’s also an Ottawa Bureau vs. Toronto tension at play. At the Star and the Globe in particular, there is always a lot of resentment when someone who isn’t part of the Ottawa bureau is assigned to an “Ottawa” story. Thus, I know Susan et al. don’t like it when Linda et al. write “Ottawa” stories. They see them as competitors, even though they work for the same paper.

I could also say something about the media’s role in this – ie., if they think “anonymous sources” are so bad, why the Hell do they use them all the time? – but it’s just stating the obvious. It’ll never change.

Anyway, as I say, Ms. Delacourt has a point. If you have a criticism to make, attach your name to it. It’s better for all concerned.


Kory story

If it’s true – and I don’t know if it is – it’s great news. He’s the guy who brought me in to the Sun Media operation, so I’m biased, but we’ve been friends for a long time.  He’s tragically misguided, politically, but I rather suspect he says the same thing about me.  The fact that he drives some in the PPG bananas is a bonus.

Good news, if it’s true.


The End Times Cometh

Being Irish Catholic, and therefore more superstitious than a Red Sox fan, I don’t find the following events disconcerting. They’re comforting, because they prove that I was right all along – the End Times are indeed near, and you all should’ve listened to me while you had the chance.

Oh, and my eldest son is firmly convinced the world is going to end in 2012. He’s a chip off the old block.

Mysterious? Perhaps.  Or,  solid proof that I was right: happiness is a trick, and life is the arrangement of merciless logic for futile purpose.

We’re all doomed. You’re welcome.