Categories for Musings

In today’s Sun: Jason Kenney not-so-hidden agenda

How much of what Jason Kenney has to say these days – about Sikh kirpans in the Quebec National Assembly, about veiled voting – is about governing?

And how much of it is about Jason Kenney, and his Conservative leadership ambitions?

Because, make no mistake, the Calgary MP is running to replace Stephen Harper.

It’s an open secret in federal Conservative circles. And, if the current Conservative leader were to abruptly resign, it’s widely acknowledged Kenney would be the frontrunner to replace him.


Political assignment

Here’s the new Ipsos:

The poll, conducted from Feb. 8-10, found the Conservatives supported by 39% of decided voters — up by five points.

Michael Ignatieff’s Liberals are at 25%, a four-point drop. The findings could be troubling news for Ignatieff, who has been the target of a recent Tory ad campaign that attacks his character.

The NDP, led by Jack Layton, would garner 18% of the vote — up by two points and a continuation of the party’s climb since it was plagued by internal turmoil last fall over issues such as the gun registry.

Your job: spin it, whether it be for the Grits or the Cons (or the Dippers, even – knock yourself out). Have fun, keep it clean, and spin away!


Interesting reading for Bev Oda’s lawyer

336. Every one who, being a trustee of anything for the use or benefit, whether in whole or in part, of another person, or for a public or charitable purpose, converts, with intent to defraud and in contravention of his trust, that thing or any part of it to a use that is not authorized by the trust is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding fourteen years.

R.S., c. C-34, s. 296.

368. (1) Every one who, knowing that a document is forged,
(a) uses, deals with or acts on it, or
(b) causes or attempts to cause any person to use, deal with or act on it,
as if the document were genuine,

(c) is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding ten years; or
(d) is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction.
Wherever forged (2) For the purposes of proceedings under this section, the place where a document was forged is not material.

R.S., 1985, c. C-46, s. 368; 1992, c. 1, s. 60(F); 1997, c. 18, s. 25.


Funny new Greenpeace video

What’s fascinating about this – apart from the actual content – is the methodology.  With this, Greenpeace (no slouches when it comes to innovative comms) is saying that, to punch through the data smog, you need to have professional production values – and you need to be able to deliver a tough message with a smile.


Timmy Hudak media round-up

A few gems missed from his Weekus Horriblus:

  • Toronto Star: “The more reporters pressed him, the more Hudak tensed up and shut down. He countered with feeble recitations of a new Tory website where voters can offer feedback (on a health tax he has already declared off limits). When a leader looks like a deer frozen in the camera lights, it’s time to shift to damage control mode. Hudak’s aides called off the news conference and he retreated to his office in mid-question.”
  • Globe and Mail: “…in the early stages of 2011, the Liberals have showed signs of getting their act together. Part of that has involved finding ways to shift the focus to Mr. Hudak. While the election is largely shaping up as a referendum on Mr. McGuinty, he’ll still need to be judged against an alternative, so the Liberals are trying to define Mr. Hudak before he defines himself.  To that end, they’re setting traps. And in the past few days, he walked straight into one.”
  • Winnipeg Free Press: “When I was in grade school I remember a girl running for the head of the student council with a campaign that included handing out a gummy bear to every kid who got to vote. Not a bad strategy when you’re 11 and your campaign platform can include little more than promising to hold more spirit days and bake sales. Ontario Conservative Leader Tim Hudak isn’t running for elementary school president, but he seems to be trying a similar tactic.”

In today’s Sun: Who speaks for Canada?

Here’s a little Canada quiz. Who said this?

“French will survive if Quebecers cherish it and want to preserve it; it will flourish if Quebec becomes a freer, more dynamic and prosperous society; it will thrive if we make it an attractive language that newcomers want to learn and use. Not by imposing it and by preventing people from making their own decisions in matters that concern their personal lives.”

Did Pierre Trudeau utter those stirring words? Sir John A.? Jean Chretien? None of those men said that. But you can easily picture any one of them doing so.

How about this equally memorable quote: “It’s important that Quebec remain a predominantly French-language society. And ideally, everyone in Quebec should be able to speak French. But we should not try to reach this goal by restricting people’s rights and freedom of choice.” Did John Diefenbaker say that? Stephane Dion?


The Old Man and the Bird

I loved this story – loved it – because it shows the power of great journalism.

Something very simple – an older gentleman in a park, and the kooky goose who loves him – and written with a wonderful style, and a wonderful eye for detail.

When I read stories like this, it makes me want to be a journalist again. (And then I remember that I couldn’t write my way out of a proverbial paper bag.)

Anyway. A wonderful read. Worth your time.