Bush's Iraq Farewell

The biggest insult in the Arab world is when someone hits you with their shoe. George Bush witnessed this first hand when an Iraqi journalist threw both his shoes at him during a press conference in a surprise visit to Iraq.

The hitting of the shoe is only used for those most hated. Just like when the famous Saddam Hussein statue came down, the first thing Iraqis did was hit it with their shoe. 

But you got to give it to the journalist, he had a pretty good throw!

Ted Rogers

Edward Samuel Rogers Jr, or simply known to us as Ted Rogers, passed away December 2nd, 2008. The President and CEO of Rogers Communications Inc, and owner of the Toronto Blue Jays, Ted was a family man full of ambition. He should not be remembered by the enormous amount of wealth he had made for himself, but rather as one of the greatest philanthropist in Canadian history. He lived his life trying to fulfull his fathers dream. His father died at the age of 38, and wanted to create the greatest communications empire in Canada. Rogers had been suffering from congestive heart failure and his health had weakened in recent years. Ted died in Toronto in his home beside his loved ones. Rogers Communications was established in 1967 and has grown into one of Canada's largest media conglomerates. 

Ted lived his life, making risky business decisions that had paid off and created great success for the company. His leadership in wireless technology investments was an unknown path for most people, but Ted led the way and saw what the future had in store. If there is one thing we can learn from the life of Ted Rogers, its to always stay positive in your life and always aim high. From the words of Ted Rogers...

"The best is yet to come"

On The Other Hand...

So Parliament is prorogued (there's your word of the day) until January 26th, 2009. And on this day, the Conservatives will present their budget.

Man I hope these partisan leaders can get their head put on straight and do what is right for the interest of Canada, not just Quebec (which the Conservatives are claiming about the Bloc). Just like how 3 of the leaders came together to form a coalition, why can't all 4 of the leaders lock themselves in a room until they get a deal done. The main priority is obviously the economy, which is why the whole idea of a coalition government came across. But, I find it very harsh for the 3 musketeers (Dion, Layton, Duceppe) to try to bring down the government on the Conservatives "miss-judge" of the economy, when Canada has the strongest economy out of the G8, created net jobs, and GDP grew 1.3% in the 3rd quarter, all of which, has happened during the worldwide recession. Kind of weird, but you don't hear about the positives in the media, only the negative argument from the 3 musketeers. If you ask me, the proposed $30 Billion that they will inject into the economy would be sure to put Canada into a deficit, something that the Conservatives were being blamed for.

It is sad how the Liberals had to form a deal with the separatists in order to try to get into power. That just shows how bad of a shape they are in, and how the Liberals need to shape up their act in order to change the image of the party. I am sure when the May convention comes and passes, that the new Liberal leader will give them a new life. I sure hope that from the Liberal standpoint, that Bob Rae does not get the position. This man wears his red tie, but he still bleeds orange!

Here We Go Again

Honestly, when will this ever end? Just 6 weeks after Canadians elected a stronger Conservative Government, the opposition parties are on the verge of bringing down the current Harper Government, and forming their own Coalition Government. This Coalition Government would consist of Liberal and NDP members in the Cabinet and most probably a Liberal Leader as Prime Minister. This would be interesting because the Liberals do not have a true leader at the moment. Stephane Dion announced his resignation as leader after his October election defeat. It going to be entertaining to see who takes over as Prime Minister if this Coalition plan gets implemented. 

This is a disaster, and in this time of economic crisis, Canadians want their politicians to get their ass in the House of Commons and move this country forward. What Canada needs is one of two things. First, we have too many parties, one right wing and four left wing parties who have started to abuse the parliamentary system. Canada cannot seem to have a regular democratic 4 year government, but instead having one every 2 years. They simply waste too much time trying to bring down government, and once they do, they waste more time on campaigns. Just like in the US, you have Left and Right, Liberal and Conservative, Democratic and Republican, Right and Wrong, and no matter what, there will always be a majority. Thats what Canada needs, just like the good old Conservative-Liberal battles

Second, bi-partisonship, a word that Canada cannot seem to understand. I'm sure if John Lennon was still alive, he would echo many Canadians such as myself as he sings "all we are saying, is give Parliament a chance." It is time to work together, that goes for all parties, including the Harper Government, who on the threat of losing power, should keep their heads up and see what they can do to keep parliament going. Canadian politics is starting to get boring, and since the October election was called, nothing has been getting done since all parties are worried about is bringing down the government. 

Opposition parties need to also understand that a worldwide recession affects everyone, and no matter how hard the Harper government tries to retain it, times are going to be tough. For everyone. Look around the world, not one country is able to tame the economy, and only time is the correct medicine. 

No matter what happens, we better not be forced to another election if the Harper Government gets defeated in the non-confidence vote. This is starting to remind me of European politics and their do whatever it takes mentality. I might as well get a couple of buddies together and plan a coup to take over governm... opps! my plan leaked!