The Shotgun Blog
« Panama Hat | Main | Liberal leadership race »
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
Taking stock of Stock
The China Support Network through China eLobby wades into Canadian politics again with: Advice to Mr. Harper: Stockwell Day for Foreign Minister. The upshot is that the view most Canadians have of Day is pretty much frozen in time and does not take into account the esteem he has gained in his critic's post:
Most Canadians, including many Conservatives, might be surprised to read that, since Day was best known for his admittedly sub-par performance as leader of the Canadian Alliance from 2000 to 2002. However, since 2002, he has served ably as the CA/Conservative Foreign Affairs critic. In fact, he has become one of the most knowledgeable and eloquent Canadians on the horrific tyranny that is the Chinese Communist Party, as he showed in a speech given last year at the University of Toronto (which I now recommend for the fourth time at least).
Posted by Kevin Steel on January 25, 2006 in Canadian Politics | Permalink
TrackBack
TrackBack URL for this entry:
https://www.typepad.com/services/trackback/6a00d834515b5d69e200d834a4897b69e2
Listed below are links to weblogs that reference Taking stock of Stock:
Comments
Holy cow. What a difference a day makes; 23 January,2006. >>>
U.S. okay with latest Alberta mad cow discovery
Updated Tue. Jan. 24 2006 6:51 AM ET
CTV.ca News Staff
The United States has no plans to stop Canadian cattle imports after a six-year-old cow in Alberta tested positive for mad cow disease.
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns said he does not expect any change in the status of beef or live cattle imports from Canada. >>>
http://www.rapp.org/url/?O5DILI5W
ctv.ca via googlenews
Posted by: maz2 | 2006-01-25 1:19:33 PM
I agree Stock is smart. Unfortunately, the BAs in Gender Studies crowd, "in our cities" and "i'm not making this up”, think Stock is a Neanderthal. Stock might as well be Bush, whatever goes wrong in world affairs will be his fault.
But agree, Stock deserves a chance, so why not make him Minister of (something useful) NAFTA Irritations. Let him fix softwood for instance (by moving towards a privitization of the crown lands and putting the cost base of softwood on a market level playing field)
Also ,while we're fixing the fiscal imbalance, let's drop Ministries that aren’t Ottawa’s responsibilities. For example, the Ministry of Cites and Infrastructure that John Godfrey did for the Librano$, that's just an opportunity for pork and it's a Provincial responsibility. The savings on Godfrey’s entourage could be used by our cities.
Posted by: nomdenet | 2006-01-25 1:38:33 PM
I was speaking last week to Michael Bliss, renowned Toronto historian, writer, professor, etc, and he told me that, in his estimation, Stockwell Day has grown tremendously in recent years, and would make an excellent foreign affairs minister. Bliss said he has expressed this opinion to some of his colleagues, and they are usually quite surprised to hear this, but that he is adamant: Stockwell Day is the real deal.
Posted by: Terry O'Neill | 2006-01-25 2:21:25 PM
Just as I wouldn't want a Foreign Affairs minister who believed Harry Potter was a true story - so too am I against having a FA Minister who believes the earth is only 6,000 years old.
Posted by: Justin | 2006-01-25 2:21:44 PM
nomdenet
Provincial crown lands (the vast majority of Canadian forests) are Provincial jurisdiction too. Privatizing them is therefore also Provincial jurisdiction.
Good cause though, and one close to my heart (see www.bcpf.org)
Posted by: John Chittick | 2006-01-25 2:23:17 PM
The PoliticsWatch website thinks Stock would be just fine in Foreign Affairs too. Here's its take: "While not a great prime ministerial candidate, Day has proven over the past two years that he is a more than able foreign affairs critic. Day still has his supporters in the party and that, coupled with his performance as foreign affairs critic, should land him the same cabinet post, no matter what the Toronto Star says. Day also has provincial cabinet experience having served in Ralph Klein's cabinet." http://www.politicswatch.com/cabinet-jan10-2006.html
Posted by: Terry O'Neill | 2006-01-25 2:35:25 PM
I believe the earth is 6000 years old and recent fossil evidence supports it. The truth is coming out. You better watch that it doesn't hit you in the face Justin.
Posted by: Andrew | 2006-01-25 2:35:27 PM
Justin, exactly what does Stockwell's belief on the age of the earth have to do with a Foreign Affairs posting? Or is it more generally that he has Christian beliefs? Why is it that his beliefs can be ridiculed and his suitability of office questioned but any other religion is exempt from such treatment?
Considering that a FA minister will have to deal directly with some foreign dignitaries that believe that a suicide bomber gets 72 virgins as a reward, it doesn't seem that Stockwell's young-earth views are that much of an issue.
And until you can prove the exact age of the earth, I think that criticism of Stockwell Day be limited to pertinent issues.
Enough CBC hate-mongering already.
Posted by: Daryl | 2006-01-25 2:56:15 PM
Terry O’Neill, I like Stock. But as we keep telling the socialists like Justin...“life ain’t fair”. I don’t care what Justin thinks about him, he’ll never be a Tory voter. But there are many potential Tory voters who would take the attitude of Michael Bliss’ “surprised colleagues”. The Globe and Wail will blame everything that goes wrong in one of the “Stans” on Day, just like they blame Bush. We don’t need that. Why take that risk with a foreign affairs posting for Stock? We can’t control foreign events and there’s always bad news somewhere. I guarantee that Stock will be blamed by the MSM for problems that have nothing to do with him. But we are party to NAFTA irritations and things can only get better on softwood, can’t they?
Yes John Chittick, I’ve read the excellent stuff you’ve posted and that’s how I came to realize how complicated the softwood problem is. That’s why we need good relations with Bush and the Governors and our own Premiers. So a lot of parties need to be managed which is why a solution is tough.
I also realize the US owners may have over paid for their land, so a level playing field may be impossible. But outing the truth about the whole satiation can only help us try to arrive at a solution and Stockwell Day has the smarts to be able to do that.
Posted by: nomdenet | 2006-01-25 3:02:55 PM
Justin
You are dead Wrong. As Michael Bliss said, Stockboy is a changed man, given the passage of time and all since he got boated out of the Reform/Alliance sandbox.
You want evidence?
He now thinks the earth is 8,000 years old.
Posted by: The Big M | 2006-01-25 3:14:04 PM
Seems Pettigrew's 'beliefs' would be more of an impediment with most African and Muslim nations.
Posted by: lwestin | 2006-01-25 3:33:34 PM
Read what Stock had to say about Chinese Communists at this link, and tell me that you don't think he would be a suitable Foreign Affairs Minister.
http://english.epochtimes.com/news/5-5-25/29060.html
Posted by: RightJab | 2006-01-25 3:44:59 PM
RightJab
Justin can't read that document, but the rest of us are impressed.
Posted by: Rosie | 2006-01-25 3:59:19 PM
Hey Big M,
While Stock may think the earth is 6,000 - 8,000 years old, and there maybe many people who dispute that figure.
At least he isn't guilty of believing in the disproved theory of communism and its close relative, state-socialism.
Stock may/may not be correct in his belief, but at least he can't be faulted for ignoring facts right in front of his face. Unlike you.
Ed the Hun
Posted by: EdtheHun | 2006-01-25 4:49:15 PM
I agree that Stockwell at least had some backbone as FA critic. You couldn't argue with the way he kept shedding light on China's continued human rights violations (similar to Rob Anders) and that he was instrumental in getting Hizbollah on the terrorist list.
However, his strong stance on injustice was quite selective. He did well to speak out against terrorist groups in the Arab-Israeli conflict but turned a blind eye to continued Israeli settlement of the West Bank. I remember he also criticized the Liberals for taking sides in the Arab-Israeli conflict but then seemed incapable of anything other than cheerleading all of Israel's positions. I think those are the reasons many are advising Harper to look elsewhere when filling the the FA cabinet position.
Posted by: Chrisd | 2006-01-25 5:26:14 PM
"Stock may/may not be correct in his belief, but at least he can't be faulted for ignoring facts right in front of his face. Unlike you."
The earth is older than 6,000 years. That's a fact right in front of his (and yours and my) face. DUH!
"Justin, exactly what does Stockwell's belief on the age of the earth have to do with a Foreign Affairs posting? Or is it more generally that he has Christian beliefs? Why is it that his beliefs can be ridiculed and his suitability of office questioned but any other religion is exempt from such treatment?"
Why? Because he's the one that has decided to mix religion and politics. He shows off his faith like a peacock showing off its feathers. Therefore since HE BROUGHT IT UP so can I. Take a look at federal Liberal MP Navdeep Bain and you'll see why I would never talk about his Sikh faith cause he's said that he has a responsiblity to the citizens of Canada that is SEPARATE from his responsibility to his faith. If someone can't SEPARATE THE TWO they should GET OUT OF GOVERNMENT (and at the very least stay out of Foreign Affairs).
Posted by: justin | 2006-01-25 5:43:54 PM
Justin is a 'Christophobe' and should be ignored for his 'hateful' and 'intolerant' views. :)
Posted by: MarkAlta | 2006-01-25 5:52:08 PM
Actually, Justin, I thought it was the CBC that made the point of bringing up (and ridiculing) Mr. Day's beliefs. I'm sure you have some beliefs of your own that could be subjected to similar ridicule. Furthermore, all of us are guided by our beliefs whether we acknowledge it or not.
Posted by: Ben | 2006-01-25 6:16:55 PM
MarkAlta,
Actually I like playing with the moron known as justin. I know I shouldn't but it is kind of fun to watch him make a point. I just know that it must cause him a headache to make any point, much less a coherent one.
Ed the Hun
Posted by: EdtheHun | 2006-01-25 6:17:28 PM
Any aboriginal who believes an Indian creation myth is unfit for office. Any Muslim who believes that an angel dictated the Koran word-by-word to Mohammed is unfit for office. Anyone who believes that his religious head is infallible is scary and unfit for office. Anyone who believes that undirected evolution is a sufficient cause for the wondrous beauty, order, and compexity of nature is unfit for public office. And anyone who fails to acknowledge the humanity of an unborn baby is unfit for office.
Posted by: Richard Ball | 2006-01-25 6:37:16 PM
I for one am an admirer of Stockwell Day. He may be too honest but he fears only the one he should fear: the almighty God.
I love the way Hun answers moonbats.
If anyone care to examine why we think the earth is quite young, please see:
http//answersingenesis.org/
Posted by: Rémi Houle | 2006-01-25 6:38:01 PM
ebt,
I know. I shouldn't take such pleasure, but being that I too afraid to travel out to Toronna (don't want to get shot you know), this is the only way that I can find in order to interact with those who think that the the world is flat and Clinton was a great president.
Reading some of the entries remind me of how really stupid some of the people from the centre of universe really can be (of course, I'll wait for justin's claim that he isn't from there but comes from Alberta. I know that can't be true since I've learned that all of the liberals that exist in Alberta are all imprisoned at the Bowden Institute.)
I suggest that instead of sending even more liberals to jail (certain to happen with a Conservative government (mandatory minimum sentences) and all of the ex-liberal government officials who will be carted off later), we just put a fence around Toronna. That way they will feel at home (actually, they will be at home) and can benefit from the current practice of house arrest. I just hope they don't take any stray bullets while out shopping. It shouldn't happen being that there is/will be gun ban and all in Toronna.
Ed the Hun
Posted by: EdtheHun | 2006-01-25 7:04:55 PM
Well said Remi, I wish there were more people like Stockwell Day in this world - it would be a lot better world. He would be an EXCELLENT foreign affairs minister. He was 5 times more effective than bland, boring, silly- sally graham and his sucessor pitty pants when he was the CRITIC for the Conservatives. He has courage, that is why he is viewed as a alien by the Liberano/dipper crowd. He is also honest and he has the ability to think reasonably.
ebd - its our turn and yes, it is fun!!
Posted by: jema54j | 2006-01-25 7:06:50 PM
Is it possible that his views on the age of the earth have changed, or were misrepresented? Many creationists don't believe in a 6000 year old earth.
Does anyone have a quote of what he said? I haven't been able to find anything beyond "he is reported to have said" something about the earth being 6000 years old and humans and dinosaurs have been co-existing. That may or may not be what he said.
What exactly did he say?
Posted by: Mike S | 2006-01-25 7:56:43 PM
He said he believed that dinosaurs and humans existed together. Which is like saying you believe dragons and hobbits were once real.
Actually folks what's fun is that progressive's all over this country are celebrating the fact that not only did A VAST MAJORITY OF CANADIANS NOT VOTE FOR THE CONSERVATIVES but Harper will be unable to pass much of his unpopular neo-conservative agenda. You people lost.
So come at me with your insult but I'l be over here hanging out with THE MAJORITY OF CANADIANS.
"Furthermore, all of us are guided by our beliefs whether we acknowledge it or not."
Absolutely Ben. I agree but iit's not the SPECIFICS of Day's beliefs that are in question here but how much he allows his faith (WHATEVER IT IS) to affect the running of a government that's supposed to represent ALL FAITHS. Get it boys? Read it slower - that'll help.
Next lesson: counting to TEN!
Posted by: justin | 2006-01-25 8:10:39 PM
Incredible logic, Justin! I am caught in the crushing grip of reason. We lost the election.... And who won? Anyone? Anyone?
I suppose that since the majority of Canadians did not vote for the Liberals in the last election that they in fact lost the 2004 election as well.
Thanks for the quote from Stcokwell Day... Or wait, it wasn't a quote because there isn't one. Please find out what he actually said before putting words in his mouth.
Speaking of which, what evidence do you have that he has been excluding people of other faiths in his capacity as FA Critic? Would it be reasonable to assume that he would treat them well considering the harassment he has received for simply believing Christian doctrines?
If you don't have evidence to back up your claim then stop writing nonsense.
Posted by: Mike S | 2006-01-25 9:15:58 PM
BTW Justin,
In response to your earlier post, ".... he's the one that has decided to mix religion and politics. He shows off his faith like a peacock showing off its feathers. Therefore since HE BROUGHT IT UP so can I."
Actually, he did not mix religion and politics - he did not bring it up as you say. His critics did. Gordon Laird's smear job and Warren Kinsella's public ridicule did it for him.
Go back and read the news about him as a new leader of the Alliance Party. It was more about his youthful energy, government experience and PC Party ties. He was endorsed by prominent Ontario Tories, the so-called "Blue Machine". The whole right-wing, fundamentalist, western bigot was the same libel pinned on Preston Manning (remember "anti-woman, anti-gay, reform party go away"?).
The religion angle came later as if the national media just found out what Albertans knew already. In an interview with Wendy Mesley, she could barely keep her face from.going into contortions with visible disgust for a man who never once brought up his religion as party leader.
He was mixing religion and politics they all said. But no quotes, no policies, no leaks, nothing stating exactly why they beleived this to be true.
Bill Blaikie mixes religion and politics all the time, I have read his articles in religious journals. Why does no one condemn him? Same with David Kilgour. Furthermore, Matthew Coon Come is a fundamentalist Christian too, and he mixes religion and politics. Yet he was pretty effective and outspoken as grand chief of the assembly of first nations. These people have had higher profiles as Christian politicians and have referenced their faith more than Day has. So why attack him?
Oh I get it... He is Conservative.
So much for tolerance.
Posted by: Mike S | 2006-01-25 9:42:51 PM
At the risk of stretching this silly discussion any further - I'll point out that most current paleontologists would agree with Day, in that not only have humans walked the earth with "dinosaurs" - they still do. The evidence is pretty strong that dinosaurs did not become "extinct", but that their descendants are still with us. Just look up.
Posted by: Kate | 2006-01-25 9:44:03 PM
Kate,
Bulls-eye.
And you will note that there is key difference that I have found between conservatives and people like justin. Conservatives have a position, state it and defend it. People like justin have no positions.
Ed the Hun
Posted by: EdtheHun | 2006-01-25 10:11:23 PM
"Take a look at federal Liberal MP Navdeep Bain and you'll see why I would never talk about his Sikh faith cause he's said that he has a responsiblity to the citizens of Canada that is SEPARATE from his responsibility to his faith. If someone can't SEPARATE THE TWO they should GET OUT OF GOVERNMENT (and at the very least stay out of Foreign Affairs)."
fair enough. So then why doesn't Alghabra in Mississauga meet your standard? Here's a man who, after winning the Liberal nomination, celebrated "Islam's" advent into the Canadian political landscape. It was a "victory for islam" -- not for him, or the liberal party. He's now an MP. Should he "GET OUT OF GOVERNMENT too? What? It doesn't count when religion creeps into the so-called party of "tolerance?"
Posted by: Stopthetrain | 2006-01-25 10:27:26 PM
Justin: "Because he's the one that has decided to mix religion and politics."
Well waddya know, for once Justin's right. From everybody's favourite piece of paper, the
Constitutional Act 1982,
1.2. Fundamental Freedoms
Everyone has the following fundamental freedoms:
(a)freedom of conscience and religion except Conservative politicians.
Okay, I made up the last three words.
If Stockwell Day uses his position as a FA minister to force all of us to worship and believe as he does, Justin will have a point. That would be a violation of everyone else's freedom of religion.
If Mr. Day uses his religious beliefs as one of the factors in coming to a decision, it is his constitutional right.
I hadn't heard that his religious beliefs compromised his actions as FA critic so why would they compromise his actions as FA minister or any other government position?
Posted by: Kathryn | 2006-01-25 11:00:37 PM
Richard Ball and Kate put it perfectly. I'm non-religious, but Day's religion does not bother me. He has shown that he believes in freedom of religion, rather than state religion.
I hope Day in named FA minister, we need someone with the knowledge of China representing us on the world stage.
So what if he wore a wetsuit and rode a jetski? His home riding has some big lakes and lots of jetski-ing. Isn't it funny that Day's jetski ride got more coverage than Pettigrew's driver and luxurious Paris living?
Posted by: Angela | 2006-01-25 11:15:12 PM
No, it's not funny at all.
Posted by: Stopthetrain | 2006-01-25 11:23:17 PM
Knee-jerk bigotry on the part of our left-wing friends has not often been one of their most endearing characteristics. (Tell me again who are the extremists in Canadian politics?) Indeed, I suspect it is one reason that about 80 seats or so will be off limits to the Liberals for many years.
Speaking as a former diplomat, Stockwell Day has done a good job as FA critic. Nonetheless, I think Stephen Harper would be wise to appoint him to another post. My choice for Stock would be International Trade. He'd do a great job there and would be lightyears ahead of the clown Jim Peterson, who was Martin's Trade Minister.
Posted by: Two Cents | 2006-01-26 4:45:33 AM
The comments to this entry are closed.