Harper's New Gag Order is Fine

[Nocrap]

At the risk of more conspiracy theory accusations, I am going to pass on a bit of information that is not theory but fact.

We all know about Mr. Harper's new gag order, which does not allow his MP's freedom of speech. If you watched Rick Mercer's 'Rant' this week, you get an idea of how the media feels about this, but as Canadian citizens we should also be concerned.

New Gag Order

With Hill & Knowlton firmly entrenched in Stephen Harper's inner circle, we will be fed information that has been edited and spun to best suit Hill & Knowlton clients.

David Emerson's advisor Dale Flood, represents MDS through H & K- Gordon O'connor was a lobbyist for H & K - Brian Mulroney is director at H & K - and the list goes on and on.

With their track record, Canadians should be very concerned about getting our government press releases from this PR firm.

Who are Hill & Knowlton

Incubator Baby Hoax

This is not about Conservatives vs Liberals and you don't even have to follow these links to confirm the reputation of the company; it's longtime task of selling war to the American people; and their questionable tactics in achieving this. Use the keywords Hill & Knowlton Kuwait, or Hill & Knowlton Bush and there are lots of sources.

My concern is the fact that our elected officials are not allowed to speak freely on important issues, despite the fact that we elected them do so; but insead have left the job of keeping us informed to a paid PR firm.

[Leader Circle]

At the risk of more conspiracy theory accusations, I am going to pass on a bit of information that is not theory but fact.

We all know about Mr. Harper's new gag order, which does not allow his MP's freedom of speech. If you watched Rick Mercer's 'Rant' this week, you get an idea of how the media feels about this, but as Canadian citizens we should also be concerned.

New Gag Order

With Hill & Knowlton firmly entrenched in Stephen Harper's inner circle, we will be fed information that has been edited and spun to best suit Hill & Knowlton clients.

David Emerson's advisor Dale Flood, represents MDS through H & K- Gordon O'connor was a lobbyist for H & K - Brian Mulroney is director at H & K - and the list goes on and on.

With their track record, Canadians should be very concerned about getting our government press releases from this PR firm.

Who are Hill & Knowlton

Incubator Baby Hoax

This is not about Conservatives vs Liberals and you don't even have to follow these links to confirm the reputation of the company; it's longtime task of selling war to the American people; and their questionable tactics in achieving this. Use the keywords Hill & Knowlton Kuwait, or Hill & Knowlton Bush and there are lots of sources.

My concern is the fact that our elected officials are not allowed to speak freely on important issues, despite the fact that we elected them do so; but insead have left the job of keeping us informed to a paid PR firm.

For those of you considering the Western Standard a rag, check out the London Free Press and you will find the real definition of RAG!

Oh BTW, Harper is the Devil.... Harper is the Devil!!!

[scribblet]

Yeah, he eats babies for breakfast too you know LOL

Considering Canada has been brainwashed by Trudopean propaganda, Harper's doing the CPC a favour by playing safe for a while and limiting the ability of the liberal media to do them any damage right off the bat.

The media is the author of their own current 'problems', they created it. Harper knows full well that the liberal press will be all over him like a wet blanket, spinning and weaving if only one minister gets a loose lip.

We've witnessed this over and over again so why would Harper fall into that trap now.

[Mimas]

At the risk of more conspiracy theory accusations, I am going to pass on a bit of information that is not theory but fact.

We all know about Mr. Harper's new gag order, which does not allow his MP's freedom of speech. If you watched Rick Mercer's 'Rant' this week, you get an idea of how the media feels about this, but as Canadian citizens we should also be concerned.

New Gag Order

With Hill & Knowlton firmly entrenched in Stephen Harper's inner circle, we will be fed information that has been edited and spun to best suit Hill & Knowlton clients.

David Emerson's advisor Dale Flood, represents MDS through H & K- Gordon O'connor was a lobbyist for H & K - Brian Mulroney is director at H & K - and the list goes on and on.

With their track record, Canadians should be very concerned about getting our government press releases from this PR firm.

Who are Hill & Knowlton

Incubator Baby Hoax

This is not about Conservatives vs Liberals and you don't even have to follow these links to confirm the reputation of the company; it's longtime task of selling war to the American people; and their questionable tactics in achieving this. Use the keywords Hill & Knowlton Kuwait, or Hill & Knowlton Bush and there are lots of sources.

My concern is the fact that our elected officials are not allowed to speak freely on important issues, despite the fact that we elected them do so; but insead have left the job of keeping us informed to a paid PR firm.

For those of you considering the Western Standard a rag, check out the London Free Press and you will find the real definition of RAG!

Oh BTW, Harper is the Devil.... Harper is the Devil!!!

Give me a break! What liberal media? The Asper media that openly endorsed Harper? The Thompson media that did the same? It was the media that elected Harper! Now it's liberal and wants to do him damage? You people are so out to the right, that even Fox News must look like communist propaganda!

[Black Dog]

The media is the author of their own current 'problems', they created it. Harper knows full well that the liberal press will be all over him like a wet blanket, spinning and weaving if only one minister gets a loose lip.

So he gves the press the cold shoulder and thus, a new angle. Great thinking!

I hope they hammer him on this.

[cdnazzurri]

It's one thing to make sure that everyone stays on message and that the government focuses on trying to "clean up". However, it is another to completely limit press accessibility to the point that the PMO sends out memos to the media that states where and when they are allowed to show up, and further to state what kind of equipment they are allowed to use when they get there. Freedom of the press, freedom of association, freedom of assembly anyone? Does this at all sound familiar?

Peter McKay was on CTV's Question Period on Sunday and he was completely stiffled: he looked uncomfortable and the information he did give came across as strained. This from a guy who had no problem getting a point across before.

[Hicksey]

At the risk of more conspiracy theory accusations, I am going to pass on a bit of information that is not theory but fact.

We all know about Mr. Harper's new gag order, which does not allow his MP's freedom of speech. If you watched Rick Mercer's 'Rant' this week, you get an idea of how the media feels about this, but as Canadian citizens we should also be concerned.

New Gag Order

With Hill & Knowlton firmly entrenched in Stephen Harper's inner circle, we will be fed information that has been edited and spun to best suit Hill & Knowlton clients.

David Emerson's advisor Dale Flood, represents MDS through H & K- Gordon O'connor was a lobbyist for H & K - Brian Mulroney is director at H & K - and the list goes on and on.

With their track record, Canadians should be very concerned about getting our government press releases from this PR firm.

Who are Hill & Knowlton

Incubator Baby Hoax

This is not about Conservatives vs Liberals and you don't even have to follow these links to confirm the reputation of the company; it's longtime task of selling war to the American people; and their questionable tactics in achieving this. Use the keywords Hill & Knowlton Kuwait, or Hill & Knowlton Bush and there are lots of sources.

My concern is the fact that our elected officials are not allowed to speak freely on important issues, despite the fact that we elected them do so; but insead have left the job of keeping us informed to a paid PR firm.

For those of you considering the Western Standard a rag, check out the London Free Press and you will find the real definition of RAG!

Oh BTW, Harper is the Devil.... Harper is the Devil!!!

Give me a break! What liberal media? The Asper media that openly endorsed Harper? The Thompson media that did the same? It was the media that elected Harper! Now it's liberal and wants to do him damage? You people are so out to the right, that even Fox News must look like communist propaganda!

Why do people keep referring to the Harper endorsement to say the media is conservative? The only reason he was endorsed was because Paul Martin really embarassed himself and in doing so made himself untouchable for the media. Becuase they didn't want to look like rabid socialists they couldn't endorse the political extortionist Layton either. And because we all know there's not a valid political party beyond those 3, Harper was the default choice. Make no mistake, every liberal paper out there that did make the endorsement was gagging and holding their nose to shield the stench they perceived. I'll bet every editor went home and showered and washed their hands ala Lady Macbeth well into the night. I know this this is hyperbole but because every other day of the year everything conservative is portrayed as evil in their papers, its almost believeable.

[Black Dog]

Why do people keep referring to the Harper endorsement to say the media is conservative? The only reason he was endorsed was because Paul Martin really embarassed himself and in doing so made himself untouchable for the media. Becuase they didn't want to look like rabid socialists they couldn't endorse the political extortionist Layton either. And because we all know there's not a valid political party beyond those 3, Harper was the default choice. Make no mistake, every liberal paper out there that did make the endorsement was gagging and holding their nose to shield the stench they perceived. I'll bet every editor went home and showered and washed their hands ala Lady Macbeth well into the night. I know this this is hyperbole but because every other day of the year everything conservative is portrayed as evil in their papers, its almost believeable.

Oh boo hoo. A hostile media should be par for the course for any government, regardless of its political stripes. Deal with it, don't run and hide, especially afte rcampaigning on a platfrom of accountability and openess.

It's funny though: there seems to be an ackowledgment even among people who defend Harper's press lockdown that the CPC's have something to hide.

[scribblet]

Why do people keep referring to the Harper endorsement to say the media is conservative? The only

It's funny though: there seems to be an ackowledgment even among people who defend Harper's press lockdown that the CPC's have something to hide.

I havn't seen anyone acknowledge such a thing, I do not believe he has anything to hide, didn't see anyone else saying such a thing either. I do believe he is doing this because they have been burned badly by a predominently liberal media, and until Parliament resumes, they are playing it safe and not giving them anything to misinterpret or spin.

[Black Dog]

I havn't seen anyone acknowledge such a thing, I do not believe he has anything to hide, didn't see anyone else saying such a thing either. I do believe he is doing this because they have been burned badly by a predominently liberal media, and until Parliament resumes, they are playing it safe and not giving them anything to misinterpret or spin.

Which raises the obvious question: what do the Conservatives have to say that could be open to such misinterpretation or "spin"? (as an aside, I find it funny that, in CPCer land, the media spins while the government, presumably, deals in the Whole Truth) Surely, if the press were spreading ridiculous slanders against the government, they would have ample opportunity to correct the record. Whatever the real motives, it certainly gives the impression that the party has things to say that people in Canada might not like.

[geoffrey]

Like I've said before, why should the press think they are entitled to access to anyone? You earn that respect. And they were definitely off on the wrong foot with their coverage of the 2004 election.

So I don't blame Harper. I wouldn't want to talk to anyone that wrote constantly about by 'hidden agenda.'

There is a new group of journalists that have access to this government, the old boys club has just been shown the door. Of course they are going to complain. 75% of jouranlists in Canada have just been marked with irrelevance.

Not that I had any respect for Canadian journalism to begin with.

[Black Dog]

Like I've said before, why should the press think they are entitled to access to anyone? You earn that respect. And they were definitely off on the wrong foot with their coverage of the 2004 election.

Ge I dunno: free presss...democracy...soemthing like that.

So I don't blame Harper. I wouldn't want to talk to anyone that wrote constantly about by 'hidden agenda.'

My advice to Harper would be to get over it, you big fat baby. You're n charge now, dealing with the media is part of the game.

There is a new group of journalists that have access to this government, the old boys club has just been shown the door. Of course they are going to complain. 75% of jouranlists in Canada have just been marked with irrelevance.

And who are these journalists, I wonder, and by what criterea are they awarded access? It doesn't take a genius to figure that last part out, that's for sure.

[geoffrey]

Like I've said before, why should the press think they are entitled to access to anyone? You earn that respect. And they were definitely off on the wrong foot with their coverage of the 2004 election.

Ge I dunno: free presss...democracy...soemthing like that.

Sure the press has every right to publish whatever they want about the government. But they don't have a right that the government should come out and give them something to publish. There once was a time journalists had to work to find a story, not just have some mouthpiece come out and spell it for them line by line. So obviously they are pissed off, they now actually have to do something.

So I don't blame Harper. I wouldn't want to talk to anyone that wrote constantly about by 'hidden agenda.'

My advice to Harper would be to get over it, you big fat baby. You're n charge now, dealing with the media is part of the game.

Harper is dealing with the media, by not holding needless conferences daily. If you remember some of the scrums we saw with the Liberals, were it was just rhetoric for 10 minutes, why bother? The government has been making annoucements on important policy decisions, that's all I want to hear. There is also the idea that maybe this government doesn't have the weekly scandals of the last.

There is a new group of journalists that have access to this government, the old boys club has just been shown the door. Of course they are going to complain. 75% of jouranlists in Canada have just been marked with irrelevance.

And who are these journalists, I wonder, and by what criterea are they awarded access? It doesn't take a genius to figure that last part out, that's for sure.

Just like you'd never see Ezra interviewing Martin. Obviously your not going to give high profile access to a journalist that has an agenda against you.

[Hicksey]

Why do people keep referring to the Harper endorsement to say the media is conservative? The only reason he was endorsed was because Paul Martin really embarassed himself and in doing so made himself untouchable for the media. Becuase they didn't want to look like rabid socialists they couldn't endorse the political extortionist Layton either. And because we all know there's not a valid political party beyond those 3, Harper was the default choice. Make no mistake, every liberal paper out there that did make the endorsement was gagging and holding their nose to shield the stench they perceived. I'll bet every editor went home and showered and washed their hands ala Lady Macbeth well into the night. I know this this is hyperbole but because every other day of the year everything conservative is portrayed as evil in their papers, its almost believeable.

Oh boo hoo. A hostile media should be par for the course for any government, regardless of its political stripes. Deal with it, don't run and hide, especially afte rcampaigning on a platfrom of accountability and openess.

It's funny though: there seems to be an ackowledgment even among people who defend Harper's press lockdown that the CPC's have something to hide.

No, we just thing that the disorganized way Martin ran his government left a lot to be desired. We don't need Harper to hold a press conference every time he takes a breath to make sure everything is OK. We never demanded that of Martin either. Its only you CPC opponents that have made this rather ridiculous demand.

[Black Dog]

Sure the press has every right to publish whatever they want about the government. But they don't have a right that the government should come out and give them something to publish. There once was a time journalists had to work to find a story, not just have some mouthpiece come out and spell it for them line by line. So obviously they are pissed off, they now actually have to do something.

Er..actually, having a mouthpiece come out and give the story is exactly what the Harper policy entails. You'd think the press would be happy about that, then.

Anyway, what it boils down to is (as one wag put it) getting basic information and comment from cabinet members about the day-to-day functioning of cabinet shouldn't require midnight meetings in underground parking garages.

Harper is dealing with the media, by not holding needless conferences daily. If you remember some of the scrums we saw with the Liberals, were it was just rhetoric for 10 minutes, why bother? The government has been making annoucements on important policy decisions, that's all I want to hear. There is also the idea that maybe this government doesn't have the weekly scandals of the last.

I'd rather leave it to the press to decide what's fit for the press to cover, not the government. As far as scandals, wel, this keeps up, we'l never know. That's the problem, innit?

Just like you'd never see Ezra interviewing Martin. Obviously your not going to give high profile access to a journalist that has an agenda against you.

If you're smart, you would. And please: never mention Ezra Levant and "journalist" in the same sentence again. My coffee came out my nose.

No, we just thing that the disorganized way Martin ran his government left a lot to be desired. We don't need Harper to hold a press conference every time he takes a breath to make sure everything is OK. We never demanded that of Martin either. Its only you CPC opponents that have made this rather ridiculous demand.

Actually, where did anyone demand "press conferences everytime he takes a breath"? We're talking about control of all communications being centralized in the PMO. That's not even a teeny bit worrisome? Imagine if Martin had done this: y'all would be screaming bloody murder.

[Hicksey]

No, we just think that the disorganized way Martin ran his government left a lot to be desired. We don't need Harper to hold a press conference every time he takes a breath to make sure everything is OK. We never demanded that of Martin either. Its only you CPC opponents that have made this rather ridiculous demand.

Actually, where did anyone demand "press conferences everytime he takes a breath"? We're talking about control of all communications being centralized in the PMO. That's not even a teeny bit worrisome? Imagine if Martin had done this: y'all would be screaming bloody murder.

Just the opposite. We might have thought that he had reasonable control of those beneath him as any good leader does. As it stands his government is best characterized as organized choas.

You're just not used to seeing your leaders run a tight ship.

Besides, party issues should be resolved within the caucus, not the media.

[Black Dog]

Just the opposite. We might have thought that he had reasonable control of those beneath him as any good leader does. As it stands his government is best characterized as organized choas.

Rubbish. Martin (or if you prefer, Chretien) puls a stunt like this, you'd immediately hear the word "dictator" from the same parties currently nodding in aquiesence.

You're just not used to seeing your leaders run a tight ship.

Sure, just not here. Cuba, maybe....

Besides, party issues should be resolved within the caucus, not the media.

What party issues? We're talking about government policy, not internal divisions.

[Hicksey]

Just the opposite. We might have thought that he had reasonable control of those beneath him as any good leader does. As it stands his government is best characterized as organized choas.

Rubbish. Martin (or if you prefer, Chretien) puls a stunt like this, you'd immediately hear the word "dictator" from the same parties currently nodding in aquiesence.

You're just not used to seeing your leaders run a tight ship.

Sure, just not here. Cuba, maybe....

Besides, party issues should be resolved within the caucus, not the media.

What party issues? We're talking about government policy, not internal divisions.

I really fail to see how a guy that runs a tight ship is a danger. I think a good leader always makes sure his people are on the same page with him. Considering a lot of the Harper government are inexperienced I think its smart to move forward as he does until he finds he can trust each of them. I think with experience his noose will loosen.

Just think where Martin might be if he had done the same thing during his campaign? He might possibly still be our Prime Minister. It is smarter to think before you speak and vetting that with someone else often helps to make sure you get out the message you meant intend to get across. If Martin had done this with his people he might have been reelected despite AdScam.

[Nocrap]

Just the opposite. We might have thought that he had reasonable control of those beneath him as any good leader does. As it stands his government is best characterized as organized choas.

Rubbish. Martin (or if you prefer, Chretien) puls a stunt like this, you'd immediately hear the word "dictator" from the same parties currently nodding in aquiesence.

You're just not used to seeing your leaders run a tight ship.

Sure, just not here. Cuba, maybe....

Besides, party issues should be resolved within the caucus, not the media.

What party issues? We're talking about government policy, not internal divisions.

I really fail to see how a guy that runs a tight ship is a danger. I think a good leader always makes sure his people are on the same page with him. Considering a lot of the Harper government are inexperienced I think its smart to move forward as he does until he finds he can trust each of them. I think with experience his noose will loosen.

Just think where Martin might be if he had done the same thing during his campaign? He might possibly still be our Prime Minister. It is smarter to think before you speak and vetting that with someone else often helps to make sure you get out the message you meant intend to get across. If Martin had done this with his people he might have been reelected despite AdScam.

Public figures are always taking the media to court over invasion of privacy, but rarely win, because it is deemed that because they are a public figure, the public has a right to know what they are up to. How much more public are the MPs WE voted into office? If they are not allowed to even talk to us, we might as well have a dictatorship.

One leader, one newspaper, one television station, one PR firm keeping us 'informed'. That is not a democracy.

Shortly after he was elected, Stephen Harper spoke of his minority victory and the promises he could keep, by stating that it was not like he had 'absolute power'. I found the term odd, because in a democratic country nobody has 'absolute power', even with a majority. Well, he's certainly acting like he has 'absolute power'.

[Hicksey]

Just the opposite. We might have thought that he had reasonable control of those beneath him as any good leader does. As it stands his government is best characterized as organized choas.

Rubbish. Martin (or if you prefer, Chretien) puls a stunt like this, you'd immediately hear the word "dictator" from the same parties currently nodding in aquiesence.

You're just not used to seeing your leaders run a tight ship.

Sure, just not here. Cuba, maybe....

Besides, party issues should be resolved within the caucus, not the media.

What party issues? We're talking about government policy, not internal divisions.

I really fail to see how a guy that runs a tight ship is a danger. I think a good leader always makes sure his people are on the same page with him. Considering a lot of the Harper government are inexperienced I think its smart to move forward as he does until he finds he can trust each of them. I think with experience his noose will loosen.

Just think where Martin might be if he had done the same thing during his campaign? He might possibly still be our Prime Minister. It is smarter to think before you speak and vetting that with someone else often helps to make sure you get out the message you meant intend to get across. If Martin had done this with his people he might have been reelected despite AdScam.

Public figures are always taking the media to court over invasion of privacy, but rarely win, because it is deemed that because they are a public figure, the public has a right to know what they are up to. How much more public are the MPs WE voted into office? If they are not allowed to even talk to us, we might as well have a dictatorship.

One leader, one newspaper, one television station, one PR firm keeping us 'informed'. That is not a democracy.

Shortly after he was elected, Stephen Harper spoke of his minority victory and the promises he could keep, by stating that it was not like he had 'absolute power'. I found the term odd, because in a democratic country nobody has 'absolute power', even with a majority. Well, he's certainly acting like he has 'absolute power'.

You still haven't made a case to me that justifies vilifying anyone for reigning in his staff and making sure they're on message. They can't afford to have rogue MPs in such a small minority government.

So there's not going to be a bunch of idiots unintentionally tanking him like Martin had during the election. That's a bad thing? If Martin had done the same its arguable he'd still be our Prime Minister. I think keeping your underlings on topic is the mark of a good party leader. Whether that will translate into him being a good PM is yet to be seen.

If you're looking to ditch on Harper for a good reason, rehash Emerson and the senate appointment as those were bad choices and I'd stand with you in demanding Emerson and Senate Man(his name escapes me in my advanced state of exhaustion) be removed from office.

[Nocrap]

Just the opposite. We might have thought that he had reasonable control of those beneath him as any good leader does. As it stands his government is best characterized as organized choas.

Rubbish. Martin (or if you prefer, Chretien) puls a stunt like this, you'd immediately hear the word "dictator" from the same parties currently nodding in aquiesence.

You're just not used to seeing your leaders run a tight ship.

Sure, just not here. Cuba, maybe....

Besides, party issues should be resolved within the caucus, not the media.

What party issues? We're talking about government policy, not internal divisions.

I really fail to see how a guy that runs a tight ship is a danger. I think a good leader always makes sure his people are on the same page with him. Considering a lot of the Harper government are inexperienced I think its smart to move forward as he does until he finds he can trust each of them. I think with experience his noose will loosen.

Just think where Martin might be if he had done the same thing during his campaign? He might possibly still be our Prime Minister. It is smarter to think before you speak and vetting that with someone else often helps to make sure you get out the message you meant intend to get across. If Martin had done this with his people he might have been reelected despite AdScam.

Public figures are always taking the media to court over invasion of privacy, but rarely win, because it is deemed that because they are a public figure, the public has a right to know what they are up to. How much more public are the MPs WE voted into office? If they are not allowed to even talk to us, we might as well have a dictatorship.

One leader, one newspaper, one television station, one PR firm keeping us 'informed'. That is not a democracy.

Shortly after he was elected, Stephen Harper spoke of his minority victory and the promises he could keep, by stating that it was not like he had 'absolute power'. I found the term odd, because in a democratic country nobody has 'absolute power', even with a majority. Well, he's certainly acting like he has 'absolute power'.

You still haven't made a case to me that justifies vilifying anyone for reigning in his staff and making sure they're on message. They can't afford to have rogue MPs in such a small minority government.

So there's not going to be a bunch of idiots unintentionally tanking him like Martin had during the election. That's a bad thing? If Martin had done the same its arguable he'd still be our Prime Minister. I think keeping your underlings on topic is the mark of a good party leader. Whether that will translate into him being a good PM is yet to be seen.

If you're looking to ditch on Harper for a good reason, rehash Emerson and the senate appointment as those were bad choices and I'd stand with you in demanding Emerson and Senate Man(his name escapes me in my advanced state of exhaustion) be removed from office.

There is a difference between reigning in and shutting up. The MP's appear to be running scared and when they do have to give an interview, they are absolutely terrified.

I watched Diane Finley on CTV Sunday a while ago, and she looked like she was going to cry.

You can read the interview here

Carol MacNeil was not rude or did not deliberately try to anagonize, but simple questions were too much for Ms Finley. She just kept bringing up the 1200.00, like that was a cure all. When you read the interview it appears to be somewhat intelligent, but when you watch the interview and Finley's absolute terror, it's rather painful.

We've already debated the childcare plan, so will now have to see how it plays out, but when MP's are not allowed to speak their mind; despite the fact that we elected them to speak ours; it creates mindless robots, about to malfunction. It's like watching an episode of the Twilight Zone.

[Black Dog]

You still haven't made a case to me that justifies vilifying anyone for reigning in his staff and making sure they're on message. They can't afford to have rogue MPs in such a small minority government.

Harper's going beyond simple message control to controlling the messengers. That's alarming.

Just think where Martin might be if he had done the same thing during his campaign? He might possibly still be our Prime Minister. It is smarter to think before you speak and vetting that with someone else often helps to make sure you get out the message you meant intend to get across. If Martin had done this with his people he might have been reelected despite AdScam.

Martin did a similar thing during the campaign, only it was his message that was the problem. But a campaign is one thing, governing the country in a transparent way another.

[GostHacked]

I was amazed to hear that Harper wanted all the media out of the Parliment halls. I can only say that this is a censorship. I think you will find the Liberals and the NDP more open to the talk in the halls. So a tighter control on the information that gets released for the media. Great. Filtered.

[Hicksey]

Just the opposite. We might have thought that he had reasonable control of those beneath him as any good leader does. As it stands his government is best characterized as organized choas.

Rubbish. Martin (or if you prefer, Chretien) puls a stunt like this, you'd immediately hear the word "dictator" from the same parties currently nodding in aquiesence.

You're just not used to seeing your leaders run a tight ship.

Sure, just not here. Cuba, maybe....

Besides, party issues should be resolved within the caucus, not the media.

What party issues? We're talking about government policy, not internal divisions.

I really fail to see how a guy that runs a tight ship is a danger. I think a good leader always makes sure his people are on the same page with him. Considering a lot of the Harper government are inexperienced I think its smart to move forward as he does until he finds he can trust each of them. I think with experience his noose will loosen.

Just think where Martin might be if he had done the same thing during his campaign? He might possibly still be our Prime Minister. It is smarter to think before you speak and vetting that with someone else often helps to make sure you get out the message you meant intend to get across. If Martin had done this with his people he might have been reelected despite AdScam.

Public figures are always taking the media to court over invasion of privacy, but rarely win, because it is deemed that because they are a public figure, the public has a right to know what they are up to. How much more public are the MPs WE voted into office? If they are not allowed to even talk to us, we might as well have a dictatorship.

One leader, one newspaper, one television station, one PR firm keeping us 'informed'. That is not a democracy.

Shortly after he was elected, Stephen Harper spoke of his minority victory and the promises he could keep, by stating that it was not like he had 'absolute power'. I found the term odd, because in a democratic country nobody has 'absolute power', even with a majority. Well, he's certainly acting like he has 'absolute power'.

You still haven't made a case to me that justifies vilifying anyone for reigning in his staff and making sure they're on message. They can't afford to have rogue MPs in such a small minority government.

So there's not going to be a bunch of idiots unintentionally tanking him like Martin had during the election. That's a bad thing? If Martin had done the same its arguable he'd still be our Prime Minister. I think keeping your underlings on topic is the mark of a good party leader. Whether that will translate into him being a good PM is yet to be seen.

If you're looking to ditch on Harper for a good reason, rehash Emerson and the senate appointment as those were bad choices and I'd stand with you in demanding Emerson and Senate Man(his name escapes me in my advanced state of exhaustion) be removed from office.

There is a difference between reigning in and shutting up. The MP's appear to be running scared and when they do have to give an interview, they are absolutely terrified.

I watched Diane Finley on CTV Sunday a while ago, and she looked like she was going to cry.

You can read the interview here

Carol MacNeil was not rude or did not deliberately try to anagonize, but simple questions were too much for Ms Finley. She just kept bringing up the 1200.00, like that was a cure all. When you read the interview it appears to be somewhat intelligent, but when you watch the interview and Finley's absolute terror, it's rather painful.

We've already debated the childcare plan, so will now have to see how it plays out, but when MP's are not allowed to speak their mind; despite the fact that we elected them to speak ours; it creates mindless robots, about to malfunction. It's like watching an episode of the Twilight Zone.

All Harper's doing to asking people to vet their message through is office and he's demanding they stay on message. Remember "beer and popcorn"man? Harper's determined not to have one of those. That's what all this is about. What's the matter with wanting to protect the image presented by your party to the Canadian people.

[Hicksey]

You still haven't made a case to me that justifies vilifying anyone for reigning in his staff and making sure they're on message. They can't afford to have rogue MPs in such a small minority government.

Harper's going beyond simple message control to controlling the messengers. That's alarming.

Just think where Martin might be if he had done the same thing during his campaign? He might possibly still be our Prime Minister. It is smarter to think before you speak and vetting that with someone else often helps to make sure you get out the message you meant intend to get across. If Martin had done this with his people he might have been reelected despite AdScam.

Martin did a similar thing during the campaign, only it was his message that was the problem. But a campaign is one thing, governing the country in a transparent way another.

He's demanding people vet their message through his office so they don't become and embarassment to the party. He cannot afford one of those.

Considering all the idiots going off at the mouth during election that gave Martin some extraordinary bad press, he was certainly not doing a very good job of it.