The Earth is Flat Award

A celebration of the inane, insipid and asinine...

This month's award goes to none other than Prime Minister Jean Chr�tien for ignoring what democracy represents...

The PM named four women to become candidates for the Liberal Party in the next federal election, bypassing the usual process that allows party members from choosing their representatives. Named were Former Ontario cabinet minister Elinor Caplan, who will run in the new riding Thornhill; Judi Longfield, a municipal councilor in Whitby, will contest Whitby-Ajax riding and Metro councilor Judy Sgro will run in York South-Weston. Sophia Leung, a social worker, was handed the nomination in Vancouver-Kingsway.

His actions come as a result of a little promise that the friend of freedom made last year, a promise that saw him pledge that 75 of the candidates for the Liberal Party in the next federal election would be women.

So how was Chr�tien going to keep this ridiculous promise? By ignoring what local members wanted and dictating his choices.

Usually the lap dog of feminism, even NDP leader Alexa McDonough was against the move. "They've run roughshod over the democratic process," said McDonough . "The insult here is that the Prime Minister has created the impression that women can't compete."

The lap dogs of the Prime Minister, the female Liberal MPs sitting in the House of Commons hailed the move as a step forward for women. My own MP, Public Works Minister Diane Marleau, one that I worked for when I was a Liberal said, "When I think back to when I started in politics, if I had to spend vast sums of money and put my family at risk, I don't think I would have done it." This from the woman who is well-liked and had an easy time of it...if Marleau can, why not Elinor Caplan, a woman that could raise money from anyone?

So what does Caplan say about this? "What the Prime Minister is doing - wanting to have competent women on the Liberal slate - is something I support. I'm proud to be part of this."

Good for Elinor. I hope her riding is as proud.

To the Prime Minister, the representative of the Canadian heritage of democracy, goes the Earth is Flat Award. Since there is no material representation of the award, the Prime Minister can think there is a woman on it, if only to meet the quotas of his politically correct agenda.

The Vinegar in Freedom Award

There is an old Serbian proverb that says vinegar in freedom tastes better than honey in slavery. This award is meant for events and people I consider to be positive.

I hesitate giving politicians positive press but honesty does force me to grudgingly admit that some are worthy of our trust.

Alberta Premier Ralph Klein gets this month's Vinegar in Freedom Award for his spectacular win at the polls in March. Klein is one of those rare politicians who lives up to his word and was rewarded by winning 63 of 84 seats.

Congratulations Mr. Klein...keep up the good work!

Have someone you want considered for the Earth is Flat Award or the Vinegar in Freedom Award? Mail ESR with the details! Email link is on the Table of Contents page.

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