Brian Mulroney, warning that Liberal "anti-Americanism" has poisoned Canada-U.S. relations.

[albertabound]

Says he's being led by popularity polls Goodwill with U.S. being squandered

VALERIE LAWTON OTTAWA BUREAU

OTTAWA—Prime Minister Jean Chrétien's stand against joining the invasion of Iraq shows he's a follower, not a leader, says Brian Mulroney, warning that Liberal "anti-Americanism" has poisoned Canada-U.S. relations.

In a scathing assessment of the government's handling of the Iraq crisis, Mulroney, the former Tory prime minister, said Chrétien has abandoned long-standing allies such as the United States and Britain.

"At a crucial, seminal moment in our history, we have repudiated our allies and our coalition partners of the past," he said in an interview broadcast on Global Television yesterday.

"We have new partners: the Russians, the Chinese and the Germans," he said on the program Ottawa Inside Out. "This represents quite a change and I want to tell you I am one of many Canadians who ... regrets it profoundly."

Although a clear majority of 60 per cent say they object to the military move by U.S. President George W. Bush, 35 per cent of Canadians back him, support that rose during the week.

But most Canadians agree with Chrétien's decision not to take part in a campaign to oust Iraqi President Saddam Hussein without approval of the United Nations Security Council, a Star poll reported Saturday.

The poll, conducted for the Star and the Montreal newspaper La Presse by EKOS Research Associates, found a majority of respondents everywhere except Alberta backed Chrétien's decision; 71 per cent of those polled backed the decision by the Liberal government, with 27 per cent registering their disapproval.

EKOS found the greatest support for the Liberal position in Quebec, and found those most fervently opposed Chrétien's position lived in Alberta.

Mulroney argued that Chrétien's policies are being dictated by whatever will fly best in popularity polls.

"But just because something is popular doesn't mean it's right. This is a classic example of followership, not leadership," said the former prime minister, who acknowledged many of his own decisions were unpopular at the time.

He drew on the works of the 13th-century Italian poet Dante to condemn Chrétien's neutrality.

"Mr. Chrétien should remember that line from Dante that says the hottest place in hell is reserved for those who in times of great moral crisis strive to preserve neutrality," he said.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- `This is a classic example of followership, not leadership.' -Brian Mulroney, former PM

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"We are not a neutral nation," he insisted. "We are a nation that believes in freedom and democracy and has defined it all of this time."

The Liberals once criticized Mulroney for having an overly cozy relationship with then-president Ronald Reagan. Now he's accusing Chrétien of doing just the opposite.

"The poison of anti-Americanism is more prevalent in the Liberal caucus today, or the Liberal government today, probably than at any time in our history."

He pointed to a number of recent incidents — the then-communications director to Chrétien who told a reporter that Bush is "a moron," a Liberal MP who called Americans "bastards," and a minister who said the president has failed to act like a statesman.

He also criticized Chrétien for not personally calling U.S. President George W. Bush to break the news that Canada would not be part of the U.S. led invasion of Iraq.

All of that will hamper Canadian efforts to resolve bilateral problems such as trade disputes and border issues, he said.

"We need the goodwill of the American Congress and the American president and we are doing everything, it seems to me, that ... we possibly can to squander the reservoir of goodwill that was built up over the years."

The situation is especially worrying given U.S. domination in world affairs, he said.

"In this unipolar world that has existed since the collapse of the Soviet Union, all roads lead to Washington ...

"If you want to live in Disney World, you can believe something else."

Mulroney's close ties with the U.S. presidency continue to this day. A few months ago he was invited to a meeting in the Oval Office, where he said he and the president and vice-president talked about terrorism and the situation in Iraq.

Chrétien's director of communications, Jim Munson, reacted cautiously to Mulroney's criticisms.

"The Prime Minister is not only reflecting public opinion, he's leading public opinion," he said, declining further comment.

Chrétien's stance on Iraq has received strong support from his Liberal caucus. All but two of his MPs — David Pratt, who chairs the Commons defence committee, and David Price — gave him a standing ovation when he announced Canada wouldn't join the U.S.-led campaign.

_________________ "I call my philosophy and approach compassionate conservatism. It is compassionate to actively help our fellow citizens in need. It is conservative to insist on responsibility and results." — PRESIDENT GW BUSH

hiti Member

Joined: 07 Jan 2001 Posts: 8990 Location: Mid-West Posted: Tue Mar 25, 2003 10:20 am

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 'Juvenile' Liberals criticized By STEPHANIE RUBEC, OTTAWA BUREAU

OTTAWA -- Prime Minister Jean Chretien has led Canada to unseen levels of "juvenile" anti-American grandstanding, says Brian Mulroney.

"We're doing everything we possibly can to squander the reservoir of good will that was built up over the years," the former PM said yesterday.

Mulroney said the latest Chretien gaffe was failing to personally call Bush to explain Canada's position on Iraq.

"If the Prime Minister of Canada fails to understand that his most important foreign policy dimension ... is the refurbishing of the relationship with the United States of America, and the maintenance of a strong, mutually beneficial relationship with the presidents of the United States, then he's failing himself, his government and Canada," he said.

Mulroney said Chretien also hurt Canada-U.S. relations by failing to crack down on the recent surge in his caucus of anti-American sentiment.

Last month MP Carolyn Parrish said she hated American "bastards" and only last week Natural Resources Minister Herb Dhaliwal called Bush a failed statesman.

"I think this is juvenile delinquency elevated to Parliamentary proportions," Mulroney said.

He also criticized Canadians who compare Bush to Iraqi President Saddam Hussein.

"You would really have to be foolish to think for a second that there is any moral equivalency between the United States and Iraq, or the president of the United States and the outgoing president of Iraq. This is loony tunes," he said.

_________________ "I call my philosophy and approach compassionate conservatism. It is compassionate to actively help our fellow citizens in need. It is conservative to insist on responsibility and results." — PRESIDENT GW BUSH

Ipberg Member

Joined: 07 Jan 2001 Posts: 4186 Location: Calgary Posted: Tue Mar 25, 2003 10:33 am

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I hope to hear the present PCPC leader and leadership candidates say

[truthkeeper]

Thanks so much for finding and posting this one. I've been looking for it all morning.

Great big BUMP to the top!

[vbmoneyspender]

Good for Alberta.

[Mears]

Mulroney is right on target.It's sad.

[Angelus Errare]

I like this guy, he tells it like it is when it comes to Chretien.

[ken5050]

Cretien reminds me of an old time NHL goalie...one who's been in the net for a few thousand games never wearing a face mask...

[Media Insurgent]

Reading about Mulroney is a reminder of the good old days when we could count on our allies.

It's one thing for France, Germany, Russia or China to think that weakening the U.S. will somehow benefit them. I don't see what Canada has to gain from this. It seems to me that Canada has a lot to lose from having bad relations with us, or helping to diminish our strenght/influence in the world. I guess the current leadership is so blinded by their socialist b.s. they can't even see this.

[Paul Atreides]

Liberal anti-Americanism is poisoning America.

[MEG33]

Right on!

[elbucko]

EKOS found the greatest support for the Liberal position in Quebec,...

The Quebecois are a tumor on the butt of Canada. Perhaps, after France has suffered its "Great Depression" from US consumer boycott, the "Quebecer's" can afford to buy France and move back.

(Well, one can dream!)

[rrstar96]

I am glad a Canadian public figure like Brian Mulroney has finally spoken out against Jean Cretin's (sorry, I mean, Chretien's) opposition to the war. I remember that, as Prime Minister, Mulroney was a great friend of the United States during Ronald Reagan's presidency, much like Margaret "The Iron Lady" Thatcher in Britain.

[longtermmemmory]

http://www.unitednorthamerica.org

time for new stars

[elbucko]

It seems to me that Canada has a lot to lose from having bad relations with us, or helping to diminish our strength/influence in the world.

The Left in Canada are betting on the other, anti-American, side of future world conditions. They think it is the US that should smooch Canada's bum.

[rrstar96]

Today's hostility from Canada is a far cry from June 6, 1944, when Canadian troops joined American and British counterparts in the D-Day landings in Normandy (Lest we forget, many an Allied life was lost in Normandy to, um, liberate France.)

[Celtjew Libertarian]

Cretien reminds me of an old time NHL goalie...one who's been in the net for a few thousand games never wearing a face mask...

You mean Gump Worsley?

Don't ask me how I remembered that.

[elbucko]

"unitednorthamerica.org"

I took a peek at the site. A lot of wishful thinking, but also some excellent food for thought. One can dream.

[ken5050]

I was at MSG when Boby Hull took a slap shot from about 20n feet at Eddie Giacomin....EG wnt down like he'd been poleaxed. I thought he was dead....

[faithincowboys]

it is helpful for mulroney, the hockey players (esp in a country where hockey means everything), and others to neutralize the virulent anti-americanism and to depose the Chretien (cretin) government. Keep changing the hearts and minds!!

God Bless the intellectual and political dissidents and freedom-loving people in Canada--may they take back their country!!

[longtermmemmory]

There was a meeting of over 200 "intillectuals" who had a conference about USA/Canadian unification. The consensus was that Canada becoming part of the United States was inevitable. It may take a long time but it will happen, according to them.

My experience in Canada indicates that the man on the street either thinks it will happen but not in their lifetimes. I say it can happen with one tax hike too many.

[schaketo]

Sent via mail with 3 flag stamps on it to this moron last Saturday.

Office of the Prime Minister
Attn: Jean Chrétien, the Prime Minister
80 Wellington Street
Ottawa, Canada
K1A 0A2

Dear Mr. Chrétien,

Just a quick note to ensure you understand millions of Americans will never forget you and your country’s cowardice.

We have always considered you an ally and a friend. That perception has recently shifted for all times. And trust me, it is permanent.

I and millions of other Americans are now encouraging our elected officials, President Bush’s administration and business leaders to change their thinking about Canada. You will see in the future a new punitive approach towards our relationship with your country.

Don’t expect a public announcement regarding this shift. But it will happen.

With friends like Canada who needs enemies. We are quickly discovering who our real friends are. It is not you or your country. I imagine a few years down the road there will be hell to pay for your position in the history books and your political parties future.

We’re tired of your slander and your weak knees.

Yours truly,

[elbucko]

The consensus was that Canada becoming part of the United States was inevitable.

Perhaps. I don't have strong "feelings" one way or the other. That is, it is more important that the best thing be done for all, Canada/USA, whatever it may be.

I do have one caution though, about the exclusion of Mexico. OH, Mexico has a long way to go, politically, economically, and culturally (like Quebecois), but it is a country that IS part of North America and we would all be better served to bring her along, than ignore her.

I would really be in favor of a "Commonwealth of North America", in the political sense to deal with the EU, and to help consolidate our continent.

[FreeCanuckistan]

"Liberal anti-Americanism is poisoning America"

Bulls-eye!

Bang on!

To the heart of the matter.

[FreeCanuckistan]

Johnny Bower of the Maple Leafs had more scars.

Might suit Cretin a bit better....gotta photo?

[BluH2o]

I saw Gump Worsley, in a game against the Montreal Canadians, catch a slap shot in his mouth ... he didn't have any teeth left at that point in his career, so it didn't seem to bother him.

[BluH2o]

Good letter ... did you send one to Chirac as well?

[Jacob Kell]

I think that much of Canada's anti-AMericanism comes from a desire to be seen as different from the U.S. Also, after the Revolutionary War, quite a few Loyalists or Tories fled there. Ontario is the home of the Royal American Regiment, isn't it?

[longtermmemmory]

A comedian made a funny observation: Rock bands have their north American Tours without stopping in mexico.

[Jason Kauppinen]

Long ago the people up here chose Edmund Burke over John Locke.... and their decendants (those with more than half a brain) have been regretting it ever since.

[Media Insurgent]

"I think that much of Canada's anti-AMericanism comes from a desire to be seen as different from the U.S."

Maybe, but I never got that sense from my dealings with Canadians. I think it has more to do with the fact that they are decidedly more socialist than we are any socialists (including the ones here in the U.S.)are always going to dislike what America stands for.

I'd also say that the goverment might be anti-American, but I don't think the populace is. At least it didn't used to be. I grew up in Upstate NY fairly close to the border and used to go to Kingston, Ontario a lot and to Toronto about once a year. I never got any sort of anti-American feeling from the people there. Maybe they were just being polite and hiding their true feelings, but the people I encountered always seemed very friendly toward Americans. Of course I haven't been there in about 10 years, so maybe things are different now.

[US admirer]

Sadly, a significant minority of Canadians are increasingly anti-American. Sentiments are in fact quite polarized, in my opinion, with a slight majority still ardently pro-American. Pro-American sentiment is concentrated in the west (except of British Columbia). The negative attitude about the USA is a reflection not only of envy and fear, but also of rampant liberalism and socialism.

As a Canadian ex-pat with two American children, I have over the past decade felt an increasing alienation from my country of birth. The future does not bode well for Canada. I am afraid there is a very real chance that the country will disintegrate, possibly with three western provinces seeking to join the USA, if something is not done to stem the tide of rampant socialism and political correctness. This is the country where a major university (Queen's in Kingston Ontario) sent a directive to academic chairs to “remind” them of the need for sensitivity to beliefs of wiccas and druids with respect to granting time off (solstices) in celebration of their “faith”.

What a great country Canada once was. What a miserable piss-stain of a country it is becoming.

[Media Insurgent]

"The future does not bode well for Canada. I am afraid there is a very real chance that the country will disintegrate"

It certainly seems that way. I look at Canada and I don't see much of a "center of gravity" to hold the country together. A place that is geographically vast, culturally splintered, linguistically divided and lacking a distinct national identity doesn't seem to have much of a future as a cohesive, governable nation-state. If Canada does fall apart, it will be an instructive cautionary case study showing the dangers of "multi-culturalism" and refusing to acknowledge English as our one official language here in the U.S.

In fairness to Canadians, I will point out that stuff like that directive at Queen's happens in American universities all the time. Assinine political correctness in academia knows no borders.

[CheneyChick]

Can you pls provide the source for this? Thanks, CC

[albertabound]

Your wish is my command.


http://www.nationalpost.com/search/site/results.asp?keywords=brian%2Bmulroney

[CheneyChick]

Beautiful! Thank you! CC

[hillsborofox]

Alberta, your link gives another (excellent) article by Robert Fife in the National Post but I'm unable to find the two you posted by Valerie Lawton and Stephanie Rubec. I searched the Post's pay-for-page archives without success.

Help! This is just too good to let go.

[schaketo]

I've sent nasty grams to these bastards listed below. Anyone have an address for that Nazi running Germany now?

French President Jacques Chirac
Monsieur Le President de la Republique
Palais de l'Elysee
55, rue du Faubourg Saint-Honore
75008 Paris
FRANCE

Email: President of the Republic of France Jacques Chirac:
http://www.elysee.fr/ang/ecrire/mail.htm

Email: French Embassy:
http://www.info-france-usa.org/contactus.asp


Mexican President Vicente Fox
Presidente de los Estados Unidos Mexicanos
Palacio Nacional, Patio de Honor,
Primer piso, Col. Centro,
Mexico D.F. 06067
MEXICO
Fax: (+52 5) 515 5729 / 277 2376 / 516 5762

Office of the Prime Minister
Attn: Jean Chrétien, the Prime Minister
80 Wellington Street
Ottawa, Canada
K1A 0A2