Posted on 12/02/2004 11:54:20 AM PST by pissant
What a contrast: The decisive, blunt-spoken and even humorous George W. Bush and the dithering, sweating, nervously laughing Paul Martin.
The U.S. Republican president came to Canada this week, backed by a strong new mandate from Americans in the form of a record vote. Meanwhile, Canada's Liberal Prime Minister finds himself trying to survive with a minority government and constantly fretting about clinging to power.
The contrast was embarrassing at times during the two-day official visit Bush made to Ottawa and Halifax.
For instance, during those two days, Martin's media flacks complained that Bush was urging their boy to support the creation of an anti-nuclear missile defence shield to protect the U.S. and Canada. The U.S. is building it anyway -- and it won't cost Canada anything to support it -- but Martin is frightened of opposition by this country's vocal leftists.
So, he'd rather dither about making a decision -- hopefully until after the next election, if he can pull it off. Martin's aides were moaning that the topic wasn't supposed to be on the agenda this week and here was bad old Bush bringing it up.
And yesterday, the president went further. He included it in the major speech he chose to deliver in Halifax rather than before likely hecklers in Ottawa's Parliament.
"I hope we'll also move forward on ballistic missile defence co-operation to protect the next generation of Canadians and Americans from the threats we know will arise," said Bush. He has mentioned possible attacks from rogue states such as North Korea and Iran.
So, there it was, out in the open. Martin was beset by reporters after the speech. He went into his dithering act, saying he did not "specifically" rule out working with the U.S. on missile defence. But he wasn't in, either.
"We are a sovereign nation and we will make the decisions about our airspace," he finally muttered.
But that's the problem when politicians have to deal with Bush. He says what he plans to do and he does what he says. Ask John Kerry, or the UN Security Council, or Saddam Hussein, etc.
At a press conference on Tuesday in Ottawa, Bush dealt directly with the question about the Liberal government keeping Canada out of the war to get rid of sadistic dictator Hussein:
"I made some decisions, obviously that some in Canada didn't agree with, like, for example, removing Saddam Hussein and enforcing the demands of the United Nations Security Council.
"But I'm the kind of fellow who does what I think is right, and will continue to do what I think is right. I'll consult with our friends and neighbours, but if I think it's right to remove Saddam Hussein for the security of the United States, that's the course of action I'll take."
That's blunt, but you don't have to guess at his meaning.
There was humour, too, such as his oblique reference to protesters who failed to show in the numbers threatened by the CBC.
"I want to thank the Canadian people who came out to wave -- with all five fingers -- for the hospitality," Bush quipped.
So, what's the result of the long-postponed official visit?
Well, U.S. penalties against Canadian beef and softwood lumber will be lifted, in time. More co-operation with the U.S. on mutual defence and the war against terrorism could only help speed such decisions. And that could include Canada helping carry out democratic elections in Iraq.
In thanking the people of Atlantic Canada for taking care of American airliner passengers marooned after the Sept. 11 attacks, the president urged all free people to join together to defeat the scourge of the 21st century-world -- terrorism.
"There is only one way to deal with enemies who plot in secret and set out to murder the innocent and the unsuspecting. We must take the fight to them."
You can be sure that's what President Bush will do. Hopefully, Canada will join him, and not just for a free ride.
You know, the first time I saw Martin, I thought to myself that he reminded me a little of Chirac in looks, mannerisms and his style of speech. And trust me, that is NOT a compliment.
Not surprisingly, he looked smaller than life next to George Bush.
A lovely thing indeed, a President who knows his own mind, who believes in doing the right thing and doesn't care what a the polls say.
Brilliant
Also good that some Canadians noticed it as well!!
We'll trade girlie states, Vermont and Massachusetts to Canada for Alberta and BC. Vancouver and Victoria are beautiful as are Banff and the Canuck Rockies
maybe the Conservative Canadians can locate their Cajones
and Run their Liberal trash out...but not down here.
Put em on a boat to France.
Leave them with Vancouver & Victoria, beautiful but liberal cesspools.
We'll take Central and East BC, Alberta, and Saskatchawan, and we can give them the San Fran Bay area. In fact, I'd give them San Fran for free!
ROFLMAO, he never fails to crack me up.
Perfect comment. I happened to be listening to the Laura Ingraham show while reading this thread, when she played for her bumper music "I Won't Back Down" with Johnny Cash. It was the perfect counterpoint to this article.
Well I won't back down, no I won't back down
You can stand me up at the gates of hell
But I won't back down
The line about the NHL was very funny also..
I think this article nails one reason why Bush's opponent's hate him so much.
A man of the people.
You owe my girls an apology! My daughters have bigger brass-ones than any of those canuk lefties. You should have said; "A man among girlie-men".
I remember listening to Radio Canada when the US, um "tightened up" the borders after 9/11.
One of the new restrictions would deny entry to some foreign born Canadian MP. He was whinning
on the floor of Parliament...
Likewise, when Buchanan said "Canuckistan", he said in a CBC interview, that "you have your
[entry] laws, and we have ours", that didn't go over too well either.
And here the [liberal] Canadians are, paraphrasing Pat Buchanan ...
I'm surprised that there aren't more articles about the visit. I haven't even seen bad ones, that must mean he was REALLY impressive.
You've got a great sense of humor!
Just fill in the blank with any liberal politician these days, and the description will be apt.
They dither because it takes time to lick one's finger, foist it into the air, turn it in several directions....they sweat and laugh nervously because they are in constant danger of having their true beliefs revealed.
"You should have said; "A man among girlie-men"."
I stand corrected. My 9 month old daughter has more backbone than most politicians.
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