I know, I know,: I'm a cynical, “Liberal”, “Taliban-loving” member of the mainstream media. Not only that, but I'm part of a particularly loathsome MSM sub-group: The Parliamentary Press Gallery, which, as everyone knows, you cannot be a member of unless you are a hard-core avowed Harper-hater and Liberal-lover.
Which is why, of course, as a member of that loathsome sub-group, I was hardly surprised to hear this morning that Prime Minister Harper had popped up unannounced in Afghanistan. The cynic in me figures that whenever the Tories seem a bit down in the polls, there's nothing like wrapping yourself in the flag or standing tall with our troops to revitalize some sagging numbers at home. And so, with that grumpy preamble, here's two pics of Harper in Kandahar today. Both pics were taken by PMO photographer Deb Ransom and were distributed by the Parliamentary Press Gallery at the request of the PMO. The guy on Harper's right, incidentally, in both photos, is our Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. “Uncle” Walt Natynczyk.
I’m really sorry you stubbed your toe or maybe hit your head when you got up this morning. That would make me grumpy too, I guess. What really makes me grumpy, though, is reading sentences such as this:
“The cynic in me figures that whenever the Tories seem a bit down in the polls, there's nothing like wrapping yourself in the flag or standing tall with our troops to revitalize some sagging numbers at home.”
I realize journalists have to develop a highly-sensitive BS radar, but I believe that ability should be balanced by a PWC [Possibly Wrong Conclusion ™] radar.
Why is the PM’s visit necessarily a subterfuge to boost his own image? That is clearly an assumption of his motives on your part, and that is the kind of assumption that irritates a conservative like me.
I believe the visit was a genuine expression of the PM’s respect for our troops and their valuable work, and he was in the vicinity anyway, so why not drop in?
You may argue my interpretation is explained by my blind partisanship. Maybe.
However, here’s what two other journalists – not known for their panegyrics on Mr. Harper – wrote last October.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20081004.whapercover04/BNStory/politics/?pageRequested=all
“The senior Mr. Harper, who went on to become a successful executive with Imperial Oil, loved history, especially military history, and collected insignias and pins from Canadian regiments. It was no accident, the friend says, that the Prime Minister insisted that the Red Ensign of 1917 fly atop the Vimy Ridge memorial in France during commemorations of the First World War battle there.“ He knew exactly what he was doing when he did that. ….
It helps that support for the military is something emotional for Mr. Harper. “He thinks that it's intrinsic in the Canadian experience,” a senior minister says. “That's not rhetoric. That is part of his makeup. … I don't think he wears his religion on his sleeve, but he wears his love of the forces on his sleeve.” And he wears the Canadian flag in his lapel.”
If it's any consolation, I still believe you are one of the better members of your profession, despite the fact that like your colleagues you generally view politicians (especially conservatives) with a suspicious eye.
You thus shouldn't be surprised if, thanks to the immediacy of the internet, you get some of the same scrutiny AND criticism you liberally 😉 heap upon politicians.
I do appreciate the pics, BTW.