A Christian group, El Shafie Ministries, recently asked, through the Conservatives, if a large card “Support Our Troops” could be placed in the House of Commons lobbies for MPs to sign.
The Conservatives had the agreement of all parties to do this and many MPs from all parties have, over the last couple of days, signed the card.
Conservative MP Rob Anders, though, signed it this way; “If in doubt, pull the trigger. Rob Anders, Calgary West” (See pic, left, obtained by Canwest News Service)
MP from all parties, including Defence Minister Peter MacKay, have criticized Anders for saying it was an inappropriate thing to say.
“Anders could have picked a million other things to write,” said NDP MP Peter Stoffer. Prime Minister Stephen Harper signed the card, saying “You're the best.” Defence Minister Peter MacKay wrote, “You all make us very proud. You are our Team Canada. Thank you for your service. Come home safe.”
Yesterday, as my Calgary Herald colleague Jason Fekete reported, Anders apologized.
Meanwhile, at their weekly House Leaders meeting, NDP House Leader Yvon Godin asked Conservative House Leader Jay Hill that Anders name be removed from the card before it is sent on to the troops. Hill not only agreed but said his message would also be removed.
Anders is such an embarrassment, but the good people of Calgary continue to elect him.