Thursday, October 9, 2008

Daily Digest October 10, 2008


The DAILY DIGEST: INFORMATION and OPINION from ST. JOHN'S to VICTORIA.
ARCHIVED at http://cdndailydigest.blogspot.com/

EDITORIALs

CORNER BROOK WESTERN STAR -
A time to take stock

CHARLOTTETOWN GUARDIAN -
No good reason for late platforms

HALIFAX CHRONICLE HERALD -
Prudence and pie in sky

It's click and easy

Threatening acts deplorable

MONTREAL GAZETTE -
Grand Prix is good - but not at any price

KINGSTON WHIG STANDARD-
HARPER PLATFORM COMES UP SHORT

ABORIGINAL ISSUES IGNORED

BELLEVILLE INTELLIGENCER -
Perception may be undoing for Harper's Tories

TORONTO STAR -
Dion bests PM in crisis response

Harper proposes little on economy

... and a vapid platform

GLOBE & MAIL -
Globe endorses Harper & Tories
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20081009.weelection2008/BNStory/politics

TORONTO SUN -

Canadians expect more from Harper

MISSISSAUGA NEWS-
Don't let his ads fool you

Ask who will help you the most?

NIAGARA FALLS REVIEW -
Canada needs to get serious on child poverty

K-W RECORD -
Harper's plan offers us hope

LONDON FREE PRESS -
No-show candidates no help to electorate

WINDSOR STAR -
Afghanistan -

Defining a winnable war

SUDBURY STAR -
Why have civil servants been told to clam up?
The Sault Star obtained documentation that orders staff at Natural Resources Canada, Canadian Forest Service and Great Lakes Forestry Centre, to refrain from media interviews.

WINNIPEG FREE PRESS -
Tories stay the course
http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/editorial/story/4236461p-4879390c.html

WINNIPEG SUN -
'Empty seat' says it all

SASKATOON STARPHOENIX -
Supporting FNUC now best decision

REGINA LEADER-POST -
Pointing the finger at the architects of the slump

CALGARY HERALD -
Voice for the poor supports oilsands

Stephen Harper is architect of his own misfortune

CALGARY SUN -
Keep pedophiles behind bars

GRANDE PRAIRIE DAILY HERALD TRIBUNE -
Did Harper miss the boat? - Tory leader banking on stand-pat economic stance

EDMONTON JOURNAL -
Never a firewall when you need one ...

VANCOUVER SUN -
Layton's economic prescription wrong medicine at wrong time

Forget about making nice, it's time to rock the election boat


ISSUES

AFGHANISTAN -
US faces downward spiral in Afghan war, says leaked intelligence report
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/oct/10/afghanistan-usforeignpolicy

A strategy destined to fail?
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/oct/10/afghanistan-usforeignpolicy

 Will the Afghan Taleban join peace talks?
BBC (10/09/2008)
[]
Corruption and increase in attacks accelerated the breakdown in Afghanistan
Reuters (10/09/2008)
[]
U.S. Study Is Said to Warn of Crisis in Afghanistan
The New York Times (10/09/2008)
[]
Land Dispute Sparks Ethnic Tension
IWPR (10/09/2008)
[]
Positive Use of Afghan Poppies
e-Ariana (10/09/2008)
[]
Top US general in Afghanistan backs 'political solution'
AFP (10/09/2008)
[]
Embassy attack: Backed by US intercepts, Indian team in Kabul
Yahoo News (10/09/2008)
[]
NATO question: Is it time to talk with Taliban?
The Associated Press (10/09/2008)
[]
Afghanistan's downward spiral
The Guardian, UK (10/09/2008)
[]
US Officials Warn Afghan Conflict Rapidly Worsening -Reports
AFP (10/09/2008)
[]
21 uplift projects completed in north
Pajhwok (10/09/2008)
[]
Wali Karzai vows to sue NYT
Pajhwok (10/09/2008)
[]
US wants economic ties between Kazakhistan, Afghanistan
Pajhwok (10/09/2008)
[]
Gates calls for Afghan aid, anti-drug campaign
The Associated Press (10/09/2008)
[]
Is America ready to dump President Karzai?
The First Post, UK (10/08/2008)
[]
Afghan Reopen Road Despite Threat To Heritage Site
Reuters (10/08/2008)
[]
Pentagon now concedes Aug. 22 air strike in Afghanistan killed 30 civilians
The Canadian Press (10/08/2008)
[]
Drug money worsens Afghan problems
Dallas Morning News, Editorial (10/08/2008)
[]
Secret Afghan talks could reap rewards
National Post (10/08/2008)
[]
Karzai's brother "met ex-Taleban"
BBC (10/08/2008)
[]
Iran warns against collusion with Taliban
Global Trends (10/08/2008)
[]
Mullah Omar No Longer an Ally of Al Qaeda
Asharq Alawsat (10/08/2008)
[]
Danish FM for dialogue with Taliban
AFP (10/08/2008)


CANADIAN FORCES
Canada to spend "what is needed" in Afghanistan


ECONOMIC AFFAIRS
Bring the banks into line


PARTY POLITICS
Ottawa admits it must act
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20081009.wbankpolitics10/BNStory/Business

 Harper took Quebec for granted, Bloc's Duceppe says

Prime minister says could lose election

What Harper told the Star


POLITICAL OPINION -
PM's Quebec bid in shambles

Here's why Harper's stock is falling

The rise and fall of the Harper majority
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20081009.wcoquebec10/BNStory/politics/home

There's a shift in the Dion narrative, but 'turned things around'?
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20081009.wcosimp10/BNStory/politics/home


Harper has a tin ear for nuances of winning

What's the best way for the Liberals or the NDP to try to consolidate anti-Conservative votes behind them in the campaign's final days?  http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20081010.welxnstrategists1009/BNStory/Front


Some polls show further Conservative gains

OPINION AND INFORMATION
The blowback from Afghanistan
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20081009.wcosalutin10/BNStory/politics/home

 Making the case for provincially elected senators

Strategic harm

A false sense of security

Spot the leader

Harper's open federalism' not rich enough for Charest
http://www.reportonbusiness.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20081001.wyakabuski1002/BNStory/robColumnsBlogs/home

Statement from Thomas Collins, Archbishop of Toronto


INFOS 
La mission en Afghanistan coûtera au moins 14 à 18 milliards $
http://info.branchez-vous.com/Nationales/081009/N1009153AU.html

Michael Fortier et le Grand Prix: "il faut tout faire pour le sauver"
http://info.branchez-vous.com/Nationales/081009/N1009141AU.html

Les coûts de la guerre en Afghanistan explosent et s'invitent dans la campagne
http://info.branchez-vous.com/Nationales/081009/N1009185AU.html

La crise économique menace le Canada, affirme le ministre Flaherty
http://info.branchez-vous.com/Nationales/081009/N1009151AU.html

La bactérie listeria ne peut être éliminée complètement, dit le PDG de Maple Leaf
http://info.branchez-vous.com/Nationales/081009/N1009177AU.html

Crise financière
Des économistes fustigent Harper
http://elections.radio-canada.ca/elections/federales2008/2008/10/08/007-Economistes-Harper.shtml


L'Afghanistan risque de sombrer dans la violence et le chaos

 Le Bloc menace libéraux et conservateurs


Harper se sert d'une entrevue difficile de Dion pour l'attaquer

(09/10/08)(09/10/2008)

Dion se présente comme l'unique alternative à Harper

(09/10/08)(09/10/2008)

Chrétien entre dans la campagne

200 millions par mois pour la guerre en Afghanistan
http://www.ledevoir.com/2008/10/10/210042.html

Le chef libéral plus confiant que jamais

Verts, votez rouge!

Cinq points d'avance pour le PC



The Economist: Why Stephen Harper does not deserve to be dumped. MORE...

Harper's plan offers us hope. MORE...

Mother Harper to the rescue. MORE...

Bring the banks into line MORE...

Voters pleasantly surprised by Dion MORE ...

Long underestimated, Dion has a stroke of luck. MORE...

Here's why Harper's stock is falling MORE...

Democracy catches up with Harper.. MORE...


Mr. Harper's empathy deficit MORE...

Harper's problem is not lack of empathy, but lack of credibility. MORE...

And the winner is ... the party that cuts a deal. MORE...

Vote splits create unexpected results. MORE...

Why Canadian politics will never be the same

Jeffrey Simpson: Canada's party politics is fractured. The days of two strong national parties are over, certainly temporarily, perhaps forever. The rise of the Greens and the apparent permanence of the Bloc Québécois reflect.. MORE...

The numbers game MORE...

Low turnout at advance polls good news to some. MORE...

Should the Greens just fade away? MORE...

Dion bests PM in crisis response.. MORE...

Our banks are safe.. MORE...

Prudence and pie in sky. MORE...

Same-sex marriage goes poof. MORE...

Abandoning the arts. MORE...

Producing better art. MORE.

Dion's three false starts

 CTV Just Won Dion The Election

 Parties trade shots over Dion interview

Dow plummets, TSX follows

 Sarkozy affair revealed; Chirac had facelift in Canada

Liberal campaign workers arrested

 Chrétien to boost Dion at rally Friday

 Green Party Begins Liberal Shift

 Liberals will go ahead with Green Shift

 Price tag of Canada's Afghanistan mission: up to $18 billion

The political cost of Afghanistan

Harper defends spending in Afghanistan

'Costs were not unknown': Harper

NDP says Grits and Tories hid truth about Afghan cost

Duceppe wants emergency debate to redefine Afghan mission

Afghanistan in a 'downward spiral'

Liberals launch Harper attack website

 Ottawa looks to help banks access cheaper funds

 No bank bailouts: Flaherty

Flaherty warns financial crisis not over

Latest: CPAC-Nanos Daily Election Tracking
CP 33, LP 29, NDP 20, BQ 10, GP 7
Tory support stabilizes: Haris-Decima poll

Voting NDP will only help Harper, Dion says

 'Prime Minister' Dion would bring higher interest rates, deficit: Harper

 Morgentaler to receive Order of Canada at Quebec ceremony

 Canadian banks the soundest in the world: report

 Big Canadian banks snub BoC interest rate cuts

U.S. Considering Taking Ownership Stakes in Banks

Tests stun listeria experts
Two-thirds of Maple Leaf meat samples collected from Toronto hospitals and nursing homes tested positive for a virulent strain of listeria just before the country's largest food recall...

Listeriosis bacteria found at Toronto plant

Despite cleanup, Maple Leaf not listeriosis free

Maple Leaf CEO say listeria in food plants will never be eliminated

Harper pledges more funds for health care

 Harper's support sags in post-debate survey
After Conservative Leader Stephen Harper spent last week's English and French debates fending off attacks from his four opponents, Tory support has slipped across the country in a broad range of categories, a new poll shows.

Outlook gets gloomier for Tories, polls suggest

Conservative support collapsing in key ridings: poll

Harper scrambles to slow sinking support

How Harper can stay the course and prevail

Defensive Harper stands by economic plan

Dion pushes Liberal legacy as momentum picks up

 Canada supports G8 summit on economy, Harper says

 PM blasts market 'pessimists'

Crisis? What crisis?

It's time for Harper to fold 'em, Layton says

Was leaked MacKay e-mail deja vu?

Sparks fly beween May and MacKay

Premier Wall 'concerned' over Tory campaign promise

Candidate: Strategic vote will hurt Greens

Food safety revamp began under Grits

 City's needs met, PM says

Canada ' punching below' its weight in aid ­ McKenna

 Itineraries for the five federal party leaders 2 hours, 3 minutes ago

 Quebec Green Party candidate supports Liberals Thu Oct 9, 8:00 PM

 B.C. civil rights group says voter ID rules will disenfranchise thousands Thu Oct 9, 7:55 PM

 Dion on defensive over potential Green Shift costs Thu Oct 9, 7:54 PM

 Trail Tales: Looks aren't everything Thu Oct 9, 7:20 PM

 Gilles Duceppe accuses Tories of intimidation in sovereigntist heartland Thu Oct 9, 7:18 PM

 Still plenty of wind in NDP sails: Layton Thu Oct 9, 6:24 PM

 Politics and turkey on tap for Thanksgiving Thu Oct 9, 6:19 PM

 Tory star Fortier needs Bloc, Liberal votes to win Thu Oct 9, 5:35 PM

 Quotes from the federal campaign trail Thursday Thu Oct 9, 4:00 PM

 A list of key promises in the 2008 federal election campaign Thu Oct 9, 3:55 PM

 N.S. premier pans Liberal carbon tax at annual cost of $600 million Thu Oct 9, 2:55 PM

 Pundits say Liberal carbon tax may result in Tory election gains in Maritimes Thu Oct 9, 2:53 PM

 Harper raises prospect of Prime Minister Dion Thu Oct 9, 2:15 PM

 Afghan war costs balloon, emerge as election issue Thu Oct 9, 1:45 PM

 Canada's banks don't need bailout: Harper Thu Oct 9, 1:30 PM

 Deadly strep outbreak in northern Ont. may spread as winter approaches: expert Thu Oct 9, 1:29 PM

 Advocates want funding renewed for AIDS community programs Thu Oct 9, 1:28 PM

 Crisis still threatens Canadian economy: Flaherty Thu Oct 9, 12:53 PM

 Afghan war may cost $18 billion: report Thu Oct 9, 12:51 PM

 Loonie hits turbulence, drops as much as 2.18 cents US Thu Oct 9, 12:49 PM

 BCAA drops health wait list insurance following outcry from members Thu Oct 9, 8:00 AM

 Afghan war cost over $20 billion, claims think tank Wed Oct 8, 10:42 PM

Liberals edge ahead in B.C. battlegrounds: poll
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20081006/election2008_poll_story_081009/20081009?s_name=election2008

Dionmania and the Spruce Goose: two ideas that just won't fly
http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/fullcomment/archive/2008/10/09/john-ivison-dionmania-hits-a-road-bump-called-real-life.aspx


BELOW(30)(30)(30)(30)(30)30)(30)(30)(30)(30)(30)30)(30)(30)(30)(30)(30)30)(30)(30)(30)(30)(30)(30)(30)(30)30)(30)(30)(30)(30)

YOUR VIEW: A REASONABLE CONCLUSION OR NOT?

Harper went nuclear and said the fact that Dion didn't hear the question is proof Dion isn't fit to be PM.


Tories spark storm over botched Dion interview

OTTAWA - Prime Minister Stephen Harper and his campaign team are seizing on a botched English-language interview given by Stephane Dion, claiming it proves the Liberal leader has no plan to cope with the country's economic problems.

Tories show video to play up Dion's language difficulties

Grits, Tories face off over Dion interview
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20081009.welxndionatv1009/BNStory/politics

Watch the video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xbs7wXvh2Q

Don Martin: A Dion gaffe that shows Harper's mean streak
http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/fullcomment/archive/2008/10/09/don-martin-a-dion-gaffe-that-shows-the-harper-mean-streak.aspx

Not Stéphane Dion's finest hour
http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/fullcomment/archive/2008/10/09/not-st-233-phane-dion-s-finest-hour.aspx

Harper bails out Dion
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/blogs/wbradwanski

Why in God's name would they have Stephen Harper do it - and in such a gleeful manner at that? 
http://blog.macleans.ca/2008/10/09/over-doing-dions-do-over/

A Liberal and a Tory perspective
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/blogs/SilverPowers

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From: "Ian Hamilton"
Subject: Re: Your choice: ONE STRONG CANADA or strong parts

Yes Joe it is worthwhile..its election time and I am busy but figured it is worth the time to let you know your work is appreciated.
 
Ian Hamilton ...Official Agent for Bill Casey

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From: "New Ostrog Monastery"

Can you imagine what deep integration would mean for Canada right now? We could have no independent policies at all, and we would be even deeper in in the manure pit of deregulation. Suppose we had opted for Brian M.s "unified currency" idea???

===================================
From: Ron Thornton
Subject: Re: Your choice: ONE STRONG CANADA or strong parts

Hi Joe:

It is interesting that as much as folks attempt to paint Harper as a scary fellow, they actually cause me to draw closer to what he proposes and what he stands for. This is especially true when I compare him to the alternatives, none of whom I find in the least bit palatable. Being from part of the country that past governments and present opposition parties seem to be more than content to attack and marginalize, please forgive me if I have become more an Albertan, more of a western regionalist, than a pan-Canadian. It seems at times that the greatest threat to my family's well being comes from its association with the rest of Canada.

Until such time as we convene a real Constitutional convention to review how we are governed, and the institutions through which we are governed, then I believe we should respect the present provisions within that document. For example, areas that are within the scope of the provinces should remain so. Actions taken in those areas should be based on the decisions of the respective provincial governments, as elected by the people in those provinces, and not mandated by a federal government that may not exactly enjoy similar support from the people within said provinces.

Joe, you seem more than a little put off my anything Reform, a party that caused me to abandon the Progressive Conservatives nearly 20 years ago. I see any move that would guarantee provincial control, control given them by the Constitution, over natural resources, language, and culture as a positive. I understand, Joe, that you see yourself as a Canadian, not just Ontarian, but this may be due to the fact that you may believe that Canada is simply a reflection of all things Ontario. You seem to be afraid of Harper, but you present no acceptable alternative to his leadership or the Conservative Party. What you seem to fear I find myself embracing.

The regulation of our financial institutions have been such that it has insulated us somewhat from the meltdown taking place down south. His party platform is a continuation of the course he has already set, not a bunch of pie-in-the-sky nonsense thrown together by those who are long in making promises but rather short on actually following through with them. If a 15-year old goes on a killing spree, the welfare of the little darling is not terribly high on my priority list, but rather my concern lies with his present and potential future victims. I believe when one withdraws from a combat zone, it must be done in such a fashion that it takes in to consideration of the consequences of that action so that we might not be forced to return to clean up the mess we leave behind. I believe in public health care, but I also realize that one only has to look at the incomes enjoyed by some in the medical profession to realize somebody is making a profit and enjoying financial gain. I believe in supporting the arts, but support of those who have shown themselves by their talent as worthy of such support, and not just self-serving parasites looking for an undeserved handout.

It is not Harper I fear. It is the rest that cause me great concern. It is they who fail to represent my Canadian values.

Ron Thornton

===================================
From: "Real. Gagne"
Subject: Re: Your choice: ONE STRONG CANADA or strong parts

Joe:

As usual, you've hit on a topic that is both current and important.

I too, consider myself a Canadian. After all, my ancestors came here in 1643.

While I could by holding my nose support the kind of centralized state control that you seem to advocate if it delivered the goods, I am opposed to it on the instrumental grounds that it simply hasn't worked.

This country has been subjected to that kind of centralized control by a whole series of Liberal and Progressive Conservative governments since the days of MacKenzie King and today the nation is more divided and fractured than ever. And to date, I see no evidence that this is about to change.

To quote Luke, 11, 17, *"Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house divided against a house falleth."* It's time to look at something else if we expect this nation to survive.

And if I've understood you correctly, you would favour the use of the Disallowance, Reserve and Declaratory Powers remaining in our Constitution to browbeat recalcitrant provinces whose legitimate government would not submit to the ukases of the Kremlin on the Rideau. The last instance of their use, if I remember correctly was against Alberta, and from my perspective, justifiably so in that instance.

That was then. This is now. Quite frankly, Joe, such a move by any federal government, of whatever political stripe, in the 21st century would be the best guarantee of the breakup of this country.

Why not at least consider alternatives to the kind of creeping centralization and bureaucratization of this country that has so obviously failed to unite us?

It's not as if there aren't examples that we could examine and adapt to our own needs. For example, the Swiss have lived and prospered under their extremely loose federation for generations. And to take an example a little closer to our circumstances, the looser confederation of Australia is not marked by the open separatist sentiments building up in this country.

Real

===================================
From: "Nancy Clarke
Subject: Re: Your choice: ONE STRONG CANADA or strong parts

Hi Joe,
Kind of scary and I do not think the intentions of the Confederation of Fathers were to be used in to reforming Canada in today's world. Back in the 1800s, the Fathers intentions was to put a country together, meshing in all the differences such as the French Nationalists, English Nationalists, the others who wanted to become independent from Britain, and the ones who wanted to annex with United States. The map of 1867, is a lot different than it is now.  What I remembered in my history classes is that it was a small miracle that Canada became a country of its own. Without the vision of the Confederation of Fathers, we all would be Americans.

That said,  the Reform proposals have already started under Harper. I can name one example that would be perfect to illustrate what happens if certain powers are given to the provinces. The inspection of all food made or produce by any province, is inspected by the province who produce the food, for those products that are being shipped across Canada. The federal arm, will only inspect food products that are leaving or entering Canada.  As I live in Newfoundland and Labrador, I have notice Canadian food products especially fruit and vegetables are of a very poor quality and very dear in price, since Harper came into power. This pass summer,  the fruit and vegetables coming from other provinces were the worse I even seen. I then made a series of phone calls to make the complaint that other provinces were dumping fruit and vegetables in NL, where the same food products would not be sold at  the retail level in the province where the food originated.  I and many other residents of  rural NL, have no choice but to buy American food products, especially in fruit and vegetables. Canadian food products the quality are far less than the American fruit and vegetables.

So what has happen is that food inspection is now regulated by the provinces and territories that all have different rules and especially in areas of what is eatable.

By removing federal power over food inspection, or allowing industries to regulate themselves we are all asking for a lot of food troubles, and just imagine what it would be for the mining industry or the shipping industry. I like to think, that there is standards set no matter what corner of Canada you are living and working in. You just have to look at United States and the mining industry. There is some mines that are a lot more dangerous where companies chose to overlook standards in favour of the profit line.

The Reform proposals will not unite this country, but rather it will split it apart into divisions. Canada is too big, the provinces are too big for any of the proposals to work effectively. It reminds me of trying to mimic the U.S. setup, without using the same structure. From what I read and understood, my first thought there would be no need for MPs to represent us. The provincial government will do that, and what is needed at the federal level are just  senators. It essentially downloads most costs onto the provinces, leaving only the territories under some federal governance. This is not what the Fathers of Confederation intended, nor is what most Canadians want.

Have you or anybody thought who would benefit the most from the reform proposals? I have, and it would be big business, the Big Bank and the BIG RESOURCE INDUSTRIES. As for the average Canadian, our social net would disappear to be replace by social policies of the individual provinces depending on factors of costs, and can a province afford it.

Nancy

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From: "Wendy Forrest"
Subject: Check out my election promo...

Many thanks to Bryan Law for helping me out with this!
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zwt-HRC-_44

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From: "Anne Dickinson"

Today there are very disturbing reports of just how surprisingly widespread and dangerous the contamination from the listeria infection really was.
 
Even today Maple Leaf cold cuts are still  testing as contaminated.
 
 Many people including CFIA members and government scientists(some of whom have been fired for their whistle blowing.) have warned the government regarding the safety of Canada's food system and the changes introduced by the federal government . A spokesman for CFIA said according to the Toronto Star.

CFIA inspectors interviewed by the Star and the CBC say the agency's recent move toward self-regulation of meat safety has compromised public safety. They say policy changes imposed earlier this year have shifted the responsibility for inspection to profit-driven companies while inspectors are left to review paperwork.

"We shouldn't be called inspectors any more. We should be called auditors," said one veteran CFIA inspector who spoke on the condition of anonymity. "The amount of time my butt is glued to a chair has increased ... it's a travesty to the Canadian public that your grandmother could eat a sandwich and die."
Even though this incident echoes the Walkerton tragedy in so many respects,including many of the principles involved,  this group still don't get judging from their light hearted quips and  Tom Flanagan who seemed to dismiss the notion of increasing  government inspection, telling a TV reporter that it would be too costly.
 
Evidently the Walkerton and Maple Leaf foods disasters were not costly in his estimation. It is evidently all important to remove regulations and allow businesses to police themselves.
 
South of the border we have seen the outcome of the lack of practical regulations as the financial system teeters.
 
Whoever wins  the US election, the Harperites are just about the last true believers in the discredited extreme right wing experiment that we have witnessed in the last 8 years or so.
 
An article in the Ottawa Citizen today regarding the report on the cost of the Afghanistan War, mentions that "misleading accounting and a lack of transparency within the federal government effectively obscure the real bill for("Afghanistan).
 
The article goes on to say that the report raises serious questions about the government as a money manager.as it is no longer sitting on the huge surpluses of Liberal years"
Both the Bush government and the Harper government aimed to cut back on the amount of available money for social programs. Bush succeeded all too well,his overspending and  trashing of the US financial situation has had repercussions world wide.
 
 Harper was heading down the same road and even before the present crises, had spent freely( without accomplishing anything of value) and had brought Canada to the brink of deficit.
 
Making the situation even more worrisome is the fact that  Harper does not have any brakes on his actions,. There is no strong team around him. He will not brook dissent or opinions that differ from his own. His MP's are forced to stay mum, and it must be admitted that when they don't, see Minister Ruiz, the results are none too pretty.
 
There also seems to be an unprecedented  gag order on the civil service. Paranoia abounds on Parliament Hill these days..
 
Having a secretive and manipulative control freak as leader of a highly  ideological group of light weights does not seem like  the most promising  prescription for helping Canada deal with the serious problems to come.
 
Anne Dickinson

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