There’s an old adage that says that one is judged by the company they keep. While I think that this may be a bit too simplistic at times, I find that time and time again, the comments sections some of the media “of record” in this country reflect a readership at home.
Take for instance, this top comment at the CBC:
and this attempt at the Globe and Mail:
Those thumbs up/thumbs down votes are telling of the state of Canadian media these days. CBC and the Globe sing to the choir and the applecart of comfortable thought remains unturned.
Is there a market for Sun TV News? Fox News in the US has the most politically diverse audience (Republican/Democrat split) and I believe the same will be true for Sun News. Conservatives will find a home there to be sure, but left-wingers will also clamour to fight back the threatening barbarians climbing the gate of their mainstream, of their order now challenged.
In Canada, the Conservatives unapologetically spend, while in the UK, they are about to cut — but not without apology.
An email I just received from the UK Conservatives addressed to party faithful:
Dear Stephen,
Ahead of next week’s budget, it’s important to remember that the debt crisis that threatens us is Labour’s legacy to Britain.
Labour left us with no money – only waste and debt:
– They left every man, woman and child owing £22,400
– They gave us one of the worst budget deficits in Europe
– They left 2.47 million people out of work
– And they sold off Britain’s gold at a 20-year low in the market.
Unless we act now to deal with this crisis, interest payments in five years’ time could end up being higher than the amount we spend on schools, climate change and transport.
That’s why we have to do something about it. The cuts that are coming are Labour’s cuts.
So before Tuesday’s crucial Budget, take a look at this document outlining Labour’s Legacy to Britain.
But don’t just keep it to yourself – please send this email on to your friends and family to help make sure Labour are never allowed to leave such a rotten legacy again.
Sayeeda Warsi
Co-Chairman of the Conservative Party
The legacy of Britain’s debt is Labour’s to be sure, but in an email to those that elected you, claim credit for taking action. These cuts are your cuts and you should proud to implement the plan to address the crisis.
“The comments of Ms. Davies are more than just a ‘serious mistake,’ as the Leader of the NDP now maintains. To deny the State of Israel’s right to exist and to propose an international campaign of boycotts, divestments and sanctions against a legitimate member of the world community for over sixty years is to reveal a level of hostility and ignorance that is truly breathtaking.
“These are not the off-the-cuff ramblings of any ill-informed or biased person. Ms. Davies is the Deputy Leader of a political party that aspires to reflect and represent the views of Canada on the international stage. In this role, fully cognizant of her responsibilities, she stated that Israel has been occupying territories since 1948, the year of its independence. The logical implication of these comments is that Israel has no right to exist.
“She called this ‘the longest occupation in the world.’ That is simply untrue, and reflects a complete disregard for the facts.
“This is a position that is more than just ‘unacceptable.’ This rhetoric is responsible for more than ‘confusion,’ and an ‘inadvertent error,” as Ms. Davies now suggests.
“The appropriate decision, given her stature and responsibilities with the NDP, is for Mr. Layton to ask for her resignation as Deputy Leader and for Ms. Davies to issue an apology to all Canadians. Nothing short of that will do.”
The referenced “Helen Thomas moment”:
In related NDP tolerance news, NDP MP calls a Catholic denomination “creepy”,
UPDATE: B’nai Brith unsurprisingly calls for Davies to be sacked.
“B’nai Brith Canada is calling on NDP leader Jack Layton to take action against Libby Davies for her outrageous remarks against the Jewish State, and by extension the Jewish people,” said Frank Dimant, Executive Vice President of B’nai Brith Canada. “The fact that Davies made her comments at an anti-Israel rally held in front of a Jewish-owned business speaks volumes to the fact that anti-Israel agitators in Canada are blurring the lines between criticism of Israeli policies and antisemitism.
“Both Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Liberal Party foreign affairs critic Bob Rae have justifiably called for the resignation of Ms. Davies. NDP leader Jack Layton has gone on the record today stating that her remarks are not the policy of his party – if that is the case, then Mr. Layton should take the next step and relieve Davies of her leadership positions in the party.”
