[jensonj]

<strong>Written By:</strong> jensonj
<strong>Date:</strong> 2006-08-14 10:59:18
<a href="/article/105918527-noshow-pm-hammered">Article Link</a>

"I think it's an embarrassment," conference co-chair Dr. Mark Wainberg, an AIDS expert from McGill University in Montreal, said of the prime minister's decision not to accept an invitation to help open the conference.

"I think he's made a mistake, quite honestly."

When the conference was being organized -- before the January election that toppled the previous Liberal government -- former prime minister Paul Martin had indicated he would attend, Wainberg said. "Mr. Martin would have given his eye teeth to be present at the opening ceremonies."

Harper's office hasn't really made clear why he won't follow in the footsteps of other world leaders -- including former prime minister Brian Mulroney -- and attend the opening. The explanation given is that the prime minister can't accept every invitation he's proffered.

<a href="http://www.winnipegsun.com/News/Canada/2006/08/13/1751922-sun.html">http://www.winnipegsun.com/News/Canada/2006/08/13/1751922-sun.html</a>







[Proofreader's note: this article was edited for spelling and typos on August 15, 2006]

[SphinxMontreal]

The reason why Canada's AWOL PM isn't attending Toronto is the exact same reason why he didn't attend the recent Montreal Outgames - he's a homophobe. Of course, it should come as some surprise to Mr. Harper that many of the people who have contracted AIDS are not homosexuals.

Instead, the "Intolerant One" is in the Arctic manning the front lines, anticipating an imminent invasion from an army of Polar Bears.

For a guy that doesn't want to "cut and run" from Afghanistan, he sure as hell spends a lot of time hiding and running away from some of the most important issues confronting humanity.

As an example, while visiting the Arctic, has he made one comment about the alarming rate that the polar ice cap is melting due to Global Warming? Of course, you cannot worry about something as insignifcant as Global Warming when you're busy kissing oil industry ass.

With a leader like this, the joke is on the Canadian people.

[Deacon]

Whether or not the PM is a homophobe is not something I have knowledge about.

What I do know, however, is that he is the consumate control freak.

It wouldn't have made any difference if the people involved were straight, gay, or eunuchs. If he cannot be assured of complete control over the outcome of the event, he will NOT show up.

His issues transcend so-called "homophobia".

He's afraid of EVERYONE.

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"and the knowledge they fear is a weapon to be used against them"

"The Weapon" - Rush

[Michael Scott]

So when Chrétien didn't show for the AIDS conference in Vancouver, when we were host in '89... was it because he was a homophobe, a control freak, or what? No? Well then why the uproar when the PM is a Conservative? Oh, wait, you all hate his guts... dumb question. With all the play this has gotten in the press over the last few days, I can't wait for the next time you guys spout that the media is run by the government or by the right wing corporate agenda.

The governor general and the minister of health were there. Not an insubstantial presence by the government. Not the PM, but the right people were there.

Was this important? Yep. Did Harper miss an opportunity? Yep (a PR opportunity, and a political one). However, had he actually showed up, he would have been jeered as having attended to score a PR photo op. Can't win regardless of what he did. So, in true Harper style, he pledges to fix the obviously flawed legislation the Libs put in place to send cheap drugs to the 3rd world (do something real instead of doing something pretty). Legislation that has allowed exactly zero drugs to actually get to the third world. Legislation that the Libs still trumpet on their web site as some sort of achievement - but why wouldn't they, after all, they did all sorts of things that amounted to nothing... might as well celebrate the posturing. If the Cons can get 1 shipment of drugs to Africa, they will have done more than 13 years of Liberal mismanagement.

[Deacon]

Funny, I don't recall saying anything about Paul Martin, good or ill.

I did say something about a PM who:

1) derailed democracy when he allowed an MP to cross the floor to his side after being elected elected under the banner of another party BEFORE even taking power.

2) refuses to field hard questions during press conferences (or ANY real questions of substance for that matter)

3) requires every public communication, even letters to the editor, to be passed through the PM's office for "approval"

4) endorses a softwood lumber deal that EVERY major player in the Canadian Wood industry describes as being a complete sell out.

And those are just four reasons off the top as to why so many of us dislike and distrust him.

If you want more, please feel free to ask.

---
"and the knowledge they fear is a weapon to be used against them"

"The Weapon" - Rush

[4Canada]

Michael,<br />
[quote]"So when Chrétien didn't show for the AIDS conference in Vancouver, when we were host in '89... was it because he was a homophobe, a control freak, or what?"<br />
<br />
I believe it was Mulroney that opened the 1989 confrence in Montreal and Cretien didn't show for the 1996 one in Vancouver. I don't know if he was invited but this is a fairly good article outlining the history and how "most" politicians try and avoid them. It certainly can't be because they have any shame or a conscience. Must be that thing called ego and the thin skin that often accompanies a big one.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.iht.com/articles/2006/08/09/healthscience/snaids.php">http://www.iht.com/articles/2006/08/09/healthscience/snaids.php</a><p>---<br>"And those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music." Friedrich Nietzsche<br />

[boflaade]

Harper has more pressing issues to tend to: He's gotta make a powerfull hooting, tooting armed force to impress the Yanks. He's gotta show Quebec that he's their man and he's gotta get a bigger platter for all those CEO's. Harper is not interested in some petty problems like a disease that kills like an American.

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Expect little from life and get more from it.

[Michael Scott]

Thanks 4Canada. My dates were wrong.

[SphinxMontreal]

"His issues transcend so-called "homophobia".<br />
<br />
He's afraid of EVERYONE."<br />
<br />
Thanks Deacon, I stand corrected. The PM is not a HomoPhobe-he is a HomoSapienPhobe. It's no secret that if Harper had his way, he would eliminate Gay Marriage in a heatbeat. Anyway, he prefers other methods of population control, like supporting the bombing of innocent civilians.<br />
<br />
Bottom line: if he is too chicken shit to stand up and respond to criticism like a man, he has no business being Prime Minister.<br />
<br />
It doesn't take some booing and jeering for most Canadians to realize the guy is one of the most unpopular PM's of our time. And since there have been more than a few big time losers in office, that's quite an accomplishment.<br />
<br />
Here's why Chretien didn't attend Vancouver 1996:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.aegis.com/news/ct/1996/CT960705.html">http://www.aegis.com/news/ct/1996/CT960705.html</a>

[Armyguy]

So why showup? Lets have the PM show for ever thing. He can show for lil Johns hockey game, or lil Jane's dance contest. He should show for important things, such as the 911 yearly remeberance, Rememberance Day, etc. It could be like Cuba with their Aids, they send them to a different island.
You people know my views on dumb things. F#$%them

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27 yrs in the military, 9 tours and one more almost complete..