What a Tragic Day for Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, and Democracy

Where do I start?

There is no doubt that Stephen Harper is a liar. There is also no doubt that he is a right wing fundamentalist. He also heads up a party that ignores election laws and rewards people who lie - with a Cabinet post.

The real problem and concern is that he is also very shrewd - he will use his intelligence not for the common good but for his own advancement and that of his secret corporate buddies.

Today as Newfoundland and Labrador witnesses the appointment of Peter Penashue to Cabinet - we should be celebrating this historic move - instead we have to ponder how cynical this actually is.

Without questioning at all the sincerity of Mr. Penashue - I absolutely am sickened by what this means for our future. I am able to hypothesize why Harper has made the move - but I am yet unable to determine if Penashue will fall for it.

Peter Penashue is now the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs - and as such may be the individual that delivers the loan guarantee for the Lower Churchill development to the province. As an Innu leader - Harper can claim that he not only gave our government what it wanted but it was done through an aboriginal person. This development - possibly the largest giveaway in our history - should be stopped not financed. Harper for his part will use Penashue to deliver cheap - green - reliable power to other provinces of importance to him. This is great news for Nova Scotia, Ontario, and perhaps other Maritime provinces or New England States - but it is devastating to us. What a clever lad our Prime Minister is - how deceptive, vindictive, and sarcastic he is.

Meanwhile back at the ranch - that Stephen Harper's surreptitious mind lives on - he has once again appointed Fabian Manning to the Senate joined by other failed Conservative candidates. Another absolute slap in the face to the people of our province who chose again NOT to elect him. Remember Harper - promising to deliver an elected Senate? Not only has he continued to renege on this - he appoints people the people have said no to.

Then the kicker - Harper finished his News Conference on the Cabinet appointments - then passes on the information on the Senate appointments and does not stick around to answer questions about it. John Baird the newly minted Minister of Foreign Affairs - also refused questions on this absolute contempt of the Canadian people.
 
For political desert - if your stomach is not already upset - Bev Oda returns to Cabinet!

For the 22% of the voting public that elected this mess - well done. For the over 70% who did not - shame on those who did not vote and the remainder of us should simply work very hard to make sure the next four years does not destroy our country and ensure this type of administration is never elected again.

Cheers to Peter MacKay - your sly and manipulative manner has surely paid off.