The Opposition's Got Talent. Who Knew?

I was just goofing around here, but I think the opposition parties should get together and hold a talent show. They could sell tickets for charity or something.

Because every time Stephen Harper gets into trouble he sings his way out of it. An opposition talent show would blow that strategy out of the water. The only thing I want to hear from Harper is his swan song.

How Stephen Harper Controls the Media

An important element of democracy is a free and independent media. But we in Canada have only a silenced one.

Stephen Harper is Becoming Even More Frightening

I must admit that when I heard about the Harper photo gallery, where paintings and such of former prime ministers were removed and replaced with photos of the big guy, I was scared.

Citizens who really want a national portrait gallery in Ottawa can rest easy. The government already has one. All you need to get in is a Commons security pass, a Conservative party membership and a keen desire to view exclusive pictures of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, exclusively ... "When you walk in the door, all you see are pictures of Stephen Harper," said Ms. May "I'd say between every window, in every available space of the wall, at eye level, every available space has a photo of Stephen Harper."

"You've got photos of Stephen Harper, but not of previous prime ministers," she added. "Photos of Stephen Harper in different costumes, in different settings, dressed as a fireman, in Hudson Bay looking for polar bears, meeting the Dalai Lama, even the portrait of the Queen had to have Stephen Harper, but in a candid, behind her."

When I just learned that he is using OUR money to make phone calls, rallying support for Israeli military action, I was frightened.

But this next story is absolutely terrifying. From Jeffrey Simpson:

In the Prime Minister’s Office, under officials working with House Leader John Baird, the most publicly partisan of all ministers, a review is under way of the nation’s honours system. The aim is to associate the Prime Minister with more national awards, perhaps at the expense of the Governor-General, with whose office so many awards are now associated. All honours and awards, up to and including (if you can believe it) the Order of Canada, are under review to see which, if any, might be more closely associated with the PMO, and which new ones might be created that are tied to that office and, by definition, to the occupant of that office.

He claims that too many Canadian things are identified with the Liberals. Funny. When I see the flag or sing the national anthem, I don't think Liberal. I think Canada. Reminds me of the flag flap that Harper's pal Peter Brimelow bought into.

For decades, the office of the Governor-General has been the place where honours and awards are organized, and with which they’re associated. Why? Because the office is above politics, represents the entire country and can’t be accused of having ulterior motives, let alone political ones. The Governor-General usually doesn’t even sit on the selection committees for the honours and awards, but simply presides over the ceremonies. It’s the same in the United Kingdom, where awards and honours are made in the sovereign’s name for service to the country, not to the prime minister of the day. The Queen, not the prime minister, hands out the major awards and honours.

But this is the Harper government, controlling all as none before it, eager to find political advantage in everything the government does.

I guess it's just a matter of time before we officially become Harperland. With a new flag, on which his mug is emblazoned, and a new national anthem.

Oh Stephen Harper, you scare the hell out of me
You are such a goon
But you'll be leaving soon
We voters have had enough

We want Canada
Put back the way it was
Not about guns and fear
So your time is drawing near
Don't let the door hit you ....

Ah. It needs work. But you get the idea.

This isn't the first time he's tried to take control of the Governor General's duties. I think the man might be mentally ill.

Stephen Harper and Vladimir Putin are Singing From the Same Songbook

Though not exactly musical propaganda, there appears to be an attempt by Harper and Putin to recreate Stalin's "cult of personality", as both of these leaders recently "treated" their flock to a bit of entertainment.

Harper ... hmmmm ... rocked out at his caucus Christmas party, while Putin treated a crowd to his best Fats Domino.

Is there no end to Vladimir Putin’s talents? The Russian Prime Minister already has a reputation as an accomplished fighter-jet pilot and Siberian tiger-hunter, and is a black belt in judo. Now you can add jazz crooner to the list.

The 58-year-old former KGB chief stunned an audience at a charity event on Friday that included Sharon Stone and Kevin Costner with his rendition of Blueberry Hill ...Putin, described as ‘alpha-dog’ in diplomatic cables released by WikiLeaks, is reported to have sung patriotic songs to a group of Russian agents after they were expelled from America in July. But before Friday’s show in St Petersburg, his musical prowess had not been noted. His spokesman said he learned the lyrics to Blueberry Hill as part of his English language studies.

So maybe if Harper learned how to fly fighter-jets, hunt Siberian tiger and gets a black belt in judo, we might not think he was such a doofus.

My favourite political idol performances though, are Jack Layton's Party For Sale or Rent and Bob Rae's Prorogation Song.

Enjoy.