Gift from Canada?�-�Commentary�-�The Washington Times, America's Newspaper

Gift from Canada?�-�Commentary�-�The Washington Times, America's Newspaper

"Why does President Bush hope Christmas comes a little late this year? Because on Jan. 23, Canada may elect the most pro-American leader in the Western world. Free-market economist Stephen Harper, leader of the opposition Conservative Party, is pro-free trade, pro-Iraq war, anti-Kyoto, and socially conservative. Move over Tony Blair: If elected, Mr. Harper will quickly become Mr. Bush's new best friend internationally and the poster boy for his ideal foreign leader. "

So goes this silly commentary from the Washington Times, sure to drive voters across Canada into the arms of the Liberals and NDP. If there is anything that unites Canada, it is a widespread distaste for the Bush Administration, and any reminders of the similarities between the President and Mr. Harper will do nothing to allay Canadian's concerns on that score. Had Mr. Harper been our Prime Minister, Canada would have sent troops to Iraq to participate in that sorry and tragic war. "For the first time, American and British forces will go to war without Canada by their side, and I think that's a shame.." he says, in 2003 after Jean Chretien announced Canada would not participate. Let's not forget that. And if we have no other reason to not vote Conservative, let it be this:

"A Harper victory may prove to be the exception to the international rule -- a rare foreign event that manages to put a smile on President George W. Bush's face. "