Monday, November 14, 2011

Please STOP Talking

Oh good, I'm not the only one who reacted to Sheila Copps today like skin reacts to poison ivy. Here's a neat concept, if you want people to stop seeing you as a "stalking horse" for someone else, STOP acting like a "stalking horse" for someone else. It is simply astounding how every single interview, commentary, piece I've heard from Sheila Copps SINCE she floated a run for Liberal President includes some dialogue on how Bob Rae can be permanent leader. Nevermind if Mr. Rae can or can't run, with ALL the myriad of ISSUES facing the Liberal Party of Canada, this continual distraction is disappointing, and frankly it reveals why Copps isn't necessarily a good choice to lead the party.

I want a President that does the tough work, but also someone who is largely anonymous, isn't controversial, isn't a potential problem or doesn't bring baggage. Unfortunately, Copps pre-occupation with parting the seas to allow Mr. Rae a run for permanent leader raises all kinds of conspiracy laden theories. It's as though we currently have two parallel universes with the Liberal Party, the encouraging reforming agenda that strives for a new presentation, and the old nudge nudge, wink wink, backroom flavoured machinations.

Bob Rae is doing a FANTASTIC job as Interim Leader, as many thought he would, without the permanent question in the equation. However, Mr. Rae was provided the opportunity with certain stipulations in mind. Yes, people can change their minds, but the unique advantages that Interim Leader provides should preclude any future revisions. Sheila Copps doesn't think the Interim Leader role provides a potential advantage, which is pure MADNESS, YES it does, obviously it does, hello, hello, are you for real? Again, to not admit this basic common sense fact leaves me WONDERING what the hell is really going on here?

Mr. Rae gave his word, Mr. Rae has said he will not seek the permanent position, on various occasions. It is most certainly NOT the role of a potential Party President to drive an agenda that amounts to almost picking sides, getting right in the middle of debate that is outside of how I view this party role. Perhaps this is an example of why Liberals should be weary of Sheila Copps, she is prone to become the story, is that a net positive for US moving forward? Will Liberals have to endure this now reaccuring commentary on Mr. Rae, feeding distractions, wasting energy and focus on issues that frankly she should be taking a PASS on.

Just PLEASE, please STOP talking. I have this sneaking suspicion that we are going down a bad path...

9 comments:

Joe said...

I like Shelia Copps and I never vote Liberal.

rockfish said...

I don't understand the whole concept about why Bob's good for interim leader but can't run for permanent leader; if he does a great job as one, and he believes he still has it in him to give more as a full-time boss come 2013, why should he be denied that opportunity -- its still up to the membership? Those who think the two can never be linked should only look at the lost-at-sea version that's occurring with the Loyal Opposition and its 'temporary interim leader'... At some time, those who envision conspiracy theories behind every motive of leadership should check their mirrors for elvis sightings.

Steve V said...

Yep, nobody will run with conspiracy theories, nor will it cause controversy. G and M TODAY:

"Rae ally Sheila Copps has become the leading candidate for the party presidency. Ms. Copps has already stated that she thinks Mr. Rae should drop his pledge and run for the permanent leadership."

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/lawrence-martin/and-the-next-liberal-leader-is-bob-rae/article2235985/

Yep, nothing to see here...

Steve V said...

Oh, more conspiracy stuff. Mr. Rae isn't going to run for permanent leader, but someone is sending the media glowing review packages:

http://blogs.canada.com/2011/11/14/bob-raes-glowing-reviews-whos-the-target/


Who needs Elvis when you have reality.

bigcitylib said...

That's as likely to be the Tory war room as anyone else.

Steve V said...

If that's true, speaks volumes about a permanent gig. If your opponents are pumping your tires, my goodness.

sharonapple88 said...

Agreed that Rae's candidacy isn't the biggest problem the party faces. I think Hartling's closer to identifying the problems with the party.

rockfish said...

Our enemies love to see us smacking the mirror. This is just a waste of time in my mind -- i could care less who the next president feels should be the leader. The party is going through severe turbulence and if someone's got an opinion on leadership i'm not going to blast them for sharing. I just think that as we evolve how we select the next leader, the configuration will insure that all those old, Chretien v Turner wars angles will be such dust. We're just making it easy to pay much attention to it. In other words, if Copps opinion distresses you so, contact her, and/or don't vote for her!
Rae will be closing on 70 soon and as someone who supported him the past two leadership races, well in 2006 race anyways, I seriously don't see why or how he could run, never mind win. Only if we paralyze the rebuilding process and scare off all other legitimate challengers -- and there's a healthy handful right now ...

Steve V said...

Rockfish, we should care less about leadership opinions, except someone seems to care a GREAT deal. Sorry, but I'm a bit tired of getting upset at the WIDESPREAD reaction, rather than the source itself, which just speaks to why this individual is a BAD choice for President. We don't need a media hound with all kinds of public opinions, we need a behind the scenes builder. It's not "we", it's the media and they will eat up every controversial word uttered, regardless of whether your or I give it any oxygen.