Political Grab Bag

But isn't all politics a grab bag? Sorry, the cynic we usually keep locked in the attic got loose.

A few notes on the week's events and other observations:

1. Pas de Cravates.

Cornelius Burke once sent a dinner invitation with that instruction. We guessed it was because he had observed that some of his senior managers didn't know how to knot a necktie. But now we see that many political figures, beginning with Mr. S. Harper, often appear open-collared and tie-less. Presumably they believe this makes then appear trustworthy, down-to-earth, regular guys. Even though they're wearing $2,500 suits.

2. The 5% Solution

Finance Minister Joe Oliver is about to introduce legislation that will make it mandatory for future federal governments to maintain a balanced budget. If they fail to do so, he said, cabinet members would have their salaries reduced by five percent. This could mean we would be seeing a lot of senior ministers working the night shift at Tim Horton's.

3. Call Me Mister

Inevitably in radio and television interviews, political figures address the interviewer by his or her first name, as though they were longtime pals. The interviewer respectfully addresses the interviewee as "Mr. Prime Minister" or "Madam Premier," but the interviewee always comes back with, "Well, Gus" or "That's a good question that I'm going to dodge, Melinda." Come on, a little respect for the interviewer. Unless he/she can start calling you by your first name. Or embarrassing nickname.

4. Stick with Journalism

It has long been obvious that journalists do not do well in politics. Consider the cases of Warren G. Harding and Benito Mussolini. And at this very moment, not only the helium-inflated Mike Duffy, but also Pamela Wallin. The life-size bronze statue in her hometown of Wadena, Saskatchewan may be permanently on hold. And even if journalists do not fare badly, once their brief star power is spent at the polls, they are likely to languish in the back benches, gathering dust. Jack Webster was asked to be a candidate for every party under the sun, and wisely refused them all. "I can have more power," he correctly said, "where I am." The only journalist who really had success in politics was Winston Churchill. But there aren't any other Churchills around, no matter how many believe themselves to be.