It is no accident...

Is anyone surprised that in the days immediately following the appointment of Bob Rae (L-Foyer) as foreign affairs critic for the Liberal Party the Prime Minister gets a new foreign affairs adviser?

A foreign affairs adviser who was the political minister for Ontario under Chretien, a former Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the only really credible member of the Chretien inner cabinet left - John Manley (L- Chairman of the Bored out of his mind). A little more in touch with Ontario than the Liberal Critic, I would say. Or at least a little more popular in Ontario. Almost makes Steve look (looks both ways, and whispers) palatable to those on the fence.

Ok- he is part of a team considering options - including Pamela Wallin (god, what will she contribute?) and a slew of Mulroney insiders - but an adviser nevertheless. Frankly, I think it is a great idea for the Prime Minister to take counsel from people that are himself and his cats. Liberal or no, Manley is a very intelligent and able manager - too bad he isn't in Cabinet like Emerson (Look ma, no chance of re-election) or Fortier (C - look ma, no riding - election, c'est quoi ca?). I have always had a problem with this ridiculous notion that you had to be a) an MP and b) a member of the Prime Minister's party to be in Cabinet. Bill Cohen (R- Clinton's Secretary of Defence)anyone? Bueller?

Maybe I should just move to the States and get it over with. A great system run by white men who barely understand it, let alone know any better.

Or maybe instead of wasting our time on stupid debates and referendums on the electoral system, maybe we should look at reforming the way that the government actually works. Running a Ministry does not require political leanings- it requires the ability to reflect the wishes of Cabinet led by the Chief Executive Officer. People have quit Cabinet for less than disagreeing with the leader, you know.