December 13, 2005
Canada's Paul Martin: Not Much to Say
Prime Minister Paul Martin, our old pal from the Great White North, is at it again.
David Wilkins, the U.S. Ambassador to Canada warned Prime Minister Paul Martin to knock off the bashing of America in the days leading up to its election:
"It may be smart election politics to thump your chest and constantly criticize your friend and your No. 1 trading partner. But it's a slippery slope and all of us should hope it doesn't have a long-term impact on our relationship."
...
In the campaign for the June 2004 election Martin regularly said Canada did not want U.S.-style health care, fiscal deficits, taxes or attack ads.
But in the last several months, particularly in frustration over U.S. refusal to eliminate duties on Canadian softwood, he has made more direct attacks on U.S. policy, and continued to do so during the election campaign.
Martin refuses to back down, saying he has the right to "defend [his] country."
Of course, he has every right to make us look bad while he tries to hold onto his office after a vote of no-confidence. However, it doesn't say much for his leadership and record if he feels that using the old "America as a punching bag" tactic is a great way to win votes.
Doesn't he have anything else to offer?
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