America- meet Frank McKenna

I've meet Frank McKenna, back when he was the Liberal Premier of New Brunswick. I've eaten with the man at fundraisers and Canada Club lunches. I have to agree with The Hour host George Stroumboulopoulos' (thank GOD for cut and paste- that is one hell of a name!) comment that Frank is a straight shooter:

"I believe that we've given in large measure what the Americans want, which is the ability to use Norad and their intercept information in order to be able to target weaponry "

Now, this may not be a shocker to some of us who know that our role in the proposed "Missile Shield" is going to consist mainly of us allowing long range radar sweeps over our air space (and maybe some highly secret anti-missile batteries in the Arctic). But the general populace doesn't know or understand this.

So when the Honourable Mr. McKenna made the above statement- the press pool on Parliament Hill were a bit stunned. For a second- then their erections got the better of them and they started prying for more... and McKenna gave them all a slap on the wrist (sorry- I'm forced to paraphrase here):

"Do you know what George Bush means when he asks Canada to fully participate in the program?"

Frank's going to have quite the job if he is confirmed as the new Canadian Ambassador to the United States. He's well on his way to being a media darling while hopefully raising the quality of questions our journalists are going to ask. And W. will love him (they are already golf buddies, if I recall correctly)- he is plain spoken and has the jawline of Dick Tracy- Bush will "like the cut of his jib." The rift between our two countries will be healed, and we will sally forth in joy and prosperity.

When Frank is done in D.C. he'll return to Ottawa and run for Prime Minister. Liberals all across Canada are all looking forward to it...

- maybe even current PM Paul Martin, who is finding out just how rough the ride can be in the big chair. Don't worry, Paul- the time will flash by before you can so Vote of Confidence...