Grinch Does It ... Again

London Free Press Columnist Ian Gillespie is a staple on the city's media beat.  His articles and blogs usually take a look at city life from different angles.I thought I'd include his latest blog post. I'm mentioned in it but that's not why I include it here. Parliament is broken; we all kind of know it. For it to be fixed will require a significant act of human will and I can think of no time better than Christmas to give it an all-out effort. While our communities pull together for a challenging holiday season, the hyper-partisanship that yet characterizes Ottawa looks likely to carry into the New Year.  Write your MP and demand better.  My thanks to Ian Gillespie.Happy Holidays - With a Difference (Ian Gillespie)Posted: 2009-12-18 17:21:20We all know the federal Liberals and the Conservatives hold widely differing views. But Londoner Terry N. forwarded me two seasonal messages that illustrate that gap.The first was a leaflet from Liberal MP Glen Pearson, which included this message from the London North representative: "Be sure to support your favourite charities this season. Love your families to bits. Be generous in spirit. Think highly of others. Forgive when necessary. And when it finally comes down to it, believe in a politics that puts principle before partisanship, peace before power and humility before hurt." 

OK. 

And then there's this message from Conservative Minister of State, Chief Government Whip and MP for Carleton-Mississippi Mills Gordon O'Connor, which arrived on Terry's doorstep the very same day: 

"Michael Ignatieff's been speaking out about his 'plans' for Canada. Nobody's buying it. And who can blame them? No leadership. No credibility on the economy. No real plan except to raise taxes. Across Canada, the word is out: Michael Ignatieff isn't in it for Canadians. . . . Ignatieff: Just in it for himself." 

Terry writes: "What a difference - especially at a time when good will should abound."