(Canada PM) Harper's plan to skip AIDS forum ‘baffling'

[Newsjock]

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20060623.wharper-aids24/BNStory/Front

CAMPBELL CLARK AND JEFF SALLOT
From Saturday's Globe and Mail

Opposition parties are sharply criticizing Prime Minister Stephen Harper for declining to attend the 16th International AIDS conference in Toronto this summer, calling it a failure of leadership that will discourage other world leaders from attending.

Conference organizers said this week that they had received a letter from the Prime Minister's Office indicating he will not attend, although the major conference is expected to attract several other heads of state and government, along with about 20,000 scientists, health experts and community leaders.

... “I think it says something about where they're coming from in terms of these issues, and I think it's unfortunate. They don't see this as a health issue, they see this as a social issue,” (Liberal leader Bill) Graham said of the Conservative Party.

... Mr. Harper did not answer a question about the conference Friday in Quebec City, where his cabinet was meeting. The reporter who posed the question was not on the list drawn up by Prime Minister's press secretary to choose which reporters can ask questions.

[daleo]

1. Not really baffling

He is playing to his homophobic base.

[Erika]

2. The religious nutsos says aids

is a disease of fags. He can't back that.

[fooj]

3. Sounds familiar...

The reporter who posed the question was not on the list drawn up by Prime Minister's press secretary to choose which reporters can ask questions.

[ugarte]

4. Is this guy really Bush Lite or what?...nt

[Vidar]

5. Haper's a disgrace to a great nation.

[formercia]

6. That Harper won the election

is baffling to me.

[BlueManDude]

7. Congrats now you guys know what it feels like

you've got your own little GWB.

Keep splitting votes between NDP and Libs and you'll be stuck with him for a long time.

enjoy.

[donsu]

8. the neo cons have taken over Canada - a fact to be faced

nt

[samsingh]

9. but very telling

he's bush lite waiting to show his true colors.

[applegrove]

10. Just snobbery. That is all it is. Canada has hosted that event three

times out of 13 (I think it is only on once every two years). It was an event we were very proud of. Now Harper waves his magic ... magic... it isn't a wand when you take something away is it.... magic pen. A pen. That is what it is. Actually.. a red pen. So Harper waves his magic red pen and changes the event from something that teaches inclusion and fighting disease with intellect and compassion rather than hatred and bad information...which is the lesson he wants to teach.

I feel deflated to have him as PM.