>>SNIP
>>>
>>>Colin Powell has since expressed public contrition for his role in that. He didn't use these words -- ever the diplomat -- but it was clear he felt he had been used as a stooge. Knowing Powell to be a proud, capable man, for me that was the last nail in the coffin of this ridiculous administration. To the neocons all around him Powell was "weak" for wanting to exhaust diplomatic means before invading. Imagine that!
>>>
>>SNIP
>>
>>Yes, and I sure feel sadness for the guy every time I see him now.
>
>What are Canadian politics like? I never hear anything about it.

Very docile, Jay.
We don't have any big stick to wield, so we don't play on the same stage as the big guys.

We have a scandal that is winding up right now, where a few hundred millions were scammed. When that ends there'll be another one along shortly.

On the other hand, we've run a surplus budget for almost 10 years now and we're making inroads on the debit built up over the prior 25 years or so. And we are thankful for our healthcare system, which any government elected knows is priority #1 with the elctorate.

Basically we keep quite quiet for fear of disturbing our elephant to the south of us. If it twitches, we have earthquakes here. Our politicians periodically talk tough about U.S. problems (the "softwood lumber" issue being a prime example) but we/they know we can't survive without the U.S. market.

I think it's a fair assessment to say that we very much like individual Americans but have serious problems with U.S. foreign policy. Heard that one before? < s >

I think I've covered the basics.