karl28 said:
Who was the best & worst Liberal Defence Minister? I was unaware that the liberals had good ministers LOL sorry couldn't resit that one
Now, I'm new to politics, hell I'm new to life. But it would seem we are bashing the liberals for simply being the mind numbingly incompetent party that they are. Before you say anything to that: I voted liberal. Give them some credit. Yes they became way too comfortable in their position of power and frequently abused it, but thats not to say that even in recent time, their were, if only a few, some very competent and inspiring liveral cabinet ministers. We'll keep it to the Defence minister.
Point in fact: I was watching a TVO political analyses show during the pre-election build-up (the name of the show loses me) which consisted of the defence critics from every party (and a couple non-political yet notable critics) as well as Bill Graham debating about, well defence. The debate was being held at a University seminar room, I can't recall which University, but Ottawa rings a bell. The host of the show paused the debate to poll the all-student audience. His question: Do you agree with Canada's mission in Afghanistan? How many people out of approximately 300 put their hands up? Half? Two thirds? WRONG! At most, fifteen. What was the reaction of the critics? Shock obviously, but from Bill Graham it was more of a passionate frustration (if such an emotion is possible, but thats how it looked). He TORE into the crowd criticizing for their lack of perspective and went on a torrent explaining how Taliban insurgents were murdering school masters of villages who allowed girls to attend glass. He went on about how it is because of the Canadian military (and coalition forces in gerneral) that little boys and girls are now free to attend those classes.
Now, with the party's history of inability to push miltary projects through, its understandable that Graham wasn't really able to get all that much actually 'done'. But any defence minister willing to stick it to your face like that instead of simply an 'empty-suit' 'yes-man', regurgitating party lines and policies deserves a little respect!
Kudos to you, Mr. Graham.