On marijuana:

“Smoking was part of our culture in Vancouver and Whistler, but I stopped 10 months before Nagano. What happened was that a few weeks before the Games I went to two parties where there was a lot of smoking.”

This is where I should express disbelief and shock after all isn’t that what one should do publicly? Sorry, feigning outrage to look good in the eyes of others is not my bag. If anyone wants to label me as someone who condones drugs go for it. That doesn’t concern me either.

On PM Stephen Harper:

“He is disconnected from society. Only an arrogant man can play The Beatles on the piano wearing a tuxedo.”

and,

“We know that what he really wanted was to be the president of the United States. He was Bush’s puppet.”

Take it with a grain of salt. We all know is he trying to fit in with his LPC pals so of course he is going to flap his gums. I don’t think anyone believes a word of it – himself included.

On Queen Elizabeth II:

“Don’t know what the official position is, but I think the Commonwealth is over. We have to move forward. To have the Queen apointing a governor general… I don’t know.”

Outside of having a philosophical discussion I really don’t care if the Queen is the head of state or not. I occupy my time with other concerns such as, the economy, health care, looking after my family, paying bills – you know, the really exciting stuff.

On himself:

“And I gave a speech before the Liberals at the Ottawa parliament without being an MP. That is something that had never happened in history, I’m like a star.”

Arrogant? Yup. Cocky? For sure. But that’s a character trait I’ve missed in Canadian politics for some time. Pierre Trudeau was a colourful character. I didn’t much care for his politics but he was colourful. The same can be said for Jean Chretien.

All in all I don’t think it’s worth the effort to get bent out of shape over the remarks of this guy. He’s young and cocky. He’ll keep talking until Michael Ignatieff figures out he’s a liability and either slaps him down or throws him out. Or he doesn’t and Mr. Rebagliati eventually says something the LPC will regret.

Credit: www.monstersandcritics.com

“Vancouver Police are engaged with a group of more than 200 masked protesters near Granville and Georgia who are marching through the downtown core, kicking and causing damage to numerous cars, and businesses,” police said in a statement.

Why do some people feel they have the right to damage both public and private property? Whatever happened to protesting in a peaceful and civil manner? The behaviour exhibited by some of the protesters is not only childish but criminal.

For her part, Alissa Westergard-Thorpe, of the Olympic Resistance Network, seems to be of the opinion that because no one was hurt the protest was non-violent. Moreover, she accused the police of being the only group engaged in violence.

She said she considers the action non-violent as long as no one was hurt, no matter how much damage is caused.

Westergard-Thorpe did not condemn the broken windows and vandalism that touched off the stand-off.

“People can choose the tactics that they like,” she said, saying police were responsible for most of the violence.

So much for Ms. Westergard-Thorpe’s credibility.

Update: Seven protesters were arrested and face charges. Via CTV,

The demonstration involved a number of anarchists, some of whom dress all in black and employ a tactic, called Black Bloc. This included a loosely organized group of thugs from central Canada known to attach themselves to any cause, travel to any event that attracts media coverage and promote anarchy wherever they go.

Hopefully the authorities make an example of them. If I were one of the unfortunate victims who had property damaged by these thugs I would be tempted to launch a civil action just to make a point.

Fortunately prostate cancer can be successfully treated if detected early enough.

At a time like this I want to put petty partisan politics to the side and wish Mr. Layton a full and speedy recovery. With any luck he’ll be back in the House raising hell in no time.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper has plans to address the B.C. Legislature the day before the opening ceremonies of the Olympic Games. It’s expected PM Harper will congratulate everyone involved in putting on the Games and what better way to do it than in the provincial Legislature.

The visit is also noteworthy for another reason: it will be the first time a Prime Minister has addressed the B.C. legislature.

Not everyone is happy about the decision however. Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff quipped,

“It does seem a little odd that he’s prepared to address a working legislature while he’s closed down his own. Go figure, is what I’d say about that.”

I can see it now. Had PM Harper decided not to address the citizens of BC, Mr. Ignatieff would of accused him of ignoring the efforts of thousands of volunteers in the wake of this historic event. Perhaps he is upset because he didn’t think of it?

Of course this is an attempt to exploit the unhappiness expressed by some Canadians over the PM’s decision to prorogue Parliament. Moreover, Mr. Ignatieff makes it a point to tell anyone who is willing to listen that the Liberals returned to work on Jan. 25 insinuating the Conservatives are not working. Rubbish.

Just as the Liberals, the CPC too have been working albeit not in the House. Actually, in a strange sort of way, I enjoy the fact the House is not sitting for the time being. While politicians of ALL parties continue to work the only thing not being accomplished at the moment is the passage of yet more bills into laws … something we could do with a little less of.

Besides, if Mr. Ignatieff and the LPC have that much disdain for PM Harper and the CPC the House will be sitting soon enough. Challenge the government with a vote of non-confidence. Quit talking the talk.