Everyone's a Comedian!!

Good 'ol Ralph Kein
Originally uploaded by icemakk.

Normally I don't write too much about politics on my blog but this news item made me laugh and I had to share.

Alberta's longerst running Premier of almost 14 years, Ralph Klein, is in the news again. Even though he is stepping down.
In a recent roast dedicated to Ralphy, a roast where pretty much nothing is sacred he made a quip about Belinda Stronach, Liberal MP.
For those of you not from Canada or in the dark about politics in the land of snow and hockey pucks, Belinda once ran for the leadership of the Conservative Party and failed to achieve that goal. In May of 2005 Belinda crossed the floor of the House of Commons to join the governing Liberals. She had been offered a high profile cabinet position as minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and minister responsible for Democratic Renewal. Donning her best Benedict Arnold clothes, she switched teams.
She has also stated, at one point, that she would like to seek the leadership of the Liberal party.
Hmmm, if this doesn't smell of a mole that was planted in the Conservatives or a blatant opportunist I don't know what does. She does not seem to be with one party and their ideals.
She also broke up with her boyfriend, Conservative MP Peter MacKay, shortly after switching parties. The reasons are a bit muddled for the break-up but lets just say they did not part as "still good friends."
Now back to Ralph at the roast.

""I wasn't surprised she crossed over," he said of Stronach. "I don't think she ever did have a Conservative bone in her body -- well, maybe one."

He waited for laughter to ease, then said: "Speaking of Peter MacKay ..."

Good one Ralph, it made me almost choke on my morning coffee as I read the story. Not so funny for some politicians.
NDP MP Dawn Black said Klein's remarks were "totally unacceptable" and prove sexism thrives in politics.
I have always thought the NDP to be a bit of humorless lot and this proves it further. Also her claim of sexism falls a bit short of the mark.
I have here the definition as found in the Encarta World English Dictionary.
sexism sex·ism n
1. discrimination against women or men because of their sex
2. the tendency to treat people as cultural stereotypes of their sex

Was Belinda denied income, a promotion or other achievement? NO
Was a cultural sterotype used? I think not other than the fact that Belinda is hetrosexual and does prefer men and has had sex with some members of the opposite sex, including Peter MacKay. Don't confuse facts with stereotypes Dawn.

I think Dawn Black is just confused as I don't believe the NDPs are "getting any".
It was a roast and people take all kinds of shots at these things. Somebody needs to toss Ms. Black her own "bone". Lighten up and get on with more important things like the economy, national security, health care and things the voters actually care about or remain a low ranking party forever.

So will Ralph lose any sleep over Dawn Black's comments? I doubt it. This is the same guy, while he was mayor of Calgary, called the influx of many Canadians from the east a bunch of "bums and scums". There was even a hit song on the radio station here done as a parody of The Beverly Hillbillies tune.
Another time, after a night of drinking, Ralph tossed money at a bunch of guys in a homeless shelter and told them to get jobs.
That's Ralph.
He was always a down to earth, shoot from the hip and lip kind of guy. I didn't agree with everything he did but he did take a province, riddled with debt, and put us up at the top of the economic heap. The envy of the rest of the country.

Now do I have to worry about competing against him for gigs? Naw.
Hey, I'd tour with the guy if that is the kind of jokes he is able to write! I am sure one on one conversation with him in the car or on the plane would spawn all sorts of humor.
Just let me close the show Ralph, I have more material than you but I'm sure you'd be one helluva an opener!
Drinks after??

Daryl Makk

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comments via email

"I laughed my head off when I heard about that this morning. Way to go Ralphie!
- Martina (myspace) Lethbridge

That was very well said & I couldn't agree with you more! LOL good job :)
-Tracy (myspace) Calgary