Baird as FM Reports: A first overly-emotional reaction (Ohpleasegodno.)

Even with syphilis, this bear may have been a better choice.

I'm due for a post on the election (coming!) but it would seem that the Globe and Mail is reporting that John Baird will be named the new Minister of Foreign Affairs...

If Canada wanted someone to make us more likable to an international community that has not exactly been super impressed with us lately, surely there must have been a syphilis-ridden half dead polar bear available?

For non-Canucks, this is like that time when the George W. Bush administration put John Bolton at the UN. Baird will make up for the lack of offensive facial hair with even less tact and diplomatic skills.

The only good news I can think about right now is that Harper seems to like and trusts Baird So this may actually be good for DFAIT - a symbol that a terribly used/neglected ministry might be getting attention.

At the same time, Harper likes Baird because he's a laser cannon that's been used to shout out dissent and find and crush opposition with the gentle touch of the Iranian security forces. It may mean that Harper wants to do something big, knows there is going to be a lot of dissent (the new "Office of Religious Freedom?!", even tougher stance on Israel/Palestine?) and will need someone to calm the masses... with screaming and hurled abuse.

Dear international community. Please ignore us for the next 2.5 years. There will be nothing you want to see here.