Canada's adorable new residents...

[bek]

I love Pandas!
https://www.google.com/search?q=cana...ml%3B620%3B400

[Buzz]

I saw this on the news. They are soooooo CUTE!

[victorskid]

It's apparently part of our current Prime Minister's "economic action plan" for the country. He found it necessary to personally greet the new arrivals (and sign for them with FedEx) rather than to be in Ottawa to greet a group of young people who had walked hundreds and hundreds of kilometers in support of native rights. Priorities messed up much???!!!

P.S. I enjoy pandas but think the millions involved could have been put to better use.

[overedge]

There were also some Tweets yesterday mentioning that PM Harper can't be bothered to meet with the provincial premiers for the past couple of years, but he apparently can make time in his oh-so-busy schedule for two panda bears

[Artemis@BC]

It's apparently part of our current Prime Minister's "economic action plan" for the country. He found it necessary to personally greet the new arrivals (and sign for them with FedEx) rather than to be in Ottawa to greet a group of young people who had walked hundreds and hundreds of kilometers in support of native rights. Priorities messed up much???!!!

Just what I was going to say. (Tho that does mean there might be calls to move this thread to Politically Incorrect ...)

Economically, I do actually think the huge tourist draw of pandas will mean they "pay for themselves" in the long run, and even if it weren't a financial net gain I think it's still a worthwhile venture. But Harper's decision to choose "feel good" publicity event over a critical domestic issue like meeting with the Nishiyuu is a clear indication of his priorities. Just what we've come to expect from him.

[Norlite]

I agree with two things

1. The pandas are gorgeous! Can't wait to see them this summer.

2. Harper's an ass.

[Andora]

But Harper's decision to choose "feel good" publicity event over a critical domestic issue like meeting with the Nishiyuu is a clear indication of his priorities. Just what we've come to expect from him.

I am by NO means a Harper fan, but to be fair, pretty much any political leader would choose the same thing in Canada. I'm sure I could find a similar example from Jean Chretien back in the day.