First Reading (12/16/09)

Today's essential political reads:

1) Despite what he's called on the front page of today's Toronto Star, Richard Colvin wants us to know that he is not a "whistleblower." When you're done reading Colvin's letter, you can re-read coverage of yesterday's rather unprecedented Afghancommittee boycott by the Conservatives and ponder the implications. Spector maintains an inquiry would be a "smart call", while the Post editorial finds fault on both sides, noting the Opposition appears to be more concerned at times with international censure or embarassment than dealing with Afghanistan's Taliban threat. Top U.S. General McCrystal's making a keynote speech here today, and one of his hosts offers a curtain-raiser on what's likely to be its general theme.

2) Harper's now headed to the Copenhagen climate change summit, but his government's key negotiating position is already out there. Headline writers are reaching for their last dramatic flourishes and clichés as the "heat's on" amid warnings that "nature won't negotiate." Reguly suggests Canada can "spend [its] way out of the doghouse." The Star editorial says Canada's a "joke." On the other side of the spectrum, Worthington sees what's coming as another potential boondoggle. Some Canadian provinces and cities are receiving awards this week, however, for their efforts. But as today's Sun editorial points out, putting a black hat on Alberta ignores the fact that province serves as a cash cow for others who are being lauded for doing more on emissions.

3) Ivison calls "the last Senate stand" a "bizarre spectacle." The key matter at hand, the consumer safety legislation, was amended yesterday, and the health minister is "outraged."

4) Omar Khadr is on his way to "Gitmo North." A Star editorial sees this week's vindication of Hassan Almrei as a good opportunity to "reassess terror cases."

5) Yesterday was a day of apologies for Liberals -- for silly online contests, and more seriously, inappropriate extra-curricular fundraising.

6) After weeks of the chattering classes seeing upsides and strategic strength for the Harper Conservatives, Hébert breaks away and says lately the government has been its own worst enemy.