What does a group of Tamil protesters and Dalton McGuinty have in common?

NOTHING:

One is up front and honest about what it believes, whereas Dalton McGuinty is a disingenuous politician, who lies about tax increases and distracts the P.O.O. (Peasants Of Ontario) from important issues that he has no intention of dealing with in his lifetime (health care, the economy and education are just three little things that come to mind). Aside from raising taxes, Dalton's one "talent" is his obsession with bans - on things and certain types of behaviour - that he finds distasteful. (Of course, he'll tell us, in his trademark condescending way, that these control measures are all for the benefit of his P.O.O.)

This popped into my feeble little brain as I strode purposefully (and with alacrity, not to mention élan) down Wellington and Queen Streets this afternoon, surrounded by what seemed to be thousands of Tamil protesters returning to their homes and/or buses after their day on Parliament Hill.

I've been ranting to my friend about the way these protests have inconvenienced those who are trying to get around the downtown core; however, I will admit that the majority of protesters have been peaceful and respectful (if a little loud). Today there was a kind of carnival atmosphere as many were happily milling about, some in groups, others with their families, and most carrying Canadian flags. Now carrying a Canadian flag doesn't mean you're a great Canadian, and I haven't been in total agreement with what they've been doing; but they are not what I'd call an unruly mob of ne'er-do-wells looking for trouble. (Unlike, say, um, left wing - and usually white - "anarchists" who get violent at G20 summits, then when they're tired go home to rich mummy and daddy's for a nice cuppa.... But I digest.)

So I go home, kiss the life partner (with alacrity I must say), and turn on CJOH News at 6 for my dose of Max Keeping and the lady who seems embarrassed all the time. And there's the reminder that the ban on pesticides is fast approaching. So my thoughts turn once again to our loving Mother McGuinty.

"Our generation has taken to the cosmetic use of pesticide and I think that perhaps unwittingly, not realizing the dangers it represents to ourselves and most importantly to our children," our Benevolent Leader said. He makes these pronouncements in that annoying way that reminds his P.O.O. that he is the only good parent in Ontario, or possibly in all of Canada, or even the Planet (which he will show us how to save BTW). As Marni Soupcoff points out, cosmetic pesticides are approved for use by none other than Health Canada. Booze, ciggies and sleeping pills are worse for "our kids". So facts be damned. Just keep the P.O.O. on their toes!

So here is a plea to our Tamil-Canadian protesters. Please stay in Ottawa and switch the focus of your protests to include all things banned by Mother Dalton the Compassionate. I'll join you and march with pride (and alacrity), on the pesticide-free and grub-laden lawn of Parliament Hill.