CSM
Senior Member
So sayeth a Canadien official:
Parrish sticks by 'idiot' comment
Last Updated Fri, 27 Aug 2004 09:23:56 EDT
OTTAWA - A day after calling Americans a "coalition of idiots," Ontario member of Parliament Carolyn Parrish said a request from the prime minister hasn't persuaded her to withdraw the controversial comment.
Carolyn Parrish
Speaking after a cabinet meeting on Thursday, Prime Minister Paul Martin said he told the MP on Wednesday that her comments, made in reference to the U.S. missile defence system, were not welcome.
"I told her her statements were not acceptable, they should be withdrawn, and she has colleagues who feel strongly about this issue on both sides," Martin said.
Parrish said although she has incredible respect for the prime minister, she will let her comments stand.
"I gave it a lot of thought, but I won't be withdrawing," Parrish said.
She said she's sticking by the dictionary definition of the word 'idiot,' meaning ignorance and lack of knowledge.
However, two cabinet ministers weighed in on the issue, saying Parrish was wrong.
Defence Minister Bill Graham said he would prefer the missile defence debate be kept to a civilized discussion.
Citizenship and Immigration Minister Judy Sgro said, "I think she should have kept her mouth shut."
Parrish said she doesn't agree with Sgro's advice.
"Keep my mouth shut? That's not what 28,000 people in my riding elected me to do," said Parrish.
Parrish told reporters on Wednesday that she does not believe Canada should participate in U.S. President George W. Bush's missile defence program.
"We are not joining a coalition of the idiots," she said. "We are joining a coalition of the wise."
The government has entered into exploratory talks with the U.S. over participation in the controversial program, which would build a system to shoot down missiles entering North American airspace.
Written by CBC News Online staff
made me laugh though. I guess that's what us idiots do!
Parrish sticks by 'idiot' comment
Last Updated Fri, 27 Aug 2004 09:23:56 EDT
OTTAWA - A day after calling Americans a "coalition of idiots," Ontario member of Parliament Carolyn Parrish said a request from the prime minister hasn't persuaded her to withdraw the controversial comment.
Carolyn Parrish
Speaking after a cabinet meeting on Thursday, Prime Minister Paul Martin said he told the MP on Wednesday that her comments, made in reference to the U.S. missile defence system, were not welcome.
"I told her her statements were not acceptable, they should be withdrawn, and she has colleagues who feel strongly about this issue on both sides," Martin said.
Parrish said although she has incredible respect for the prime minister, she will let her comments stand.
"I gave it a lot of thought, but I won't be withdrawing," Parrish said.
She said she's sticking by the dictionary definition of the word 'idiot,' meaning ignorance and lack of knowledge.
However, two cabinet ministers weighed in on the issue, saying Parrish was wrong.
Defence Minister Bill Graham said he would prefer the missile defence debate be kept to a civilized discussion.
Citizenship and Immigration Minister Judy Sgro said, "I think she should have kept her mouth shut."
Parrish said she doesn't agree with Sgro's advice.
"Keep my mouth shut? That's not what 28,000 people in my riding elected me to do," said Parrish.
Parrish told reporters on Wednesday that she does not believe Canada should participate in U.S. President George W. Bush's missile defence program.
"We are not joining a coalition of the idiots," she said. "We are joining a coalition of the wise."
The government has entered into exploratory talks with the U.S. over participation in the controversial program, which would build a system to shoot down missiles entering North American airspace.
Written by CBC News Online staff
made me laugh though. I guess that's what us idiots do!