Kent Watch

Mayor - of some of the people

2006-01-25T21:49:00.000-05:00

Given I slammed Mayor Miller and used him as a scapegoat for my humiliating defeat on January 23rd.

And given I'm essentially unemployed (if not retired yet?!).

I think maybe I'll consider running for Mayor - of some of the people!

I'm only interested in being Mayor of the angry, middle to older age, male, heterosexuals with perma-chips on their shoulders and a neverending supply of indignant self-importance.

I still have my very own 'bully pulpit' that I set up and became Chair of - UTAG - I'm looking forward to continuing on what some have called my unethical use of this non-partisan position to foster division, fear and anger in our community.

Watch out Mayor Miller...I'm coming after you like I came after Carolyn Bennett. I'll be the 'star' candidate with supporters like Mike Harris, Steve Possum (who?), the irrepressible (and insignificant) Bab's etc. etc.

I'll just have to spend some time thinking about who I can accuse of bias this time - a new campaign...new biases! Lord knows I need an excuse at the outset for why, yet again, I will suffer a staggering, humiliating defeat!

What happened?!

2006-01-24T13:44:00.000-05:00

Where am I?

What just happened??

I thought I was the star???

Ouch! Losing sucks! Actually, it hurts? Now it's just me...all alone...in my big blue tent! Where's Babs? Harpie? Stevie Posum? Where are they all?? My friends?!

Well, "I'm mad as hell and I ain't gonna take it anymore!" It couldn't possibly be because of me, my team, or the fact Harper and his policies are detested in Toronto.

I know, it was the Mayor!! His fault! That's it...I'll do a rapid fire blame game...finger pointing at it's best. It was the Mayor! All his fault for embracing a balanced progressive agenda for Torontonians.

I'll need to ponder all of this. Thank goodness I'm now in my twilight years (unemployed/retired as I now seem to be) and time on my hands to lay blanket blame, be angry and contemplate how to get even with eveyone that didn't understand that I'm the star!

Trouble in paradise

2006-01-20T14:26:00.000-05:00

What's happening to my big happy tent?!

My own supporters and campaign workers fighting with other and calling each other names - at a subway stop! in public! I hear it was pathetic!

First there was the minor skirmish of my campaign workers trying (unsuccessfully) to intimidate the Carolyn Bennett campaign workers - and before you ask, no, my Kent campaign workers were not abusing the Bennett campaign worker just because she was a lesbian! That was just purely coincidental!! Seriously!!! No really!!!!

Anyway, what troubles me most is having to hear that my very own campaign workers were verbally insulting one another: when one of my more burly male workers turned to one of my 'girls' and said "you're not too bright are you?"

Wow, that's terrible!

But it reminds me of my own experience months ago at the Davisville subway when one of my workers summoned a girl using 'hey babe' -- and then I was totally condescending to her when I assumed she was a student and insultingly said: "you better run along to your lessons now". Well, you know what they say about assuming things! Besides, how was I to know she would immediately email Carolyn Bennett and tattle on me.

Not sure why all the poor treatment of women by my campaign?!

Behold...the Apologist!

2006-01-20T09:20:00.000-05:00

There I was on Canada AM this morning (sputtering and fumbling for my words - I hate not having a teleprompter) proudly declaring I would never be Ottawa's apologist, but then I got to thinking...I've technically already turned into an apologist for Harper and the Conservative party's right-wing social conservatism.

Why can't I just speak up and take a stand?! Why can't I just stand up for Canada?

I've been an apologist for defending Stephen Harper's plan to re-open the marriage debate - that Canadians do not want re-opened.
I've been an apologist for by not denouncing Stephen Harper's public musing about taking away a woman's right to choose and have power over her own body.
I've been an apologist for defending Stephen Harper's decision to cancel the National Childcare Program recently negotiated between the Liberal government and all of the provinces.
I've been an apologist for defending Stephen Harper's attack on our internationally respected and impartial judiciary.

Stop...please...my head is spinning! Oh well, on second thought, I seem to be making a great apologist - Stand up for Stephen Harper!

Harper the seperatist

2006-01-19T12:53:00.000-05:00

It's true, I have to admit it because Harpie's own words speak for themselves:

"After sober reflection, Albertans should decide that it is time to seek a new relationship with Canada. ... ...Having hit a wall, the next logical step is not to bang our heads against it. It is to take the bricks and begin building another home - a stronger and much more autonomous Alberta. It is time to look at Quebec and to learn. What Albertans should take from this example is tobecome "maitres chez nous". (Stephen Harper, National Post, December 8, 2000)

"We have to build a stronger Alberta...to become 'masters in our own house, like Quebeckers." (Stephen Harper, Report Newsmagazine, December 18, 2000)

"Westerners, but especially Albertans, founded the Reform/Alliance to get "in" to Canada. The rest of the country has responded by telling us in no uncertain terms that we do not share their "Canadian values." Fine. Let us build a society on Alberta values." (Stephen Harper, National Post, December 8, 2000)

"It is imperative to take the initiative, to build firewalls around Alberta, to limit the extent to which an aggressive and hostile federal government canencroach upon legitimate provincial jurisdiction." (Stephen Harper, January 24,2001, "Open Letter to Ralph Klein")

Holy War on Homos

2006-01-19T10:33:00.000-05:00

Harper's Holy War on Homos, as it's being called in the most recent issue of the Gay and Lesbian magazine Xtra, is very troubling.

I'm still not sure why I decided to 'jump into bed' (so to speak) with these right-wing, radical christian, social conservatives?!

Oh well, as they say - you made the bed...now lay in it!

This issue's just a constant thorn in my side - from Carolyn Bennett calling me cowardly (true!) for my non-defence of same-sex marriage and my refusal to stand up to Harper on the issue - to the perpetual 'F' rating that Stephen Harper and my party get from the Gay and Lesbian equality group EGALE.

Ouch! That hurt!

2006-01-19T10:07:00.000-05:00

Ouch!, I've never been bitch slapped on national television before.

But that is exactly what John Godfrey did to me on CBC yesterday when I denounced the Mayor of Toronto as - not the Mayor of all of Toronto - and I had to admit the Liberal and NDP programs were better for the Torontonians than the Conservative non-plan.

Anyway, as they say, turn the other cheek.

Well cripes, that'll teach me, bitch slapped again! This time by Paul Summerville and Carolyn Bennett on Goldhawk Live after I carelessly and arrogantly dissed the Toronto Mayor again! Will I never learn?!

Who's really going to believe that the Harper Conservatives are going to be friends of Toronto and Ontario - after all, the Conservatives have spent the better part of a decade spiteful towards Toronto and Ontario for supporting the Liberals.

Don't worry, they'll get theirs!!

"Mike Harris certainly wasn't always wrong"

2006-01-18T21:55:00.000-05:00

I like Mike - take 2.

It's true! I said it - "Mike Harris certainly wasn't always wrong". Live on Goldhawk Live!

Stephen Harper will do to Canada what Mike Harris did to Ontario!

Bravo, more! More!

What's in a nickname?

2006-01-18T21:09:00.000-05:00

So they say a good nickname always helps soften the rough edges.

So Harpie it is!

I love it! I hope my fearless leader will too?!

I know, I didn't give him any advance warning, it just struck me while on Goldhawk Live (and given I didn't have a teleprompter - it just popped right out).

Anyway, I'm sure he'll love it!

Are you talking to me?

2006-01-18T12:23:00.000-05:00

So, it was great to be standing 2 steps behing the fearless leader this morning (in a sea of middle-age to older angry white guys).

But I have to admit I have no idea who Harper was talking to - it certainly wasn't the residents of St. Paul's - he only mentioned my name once!

I thought I was the star candidate?!

But, I digress.

I wasn't quite understanding why Harper was talking about bridges - I don't think we have any in the riding - he must have been thinking of the Kay Gardener Beltway overpass?!

In any event, he only mentioned me once?! I thought I was the star candidate?! [quivering lip and tears welling up]

I do have to say I was releived that when Harper raised my involvement in UTAG that no media questioned me on getting caught using UTAG in an unethical and unaccountable way - phew!!

Me & Steve, together at last

2006-01-17T14:12:00.000-05:00

Well it's about time!

Finally Stephen Harper's coming to pay me a visit - although I have to admit I'm not too sure he's going to be any help in St. Paul's - Conservative positions on same-sex marriage, gun control, abortion - not to mention childcare, the environment, and healthcare seem to cause some difficulties.

Oh well, we'll see?!

Did someone say ethics and accountability?

2006-01-16T21:57:00.000-05:00

Ok, I have to admit, as Peter's Conscience (PC) I'm getting increasingly uncomfortable with a number of things.

There's the fake claims of support.

The exagerated claim that a 40 year career on reporting, commenting and telling stories is actaully equivalent to involvement in public policy formation.

But I'm most recently discomforted in getting caught politicizing my role as Co-chair of UTAG (although tough to say if I'm more upset about doing it, or about getting caught). One resignation so far, and the very real possibility of more to come.

Ethics?

Accountability?

Honesty?

Integrity?

Let's try the spelling bee approach:

Can I have the definitions please?

Can I have the word origins?

Ok, let's try alternate definitions?

Hmmm, new words???

Come on Dorothy - click!

2006-01-16T10:16:00.000-05:00

I am not a homo-sex-o-phobe [click]

I am not a homo-sex-o-phobe [click]

I am not a homo-sex-o-phobe [click]

Helllloooo...it's still not working! I keep trying to chant and click my heels but it's just not working?!

I've promised to support same-sex marriage but still, I can only get a 'C' (barely a pass) and the Conservatives an 'F' from the gay and lesbian community organization EGALE.

Note to self: why don't they like us? How come Carolyn Bennett got an A+ - AGAIN!! Don't they realize I'm the star candidate?!

Editorial note: They don't like you because Peter Kent and the right-wing Conservatives lack integrity - if Peter Kent truly believed in same-sex marriage then he would denounce Harper's plan to re-open the marriage debate and not pay lip service (in his mealy-mouthed way) to supporting a free vote. A free vote on minority rights (using the justification that it's a persoanl/moral decision - when it's not!) is nothing more than tyranny of the majority - in this case, the right-wing, christian, moral authority Conservative caucus. But I digress!

An interesting quote from one of Peter Kent's own supporters and campaign workers:

"When you believe in something, stand up for it in front of those that matter. Don't hide behind closed doors."

12 Angry (white) Men

2006-01-15T18:39:00.000-05:00

I thought I was the star?!

And I thought for sure when I used that 'angry as hell' line it would have totally qualified me for the angry white guy Team Harper.

I can't believe the Rick Mercer blog didn't mention me for a Cabinet spot in the right-wing government of Stephen Harper - I sure hope it has nothing to do with the fact that I've disagreed and distanced myself from him on every possible issue?!

Pssst...wanna buy a used tent?

2006-01-15T15:05:00.000-05:00

Wow! It was great!

All my favourite old Conservative friends coming out to hang around in my tent (err, I mean back room of a building under construction). Not to mention my current boss (yes I'm still employed at Global) the owner of the National Post, Global etc.

Wait a minute! If I'm being supported by Asper, how come the National Post didn't show to big fancy tent event? Only the CBC and the Toronto Star?!

Note sure why Mike Harris didn't show? I'm sure I sent the invite - jeez, I hope it wasn't lost in the mail. And Babs, not sure why she showed after the media left?! Was she trying to tell me something??

And where was Senator Grafstein, I'm sure I said he was supporting me?! Or did I make that up? Ooops, after all that talk of honesty and integrity - oh well, maybe nobody noticed the fib?! (Oh yeah, Carolyn Bennett did notice and called me on it front of 300 voters - well, at least the record was corrected).

And then there's my good ol' buddy Stephen Posen. I'm so glad he agreed to say he was a current member of Carolyn bennett's 'executive' - hmmm, but it appears I was caught in that little fib too. Not only was he not a member of the Liberal riding association he was never on the executive.

Actually, come to think of it, I do recall he did the same thing last election too when he signed a letter supporting conservative candidates - apparently Mr. Posen seems to make a habit of saying he's a Liberal and then resigning to support a Conservative.

Oh well, as they say, reduce, re-use and recycle!

Fading 'Star'

2006-01-15T14:58:00.000-05:00

Hmmm, what do you mean Summerville's not here for the UCC debate?! In Montreal?

I thought I was the star Conservative candidate?! Why am I not called on to travel and help other needy Conservatives across the country?

I'm Peter Kent from Global - everyone knows me (if your 60+). I was supposed to be helping make the face of the new reform party more pallatable to Canadians.

Why do I have to be stuck here debating Carolyn Bennett? It just keeps highlighting that I'm a one-trick pony - no substance, no content, no vision and compromised values.

Who needs a teleprompter?

2006-01-15T14:51:00.000-05:00

Pheww, was I ever glad to have received the questions in advance from Bnai Brith!

Who needs a teleprompter when you have good Conservative friends like that. Why didn't I realize that sooner, as a reporter, why use a teleprompter if you can get all the answers in advance?!

Anyway, I loved the debate. I got to use all my favourite anecdotes riding on a tank, sitting on a column, walking on a hill (somewhere) - wow, the stories and personal memories were so moving. I just know the crowd loved every exciting moment (goodness can I tell a story!).

Holy 'rent-a-party'

2006-01-14T20:28:00.000-05:00

So there I was, the first debate of the campaign and the first big campaign function of the new year. It was the debate hosted by members of the black community in the west end of the riding.

I couldn't believe the size of the crowd, and they were all wearing Kent t-shirts and buttons - only problem is they're all my campaign workers (maybe nobody will notice?!).

There were balloons and signs.

It was a real campaign rally - so what if it was supposed to be a serious community meeting shortly after the first gun killing of the new year only blocks away.

Not feeling too great about the deception of pretending Rob Davis wasn't there as a supporter after agreeing that no campaign workers, volunteers or supporters would ask questions. Oh well, I'm sure it went totally unnoticed.

It was all going swimmingly until that nasty, pesky question about whether I knew what bipolar meant - duhh - well of course I do, the north poll and the south poll.

Anyway, one minute I was just having such a great and happy time and the next I was totally upset and annoyed - who was that woman to ask me if I knew the meaning of bipolar??

Anyway, it's over and now I'm happy once again. No wait a sec. now I'm "angry as hell and ain't gonna take it anymore".

And so on...

TV's my thing, not geography

2006-01-13T12:55:00.000-05:00

So there I was. It was a glorious cool winter day and I was strutting my telegenic self for the CPAC viewers.

It was great!

I was back in my element!!

I felt vibrant and alive!!!

And then Kilby delivers a fresh new voter for me to charm and sway over to the all new, reformed (oops we don't use that word), re-constituted (that's better) Conservative Party.

Oh my, the charm doesn't seem to be working - what do you mean you're a lesbian?! Well, maybe she'll still vote for me?? After all I've said I support Stephen Harper's desire to re-introduce the same-sex marriage issue in the House so we can all have a free vote on it.

What! No suport?! - doesn't live in the riding?!. I really wish someone would have told me that Eglinton West subway station wasn't in the riding.

Maybe nobody noticed I was canvassing outside the riding (even though CPAC caught it on tape). Not sure how that happened? How am I going to explain to people that I've been all over the world reporting and commenting on things but I still don't know when I'm in or out of my new found community?

Oh well, I guess they'll excuse someone who doesn't actually live in the community.

Liberal bias in the - ummmm - subconscience

2006-01-13T08:44:00.000-05:00

Well, it seems like some didn't really care for the Mike Harris endorsement. Well all I have to say to that is ignore them Peter it's just that pesky liberal bias thing you dreamt up.

What's next? The next thing you know the liberal hoards in the media - National Post, Global, CFRA, Jewish Tribune, Sun -- ooops! I mean the Star! Anyway, I digress.

The point is, the next thing you know those liberals in the media will be criticizing Stephen Harper and the Conservative Party for the position on gay rights and full equality, then it'll be abortion, and even more they'll condemn the position on same-sex marriage!

Hmmmm, it's occuring to me as I ponder that given what I'm saying in the campaign on those same issues (all very sincere by the way), does that make me part of the liberal media hoard?!

Well...maybe I'll just worry about squaring that circle a bit later (my oh my that list of things to worry about later is getting a bit long - maybe it's going unnoticed?!).

I like Mike!

2006-01-13T08:35:00.000-05:00

Yay, the endorsement of Mike Harris, you're the best!

It was such a pleasure to read those words from Mike Harris's November 28th letter: "“Peter Kent is now running to restore ‘Common Sense’ in Ottawa…”. Bravo! Hear, hear!

What can I say - Common Sense worked for Ontario - it certainly must be able to work for the whole country?!

Together with Stephen Harper and a large part of the former Mike Harris cabinet we will be able to...

Stand Up to Canada!

[For additional info on the Mike Harris record - check out the document titled Unfit to Govern]

Nightmare in Cabbagetown - holy cowgirl!

2006-01-12T22:24:00.000-05:00

Eeeeek! What on earth was that!

I woke up in the middle of the night, screaming Ciilllaaa! Cilla had no clue what was going on. I was muttering something about cowgirls and homosexual sex and homosexual sex marriage (what is that anyway)?

And then that image rushed back into my head - oh the horror of it all.

With an outfit like that though, I'm certain Stephen Harper would be a hit if he and other Reform, oops I mean Alliance, ummm I mean Conservatives were to join me at next years' gay pride parade (wait a second, I've never been to a gay pride parade before either).

Oh well, what's in a parade? Don't they say life's a parade! Well, I'm alive, and given I'm telling everyone I support same sex marriage - I guess I can have my own private little gay parade.

OK, I guess I've worked myself through that little fright!

Canada Health Act and Harper

2006-01-12T20:49:00.000-05:00

I was thinking about health care last night and reflecting back on my campaign launch with Stephen Harper - my fearless leader!

We got to talking about health care, wait times, and all those important issues that so many Canadians are concerned about.

My only worry was what the heck would I say about health care when you're running against someone like Carolyn Bennett who's been a doctor in the community for over 20 yrs - she knows the system inside and out!

Hmmmm, let me think. Maybe I'll just think of something brand new, something nobody's ever thought of, unique, compelling and original - I've got it!

'Domestically we need to harmonize the Canada Health Act' - quick someone add that to the teleprompter - I'm using it!

Sounds great! Harper thought it was great too...he applauded, therefore it must be good?! There, I said it!

Omigosh, I said it, but now I'm worried someone may actually ask me what it actually means. harmonize, with what? With who? Arghhh, too much information.

Anyhooo, I guess we'll worry about that one when we need to. Let's just hope nobody heard me.

Guns really do kill people!

2006-01-12T16:57:00.000-05:00

OK, so I may be recognized from TV, but I really should do something in the community to show I actually live, work and care about the city I live in.

I know, maybe I'll talk to some friends and supporters like John Adams, John Tory, Senator Consiglio Di Nino, Jim Flaherty (former Mike Harris Minister), City Councillor Karen Stintz and see if we can start our very own group so I can be Chair! My own platform, my own community profile!

And UTAG - Uniting Toronto Against Guns was born.

But wait a sec. People may realize it's just a group of Conservatives masquarading as community activists - quick - let's try and get some others to join.

Phew, success, broader membership. But now what will we do?

I know, a Rally!

We'll have people, outrage and all kinds of stickers and t-shirts denouncing hand-guns - and I'll wear a t-shirt myself so people know I'm really not a 'Stephen Harper' Conservative. After all, I live in Toronto - I must support gun control?!

Hmmm, what to do about Wendy Cukier? How can you have a rally against guns and not have the head of the Coalition Against Gun Control? Well, not sure but advisors say no Cukier, so no Cukier.

Phew, thank goodness we didn't have Cukier, because am I ever catching grief from Harper and his folks about supporting gun control - quick - what do I do? I know, it wasn't really about gun control (because of course guns don't kill people) it was about working with communities.

Yes, that's it! Community supports and services. Now I just have to make sure that the citizens of Toronto don't put two and two together and realize that it is always the conservative governments (of Mike Harris and now as Harper has promised) that gut the community and social programs in favour of tax cuts, more prisons and more military spending.

Oh well, I'll worry about that one later!

: )

Where's my house?!

2006-01-12T16:41:00.000-05:00

I guess it all started that morning I woke up and said to myself - 'self' (well, Peter actually) - why on earth would you choose to run in a community where you don't live? I was worried about how I would actually become aware of all the important community issues that some in the community (including Carolyn Bennett) have been working 0n their whole lives.

Well, I guess I'll have to just take comfort in the fact that I think I've been on every TV in Toronto, St. Paul's is in Toronto, and the vast majority of houses in St. Paul's have TVs, then at least I can say I've been in every house in St. Paul's.

OK, an exageration, I know, but it just might work?!

;)

Peter's Conscience supports Carolyn Bennett

2006-01-12T09:36:00.000-05:00

Ahhh the joys of being Peter Kent's conscience. What a job! Keeps me busy! I need to admit from the start - I will be voting for Carolyn Bennett. : )

I also have to admit my relative newness with this technology, so bare with me while I play catch up on all my previous days thoughts that I have been unable to post due to technical difficulties - oops! I hope this gets easier.