Harper's 'toothpaste' remark shows Egypt stumble: MPs

Senior Policy Advisor for U.S. Congressman Mike Honda, Shank says in the last 24 hours the Egyptian military has made severak decisions, some of which are good and some that are bad in the United States perspective.

CTV News Channel: Deena Guirguis, WINEP

A representative for the Washington Institute for Near East Policy discusses the current leadership Egypt undergoes under a new era. She explains the constant challenges the military faces to restore law and order into Egyptian daily life.

CTV News Channel: Charles Tripp, author

An author from London, England discusses his thoughts on how successful Egypt will be in transitioning its society from a dictatorship to a democracy. He also explains what lies ahead for Mubarak and the consequences he will face while he was in office.

CTV News Channel: Fen Hampson, Carleton U.

The director of the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs at Carleton University says the toughest part of bringing reform to Egypt wasn't removing Mubarak. It will be the creation of democratic institutions.

CTV News Channel: Fionnuala Sweeney, CNN

A CNN correspondent says official labour unrest wasn't really encouraged under the old regime and right now the new authorities are trying to get the country back to work. Banning labour unrest is a subject up for discussion.

CTV News Channel: Abigail Hauslohner, Time

A correspondent from Time Magazine says the Egyptian military is enacting some of the demands of the protestors, but there are still people in Tahrir Square who are uneasy with the military being in control.

CTV's Question Period: MPs discuss the process

Liberal MP Bob Rae, Conservative MP Deepak Obhrai and NDP MP Paul Dewar talk about the federal government's response to the political upheaval in Egypt.

CTV News Channel: Arwa Damon, reporter

A reporter with CNN in Cairo, Egypt, says the focus of anti-government supporters in Cairo has shifted to thoughts about what will happen next, and the debate over whether or not they should leave Tahrir Square.

CTV News Channel: Mark Sedra, expert

A senior fellow from the Centre for International Governance says the autocrats around Middle East are shaking and trembling since Egypt is the centre of the Arab world and it has the power of inspiring others.

CTV News Channel: Aladdin Elassar, author

An author of the book, "The Last Pharaoh," from Chicago explains the future of Egypt's former president and what his thoughts may be due to Egypt's revolution.

CTV News Channel: Bob Rae, Liberal MP

A Liberal MP in downtown Toronto shares people's reactions as to what Canada's role should be to ensure a democratic transition takes place in Egypt.

CTV News Channel: Costanza Musu, professor

A professor of international affairs at the University of Ottawa discusses what lies ahead for Egypt. She explains the possibility of an individual from the army becoming a new leader and the new transition of Egypt to a democracy.

CTV News Channel: Henry Habib, professor

Protestors have formed an alliance to ensure changes happen. Middle East History & Politics Professor Habib says this is necessary because the Egyptian army has been in power since 1952 and people are worried that maybe it won't leave power so easily.

CTV News Channel: Mohamed El Rashidy, CAF

The director of Canadian Arab Federation El Rashidy says this could be the beginning of change in the Arab world. He states Tunisia is the country that began this movement, Algeria is looking agitated today and the movement will not end with Egypt.

CTV News Channel: Fionnuala Sweeney, CNN

A CNN correspondent in Tahrir Square in Cairo describes the jubilation in the streets following the 18-day revolution that resulted in President Hosni Mubarak stepping down.

CTV News Channel: Paul Rogers, Bradford U.

A professor of peace studies at Bradford University explains how certain elements within the Egyptian military will likely respond to the ouster of President Hosni Mubarak.

CTV News Channel: Rania Al Malky, editor

The editor of Daily News Egypt describes the mood on the streets of Cairo and talks about whether the Egyptian people have faith that the military will organize legitimate democratic elections.

CTV News Channel: Kamran Bokhari, Stratfor

The regional director for the Middle East and South Asia for Stratfor says although President Hosni Mubarak has stepped down, the Egyptian military is still very much in control of the country.

Watch: See all Videos in the Player

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Prime Minister Stephen Harper speaks at the christening of a new Marine Atlantic ferry, Blue Puttees, in St. John's on Friday, Feb. 11, 2011. (Paul Daly / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

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I think we all got the "there's no going back" message from the toothpaste remark. But this phrase is usually used for something that you wish you could undo.... I seriously doubt the Egyptians will ever regret the momentous events of the past few weeks.

ouifyg

Harper's 'toothpaste' remark shows Egypt stumble: MPs

talking about
Harper's 'toothpaste' remark shows Egypt stumble: MPs

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CTV.ca News Staff

Date: Sun. Feb. 13 2011 8:21 PM ET

Prime Minister Stephen Harper's analogy on Hosni Mubarak's resignation -- that Egyptians are "not going to put the toothpaste back in the tube" -- showed the government is out of touch on foreign affairs, opposition MPs said Sunday.

Mubarak stepped down Friday after three weeks of protests on the streets of Egypt, and world leaders hailed Egyptians for effecting change in their country.

Speaking in St. John's, N.L., moments before Mubarak's resignation was confirmed, Harper told reporters that "transition is taking place in Egypt."

"I think the old expression is: ‘They're not going to put the toothpaste back in the tube on this one,'" he said.

NDP foreign affairs critic Paul Dewar said Sunday that the toothpaste comment "was so tone deaf and out of touch with what was going on."

"I think it's indicative of how this government treats foreign affairs," Dewar told CTV's Question Period. "Most importantly, on this file, we just had the parliamentary secretary talk about the importance of democracy. We had democracy happening on the streets and overthrowing repressive government, and this government talks about toothpaste and doesn't talk about the people of Egypt in its statement."

Prior to Dewar's criticism, Conservative MP Deepak Obhrai, parliamentary secretary to the foreign affairs minister, denied suggestions that the federal government was reluctant to publicly celebrate the events in Egypt and said the cornerstone of its foreign policy is "promoting democracy, rule of law and human rights around the world."

"We made it very clear that it's the Egyptian people who would make the decision, and Mr. Mubarak was forced to make the decision on the basis of what happened on the street," Obhrai told Question Period. "This is exactly what should have happened. The people of Egypt spoke, and the changes took place."

When asked what role Canada hopes to play in Egypt as it begins its baby steps toward democratic reforms, Obhrai said the federal government will "assist the Egyptians in whatever capacity they demand in the promotion of democracy."

The opposition charges the government will have little, if any, role to play in helping Egypt's transition from under 30 years of autocratic rule. Liberal MP and foreign affairs critic Bob Rae said the government "really kind of missed the boat" and failed to engage in what could have been a significant foreign policy initiative.

"I think that it's clear to me after watching this government for several years now as foreign affairs critic that this government doesn't really get foreign policy," Rae told Question Period.

"They really only see it as a place in which to practice domestic politics. Whether that works for them or not, I don't know. I can only tell you that as far as the world is concerned I think we're punching well, well, well below our weight, well below our capacity, and well below our traditional strength as a country."

Comments are now closed for this story

Henry
said

If the opposition has nothing better to waste its breath on, perhaps you could stay up all night so you think of something. It doesn't seem as though the Prime Minister can say anything these days that the opposition doesn't try to get some political mileage out of. How strange that when those same people come to power, suddenly the shoe is on the other foot. Heaven forbid that we should ever stoop to a Federal NDP government. THat alone would be fodder for street demonstrations to promote an ouster.

KC-Bby
said

The quote ""once the toothpaste is out of the tube, it's going to be very tough to get it back in" was originally made by a Nixon staffer - H R Haldeman who was warning off a staffer from co-operating with prosecutors - that analogy was, as one poster eloquently put it, was a warning of potential regret. Unfortunately, Mr Harper isnt that bright - today we have our George Bush's and our very own Stephan Harper who have a knack for waging trench warfare on context and language. STAY IN SCHOOL, KIDS!

RGBrook
said

@ Bob, Calgary... Stephen Harper’s Conservatives are telling their supporters not to believe a new poll showing them well ahead of the Ignatieff Liberals, cautioning the results are “inconsistent with our internal polling.” Interesting how the poll horn toots when numbers are high, but when they're low, it's always the same old "we don't put a lot of faith in the polls". But, hey, your support is admirable nonetheless.

Michael
said

I also think the Prime Minister's toothpaste remarkwere a little on the smucky side.But going back tomy school years the kids in the Chess Club wern'tthe coolist kids in school.And our current government remind me of the Andy of Mayberry.I also thought I heard somewhere that Rubarb Piewas our Fearless Leaders favorite pie,but on withthe election,if he's going to get a majority,it's betterfor us if there's a Democrat in the white house.Justimagine that!

victorcopp
said

The way Harper talks, sounds like we have to much democracy in Canada, from prologue to secret talks about our broder w/U.S., more prisons, inept Cabinet Ministers (Gary Lunn for one, there are others). Does he really think we are all village idiots?I pray Egypt has a peaceful tranistion.

Redneck Albertan
said

I just watched the video concerning Mr. Harpers comments. If Craig Oliver cannot even seem somewhat objective in his line of softball questioning of opposition members, perhaps it's time he is reassigned to the entertainment desk. A very weak and brutally constructed (non)story.

ed
said

Perhaps Canadians themselves don't understand foreign policy. Regardless, I think it's one of the most important tools for us to be able to engage in everything from global terrorism to economic development. It gives Canada a straw from which to draw influence in our dealings with foreign investment, global coordination of any kind, NATO partnering etc etc. The list can go on and on. The Conservatives better be doing plenty behind the scenes.

MexPat
said

@Prof. Pye Charte - another usless one sided commentary that adds nothing to this discussion. Just because the story doesn't reflect your current PM in a positive light, doesn't mean you have to defend your shallow poins by digging skulls up from the past...or did you even dig at all...? As a tax paying citizen, I want a government that will represent me and my fellow country-folk in a positive light when I travel abroad...not as being from a country where we have a out of date lunatic from the west who has no clue of the world around him...whilst at the same time insulting foreign nationals intelligence,

Fr Tim
said

Note to Liberals:toothpaste=the democratic aspirations of Egypttube=the autocratic rule of authoritarianismUnderstand? Where's the issue?Fr. Tim

Raymond
said

It was a cautious remark, and so it should be. Nobody knows for certain where Egypt will be in a year from now.

brenda51
said

Harpers comment is no different than everyone else's analogy, you know, putting the genie back into the bottle, toothpaste back into the tube...big deal, and the liberals take that as his ignorance on foreign affairs? Give me a freakin break!It just shows me the ignorance of the liberals, again, as usual...

PJHicks
said

It's the opposition who knows nothing about foreign policy - i.e. Layton protesting last week, wanting the government to step up its response by getting Mubarak out when Egyptian law is very different then western law and if Layton had done any research, he would've known that. We did the right thing by staying out of their affairs.. they don't want or need foreign intervention. Bravo Mr. Harper!

camwest
said

This is coming from a party that wanted to negotiate with the Taliban. Although I hope for a great fair and honest government in Egypt, I really doubt that things will improve. Corruption is not so easy to root out. Maybe a year from now the PM might be right.

W
said

I think that the opposition is more than grasping. The PM said that transition is taking place shortly before Mubarek stepped down. What is the issue that the opposition is trying to create? The PM used a poor analogy? Well get over it. As for Bob Rae, is he suggesting that we should have stuck our noses in earlier? To what end?

Elmer ... Port Hardy
said

Does the opposition think we are all that dumb? The people of Egypt are not going to be able to go back on what they have started.... duuuuGod Bless our prime minister Steven Harper if some critics can only attack a comment about toothpaste. Well I guess we will see a majority Conservative Government this time.And to the news desk give us some noteworthy news next time!

Shocked in Sask
said

Why would comments from the NDP on foriegn affairs be newsworthy? the npd have never been in power and never will be. To think any member of the ndp has any credibility on this or any other foriegn matter is simply ridiculous.

SUPERSTARKS
said

I found the comment kind of funny. I'm sure it was a little unorthodox but does it really make them "out of touch"? The Prime Minister was simply making comparison by using an old saying. Nothing in the statement indicates he supports or opposes what has happened.

sergio
said

Harper did nothing but rhetoric.If Mubarak did not resign, we will see many Tianamen squares arouns the world.Canada could have done better by giving positive signals to the secret police of other dictatorial rulers in waiting.Nothing was decisive from Harper. He always looks at south to open mouth.I'm sorry.

reidjr
said

JeffHas harper not said he feels for the people and wants the right thing done.Who every the next pm is i hope they fix the refugee system is its the biggest thign wrong right now.

chrisinOntariariari-Oh!
said

Hey Jeff, you criticize Harper for not showing"sympathy" for the Egyptian's and not showing an understanding of democracy but where were you when Harper was speaking up for human right's in China while your liberal friend's were chastising him because they were afraid he'd upset them and it would hurt trade?You cannot have it both way's my friend as you cannot alway's give up your value's for money as the liberal's are so keen to do.Paul Martin used to talk about "fundamental values" but could never walk the talk as he would have sold out Canada's record on human right's for a trade deal with the Chinese. So,please sir,don't lecture on Harper's understanding of democracy and the human rights associated with it.

Joanne from Barrie
said

are you freek'n kidding me...........

Tired of Harper but a SoCon
said

He originally said "...put the BrylCream back in the tube" but aides reminded him only he still uses that.

dekker
said

I don't remember when the Liberal party was so irrelevant in this country.

Congratulations from Canada
said

Congratulations Egypt... Bravo and I sincerely hope all other suppressed Arab states see this as an opportunity to do the same and demand fair governments outside the reach of the US State Department and Western influence. You earned it and your deserve your own governance - Congrats! Look to your elders for wisdom and advice!Welcome to freedom and I hope you select a wise leader who will finally bring fairness, wealth and prosperity outside the reach of Western capitalism and control.You have one more task to regain your lost wealth from Mubarak who is reported worth over $80 Billion dollars and has used this delay tactic to hide Egypt's money abroad.

GC in Ont
said

Has the CTV become so desperate for ratings as the opposition is for power? It is insulting to all Canadians that the opposition and the media think we’re stupid enough not to realize that this is yet another desperate attempt to undermine the Harper Government with an empty and pointless argument.Too bad we can’t put Jack, Iggy and the rest of these clowns back into the “tube”. Let’s go to the polls so we can put these jokers out of business for awhile.Wake me up when they have something intelligent to say.

Virgil Caine
said

Harper is an embarassment. His only care is the real politik manuevres he plots out in the country. He's officially lost my vote.

reason passion
said

Stephen Harper's singular concern on this matter has nothing to do with Egyptians and everything to do with the implications for Israel. If democracy in Egypt means a less secure Israel, Mr. Harper will oppose democracy in Egypt. Egypt led the charge in denying Canada a seat on the UN Security Council because Mr. Harper has made Israel-first his government's policy on the Middle East.Canada has thus been relegated to the sidelines with its government talking about toothpaste during what has transpired over the past three weeks. Pitiful.

Darryl73
said

So, let me get this straight - this story isn't about anyone in Egypt being upset by the Canadian PMs comment, it's about a pair of government opposition nobodies in Canada trying to create controversy where there is very little? What a joke. Way to bring us the hard-hitting stories CTV. Just because a politician speaks, it doesn't mean that they really have anything to say or that it is news. Yeesh.

Mae
said

Why would you not give fair coverage of Mr. Harper's complete comment on Mubarak's departure? Don Martin showed a much larger exerpt of tha speech on Power Play to put that colourful phrase into proper context.... it was not what Craig, Jane, Bob Rae & Paul Dewar are making it out to be at all. Mr Rae & Mr Dewar also commented on that show, but we had seen Mr Harper's true meaning before their remarks and were able to identify their prejudice... We had a chance to draw our own conclusions !!!

danR
said

.Dewar is quite correct, but is saying 2 2=4 wrong because the NDP happens to say it?The toothpaste is NOT out of the tube. Suleiman, the army, the old regime, are constructing a revocable 'democracy', a 'democracy' that exists at the good pleasure of Tyranny 2.0.There is only so much arm-twisting a Canadian government can do, but the best leverage we can accomplish is to tell Obama to his face that he does indeed have a priority list in the Middle East, and democracy and freedom and balance powers of government are not first on that list.Meanwhile, the senator from Harvard is probably preparing one of his shapeless/meaningless nuanced dissertations on the Egyptian affair. We really need someone else to replace Ignatieff..

lc
said

@Susan said"CTV is simply shameless in the myriad of ways it tries to undermine Canada's government"What you got in the pipe?CTV most days could be mistaken for a media arm of the cons.Fife, Taber,Martin...........are all auditioning for appointments to follow their colleagues Duffy and Whallen into the Senate.You remember that institution the right wing radicals wanted to destroy. The hypocrisy and alternative reality that the right dwell in is truly astounding.By the amount of comments from the usual suspects it looks like Harperville war room is open for business on a Sunday!The fundamentalists will not be pleased

Gerry from M.B. but not N.D.P.
said

Jim is correct about the eastern left wing media mostley the C.B.C.

Scottish Terror
said

Same comments about tothpaste back in the tube were made when Harper did his Income Trust Betrayal that cost seniors over $35 Billion...he likes to trivialize things that are truly important issues.

Sue
said

They're not going to put the toothpaste back in the tube on this one. Harper sounds like he's talking about the next election in Canada with that comment.

trunorth
said

Once again CTV is desparate for news when it gives credence to the likes of Dewer and Rae. Perhaps their party leaders should be reigning them in, but they aren't much brighter either.I am astounded at how many feel that all the problems of Egypt are about to be solved. It may have ousted a dictator, but it is now under control of the military. That is an improvement? Oh, of course the military claims it will handle things until a duly elected government is elected democratically. Shall we hold our breaths?As for the hoardes of Egyptian "Canadians" who have been demonstrating in our Canadian streets, will they be moving back to their home country, now that all is well there?

Bobby Wonderful
said

That's why Dimitri Soudas won't let Harper take unscripted questions. Dimitri is going to be very, very angry Steve.

FREI in Sask
said

To Jack and Iggy - it's a metaphor...get over it...sometimes a cigar is just a cigar too...

Jerry in Calgary
said

Man, I wish these opposition critics would just shut their mouths up.....just once. I wish they would styffle it and let the government (the one that Canadians elected) do what it was elected to do. If I was the NDP, I would focus on the upcoming election that they keep threathening Canadians with (bring it is what I say), the one that threatens to decimate them and the Liberals according to the recent polls, instead of medling in foreign affairs as if to portray their comments as "all being" and representative of those Canadians that 'DID NOT VOTE FOR THEM TO DO SO".

JJ
said

CTV you are absolutely shameless. Is this news? Do you try to use every little detail to tar and feather people just for the sake of making a buck?

ian
said

what a piece of garbage being passed off as news, is there a shortage of real news or is it you have got too many so called journalists and they have to produce something every day to get their pay

Jim
said

CTV does it again - reporting dribble from some NDP "expert" on what was said about Eygypt. Why don't CTV open up for public comment the report about Gilles Duceppe blackmailing "CANADA" for more money for Quebec. This is a "CANADIAN ISSUE" but CTV hides anything that might put dear ole' Quebec in a bad light. Duceppe should be charged with treason and blackmail and the Bloc should be not allowed in the federal forum.

Goldens
said

If this is all the opposition can come up with to criticize the PM for, he must be doing a great job.

Bill Wiiliams
said

I am sorry but the the thoughts of Paul Dewar are just plain and simple nauseating to me. Of course Conservatives are happy aboput Denocracy taking place, but does Mr. Dewar have no concerns of the democracy movement being hi-jacked and having another Iran put in place. It Is a shocking to think the NDP are at 14% in the polls. 4% is where they deserve to be at in the polls with their lack od understanding of the real world. They are out of their depths when it comes to understanding foreign affairs.

Alicia
said

Reece, I could accept an argument from a man who hold a different opinion than mine, but all you do is spew mindless venom at the conservatives instead of a cogent argument. Give the rest of us a break and at least try to be coherent and reasonable.

working joe
said

Well the NDP might actually have something here, there is no greater experts on being out of touch, than the NDP.

Peter
said

I'm afraid my Prime Minister is a bit of a dullard with not world experience and a manner that provokes friends, allies and enemies equally. He is poorly travelled, poorly read and richly deserving of the disdain world leaders hold him in. The Alberta education system has much to answer for.

Will
said

Apparently the opposition, especially the namby-pamby politically correct at all costs NDP, don't understand the concept of analogy. What the PM said is that there is no going back on this, for better or worse, these events are going to shape the Egypt of the future. If you can't wrap your brain aroudn reality, then you need to grow up!

Paul
said

Same 'ole, same 'ole childish mud-slinging ignorant sandbox full of self-servers...Mr. Rae & Mr. Dewar lovvve this style of soundbyte ambush. It was a remark...a comparison(sterile-non-opinion committal)...what our Prime Minister should do in the mere minutes and days of another countries revolution..but the heck out of everyone else's affairs and concentrate on CANADA! Show support? Lend opinion? on what? The military's taken over for now..Mubarak's former muscle ! Lay low, and watch the candidates emerge...good move, Mr. PM...Let Dewar and Rae fly on over there with party bumper-stickers and "proposals" !

Sam C
said

I see nothing wrong with the analogy -- in other words, Egyptians are not going to allow themselves to go back into a dictatorship. There is no going back, now.

ouifyg
said

jake
said

i'm no fan of harper, but clearly the libs simply need to say something. they NEVER have any concrete solutions ,nor would they actually TAKE A STAND. thats clear from the leadership on down. to the people of EJYPT ,congratulations..to the powers that enabled 30 yrs of tyranny and corruption, SHAME ON YOU. social media is the new and most effective media..its timely, witout edit and very effective. and its not confined to just developing countries... when pushed unjustly,people will push back.. and social media shows theres no where to hide..the world watches.

Jack R
said

Sounds like a George W. Bush'sim. Wait. This is Harper, he thinks HE IS Bush lite. Nice one Stevie. Your analogy sucks.

Carl
said

Huh? What on earth is this article about? The opposition thinks it is inappropriate to mention toothpaste? Talk about grasping at straws. It's definitely the opposition who is out of touch on this one.

Jeff
said

It is a significant story, because our Prime Minister showed absolutely no sympathy for the ordinary Egyptians in the street. This is a person without a democratic bone in his body, and I look forward to the day when he is no longer representing Canada on the world stage.

doug On
said

This is such idiotic nonsense that the opposition should be embarassed. The old saying about putting toothpaste back in the bottle indicates nothing about a position on the issue. Really scraping for an issue, aren't they. Mr. Dewar, you need to get a little common sense in your head.

Ed
said

Good day all, we do have freedom of speech in Canada; the opposition, unfortunately, seem unable to come up with anything positive. It is old style politics that everthing the government in power does is wrong. It shows the gross inability of being unable to think. I note the bias of many comments that are obviously on that same track.

Andrew Chobaniuk
said

It's my hope that one day the media will realize the libs are using them and refuse to publish their desperate bile.

Bobby Brown
said

CTV's "the" remark shows Egypt stumble: CanadiansCTV "news staff" today released an article on Egypt using the word "the" - showing the media chain is "out of touch with Canadians and a misogynist, unrepentant drunk to boot", according to one Canadian."Egyptians don't even use the word 'the', they speak, like, Egyptese or something" said our source.CTV has come under fire recently, as have other Canadian media, for their perceived truculence regarding the CRTC's new 'false and misleading' directive. The new guidelines would prevent CTV from issuing moronic stories such as this one."Canadian media used to be so well respected in the world" said another Canadian, who happens to work for CTV's biggest rival. "They've really missed the boat on this one, and Canadians won't soon forget it. When it comes time to think about where they're getting their news from, they'll think of us, because we care about the Indian people and would never use the word 'the' in an article about them."I mean, what they've just gone through - this is democracy in action - and this is what we're all about. The people of India have just killed their prime minister because he wouldn't listen to the populace of his Nordic countrymen. Oh, and because he refused to accept the truth about global warming as well. But the main point is that we would never insult the Indians by using the word 'the' when clearly they speak Chinese there."With files from the liberal party of canada.

The Waking World
said

You're all missing the important point behind Egypt. IMO, Egypt is the first domino to be followed by many other developing countries in the Mid East and Africa. The price of commodities is being inflated by the US derivatives market for one purpose one thing - $Profits$. For the uninformed, the total global GDP is about $60 Trillion, whereas, the derivatives market is trading $700 Trillion. Major US and world banks are playing the commodities derivatives are play like a tuned glass violin. All food stuffs from sugar, wheat, rice have all recently risen by 50% and some as much as 150% eg cotton, which is being hoarded in China. In a country like Egypt, 75% of wages go to buy food, and may get worse (Faber / Swiss) and look for Pakistan and Tunisia and other to fall next as people protest because they are starving as a result of the wealth US banks playing the commodities for huge profits! The next thing to watch is for salted gold to hit the news in coming months, which will send monetary reverberations around the globe.The toothpaste comment is just Harper expressing US State Dept concerns has over the entire region falling into unfavorable hands causing a potential for instability in the region. This of course will mean more US and UN military involvement and cost to put out rebellion fires. Bottom line is the world is just starting to changing it's power structure from the bottom up, while the elite will have their hands full trying to lull the speeple back to sleep.

Lauire
said

opposition nonsense again! It's not worth putting into print

Mighty Quinn
said

I've always wondered if CTV is owned by the Liberals. I've been wondering that since I was a kid.

mike
said

What a bunch of pathetic Liberal/NDP losers ,crying about toothpaste and what they would have done different ! Please explain to everyone here what you want Canada to do ? Here's a thought ....let the people of Egypt decide what's best ! No wonder i just cannot bring myself to vote for the Libs/NDP , THEY JUST HAVE NO CLUE !!

AL-berta Rocks
said

Perhaps Mr Dewar should be instructed that the comment is actually an aphorism indicating that there is no going back for Egypt. In this case, Mr Mubarrak's reign is done and will not be returning. Meanwhile, I think everyone is right to be holding their collective breaths regarding developments. Yes, Mr Mubbarak is gone...but the military now controls things. That is hardly an improvement. Yet.

Old Ted
said

I think it is premature to say that the Egyptians have Democracy. Only time will tell as to who is going to wield the real power in that country. There are power hungry groups there all too willing to usurp power by any means. The happy faces today may not be so happy a year or so from now. We'll see.

Bob,Calgary
said

It's a beautiful sunny day here in Calgary and nothing can change my mood, even the comments of my favourite Conservative basher, Reece. I now await the comments of the Grande Dame of anti-conservative thought, Wendy ably assisted by her courtier,Mr. RG Brook. These Liberal leftie hordes long for the days of Canada "punching above it's weight" as so ably put by former foreign minister Lloyd Axworthy and now echoed by Bob Rae the esteemed former Premier of Ontario and now Liberal turncoat critic are mythical lore in the Liberal party because they are so consumed by what they think are their past accomplishments that they can't really make cogent comments about the future. I see absolutely no problem with Harper's comments that probably ring true with us Tim Horton afficianados but are not pompous enough for the Liberal Latte sippers. By the way an Ekos Reid poll today has the Cons at 12 points above the Liberals so some Canadians must believe they are doing a decent job. I must say I really enjoy reading the frustrated comments by Liberal supporters who can't accept that Canada's natural governing party is no longer in the driver's seat and access to the public trough for LIberal friends is severely curtailed. Canada is slowly changing but more musdt be done to wean us away from the big government Trudeau vision.

Susan
said

CTV is simply shameless in the myriad of ways it tries to undermine Canada's government. Harper is supposed to be Roy Rogers in Egypt, so everyone can start a new round of criticism.Paul Dewar and Bob Rae = Foreign Affairs??No government spokesman sought = The Usual

Maurice
said

Mr Haper's comment that the events that had unfolded could not be undone turned out to be true. Perhaps he should have used smaller words and maybe drawn pictures so that the NDP members of parliment could understand him.

Redneck Vic
said

It is time for the opposition members to start working with the government instead of doing everything they can to try and score political points. As for the NDP they have opposed everything that the government has said anyway so why not this.

MARG MM
said

Apparently all the so called "educated Liberals" didn't understand the "toothpaste' remark. Would you prefer that the Egyptians did put the" toothpaste back in the tube" and go back to what they just had??? The Government is right to not interfer, but be there when needed to help the Egyptians transition. What we are hearing from the opposition is just another pathetic attempt to try to discredit PM Harper and the Conservatives for anything and everything. Fortunately it appears that most Canadians are seeing the opposition for what they are, all whine and complain with nothing to offer.

Doug ^^^ BC
said

Well,it's refreshing that most thinking people posting here see this as a non issue.What a whole load of crap whing about the use of a common phrase.To me,it shows just how desperate and two faced the Harper Haters and the opposition really are becoming.They have nothing constructive to add to the debate,so they go negative.It seems odd that the socialists are now the ones spewing hate and division.That seems contrary to what they want voters to perceive them as. I have the same concerns as "Dick in Ottawa", and I don't think we are alone.THose are exactly the challenges Egypt faces.This has not been an "event".So far,it is the beginning of a very important "process".How it will turn our remains unclear. But Harper was right.They will "never get the genie back in the bottle".I hope that phrase doen't offend the speech police. You're right on "Scott_G". What we are hoping for is exactly what Harper called for at the press conference in Washington."An orderly process for a more democratic Egypt".Only the most biased and partisan of the whining Canadain socialists coud find something to complain about there.And it is also proper to not take sides in this dispute.Once Harper said his preference was for the "orderly transition",he put the ball back in Egypts court.Unless they ask for some technical help,they are the ones to decide how to arrange that process,and who will take the lead. I'm not his biggest fan.But the usual tirades by the same Harper Haters is wearing a bit thin.I think you sound riduculous.Hardly an incentive to vote for anyone else.

Steve in Vancouver
said

All l can say about the opposition play on this topic is BLEAHHH!!.We dont have an opposition in this country. Rae and Ignatief are birds of a feather, its time to send them flying away so that they can tweet each other their garbage and not annoy peace loving Canadians any longer!

Michael
said

@ Reece, I guess I live in a different part of Canada then you do. This is an analogy that is used quite a bit to show that there is no going back and everything must move forward which is what is going to happen as we see by the Egypt's military rulers dissolved parliament and suspended the constitution.As for the analogy you used.....a plugged toilet. Well come the next election that toilet will come unplugged the the Liberal party will be flushed right down it when PM Harper gets a majority.

Granf
said

While Harper and Obama are both blathering platitudes about supporting the people of Egypt and their wonderful transition to democracy, it sure took them a long time to get around to it. Imagine the difference had this been the people of Cuba massed in the Plaza de la Revolucion en Havana. Would they both have just dragged their feet and "encouraged" the Castro regime to consider reforms? Of course not. But Mubarak was one of those favoured U.S.-friendly tyrants... which makes him the friend of Harper the poodle as well. Hilarious to watch these sycophants try to save face now with their current comments.

Leonardo, ON.
said

King.When you read a report read the real report and not between the lines!!!What are you, a think tank for the Cons?

Sammy
said

Most hilarious about this whole segment on QP today,was Oliver saying,'Obama spoke so eloquently on this subject'..then proceeded to show clip of Obama stuttering and stammering,with numerous uh..uh..uh's..if that is eloquent,give me the clarity of the toothpaste comment any day!

JColes
said

I think Harper was just trying to keep his distance from this one and play it safe. But with that said the Harper government have always been weak on foreign affairs, and I dont think Harper wanted to be trapped in the same cycle as the U.S. Government.Obama, Bush's ex-vp Dick Chany (or however you spell his last name), and numerous others were both in support of the Egyptian President, Obama (but not Dick) then went to neutral ground, and then started to support the people.One thing people do know is that the U.S. had a lot invested in the former ex pres of Egypt, but what they don't know is that so did Canada. Neither the U.S. or Canadian government wanted to see one of their Middle East/Africian puppets fall, because now they will have to try and make the next President of Egypt their new puppet.

Dennis L. Krahn
said

We the electorate ought to be flogged for electing this gaggle of simple minded, unimaginative, morons! We are paying these bozos to come up with this drivel! I guess the old adage is true, ' Being a politician doesn't mean you come with a bucket of brains'!!! All you politicians need to pull your heads out of your a-s and get on with governing Canada.

Bob fr Pet
said

Am I seeing something very familiar here? I think I see a re-inactment of the house of commons. Really, read all these comments. Some good and some constructive and some very, very petty. This sounds like the CPAC channel during question period. :) Well it's a good thing that we have a free country to be able to express ourselves the way we do without fear of being shot or something. This is good people keep up the good work. :)

Tom in BC
said

I thought Harpers "tooth paste" analogy was quite appropriate. The opposition must be really deperate if this is the best they can do. Maybe if they don't have anything constructive to say they should keep their mouths shut!

George
said

Harper said what needed to be said, period. Its up to Egyptians to choose. Bob Ray's criticism is that of a man, who still thinks that he is somewhat relevant. No wonder, opposition is failing!

Jim, Ontario
said

It's a common expression, it means they couldn't go back if they wanted to. Is there any way at all that this is not true about Egypt? Could they go back? Is this clearly going to turn out for the better? Is there a guarantee that there isn't an even more oppressive dictator about to take over? This is a time of uncertainty and it's only the beginning. I guess a lot of people just don't understand this. Is it too complicated? Very weak criticism from the blind opposition as usual.

alfred
said

DESPERATION TIME FOR THE COALITION, you call this news ctv. defeat the government iggy, jack, and giles. we the voters will decide your fate at the ballot box.

KC-bby
said

Again, Harper missed an opportunity to be on the correct side of history. His defeatist attitude reeks of cowardice. But I think his party has been hijacked by Israeli lobbyists and he's not speaking from his heart and reading from a prepared speech. Harper, stand up for Canada - do not fight for foreign policies of alien nations - I don't pay my taxes so that it flows into backward thinking nations. I'd rather help homeless Canadians than support some apartheid loving nationals in far far away lands. If you want to win the next election you need to convince ME and the MAJORITY of Canadians - you are still to far right to even contemplate a majority win. My advice to you is this; if you are confused simply do the RIGHT THING.

LDL in ONT
said

It's just an analogy that simply reiterates that there is no going back for the Egyptian people. Really? The opposition does not understand this ? OK. You see once you squeeze the toothpaste out of the tube it is extremely hard to put the toothpaste back in the tube. You see in this analogy, democracy was suppressed or contained and now that it is out, it is going to be difficult to impose authoratarian rule again. Got it Libs, NDP, Bloc, Green ? Tomorrow's lesson we'll examine the analogy of "Between a rock and a hard place." where no matter what Harper says or does not say, he is never good enough for the opposition.

Darrell
said

It would seem to me that now, as always, Canadian foreign policy in regards to the middle east remains the same. A single question seems always in the forefront of their minds: What does it mean for Israel? Personally, I despise this narrow perspective... people are struggling for the same freedoms that we laud as enlightened politics, but all we seem to see is our "duty" to protect the foreign aid money pit that is Israel. Our government was quick to say that this was Egypt's problem. So when will Israel be responsible for their own problems?

Dick in Ottawa
said

I understand and support our government's current position.Let me ask this. What is to come for Egypt? A smooth transition? Not likely. There is much debate, power struggles, unrest, and most likely more deaths to come before stability is achieved. Even once that stability is achieved, is the ruling power one that Canada will want to aline itself with? Or, even had a role of empowering? To those that say Canada could take this time to influence the people of Egypt into a similar democracy as ours. Well, wouldn't that be the opposite of the peoples choice - and no better that what they just ousted. Let them decide what they want and what best suits them.The only role Canada should have, is one that is specifically request by the people of Egypt.All this said, the toothpaste remark could have been omitted.

rick jones
said

Perhaps the opposition would have been happier with "that genie isn't going to be put back into the bottle" instead? Or are they supremely confident that Egypt is solidly and irrevocably on its way down the Yellow Brick road to the Merry Old Land of Oz?

Rob
said

The opposition needs to wake up. They are criticizing the Harper government for not being a major player in the transition, even though the Egyptian people have made it quite clear that this is something they want to do on their own. Canada should support Egypt, as Harper stated, but should not be overly involved in something that is not our business. Yes it affects us, but to each their own. We don't try to get involved with elections in the USA. Why? Because they are US elections, and even though they affect us, we do not have a say in them. If Canada truly believes in getting a free and fair democracy for Egypt, they will stay out and let them do their own thing.

Bradley
said

What's the deal. Another made for media trumped up "faux pas" non event intended to try and "dis" this government? This is a stretch. Canada is entitled to express our views any way we want.

David in Dartmouth
said

Imagine this......." Speaking in a figurative manner" ...is NOW an offence under the "Code of Political Correctness"!.....Give me a break...!!!! Go and find something of substance to whine about... all of you " holier than thou" of the politically correct!!! What is next..??? Julian Assange for Prime MInister...????.... As usual......No credibility!!!!

Andy Tadier, Victoria
said

I do not understand what it was that Bob Rae would have Harper say or do in this situation? What would Mr. Rae do? Instead of suggestions for a different approach to the issue all we get is a lot of sputtering about how the other guys got it all wrong. I'm no expert on foreign affairs so please explain.

Prof. Pye Chartt
said

Another non-story (centered on toothpaste, no less), brought to you by our politically immature Opposition, and happily presented by a media machine determined to do what it can to make an "exciting" electoral horse race out of what, to its journalistic dismay, has been steadily forecast as another Conservative minority win. Let's take a moment, shall we, to reflect on all the PROFOUND and AMAZING foreign policy initiatives and provocative diplomatic statements put forth by the Chretien and Martin Liberal governments with regard to Egypt and the 30-year reign of Mubarak. There, I'm done reflecting. (Zippo of meaning and significance.) The cherry on this goofy cake would be former NDPer, Liberal "international-relations wizard" and unofficial government spokesperson Bob Rae flying into Egypt to apologize to the protesting masses for PM Harper's purposely misunderstood toothpaste remark. Oh, put a sparkler on the cake, too, and have Mr. Finger-Into-The-Wind (Ignatieff) chime in with a bitingly disingenuous chastisement. The circus is in town. Bring in the partisan clowns.

ChrisinOntariariari-Oh!
said

I am amazed that C.T.V. would even give remark's made by Paul Dewar any credence as it is quite obvious he really had little to offer the discussion.The reference to "putting the toothpase back in the tube " remark by the prime minister merely indicates that the Egyptian government of Mubarak could not go back and that there is a tranformation taking place within Egyptian society. I wonder maybe in future if C.T.V. shouldn't screen these so called pundits and critic's to see if they really have anything intelligent to bring to the discussion because if the best they can come up with is something as petty as this than maybe they need to look further for people that can bring more substance to the dialogue. It's just a sad commentary on the talent we have in our official opposition as it seems quite obvious the reason's why they are unable to achieve power.

Leonardo
said

what can we expect from the Harper Neo-Con in Ottawa...If Egyptians cannot put back the tooth paste in the tube why are they after the Liberal, supossably steeling all the money they claim???

King Hughes
said

What Harper said, in my opinion was that Egypt was never going to go back to what it was. I think that is a statement of truth. The NDP / Liberal Progressives are so incompetent at everything they do, including their feeble attempt at discrediting Harper.

spaz
said

WELL I must admit....the NDP is an "expert" on the subject of "tone deaf" and "out of touch".After all their gloroius leader thought the "combo" package of Iggy, Layton and Duceppe was the best thing since sliced bread....and would point Canada in the right direstion......right into the dumpster. Bob Rae....after carefull soul searching came out of the NDP closet.No matter who is in the government benches, the opposition will condem them at every turn. After all....there is nothing smarter than an opposition MP

Raj
said

ROTF! I cant believe anyone considers this news! I have used this term myself on many occasions.The opposition parties really need a life, or perhaps something else other than this dribble!

BobNS
said

Again, The oposition comment doesn't make sense at all. What the Prime Minister said is clear and means the people of Egypt.The opposition would do anything to be on the attackMr Harper even when they don't have an argument.Bob

Ron
said

Given the likelihood of a transition to power to the Muslim Brotherhood; I can certainly understand trepidation on the part of the Government of Canada related to events there.

EricB
said

Oh man, you've got to be joking. The other parties are now officially pathetic and desperate trying to pin something, ANYTHING, on Harper.

Tyler Austin
said

Harper was weak on the protests in Egypt from the get go. It was almost like he just ignored the biggest political story of the young decade because he figured nobody in Canada would pay attention to it. That or he was waiting to see what the international commuinity would say first. Either way it's a distinct lack of leadership. Mr Harper, you want to act like a big man with the powers of executive rule? Set a good example or head to the back bench.

Scott_G
said

This is exactly why the Opposition is failing. Harper said exactly what Canadians support. He called it like it was, wants to help but mentions that Egypt has to plot its own destiny.--To suggest otherwise is to be a "American Neo Con","Bush-ite" trying to impose Canada's will on another country. Its one thing to suggest, to hope publicly, another to think that your so important that another nation will stop a protest to see what you think of the matter.--Liberals and NDP are so out of touch, so over the top, so wasting air space, its no wonder the Polls show them sinking like a stone.

Dave in Edmonton
said

The Conservatives are extremely weak when it comes to foreign affairs. The tactics that seemingly work for the uneducated masses in Canada don't work around the world. Harper is so rigid he can't change from his square box in order to fit into the round peg.

Reece
said

The analogy with the toothpaste reminds me the analogy I use when describing Harpers minority government......a plugged toilet.

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