Yellow Fever
November 22nd, 2008, 09:48 AM
Premier's gold medals make NDP see red
Only name on construction workers' 'decoration' is Campbell's
Michael Smyth, The Province
Published: Friday, November 21, 2008
It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that bling. That could be the new 2010 theme song for the B.C. government after yesterday's discovery that Premier Gordon Campbell has been handing out gold medals to Olympic construction workers.
Yes, gold medals. Well, gold-coloured, anyway. And not just cheap little plastic knock-offs like the one my six-year-old got in a fun run a few months ago.
"This thing has got some heft to it," NDP house leader Mike Farnworth said as he weighed the medal in his hand.
It's a good three inches across and weighs more than a quarter-pounder -- almost like a real Olympic medal. What a waste of money!"
The government couldn't say how many of the medals were given away or how much they cost, but one thing's for sure: They were draped around the necks of the recipients by the Big Kahuna himself.
"Presented by Premier Gordon Campbell," is engraved on the medals in big, bold letters. They were presented for a "gold-medal performance in venue construction."
Farnworth couldn't resist displaying one in question period yesterday despite the official ban on props in the legislature. (He hid the medal in his breast pocket and it popped out during QP. Just call it a wardrobe malfunction.)
"This is a classic example of the government's priorities," Farnworth railed, calling the medals "the premier's personal bling program."
Campbell was clearly ticked off by the attack, saying the New Democrats don't care about construction workers who toil in the rain and cold to get the 2010 venues built on time. But Farnworth wouldn't back down.
"If they want to honour someone, why not give them a certificate with their own name on it? That wouldn't cost as much money and it would be personal. The only name on this thing is Gordon Campbell's."
Farnworth got the medal, by the way, from an Olympic construction worker who dropped by his office with it.
"He said to me, 'What the hell am I supposed to do with this?' and he's right. What's he going to do, wear it on the job site or at the pub?"
The Liberals lambasted Farnworth yesterday, calling his little bling thing a silly stunt while the economy is melting down. The government wanted to focus on their new bill delivering Campbell's promised five-per-cent income-tax cut and a one-point reduction in business taxes.
To back up their claims that they are the best party to protect the sputtering economy, the government had a conga line of B.C. business leaders on hand to cheer on the tax cuts.
To rub it in even more, the Libs immediately called the bill for second reading, which required the unanimous consent of the legislature. The NDP refused to go along.
"Well, I thought there was an appetite to talk about the economy," chided Liberal house leader Mike de Jong. "Apparently not."
Now it was Farnworth's turn to accuse the Libs of dirty tricks: "What a stunt that was -- they had no intention of debating every stage of that bill in one day. They all had their flights booked to leave town! A lot of our people had late flights out of Victoria because the Liberals had booked all the flights."
And with that, the love-in was put over until Tuesday.
Wouldn't it be refreshing if these guys could actually work together for once for the good of our shaky economy?
But if you believe that'll ever happen, you get the gold medal for gullibility.
msmyth@theprovince.com
© The Vancouver Province 2008
COMMENTS ON THIS STORYAdd Your CommentRIGHT.Fri, Nov 21, 08 at 10:21 AM
Maybe they should drape all of the medals around Gordon "I'm The Presenter!" Campbell's neck and put him in a boat. Then they should sail out to the middle of the Juan De Fuca Straight and push him over. Orca fodder, mmmmmm......
OMGFri, Nov 21, 08 at 10:23 AM
As if stupid Gordos head ain,t big enough,he decideds to glorify himself on a stupid piece of crap.It really should read,thanks for particpating in the future demise of the BC economy by building infastructures that we can,t afford or need.I hope the 2010 Olympics burns up in flames,cause thats what they are doing to my tax dollars
MNFri, Nov 21, 08 at 10:28 AM
Another taxpayer contribution to Gordo the pompous ass.
Critic HaterFri, Nov 21, 08 at 10:56 AM
Honestly I'm sick and tired of ALL NDP critics. I think government critics are a waste of time and money, and simply just love to pick away and NOTHING! At all jobs leaders have to think of creative ways to give recognition to staff, and this is a really intereating way to say thanks. Yes it may sit at home in the closet, but how many people can say they have one? Good job for recognizing hardwork / dedication!
PeterFri, Nov 21, 08 at 10:56 AM
I am just totally tired of this Liberal Mob. Mob is usulally a term to describe the Saprano's. I think its a fitting description of our present government. Bad bad buggers.
Only name on construction workers' 'decoration' is Campbell's
Michael Smyth, The Province
Published: Friday, November 21, 2008
It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that bling. That could be the new 2010 theme song for the B.C. government after yesterday's discovery that Premier Gordon Campbell has been handing out gold medals to Olympic construction workers.
Yes, gold medals. Well, gold-coloured, anyway. And not just cheap little plastic knock-offs like the one my six-year-old got in a fun run a few months ago.
"This thing has got some heft to it," NDP house leader Mike Farnworth said as he weighed the medal in his hand.
It's a good three inches across and weighs more than a quarter-pounder -- almost like a real Olympic medal. What a waste of money!"
The government couldn't say how many of the medals were given away or how much they cost, but one thing's for sure: They were draped around the necks of the recipients by the Big Kahuna himself.
"Presented by Premier Gordon Campbell," is engraved on the medals in big, bold letters. They were presented for a "gold-medal performance in venue construction."
Farnworth couldn't resist displaying one in question period yesterday despite the official ban on props in the legislature. (He hid the medal in his breast pocket and it popped out during QP. Just call it a wardrobe malfunction.)
"This is a classic example of the government's priorities," Farnworth railed, calling the medals "the premier's personal bling program."
Campbell was clearly ticked off by the attack, saying the New Democrats don't care about construction workers who toil in the rain and cold to get the 2010 venues built on time. But Farnworth wouldn't back down.
"If they want to honour someone, why not give them a certificate with their own name on it? That wouldn't cost as much money and it would be personal. The only name on this thing is Gordon Campbell's."
Farnworth got the medal, by the way, from an Olympic construction worker who dropped by his office with it.
"He said to me, 'What the hell am I supposed to do with this?' and he's right. What's he going to do, wear it on the job site or at the pub?"
The Liberals lambasted Farnworth yesterday, calling his little bling thing a silly stunt while the economy is melting down. The government wanted to focus on their new bill delivering Campbell's promised five-per-cent income-tax cut and a one-point reduction in business taxes.
To back up their claims that they are the best party to protect the sputtering economy, the government had a conga line of B.C. business leaders on hand to cheer on the tax cuts.
To rub it in even more, the Libs immediately called the bill for second reading, which required the unanimous consent of the legislature. The NDP refused to go along.
"Well, I thought there was an appetite to talk about the economy," chided Liberal house leader Mike de Jong. "Apparently not."
Now it was Farnworth's turn to accuse the Libs of dirty tricks: "What a stunt that was -- they had no intention of debating every stage of that bill in one day. They all had their flights booked to leave town! A lot of our people had late flights out of Victoria because the Liberals had booked all the flights."
And with that, the love-in was put over until Tuesday.
Wouldn't it be refreshing if these guys could actually work together for once for the good of our shaky economy?
But if you believe that'll ever happen, you get the gold medal for gullibility.
msmyth@theprovince.com
© The Vancouver Province 2008
COMMENTS ON THIS STORYAdd Your CommentRIGHT.Fri, Nov 21, 08 at 10:21 AM
Maybe they should drape all of the medals around Gordon "I'm The Presenter!" Campbell's neck and put him in a boat. Then they should sail out to the middle of the Juan De Fuca Straight and push him over. Orca fodder, mmmmmm......
OMGFri, Nov 21, 08 at 10:23 AM
As if stupid Gordos head ain,t big enough,he decideds to glorify himself on a stupid piece of crap.It really should read,thanks for particpating in the future demise of the BC economy by building infastructures that we can,t afford or need.I hope the 2010 Olympics burns up in flames,cause thats what they are doing to my tax dollars
MNFri, Nov 21, 08 at 10:28 AM
Another taxpayer contribution to Gordo the pompous ass.
Critic HaterFri, Nov 21, 08 at 10:56 AM
Honestly I'm sick and tired of ALL NDP critics. I think government critics are a waste of time and money, and simply just love to pick away and NOTHING! At all jobs leaders have to think of creative ways to give recognition to staff, and this is a really intereating way to say thanks. Yes it may sit at home in the closet, but how many people can say they have one? Good job for recognizing hardwork / dedication!
PeterFri, Nov 21, 08 at 10:56 AM
I am just totally tired of this Liberal Mob. Mob is usulally a term to describe the Saprano's. I think its a fitting description of our present government. Bad bad buggers.