New leader of the Liberal Party, Stephane Dion, has been dubbed somewhat derisively "Red Green" by the pundits and press. The red-green show: shades of things to come
MONTREAL—Stéphane Dion can be described as a mix of Liberal red and environmental green — seasonally appropriate hues, but also perhaps the next big political-fashion combination for 2007.
Elected on the strength of a healthy youth push within the party, Dion's win also served as a rebuff to the old party establishment, most of whom had lined up behind either Bob Rae or Michael Ignatieff.
Dion rode to victory on his reputation for unity — within the Liberal party and as a former intergovernmental minister — and also his strong environmental pedigree when he was the minister in charge of that department under prime minister Paul Martin.
He's a red-blooded partisan but a green-friendly politician too, in other words, and Liberals are betting that this is the colour combination that can beat back the deep-blue conservatism of Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
Cross posted at The Next Agenda
The association is one Dion should embrace rather than reject.
To my surprise I found this awful picture at Parks Canada's website today. Was it was photoshopped by a hacker? Geez Mr. Dion looks like he'd rather be anywhere but in front of the camera. He really needs to loosen up. Whoever did the photoshop also changed his skin tones to make him look ill, almost dead.
The original looks like this:
Here's your opportunity to influence international politics. Regarding a makeover. My modest suggestions follow below.
First study this photo carefully: Red Green
In my humble opinion here's the top 10 things Mr. Dion needs to do:
Number 10: Embrace his inner possum. Red Green is among the most loved characters ever to grace the TV screen. If Stephane can associate with Canadian affection for Red Green the love will carry him far.
Number 9: Start wearing Red Green suspenders. They don't have to be seen all the time. Just a glimpse will add to Stephane's intrigue. (It is my understanding that there's a whole new industry out there based upon glimpsing Britney Spear's new underwear.)
Number 8: Always refer to his cottage in the Gatineaus as "the lodge".
Number 7: Make the occasional reference to duct tape. For example: "Canadians know the power of duct tape. They know how to use it, but the problem of the environment calls for much, much more...
Number 6: Wear plaid!
Number 5: Put Harold on his advisory board. 'nuff said.
Number 4: Make all the other leadership candidates swear alligence: "Quando Omni Flunkus Moritati" (When all else fails, play dead)
Number 3: Have all but Martha Hall-Findlay further swear: "I'm a man... I can change... If I have to... I guess."
Number 2: End each speech with "Keep your stick on the ice!"
And the Number 1 thing Mr. "Red Green" Dion needs to do is: Win the next election!