"Loose Lips Sink Ships"

Whispering in the Wind (WITW 80) June 17, 2015

“Loose Lips Sink Ships” was first used on political propaganda posters during World War II.  The posters warned military personnel and the general public that even the most innocent, unguarded comment could be used by the enemy to sink ships.  The slogan that was so effectively used seventy years ago to fight a tyranny has, in a strange way, re-emerged with less dire consequences? 

Mayor Don Iverson

Last week, in a tearful news conference regarding the murder of Constable Daniel Woodall, Mayor Don Iverson offered a comment that created a severe reaction from Ottawa’s political elite.  Mayor Iverson’s comments were in part political when he observed:  “I do have concern regarding gun violence and I will say that the long gun registry may be related to this….I think every opportunity our police have to have knowledge of where firearms are in the city would be to their advantage.”  The reaction from the federal government was immediate and severe.  Minister of Justice, Peter MacKay blurted out that the mayor’s comments were “ill-timed” and “absurd” because the Woodall shooting was still under investigation.  The federal Minister of Public Safety, Steven Blaney opined that his anti-terrorism legislation “will reduce the likelihood” of such murderous events.  Mayor Iverson quickly apologized and said his comments were “premature”.  As to whether the mayor’s comments were too political for the news conference is still an open question?  From my perspective Mayor Iverson made a point that will resonate with many Canadians and the question he posed needs an answer from those who wiped out the long gun registry.  As to whether Don Iverson’s comments were loose talk, I think not.  If there was a disappointment in Mr. Iverson’s personal feelings and actions, his apology was disappointing.

Mike Duffy

As Mike Duffy’s criminal trial continues there is absolutely no doubt, the trial has become a never ending exercise in postponement and delay – at least until after the October federal election.  With last week’s release of Auditor General Michael Ferguson’s audit report on “all” Senators expenses, a new dimension has been added to the Duffy trial and the question remains, was Mike Duffy a victim of political maneuvering and cover up or was he just part of a culture of entitlement in the Senate?  In the Auditor General’s report it is quite clear that the rules regarding the Senators’ expenses were virtually non-existent – and for the future, Mr. Ferguson recommends that expenses for all Senators need much more discipline and definitely proper oversight.  At present, the audit report bodes well for Mike Duffy’s defence against the 31 charges placed by the RCMP, but the trial is not half over and the most damaging charges have yet to be presented in court.  As to whether the “Loose Lips Sinks Ships” slogan applies to Mike Duffy and his circumstances is a question that can’t be answered until his defense is fully presented.  Whether the Mike Duffy trail ends up destroying any “ships” in the process is another open question but there is no doubt, things in government are going to change, big time. 

Justin Trudeau

If there is one political figure in Canada who has regularly shown that he has “loose lips” it is Justin Trudeau, leader of the Liberal Party of Canada.  The list of his gaffs and miscalculations is long and offers a lot of ammunition to his political opponents who continue to suggest that he is not experienced enough to be Prime Minister.  Personally I find Mr. Trudeau’s approach to politics refreshing, human and honest – traits that are lacking in his political opponents.  As to his gaffs, I thing one stands out and is worth mentioning – and in my view is reflective of his 21 century thinking.  Last October, in an interview with Don Newman Justin Trudeau was proposing major humanitarian aid to the people of Iraq as Canada’s contribution to the USA led consortium against the ISIS insurgence in Iraq.  Prime Minister Harper was structuring an air offensive contribution to the US consortium.  Mr. Trudeau glibly offered his party’s position:  “Why aren’t we talking more about the humanitarian aid that Canada can and must be engaged in, rather than trying to whip out our CF-18s and show them how big they are?”  Mr. Harper’s response to Trudeau’s remark was short:  “It just doesn’t work like that in Canada.”  As to the big question for this column, did Trudeau’s off-colored remark leave any lasting impression on the Canadian public?  I doubt it will, but it might have left an impression with some uncertain voters that Mr. Harper was/is being far too aggressive and too macho when it comes to Canada’s role in international affairs, particularly when humanitarian aid was more in the style of Canadian support in areas of military conflict.  As to the question of using his “loose lips” talk to his political advantage, it is time for Mr. Trudeau to take off the gloves and use his honesty and his humanity to his political advantage.