'Troop of baboons...' hmmm fortunately, most of them can read, unfortunately, most read the Sun, , Province, Post and watch their friends and accomplices' on TV. Caroles' supporters should see to it that the facts get placed before the public every way we can . She deserves it, and we and the Campbell 'Liberals' deserve her. Carole is no Kim or Rita - and that's a good thing!

Paul says "Most BC voters are thoroughly sick of BC's cheap-shot politics..." It's easy to say this,perhaos even true. But it is remarkable that the BC public is more likely to elect an alpha baboon than a diplomatic eland! I surely hope that Carol James can reverse this well-established BC pattern.

Paul writes "In British Columbia’s polarized, confrontational politics, a chippy, aggressive style is expected and praised by political commentators." I agree. That's why pit-bull politicians like Christy Clark, Glen Clark, Mike de Jong, Gary Collins, and yes, Joy MacPhail, are automatically considered political stars, even if they may be more interested in settling scores with their opponents than promoting good public policies. These types inevitably get the plum cabinet positions, which creates an incentive for the next generation of politicians to behave in a similar manner. Have you ever wondered why political parties sometimes seem to choose some of their most morally challenged MLAs as their party leaders? I think Paul's article offers a useful explanation.

I think Carole may have another issue with which she has to deal. Michael Smyth, of the Vancouver Province, devoted his entire first column after her election to the fact that she is Metis. Having consumed the morning Province as his sole source of information, an acquaintance of mine commented that the NDP had blown it again, "electing a woman and an Indian at the same time." This is a sad commentary but I doubt that the Liberals will hesitate to play the "race card" as they did in the last election over the question of land claims.

I find it unfortunate that the question of Carole's gender should itself be a key topic of your first issue. That is not to say that people shouldn't or won't think it but really, the comment is, afterall coming from a former Minister of Finance in the NDP who didn't think the province could even afford pay equity. The fact that his research source is a right wing political operative for two parties that used women leaders as scapegoats after their parties, under traditional male guidance had trashed the country and the province doesn't really enrich anyone's thinking or possible discussions that we might have around the water cooler. Lets have some views on how we can stick together this round and promote politics of inclusion, fairness and justice. People want to hear the ideas and see the action. And if the NDP succeeds at forming government again, under Carole James, lets not all go to sleep or simply operate in the back ground if things aren't going the way we think they should.

well said Louise Leclair...

Lets look at characteristics and not gender, or race. True characteristics can be influenced by both but people must always be concidered on their own merrit. To decide for or against simply by gender. Shame on anyone thinking that in this day. Lets start by bringing some integrity and honesty into this province's political structure. On all sides.

Why does it have to be the BC Liberals or the NDP anyway ? What about the Green Party ? Adrienne Carr is feisty, but could certainly not be called a "pit-bull". The NDP-Socred-BC-Liberal seesaw has not, in my opinion, served BC that well, so why not try a new philosophy ? As they grow in numbers (which they can only do if people who have yet to do so actually consider voting for them, Green Party policies will become more sophisticated and more realistic. And if they retain a greener tinge than those of either of the traditional "big" parties, so what ? We badly need a bit more respect for our natural resources, the true root of our traditional relative "prosperity". Recognizing much greater scarcity value in "that to which value is added" will mean paying a whole lot more for what we extract from nature (and leaving a lot more of it untouched as a vital biological reservoir). That in turn, will lead to placing much more emphasis on increasing the value added to a static or smaller throughput of natural resources. And that, in my humble opinion, is the only road to a form of economic prosperity that is truly sustainable in the long run.

It is apparent, after the recent un-substantiated accusations against Richard Stewart - completely ignoring the FEMALE politicians' behaviour (shaking a co-worker and 'french tickler gift)that the NDP can now be re-named the NEW DAMSEL PARTY. Pro- feminism all the way. One would think that Carole James, Joy McPhail et al wrote the book on B.C. Family Law, where women can lie with impunity. There will undoubtedly be a mass exodus of single males if this feminist party gets elected.

Richard Stewart is the lier! How can there be multiple sources of sexual harassment allegations with zero truth behind it?

So, Lorne, what is your problem with feminism? You only like stupid women who don't think? No kidding about the mass exodus of men? This is hilarious. Those kind of men are more than welcome to leave.

Sue, your comments are so typical. Completely ignoring the statements made and intead ressorting to a personal attack. I suppose you've never heard of political accusations being without basis? Talk about naive. So what about the female politicians that behave worse than the males and get away with it? Any comments? I suppose you don't believe it happened. Perhaps you should take your head out of the sand. And your implication that all non-feminist women are 'stupid women who don't think'? Whoa! P.S. learn how to spell 'liar'