Mr. Harper is not the first prime minister I thought more closely resembled the southern end of a northbound horse. I have often found prime ministers seemingly out of touch with the reality of life for many working, poor and homeless citizens. Lacking in even basic logic, leadership, vision and of questionable intelligence one still had to admire the political sophistication and gamesmanship that made them Prime Ministers.

Perhaps it is that Mr. Harper is the first true ideologue we have had leading Canada.

What ever it is that causes his behaviour on the international stage it needs to stop. Whether Mr. Harper begins to behave rationally or is removed from office by his caucus, party or Canadian voters his policies and behaviour internationally must be changed now.

Where once Canada was respected, consulted and sought out because of its conduct, guiding principles and earned respect, Canada is now becoming an international outcast, a war mongering bully whose word is questionable.

At the just finished G8 summit Mr. Harper was already backing away, making hackneyed excuses, from the global warming agreement he had just made at the summit. There he stood in front of the cameras at the first post climate change press conference already justifying not enforcing or meeting the agreed upon emissions reduction targets.

I stipulate that I do not know if it is lack of understanding of basic scientific principles, adequate grey matter to understand those basic scientific principles, simple denial or a pathetic need to curry favour with George Bush by parroting his climate change obfuscations.

I do know that leadership is about making hard choices for the long term good of the nation and the world. Worrying about and making excuses based on short term disruptions and costs that can be handled while ignoring the potential disaster of failing to act, is short sighted political and ideological opportunism totally lacking in leadership.

We must accept that there will be costs to correcting our ecological behaviour, reach reasonable targets and goals with our European allies and be a trustworthy partner in striving for a better future for our country and children. The costs and consequences of not acting are far higher than that of thoughtful action taken now. Just as there are costs and consequences of being seen by the international community as a country whose words and promises are worthless.