good response

not the most diplomatic response, but call it the way you see it!

Liberals step away from senator's criticism of U.S.
The Canadian Press, March 17, 2006

OTTAWA -- The federal Liberals are distancing themselves from a senator's harsh criticism of the U.S. in a letter she sent defending the Canadian seal hunt.

Senator Celine Hervieux-Payette replied recently to a letter from an American family which called the hunt "horrible'' and "inhumane.''

Hervieux-Payette responded that what she found horrible was "the daily massacre of innocent people in Iraq, the execution of prisoners in American prisons, the massive sale of handguns to Americans, the destabilization of the entire world by the American government's aggressive foreign policy, etc.''

Opposition Leader Bill Graham issued a statement Friday saying those words ``reflect her personal opinions and not those of the Liberal Party of Canada.''

"The Liberal Party of Canada values the friendship and commitment to democratic principles that Canada shares with the United States.''

The Liberals are sensitive about perceived anti-Americanism within the party in the wake of past controversial comments by several MPs.

Former prime minister Paul Martin banished Carolyn Parrish from the Liberal caucus after she made harsh comments about U.S. President George W. Bush. But she was a sitting MP in a government party while Hervieux-Payette is an unelected senator from the Opposition.

There was no suggestion that Hervieux-Payette's comments might bring disciplinary action from her caucus.

The Quebec senator was unavailable for comment.

The letter from the American family was sent to all senators, but Hervieux-Payette was apparently the only one who replied.

The senator's remarks drew a sharp rebuke from Rebecca Aldworth of the Humane Society of the United States, who said Hervieux-Payette was out of line.

"Her statements were inflammatory and offence to Americans, who have the absolute right to speak up on the seal hunt regardless of U.S. foreign policy,'' Aldworth said.

"Her comments weren't at all appropriate or relevant.''