Modeling Journey

Having drawn a line in the sand in unmistakeable terms, Ignatieff has had his bluff called by Harper, who tugged on his chain and has brought him to heel, yet again.

Ignatieff warned Harper that the Liberals would not tolerate the Tories passing legislation which allowed them to simply draw down the $3 billion asked for without letting Parliament know in advance details of the use of those funds:

" Yesterday, in the latest twist in this showdown, Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff said the Liberals will put forward a motion in Parliament next week requiring the government to list the departments and programs on which the $3 billion will be spent.

Ignatieff repeated that he has no intention of giving the government a "complete blank cheque." But he suggested the upcoming Liberal motion offers the Conservatives a possible way out of the impasse.

"I see no reason why the Prime Minister would make it an issue," Igantieff said when asked if he was willing to force an election over the $3 billion."

Harper, having taken the measure of Ignatieff, promptly called Ignatieff's bluff, and the Liberals have scuttled for cover, backing off with alacrity:

" “Our intention is not to create some confrontation,” he told reporters.

Mr. Goodale said his party will not force a vote on the issue next week and that the matter does not need to be resolved until the end of the month."

Ignatieff – viewed by some as tantamount to a recent Canadian, with some rather strange views, tortuously expressed – has not yet learned that bluster followed by retreat is not the same as a principled stand, with determination to go to the polls to enforce the principles.

He needs to learn the difference fast, or he will be typecast as a yapper, with a little bark and no bite.