Rice-MacKay: Conflict of Interest

This won't be on most American-folk's radar. I find it a bit concerning from a purely international politics perspective... are there "rules of engagement" that preclude "liasons-other" that could so seriously affect history? I'm thinkin' there aren't. What are the implications if such alleged trists progress or regress?

Here are a couple of links.... I'm sure there are and will be more.

A CBC link that raises eyebrows... here.

And a bit out of Detroit News Online... here.

Victor K.

43'

So, she's a single woman that likes the company of a man once in a while...what's wrong with that?

I guess it's better than former rumors that she was a lesbian

Hey, she's Secretary of State and he's the Foriegn Affairs minister. Seems like a logical move.

Sexy Canadian foreign minister is latest alleged match

When did Peter MacKay start being sexy? I must have missed that memo.

I suppose it would be good for Canada-US relations. Until they break up and he calls her a dog.

Seriously...Stronarch is belly aching and using the incident to point out the "conservative" failings?

There is no record of McKay having said it...and honestly with Stronarch's track record ...for dating as well as in her own party...

A joke...and I can't believe the attention it's getting either in the media...

Rule of Thumb - don't date people at the office.

I started this thread to point out potential conflicts of interest that may or may not be influenced by a hypothetical relationship between Canadian Froreign Affairs Minister Peter macKay and The Secretary of State for The United States of America Condoleeza Rice.

For me, there is no question that the discussions they partake in on behalf of Canadain and American citizens is of great if not the greatest importance since those of the WWII era or perhaps NAFTA... NAFTA did not and is not going well.

That these delicate negotiations may be going on under the sheets is disturbing owing to the very nature of romantic involvement and the great seriousness of international affairs in this unstable global climate.

I find it rather humourous that folks focus on Belinda Stronach when presented with such a scenario. I would put forth the notion that Belinda Stronach is not Condie Rice or currently doing "stuff" with with either Mackay or Rice or the policy of two nations or international policy that will potentially shape the future of both nations and the world's response to the actions of these people. Nor is Stronach an integral part of the story of a potential conflict of interest between Rice and MacKay.

I would not like to think that policy could be affected by a "good" night as oppossed to an evening of "less comfort" as held in the vagaries of the romantic continuum as expressed on national and international issues on which lives may depend.

Oh well, I guess it doesn't matter... yet.

Victor K.

43'

[edit on 21-10-2006 by V Kaminski]

I clearly misread something somewhere...McKay and Rice...not McKay and Stronach.

I would have to agree that an extracurricular relationship between Mc Kay and Rice would present a conflict of interest.

Sure they are still "people" and nature calls us all, but there comes a time when you have to weight the pros and cons.

I think some harmless flirting is fine...gives them some "human" qualities...but a full blown relationship would present more of a problem for both, and the implications and impact such a relationship might have on their appointed duties could prove to be more than troublesome.

Sorry for injecting Stronach into the mix...didn't read through...

As long as MacKay keeps Condi happy and purring, you guys will continue to not need passports to enter the United States...

j/k of course


[edit on 10/21/2006 by djohnsto77]

I dont see it as a conflict of interest. Can you think of an occasion when their love would conflict with Canadian/US interests?

For one, policy isnt formulated at the State Department/Foreign Affairs level. They do what they are told to by their Prime Minister/President. So really I cannot see this as having any adverse consequence to either nation involved. Infact I can see it forging closer ties with two already close nations.

The only thing that is striking, to me, about this is that Condi Rice finds the time for a relationship.

[edit on 21/10/06 by subz]

Originally posted by subz
Can you think of an occasion when their love would conflict with Canadian/US interests?

Sure I can, the Hard Wood issue.

Sorry, I couldn't help myself.

Originally posted by intrepid
Sure I can, the Hard Wood issue.

I doubt Condi would have any problems with a hardwood issue. But if you guys have a softwood issue, it could be a deal breaker.

I think it could well have a "baring" barring the incessant Americanization of Canada. Peter MacKay is a pawn. I actually kinda used to like the guy, he's so far out of his league. LOL.

The tangled "tango" of affections sought and rejected are not entirely removed from the concept of full-spectrum warfare (an American invention). Read Rummy's dissertation cum battle-plan for "The New American Century". LOL. Mil-spec-viagra. The Guess Who had a hit in the early days... back when 'Nam was hot, a song called "American Woman".

Closer relations with the US aren't always in one's sovereign best interests; it's called "history". That it may be playing out in the fore or in shadows matters little to those who aren't aware of the possible ramifications that romance introduces into the "equation"... America doesn't play fair and never has in international relations and quite likely never will.

Victor K.

43'

EDIT: Mmmm beer. Canadian beer.......

[edit on 21-10-2006 by V Kaminski]