Human wrongs

Another of the Cons' frequent topics of discussion in opposition has predictably been tossed by the wayside, as Jim Flaherty gives no indication that he's the least bit concerned about human rights in Russia as long as he personally gets treated well:

(Flaherty) shrugged off widespread criticisms that Russia has been backsliding on human rights and democracy development since Mr. Putin came to power.

“They've hosted a very good meeting here, and we appreciate it,” he said. “I'm not going to talk about Russian internal affairs, that's for sure.”

A British think tank, the Foreign Policy Centre, last week published a G8 Scorecard that gave Russia failing marks in a dozen areas that count as core values among most of the group's members, including openness, free speech, transparent governance, rule of law and civil society.

Of course, given the Cons' similar turnaround when it comes to the "transparent governance" issue in Canada, it shouldn't be surprised that key government ministers aren't the least bit interested in discussing whether Russia is living up to any standard. But just in case anybody thought the Cons would at least try to present a less cynical picture abroad than at home, Flaherty's initial trip abroad strongly suggests otherwise.