Friday June 15, 2012
By Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator, Friday June 15, 2012
Justin’s High Wire Act?
Justin Trudeau should, after a suitable period of introspection, politely thank those who would have him press-ganged into taking on the Liberal leadership. Then he should tell them to heave off. And enjoy the summer. – He’s not ready. Neither is the Liberal Party of Canada.
This latest effort to resurrect Trudeaumania, prompted by Bob Rae’s decision to bow out of the leadership rather than fight like a junkyard dog over the scraps of power, is manic. Trudeau says he’s under intense pressure to run. That can only grow now that he’s opened the door. But this is a mug’s game. The effort to drive the 40-year-old to jump before his time is a sign, not of his suitability, but of the party’s desperation. (Source: National Post)
Meanwhile, Nik Wallenda is hoping to make history Friday as he attempts to be the first person to walk across Niagara Falls on a tightrope.
On a walk scheduled for 10:20 p.m. ET, Wallenda will cross from the American side to the Canadian side of the falls on a 500-metre wire suspended 60 metres above the churning water.
Others have crossed the water on tightropes, but over the gorge downstream and not for more than 100 years.
Wallenda estimates that the walk will cost him $1.3 million – the pricetag includes the fabrication and installation of the custom-made steel wire, permits and security on both sides of the border as well as travel and marketing.
He is recouping some of the costs through a deal with ABC to air his walk on a live special, which will air on CTV in Canada.
The Niagara Falls Parks Commission expects 120,000 people to gather on the Ontario side of the falls when Wallenda attempts his walk. (Source: CTV News)