Cluin - I doubt if giving your elementary school children a hug as they leave for school would ever be construed as sexual abuse.

Dave, kids that young are still pretty attached to their parents. I doubt if they were worried about their image. A hug or a pat on the back would seem appropriate. Shaking hands with a child is stilted.

Cluin - You're right about political leaders who screw it up for the next guy. That is equally true of politicians who take credit for a healthy economy that was the result of fiscal policies introduced by their predecessors. Too often, current politicians reap the benefits of past practices and gloat as if they were in some way responsible.

Peace - I would hang Harper based on the statements he has made in the past (see the above link). I doubt if he has changed his opinions significantly.

The only thing that will keep him in check is the opposition. I'm just thankful that its a minority govt.