As I said, Schwarzenegger came to North America as an adult, without speaking English as a child (just like Dion), but look at his English today.

Again, I am merely commenting from a lnguistic point of view; I am not attacking Dion on his ideas or policies.

Margaret: if you do a search for “psychopath”, you’ll come across Ignatieff because that’s what I have been calling him. That empty look and other characteristics are also found in Ignatieff himself. I don’t care whether he’s right or wrong on Harper (I really couldn’t care less), but based on my observations, Iggy himself has a few problems he should seek professional help for.

Werner, first I’d thank you for pointing out the flaws in my grammar. I’m using my blog to improve my writing skills. Thank you. Please also remember that he’s from Quebec and he grew up speaking French and learning little English throughout his childhood. I’ve seen great improvement in his English over the course of the leadership race.

As a linguist, though, I have to say that it’s embarrassing that Dion’s English, who was born in North America, is much worse than Arnold Schwarzenegger’s, who came to North America as an adult, i.e., when it’s already harder to learn a new language.

From a professional (linguistic) point of view, Dion has a speech impediment or some other serious problem that prevents him from learning the language properly. I know he’s a nice guy and all, but that’s his Achilles’ heel, and most Liberals know it (but only few will admit it — “ostrich policy” comes to mind).

P.S. In case you didn’t catch on, the word you were looking for is “fluent”, not “affluent”.

Those comments seem to meet the criteria for a sociopath (aka psychopath). More characteristics–no conscience, no empathy for others, compulsive lying, never admitting a mistake, never being able to say you’re sorry.

Do others besides me recognize these traits in Stephen Harper?

Do a google search for psychopath.

And then, of course, Steffi would have someone there to translate for him.