Steve Goes to Vietnam

I've read this quote in 3 different news stories today about Harper's trip to Vietnam and it still makes me cringe in embarassment:

“This has been my first trip to this part of the world,” Mr. Harper told his counterpart. “I do have a brother that has been involved in business in Vietnam, so I am aware of the growing business co-operation between the two countries.”

Steve gets his information about the state of Canada's business relationships from his brother? Which other family members are serving as his advisers on world issues? And what about those cabinet ministers who are supposed to be the official sources on such matters? What are they? Chopped liver? Pretty faces? Useless sockpuppets? I think I'd feel a tad insulted if I was the minister of trade or foreign affairs but we'll never know how they really feel since Steve keeps them muzzled anyway.

Speaking of being muzzled, Steve has been true to form in snubbing the press as well:

...on some of the tough issues back home — the water crisis in Vancouver, a reported U.S. request for the Canadian navy to check ships sailing to and from North Korea — Mr. Harper was silent. His staff blocked reporters' access to most routine events with the prime minister in Hanoi.
[...]
Vietnam has been criticized by observers for religious persecution, particularly of Buddhists and Christians, and also for cracking down on reporters and publishers critical of the Communist regime.

But Mr. Harper was reluctant to have any contact with journalists from his own country.

Ouch.

In contrast, remarks made by leaders from New Zealand, the United States, Australia and other APEC countries have been widely available and publicized.

After a reporter asked Mr. Harper a question during the photo opportunity with Mr. Nguyen, about a possible meeting with the Chinese president, all access by journalists to Mr. Harper and his activities was blocked for the rest of the day. Even a Canadian-organized event featuring business students from back home was declared off limits to reporters.

Later, Mr. Harper met with Prime Minister John Howard at the Australian Embassy for a private dinner that included their wives. Canadian reporters were blocked from watching the opening greeting, while Australian media were told they were welcome to attend.

Canada currently ranks 18th on the Press Freedom Index and it looks like Steve is encouraging a race to the bottom of that list by fearfully and arrogantly hiding out behind closed doors. Who's advising him on how to handle the press? His good buddy Bush?