Conservative trained seals or kindergarden students?

Why so glum?

From Jane Taber's Ottawa Notebook at the Globe & Mail (with my snarky comments).

PM hails accomplishments on eve of protests

Addressing his caucus on the eve of his party’s fourth anniversary of winning government, the Prime Minister said the “international economy remains fragile.”

Last year, Harper prorogued parliament because the opposition were about to bring down the government for its rosy view that "all the fundamentals were strong". This year, he prorogued to work on the economy without the noise of Parliament to distract.

It is not usual that reporters are allowed into a caucus meeting but for so many reasons today – to show the Tories are at work, despite the prorogation controversy and to celebrate their fourth anniversary – the press was able to cover the Prime Minister’s opening remarks.

What transparency! But I don't suppose they were able to ask questions. Might as well just hand them a copy of his speech but Harper wanted to show just how united his caucus is.

His address sounded much like an election stump speech as his troops gave him standing ovation after standing ovation...

Before cameras were allowed in, national caucus chairman Guy Lauzon was overheard giving directions to his caucus members, warning them to “be on their best behaviour” and to cover up any sensitive documents so that they don’t end up on the “front page of The Globe and Mail.”

He also told his caucus colleagues to stand up, clap and show the Prime Minister a “warm welcome” when he entered the room.

Well, at least they're accorded the same level of respect as elementary school students. Better than the disdain with which he treats the rest of Canada's elected MPs who have had school unceremoniously cancelled.

Edited to add: Then there's this from the Vancouver Sun,

In his remarks, Harper said nothing about his decision to prorogue Parliament until March rather than have MPs return to the House of Commons Monday.