Summertime is known as the silly season in politics.

With the federal Tories it's more than silly, it's becoming downright nasty.

I've never been one to defend the Bloc Quebecois. Their lack of interest in the good governance of Canada is detrimental to Quebec and the entire country.

But on this one, the Tories have again gone too far and I side with the Bloc.

The Harper gang didn't like the fact that the Bloc voted against a crime bill on minimum sentences for child traffickers.

The Bloc argues it removes judicial discretion in sentencing.

Agree or not agree, that's not the point.

With your taxpayer dollars, the Tories sent out flyers to every household in every Bloc riding.

It reads "Your Bloc MP has voted against the protection of children."

It shows some supposed pervert leading a young child away. This is the worst form of political mudslinging. It's offensive. And it's not the first time the Tories have gone down this path.

Back in 2004 they tried labeling the Liberals and the NDP as supporters of child pornography because they didn't support a Tory bill. The move backfired and this one will too.

Increasingly it seems the Tories reflect a bush mentality. Either you're with us or against us.

Desperate measures for a party sinking in Quebec.

Michael Jackson

No matter where you were this week, you could not escape it, or beat it.

The Michael Jackson circus reached hysterical proportions with the memorial service.

You may agree that he was the greatest entertainer ever or you may say you would never let your kids stay over at Neverland.

At best, certainly a case of arrested development.

But the fact is, that the whole thing was bizarre.

They call it the Diana syndrome.

Worldwide grief and mourning for someone most people had never met.

A strange hunger to connect -- a deeply-felt sorrow for a perfect stranger.

Automatic sainthood for dying young

Everyone knew his name.

But here are some names you may not know...they too died.

  • Pat Audet, 38
  • Nicolas Bulger, 30
  • Martin Joannette, 25
  • Charles-Philippe Michaud, 28

The latest Canadian soldiers to die in Afghanistan.

How many will shed tears for them?

How many will remember?

I'm Barry Wilson and that's CTV Postscript for this week.