22 Minutes rebuked for poor timing

CANADA/ENTERTAINMENT - "This Hour Has 22 Minutes" comedian Geri Hall's attempts to mock Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty fell flat today when she interrupted a media availability about job layoffs. The attempt shows a complete lack of sympathy for the 1500 Canadians who have lost their jobs at Stelco.

In character as Single Girl from the CBC show "This Hour Has 22 Minutes," Hall was attempting to poke fun at Dalton McGuinty, but she was interrupting a series of questions on U.S. Steel Canada's decision to shut down the former Stelco mills in Ontario.

McGuinty politely ignored Hall as she attempted to make jokes, but NDP MP Peter Kormos was fuming from the background and yelled out that thousands of job losses were no laughing matter.

Hall finally got the hint and departed, leaving McGuinty and the reporters returned to the more serious issues of the day.

A government spokesman for McGuinty's office said Hall's timing shows a "lack of judgment" on the comedian's part.

The Lilith eZine staff have discussed the matter and feel that comedians seem to have lost touch with Canadians during the current recession, and should just butt out of the conversation when politicians are discussing very serious matters.

FACT: The suicide rate goes up 1% for every 1% increase in the unemployment rate.