I Know My First Name Is Stephen

The headline is a play off of a 1989 made-for-TV movie called "I Know My First Name Is Steven." But it fits the latest controversy over George W. Bush calling Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper "Steve" during their brief meetings last week.

Bush is known for his condescending nicknames of the U.S. press. No word over whether Harper has a nickname or whether "Steve" is that nickname.

Those who generally know Harper don't think of him as a "Steve" but more of a Stephen. Harper has said that a few people, close friends of his, do call him Steve.

Given how little they have spoken, familiarity is not something these gentlemen share. Not that this would stop Bush from going off and assuming a one-sided familiarity.

Harper's mother has gone on the record as disapproving of Bush calling her son "Steve." Hopefully for Canada's sake, Harper pays more attention to what Bush is doing than what he is called.