Cow Kicks Layton In Head

Jack in the box Layton had them rolling in the aisles (NOT) this week at a meeting of Manitoba cowboys in Brandon.

The city slicker from Toronto embarrassed himself and his fledgling party of poncho-clad lefties when he used a speech to cattle ranchers to warn of the dangers of SARS.

"Another important issue is SARS. I was just talking to a cattle producer today who said the situation is worse now than when we were in the middle of SARS," Layton said to stunned onlookers.

What Layton didn't say was that he got kicked in the noggin while trying to milk a pig earlier in the day. That would explain his repeated references to SARS in his speech when, in fact, he should have been saying BSE.

Even those in the audience tried to correct Layton through hand gestures and loud whispers to point out his faux pas.

He finally realized the error of his ways when many jumped to their feet and shouted: "BSE, you asshole."

To which Layton responded: "I'm sorry, did I say SARS? I meant BSE. SARS is a Toronto problem."

Farmers were not amused by Layton's gaffe. One told journalists afterwards that politicians "are all stupid."

Perhaps, but some are dumber than others. Take a bow Jack.