The reviews are in

Myles Higgins:

Unfortunately I didn't hear Randy Simms opening monologue this morning so I don't know exactly what he said (only what Randy Simms recounted that he said afterward). Never the less, (and as much as Walter or whoever he is might believe I'm a Danny kool-aid drinker) I think the Premier's all out verbal vent on the Open Line host was disgusting and totally out of line.

I don't doubt for a second that anyone who heard it came away with one impression and it wasn't a good one. His actions served to push aside any doubts anyone might have had left that the Premier is a hot head who far too often reacts before he thinks and in doing so sometimes ends up with foot in mouth disease.

I, like you, believe Williams is doing a great job overall (not perfect however) and he has certainly improved our fiscal situation provincially but there is no excuse for making a point of calling somone with no purpose except to vent when that person is simply asking questions that should be asked.

Freedom of speech is something all of us have the right to expect and nobody, especially not a political leader, should ever go on the attack when someone uses that right in a respectful and open way without malice of their own.

It's inexcusable.

Greg Pike:

Normally I am a pretty blind follower of Danny Williams. I generally feel that when he says something or defends a governmental move I believe him. But I am capable of thinking for myself.

In an interview with Randy Simms on his Open Line show, Danny Williams is challenged about the effects of oil revenue for generations to come. He is asked about what is being done to keep Newfoundland and Labrador in the black for the future beyond this era of rich oil on the Grand Banks.

Rather than give a reasonable answer to a reasonable question, he deflects, calls Randy Simms a pessimist for questioning his work, and hangs up the phone.

Our Dear Political Scientician:

Williams's comments to VOCM generated fierce reaction on its shows, the blogosphere and from political observers who said they demonstrated a startling lack of statesmanship.

"It's embarrassing," said Michael Temelini, a Memorial University political scientist. "It was unbecoming of a premier. ... It sets a terrible example to people, especially young people."