Stephen Harper came to Halton today to give a speech to the Oakville Chamber of Commerce. It was a mark of the man, or at least his office, that I was not invited. Not that I care, mind you, but it is an odd thing when a sitting MP is treated such.
In fact, this event made me think that my dismal fate was sealed longer than most suspect. A month ago we got wind of the PM’s visit, and Esther immediately was in touch with the Chamber and the PMO, assuming I would be the host MP (normal procedure). She was told to butt out and that Harper’s inner circle would be making all the arrangements. They did not include me.
But, hey, no complaint! I sure don’t need another Holiday Inn surprise chicken lunch. In fact this bout of schoolyard manners just reconfirms the path I am now on. Life is too short to waste time on people who aspire to be goons, or who divide the world into sycophants and enemies, or who gauge a man’s worth by the length of his motorcade.
Thought about that last night, too, during that Halton Conservative EDA meeting when the country mice confronted the pussies from the party. The Ottawa cats were there to basically lie to them, and the pesky rodents were having none of it. At least, not this rat. So, today seems like as good a time as any to pack a few mental bags and leave town.
Regular readers here will know that the last nine months have been one issue after another. In my first private meeting with Harper he shocked me with his demeaning and insulting tone. My criticism of his hypocritical decision to put a floor-crossing Liberal in cabinet created the first crisis. My dismay at our lack of an effective climate change strategy in the failed green plan created the last. And in between I was appalled to discover that the legendary intolerance and narrow views of the Reform Party were at the heart of the new Conservative party, while the prairie populism, respect for the grassroots and empowerment that Preston Manning had stood for had vanished.
So, my libertarian, Progressive Conservative, democracy-loving ass was in the wrong caucus. But no more.
And now, as each day passes, it becomes more apparent that I will actually be a better MP for being an Indie. Huge amounts of time are spent by party MPs each week sitting in party meetings devoid of policy debate. Countless more hours are devoted to filling chairs in committee rooms, where the outcome of almost every meeting has been pre-determined by the government. And the rest of Ottawa time is largely spent sitting in QP where Tory MPs are expected to clap, but dare not ask tough questions, if any.
If most voters dropped in and spent a day with these guys, they’d be floored. Only now am I realizing how much wasted time passes for important, as I find many extra hours to talk to constituents, deal with their issues and do some independent work on those things that matter to me. I’m rediscovering what it means to be a member of Parliament, and what it must have been like before MPs were turned into high-priced support staff. I get to think. And I like it. A lot.
Even when there’s no free lunch.
67 comments ↓
Intolerance and narrow views of the reform party. Many were concerned about this leading up to the election,seems we were right to be so. What is our alternative?…I like the idea of independent MP’s accountable to their constituents,we have a ways to go though.
Extremely disappointed in how Mr. Harper is handling your situation and the insight you give to the man lines up with what those who knew him foretold.Seems to me their is a lot of disenchanted “conservatives” out there,looking for direction.
Keep on trucking.
Hey Garth! You’ve called yourself a libertarian in this post and I’d just like to get your positions on a few libertarian issues!
1) Do individuals have the right to own long guns without a state registry or confiscation of those arms?
2) Do you believe that a person has the right to make their own private arrangement with their doctor in the form of a private transaction for the delivery of service? ie. should I be able to go to a private medical clinic for whatever medical service that I need?
3) Being a libertarian just doesn’t mean that one defends a same-sex couple’s desire to make a private commitment with each other but it means that one also believes the state has absolutely no place in defining a cultural institution. Libertarians are against the state. Why on Earth would the state prevent people from getting married and why would it even have the jurisdiction to define its terms.
4) Are you for marijuana legalization? Do you believe that adults of sound mind should be able to do whatever they like to themselves so long as they do not violate the rights or security of others?
Your answer to these four questions will back up any claim on self-identification of being a libertarian.
Stephen: I would suspect there are as many shades of libertarianism as there are of conservativism, so I faill to see how a four-point questionnaire answers anything more than four interesting points. However, my responses are (1) No (2) Yes (3) Beats me (4) No. Do I win a prize now? — Garth
Garth stop whining.
Could you please ask the PM why he is doing so little re the Indian land claims. When he was asked today in Oakville about the situation , he far from answered the question and tried to deflect to the province. We all know this is a fedral issue but somehow Harper has been able to deflect this responsibility. The Natives and the people of Caladonia deserve better!!!Frankly so do we all.
Thank you
Garth: Old saying, from Robert A. Heinlein: TANSTAAFL –There ain’t no such thing as a free lunch. Somebody is paying for it. Not that it comes as any news to you, dude.
Roy: Garth is not whining. He hasn’t been dumped by a floor-crossing, home-wrecking, opportunistic Paris Hilton wannabe. He hasn’t been corralled into submission like a bleating ewe. He has been freed, and it looks good on him.
To the Right Honourable Stephen Harper, PC, MP, PM, SFB: Karma bites, like a junkyard dog, and your butt is high on the menu. Whoever advised you to treat Mr. Turner in that manner, should have his genetics checked. Since when do brain-dead jellyfish qualify for the civil service (oxymoron alert: neither civil, nor servile).
Mr. Harper, you are what the inspectors at the packing plant reject as unfit for human consumption. I am looking forward to your inevitable self-dstruction.
Garth: As always, NILS ILLEGITIMUS CARBORUNDUM!
OCTJMO – ICBW — maybe
Ah well – I have heard exactly the same complaints from MLA’s in provincial parties and MPs in both opposition and in government.
In fact, you often hear the same kind of complaints about the coach in any team environment; or the “boss” in any corporation; or the big mean “teacher” in any school.
So – there are those who are team players and those who are not. No biggie. But, please, Garth, don’t put down those who do believe that there is strength in teamwork. Conservatives have to fight nearly every media outlet in this country. The heads of almost everything are Liberal. There has to be teamwork and solidarity. Do you think Chretien’s Liberals were any different??
Hey Stephen,
Replace certain word in your questions and provide us with your answers.
1.Replace long guns with shoulder fired missles
2. Replace doctor with hooker
3. Replace married with euthanised
4. Replace marijuana with crack.
Come-on answer the new questions Stephen!
If I understand your musings, you’re upset you weren’t invited to the PM’s meeting in Halton, but actually aren’t upset at all.
And, you’ve just discovered that being a caucus member is a complete waste of time.
“Huge amounts of time are spent by party MPs each week sitting in party meetings devoid of policy debate. Countless more hours are devoted to filling chairs in committee rooms, where the outcome of almost every meeting has been pre-determined by the government.”
I hope you pass that on to the other 300+ MPs that have apparently also been duped!
How will you explain your new-found disdain for political party caucus obligations should you ever try to convince Elizabeth Mae and company to accept you?
Perhaps your proclamation of having a new-found superiority to all those other misguided “party” MPS means that you’ve just burnt that bridge as well?
Good for you Garth!
I am glad a polition has the guts to tell it like it really is. Yes Folks, this is how politics works in this Country these days. Trust me I worked there. Also some of you might be shocked about this but some young Conservative MPs spend their time (representing their constituents maybe? hehe..)in the House playing computer games on their laptops. It’d be great to see them actually formulating policy or maybe a speech or something but no they’re playing Rome: Total War. Perhaps thats because there’s really nothing for them to do but heckle or play games? You’ve seen what I’m talking about Garth haven’t you?
Cheers folks!
P.S. I’ve started my own blog recently
(http://mygreenmachine.blogspot.com/)
To Roy Eappen – Sounds to me as if Garth is quite happy! What’s your “whine”?
Carol – Did you forget Garth got kicked out? You can send an e-mail to the PMO and ask the question yourself. Don’t expect an honest answer though!
Looks like those of us who distrusted S. Harper before the election were right. As each day passes he digs a deeper hole.
Sorry to say Garth..you may have jumped the shark.
By Stephen Taylor:
4) Are you for marijuana legalization?
your response: (4) No.
hmmm, I guess going green probably isn’t a good fit for you eh? lol
to think the greens almost had a seat!
oh well, wishful thinking
Mr. Turner,
Not complaining? Please. The topic and and your tone in this thread tells us just the opposite.
Stop whining, Mr Turner. Just……..stop.
Zzzzzz. Another day, another speech to a Chamber of Commerce. What does that make, 40 or 50 so far? Does PMS ever address any other demographic in Canada?
GARTH – GET OVER YOURSELF.
Seriously.
You could have brought the whine!
In fact, this event made me think that my dismal fate was sealed longer than most suspect
I’ve never doubted that for a second Garth! Of course the fix was in. All anyone who wants proof has to do is visit the following government web site where you’ll notice that Garth is listed as an Indy:
http://www.parl.gc.ca/information/about/people/house/mpscur.asp?Language=E
No big news there – at least until you look at the web page in HTML source form and see the following information at the bottom of the page:
Last Update: 2006.09.23
Last Verified: 2006.09.26
There you go folks proof positive that as far back as at least September 23rd a decision had been made by the government that Garth was no longer part of the Frat house.
No doubt some poor IT type will get a sudden phone call to cover it up when the Harpo PMO boys realize there’s proof of their antics that anyone can see for themselves, but there’s always a few more sets of finger prints out there – if you know where to look.
Garth: With each day you expose yourself more and more as a Liberal syncophant who’s job it is to generate negative publicity towards the Conservatives. You’ve been around Garth and know exactly what your words and actions mean.
Yes he Does MC-lala-land – the victims of crime. Its nice to see someone is.
If I was outspoken in a negative way towards my employer, I don’t think I would have lasted as long as you did.
I just don’t see why you think you’re special in that regards.
Well, well, Mr Harper came to Oakville.
The room was full of politicians, from municipal, provincial and federal from ALL over Halton region. (I think the Chamber business folks were rather inconsequential actually)
Interestingly enough, they come from all political stripes and didn’t all vote Conservative. How do I know? Because I know who was there and I know how some of them voted in the last election because they either told me or made their views known openly. People in these parts know their politicians and their politics. They all live in the region you see and that means they are on voter lists, membership lists, campaign support lists, and darn near every kind of list ever compiled by anyone running in any election in these parts. Their names are even on a list from that room and those people know what is going in Halton even if they smiled nicely at Mr Harper, and clapped at the right time. Green and NDP are hopeful because of what is common knowledge around here. It looks big city here in Oakville but they’re still small town folk who are in the know. Conservative and Liberal will be fighting a fierce battle again someday. Whether that battle is federal or provincial first is yet to be seen. Many of those politicians have their own election in the coming weeks and the rest will be running soon enough. The war rooms (political speak for campaign teams) are gearing up and people are talking, planning, and being political naturally.
They came, had lunch, they heard, they left.
Mr. Harper gave a speech.
Interesting topic. Accountibility was one of the two subjects.
‘This’ to Halton Region politicians and business folk.
He’s got a lot of nerve, that’s all I can say. He’s gone now.
But politics isn’t. The local politicians aren’t. The elections aren’t either.
Hey Garth, right on man! It’s about time that someone has the ‘nads to stand up and say what needs to be said about Harper and his minions. I loved your line about the “length of the motorcade”. Starting with Mulroney, we’ve been going more and more toward the republic system of government without the inconvenience of checks and balances that exist south of the border. Thanks for saying some important things. Good luck to you!
Join the Greens and ride the wave up or remain independent and ride the wave down!!!!
….some people at the University where I work….who make more than $50,000 yearly were watching hockey games at work AND playing video games…..AND…..it just might be PM Stephen Harper who is being honest, rather than Mr. Turner. All I can say is that it seems to me, Mr. Turner, that you needed to run as an independent because you acted like one. There’s nothing wrong with being an independent MP…..just do the right thing upfront, rather than running as a Conservative and yet not being part of the party. Yes, you can disagree, but eventually the sum is greater than its parts. People have to compromise and respect the greater good so that the greater good for all can be done…..if you get my drift.
If you don’t….then you truly are an independent, and I wish you luck in the next election.
Life is too short to waste time on people who aspire to be goons, or who divide the world into sycophants and enemies, or who gauge a man’s worth by the length of his whines.
I must have been at a different meeting last night.
I like “Steve” (as our good friend George Walker calls him).. its too bad he has to be such a dick. Please don’t go green Garth, I would rather you be my MP as an independant with little say than a member of a fringe party.
Mr. Turner have you ever considered that perhaps it’s time for you to grow up. If you don’t like the party leave. Why did you go to the party in the first place. Perhaps Boob Rae would take you as an NDP member. No mistake, the Liberals will have been hijacked by the xtreme left. You really are an embarassment and should be ashamed of yourself.
Time to start behaving like a gentleman.It’s over,the bridges are burned.You have a great opportunity so stop the pettiness.
I’m glad to hear you’re enjoying the freedom, Garth. It must be liberating to finally have the time to more fully serve your constituents. Not that you didn’t do a good job before – but there are only so many hours in a day, and now you can devote more of them to serving the people of Halton.
Keep up the good work.
Mr. Turner Goes To Ottawa
Starring
James StewartGarth Turner, head of the Boy Rangers whose perceived naivete was expected to make him malleable to the political machine, andEdward ArnoldStephen Harper as the political boss who wants his handpicked stooge to fill the Parliamentary seat.“I wouldn’t give you two cents for all your fancy rules if, behind them, they didn’t have a little bit of plain, ordinary, everyday kindness and a – a little lookin’ out for the other fella, too…”
“I’m sorry gentlemen. I-I know I’m being disrespectful to this honourable body, I know that. I- A guy like me should never be allowed to get in here in the first place. I know that! And I hate to stand here and try your patience like this, but EITHER I’M DEAD RIGHT OR I’M CRAZY.”
“You think I’m licked. You all think I’m licked. Well, I’m not licked, and I’m going to stay right here and fight for this lost cause even if this room gets filled with lies like these, and the
TaylorsHarpers and all their armies come marching into this place. Somebody’ll listen to me….”Garth, If you were a newbie, I could understand and sympathize. But you gobbled & oinked from the PC pig-trough for 2 decades, and you only just realized today that politicians are only in it for self-advancement. FREE LUNCH? How many have YOU consumed during your overstay? Methinks that thou hast finally met thy match in the nasty Stephen Harper! You both deserve each other. Sorry. Maybe now you can join the Ku Klux on your motorcycle. Remind me, WHAT HAVE YOU DONE FOR CANADA? Thanks
Quit beating around the bush, Garth, and tell us what you REALLY think!
I must say that I agree with your decision to stay as an “Indie”.
What’s a voter to do? I have now decided that I have no choice at all come the next election. Dang!
I like more of the Conservative platform than any of the others but am dismayed more and more by the way the CPC is conducting itself. I guess i’ll just have to see how the chips fall between now and the next election. Maybe I’ll end up doing what is unthinkable for me and sit on my hands for the next vote. If SH doesn’t wake up and smell the coffee the CPC is done like dinner. Goodale makes me ill, Layton just pisses me off, and May doesn’t excite me at all. I’m almost ready to give up and move to California. Oh wait, it’s crazy there too. Geez!
Hang in there Garth the fishes are a swaming, looking for any little bit they can find.
Rememebr Freedom to Fascism.
Garth, the last nine months have been one issue over another for you – because YOU chose to have them.
Right from the time you were over-looked for a cabinet post, I knew that you were not going to stop. So instead of trying to influence (not bully – like I’m right and you’re wrong) your ideas inside a team, you choose to publically diss everyone in Parliament.
Garth, if a client came to you for financial investments, and you gave them some guidance that may not have met their expectation or goals and that client spoke out. Would you a) tell the client they’re full of s**t or b) try to see their point of view and adjust your guidance? Sometimes one needs to try to see other people’s point of views, whether one totally agrees with them or not, because there are valid points of view. My 2 cents on this behaviour.
It’s like the Liberals are acting right now – holding up the Accountability Act. I saw Marc Holland on Mike Duffy Live (he looks like a smart ass in most of his public inteviews and in the house). Marc knows full well, or should, that Gordon O’Connor did NOT go from lobbying right into being the Defence Minister. Gordon O’Connor stopped being a lobbyist in 2003, and after a long full career in our Military. Gordon O’Connor was nominated as a candidate in early 2004 before being elected in June 2004 as an opposition MP. In January 2006, Gordon O’Connor was re-elected as an MP and then was appointed in Feb 2006 as the Defence Minister. So why did Holland lie? To get some attention? To disrespect Gordon O’Connor (not even acknowledging his long distinquished military career)? And I’m supposed to respect this Holland guy, when he CHOOSES to warp the truth to meet his own personal hidden reasons? You bet I won’t. BTW: this is not politics anymore – this is some sort of childish school yard games we see of late. Truths have gone by way-side.
Garth – what did you mean by “pussies”. I hope you meant to say cats and not the derogotary term to refer to women’s parts.
Is it just possible that the PMO and your ex-colleagues just don’t trust you anymore?
Another great article, Garth; keep them coming.
Garth:
Honestly, you’re too good for this whole scene anyway. Good on you for refusing to be a trained seal for the party goons. Our country would be a better place if we had more politicians like you.
I’m not in your riding, but I do appreciate the work you do.
Garth stop whining!
Ditto!Get on with it,”you” made your bed,now lay in it.I am not sure what you are now!
Garth, on Friday, I viewed your MPTV for the first time and I was quite surprised at the difference between the Garth on MPTV and the Garth of the blog. On the video, you were chipper, personable, optimistic, carefree and charismatic. In your blog, you sound bitter. I prefer the video Garth.
In the “No Free Lunch” blog it appears that you care very much about not being invited. You also appear to care very much about being turfed from caucus. If you truly no longer care and if you truly are enjoying your freedom, you would let it drop and move on.
It isn’t a bad thing to acknowledge sadness or frustration; in fact, you would gain a lot of respect if you did.
You have a lot of intelligent ideas and your heart is in the right place vis a vis working toward admirable goals. All of this gets lost in your whining. Please, Garth, cease the repetitious negativity and concentrate on what you do best – innovation, pushing the right goals etc. You are far too valuable an asset to waste your time on this. It has happened, as you knew it would, so move on, please. Push for lower taxation and greater discretionary income for Canadian taxpayers. This is your forte so please concentrate on it.
A leopard, even from Alberta, can’t change his spots no matter what his PR and spin doctors do. Because some Liberals had their hands in the cookie jar, and not because of the CPC five priorities, the Canadian electorate and I suspect many CPC candidates chose to wear their rose coloured glasses when they looked at the leopard(SH). The Liberal attack ads, while being distasteful, told where SH really stands. Well now those glasses are tinted enough as the spots are clearly showing through, unless your heads in the sand.
With SH as leader, I hope the same fate awaits the current version of the CPC as the PC’s after Mulroney (Ms. Campbell didn’t stand a chance.) (Sorry Garth, I’m a blue Liberal, not a red Tory!)
As for Garth whinning….I think not….he’s telling it just the way it is…take off the rose coloured glasses and take the cotton wool out of your ears!!!
Did it ever occur to you it would be up to the Oakville Chamber of Commerce to invite you, not their guest speaker?
Garth
I support your decision to stay indie. I is the way to go … This is going to be a trendsetter. MP’s are going to see that with the net being free from party politics is going to be an advantage. I also think that your expose of the government is critical to all citizens. We need a new level of transparency … Digital democracy and Indie MP’s can do that for the people. It’s a revolution!
You are such a self-centered, conceited little man.
Quote:
Mr. Turner,
Not complaining? Please. The topic and and your tone in this thread tells us just the opposite.
Stop whining, Mr Turner. Just……..stop.
By Ontario Lad on 10.27.06 8:39 pm ]
Funny Ontario Lad, I read him a little different than you. I think Garth is just showing his disgust in Harper and his former colleagues, in their actions and pettiness. They are not the same bunch that he believed in when he ran for the election.
They certainly are not the same bunch that I seen campaigning last winter promising Hoensty, openness and Accountability. I sure am not seeing much in all 3 of those promises.
Garth -
What is your stance on medical marihuana?
Would you be open to discussion on legalizing marihuana?
Garth, take the high road. Don’t get personal – let the other side do that and embarass itself.
I’d be very interested in how you are being treated by your former caucus mates. Are you being shunned by CPC MPs, is formal civility being preserved, or are there still traces of cordiality with individual members? This would indicate just how heavy the hand of the PMO is, the extent to which these MPS are potted plants, and whether or not there is any possibility of cooperation in future.
Harper is furthering the split in the conservative party , especially in Ontario. I for one are glad that his dictator-like control of his party and Canada has been exposed. Obviously they had planned to get rid of Garth long ago.Thanks Garth for keeping it real. Something no other politician seems to be doing.
Tell us – oh ye faithfull Garth supporters – how much effort has Garth spent on your REAL federal issues the last several weeks? I tell ya – “it’s all about me, me, me, me”. Don’t ya think that maybe he behaved the same way in caucus?
Catherine -I did not see you at the national conference I organized in Ottawa on October 3rd, to discuss taxation reform and the issue of pension-splitting, to which more than 30 MPs from all parties came. By the way, I am the only MP to have created such a policy forum since the last general election. I was the only MP to issue a policy paper on 12 options for the last federal budget. I am the only MP to have written a booklet in the past month on environmental actions. And in the past year I have written 700 articles on this blog, the vast majorty of which are an attempt to influence our national agenda. This is in addition to having staged 14 Town Hall meetings for my constituents.
Judge me by my actions, rather than your prejudices. — Garth
By all means, let’s have lunch with the Crime, pardon, Prime Minister. We could even have a toast:
Ladies and gentlemen, please raise your glasses!
To George Washington, who could not tell a lie;
To Joseph Goebbels, who could not tell the truth;
To Stephen Harper, who could not tell the difference!
NILS ILLEGITIMUS CARBORUNDUM!
OCTJMO — ICBW — hmmm…domestic…oh, well, can’t have everything…;-)
As you all know very well, those who visit here (including those on the Government benches), Belinda Stronach had some 30% of the leadership vote. David Orchard had a whole bunch. Both contributed to policy discussion & ‘direction’, & revitalizing of the new Conservative Party. Garth Turner brings to the table a lot of experience & understanding of the ‘finances of average Canadians’, as is obvious in his writings through the 90s, and after. He does have a handle on tax issues, entrepreneurship for Canadians, keys to financial independence, and has educated the Canadian public in a creative way on these. That’s my view.
What was really striking to me is that at the Conservative Policy Convention in Montreal after the Leadership Convention, Ms. Stronach was not allowed to speak. Hello ? She was told she could play ‘puppy’ (my word, but not ridiculously sexist, in my use of it, trust me about that) and she could introduce John Baird ! How generous ! That’s what I heard on radio (CJAD800) from a reputable journalist covering the Convention. Doesn’t that say something about the PM & PMO re. how they treat their MPs, and by extension us Canadians – the rest of us? They could have invited David Orchard to the Policy Convention, too, to speak – they didn’t. What gives? I know how hard he worked, & he is no ‘flake’(as Geofrey Simpson contends for his own reasons). David is grass roots & put enormous energy into it. All this does say a lot about our present Federal Government and its sense of ‘inclusions’ and ‘exclusions’, and the point it seems it wants to make with these. And I thought we had a ‘new kid on the block’! This is not an ideological point, just an issue of being fair & just, etc..
Best wishes, Garth (Turner), as an independent Conservative MP! I hope you run again next time for the ‘leadership’, when the position becomes ‘vacant’. as you have a ’shot’ in my estimation.
- Ivan
The Greens can no longer be considered a fringe party they are now polling 3rd and 4th respectivley in most ridings across Canada. If you join the Greens that could give them a serious bump up and might bump some sense into a senseless Harper!!
Oh please Elizabeth May take Garth. You know you wanna. Then you can step down and have Garth as the leader. You know you wanna. OK sarcasm off. Nah.
But, surely you Liberals want to take in poor Garth. Oh come on you know you wanna – you took in poor Belinda. Then, you can save yourselves a lot cost from the convention and just crown Garth – afterall, he is the BEST person to lead. You know you wanna. OK sarcasm off now.
Cheers
It seems that Garth is censoring comments on his blog, respectful though they are, although they disagree with his latest stance.
Is this the kettle calling the pot black? Are you muzzling your blog comments, Garth?
I deleted one comment this morning, which was only a link to someone’s blog, without any explanation or text. This site is a forum for discussion, not a referral service, If you have something to say, do it. — Garth
Bonjour Garth, I’m relieved that you CAN take criticism. You’ve proven it by not deleting anti-Garth views. If this experience with Stephen et al can make you a better and more tolerant MP, so be it. Get rid of your Conservative arrogance, and you should survive. Stick with the important issues without bellyaching about small stuff. Read between the lines-If THEY did not invite you, they don’t LIKE you. Maybe your presence is threatening, being an oldtimer and all. Bonne chance
Garth,
You hardly seem one to judge the tone and manner in which the Prime Minister conducts his business. It takes even the least frequent of visitors to this blog to grasp the overwhelming arrogance with which you conduct yours.
While your “voters first” rhetoric may seem refreshing to some, it seems a bit of a whine to me. Just this last entry of yours, and certainly the countless others you have posted, seem to highlight only how the government and the political establishment in Ottawa have failed everyone. Well, at least Garth Turner.
It is one thing to point out the faults in our government, but it is quite another to complain about them in such a way that makes it seem as if Ottawa accomplishes nothing. To spark debate on responsible democracy is timelessly important, but I find the slanderous, sarcastic tone running through these blogs to suit no real purpose, other than to weaken the confidence in the structures of our government- and not just the governing party.
I fail to see how commenting that government committees are a waste of your time, and your laughable remarks about being gladly passed up for cabinet and chances to represent you constituents at luncheons with the Prime Minister, do anyone any good at all. If this blog is intended to enlighten us average Canadians as to how things function on the Hill, or to stay in touch with the people, it would be better served with a little respect for those of us who have faith in our systems of government.
But as things are, it is frustrating that you reduce the positive accomplishments in government to a ten minute daily blog, and your sarcastic version of Ottawa vs. Garth. Make peace with the Conservatives, sit as an Independent or join the Green Party, I really don’t think it matters. Garth Turner only plays for one team.
When the world you live in stops spinning around you, I’d like to know, what does anything you write in this blog actually accomplish, and how responsible is your idea of democracy?
Lots of trolls around today, aren’t there? Meh. That’s life for a politician, I suppose.
Garth, I’m going to say something a little unexpected here… I’m a member of the Green Party, and I’d love to join the chorus inviting you to join us… but I won’t, because the best way for you to serve your constituents at this point is to remain as an Indie. So I applaud your decision and encourage you to stick with it.
That said… I find your anti-Harper tirades a little repetitive at this point. The occasional little jab is nothing too surprising, but you’re starting to be defined as “The guy who hates Harper cuz he got kicked out” rather than as “Garth Turner, longtime Conservative and MP, the only MP to make any real attempt to understand the Internet and make use of the fantastic opportunities modern technology provides”. (My local MP is Baird. Pity me.)
Garth, it’s time to regain your focus and start working towards building a better nation, and hopefully a better system, for our kids and grandkids. Time to get over your anger and frustration at recent events and start getting things accomplished.
That’s probably going to mean working with all parties in Government (even the Liberals and, yes, Harper’s fake Tories), and I encourage you to set a civil, courteous example of the kind of productive cooperation that Canadians (probably naively) hope our Government will someday enjoy.
[...] and Chretien did not do the same thing in their day in their own style is sorely mistaken. No free lunch Stephen Harper came to Halton today to give a speech to the Oakville Chamber o [...]
Tell us – oh ye faithfull Garth supporters – how much effort has Garth spent on your REAL federal issues the last several weeks? I tell ya – “it’s all about me, me, me, meâ€. Don’t ya think that maybe he behaved the same way in caucus?
Catherine -I did not see you at the national conference I organized in Ottawa on October 3rd, to discuss taxation reform and the issue of pension-splitting, to which more than 30 MPs from all parties came.
I was working so that I could pay my taxes for MPs salaries. Besides you have my comments on pension and income splitting. I had posted several comments on this.
By the way, I am the only MP to have created such a policy forum since the last general election.
I do believe that Gord Brown was an MP who was part the TEAM. No, he was not.
I was the only MP to issue a policy paper on 12 options for the last federal budget.
Your paper was EXACTLY the same as the election platform…. with a possible execption of pension splitting. Same $ figures, same program costs, etc. So no need to take credit for this. Obviously you have not read it. Try that before you comment – does wonders for creds.
I am the only MP to have written a booklet in the past month on environmental actions.
OK – I’ll give you a partial credit, as this was an old recycled information I have seen many times. One can actually get this info on the net. Thanks. Have you read it?
Please visit http://www.ec.gc.ca/eco/main_e.htm – same info. Last updated date “Last updated: 2006-08-03″
You didn’t provide us with your version of actual legislation.
And in the past year I have written 700 articles on this blog, the vast majorty of which are an attempt to influence our national agenda.
Much of your blog entries have been about you and your fights with fill-in-blank. You know that, because I am a frequent visitor. And others will judge for themselves.
This is in addition to having staged 14 Town Hall meetings for my constituents.
I’ll give you full credit for this. There are other MPs who do that too! My own has had several.
Judge me by my actions, rather than your prejudices. — Garth
Now you called me an apologist for Mr. Harper. I hardly think that I am. I am merely stating my perseption. That while, you probably want to a good MP for your constituents and probably worked hard, your writings do portray a self absorbed, can’t get along, must take credit for everything individual.
If you choose to ignore any constructive feedback, so be it. However, I have stated that you could accomplish much more if you would only not dis everyone in your path.
My mistake, Garth…..I thought that you had deleted an earlier comment, and you hadn’t. My apologies.
Everything’s been said, including what I wanted to say, by others…..the answers have yet to com.
I had compared the platform and your document…. so let’s examine it then;
Garth’s doc: Abandon the Liberal income tax cut. Take the political
hit now.
Conservative’s platform: roll back the 15% Goodale last minute tax cut. Mr. Harper was heavily critisized during the election campaign about this one. It was in the budget.
Garth’s doc: You must deliver the marquee promises Canadians are
expecting. includes the reduction of GST from 7 to 6, senior’s, students, business taxes, etc.
Conservative’s platform: Your marquee was exactly like the conservative’s platform with the same cost projections. Including reducing the GST by one point right away, to six percent.
Garth’s doc: Create a Family Tax Return and allow income-splitting,
Conservative’s platform: It’s not in it, as I already acknowledged.
Garth’s doc: Make the child care payment elective and means tested…let’s give such families the choice of taking the $1,200
annual Child Care Allowance.
Conservative’s platform: Provide all families a new $1,200 per year Choice in Child Care Allowance for each child under six… Help employers and communities create child care spaces in the workplace or through cooperative…
Garth’s doc: The capital gains tax deferral is a bad idea. Scrap it.
Conservative’s platform: Eliminate the capital gains tax for individuals on the sale of assets when the proceeds are reinvested. Flaherty said that it will be in the future.
Garth’s doc: Bring in that after-tax Lifetime Retirement Savings
Plan.
Conservatives Plan: Stop the Liberal attack on retirement savings and preserve income trusts by not imposing any new taxes
on them.
Garth’s doc: Allow retired couples to share their income.
Conservative’s platform: It is not in it as I had previously acknowledged it.
Garth’s doc: Start the move now to personal Flat Tax and corporate
tax reform.
Conservative’s platform: There are numerous tax reforms and relief – for the individual and small to large businesses. And as Mr. Harper said before, as an economist, he doesn’t like taxes…. so he is trying to bring down to manageable levels… Flat tax would take years to bring as there would a huge impact on all and huge amount of legislation to rewrite, systems to setup, business accounting to set, etc.
Garth’s doc: Make the budget process more democratic and transparent
Conservative’s platform: Create an independent Parliamentary Budget Authority to provide objective analysis directly to Parliament about the state of the nation’s finances and trends in the national economy.
Garth’s doc: Enact balanced budget legislation
Conservative’s platform: Create an independent Parliamentary Budget Authority…. read it!
Garth’s doc: Pass an Entitlement Act
Conservative’s platform: see the Accountability Act section.
So as I had said before, except for the income splitting, your doc is the same as the conservative platform. Your flat tax is a wish list, and as you know full well, could not be part this year’s budget. It could only be tabled as a future exploration project.
So Garth, for once can you please at least acknowledge and give credit to other people…. it would be the gentlemanly thing to do.
I was pleased Flaherty accepted some recommendations, and disappointed he did not accept them all. I forget, Catherine, was there a point here? — Garth
I think she was trying to prove she can pick and choose what to try desperately to tear apart with the best of ‘em. How’d she do?
Which is exactly why you should join the Green Party of Canada.
The Greens are a grass roots party, with Libertarian elements to their policies. Sustainable communities = decentralization, regional empowerment, and populous politics. Your style, your beliefs, your desire for change, are all very Green.
You may not know it yet, but I believe you will come to see the Green Party as the ideal vehicle from which you can help change the face of Canadian politics for the better.
I invite you to add your voice to the growing number of Canadians who have turned their backs on the petty politics and power games of the old-line parties, by joining the Green Party of Canada.
With your help, we will bring about the change that is needed.
Sincerely,
James O’Grady
Green Party of Canada
(former Liberal Party member)
re: the comment about how the date on this page:
http://www.parl.gc.ca/information/about/people/house/mpscur.asp?Language=E
had been last updated in late September ‘06
I am curious…
“©Library of Parliament
Last Update: 2006.09.23 –
Last Verified: 2006.09.26?”
I too am a tech geek, “I.T.” type
But I am not sure this is proof positive that the Sept 23rd or sept 26th edit of this web page indicated at that time Garth was an Indepentent MP.
It sure looks like that but they may have changed something else instead.
I don’t know.
Garth, with respect to your response to Stephen Taylor – there are many different kinds of (big C) Conservatives – you don’t even have to be (small c) conservative to be Conservative – but conservatives believe in certain things, just like libertarians do, because it’s conservatism and libertarianism are philosophies and not political groups.
While being in favour of a gun registry and opposed to marijuana legalization obviously don’t make you a bad person or a bad Conservative (in fact they probably make you a fairly good conservative), but it’s awfully hard to be a libertarian when you’re in favour of government intervention in parts of an individual’s life that really have no effect on anyone else.
There are fairly fundamental things that you need to believe in to be considered a libertarian. In the same way that being in favour of raising taxes to spend on something like affirmative action or funding something like Greenpeace makes your political philosophy distinctly non-conservative, being opposed to something like deregulating someone’s property or legalizing marijuana in the interest of the “public good” make you distinctly non-libertarian.
Garth, you’re getting a lot of flack here that you don’t deserve… I have the sense that you will continue being outspoken no matter how many clueless clods deem you to be a “whiner” or any such thing, so I have no worries… but did wish to communicate my support. What you do takes courage.
Boo frickin hoo. You are an arrogant self centred person. Halton voters clearly made a big error. They will correct it though. You think you are bigger than the whole. Rack up your pension while you can!