Ten months ago I sat in an auditorium in the Nav Canada Centre in Cornwall, Ontario. Outside, a couple of old RCAF jet fighters menaced the sky from the top of their concrete pylons, and in the near distance, immense giant Great Lakes freighters plied by.
This was the first summer retreat of the Conservative national caucus, and there were three highlights:
(1) It was the middle of the Israel-Hezbollah war, and yet when caucus members tried to start a debate on the hugely controversial conflict, they were silenced immediately by caucus chairman Rahim Jaffer. “We have no time for that,’ he said. I was shocked when Jaffer then all but screamed at one female caucus member who defied him.
(2) But there was time for Doug Finley, Mr. Harper’s director of political operations. He presented new polling data, and outlined the process for immediately nominating all candidates, in time for the coming election. It was only seven and a half months since the last vote, and yet the campaign was clearly in high gear.
(3) But most incredible were the words of the PMO insider who took the podium and told us, in no uncertain terms, what we were to do with Parliamentary committees.
Driving home that night, I called Dorothy as I passed the twinkling lights of Kingston to the south of the 401. “You will not believe this,” I said. “It’s the beginning of the end.”
As I know now, it was.
To be continued.
78 comments ↓
I can’t wait for the next instalment – pray tell, please make it soon.
Speaking of manuals Ipso Presto (Preston Manning ) everyones favourite Refooormer ran a ‘Miss Manners’ class,on diplomacy, for all the neo-cons newly minted members. February 06′ titled Sheep among the wolves .
Harper picked up enough seats to form a minority government, newly elected MPs and their aids gathered at an Ottawa Holiday Inn for a lesson in “diplomacy”.
Don’t abandon your beliefs but you must appear non-threatening, Manning told the recruits. It’s a message the Conservatives have taken to heart. You can let God direct the public agenda, he advocated, but don’t appear that God is directing your political work.
The theme of the workshop was “a sheep among wolves”,.
Funny stuff Ipso .
All right, what’s with the teaser? Sunday dinner is it? Well I hope dessert will soon be forthcoming and shared amongst all present.
Garth says –
“You will not believe this,†I said. “It’s the beginning of the end.â€
I guess Garth, that you knew by then that you were getting the cold sholder from your peers and that your time was running out.
Actually, their time started to run out. — Garth
Garth, you had better leave us hang for long
so far Harper says its the opposition’s fault that Parliament is stalled. We must get the message out that it is Harper who is the problem
Garth
As a man of undoubtable integrity (you’re record is a paragon of integrity) I can see your issue with the evil neocon rats as a matter of national importance.
To defy Garth is to defy the charter…praise to Pierre…praise to JCLH.
Syncro
This better be more delicious than my desert….oh the tactics used to get us poor slobs checking out garths blog on a friggin sun. night. Hurry up and wait…The Cons new committee book title.
Garth,
Seriously, unless the other C.R.A.P. MP’s remember who sent them to Ottawa, and what Canada stands for, you are the Last Best Hope for exposing Steve’s meglamania. Spare no measure.
I bet the Bloggingwhories posts are even further down than McClelland’s MyBlahg? Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwww!
Garth seems to be smarter that other Liberanos as he keeps quiet on latest revelation of “Conservative Manual” on how to disrupt works of Parliament. He knows quite well that it was in fact a reprint of and old Liberal Manual that was put out by Conservatives as a bait.
great cartoon but the guy with the muzzle would have looked better with a set of training wheels.
I can’t believe they were stupid enough to write all that stuff down. Never mind that, stupid enough that they HAD to.
I can see your issue with the evil neocon rats as a matter of national importance.
Too funny neo-con rats !
Freudian slip ?
Hilarious .
The conservatives are missing the real point about their committee chair play book with the 200 points of dysfunction.Don’t let them off this issue. Keep on them boys and girls, this one is going to take the conservatives down.
It is not the opposition parties that are confounding the committees and the house. It the Harper/Conservatives.
If you live in the east of metro Toronto area you would experience three conservative ridings side by side. Flaherty, Oda and Del Mastro.
What hope to we have?
Bill,
That is , Canadian Rebel Reform Alliance Party. Just an FYI
Come on Garth, drop the other shoe already!!!
Zorpheus,
Ah, ‘Rebel’…’Alliance’? LMAO! No! Non! Au contrare! They are not Rebels, just merely widdle wee wee wankers wishing their comic book hero was real!
They think they have their Death Star to give them power, but they only have the Farce. We have the Force, and they will soon be back to their realm of the Dark Side…which would be up Steve the Harper’s wormy rearend I think!
They really failed to grasp the message!
When they brake from Plaid Speed, Dark Helmet will be like a bug hitting a windshield! ‘What is the last thing to go through a bugs mind? Its arse!’
Bill, you’re CRRAPing on my fun
Bill-Muskoka
The Star Wars anology is awesome and very politically pertinent. Kudos!
Syncro
p.s. Howz mum?
Garth,
Did some bozo in the Cons party still have your on the list and accidentally send you the Harper Guide to Farking Canadians?
…is it any wonder why the Liberal Party is so strapped for cash?
Cam
http://www.igloolounge.net/pictures/feb06/stephen_harper_victory.jpg
ONE OF THE LIES Saint Mikey Wallace told citizens of Burlington.
“A Conservative government will stand for certainty for seniors and never allow raids on seniors’ nest eggs by changing investment rules or imposing death taxes on inheritancesâ€â€”Mike Wallace—Our Stand Up Plan for the country and for Burlington
MIKEY WALLACE IS A DAMNABLE LIAR! They all told the same lie … Mikey conceived it, or was told to include it, in his campaign literature by none other than PMSH … portrayed as a smiling cherubic chubby companion to Mikey when they walked through East Burlington telling lies to citizens.
You won’t have to worry about any estate taxes for the people you wiped out when Flim-Flam Dim-Jim Flaherty wiped out our nest eggs, Saint Mikey Wallace.
But you will have to be deeply concerned about something else.
Income trusts are still a minefield—May 14 2007
41 have suspended or reduced payouts.
Strong trusts will remain prime takeover targets through 2010
All of this thanks to Il douche bag Harper, flim-flam dim-Jim Flaherty, Pallister, Ablonczy, Wallace, Dykstra and low mileage Del Mastro aka di Maestro, Judy Watch-Your-Valise-Valise [Now Winnipeg airport security] and Champagne Jack Layton.
http://www.igloolounge.net/pictures/feb06/stephen_harper_victory.jpg
The DIPPERS have LOST their moral compass. Champagne Jack and his lock-steppers are not about to let their support drift away from the PMSH government!
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/Page/document/video/vs?id=RTGAM.20070425.wvdetain0425
“When times are good, he reasoned, leave the flock to nibble in the grass and rest in the shade.â€
The problem with that statement, PMSH concludes voters are “sheeples,†and thanks to flim-flam dim-Jim Flaherty and Birdie [Boo!] Baird there will be no grass to nibble for seniors and no shade for anyone.
I think Vic Toews is on medication.
Have you seen his most recent bout of paranoia? “Point of order, Mr. Speaker?â€
If Herr Vic gets his way, we’ll all be declared repeat offenders and have to ‘splain to him at the head of the table WHY we should be allowed to return to the outside world.
All brought to us with the compliments of Il douche bag.
http://www.igloolounge.net/pictures/feb06/stephen_harper_victory.jpg
To The Hon. Garth:
Kinda reminds us of his letter to you dated November 10 ’06 … followed by the letter from Michael Donison, which was then followed by the letter from Don Plett. Good business form dictates that 3 letters from different people emanating from the same source cannot be considered as being ‘in triplicate.’
I think the message then, could well have been captured by the statement,
“YOU IS GONE!” … henceforth to be shunned by all C.R.A.P. members.
Rahim Jaffer. “We have no time for that,” he said. I was shocked when Jaffer then all but screamed at one female caucus member who defied him.
Is Rahim on meds, like Vic Toews?
Manual Called Proof of ‘Control Fetish’ – May 19
Revelations of a secret handbook detailing ways of controlling House of Commons committees are no doubt generating “we are not amused” reactions of several kinds.
Not-amused supporters of the PM are asking, “How could they be so dense as to put something like that in writing?” Not-amused PMO staff are asking, “No one at the meeting could possibly have been a Judas, could they?” Gleeful opposition parties are able to rise in not-amused high dudgeon.
And no one, but no one, is amused as parliamentary procedure is further debased by those who proudly proclaim themselves the New Government of Canada.
http://www.rbcinvest.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/ArticleNews/PEstory/LAC/20070521/COLETTS21-1/Letters/commentLetters/commentLetters/2/2/18/
What the writer calls Fetish, I call Freakish.
Joe is a former PROGRESSIVE from The Falls.
Garth, I bet you’re happy that you have these new found friends – Bill M and Jackie, whose posts are also so gutterish – but, I guess you, as a representative of our new politicians, condone this type of behaviour. Pity.
Yes Garth do tell, hell this is better than than the next episode of “Lost” hmmm perhaps Lost is a good word, as Lost all respect for Conseratives.
Garth how could one man do so much damage in such a short time. Paul Martin was sooooh correct when he said Stephen Harper’s Canada is much different than his. I want my Canada back, keep up your good work. Word here on the East Coast is that their is not one Conservative seat available with he who’s name is not to be mentioned as a leaddr>
How on earth can they call a man who runs from the press, pouts, has temper tantrums, blames everyone else for his problems, hasn’t accepted the fact that he is the PM and in 16 months isn’t willing to take responsibility for his actions and is easy to buy (just watch the polls) a real man, a real leader.
Obviously, Harper is weak – weak people tend to bully, we all know that.
Harper is not a leader – he’s a control freak. That is not leadership.
Zorpheus,
Bill, you’re CRRAPing on my fun
Hehehehehe!
There’s is enough C.R.A.P. for all of us to do some.
So, heard when the Emperor has scheduled his next visit to the Trade Alliance to screw things up even more?
This playbook is just another example of the manipulative, controlling, deceitful way PMSH is trying to control the HoC. He has forgotton that he is a minority government and, as such, should not expect every harebrained policy that he introduces to be accepted without input from the opposition. It is apparent that this government has no expertise in financial matters, environmental matters, international matters, etc. etc. and should therefore welcome expert testimony at committees, and the informed recommendations from committee members.
I hope, Garth, that during the finance committee hearings, the witnesses will testify to the suggested ‘tax leakage’ caused by income trusts, and not the issue of whether income trusts are a ‘ponzi scheme’ or a ‘risky investment’ as some of the witnesses described in the February finance committee hearings. It is also vital that the committee demand and receive the figures used by the DoF to justify their position on tax leakage, otherwise their claims have no validity.
Oh, poor Catherine’s batteries died again!
Tell Jack [Champagne] Layton I want the expense money he spent on champagne and cake returned to Canadian taxpayers.
What a terrible, dreadful DIPPER waste!
Committee Report March 30, 2007
http://cmte.parl.gc.ca/cmte/CommitteePublication.aspx?COM=12396&Lang=1&SourceId=198462
“This Act comes into force thirty days after the day on which it receives royal assent.”
Your Committee has ordered a reprint of Bill C-30, as amended, as a working copy for the use of the House of Commons at report stage.
Bill C-30 An Act to amend the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999, the Energy Efficiency Act and the Motor Vehicle Fuel Consumption Standards Act (Canada’s Clean Air Act) LAURIE HAWN Chair
Meeting 25 March 29, 2007 09:05-14:36
Meeting 24 March 28, 2007 15:32-20:24
Meeting 23 March 28, 2007 12:17-13:48
Meeting 22 March 27, 2007 15:33-17:20
Meeting 21 March 27, 2007 09:07-13:03
Meeting 20 March 26, 2007 17:37-20:49
Meeting 19 March 22, 2007 09:05-10:17
Meeting 18 March 1, 2007 09:03-10:54
Meeting 17 Feb 27, 2007 15:30-17:39
Meeting 16 Feb 27, 2007 09:05-10:57
Meeting 15 Feb 26, 2007 17:36-19:03
Meeting 14 Feb 22, 2007 09:06-10:59
Meeting 13 Feb 20, 2007 15:30-17:23
Meeting 12 Feb 20, 2007 09:03-10:54
Meeting 11 Feb 19, 2007 17:37-19:16
Meeting 10 Feb 15, 2007 09:04-11:06
Meeting 9 Feb 13, 2007 15:32-17:28
Meeting 8 Feb 13, 2007 09:04-10:57
Meeting 7 Feb 12, 2007 17:35-19:31
Meeting 6 Feb 8, 2007 09:02-10:52
Meeting 5 Feb 6, 2007 15:31-17:31
Meeting 4 Feb 6, 2007 09:08-11:01
DIPPERS led by DIDDL & E-SQUATT
For once, I am flabbergasted at the overall ranting on this one. I do hope that the second part of this blog is up soon.
Please let us know in your second part roughly how things went from bad to worse with a relative accurate of time from your first meeting until you left with a sore ass due to a hard kick out the door. I am really curious to see how events had degenerated within a year and a half.
It is also vital that the committee demand and receive the figures used by the DoF to justify their position on tax leakage, otherwise their claims have no validity.
By marie on 05.21.07 7:52 am
Prove the case or drop the tax
Diane Francis Wednesday January 24 ’07
http://www.canada.com/nationalpost/columnists/story.html?id=e381987f-81d8-4af8-b550-2fa2b6d77684&p=2
The only fair resolution to the Tory income-trust mess is to compensate every investor who held onto, or bought, income trusts after Stephen Harper uncategorically promised they would remain untouched eight months ago.
That, or they must abandon their proposed tax on existing trusts.
The stupidity of this trust tax is why the issue hasn’t and won’t go away. It’s why Opposition parties have correctly forced a hearing for next month at the finance committee in the House of Commons.
Personally, I am offended by the actions and attitude of rookie Finance Minister Jim Flaherty.
He was twice a rookie for: (a) not crafting an income-trust reform that would respect his Prime Minister’s promise to leave existing income trusts alone; and (b) for not doing his homework in an area that he obviously doesn’t understand – - thus the fact that he has parroted a number of obvious inaccuracies.
On the first gaffe, Mr. Flaherty should have known there were dozens of alternatives that would have stopped the proliferation of income trusts and, at the same time, surgically reformed existing ones without damaging investors. This is what the Americans and Australians did when they embarked on reforms.
But Mr. Flaherty did not do his research. He could not have because he said publicly that the Americans and Australians had shut down all their trusts except for real-estate ones.
That’s totally wrong.
The U.S. energy/infrastructure trust sector is now equivalent in size to 20% of the entire Toronto Stock Exchange, or more than US$480-billion. Whoops.
Then there’s the tax leakage myth.
Garth, you have become Stephen Harper’s worst nightmare….the number of hits on this blog continue to tell a story. People are realizing just how undemocratic this gvernment is. Yes there are a few on here who would rather die than admit the truth but the real damage lies with those who never say a word, just read the comments. I know for one, the comments of some on here have contributed to turning me against supporting the CPC. Combined with the lies of a government who ran on the accoutability issue, I don’t think I could ever vote CPC again. One might expect such lies from all parties if history is an indicator but this party claimed they would be above that. So much for standing up for Canada, more like fleece Canada…
Have a great day….
It is also vital that the committee demand and receive the figures used by the DoF to justify their position on tax leakage, otherwise their claims have no validity.
By marie on 05.21.07 7:52 am
Ottawa didn’t do homework on trusts
‘Tax leakage’ not in evidence, Jodrey empire scion says
http://www.canada.com/nationalpost/columnists/story.html?id=6d1ca5a2-fff2-40f7-8ed9-566c81c8f694&p=1
“The math [about tax leakage] will never be made public because there isn’t any,†he said. “It’s a shared belief among a certain number of civil servants and the Finance Minister.”
Lumber Industry now headed to DUMPER…
“Pretty much as soon as prices started dropping, in the last quarter of last year, employment started dropping, too,” he says. “These are looking to be permanent layoffs at this point.”
Sub-prime mortgages that were issued during the height of the housing boom have gotten some of the blame for the current home-construction slump. The mortgages – which may start with low initial payments followed by large “balloon” payments – have led to a spate of foreclosures, especially in the East and in the Sunbelt states, as their interest rates have risen well above those of traditional loans.
The result has been a surge of homes financed with such mortgages coming back onto the market, along with a hesitance of some would-be buyers to test the waters. The foreclosures have also brought about a tightening of lending practices by banking regulators.
“Until you get through all that, it adds to the problems in the marketplace,” says publisher Jon Anderson of Random Lengths, a wood products market newsletter based in Eugene. “And, ultimately, that goes back to the consumption of commodity wood products.”
In its most recent edition, Random Lengths reported a composite framing lumber price of $288 per thousand board feet – more than 20 percent off its price of $362 a year ago.
The publication reported a composite price for structural panels – both plywood and oriented strand board – of $287 per thousand board feet. That’s 19.4 percent off its price of $356 for the same week in 2006.
“It’s pretty ugly,” Anderson says. “We’re way down from the peaks, of particularly 2004 and 2005, but even
well down from a year ago.
“There are some signs, solid signs, of production being reduced in most producing areas,” he says. “But we still regularly report there is an imbalance – supplies are outstripping demand.”
The High Dollar has already hit other manufacturing sectors, causing widespread layoffs.
Well, I awoke this beautiful morning and haf some thoughts about what has been going on, what continues to go, and why we see movements repeat in history that have failed.
This world has tried about every form of government conceivable, and yet the problems persists.
The problems are people, their perceptions of reality, and their inate need to not want to be bothered with watching over those who want to claim leadership, but realing someone must mind the store.
History has shown us numerous forms of leaders from altruistic to savage dictators.
We have tried Feudal (I own it and you should eb grateful to serve my needs), monarchal (God gave me this position so who are you to argue?); oligarchal (‘We’ know what is best for you because we have control of all things, and will apportion what we deem necessary for your own good…Now get back to work peons…aka communism as practiced by Stalin); Plutoarchal (We, of the Central Committee rule because you need us to); Democratic (Basically an elected oligarchy); Dictatorship (Gets to choose who is trusted, for the moment, then kills off all challengers).
We long for intelligent, honest people who work for the betterment of all citizens and serve the people, not rule the people. The difference if expressed, as an example, by ‘King of the Scots’ versus ‘King of Scotland’. The former serves the people first. The second serves the wealthy first.
Stephen Harper is the result of people too angry, and lazy to assess what they were sending to be their rulers. Now they see, and think that blaming the other guy is the solution. No, accepting responsibility for their choice is the solution, and then correcting that error as soon as possible.
People wanted to punish JC for his arrogance and the AdScam scandal. yet, in doing so they punished themselves. We are now engaged in a non-productive battle of pure bullshit which is only making matterws worse.
Someone had better start trusting the people and informing them of how the ‘new’ gooberment’s actions are really affecting them. Perhaps no one gets upset with incompetent people like Stockwell Day, his No-fly List which prevents people from even flying because sometime on the distant past they made a political statement that offended some schmuck. At this rate it will not be long before we are all under threat, and if you doubt it then look at history.
First come the ‘undesirables Lists’, then come the brown shirts or some other ‘authority figures’ purposely designed to intimidate the masses, then come the ‘special facilities’, to house the ‘undesirables’ while awaiting a trial that never comes, or is simply a Kangeroo Court, followed by the ‘Final Solution.’
Either learn from history or be prepared to repeat it, and this YOU ARE IT!
Have a pleasant Victoria’s Day.
With this topic, I’m waiting for the same sort of ‘ignore the message, shoot the messenger’ response directed at Don Martin as was fired at Susan Riley for her May 16th article on House decorum. Ones such as this, and this, that exactly exemplify that which is being ignored and denied. So let’s hear about Martin, maybe how his opinion of the contents is twisting and exaggerating what is actually written therein, and is hence worthless.
That is until someone presents us with the real goods (hint, hint Garth …)
Here are a few rules for law makers to follow.
1. Never write a law unless it is absolutely necessary to benefit all the people equally.
2. Remove all out of date laws from the books, and place a sunset clause for every new law written, with set periodic performance reviews.
3. All laws must be the result of consensus by all parties.
Following such principles people will find the laws they live under to be just, fair, and acceptable. It would also eliminate the overtly costly litigation that plagues us and our Courts.
As to tax laws. It should be uniform across the board with a minimum taxation point on personal incomes set slightly above a realistic level of sustainability for the individual or group.
Regarding mortgages and interest rates. These should be set to 1-2% with simple interest. the savings in stress, i.e., health costs, crime and incarceration, and welfare would more than pay for such a differential. People will always need four prime things in life: Food, shelter, clothing, and healthcare (including dental care).
We must re-think what we are doing. We must be willing to make the adjustments to our economic system, and remove the incessant personal competition for materialistic non-necessities.
We will either make those choices or face the consequences, and this time they may be inescapable. We have a choice to live in a civilized society with peace, or a continuous state of flux with the stress that is killing us daily, slowly and surely. When was the last time you felt truly happy, free, and at peace with life?
Just a few thoughts for a better world.
Sheesh,
Missing keystrokes!
Okay, first I ‘had’, not ‘haf’ some thoughts.
Second, Either learn from history or be prepared to repeat it, and this time YOU ARE IT! is what was meant to be posted.
Oh this makes one’s blood boil, at least mine!
RCMP probe U.S. senior scams
Richard Guthrie, a 92-year-old U.S. Army veteran, was one of those victims. He ended up on scam artists’ lists because his name, like millions of others, was sold by large companies to telemarketing criminals, who then turned to major banks to steal his life’s savings.
Time to arrest these corporate criminals and Hang ‘em High!
Catherine would be the first one to complain if Gath blocked comments – saying he’s being selective or something. What a bore.
Interesting that with all Jay Hill’s huffing and puffing trying to blow the House down and blaming the opposition parties for the need for this sleazy book – vast majority of Canadians are finally not falling for it.
I read an article in the Globe and Mail by Gloria Galloway this morning and was pleased to see the “Comments-responses”.
I think Canadians are seeing the light and Jay Hill is making himself look like a real fool.
Jay Hill, if you’re reading this – you don’t make a very good Tony Soprano – you are far too obvious
Isn’t this stuff posted considered “caucus” confidentiality?
GARTH … could you give us a peek into what is happening in the Liberal caucus too???
Do Stephane and Michael hug each other often …. does Coderre say much … are you pleased sitting amongst all those old Liberal veterans .. tell all …. !!!
KPK,
Isn’t this stuff posted considered “caucus†confidentiality?
And therin lies the PROBLEM! Who’s the BOSS? The people of Canada that pay the friggin’ tab!
We currently have an Elected Oligarchy!
Bill,
My point is this was allegedly the reason Garth was kicked out of caucus. He denied that – and now we see him posting this stuff on his blog. If I was an MP and crossed the floor, I would still keep this stuff confidential otherwise noone would trust me period. If Garth suddenly had a falling out with the Libs how comfortable should they now feel about their caucus discussions being confidential?
That argument is empty. I absolutely keep the confidence of those whose room I share. But when they expelled me, for doing my job, they also had a price to pay, which is honest exposure. I do this for my country and my constituents. — Garth
KPK,
Garth’s answer says it all. read it over and over if necessary until your grasp the principles.
they also had a price to pay, which is honest exposure. I do this for my country and my constituents. — Garth
That should be the foremost duty of every elected official. the preservation of Canada over any party interests. Just like the revelations in the Conrad Black trial. What a shock, his business partner is a liar!
Gee, I figured that out as soon as a I heard…’business partner’, as in co-enabler of illegal actions, because people like Conrad Black have no conscience…they epitomize the very word ‘narcissist!’
Now, we will watch the lowly scribes bring forth the real evidence, the hard evidence of records and writings that will convict CONrad Black for what he is…A meglamaniac narcissist.
Remember that the only reason Harper rules with fear and threats is to COVER HIS OWN ARSE!
Bill,
Interesting comment (your last). But what needs to recognized by yourself (and many others who might agree with your position) is that it was under the minstrations of Turdeau, Chretien (and yes even Mulroney to an extent) resulted in the rise of:
a) The near-death of Canada almost occurred under Chretien’s watch (the result of 20 years or so of centralizing policy of national governments);
b) the arrival on the national scene of a ‘western’ separation movement (folowing the NEP in the ’80s – Western Canada Concept party anyone); and
c) the emergence (big-time) of a western-based populist party (Reform) on the national scene.
Now whether you like it or not, the decentralized-policies currently being implemented under the current government (no new national social programs – not arising from the provinces themselves; provincial autonomy being respected; etc) all have lead (in a very short time) to the PQ being resigned to a third place standing, except on the provincial level, the disappearance of a national, western-based populist movement.
Therefore, I’d suggest that if federal governments (of any shade) would govern intheir constitutionally-based areas of responsibility (national defence, international trade, etc) and except for those areas that the provinces want federal intrusion, allow the provinces to have responsibility for their own areas, then we might see a harmonized, and stable Canada, unlike what we’ve seen for the last 30 years.
Ed the Hun
Bill,
I could understand what Garth did if there were discussions of breaking the law or of a conflict of interest etc. I personally don’t condone what Garth did here although others here may see it differently.
If I was an MP I would NOT do this unless I knew there was something illegal or unethical going on.
If you believe subverting the intent of Parliament and encouraging the disenfranchisement of Canadians is not unethical, then we disagree. — Garth
“If you believe subverting the intent of Parliament and encouraging the disenfranchisement of Canadians is not unethical, then we disagree. — Garth”
Garth,
the closest point you posted to “subversion” was point #3 but there isn’t enough info for me to put context in what was said. Did they actually say they were going to deliberately poison all parliamentary committees or did they say that they didn’t want the opposition to hijack the government agenda? Context is everything.
To be fair Mr. Chretien was also known to play committee games as well although he didn’t have a “manual” (or he wasn’t caught with one)
Ed,
What others did remains NO EXCUSE for Harper’s actions. Personally, I am sick of hearing ‘Well, they did it!’ That is about all we do hear from Harper and his Goon Squad BTW. I hold people accountable for their actions, no one else! That is why we have laws of ‘aiding and abetting crime.’ You choose to participate? You choose the consequences…personally!
That is a copout from the word go. I do not justiofy actions because some other schmuck did them.
You know I respect your opinions, and still do, but give your head a shake on defending unethical or simply wrong behaviours based on others. We are each personally accountable for our actions.
Otherwise, I guess whipping and killing slaves, selling women, treating them as chattel property, etc., would still be okay because ‘Hey, they did it!’
Maybe some people think our Parliament should be run like the RCMP under Zaccardelli, where anyone who stands up for ethics and truth is punished? Is that the Canada we want? Not this Canadian…NEVER!
Ed,
I also agree with most of your points. The problem always becomes ‘What is good for Western Canadians must also be good for the Central and Maritimes if federal funding is involved. Healthcare being an absolute for ALL Canadians. I still include critical natural resources like gas and oil as a national resource. I know you probably don’t but I do and will, just like electricity is a necessity. Canadians FIRST! Foreign sales second!
Hope you had a good weekend? I just finished power washing the patio from the winter accumulation of YUCK! Want some pine cones? Got plenty! LOL
Billy:
” May the Schwartz be with you ”
Dark Hat
Oooops ! Should be Dark Helmet .
Isn’t this stuff posted considered “caucus†confidentiality?
By KPK on 05.21.07 10:54 am
Yea, designated ‘Top Secret ‘,’For your Eyes Only ‘
Sheesh ! How dumb can you be ?
JCLH,
Ah, the ‘Da power of Da Scwartz’…and remember the secret is ‘Merchandizing!’ Yogurt has spoken ‘Wooo wooo wooo!’
Now, if only we had a nice Druish Princess to share our tales with?
Isn’t this stuff posted considered “caucus†confidentiality?
By KPK on 05.21.07 10:54 am
Yea, designated ‘Top Secret ‘,’For your Eyes Only ‘
Sheesh ! How dumb can you be ?
JCLH,
Fortunately not as dumb as you if you didn’t bother reading my other posts. I’ll stop the argument there – I don’t want to debate a three year old kid. It wouldn’t be fair.
Typical KPK to pick a non-issue .
Talk about a three year old .
JCLH,
Continually insulting people is a non-issue to you? You probably got beaten up a lot at school, Right?
1. I thought you were kidding. How is this possible in a socialist system? Or a capitalist system for that matter… or any system?
2. I like this one. Yep, this is good!
3. You’ll never get it. And I mean “never” in the truest sense. Kinda like #1, how is this possible? I can’t think of even one example of a law/bill that could universally benefit everyone or that everyone could agree on! If there were any new ideas that could be universally accepted then it would already be done by now, no?
Tyler Martin,
3. You’ll never get it. And I mean “never†in the truest sense. Kinda like #1, how is this possible? I can’t think of even one example of a law/bill that could universally benefit everyone or that everyone could agree on! If there were any new ideas that could be universally accepted then it would already be done by now, no?
See #1 please. Thank you.
A tyrant must put on the appearance of uncommon devotion to religion. Subjects are less apprehensive of illegal treatment from a ruler whom they consider god-fearing and pious. On the other hand, they do less easily move against him, believing that he has the gods on his side.
Aristotle
KPK: Then do you also believe the RCMP whistle-blowers who lost theirjobs or got demoted should have remained silent.
They tried to speak to their superiors and got booted. So they went public with the questionable possibly illegal activities. Activites that diminish democratic principles.
JCLH,
Continually insulting people is a non-issue to you? You probably got beaten up a lot at school, Right?
By KPK on 05.21.07 8:16 pm
Nope ,snivelling little worms like you steered clear of me .
“Then do you also believe the RCMP whistle-blowers who lost theirjobs or got demoted should have remained silent.”
Judy ,
No Judy, I don’t. But what Garth is pointing out sounds like political strategy to me – making sure the opposition doesn’t hijack the government.Even Mr. Chretien when he had a majority played games with committees. For me it’s just business as usual on Parliament Hill and nothing new. If there were discussions about slush funds etc that would be different.
Another question. Why is Garth telling us this NOW? Why didn’t he tell us about this a few months ago if he knew about it?
JCLH,
Amazing how little has changed since Aristotle said that, eh?
What is the disease?
Yea, Billy . I was looking for a more direct quote to back up (1.) “Never write a law unless it is absolutely necessary to benefit all the people equally. ”
I believe that Aristotle would concur wholeheartedly .
PJW, wrote
>Garth, you have become Stephen Harper’s worst >nightmare…
Only in his wildest dreams. Hell Harper has likely forgotten who the hell Garth is.
Bill,
I think you are misunderstanding my comment. I am not defending (nor trying to defend Harper’s government), just what appears to be a ‘theme’ of letting provinces run their own affairs (where they have responsibilities) and they run their own. Everything else, I see Harper’s government to be just the same as Dion’s would be, as was Chretien’s, etc.
The key is respecting those jurisdictions. Let us not forget that the making of Canada was at the will of the provinces (that existed at the time). And healthcare arose from Saskatchewan and was embraced by all provincial governments. It is the force feeding of national programs (i.e. this idea of a national childcare program — let the provinces develop and run their own) onto the provinces that is causing all of this national unity problems. If any federal government was to start off with that attitude then everything else is gravy. Collaboration, cooperation and peace (on a national level) would result, I argue. Cooperative federalism then could work, unlike how it has been.
And yes, we agree, I believe resources (including Ontario’s) are a provincial responsibility.
Hope your weekend was enjoyable! Weather sucked out here, but I guess with all of the complaining about the drought, we were bound to get a deluge at some point. Water everywhere.
Ed the Hun
Ed,
Nice reply…thank you. We are far closer than we ever imagined. Perhaps it is in the wording? Let’s continue this. I deeply respect and appreciate the dialogue we have established.
But what Garth is pointing out sounds like political strategy to me – making sure the opposition doesn’t hijack the government.Even Mr. Chretien when he had a majority played games with committees. For me it’s just business as usual on Parliament Hill and nothing new. If there were discussions about slush funds etc that would be different.
Another question. Why is Garth telling us this NOW? Why didn’t he tell us about this a few months ago if he knew about it?
By KPK on 05.22.07 8:03 am
New Conservatives don’t seem to “get it”. The point is that many of those who elected the new Conservatives were voting against the unethical behaviour of the Liberals not for a new level of unethical Conservative government.
It is so difficult for those whose whole view of politics is so tarnished by partisanship that it is the “unethical” behaviour that is the issue: not whether it was perpetrated by Liberals or Conservatives.
It is pointless for Liberals and Conservatives to debate on which was the more or less unethical: the shirt fits well on both.
As a former PC who went through the merger process as a “target” of what I saw as unethical practices it does not surprise me that new Conservatives “just don’t get it.”
I was an opponent of Chretien’s style of politics and I am opposed to Harper’s style of politics. I don’t have a rating system that rates one kind of corruption as more acceptable than another.
Van: You obviously don’t read the CPC’s websites. Garth is quoted and pictured all over their sites.
I don’t think they will ever forget him!
I can’t wait for Elections Canada’s next quarterly statement on political donations. There were less than 5000 donors for the Liberal Party last quarter, I bet there will be less than 2500 this quarter…the numbers tell the real story of Liberal support…very soft.
Cam
Judy wrote
Van,You obviously don’t read the CPC’s websites. Garth is quoted and pictured all over their sites.
I don’t think they will ever forget him!
I only read the official CPC website and Garth just ain’t there. Sorry to burst your balloon Judy but Garth is nothing on the CPC official site.
It seems Garth hasn’t forgotten Harper because that is all he talks about. So it seems that Harper is Garth’s worst nightmare. Sorry but Garth comes across as a bitter person with a chip on his shoulder.
Actually, as another Con attack squad pointed out here a few hours ago, http://www.conservative.ca has written about me today for the second day in a row. Gee. Flattered. — Garth
Garth, ever think that maybe you’re an easy target?