En route AC 255: Why, my wife asked, as she leaned over to read my BB screen on the tarmac, are they still trying to kill you? Which is one reason I love her. The woman is a sieve for malice. Her sunny attitude and continued astonishment at malevolent thoughts makes her the perfect companion to travel west with me for the next two weeks, doing politics.
But back to the Berry. Its weensy little display was showing a tiny little beaver’s head (maybe it’s a groundhog, or a ferret, or a rat – too small to say), above yet another Garth Turner story on a Conservative web site. But not just any blogging Tory. The loser one.
Two weeks ago this guy published a statement, fabricated by a young Con operative who showed up at one of my Town Hall meetings, saying I’d shouted down an 84-year-old veteran. It was crap. A half dozen or so people who were at the meeting posted here saying it was crap. The kid – his work done – disappeared back into juvenile anonymity. Strike one.
This past weekend the loser blogger published a long article admonishing me for using an illustration on my blog which came from another web source. I had identified it as, “Artistic rendering courtesy of The Wingunterer.†TW is a guy I’ve corresponded with, have met, sparred with and quite enjoy – even when he calls me a snake-oil salesman. The allegation that I used this without permission was crap. The Wingnuterer wrote the loser’s blog and said it was crap. Strike two.
But back to my Berry. Today the loser has tried again, even promoting his new anti-Garth posting as “meaty.†This one alleges that my speaking tour is all about income trusts, which were always risky investments (even I warned about four years ago); that I’m out to help my broker “friends†who make money selling trusts; that many seniors support Jim Flaherty’s taxing of them; and, well, that I deserve to die yet another political death.
Sadly, it is crap. The man who styles himself a Canadian investigative online journalist once again would fail the smell test as a cub reporter at the Leamington Bean. But I digress into ad hominem invective. My wife may be reading this.
Truth is, income trusts were, as I wrote in a widely-published newspaper column in 2003, not for everyone. But neither are equities or mutual funds. Even riskless GICs are risky for people who need growth. And bonds – like residential real estate – can be sinkholes for wealth when interest rates start gyrating. There is no “income trust†as a defined investment, as there is no “stock.†Every one is different, and some trusts were conservative with dependable cash flow, while others were poorly structured and destined to disappoint.
The simple belief that every income trust equals every other income trust is a major flaw undermining the pro-Flaherty arguments one hears from non-financial journalists. Another is the constant reiteration that all jilted IT investors now had all their investment eggs on one basket, and were guided there by investment advisors who were incompetent at best, crooks more likely. I suppose some did. But the vast majority of folks I have heard from actually had an excellent balance between fixed income, real estate and equity-based assets, including trusts.
As to the arguments that income trusts should have been taxed in an identical fashion to corporations, well, no easy answer to that. Trust equivalents have functioned extremely well in the United States, and provided hugely-needed capital in the Canadian energy sector. They clearly seem to have a place in the investment firmament.
What the loser fails to point out are the two overriding reasons Jim Flaherty was wrong on October 31st to announce the imposition of a 31.5% tax on income trusts, with neither warning nor consultation. No, it has nothing to do with CAITI or Brent Fullard or any investment sellers (who are not, by the way, sponsoring any of my activities). It has nothing to do with the inherent risk in all market-based securities. It bears no relation to my growing opposition to the economic, taxation and fiscal policies of the Harper Party.
Instead, it boils to this: First, Mr. Flaherty has proven to be wrong, perhaps a liar, in his justification for attacking income trusts. He said it was costing us all money since they were avoiding big whacks of tax, which would grow to be billions over the coming years if companies like Bell converted. I watched as he screamed across the aisle of the House of Commons, accusing Liberal opponents of speaking on behalf of their friends on Bay Street, as opposed to average Canadians.
We now know it is not so. The trust decision was responsible for the sale of many Canadian companies to foreigners, who will pay no tax. BCE is going private as another result, and its new owners will pay no tax at all – unlike the $700 million or so a year that investors would have paid, had it become a trust and distributed taxable profits to them. As well, initial public offerings have dropped almost 80% since the trust announcement, robbing us all of corporate tax revenues which I suppose will have to be made up by Joe and Josephine Average.
Second, well, second is easy. Stephen Harper said Conservatives would never tax income trusts. So, people bought them. Lots of ‘em. Companies converted into trusts. Lots of them, too. Risky or not. Dependable or not. Controversial or not. Foolish or not. At least investors were guaranteed of one thing – if Mr. Harper was elected, there would be no surprise tax.
Surprise. Strike three.
Gee, here we are in The Peg already.
By the way, here is what I wrote about Income Trusts in my syndicated newspaper columns in 2003, 2004 and 2005.
http://www.garth.ca/columns/030622.shtml
http://www.garth.ca/columns/040905.shtml
http://www.garth.ca/columns/051127.shtml
105 comments ↓
Gee, sounds like Janke has hit a nerve. Interesting.
He hit crap. — Garth
This one alleges that my speaking tour is all about income trusts
Did he really say that?
I decided to check for myself and nope, this statement from Garth isn’t true.
Janke said, Garth Turner is on his western speaking tour, where he will speaking a great deal about income trusts.
Garth, your hatred seems to be distorting what Janke has said. Calm down now.
He wrote a long piece about nothng but trusts. You myopia is showing. — Garth
I won’t comment on the IT issue etc. but what I find funny about this so called improper use of an artistic renedering is twofold, arising from this statement:
I had identified it as, “Artistic rendering courtesy of The Wingunterer.†TW is a guy I’ve corresponded with, have met, sparred with and quite enjoy – even when he calls me a snake-oil salesman. The allegation that I used this without permission was crap. The Wingnuterer wrote the loser’s blog and said it was crap.
First off, if you look at the Wingnuterer’s “artistic rendering” it looks to me as an untrained art critic that he lifted an image somewhere else himself, pasted on Dion’s and Turner’s face, and added a couple of lame comment bubbles. I seriously doubt he had permission to use the original illustration, so I’m not sure what permission he could convey onto others. Hence, isn’t this whole debate somewhat nonsensical?
Secondly, Garth answers his critics on the use of that image by stating that he had permission from The Wingnuterer. Yet the very issue of the use of an illegal (stolen) picture was raised many times on an earlier blog, Screwy in Skeena , that apparently Mrs. T approved of. Yet, he did nothing to confirm that he had the owner’s permission to use it, nor has he/did he remove it.
Seems like a double standard to me.
I’ll be fair here too. I see that Janke has stated that Garth wants income trusts not to be taxed. I quote Janke, And Garth Turner who once wrote about the dangers of income trusts wants to bring back that tax-free status that helped drive seniors into income trusts (or at least use that argument as a political attack).
As far as I’ve read from Garth, he didn’t say that, he said there would still be a tax but a lower one. Janke should get his facts straight.
Garth,
Its weensy little display was showing a tiny little beaver’s head (maybe it’s a groundhog, or a ferret, or a rat – too small to say)
No it is the picture of the author, a nutty squirrel. What else did you expect? LOL
Two elections in the same year?
Ontario then the Federal…
Opening of parliament Oct 16?
Sounds like an election on the horizon!
I quote Janke, And Garth Turner who once wrote about the dangers of income trusts wants to bring back that tax-free status that helped drive seniors into income trusts (or at least use that argument as a political attack).
By Sean P. Hogan on 09.04.07 1:43 pm
So Janke admits it, it was the tax-free status, you know the one guaranteed by PMSH, that drove seniors to invest in IT’s!
Just posted on the Globe and Mail–”Liberals would allow new trusts with restrictions”
http://www.reportonbusiness.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20070904.wincometrusts0904/BNStory/robNews/home
Judging from the comments, this has a few Cons upset.
Wow, I sure get plenty of attention on this blog. And the name calling? I’m not an MP or a member of a political party or anything. Really, get a sense of perspective. Do you really believe anything I write is going to affect your march back to Ottawa in the next election, whenever that comes? All I posted is some material presented a senior’s convention, as well as a letter from the RCMP when asked by seniors to investigate the marketing methods used by people who pushed income trusts so aggressively. Some supporting quotes from here and there and bang, another blog post done for my modest readership to enjoy. I mean, what possible effect can a little post like that have on the success of your tour or the validity of your arguments?
Not my tour I am worried about. It’s your cred. — Garth
By Sean P. Hogan on 09.04.07 1:43 pm
As far as I’ve read from Garth, he didn’t say that, he said there would still be a tax but a lower one. Janke should get his facts straight.
Sean, I think you might want to check Turner’s comments in a blog of May 31, 2007, where he stated:
This has been addressed several times on this blog. The official Liberal position is to replace the 31.5% tax with one of 10%, which will be refundable to Canadian investors. It is anticipated this would restore a substantial amount of the lost capital. — Garth
So, it appears the Lib policy is in fact no taxes (if you’re Canadian).
ELECTION COMING!!!
No more CRAP…bring it on.
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20070904/parliament_return_070904/20070904?hub=TopStories
Strike three! The Finance Minister out!
http://www.globeinvestor.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20070904.wincometrusts0904/GIStory/
He wrote a long piece about nothng but trusts. You myopia is showing. — Garth
By Sean P. Hogan on 09.04.07 1:34 pm
Garth, please drop the politician garbage speak. You said the tour, the tour. That is different from the topic of Janke’s post on his blog. He clearly stated that your tour was mostly about income trusts, not all as you have stated. Now, his posting is all about income trusts, but then, that’s not what you were referring to, now was it!
It is sure tough to get through a politician when they lie.
Old enough to remember, does that statement of Garth’s mean that there would be no tax under the Liberal plan? What about the 10%?
The 10% would be refundable to Canadian investors as I understand it Sean. So therefore that is tax free but I am then assuming they will pay tax on it as income.
Election, IF defeated in the Confidence game, I mean vote. Are all the duckies in a row?
By Sean P. Hogan on 09.04.07 3:03 pm
Old enough to remember, does that statement of Garth’s mean that there would be no tax under the Liberal plan? What about the 10%?
I’ll answer your hair splitting question with an analogous one:
If you go to Staples and there is a piece of software priced at $49.99, yet it comes with an instant cash rebate of $40 at the till, what is the real price, and hence the reason you bought it?
Got Pension? Got CDO with subprime? Did your Pension managers spend any quality time in Vegas?
This past weekend the loser blogger published a long article admonishing me for using an illustration on my blog which came from another web source. I had identified it as, “Artistic rendering courtesy of The Wingunterer.†TW is a guy I’ve corresponded with, have met, sparred with and quite enjoy – even when he calls me a snake-oil salesman. The allegation that I used this without permission was crap. The Wingnuterer wrote the loser’s blog and said it was crap.
Aw, you make me blush. But calling my ~cough~ “artwork” “artistic rendering” is ~smirk~ kind of like selling snake oil, LOL.
You know I just love giving you a hard time Garth, it keeps you relatively honest
I was going to alter you to the new Janke spin story if you didn’t pick it up.
I think to settle what is going to be the agenda on the town halls in the west, wouldn’t it be a good idea to look at what the previous town halls have covered? Have they been all about ITs? Aside from that, don’t the people from the floor have the opportunity to ask questions?
Old Enough to Remember,
The art in question is from 1944 and is now part of the public domain to the best of my knowledge. Also since it was being used for satirical purposes, it falls under fair use. Lastly the place where I found it on the net didn’t have info to original artist and it only mentioned that first published in fall of 1943 and reused in the early winter 1944 in a some US mags.
Makes sense to me to repeal the tax on income trusts and if I had my way, the Canadian Foreign Investment Agency would be restored immediately after giving six months notice of opting out of NAFTA.
The USA calls theirs, Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States and restricts foreign investment.
Perhaps renaming ours, Committee of Foreign Investment in Canada would suffice?
By Sean P. Hogan on 09.04.07 3:03 pm
Old enough to remember, does that statement of Garth’s mean that there would be no tax under the Liberal plan? What about the 10%?
I’ll answer your hair splitting question with an analogous one:
If you go to Staples and there is a piece of software priced at $49.99, yet it comes with an instant cash rebate of $40 at the till, what is the real price, and hence the reason you bought it?
By Old Enough to Remember on 09.04.07 3:15 pm
I admit to not truly understanding the IT issue. Am waiting to see my next quarterly statement to see what affect it has had.
But, I’m totally ticked off that we have to pay taxes on the full price, minus the manufactuer’s rebate. I realize why they have mfgr’s rebates – too many people don’t bother to mail them off. And you’ll wait months to receive them, and some times you’ll have to fight to get those so-called mfgrs to honour them. Just another tax grab. The govt. should outlaw them, but that’ll never happen, as the govt. benefits. Just like the day before every holiday,summer gas increases, the threat of of a hurricain, any excuse that Big Oil can come up with.
like residential real estate – can be sinkholes for wealth when interest rates start gyrating.
The only time real estate is a sink hole, is actually when it is a sink hole. But, who would buy a sink hole to start with? Real Estate ownership is the only way to go. One can whether the oft temporary fluctuations in value. They are solid, tangible investments you can actually touch and see. Sure, there are short term drops. Heck, my mom bought a new house in the mid ’70’s and in ‘95 she sold it for 4 times the amount she paid for it. Talk about a bonanza! Banks also love land & residentials. Personally, that’s the only way I go. I’m doing an open house now on one property…wish me luck. L
Janke’s blog seems to have crashed. Guess he can’t take the heat.
If you go to Staples and there is a piece of software priced at $49.99, yet it comes with an instant cash rebate of $40 at the till, what is the real price, and hence the reason you bought it?
By Old Enough to Remember on 09.04.07 3:15 pm
The real catch is that all these rebates put GST and PST in Staples’ (and all the other such ‘rebate’ givers) hands because you pay taxes on the full amount. No wonder they can afford to play the game, eh?
Likewise, homewners pay PST on anything that goes into their home building as a permanent part, but they never see it, because the builder adds the PST they pay on the materials, yet there is no PST on labour, but there is GST. For service issues, if the service is provided on site, then no PST is to be charged, but if it is performed in their shop, PST must be added. Those are the rules in Ontario.
By Old Enough to Remember on 09.04.07 3:15 pm
To answer your question the price would be $49.99 x 14% = $56.99 – $40 = $16.99
Were the pricing honest it would be $11.39 ($9.99 + 14% taxes) a difference of $5.60. and they don’t want to pay corporate taxes, eh?
Ehhhhh?
Kiddies are yelling about having yet another month of vacation. Something to do with perogies?
Captain George,
Harper Throne Speech
“Alert†…saying this with my tin foil hat firmly in place
Compare what sourcewatch observed with Bush’s photographs and Harper’s picture in today’s Globe and Mail:
http://s3.photobucket.com/albums/y74/sylley2000/?action=view¤t=0904harper364.jpg
Food for thought?
By Pecked to death by ducks on 09.04.07 5:25 pm
EH?
By kpn on 09.04.07 4:48 pm
My personal favorite is ‘A seagull took a dump on our offshore oilrig…so UP the price goes!’
Garth, I got my car all gassed up and am ready to head for Duncan on Thurs.
See ya.
Janke is a CPC shilll who’s sole purpose is to trash anything Liberal. Interesting how he never addresses other issues going on like patronage appointments by Harper, 4 X’s the cost of that of the Liberals for using the Challenger (as finance ministers – Goodale $33,000 and Flaherty $122,000), the fact that Harper is afraid to reconvene parliament because all those dirty issues will come out – detainee issue, etc. Janke worries about a stupid issue like a picture? Desparate or what.
I watched Don Newman today and he had Prentice on – they were discussing foreign takeovers and Prentice said that Canada was attractive because our many years of good governance, low inflation, etc. – well, thank you Liberals for that and I’m sure Prentice appreciates it too.
By Zorpheous on 09.04.07 4:16 pm
The real give away was when the soldier’s body that Garth’s picture was pasted upon was tall and thin. You could have fooled me with Dion’s similar overlay, but you really pushed the envelope on the “bearded clam” (just kidding!).
Harper delays Parliament’s return until Oct. 16
Updated Tue. Sep. 4 2007 5:58 PM ET
CTV.ca News Staff
Prime Minister Stephen Harper has decided to delay the opening of the fall session of Parliament to October 16, setting up the possibility of a fall election if the opposition parties vote against the government’s throne speech.
Garth it’s time…it’s really time….time to put up or shut up…please vote against the throne speech…please…Quebec wan’t no part of Dion (Chantel Hebert) and you think the rest of do??? Come put your $$ where your mouth is…call an election then we’ll finally get the majority Conservative Govt we want……
Is he transparent or just obvious?
As suggested on this blog sometime ago, PMSH parogues parliament. Oh joy, we get to hear the GG read another work of fiction!
Note to GG, if the speech states “the New Government”, ask the question, “Does that mean the Government of the last session is the Old Government?”
PS. My fortune cookie reads, “Avoid agreeing with people merely to keep the peace!”
. . . Real Estate ownership is the only way to go. . . .
By Angry Canadian on 09.04.07 4:49 pm
Each to their own. Around 1990 when we lived in Port Coquitlam, 10 acre parcels of bare land from Peachland through Osoyoos were selling, on average, for $35,000.
If (only) my wife and I had bought one of those lots, we would have held on to it, paid the property taxes, let the value of the land increase over ten to 15 years and then sold it for a nice profit.
Nice, because those acreages routinely sell for $300-500,000 now, and it would have made a great non-registered pension plan — solid, long-term growth Canadian equity mutual funds, plus a couple of other continents.
The key is to diversify — not much, just a little.
Charles Oxley
My mother bought a lot in Florida, paid $5000 US for it and held it for fifteen years. The selling price she receivd fifteen years later was $7500 US and IRS withheld 15% of it. During that time the Canadian dollar was low…now it’s high!
Wouldn’t it be grand if we were born with crystal balls so we would know what increases, what stagnates and what decreases in value?
Old Enough to Remember,
Hey, I did try to find someone who was a little ~cough~ ‘weel fed’ for Garth’s image,…. Oh, oh, oh,… that just gave me a great idea for a possible image source for future photo hackery… ~evil grin~
By Charles Oxley on 09.04.07 6:21 pm
Oh…the ‘if only’ we had, eh?
I think on it like this; if I have a stock or some mutual investment, they can crash and burn and what do I have? However, if something crashes on my land or everything on top burns…I still have the land. If worse comes to pass, I can grow my food and keep my belly full while the traders get skinny. Seems like a no-brainer in my book. L
John G,
You can dream about CPC majority all you want, but Harper are the CPC are in the Martimes and are lagging in Ontario. Concentrated support in Alberta does not give a majority. Not to mention that many of hardcore CPC supporters out west are pissed at Harper an more and more old PC Conservatives are turning to the Liberals or the Greens because Harper has broken so many promises.
Majority, HA! Harper would be fighting between a minority CPC or a minoirty Liberal Government at best.
from the previous GT post:
Harper and his enablers above have been extraordinarily effective in moving towards their objective with a minority government. One has to wonder how quickly they would move once they had a majority.
By C. B. Innes on 09.04.07 5:48 pm
Just look at GWB and the brains behind him have done to the US & democracy. But I guess those Western con Cdns that post here are ready to forfeit democracy to ensure they live in their $500K houses, pollute the rest of Cda with their unquesionable tar sands development and we could all go on and on. I’m really so sick about hearing so many people on this blog from the west go on and on and on about their threats about separation from Canada, while at the same time never saying a word about Harper paying off Quebec with $600M to win votes. Harper, who as an opposition leader, bitched about everything the Libs did, has turned out to be worse than the Libs ever were. Talk about hypocrits – he’s the biggest ever. He’d not a Leader, but a pathetic patsy of GWB.
G
I think to settle what is going to be the agenda on the town halls in the west, wouldn’t it be a good idea to look at what the previous town halls have covered? Have they been all about ITs? Aside from that, don’t the people from the floor have the opportunity to ask questions?
At the last meeting in Milton, Garth opened with about 15 minutes of slides using decidedly old tech: an overhead projector. The emphasis was certainly the economy, and what Flaherty/Harper were doing, and the ‘danger signals’ coming from the sub-prime fiasco in the US and the resulting ripple (tidal wave?) effect that could occur.
At the end of the presentation, Garth opened the floor to the approximately 30 attendees, who were free to raise whatever topics they wanted. Total meeting time was about 2 hours.
This is similar to previous Garth town halls I have attended.
A slightly long, but good article on financial armageddon.
http://www.zmag.org/sustainers/content/2007-08/29kolko.cfm
dubya has to be the most blood-thirsty president ever in the states. That Reagan was also from the same party speaks volumes about bush.
http://rawstory.com//news/2007/Former_Reagan_aide_says_Congress_must_0903.html
Rob Breakenridge’s Calgary talk radio show just had Mike Duffy on. And Mike said that there are four camps forming in the Liberal ranks–a large Ignatieff camp, a large Rae camp, a small Dion camp, and surprise, surprise, a Brian Tobin camp !
The race is on. Will Dion trigger an early election before the many knives get buried in his back.
Stay tuned.
Majority, HA! Harper would be fighting between a minority CPC or a minoirty Liberal Government at best.
By Zorpheous on 09.04.07 7:11 pm
Then bring it baby! Lets go…Can’t wait to watch the debate between Harper and citoyen Dion……
Seems Fiberal Premier Mcliar in Ontario got caught dishing $ to friends…oh I forgot thats the Liberal way….
Symbolism over substance, the Liberal moto…who could forget Chretiens “it’s good to criticize the Americans, people like it..not too much because they’re our friends…..yup that’s what I want to go back to….
The race is on. Will Dion trigger an early election before the many knives get buried in his back.
Calgary, Ive said it before, they want Dion broomed ASAP…..wouldn’t you?
En route AC 255: Why, my wife asked, as she leaned over to read my BB screen on the tarmac, are they still trying to kill you?
Well if they are still trying to “Kill” Garth Mrs Turner, it means two things
1) They know Garth is still alive and that they have failed to off him politically.
and more importantly
2) They still consider Garth to be very dangerous.
I have good news for you and bad news,…
First the bad news, you will survive this latest attempt on your political life.
The bad news, they will continue to try to off, but I have a nasty feeling that snake oil kind of acts like Teflon,… See there’s an up side to snake oil sector
ok, ok, ok, I stop with the snake oil jokes and find myself some new material,… Used Car Salesman? ~giggle~
(you know Garth, just feel free to tell me to piss off, I’m use to it)
PS, have a good trip out West, rattle their cages out there and make us proud! I just wish I could road trip with you on this and live blog the trip ~sigh~ it would be such fun.
Mike Duffy has lot all credibility. He has become a paid advertisement for the Cons.
I guess CTV pays him an enormous salary to skew reports/announcements in favour of the Cons and Harper.
Never thought he would sell out.
Used to be a fan when he was diligent in his questions and follow-ups.
Now he is just putting in Conservative bent time.
John G.: How is Harper going to win the women and seniors vote? He has alienated and lied to both groups.
Without them he will never see a majority-the numbers just aren’t there. And you deceive yourself if you think the majority of voters watch the debates.
And McGuinty is doing just fine in the polls . It’s John Tory who is the scary one-wanting to segregate our children based on religion-and wanting to use public funds to open institutions that discriminate based on religion. The Cons
crippled Ontario-next time they may try to kill us.
Has anyone considered foreign takeovers, as in the steel mills in Hamilton, means they get to ride easy on our own social programs, such as WCB’s? When the present contracts are over, then what? Oh woe is the worker in Canada.
Garth, I’m sick to death of you talking to the well-heeled, can you talk more about the realities we face as we move out of our homes and into rentals, where there is no protection either.
As for Harpo, well maybe NO VOTE FOR YOU until 2009?! Isn’t that the plan.
Puffy.
Judy,
I agree completely re Mike Duffy. Used to enjoy his show, but his Conservative bias is disgusting. He’s looking for something. Hope Harper is gone before he gets it.
Now he is just putting in Conservative bent time.
By Judy on 09.04.07 10:17 pm
Hi there Judy. I remember thinking the same thing about the Duff when he reported such things regarding Mr. Harper and the CPC. Duff just reports what he hears. Thank goodness for that! It’s true what he said about the 4 camps. Sorry. L
Mike Duffy has lot all credibility. He has become a paid advertisement for the Cons.
I guess CTV pays him an enormous salary to skew reports/announcements in favour of the Cons and Harper.
Never thought he would sell out.
Used to be a fan when he was diligent in his questions and follow-ups.
Now he is just putting in Conservative bent time.
By Judy
Ditto with my thoughts Judy on the Duff. I will be a little more blunt “Mike” if you are reading this blog. You really have sold your self out and truly disappoint me. I thought you were beyond reproach but this last year you really have become a Harper groupie. Shame.
Yes I sure agree with Judy’s post; I can’t tell you how much I once loved Mike Duffy’s commentary. Well, since his heart attack or whatever, he has become a ventriliquest of sorts. He doesn’t make sense anymore. In fact, I don’t even turn on the TV to watch his stupidity.
Thanks Judy, You are so right.
Keep it going good old Garth…We need you.
“Trusts are not for everyone…”
What about Nortel? A few years ago peaked at $124. Down to 65 cents. Today at $18 after a 1:10 reverse split.
Was Nortel for everyone?
What about Bombardier?
Was there a Canadian equity fund that wasn’t exposed to these “conservative” investments?…
Trusts should have been for everyone.
There is nothing wrong with them specifically.
They’re good trusts and bad trusts. Just like they’re good companies and bad companies…
Bre-X wasn’t a trust. Nortel, Bombardier, JDSUniphase, 724Solutions, Ballard Power, Corel, weren’t trusts. And the latest scandal- SWG- is not a trust.
What’s for everyone Mr. Turner?
The 5 year canadian bond with 4.37 interest?
My bills are growing faster then that. The real inflation is higher, you know that, don’t you? Water, Gas, Cogeco, food, my son’s tuition- way higher then last year…
What’s for everyone?
Ah, now we have the picture of what Harper intends to really do THRONE SPEECH! Will that be delivered in the HoC or from his 24 Sussex Dr. bathroom?
Harper plans fresh throne speech
The one thing for sure is he is gambling it all now.
At least I can agree with Jack Layton (a rather rare event) when he says:
“By locking MPs out, Stephen Harper is showing utter disregard for the work that has already been done, especially on the climate change and clean air bill. Stephen Harper is wasting another month while we could be fighting climate change in order to write an unnecessary throne speech,†Layton said in a statement.
Just to let you know, I and my immediate family members plan to vote Liberal in the next election, 9 votes in total. The reason is your common sense stand on the Income Trust issue.
I completely disagree with the Conservative position on this file. Not because I lost some money (which I did), but because it’s BAD policy for Canada. The marginal oil/gas fields in the west will not be developed and foriegn takeovers of the sector will continue once the sub prime crisis is over.
Know of many others out here in Alberta that feel the same.
Keep up the good work..
Regards, Ken
john G: Calgary, Ive said it before, they want Dion broomed ASAP…..wouldn’t you?
Yes, but how does the LPC do it ? Dion looks like a determined, proud kind of guy, who would relish a debate on his legitimacy as leader.
He has an almost iron-clad argument against his enemies–”My mandate as leader comes from the LPC members, and only they can fire me. So all you big shots can take a hike. I’m staying until the members vote me out”.
The counter to that intransigence is to do what the Canadian Alliance did with Day–form a breakaway group, and thus put more pressure on the leader.
What’s with all this Duffy bashing ? He’s an iconic Ottawa insider, with many sources, who is just reporting what he hears. It just so happens that most of the good stuff, i.e. conflict, is right now coming from the Liberal camp.
What’s with all this Duffy bashing ? He’s an iconic Ottawa insider, with many sources, who is just reporting what he hears. It just so happens that most of the good stuff, i.e. conflict, is right now coming from the Liberal camp.
By Calgary Junkie
Mike needs to do like I did when I had my open Heart surgery, RETIRE, I am sure he can afford it a lot more than I could.
By kpn on 09.04.07 7:22 pm
I’m really so sick about hearing so many people on this blog from the west go on and on and on about their threats about separation from Canada, while at the same time never saying a word about Harper paying off Quebec with $600M to win votes. Harper, who as an opposition leader, bitched about everything the Libs did, has turned out to be worse than the Libs ever were. Talk about hypocrites – he’s the biggest ever. He’d not a Leader, but a pathetic patsy of GWB.
I couldn’t agree with you more. Especially as they are not the “west”, for the most part they are Alberta. Why the hell don’t they just say so.
BC is the west. The true west. And other than a few embarrassing chunks up north and east where we bump up to Alberta, we do not buy into the CRAP-CON line. And we are not separating. Hell no.
Happily they are shooting themselves in the foot as was so recently shown in Houston. Dick Harris, CRAP MP for Cariboo-Prince George has his constituents in a bit of a knot wondering what the hell he was up to messing about in a neighbourhood not his own.
As one resident put it:
Comment by Glen Robinson on 30th August 2007
I find this to be the lowest denominator in political maneuvering. This is contemptible and beneath any “honourable member” to pull a stunt like this. Mr. Harris should be ashamed. Mr. Harper’s team has once again demonstrated that ethics and accountability are words to trot out while in election mode, but once in power, the new bunch is just like the old bunch. Shamefully undemocratic.
The “true west” does not take kindly to the blustering, the BS, the threats (oh please try and separate, oh please try!) or fake promises of Albertans. You think you are all so special. You forget where you came from. And do you think the Harper Party cares? Give your head a shake.
You are being lined up to be part of the NAU Energy Grid. No reason to talk about it son. It’s all arranged. Done deal. Now bend over, here is your ID security chip so you can still work here. Wont hurt for more than a day or two. Only a little bit of radiation. Nothing to worry about. Be seein’ ya.
TG I know you mouth-pieces to be in the minority, and the rest are from N.L. and they be a fine bunch with a good sense of humour. Which you 2nd generation types have none any more, the greed got it I guess.
The most American of provinces. What an embarrassing thing to be known as. The SPP meeting (about nothing) should have been held there…more fitting somehow. Better idea. Let’s ban Bush from ever setting foot on Canadian soil ever again. He is a terrorist and a war criminal, responsibly for the death of millions when they are all added up. And he has WMD and Canadians do not trust him. I say keep him out and our security forces will be much less testy and upset and likely to get into trouble.
Geo, from BC, the True West. The rest of you are posers!
Oh goodie Harper basing his re-election on the economy because Flaherty made a balls of it.
I sent several e-mails to my Conservative MP regarding my opposition to the sale of Canada’s buildings. Nothing pleases me more than turning the correspondence over to the Liberal candidate in my riding.
Speaking of the economy, the Chinese natives are getting restless: Western Grasshoppers and Chinese Ants As stated in the article, if they don’t begin to allow China to buy US companies, China will wait ’til they’ve devalued and buy them cheaper. Regretfully at the same time more Canadian businesses will be swallowed up.
What can Canada do that assists ‘viable’ Canadian businesses to survive additional to restoring the exemption of tax on income trusts? What other incentives might Dion put in place?
Garth
I’ve read the run you’ve take at Steve Janke of Angry in the Great White North and find it somewhat lacking considering you are obviously a superior intellect.
I mean really, a man published in national print, a much sought after MP, an accomplished public speaker, the founder of digital democracy, a brilliant economic prognosticator and you ride a Harley.
Next time you might want to link to the man so your devoted readers could experience, first hand, the smack down that is you.
Regardless, i do find this comment at Steve Janke Angry in the Great White North worth a response from you.
As follows:
I received an invitation to the Garth Turner Public Meeting in Abbotsford. I am a Conservative member, so it is obvious Turner used his list of Conservative member to try to pack his meetings because he knows he won’t get enough Liberals interested. On top of that, the invitation were mailed from John McCallum’s office! I guess Turner doesn’t have much of a budget with the Liberals.
Posted by: Louise Fribance at September 4, 2007 08:30 PM
So what say you Garth? Is this true? Are you and Mc Callum sharing office budgets to “spread the costs around”?
Have Conservative Party of Canada membership lists been utilized? Is this a vast right wing conspiracy smear job?
What’s up?
Syncro
What a bunch of funsters you Conservatives are! No, there was no targetting of Tory voters, although some income trust investors who complained to Liberal MPs were doubtlessly invited. John McCalum was one of 15 MPs from across the country who diverted local riding communications to support my tour effort. This was done so costs would be contained within existing MP budgets, with no new money spent letting people in these four provinces know of the Town Halls. As for Conservative Party mmbership lists, you can send them to mp@garth.ca. Alaways handy to have. — Garth
Garth it’s time…it’s really time….time to put up or shut up…please vote against the throne speech…please…Quebec wan’t no part of Dion (Chantel Hebert) and you think the rest of do??? Come put your $$ where your mouth is…call an election then we’ll finally get the majority Conservative Govt we want……
By John G on 09.04.07 6:18 pm
Ok John I have more than a problem for your desire for a conservative government, in that you want a majority. I’ve already posted it a couple of times but I honestly believe that the last thing this country needs is a majority government of any colour.
No doubt you were squirming for the previous Liberal ruling over 4.5 terms (or however long it was) and have been pining for the next CPC dynasty. As far as I am concerned, both parties have had more than enough time at the trough gluttoning themselves on the rewards of our hard earned wages, sweat and tears.
Do I like a leader to seem so squeaky clean he is no better than the pigs/masters that feed him that no one’s opinion matters except his own? No. That to me is nothing better than a dictator in a 3rd world country, including the US. I do wonder when it will be before people such as myself that will speak up disappear into the night by men in black with tinted windows on their cars.
But I digress. Given all of the excesses and abuses both parties have enjoyed while being in a majority government I am in no position to desire either one to return carte blanche to the seat of power. From Trudeau’s excessive social spending and taxation to pay for it all, to the GST, Free Trade and Senate stacking, to Adscam and APEC RCMP questionable handling the public to now more unnaccountable ministers and one wearing the mantle of a senator unaccountable to the HoC.
So, if this continuation of a mockery of the parliamentary process we have established for a long time is what you do endorse, I want no part of your version of Canada.
Randy,
Duffy IS working on his retirement – permanent rehab in the Senate. Seems like his main effort since coming back after surgery is selling himself to Harper.
KH & Old enough to remember, thanks for your replies.
And Mike said that there are four camps forming in the Liberal ranks–a large Ignatieff camp, a large Rae camp, a small Dion camp, and surprise, surprise, a Brian Tobin camp !
By Calgary Junkie on 09.04.07 9:34 pm
And what about a Gart Turner camp? With Bob Rae as chief deputy? Someone to keep an eye on the Mulroney in him.
Sasquatch and Running Bear Ass. Wouldn’t the political cartoonists have a field day?
Kidding aside, I would prefer you cause you got the gut’s to lead with your chin. Float like a butterfly, and sting like a bee!
Watch out for the Men In Black!
Garth
Thanks for the clarification. BTW, as I am not a member of any political party, no membership lists will be forthcoming.
I’m also heartened to hear that no “new” money is being spent promoting your tour and assume this is “old” money that was left laying around.
Any chance you might provide a list of the 15 constituency offices who ponied up? It might make for some interesting reading.
And finally. Being neither a member of any political party or a disgruntled income trust investor, how would I go about getting an invitation to your Calgary shindig at MRC?
Is this invitation only? Tickets required?
Thanks in advance.
Syncro
Dear Mr. Syncro; Please accept this invitation to attend the Valgary Town Hall meeting. The pleasure of your company is requested. — Garth
Judy..you shouldn’t be so quick to criticize Conservatives…you need them to do the dirty work and make the tough decisions so that people like you can once again climb back on your social rightious soapbox…
Steve..you make a good point about majority Govt’s…I happen to be a bigger Harper fan than a party loyalist….I wish our system was more like the US….
Calgary…they do it easy..they already know they will lose the next election (that’s why 28 liberals have packed it in) after they lose they blame Dion and have a new leadership convention……
“Steve..you make a good point about majority Govt’s…I happen to be a bigger Harper fan than a party loyalist….I wish our system was more like the US”
John G.
Of course, you would have to be a Harper fan, there is no party, just a bunch of bobbleheads in the House.
as for Harper…LMAO….
Mr. Harper lied on Income Trusts, not exactly what a leader should be doing. He actually encouraged seniors to put their retirement funds into Trusts before the election and then slammed them on Halloween night with a tax, something he railed against Mr. Goodale for even considering.
Oh well, so Stevie is a liar.
Then of course on day one of his government, he decided to take an unelected person from the Province of Quebec and make him his Public Works Minister, this was not unprecedented but rather amazingly he appointed him to the Senate so that no one from the opposition would have direct access to question him, not only that, but Mr. Harper was the one who campaigned on an elected senate and the first thing he does is appoint one. Then of course, the Emerson affair!
How about his letter to the poor widow who is waiting for veteran’s benefits promising that if he is elected she will get them immediately, of course, she is still waiting. Like all his promises, they were intended only to get votes, and it appears he had no intention of living up to his word.
Next his Defence Minister has lied at least three times, we are aware of, in the House of Commons. Twice on the detainees, and once on the funeral of soldiers file. Mr. Harper supports Mr. O’Connor, and why not, one liar supporting another, seems reasonable. Mr. Harper, in supporting Mr. O’Connor however, lays the blame on General Hillier, which is a shame, because here is a good, honest and capable leader of our troops. But Mr. Harper is more interested in campaigning than supporting our troops. It wouldn’t look good if he fired his lying and incompetent Defence Minister, therefore, let’s crap on the troops.
Mr. Harper, before the last election, promised an open, honest, accountable and transparent government. The above already proves he was lying there.
But not only does Mr. Harper muzzles his MPs, and now we are getting a sense why (most of them are incompetent), but he also hides from the free press. His Finance Minister cannot release the information regarding income trusts, with the exception of 18 pages of black out propaganda. His Foreign Minister is now being questioned regarding a file that his department said never existed and now has been released, blacked out of course. One of his MPs inadvertently and conveniently forgot to declare an $8000 gift.
The Atlantic Accord has been another incident where the Prime Minister promised one thing to get elected, then changed it after and supplied two options to the provinces, blackmailing them into acceptance of less than was promised prior to the election. The fact that Bill Casey has studied the plan and deemed it a betrayal to the people of Nova Scotia and has put his political career on the line and the fact that three premiers feel the same way about the promise prior to the election and the resulting budget that changed the accord in their opinion leaves one with the distinct impression the Prime Minister misled or outright lied. The idea that everyone is out of step but Harper is a bit far fetched especially in light of all the other lies taking place within the CPC.
The now infamous quote from Foreign Affairs Minister MacKay:
“We will not throw a member out of caucus for voting his conscience,†MacKay said. “There will be no whipping, flipping, hiring or firing on budget votes as we saw with the Liberal government.â€
This was said in the House with the Prime Minister present, two week prior to Bill Casey’s vote on the budget. Mr. MacKay’s explanation “ I never thought Bill would vote against the budget.†This excuses the blatant lie?
Why didn’t Mr. MacKay retract his infamous statement the day after he made it? It was all part of their constant campaigning in the House to make the Liberals look bad by comparison. In other words, we don’t muzzle our MPs on matters of conscious, you do! The foremost priority of this government is to bash Liberals in the House of Commons, governing second.
Stockwell Day, upholding the tough on crime promise of the Conservatives tells the Canadian public that a ban on handguns would only lead to higher gun crimes as evidenced in the U.K. The only problem is her lied, gun crimes went down in the U.K. 16% in 2006 from the previous year. Seems like Mr. Day must have a reason for misleading the Canadian public, could it be that the gun lobby got to him?
And of course, there is the manual of the CPC, instructing their committees chairs in the House of Commons on how to destroy the democratic process. Things like interviewing witnesses in advance and if what they have to say can be construed as unfavourable to the government, then there are specific steps one can take to obstruct or shut down the committee.
These are just a few of the things that are happening under the so called leadership of Mr. Harper, I would suggest maybe Mr. Lord might be a better choice for the CPC. Certainly Stephen Harper is not a leader or if he is one, certainly not the kind of leader he promised. The facts were bear out a leader without integrity. In fact, not the kind of leader Canada deserves. So being critical of the other party leaders could be a shade hypocritical by those who claim Mr. Harper is a leader. Personally I think Mr. Harper is an embarrassment to Canada and Canadians. His comment to the Leader of the Opposition regarding his lack of military service and therefore was unqualified to make judgment on the lies of the Defence Minister showed the absolute lack of class and unworthiness of this Prime Minister.
His comments in the house are less than Prime Ministerial. Harper accused Liberal MP Marlene Jennings of putting her spouse on the Immigration and Refugee Board and Lucienne Robillard, a former Immigration Minister of installing her husband as well. Deliberately trying to mislead the Canadian public and defame what he perceives the enemy.
In fact, Robillard’s ex-husband, Jacques Lasalle, was appointed to the board in 1990 when Brian Mulroney was prime minister, and Jennings’ husband, Luciano del Negro, joined the board in 1996, before his wife was first elected to the Commons in 1997.
Harper’s communications director, Sandra Buckler, was quoted as saying: “The former Liberal government never reimbursed Canadian taxpayers when they used the Challenger (government jet) for non-government business.”
In fact, Liberals produced reams of cancelled cheques and receipts from former prime minister Paul Martin, reimbursing the federal treasury.
Who can forget the attempted smear campaign against Liberal Bains?
This is the Prime Minister of Canada. How shameful!
Try voting for an Independent John, maybe then we might find a politician with some ethics and accountability.
Well, here we go again with the MSM wanting to exclude the Green Party from the Provincial Debates. They are currently at 11% and have a LOT to say.
Had enough of the MSM’s myopia? Sign the petition and speak out. Let Frank IN!
Try voting for an Independent John, maybe then we might find a politician with some ethics and accountability.
By pjw on 09.05.07 1:31 pm
pjw.. Just about every one of your rants you keep saying that when the next election comes along you are going to vote INDEPENDENT. I would like to inform you that there are only three independents at this time in the HOC, one previous Bloc and one previous Conservative and one true Independent, actually elected as an independent. GarthTurner represents the Liberal Party of Canada and is not independent and will be required to vote with the liberal party when he is told to do so. Therefore if you vote for Garth then you are voting for the liberal party of Canada, period. He may have leanings towards the old Progressive Conservative way but he is a LIBERAL for now, until he gets into trouble with the Liberal Party. In light of the above, don’t you think you are lying, telling everyone on this blog that you are going to support an Independent candidate? Garth is not an Independent Liberal either just in case that is your defence. At this time only voters that reside in the ridings of Rimouski-Neigette-Temiscouata-Les-Basques, Portneuf-Jacques-Cartier in Quebec and Cumberland-Colchester-Musquodobit Valley in NS can vote for an independent candidate. Unless you plan on moving to one of these three ridings, you will not be voting for an independent candidate during the next election.
It is now time for you to “come out” and support your cheating, stealing party or are you ashamed of them? Making the statement that you are going to vote Independent is a lie. You see that is the difference between you and me. I have declared who I support and not ashamed of it, how about you? Your hate for the Prime Minister of this country is shameful. How sad. Whine, whine, rant, rant with the same old, same old. You really have a problem. Very sad indeed.
By THE SHADOW KNOWS on 09.05.07 2:55 pm
I don’t hate the PM, he is a dispicable human being, he has proven that on many occasions, some I cited above, Excuse me, but I will vote for the independent candidate I deem will best represent the interest of his constituents and I don’t need you to tell me who I will vote for. If I choose to vote for Garth, it will not be because he is a Liberal as I proved the last time by voting Conservative. My reason, if it is any of your business was because I never received a satisfactory answer as to where the adscam money went. Our Money! The only thing sad and pathetic are your cronic reponses to my posts. You support a man that is morally bankrupt and are so partisan you can’t admit the truth when it slaps you in the face. Speaking of sad, that is you, time to grow up!
By THE SHADOW KNOWS on 09.05.07 2:55 pm
I would say, Shadow, that you raise some interesting points here. As a member of the Halton Conservative Party, I am wrestling with this whole issue.
In all honesty, I think that Harper has failed the test; just like the Liberals he has demonstrated that expediency trumps integrity everytime. I had hoped for better when I voted Conservative in the last election.
Am I happy that Garth joined the Liberal Party? Frankly, no. But I don’t see that he had a lot of choice.
Will I vote for Garth in the next election? On this, I am torn. I don’t trust the Liberal Party (any more than I trust the Conservative Party) at this point. On the other hand, if Garth remains true to his agenda maybe I should trust him to try and move the Liberals towards the goal of integrity before expediency.
As it stands right now, I see no one in the Conservative Party who will make that move.
man that is morally bankrupt and are so partisan you can’t admit the truth when it slaps you in the face. Speaking of sad, that is you, time to grow up!
By pjw on 09.05.07 3:59 pm
I suppose your morals are impeccable and you are not partisan? Pot calling the kettle black, remember that saying? Probably not, oh well what could I expect.
I wish our system was more like the USâ€
John G.
“Congress has enough evidence for an impeachment inquiry”
http://www.slate.com/id/2173106/pagenum/all/#page_start
Article II, Section 4 of the Constitution stipulates: “The President, Vice President and all civil Officers of the United States, shall be removed from Office on Impeachment for, and Conviction of, Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors.” Article I, Section 2 endows the House of Representatives with “the sole Power of impeachment.” And Article I, Section 3 entrusts the trial of impeachments to the Senate and requires a two-thirds vote for conviction.
You mean like this John G?
Geo
I suppose your morals are impeccable and you are not partisan? Pot calling the kettle black, remember that saying? Probably not, oh well what could I expect.
By THE SHADOW KNOWS on 09.05.07 4:17 pm
No they are not…but I never claimed they were or ran on ethics and accountability. As far as being non paritisan, I have no idea what you mean by that…I voted CPC, but now have changed my mind because Harper lied and his character is like a sewer rat. I do not support the Liberal party, I do not support the NDP, so whatever you are inferring is totally out to lunch but then again that is par for the course for you.
The very very very stupid shadow copy/pasted from somewhere:
At this time only voters that reside in the ridings of Rimouski-Neigette-Temiscouata-Les-Basques, Portneuf-Jacques-Cartier in Quebec and Cumberland-Colchester-Musquodobit Valley in NS can vote for an independent candidate. Unless you plan on moving to one of these three ridings, you will not be voting for an independent candidate during the next election.
ummm, shadow, give your head a good hard shake, you goof. Independents run in ridings across Canada at election time. Also in byelections, or do you not vote then? Where do you think the independents come from?
If you were paying attention you would know this.
You do not pay attention. You are simply a CRAP troll.
Geo
‘I don’t hate the PM, he is a dispicable human being, he has proven that on many occasions, some I cited above” PJW
PJW…don’t blame Mr Harper for your life failures….your post clearly demonstrates a deep rooted problem with autocrates who just happen to be very successful….I can fully appreciate Harper’s M.O as leader of a party that must be close to perfect to manintain it’s elected position…if I had to let any current politician run my company it would be Harper….very intelligent, strategic and accomplished….
The very very very stupid shadow copy/pasted from somewhere:
At this time only voters that reside in the ridings of Rimouski-Neigette-Temiscouata-Les-Basques, Portneuf-Jacques-Cartier in Quebec and Cumberland-Colchester-Musquodobit Valley in NS can vote for an independent candidate. Unless you plan on moving to one of these three ridings, you will not be voting for an independent candidate during the next election.
ummm, shadow, give your head a good hard shake, you goof. Independents run in ridings across Canada at election time. Also in byelections, or do you not vote then? Where do you think the independents come from?
If you were paying attention you would know this.
You do not pay attention. You are simply a CRAP troll.
Geo
By Georgine on 09.05.07 5:08 pm
Well the Old Hag has spoken again, how wonderful. You always think you have to come to the aid of those that can’t fend for themselves, first its Oxley and now pjw, not saying much for pjw. You should mind your business and do all those things that OLD HAGS do.
Independents come from those elected candidates that are thrown out of their party and have no choice but to become independents. Then like Garth join another party and then become a member of that party. Very few, if any candidates start out as independents. Get it? Now if you think you are so smart please tell me how many candidates ran as INDEPENDENTS during the last Federal election? When you are at it, please tell me who the INDEPENDENT was that ran in your riding last federal election? I have answered your question, can you answer mine? I think not.
By Georgine on 09.05.07 4:48 pm
Great link. Thanks. Unfortunately,as we see on a regular basis the liars that call, actually have the audacity to call themselves Members of Congress, are too busy covering their own arses. Like Senator Craig, and all the others.
If the Constitution were truly upheld, the USSC would have to call a Grand Jury to indict most of them.
Bush should be impeached, along with Cheny, and several others. We should have such a law here.
Shadow, we know you are not yet old enough to vote, only old enough to drink kool-aide.
A bit more respect for your elders dear. Obviously you were brought up in a barn. Or so your neighbours tell me.
Geo
Bill,
Yes, But only if such laws were being upheld, otherwise they are not worth much. I see parallels here and that frightens me.
Geo
Shadow,
90 Independents ran the last federal election (2006). I am sure they were not all, how did you put it “Independents come from those elected candidates that are thrown out of their party and have no choice but to become independents.”
As I had someone to vote for I was not paying attention if there was an Independent or not at the time. Turns out there was not.
Was there one (or more) in your riding? Would you like me to check for you? Oh, I forgot, you are not old enough to vote yet. Maybe next election?
Is everyone in your world some sort of loser?
Geo
Steve..you make a good point about majority Govt’s…I happen to be a bigger Harper fan than a party loyalist….I wish our system was more like the US….
By John G on 09.05.07 12:53 pm
John
Please tell me you are not serious about wanting a two party system that really gets nothing done, where a third politcal party is (I believe) illegal. The greatest bastion of democracy is really nothing more than a syndicacy.
Well, there is one thing Harper is doing well that you might be happy about, spending the surplus we had as well as racking up spending with no real way to pay for it.
PJW…don’t blame Mr Harper for your life failures….your post clearly demonstrates a deep rooted problem with autocrates who just happen to be very successful….I can fully appreciate Harper’s M.O as leader of a party that must be close to perfect to manintain it’s elected position…if I had to let any current politician run my company it would be Harper….very intelligent, strategic and accomplished….
By John G on 09.05.07 8:18 pm
I would like you to describe some of my life’s failures? Like a wonderful wife, 4 kids,our own home mortgage free, enough money to last our retirement, able to think independently not owned by any party. As for Harper running a company: that authoritarian style of management left the business world when I worked on Wall Street in the 1970s. In today’s environment, his style of management would destroy any good competitive firm, aside from that, the way he speaks about and to people generate have a labour revolt. There is also the fact that he wouldn’t be able to slander people hiding behind parliamentary privlidge. So you hire him, my intent is to see him fired!
Liberals vow full-day kindergarten, $300 textbook grant in party platform to be unveiled today
What working family do you know can resist the enticement of that type of government funding? Stats, 69% with children between three and five were engaged in paid work. Daycare costs have never been properly addressed. A program such as that would be an enormous relief. My children are grown, but I wouldn’t mind if my taxpayer dollars were used to support McGuinty’s initiative coupled with funding for university and college students.
Is my vote for sale? You betcha, especially if the cause warrants it.
Women make up more than 50% of the population but are not equally represented and lacking in power. Their earnings overall are improving, but much work remains to be done.
oops…I meant this to go in Milking It! Garth please edit and transfer my post about McGuinty’s pledge to fund daycare to the applicable place.
Shadow,
a little less venom, if you please.
There is no point challenging Geoprgine’s memory about independent candidates in the last federal elections. Here are all candidates and their individual results in 2006, with the possiblity of linking back to other past elections:
http://www.elections.ca/scripts/OVR2006/default.html
I see parallels here and that frightens me.
Geo
By Georgine on 09.06.07 12:33 am
As well it should. Corrupt RCMP Commissioner, cops, judges, politicians (Yawn…that one we all know), business people, secret deals behind closed doors, egomaniac administrators screwing up things like our healthcare system, and let us not forget that most elite group…LAWYERS!
“the way he speaks about and to people generate have a labour revolt”-pjw
Like I said PJW, you represent your demographic well….i understand why you would resent Mr Harper, enjoy your retirement Sir……
Well, there is one thing Harper is doing well that you might be happy about, spending the surplus we had as well as racking up spending with no real way to pay for it.
By Steve on 09.06.07 3:35 am
Is that why the surplus is three times what was expected so far this year??? Get the facts straight….
John: If the surplus is 3 times what Flaherty predicted than once again the Cons have lied to us. They repeatedly said that running a surplus was robbing Canadians of their money. That too much tax was being collected.
Are they that imcompetent at financial affairs? I thought they were going to operate on a balanced budget?
Liars, deceivers and bunko artists!
Like I said PJW, you represent your demographic well….i understand why you would resent Mr Harper, enjoy your retirement Sir……
By John G on 09.06.07 1:27 pm
Thank you John, we will!
I thought they were going to operate on a balanced budget?
Liars, deceivers and bunko artists!
By Judy on 09.06.07 2:39 pm
Judy are you serious? That was a joke yes?
Any chance on getting the cost of this mailing that is being criticized by Janke and is now being questioned on the Western Standard blog? It seems that it is frightfully expensive and is being paid by the taxpayer. Or is that wrong? I think an explanation is in order.
The mailings were allocations from existing MPs’ budgets. I receive similar things in my home mailbox from Mr. Harper all the time. The House of Commons has strict rules, and does the actual printing. — Garth
John: No joke. When Harper hammered the Libs for running surpluses he said that surpluses meant that the people were being overtaxed and that if were elected there would be no surpluses.
Garth lets try and get this straight. Your an asshole always have been always will be .
I thought my question was,”How much was the cost?”,I realize the money comes from existing allocations. But,does that mean the money is to be used frivously?. Would it not be better to be frugal and return our tax dollars to the treasury at the end of the year,rather than treat the money as “free”,that must be used up?
MPs have budgets to communicate with Canadians. I plead guilty to using mine. — Garth
I wish I could pass sentence. You are a slick one.
Garth, read Wally’s question again, how much???
I am sitting in the studio at CKNW in Vancouver at the moment, on my Berry. Help me out – what question! — Garth
Sorry Garth. I won’t bother you. Forget it.