I received this Thursday morning, and found it worth sharing. — Garth
Fellow Liberals,
My name is Joseph Green and I am a proud new member to the Liberal Party of Canada. I have been a proud supporter for a number of years and my relationship with the party stems back to April of 2002 when a USAF F-16 bombed and killed four of soldiers of the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry. When we as a nation passed through that moment in time, we all felt a collective gasp and as a fellow citizen, I felt compelled to do something and so, I set up a web site to collect the condolences for the soldiers from all over the world. Upon setting it up, I emailed the Liberal Party of Canada requesting that they please send the website link to every Canadian they knew as it was a national day of mourning and as a result, the website was inundated with hits from all over the world including many visits from our soldiers serving in Afghanistan.
Based on that request for assistance to the Liberal party of Canada, the website took off and in one week received more than 57 000 hits. As thanks, 3 PPCLI Battle Group presented me with an autographed flag that flew over their base in Kandahar and made me an honourary member of the Battalion; certainly an event I shall cherish for the rest of my life. Subsequently I made that flag available to the Canadian Space Agency, and on 9 September 2006, Dr. Steve MacLean carried that flag escorting the souls of our fallen soldiers home to heavens. That event changed my life forever and inspired me to always remain true to my nation and to those who helped me along the way.
Needless to say, I was impressed with the gracious help and support of the Liberal Party, and for that, I will always remain loyal to this party. It showed that we can place faith in the knowledge that a party can work for the common benefit of all Canadians in not only good times, but in bad. Indeed the measure of all character. Granted this was a Canadian issue and not a political one, but never the less the fact that the Liberals did this for me was something that I will never forget. The reason why I am contacting you now is because I feel compelled to step forward and to lend my voice to the growing chorus of those who feel that we need an election and a change of government; a return to a Liberal majority.
Recent events, which we are all familiar with, from the alleged bribery of Chuck Cadman, to the profound failure of the Conservatives to implement Kyoto and everything in between ranging from budgets, dithering on Afghanistan, and our complete failure of supporting Palestinians children’s programs and of course the reference to the death of a Canadian soldier at the hands of the Israelis during an illegal war with Lebanon as part of “an acceptable measured response” is fundamentally deplorable, especially coming from the lips of a Canadian Prime Minister.
Along with their complete failure to remove Canadian citizens from a war zone in a expeditious manner illustrates that these people are simply not capable of running a complex organization like the Canadian Government. However, when a minority government begins to interfere with foreign elections as has been the case with Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s Chief of Staff being accused of leaking memos in regards to our involvement with NAFTA and potentially shifting the US elections, that is something to be very wary of as the decision made by this man to employ the full prestige of the Canadian Government in this manner signifies that he is willing to do anything it takes to ensure that the neo-Conservative movement throughout the western hemisphere remains intact and will employ whatever means necessary to ensure a grip on power, even if it means resorting to criminal conduct.
I now have to as a Canadian citizen and a proud member of the Liberal Party of Canada urge and demand that this party stand up and force an election based on the crescendo of events typified by the perception of criminal conduct of this government in domestic and international affairs. What more does it take? There are many of those who feel, or are in some quarters scared to call an election for fear of not winning power, or losing what power we have and as such, have reduced this party to being perceived as weak and unable to once again rise to the position of power great leaders like Trudeau and Chrétien once enjoyed.
I firmly believe that Canada is looking with hope to the Liberals to bring down this administration now and if action is taken to initiate this forthcoming election, the Liberals will once again rise to power because people want to be lead by a strong leader and party; a proud party that stands on principals, integrity, honour and strength. Some believe or say that the Liberals don’t want to call an election because of the sheer cost to the Canadian tax payers. I understand this argument, however I must state that with the conduct of this government, along with the history of the Liberals fiscal and monetary prudent responsibility, I am sure the Canadian people will understand that we as a party feel compelled to push for an election.
This Party, my party, our party, is a party of leaders and proud Canadians and as such, we have a moral responsibility to the here and now and the future of Canada. We have shown ourselves to be visionaries and people who can bridge the dream with the reality. Canadians expect our government to keep our collective word, operate in a manner that befits the reputation of over 66 000 Canadian soldiers killed to establish it and above all, operate in a peace loving manner which promotes human rights, dignity, responsibility and does everything it can to avoid wars and violent conflict. We also understand better than most that we will always defend our commitments, our interests, our nation and conclude any military operations as quickly as possible as we all understand the price of war. We as a nation have paid for our licence to sit at the table of power with the blood of our children. When I, an average Canadian see that our legacy left to us by those who are now faint echos of history whispering on the winds of injustice and misconduct, I am compelled to intervene in any way I can to correct the problem.
The duty of this party and the leader of the Official Opposition is to force an election now. I cannot think of any better time than now based on sheer principal that we cannot let this behaviour of Mr. Harper and these fundamentalist neo-conservatives continue. It speaks volumes when the power of a nation like Canada attempts to subvert a democratic process in the United States and as a result, shifted the nature of the electoral process to determine the next nomination of the Democratic Party. The Canadian people stand on a precipice, waiting for the strong hand of those entrusted to lead us, to guide us out of the perilous dangers of misconduct and criminal actions by those who have illustrated that they simply NOT FIT TO LEAD.
In light of these events, this minority government is ready to fall if we strike NOW, while the iron is hot. If we do, we will win. If we fail to discharge our responsibility and force an election, we are complicit in these actions and conduct by those who we seek to remove. The time is now. Watch how the polls will turn against the Conservatives when the Liberals announce they are going to defeat this government and watch how we shall once again rise to the status of a Majority Government. We must act now, not because of this opportunity, but because we are compelled to discharge our fiduciary responsibilities as leaders of Canada.
Force the election now and we’ll win. Give Canada a government we can all be proud of.
Respectfully,
Joe Green
Vancouver, BC / Edmonton Ab.
113 comments ↓
The letter reminded me why I am a Liberal. But, the writer must keep in mind all those forces trying to demolish Liberals. The following says it all:
Eye on the ball
Adam Radwanski, 05/03/08 at 7:46 PM EST
The really depressing thing about watching federal politics these days is that, as bad as the Liberals are at opposition, there’s another party that’s even worse.
The NDP has an opportunity to pain itself as the only national party willing to stand up to the Conservatives. But they’re so busy explaining that the Liberals aren’t standing up to the Conservatives that they’re forgetting to do so themselves. And so when he took to the airwaves today, the New Democrats’ leader-in-waiting accidentally backed himself into the Tories’ position on the Cadman mess – dismissing the entirely relevant questions about what the Prime Minister was talking about in ‘05 as irrelevant.
Because they consider the Liberals are a bunch of unprincipled opportunists who steal left-of-centre votes and then govern from the right, New Democrats dislike them even more than they dislike Conservatives. Fair enough. But the Liberals aren’t in government; the Tories are. If you forget that, you become a pretty lousy opposition party – which helps explain why, amid all of Stephane Dion’s woes leading the Liberals, the NDP has managed to lose public support since the last election.
Hi Joe Green,
I 2nd that!
Strongly agree!! If the Liberal Party still can’t stomach an election after all that has occurred, I’ll be sad to admit Dion really isn’t a leader after all. I know his personal position is pro-election, but that’s starting to work against him in my view. Dare I say, he and Iggy are not getting the job done?
All I want is for the party to stop whipping confidence votes, and let the MP’s individual conscience guide them. If we still can’t get an election, we deserve it.
Got a credit for that gorgeous photo?
Well said Joe. You have expressed so well my own feelings. It is up to the Liberal Party, ready or not, to allow the many citizens of this country express their disgust at the way this present government is portraying our wonderful country of Canada to the rest of the world. Don’t wait for the by-elections. Their voters will only have to wait a few weeks longer but the longer we put off voting down this government, the weaker the Liberal party will appear.
Garth … ever think that Joe Green is a Jack Black working for the Conservatives who are desperate for an election now .. while all is relatively calm before the economic storms that are due to hit us this summer .. like $1.40 a litre gas..??!!
Maybe you should tell Joe to hold his pecker in his pants and bear with Dion and Liberal abstaining until the time is ripe.
So keep on abstaining and strike when the poker is really really hot hot hot …!!!!
wow, what a well written, thoughtful letter. I do hope Mr. Green will be running for the Liberals in the next election. And I agree with him whole heartedly that now is the time to bring about the next election. Another 2 years under Harper dictatorship and we may not even be able to recognize our country. BRING ON THE ELECTION!!!
By 300baud on 03.06.08 9:35 am
All I want is for the party to stop whipping confidence votes, and let the MP’s individual conscience guide them. If we still can’t get an election, we deserve it.
………………………………….
Now that’s funny … Karen Redman the Liberal party Whip … whipping Liberal MPs to stay behind the curtains and away from their seats during confidence votes .. LOL
Hey Garth … how does if feel being whipped NOT to vote .. do you still have that stinging feeling being denied doing your job for your Halton constituents ??
I bet you never thought you would be degrading yourself so badly when you joined the Dion Liberal party.
By Harry S on 03.06.08 9:47 am
Yep, I’m sure the Cons would like an election before $1.40 gas, but Mr. Green I suspect is a card carrying LPC member. And I’m sure the LPC would have checked on this to ensure the validity of the letter.
Anyway, Garth, give him a standing ovation.
Agreed.
One more hesitation Dion, and you will NOT get my vote.
Well said.
I prefer to identify Harperco with labels befitting the scurilous nature of that band of incompetents but I salute Joe Green for using a higher tone.
And….he’s right! Dion will never get more popular than he is sitting on that damn fence. It’s time to show some gumption; screw the courage to the sticking post and kneecap the bastards before the bring the entire country into ruin and disrepute.
Canadians are simply waiting for a show of leadership from Dion; DO IT BIG “D”!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Liberals plan motion slamming . . . NDP and Bloc
THE CANADIAN PRESS – March 05, 2008
http://www.thestar.com/News/Canada/article/309759
OTTAWA–Liberals will attempt to turn the tables Thursday on rival parties who’ve ridiculed them for being afraid of toppling the minority Conservative government.
They’ll introduce a motion condemning the NDP and Bloc Quebecois for defeating the previous Grit government in November 2005, thereby enabling Stephen Harper’s Tories to win power.
The motion slams the Harper government for setting back women’s equality rights by cancelling such Liberal measures as the Court Challenges Program and a national child care program.
And it concludes by resolving that the House of Commons “condemn the irresponsible and self-serving actions on Nov. 25, 2005, by the New Democratic Party and the Bloc Quebecois which led to the installation of a government that is hostile to the rights and needs of vulnerable Canadians.”
Liberals have refused to join in a series of confidence votes against the government, which would force an election they’re not yet willing or ready to fight. Now they’re using one of their rare opposition days to move what amounts to a non-confidence motion in the other opposition parties instead.
An NDP official dismissed the motion as “laughable.”
New Democrats, meanwhile, are poised to repeatedly rub the Liberals’ noses in their determination to avoid an election.
They have tabled six possible motions to debate during three opposition days assigned to the NDP between now and June, the first of which is Friday. The NDP has not yet decided which of the six – four of which are motions declaring a loss of confidence in the government – will be debated.
The NDP’s confidence motions – condemning the government for its lack of action on climate change and poverty and women’s equality – are clearly designed to make Liberal Leader Stéphane Dion squirm, echoing his own critique of the government.
However, Liberals are getting used to squirming. They’ve refused to join the NDP and Bloc in bringing down the government on a series of budget votes over the past 10 days. And they’ve struck a tentative deal with the government to avoid forcing an election over a motion to extend Canada’s combat mission in Afghanistan.
…………………………………
Garth !!!!!!!!!
Is this a serious Liberal confidence motion or is it a joke like Dion if it is true??
If it’s true will you be in the HoCs with bells on and proudly voting for such rubbish??
Personally, I think if you Liberal do this, it degrades Parliament and you should be docked a day’s pay for such stupidity..!!!
Re: “a proud party that stands on principals, integrity, honour and strength”
Joe Green has his reason for supporting the Libersal Party.
Ascribing principles, honour and integrity to the LPC clearly indicates he has little knowledge of the party’s past electoral strategies.
“One nation” “No wage and price controls” “No 15c a gallon gas tax” “No need for helicopets” “No NAFTA” – all election winning slogans, repudiated after power was attained.
In the present the better choice between the Libs and the Cons is his party.
For the first time because of the nature of the Liberal’s opponent rather than an election ploy concocted to have the elecorate see the LPC as the lesser of two evils.
Ascribing principles, honour and integrity to the LPC clearly indicates he has little knowledge of the party’s past electoral strategies.
Yeah. I thought the letter was really pretty good until I got to that part. I just about choked on my coffee at that point.
Other than that it is a passionate ‘call to arms’ for the faithful, I suppose.
Just a short note as I am off to formally say good bye to our first Naval Armed Forces Chief…..Joe, elections are more complex to-day than ever and I will share later. Please remember there are now 10 provinces that have their own agenda, four parties and 40% of Canadians who care not. to be continued
More refinery problems causes gas rationing in Alberta. This time at Imperial Oil Alberta refinery (69.6 owned by U.S. Exxon Mobil Corp). In February, Royal Dutch Shell refinery had problems with similar results.
Stephen Harper: fish or cut bait
http://caiti-online.blogspot.com/2008/03/stephen-harper-fish-or-cut-bait.html
Government has time on its hands
The Liberal threat of regrouping in time for a late spring offensive should be taken with a big grain of salt. Surely Liberal strategists realize that they have written themselves out of a spring election narrative.
Common sense would suggest that an official opposition that has repeatedly turned itself into a Conservative doormat should lie low at least until the government figures out what to do with the extra time it has on its hands.
Okay, let’s assume, for the sake of argument, that some time soon, the Liberals decide the time is right to bring down this government. Which means that the LPC will have to get the co-operation of the BLOC and the NDP.
Do the recent actions of Jack Layton make him look like a guy who is going to be doing Stephane Dion any favours anytime soon ?
And as for Gilles Duceppe, here’s what L. Ian MacDonald wrote in the Montreal Gazette the other day …
For the federal Liberals, there will be other opportunities to offer motions amounting to non-confidence during opposition days, but they shouldn’t count on Gilles Duceppe and the Bloc Québécois to support them. Duceppe was, and is, ready to defeat the Conservatives on the budget or Afghanistan at the end of this month, but Duceppe won’t be doing any favours for Stéphane Dion, whom he doesn’t like doing business with anyway.
Let me put this another way … Dion is said to have wanted to force an election last October, and (briefly) over this budget. Yet the Liberal caucus has refused to get behind him on it.
Dion is obviously lacking in the area of persuasiveness. So if Dion can’t get his Liberal “friends” to follow his lead, how the heck will he get his enemies Layton AND Duceppe to do so ?
Garth, face it, you guys are impotent. Liberals have little or no influence on future election calls, and will be swept along by events.
Sit back and enjoy the ride.
Mr Garth TurnerMP,
I just got one of those 10% mailings from some person named Gord BrownMP.
What a load of Sh*t!
Have I mist something, has the Steven -gang fallen, and an election is on?
I’ve been paying attention so this just pisses me off even more!!!
But it may add confution to those voters who are bissy trying to make ends meet and feed the kids.
It’s just more lies from the Neo-CONS!
Garth do you still want to see this 10%
mailing I received?
I could drop it of with Esther if you like, let me know.
The reason we have not had an election yet is that the Liberal Party shares only Joe Green’s desire for one, not his confidence in a Liberal victory.
Perhaps it’s time to remind some Liberals that elections are decided by two-to-three million swing voters, not either card-carrying party base. The way to success, therefore, is to build support among swing voters. And as long as the LPC continues to do nothing of substance, it is leaking support, not building it.
Mr Garth TurnerMP,
I guess Gord BrownMP knows the best way to defeet his leader is to only do what you are told, nothing more!
Perhaps he wants an election also
to get ride of Steven?
Did Gord ok this 10% mailing?
Has Gord been drinking the cool-aid made with fluoridated water?
Fluoride in the water will lower your IQ permanetly if drunk under 6 mouths old! It has many other toxic effects on the human body. It should have never been added to drinking water in the first place! It needs to stop.
Tell your local government to stop adding this industial TOXIC waste to our drinking water. For more info.
Good science info.!
http://www.fluoridealert.org/
I still think that Dion should wait a little while longer. Things just are not bad enough for the people who voted for Harper Conservatives to change their minds and votes. It’s got to get a lot worse before it can get better.
I realize that many will see this as a weak position, but I see it as a tempering, a making stronger by fire.
There will be a time to strike, but it’s not time yet.
The message that Harper is toxic to Canada has not been heard loud and clear across this great land.
Let Harper twist in the wind a while longer.
Correction from a posting in the previous Blog:
As of April 1:
Members of Parliament get an extra $4,600
Vice-chairs of House committees get an extra $5,600
Chairs get an extra $11,000
House leaders get an extra $38,600
* PM gets an extra $155,400 “allotment over an MP’s salary”
as to these out of whack salaries…”seldom, seldom, seldom, is it brought up” says MP Gerald Keddy
Reference:
http://www.canadaeast.com/news/article/225897
* Re-interpretation of a statement in the article supplied by MP Garth Turner.
I agree with Joe Green. I’m a longtime liberal supporter and I’m embarassed about this ridiculous motion to condemn the other opposition parties.
Dion is a good man and I have never questioned his leadership before, but I feel it is really time for him to get control of this party and bring down the government. Rae and the others can win their seats during the general.
If Dion can’t keep this party from becoming a shadow of its former self, perhaps it is time for him to step aside.
ELLECTION? WHAT’S THE RUSH?
I’m enjoying the show. Every day the CRAPPERS dig themselves a little deeper. Sooner or later SH will explode. As a Calgarian, I can tell you that SH has got a temper and with the way things are going , he’s going to blow his top sooner or later and what a damaging photo op that will be. We’ll all get to see his true colours.
RP
ps: For all of you Cons that post comments , I wonder if you know who your leader is. If you haven’t read his 1997 speech to the american neo-cons, then you know squat.
Hi ron p on 03.06.08 11:48 am,
Could you or another blogger please suppy a link to the
‘1997 speech to the american neo-cons’
that Steven Harper gave.
I’d like to see/read it.
Thankyou in advance.
More erosion of the publics right to know.
ACTION: Help Congress Fight Media Consolidation.
http://www.theseminal.com/2008/03/05/action-help-congress-fight-media-consolidation/
For those that are interested here is a link to the speech alluded to By ron p on 03.06.08 11:48 am
Ooops
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20051213/elxn_harper_speech_text_051214/20051214/
the economic storms that are due to hit us
By Harry S on 03.06.08 9:47 am
A compelling letter but no mention of economic conditions. You did, didn`t your boss tell you not to mention the economy?
On this blog threads on the economy as far back as last spring and continuing to this day by several posters are telling the story. Garth has quit starting threads on the `economic details` because like all federal politicians the fallout from the nuclear destruction of our economy and society scares the hell out of them. Spin, distract, ignite partisan squabbles, ignore or deny or even out and out lie, the numbers unlike our politicians don`t hide the truth. No plan, no truth is the parliamentarian party oath.
The crunch for Canada that`s has already started will get so bad it won`t be a `blame the Tories` by Cdns, it`ll be blame the government. Millions of Cdns are already pissed off at government, the thought of 30 million really pissed off Cdns already has a few packing a quick getaway bag. When the full impact is known you won`t find a federal politician this side of Barbados.
I thought I should explain why I keep saying “economic conditions will force the changes required” before I sign off today.
gl all
be brave
Adios Garth, send us a postcard.
Howdy GREG W
Just google “Harper’s 1997 speech”
You will find the ctv site and it has the full text .
Or here’s the url below. You can try to copy and paste on your search engine.
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20051213/elxn_harper_speech_text_051214/20051214/
Maybe you’ll agree that this should be required reading for all.
RP
I think we are safe to assume that the Liberals will not vote non-confidence in the government before the March 17th by-elections, and to precipitate a general election soon after the by-elections would be inappropriate .. particularly after abstaining so many times before March 17th.
I’m betting the next serious Liberal non-confidence vote will be on the Fall Budget expected in October. If the Dion Liberals do not bring down the Conservative government then, it will have to continue until October 2009.
I just don’t see Dion surviving as Liberal leader beyond October 2008 without an election, for his one kick at the can.
Missing Link
Harper’s speech
Force the election soon… even my Harper voting co-workers say they will be voting Liberal next time…
For Greg W., Oakville on 03.06.08 11:59 am
Text of Stephen Harper’s 1997 speech:
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20051213/elxn_harper_speech_text_051214/20051214/
Liz,
“The message that Harper is toxic to Canada has not been heard loud and clear across this great land.”
The Prince George Citizen’s associate news editor, is hearing it loud and clear.
http://www.princegeorgecitizen.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=121611&Itemid=633
Jacqui
I read Mr. Green’s letter in its entirety.
As I said before to all Extreme Partisans and this letter is an example of an extreme partisan, you have to be blind, death and brain dead to accept the contents of this letter.
UNLESS YOU ARE A LIBERAL PARTISAN.
It is extreme partisanship that cause more problems and creates problems than almost anything else from what I can see. Is it possible the Obama will truly find his way to President of the United States without being such a creature? I hope he gets there because I would like to see what he does and to see if he stays untainted!
By Greg W., Oakville on 03.06.08 11:59 am
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20051213/elxn_harper_speech_text_051214/20051214/
Garth,
In short do what is good for Canada FIRST!
I’m with Joe. As much as I’ve talked my wife down from the tree about an election and that going now isn’t prudent because if you can’t win, what’s the point? But these guys (cons) are out of control and the longer they stay in the worse it’s going to get. There’s enough of their koolaid drinking, marching in step types to keep them support we cannot survive them appealing to the centre to gain the majority they need to pull a bush on us.
The four Canadian soldiers killed in Afghanistan by a U.S. airman should have made the Canadian military realize just what they were dealing with. The pilot dropped bombs against specific orders to desist. The incident hardly even made the papers in the U.S. The pilot was given a fine, is not allowed to fly military aircraft anymore and now flies a desk. I doubt he was even demoted. He maintained his innocence to the last. The only regret was shown by one of his friends who sounded really worried that they would end up in trouble. That they had just killed four innocent guys in a “friendly fire” incident didn’t even come up on the radar (so to speak).
And yet Canada continues to send soldiers to this godforsaken land to support a U.S. regime that should be on their way to the Hague for a war-crimes trial.
Bill Blum, a U.S. government employee until the Vietnam War, when he realized that his government had lied its citizens into war and immediately resigned, has been anti-war and anti-empire ever since. He’s over eighty now and still fighting the good fight (non-violently).
This is why we should get out of Afghanistan. To get our soldiers out of harm’s way and to keep them from being dragged into doing harm.
http://members.aol.com/bblum6/aer55.htm
“Like pornography, torture doesn’t require a definition. You know it when you see it. Or feel it.”
“Here in capsule form is a sample of some of the acts carried out in recent years by American military forces, their contract employees, and the CIA against detainees in one or another edifice of the sprawling global prison complex maintained by the United States in occupied Iraq, occupied Afghanistan, occupied Cuba, and various other secret prisons occupied by the CIA around the world. It may be torture to read but the point needs to be made. Lest we forget.”
“…The death of two captives in Afghanistan: one from “blunt force injuries to lower extremities complicating coronary artery disease”; an autopsy showed that his legs were so damaged that amputation would have been necessary; the other captive suffered from a blood clot in the lung that was exacerbated by a “blunt force injury” …”
“…Six Kuwaiti prisoners said they were severely beaten, given electric shocks and sodomized by US forces in Afghanistan …”
“…George Bernard Shaw used three concepts to describe the positions of individuals in Nazi Germany: intelligence, decency, and Naziism. He argued that if a person was intelligent, and a Nazi, he was not decent. If he was decent and a Nazi, he was not intelligent. And if he was decent and intelligent, he was not a Nazi.
…I suggest the reader make the obvious substitution: “Bush supporter” in place of “Nazi”.”
That goes for Harpo’s Cons as well. They bleat on about human rights violations in China, Iran and other places, but not ONE WORD about what is being perpetrated by the country south of the border.
What kind of world do you want for your kids? If they can do it to ‘them’ they can do it to you!
Updated: US Peace Activist, Retired Col. Ann Wright, Detained at Ottawa Airport.
http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/10/25/4814/
That is a strong statement – is Joe Green related to the Joe Green/Judy LaMarsh 1950’s Liberals?
I thank you for your statement – there is nothing more to be added.
NEO CONS ?????? Please, come on….they are about as close to an american neo-con style party as the Liberal party is to Chavez style gov’t…hmmmmm maybe I have stumbled on to something
Whatever the DeceptiCons believe, an election is for Canada’s benefit, not any political party. This is the problem at this point, this is why we can’t stand behind a leader. Everyone is saying “we’ll go to election whenever the time is right for victory”. But in the meantime, Canadians wait, and wait, and wait… And the war goes on, and on, and on… And the environment gets worse, and worse, and worse…
This isn’t about GAINING OR RETAINING POWER. How hard is it to understand that statements about “biding time”, “waiting to strike only when we can win”, basically sends the message that the Liberals are a party of opportunity for the sole purpose of regaining power. And that is a major reason you’re being held back at 30% support.
Show some leadership for CANADA, and not just for the Liberal brand. You risk losing support by waiting. You look like opportunists. Like politicians holding on to that paycheck and pension for as long as possible. You look like you’re more interested in keeping your job than helping the country survive Harper’s Republicanization.
A piece by Neil Kitson.
Canada’s Muddled Afghan Mission
http://www.antiwar.com/orig/kitson.php?articleid=12465
“Afghanistan has cost about 80 Canadian lives and a lot of money. There’s no end in sight, the Liberals have no discernible position, and the Conservative government says we’re there so that little girls can go to school without fear. The truth: the world forgot about Afghanistan after 1989 (apart from the admirable Ottawa Convention), the country is still impoverished, Canadian involvement there is made up on the back of an envelope Rick Hillier got from the Pentagon, and nobody has a clue how to end this disaster.”
“…We have recently had a “debate” in the House of Commons about the Afghanistan “mission,” a debate conspicuously lacking all the right questions, namely: What are we doing there? What is the goal? Why is it worth Canadian soldiers’ lives when other NATO countries don’t believe the whole enterprise is worth dying for, whatever that enterprise is? The “debate” is in fact about when “it” will end, whatever “it” is. The Liberals started “it,” Harper’s pushing “it,” Hillier’s ready to die for “it,” but nobody knows what “it” is.”
Canadian NAFTA memo leak ‘interference’: U.S. ambassador
Here is another question Garth should consider. Whereas, the economy is very closely tied to the cost of fuels when will the Goobernment of Canada re-instate a National Energy Plan to protect Canadians from foreign gouging?
Spike in crude could lead to $1.40/l gas in summer
Or should we just plan on going on STRIKE this summer and closing down the econmy until the oil companies are brought under control for the benefit of the people?
Enough of this raping of our wallets and abilities to travel.
Just another clueless Joe….bring it please…..then we get rid of Garth and the minority in one shot!
Why not put yourself out of your misery, and leave. They need someone to sweep up at SteveJanke.com. — Garth
By Bill-Muskoka on 03.06.08 1:39 pm
While watching a Seattle news station on Saturday night, there was a topic on how high the price of gas was. Sunday my wife and myself drove to Seattle as we needed to drop a wedding invitation of our friends to have encased in crystal. Before going through the Canadian border seen as I was nearly empty I filled up. I saved 10 bucks on the purchase of a tank of 9 gallons. I can understand we have more taxes in gas and a much smaller market, but we are truely being hosed up this side of the border. Maybe that is why we refer to ourselves as hosers?
Has anyone been to the NDP site to see what they are actually promoting? I generally don’t go there but I was curious as to this article; Liberals plan motion slamming . . . NDP and Bloc
THE CANADIAN PRESS – March 05, 2008
http://www.thestar.com/News/Canada/article/309759
If I didn’t know better, I would think Layton has the same web designer as the neo-cons. I can honestly say that Mr. Dion has grounds bringing in a motion slamming the NDP. Haven’t checked Duceppes site but I suspect it’s pretty much the same. It’s no wonder that Layton’s numbers are going down. Check his site on link below
http://www.ndp.ca/page/6238
Something is very wrong with politics in Canada when the opposition parties attack each other rather than the governing party. This is exactly why the Harper government can do anything it wants especially with a minority. Wake up guys. DUH
Layton has absolutely no credibility & that’s a fact. Duceppe on the other hand looks out for the Bloc & Quebec & the heck with the rest of Canada.
Boy am I PISSED off.
By John G on 03.06.08 1:57 pm
I’m getting anxious, too. I think John and I may have to have a little side bet.
His ‘any Conservative we can put in a suit’ vs. my ‘hard-working candidate’. Winner pays for the coffee at Tim’s.
By Ken on 03.06.08 12:39 pm
Sorry to burst your bubble about Obama.
Politics in the United States, having a two party system, is by definition partisan. Youre either Republican (Elephant) or a Democrat (Donkey/Ass). To be running for the nomination of one of those parties, you have to be a partisan. And if you want to hear partisanship, just talk to a member of one party about a president from the other, its almost humourous.
Now Obama may have a way of saying what he thinks without using the over the top partisanship we’re seeing in our HoC, but partisan he is!
By Irene on 03.06.08 2:38 pm
Boy am I PISSED off.
………………………………….
You should be royally pissed off at the Liberal record of abstaining and not at the NDP,BQ, or Conservative government.
What will Mr. Dion help Mr. Harper do next?
(p.s. Just listening to HoCs QP today, and all the Dion Liberals were caterwauling about is Obama Obama Obama … which is a change from yesterday when it was Cadman Cadman Cadman. What is the Liberal party doing for the average Canadian ???)
Liberals plan motion slamming . . . NDP and Bloc – Toronto Star
Garth – here’s something you might be allowed to vote on.
Hi all who gave the link for,
Full text of Stephen Harper’s 1997 speech. (Worth reading!)
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20051213/elxn_harper_speech_text_051214/20051214/
It’s worth the read to find out what Steven really wants to try and do!
(The Harper-Gang NEO-CON’S needs to go soon!)
I’m glade we Canadians, have the Senate and Supreme Courts and the Canadian Constition.
HEY !!! JOE GREEN FOR PRIME MINISTER.
WHAT A BUNCH OF PARTISAN CRAP. THE VERY FACT HE HAS THE RIGHT TO WRITE SUCH GARBAGE IS BECAUSE OUR BRAVE MEN AND WOMEN HAVE SACRIFICED AND CONTINUE TO SACRIFY TO GIVE HIM THE FREEDOM TO DO SO.
ALL YOU NEO-LIEBERALS SURE DO OF NOT KNOW OR HAVE NOT LIVED THROUGH THE HISTORY OF DICTATORSHIPS.
GIVE YOUR HEADS A GOOD SHAKE AND THANK ALL THOSE WHO VALUE THEIR FREEDOM AND ARE VOLUNTEERING TO DEFEND IT. DO THIS ON YOUR KNEES AND BOW DOWN TO THEM.
Today Congress Passed a Resolution Supporting Israel’s Blockade Of Gaza (which has resulted in deteriorating humanitarian crisis). Only One Congressman Bravely Voted ‘No’: Rep. Ron Paul.
http://www.antiwar.com/blog/2008/03/05/congress-defends-gaza-assault-404-1/?sid13
Jack Layton and Harper are buddies.
Harper talks him up all the time.
Look at the last one.
Excerpts: Harper’s response to the leak
Globe and Mail Update
March 6, 2008 at 3:37 PM EST
Stephen Harper’s responses to questions in the House of Commons about leaks relating to NAFTA and the policy position of presidential candidate Barack Obama.
MONDAY, MARCH 3
‘Government does not condone this’
Mr. Speaker, without getting into the NAFTA issue, I understand the Canadian embassy in Washington has issued a statement indicating it regretted the fact that information has come out that would imply that Senator Obama has been saying different things in public than in private. The government of Canada does not condone this and certainly regrets any implication. I can say that I have watched the U.S. presidential campaign very closely. In my judgment, all of the leading candidates for both parties would continue the strong friendship and partnership that Canada and the United States enjoy.
‘Deny any allegation’ of interference
Mr. Speaker, I am a little bit amused by the question of the leader of the NDP who is suggesting that we are so all powerful we could interfere in the American election and pick their president for them. This government does not claim that kind of power. I certainly deny any allegation that this government has attempted to interfere in the American election. The American people will make the decision as to their next president and I am confident that whoever that person is, man or woman, Democrat or Republican, that person will continue the strong alliance, friendship and partnership that we enjoy with the United States.
TUESDAY, MARCH 4
‘It is not my chief of staff’
(In French) Mr. Speaker, the Canadian embassy in Washington expressed its apologies regarding the leaking of this information. The government is trying to find out who is responsible for this information being made public. It is not my chief of staff.
Leak of document ‘completely unacceptable’
Mr. Speaker, the leak of this particular document is not only regrettable as the Canadian embassy in the United States has already said. It is completely unacceptable to this government and we will do our best to find out who did it. The reality is that what we are talking about here is a report that somebody in the consulate in Chicago wrote to their superior. There are literally thousands of documents like this written around the world by Canadian officials. It is ridiculous to think that the Prime Minister’s office even ever sees these documents.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5
‘May well be illegal’
Mr. Speaker, as I have already said in the House, this kind of leaking of information is completely unacceptable and in fact it may well be illegal. I can say that the clerk of the privy council, obviously working with the department of foreign affairs, is bringing in an internal security investigation on this. Based on what they find and legal advice we will take any action that is necessary to get to the bottom of this matter.
‘Blatantly unfair to Senator Obama’
I do not think that I could be plainer, that we will take every step necessary to get to the bottom of this. The leak of this kind of information, for whatever reason by whomever, is completely unacceptable to the government of Canada. It is not useful. It is not in the interest of the government of Canada and the way the leak was executed, Mr. Speaker, was blatantly unfair to Senator Obama and his campaign. We will make sure that every legal and every investigative technique necessary is undertaken to find out who exactly is behind this.
Two leaks?
Later, Liberal MP Susan Kadis asks the government about two leaks: the embassy document and information from Mr. Harper’s chief of staff, Ian Brodie.
Ms. Kadis: “There were two leaks. Why is the Prime Minister’s office not investigating the one that came out of the PMO? The Conservatives are masters of parsing words for their own benefit. Unfortunately the first victim is often the truth. Therefore let me ask a very clear question. Did the Prime Minister’s chief of staff leak information to CTV news about confidential diplomatic conversations concerning Senator Obama’s position on NAFTA? Yes or no.”
Conservative MP Deepak Obhrai, parliamentary secretary to the foreign affairs minister: “Mr. Speaker, I just answered this question. I will just answer this question again. We take this leak very seriously. The Clerk of the Privy Council has been asked to investigate it with the department. When the results come through, if needed appropriate action will be taken. I would like to thank the Liberal Party for voting for the budget yesterday.”
THURSDAY, MARCH 6
‘Not going to comment on rumours’
Mr. Harper: Mr. Speaker, I’ve already said that the lead of information against the campaign of Senator Obama was extremely unfair. I’ve also said Mr. Speaker that it’s completely contrary to the interests of the government of Canada. Mr. Speaker, I’m not going to comment on rumours. I’ve said that we are doing a thorough internal investigation into this led by the clerk of the privy council and I will take whatever steps the Clerk of the privy council belives are necessary subjqueent to that investigation.
Praise for Layton
The Clerk of the Privy Council will inquire into the entire affair and we will act according to the information that we receive. We’re going to investigate this entire matter and take whatever action is deemed to be necessary based on the facts that we are able to discover. But Mr. Speaker, I would point out to the Leader of the Opposition that when he was throwing around wild accusations of scandal, the leader of the NDP was already on top of this issue.
Compiled by Brodie Fenlon
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080306.wharperleakresponse0306/BNStory/Front
It seems to me that the only reason why Mr. Joe Green as such respect for the Liberals is that it is the party he contacted first wrt 4 soldiers. If he had called any other party, I’m sure they would have been just as helpful. I long for the day when the elected and opposition parties start running this country rather than finding faults at each and every turn. You’re all acting like children.
You’re paid to run this country – please, do so and stop trying to unearth ‘bads’ from each other’s side.
Something is very wrong with politics in Canada when the opposition parties attack each other rather than the governing party. This is exactly why the Harper government can do anything it wants especially with a minority. Wake up guys. DUH
Irene…
Yes Irene, you are right, it is the party system…party first…people second…the real problem is the voter. we keep voting for the same old…and expect things to change…assinine!
Did Clinton Win Ohio on a Lie?
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/paul-loeb/did-clinton-win-ohio-on-a_b_90254.html
Did this Lie come from ‘Steven’ Harper as other have, like the income trust issue???
How long will it take him to find and tell us were the leak come from??
I’m not holding my breath. I don’t trust him one gram!
Maybe that is why we refer to ourselves as hosers?
By Marc on 03.06.08 2:36 pm
I think you’ve got it! LOL
This latest BS from Alberta in regards to the Imperial Refinery just reeks of a stench of greed. They won’t say how much their production has dropped, but that they have a ‘technical problem’ and ‘need’ to shut down the gas manufacturing section to make ‘undetermined’ repairs.
I put that kind of corporate BS in the same category as ‘The price of oil rose today because a seagull CRAPped on an offshore oilrig.!’
By Keith Phibbs on 03.06.08 3:30 pm
Jack Layton and Harper are buddies.
Harper talks him up all the time.
………………………………….
You bet !!!!!!!!
Sounds like PM Harper is attempting to help shore up the NDP popularity which depresses Liberal popularity come any next election.
Splitting the soft lefty Liberal vote is necessary to ensure the NDP rises to Official Opposition Party status.
The Dion Liberals are obviously attempting to steal votes from the NDP and BQ too .. because they know their vote is static and stuck in the polls. Dion’s 15% personal popularity will not boost the 30% Liberal party popularity, and in fact during any election it will most likely drop as Dion sucks down the Liberal party into utter defeat..!!!
Dion’s window of opportunity for an election is shrinking rapidly now, and Liberal discontent with his leadership,as demonstrated on this fine forum, is erupting everywhere.
The only Liberal strategy seems to be a “National Enquirer” mentality, where Liberal MPs and MSM are on a non-stop slagging attack and hoping to affect the popularity of the government and other opposition parties. I don’t think it will work because it’s too transient and not really resonating with the average Canadian.
NAFTAgate: “someone from Ms. Clinton’s campaign [not Obama's] called and was ‘telling the [Canadian] embassy to take it with a grain of salt.”‘”
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080305.wnafta06/EmailBNStory/National/home
(Sorry if this is a repeated link from another blogger.)
In response to the most rececent headline “Citi to Sell $45 Billion in Residential Mortgage Assets”.
One Wag asks “Sell to whom?”
Welllll, all together now, let’s sing…
Oh Canada, buyer of last resort
Calling Canada, buy our debt and we’ll go short.
Bank of Canada, we’ve got a real sweet deal
Buy our car loans, they’re a massive steal.
Get’em for your Pensioners as they get old,
Get’em for your taxpayers to buy and hold.
garth – i think this joe green letter sounds a bit too much like blind partisanship. people that live for politics are scary.
Does PMSH SPP deal harmanizing standard include this,
Bush says feds can open mail without warrant.
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2003508676_mail04.html
Warnings over future food crisis. “A food crisis may hit sooner than climate change” (and made worse by CC.)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/7282196.stm
Atta boy, Joe. Atta boy. Time we got some.
This can’t realy be good. I find tela-marketers bad enough. What will Big Brother do with this added info.
Could it affect your emplyment in the future? How much info. should the government and corporation be allowed to have about you??? They’ve never needed to now in the past.
Privacy campaigners have praised user protection measures of a controversial online advertising system about to be deployed in the UK. The tools, developed by a US firm, track users’ surfing habits.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/7280791.stm?ref=rss
What about the privacy rights of Canadaian’s? Has PMSH signed them away in the SPP deal to harmanize standards
already?
Lou Dobbs: U.S. Heading For Stagflation Crisis.
http://www.infowars.com/?p=655
PM’s top aide set off storm with Obama NAFTA leak”
It is not in the interest of the Government of Canada, and the way the leak was executed, Mr. Speaker, was blatantly unfair to Senator Obama and his campaign,” the Prime Minister said in the Commons.
EXCUSE MOI!!!! To Hell with the Goobernment of Canada…It is NOT in the interest of CANADIANS!!!
This is the key problem Harper has had, and continues to have, and why he should be tossed out on his arrogant ass ASAP!
It not about HIS government, it is about OUR government! Does he think he is a Monarch? Probably!
Joe Green
Your heart is in the right place. A little patience may be in order.
On March 14th (??) we have a by-election for four seats that were vacated by Liberals. If these four seats are solid for the Liberal Party we may see a different attitude.
Don’t worry about parties abstaining from votes or showing up with a token number of members.
Dion and the LPC are on the right track and do not have to apologize for anything like all the scandals Harper’s party is having to, eventually , apologize for.
You know, every time I see that face (Harper’s) I know I would have challenged him to fights in the schoolyard, where he did not bully because he could not but where he was bullied.
I wonder what the reaction of the CPC was when he contacted them to support his website? Oh, yeah, he never stated he did.
Joe is of course entitled to his opinion. However, I for one do not want to see a return to Liberal power where our military people are begging for rides everywhere they go, begging for to borrow the proper coloured clothing, trading sewer trucks for food, and on it goes. Joe obviously forgets what an embarrassment that was for us on the world stage. I firmly believe we will return to those horrible days if the Liberals regain power. It’s one thing for the Liberal Party to link a website and another to actually support our military.
That’s my opinion. Joe has his.
Leasa
Talk is cheap. The Liberals have been toying with the idea of bringing down the government for the last year, but have done nothing. Liberals say that they have issues with the Conservative government, but they do nothing. This policy of doing nothing will come back to bite them as one has to back up words with actions to gain credibility. So as Harry S noted the window of oppourtunity of Dion is shrinking. If the Liberals don’t back up all their words with some kind of action, their credibility in the minds of Canadians will be lost. It is in both the interests of the Liberal Party and Canadians to do something soon.
Today Congress Passed a Resolution Supporting Israel’s Blockade Of Gaza (which has resulted in deteriorating humanitarian crisis). Only One Congressman Bravely Voted ‘No’: Rep. Ron Paul.
http://www.antiwar.com/blog/2008/03/05/congress-defends-gaza-assault-404-1/?sid13
By Greg W., Oakville on 03.06.08 3:14 pm
Doesn’t surprise me Greg W. Israel would not exist if not for the billions that the US gives to Israel each year in the way of military loans/subsidies.
Thanks Greg W for the maps/territories of Israel/Palestine pre ‘47 to present day.
I don’t agree with Hamas, but I was shocked by this con govt’s declaration that Israel’s reaction was ‘moderate’ for the lack of the exact wording. If I expressed my views, I’d be labelled as anti-semetic, but I don’t give a shit any longer. For a people who suffered unbelievable crimes against them, I cannot believe that they have acted similarly against their ‘enemies’. Yeah, I know I will receive lots of ‘hate’ responses for saying what I believe, but I don’t give a sh*t. I say to Israel and the US, get out of Palestine, stop building more and more Israeli settlements. We shall never see peace in the Middle
East until Israel gives back Palestinian land to the Palestinians.
Stares deeply into his crystal ball and foresees the following problem for the LPC.
If the LPC and the other Opp parties do not take down the govt by summer recess there will be no election until Nov 09. After all the abstaining and running away how could the LPC justify the bringing down the govt just a year short of the mandated election.
Seriously folks, think about it, they constantly screech the CPC are horrible but they abstain, or do not show up or create motions that are so rediculous that people are laughing at them.
Maybe that is why we refer to ourselves as hosers?
By Marc on 03.06.08 2:36 pm
I think you’ve got it! LOL
This latest BS from Alberta in regards to the Imperial Refinery just reeks of a stench of greed. They won’t say how much their production has dropped, but that they have a ‘technical problem’ and ‘need’ to shut down the gas manufacturing section to make ‘undetermined’ repairs.
I put that kind of corporate BS in the same category as ‘The price of oil rose today because a seagull CRAPped on an offshore oilrig.!’
By Bill-Muskoka on 03.06.08 3:47 pm
BIll – do I ever agree with that. The wind changed, so the price of oil went up. As we all know, its about speculators. Just like those crooks who caused and the stupid clients re the sub-prime fiasco.
A CP report today said gas “may be” $1.40 / litre by this summer.
A few days ago, another report from the US that by the end of this year, oil could be $200 a barrel.
To keep things in perspective, a radio report this afternoon said in Amsterdam, gas is $1.71 / litre.
Good job I don’t drive anymore!
http://tinyurl.com/2s9e9p
Bravo! Guiseppe Verdi
I’ll say it again. And, Joe Green, bravo.
There’s a scandal a week with these limp***** it seems. Anyone who would believe that Harper is not in complete control of his minions is delusional or complicit.
Everything that happens is under Harper’s instruction.
This “NAFTA discussion leaky” thing – all part of efforts to preserve the oligarchy that supports the ongoing free trade/SPP crap deals – which benefit the few elite at the cost of the masses. Wake up – Harper obviously wants Clinton in (cause McCain ain’t goona win) so that the oligarchy and status quo are maintained. Oligarchy is not Democracy. And do Americans really want their country controlled by just 2 families over the course of 20 or so years?!?!?!? And do Canadians want to be controlled by this as well?
And did you really take a look at that Carlyle Group problem today?! Look them up on Wikipedia – interesting list of people in that group!
Harry S. ask “what is the Liberal party doing for Canada?” Well Harry, the Liberal party is letting Canadians know that the current Prime Minister and his party will be investigated by the RCMP for allegations of bribery. They will also continue to let Canadians know that the current P.M.’s chief advisor, Brodie, leaked a confidential diplomatic memo to the media, which resulted in the written memo being leaked. This is against the law.
Now the American Ambassador to Canada has accused Harper and his Cons of political interference.
Don’t you think it is the Oppositions duty to inform Canadians that their P.M and/or his top advisors are being investigated for wrong-doing?
Or would you prefer that Canadians only hear what Steve wants them to hear?
Joe, bravo. What a great letter.
But this ain’t baseball. We don’t have to catch the Tories on the fly. Let ‘em bounce on bottom a couple times, and then throw them out.
What will Mr. Dion help Mr. Harper do next?
By Harry S on 03.06.08 2:59 pm
Arrange for a moving company to help the Harper family move out of 24 Sussex Drive ASAP.
I understand M. Dion is moving in very shortly, and the duly elected Lib. majority will get our country back to a sense of normalcy.
Glad to have been of help, Harry.
A CP report today said gas “may be” $1.40 / litre by this summer.
A few days ago, another report from the US that by the end of this year, oil could be $200 a barrel.
To keep things in perspective, a radio report this afternoon said in Amsterdam, gas is $1.71 / litre.
Good job I don’t drive anymore!
http://tinyurl.com/2s9e9p
By Charles Oxley on
—————
I still drive Charles, however I sold my car when I retired. In the Summer and Fall I rent a few times for weekend specials but see that will be far and in between this year.
Greed, greed and more greed, that is what it is all about.
By kpn on 03.06.08 6:29 pm
BINGO!
Hope you can hear Lou Dobbs tonight. Damn, he says it like I would. Tonight’s biggest rant was over America shipping its own defense contracting overseas costing American jobs. DAMN STRAIGHT.
Now, if we ever get rid of this pissant Harper maybe we can save Canadian jobs?
I notice PM Bullybutt has been BLINKING the past couple of days! Damn well about time.
Wait for the next stumble and bring this clown down! The list is WAY TOO LONG at this point.
Add to it the failure on the environment per today’s Grade Report, our most crucial asset.
That raises the question ‘Why do we have both an Environment Commissioner, and a Minister of the Environment? FIRE BAIRD! He is totally clueless and worthless.
We need that type of duplication like we need to inbreed with our family!
So any bets that Parliament will in an election by the time the Afghanistan vote takes place?
The Liberals are scared to stand up and be counted on Afghanistan!
Ok Garth, I think we are owed an explaination as what occurred today in Ottawa.
It had better be good too!
By Bill-Muskoka on 03.06.08 7:48 pm
Really, Billy-Muskrat .. you are now going off the deep end in your fear and frustration .. and you are almost merging into yer alter ego .. PP-boy .. Yes Billy-M, everybody knows that you and PP-boy are joined at the head and share the same brainlet… it’s so obvious ..!!
Your fear and frustration is rooted in that ominous feeeeling that resides in your solar plexus that Canadians will reject another Liberal prime minister from Quebec, and that goes double from the polling in Quebec … go figure .. LOL
Nice try Billy-M, but you are decending into your PP-boy ‘Mr. Hyde’, tonight …. !!!!
As a Member of the Canadian Forces Infantry for the last 18 years who has spent many many nights sleeping with one eye open in foreign war zones, I find this article nothing more then a piece of self-felicitating, pompous, narcissitic BS. I know my comrades in arms wouldn’t of been impressed if they knew that they were signing a piece of Liberal propoganda. Perhaps if Mr. Green wants to be a real patriot to this country he could join the team and come in for the big win, we have lots of openings in the infantry.
I think many Canadians feel the same way as Joe.
It’s not about scoring points against the other opposition parties. It’s not about just the Liberal party. It’s not about today’s polls. It’s not about a majority government. It’s about standing up and leading Canadians to defend what they believe in, from someone who clearly has an agenda that leads us to environmental and economic oblivion.
First, Liberals need to demonstrate self-respect and courage. The votes will follow. We Canadians are an intelligent people. We can see through the CPC marketing BS and the cherrypicked out of context quotes they use. We remember their performance in Bali. We see every day how they’ve neglected putting together a plan for conserving the energy we need to keep our families fed. We know how much money has been squandered for meaningless consumption tax cuts. We are not going to be bought with a few pennies trickling down from Mr. Flaherty.
As our good friend the Senator from Indiana repeats so often, YES WE CAN!
Notice how those three letters are also the first three letters in CANADA.
By Charles Oxley on 03.06.08 7:44 pm
What will Mr. Dion help Mr. Harper do next?
By Harry S on 03.06.08 2:59 pm
……….
Arrange for a moving company to help the Harper family move out of 24 Sussex Drive ASAP.
I understand M. Dion is moving in very shortly, and the duly elected Lib. majority will get our country back to a sense of normalcy.
Glad to have been of help, Harry.
…………………………………
You understand wrong, Mr. Ox … because the only place M. Dion is going is some professorship at some distinguished French haute ecole, where he and Mmme. Kreiber will reside in sumptuous bliss coiffing beaujolais nouveaux.
Ignatieff, Rae, even McKenna will not permit the Liberal party to be decimated in an election with Dion as their leader. That is too ghastly a thought for power-hungry Liberal leader wannabes. Or will they give Dion his one kick at the can and then pick up the pieces .. and possibly even facing new leadership aspirants like Dalton McGuinty??!!
The Liberal party has a long way to go before it again assumes the power of government, because Canadians are not easily tricked by Liberal smut & smear tactics. The Harper Conservative government has done more for Canadians in 2 years than the Liberals have done in their previous 13 years of corruption and calumny.
Canadians will not be taken in by Liberal forked-tongue fraud again and their lust for power to again scam the Canadian taxpayer. Your Liberals need a thorough renewal at the hands of a new leader who will do the necessary surgery on the old Liberal Beast. Wonder who that can be ..??!!!
Garth, are you sure there is a Liberal Party member by the name of Joe Green? I think you may have been “Greened”
New Zealand gas is $1.75 per litre.It is coming and I hope Alberta separation.
With all the expressed concerned about canadians being over taxed and having a difficult time paying their mortgages that is often presented by Mr Turner.
I thought everyone would be outraged at the obscene pay increases that the MPs will be receiving as of April 1st.
This is a very sad day for canadians when all politicians think of nothing more than lining their own pockets.
I believe the seniors received $.80 cents per month on their OAS and anyone drawing the maximum CPP received about $1.60 per month. Our basic MP receeived $4500.00 on top of their over $150,000.00 annually salary.
I guess the rich just keep getting richer. It would not be all that bad if they did some work for this increase.
I guess the pigs just gobble up the slop and get fatter.
That was helpful. Not that you care, but MPs do not set their wages. — Garth
I watched Question Period today. PMSH tries to keep his cool, BUT did anyone else notice that he kept forgetting to button his jacket? Sometimes body language tells it all–he is getting rattled.
So Garth, et al, keep up the pressure.
I am in complete control of my buttons. — Garth
I am in complete control of my buttons. — Garth
No yer not, Garth … because somebody else pushes yer buttons when it comes to voting in the HoCs …!!!
You are just another one of those Liberal-bots who occasionally fill the seats in the HoCs and are programmed to do as directed.
LMAO!
I see Harry Dumb’S is really in a twit tonight. GOOD!
It is rare to see such pleasure emanating from such a total lieing TROLL
What complete Nirvanic JOY!
The END is NEAR! YOUR END!
After several months of forgoing writing to this blog I see nothing has changed .
The same idiot con-bots spouting off about their far right agenda and how we would all be much happier if the entire country becomes homogenized and indoctrinated .
You can always tell a neo-bot blogger as their brain is not engaged while they spout their ludicrous drivel .
Stevey Harper is a life long loser who has dragged our great nation through the mud and made us a laughing stock on the world stage .
Keep on blogging you neo-idiots . It is to laugh .
As our good friend the Senator from Indiana repeats so often, YES WE CAN!
Notice how those three letters are also the first three letters in CANADA.
By Chris Ariens on 03.06.08 9:08 pm
I believe it is Illinois, Chris…
Frank, at 8:54 PM
glad to see that the aversion to BS is still alive and well in some parts of the CF. Having been a mere consumer of news, statements and army.ca for many years, I was having doubts.
Of course, I trust that the same aversion is applied to Conservative BS, no matter how materially-promising CPC support may be.
Pro Patria.
“That was helpful”, not that you care, but MPs do not set their own wages. “Garth”
I do care !!!
Regardless of who sets the wages the MPs still accepted the increase without a whimper.
This post is helpful and all canadians should be outraged at this increase in salary when it far exceeds what the average joe receives. (these poor seniors and homeless I keep hearing about) In addition the stipends has been increaed also.
I am shocked that you do not seem to care just becasuse someone else did it when you are so quick to criticize other government measures you do not agree with even if they are good for the people.
It is like saying the dog ate my homework.
Give me a break. It is easy to complain about everything possible but what are you doing about this situation ?? “Nothing because you stand to benefit”
I received a survey recently from Chris Warkentin, MP, c/o Government Caucus Services.
He is in Alberta. I’m in Ontario. I never heard of him before.
The survey says, “Burning down a house, stealing someone’s car, these are not minor offences. They hurt families and harm entire neighbourhoods. They’re serious and very scary crimes. Unlike the Liberals, the Conservative Government wants these criminals to serve their time in jail, and not at home surfing “websites”.
Then on the return survey (which you are to mail using our tax dollars) the statement, to which you are to agree or disagree, states:
“I think thieves and vandals should serve their sentences in jail.”
At the bottom you are supposed to fill in your name, address, phone number and email.
Nice way to get on a list so you can be part of “independent polls”, or be asked to support the Conservative Party. That is, if you checked off “I agree”. I wonder what happens if you check of “I disagree”? What list does that put you on?
Harry S. wrote:
You understand wrong, Mr. Ox … because the only place M. Dion is going is some professorship at some distinguished French haute ecole, where he and Mmme. Kreiber will reside in sumptuous bliss coiffing beaujolais nouveaux.
Thank you Harry for my daily laugh. I am trying to imagine M. Dion et Mme Kreiber arranging the hair of those beaujolais nouveaux at their haute ecole.
Not only do you have an apparent loathing of all things French, but you have a completely uneducated understanding of them. Get out Harry and discover other people, they really aren’t that much different from us, and they share most of our primary concerns.
Oh, and by the by, the verb you were looking for is quaffing, to drink heartily, most likely from the German ‘quassen’, to overindulge. It is most often used with ale or beer as the beverage, as weak beers allow for hearty gulps. A beaujolais nouveau is more savoured than quaffed.
Read up on French culture, you may be surprised at what writers like Stendahl, Balzac, Flaubert, Zola, Celine, et al have to say to our modern condition.
Again, thanks for the laugh and have a good one.
By persona sine ingenio on 03.07.08 9:36 am
Thanks for correcting my ‘phonic’ error, but you did get my pointe. As for our ‘modern condition’, I think it’s fair to say that Dion is probably a wine connoisseur while Harper is a solid, down-to-earth, truly Canadian beer guzzler.
Now who do you think Canadians will want as their leader ..??!!!
Hi Marg on 03.06.08 10:34 pm ,
I’ve noticed for more than a few days now that Stevens and his gang have forgaten to button jackets.
There all trying not to sweet, but some might be showing?
Steven is a BAD BAD leader!
What are the RCMP UP TO???
Now who do you think Canadians will want as their leader ..??!!!
By Harry S on 03.07.08 10:27 am
Why don’t you tell us, Harry. You are the expert on what Canadians think. NOT! I am both a wine connoisseur and a beer drinker. Pigeon-holing people is unintelligent. Now, let me refer you to an intelligent post (just so you can perhaps learn from example)…
…We Canadians are an intelligent people. We can see through the CPC marketing BS and the cherrypicked out of context quotes they use. We remember their performance in Bali. We see every day how they’ve neglected putting together a plan for conserving the energy we need to keep our families fed. We know how much money has been squandered for meaningless consumption tax cuts. We are not going to be bought with a few pennies trickling down from Mr. Flaherty…..By Chris Ariens on 03.06.08 9:08 pm
I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and everyone of you who took the time to contribute to this discussion, regardless of the tone, nature, direction or message. We as Canadians and indeed Liberals stand for ensuring that the freedom of speech is a cherished value that will be defended in the face of any opposition as we believe in something called moral courage. I would like to quote something if I may ” If by a “Liberal” they mean someone who looks ahead and not behind, someone who welcomes new ideas without rigid reactions, someone who cares about the welfare of the people — their health, their housing, their schools, their jobs, their civil rights, and their civil liberties — someone who believes we can break through the stalemate and suspicions that grip us in our policies abroad, if that is what they mean by a “Liberal,” then I’m proud to say I’m a “Liberal.” These words spoken by former US President John F. Kennedy, echo the spirit that we Liberals have today.
I am not oblivious to our storied past as every party, group and person has one. I am most concerned with the here and now and how we as Canadians allow our nation to be governed. The cold hard facts is that we have an administration that blames their flaws on a government now more than two years out of power. I want everyone to think how your employer would take it if you said that you can’t do your job because a previous boss from two years ago was at fault. Knowing how I know Conservatives, they are simply incapable of leading in an ever growing complex world and when they do get into power, they muddle around until they get fired for incompetence. All one needs to do is look to the history of ratios between how long has Canada been governed by a Liberal party, versus an incarnation of a Conservative party. Last I looked the figures were about 80% in favour of the Liberals. If its the choice between progress and evolving a societies sense of who and what we are, and rolling with the punches that a modern world throws at us, or deciding to stand still, or in the case of this government fall backwards and fail to ignite the engines of progress and stimulate the dreams of a nation, I choose progress.
I don’t claim to be the most knowledgeable, the most intelligent, educated or wise, but what I do claim is to understand the very basics of humanity, something of which our present government is failing to understand. We as Canadians cherish certain fundamental principals such as human rights, universal healthcare, education and living in a society which is free and accountable as we all contribute to what is indeed Canada. I along with every Liberal stand for the optimization of a system and doing whatever it takes to streamline and utilize every resource to ensure the best and most efficient delivery of civil services. I would like to point out for clear and specific references something that we all enjoy today; the strength of the Canadian economy. I will speak to that right now as it is the single most import element which underpins our sovereignty, strength and sense of national pride.
Any national economy is the equivalent of a massive ship, sailing the seas of the world through stormy seas and sunny calm days, yet never the less, the manoeuvrability of the economy is measured in years and not minutes. The facts are as I see them is this. The Liberals came to power on the backs of an overt corrupt party, lead by former Prime Minister Mulroney who admitted taking kickbacks in hotel rooms stuffed with cash. He saddled the Canadian people with a massive debt and record deficit leaving us holding the bag and forgoing his responsibility as leader of Canada. When the Liberals came into power, they had no other choice but to make hard decisions on what programs to cut, what to keep and which ones to scale back. Any sane Liberal would be left in a hard position as we are all aware of the magnitude of the depth of the impact any of these decisions have upon the Canadian people. Yes, the military was cut, yes healthcare was cut, yes, major social programs were cut, but we as a party needed to do what we thought was necessary in order to save the gravely ill patient that was Canada.
Canada was in a nearly devastated position after the last Conservative government. That is why they were banished to the wasteland of mediocrity and irrelevance and Canadians placed their hope to save our economy in the hands of Liberals. With those cuts, the Chrétien administration placed Canada onto a course of which we enjoy the fruits of today. Today’s changes in our federal income stream result in changes that are evident years out from now. We as Canadians have a debt of Gratitude to Jean Chrétien for steering Canada into record surpluses. Never forget that. There is a reason why he lead Canada to three consecutive majorities and why we are in such good shape today. He is a fighter, a passionate patriot and a tireless advocate for international law. The Rt. Hon. Jean Chrétien earned his pay and those letters before his name when he made the decision to not go into Iraq unless it had the blessings of the United Nations. By standing up to the United States and their present neo-con administration, he projected and enforced our sense of who we are, what we are and who we are not. Needless to say if Stephen Harper was in power during these times, he would have sent in the Canadian Forces into Iraq and joined in on illegal war crimes and profoundly damaging the reputation of Canada and our beloved forces. This is the judgement of this man and his party.
Thanks in near exclusive blame to the right wing media which advocates for war, outright attacks on the mainstream, centrist Liberal and Democratic values, these media outlets have shifted the very center definition of “common sense”. Remember what Hitler said about propaganda and slogans. Understand that these people want war, pick fights, have bloodlust and enjoy death while profiting from it the whole time. One only needs to look towards firms like the Carlyle Group and Halliburton to appreciate that. These ideologies are not limited to borders but by western politics and as Canadians, we have a responsibility to shore up our borders against such perverse policies which result in mass death and carnage. Because of Liberals, we do not have the stain or partial stain of over 1 000 000 dead Iraqis on the hands of Canadians, and we have prevented moments in our history like soldiers arriving at the doors of family members at three in the morning informing families that we just lost their sons or daughters.
We Liberals understand war and justifiably hate it as there is nothing redeeming about it. It represents the profound failure of diplomacy, civilized discourse and rational human conduct, however when the time comes to unleash hell, here is the difference between a Conservative and a Liberal. Conservatives are the cowboys who rides up on a horse, smoking a cigar and has a pompous swagger as he dismounts his horse demanding to know where this enemy is, using terms like “smoke him out” and “bring him on” and asks where his posse should go to “track him down”. He has a revolver, saddle spurs and carries a 6 shooter. Liberals have the covert special forces team, hidden from view and have him locked down from over 1000m out with a sniper team, and have a high speed air strike on standby. They wont see it coming and the team is never exposed and are gone before anyone knows what happens. Liberals understand the nature of war and understand that if war breaks out, do everything we can to take out our enemy as fast and as complete as possible and end it before it escalates. In today’s times, I’ll trust any member of the JTF2 over any swaggering cowboy. I hope you all understand my analogy.
As far as being partisan, I am ferociously partisan towards Canada and all things within her. I am not someone to simply sign up to a cause, party or group lightly. The Liberal Party of Canada is a group which will come to power again in the very near future, and the reason I joined is because we share a common purpose and vision; ensuring Canada’s strength, sovereignty and identity while working to stitch and strengthen the tapestry of our civil rights, liberties and values. I would also like to think I can bring something positive to the table and be able to imprint some of my values upon this party. In a time period of either moving forward or falling back, embracing renewed and dynamic change and tweaking our systems to ensure that everyone benefits or halting progress and placing obstacles in the path that discourage people and end up suffocating their dreams, I’ll always gravitate towards the liberty of our nation through embracing progress.
There are some who will not agree with me and some that will, but one thing that must be acknowledged is the fact that we as a nation are engaging in discourse which is needed if we are to maintain our sense of who we are as Canadians. To the foaming at the mouth right wing Conservative or to the radical left wing NDP, as a centrist Liberal I embrace you both and want to listen, hear your message and do so in a forum of intelligent reason, discussion and interaction and not through the polarizing climate that seems to be the norm of the day. Leadership is about sometimes listening and working within that context, taking what you have learned and running with it. There are those who have attacked Mr. Turner on this blog and for that I am most troubled. This man has graciously extended by virtue of his belief structure as a public servant to provide you and us, and all of us Canadians with an opportunity to exchange ideas and opinions. I think anyone that attacks him based on his well known record of doing what he can to work to improve the lives of his electorate, indeed runs counter to the values of what a free and democratic society should be.
I follow the path that others before me have followed. The path that embrace the freedom to choose and implement positive policies within the context of Government. There are too many that blindly follow and fail to understand what they are embracing and I for one am not one of those. Liberals are strong in their commitment to this nation, passionate in their resolve and decent in their compassion towards those less fortunate. We prefer to resolve crises rather than inflame them and we work to support international law. Our party is comprised of the most valued of all assets, and that is its members. We seek to renew and embrace new members like myself and evolve. We are not mired in what could have been, but are excited about what will be. The dreams of Canada, my Canada, your Canada and our Canada, are within our reach and by working to renew those vows, we can accomplish anything. Remember, this is Canada. We are better than the rest for a reason. Let’s work towards rebuilding that commitment and vision and do so together as Liberals.
I would like close by thanking Mr. Turner for allowing this exchange to take place. I would also like to thank each and every one of you, especially the ones who ferociously attacked me as it confirms to me that the Liberal platform is one that all Canadians can be proud of.
Very sincerely,
Joe Green
I have been reading this blog for a while, but when Frank from the PPCLI offered an opinion that this letter was “Liberal Propaganda”, I had to say something.
I am the author’s father, and I can tell you that when Joey was soliciting support for his Condolence Book on his website, that all the parties were contacted to do something pretty simple, which was to simply post a brief note and express the outpouring for grief at these needless deaths suffered by the PPCLI at the hands of the USAF.
That so many Liberal members responded so strongly should speak volumes about which parties ACTUALLY support our forces in their various missions.
The resulting support from the various parties speak for themselves, its a matter of record. Its not correct to suggest that some parties do not support the Armed Forces of Canada, but its also not correct to say that all parties uniformly support our troops because their actions speak otherwise.
I think that Frank needs to think a little harder about just how much support the Harper “neocons” are actually offering him and his fellow soldiers when they excuse the murder of a member of his unit on official duty with the United Nations by the “defence forces” of Israel, and this Prime Minister just sits there and squirms instead of properly expressing the outrage of our country at these senseless killings of UN Peacekeepers.
And Frank, you seem to forget that it was the Liberal Party that finally corrected the gross miscalculations and abuses in the Mulroney government over the CH101 helicopters from Europe, all bought and paid for by the corruption of Karl Heinz and his Canadian client. Indeed, we now see this disease spreading into the US with the same kind of degradation of their defence capabilities by exporting the procurement of critical military equipment.
We had an inept and incompetent former Minister of Natonal Defence that just could not understand why it was so important for Canada to manufacture its Coyote vehicle jointly with the US at General Motors in North America, and to reverse the disasterous CH101 program and to properly relaunch this requirement with the newly designed helicopters from United Technologies in the Maritimes and the Eastern US.
And Frank, you are not doing your fellows much good when the Harper government squanders large sums on the C-17 tank carrier, that in fact cannot land at most Northern Canadian airports, and requires US permission to operate anywhere else in the world.
What we actually need, in terms of 21st century STOL aircraft, is to upgrade the Otters, and the Caribou that were originally designed in the 1960s, … these are still only a very distant objective.
You see Frank, the facts are that not all parties care equally for the well being and protection of our forces. Some simply do not know any better.
But I can tell you that the civilian leadership HAS AN ABSOLUTE DUTY TO PROVIDE people like you with a “just cause” before sending you and your friends and comrades into “harms way”.
Harper and his “neocons” did not do that any better then Emperor George II did for the Americans that have been dispatched to Iraq.
Unlike Iraq, Afghanistan IS A PROPER AND JUST CAUSE, but our country has been stretched to the limit to hold the NATO Alliance together while fighting our enemies that are drug dealers, and other assorted criminals and cut-throats that are inundating our shores with illegal drugs, guns and other contraband. Over 90% of heroin on Canadian streets originate in Afghanistan.
Just ask yourself one question Frank. Which Party better provided for you and your fellows, Mr. Chretien’s Liberals that delivered new Coyote vehicles or PMSH’s “neocon” Conservatives that have yet to deliver the C-17 aircraft that cannot operate from most airports in Afghanistan because of the wheel loading pressures that this aircraft requires and which most runways in Afghanistan cannot support?
I am going to stop because these classic Mulroney like screwups is raising my blood pressure.
And Frank, thank you for your efforts and service to Canada.
Joe Green on 03.07.08 1:44 pm,
Unfortunately, you are making the Liberal Party into an idealized institution which it is not. Your belief that Liberals are more pure than the “corrupt Conservatives” underlines an idealism that in my opinion is misplaced.
The Liberals cannot be trusted any more than the Conservatives because they govern for the same class of citizen: the capitalist class. That is why they are ignoring the fact that in a globalized economy corporate tax cuts for multi-nationals are a useless and increase the costs to the many in order to enrich the few.
Under the Liberals the general public willingly made the sacrifices but when it came time to reap the benefits most went to their friends in the capitalist class. As a result average incomes stagnated and median incomes declined as they shifted wealth from the bottom to the top of the economic scale.
We will continue to pay the price as long as governments are focused on protecting wealth an privilege no matter which of the establishment are in power. What is said is that the same establishment parties have manipulated the system so no new political movements can oppose their power. The Green Party got in just under the wire but the Liberals are working over time to destroy them and they just may succeed.
By Joe Green on 03.07.08 1:44 pm
Oh yes, Joe to be Canadian is to be Liberal. That was the most partisan hype I have read in a long time. The spinning and fudging was amazing. Congrats. Leasa
Check out Don Drummond, chief economist at the TD Bank, in today’s National Post for his thoughts on the RESP.
To summarize:
-It’ll cost far more than we’re
being told
-It provides far more benefit to
high-income families than to low-
families to send their kids to
access higher education.
-It is a means for the affluent to
income split with their kids.
Is this really the message the Liberals want to send, Garth; that subsidizing the affluent is a top priority?
Then you’d better start a campaign to eliminate RRSPs, which are maximized by just 7% of the population. — Garth
To C.B. Innes and Leasa,
Performance answers critics and the facts are with the incentive by the Liberals to provide a tax shelter for RESP’s showcases that Liberals are more interested in helping the middle class than the Conservatives.
To Leasa,
Once again I’ll let history show that Canada has been governed by the Liberals for a majority of our history and some of our greatest strides have been made during that time. Nice attempt to spin things however. Thing is…it takes more than partisan hackery like this to discourage me and all Canadians.
-Cheers!
Joe