Truth be told, I skipped out of national caucus a little early, caught a flight from Winnipeg and hit Toronto late Wednesday night. Not that it wasn’t a good meeting – don’t get me wrong.
Stephane Dion delivered a firebrand speech and brought in some Green Shift improvements aimed at truckers, farmers and rural dwellers. He unveiled another new candidate, Bob Friesen, who until that morning was president of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture and who stunned caucus with his easy, commanding manner at the podium. We got a mess of new polling data from a massive survey on how Canadians are feeling about the leaders and the parties. (I’d tell you, but then I’d have to kill you.) And, of course, we talked about the party’s fat new platform planks and how they’ll be rolled out over the 40 days to come.
But, frankly, my job is in Halton. There are no votes in Winnipeg, and an election campaign is the time when citizens are the most engaged they’ll ever be in the political process.
In Canada, only 1% of people belong to a political party, and yet we are all affected by the decisions these things make when they achieve power. In this country we also have a deep well of cynicism and skepticism and often disgust when it comes to politics. Too many of us think people run for office just to be powerful and special and too often, they’re right.
Too many party nominations are won by candidates who are acclaimed, unopposed or appointed. In too few ridings are there real contests which draw in hundreds of new party members, and then give them a real choice. Increasingly, the big parties are having far too much influence over local choices, denying open candidate selection meetings, parachuting in personalities or imposing quotas. At the same time, because the costs of seeking a nomination are not tax-deductible to candidates or their financial supporters, we get far too many middle-class men, and far too few women, working people or minorities, trying to get to Ottawa.
The system’s seriously broken. The idea of an MP is to send one person to Ottawa to represent everyone living in a selected area. But today, most MPs think they represent parties to the people, and not the other way around. And that’s the source of voter frustration. It means most Canadians are actually disenfranchised, since the person they elected believes he or she is working for a leader – that most voters will never see in person, let alone get to speak with.
I hope we can change that a little, but unfortunately in Halton the Conservative party machine is about to appoint a candidate, over the wishes of the local members. I guess the PMO thinks they need a bigger gun to try and blow me away.
And maybe it’ll work. After all, I am a polarizing figure. I defied Mr. Harper, and paid the price for it. I refused to put party above voters, and thereby lost my party. I am a Liberal now, where my sense of democracy is thriving, and where my Progressive Conservative beliefs are welcomed. In this election, clearly, I am a target.
And that’s why I traded the caucus room for the campaign trail. I am hoping the people I have represented will prove with their votes that a guy like me can actually survive in this system. Tilting at windmills. Defying the odds. Hoping.
259 comments ↓
For all of you bloggers that have been requesting copies of my strategic voting requests…everyone should have their reports in hand as of midnight Sept 3.
If you have asked for a report and have not received it, please check your spam or junk mail folders as many computer firewalls will automatically put yahoo mail in these files.
If you do not have a reply from me, then please send me another email. I’ve been getting swamped with emails, and to the best of my knowledge everyone should have their reports.
I’m also planning on putting together a summary of web links that detail some of the misrepresentations and poor performance of the Harper government. This information needs to get out into the hands of the Canadian public to better educate everyone out there.
If you have good web links please send them to me… strategicvoting@yahoo.ca.
I will do my best to have this reference document ready for the first day of the campaign.
Remember folks, its up to us to write letters to the editor to better educate the public and refute the misrepresentations of the Harper Conservatives.
Its up to us to attend candidates’ debates and ask tough questions of the Conservative candidates.
We can defeat the Harper Conservatives if we work smart, keep informing the public, and VOTE STRATEGICALLY!
TS
strategicvoting@yahoo.ca
For more information on how you can help defeat the Harper Conservatives by casting your ballot on a strategic basis email me at strategicvoting@yahoo.ca and indicate whether you want a BC, Prairie, Ontario, Quebec or Maritime riding assessment.
Garth this is alarming. You sounded confident quite recenntly, now you only “hope” you’ll win? I’m sorry but I’m sure I’m not the only Liberal worried by this post and what kind of polling data was presented in Winnipeg, your post definitely makes it sound like it wasn’t good. Your riding was supposed to a relatively safe Liberal one in Ontario – if there’s gonna be trouble holding it, this spells losses not gains in Ontario and we need to gain at least 15 in Ontario I think to form govt. PLEASE say something re-assuring that would indicate otherwise and there is SOME reason for optimism.
Of course I will prevail, but will grassroots democracy? That’s up to the people. — Garth
Hi Garth.
We Canadians need to face the danger of terrorism.
We need to elect a government willing to investigate.
I have had no success in getting the Prime Minister’s attention.
Can you find the time to read Barbara Honegger’s paper?
Links between the Anthrax Attacks and 9/11
By Barbara Honegger
(The author is a senior military affairs journalist, and former White House Policy Analyst and Special Assistant to the President in the first Reagan Administration. She is the author of the 9/11 expose “The Pentagon Attack Papers” http://physics911.net/pdf/honegger.pdf and October Surprise (Tudor, 1989), the first book to reveal the true origins of the Iran side of the Iran/Contra scandal.)
You will find the complete article here:-
http://www.barrettforcongress.us/
I wish you success in the coming election; you are the most available MP.
Garth, make sure you make many visits to the corporate lunch rooms to meet so you can meet hundreds at a time. I’m sure there are hundreds of large businesses in your area that employ hundreds of people, like them I worry about the state of our economy and the security of my job. Harper seems to think the only workers he can talk to are the ones he’s giving money to, that leaves plenty of concerned workers to talk to, well enough to get you elected anyways. Canadians are needing to hear the twenty first century WORLD economic strategy, and we want to hear our jobs will be protected or as best possible by our elected politicians. Good Luck and remember work hard and smart, we need the Liberals in power, my job depends on it!!!
In Canada, only 1% of people belong to a political party, and yet we are all affected by the decisions these things make when they achieve power.
posted by Garth Turner on 09.04.08 @ 12:49 am
Thanx, Garth. This is your best blog entry I’ve read, to date. I knew that the participation rate was low, but that is a shocker.
Tonight, I watched the Jays struggle with the Twins at Skydome! on TV. During the inning breaks we now have to put up with the adverts stroking the Ultra Ego of you know who! That was the only downer in the night of a very exciting extra inning win. Why do we have to put up with that kind of political pollution during our sports addiction? It don’t seem right some how! If Ted Rogers supports Harper, I will start watching and cheering for Detroit or Chicago! And I’ve been a baseball fan for a very long time, back when the Dodgers were still in Ebbits Field, Brooklyn.
Back on message, I get some of the picture between the lines, and am encouraged by the indications that reforms will come in due time, but remind the movers and shakers that We the People are getting restless and impatient. That plank needs to be nailed down, up front and center. Make a clear distinction between what was, what should and will be! And compare that to what never will be under Harper!
Salute!
I am a Liberal now, where my sense of democracy is thriving, and where my Progressive Conservative beliefs are welcomed. In this election, clearly, I am a target.
posted by Garth Turner on 09.04.08 @ 12:49 am
Remember that link that someone posted to a test that you can do to decide where you fit on the political spectrum? Well, I did it, and know that I am “comfortable” where I am! I suspect that you are too! As others more recently have stated, the CPC is C in name only, not stance. So, don’t worry, it will all work out in the end.
You certainly cut a quixotic figure. Easier to read than Cervantes however, but not as funny. ?Puedes escribir en Espanol?
Good luck to you in the election. I’ll vote for the candidate that I always vote for in Van./Kingsway (she never wins the seat). I suspect the riding will go NDP (sigh. Though, I liked Ian Waddell). I do hope that we see the end of the Blue-in-the-face Machine, but I’m a’feared.
I’d love to vote Emerson out, but it looks like he is quitting on his own terms – knowing full-well that he is finished, IMHO.
Why does the chicken not want to cross the road anymore?
TS, you’re probably going to do this anyway, but would you precede each link with a enough of a précis of its content so a reader can determine what each issue is. Not everyone has a computer or patience to read a myriad of articles (eg. my mother) and a hard copy printout that lists all of the transgressions may be just thing for those folks.
Lisa Raitt–who the hell is Lisa Raitt??
Appears that she is about to be anointed Conservative candidate for Halton—a “star” candidate flown-in , hand-picked , ready-made as a Garth killer.
What happened to the three people who wanted to run & were willing to go thru the democratic process of being selected by the local riding association.
What happened to the vote—maybe I missed it–or maybe it is the power of ONE—Mr Harper has that power it appears & he used it.
Garth is the man of the people , selected by the people to run.
Ain`t democracy sweet , especially when it is actually used.
Again, who the hell is Lisa Raitt??
Dr Mike Popovich—former life-long Conservative & firm believer in democracy.
Mr.Turner
This has nothing to do with this post. I have asked you a question on an earlier post,but got no response. I will try again. We know that the Green Party wants to be in the debate. My question is:
How many Mps do the federal parties have to have elected in the house before they are official recognized as a party by the house? I would sincerely appreciate it thanks. If you don’t know just say so,but please give me an answer thanks.
Twelve. — Garth
Good luck on your campaign Garth!
It is refreshing to see Liberals finally becoming more offensive in replying to the Cons. or media but in a polite way.
Answers said a thousand times like “Interesting how a disaster happens months after privatizing inspections and you want to do more privatization like aircraft inspections?” or “oh yah thats right you canceled that program or sold that building” or “Interesting way to create a surplus by canceling contracts and programs” and my all time favorite in use now “I agree it will tax everything but how much will your plan cost taxpayers and by the way how much of that money do they get back?”.
In my riding Larry Bagnell is down a bit but still in a big lead despite the fact this is a right wing riding, Harper chose a star candidate and has come here twice and six of his cabinet lightweights have come up here in the last six months. The candidate has had a town hall every week and a BBQ on Sundays but still can only get 25% in the poll done over the summer with no declared NDP candidate! Hopefully this is happening in ridings across the country.
Keep up the good work and may Hell freeze over Harper cause thats were he wants to put the rest of us who don’t agree with his bully ways.
There’s an old story “if you can’t take the heat get out of the kitchen” guess he can’t take the heat
Say, did you know you have the same IP address as gary v, Judy, John, Scott and Mardan? Weird, eh? — Garth
ROFLMAO! The Death Star Troopers LIVE…My, my what a shock! Who is their ISP Garth?
Back to the topic. Sounds like you had a Damascus Road revelation standing there in the fray. Good for you. At least ONE MP understands what their real job is.
Now, as to the campaign BS, I think today’s Star cartoon says it all for me. The Green Plans
Have a great day!
Garth any respect I had for you is gone. This IP address stuff is over the top. Nobody uses my computer and I have never posted with any other name.
I said it was weird. And I intend to do some research into this. — Garth
Rumour has it the CPC can’t find anyone to run in a handful of ridings in NS and will appoint them, including of course Cumberland-Colchester where it would be next to impossible to knock off Bill Casey.
go garth
i hope everyone who complains on your blog will be as dedicated as you at committing to the cause.
After all, the only reason for an election campaign is to change the behavoir of voters. How does one do this?
- Volunteering
- Doing lots of leg work and organizing
- Starting a voter registeration drive
- Organizing petition drives, letter/email writing campaigns, community workshops, protest rallies, etc.
- Leveraging the Internet. You Tube, blogs, email, message boards, news Channel comments, etc.
C’mon, every garth supporter out there, when teh writ drops, get off your butts and into your neighbourhoods. We need to move the centre of Canadian political dialogue. We have to persuade the persuadables and mobilize the mobilizables. The turth is, if everyone voted, the liberals would win most of the time.
Garth can’t do it alone.
After watching Governor Palins speech last night what a breath of fresh air. A real person (and a woman) actually running for the second highest office in world. I know the speech was written but it was the way it was delivered. Anyone that does not have a partisan blindfold on and being honest would have to say—this is what a majority of the electorate have been looking for. Someone that can relate to the everyday person. Now if the Liberals had someone like this leading them (unfortunately it would be impossible to find anyone that is that grounded being a liberal) would even get my vote. It was so interesting watching the CNN pundits (with the exception of the partisan Dems on the panel) gushing over the speech and the Governor when only days before they were wondering when McCain would drop her. Politics at its finest only this time we actually have a real person to admire. Hopefully the current political class will look at Governor Palin and realize that the majority of voters want someone real to represent them not people who live in a bubble and all they have are the party talking points. Governor Palin epitomizes the word change.
Dr Mike asked:
“Lisa Raitt–who the hell is Lisa Raitt??”
I dunno…..Bonnie Raitt’s sister?
Radio-Canada is reporting that Andre Bachand is back and will run for the Conservatives in the coming election.
Time to unite against Harper
http://www.publicbroadcasting.ca/2008/08/time-to-unite-against-stephen-harper.html
The National Post is reporting today that the Conservatives will announce that they are going to parachute in Lisa Raitt this week, without a nomination meeting.
http://www.nationalpost.com/todays_paper/story.html?id=767542
And more on lisa Raitt
http://www.thebulletin.ca/cbulletin/content.jsp?sid=98824729251184277261171135929&ctid=1000002&cnid=1001739
“Sources tell The Bulletin that it’s possible Lisa, hails from Cape Breton, could be placed on Tory tickets in that region or in Oakville, Ont., where she lives. If elected, she’d no doubt get the transportation portfolio so unably handled by Loose Larry. Then she could take vengeance—should she be so inclined—on the TPA members who gave her the axe (and a golden parachute.)”
The more I read, the more I wonder why she is considered a ‘star’ candidate.
From today’s London Free Press
http://tinyurl.com/6cxnc9
Peterson-style debacle may loom for Harper
By CHIP MARTIN
If Prime Minister Stephen Harper goes ahead and calls a federal election in the next few days as everyone expects, it will be as though he ordered those “vanity” license plates for his car.
Such plates are not needed, cost plenty and tell something about the person who ordered them — sometimes not what the person who ordered them intended.
This vote, for which no one is clamoring, will likely cost the better part of $300 million. For the record, Elections Canada reports the general elections of 2004 and 2006 cost $274 million and $278 million, respectively.
And why does Harper want an election? He says Parliament has become “dysfunctional” and the leaders of the opposition parties are too busy being disruptive and blocking his important Conservative agenda.
But a look at the record shows that by June when Parliament recessed, 29 bills had received royal assent during that session. By all accounts, Parliament has been a productive place. But this is what Harper termed “chaos” and reason enough to pull the plug on his minority government.
He plans to quit, despite having enacted legislation that set Oct. 19, 2009, as the date for the next federal vote.
Now Harper says “never mind,” that doesn’t apply to minority governments. He said nothing about that when he brought the law forward.
You have to wonder what kind of advisers Harper has. Or if he listens to them.
Tom Flanagan, a political scientist at the University of Calgary, the well-known cheerleading section for the Harper Conservatives, just last week said he likes the idea of an election so Harper can continue killing off Liberals in a prolonged war of attrition.
Say, isn’t that the same Flanagan chap who back in 2000 warned that then-prime minister Jean Chretien would be wrong to call an election Chretien was pondering at the time?
Flanagan, the Reform party’s former director of research, said back then: “I don’t think there is a reason, except for pure partisan advantage.”
That, apparently, was bad, according to Flanagan.
Now Flanagan, who has since served as chief of staff to Harper, can’t wait for an unwanted election, saying he hopes it will continue a downward tailspin of the Liberals and destroy the party.
His thinking sure sounds a bit like “pure partisan advantage.”
Speaking of political history, who can forget 1990 when London’s own premier, David Peterson, felt he had to increase the size of his Liberal majority and called an Ontario election long before it was due?
He had polls saying it would be a cakewalk and Peterson felt the time was ripe.
But Peterson badly miscalculated. He had called a completely unnecessary election purely for his own vanity. His popular support eroded and in the ensuing vote he was shellacked.
He lost his own London Centre seat to New Democrat Marion Boyd. His party was decimated and the New Democrats of Bob Rae started their unfortunate five years on the government benches.
The Liberals languished in opposition for 13 years.
Perhaps Harper’s advisers, tea leaves or Flanagans are simply providing sketchy advice. How else could anyone explain the 71 seconds of public exposure the peek-a-boo PM limited himself to in his last visit to London a couple of weeks ago?
It has been said those who refuse to learn the lessons of history are condemned to repeat them.
Will the lesson of 1990 in Ontario be repeated in 2008 for Stephen Harper?
We may soon see.
Brian Wilson:You want the kind of change Sarah Palin represents?
I believe she is all for book banning, firing those who disagree with her Evangelical ideology, using her political power for personal vendettas (alleged), preaching abstinence alone as birth control when it clearly is a failed policy, and parading her 17 year old daughter across a national stage and then telling the world said daughter is unmarried and 5 months pregnant–oh, but we will have her marry that boy, to hell with her wants and wishes.
What the hell kind of mother offers her daughter up as political fodder??
Not the kind, judicious, empathetic mother most of us have.
I am just glad Sarah Palin is representing the Republicans–they deserve her.
Brian Wilson – all excited about Palin – a real person? Yup, she’s really something. Will take the country back to the midVictorian era. Oh, and hockey mom has it so tough – hubby doesn’t work – he’s MR. Mom. Hardly representative of the average working mom. Oh, she doesn’t believe in health care….meanwhile as governor she has all the health perks she needs. Oh, the cut funding for teen moms…I guess her teen mom-to-be will be alright on taxpayer monies.
Also, the speakers last night totally LIED over and over again…and it’s going to come out.
She left that little town (mayor is a part time job in little towns) in debt.
Yup, life’s average and tough for her alright.
By Judy on 09.04.08 9:04 am
Ill-informed people like you absolutely blow my mind. I would suggest you start reading something other than the Huffington post. Libs like yourself get a hold of something that is so outrageous and patently false but it sounds good and anyone with half a brain can see through it. All I know is if Barack Obama and Stephane Dion end up as leaders of North America we are in for a nightmare scenario. Start thinking for yourself and stop parroting stuff you hear some whacko leftie say.
Governor Palin epitomizes the word change.By Brian Wilson on 09.04.08 8:24 am
Yes…change you can’t believe in. I had to turn her off because of the lies she told. Samantha Bee on the Daily Show had it right…she is only the VP choice because she doesn’t have a penis (Samantha was far more graphic, but I am trying to keep up with the new decorum). If McCain became President, and died in office, Palin would be President. Get real!
Will the lesson of 1990 in Ontario be repeated in 2008 for Stephen Harper?
We may soon see.By Bonnie L on 09.04.08 9:03 am
One can only hope.
I think the Liberals should consider copying Obama’s idea of attacking smears and untruths on their website. Just list the smear, and counterattack with the truth. The truth shall set you free.
By Lana on 09.04.08 9:22 am
The Daily Show now there is an unbiased factual news source. Are you people for real? I think Palin made such a great speech that she has the left scratching their heads or whatever it is the left scratches and thinking “Holy Cow” where in the hell did she come from? Now the attack chicks will be seen on every MSM station and they will be sending their reporters up to Alaska turning over all the rocks looking for dirt. The price of poker just went up and Obama will be exposed for what he is–pure rhetoric much like Dion.
I said it was weird. And I intend to do some research into this. — Garth
By gary v on 09.04.08 7:50 am
Garth,
If someone is one Sympatico or Bellnet (The commercial sympatico) then their IP may appear the same. I am not sure about rogers, or smaller ISP’s.
Using the ‘Headers-View All’ function (available in some email programs like Mozilla Thunderbird, one can view the the entire path an email has travelled. If a Firewall is in place then the individual computer ID will be blocked.
If McCain became President, and died in office, Palin would be President. Get real!
By Lana on 09.04.08 9:22 am
Hey, Lana, didn’t you hear McCain’s (Trophy) wife? Sarah Palin is ‘qualified in international affairs’ because Alaska is next to Russia. She also has ‘executive experience’ because she is a governor.
McCain seems well qualified in ‘affairs’ also. Just ask his ex-wife.
Remember, Republicans uphold Family Values.
RE: Sara PAlin
John McCain isn’t embraced by the right-wing religious activist community, so he needs a sara palin. She was a panic pick specifically to appease the ultra conservative, religious right.
Mccain will portray Palin to the public as a “reformer” who fought corruption and corporate interests.
In reality, she’s a fuddy-duddy with dangerous beliefs.
Palin On Abortion: I’d Oppose Even If My Own Daughter Was Raped
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/01/palin-on-abortion-id-oppo_n_122924.html
Palin Wanted To Ban Books
http://www.oliverwillis.com/2008/09/02/palin-wanted-to-ban-books/
Palin believes that the occupation of Iraq is “a task that is from God.”
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/02/palins-church-may-have-sh_n_123205.html
I was reading the scroll along the bottom of CTV NEWNET this morning and saw an item that said that Stephen Harper testiified that he authorized an offer to Chuck Cadman. Hmmmmmm is this legal or ethical? Does anyone have a link to this story?
BTW Good Luck Garth I’d vote for you if I lived in your riding. Knowing that I don’t I will neither be voting for you or Stephane Dion but my liberal member
SEPTEMBER 3RD ARTICLES ARCHIVED AT:
The DAILY DIGEST: INFORMATION and OPINION from ST. JOHN’S to VICTORIA.
ARCHIVED at http://cdndailydigest.blogspot.com/
BELOW(30)(30)(30)(30)(30)30)(30)(30)(30)(30)(30)30)(30)(30)(30)(30)
OPENING SALVOES
Jason was good enough to send an article to-day. It relates a positive for the CP of C. Someone who in his words “Stayed on shore” when the boat set sail has chosen to board it.
Not only was the article posted in the “INFOS” it was translated into English and posted under PARTY POLITICS.
Be assured that as was the response to Jason’s information, so will be the response to either articles or opinion supportive of the C.P. of C. cause, posting on the Digest.
The contending view derogating the C.P. of C. will be as well – to the benefit of those who as of yet have not arrived at a definitive decision what to do on election day.
Andre Bachand coming on board is a significant plus for the YES position.
The ALERT below presents a NO view.
Joe
____________________
From: Jason Hickman
Subject: Daily Digest Tip
Not sure if this made the “INFOS” section of the last DD, but if not, perhaps in can go in your next edition – M. Bachand has decided to run for the CPC in the next election:
http://www.radio-canada.ca/regions/estrie/2008/09/03/002-andre-bachand-retour.shtml
Best,
- Jason.
=====
. . . many thanks.
PARTY POLITICS
Federal Policy
Andre Bachand returned to the fold
http://www.google.com/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.radio-canada.ca%2Fregions%2Festrie%2F2008%2F09%2F03%2F002-andre-bachand-retour.shtml&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&sl=fr&tl=en
Quote: 12 deaths confirmed from listeriosis outbreak, federal health officials say
OTTAWA (CP) The Harper Conservatives are scoffing at the notion that the listeriosis outbreak will become an issue in a federal election that is expected to be called within days.
Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz defended his government’s handling of the outbreak Monday and doesn’t see it becoming a political albatross in a campaign.
Questions:
It appears as if the outbreak is not a responsibility of the Minister of Health, although federal health officials are being quoted regarding deaths, suspected deaths, cases and suspected cases.
Is Health Minister Clement still absent? Has he not yet returned from American conventions?
The Canadian Press article claims that the “Harper Conservatives are scoffing at the notion that the listeriosis outbreak will become an issue” in the impending federal election. It would be interesting to ask: Are the Harper Conservatives ‘scoffing’ at the significance of the other issues in the INCOME TRUST INVESTORS list as well?
CANADIAN ASSOCIATION OF INCOME TRUST INVESTORS
(1) Income trust betrayal?
(2) Firing of Linda Keen, Head of Canada’s Nuclear Safety Commission?
(3) Bribery attempt of Chuck Cadman, as revealed in Harper’s self incriminating tape recorded admissions?
(4) Now you see it, now you don’t, in and out taxpayer fraud?
(5) Farming out of food inspection to industry?
(6) Harper’s pending broken trust with Canadians over his fixed election date commitment?
http://caiti-online.blogspot.com/2008/08/harpers-canadians-must-trust-doctrine.html
«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»»§«¤»¥
I love this notion, actually a lie that Neo-cons love to throw around about Liberal elites. Exactly what is a liberal elite?
For people like Brian Wilson who think that I would direct you to the GOP who have virtually no non-white members. There convention looks like a meeting of the Rosedale Lawn Bowling Club, all white and priveliged. Get off it man, that dog won’t hunt anymore.
Remember, Republicans uphold Family Values.
By Bill-Muskoka (not anymore) on 09.04.08 9:54 am
No No Bill you only have that part right, they uphold Christian Family Values, whatever that means.
Hi The Right on 09.04.08 7:27 am,
I recall the very few in the Corporate
media, keeping the masses from hearing the GreenParty in the leaders debates
(Or other parties)
said it was because they didn’t have any MP’s siting.
If I heard right, the greenParty now has an MP? So I expect to see Miss May in the TV debates this time. I thought the greenparty should have been included in the last 2 debates.
That why I won’t feel like voting for them as a protect vote, for not letting them into the debate.
Why is are demoracy allowing the TV debate be controlled by a few in the Corporate mass media in the first place?
This need to be changed!
If they don’t let the large parties in we could have there licences pulled.
I believe having 12 MP’s sitting gives a Party extra privalages on the hill.
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2008/09/04/harper-cadman.html
Does anyone have a link to this story?
By Judy Roberts on 09.04.08 10:01 am
The above link is from cbc.ca
We need to think about this. Lets see you’re sitting in a room with a bunch of party strategist desperately thinking about how to bring down the government and you have an ex MP who may or may not be with you on the vote. So one of these propeller heads says” I hear Chuck Cadman’s vote may be available.”
What would be logically your next question if your desperate to get power no matter what the cost.
“What’s it going to cost us?” askes the man in charge.
Really can anyone with even a modicom of sense or logic not think Harper knew and even authorized this. Control freak down to his hair and makeup and he claims he didn’t know anything about a potential shift in governemnt in his favour. Another example of Truthiness.
Now the attack chicks will be seen on every MSM station and they will be sending their reporters up to Alaska turning over all the rocks looking for dirt.
By Brian Wilson on 09.04.08 9:48 am
Actually Brian
I hesitate to comment on US politics but let’s do a fact check.
It took about 5 minutes to find about Governor Palin.
When Nayor, she tried to fire her librarian because she wouldn’t ban books.
Er, this is unconstitutional. So much for those flag waving Republicans.
Oops
spelling Nayor s/b Mayor
“How many Mps do the federal parties have to have elected in the house before they are official recognized as a party by the house? I would sincerely appreciate it thanks. If you don’t know just say so,but please give me an answer thanks.”
By The Right on 09.04.08 7:27 am
Lazy, lazy, lazy!
Google is your friend (got this on my first try…). Forth sentence down…
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Official_party_status
Garth,
Can we imply people are posting as multiple users because they have the same ISP?
A few days ago you said this in response to the accusation that you were posting on a conservative site. “IP addresses registered once mean nothing without a port number, since ISPs routinely reroute traffic.”
Implying that another user posts under different aliases because their IP addreses are the same is not fair to those who post on your blog.
Kerry
You are correct on both counts, paradoxically. IP addresses can be accurate, it seems, but rarely on a one-off basis. Consistencies in dozens, or hundreds of instances does seem to indicate reliability in assuming one location/user. A single match, as in the case I referenced recently, is no proof of anything. This blog, as you might imagine, captures IP addresses and allows instant reference to previous usage. There are over 150,000 comments in the database, so draw your own conclusions as to accuracy. — Garth
I am just glad Sarah Palin is representing the Republicans–they deserve her.
BY JUDY ON 09.04.08 9:04 AM
Unfortunately, they may win. Wonder where they’re going to stick their noses in next? And of course Canada will be dragged into it.
The betting odds have narrowed a bit. Why read the polls? Bookies are pretty good at predicting.
http://www.paddypower.com/bet?action=go_type&category=SPECIALS&disp_cat_id=&ev_class_id=33&ev_type_id=5142&ev_oc_grp_ids=23034&bir_index=&AFF_ID=92728
Wonder what the media will dig up? Heard she tried to have some titles banned from her local library. I suppose King James is the only acceptable version. Glad I don’t drink that flavour of Kook-aid.
By Stephen Smith on 09.04.08 10:10 am
Okay Stephen. There is no elitist left wing media. And to make a sweeping statement about no non-white members is truly ridiculous.(you must have heard one your elitist pundits say that). Colin Powell, Condie Rice and Clarence Thomas to name but a few prominent Republicans. Statements like yours only prove my point. The vast majority of blacks support the Dems and the Dems know it but tell me anything they have done for those commumities over the years. The minority community have to wake up that they are taken for granted by the Dems in the states and Libs in Canada. Much like Obamas speeches it all sounds good but there is no substance and no track record. Face the facts there is an elitist element in both countries and both parties and I would say that Governor Palin my break that mould.
By Brian Wilson on 09.04.08 8:24 am
So good of you to offer up such a non-paritsan comment.
Why settle for Sarah, perhaps Ann Coulter is your kind of gal.
they uphold Christian Family Values, whatever that means.
By Stephen Smith on 09.04.08 10:19 am
I`m not sure what that means either but it put GWB in fore a second term and will put McCain in the WH.
I think it might be the opposite of the Dem/Lib family values as expressed by the crowd that flocks that way.
Here`s a sampler package.
“Women have always been the primary victims of war. Women lose their husbands, their fathers, their sons in combat. ” [Ed: Women's grief is more tragic than men's deaths] Hillary Clinton, Feminist – First Ladies’ Conference on Domestic Violence in San Salvador, El Salvador on Nov. 17, 1998
“No woman should be authorized to stay at home to raise her children. Society should be totally different. Women should not have that choice, precisely because if there is such a choice, too many women will make that one.” Simone de Beauvoir, author of _The Second Sex_, the book that is credited with launching the mainstream of the modern feminist movement —
The simple fact is that every woman must be willing to be identified as a lesbian to be fully feminist.” (National NOW Times, Jan.1988).
“Since marriage constitutes slavery for women, it is clear that the women’s movement must concentrate on attacking this institution. Freedom for women cannot be won without the abolition of marriage.” (radical feminist leader Sheila Cronan).
“Being a housewife is an illegitimate profession… The choice to serve and be protected and plan towards being a family-maker is a choice that shouldn’t be. The heart of radical feminism is to change that.” (Vivian Gornick, feminist author, University of Illinois, “The Daily Illini,” April 25, 1981.
By Stephen Smith on 09.04.08 10:10 am
Okay Stephen. There is no elitist left wing media. And to make a sweeping statement about no non-white members is truly ridiculous.
Actually it was said by the black Lt Governor of Viginia when asked why the party did not have more non white members. His quote was ” Yes it is what it is and its a problem.”
What elist left wing media study after study has shown that it comes out 50/50 in coverage and balance. Just another made up hysteria Brian. Your’re down 0-2 in the count swing defensively next time.
By Bonnie N BC on 09.04.08 10:29 am
Holy smokes is that the best you can do. Where did you get this fact check the National Enquirer or the Huffington Post or Daily Kos. You really should get around more and expand your horizons. May I suggest Rush Limbaugh.com for a real treat.
Er, this is unconstitutional. So much for those flag waving Republicans.
By Bonnie N BC on 09.04.08 10:29 am
Sole custody is unconstitutional yet we have the highest sole custody rate in the free world. So much for the Liberals waving the Charter around. Here`s the results.
http://www.garth.ca/weblog/2008/09/02/packed-in-the-peg/#comments
We have a situation where Canada is worse than other countries . . . and B.C. is worse than the rest of Canada
*Vancouver has the second highest amount of child support collected in Canada and also has the highest number of parent denied children. Single parent children are attributed to 80% of crime and unreported crime continues to grow.*
unintended consequences on 09.02.08 11:47
By Brian Wilson on 09.04.08 11:06 am
No – townhall minutes. Rush who?
Shoo fly, don’t bother me unless you want to discuss Canadian politics.
In Canada, only 1% of people belong to a political party, and yet we are all affected by the decisions these things make when they achieve power.
posted by Garth Turner on 09.04.08 @ 12:49 am,
There is a good reason that people do not join political parties, especially federal parties: it is a waste of time.
The main role of the membership is to provide financial and organization support for the central party. For example, Chapter 3, 12 (1) of the Liberal Constitution sets out the first purpose of the Electoral District Association, the main vehicle for member participation, is “to participate in public affairs by endorsing the person who is the candidate fo the Party for election to the House of Commons for its electoral district….” The EDA is the main vehicle for member participation but without the ability even to select its own candidate. The Conservative Party Constitution is similar.
All parties promise member participation. However, the constitutions allows the central party to over-ride those provisions and in practice that is done on a regular basis.
The members of the EDA increasingly play no role in the selection of candidates or other party affairs. No matter what their opinion of the candidate, they are expected to provide financial and campaign support. This means that party membership tends to be only attractive to “followers.”
This is only true if people allow it to be so. — Garth
STEPHEN HARPER WILL CAMPAIGN ON TRUST
http://media.hamiltonspectator.com/images/bd/03/d571454b42d8bf5c0fc7fe042fc7.jpeg
http://www.thestar.com/comment/article/490248#Comments
By Ron p on 09.04.08 10:56 am
How appropriate. When stuck for an answer throw out the old Liberal jibberish like Ann Coulter. I can see that Governor Palin has struck a nerve with lefties especially the feminists and I cannot wait for the debate. Trust me folks the more you see her the more you will realize how phony most politicians have been.
Presumably Harper hopes that campaigning on trust won’t backfire as badly as campaigning in INCOME trusts did last time.
Why should we believe him about trust when he lied about trusts?
During the inning breaks we now have to put up with the adverts stroking the Ultra Ego of you know who!
By Truth B Told on 09.04.08 2:08 am
Isn’t that the truth.
He must have a strong belief in divine right that compels him to substitute constitutional soundness with a right to impose.
I get the impression that he somehow feels entitled to rule without the burden of parliament.
He has proven to Canadians that he is quite willing to impose conditions on his own caucus and now he believes that it’s his right to impose an election on 75% of voting Canadians and even 60% of Albertans who don’t feel that it is necessary.
Couple this trend with his “not recognising Canada when he’s done” comment and you have to wonder just what does he plan to IMPOSE on us if he ever gets a majority.
I can put up with the bogus ads for now but I don’t intend to be obtruded by some far right wing government.
A “Palin” in politics?
I would vote for Michael Palin… Yunno, the guy who would give politics the “Full Monty”(Python).
Sarah is nice eye candy though. She could give ol’Julie a run for the money! No “Mystique Francaise” though…
By Brian Wilson on 09.04.08 8:24 am
Maybe we should all start praying that our God’s candidate beats your God’s candidate.
http://news.aol.com/political-machine/2008/09/02/sarah-palin-iraq-war-gods-plan/
http://jp.youtube.com/watch?v=9H-btXPfhGs
No seriously this is very scary stuff. If McCain is elected and were to die in office, not an impossibility at his age, this obviously mentally unbalanced person will become president.
How is it any different when the Christian fundamentalists pray to their God for his help in a war than when the Muslim fundamentalists pray to their God for the same thing?
We have to ask ourselves, did Harper believe this too, that the invasion of Iraq was a holy war (jihad)? Was that why he was so desparate to see Canada join in.
“Hopefully the current political class will look at Governor Palin and realize that the majority of voters want someone real to represent them not people who live in a bubble and all they have are the party talking points. Governor Palin epitomizes the word change.
By Brian Wilson on 09.04.08 8:24 am”
Do you actually know the first thing about this woman, or are you just going by the sales pitch? Because if you read what the people who actually know her and have worked with her and live in her town have to say, you will discover a person who is intolerant of dissent, whose idea of “reform” is to replace experienced staffers with her own hand-picked sycophants, who is under investigation for abuse of power, who tried to fire the local librarian for refusing to remove books that Palin found ‘offensive’, who came to office as mayor of a town a tenth the size of Milton with zero debt and left it $22 million in the hole… and on and on.
(gee, she sounds a lot like Stephen Harper.)
There is much, much more, and this link is only one of many, many similar accounts by residents of Alaska.
But hey, if McCain’s intention was to distract everyone from actually discussing the issues and the appalling record of his party and his president, then Sarah Palin has been a huge success.
“a guy like me can actually survive in this system. Tilting at windmills. Defying the odds”. – Garth
Geez, you make it sound like you’re going outside the wire in Afghanistan.
Take a deep breath!
Garth,
In Calgary the creepy ‘Harper-in-a-sweater’ Election Campaign ads have been showing up on the Comedy and Discovery channels. Are these ads counted in the election spending ceiling?
By Jennifer Smith on 09.04.08 11:58 am
You people are really testing my patience. Which Lib blog did you steal this info from? She is the most popular Governor in the US 80%+ approval rating. I am sure if you look under enough rocks you will find that 20% that will tell you something negative so you folks can try and do the Liberal thing of smearing. Why did Obama get a free ride and his background and dealings and associates are much scarier than The Gov. Get over it people a “Star was born last night (Wolf Blitzer, Anderson Cooper, Campbell Brown, Chris Wallace) and it just really is ticking off the feminists and lefties who thought Hillary would be the first woman. I am enjoying this so much I may even go and have a Latte. Watch Dion try and find someone like Palin but unfortunately for him there are no Liberals cut from this cloth. McCain has made the most difficult decision of his candidacy and it was mocked by the left wing elitists and much to their chagrine it has turner out to be a grand slam home run.
Mr. Garth TurnerMP,
I was over to see my Dad yesterday.
He just doesn’t believe the politicians any of them. They all make promises to do stuff and than breaks them. He pointed to the GST.
He’s not sure he trusted Dion, he’s just another one of the politicians.
I told him that I have heard Dion in person. He’s taller in person than on TV. I think he is a smart guy, that is not just like the rest. I tried to explain the tax breaks would offset the Carbon tax, but he doesn’t believe what politicians say. I guess harpers negative adds work on some to a point.
He’s NOT voting for harper, for sure!
He thinks he’ll vote for GreenParty to send the politicians that break there word a message, tax us more and spend more of our tax money, and don’t do what you promise. He feels he can’t do much to cut his carbon output more with out spending lots more, but a carbon tax on big polluters will just get past down to the consumer.
If the GG gives PMSH his wish?
I hope the message that is delivered to the people doesn’t get twisted by the corporate mass media, as they often do.
(Not all the media do this intentionally,
But if they don’t do what there bosses want…)
How can distrustful voters like my Dad be convinced that the Dion/Liberals will do the things that they promise and not end up costing my Dad more money, witch is what he is concerned about. And he does think Global climate change is going to get bad, but not in the near future.
(I think we will see big troubles in the not to distant future, and it’ll get really BRUTAL if we just keep going down the same road. All the talk for the last 35 years is not getting it done.)
He doesn’t think the GreenParty will get in, but if to many people just use the Green’s as a protest vote they could get in. It might not be all bad, but it might not be exactly what people want? People will need to read their whole plan and decide if it’s what to do?
(A Dion/Liberal-May/Green Government?)
I hope the voters take the few minutes to read ‘all’ the parties platforms and use there critical-thinking skills.
What plan do you think will get you, your family and others to were we need to be, short and long term, will the lease pain. The longer we put off doing what we need to do, the more painful it will be.
Or worse they’ll be no way to turn back the heating of our only world.
I’m looking forward to seeing all of the Dion/Liberal Plan when the whit is dropped. I like what I have read so far.
But my Dad is hearing the BS form Harper and not the whole GreenShift Plan. He has heard the tax on everything. He doesn’t like PMSH either.
He didn’t know about PMSH $65 ton carbon tax, and will NO personal tax breaks. Did I already mention that he doesn’t like PMSH either?
If PMSH wants to quit his job,
I hope you and the Dion/Liberal can get your message through to the people, despite all the crap/BS PMSH is, and will spread during and election. It truly stinks.
(PMSH gang has been in election mode all along. Now wonder they can’t govern. Just spend our hard earned taxes. I wonder if PMSH will leave the next government a debt like was done in Ontario by the Finance Minister Flaraty(sp?).)
I guess my Dad is entitled to his option,
Hopefully he pays more attention during an election and better understands what Dion/Liberal GreenShift truly is all about.
Mr. Dion is most likely getting my vote this time. Since I vote for the Party Leader and there plan.
PMSH and his gang will never get my vote. They are not good leaders or planners. No one is going to come and safe us from ourselves. We have big problems in this world and if we don’t really address them we’ll all be screwed. (PMSH seems to know alot about how to do that. Is PMSH insane? It takes one to own one.)
Tell your friends and neighbours to vote ABC-h. (Anything But Conservative-harper)
Read all the parties plans before voting, but do vote!
Well, I see Steve is going to the GG Sunday morning. I am sure she is thrilled to have her Sunday disrupted by this pissant excuse of a PM!
Harper to launch election Sunday
He, of course, wants to preclude the by-elections on Monday. I hope there are many Canadians there to greet him and tell him ‘Finish your job and OBEY your own law, Schmuck!’
The CPC should be billed for this election because there is no justified reason for it. That will be $300 MILLION Steve. Thank you for owning up to your costs to the taxpayers.
Any lawyers out there wanting to head a Class Action lawsuit…COUNT ME IN!
How is it any different when the Christian fundamentalists pray to their God for his help in a war than when the Muslim fundamentalists pray to their God for the same thing?By ML on 09.04.08 11:52 am
Muslims and Christians share the same God. They pray to the same imaginary figure. The difference is who their prophet is. Christians have Jesus, Muslims Mohamed.
God works in weird ways. If I was to believe what I see religious people saying, God ultimatly has the decision if people live or die, but this task was taking too long, so he told a believer to invent the gun and he could finalize his decisions quicker, in my opinion.
Dear Mr. Turner, I am sure your boss understands that you have work to do for the people in your riding!
I have a bit of a problem. My riding has historically been well represented by the NDP for decades. The previous and current MP here were and are very good. I don’t see this MP being unseated here. I would like to work for a Liberal in another riding that has a chance of taking out a Harper Con. Is this allowed?
Thanks in advance!
Hi Garth.
Check out the signs behind T. Boone Pickins;-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ToBgiP0n2Rw
One more thing Ms. Smith. You asked me if I knew this woman yet the leftie press had no problem going after her as soon as she was announced continually saying no one knows this woman. Typical Liberal response to the unknown—we don’t know her so she must be trailer trash so lets find something we can use to destroy her (Liberal handbook politics) used unsuccessfully on Mr. Harper. A new day has arrived and unfortunately for all the tree huggers it is not Obama who is the star (maybe still with the Hollywood Oprah crowd) but someone who can actually relate to common folk. In reading all the Lib blogs panic is setting in folks and they use the only tactic they have smear smear smear. The next month is going to be pure entertainment.
Big Trouble Canada!
http://tinyurl.com/6269ep
The Conservative government has posted a notice in the Canada Gazette to throw open spending on elections at the CWB and could spell similar changes to federal election law under a Tory majority.
The Wheat Board weighs in against it because it could allow a “well-financed” third party to influence election results. “This could undermine the integrity of the election process and perception of fairness,” said the board’s chair, decisions over who is elected to the board should be left to farmers.
The National Farmers sharply criticized the proposal to remove spending limits by third parties saying the measure would encourage “unlimited propaganda” during their elections this fall.
The public has 30 days to respond to the proposal.
http://tinyurl.com/6269ep
Please pay attention to to this move by Harper and do what you can to oppose it because it’s all about big business and big agriculture taking over. Please help western farmers, because third party election spending will be coming to the Federal Election level if Harper’s quest for it keeps going. Please stop this guy.
Here’s part of a post from Dee:
“A lot of ‘urban’ folk don’t understand Canadian Wheat Board but do support Western farmers. It is the farmers with very large acreages that want CWB gone not the majority small operators.
….should the CWB be removed it will be the buyers, ConAgra, Cargill etc., who will become an oligopoly or cartel. In a small town where you can only sell to one or two companies they would have the farmer by the short and curlies unless the farmer can afford to ship elsewhere. The cartel can assign whatever grade they want to the grain. Lower the grade the lower the price the corporation would have to pay farmers.
CWB is the only thing standing in the way of GM wheat [genetically modified]
Harper has allowed it ‘experimentally’ which shows how ignorant he is or wants to be about the food he eats.
Harper is behaving like a dictator. His little foray/speech on the CWB in Saskatchewan didn’t impress too many grain farmers in the west.
Free market only works when both sides play by the rules. Harper wants to give the ‘cartel’ more than an edge and it may cost him seats in the west if he pushes it through. He’s behaving as unethical and immoral as some of the big name agri-businesses.
“Control oil and you control nations; control food and you control the people.” Henry Kissinger
Giving big business control to increase shareholder value or perhaps something more sinister?? Scary.
BY DEE ON 07.01.08 9:22 PM
The full posts can be found at:
http://tinyurl.com/5l6syy
And part of one from Brain same day:
Harper vs the CWB.
Why is Harper so against the CWB? In a few words, because he is a U.S. multinational lobbyist that never gave up his old job.
Its about market share, folks. Patriots who know the value of taxes and jobs and protection of economic sectors know the reason why the CWB was given birth, why it still exists, and sadly, why its under threat to Harper. see below
http://www.psac.com/news/2008/releases/02-0208-e.shtml
If the CWB is destroyed, several things will happen. U.S. grainhandlers will own the market of international sales virtually overnight. Presently, with the reduction of Canadian grain handling market share to U.S. grain handlers, Canada simply does not have the means to compete with the U.S. for international sales with the CWB gone. The very first things is tax base shrinkage (Brent Fullard would know about this one well, same thing happened with the destruction of IT’s). The second thing would be the movement of lion’s share of grain exports to the U.S.. meaning major transition in rail traffic loads through BC and Ont/Que from the prairies rerouted south of the line and the closing of Canadian ports. The next thing to follow would be price fixing for high quality wheat world wide forcing wheat products to go through the roof. The combination of low world seed stocks and high quality wheat being sold by a U.S. monopoly exporter is double trouble for the worlds food prices in the grain sector. Second and third world nations with high populations would face major problems if faced with high food imports. Some nations would go bankrupt, others would become depressed… others would simply go without… and the nation of the U.S.A. would profit greedily off of the one nation thats presently keeping world food prices from craziness… and thats Canada.
So when you think about the future of the CWB, remind yourselves why Harper has gone through such lengths, illegal lengths to muzzle farmer elected directors of the board with illegal gag laws that violate the charter sections dealing with freedom of speech, fire elected CEO’s and directors of the board and replace government appointed directors with “lets end the wheat board” happy directors, and trying to ram through their mandate with illegal plecibites concerning barley export sales by the CWB (violating democratic principles once again). With the actions of Harper concerning the CWB alone, we are dealing with a treasonous PM, someone who has time and again, demonstrated an intolerance to democracy and freedom of speech and someone who wants over and over to create a sellout nation for the benefit of corporate amerika.
And… as you all might have guessed, this patriot wants no part of it.
BY BRAIN ON 07.01.08 3:06 AM
This is so important, I can’t believe Harper is doing this. And he will eventually do it to Federal Elections as well because he has fought in the courts for that — see news link for reminder. Third party spending means big corporations can further influence voting. That is going in the wrong direction and it’s very alarming. Harper has been trying to force this kind of unfair advertising on us for more than a decade, so corporations can send out their well-financed propaganda and stomp on the little guy.
You want a secret agenda, well there you go
The public only has 30 days to respond to the proposal. Please help the western farmers fight big agriculture, a.k.a. USA.
Man, Stephane Dion is coming out fighting for Canadians and food safety and the government’s attitude of secrecy.
He listened to Scott Reid – the mantra – It’s Harper Stupid!!
Dr. Paul Craig Roberts writes:- http://www.counterpunch.org/roberts09042008.html
The next Canadian Prime Minister and his party should invite Dr. Roberts to address the full party or the House.
Given that “most MPs think they represent parties to the people”, then proportional representation (PR) makes more sense than ever, since with PR you vote for a party, not for a person.
Brian Wilson: So what is it I said this is false?
Sarah Palin is anti-abortion, anti-gay marriage-anti birth control (unless it is abstention) anti freedom of speech (wants to ban books)
She is under investigation for wrongful dismissal and abuse of power.
She belonged to an Alaskan secessionist group.
She is an NRA member. Praise the Lord and pass the ammunition.
She has demonstrated little regard for her daughter’s feelings. She has demonstrated that she will use her family to promote her agenda.
As I said before, if you agree with her policies, that’s your right, but don’t tell me I am wrong in pointing out what she openly admits to.
Brian, you are the one who needs to look beyond Rush, Ann, Glenn Beck et al for info.
The majority of Americans are pro-choice, pro-gay rights, anti-NRA .
She may appeal to the Evangelicals–after all their only mantra is anti-abortion. You can beat your wife, kill your neighbour, sleep with the mailman, and cheat on your taxes and they will forgive all that as long as you deliver that baby.
And anyone who blames (praises) God for sending soldiers to Iraq is a wacko.
I heard her say that, too.
And didn’t she call all hockey moms pit bulls with make-up??Yeah she is a role model all right. Just not the kind of role model I want my daughters to emulate.
By Brian Wilson on 09.04.08 12:19 pm
Why don’t you go to McCain’s site to comment.? Your partisan BS will be welcome there.
Brian: So you admit you don’t know this woman yet you claim she is the saviour of all women?
What have you based your opinion on?
Hi Garth, The Libs are going to win. I used to vote NDP, and last time I voted Green, but this time I’m voting Liberal. I like Dion, but more importantly I dislike Harper so am voting Liberal since my riding will be a contest between the Libs and Cons. I have other progressive friends doing the same thing. I think a lot of people will be voting strategically this time and I predict a Liberal minority. Go Libs, go!
Garth
Is Louise Arbour running for the Liberals. It has been taken off the Montreal Gazette site.
Grant cut called ‘vengeful’ act by Baird
Article Comments (7) FIONA MORROW
From Thursday’s Globe and Mail
September 4, 2008 at 5:44 AM EDT
VANCOUVER — Environmentalists across Canada are accusing Environment Minister John Baird of playing politics after last week’s rescinding of a $100,000 grant to the Sierra Club of B.C.
John Bennett, former executive director of the Climate Action Network and former senior policy adviser on energy for the Sierra Club of Canada, called the funding cut “clearly a vengeful act” by Mr. Baird. The grant, in support of a community-based climate-change initiative, had been approved through the EcoAction Community Funding program in May, 2008, with a signed contract. “It’s clear in my mind that [Mr. Baird] heard his staff had given the Sierra Club money and he went and punished them,” added Mr. Bennett, now director of communications for the Green Party.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080904.wbcgreen04/BNStory/National/?page=rss&id=RTGAM.20080904.wbcgreen04
This is how these CONs do business with environmental groups? YOU I like, YOU I don’t like. What are we going to hear next, that they’re giving money to Dr. Tim Ball? Oh, I forgot, they already are, through the secretive donation process of the Friends of Science.
Anybody who gives a tinker’s damn about the environment, any part of it, smog, air quality, had better think hard before casting their ballots and allowing Harper to continue on the destructive path he’s already begun to take this country and this world down.
Layton and May can’t stop him. All they can do is help him get elected again and ensure that the dismantling of the environment and our country continues, all for the benefit of a chosen handful of major corporations and his Republican puppet masters.
The idea of this ideology driven deciever ever being given a chance at a majority, i.e. license to do WHATEVER he likes with this great country, the ultimate control freak’s personal toy, should be enough to terrify anyone not already under his cult’s spell.
All people that love Canada need to vote together.
Stop NOT A LEADER HARPER.
Governor Palin epitomizes the word change.
By Brian Wilson on 09.04.08 8:24 am”
Epitomises????
What speech were you listening to last night that made you think it was so great?
Aside from her introduction of herself and family to the world, the rest of the speech was typical republican BS.
McCain voted 90% with Bush and will continue that mandate to no end and your gal can not CHANGE that movement.
The Republicans have put the US and it’s citizens in a huge debt hole and your gal can not CHANGE that situation.
McCain said he would stay in Iraq for a 100 years if necessary and your gal can not CHANGE his mind.
For 40 years now, this new right wing conservative movement has pursued an agenda so insidious in nature that no one , not even Sarah, McCain or Harper can alter it’s direction.
Contrary to what you might think, they are not bigger than their parties nor the people behind this movement. They were picked because they will not CHANGE the neo-con agenda . They were hand picked to protect it at all costs and unfortunately the dearest cost of all has been the lives of Canadian and American men and women of our armed forces.
This movement will not tolerate CHANGE. Don’t believe me, just ask Garth, he has experienced the wrath.
In all due respect,the only experience with making a CHANGE that Sarah may have has more to do with diapers than policy.
But that’s just my non-partisan point of view.
By Barb the proofreader on 09.04.08 12:13 pm
Right on Barb
I was “forced” to watch Harpo on Discovery, Space, and TSN last night. At least four occasions, and as a dedicated channel hopper, I think I also saw one on CBC. Montreal region.
That is a LOT of $$$$$$ spent on air time. They are seeming more frequent on the tube, particularly since I do not really watch a lot of TV – much prefer online – and try to avoid any commercials.
Interesting to note, though, the absence of minorities in their message. And the women only comment on “family issues”… Seems they could only get one oriental family cameo to go along with their message.
Is there a philosophy based pattern here?
Is Global TV News aware that they are broadcasting the news primarily in Canada to Canadians? Yesterday the Palin story took the lead over our fallen and wounded Canadian soldiers.
This is not right. Personally, I feel offended by this attitude. Additionally, American politics gets the lion’s share of their coverage.
To throw a further twist into the IP debate….As I understand it, it is not unheard of for someone to hijack a computer for nefarious purposes, thus hiding their own IP. The victim is usually totally unaware that their computer is being controlled or being used to spread a virus.
Big Trouble Canada!
BY BARB THE PROOFREADER ON 09.04.08 12:53 PM
I wasn’t too impressed. From what I’ve heard neither are the farmers who are against the single desk system. Harper’s version of democracy has raised the eyebrows of his supporters.
Read an article that Sarkozy (big Bush supporter) was going to allow gm corn to be grown in France but then changed his mind. Guess Monsanto wasn’t too impressed. They’re just itching to get in there. The rest of Europe will be a lot easier.
Mr. Dion’s press conference in Winnipeg this morning about the listeriosis crisis is a wake-up call for all Canadians. Walkerton and listeriosis are only the tip of the iceberg that we can expect from a neo-conservative government.
Several reporters at the press conference asked about the philosophical differences between the Harperites and the Liberals. I wasn’t overly impressed with the responses. Not to put too fine a point on it, but IMHO it’s important for Liberals to tell Canadians in the clearest possible terms about the fundamental principles of the Straussian/Flanagan/Harper ideology. What it comes down to is, you’re on your own – not a difficult concept for even the most disinterested Canadians.
As Dion explained several times, Harper does indeed have a ‘secret agenda’ which is secret because Harper knows that Canadians would throw him out in a heartbeat if they knew what it is.
Environmentalists across Canada are accusing Environment Minister John Baird of playing politics after last week’s rescinding of a $100,000 grant to the Sierra Club of B.C.
By ML on 09.04.08 1:32 pm
ML, this is just the kind of behaviour that burns me to no end.
I have a great admiration for groups like the Sierra Club, Parkland Institute and the Polaris Institute just to name a few.
I personally don’t have the time to research and then recommend various ways to make our Canada a better and more responsible society.
But these groups pursue that responsibility of keeping our citizens informed of gov’t policy that may affect our environment and way of life.
I would rather see the $400 million price tag of this unnecessary election go to these groups, for they are our eyes, our hears and our voices.
I thank them for their work and representation of every Canadian who dearly loves this country.
No one should play politics with mother nature, It’s not nice to fool her.
Brian Wilson is blind and fumbling with explosives in an inappropriate manner.
Naming Palin as VP is a high insult to women
My great-grandmother was the first and only woman to vote in Senecca in 1922 because of thugs who tried to stop women from voting. She was a suffragette. I also have distant ancestors involved in the underground railroad before that. All their dreams are coming true except one.. that’s now a nightmare..
Instead of naming a qualified woman, a female is being held up as a piece of meat for voters to salivate over. This is an enormous step backwards. Women are, as usual, being punished by the old boys club by the same old method — using religion as the catalyst. The Republicans have slapped American women in the face as usual, by exampling their idea that there is no such thing as a qualified woman.
Interesting to note, though, the absence of minorities in their message. And the women only comment on “family issues”… Seems they could only get one oriental family cameo to go along with their message.
I would like to say that, as a visible minority, there does seem to be an underlying message in these ads.
Funny how the only token minorities were asians (the stereotypical “good” kind *wink* *wink*) in the televised ads, with no accent whatsoever. And of course, as pointed out, the only women portrayed/valued were the “soccer-mom” types.
Image is important afterall, and clearly there is a brand here that they are trying to espouse (or at least someone down the pipeline is trying to) which is lock-step with their Reform roots.
But, what can anyone expect with the level of juvenile messaging these political hacks embrace. And to think they spend tens of millions of dollars on this tripe…kinda puts their mismanagement of the economy in perspective….
Austin
That is a LOT of $$$$$$ spent on air time
~ MAYBE RHINO1:41PM
Rhino,
We’ve also cut back waaa-ay back on viewing, so it’s a amazing we even saw one ad, let alone four and counting. The money must be corporate. I posted a few days back, that during In & Out proceedings so far, no one seemed to notice a testimony that CPC party membership was called randomly, and of 100 people called, only 1 person had actually paid. The rest did not know of their membership. Could that only mean one thing, that the Conservatives have been taking out memberships in the names of unaware citizens in order to dilute the huge over-abundance of unaccountable, I dare say illegal funding they receive? Am I wrong?
By Judy on 09.04.08 1:20 pm
All typical radical left wing talking points. I suppose you prefer your daughter to grow up to be like that enabler Hillary Clinton. You folks are sending the feminist movement back to 70′s. I hope you are using an alias and your not really a woman. If you are you should be ashamed. This woman has accomplished more in her 44 years including bringing 5 beautiful children into the world and having a successful career and now running for VP of the US of A and you have the gall to bring up all these loonie talking points. You people are such hypocrites it is beyond belief.
I know its been said before but I think it bears repeating after another triple digit loss on the TSX, led by commodities, Canada’s big asset. Its down over 900 in three days.
Garth this has to be largely about the economy come Sunday noon. The dog and lap dog show has to end. The Cons cannot be allowed to hid behind a smoke and mirrors show during this campaign as I think they plan to. If its going to be all about leadership fine, make it leadership on the economy, or lack there of.
Don’t these ‘Green Shift Improvements’ simply amount to robbing Peter to pay Paul?
Thank God for Palin. The wacko foamers on this page were running out of fresh meat rip at.
meltdown in progress
How appropriate. When stuck for an answer throw out the old Liberal jibberish like Ann Coulter. I can see that Governor Palin has struck a nerve with lefties especially the feminists and I cannot wait for the debate. Trust me folks the more you see her the more you will realize how phony most politicians have been.
By Brian Wilson on 09.04.08 11:35 am
What makes you think that Sarah Palin is not a right-wing feminist? She certainly would not consider herself inferior to men. I would guess that she is totally supportive of the concept of the theory of the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes including the belief that she does not have to to sacrifice her family for her political ambitions.
I would say that Sarah Polin is the quintessential right wing feminist.
By Brian Wilson on 09.04.08 12:28 pm
You sure must be on something good, I have never heard so much rubbish in one day from one person in my life…Obama will will by 5%, McCain, in choosing Palin, showed he cannot make good decisions, he lept before looking, not a quality one wants to see in a leader, we saw that with Bushie…he is a Bushie, and will bring more wars not peace. As for the economy, both the rethuglicans and the CPC are driving our countries into deficit. The best manager of the countries finances was Paul Martin…it is the Libs and the Dems who are fiscally responsible, it is the Reps and CPC who have adopted the tax and spend philosphy. Just ask Ontario…LMAO…
And now out for a nice dinner, and then to check tomorrow on how we can get Garth re-elected in Halton. (Not Halton Hills)
By Bill-Muskoka (not anymore) on 09.04.08 1:22 pm
Someone has to bring some sanity to this blog otherwise (with the departure of Harry and Leasa) you guys might actually start believing what you post on here.
You want a secret agenda, well there you go
The public only has 30 days to respond to the proposal. Please help the western farmers fight big agriculture, a.k.a. USA.
By Barb the proofreader on 09.04.08 12:53 pm
Hi Barb
This has never been a secret – he went before the Supreme Court of Canada because he does not believe in election financing limits aka the US. He lost.
I don’t know how to say this diplomatically but Mr. Harper is looking more and more like a nutbar.
Why would he cut major arts and culture programs and do this stealth Wheat Board move and try and change the channel on food safety for industry just before an election? His base would vote for a Conservative cardboard cut-out.
I cannot fathom Harper’s strategy – M. Dion is taking the highroad.
Any theories?
By Bill-Muskoka (not anymore) on 09.04.08 12:22 pm
I heard that if the by elections are cancelled due to a general election, taxpayers are on the hook for $3.5 mil for the cost of the uneeded byelections. Hopefully the candidates can reuse their signs and not need to replace the ones up currently with new signs. Could start to house homeless and other positive things with that sort of money. Guess I will keep going to work to pay for governments who could give a damn on where and how the tax dollars keep rolling in, as long as the dollars keep rolling in.
So one of these propeller heads says”
By Stephen Smith on 09.04.08 10:27 am
RLMAO! I have to ask you, are these piston driven or turbine powered? Not that it matters! Should they be replaced by the ram jet sets? Well, have a nice day, anyway, eh!
In all due respect,the only experience with making a CHANGE that Sarah may have has more to do with diapers than policy.
But that’s just my non-partisan point of view.
By Ron p on 09.04.08 1:36 pm
Those are the same straws the Democrats are clinging to as Biden sinks the ship.
In all due respect,the only experience with making a CHANGE that Sarah may have has more to do with diapers than policy.
But that’s just my non-partisan point of view.
By Ron p on 09.04.08 1:36 pm
ROFLMAO! Good analogy Ron. at least she matches McCain, because they are both impotent.
The members of the EDA increasingly play no role in the selection of candidates or other party affairs. No matter what their opinion of the candidate, they are expected to provide financial and campaign support. This means that party membership tends to be only attractive to “followers.”
This is only true if people allow it to be so. — Garth
By C. B. Innes on 09.04.08 11:19 am
I partially agree with what you are stating, but you also are ignoring that in today’s complex high intensity society, most people also do not have time or inclination to devote to party membership. This is another reason why I advocate the more democratic paradigm that a Primary Voting System which inherently promotes both inclusiveness and equality of participation.
Where a Primary System properly designed allows for “write in” candidates, the resident registered voters can over-ride any parachuted candidate if they so choose. Research the details and possibilities and decide for yourself if this is a better option to recalibrate our democracy!
Mr. Garth TurnerMP, or anyone, Question/link for?
Could you post the link to were PMSH has plans for the $65 Ton carbon TAX trading system, and will out any personal tax cuts to offset the added cost we all will be given do to this PMSH $65/Ton Carbon TAX!?
(It (harpers carbon TAX) sound quit regressive.
Mr. Dion/Liberal Carbon ‘SHIFT’ plan is a much better way to go.
No wonder PMSH’s gang is keeping quiet on this, as they try to do with so many other things they don’t want the masses to find out about, what they have been up to.)
I also recall there will be an economic cost to the Canadian economy because of PMSH $65/Ton carbon TAX.
(Do you know if the Ton is a metric Ton or an imperial Ton?)
I recall it (the link) was on the big screen at the Turner/Dion Town Hall in Oakville.
I didn’t get it written down.
I would appreciate having it, so I can send the link to my Dad to see, and look at it again myself.
At lease Mr. DionMP/Liberal ‘CarbonSHIFT’
Will not increase overall costs to Canadians.
I can see it leveling the playing field for corporations to give them an incentive to become more energy efficient and dump less carbon into the planets air, as well as all the other pollutants that goes with it.
But if you’re outside Canada I guess you’ll have to pay a bit more for Canada’s Coal/Oil/Gas.
Maybe indirectly we can recoup the money and more, that PMSH gave to Bush with the BAD for Canada, soft wood lumber deal, and the income trust companies the USA corporations bout up after the Halloween massacre that PMSH lie about doing.
Thank you/anyone in advance for links.
By Kerry on 09.04.08 10:42 am
Have you perchance thought of the possibility that multiple posters using the same ISP might just be multiple personalities of the same poster? Split personality disorder is a recognized syndrome is it not?
Garth after reading the media and blogs today it is crystal clear that the Liberals need to upgrade the nice boy image to tough but fair. If you continue to let Harper and his MSM throw mud in your face without reply you deserve to lose!!!
If Harper says the truth question it. If he says anything not quite the truth call it a lie. If he goes on his past record question it. If he makes personal attacks question his own integrety. How hard is it to ask how much he is going to spend on police, courts and prison on his tough on crime strategy? How hard is it to question how much he will spend on the military without canceling programs and how he will deal with cost over runs and by the way how have those tanks he leased been working out in Afganistan?
How long are you going to allow the MSM to say things like “the so called green shift” or the “Alleged green tax” or the “tax on everything green plan”??? Just like the “socialist” NDP and the “seperatist” bloc the MSM too often takes the easy road in labeling parties with a portion of their platform ignoring anything else. A simple question by Dion could change that. “Is the media in Canada trying to influence the election by making statements like… when this is the biggest change in taxation since the GST as well as the other parties plans that will make the same major changes. All of these plans are real and will change everyones lives so it is only good reporting to refer to them as “real”. By being this polite you accomplish two things, first the media will have to question every article to ensure fairness and second, Dion will destroy the myth of “not a leader” as some writers will pick up on this themselves as well as references to other parties showing Dion as a leader who faced with a minority will work with others to make a successful government.
Your choice Garth, stand up to the bully or lose! All we can ask for is an MSM that accurately and fairly represents all parties platforms. When they simply spew out Harpers talking points that is going over the line and they need to be called out. And when predictably some of the media attack the accuser they need to be called out again on their bias.
An important lecture for all readers:-
http://globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=va&aid=10063
Brian -
Last time I checked, the New York Times wasn’t a member of Liblogs. Nor is the Anchorage Daily News. This is all pretty easy to verify. But hey, why let a few facts get in the way of the narrative, right?
Personally, I’m still trying to get my head around a $22 million debt for a town of 7,000. Just… wow. Mind you, if you work that out per capita, it’s about a tenth of the national debt the Republicans have built up.
(BTW, best quote of the day goes to Gloria Steinem: “Sarah Palin shares nothing but a chromosome with Hillary Clinton”)
Trust me folks the more you see her the more you will realize how phony most politicians have been.
By Brian Wilson on 09.04.08 11:35 am
She’s a far right wing Evangelical. If that’s your bag, go for it Brian. The majority of Canadians do not agree with your POV. She’s also not without baggage.
Brian Wilson on 09.04.08 12:19 pm
….. it has turner out to be a grand slam home run.
I’m a bit puzzled at the context of this comment, sticking it in at the end of your lengthy defence of Ms. Palin.
However, I certainly applaud and agree with your sentiment. Garth will be a grand slam home run!
Regards
EhBC
Given that “most MPs think they represent parties to the people”, then proportional representation (PR) makes more sense than ever, since with PR you vote for a party, not for a person.
By Ian on 09.04.08 1:19 pm
Proportional Rep. is more undemocratic because you do not get to nominate your member and worse still you do not have a member representing your area. This is why Primary Elections are superior, because every one gets the opportunity to register and participate, not just party members! You don’t have to be a republic either!
By unintended consequences on 09.04.08 11:16 am
Regarding sole custody laws and stats, what makes you think that the feds are more responsible for BC having the highest perentage of sole custody cases than the provincial government of BC itself?
And why do you believe that sole custody is the only reason for high crime rates by teens raised by sole custody parents?
Don’t get me wrong, teens that have more parental time spent on them are generally better off, (generally…) you have a point correlating sole custody to high teen crime rates, but there are other things to consider here. Governmental jurisdiction over custody cases, as well as actual parental time spent on children are not the whole of it.
The trama of divorce itself, of financial pressures put on sole custody parents trying to raise kids on their own usually with no financial support from the other parent, and the legitimate reasons why some parents have been granted sole custody… these are all factors that governments often have little control over other than passing laws and making decisions that effect the economic, social, criminal environments that can and do breed divorces or vice versa.
Government provides a macro environment framework and we are all products of our environment, true. But government does not provide the “micro environment”. Governments don’t decide who people are.
Often, sole custody is related to one parent being dysfunctional in the marrage. Generally, dysfunctional marrages don’t make for excellent environments for raising kids to begin with even if the marriage lasts.
The argument can be strongly made that the teens committing crimes in a sole custody environment would have been just as criminal if they were raised by a couple that had a dysfunctional marriage. Are any of us really surprised that a bad marriage/divorce is hard on kids and that it leads them to bad choices later on?
Lets assume for a second that you are right and that the absence of two parents raising kids is the primary reason for teens committing high percentages of crimes. What do you suggest government does about this?
Do you suggest that the government can fix this by getting rid of sole custody in a divorce regardless of a history of violence, drugs or pycologically disturbing behavior from one or both spouses, do you somehow think getting rid of sole custody will work and teens won’t commit crimes?
Some stats are ugly. Kids that get raised in harsh environments have their odds against them. Is there any surprise to these stats? Look at the overall. Ask what the government can do or can’t do. What are the limits and boundaries of government. What is the most/least a government can do…
In the end it comes down to the simple fact that we are products of our own environments. The glorification of violence and crime in the media, economic factors, social changes in laws, norms, mores, education, health, councilling, tax laws, food and drug laws and regs, the economy… the mere example of an MP has its effect on society however small people might think it to be. Thats a taste of the macro environment and we, again, are truly products of our own environment. But the macro environment is just the half of it. The micro environment counts too and some say, “trumps” the macro. Back to the main question.
Is sole custody a cause to a high crime rate with teenagers? Or is sole custody a symptom. Often, there is never just one sole answer to it, nice and neat.
Reverse engineering, deconstructing, it often works for me. Trace things to their origins. Why does sole custody exist in the first place would be for me, an excellent starting point in understanding the issue at its fullest. If we start there, we’ll see why tax laws should be more family orientated, why morgage regulations matter, why social programs and assistance matters, why education should be provided by tax money, why daycare spaces are an important issue and all the rest.
Oh. And could you provide a link to back up your stat? Thanks.
I poked through the archive here, and found when Garth has revealed Conservative Party Trolls, their moniker was sometimes famous pop musicians. Hmm.. is history repeating itself?
Who is the most famous Beach Boy?
McCain has made the most difficult decision of his candidacy and it was mocked by the left wing elitists and much to their chagrine it has turner out to be a grand slam home run.
By Brian Wilson on 09.04.08 12:19 pm
In your & your Republicans mind only Brian.
The rest of what you said made me LOL. Time for you to take out an American Citizenship, me thinks. Is Ann Coulter married, per chance!!
The system is broken? And a huge part of that “broken” system are the people that make up political parties.
Let’s use YOUR party as an example. I would how long ago the Liberals would have pushed for an election if Dion had say a 50% approval rating in the polls? Ya’ll talk about this broken system, well dude, you’re part of it. For ALL of you..it’s not about the people but about power, how you get it, and how you hang on to it. Otherwise Dion would have toppled the government months or years ago.
As for this whole IP thing, let me give you a quick tutorial how IP works. If 5 different people are posting from the same IP it means
1. The 5 people are the same people using different names
2. The IP is the IP of a proxy at a business/company/library/etc with multiple computers attached. A specific home user on a single computer with a single Rogers connection CANNOT have the same IP as someone down the road or across the globe. It’s a unique identifier.
PS. As for Palin, does anyone care about this woman? She’s “anti sex ed” but her 17 year old daughter is preggie. The party says it’s a “personal family matter”. Of course if it was OBAMA’s 17 year old daughter it would be open season on Obama.
Irvine: Who uses wind power & didn’t need a “tax” to get me to buy it.
That is a LOT of $$$$$$ spent on air time. They are seeming more frequent on the tube, particularly since I do not really watch a lot of TV – much prefer online – and try to avoid any commercials.
Interesting to note, though, the absence of minorities in their message. And the women only comment on “family issues”… Seems they could only get one oriental family cameo to go along with their message.
Is there a philosophy based pattern here?
By maybe Rhino? on 09.04.08 1:41 pm
Rhino – It’s almost impossible to watch any TV without Harpo’s disgusting ads. When they come on, I flip the channel. I’m sure that most Cdns. must get sick of them as they do most repetiticious ads that slag the same over & over. After awhile most people just tune out.
Garth, did Stephane cancel his speech in Winnipeg this morning because people like you left early?
This was a huge disappointment for those of us who live in the Winnipeg area? Do we not count when it comes to getting a chance to hear the leader of a national party?
The speech was not public, so you missed nothing. Did you go to the Town Hall? Of course you didn’t. After all, this is the sixth name you have used to dump on this blog today. Also your last. — Garth
And didn’t she call all hockey moms pit bulls with make-up??Yeah she is a role model all right. Just not the kind of role model I want my daughters to emulate.
By Judy on 09.04.08 1:20 pm
Judy – I couldn’t agree with you more. She’s a NUT case IMO. But, what else can you expect from the ultra rightwing Evangelical core supporters. How sad that American politicians have succumbed to religious followers in order to gain votes. I thought the US constition was partly about the separation of church & state. Unfortunately, we also have an Evangelical as our PM.
You want a secret agenda, well there you go
The public only has 30 days to respond to the proposal. Please help the western farmers fight big agriculture, a.k.a. USA.
By Barb the proofreader on 09.04.08 12:53 pm
Barb, big agriculture is who? Does it include Cargill Corp., Monsanto, Intercontinental Packers, Tyson, because these are not the USA, but multi-national conglomerates who may or may not be domiciled in America. All it takes is for a minor change in tax laws and these Corporations move their headquarters to an offshore haven or foreign country.
Did you see the lobbying against CN in Chicago neighborhoods recently that included much anti-Canadianism! Well excuse me, but if you research the ownership of Canadian National and Canadian Pacific does that not come up as Chicago? Both corporations have tried to hide behind the shortened logos to avoid identification as Canadian. Both corporations have purchased many small American RRs, as well! What is more important is not where the headquarters are domiciled, but where do the operational orders come from! If that is American, so be it, and call a spade a spade, but identify who the specific corporations are not the country!
Canada Steamship Lines, is that Canadian or is it the country of registration? But, I bet the operations orders emanate from ?Montreal!
I know that what you are pointing to is far bigger than just the control of the Canadian Wheat Board, it is about the whole paradigm of the private family owned farm versus the large corporate agricultural corporations owning vast tracts of land and the attendant problems of proper stewardship of the soil, trees, water tables, pesticide residues, to name a few.
The North American business model requires financial bottom line performance EVERY QUARTER YEAR and that is not the proper budgeting and forecasting cycle for proper land management. This was documented on CBC Radio one night this past July!
An election is coming we are being told!
I am probably like many people in this country – not impressed! Not impressed with the current Conservatives and less impressed with the Liberal option. No I do not find a home with the Greens or the NDP.
The Partisans on this blog make me grimace. It is impossible to take you people seriously – your language and words are so over the top and often not true – kind of like many of the politicians.
I do not agree with all that Barack Obama says but how he says is it is a refreshing change – unlike Dion who goes into a Harper harangue attack that sends the partisan supporters into a frenzy but turns me off.
Mr. Obama has something our polticians lack. Presence! He has ideas and a vision that attempts to include all. He doesn’t name call or belittle his opponents – in fact he shows them respect. He states where he disagrees and why. I don’t believe he would fit in the Liberal or Conservative parties.
Ho hum – we will hear Dion trying to be tough and Harper trying to be sweet – and then vote and probably end up with more of what we already have!
GRIMACE!
By Barb the proofreader on 09.04.08 12:53 pm
Quite right, Barb. Harper is nothing more than a U.S. multinational corporate lobbyist and the sooner we get rid of corp lobbyists in North America, the better off everyone will be.
Getting rid of 3rd party election campaign spending limits simply means that corporations/groups/organizations/political parties can through propanganda and advertizing, buy elections. If it happens in Canada federally, we will have elections very similar to the U.S. and an end result that is the same. Quite simply, we’ll have a Corporate rule of government and in reality, we already have that now to a lesser degree with Harper. Give him more power and he’ll make it permanent.
What is also worrisome with Harpers proposals with the CWB elections laws is in Bill C -21. Within the proposed bill, there is an amendment to the existing Canadian Wheat Board Act that will make it illegal for farmers to load their own grain on rail cars. (I know some farmers that are doing this now and they are pissed) If this ammendment is passed through the commons, we will see the end of farmers ever having the legal ability to ever start up another pool like the Saskatchwan Wheat Pool.
This amendment favors corporate interests only, but like I say, Harper has always put corporate interests ahead of ordinary Canadians. Its no mistake or one off, folks. Its an oft repeated pattern and its an ugly one with Harper.
Barb the Proofreader mentioned that Harper-in-a-vest was on the Comedy Channel.
He’s found his niche at last.:)
Seriously though, those ads are downright scary. They should only be aired outside of prime time and come with a warning:
Warning:- the following video contains unsuitable language, may cause anger and violence, and the images may be disturbing to some viewers.
Voter discretion is advised.
—–
Off topic, and I promise I won’t mention it again, but Sarah Palin is being described by some U.S. papers as a pit bull with lipstick. How about that for a nightmare inducing idea. But maybe some people are titillated by the idea of that gnawing at their vitals.
BTW, the National Enquirer is reporting that Saint Sarah had a rip-roaring affair with her husband’s business partner. Before everyone sniffs at the source (so to speak) remember that the Nat Enq was the first to break the story of the Edwards affair and his lust child, months and months ago. No one believed them then. They’re laughing now.
—–
Harper – nasty man, nasty amibitions, nasty temper, nasty tactics.
What’s not to like?
Let’s hope they spend themselves into obscurity.
But advertising at a baseball game? Unforgiveable. Was Harper on the Jumbotron?
How suitable.
—–
Go, Garth! Don Turner del Halton. As an environmentalist friend of mine in California puts it – “Winning over the world, one windmill at a time.”
To Mr.Turner 7:27 am
“How many Mps do the federal parties
have to have elected in the house before they are official recognized as a party by the house? I would sincerely appreciate it thanks. If you don’t know just say so,but please give me an answer thanks.”
“Twelve. — Garth”
Thank You Mr.Turner I appreciate it,I wasn’t sure.
In all due respect,the only experience with making a CHANGE that Sarah may have has more to do with diapers than policy.
But that’s just my non-partisan point of view.
By Ron p on 09.04.08 1:36 pm
I saw a program today that basically said how dare the pro Dem supporters question Paulin’s family matters but asked why then did she purposely parade her family at the Convention last eve.
And didn’t she call all hockey moms pit bulls with make-up??Yeah she is a role model all right. Just not the kind of role model I want my daughters to emulate.
By Judy on 09.04.08 1:20 pm
I saw the clip on this mornings news where she said the difference between a hockey mom and a neighborhood organizer is lipstick! Well what I want to see is what the real color is when that lipstick is wiped off! Cosmetics do not a President make, and I know she does not know what she can never experience as a white, educated, affluent woman. She should put on a full actresses make up as a black woman and go into most American neighborhoods and learn what it is like. The biggest eye opener that one American Actor ever got was when he went out of the theatre where he was playing a famous American blackman with a very good make up job and he went down the street to have lunch. He was totally shocked and wrote a documentary about it! As a white Canadian commercial driver of one million miles and 1 1/2 decades cross bordering into 45 states of the USA, I too saw it. Veni, vici, vomitea!
Interesting to note, though, the absence of minorities in their message. And the women only comment on “family issues”… Seems they could only get one oriental family cameo to go along with their message.
Is there a philosophy based pattern here?
By maybe Rhino? on 09.04.08 1:41 pm
Also heard but didn’t watch the convention, tho parts of it have been repeated on Newsworld all day long, that they zooomed in on one black delegate. Seems like there was only one in the audience.
Governor Palin epitomizes the word change.
By Brian Wilson on 09.04.08 8:24 am”
Hows life treating you in the states, Brian? I take it you understand why Republicans use the words “Liberal” and “socialist” as though they are dirty labels and how inferior everything is that is “so very French”. (it always reeked of belittling others to build themselves up to me for some reason)
I’ve always mused at how a cult is defined. The only difference between the snakes that have fangs from the ones who don’t is defined within their usual slogan, “our way is the only way (or else)”. Enjoying your hang time in your pit of choice?
All people that love Canada need to vote together.
Stop NOT A LEADER HARPER.
By ML on 09.04.08 1:32 pm
I know from your post ML that you are as upset as I am. We really have to show the average Canadian citizens what a Harper majority will do to this country. Heck, we’ve already seen what he’s done with a minority, with the help of the NDP.
Great editoral cartoon:
http://www.thespec.com/Opinions/article/429276
Garth
Now I know you cannot read too much into M.Ps pulling the plug. Personal lives are put on hold; the hours are ridiculous, ridiculous travel to and from the riding, you lose touch with your family and it cannot be easy to have one of the least respected jobs in Canada.
But when Monte Solberg announced he would not run I thought really? My favourite “new” Conservative M.P. Bob Mills left earlier in June. Now both of these guys were Reformers and have served Mr. Harper well.
But I thought it was odd that the very funny Solberg would seek other horizons right now. And then I examined the roots of Conservatives not running in the election eliminating Dave Batters for health reasons and Mr. Emerson because he is unelectable and Mr. Hern doubtful and Myron Thompson because I think he really wanted to retire.
Norman Doyle PC
Ken Epp Reform
Brian Fitzpatrick CanadianAlliance
Art Hanger Reform
Betty Hinton CanadianAlliance
Bob Mills Reform
Brian Pallister CanadianAlliance
Carol Skelton CanadianAlliance
Monte Solberg Reform
John Williams Reform
So how many reformers are left? One wonders if the Harris government leftovers have shaped some ranker within the party. Or is it the ever controlling Mr. Harper?
Who knows? But I thought it was food for thought.
“May I suggest Rush Limbaugh.com for a real treat.” – Brian Wilson
Good Lord!
Er, Brian, I remember the name Brian Wilson from a few comments on this site, but I don’t remember any comments being over-the-top or purely partisan. Could it be that you are a neo-Republican sleeper who has dropped his cover and lept into action?
What is going on? I can understand Emerson and Hearn not running but Solberg is a major surprise since his seat would be secure.
I was surprised that did not gain much profile in the new Conservative government. He played a much more active role as an opposition critic but few cabinet ministers achieved much of a profile in the Harper government.
I am absolutely furious at Stephen Harper. How can any decent human being support that man? In my opinion, he is a megalomaniac. How can anyone want to be associated with him in his party if they care about their country? Maybe he only attracts power hungry people to be neocons
He wants to keep on as Canada’s Prime Minister and he absolutely demonstrates no care, respect or interest in Canadians financially, or ethically. He spends Canadian taxpayer’s money like water. He is waiting until Sunday, September 7, 2008 to possibly call an election when there are bi-elections called for Monday, September 8, 2008. Why couldn’t he of called the election today or tomorrow? He is just playing games and has no interest in the welfare of this country in my opinion. His politics surely are the dirtiest ever.
He manipulatively, in his own need for power, calls an general election which will cost Canadians 300 million to 400 million dollars plus all the costs involved with the cancelled bi-elections—payment of support personnel, rental of halls, advertising and printing costs by the government. He wastes our money on polls, ten percenters, and cancelled elections. He cares not for me nor thee. This man needs to go.
I sure hope this election is fought on trust and respect because he will surely lose. He is worse by far than Mulroney whom I mistakenly voted for. In my opinion, his behavior is devious, deceitful, unethical, and manipulative. Do we want that in our Prime Minister?
Apparently the Liberal gettogether was wrapping up, early, on Thursday morning so Garth wasn’t the only one pulling out and heading home early. The others just did it with less drama.
Ok. The new Harper ad is super creepy! Garth: are you legally allowed to have election type ads before an election is called? Doesn’t this violate election laws and spending limits? Also, can we only donate to our own candidates?
THANK YOU BLOGGERS!
It is great to see so many of you requesting copies of my strategic voting reports.
For all of you that have asked… BY ALL MEANS PASS THE REPORT ON TO ANYONE YOU KNOW WHO HAS AN INTEREST IN DEFEATING THE HARPER CONSERVATIVES!
EVERY STRATEGIC VOTE COUNTS!!!!
TS
strategicvoting@yahoo.ca
For more information on how you can help defeat the Harper Conservatives by casting your ballot on a strategic basis email me at strategicvoting@yahoo.ca and indicate whether you want a BC, Prairie, Ontario, Quebec or Maritime riding assessment.
Apparently the Liberal gettogether was wrapping up, early, on Thursday morning so Garth wasn’t the only one pulling out and heading home early. The others just did it with less drama.
By Simon on 09.04.08 5:31 pm
I like Garth’s drama. It helps to make this blog and him a little more colorful and it is positive. Too bad you don’t have some of his creative writing skills.
“Ok. The new Harper ad is super creepy! Garth: are you legally allowed to have election type ads before an election is called? Doesn’t this violate election laws and spending limits? Also, can we only donate to our own candidates?
By Jody on 09.04.08 5:38 pm”
Hi Jody, I donated to both the Federal Liberal Party and to Garth’s local riding even though I am not in his riding.
TS
strategicvoting@yahoo.ca
For more information on how you can help defeat the Harper Conservatives by casting your ballot on a strategic basis email me at strategicvoting@yahoo.ca and indicate whether you want a BC, Prairie, Ontario, Quebec or Maritime riding assessment.
I’d like to see some Liberal ads where real Canadian women (NOT just Con MP daughters and staffers) talk about what they think of Stephen Harper.
So Garth. Rumour has it you were turfed from the Lib-luv-fest and that’s why you’re really home in Halton right now. Is that why you’ve titled your post “sorry boss?” A little covert a$$-kissing?
Yeah, election’s got nothing to do with it. — Garth
“I saw the clip on this mornings news where she said the difference between a hockey mom and a neighborhood organizer is lipstick!”
Actually she asked the crowd if they knew the difference between a ‘hockey Mom’ and a pitbull. “Lipstick”, was the one word answer!
I thought this was one of the most clever lines of her speech. It was the funniest ‘one liner’ of any of the speeches. But she was really saying that if she ever had to take over the Presidency from John McCain, she’d be capable of making tough decisions.
Heck, we’ve already seen what he’s done with a minority, with the help of the NDP.
By Go Green on 09.04.08 4:37 pm
Sure blame the N.D.P. They have been voting no confidence in the government for about 1 year now. I will most likely be voting for Dawn Black as I have no reason to think that she did anything other then a stand up job for her constituents. If she supported Mr. Harpers government it would have been in the first year and a half of the governments life, so that would be what any responcible M.P. should be doing. We elect a minority to work with the govnernment, not to pull the plug withen a short timeframe.
“Great editoral cartoon:
http://www.thespec.com/Opinions/article/429276
By Tim N on 09.04.08 4:40 pm”
Great stuff Tim!!!!
TS
strategicvoting@yahoo.ca
For more information on how you can help defeat the Harper Conservatives by casting your ballot on a strategic basis email me at strategicvoting@yahoo.ca and indicate whether you want a BC, Prairie, Ontario, Quebec or Maritime riding assessment.
Who is the most famous Beach Boy?
By Barb the proofreader on 09.04.08 3:45 pm
Mike Love?
Well what I want to see is what the real color is when that lipstick is wiped off!
By Truth B Told on 09.04.08 4:18 pm
Ask and you shall receive.
Here’s a pic of Sarah wearing her stars and stripes bikini while holding her gun.
As you view this pic let me remind us of her demeaning comments regarding those hard working community organisers.
“I guess a small-town mayor is sort of like a “community organizer,” except that you have actual responsibilities”
Sarah Palin, Sept 3, 2008
No you don’t. — Garth
I must say that I was rather pleasantly surprized to see the gentler tone in the new CON ads in contrast to those old, despicable attack ads that they used to feature.
Hopefully this will be a sign of better and less hostile things to come.
Dion must now come across as firm and decisive, and not keep making changes to his previously announced policies. In an election campaign, one can’t just make changes on the fly like Stockwell Day did in a previous election.
No argument from here that Garth can be “creative” on occassion. Mind you he has to keep his sheeple entertained.
so Garth, I hear you got sent home.
maybe Dion’s not so stupid after all.
Hare brain. — Garth
What is also worrisome with Harpers proposals with the CWB elections laws is in Bill C -21. Within the proposed bill, there is an amendment to the existing Canadian Wheat Board Act that will make it illegal for farmers to load their own grain on rail cars. (I know some farmers that are doing this now and they are pissed)
By brain on 09.04.08 4:10 pm
My deceased Uncle made a very good living by growing Malting Barley, and shipping self loaded carload lots to various breweries. He is probably rolling over in his grave! This move by Harper is very non democratic and autocratic. The way around this is obviously to ship by truck which is happening more and more anyway. Truckers don’t lose their loads like railroads lose railcars because they don’t get paid. Try to get demurrage paid if you are a trucker, too, that is another sore point, but railroads just bulldoze and strangle the farmers, industrial shippers, or anyone they can!
Hi Jody, I donated to both the Federal Liberal Party and to Garth’s local riding even though I am not in his riding.
TS
strategicvoting@yahoo.ca
For more information on how you can help defeat the Harper Conservatives by casting your ballot on a strategic basis email me at strategicvoting@yahoo.ca and indicate whether you want a BC, Prairie, Ontario, Quebec or Maritime riding assessment.
By TS on 09.04.08 5:42 pm
Dis the same TS.
Actually she asked the crowd if they knew the difference between a ‘hockey Mom’ and a pitbull. “Lipstick”, was the one word answer!
By Vicguy on 09.04.08 5:51 pm
OH, so she was not implying that Obama and Biden aren’t pittbulls? Really now!
Next you will try to tell us she did not order that her ex-brother-inlaw be fired! Come on, smell the coffee, this woman if elected to the WhiteHouse-inwaiting will be out of control! You can bet money on it.
By Marc on 09.04.08 5:59 pm
You know what I like Dawn Black. But I must say this Obama-Change-with-Jack I’m the next Prime Minister rings hollow, insincere and delusional.
I was shocked the NDP in both BC and the federal party rejected the green shift. It’s like they are dismissing every economist in the world.
You can’t protect blue collar jobs by doing a cap and trade system that takes years to implement and refine. We need to transition now.
Marc, with the greatset respect we don’t have time to fool around. Dion is our best bet. If Jack Layton goes into a debate slams Dion and does not go after Harper – he is not the NDP leader in the tradition of Ed Braodbent who I admire and voted for…
It’s about truth not some political strategy that hands over the country to Harper.
I think I just heard Monte Solsberg is not running again?
Heck, we’ve already seen what he’s done with a minority, with the help of the NDP.
By Go Green on 09.04.08 4:37 pm
Sure blame the N.D.P. They have been voting no confidence in the government for about 1 year now. I will most likely be voting for Dawn Black as I have no reason to think that she did anything other then a stand up job for her constituents. If she supported Mr. Harpers government it would have been in the first year and a half of the governments life, so that would be what any responcible M.P. should be doing. We elect a minority to work with the govnernment, not to pull the plug withen a short timeframe.
By Marc on 09.04.08 5:59 pm
Ya, solely blaming the NDP for propping up the cons is far from true. It was the bloc a few times, the NDP a few times, and the Liberals a few times. This government has “worked” (if you choose to believe in what has been passed) because of all the parties at one time or another.
The Liberals will have nothing to back that up.
I dunno if you have answered this Garth, I’m not sure you care to, but out of curiosity, what is your take on this strategic voting? In my riding I have but one choice to vote out the cons, and that is NOT with a Liberal one.
If I want the con trash out of this riding, I have to vote NDP. I would prefer to vote Liberal, but it basically means one more vote for the cons if I do so.
I don’t like it, but it seems to be how our system is structured. Any enlightening thoughts to share with us on a difficult subject?
By Marc on 09.04.08 5:59 pm
Marc, the NDP don’t have to be responsible. That’s because they know they don’t have a snowball’s chance in hell of forming a government. They can be as irresponsible as they like. They can be so irresponsible that even though, as self avowed socialists, they should be against everything Harper, ultra rightwing neo-con, stands for. Yet, they had no problem whatsoever helping him gain power in 2006, and have no problem helping him keep it. Harper is counting on Layton’s help and he must have thought he was just so smart as he watched the NDP doing his dirty work for him, going after the Liberals while skimming over any critizism of Harper and his policies even after Layton became aware he was being used when Flanagan’s book, Harper’s Team, came out.
Layton doesn’t mind if we suffer more environmental degradation, more secrecy, more lies, more pesticide’s on produce, less inspection of food safety, as Harper “incrementally” drags us closer and closer to the U.S. model. Don’t forget that the dismantling of Medicare and the Wheatboard were prominent parts of Harper’s NCC philosophy too. But I’m sure he’ll save banning abortion, a return to capital punishment, and a reversal of gay marriage for the majority he craves at all cost. The base would expect no less.
Layton is fully aware of the risks Harper poses to this country. Maybe if he showed a little more self respect and started actually campaigning against Harper, he might not look like such an unprincipled weasel. We all know why he does this. He’d have Harper win rather than Dion, so that he can get a few more seats. The hell with the country and his socialist views. Layton stands for nothing, only himself, a good partner for Harper.
By Bonnie N BC on 09.04.08 6:51 pm
So I should not vote for an experienced M.P. who has been twice elected, and should put my vote for an unlikely to be Liberal M.P. in our riding? The Liberal candidate while seeming to be well travelled which is a very good thing, will be fighting an uphill battle in New West-Coquitlam-partial Port Moody. By me voting for the Dion party Liberals will not help to defeat Mr. Harper. By me voting N.D.P. is much more likely to cause the Conservative candidate to hopefully be defeated. I do not know enough about the Conservative party candidate to cast her aside due to her party, but I do know her campaign manager is our former M.P. Paul (oldage pensions are welfare for the aged) Forseth. That I cannot support her for unfortunatly.
Yo Garthenator:
Any idea why the ‘Montenator” does not want to run again?
thanx
http://www.safemeat.ca/
Hee-hee evil grin. Can I send my cheese too?
By Greg W., Oakville on 09.04.08 3:19 pm
Greg – it’s right on the Conservative website. Do you know how to Google?
Never mind.
London Chamber of Commerce UK Prime Minister Harper Speech
May 29, 2008
“This effectively means that after 2012, no new dirty coal-fired electrical plants can come online in Canada and that new oil sands operations will only be permitted if they can massively reduce their emissions. As we negotiate an international climate change treaty, we believe strongly that these are standards that should also be applied globally. I should mention that while our plan will effectively establish a price on carbon of $65 a tonne, growing to that rate over the next decade, our Government has opted not to apply carbon taxes.”
Well now there! I saw the new ‘kinder and gentler Steve ad’ tonight. This is a man who said ‘My children are the greatest joy in the world.’, or something to that nature. I say, give him lots more time to be a ‘father figure’, and perhaps he will find a warm spot in his heart to HUG his children good day at school, rather than merely shake their hands.
What a completely typical Harper/CRAP LIE!
“Heck, we’ve already seen what he’s done with a minority, with the help of the NDP.
By Go Green on 09.04.08 4:37 pm”
Yes, because Lord knows it couldn’t have been because the Liberals sat on their hands and refused to vote against the government for over 900 days. At least the NDP were a real opposition.
You Cons are a riot. 900 days of abstaining? Why aren’t you slobbering over the McCain speech right now? — Garth
Looks like the battle will be for second place between the Liberals and NDP for official opposition party. Will Layton be able to convince Canadians to replace the Liberals with the NDP to oppose a minority Conservative govt?
You are a regular comedian. — Garth
Hare brain. — Garth
By bunny on 09.04.08 6:38 pm
Oh, dat rascally wabbit! LMAO!
Hmmmmmm? Seems Steve will lose the Full Monte, eh?
Another poll, this time CBC and again not looking good for Libs. His cabinet ministers are leaving like rats from a ship and Solberg even commented regarding being “constrained” by Harper. These guys have no talent. Harper is a complete autocrat yet Canadians are falling for him like sheep. A very distressing time as Canada will be destroyed by Harper. Just look at the TSX, 1000 point decline in three days….that shows NO confidence in Harper. Wake up Canada.
Hockey Mom for VP? Well, if cussing up a storm, flirting with the opponent’s coaches, and being a general Grade A Bitch qualifies Palin for the White House…then vote for her.
Desperate Housewife for President…Yeah, that’s the ticket allright for the ‘symbol minded.’
“Just look at the TSX, 1000 point decline in three days….that shows NO confidence in Harper.”
Er…um…actually that shows no confidence in commodity prices maintaining their record highs. Mr. Harper has very little to do with it.
Any enlightening thoughts to share with us on a difficult subject?
By SJ on 09.04.08 7:04 pm
January 15, 2006
Strategic Voting
To expand on a comment by DougP on another post, strategic voting is an option for some people in this election. For example, if you would normally support the NDP but your candidate has no chance of winning, you might still be able to have an impact on the outcome of the election by voting for the party that is your second choice.
Whether or not you vote strategically is a question of your own personal philosophy. Some people believe you should never do it – that you should always vote your conscience. I have voted strategically on occasion and would probably do so again under the right circumstances. However there is no point in voting strategically if doing so will have no impact on the outcome.
Greg Morrow at democraticSpace has prepared a strategic voting guide. For strategic voting to make sense, Greg sets out three criteria that must be met:
1. It must be a close 2-way race (i.e. the two other parties must be within 5%)
2. The chances of your party winning riding are remote (i.e. support < 25%)
3. Small number of votes will make a difference (i.e. < 1 in 3 voters).
For example, for NDP supporters there are 35 ridings where strategic voting might make a difference. That isn’t a lot of seats but it could have a profound affect on the composition of the next parliament and on the future of the country.
I am not even going to make a recommendation one way or another. However, if you think the stakes are high enough for you to consider voting strategically, check out Greg’s site first. Then make up your mind.
And yes, I know this is all a good reason for proportional representation and so does Greg. But that isn’t on the table for this election. Plan ‘B’ is.
http://www.pogge.ca/archives/000948.shtml
The North American business model requires financial bottom line performance EVERY QUARTER YEAR and that is not the proper budgeting and forecasting cycle for proper land management. This was documented on CBC Radio one night this past July!
BY TRUTH B TOLD ON 09.04.08 4:04 PM
Sorry, but when it comes to the CWB I have to disagree with you. The Wheat Board is accountable to the farmers and only the farmers. The Americans have been complaining about the marketing and calling it a subsidy when it’s not. Sounds familiar doesn’t it? Same song, different dance.
When the American farmers show red on the balance sheets they get nice fat hand outs. It’s a double standard. Our farmers don’t.
The board needs some tweaking but to abolish it completely? No. If you’re for abolishing then you’re only thinking of the gains in the short term Not the long term effects.
Just so you know big Corps, most of them not all, have American citizens as the largest stakeholders:
Cargill- privately held by an American family but multinational
Monsanto-family still holds a bit but not as much as it used to
Canadian National Railway-Bill Gates has the largest number of shares
Canadian Pacific – who knows? Do you?
You’re right about Canadian corp bashing, TransCanada was a target because of ‘Killa from Wasilla’.
No argument from here that Garth can be “creative” on occassion. Mind you he has to keep his sheeple entertained.
By Simon on 09.04.08 6:28 pm
Smon, we know Harpie’s sheeple don’t dare say a word without his approval. That’s why they have absolutely no sense of humour.
Hockey Mom for VP? Well, if cussing up a storm, flirting with the opponent’s coaches, and being a general Grade A Bitch qualifies Palin for the White House…then vote for her.
Desperate Housewife for President…Yeah, that’s the ticket allright for the ’symbol minded.’
By Bill-Muskoka (not anymore) on 09.04.08 7:35 pm
God Bill – how right you are. Wish I had your way with words.
By unintended consequences on 09.04.08 10:57 am
Extraordinary isn’t it?
Maybe if we kill enough Taliban they will be more secure in their aspirations.
I note that no-one addressed a defense of the cause. I’m not really surprised.
They may call you a one issue pony, but some issues are worth the effort if one believes that a society requires fabric as opposed to sheep’s wool blowing in the wind.
Comrade Okie
I should mention that while our plan will effectively establish a price on carbon of $65 a tonne, growing to that rate over the next decade, our Government has opted not to apply carbon taxes.”
By Bonnie N BC on 09.04.08 7:16 pm
Hi Bonnie,
Even if they priced carbon at $1 a ton I still wouldn’t buy any.
Gord.
By brain on 09.04.08 3:45 pm
“the feds are more responsible for BC having the highest perentage of sole custody”
The Divorce act is federal.
“why do you believe that sole custody is the only reason for high crime rates by teens raised by sole custody parents”
Decades of studies based on empirical data done by experts and professionals.
“financial pressures put on sole custody parents trying to raise kids on their own usually with no financial support from the other parent”
BC collects over 80% child support ordered, Ontario less than 50% yet BC has a far higher number of youth problems.
“criminal environments that can and do breed divorces or vice versa”.
Divorce and sole custody are 2 different things. Children can survive divorce, it`s the abuse from sole custody that causes life long trauma.
“Often, sole custody is related to one parent being dysfunctional in the marrage. ”
Often?, lol. You`re saying that only 9 in 10 parents that are good enough to be a parent before separation are no longer good enough after, lol there`s a few non-custodial parents that would disagree with that logic.
“Are any of us really surprised that a bad marriage/divorce is hard on kids and that it leads them to bad choices later on?”
I repeat, it`s not the divorce it`s sole custody.
“the absence of two parents raising kids is the primary reason for teens committing high percentages of crimes. What do you suggest government does about this? ”
Presumed joint physical custody.
“do you somehow think getting rid of sole custody will work and teens won’t commit crimes?”
Most experts estimate it would lower the number of repeat young offenders numbers by 50%.
“What is the most/least a government can do…”
I suggest a return to the rule of law and adhering to the Charter of rights.
“The glorification of violence and crime in the media, economic factors, social changes in laws, norms, mores, education, health, councilling, tax laws, food and drug laws and regs, the economy”
Odd those factors affect parent denied children at 4 times the rate of children that keep both parents through no divorce or after divorce.
“Is sole custody a cause to a high crime rate with teenagers? Or is sole custody a symptom.”
There`s a difference?
“Why does sole custody exist in the first place would be for me, an excellent starting point in understanding the issue at its fullest.”
Sole custody leads to a higher crime rate which increases justice industry profit. Follow the money and then ask yourself who supports, promotes and often funds the supporters of sole custody. Never mind, I`ll tell you, the CBA.
” daycare spaces are an important issue and all the rest.”
The results of day care are only marginally better than a single parent situation.
“Oh. And could you provide a link to back up your stat? Thanks.”
The stats are public knowledge, if you`re really interested look them up and prove me wrong. If you can do that you`ll never hear from me again.
btw thanks for the debate, it`s about time this national shame came out of hiding.
No you don’t. — Garth
By Ron p on 09.04.08 6:09 pm
my bad I guess.
IT was just photoshop humour.
Tabernac!
I just watched my first Harpo propoganda on RDS (French TSN). All nice and fuzzy. Basic message, “look at all the money we gave you, the Bloc would not have been able to do that!!” Also a mention of the GST cut, but not much else. No mention of the Libs, who are in trouble everywhere but Montreal.
Duceppe must be totally pissed. He never was one to hide his emotions. The Cons are now playing dirty in the Bloc sand box!
Is it true Garth that the liberals are out of cash?
CTV is reporting that the Green Shift company is stepping up it’s efforts to prevent the liberals from using “green shift” in this election.
Here’s a solution. Call it the “green tax”. Problem solved.
Now what are we going to do about that environics poll which puts Dion’s popularity in the 12% range?
Liberalism isn’t quite as popular as it used to be Garth. Run as an independent.
Speaking of Sara Palin…
A Canadian perspective…
http://www.canada.com/montrealgazette/aislin/index.html
This is only true if people allow it to be so. — Garth
By C. B. Innes on 09.04.08 11:19 am
Bravo C.B. and you too Garth.
We, the People must have the courage, tenacity and Spirit to bring these thoughts before Canadians of all Political stripes and endeavour to present a unified front in the interest of our Country and the Children.
I’ll add a tidbit for those other guys. I understand the game, but to even imply chucking your fixed election premise is acceptable, speaks further volumes. I’m still waiting for you to scrap the gun registry like you said you would. So, if Chretien was a liar too that makes all ok?
Ya think?
I will make best efforts to bring another spot of reality to your favorite Western Squirrel aka (The Daughter of Goebels) , given that I can find some time.
Comrade Okie
Ron P,
don’t get exited by the gun-toting, bikini-clad Pailin. Only the face in that picture is hers.
Juvenile prank or political dirty trick? I would hope it’s too dumb to be the latter.
“Come on, smell the coffee, this woman if elected to the WhiteHouse-inwaiting will be out of control! You can bet money on it.”
By Truth B Told on 09.04.08 6:50 pm
It is unwise to place credence with anyone always suggesting that we smell things. Next you’ll be asking us to pull your finger.
It is interesting how Ms. Palin’s speech is being spun throughout the world today. On this board alone, there have been at least three different versions of the ‘lipstick’ remark, all incorrect. The version outlined in my original post is correct.
Where did I say I agreed with her? I was offering an interpretation of the oft quoted ‘lipstick’ comment. I think the ‘last’ thing she was doing was implying Mr. Obama or Mr. Biden were pitbulls. That would be a compliment to them. I have no clue as to what you mean by ‘in waiting’. We don’t have enough reliable information to know what happened re her ex brother in law.
Take a deep breath, TBT. All is well. The universe is unfolding as it should…
Emerson,Hearn & Solberg, all bailing on Harper—all Ministers—wonder what they know about Harper that we don’t??? Answer: Nothing!!! Only we would have dumped him months ago.
New Environics poll:
Ontario Cons: 43%
Libs: 34%
Now we know why Garth came back early. This has got to be devastating news. I said when the Green Shift first came out thanks you just gave Prime Minister Harper his majority. Dion cannot run a successful campaign so these numbers are probably going to get worse. I wonder if these numbers came out before or after the Palin speech LOL.
Godspeed Garth – you have done well by capturing the spirit of Canadians and that spirit is what will drive out the disgrace that was fraudulently placed into our social democracy.
On another note – the headline from Reuters on Tues. Sept.2/08 and written by Christopher Doering
and titled “Clones’ offspring may be in food supply:FDA” (http://www.reuters.com/article/healthNews/idUSN0231832820080902?feedType=RSS&feedName=healthNews&rpc=22&sp=true)
begs for the question: Could the Listeriosis outbreak and the changes in CFIA monitoring/inspecting (March /08) onto industry responsibility,
both be tied into industry using the cloned offspring in our food? Cloning does not guarantee that there will be no bad surprises!
The Green Shift – basically favours good behaviour and it’ll cost you and big polluting companies money for bad behaviour. And we’ll get financial help whereas HarpOn’s plan gives us nothing. I get it. What I don’t get is why Dion is not talking about the Tar Sands in Alberta. “Emissions from the oil sands are going to triple [by 2020] and that’s inconsistent with the world’s desire to lessen climate change.” Exactly. So why doesn’t Dion attack this, most especially when the article states “Canadian oil executives attending the Democratic National Convention issued thinly veiled threats to the Obama campaign, stating that tar sands oil would be shipped to China if a new administration in Washington imposed restrictions.”
http://www.truthout.org/article/canadas-tar-sands-lobbyists-focus-democrats
Does Bully Boy not realize that his new tv commercial is not going to get women to like him? We don’t like the tar sands, we don’t like boys dying for nothing and we especially don’t like the cynical mood of Canadians set by you with your requisite shamelessness.
And what the hell is a Health Minister doing lobbying for Canada’s Oil, when Albertans are getting sick, the river fish are getting sick and lung disease is on the rise as in asthma?
What is the Health Minister doing Lobbying for Oil?
This is nuts . An Environics CBC poll that has almost identical numbers to the Strategic Counsel .
I take both polls with a ton of salt as both are usually far off the mark .
Nik Nanos has the parties ,virtually,
tied Libs 35%,Cons 31% . With margin of error that is a virtual tie .
Liberals have a comfortable 41% leas in Ontario to the Cons 34% .
Manm can’t wait for the election .
C.B was 100% dead on with the summation as to becoming involved in politics in this Country. Disenfranchised. Sorry, we do have the right to vote for the anointed don’t we?
I learned that when I wasn’t even old enough to have a drivers license. Such is the basis of my dissertations. No wait, I can’t honestly say that because I never got to go to University, let alone prepare a thesis.
Long time followers of this blog may remember why that is.
Was it because I wasn’t smart enough?
Ever deal with a civil servant?
Was it because I didn’t want to?
It was because there was no money for it in my household.
Why some might ask?
Cause my Daddy was torn to shreds by a German tank shell in WW2 and the Canadian government treated us like dirt.
I’m not looking for sympathy, I simply want you to understand the rewards of serving King and Country. I could go on.
Nonetheless, in order to Honor his memory and all those who sacrificed, I oppose senseless war and destruction of life and that which is necessary to support life.
New poll says 2/3 of Canadians do not support involvement in Afghanistan.
I ask…
Who speaks for the People?
This word just in from the latest Sympatico MSN News poll for September 4, 2008.
In answer to the question, “If the election were held tomorrow, who would you vote for?”, the response is:
Cons 51%
Libs 25%
NDP 12%
Green 8%
Other 4%
Fellow citizens, sound the alarm! It is time to circle the wagons!
If only Dion had heeded Garth’s advice to call an election earlier, he would not have looked like a ditherer for the last 1 1/2 years, and now it may be too little, too late. The tide is turning the other way at the wrong time!
We have no one to blame but our own failure to bring this government down at our time, and that should have been much earlier.
Wow. An Internet poll. And you are no Liberal. — Garth
My bet is on the Liberal party being the first by law breakers in Coquitlam having their over sized signs removed some time next week. Coquitlam has a 4′ x 4′ bylaw restricting campaign signs to that max size and has been broken on numerous elections resulting in the signs removal. For any candidates, learn aboout city bylaws in your ridings as city to city the signs are not always allowed to be the same sizes.
A commercial shown during the NFL game had the slogan ‘Lest we Forget’ and then another close-up of Stephen Harper. I am so angry I could spit. Harper doesn’t attend repatriation ceremonies; he tried to ban people from attending them and then put the onus on the family of the deceased soldier as to whether or not the repatriation ceremony could even be telecast; AND he refuses to lower our Flag – you know, the Flag that represents our country for which these soldiers died. And he has the unmitigated gall to sit there and spout about patriotism. Disgusting doesn’t quite cover it – a con job, pure and simple. As the Mom of a soldier, I do NOT appreciate his phony commercial about honouring our soldiers. This paid political announcement is sickening. If he now finds the time to attend the upcoming repatriation ceremony for the three lads who just gave their lives for Canada – then his gall knows no bounds and lots of people will see it as a cheap political stunt.
I am still not clear why you hard core Liberal supporters will be voting for Mr. Dion. He wants to introduce a tax that will raise the price on just about everything we use in our daily lives. Anything that is delivered by truck at any stage of it’s production, or anything grown , planted harvested it by gasoline or Diesel powered equipment will go up in price. On top of that we heat our home with either oil, natural gas or propane. There will be jump in price for those fuels too. And lets not forget about electricity generated by burning coal. That is going up as well. It is agreed by all that Canada is responsible for 2-3% of the green house gasses. This will cripple many sectors of the Canadian economy without lowering green house gas levels because China for example will be increasing its pollution at a higher rate than this will reduce. You may as well close down the American car plants for a start because they will not survive. Is it possible for anyone here to defend Mr. Dions tax plan, list its benefits, without mentioning any other party or leader. Just the merits of his plan standing alone, slamming no one else? I’d like to see some one try.
First, read it: thegreenshift.ca. Now, answer this: a Con pricing of carbon at 65 a ton with no tax cut,or a Lib pricing at 40 a ton with a 9 billion personal tax cut? If you like paying more tax, vote Harper. — Garth
SJ, I believe you have directed your question towards Garth, but like Molly, I’ll offer my take on it. For me personally, I absolutely cannot stand this government so it is paramount that my ABC choice counts; that means voting for the non-Conservative party that has the most chance of lessening the overall Harper count by one more seat.
While I think Layton himself is a joke (more concerned with seats than principles as evidenced by his spending more effort attacking laterally at the Liberals rather than directly at the governing party during the past Parliament), he does have some MPs whom I like (Paul Dewar for example). So in that scenario, if I were in a riding like incumbent Dewar’s, I would find it relatively easy to support the NDP. If the MP was not someone of that calibre, then it would be like the time I voted for the PCs under Mulroney: I personally could not stand the leader, so clamped my nose in a blacksmith’s vice to vote for the party itself.
Although it originally hadn’t been my intention a year ago, Dion will get my vote this time around. Not only are the Liberals the strongest ABC party in my riding, I also happen to like the guy. Makes it an easy choice. I think that he is on the right track in terms of weaning ourselves off of a carbon-based economy and interwoven to that, climate policy. I’ve witnessed, first-hand, significant glacial decline in Montana in a matter of but a couple of decades; as noted in The Current piece I posted yesterday, the repercussions are coming …
I was shocked the NDP in both BC and the federal party rejected the green shift. It’s like they are dismissing every economist in the world.
You can’t protect blue collar jobs by doing a cap and trade system that takes years to implement and refine. We need to transition now.
Marc, with the greatset respect we don’t have time to fool around. Dion is our best bet. If Jack Layton goes into a debate slams Dion and does not go after Harper – he is not the NDP leader in the tradition of Ed Braodbent who I admire and voted for…
It’s about truth not some political strategy that hands over the country to Harper.
By Bonnie N BC on 09.04.08 6:51 pm
I don’tnow why anyone would be “shocked” by ANY NDP actions as they are NOT the party of the left. They are the party of the UNIONS. They work for and respect NO ONE else. Why else vote with harpers minions? To support the UNIONized corporate agenda.
I oppose senseless war and destruction of life and that which is necessary to support life.
Who speaks for the People?
By Comrade Okie on 09.04.08 8:56 pm
There are many like yourself that have felt the direct impact. To think all that senseless killing started out as an economic war. With the economic attack of 9/11 and $15T sitting idle in cash accounts I rate the current risk of a global `wipe out the planet` WW3 at 5%. To me that is well into unacceptable numbers. I don`t think we`ll get to exercise our only democratic right with a vote.
“Who speaks for the People?”
Record numbers of our children are currently being used as cannon fodder, funded and profited by the justice industry.
Who speaks for our children?
Who is the most famous Beach Boy?
BY MARC 09.04.08 6:08PM
Answer: Duke Kahanamoku
[Oh, referring to the pop group, it's Brian Wilson]
Could someone please help me out here? I would like to print out some of the posts on this blog sometimes and when I try, not just the section I cover with the yellow swipe (or whatever it’s called) is printed out, but the whole day’s posts.
I haven’t read all of today’s posts, but I did want to print out Barb’s–the one on the thug-like savaging of the Canadian Wheat Board.
This has been discussed here before but this is a particularly good post on the subject. I live in Ontario but I have always cared what happens to our farmers and people out west.
****************************************
Today, I feel slightly overwhelmed with the size of the job ahead–probably because I’m not getting any younger–but the challenge will be to expose Mr. Harper. These neo-cons are so good at spin and outright barefaced lies. People don’t really expect that of M.P.’s and therefore it’s harder to expose because they just spin and spin out of each little lie. Did you hear Gerry Ritz today? He tap-dances very well.
TS has a great idea and I will walk my little legs off distributing copies of sites to which people can refer for reality checks.
I’m trying to get some stuff together to send to newspapers and hope it will get into the letters to the editor sections.
I think it is a good idea to post on the CTV site and other TV and newspaper sites as well. Too bad there aren’t more hours in a day. We’re going to be busy!
According to the Calgary Herald Conservative Party spokesman, Ryan Sparrow, says the party will have a Medicine Hat candidate in place by Sunday. Does this mean that the riding already had secretly selected a new candidate or the central party had already selected a replacement for Solberg? Could it be that the party brass wanted a safe seat for someone else?
Ladies, you would understand these but men, I’m not overly sure . . .
Men are like curling irons — hot and always in your hair;
Men are like commercials on a radio — can’t believe a word they say! Oh, wait a sec . . .
We’re off to the Kootenays for a few days — Garlic Festival in New Denver plus loads of other stuff!
Ciao for now!
First, read it: thegreenshift.ca. Now, answer this: a Con pricing of carbon at 65 a ton with no tax cut,or a Lib pricing at 40 a ton with a 9 billion personal tax cut? If you like paying more tax, vote Harper. — Garth
———–
I think that 65$ a tonne is only on large emitter of GHGs and not specifically on stuff like heating oil/gas for homes or on farmers, fishers and truckers.
Also Harper is starting with 2006 as the baseline year and anything over that will have to pay the 65$.
Dion wants to hit everybody with his carbon tax while Harper only hits the big emitters.
All the chatter about leadership ignores the fact that, while Harper may score well on leadership in polls, his Ministers have a record of incompetence – his team leaves a lot to be desired. Dion, on the other hand, has a top-notch team of competent and experienced people who will have no learning curve to slow them down once the Liberals form the government.
On CBC’s At Issue discussion tonight, Chantal Hebert and Andrew Coyne both made the point that Harper may have overplayed his ‘strong leader’ card, and voters might be ready reject Harper’s heavy-handed ‘leadership’ for the team approach of the Liberals.
Obama’s line about ‘this isn’t about me, it’s about you’ is being repeated over and over by journalists and pundits. It is the key to their election and to ours. Our election is about is the kind of Canada we want, and I believe that if Canadians understood the kind of Canada Harper wants, they would show him the door.
First, read it: thegreenshift.ca. Now, answer this: a Con pricing of carbon at 65 a ton with no tax cut,or a Lib pricing at 40 a ton with a 9 billion personal tax cut? If you like paying more tax, vote Harper. — Garth
By Bob on 09.04.08 9:24 pm
Garth, who in the heck is going to buy all that carbon?
Gord.
A commercial shown during the NFL game had the slogan ‘Lest we Forget’ and then another close-up of Stephen Harper. I am so angry I could spit. Harper doesn’t attend repatriation ceremonies; he tried to ban people from attending them and then put the onus on the family of the deceased soldier as to whether or not the repatriation ceremony could even be telecast; AND he refuses to lower our Flag – you know, the Flag that represents our country for which these soldiers died. And he has the unmitigated gall to sit there and spout about patriotism. Disgusting doesn’t quite cover it – a con job, pure and simple. As the Mom of a soldier, I do NOT appreciate his phony commercial about honouring our soldiers. This paid political announcement is sickening. If he now finds the time to attend the upcoming repatriation ceremony for the three lads who just gave their lives for Canada – then his gall knows no bounds and lots of people will see it as a cheap political stunt.
BY K MURPHY 09.04.08 9:24 PM
K Murphy, when I first started reading what you wrote, I had to read it again, to make sure it was so, that Harper’s political AD used the term LEST WE FORGET?
My father lost so very many close friends during the war, as did both sides of my family who also fought, so I was raised with a good sense that those words are sacrosanct. They are NOT for Harper or anyone else’s use in a self-promoting television advertisement, save an election campaign, save for a fellow who shows very little respect for those boys and their legacy, and I also feel that using such a precious phrase is a violation of their memory. I’m outraged too at Harper’s disrespectful gall, and I suspect people will not forgive a gross political stunt like that. Thanks for posting that, now I’m feeling ill about it and I hope I don’t see it.
BY COMRADE OKIE 09.04.08 8:56PM
I’ve missed your dissertations but I did read that comment. My father was shot down in Libya, survived his injuries, only to have the prisoner ship he was on, blown out of the Mediterranean. Somehow he survived, recovered and was forced onto the trains shipped eventually to Stalug Luft III from Italy to Germany, and spent over 3 years as a POW.
We grew up very poor. I put myself through university without a penny of help from him, because he had absolutely no money, save for the $20 in gas money for me he insisted on giving me when I came home. I sometimes worked three jobs while attending uni, and it was not easy. I just did it, I didn’t think anything of it. I make no excuses it hurt my grades and was a struggle, but we blame no one.
Dad is very well taken care of by Veteran’s Affairs now, and when I’ve talked to them myself, they are the most professionally trained, kind, considerate and helpful people I have EVER spoken to. I am amazed by Canada’s Veteran’s Affairs Dept. who have helped Dad for about 8 years now.
And my father-in-law too, who has been 100% disabled for six years is also helped by the VA and we have found the same amazing kindness and incredible helpfulness in his case too. In fact all of their friends say the same thing about the VA.
Since registered voters are inclined to vote in favor of one party or against another, does your party have any plan of inviting young voters to register for the next elections? If properly inspired, they are the idealists needed to explain, spread, discuss, and convince the old voters to read and consider the green shift of the Liberals.
Garth, is there any legislation that prevents future tax cuts? Mr. Harpers $65/tonne carbon tax with no tax reductions does not seem like a fair carbon tax. If Mr. Harpers carbon tax was to be introduced in a future year, what is stopping the government from giving our tax dollars back after a few years, when the government knows what the carbon tax is taking in and returning it then? Can a federal government not isuue climate action dividends upfront, similer to B.C. carbon tax? Just because the green shift gives us a misleading calculator letting us know our potential tax savings, does not mean Mr. Harpers plan will not provide tax cuts to offset the carbon tax does it?
Canadians are most likely to vote for the Conservatives in a federal election, and believe Stephen Harper and Jack Layton would make better prime ministers than Stéphane Dion, according to a new poll sponsored by CBC News.
The survey, conducted by Environics between Friday and Tuesday, found that 38 per cent of Canadians would vote for the Conservative party if an election were held immediately.
By comparison, 28 per cent would vote for the Liberal party, 19 for the NDP, eight for the Bloc Québécois and seven for the Green party.
Even when undecided voters were asked to reveal whom they were inclined to vote for, the Conservatives still kept the lead: Conservatives (33 per cent), Liberals (24), NDP (16), Bloc (7), Green (6).
This latest poll shows that support for the Conservatives has grown since the beginning of the summer.
This should not be happening. We need a leader!
You are not a Lib so stop the faux concern. Besides, only one poll counts. — Garth
Bob: Please explain Mr. Harper’s green plan and the attached costs to Canadians.
Oh, I forgot, Mr. Baird has not released that information yet. Two plus years and Mr. Baird hasn’t got it done.
Not surprised to see patriotism reduced to a commodity of convenience. As a refresher, I refer you to these incidents when such patriotism took a back seat to votes:
Oh, I forgot, Mr. Baird has not released that information yet. Two plus years and Mr. Baird hasn’t got it done.
By Judy on 09.04.08 10:50 pm
Judy, no need to panic, the earth is cooling, catch up already!
Gord.
Garth: I beseech you, run a smart campaign. Show the negatives of Harper and then show the contrast of what your party can do. Do it in the same ad. I am not a happy person tonight. Put the Green Shift on the back burner if you have to. Claim that the economy makes that impossible for the moment. I don’t want to find out what Harper meant when he said we wouldn’t recognize Canada when he got through with it. Of course, he meant the utter Americanization of Canada…Run smart ads; downplay Green Shift.
The Sarah Palin bashing really makes me laugh. I watched her speech the other night and have to say, I was really impressed. (By the way, I’ve read all the links helpfully posted by many so-called enlightened contributors and some of them were fascinating, especially the one from the Wasilla housewife. Plus many others outside this blog, so hold yer fire).
Palin is exactly the type of woman that drives liberal feminists nuts…she’s pro-life, pro-NRA, extremely ambitious, has attained the highest power in her state, has 5 kids (as opposed to the typical 0 of the career-driven feminist), and she’s *gasp* a Republican! The horror! She’s also had the fortitude to tackle issues head-on, she has conviction, and a plan she actually delivers on. We’re seeing the typical double standard once again…wherein a successful woman is called a bitch and a successful man is called a leader.
So if she’s such a tyrant, why is she so popular in Alaska? Is there any other leader in North America with an 80%+ approval rating?
Is she perfect? No. I don’t particularly subscribe to all her viewpoints. But is she the next Attila The Hun? Please, take a pill.
Vince: You are right. Harper’s plan is a big failure. Obsolete to have the base as 2006. Misleading to say he will tax big polluters and then not tell us what the downloaded costs to us will be.
At least Mr. Dion admits that there will be costs to consumers and is addressing those costs through income tax cuts and refundable credits.
Thank you for pointing out the failures of Mr. Harpers green plan.
Gord: Canel your membership in Mr. Harper’s deniers club.
RM; You may approve of Ms. Palin. I questions her judgement in parading her 17 year old child across a national stage and then telling the world that the child is 5 months pregnant.
Her actions reflect lack of compassion, lack of empathy, poor judgement and poor parenting.
To put your political posturing ahead of your child’s welfare is pathetic.
Bob: Please explain Mr. Harper’s green plan and the attached costs to Canadians.
Oh, I forgot, Mr. Baird has not released that information yet. Two plus years and Mr. Baird hasn’t got it done.
By Judy on 09.04.08 10:50 pm
I knew you could not answer without mentioning another leader. Please try again.
Ron P,
don’t get exited by the gun-toting, bikini-clad Pailin. Only the face in that picture is hers.
Juvenile prank or political dirty trick? I would hope it’s too dumb to be the latter.
By Herb on 09.04.08 8:20 pm
Herb, it’s photoshop
By Judy on 09.04.08 11:20 pm
Do you think Ms. Palin forced the shotgun groom to attend the convention as well as her daughter? I would imagine if my Mother was running for office I would make an effort to be upfront supporting her, albeit I would not be pregnant.
Gord: Canel your membership in Mr. Harper’s deniers club.
By Judy on 09.04.08 11:17 pm
No!
Gord.
Oh Judy Judy Judy…lest you be mis-led, Palin HAD to come out with her daughter’s pregnancy because of the outrageous rumours and allegations started by the lefties about how Trig was supposedly her daughter’s baby that was covered up. Showing that her daughter is actually 5 months pregnant was the only sure-fire way to dismiss that nutty notion. And still, this rumour had legs the other day when the CBC reported it as “fact”.
Let’s have some balance, shall we? I don’t hear anyone complaining about Obama parading HIS kids in front of the media on an almost daily basis.
Stephen Harper is abusing power.
http://jasoncherniak.blogspot.com/
And the estimated cost of the shelved by-elections is about 3 million dollars. Not to count what the political parties have had to spend. Harper loves to spend taxpayers money.
UPDATE
Please note that Harper’s only reason for delaying so long is to extend the pre-writ period and spend more on advertising above the election limit. In the process, hundreds of thousands of dollars will be wasted by Elections Canada, because they have to act as if the By-elections are still going on until they are officially cancelled.
ORIGINAL
Just in case people have forgotten, there are still 3 by-elections scheduled for next Monday. Now we see reports that Stephen Harper is going to call an election on Sunday. This would mean:
1) Elections Canada and all the political parties have to act as if there are going to be three by-elections on Monday;
2) Elections Canada has to prepare to run a full election day in those three ridings on Sunday under new rules created by this very Conservative government. That will cost a lot of time and money;
3) The people of Guelph, Westmount and St. Lambert are going to not know whether to vote on Sunday. If they do vote, their votes will be thrown out if Harper still calls an election. If they don’t vote because they expect an election but Harper does not call one, then we could see the lowest turnout in the history of by-elections;
If he wants to, Stephen Harper can even wait to see what the turnout is like for the Conservative campaigns on Sunday before deciding whether to actually call an election.
If this time schedule is true, it is an affront to democracy. I would even argue that it would be the most severe abuse of power since The Lord Sydenham was Governor General of the Province of Canada. Look it up.
——–
David Akin
Canwest News Service
Thursday, September 04, 2008
OTTAWA – Prime Minister Stephen Harper will visit Gov. Gen. Michaelle Jean early Sunday morning and ask her to dissolve the 39th Parliament, Canwest News Service has learned.
Canadians will vote Oct. 14, after the shortest campaign permitted by law.
Harper will begin campaigning immediately after leaving the Governor General’s residence at Rideau Hall, touching down in at least two cities and possibly three before day’s end Sunday.
The general election will supercede four scheduled byelections – two each in Quebec and Ontario. Voters in three of those ridings were set to vote Monday.
Harper’s decision to ask for a general election ends the longest minority Parliament in the country’s history.
The Conservatives and Liberals enter the 2008 race polling at levels hovering near the 2006 election results and most, including the prime minister, have predicted another minority government.
A second minority, though, would contradict the historical record. Only one Canadian prime minister, Liberal Lester B. Pearson, has won back-to-back minorities. The rest have either gone on to majority governments, such as Conservative John Diefenbaker, or have lost power entirely, as Liberal Paul Martin did in 2006, losing to Harper.
Sorry. These words are mine in the previous email.
And the estimated cost of the shelved by-elections is about 3 million dollars. Not to count what the political parties have had to spend. Harper loves to spend taxpayers money.
Besides, only one poll counts. — Garth
—————
YOu got that right Garth and the only poll that counts is the one on election day. That Environics poll makes Dion the underdog and that may be a blessing in disguise for Liberals. That means the left must rally around the Liberals to stop Harper because voting NDP will only split the vote and let Harper win again.
I bet Layton is plenty scared thinking that the NDP vote might just slosh over to the Liberals to stop Harper. It’s gonna be a tough election for Layton.
And my father-in-law too, who has been 100% disabled for six years is also helped by the VA and we have found the same amazing kindness and incredible helpfulness in his case too. In fact all of their friends say the same thing about the VA.
By Barb the proofreader on 09.04.08 10:20 pm
As true as the above is, The DVA does not notify the service man of his rights or of pensions that he may be eligible for.
Case to point: My father, a WWII vet in good standing was not told that he was eligible for a pension till he needed hearing aids and applied to see if they would help him get them. Then with the aid of the Legion he found out that he had been eligible since he was 65. BUT DVA SAID NOTHING! He could have gone to his grave with no thank you from Canada had it not been for the Legion.
Wow. An Internet poll. And you are no Liberal. — Garth
By Izzy on 09.04.08 8:58 pm
No,but he is a blithering idiot !
Re: Harper’s “green” plan or lack thereof
Can someone tell me why any government needs to have a “green plan” anyway? Can’t you make your own lives “green” without the influence of the government ?
Are you unable to buy a smaller car yourself ? Or insulate your house yourself ? Or buy wind power yourself ?
Hello ? anyone ?
Is she perfect? No. I don’t particularly subscribe to all her viewpoints. But is she the next Attila The Hun? Please, take a pill.
By RM on 09.04.08 11:15 pm
This political commercial was brought to you by the Republicans for a “Free” America .
Gord: Canel your membership in Mr. Harper’s deniers club.
By Judy on 09.04.08 11:17 pm
No!
Gord.
By Gord G. on 09.04.08 11:36 pm
Christ ! The IQ level of this blog just plunged twenty points .
By Pat. G. on 09.04.08 9:50 pm
Hi Pat,
Highlight the post you want to copy. Right click on copy from the tab that appears. Open up Microsoft works, Right click on paste from the tab that appears. You have nw pasted that article.You can then print any articles you want. If you want to email that article in that same document, click on file in the tool bar & another tab appears. Click on send to- & then mail recipient.
This is what I do to save messages, print & email them to my friends.
Regards,
Just in case people have forgotten, there are still 3 by-elections scheduled for next Monday. Now we see reports that Stephen Harper is going to call an election on Sunday. This would mean:
1) Elections Canada and all the political parties have to act as if there are going to be three by-elections on Monday;
2) Elections Canada has to prepare to run a full election day in those three ridings on Sunday under new rules created by this very Conservative government. That will cost a lot of time and money;
3) The people of Guelph, Westmount and St. Lambert are going to not know whether to vote on Sunday. If they do vote, their votes will be thrown out if Harper still calls an election. If they don’t vote because they expect an election but Harper does not call one, then we could see the lowest turnout in the history of by-elections
By Bonnie L on 09.04.08 11:45 pm
Bonnie, I assume that these by-elections have advanced polls just like the regular elections do. Are you aware of what the official practices and procedures are for these advance poll ballots? I think that in the regular elections the advance poll ballots are not counted until the regular polls close on election night.
I think that the confusion over this aspect of the by-elections is going to create some very hard feelings and worries.
Pat it is easy . Open Notebook high light the area you want to copy . Click on it .
In tools go to edit and press copy .
Now go back to Notebook and click tools again and press paste .
Simple .
I always use Notebook .
The international media, particularly in Israel, has interpreted the
statements of Prime Minister Harper and former conservative candidate, retired Major General Lew Mackenzie, as reassurance that Canadians view the killing of Major Paeta Hess-von Kruedener, by repeated Israeli artillery bombardment and air attack, as being an unfortunate necessity.
By Dube on 09.04.08 11:08 pm
The necessity was probably that those UN Peacekeeper Observers had audio/visual proof that those Israeli soldiers were in fact returning from a raid inside Lebanon and were still just inside Lebanon when they were ambushed. Israel had to eliminate the evidence. When our Major’s body was not found for days, they were in a panic that he had escaped with the documentaion! But we will never get the full correct storey.
Dion wants to hit everybody with his carbon tax while Harper only hits the big emitters.
By vince on 09.04.08 9:53 pm
Vince, those big emitters will pass the tax on in the price of gasoline, diesel, heating oil, and natural gas. They have no other choice since business is not a charity, it is a for profit enterprise. The only choice is do you want higher energy costs with or with out income tax relief. If you think the likes of Imerious Ah So will just swallow the $65/ton CO2} tax, then I have some ocean front beach lots you can buy cheap in Saskabush! You can make a huge profit on them come next January!
But advertising at a baseball game? Unforgiveable. Was Harper on the Jumbotron?
By CM on 09.04.08 4:10 pm
No, this was on Satellite TV Star Choice channels 416,7,8, etc. SportsNet Group
And again tonight. The Jays won very convincingly. Now just maybe we should be electing Cito Gaston for Prime Minister! He is a real leader, and example. I think he has mellowed some as he has not been thrown out of a game for some time now! Not only is he a leader, he is a great teacher, too! So is Dion a teacher, and Layton, too. But Harper, teach? What subjects…..promise breaking, dis-information, blocking committee work progress, promoting incompetents to senior port folios, smear tactics, smug mugging TV cameras, writing schpiel for the trained seals to bark? Some prospect and track record!
Veni, Vici, Vomitea. Latin:[I came, I saw, I vomited]
Re: Harper Party new ads. Stephen Harper in a sweater vest. Caption says, We’re better off with Harper.
I want to know who the “we’re” includes.
Women in general? No. Aboriginals? No. Immigrants? Only if the closed-door sessions with certain groups count. Wounded vets? No. Sick Canadians? No. Hey, what happened to the 5th priority about wait times? Is Harper just stalling while more people die of old age or food poisoning?
What ‘we’ is Harper talking about?
Can anyone believe anything Harper says?
Since registered voters are inclined to vote in favor of one party or against another, does your party have any plan of inviting young voters to register for the next elections? If properly inspired, they are the idealists needed to explain, spread, discuss, and convince the old voters to read and consider the green shift of the Liberals.
By Ernesto Villanueva on 09.04.08 10:34 pm
You must be an American because the Canadian system registers all eligible voters or are you referring to party memberships? If someone has not been registered automatically there is a process they can access which will allow them to vote on election day whether they are registered or not.
First, read it: thegreenshift.ca. Now, answer this: a Con pricing of carbon at 65 a ton with no tax cut,or a Lib pricing at 40 a ton with a 9 billion personal tax cut? If you like paying more tax, vote Harper. — Garth
———–
I think that 65$ a tonne is only on large emitter of GHGs and not specifically on stuff like heating oil/gas for homes or on farmers, fishers and truckers.
Also Harper is starting with 2006 as the baseline year and anything over that will have to pay the 65$.
Dion wants to hit everybody with his carbon tax while Harper only hits the big emitters.
By vince on 09.04.08 9:53 pm
Why do you believe that if the Liberal $40 per tax on polluters will be downloaded onto consumers why do you think the Conservative $65 will not be downloaded to consumers?
Susan Riley gives the Liberals a pat on the head and a kick in the pants to-day.
The pat on the head is for the Green Shift, whose loss, should it go down with Dion, would be “a catastrophic missed opportunity.”
Item: “It is not a tax grab, it is a tax shift. It is not a return to the “wild” spending of past Liberal regimes (all that money wasted on impoverished children, artists, unreliable minorities!), but a brave, if cautious, first step towards a sustainable economy. It is not an attack on Alberta, or an update of the National Energy Program — although it shares as audacious an ambition. (Recall that the 1980 NEP was aimed at achieving energy independence, a now-fashionable rallying cry in both Democrat and Republican circles, although the Trudeau-era energy plan was badly-timed, designed and marketed.)”
And the kick in the pants:
“After a splashy and successful launch last spring, Dion met with editorial boards and gave speeches this summer defending his green shift. We know how that worked. He hasn’t even convinced his own caucus. You can give a man talking points, but he has to be able to talk. Yet, notwithstanding Dion’s muddled style, the Liberal party is blessed with many experienced, articulate speakers. Why haven’t Michael Ignatieff, Bob Rae, Scott Brison and Martha Hall Findlay applied their superior talents to explaining and selling this idea? Liberals should be excited and proud of their far-sighted policy; they seem nervous and grim.”
So, Liberals, you have five weeks to sell the Green Shift and show that you are following Dion out of more than curiosity to see if he can unhorse Harper. If you don’t, Riley has a reasonable prediction:
“If Dion fails, if his green shift becomes a political joke — forever derided as self-defeating and embarrassingly naïve — it will be some time before a future prime minister (Jean Charest, perhaps?) takes up the challenge. By then, the Americans will be fighting the Chinese for world domination in alternative energy and the Arctic could be slush. Too late, we will see the cost of doing nothing was greater than the small sacrifices, the fleeting disruptions, embedded in Dion’s fragile gamble.”
Susan Riley, “Liberals shift down”, http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/columnists/story.html?id=ad8cd693-fb43-42b0-86dd-ee350a67af5d
Hello ? anyone ?
By Irvine on 09.05.08 12:13 am
Simple, government has the responsibility to insure large polluters are in compliance, while balancing regulation with costs and the economy.
That is why we need a government Green Plan. Without a healthy environment the other aspects are moot points.
This political commercial was brought to you by the Republicans for a “Free” America .
By Men With Hats on 09.05.08 12:20 am
Jon Stewart has it figured out. If McCain, who spent 5 1/2 years in the Hanoi Hilton as a POW was made a ‘leader’ by the experience, then Guantanamo is a Leader Training Facility, not a prison.
By Barb the proofreader on 09.04.08 10:20 pm
To quote Garth, “Apples and Buicks”.
In addition, the reality of V.A. in the years immediately following the Second World War was even more diverse than our individual circumstances. In short, how they deal with the few, is far different than how they dealt with the many.
Your writings display a lack of knowledge on this.
I noticed you chose not to comment on the poll reflecting 2/3 of Canadians opinions regarding involvement in Afghanistan.
Lastly, I would advise that life and politics isn’t all about pom poms and team chants.
Comrade Okie
Marc: Of course, Levi was forced to attend. What 17 year old boy wants to be known as the kid who got the governors child pregnant?
And if he wasn’t forced, why did he take him a week to show up and muster some kind of support for his pregnant girlfriend?
Ms. Palin showed lack of judgement and misplaced loyalty when she placed party politics over the well-being of her daughter.
Bob: Your criticism of my response is invalid. This is all about comparing Green plans, is it not? Why do you give Harper’s Plan a free ride and yet castigate Dion’s?
You are being told that the Con plan will have no negative effect on consumers–and yet a $65. a tonne tax will be levied. Do you not think this penalty will be passed on to Canadians?
Especially when those hit with the tax will be gas, oil and energy producers?
You are being told that the Con plan will have no negative effect on consumers–and yet a $65. a tonne tax will be levied. Do you not think this penalty will be passed on to Canadians?
Especially when those hit with the tax will be gas, oil and energy producers?
By Judy on 09.05.08 8:40 am,
You know why. The Conservative Plan is a “smoke and mirrors” plan because it is not designed to take effect for years. Once the first stage kicks in overall emissions will not be controlled, only per unit emissions will have any regulation. As well, that regulation is only provided by a tax policy that would only apply to those per unit emissions above the current level and it would allow the emitters to download the full cost onto consumers.
The reality is that there would be little incentive for those industries, such as the petroleum industry, which is a what can be referred to as a global market oligopoly (which operates the same way as a monopoly), to reduce their emissions.
In other words, the Conservatives have developed a plan, even more complicated than the Liberal plan, to maintain the status quo and avoid change.
http://impolitical.blogspot.com/
Friday, September 05, 2008
The unconventional Prime Minister
Professor Errol Mendes continues to point out what he views to be the illegality presently contemplated by the PM’s imminent election call:
Errol Mendes, a professor of international, constitutional and human rights law at the University of Ottawa, says convention has dictated that in a minority government situation, a prime minister would only seek dissolution of Parliament if he lost a confidence vote.
“In that case, no one can (dispute) … that there is a right to go and seek the dissolution of the House once a vote of confidence has been lost – but that is not the situation here,” Mendes said in an interview. In the current circumstances, “I think what (Harper) is doing is illegal,” Mendes said.
After Bill C-16, the fixed-election-date legislation, was introduced in May 2006, Rob Nicholson, then government House leader, said the Prime Minister would retain his “prerogative to advise dissolution to allow for situations when the government loses the confidence of the House.” The legislation, which amends the Canada Elections Act, says: “Nothing in this section affects the powers of the Governor General, including the power to dissolve Parliament at the Governor General’s discretion.”
The legislation sets the date of the next vote for Oct. 19, 2009.
Oh the challenges this PM is posing to our constitutional traditions by having enacted this fixed election date law and now preparing to ignore it. He’s certainly keeping the constitutional scholars busy, isn’t he?
The problem with using the constitutional convention argument to constrain Mr. Harper’s actions, however, is that they are not enforceable in a court of law. They can be used to supplement the interpretation of a law, which is perhaps where Mr. Mendes is going with his comments above. Meaning that Mendes is “reading in” a lost confidence vote as a requirement for a minority government PM to go to the G-G with legitimacy under the new fixed election date law. Because in Mendes’ view, the PM has otherwise constrained his own ability to ask for an election. His fixed election date law has to mean something, after all. The G-G’s powers remain intact, but the PM’s conventional power to ask for an election has been constrained by statute. So absent a lost confidence vote, he can’t do anything. That’s Mendes’ view. Professor Patrick Monahan disagrees. I’m not sure the legal arguments are going to be relevant in any event unless someone, like Mendes, seeks an injunction constraining Harper.
Mendes raising the issue of constitutional conventions is nevertheless useful to inform the political debate about what Harper is doing. These conventions, such as the convention that minority governments are defeated on votes of confidence, form integral components of our constitutional democracy. The survival of these conventions depends on the respect of those exercising the levers of power to honour them:
A constitutional convention is known to be established when there is a general acceptance of it as obligatory and when it is respected by the people or institutions it supposedly governs.
As Mendes suggests, Mr. Harper is about to cause his minority government to fall, on his own initiative just as a majority government PM would. This is a radical departure from our constitutional traditions and generally accepted expectations as to how a minority government works. The present PM is unwilling to be defeated in the normal course of parliamentary procedure of a minority government. And clearly, he’s unwilling to follow his own fixed election date law. This should tell Canadians about the value he places on such quaint traditions. They’ve been good enough throughout the life of our nation…until now.
Posted by Impolitical at 9/05/2008 06:25:00 AM
Bob: Your criticism of my response is invalid. I disagree Judy. One should be able to discribe the merits of one plan without critisizing the other. Jbs will be lost when costs rise, perhaps your own, or a famnily member. Is it worth it for 2-3% of CO2 that China will replace next year?
Garth, can we expect to see election ads with Dion, Bob Rae and Ignatieff asking NDP voters to throw their support behind the Liberal party to stop Harper and the possibility of a Con majority govt?
The only way Liberals can for even a minority govt is if the lefty vote massively goes Liberal.
I think this is the first time I have heard Layton saying he wants to be the prime minister because the Liberals have failed in the last Parliament, and also Dion’s leadership rating is so low.
How will the Liberals be able to convince NDP voters to vote Liberal?
My second post of the day. First one didn’t pass muster.
It’s a poem from a boy, a Canadian boy who passed in Afghanistan. I plucked it from Warren Kinsella’s site
It was written in Afghanistan in 2006 by Cpl. Andrew Grenon of Windsor, Ont. Cpl. Grenon was one of the three Canadian soldiers who were killed by the Taliban yesterday in the dangerous Zhari district. It was released today by members of his family.
Time of post: Thursday, September 4, 2008, 01:36 PM
Why We Fight
I’ve often asked myself why we are here. Why my government actually agreed to send troops to this God-forsaken place. There are no natural resources. No oil, gold, or silver. Just people.
People who have been at war for the last 40 plus years. People who want nothing more than their children to be safe. People who will do anything for money; even give their own life.
I look into the eyes of these people. I see hate, destruction and depression. I see love, warmth, kindness and appreciation.
Why do we fight? For in this country, there are monsters. Monsters we could easily fight on a different battlefield, at a different time. Monsters that could easily take the fight to us.
Surrounding these mud walls and huts is a country in turmoil. A country that is unable to rebuild itself. A country that cannot guarantee a bright future for its youth.
Why do we fight? Because, if we don’t fight today, on THIS battlefield, then our children will be forced to face these monsters on our own battlefield.
I fight because I’m a soldier.
I fight because I’m ordered.
I fight, so my children won’t have to.
Out of respect, I will not offer a narrative. Only this.
At the going down of the Sun, and in the morning
We will remember them.
Comrade Okie
“I noticed you chose not to comment on the poll”
BY COMRADE OKIE 09.05.08 8:17 AM
Well… your statement is odd and falsely accusatory. I “chose” to not do what?
I’ll point out for everyone “Comrade” just made a false accusation.
1) I don’t know the poll
2) If I don’t know about something, how is it I could “choose” to not make a comment about it?
3) He has therefore made a false and misleading accusation
4) .. someone mentioned “concern troll” a few weeks ago
5) .. an endless supply of ‘em
Could someone please help me out here? I would like to print out some of the posts on this blog sometimes and when I try, not just the section I cover with the yellow swipe (or whatever it’s called) is printed out, but the whole day’s posts.
BY PAT. G. 09.04.08 9:50 PM
Hi Pat. G.
I just saw your post.
IF YOU JUST WANT TO PRINT IT:
Do your yellow swipe.
Then go up to File (or Edit?)
Select Print
Under your printer Options available, you should find “Selection”
If you choose Selection, the printer will print only the area you highlight (selected)
[ Or just Copy and Paste:
You know about swiping over the area you want, with the left button held down.
Then you go to Edit -- click on Copy, and you are ready to Paste it somewhere, as the others mentioned, in an Email, or on Note Pad, or Word. Note Pad is found on your Start Menu. ]
I’ll point out for everyone “Comrade” just made a false accusation.
1) I don’t know the poll
3) He has therefore made a false and misleading accusation
By Barb the proofreader on 09.05.08 3:46 pm
Yes Barb, you will point out for everyone. How gracious and Liberal minded of you.
As for not “knowing the poll”. I don’t “know” the poll either. A little more proof reading might be in order.
I do expect you can google.
Then this;
3) He has therefore made a false and misleading accusation
Who asked you to do everyone’s thinking for them?
The Comrade
By Comrade Okie on 09.05.08 3:28 pm
Sorry, I posted this on the wrong topic, meant to be on next day.
Uh, OKIE, I noticed you forgot to copy out your false allegation.
Here, I’ll do it for you:
Okie said: “I noticed you chose not to comment on the poll”
Okie, you claimed that I: “chose not to comment” … but your logic defies gravity. I can’t “choose” to not do something I haven’t even seen nor heard of, so your claim is intentionally misleading at the least, and look who’s talking:
Okie said: “Who asked you to do everyone’s thinking for them?” So first it’s okay to you to tell everyone that you know everything, then not content with that, you tell me I did something I didn’t, then you thinly attempt to illicit more comments on whatever it is you were going on about. Hint: people don’t read all the posts here.
Bill C-21. Within the proposed bill, there is an amendment to the existing CWB Act that will make it illegal for farmers to load their own grain on rail cars — favors corporate interests only
Harper has always put corporate interests ahead of ordinary Canadians — no mistake — Its an oft repeated pattern and its an ugly one with Harper”
BY BRAIN 09.04.08 4:10 PM
And Brain, add to that, Bonnie has very aptly pointed out, what she calls “foggy bill C-20″ with it’s poison pills — served up for Harper’s plan to let loose third party spending.. per his corrupt goal to help corporations pour money into election advertising and skew things in corporation’s favour forever.
Bonnie got it right about how Harper is attempting to force on us what he couldn’t get done in court. Bonnie, did you save that, I’d love to send that to family and neighbours, you explained it well.
neo conservative republican
BY HERB 09.04.08 4:45 PM
Hi Herb, great post.
You got it right, that’s exactly what the “Beach Boy” is. He’s just here to be an idiot as all the CPC Trolls do, even the ones they drag in from the U.S. to bore everyone.
By Barb the proofreader on 09.05.08 7:02 pm
That’s it? You’re not very good at this I see.
You said; ” people don’t read all the posts here.”
I know. I don’t read yours unless it’s directed at me.
So you’ve decided that I know it all. Feel challenged do you? And you didn’t answer the question. Okie said: “Who asked you to do everyone’s thinking for them?”
On the issue of credibility, you blew yours when you answered “nope”. Of course my post struck a cord and of course you were being defensive.
Some of my other posts struck home too, obviously. Seeing that your capacity for debate seems limited to head bobbing and accusations of “Troll”, I have no interest in conversing with you. Is why I don’t read or comment on your posts. “Hint”
Well,
Comrade Okie, you have already missed some great posts by Barb. the proofreader and I don’t think you realize who you are dealing with! We see so many of Harper’s team on this blog that most of us just skip over them but at least someone paid some attention to you. Better not to be insolent — that’s a dead giveaway!
Thanks very much Irene, Men with Hats and Barb. for you help with printing out posts. I will use a lot of paper probably, but it’s easier to compile info when there are reminders right in front of you. These printouts are also useful when I want to remember to check further into issues.
Thanks again all for your time and your help.
Comrade,
You certainly read far too much into posts.
By Comrade Okie on 09.05.08 9:22 pm
Barb the Proofreader is one of the most highly regarded and respected bloggers here. Taking a cheap shot at her does nothing for your own credibility.
TS
strategicvoting@yahoo.ca
For more information on how you can help defeat the Harper Conservatives by casting your ballot on a strategic basis email me at strategicvoting@yahoo.ca and indicate whether you want a BC, Prairie, Ontario, Quebec or Maritime riding assessment.
I don’t think you realize who you are dealing with!
By Pat. G. on 09.06.08 12:15 am
So how about you enlighten me?
Great is in the eye of the beholder Pat.
Weren’t some of your remarks ad hominem?
Taking a cheap shot at her does nothing for your own credibility.
By TS on 09.06.08 7:38 am
I responded in kind.
I don’t remember seeing you admonishing any of the fraternity for over the top remarks. Why is that?
Here is a quote/snipet for you to ponder.
“I noticed many years ago as a freshman at college that fellow freshmen were looking to join a group. To belong. To have some sort of social network. Now, this would manifest itself in the form of freshmen looking to join fraternities. “
Thanks very much Irene, Men with Hats and Barb. for you help with printing out posts. I will use a lot of paper probably, but it’s easier to compile info when there are reminders right in front of you. These printouts are also useful when I want to remember to check further into issues.
Thanks again all for your time and your help.
By Pat. G. on 09.06.08 12:20 am
Anytime Pat . If further assistance is required do not hesitate to ask .
These printouts are also useful when I want to remember to check further into issues.Thanks again all for your time and your help.By Pat. G. on 09.06.08 12:20 am
Pat, I find copy-pasting posts or links into an email to myself the best way to keep track of issues of importance to me. Sounds weird, perhaps, but it works for me. (I often copy my daughter on the email too, as she has a better email filing system than I do.