Day Twenty
Time for a small update on the battle for Halton, now that there are but 18 days of campaigning left. Can’t speak for the other candidates, of course, but my door-knocking reveals about what I expected – substantially more supporters than detractors, lots of undecideds yet to be engaged by the election, and a small but really ticked-off bunch of Conservatives.
Our nightly tracking confirms this, and gives a sample size which is too monstrous to be much wrong. The most common feedback received is that my constituents believe I work for them, instead of a party or a leader. For that, of course, I am grateful. This is my core belief – that an MP is not just a vessel of a political party, but instead a representative of the people. This system only works as it should when power and influence flow up, not down.
Actually a Conservative election prediction site came to the same point this week. The View from the Right has concluded that I will retain this riding for the Liberals, saying, “Turner faces a strong Conservative candidate in Lisa Raitt who is the CEO of the Toronto Port Authority. Halton has traditionally been a swing riding and could easily go either way. However, love him or hate him, Garth Turner has substantial name recognition and a reputation as someone who will stand up for his constituents. PREDICTION: Liberal”
Another development: We had an all-candidates debate this morning on women’s issues (and more) in an Oakville restaurant, and I felt my opponent was off her game. Hours later I was furnished with a copy of the letter below, which was apparently sent by senior members of the Conservative riding association to its members. I guess this is what got to her.
As this letter (below) shows, Stephen Harper and his party thugs can try to stomp out the democratic spirit in Halton, but it will not work. Harper threw out the sitting MP, then he ignored the wishes of his members here, and then insulted everyone by hand-picking a candidate who refused to even go through the nomination process. This has caused dissention, debate and now outright division.
To their credit, these Conservatives are refusing to accept a candidate they know will never answer to constituents, but only to the party leader who anointed her. As they say in the letter which asks members not to support her candidacy, “This decision was made by the same party officials who have been named in the Chuck Cadman attempted bribery affair, the “In and Out” election fund scandal and who were behind the decision to kick Garth Turner out of the party for speaking out on behalf of his constituents. This decision is contrary to the democratic process we as Conservatives believe in and goes against our party platform.”
I certainly have my disagreements with many of these folks, but they also have my respect. Together we are doing what needs to be done to rescue this democracy from mindless partyism and the attempts of any leader to suppress the people.
In the end, such tactics always fail.
“The back room boys in Ottawa have appointed Lisa Raitt as the Conservative candidate for our riding. The decision was announced at a closed door meeting that you as a member were entitled to attend, but were never notified of. As long time members of the riding association we are opposed to this action and do not support her candidacy.
Ms. Raitt has no political or campaign experience. She has no name recognition within our riding or any history of community involvement. She has just recently joined our party, has never been involved in this riding association or participated in any of our fund raising events. She is nothing more than a political opportunist very similar to Garth Turner and we all know what happened after we selected that star candidate.
Ms. Raitt is a government bureaucrat who was appointed to her current government patronage position as CEO of the Toronto Port Authority by the previous Liberal government. The TPA under Ms. Raitt’s direction has consistently lost money at taxpayers’ expense and she was involved in the controversial bridge contract and linked to a scandal associated with that contract.
The fact that Mrs. Raitt refused to put her name forward and go through the nomination process and seek your support, as the other interested candidates had agreed to demonstrates that she has no respect for the democratic process or you as a grass roots member of our party. She instead chose to accept another patronage appointment. If elected her loyalty and commitment would be to her masters in Ottawa and not to the people of Halton, something that Garth Turner will make known to the voters of Halton. He will portray himself as the voice of Halton and Ms. Raitt as the voice of Ottawa. This was confirmed when Ms. Raitt refused to answer any questions at the meeting on the instructions of her political master from Ottawa who was present.
This decision was made by the same party officials who have been named in the Chuck Cadman attempted bribery affair, the “In and Out” election fund scandal and who were behind the decision to kick Garth Turner out of the party for speaking out on behalf of his constituents. This decision is contrary to the democratic process we as Conservatives believe in and goes against our party platform. It is a slap in the face to our Board of Directors who for the past 2 years have been working hard on your behalf to find qualified and suitable candidates to seek the nomination and who have for the past 18 months been asking HQs to allow us to hold a nomination meeting. It is also a slap in the face to you as a riding association member who has supported our association during these troubled times and who has now been denied the opportunity to have a say as to who should represent us in this election.
As long time Conservatives of this riding association we are asking that you not support this candidate, when called upon to donate money or accept a lawn sign we ask that you say no and tell the caller why you are refusing. The party has shown a total disrespect for you by denying you the right to select your candidate and you should not be expected to donate money and support a candidate that could not be bothered to seek your support. Let us send a message to the back room boys in Ottawa that they can not hijack this riding association and get away with it. Losing this riding will not affect the overall result of the election but it will send a message to the spin doctors and back room boys at party headquarters, a message they need to hear loud and clear.”
Update, September 27:
The letter above was mailed to a long-time member of the Halton Conservative Association, who shared it with me. I have known and trusted her for more than 20 years. Overnight, another copy was brought to my attention, and is posted here.
Some local Conservatives, devastated by what Mr. Harper has done to their organization, have said in the media that they will be supporting me. In fact, our campagn has already benefitted from their efforts. Others now indicate they prefer to support the local NDP candidate, and split the vote, even if that means throwing away conservative principles. Some others, Harper loyalists, will obviously support their appointed parachustist.
Whatever these folks end up doing, the allegations contained in this letter are withering, particularly for Harper henchmen Doug Finley (chief strategist) and Don Plett (CPC president). When the people who form the spine of a party no longer trust those who lead, how can the citizens of Canada be expected to support it?
The country, and Conservatives, deserve better.
Further update:
One of the people who wished to be the Conservative candidate in Halton, who campaigned for some time among members, who has a record of outstanding community service, and who was shunned when the Harper PMO told locals to stand aside, has commented on the blog this morning.
He says: “As one of those who was prepared to seek the nomination for the Cons. of Halton and who was present at the meeting where Raitt’s appointment was confirmed I can attest to the fact that everything in this letter to be true. The back lash to her appointment is predictable, the members of our assoc. who remained loyal to our party during our troubled times had earned the right to have a say into who should be our candidate. The back room boys and Lisa denied us that right. This controversy could have been avoided had Raitt put her name forward and agreed to go through the nomination process, and had she won the support of the membership at a nomination meeting then she would of had not only my support but the support of all our membership. She decided she did not need the support or endorsement of our members to be the candidate, but she now expects those same members to support her in this election. I believe the reason she did not want to go through the nomination process was she knew as did her handlers in Ottawa, that left up to the members she would not of won and so the appointment. If she wins this riding then the back rooms boys of Ottawa will have won they will have as the MP for Halton someone they can control and who will do as she is told, that may be good for the power brokers in Ottawa but it does serve the people of Halton. Be electing Lisa Raitt would be in fact condoning this type of top down rule by unelected party official.Canadians and the taxpayers of Halton deserve better than that.This type of top down rule is what led many of us, including Stephen Harper to leave the old PC Party and join Reform.Funny how the more things change to more they stay the same.”
I can attest to the identity of this person, and his standing as one of the riding’s best-known and most prominent Conservatives. I hope Stephen Harper is reading this blog today, as usual. — Garth
170 comments ↓
It seems like a lot of the Halton people are made out of “the right stuff”. Even though you have your challenges with them Garth, I am sure you are proud of them today. I appreciate their commitment to the truth and democracy and not dictatorship.
It just goes to show us that Elizabeth May is correct in suggesting to Canadian citizens that they use strategic voting in this coming election in order to save Canada from Stephen Harper. She of course, said this at great peril to her position as head of the Green Party. I think she is made of “the Right Stuff” as are you.
Your Halton Conservatives, yourself and Elizabeth May have opened up a space in me to like a few politicians. Too bad that it appears in the polls that Canadians can’t yet see the true value our professor Stephane Dion will bring to the position of PM. He would lead the country to a fairer, greener, wealthier Canada which Stephen Harper will never do. He reminds me of Lester B Pearson who won a Nobel Peace prize adn I think he had a bit of a lisp.
Thank you for sharing this and thank you to your “true conservative” friends for standing up to dictatorship.
Go here to find out your riding’s strategic vote: http://www.voteforclimate.ca/
I’m not surprised that your door to door knocking is receiving rave reviews. It’s pretty hard to screw up when your campaign team has scoped out the “Liberal friendly” houses for you to knock on.
I don’t do houses, I do entire streets, or entire polls – all the houses. Consistent response. Come and join me. — Garth
Regardless of the outcome of this election, I hope these folks don’t get kicked out of the CPC and that at the next convention, they kick up a real stink.
It wouldn’t be so bad if the top down management were elected MP’s instead of cronies appointed by Harper. In that way, their constituants would have the opportunity to remove them.
Probability is the Halton CPC Riding Association will have their memberships revoked due to “dissention in the ranks” in which case, I hope they kick up a stink in the national media.
For Harper and his gang, there’s only one thing worse than a Liberal.. and that’s a former conservative! And he’s creating plenty of them!
So if I can get this straight. If the Halton Conservative riding association could have selected their own candidate, they would be campaigning for the party that is alledged to have tried to bribe Chuck Cadman, committed the in and out scheme, and who kicked out Garth Turner. They would have supported all this had they been able to select their own candidate. Why do they not just break away from the party altogether, as the backroom people have not changed so why would they want to work for or with such?
Thanks for sharing this Garth. I’ve heard on tv today and on blogs that the polls are not at all matching what Liberal candidates are finding on the ground. That is, strong support and many many votes. Dion is coming out strong and that’s what’s needed. To remind people of what this government has done and how much worse it would get. I applaud your strength and determination and admire you for being there for your riding.
I have long since learned that what people tell you at the door in an election campaign is not to be trusted. Most people keep their thoughts to themselves, and we never know what they will do until election day.
“For Harper and his gang,there’s only one thing worse than a Liberal..and that’s a former conservative!And he’s creating plenty of them.”
James in Chatham @6:48 PM…
Could you expand on those thoughts please James as I’m not sure who you would be refering to…thanks in advance
Interesting that the people who were shunted aside by harpo are now shunting Ms. Raitt aside. What goes around comes around.
Libs. should use the unvented anger of those who have lost their jobs in Ont. and Que., show them the best way to dissipate that anger is to vote CRAP and the Dippers out and hand Libs. a chance.
After the election, take the bull by the horns, establish new trading partners and re-organize this country’s finances to a better state than what it is now.
****************************************
Wot say the US is preparing something that would allow dubya to impose martial law, suspend the elections and bait Putin into a war?
Putin will play this smartly, as he is a clever man. Repercussions for Cdns. could be the sudden emergence of the SPP and NAU; the Amero would follow shortly.
http://tinyurl.com/4l6uok
By James- Chatham on 09.26.08 6:48 pm,
What you suggest what might happen to these members has happened in other ridings. Membership is controlled from the center. That is why the party can get away with ignoring the local associations which have only two roles: to give money and to work for the party’s candidate during elections.
Loyal ridings, like those in Alberta, sometimes actually get to choose their candidate as long as there are more than one candidate acceptable to the center.
Garth I think you will win halton. I am thankfull that Canadians are rejecting the greenshit though.
Harper, Canada’s LITTLE DICtator!
Ms. Raitt has demonstrated her disdain for the democratic process, her belief in “entitlements” ( isn’t that the noun the Cons like to label Liberals with?) and her complete lack of honesty in her attacks on Liberal policies.
Not a good role model for young women.
This would look good on the front page of the MSM.I would give anything too see Harper’s reaction.
Garth,
what this letter lacks to be really significant is its authorship. You mention “senior members of the Conservative riding association”. The names and the number of members behind the letter would prove its authenticity and import.
Failing that, the CPC response will be predictable: written by Garth Turner, or one or two of his fellow disgrunts, using the riding association membership list obtained illegally.
She knows. — Garth
Dion must ACT, and he must act NOW!
He must take the gloves off, and fight like a man! Up until now, he has been only sparring. That is NOT good enough.
He must pull out all of the stops.
During the debates next week, if the war of words spills over into a physical boxing match (such as we see on the Jerry Springer show), so be it.
The time for words is OVER. It is time for action. He must take the gloves off, and fight.
What has he got to lose at this point? He must go for broke. His gamble just may pay off, and turn the course of history within a short time frame.
Charge!
Any volunteers to referee the TV debates?
I sense that Harper got Dion’s dander up today. Something is about to happen!
Emotion may overtake reason, and we will need cooler heads to act as referees in the upcoming debates if it not to degenerate into a debacle!
Fundamentally, there’s a disconnect with regards to the surplus, I think it is over taxation, you obviously don’t.
By Gord G. on 09.25.08 11:12 pm,
I disagree. You could argue that only if we had no significant debt.
By C. B. Innes on 09.26.08 8:35 am
I don’t get your point, can you explain why a surplus is not over taxation?
Gord.
Garth
You accidentally forgot to include the signatures/names of the “senior members of the Conservative riding association” when you reproduced the letter. As you know unsigned or anonymous letters are generally tossed in the trash when sent to most media outlets because there’s considerable question as to their credibility. I’m a little surprised you’re trying to offer “the letter” as proof of anything if you can’t/won’t say who sent it; you know better.
On the issue of the high level of support you claim to be meeting at the door I’d imagine most folks avoid being impolite or hostile to people standing on their doorstep so that’s a little dodgy as proof of anything.
Re the letter, the folks around here know exactly what’s going on. On the door-knocking, yes, I would be suspicious too, if it were not for the overnight polling I referred to. You conveniently forgot that. — Garth
opps green shift not green shit my mistake!
Yeah, right. — Garth
By James- Chatham on 09.26.08 6:48 pm
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/edmonton/story/2008/09/15/elxn-sherwood.html
It happens all over James. Actually there’s an interesting fellow running for the Liberals in this riding. It would be the height of irony if he was elected due to vote splitting. Maybe with the right kind of support it could happen.
Not much of a battle . More like an extended skirmish .
Raitt has zero chance of unseating Garth but then the Con-clones knew
that .
She is nothing more than canon fodder served up as a sacrificial stand-in for a real candidate .One chosen by the association . Not imposed on the electorate .
By Simon on 09.26.08 8:27 pm
Who the hell is this Simon a Crown attorney (prosecutor) ?
Garth doesn’t answer to you dim-wit .
“the folks around here know exactly what’s going on”-Garth
So there’s absolutely nothing to be gained by you refusing name the folks who you claim authored the letter, right? What’s the problem telling us what you claim “folks” already know?
As to the “overnight polling” would that be your overnight polling? As you may or may not know overnight polls have a pretty dubious reputation, according to Alan Gregg, who seems to have some expertise on the issue, much less ones you commission yourself.
This whole “anonymous letter” spin needs a rethink, Garth
See ya on the 15th. — Garth
The view from the right need to stop drinking their bath water .
Their predictions are so stupid .
La question que toutes les Canadiennes et Canadiens doivent se poser est: Pourquoi le gouvernement conservateur n’est-il pas transparent en matière d’immigration avec nous? N’a-t-il pas promis, lors des dernières élections, d’être un gouvernement ouvert? Nous avons le droit de connaître les réelles intentions de ce plan conservateur
Merci Jean
Bonne question, merci. M. Harper l’a oubliè. — Garth
I don’t get your point, can you explain why a surplus is not over taxation?
Gord.
By Gord G. on 09.26.08 8:26 pm ,
You are evidently not a fiscal conservative. You demand that your government must live up to every cent they take in. If you do that you never build up a reserve for an emergency and in an emergency you end up having to borrow money you are increasing your debt. That is poor financial management.
If you have money left over after paying all your expenses would that mean you are paid too much?
There is another issue that is extremely off topic but I have found rather interesting although most of the media have ignored it.
When Stephen Harper made his comments about those who support the arts he publicly humiliated his wife who is a patron of the arts. I understand that, as a result, she has withdrawn from attending the Ottawa arts gala this year.
It is evident from this incident that Harper lacks respect for others even members of his own family.
I am heartened to know there are good conservatives out there… too bad for the rotten Conservatives.
Sounds like you had a good day Garth. I’m glad. There’s a few Cons in AB that are more than a little ticked about the parachuting so some have decided to run as independents. lol
Caught a brief blurb about a small budget surplus. I’m skeptical. Didn’t the ON provincial Conservatives always have a balanced or surplus? And didn’t the Libs discover what a sham that was when they took over??
I have long since learned that what people tell you at the door in an election campaign is not to be trusted. Most people keep their thoughts to themselves, and we never know what they will do until election day.
By Slim on 09.26.08 7:22 pm
Good point bro, and I also wonder if many of those in the MSM that are being told by ownership how they are to slant and bias their reporting will also be voting their conscious, too! some of the rough treatment of reporters by the security and RCMP must be sitting very poorly, I will not be surprised to see some switching to other channels and careers soon after this is over. This is not the Canada we grew up in or believe in! Anyone who thinks this is all Harper’s fault alone is dreaming in technic color! He is only the suit in the suite, there is a whole organization behind and in control of this. Make no mistake about what we are facing, and it is very ugly!
People are forgetting that Harpo and the Con-clones will be shut out in Quebec in this election .
It will be all Bloc,NDP and Liberal .
Bet on it ADQ is a spent force with no pull on the electorate .
From Peacekeepers to Ass-Kissers – thanks Stephen Harper
Stephen Harper has his head so far up George Bush’s back passage that George could get a gig as the two-headed freak at a traveling sideshow.
“Whether Canada ends up as one national government or two national governments or several national governments, or some other kind of arrangement is, quite frankly, secondary in my opinion…” Stephen Harper speech to the Colin Brown Memorial Dinner, National Citizens Coalition, 1994
http://blogoffanddie.wordpress.com
http://theimpolitecanadian.wordpress.com/
Fundamentally, there’s a disconnect with regards to the surplus, I think it is over taxation, you obviously don’t.
By Gord G. on 09.25.08 11:12 pm,
I disagree. You could argue that only if we had no significant debt.
By C. B. Innes on 09.26.08 8:35 am
I don’t get your point, can you explain why a surplus is not over taxation?
Gord.
By Gord G. on 09.26.08 8:26 pm
A surplus could also be under spending, ie. not having spent what was budgeted for! Sounds like to me you have never run a balance sheet or done a trial balance, either. But then what do I know, you maybe a “kept man” that does not have to worry about such minor details! Some remittance men don’t even bother to consider what a budget is or means!
By Jean Guy on 09.26.08 9:05 pm
I understand the power in the immigration portfolio has increased of late. Is this to facilitate expediency? to build a firewall?
both?
Canada has always been a generous nation regarding immigration and for good reason.
There’s alot of unknown CPC platform.
I’d like to know how the folks from Ontario feel about the redistribution of seats in parliament. Quebec and Ontario and British Columbia owe thier population growth to immigration.
I think Ontario has been offered questionable representation.
If you have money left over after paying all your expenses would that mean you are paid too much?
By C. B. Innes on 09.26.08 9:07 pm
Only if I were a non-profit organization.
Gord.
Some remittance men don’t even bother to consider what a budget is or means!
By Truth B Told on 09.26.08 10:30 pm
What’s a remittance man?
Gord.
I don’t get your point, can you explain why a surplus is not over taxation?
Gord.
By Gord G. on 09.26.08 8:26 pm ,
—–
A $500 B national debt keeps it from being over-taxation. Once that is paid in full, then I will agree with you. Until then (50 years to go at current debt payments) it is not over-taxation.
Beginning in the 1880’s, groups of British Remittance Men came to Canada looking for a new life. A Remittance Man was called that because most received a scheduled remittance or allowance from their families. These payments were often made in order to keep the man away from Britain where it was thought he would cause problems for his family.
Gord G:
Re “overtaxation”
It is only unfair/unreasonable overtaxation when there is no debt to deal with, funny thing though I believe there is still over 400 billion in federal debt to be paid off. This is why running a surplus is fiscally prudent, it allows there to be money to pay down the debt, even if some unexpected financial concerns have happened during that fiscal year, which if you were not aiming for a surplus from the outset could cause a deficit budget out of what was originally thought to be a “balanced” budget. Now, once the debt is paid off then I have no problems calling for balanced budgets being fair taxation, although I would want to aim for a small surplus for the aforementioned economic/fiscal cushion to prevent a possible deficit outcome). Paying off debts though is something I thought was considered good fiscal/economic sense be it on a household or national level.
Why is it good economic sense to pay off one’s credit card as fast as possible yet not so good as to pay off the nation’s, which when you get right down to it is what the federal debt equates to in terms of household comparisons. This is why surpluses like the Libs ran were a good thing, and one of the main reasons Harper’s clear elimination of those large surpluses via GST cutting was the wrong choice, at the wrong time, and in the wrong manner to do much good for most Canadians (read low and middle class, only the wealthy got any real bang for those percentage bucks).
One also does not know in advance when the next economic crisis will hit where having extra margin to work with fiscally may make a significant difference in how the nation and the economy/citizenry copes with the impacts, especially if they are primarily driven by external factors such as we are seeing from the US Financial sector recently. So there are many good arguments for running surpluses in our current fiscal context and to be calling for its abolition given our debt load (which if we start looking at serious interest rate hikes will chew up a much larger percentage of the federal budget, something people have forgotten is how much bigger a bite the federal debt takes when interest rates spike, some of us are old enough to remember 20%+ interest rates across the board and not just on credit cards) is short sighted and to my eyes unsound fiscal thinking. That is why running surpluses is good management and not the bad thing you and many so called conservatives that call for the elimination of surpluses claim it to be.
You all know that Stephen Harper signed a deal with George Bush that American troops may cross the border to quell any sorts of insurgencies, don’t you?
You all know that George Bush has order a battallion be brought back from Irak for deployment on American streets October 1, don’t you?
I am not sure if that is one battalion for each city, or just one battalion. I expect we’ll all find out soon.
Have a nice day.
Dee: 09.26.08 9:30 p.m.
Yes, you are right, Dee!
The Harris/Eves/Flaherty/Baird/Clements
government in Ontario kept saying they had a balance budget but kept lining up provincial assets to sell. They did sell the 407 highway with no protection for users to not be victimized by regular boosts in charges
When Mr. McGuinty won the election, he had the books audited and a deficit of
$5.6Billion was found.
They lied then just as they lie now.
Impolite:
You know, I might have e-mailed your links to my son, but they really were so crude I thought the message has been written much more articulately and eloquently elsewhere, why bother?
I know you don’t care, but it pleases me to tell you. What’ up with this??
February 14th. Valentine’s Day. The sweethearts signed the deal.
http://thetyee.ca/Mediacheck/2008/01/16/CRTCR
With Canwest/Rogers Cable/CTV Globemedia/Reuters & Thompson gaining huge from the CRTC Harper controlled ruling in favor of larger market share for the above named media (which is cross owned, I’ll explain with links below), Harper gets pieced off with a majority as a reward and if Harper gets rid of the CBC, he gets another majority for even further market share of essentially two corporate entities (Can West/Reuter & Thompson). The links below remind viewers of the dangers to media concentration and media oligarchies in Canada.
http://thetyee.ca/Mediacheck/2007/09/17/BigMe
http://thetyee.ca/Mediacheck/2007/07/16/Canad
The fix is in. Media has got this election rigged but to see just how rigged it is and who benefits, one has to follow the ownership/power/money trail.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reuters
Its important to read Reuters history and Thompsons, to get a feel for where media is going.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Thomson_Corp
This second link has this information, a list of directors that is the “who’s who” in the old boys room. A clip:
Members of the last board of directors of Thomson were: David K.R. Thomson (chairman of the board since 2002), W. Geoffrey Beattie, Richard Harrington, Ron Barbaro, Mary Cirillo, Robert Daleo, Steven Denning, Maureen Darkes, Roger Martin, Vance Opperman, John M. Thompson, Peter Thomson, Richard Thomson, and John A. Tory.
The Thomson family owned 70 percent of the company.[3]
When Kenneth Thomson died in June 2006, control of the family fortune passed on to David K.R. Thomson under a plan put together decades earlier by company founder Roy Thomson.[3]
The Thomson family controlled The Thomson Corporation through a family-owned entity, The Woodbridge Company, based in Toronto. (Along with 70 percent of Thomson Corporation, Woodbridge also owns a 40 percent stake in CTVglobemedia, which now owns The Globe and Mail daily newspaper in Toronto and CTV, Canada’s largest commercial TV network.) David K.R. Thomson and his brother, Peter J. Thomson, became co-chairmen of Woodbridge on their father’s death.[3]
The question… you should all be asking is… “who is John Tory”?
Does “Tory” ring a bell? You know, “the Tories as in the Conservatives?”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_A._Tory
He is the father of Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario leader John H. Tory.
Considering the bias media coming from the Woodbridge company that Reuters/Thomson now owns…
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Woodbridge_C
A clip:
The Woodbridge Company Limited is a Canadian private holding company and the principal and controlling shareholder (53 percent) of Thomson Reuters. Thomson Reuters was formed in 2008 when The Thomson Corporation, a world leader in providing integrated information solutions, acquired Reuters.
Woodbridge is the primary investment vehicle for members of the family of the late Roy Thomson, the first Lord Thomson of Fleet.
Woodbridge also owns the largest (40 percent) interest in CTVglobemedia, a Canadian multimedia company with ownership of CTV and The Globe and Mail. CTV owns and operates 27 conventional stations, with interests in 35 specialty channels, including TSN. CTVglobemedia also owns the CHUM Radio Division, which operates 35 radio stations throughout Canada. Other CTVglobemedia investments include an interest in Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, which owns the Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Raptors and the Air Canada Centre.
We are seeing an almalgamation of media ownership here that is now global. Reuters is world wide. Even FOX news, the U.S. Republican channel, is part owned through what has become one of the largest if not thee largest media outlet in the world. (Reuters/Thompson profited 7 billion last year)
They could very well now be one of the three largest media giants in the world and their view is a Conservative one, all the way.
So is the fix in? CTV, Rogers Cable, the globe and mail… not to mention the Lenard Aspers favoring of Harper with every speech he’s ever made in this nation, now we can include Can West Global:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CanWest
And who is Can West?
Publishing:
National Post
St. John’s Telegram
Montreal Gazette
Ottawa Citizen
Windsor Star
Regina Leader Post
Saskatoon Star Phoenix
Calgary Herald
Edmonton Journal
Vancouver Sun
Vancouver Province
Victoria Times-Colonist
Other Publications
The Van Net Newspaper Group
The Vancouver Island Newspaper Group
Windsor-Essex Community Papers
Television:
Global Television Network
CH Hamilton
CH Vancouver Island
CH in Montreal
CHBC – Kelowna, British Columbia
CKRD – Red Deer, Alberta
Prime TV
Men TV
Mystery
DejaView
Lonestar
Fox Sportsworld Canada
Xtreme Sports
If anyone ever took the time to read these links, they would easily see why the fix is in and why Harper wants the CBC gone from existence in a big bad way (and why he labels the oppostion as anti-semites and favored the Israili position with the Israeli/Lebanon conflict so unashamedly).
Harper is a media puppet, a big oil puppet, the last people he serves is the average Canadian.
What can I say? The media fix is in and it shows with crank polls and ugly media bias coverage where damaging news to the Conservative brand gets buried, opposition to Harper gets bad press and opinion pieces reveal pure bias in favor of Harpers “Tories”.
The media fix is in.
Jaw dropping, isn’t it?
This one should be spammed over, and over… and over… and over…
gord:
Didn’t you mother ever tell you it’s wise to keep something aside for a rainy day?
I would think the new-cons would have learned something about the lessons of the fat and lean years.
Gord:
(to replace the salutation in my previous post)
Garth:
Congratulations! I think you helped shame them. Good to see they have a conscience.
Remittance Man
Remittance Man, a term once widely used, especially in the West before WWI, for an immigrant living in Canada on funds remitted by his family in England, …
http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.com/index.cfm?PgNm=TCE&Params=A1ARTA0006770 – 10k -
I’m just catching up after a bizzy day. What Dion did to Lesley Hughes? Well that was the last straw for me. I will never utter the word Liberal again for anything, you Bastards. This woman did not deserve your destruction, not even a bit. Because her opinion is over 70% of Canadians opinion. Goodbye and Good Luck.
“What’s a remittance man?”
Really?
Remittance men were younger sons of British peers sent “to the colonies” to get them out of the way of their older brothers’ path to the peerage. They were given an allowance by their families if they would leave home and stay away.
“Bonne question, merci. M. Harper l’a oubliè. — Garth — 09.26.08 9:05 pm”
Je ne crois pas cela pour un instant!
I’m still waiting for somebody to start the “Conservatives Against Harper” Party and/or Facebook page. There sure seem to be a lot of you – including my dad.
BTW, not that you should reveal who signed this letter, but can you tell us at least if it WAS signed?
Dear Leader accuses Dion of Cheer leading
Canada’s economic downfall :
Just when I thought he could go no lower Harpo trumps himself by accusing Monsieur Dion of wishing Canada into a recession .
I am still shaking my head at the stupidity of that statement .
Unbelievable !
Who writes this dim-wits speeches, Alfred E. Newman ?
That is as bad as accusing Paul Martin of being a pedophile lover .
Things just get curioser and curioser .
Any one see a hookah smoking caterpillar ?
Garth, don’t get defensive with posters. There is no point.
P.S. man, you must work nearly 24/7. Good for you. Don’t know how you do it.
How long before the RCMP swoop in and pick up these pro-democracy folks. Can’t have any action like this happenning.
Just in case y’all have forgotten along with the most evidend media bias is indeed the Conservative In and Out Scam er ru>
Sitting MPs in bold. Note: List contains 65 names, as two candidates did not receive sufficient numbers of ballots to qualify for a public refund of expenses.
British Columbia
Burnaby-Douglas, George Drazenovic
Burnaby-New Westminster, Marc Dalton
Cariboo-Prince George, Dick Harris
Esquimalt-Juan de Fuca, Troy DeSouza
Kelowna-Lake Country, Ron Cannan
Kootenay-Columbia, Jim Abbott
Nanaimo-Cowichan, Norm Sowden
Okanagan-Coquihalla, Stockwell Day
Okanagan-Shuswap, Colin Mayes
Prince George-Peace River, Jay Hill
Vancouver East, Elizabeth M. Pagtakhan
Vancouver Kingsway, Kanman Wong
Saskatchewan
Cypress Hills-Grasslands, David Anderson
Desnethe-Missinippi-Churchill River, Jeremy Harrison
Manitoba
Winnipeg Centre, Helen Sterzer
Ontario
Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing, Ian West
Davenport, Theresa Rodrigues
Kitchener Centre, Steven Cage
London-Fanshawe, Dan Mailer
Parkdale-High Park, Jurij Klufas
Sarnia-Lambton, Patricia Davidson
Scarborough Centre, Roxanne James
Thunder Bay-Rainy River, David Leskowski
Timmins-James Bay, Ken Graham
Toronto Danforth, Kren Clausen
Trinity-Spadina, Sam Goldstein
Vaughan, Richard Majkot
Windsor West, Al Teshuba
York-South Weston, Steve Halicki
Quebec
Argenteuil-Papineau-Mirabel, Suzanne Courville
Beauce, Maxime Bernier
Beauport-Limoilou, Sylvie Boucher
Bas-Richelieu-Nicolet-Becancour, Marie-Eve Helie-Lambert
Charlesbourg-Haute-Saint-Charles, Daniel Petit
Compton-Stanstead, Gary Caldwell
Drummond, Jean-Marie Pineault
Gatineau, Patrick Robert
Hull-Aylmer, Gilles Poirier
Lac-Saint-Louis, Andrea Paine
Laurentides-Labelle, Jean-Sarge Beauregard
Levis-Bellechasse, Steven Blaney
Lotbiniere-Chutes-de-la-Chaudiere, Jacques Gourde
Louis-Hebert, Luc Harvey
Louis-Saint-Laurent, Josee Verner
Megantic-L’Erable, Christian Paradis
Montmorency-Charlevoix, Yves Laberge
Mount Royal, Neil Martin Drabkin
Notre-Dame-de-Grace-Lachine, Allen F. Mackenzie
Pierrefonds-Dollard, Don Rae
Pontiac, Lawrence Cannon
Portneuf-Jacques-Cartier, Howard M. Bruce
Quebec, Frederik Boisvert
Richmond-Arthabaska, Jean Landry
Saint-Laurent-Cartierville, Ishrat Alam
Shefford, Jean Lambert
Sherbrooke, Marc Nadeau
New Brunswick
Beausejour, Omer Leger
Moncton-Riverview-Dieppe, Charles Doucet
Nova Scotia
Dartmouth-Cole Harbour, Robert A. Campbell
Halifax, Andrew House
Halifax West, Rakesh Khosla
Prince Edward Island
Malpeque, George Noble
Newfoundland and Labrador
Bonavista-Gander-Grand Falls-Windsor, Aaron Hynes
Humber-St. Barbe-Baie Verte, Cyril Pelley Jr.
Labrador, Joe Goudie
Random-Burin-St. George’s, Cynthia Downey
___________________________________________________
OTTAWA _ A primer on the alleged misconduct of the federal Conservative party in the last federal election, courtesy of Canadian Press:
WHAT _ Elections Canada alleges that the Conservative party organized a program to allow it to spend more on election ads than allowed under the rules through an “in-and-out” scheme. This program shifted $1.3 million in expenses to 67 local candidates who had room under election
spending limits to pay for advertising, but didn’t have the cash.
WHO _ The elections watchdog says the party sent the money to these individual campaigns, which then sent it right back, supposedly as a payment for regional ads. But the money actually was spent by the party on national ads, Elections Canada alleges.
HOW _ The agency says the party transferred money to 67 campaign bank accounts “and within a very short span of time, these funds or funds closely approximating the amounts deposited, were transferred back out of these accounts.”
WHY _ The elections watchdog says this plan allowed the national party to overspend its legal limits by about $1.1 million. And 65 of the 67 the individual campaigns involved got to claim 60 per cent reimbursement from the government for the phantom ad money that just passed through their bank accounts. The other two campaigns didn’t get enough votes to qualify for reimbursements.
PENALTIES _ Elections Canada alleges that the program violated a number of sections of the Elections Act. Convictions could bring a maximum penalty of up to five years in jail and a $5,000 fine for the financial agents involved and a $25,000 fine for the party. Most violations of the act bring fines, usually $2,000 or less
GGG…..please do not take anything for granted no matter how many chatter about the outcome….get out the vote.
By Gord G. on 09.26.08 10:43 pm
I don’t know how Truth Be Told defines “remittance man”. However, originally the term referred to men whose reputation or behaviour had become embarrassing to their families. They were given a yearly allowance – or remittance – and sent out to the colonies (quite often Canada) where it was hoped they’d straighten up and fly right or at least their antics wouldn’t be quite so troublesome. The income continued only as long as they were out of sight and out of mind.
Only if I were a non-profit organization.
Gord.
By Gord G. on 09.26.08 10:41 pm,
So you consider government nothing more than a non-profit organization? How many non-profit organizations could amass the kind of debt a government can? How many non-profit organizations can wage war? How many non-profit organizations is committed to the welfare and safety of so many people?
BTW, not that you should reveal who signed this letter, but can you tell us at least if it WAS signed?
We expect to repair the damage done to the Conservative Party done by this decision. We can’t do that as well if we’re on the outside. So please, we must remain anonymous. Especially as one of us is endorsing neither the Raitt nor Turner, figuring that will send the clearest signal that we need change in our riding — including a clean break from our past.
Dont believe polls Garth…on a phonein show Yourturncbc. pick best pm and president…Dion/obAMA won easily…they disliked harper and his bully way and jack came in second.
Stephen Harper wants a radically different Canada: a Canada that is run by the large corporate entities who control the marketplace. The shock of major recession would give him the opportunity but he needs the absolute power provided by a majority in Parliament of hand picked followers.
It is in his self-interest to deny that we are heading towards major economic problems by releasing data that the government had a surplus in July.
What he did not tell his audience is that the surplus was helped along by inflation, especially the high price of petroleum products. Eventually inflation will force consumers to reduce purchasing of taxable goods as they adjust to lower levels of discretionary real income.
Harper has been all over the map himself on the economy. Indicating that we are in for an economy rough patch, on one hand, and then complaining that his opponents are talking down the economy on the other. He seem to have suddenly forgotten that it was his own finance minister that has been talking down the Canadian economy by suggesting that Ontario is not a place to invest.
Does he really think that Canadians are so stupid that they will accept the propaganda that in a globalized economy the only reason a recession will touch them is because Dion and Layton have suggested the likelihood? Could it be that only his followers are so gullible?
We expect to repair the damage done to the Conservative Party done by this decision. We can’t do that as well if we’re on the outside. So please, we must remain anonymous. Especially as one of us is endorsing neither the Raitt nor Turner, figuring that will send the clearest signal that we need change in our riding — including a clean break from our past.
By Long Time Conservative on 09.27.08 7:19 am,
Stephen Harper once said that: “when push came to shove, you would find there were only two kinds of Tories, red Tories and yellow Tories….”
What you will find is that you will be marginalized within the party because the goons know who you are.
Be aware that you accepted a party constitution in which your role is reduced to “sending money” and to support the candidate selected.
This is not the Progressive Conservative Party or even the Reform Party. This is the Stephen Harper Party, hierarchical and autocratic and institutionalized to remain so.
Giving away one’s freedom to a political party is a major sacrifice of freedom. When I left the party I felt a tremendous sense of freedom.
By Gord G. on 09.25.08 11:12 pm,
By C. B. Innes on 09.26.08 8:35 am
By Gord G. on 09.26.08 8:26 pm
By Truth B Told on 09.26.08 10:30 pm
Its really quite simple. The government collects taxes and other revenues. Then it spends money and pays off its current debt obligation. Anything left over is a surplus.
Now the question boils down to what should be done with that surplus and that all depends on your point of view.
It could have been due to underspending. The government may have committed to doing something and for one one reason or another the funds were not spent, or costs of projects came in less than anticipated. That’s good underspending. However it doesn’t mean the government should blow that money, it can go against the remaining debt or in an emergency account.
Or.
The government could have raised more money than it anticipated. This would be overtaxation. Again what should be done with the surplus, pay off the debt, spend some more on necessaries or return it to the tax payer.
The main point to note is that budgets are not an exact science but a forward plan of what should happen. Lots of factors and forecasts go into it, anyone of which could be wrong. (Growth rate of 4%)
The key is not to go into deficit. And that’s where Harper and Flaherty have taken us. If in the first 4 months (Apr-Jul) we were $2.9B in surplus including the one time $4.5Brevenue from the frequency sale, then from everything else we had a $1.6B deficit. If they continue in the same way, for the other 8 months, that will be $4.8B (3×1.6)deficit, less the $4.5B, or $300M deficit. Close to balanced and I’m sure Flaherty will use some of his creative math to zero that out.
But as I said, its all based on forcasts. If the downturn continues, or further taxes are lost due to Flaherty created tax leakage, or Harper decides he needs to spend on another ship or….
well you get the picture.
Its better to be a few billion in surplus with some wiggle room than a few million in deficit.
“They have set us all up”
Russians decry U.S. financial fiasco. CRAP will be next to distance itself from their masters.
http://www.themoscowtimes.com/article/1110/42/371112.htm
When Stephen Harper made his comments about those who support the arts he publicly humiliated his wife who is a patron of the arts. I understand that, as a result, she has withdrawn from attending the Ottawa arts gala this year.
It is evident from this incident that Harper lacks respect for others even members of his own family.
By C. B. Innes on 09.26.08 9:14 pm
My thoughts exactly – Mrs. Harper is well known for attending many cultural events throughout the country – so what will she do now with the dress that was on order for the NAC gala? Harper ridiculed his wife along with many, many Canadians when he shot off his mouth this time. All of those ‘niche’ Canadians who attend theatres, museums, local cultural events, historical societies, you get my drift.
By Molly on 09.27.08 12:34 am
Hear hear, Molly, I totally agree with you and I know many others who do, too.
The only option left for Canadians who do not want the Harper Conservatives to win election 2008 is to vote strategically.
Join Anti-Harper Vote Swap Canada
http://www.new.facebook.com/group.php?gid=25808609138
Join avaaz.org’s initiative
https://secure.avaaz.org/en/stop_harper/?cl=132928833&v=2227
Visit vote for environment
http://www.voteforenvironment.ca/
Visit anything but conservative
http://www.anythingbutconservative.ca/
Visit anyone but harper
http://anyonebutharper.ca/
http://toutsaufharper.ca/?lang=fr
The turning point in this election. Another Harper curve ball while playing at home. ABC
http://www.canada.com/calgaryherald/news/story.html?id=b842d188-0f7d-4457-ace6-e0df8c140120&p=2
I’m just catching up after a bizzy day. What Dion did to Lesley Hughes? Well that was the last straw for me. I will never utter the word Liberal again for anything, you Bastards. This woman did not deserve your destruction, not even a bit. Because her opinion is over 70% of Canadians opinion. Goodbye and Good Luck.
BY MOLLY ON 09.27.08 12:34 AM
Maybe 70% of Calgarians but not Canadians. I think Canadians expect more from their potential/sitting MPs.
If she happened to win her riding as MP and a person of the Jewish faith needed her help on an issue? That person isn’t going to feel comfortable going to her are they?
Dion was right to fire her. MPs work for all their constituents not just the ones who vote for them.
Oh……you mean this Lesley Hughes???
MOLLY!!!
http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/fullcomment/archive/2008/09/25/meet-lesley-hughes-the-liberal-candidate-who-thinks-9-11-was-an-inside-job.aspx
Never mind this one Garth, she’s a lost soul.
Next time I’m at Zack’s for my meds I’ll drop in for a sign.
Go Garth Go!
Just occurred to me….Layton likes affordable housing, especially for himself.
If he were official opposition and his wife Olivia Chow won her riding again -
he’d live in Stornoway with the perks for free and between them they’d make – what approx $400,000 plus pensions – hello Canada – Jackie wants the freebies and the money, which has been a history for him.
I find it no wonder whatsoever that the U.S. economy is in a total meltdown, and due (allegedly) to mortgages and over spending. The people have been led by their egos to follow the same fiscal manglement that the goobernment has used. Bush has literally wasted billions on his personal war in Iraq and spent money they do not have to achieve an ego based homeostasis.
Is it any wonder that the very same government has been at the helm while the entire Ship of State is thrust against the rocks and fatally damaged beyond repair?
Vote for Harper and we can have the very same experience. Go ahead, do it, prove your intellect is smaller than your ego.
The government could have raised more money than it anticipated. This would be overtaxation. -end quote
That depends. If the economy take a surge that was not forecast in the budget then more taxes will be collected because business have more sales, employ more people who earn more money and pay more taxes……
So no it’s not really over taxation if the government receives more taxes than budgeted.
Got two more non voters this mourning to anti Tony votes now. fOR THEY DO NOT WANT THAT LITTLE WIMP TO GET A MILLION DOLLAR FOR HIS OLD AGE
This one should be spammed over, and over… and over… and over…
By brain on 09.26.08 11:49 pm
Excellent work! Now…the Sun Chain…
…and the right wing wackos claim Liberal bias?
The time has come for BROKEN PROMISE OFFSET CREDITS.
The registered voter gets a tax credit based on degree of importance for every election promise broken by an elected Federal candidate.
Oh forget it….what was I thinking…it would cause too much tax leakage. Concept could be structured similar to the following:
http://www.carbonzero.ca/node/122
As one of those who was prepared to seek the nomination for the Cons. of Halton and who was present at the meeting where Raitt’s appointment was confirmed I can attest to the fact that everything in this letter to be true. The back lash to her appointment is predictable, the members of our assoc. who remained loyal to our party during our troubled times had earned the right to have a say into who should be our candidate. The back room boys and Lisa denied us that right. This controversy could have been avoided had Raitt put her name forward and agreed to go through the nomination process, and had she won the support of the membership at a nomination meeting then she would of had not only my support but the support of all our membership. She decided she did not need the support or endorsement of our members to be the candidate, but she now expects those same members to support her in this election. I believe the reason she did not want to go through the nomination process was she knew as did her handlers in Ottawa, that left up to the members she would not of won and so the appointment. If she wins this riding then the back rooms boys of Ottawa will have won they will have as the MP for Halton someone they can control and who will do as she is told, that may be good for the power brokers in Ottawa but it does serve the people of Halton. Be electing Lisa Raitt would be in fact condoning this type of top down rule by unelected party official.Canadians and the taxpayers of Halton deserve better than that.This type of top down rule is what led many of us, including Stephen Harper to leave the old PC Party and join Reform.Funny how the more things change to more they stay the same.
In 2008, while the Riding of Halton Residents was suffering from a rat infestation, a man dressed in Red garments appeared, claiming to be a rat-cather. He promised the riding a solution for their problem with the Blue rats. The Halton riding residents in turn promised to pay him for the removal of the Blue rats. The man accepted, and thus played a musical pipe to lure the Blue rats with a song of Victory into the Sixteen Mile Creek, where all of them drowned. This was the end of the 2008 Elections
Big Red
Now you’re scaring me. — Garth
Garth, you said “When the people who form the spine of a party no longer trust those who lead, how can the citizens of Canada be expected to support it?” and Bonnie, you said “Too bad that it appears in the polls that Canadians can’t yet see the true value our professor Stephane Dion will bring to the position of PM. Isn’t that the irony of this election campaign? Bloggers on this site recognize these points – but the public at large -the VOTERS at large – seem to have no idea… Failure to change the public perceptions is the failure of the Liberal party – if the numerous published National polls prove to be true on the 14th… sad – for Canada…
What is the difference between a ‘Party’ and a ‘Cult’? The letters used to spell the word when the leader does all the thinking, and the sheep mindlessly follow along.
Democracy is people working together for their own common good. We should try it…again.
A little cut and thrust, please
The first of the two leaders debates takes place Wednesday. Don’t bother looking forward to it. Our debates are more of a liturgy than a dynamic. In fact, they’re useless.
They’re useless because they are not in fact or substance debates. They are overprepped, overmoderated, overacted, stiff, clumsy and cluttered display shows. Is there an art category for Still Life with Words?
The party leaders go in programmed, having gone through hours or days of mock debates, and tried out answers to every possible hot question. Come debate night, they have the spontaneity, but not the elegance, of a marble block. Their opening statements are pure teleprompter chloroform – fixed doltish smile, a “my fellow Canadians” or two, soft voice off the top and a well-rehearsed wave of the arm to “my opponents.” You will get more staring at your shoe than watching these openings. (Rex Murphy)
AMEN to that analysis!
AMEN to that analysis!
By Bill-Muskoka (not anymore) on 09.27.08 11:08 am
True. However, what you will get, albeit overrehearsed, is the full quote, not the 5 second sound bite.
I hope, but I’m not holding my breath, that the on-off switches on the mics are used. Each leader gets a set time to respond to the question and rebut their opponents, without interruption. That is make it a true debate. It should be about the issues not who can shout the loudest.
Maybe for the last 10 minutes, have a free for all.
If not, ring the bell, get the guy in the striped shirt and announce, “This bout is scheduled for one fall!” It may be entertaining but will resolve nothing.
But as I said, its all based on forcasts. If the downturn continues, or further taxes are lost due to Flaherty created tax leakage, or Harper decides he needs to spend on another ship or….
well you get the picture.
Its better to be a few billion in surplus with some wiggle room than a few million in deficit.
By James- Chatham on 09.27.08 8:41 am
What size of surplus is the right size?
Gord.
Molly, I’d be interested in where you’ve derived that 70% figure.
I took the time to watch that “Loose Change” video when it first came out and it was laughable. Even within the video the authors contradicted themselves; rather than take a consistent line that would at least have bought them a smidgen of credibility, they essentially offered an assortment of flavours when it came to explanations, sometimes running counter to a previous one. It basically amounted to: “If you don’t like that explanation, how about this one.” The Jewish conspiracy one is bunk, and the Liberals are the better off for having severed ties with that problem. Too bad the Conservatives wouldn’t do the same to their nut cases like Nelson Madela-basher Rob Anders. Incidentally, I’ve read the riding talk for Pierre Poilievre and while he’s undoubtedly a shoe-in given that it’s a safe seat, there’s a lot of reluctant Conservatives who’d be more than overjoyed to have him replaced with someone they’d feel a whole better about voting for.
Consider:
Harper was almost impossible to keep in check when he had a minority. He bent rules, disrupted parliament, and behaved like a disrespectful a-hole in a minority govt.
Give him a majority and he will run roughshod over every single Canadian.
Harper is a foul mouthed, mean spirited dictator.
Harper also hates our Canada.
The polls and the media are controlled by REFORM party far right religious nuts.
Get ready for the biggest crack down on civil liberties and common decency you’ve ever seen if Harper steals a majority in his illegal election.
It is evident from this incident that Harper lacks respect for others even members of his own family.
By C. B. Innes on 09.26.08 9:14 pm
My thoughts exactly – Mrs. Harper is well known for attending many cultural events throughout the country – so what will she do now with the dress that was on order for the NAC gala? Harper ridiculed his wife along with many, many Canadians when he shot off his mouth this time. All of those ‘niche’ Canadians who attend theatres, museums, local cultural events, historical societies, you get my drift.
By K Murphy on 09.27.08 9:13 am
All is not lost, MRS. Harper can still attend and view our PM’s portrait gallery.
Tucked in a cosy lobby of the House of Commons is an homage to the Tory leader, writes Tim Naumetz.
Tim Naumetz, The Ottawa Citizen
Published: Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Citizens who really want a national portrait gallery in Ottawa can rest easy. The government already has one.
All you need to get in is a Commons security pass, a Conservative party membership and a keen desire to view exclusive pictures of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, exclusively.
http://www.urbantoronto.ca/showthread.php?t=8089
This type of top down rule is what led many of us, including Stephen Harper to leave the old PC Party and join Reform.Funny how the more things change to more they stay the same.
By rick on 09.27.08 10:38 am
………………….
Surely by now Rick you’ve realized what we have all seen, and what Garth Turner has seen up close and personal.
Stephen Harper is not a leader, he is a dictator, a ruler by design, intent on HIS agenda with no thought whatsoever to the people at whose pleasure he is supposed to serve.
Please consider setting aside your differences with Mr. Turner. For all of the things that may have happened in the past to cause you to question him, one thing I can say for certain. Mr Turner respects YOU and he respects democracy. Not so Harper. Harper respects no one. He is an ugly bully and a blight upon democracy.
The old adage “united we stand divided we fall” was never more true than it is now. Join with Mr Turner in fighting this disgrace. I am certain that Mr. Turner will welcome your support, and will work WITH YOU not against you.
Rick, your disgust at this situation is totally justifiable.
The Halton Conservative Riding Association should be vigorously pushing the media to report on this disgrace.
It should be front page news when a dictator attempts to take over a democracy. Harper’s goons seem to have control of the media, however if you make enough noise, they can not afford to ignore you.
You have a window of opportunity.
Seize the day!
Respectfully yours
Ben
Mr. Garth TurnerMP, FYI anyone
Today one CBC radio Quirks & Quarks science show. http://www.cbc.ca/quirks/
show is 50 minute long in total.
There’s allways interesting topics covered. To day’s includes stories covering the GHG/carbon issues/carbon tax. Plug some extra link on the site
There also a quiz you could do.
See carbon pricing issue below and on there site to here the whole show.
Sept. 27 – The Quirks Carbon Quiz
As part of our Election Green Guide, a large portion of this week’s broadcast will be devoted to the issue of Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions. And we’ve designed it as a little quiz on the amount of greenhouse gases Canadians are responsible for, what the sources are, and what the targets for reduction should be if we’re to make meaningful cuts in our emissions.
You can go to the show site and down load this and past show.
This show is about Global warning GHG’s.
Lot of information and ideas.
Carbon Pricing http://www.cbc.ca/quirks/archives/08-09/qq-2008-09-27.html
(You can down load this radio show any time from there web site.
The show is on the radio on Sat 12:06-1pm and on Monday at 11:06-12pm.)
The solution to climate change will be, of course, cutting our greenhouse gas emissions. Much of the key to this is the science and technology around energy efficiency, alternative energy systems like solar and wind, nuclear power and perhaps technologies to capture and sequester emissions from fossil fuels. But the key to having these solutions adopted may lie in another science, the “dismal science” of economics. Economists, politicians and scientists have maintained the economic key to controlling greenhouse gases is emissions pricing. To explore this, we speak with Dr. Bob Page, TransAlta professor of Environmental Management and Sustainability at the University of Calgary’s Institute for Sustainable Energy, Environment and Economy and Dr. Mark Jaccard, Professor at the School of Resource and Environmental Management at Simon Fraser University. Both were members of the National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy which has advised the Canadian government on the policies that could lead to significant reductions in Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions.
Its better to be a few billion in surplus with some wiggle room than a few million in deficit.
By James- Chatham on 09.27.08 8:41 am
What size of surplus is the right size?
Gord.
By Gord G. on 09.27.08 12:01 pm
There is no right or wrong to the amount of a surplus, but the fact that a surplus exists means that it is not necessary to borrow more to cover the spending and hence increase the National Debt. It is also difficult to forecast whether there will be a surplus or a deficit when the economy is in decline and the decline is accelerating. That would point toward a deficit being more likely. If the economy is steady or accelerating, then it would predict that a surplus is possible and probable provided the levels of taxation are sufficient to produce a surplus in excess of the projected government spending. With the Harper Cabinet/Government’s increases in spending plus tax cutting measures, this most recent budget surplus was both unexpected and eyebrow raising. What items have been left out of the current accounting, if any…..what spending has not been paid for YET? There are past history cases in Canada that would bring this recent reporting into question…..questions that only the Auditor General can answer and should be given the opportunity to verify.
Since there was the past history in Ontario where during an election that a 5.5 Billion deficit was covered up by the same people now in Ottawa, it gives legitimacy to the concerns about truth in reporting.
Furthermore, both surpluses and deficits are in them selves not bad, but the reasons for them existing and the corrections needed or causing them are what are more important. If deficit spending now will create a robust surplus later through improved infrastructure, reduced costs later in say healthcare, etc., then the net effect is good. But if deficit spending is just for the sake of exempting both corporations and the ultra rich from paying their fair share of the cost of running a modern nation [taxes], this is inexcusable. It is not like that these trappings and instruments of wealth go to the grave and are transferable into another life/realm/existence, etc. You come into this world bare assed and bawling and leave nearly as naked and whimpering! In the case of corporations, often times the executives are skimming the bulk of the benefits off at the expense of the shareholders, and that too is despicable.
It takes much attention to detail, and over view to recognize the total reality of what does and does not constitute the truth of these situations. In my 68 years, I have been lied to by some very clever and dedicated individuals, and have in many cases found out the truth later on, some times much later on. The best advise I received was in High School from certain Science teachers regards the scientific method. Google that and try it out for yourself. Hint, not all liars tell mis-truths all the time, only just often enough to make their stories/themes/principles plausible. Also, there is no free lunch, meaning: that every strategy, proposal, plan, etc. has a cost and that cost maybe hidden or mislabeled. Finally, there is also a moral/ethical price to every stance. Some so called ethics are in fact a very slippery slope into a highly reprehensible position. Only you your self using good sound logic and vision can detect what is justifiable.
Haad to leave the city quite early this am, so only had time to check the headlines in the Ottawa Citizen and no time to check the internet.
Front page: “Fortress to flophouse?”, or the evaporation of support for the Liberal Party across the country.
Page A4: “Liberals ‘are falling apart’ as NDP moves into Opposition territory”. or Layton gains on plummeting Libs.
Not to mention a number of miscellaneous items, including a Lorne Gunter column about “The Liberal implosion.”
I was wondering if the Liberals had threatened to withdraw funding from the Asper Museum to get that much negative press in one issue of an Asper paper – until I read Brain’s “The media fix is in.” I believe it, Brain.
This is going to be one interesting election, with the main challenger declared to be a dead man walking by the commercial media. We’ll find out how gullible we are on 15 October.
The debates are Dion’s last best hope. He must go out on a limb. He must go out on the attack.
He must show some emotion and passion for positions that are moderate and reasonable.
He must also be careful about trying to completely blame the CONS for the world’s economic crisis. Otherwise, he will appear to welcome the crisis in an effort to score political points.
In short, he must walk a very fine political line. He must find the right balance, and once finding that balance which will appeal to the mainstream, he must come on strong. He must stick his neck out and go out on a limb for the happy middle ground.
He must be bold and courageous. He must demonstrate that he knows where he is going, and can lead.
And he must downplay the green shift which was an unfortunate mistake.
In short, he must moderate his position toward the centre, but in that moderation, to be extremely bold and forthright and assertive (without being overly aggressive and antagonistic), and without giving up on the left which is fast turning to the NDP.
He must sppear to be prime ministerial, and speak clearly, but without rancour and malice.
In short, he must be a man, a bold leader, who is seen to be more proactive than reactive.
When those preparations are in order, we can then say, “Bring on the debate!” It is either now or never for Dion.
AMEN to that analysis!
By Bill-Muskoka (not anymore) on 09.27.08 11:08 am
I’ll be watching the VP debate in the US. After watching the video of Palin talking to Corick (sp?), on her foreign affairs experience it should be quite a hoot.
As the vast majority of the media in Canada is controlled by the cons, I’m fairly certain that the following day’s political pundits will, no doubt, say that Stevie was the winner. I hope it will be retelevized, however, as I’d like to see how May handles herself. I’ll watch the French debate the following evening. I doubt either debate is going to really change public opinion. We talk about ignorant, uninformed Americans, yet Canadians sadly are not much better. It is a sad fact. Our system is in desperate need of a change.
James – Chatham:
I see you are engaged in a battle of wits today with an unarmed man – you will get more satisfaction nailing jello to a tree.
Got two more non voters this mourning to anti Tony votes now. fOR THEY DO NOT WANT THAT LITTLE WIMP TO GET A MILLION DOLLAR FOR HIS OLD AGE
By Tim Pellett on 09.27.08 10:19 am
Keep up your excellent work, Tim!
What size of surplus is the right size?
Gord.
By Gord G. on 09.27.08 12:01 pm
According to the finance sept. $2.9B including the one time revenues of $4.5B from the airwaves sale.
Hence, using the business model of looking at day to day operating activities excluding one time revenues that cannot be expected to recur, my math says $1.6B deficit.
I don’t do houses, I do entire streets, or entire polls – all the houses. Consistent response. Come and join me. — Garth
I finally got out and helped my local candidate door knock. It was the first time I’d done any volunteering for an election, and I must say, it’s a great experience.
My small sample heartened me. It took about three hours, but the welcomes were very warm. People are far more aware, and very ticked off — probably much more than the Conservatives tactics could have predicted….. the IT massacre, the early election, on and on. There’s more Liberal signs going up, neighbourhood by neighbourhood..
Mr. Garth TurnerMP, FYI
When I ask the Halton Green Candiate about nuclear power, (after the monday meet the canadiate public talk) she’s for more nuclear power generation. see below.
Also, she had not heard about the ‘Vote ABC’, until I said I was still undecided, but voting ABC.
I was suprised she hadn’t already read about vote ABC.
I am leaning toward Garth/Dion/Liberal plan to help all Canadians accually ‘get the job done’ for our best short and long term interests of us all.
The Halton Green Party Candidate,
Amy Collard, told me that she personally thinks we are going to have to have more/include nuclear power generation in our energy mix, even thow this is not the Green Party plateform.
If she becomes haltons MP she is going too vote for ideans that make sence to her even if it goes against her parties platform.
I’m glad to see she has been looking into the issue and facts of Nuclear power and climate change and is willing to critically look at all sides for the solutions we surely need, to get to were we need to be, and soon!
(I’m still thinking of voting Garth/Dion.)
The world now is using more that 1 cubic mile of oil a year globaly, plus all the other energy sources like coal,gas,hydro,renewables,the nuclear plants we now have, etch.
Oil is not going to last forever. We are presently head for the world being ‘all out of oil’ in 2050-2060!!!
(If we just keep going as is, like PMSH wants to do. Do you have a family?
are you well informed? have you thought it throw? I feel sorry for PMSH own kids. What kind of world is he going to make for them to try and survive in?)
PMSH and the NAFTA is going to mean that Canada will use up all our natural gas in the tarsands by 2028.
How old will you and your family be then?
How do you now heat your water and home?
That a great plan/leadership PMSH, NOT!
How has the plan to help us all make the changes we need to make while there is still some low cost oil/energy left to ‘get the job done’ in time, and still not leave the planet a over heated oven for your families to try and survive in?
Nuclear is the only ready to go technology that can replace the amount of energy we are now using from fossil fuels and still keep the lights on.
Remember it is often not winding or sunny on the coldest night and hottest days in Onatrio. Ontarion is now safely getting more that 52% of its electricity form the CANCU nuclear power plants we have, reliably and at low cost.
Ontario’s CANDU plants are approching there operating life limit, and will need to be uppgraded and/or replaced soon, to recieve another operating licence, and meet future energy needs.
We could use more CANDU’s to help get our GHG down to 1990 levels and keep the light on and jobs here.
We are going to need lots of on demand power to rechange all the plug in cars and/or make hydrogen for them. CANDU power can do this and not add GHG and smog to the air.
The last few CANDU plants have been built in under 4 years, on time and under budget.
Why do you think the world is trying to by our CANDU power plants for there own countries? There safe, reliable, cost effective, and GHG free (vertually).
CANDU’s use fuel that require much less energy to make, and works at a lower concentration that the other light water reators.
We are runing out of oil, that’s why we are into the expensive tarsands now.
You have heard of peak-oil right?
We all have big brain’s, get the facts, do some thinking for yourselve. Think about the world that we are making for our families and all people of the world.
I wonder if ‘Amy Collard’, the Halton ‘Green Party Candidate’ has read any of these books, or see the info, at these sites? Perhaps she has, so is ok will more nuclear power use as part of our energy source mix.
Power to Save the World: The truth about nuclear energy and our changing climate. by: Gwyneth Cravens.
Her webe site has a good info. and a link to info. video about book and topic.
http://www.cravenspowertosavetheworld.com/
Kicking the Carbon Habit: Global Warming and the Case for Renewable and Nuclear Energy. By: William Sweet
http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/Kicking-Carbon-Habit-Global-Warming-William-Sweet/9780231137102-item.html?ref=Search+Books%3a+%2527william+sweet%2527
The Weather Makers: How Man Is Changing The Climate And What It Means For Life On Earth. By: Flannery Tim
http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/Weather-Makers-How-Man-Changing-Flannery-Tim/9780871139351-item.html?ref=Search+Books%3a+%2527the+weather+makers%2527
http://www.aecl.ca/
http://www.cna.ca/
what people tell you at the door in an election campaign is not to be trusted. Most people keep their thoughts to themselves, we never know what they will do until election day
BY SLIM 26.08 7:22pm
….
I think Garth’s perception of the voters at the door, is likely very accurate.
Television polls, not so much. The four member panel on Peter Mansbridge’s show the other night all agreed that the news polls are probably inaccurate.. I don’t remember their exact words, but Coyne, Hebert, etc. didn’t seem impressed to me by the polling figures. Spinning the spin? You don’t know anymore.
But I can tell you that in my little taste of door-knocking… people were very forthright with the candidate, for, or against. By the tone and feel, they are going to be voting exactly as they stated.
This type of top down rule is what led many of us, including Stephen Harper to leave the old PC Party and join Reform.Funny how the more things change to more they stay the same.
By rick on 09.27.08 10:38 am,
I think you misunderstood Harper’s reasons for leaving the PC Party. Harper wanted a party that could be transformed into a right wing party dominated by ideology and he could not accomplish that under the PC Constitution.
He went to the Reform Party because it made no secret of being a right wing party. However, he disagreed with Manning’s belief that you have a right wing populist party. He worked behind the scenes to make sure only those policies he approved would go before the conventions. Inevitably, he had a falling our with Manning over his opposition to “grass roots” democracy.
Many of us left the party under the Mulroney Administration because we disagreed with the direction he was taking the party. We eventually went back and began to rebuild from the bottom up but there was strong resistence at the top and that was what led them to the coup and merger with the Canadian Alliance. The party establishment was afraid that the members would gain control of the weakened PC Party.
The reason they manipulated Elections Canada into registering the party illegally on a Sunday before the PC executive could gain input was to prevent any member from exercising their rights under the PC Constitution.
Since the courts ruled what was done was illegal but the judge used the right to allow everything to stand, Elections Canada has been far more astute in enforcing election law.
The Canadians Alliance had abandoned the grassroots concept when Manning lost the leadership (illustrated by the leadership of Stockwell Day.)
Harper was a strong advocated of top down rule. He had made that clear when he was running for the CA leadership and when he was campaigning for some form of merger. The new Conservative Party was created to be a top down party: hierarchical, professional, and disciplined. Even the general membership would only have what Harper referred to as a “fair” amount of independence from the hierarchy, whatever that means and no real power.
http://www.torontosun.com/comment/columnists/lorrie_goldstein/2008/09/25/6870551-sun.html
First unbiased report I’ve read on the Green Shift.
Harper decides he needs to spend on another ship or….
well you get the picture.
By Gord G. on 09.27.08 12:01 pm
You do NOT need to worry about spending on ships to defend our “Northern Frontier” The gun ships that are now on order are skin kayaks crewed by trained Inuit.
Harper quietly canceled the ice breakers. (It cut costs and boosted our northern protection. Ask him.)
Each day brings yet another confirmation that our country is slipping away from us. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again:
I want my Canada back.
I don’t get your point, can you explain why a surplus is not over taxation?
Gord.
By Gord G. on 09.26.08 8:26 pm ,
Only a dummy would embrace a plan to eternally pay nothing down on principle debt in favor of making endless interest payments and sluff off borrowed money as not being worthy of inclusion, claiming taxpayers are “overtaxed” if they make payments on principle debt.
You continually blow me away with the fact that you can’t catch onto the glaring obvious.
Im a little upset right now & confused..I emailed Mrs Raitt a few times because i had some questions, anyone know why she has an email address if they don’t reply to your email?
Very Frustrating.
Gord, I happened on this link in a posting on the Globe & Mail. I think you and others will find this highly enlightening if you watch this google movie in total!
Darrin Duell from Winnipeg, Canada writes: our whole monetary system is based on debt… if people stopped borrowing the system would implode, jobs would be lost, businesses would close and life as we know it would end. Take a look at this film.
source:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-9050474362583451279
* Posted 27/09/08 at 11:14 AM EDT
What size of surplus is the right size?
Gord.
By Gord G. on 09.27.08 12:01 pm
Sorry Gord,
I must remember to ATQ, something policticians like Harper seldom do…answer the question.
A reasonable surplus, after all the bills and current debt payments are paid, $3 Billion which I would put in a reserve fund.
The issue here is how the surplus/deficit is calculated or if any one time factors affected it.
Even if we end up with a balanced budget or a small surplus, that still doesn’t tell us that the government are good fiscal managers. We could still have been overtaxed if the government had decided to spend for spendings sake.
Toronto Port Authority’s Spring Frolics 2007
Not worth the RISK for Halton
Not worth the money paid out by Canadian Tax-payers on annual pay at T.P.A..
Not your average working class family in Halton.
If Ms.Raitt can’t manage the Port Authority how can she manage Halton?
That initiative came as a result of top-dollar public relations consulting firm Pollara’s recommendations that the agency launch a PR campaign to have TPA viewed as part of waterfront regeneration, something a telephone poll of 500 Torontonians indicated the public has no idea is true. In fact, overwhelmingly, most don’t associate TPA with waterfront regeneration and seemingly most who reside on the waterfront swear it’s a lie, judging from their numbers raucously present during a workday in the hotel’s 18th-floor meeting room. TPA’s regular AGM business was handled during the 90 minutes.
It included a report that overall expenses declined while operating revenues rose in the year just ended. Left out of the literature package handed out beforehand was that the port authority lost a record amount of money during that same period.
The show stopped while the children left their seats, went to the rear for a photo op, then departed for their school.
Heading up the show is charming and smart Lisa Raitt, CEO of the nuisance, who dodges with all the good humour at her command the insults that spurt from the assemblage. She dekes hecklers with the skill of a stand-up comic, tutored perhaps by her husband who is one at Second City. Raitt is well into the 6-digit annual pay range and from TPA’s standpoint is probably a bargain at whatever she is paid. Raitt is marvelously adept at deflecting criticism and spinning reasonable excuses for seemingly inexcusable activities. She also has her port authority technical and regulatory facts down pat.
But before the chuckling throng got to assault Raitt in this annual spring comedy, they were tossed a tasty morsel in the form of a suit from Polara who was there with a pointer and a slide show to set up a skit that TPA is a waterfront revitalizer that deserves credit for the features people who visit the waterfront enjoy, and that is misunderstood by most Torontonians, but not badly thought of. Generally, the audience enjoyed his show and laughed a lot throughout, tossing out barbs as the quixotic statistics were presented.
Then came the pièce de résistance Ms. Raitt herself.
She took the pointer and whisked through a slide show, ticking some more time off the clock as she addressed a list of complaints and their resolutions.
But the crowd would still get their full dose of Lisa Raitt because despite the various time-consuming features, there were still about 50 minutes left. And Raitt was ready.
She endured outbursts, allegations and affronts with élan. She avoided rolling her eyes as in past performances and her rare facial response to a prolonged assault was confined to raising her eyes to the skies and a making brief twist of mouth.
A question about the fate of the Music Garden on the waterfront was skillfully deflected. It had to do with the racket produced by Porter air and other aircraft landing, taxiing and taking off at the Island airport. It could end the summer music programs, especially if TPA’s dream of a busy airport occurs.
Raitt said if Porter, as widely predicted bites the dust, TPA will seek out other carriers to keep the airport in operation.
But the city plans to narrow Lower Bathurst to two lanes to accommodate safe pedestrian access across the street, which interferes with port authority ambitions for a wide street with queuing lanes. The threat of exercising the easement could rob the community of the safe passage across the street that residents and their councilor Adam Vaughan desire.
Is this the person you want to represent you in Ottawa?
Dion was right to fire her. MPs work for all their constituents not just the ones who vote for them.
By Dee on 09.27.08 9:32 am
Not sure about that one, Dee. It could have been a rash knee jerk, it could have been the right choice but I couldn’t say myself because I don’t know her and have not to my knowledge, read her material. This is an election with just over two weeks to go. Hard to say whether or not she needed to be cut loose, but logic dictates that the environment/climate from here on in creates a fertile ground for kneejerk reactions.
What I will stress is that voters and leaders who assess the quality of their candidates must look at the overall.
Take Garth Turner for instance. He isn’t always right. He walks and chews bubble gum but there is the odd mis-step. But I’ve seen Garth on many an occasion when he was serving this nation without his knowledge that I was looking and found myself to be extremely proud of his service to this great nation.
We focus on mis-steps… blunders… but what about the overall? What about the successes of these candidates? What about their triumphs?
Its about patterns, folks. Patterns and knowing the difference between right and wrong and simply doing whats right. Walking the talk. A candidate writes something controversial one day… what about what they’ve written for the entire year? Or decade? Or the evolution of their thinking, the conclusions, the positions that have become solid over time?
I agree that there are certain taboos, certain lines that one should never cross and if such lines have been crossed, they need to be addressed before they even become candidates. After that, its too late.
Folks, there isn’t a one of us standing that has a “perfect” record. There isn’t a one of us that has not sinned. Impeccability in character is not something we are born into. Its something we earn and choose and its lifes tests that create the character we all possess for we are products of our own environment and when one thinks about it, all Canadians are being tested right now.
A wise man once said we are all born in sin. That is our environment. Judge not, lest ye be judged… and yet… treat others as you would want others to treat you.
Its about double standards. Hypocracy. From infancy to elder, its about evolution even moreso than change. You’ve all heard it before. Until you’ve walked in that persons shoes…
We are trapped in our own individuality, trapped in our own bubbles, viewing the world from the inside looking out and the only way we can break such trappings is to connect… connect to the hearts and thoughts of others, of all life. Some regulars do it daily here. Everything we read, hear, see, feel, touch, aborb, it rubs off on us… in some way, whether its an action or reaction, it also becomes a part of us.
Leader, brand, candidate, record… the record is the pattern and the pattern tells all. If voters don’t vote with the integration of all four in mind… then we have failed one of lifes most important tests, the test to participate and preserve democracy in an aim to preserve the freedoms and human rights, the life rights for all life… for us all.
And speaking of which, what is the Conservative message? Leadership. What about the other three? Why are the other three flying under the radar so much so in this election? (I’m asking a rhetorical question, here)
And ask yourselves, Liberals across the land… what are your strongest suits?
Don’t under estimate the power of your own leader. He has come from the humble roots of service, sincerity, love and intelligence, the substance of which all great leaders are born.
Be proud of your brand and remind voters of your record because you have that right and that record is strong. Make known the strength and superiority of your Candidates not just in Ontario but across Canada because its REAL! IT’s TRUE!! I’ve been there. I’ve seen the quality of Liberal candidates as a whole in all 308 ridings and they are as a whole, the finest in the land especially in the heartland… the heartland of Ontario.
The debates will be the defining moment. The turning point. Numbers will shift. This election has upset written all over it. You have only but to believe, to connect… to become engaged and victory is yours!
Big Red: You forgot the ending—”and everyone lived happily ever after”.!!
Mr. Garth TurnerMP,
I found it interesting what Lisa Raitt said Fri. morning, in response to my question about,
-What do you think the roll of government is and that of an MP’s in our society,
Since MP’s vote for or against laws that affect us all?
I, and many others, like Lou Dobbs, feel that the secretive SPP deal that PMSH signed, and is implementing right now, is an act of TREASON!
It seems that the PM is leading us all down the road to “Corporate Fascism”.
What are you and you party going to do to insure that our future elected government’s hand won’t be tied to take actions in the best interest of the human being/people of our country Canada, by giving away control and oversight to the corporations and unaccountable comities through this secretive SPP dealings the PM signed?
The SPP deal is neither open nor transparent.
If I heard/remember the jest of Lisa’s answer correctly,
She thinks MP job is to communicate what people of Halton want up to Ottawa, and then communicate the message of Ottawa back down to Halton.
And She seems to see nothing wrong about the secretive SPP dealings.
I want my MP to do more than than a messenger/talking head person for PMSH.
I want an MP that can see that the lack of openness and transparence of this PMSH government is a dangerous problem for all our family’s futures and freedoms.
I want my MP and PM to be able to see the big picture and take steps for everyone’s/Canada’s best long-term interests and freedoms. Not just corporations.
I don’t personally know Lisa; she might be a nice person and mother at first glance, she certainly takes a nice picture.
But I wonder if she has just too narrow as focus/knowledge/vision of what government is and can do for people and what the job of an MP can and should be.
She might just be a, ‘yes sir PMSH’ person. That I don’t want or think makes for a great MP.
But what do I know; it’s just my feeling/option.
If she happens to get in, (I hope not), I hope my first perception of her is wrong, and she can work with, and for everyone’s best long-term interests, not just works for PMSH and Bushes corporate buddies short-term greed. Since here response to the SPP part of the question, I am not sure she can get the job done for the humans/people/families of Halton as our MP.
I’m still hoping that Garth with his Blog continue to be Hiltons MP in Ottawa and the Dion/Liberal plan can get implemented for even Lisa’s families best long-term interests.
If I heard write Lisa ‘s Blog has been shut down/stopped by PMSH already.
I wonder if Lisa has see or read Plato’s cave, and understands its message?
Plato’s: Allegory Of The Cave 7min.
(Read to you with modern images.)
http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=-Ei7LqbYb8M&feature=related
AMEN to that analysis!
By Bill-Muskoka (not anymore) on 09.27.08 11:08 am
It might be populist for a journalist to say, “don’t listen to your politicians, its all script and lies.” That might hold sway Bill, until you practice it and watch democracy crumble because we all thought it populist to not bother to vote. Ascribing to such views is a vote for anarchy, chaos and later, a populist vote to say that we never had a say in the outcome.
Sorry Bill, I like you, but I don’t belong to that church. No amens from me.
Announce now….Consult later.
Vintage CRAP. Williams was right. ABC
http://www.canada.com/edmontonjournal/story.html?id=3991bd79-89a7-49f2-bea1-cd99ec445838
Fearless Forecasts remembered.
http://www.thestar.com/Business/article/289736
It should be front page news when a dictator attempts to take over a democracy. Harper’s goons seem to have control of the media, however if you make enough noise, they can not afford to ignore you.
You have a window of opportunity.
Seize the day!
Respectfully yours
Ben
By Ben on 09.27.08 12:37 pm
I don’t think the MSM gives a damn about Dion. They are supporting Harper because MSM is owned by the big conglomerates. I emailed or faxed Garth’s blog to over 10 newspapers and Tv stations last night. Has anyone heard about it on the news today?
Here we have a perfect example of what is to come from Harper if he gets back in and they don’t write about it.
Why can’t a couple of brave newspapers or the TV stations publish/show all the negatives of the past two years of Harper’s government. Why don’t they print his 1997 speech? I thought journalists were intelligent. Can they not see where Harper is taking us? They have They have been controlled by him regarding interviews.
http://danielletakacs.blogspot.com/
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Dion Leads, Harper Lags
Over the past few months and in this campaign, Harper has had many chances to show himself to be a “strong leader”, but time and again he has failed. Instead, despite the media narrative, it has been has been Stéphane Dion who has stepped in to fill the void and act as a Canadian Prime Minister should….
- Dion was the first to release the costing of his environmental platform and spell out what it would cost Canadians and what it would achieve. Still waiting for Harper to do the same….
- Dion has put forward a plan endorsed by environmentalists and economists. Meanwhile, environmentalists are ashamed of Jack Layton and surely economists are appalled by Stephen Harper.
- Dion was the first to call for an inquiry into the Mulroney-Shreiber affair. Harper railed against the idea before caving (but of course shows real leadership by stalling the inquiry until after the election).
- Dion led in Montreal to establish a 182 country consensus on post-Kyoto framework. Stephen Harper and John Baird instead obstructed an over 100 country consensus at Bali and earned us condemnations across the globe.
- Dion called for Maxime Bernier’s resignation as Foreign Affairs minister for months. Harper relented only after a dozen more embarrassments.
- Dion was the first to call for a public independent inquiry into the listeriosis outbreak. Harper still insists on a private closed door one and staunchly defends his incompetent and horribly insensitive Agriculture minister despite calls from numerous scientists and food safety representatives for strong action.
- Dion was the first to raise the troubling practices of the Conservatives relating to the In and Out scandal. Harper has stonewalled at every turn trying to prevent Canadians from having all the answers.
- Dion was the first party leader to call for the repatriation and a fair trial for Omar Khadr (as every other western leader has done for its citizens), while Harper stands essentially alone in the world in his belief that Guantanomo Bay is a place where ‘justice can run its course” (not even McCain and Obama believe this).
- Dion was the first to come out in favour of having Elizabeth May in the leader’s debates. Harper waited till he stood alone before caving.
- Dion was the first to call for a Commissioner for Gender Equality and his party has fielded the highest percentage of female candidates (36.7%) in this election. Harper is dead last in his commitment to women’s issues and giving an equal voice and equal representation in the House of Commons.
- Dion has proposed economic solutions to get our economy rolling again, while Harper offers no plan and says only “don’t worry, be happy” when more and more experts are saying Canada has serious troubles ahead that need to be tackled.
- Dion has stood firm in casting out any candidate who have run counter to basic Liberal party principles. Neither Jack Layton nor Stephen Harper can say the same. Or do these candidates they are hanging on to actually reflect their party’s principles?
- Dion was the first major party leader to release his full platform and its costing in this election and economists, environmentalists and numerous stakeholders from across the spectrum (cities, infrastructure, education, crime, farming) have endorsed the numbers and the plans. Harper may not even have a platform, let alone a costed one. When Stockwell Day was asked for the costing of some of their proposals his response was “Doing the math on these things isn’t easy.” That’s the steady hand for our economy? That’s Conservative leadership?
With Canada’s economy in trouble, our standing on the world stage never worse, and a climate crisis worsening we need a Prime Minister who leads, not lags.
A Prime Minister who would govern with convictions and purpose, not through focus groups and polls.
A Prime Minister who leads a team ready to do the heavy lifting of running a government along with him, not a one-man show.
A Prime Minister who promises serious solutions, not pie in the sky ideas that aren’t affordable and won’t work.
A Prime Minister who has a plan for the next 10 years, not just until October 14th.
Canadians deserve a lot better than the Prime Minister we have now and only Stéphane Dion is ready and able to take his place.
We just have got to be reminding Canadians who the real leader is in this race and who is the one that is obviously most prepared to get down to work on tackling this country’s challenges after all the votes are counted.
For all the talk of the media the fact remains that a large majority of Canadians do not want Stephen Harper as their next Prime Minister. I hope that majority can work to see we don’t still end up with him on October 14th, but Liberals need to keep working to ensure that more and more Canadians see over the last half of this campaign that Stéphane Dion would be a Prime Minister we could all be proud of.
Recommend this Post
Posted by Danielle Takacs at 9:54 AM 0 comments Links to this post
So no it’s not really over taxation if the government receives more taxes than budgeted.
By Emilie on 09.27.08 10:19 am
I would assume the government is getting quite a bit more taxes than budgeted because of increased gas prices.
One wonders if”Rick” is the same Rick (last name may begin with M
)who sent a letter to the Halton media claiming that Raitt’s campaign manager was actually working to not get her elected.
More of the Halton soap opera it appears, Garth.
Stephen Harper is making me sick – literally. Apart from a world view which I find repulsive and election tactics which are reprehensible, his greatest crime is to kill hope.
He is killing hope by:
- putting Canada on a path to endless war, wasting our soldiers lives and our money on a hopeless military exercise in Afghanistan, leaving our own defence considerably weakened
- ignoring the real dangers of climate change and its effect on Canada and the world,
- jettisoning international agreements,
- siding with failed (Howard in Australia) or criminal (Bush in the U.S.) governments,
- abandoning children to torture and prosecution in detention camps,
- attempting to intervene in our government processes by questionable campaign funding processes or offering “insurance policies” to sitting M.P.’s,
- trying to hijack the resources of a country that clearly does not share his beliefs or goals to advance his lust for power
He has squandered our wealth and put people with no aptitude or experience in positions of extreme importance.
He has insulted just about every identifiable group in the country and attempted to set us against each other.
He is divisive and disheartening, and just about anywhere that has a Con MP has been denied representation. They represent the ugly face of the Harper World View to the people, not the people’s view to their government, which has been elected to carry out their wishes. Any Con MP who disagrees is turfed out.
When he was elected with a minority government, I felt really ill. A majority government would make us all deathly sick.
Since this poor region has effectively been abandoned by redrawing the district boundaries, and the hope of getting away from HarpoConservatism is as likely as growing tomatoes outside in January, I’m going to support a riding where common sense has a chance.
Garth, I’ve sent you a donation. If you see the name, you’ll know why I post under my initials. There’s nobody else in the world with that name, I’m sure.
Good luck.
Thank you! — Garth
Monday, September 22, 2008
The Liberal Platform: An Action Plan for the 21st Century
I think Liberals had a lot to be proud of today with the release of the platform. The lack of Conservative response says it all. It’s balanced, responsible and takes on the issues our government needs to be tackling TODAY (see here for the costing). Today Canadians have seen just how a Liberal government would compare to a Conservative government.
On Productivity:
- A Liberal government offers Canadians the LOWEST income taxes
- A Liberal government offers the LOWEST corporate taxes
- A Liberal government offers the STRONGEST plan to tackle the infrastructure deficit, help our manufacturing sector, strengthen our post-secondary education system and access for students, and foster greater R&D to bring about the ideas and technologies of the future
- A Liberal government offers the MOST support to families and the ONLY real plan to create child care spaces so parents have more freedom to fulfill their highest potential in the work force
- A Liberal government would recognize the contribution arts and culture make to our economy and support them as they should as opposed to Conservatives who seem to have an ideological loathing of them instead
- A Liberal government would finance its commitments with methods most supported by all major economists: by putting a price on pollution and finding efficiencies as past Liberal governments have done with great success.
- A Liberal government would be the MOST committed to balanced budgets by re-establishing the $3 Billion contingency fund Jim Flaherty did away with. Conservatives are prepared to bring us into deficit, in fact we may already be there. If it turns out Flaherty and Harper are lying about the nation’s finances, Liberals will phase in their promises only based on what’s available, as any prudent government should.
On Social Justice:
- A Liberal government would take on the shame of poverty with realistic goals and a comprehensive plan. You’d be like to ever hear the word poverty mentioned by Stephen Harper once this election.
- A Liberal government would take the health care crisis seriously and actually make progress in decreasing wait times by creating incentives to have more doctors and nurses, while ensuring Canadians needing catastrophic drug coverage aren’t out in the cold
- A Liberal government would fix the backlog in our immigration system and help ensure they succeed, without having to pick favourites and treat them like economic units
- A Liberal government would buid a STRONGER relationship with our Aboriginal Peoples, do more to lift them out of poverty and settle land calims along with holding a First Ministers Conference on Aboriginal issues within 6 months of assuming office and bringing back the Kelowna Accords
On the Environment:
- A Liberal government will cut income and corporate taxes and it shift to pollution as all major economists and environmentalists recommend. The Conservatives plan has been panned by everyone and at the same time Harper is afraid to reveal its real costs.
- A Liberal government would do the most to help Canadians go Green in their homes (through financial support and Green mortgages)
- A Liberal government would do the most to protect our natural resources and natural parks
- A Liberal government would take greater efforts to ensure we have cleaner air, continued fresh water supply and safe food
On the World Stage:
- A Liberal government would stand up for Canadian’s rights EVERYWHERE, no exceptions.
- A Liberal government would restore our reputation as a leading voice on human rights
- A Liberal government would restore our place as active middle power in the world so we can make a real difference in major international initiatives again
- A Liberal government would take foreign aid seriously again and strongly ramp up our efforts to be in line with other developed countries.
The Conservatives have no strategy for the years ahead, they don’t understand the economy – they think all the country’s problems can be solved with tax credits and neglect investing in the areas most important to our future productivity – post-secondary education, child care, and research and innovation. Meanwhile while they’ve been moaning about the costs about the Green Shift – the costs of their environmental plan remain hidden until after the election. So now the onus is on Stephen Harper. What’s his plan for the next 4 years? How will he revive the economy? Does he have anything to say about social justice? How will his environmental plan work and how much will it cost Canadians? How will he pay for his platform?
The Liberals have laid out their cards and showed they have a bold, but responsible plan for our country. I imagine Mr. Harper doesn’t have one or is scrambling now to make one up on the fly that at least holds a candle to the Liberal platform. Let Harper try to find a single economist or environmentalist willing to line up behind his plan.
For now though hopefully Canadians see that with a Liberal government Canada would be a world leader in economic productivity, environmental sustainability, protecting human rights, delivering foreign aid, and be a major player again in many of the world’s conflicts. With a Conservative government we would continually fall farther behind on all fronts and lose more and more capital on the world stage with each year. We don’t have to choose that path and I’m hopeful that come October 14th Canadians will choose the party best prepared to meet the challenges of the future.
I generally enjoy reading The Globe and Mail, but I’m kind of surprised by its “behaviour,” per se, during this election. It’s dutifully reporting Tory gaffes, of course, but it seems to be devoting as much space as possible–and as many articles–to “showing” that the Liberals are going to lose all swing ridings, that everyone in the Liberal Party wants Dion to lose, and that the latest poll has the Liberals finishing with negative seven seats. Weird. I expect that kind of pro-CPC bias from the National Post, Ottawa Citizen, Sun papers, etc., but the Globe usually tries to be a little more balanced. And it’s true that the “word on the street” seems far different than what’s being reported, because most of the people I’ve talked to seem fairly uncertain about who they’re going to vote for. I still don’t buy that, after two and a half years of being stalled in the polls, the CPC are all of a sudden majority-bound, but I also know that people who don’t pay much attention to politics (i.e., most Canadans) can be easily influenced by headlines; and if the keep seeing headlines that say the CPC is headed for a majority and the Liberals are to be set adrift on a small raft in Lake Ontario, they might give up any thoughts they had of voting strategically.
This is an important read if you want to get a long-term view of how Canada will end up with Harper at the helm (or Layton for that matter)
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/naomi-wolf/the-battle-plan-ii-sarah_b_128393.html
Naomi Wolf said the same on CBC Newsworld yesterday or the day before. It aired in the afternoon but there isn’t a clip available online. Naomi clearly stated that Canada is today where the USA was about 4 years ago. We’re in trouble and she begged that Canadians not let Harper succeed.
I’m really worried for Canada.
And I don’t care what surplus was announced by Harper. In Ontario, they proved they lie in their budgets. Anybody who did that in the real world would be fired. Flaherty is a con artist and extremely dangerous for this country.
Sorry Gord,
I must remember to ATQ, something policticians like Harper seldom do…answer the question.
A reasonable surplus, after all the bills and current debt payments are paid, $3 Billion which I would put in a reserve fund.
The issue here is how the surplus/deficit is calculated or if any one time factors affected it.
Even if we end up with a balanced budget or a small surplus, that still doesn’t tell us that the government are good fiscal managers. We could still have been overtaxed if the government had decided to spend for spendings sake.
By James- Chatham on 09.27.08 3:04 pm
I agree with $3B.
Gord.
Im a little upset right now & confused..I emailed Mrs Raitt a few times because i had some questions, anyone know why she has an email address if they don’t reply to your email?
Very Frustrating.
By Rick on 09.27.08 2:49 pm
Ever heard of a dummy drop site?
DDS is not always doctor of dental surgery! It can stand for dismay, discourage and sneak-off!
..if people stopped borrowing the system would implode, jobs would be lost, businesses would close and life as we know it would end. Take a look at this film.
source:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-9050474362583451279
* Posted 27/09/08 at 11:14 AM EDT
By Truth B Told on 09.27.08 2:58 pm
Why do all doomsday scenarios start with if?
Gord.
Why can’t a couple of brave newspapers or the TV stations publish/show all the negatives of the past two years of Harper’s government. Why don’t they print his 1997 speech? I thought journalists were intelligent. Can they not see where Harper is taking us? They have They have been controlled by him regarding interviews.
By Bonnie L on 09.27.08 4:14 pm
Did you not read those posts about the change in ownership of the newspapers and TV/Radio stations? Ownership trumps journalistic integrity! Did the Toronto Star ever print anything bad about the family who owned the T.E. Eaton Co.? Remember they always had full two page and four page spread adverts! Now that the MSM is both foreign owned and in cohoots with big oil, and the rest of “uppity corpulent manglement” do not ever expect to see the truth regards any program proposed that will drastically affect their profits!
Their next moves will be to lay you off, repo your home, car, and threaten you with jail like back in the 1930’s when there were riots in Regina!
No truth, no justice , no honor!
No one need be surprised by anything, anymore.
This revelation is the stunning proof that OUR democracy is currently being changed into something? else. And by stealth.
Set aside local/personal interests and
VOTE FOR OUR CANADIAN DEMOCRACY – VOTE LIBERAL.
An interesting article
http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/leading-articles/leading-article-be-in-no-doubt-britain-too-is-in-the-centre-of-this-storm-944089.html
I don’t know why some Canadians insist that what’s going on in the U.S. isn’t going to effect us here.
What I find interesting is all these economists relying on stats but if you Talk to people, they’re feeling the pinch. The working poor especially.
Harper and his friends can talk all they want with rose coloured glasses about the economy. Bush and his friends also encouraged spending. Look where the Americans are at now. The $700 billion is just a tip.
The best analysis of Iggy’s statement I think.
How to Woo a woman Liberal Style…
Honey, to save you from marrying a man I don’t like, I think you should marry *me*. So romantic.
Posted by earlpearl at 4:49 PM Saturday, September 27 2008
Mr. Garth TurnerMP,
At Mondays, meet the candidates meet, was the start if Lisa’s Raitt’s answer to this question, sarcastic? See below.
She started her answer by asking, ‘is Al Gore was out in the audience’.
Could it be that she does not understand and take the issue seriously?
Could she have the same mindset that PMSH seems to have, that Global climate change is not real, or serious. This issue needs to be address with serious deeds, not just small steps and more hot air, as PMSH has been doing.
And worse he has been sabotaging global attempts to really deal with the issue in a real and meaning full way.
It will affect Lisa’s and PMSH kids too, if not her, you and me since she doesn’t look really old.
The question was;
“What is your personal understanding of ‘Global Climate Change’ and ‘Peak-Oil’, and it’s ramifications?
What plans do you and/or your Party have to help us all make the required changes, in the diminishing time we have left, to prevent the truly brutal consequences coming to fruition, effecting me, my family, your family, and everyone else, on our only home, Earth?”
I really wonder if she has even seen the movie that Al Gore is in or what she thinks of the information presented.
Has Lisa read the UN intergovernmental panels reports on climate change, and understood the conclusions reached, were ‘conservative’. That the science data used to write the reports did not take into account the latest data available on the world’s climate and Artic ice cover. The reports conclusions and possible outcomes to our uncontrolled global climate modification experiment may be to conservative and the time line these changes will happen in is probably way out, since there best guess was the artic wouldn’t be ice free for many more decades, but yet we are already there. There are still many small details we do not know about how to precisely model future climate. We do understand the important ‘basic science’ that CO2 and other manmade GHG, will cause our only world to heat up to the point that most people on in our world will not survive the coming changes, if we don’t act in everyone’s best long term interests now, it’s going to affect everyone’s families including Lisa’s and PMSH, even if there haven’t been convinced or understand inaction is not an option, even if they like it to be.
You can listen to PMSH, don’t worry be happy. We don’t need to act all is fine.
I have looked at the report and understand the science that the scientists have been WARNING us able for I was born. We need to act NOW or it’s going to get very BRUTAL for our families, and us all and sooner than you might think!
And then there is also the ‘Peak-oil’ energy issue that is upon us.
I wander if Lisa even knows or cares about,
That in 2007 for the first time, the world consumed 1 cubic mile of oil,
And this year even more oil, plus all the other sources of energy mankind uses.
Do you think oil will last forever?
Do you know it take about 100 calories of oil to get 1 calorie of food to your dinner plate now?
If the projected growth in oil usage simple continues on its projected growth trends,
The world will be out of oil in about 2050-2060.
Just when PMSH (non) clean–air plan my start to work to clean the air. Just as the worlds oil is running out. What a great plan PMSH, NOT.
Do you know that if the expansion of the tar sands continues as planed, that Canada will be all out of it’s natural gas by about ~2028.
How old will you and your family be then, and how do you heat your water and home now?
Do you know that the way NAFT is written, if Canada even tries to slow the expansion of the tar sand that we Canadians will need to pay penalties.
There is PMSH $65 per ton carbon tax and without tax beaks/refunds that he like to not talk about. I guess PMSH like to just keep spouting his lies about the opposition than work together for the good of the common people of our great land.
I don’t think most people are that out of touch with the facts, at least I hope not.
Most people I know are still able to think for themselves, if they could only be told what if really going on. The mass media’s bosses aren’t paying them to tell us too much of what we need to know, or to actually confront the PMSH about his factual lying!
I guess Lisa is ignorant of the lies told by PMSH, or Lisa is actually fine with people that tell lies. It’s either one or the other.
So how could Lisa be taken seriously as a person that would be an MP that would work for the people of Halton, and not just be PMSH and his corporate buddies talking head.
My small sample heartened me. It took about three hours, but the welcomes were very warm. People are far more aware, and very ticked off — probably much more than the Conservatives tactics could have predicted….. the IT massacre, the early election, on and on. There’s more Liberal signs going up, neighbourhood by neighbourhood..
By Barb the proofreader on 09.27.08 1:42 pm
Barb – that’s encouraging to hear. I know in my area the request for signs are outpacing the ability to put them up. I did do volunteer telephone work, but just don’t have the strength to hammer them into the ground. I could, however, help driving people to the poles.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
“Bullying on a massive and hugely expensive scale that ordinary Canadians should reject”
In an op-ed yesterday, Professor Errol Mendes skewered yet again one of the Conservative planks being offered up in this election: “Youth offender plan rides wave of fear.” Recall Mendes’ effective questioning of Mr. Harper’s “catastrophic decisiveness” recently. This op-ed accomplishes a similar feat, demonstrating that the approach to young offenders being offered by Mr. Harper, where he proposes to put 14 year old offenders in prison for life, is one that is presently being rejected by his conservative confreres in the United States. Further, the overcrowded prisons and studies demonstrating the lack of deterrence that such measures bring provide additional evidence pointing out the wrongheadedness of Mr. Harper’s proposals. Raising the obvious question of why Canada should be travelling down a path that’s failing and being publicly rejected by judges in the U.S. Mr. Harper, however, seems intent on following the U.S. for guidance in most policy matters, domestic or foreign. This is all the more remarkable given that in a few months…Bush will be gone. Yet for Canadians, barring a major upset, Harper and his American-inspired policies, will live on.
Here’s Mendes pointing out the shift in support away from mandatory sentences by conservatives:
The Los Angeles Times has reported that not only liberal, but conservative judges in the U.S. are hoping that Congress or the Supreme Court will move away from mandatory sentences to give them leeway to impose shorter and fairer sentences. U.S. District Judge Paul Cassell, an appointee of George W. Bush and former law clerk to one of the most conservative Supreme Court justices, Antonin Scalia, is quoted as saying: “When I have to sentence a midlevel drug dealer to more time than a murderer, something is wrong … This is not about being soft on crime … I believe in tough sentences for severe crimes.”
…
Even Bush’s attorney general, Michael Mukasey – definitely not an ivory-tower academic – has argued against mandatory sentencing. He even went to the extent of suggesting that mandatory sentences could violate the U.S. constitutional principle of the separation of powers.
Here are the stats on prison overcrowding:
Congress had passed mandatory sentences for crimes involving drugs and guns, and also passed mandatory sentences for other federal crimes. What the mandatory rules accomplished was overcrowded prisons, with 181,622 convicts in federal prisons compared with 24,363 in 1980.
When the states followed with their own mandatory sentences, the U.S. prison population ballooned to 2.3 million, up from 501,886 in 1980. The effect of ignoring the ivory-tower academics has been to warehouse entire sections of the U.S. population in prisons with little effect on the crime rate.
Academic studies have cast doubt on whether the mandatory sentences in the U.S. have acted as a deterrent, and there is no real evidence that states that have mandatory sentences had any different crimes rates than those that do not. In fact, demographic and socioeconomic factors had a greater impact on decreasing crime rates than the imposition of mandatory sentences.
What’s even more galling, as discussed earlier this week, when the Globe editorialized against Mr. Harper’s abuse of the confidence vote, is the prospect of Mr. Harper jamming such ill-advised policies down the throat of the Canadian democracy once again:
Now, during this election campaign, Harper is threatening that even if he is returned with a minority, he will put his proposed law on putting children in prison for life – destroying their chance at rehabilitation by naming them – to a confidence vote. That creates the possibility of yet another $300 million election right after this one, if the opposition does not meekly agree to him.
This is not governing. This is bullying on a massive and hugely expensive scale that ordinary Canadians should reject.
Mr. Harper’s vision seems to be backfiring in Quebec. Now if we can only muster that in the rest of Canada…
Posted by Impolitical at 9/27/2008 06:03:00 PM
Not sure about that one, Dee. It could have been a rash knee jerk, it could have been the right choice but I couldn’t say myself because I don’t know her and have not to my knowledge, read her material.
BY BRAIN ON 09.27.08 3:33 PM
You chose the correct blog name.
You may be right. I just read some of Kay’s past articles.
I still think the MP from Calgary was out of line. As a sitting MP he shouldn’t have reinforced the stereotype especially in Calgary.
The Conservatives have never endeared themselves to me with their definition of ‘measured response’.
http://www.thestar.com/comment/article/276561
David Goutor
In the discussions of Stéphane Dion’s struggles in Ottawa, one factor has been consistently overlooked: the grassroots of the Liberal party. This neglect is astonishing given that rank-and-file activists constitute by far the Liberal party’s greatest asset, and their desire for a new direction was essential in making Dion the new leader.
It is an old refrain of analysts of popular organizations that the leadership both depends on grassroots members and ignores their wishes. The leaders of social movements and trade unions, whom I study as a historian, have been regularly and at times justifiably attacked for disregarding their memberships. But I am continually amazed by how mainstream political parties get away with being far worse. A prime example is the Liberal party elites’ outright refusal to accept the outcome of last year’s leadership convention.
I have never been a Liberal supporter but I was inspired by the outbreak of internal democracy during that leadership campaign. Rank-and-file Liberals recognized that the party elites were tired and out of touch, and especially saw through the thin veneer of credibility of the supposed heavyweight leadership candidates.
There was Michael Ignatieff, who needed to get reacquainted with the country at the same time that he campaigned to become one of its political leaders. And there was Bob Rae, the former NDP premier who wrote the book on losing catastrophically to hard-line right wingers. If Mike Harris could come from a distant third place to win a majority against Rae, one shudders to think what Stephen Harper could do starting with a minority government.
Understandably, the party’s grassroots sought out different options, and handed surprising momentum to Gerard Kennedy and Dion. The co-operation between these two, and the growing fervour for a fresh approach at the Liberal convention, ended up giving Dion a remarkable triumph. In short, rank-and-file Liberals said loud and clear: “We want serious change.”
But since the convention, the establishment of the party responded loud and clear: “You can’t have it.” The constant carping about Dion from Liberal backrooms is only part of the problem. More fundamental was the expectation of so many power brokers that it was up to Dion to win them over – and not up to them to heed the clear demand from average members for a new style of politics.
It is clear that one of Dion’s biggest problems is that his personality is ill-suited to stroking the egos of the powerful and self-important in the Liberal party. He often appears so audacious as to believe that he should not have to after winning the leadership vote.
The typical response of opinion-makers is that this is precisely why Dion is not prime ministerial material. They contend that the hard reality of politics is that leaders have to get the allegiance of old opponents and silence discontented factions. But these pundits are missing some even more basic political realities, particularly the need to pay attention to opinion polls.
It has been astonishing to watch how often the media, usually so obsessed with the political horse race, have recently treated poll numbers almost as an afterthought. And top Liberals seem intent on ignoring the good news that Harper has made few significant gains in the last year. The Tories continue to alienate key constituencies such as women and major urban centres, and they received no momentum from their mini-budget, thanks in part to the revival of the Mulroney-Airbus affair. Polls also reveal that most voters still have yet to form a strong impression of Dion, even if pollsters are now asking leading questions about replacing him.
An even more basic reality is that lessons from recent general elections are worth remembering. In the 2006 vote, what success the Liberals enjoyed did not start from the top. Paul Martin led a weak and directionless campaign, and his finance minister Ralph Goodale was implicated in a scandal a few weeks before the election. Yet the Liberals retained more than 100 seats due to the party’s strength at the regional, riding and community levels.
It is little wonder that grassroots Liberals are now demoralized after they saved the party from disaster in the last election only to have their message, as expressed at the last convention, ignored in the party’s circles of power.
Dion’s first priority therefore should be to re-establish his connection with the Liberal base, and with the spirit that got him elected leader. He needs to rally his rank and file against their real opponents, the Conservatives, and challenge party elites to do the same. He must shore up his credibility as an opposition leader, and stop rolling over in Parliament and giving the Conservatives virtually free rein to govern.
If this means triggering an election, Dion needs to have faith that mobilizing his party’s proven ground-game and core support in the polls will be enough to guarantee that Harper’s gains will be minor.
Put simply, rather than being relentlessly undermined from within, Dion needs to recognize he is better off giving the Liberal grassroots another chance to demonstrate their strength. While that may not be enough to let Dion win an election, it should deliver a third failure for Harper to get a majority, even in ideal circumstances. And that would give the Conservatives their own leadership problems.
By Homer C. on 09.27.08 4:33 pm
You are sooooh right, Why? Perhaps it has everything to do with the way the Conservative have ruled the media… Speak up or do not fall in line with their agenda and you will never be asked to stand at any press conferences….control the media and you control the agenda….Not Democratic matter or fact quite to opposite. I am almost at the point of tuning off the radio and television every time they talk politics….CBC knows it is the first to die….HNIC will move to TSN/CTV….along with all other programs that speak to unselected vetted views. It now appears that we must have our own Bush until the Canadian voter gets wise… unfortunately it will to too late as Harper like Bush will have spent the future and no government will be able to repair the damage. The rich will control…. while the middle class wiii become beggars waiting for handouts. Look South! you will see your future.
Garth, Brain, Dube, Deb, Charles, Bonnie, Go Green, Pat, Gord, C. B. Innes, Irene, Molly, Dee, Dr. Mike, James, Brent, CMS, Judy, Herb, Pyotr, Men With Hats, Truth B, Bill, Tim, Liz, Jennifer, David, Linda, Captain, Blondey, Ben, Rick — and everyone else..
You’ll all very MUCH appreciate this recent PBS video, an interview, in two parts, start to finish. Two brilliant Americans discussing what every Canadian should watch for.. [in Harper’s absolute insistence] .. on going the American way. The wrong way. We have to do everything we can stop the antiquated and wrong thinking that has been re-shaping us away from what is truly valuable to us in life.
Bill Moyers interviews Andrew J. Bacevich who has nailed the essence of what’s gone wrong — honest, truthful, profound… the root causes of our discontent and to our broken and foundering politics.
http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/09262008/watch.html
Put the kids to bed, get your partner, grab a glass of wine.. watch both, about 25 minutes ea.
“BILL MOYERS: So, this brings us to what you call the political crisis of America. And you say, “The actual system of government conceived by the framers no longer pertains.” What pertains?
ANDREW BACEVICH: I am expressing in the book, in a sense, what many of us sense, even if many of us don’t really want to confront the implications” …
.. enjoy some honest television
Mexico has now exceeded Canada in meeting its UN Millennium Development Goals.
Maybe they’ll get our seat on the security council.
Wilkommen, Bienvenue and Welcome to the Wacky World of Politics! Of note . . .
****************************************
A New Word Is Born
“I knew someone would find a name for our election process for this year.
“Electile Dysfunction:
“The inability to become aroused over any of the choices for PRIME MINISTER put forth by any parties in the 2008 election year.”
****************************************
“. . . that Canadians not let Harper succeed. . . . con artist(s) and extremely dangerous for this country.” — Carrie, 4:56 pm
Good post Carrie, and it goes along with what I’ve said for a while now.
Oct. ‘29, Oct. ‘87 and Oct. ‘08 — Three Black Octobers, not only because of fiscal meltdowns, but moreso because too much power has been thrust into the hands of too few people.
They now use that power to railroad ordinary folk into “lesser beings”, and now there are only two kinds to choose from — the ultra-wealthy, and the rest of us.
Civil rights and liberties are all but gone now. As in the French Revolution, there will eventually be a backlash, but probably not for some time.
All we can do is to show up on Voting Day and spread the message of what carney, harpo, etc. are trying to do to us — in collusion with dubya, of course — and if Dion wins a minority, then try a coalition with the Bloq and Greens, Dippers only if necessary.
Avoid CRAP like the plague!
****************************************
“7. Newly elected Russian president Dmitry Medvedev, 42, is predecessor Vladimir Putin’s puppet, as expected, but the Deep Purple music fan starts calling his own shots by year-end.” — Captain George, 4:12 pm
TorStar missed the point on #7, Cap’n. Putin and his opposite, dictator-in-waiting dubya will be too busy fighting and causing havoc throughout the world.
Wow Garth,
If this is true then it is really troubling. Are you 100% sure that this isn’t a hoax and what is said in those letters is the absolute truth?
Thanks,
Kalford.
By Simon on 09.27.08 4:19 pm
Simon,
It really shouldn’t surprise anyone that there would be members of an EDA that do not want a candidate imposed on them. When Garth left the Halton Conservative EDA, he wasn’t alone. Others left, too.
Some of those that remained still believed in the process they were part of, and fully expected to operate as an EDA that would go through a candidate selection process.
When the Conservative Party said no to repeated requests to have a candidate selection and then imposed one on the members, how did you expect them to react?
People who become involved in local politics do so because they want some input to the process. Those that are now left in the Halton Conservative EDA do not have any input to the process and aer expected to accept their responsibility to be good little soldiers for the Party.
There is no grass roots, there is no input for the local EDA. Candidates are told to avoid meetings, avoid talking, and avoid the media. All the centralized party wants is for the ridings to provide worker ants for the grunt work. Leave the thinking to them…
BY MOLLY ON 09.27.08 12:34 AM
And then by Dee responding..Jeeez H.
Here’s what Hughes said.
Hughes wrote in a March 2003 edition of a newsletter published by a committee of the Winnipeg Presbytery of the United Church of Canada that U.S., German, Russian and Israeli intelligence officials knew about the attacks in advance.
But she got the boot for the word Israeli.I’m with Molly on this one.And if anyone doubts what Ms.Hughes said just might be correct take the time to read this.
Someone couldn’t make this one up if they tried.
http://www.christopherketcham.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/03/Final%20PDF%20of%20CounterPunch%20article%20re%20Israelis%2001-29-07.pdf
“. . . that U.S., German, Russian and Israeli intelligence officials knew about the attacks in advance. . . . Someone couldn’t make this one up if they tried.”
MOLLY, 12:34 AM & Ted Browne, 8:23 pm
First class reason to ignore the msm. Sooner or later the truth will come out. The whole thing smells like rotten eggs.
It was an inside job.
Garth.
It is clear that some believe the official conspiracy theory.
It is clear some do not.
This debate is splitting Liberals.
I do not believe the official theory.
I am a Garth supporter.
All I ask is this: investigate the murder of 24 Canadians on 9/11 2001.
Investigate!!! is that too much to ask?
A New Word Is Born
“I knew someone would find a name for our election process for this year.
“Electile Dysfunction:
“The inability to become aroused over any of the choices for PRIME MINISTER put forth by any parties in the 2008 election year.”
By Charles Oxley on 09.27.08 6:29 pm
Would you perchance be suggesting that Canadians need a good dose of Dionagara to get it up for this election? Just wondering, that’s all!
By Greg W., Oakville on 09.27.08 5:50 pm
Greg your statements re out of oil and out of natural gas ARE TOTALLY INACCURATE!
There is lots more oil. The State of Colorado has more oil locked up in shale rock than all of the Arab States put together, but it is EXPENSIVE TO EXTRACT! Likewise there are huge deposits of natural gas on our Arctic Islands, plus shale gas deposits in Pa, N.Y. on up into Quebec! This will get extracted just like they are now doing so in N/West B.C. with down hole fracturing techniques. The only valid point you can make about the availability of hydrocarbons is the COST of extraction and delivery! It will go up and up. BY MAKING THE STATEMENTS YOU HAVE YOU ARE DOING THE CAUSE OF CONSERVATION A DISSERVICE BY NOT RESEARCHING AND POSTING THE TRUTH. YOU ALSO LOSE CREDIBILITY WITH THOSE WHO KNOW THE TRUTH OF THESE MATTERS! Do you need to be dragged kicking and screaming to the scene and shown the truth, or can you not comprehend how to google for the facts and absorb the data and facts into the correct picture? Even if we used all of the natural gas from our Arctic Islands there is more Methane Hydrates in the deep ocean waters than all of the natural gas used to date just waiting to be extracted from that “slush”. The real problem is that these fossil fuels are causing Climate Change acceleration as GHGs. That is the reason that alternate energy sources need to be developed that are Climate Change neutral or in the case of hydrogen slightly negative! Are you up to doing the google thing or do I have to give you a sharp smack on the side of the head to get you started? this is not the first time I have called you out on this………explatives deleted!
Awful nice of the Queens Cowboys to keep their fat traps shut about the Con-clone investigation into the Bernier affair .
Unlike last election when they smeared Ralph Goodale with a ton of BS over Income Trusts .
Way to go cops .
N- wonder people despise you .
BTW what Lesley Hughes said is a “fact” but I agree she should not have said it.
Most Canadians and a majority of the US don’t believe the “official” conspiracy story given to us. (Steve Paikin has had many story’s regarding this on the Agenda. One poll showed 72% did not believe the bush, cheney story.)
There are many sites to look at other than Loose Change. Take your time, read a little at a time because it will turn your stomach when you begin to realise that the “official” story has too many holes in it.
Isn’t this Election Illegal? Why haven’t the other party’s looked into that?
I hope Harper actually loses by a huge margin, the a$$hole!
Awful nice of the Queens Cowboys to keep their fat traps shut about the Con-clone investigation into the Bernier affair .
Unlike last election when they smeared Ralph Goodale with a ton of BS over Income Trusts .
Way to go cops .
N- wonder people despise you .
By Men With Hats on 09.27.08 9:32 pm
Maybe we should be howling for an investigation into whether the civilian head of the Mounties has recieved instructions from the PMO or PMSH to avoid all contact and comment with the MSM? This as you point out is also a bias but opposite to the one Zachardelli expressed. Elliot needs to face the media and come clean!
N- wonder people despise you .
By Men With Hats on 09.27.08 9:32 pm,
That comment was the a perfect way to lose my respect. It says a great deal about you.
Remember that the person responsible for making the information public was a handpicked Chretien appointee and is no longer with the RCMP.
Just like Elections Canada got burned for doing a big, but illegal, favour for Harper and MacKay they learned a lesson.
Two wrongs never make something right.
Polls getting you down? Look for the Gateway to the Void.
http://www.dailyzen.com/
Helpful links to enable vote swap .
“Stop the Barbarians at the gates ”
To see part of what’s at stake, and what else you can do:
http://www.voteforclimate.ca/en/index.php
http://www.anyonebutharper.ca
http://www.orphanvoters.ca/
http://www.anythingbutconservative.ca/
http://www.voteforenvironment.ca
http://www.voterpourlenvironnement.org
Follow your local riding:
http://www.democraticspace.com/canada2008/
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canadavotes/ridings/
TO THE LIBERAL WAR ROOM: Garth, Garth, Barb the Proof Reader, Dube, Deb, Charles, Bonnie, Go Green, Pat, Gord, C. B. Innes, Irene, Molly, Dee, Dr. Mike, James, Brent, CMS, Judy, Herb, Pyotr, Men With Hats, Truth B, Bill, Tim, Liz, Jennifer, David, Linda, Captain, Blondey, Ben, Rick — and everyone else who loves this great nation:
Everyone:
Another shoe dropped today. Gilles Duceppe mentioned in a press release today that Liz May said (and I’m paraphrasing but its accurate), “I would prefer the Greens didn’t win one seat over Harper returning to power. Vote Strategic…. vote ABC.” Gilles Duceppe just told his Bloc supporters and Canadians to do the same thing, to vote strategic, to vote ABC in a bid to keep Harper from forming another government.
Folks… this is big!!
Liz May telling her troops to vote strategic ABC… now Duceppe.
I’d really like to see Dion say the same thing and to do it fast! Do it before the debates!!
And one more thing. Get this to the Liberal war room. Layton and Harper cut a deal for a Harper majority and a Layton leading opposition in return for favorable media from MSN, CTV, the Globe and Mail, Rogers Cable and all of Can Wests TV stations and Newspapers.
In return for the media helping Harper to win a majority and vault Jack Layton/NDP towards the leading opposition role and the destruction of the Liberal party, Harper and Jack Layton/NDP dissolves the CBC and the two entities Reuters/Thompson which owns Woodbridge, which owns CTV/MSN/Globe & Mail, and Can West take full control of Canada’s media,
Well… its all right here:
By brain on 09.26.08 11:49 pm
What we have seen on MSN/CTV/Globe and Mail and all of Can Wests media is manufactured false polling to create media propaganda to sway the public vote towards a Harper majority. The only accurate pollster out there was Nano’s and Nanos polling is suggesting that the strategy has worked.
Anyone who has watched MSN/CTV knows that the NDP is getting very favorable media and has been especially in the first couple weeks. Proofs in the pudding, folks.
The deal as I see it is this. Harper gets two majorities and the NDP becomes the leading opposition with the Libs gone as a political party by any means possible whether its through media propaganda, lawsuits and/or debt. The media gives Harper his first majority to destroy the CBC and the second as a reward.
Canadian media becomes controlled by just two entities, Reuters/Thompson and Can West with the destruction of the CBC and folks, the CBC is not in the constitution here. A Harper majority means we will no longer have a media that reports major issues that damage this ugly political alliance between Cons and NDP and the CBC will likely be gone within 9 months of a Harper majority. That, brothers and sisters, is a guarantee.
What am I saying? I’m saying Layton cut a deal to open the door to Canadian misery at his benefit. Y’know… the end justifies the means. How weak of a leader is Jack Layton to do this? This buffoon actually believes he and his party will some day be elected into power after taking Canada to ruin, and after the Conservative brand controls virtually all of Canada’s mainstream media.
Note the hint of a former deal by Harper and Layton to keep May out of the debates. And the climate change deal between Harper/Layton to bring C02 emissions below 2006 levels by 2020. Its all hot air, folks. Don’t be fooled! Nothing has been passing into law other than a promise Harper/Layton never intended to keep. This deal is also done, folks.
The Harper/Layton media deal needs to be countered by attacking this head on through what free media there is left, but what can be done ASAP, like tomarrow with Dion is to endorse an ABC strategic vote to defeat Harper across Canada.
Once again… Duceppe has come on board in defense of Canada (albeit, for his own purposes, the enemy of my enemy is my friend). Dion must take the initiative here and do the same and the reason is highly important and twofold:
It will shift the voter towards the candidates of which the Liberals are running the best candidates overall across Canada. I know it. I’ve seen all candidates running in the riding and I’m no fool. Voters need to put their focus on the quality of the candidates themselves, its in voters/Canada’s/Greens/Bloc/Liberals best interest to do so as its a win win for democracy to simply vote strategic as it forces voters to look at the candidates winning and who wins most? Canada!! Voters cannot be allowed to vote blind for brands or leaders alone on this election or democracy and this nation will be the loser.
ONCE AGAIN, THE MEDIA FIX IS IN!! Get the word out.
Bonnie L, I’m working on a message that will be ready to spam with the combination of this post and my 11:49 pm from last night, along with this: By brain on 09.15.08 12:49 pm. I want you, if you are up to it, along with anyone else that will help, to spam what I’m about to package and deliver to you all in the morning, across the internet once its made available. I’ll have it ready before noon tomarrow your time (got a wedding dance to go to tonight and I’m already late
)
The Harper/Latyon deal to fix this election through the media is no conspiracy. Anyone who has followed MSN knows the NDP has gotten 4, maybe 5 to 1 mention of the Libs on MSN early on in this election and once the polls dropped and NDP surged in the polls (and who knows if they are accurate anymore), the opinion pieces and negative media against Dion came from there.
We are facing media giant’s I know… but we should not take the nationalist loyalties of our editors and journalists throughout main stream media for granted. Test the ranks. Don’t assume anything, including the loyalties of Reuters/Thomson/Woodbridge/Can West editors and their journalists.
Even so, we at the very least need to hit the CBC with this, the Star, Macleans, the Suns and any small to medium newspapers throughout the nation, regardless of how small they might be. Spam this to the weekly’s. Any media that hasn’t sold Canada out for a buck or market share and we need to do it now while there is still time. Are you all with me?
No one said it would be easy or not get ugly… for Canada, for democracy, for freedom and human rights, for the environment and all other life that is sustained by it, for all that we believe in that is worthy in this world… we fight. Even if we lose… we will win for all life is a test and winners are always on the side and defends all that is good in this world and beyond but for right now….
ITS WAR!
I’ll have this packaged for you by morning and one last thing. We are too far gone into this election to break rank or lose confidence. Winners never except defeat. Thats a fact. Neither should we.
“. . . couldn’t make this one up if they tried.”
MOLLY, Ted Browne, CHARLES OXLEY 8:53
At the very least, we know they ignored the information that was handed to them. By allowing it to happen, by ignorance, or nurturing the outcome… I think they are enjoying a penalty free zone for now. There was too much message and intent written out in the very published goal “to promote American global leadership.” By personality, this type of person gets cocky, as they did, when their 30-40 year scenario had played out so well. Well, at least until the tipping point of public suspicion hit. The vast majority of Americans smell it. I just wish Canadians could mostly smell that the same greedy, ideological nut bars… well, you know.
Naomi clearly stated that Canada is today where the USA was about 4 years ago. We’re in trouble and she begged that Canadians not let Harper succeed.
I’m really worried for Canada.
BY CARRIE 27.08 4:56 PM
Me too. We are exactly where the U.S. was 4 years ago, and I’ve said it many times. The carefully crafted illusion by Mr. Harper of trying to make himself look “good” and the downing of any real information about his past, is very telling.
Alright people, as I soak my aching feet, I’ve just read every single post here…
A little less talk and a LOT more action- PLEASE!
I haven’t had time to post today.
You see, first I went to the campaign office to make a bunch of phone calls. Then I grabbed campaign literature that tells the TRUTH, grabbed the kids, the dog and a large heavy bag. Went down my street and faced my neighbours.
They were busy dragging in the groceries, flipping steaks on the bbq, and pulling tricycles into the garage.
One of my kids delivered on his skateboard, the other tried to beat him on the other side of the street and the dog had a heyday attempting to pull me off my feet to say hello to every cat enroute. The bag was heavy.
Somehow we got it done. A whole poll. I had conversations on the way.
One neighbour asked me why the parties have to mud-sling so much and how he is supposed to know what is true (“here read this” I answered). Another told me they’re all crooks and liars (“here read this” I answered), and another with a baby in her arms, just looked at me and my kids, the dog, the skateboard and the heavy bag. She looked puzzled and her mouth dropped open as if she didn’t know what to say. Either that or she wondered, why I wasn’t doing my groceries, bbq and bikes? I smiled and handed her the campaign literature. She smiled back, still looked puzzled, took it and thanked me. “It’s the truth” I said “and it’s the reason democracy is important to me and my family. I hope you vote”
She still looked like she had a question so I lingered. “It really matters, you know?”
“It must” she said.
And we moved to the next house.
The next house on the next street was big, or rather, BIG. The front door and garage door were made of wood from the golden forest wherever that is?. I looked up at the windows. Man, I thought, the doors and windows on this place cost more than my entire house. More than my entire life probably. I wonder who they’ll vote for? I put my campaign lit in the handle and hoped they’d read it before they tossed it in the blue bin beside the door that had the pizza flyer that was delivered just 10 min prior. One can only hope I thought, and try.
The next house had 5 or 6 young men in their early 20’s tinkering with assorted beefed up Hondas in the drive.
“You fellas going to vote?” I braved as I reached out with my noble offering, hoping one of them would take it.
“Nope” “We don’t bother”
“None of you?! What a shame, you’re going to let 3 or 4 of us decide for every 6 or 7 of you? “Common, at least read this, you can impress the chicks more with knowledge” They laughed at me of course.
That was probably the most disheartening of our whole walk. My kids were stunned and confused and wondered why. Maybe because no one ever explained this whole thing to them in a way they could understand, or maybe no one let them get involved in their own future, was all I could offer. They thought that was sad and felt lucky that I let them get involved.
Even the dog ‘gets’ it, one of them said. “Look he just sniffed one of Garth’s signs, wagged his tail, walked past and peed on a blue one.
Smart dog.
ITS WAR!
I’ll have this packaged for you by morning and one last thing. We are too far gone into this election to break rank or lose confidence. Winners never except defeat. Thats a fact. Neither should we.
By brain on 09.27.08 10:57 pm
Yes it is WAR . A war of attrition that we will win by using our superior intellects .
“Stop The Barbarians At The Gates ”
Is it just me or is anyone else noticing that the houses with blue signs have a predominance of little pesticide warning flags on perfect kentucky blue grass lawns and the red Liberal signed houses predominantly have either nothing or have the eco-friendly type of lawn spray on them?
What’s with that? Check them out on garbage day too? Are conservatives predominantly polluting pesticide users? Do they even use the new green bins for their banana peels?
I’ll do my best Brian to send out your message. I have a full day of family birthday parties tomorrow.
I look forward to receiving your valuable posts.
BY GO GREEN ON 09.27.08 6:02 PM
Hi Go Green,
My riding for instance has phone volunteering, sign waiving, flyer drop, door knocking, drivers.. I decided not to ‘phone volunteer’ – I might lose my patience at someone.
Besides, walking the route helped with stress relief. I’ll be heading out again. I’m absolutely sure the candidate really appreciates seeing citizens pitch in. We should all volunteer, it’s our life we’re saving too. I do have a great candidate in my riding — so it was a breeze basically, even at the doors of Cons.
I must say, you and Bonnie gave me my inspiration to actually do my first election volunteering and I’m grateful. Many thanks to you both. Along with both Bonnies and us other gals, I think this is pretty good mutual support.
I can’t always keep up with the blog but I enjoy everyone else’s conversations.
Even the dog ‘gets’ it, one of them said. “Look he just sniffed one of Garth’s signs, wagged his tail, walked past and peed on a blue one.
Smart dog.
By Lil Lib on 09.28.08 12:08 am
Thanks for my morning laugh and thanks for your efforts.
I know someone posted a few months ago a comment by sometome after WWII to the effect that he came for them and then someelse and then finally for me. I didn’t do anything, etc. Can someone please post this again. I’m sending an email to all my friends and family about the con media control, etc. in our country and would like to use that quote at the end.
BY GO GREEN ON 09.27.08 6:02 PM
Hi Go Green,
My riding for instance has phone volunteering, sign waiving, flyer drop, door knocking, drivers.. I decided not to ‘phone volunteer’ – I might lose my patience at someone.
Besides, walking the route helped with stress relief. I’ll be heading out again. I’m absolutely sure the candidate really appreciates seeing citizens pitch in. We should all volunteer, it’s our life we’re saving too. I do have a great candidate in my riding — so it was a breeze basically, even at the doors of Cons.
I must say, you and Bonnie gave me my inspiration to actually do my first election volunteering and I’m grateful. Many thanks to you both. Along with both Bonnies and us other gals, I think this is pretty good mutual support.
I can’t always keep up with the blog but I enjoy everyone else’s conversations.
By Barb the proofreader on 09.28.08 2:41 am
Hi Barb – I wish I could do long walks, but I can’t. I’ve had bursitis in my hips and leg problems for the last 10 years. My phone volunteering consisted of calling people who put up our candidate’s signs in the last election. He’s the incummbent MP. I couldn’t get into a ‘real discussion’ to try and convince people to vote Liberal. I just don’t have those skills as I get too emotional.
Glad to see you’re doing your bit for democracy. We need more people like you.
By Greg W., Oakville on 09.27.08 5:50 pm
Greg your statements re out of oil and out of natural gas ARE TOTALLY INACCURATE!
There is lots more oil. The State of Colorado has more oil locked up in shale rock than all of the Arab States put together, but it is EXPENSIVE TO EXTRACT! Likewise there are huge deposits of natural gas on our Arctic Islands, plus shale gas deposits in Pa, N.Y. on up into Quebec! This will get extracted just like they are now doing so in N/West B.C. with down hole fracturing techniques. The only valid point you can make about the availability of hydrocarbons is the COST of extraction and delivery!
Try these links:
http://www.fossil.energy.gov/programs/reserves/publications/Pubs-NPR/40010-373.pdf
http://www.dailyreckoning.com/rpt/OilShale.html
lots more if you google : colorado shale oil. Now do the same for Arctic natural gas reserves, and for deep ocean methane hydrates and you will be amazed at what we have been lied to about the end of the availability of hydrocarbons! corporate managements are setting you and I and everyone up sor the next level of big rip offs ala the corporate welfare bum routine by getting tax free exemptions for there projects, and financial bail outs plus huge government incentives to do what they should be doing in a free enterprise economy. There is nothing free about what they are about to spring on us! Grab your wallets and don’t bend over!
for Go Green on 09.28.08 12:29 pm
First they came for the Communists,
and I didn’t speak up,
because I wasn’t a Communist.
Then they came for the Jews,
and I didn’t speak up,
because I wasn’t a Jew.
Then they came for the Catholics,
and I didn’t speak up,
because I was a Protestant.
Then they came for me,
and by that time there was no one
left to speak up for me.
attributed to Rev. Martin Niemoller, 1945
Awful nice of the Queens Cowboys to keep their fat traps shut about the Con-clone investigation into the Bernier affair .
Unlike last election when they smeared Ralph Goodale with a ton of BS over Income Trusts .
Way to go cops .
N- wonder people despise you .
By Men With Hats on 09.27.08 9:32 pm
I see Dion is trying his hardest to smear Harper and Bernier over the RCMP investigation. So men with hats what exactly is the difference? Personally I think both tactics are slimy.
Things just get curioser and curioser .
Any one see a hookah smoking caterpillar ?
By Men With Hats on 09.27.08 1:38 am
Vas ist das?
BTW what Lesley Hughes said is a “fact” but I agree she should not have said it.
Most Canadians and a majority of the US don’t believe the “official” conspiracy story given to us. (Steve Paikin has had many story’s regarding this on the Agenda. One poll showed 72% did not believe the bush, cheney story.)
There are many sites to look at other than Loose Change. Take your time, read a little at a time because it will turn your stomach when you begin to realise that the “official” story has too many holes in it.
Isn’t this Election Illegal? Why haven’t the other party’s looked into that?
I hope Harper actually loses by a huge margin, the a$$hole!
BY DEE ON 09.27.08 9:59 PM
I didn’t write the above. Asshole isn’t one of my favourite expletives for Harper.
Culture les conservateurs tentent de limiter les dégâts
Mme. Raitt response S.V.P. budgets des arts et de la culture ?
Un nouveau gouvernement libéral consacrera des budgets conséquents aux arts, notamment en doublant le budget du Conseil des arts du Canada, en augmentant le crédit d’impôt pour les productions cinématographiques et magnétoscopiques canadiennes, et en annulant les compressions budgétaires décidées par les conservateurs.
Merci Acteur des Toronto