I lectured to a class at Drury high school in Milton this morning, and was struck by the rendition of my campaign sign on the blackboard – in pink chalk, no less. After that, it was off to another school which had invited all the candidates. Sadly, just myself and the Green representative bothered to show up. It’s always a shame when politicians pay only lip service to issues like education.
_________________________________________________
Day Twenty-six
The day turned raw and rainy as I was finishing a street near the lower end of the riding. A woman in her thirties opened the door of the neat, two-storey home, smiled and immediately called to her husband. He was burly, in jeans and socks, pumped my hand and said he’d been waiting for some time to meet me.
As we stood there, the stock market in Toronto was in freefall, losing 7% of its value in a single day. In the US, new numbers showed that car sales had dropped by a third, and unemployment filings were at a seven-year high. In Ottawa, credit-starved manufacturers were making an emergency plea for government help. In Niagara, North America’s most renowned housing guru was telling a convention that a US-style mortgage meltdown is now inevitable in Canada.
On his porch the guy told me he’s an autoworker. The family has only one income, which supports four people. And a mortgage. Two cars. Dog. “I’m getting scared,” he said. “because I think I’ve only got months left.
“I respect you and I believe in you because you are a fighter. But what can you do for us?”
* * *
Also at that moment, my Conservative opponent was emailing out her first media release. The topic she chose: This blog.
Said Lisa Raitt: “He pollutes the internet with a rated-X website that our children can visit and read. His behaviour is unbefitting a Member of Canada’s Parliament.”
I had asked her to apologize for comments made about my wife and campaign manager by her supporters. She chose this way to respond.
Meanwhile, in a steamy basement somewhere to the west, Conservative blogger Steve Janke was working on an expose of the Canada AM show that went to air this morning, featuring a segment on the battle of Halton. He had discovered a question asked of me had been posed by a Liberal supporter – a question whose answer, he said, “delivered a sucker punch to Lisa Raitt right there on the stage.” So, had I arranged it?
(Actually Canada AM’s producer had asked each candidate’s campaign to provide one questioner, whose topic and identity were gathered in advance. My Conservative opponent agreed, and participated. Some expose.)
I juxtapose these things – a looming financial crisis, a man terrified for his family’s future, and the meaningless preoccupations of our political class – for an obvious reason. How can we expect people to care about who they elect, what party forms government, who goes to Ottawa or even if there’s an election on, when we descend into faux outrage and gotcha politics?
So far in Halton, there has been no meaningful debate on economic policy, climate change strategy or the auto sector. Instead, the Conservative candidate has tried to build support by telling moms they will lose their monthly cheques, warning commuters that Liberals will raise gas prices, threatening consumers to vote for her or the GST will be increased and (I discovered today) scaring seniors into believing a change in government would end pension-splitting.
Is it any wonder people hate us? Where’s the hope?
* * *
As his wife watched and listened closely, we talked about some of the possibilities a progressive government could bring.
Family income taxes must fall, as job one. Family income-splitting would lower the household tax rate further, and let her make some RRSP contributions. The feds also must play more of a role in helping car companies build the vehicles people want, so I told him about our billion-dollar advanced manufacturing fund. Government can then help people buy these hybrids with effective tax breaks. It can allow people to secure their homes with tax-deductible green mortgages. It can work hard to re-regulate the mortgage business, lower lending rates and try to protect precious real estate equity.
“Will you fight for these changes?” he asked, and I said, absolutely. But, I added, I can’t extend your job, or stop the factories from shutting around here, or prevent the machines from being unbolted and shipped to China. We’re in a storm now. We’ll have to get through together – and count on it getting worse.
This is probably the beginning of a process, I said, not the end. He understood that. As we drew apart, he reached out and shook my hand again. “You have won my support,” he said. “But never lie to me.”
He knew enough to ask for gold.
130 comments ↓
I’d rather hear the truth about the economy, even if the truth is bad and uncomfortable. Harper and Dim Jim are still blowing sunshine up my butt.
The truth wins out in the end Garth, I just wish we had a lot more of people in Ottawa like you, and a lot less Stephen Harper.
Check you email btw, not sure if you will them, I know you keeping this fight clean, but maybe they will make you smile after a cold, wet day of pounding the pavement and mud.
Z
Garth,
Your taking the mask off Conservative opponent.The back room boys up in Ottawa have there hands full with Halton.It shows to me that she is another Harper puppet.The strigs are not workin.
Cheers Garth go get them
Keep up the honest message Garth.
Dion won the country tonight and you have, are and WILL win the riding. I’m sure of it but we all still have TONS of work to do.
To the cons: Fool me once shame on you…fool me twice?…not bloody likely!
Tonight I understood from Dion that he will eliminate income splitting for seniors. Did I hear correctly?
No you did not. — Garth
Why would CTV want you or any other politician to provide pre-designed questions for your own benefit?
Ask them. Their idea. — Garth
Did I hear Mr. Dion say Canadians want their Canada back? Has he been reading your blog, Garth? That’s my line!
Garth, I like your ideas and most of all your independence.
Give a thought to a tactic of giving less attention to your conservative opponent.
Keep on your message of what you will do.
Not sure people want to see personal attacks from either side. In a mud fight both end up getting dirty and no one wins.
I’m rooting for you from Edmonton.
I take it that since you have not answered my question I should assume that I heard correctly you Liberals plan to eliminate pension income splitting for seniors.
Of course not. — Garth
Please quit mentioning Steve Janke.
He is double dipping here:
1. I was told he mades money from the Conservatives
2. He is riding your coat tails to get some attention to his little blog
I left you a present on my blog today. Use it in good health.
And to further brighten your day, you may be pleased to learn that The Jankulator is being sued. Yes, someone is actually trying to hold him accountable for his actions. Hallelujah! With any luck, the court appearances will cut into his stalking time.
I see that you wear a rain coat most of the time.
Are you a closet wet coaster wan’a be?????
Answer me true. The world wants to know.
It was a great debate tonight. All of the opposition parties must be congratulated, but Mr. Dion’s passion and character made me very proud to be supporting the Liberals.
Did I hear Mr. Dion say Canadians want their Canada back? Has he been reading your blog, Garth? That’s my line!
By TomC on 10.02.08 11:50 pm
You would be surprised at who has been reading this blog! Tom, while the leaders are very busy, they have wives and party workers who do and draw attention to the better lines plus important ideas! Make a difference, coin a phrase, or nail down a significant point, you never know where your words may go! I have seen several of mine used by others and if it makes the point, so be it. I don’t have a copyright nor patent on intelligence!
Hi Garth.
The debate went well; all leaders did well. Too bad they were avoiding the elephant in the living-room.
http://globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=va&aid=10405
The next Prime Minister will be unable to sweep this elephant under the carpet.
Nice to see Harpo confronted on his lying about the Income Trusts….The only answer he provided was the look of the blanked out pages he provided…
Go Garth Go…..
Did you listen to the “pundits” tonight on the CBC and on CTV?
Chantel Hebert couldn’t be more partisan! She never misses a chance to go negative on Dion. Earlier, Don Newman registered open surprise that Dion had done so well.
Bob (forget his last name for the moment — head of CTV news) –and Craig Oliver seemed to have been reading from a script.
And when you read in the Toronto Star that Harper is really a nice guy, where do you turn for a deep analysis of policies and honesty in the campaigning of the parties?
Now, there has been some truth reported and some journalists do mention things that people should know but there are more frivolous and trivial features than very much exposure of truth, which is really what people read newspapers for.
Of course the same goes for radio and television reporting.
I really believe Brain is on to something about media conversion and the power of sponsors. This is how the Americans were bushwhacked into accepting a neo-con agenda in the U.S. and we’re getting a bill of goods sold to us by the Harper team.
By hook or by crook, they will do whatever it takes to get votes. Harper has used every trick in the book, including pseudo-populism to win votes. He’s buying his way and we can’t trust him at all. I think he still uses third parties to get his propaganda disseminated — just like he did with the ‘Friends of Science’, climate change deniers, backed by big oil, who spread a contradictory view of climate change.
Wasn’t it great that Dion won the French debate with 40%? And Harper was in the mid-teens as I recall. Though he did a good job tonight too, if people were listening for content.
I hope Garth meets lots more friendly faces in his long treks because it’s enough work without having to deal with lies, smut and smears.
BTW, Paddy Torsney also did very well in her debates here in Burlington so we have hight hopes for her return to parliament.
Oh, gosh! In the third to last paragraph of my last post, obviously I meant Dion did a good job if people were listening for content. Sorry for the ambiguity!
Harpo hit with so many lefts he was begging for a right .
Bruised and bloodied Harpo tried to turn the tables . Failing miserably he reverted to his pained rictus smile .
Rated-X website???? Where does she get that from? Sounds pretty close to libel to me. Also sound like a Harper tactic,… tell a lie so low that someone might actually believe it. (a.k.a. the big lie).
Sounds like your running a great campaign there Garth, I’m sure your going to continue to do a great job representing Halton in the next government.
Now if I could only get an MP in that would do the same for my neighbourhood!
last night’s debate was entertaining and I think mr dion even had mr harper flustered at least once.
but i believe mr layton also came across as the strongst.
this is why mr harper remained so calm. he knows that with a strong layton, the harper conservatives can come right up the middle.
the canadian electorate needs to vote very carefully on the 14th …
Harper last evening………
Sounds exactly like “Bush 43″ with the Canadian twist so there you have it “Our Economy is strong” yup trust me I know Washington, I like Bush was wrong on Iraq, the good news is Harper was not PM the bad news is he just might be Bush 44! Stop him now!
All Good Canadians Want their Canada Back….and not Bush 44 with a twist of Canada>
I want my Canada Back! I love those words, yes Ladies and Gentlemen, the Canada that we grew grew up in, the Canada I was raised in with all it faults, the Canada I was proud of, the Canada where we had leadership not “Dictatorship” not where the Bully on the Hill is more concerned about the “White House” rather than “Our House”". I want my children and grandchildren to have at minimum the standard of living I enjoyed. A Canada where I turned on a TV and the PM of Canada was talking to Canadians, not talking down to Canadians. My Canada is unique not in the image of George “Dubya” Bush but in the memories of gallant men and women who came to-gether from coast to coast to coast and fought for freedom of speech and for the right to be heard via there elected representative in Ottawa. Not a controller, who has trained his sheep to sit and listen, spells out rules of what to say, where to say it and to whom to talk to. Dam it I want my Canada back, the question is do you?
No you did not. — Garth
By C. B. Innes on 10.02.08 11:31 pm
Actually, he said he would do better. ( I have the DVR if you want the actual question and answer!)
Hope nothing I said earlier could be judged worthy of censure on this BLOG.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20081003.wecoli03/CommentStory/National/
By James- Chatham on 10.03.08 7:41 am
Please “Put it Out There” James.
Actually, he said he would do better. ( I have the DVR if you want the actual question and answer!)
By James- Chatham on 10.03.08 7:41 am,
Because of Dion’s language problems he is not always clear but as I understood it senior’s income splitting would be eliminated and replaced by the new Green Shift tax plan.
For some, income splitting merely covered the higher costs of electricity and heating last winter. With their retirement savings evaporating, the elimination of income splitting, and much higher energy costs the tax shift would not be enough to prevent hardship for some considered middle income seniors.
You heard wrong. This is the third time I have told you this today. — Garth
Shame on you Mr. Turner. Your immersion in politics has nothing to do with helping out the ‘little guy’ and more to do with feeding your ego. You, as a financial ‘guru’ knows that the free market only slows down when people like you step in to change it with backward policies aimed at helping the ‘little guy’. The fact is that markets ebb and flow, there are cycles, ups and downs, all things I have read in YOUR BOOKS!! So, would you please tell us why you all of a sudden think that you can game the free market system, this is arrogance in and of itself….weak very weak.
It was stupid policies, not market forces, which turned the US real estate market into a sinkhole. If you want the same here, vote Harper. — Garth
Well, I will watch the debate tonight from last night as recorded on my sateillite PVR. I started watching it at 11PM and had to head to bed, but the one thing that always gets me about Harper is his eyes look like those of a sleep deprived drug addict. I thought I had on the old horror flick “Night of The Living Dead’ until I checked.
More tomorrow. Very busy day today.
So far in Halton, there has been no meaningful debate on economic policy, climate change strategy or the auto sector. – Garth
Haven’t you had an all candidates meeting?
Thoughts from lst night Chatha-Kent-Essex debate:
Incumband Dave Van Kesteren CPC:
From the opening introduction when he opened his well prepared binder of talking points, he was reading from the party book. And as usual, he bent the truth, including the fact that he brought 6 MP’s and the Ag Minister to Ridgetown. All true, but what he didn’t say was they only just escaped being taken to the woodshed.
When he did speak off the cuff, some interesting thoughts, tax credits for volunteers! Is this CPC policy?
Lib: Matt Daudlin. Again for the most part read from party notes, but when it came to areas of his expertise, passionate in his thoughts. In particular youth crime, pointing out restorative justice is far more effective in reducing repeat offenders and costs 1/24th that of putting them in jail; and agriculture, pointing out that the afore mentioned MPs and Ag Minister made promises to escape the woodshed, but as with many promises, failed to come through.
NDP: Ron Cadotte. Not sure if he understood the questions. Some of his answers were not thought through and sometimes irrelevant.
Green: Alina Abbott. Very articulate. Put forward the Green platform.
BTW. 70% of the audience was CPC rent a mob. But then I started thinking about it, maybe they were DVK’s relatives and employees of his car dealership! They started off loud, but by the end, they had quietened down as DVK was taking body shots.
Incidentally, I had to bite my tongue so as to keep my promise not to be arrested. The CPC idiot behind me, “If I always voted Liberal, I wouldn’t vote for Stephane Dion. I can’t understand him. Maybe he should do himself a favour and always speak in French!”
To any other CPC idiots who think this way, get your ears tested, or maybe its because you’re bigotted against anyone who can’t speak English without an accent!
**************************************
BTW2 Garth, calling your site X-rated is further proof of the CPC agenda of giving ministers censorship authority. I’m sure Ms. Raitt would close you down, given the chance, just because she doesn’t like what is said.
Actually, I would rate this site PG-13, contains political content not suitable for those with their heads in the sand.
*************************************
BtBtw. Janke was featured on the CBC earlier this week. Obviously this guy, from the Kitchener/Cambridge area has nothing better to do.
The polls seem to indicate most thought Harper won last nights debate. It seems we will now end up with a larger Conservative minority and a smaller Liberal opposition.
P.S. On Canada AM I was surprised to here that the Halton race was so “close”. This surprised me! I thought it would be a cakewalk for Garth! Raitt seems like a well spoken person unlike what I saw from the NDP candidate!
“Close” to CTV means I will win in a heartbeat. — Garth
With the debate now done I can say that the protection of our democracy did not even come up except for Lizzies remark about electoral reform. Shame! Except for the Greens I have seen no party address the democratic deficit that is increasingly putting our future Parliamentary Democracy into doubt. I was pleased to hear Ms May call for more cooperation and a return to democracy in the house in her interview on CBC earlier in the week. All the other partys seems focused upon “selling” the public upon their individual view of how to deal with the various issues that face us, there is noting wrong with that, if approached in an “I will do this” rather than “his plan is wrong” public debate. The spin is overwhelming, can we even believe ANYTHING they say, I take each promise with a large pinch of salt, these issues are no doubt important, however I am of the opinion that unless we protect out democratic system with its check and balances to ensure that decisions made upon our behalf are indeed democratic then all else is simply meaningless.
This original piece was first written and published by myself (via various blogs) in Nov 2007, it is just as valid today, perhaps more so!
When the Conservatives, New Conservatives, or whatever they now call themselves were elected to a minority government just 20 months ago I said to myself “OK so the other bunch gets a kick at the can”. Little will change, life still goes on, promises will be broken, parliament will continue in its usual rowdy rather dysfunctional fashion, some of the proposals will be different but our MPs will debate and vote upon them in the usual fashion. I was wrong!
We each can agree or disagree with the particular direction which the government wants to take us, to continue in Afghanistan or not, to support NAFTA / SPP or not, to protect Canadian resources and industries from foreign “investment” or not and so on and so on.
It is to debate these things and decide upon a reasonable course that we have our parliamentary system with its committees and debate and ability to propose amendments. Well we did have, no longer it would seem! I believe that the individual proposals from this government , whilst important, pale in comparison to what they are doing to our democratic processes, their total disregard for not only the opposition but for those in their own caucus who express an opposing opinion.
Having always, until recently, been rather uninterested in the day to day bickering between the various partys, my first inkling of something wrong was the refusal of our New Leader to meet with the press on an informal basis. I had heard about the appointment of non elected individuals to cabinet and the MP elected as a Liberal also joining the Conservative cabinet within a few days of the election and these things added to my concern to the point where I started sitting up and taking more notice.
This then is not about Conservative policies in regard to the direction they are taking us but more about the manner in which they are doing it. I have no real means of knowing if these methods are supported by the majority of Conservative MPs because few, if any have spoken out on the issue. I suspect that it is more a directive from the PMO with the knowledge and support of the few in cabinet and inner circle who have the ear of the PM. In order to illustrate my concerns for our democratic process I will list just some of the things that have come to my attention that show that this government has little regard for said system and is in fact knowingly destroying or subverting the normal checks and balances that customarily separate our system from that of an Oligarchy.
Here is my partial list of this governments anti democratic actions:-
1) Appointed Michael Fortier as Minister of Public Works rather that an elected MP.
2) Encouraged and enabled reelected Liberal Minister, David Emerson to cross the floor and move directly into a key position in the Conservative cabinet.
3) Refusal to talk with the press except in rare, highly controlled and predetermined, government dictated press conferences.
4) Dictating to elected MPs what they can and cannot say to the electorate and to the press. (All partys try and control the message to some extent but this one has gone way beyond the norm)
5) The summary removal from the party of any MPs who do speak out against a particular party policy. (Garth Turner, Bill Casey)
6) Dictating to the local party organizations who they can and cannot propose as their candidate for election. (as above, Mark Warner and others)
7) Actively disrupting the free and open debate of amendments in parliamentary committees by directing the appointed Conservative chairs to obstruct unfavorable comment and testimony.
9) Deciding to prorogue parliament rather than just the normal summer recess thus unnecessarily effectively killing any pieces of legislation already in progress.
10) Upon return dictating / threatening that ANY legislation proposed by the government shall be a matter of confidence and that NO opposition amendments will be considered.
11) The PMs threat to the Senate that there would be “consequences” if they stalled his big crime bill., (before it has even been voted upon by the MPs). He has also said several times that abolishing the Senate would be an option if it cannot be reformed.
12) Your choice, the list expands with each day this government feels it has “The Right to Govern” without regard to democratic process.
Addendum Sept 2008, little has changed, just more of the same, here are a few of the more obvious and more recent attacks upon our Parliamentary Democracy.
13) Requiring all government departments and diplomats to get prior approval of the text of any and all public statements or releases from the PMO before speaking to the press or public.
14) Firing the Chair of an arms length Commission, without due process, for doing her job, namely ensuring that nuclear safety protocols were followed to the letter.
15) Attempting to break the rules on election spending by “laundering” the money through local candidates bank accounts and then calling into doubt Elections Canada’s integrity when caught. Refusing to cooperate with a duly formed House of Commons Committee formed to investigate such claims.
16) Abusing the House of Commons rules on publicly funded printing and mail outs by exceeding the allowable 10% monthly volume and including partisan election type commentary in said flyers. (Some household have received as many as five in one month)
17) Sponsoring a series of election style advertisements attacking the integrity of a sitting member of the House of Commons (Mr Dion) outside of an election call. (this breaks no rules but is most certainly an anti democratic action)
18) Appointing candidates over the objections of the local conservative riding associations, to the point where Conservative party members have publicly asked voters to NOT vote for the appointed candidate in at least two ridings.
19) And finally, ignoring his own legislation setting a fixed election date by calling this election for political gain and trying to lay blame upon the opposition partys for doing their job (opposing).
“Democracy”
-The presence of institutions and procedures through which citizens can express preferences about policies and leaders; existence of institutionalized constraints on the power of the executive; and the guarantee of civil liberties to all citizens.
“Oligarchy”
-A form of government where political power effectively rests with a small, elite segment of society
I will let you decide which description is the closest to the form of government we have experienced of late. I think my view is quite clear. If anyone can explain how any of the above actions enhance our democracy or increase the “openness and accountability” of our government as promised during the 2006 campaign I would really like to hear the explanation!
(This article is an original piece by “Rural” and may be distributed in whole or in part for the purpose of highlighting the necessity of parliamentary reform and increased vigilance upon our political partys and their leaders. He is a Canadian citizen who believes we must actively protect our country, our sovereignty and our democratic process from those who would steal it from us, whether by public apathy, stealth, purchase or outright manipulation. He is not a member of any political party.)
Ladies and Genentlemen, watching last night’s debate, the interupted tone from Jack Layton when Stephane Dion mentioned a truth: Jack Layton sided with Stephen Harper to bring down the government while the Kelowna Accord was on the table. For this point Mr. Layton should appologize, also there was a National Child Care on table and both of this wiould have passed smoothly with only the Conservatives voting in none support for unjustifed reasons. Mr. Harper may be trying to fool the Canadian voter by playing: Good Cop/Bad Cop or Mr goodie two shoes and feels his buying out our business world much like Bush has done will only cause the same problems we now are see from south of the border. Last election 70% did not buy into it and gave him a minority government… may heaven help us if he shoud even receive the same, so you can imagine what more would be? Stop him now and let him go to Washington where his heart appears to be.
Watched the so-called debate yesterday. Not good.
Layton did great! (but not a chance in heck to win)
May was fabulose! (can you say orphan vote?)
Harper was cool, collected and sturdy (awful, can you spell majority?)
Dion was awful (the term “Blubbering Idiot” comes to mind – can you spell “disaster”)?
Why is that NOBODY seems to listen in the Liberal Party? Dion is simply NOT a public figure. He does NOT have presence. Sure, he may be a great PM, but he is NOT selling itself.
Sure, he did great in French, but miserably in English. I don’t know if you have noticed, but Canada is primarily English. See where I am going with this?
GEEZZ!!!
1. The “lawyer” is no lady, Garth, but we should have more sex with the love on this site. You’ve just got to be more provocative, trolls.
2. The debate:
- Harper. Won by playing political laissez- faire: let the others flail away and raid each other’s votes on election day – divide et impera!
- Dion. Had one chance to make the earth move and wasn’t seductive enough. (Is that what you are looking for, Ms. Raitt?)
- Layton. Reincarnate Lewis or Broadbent and get serious, NDP.
- May. Effective politician with a lot to say, but we didn’t need a spoiler at a time when the imperative is to rid ourselves of Harper and his neo-Republicans.
3. Election prediction:
- no majority for Harper, no minority for Dion
- government as before, until there is a vote of non-confidence (with this Liberal Party?) or for the next four years
- Harper’s freedom of action will be limited by tough economic times – and an Obama Administration
- there will be a Green Shift, but it will be dressed in a blue vest because it is the only thing that will work and be palatable at the same time.
Lord, would it be asking too much to be proved wrong?
The “Real” Economy Heads South
Mike Larson MONEY MARKETS 10-03-08
SNIP
On the lighter side from the Chatham-Kent-Essex all candidates meeting:
Dve Van Kestereb was reading the perty talking point about the punishment fitting the crime. And the following came to mind:
A number of years ago, I saw, live, the English National Opera performing the Mikado, Eric Idle (Monty Python) was the Lord High Executioner. He gets caught out by the Mikado, the head honcho for not doing his job and therefore comes up with his “little list.”
The song goes:
“I’ve got a little list,
of society offenders who are hidden underground,
I’m sure they won’t be missed,
I’ve got them on my list.”
(geese, I’ve run afoul of those copyright rules again!)
And while on occassions, judges have made serious errors, including those appointed by Conservative governments, these lyrics just seemed fitting for the CPC policy on sentencing our youth!
Maybe DVK needs to audition for the part of the Lord High Executioner!
ROFLMAO
That’s geeeze, not geese… but at least they’re Canadian!
Said Lisa Raitt: “He pollutes the internet with a rated-X website that our children can visit and read. His behaviour is unbefitting a Member of Canada’s Parliament.”
I had asked her to apologize for comments made about my wife and campaign manager by her supporters. She chose this way to respond. Garth
Can you post the entire email? I find this very disturbing, and would like to share it with a few people in its entirety. As well as dissing you, she just dissed everyone on this blog. And for the record, anything I have read here that might be described as “x-rated” is usually, if not always, a contribution by a few, rabid and immature conservative supporters.
As requested, here is my opponent’s entire media release of yesterday: — Garth
GARTH TURNER’S HYPOCRITICAL ATTACKS
“Blog Talk” Puts Spotlight on Turner’s Foul Website
Halton, October 2, 2008 – Garth Turner’s increasingly desperate attacks on his Conservative opponent show that he knows he’s trailing in Halton. His latest attempt to smear his rival sets a new standard for election hypocrisy, since it involves allegations of insults on internet web logs. Mr. Turner issued a news release falsely accusing Conservative Lisa Raitt of being responsible for some deplorable comments made on an anonymous blog. But he makes no apologies for years of disgusting vitriol for which he is personally responsible.
Mr. Turner has repeatedly called the Prime Minister of Canada a “whore”. He has called Liberal John McCallum, Conservative Peter Van Loan and the London Free Press newspaper “pricks”.
When he was a Conservative, he called Liberals “lying bastards”. As a Liberal, he has told commenters on his blog with whom he did not agree, “Bite me,” and has referred to women as “chicks” and “femi-nazis”.
“Garth Turner knows that neither I, nor the Halton Conservative Association have anything to do with any nasty internet comments about him,” said Lisa Raitt. “But that doesn’t stop him from pulling the trigger on his drive-by smear campaign.”
“Garth Turner is an embarrassment to Halton”, added Ms. Raitt. “He pollutes the internet with a rated-X website that our children can visit and read. His behaviour is unbefitting a Member of Canada’s Parliament. He has to go, and on Election Day Halton voters will show him the door.”
Turner personally responsible for vile blog comments
Whereas Mr. Turner has assaulted Ms. Raitt for internet talk over which she has no control, he does not mention his total control over the vile material he personally posts on his blog. Mr. Turner personally reviews and approves the comments he posts on his website. He adds, “I accept responsibility for content on this site and do not hide behind a protective veil of anonymity.”
Mr. Turner is therefore directly responsible for posting comments that compared Prime Minister Stephen Harper to Adolf Hitler, and called the Prime Minister a “s**t-head” and an “a**hole”.
Mr. Turner is directly responsible for posting a graphic on his website advertising a “Lisa Raitt Deathwatch” – which was seen online by Ms. Raitt’s seven year-old son.
Mr. Turner is directly responsible for his own – and his supporters’ – foul language and potentially libelous commentary.
Since the 2008 election campaign has started, Mr. Turner has spent his time throwing mud at his opponent – something Ms. Raitt has not reciprocated. Mr. Turner can’t win on the issues, and he can’t catch up to Lisa Raitt legitimately, so he is trying desperate measures to bring Ms. Raitt down into the mud with him.
“I won’t let Garth Turner distract from what’s most important in this election,” said Ms. Raitt. “I will focus on the things we and our neighbours in Halton care about: the economy, lower taxes, support for families and seniors, and a fair deal for entrepreneurs. But I will also hold him accountable for his unacceptable, childish behaviour.”
-30-
For more information, please contact:
Cam Battley
Lisa Raitt Campaign communications
o: (905) 878-5525
m: (905) 864-5525
Mr. Garth TurnerMP,
If Harper was the last person to vote for to be Canada’s PM, I still wouldn’t
Vote for Harper!
But with our ‘first past the post election system’, I would say the Harper is hope the vote gets ‘split up’ amongst the other leaders, and he still gets the majority he wants, or just back in.
Then we’ll all be screwed!!!
I think we should all remember that Elizabeth May would like to see Mr. Dion as the PM!
Be careful to not split the vote or we/you’ll get just what you don’t want PMSH.
We might just end up splitting the vote, if we are not all very careful, because of the fist past the post voting system Canada still presently has.
Remember Harper was PM with only about
20% of people voting for him last time.
About 60% of us voted last time, and Harper only got about 1/3 of the votes.
Harper is the worst kind of leader/human being to be Canada’s PM.
He is taking us all down the road to Corporate fascism, and to get t there he has no scruples (he lies) to get back into power to act in his own best short term interests. He is dogmatic in this thinking, it wrong thinking, but he is unable to change as required for the best long-term interests of all or families.
He even thinks he is above the law, his own law to have fixed election dates!
That’s just the first of a long list of bad thinks he has done. Many of these things have screwed many!
What kind of world does you and your family what to try and survive in?
Can you say, yes big brother Harper.
What Harper, you want me to bend over again.
What do you mean Harper; you let corporations have more rights and influence than the human beings in our only world,
And Harper you lied again and forgot to tell us that was what you had in mind all along.
I think the Dion/Liberals has a very good plan to help all Canadians now and into the future. I hope everyone takes the time and carefully look at all the platforms of all the parties.
Remember the Harper has no platform.
He doesn’t want to put anything in writing.
We know from experience that Harpers word is worthless or just another LIE!!!
What kind of person would run under him if they were paying attention?
What a debacle last night’s debate was to Canadian Politics – I wouldn’t even call it a debate – more aptly a gangstyle mugging amongst supposed mature, knowledgable, educated Canadian leadership. Balderdash – it was an embarrassment to our great Country and luckily the US debate was aired at the same time. We had four bashers (one who needs English lessons, one who can’t see past the Union picket signs, one who is so shallow in preparation it is pathetic and one who could shine alot more if boundaries were expanded beyond Quebec against a Prime Minister apparently attempting to standup for all Canadians – next time around the name “DEBATE” should be taken out of the mix and simply call it a free-for-all. Second City should be able to do a good reproduction of this one!! When will someone out there stand up with some positives. We can’t really be sure what Dion said about income splitting as he didn’t have an English interpreter with him – what a shameful show!!
Strange, I understood Dion just fine. Did you remember to repress “mute”? — Garth
A relevant question posed by Aaron Wherry at the end of his “BTC: Life closely watched” at http://blog.macleans.ca/2008/10/01/btc-life-closely-watched/
“where do you turn for a deep analysis of policies and honesty in the campaigning of the parties?”
Why here of course!
Don’t like the main stream media slant? Stop bothering with them. I watched the debate and came straight here for the uncut analysis on it.
Here on Garth’s blog, you get all opinions, all analysis, open, for all to see.
I sure liked seeing that Dion was polite to the moderator (and stopped talking immediately when asked which others did not), didn’t interrupt, pointed that out when Layton constantly interrupted him, and behaved like the decent man of integrity he is. Class act and he raised the bar! I especially liked when he turned right into the cameras, looked at us with ‘authentic’ passion yet a calm resolve and said something to the effect of ‘listen people, do NOT listen to this man because he is NOT telling you the truth’
That is standing up to a bully that fabricates untruths.
Dion ‘engaged’ Canadians – simple as that. His leadership abilities are profound.
Thank you Mr. Dion.
In contrast Mr. Harper did not look at us, he sat stone faced, no fire, no passion, no engagement. Just that smirk. Telling us that he knows what he is doing and the economy is fine. Sure it would be hard when four people tell you on national television that you are completely out to lunch, but when you answer to us and wish to win our hearts and minds, you sure didn’t.
Watching the debate last night I was struck by how much Harper reminds me of Mike Harris and apparently I’m not the only one who sees it.
http://j-rad.ca/2008/10/harper-harris-plagiarism/
As if that weren’t disturbing enough, what’s really terrifying is that Harper’s policies are never original. He just cut and pastes, cobbles together a frankenstein monster of other politician’s ideas. He “borrows” ideas from the Republicans, from the Australians, from Mike Harris, etc. The problem is, you can’t react to a crisis if you have no ideas of your own, especially a crisis that calls for original thinking. Considering that Harper has no ideas of his own and won’t even listen to what economists and other experts are telling him, it’s no surprise he won’t put out a platform or answer the tough questions he’s being asked. If all Harper has to refer to are the failed policies of other unimaginative neo-conservatives like Mike Harris and George Bush, how will he steer Canada through the coming storm?
I saw a youtube video today where the comment was something like, “is it really strong leadership if all you can do is convince everyone to step off the edge of a cliff?”
The aftermath.
PMSH shifted from Pepsi to Scotch.
ABC
Garth,
A few comments on the English leaders debate:
I’m a liberal voter but I will try to be fair in my assessment of the debate.
Harper:
For the first time, Harper looked human. He handled himself well considering he was constantly under attack. Did he win? I dont think so but he didnt lose either. For the first time, I didnt see him as an Albertan, his Canadian colours came out; I may be wrong, but: is Harper’s faith in Canada exceeding his envy of the USA? Hmmm…I was glad to see that his tendency to degrade the character of people whom dont agree with I’m was eliminated from the debate.
Dion:
This was his best performance ever, in English, considering expectations were low. I think he totally smashed his credibility issues and beat the attack ads making him look weak and risky. Good on him.
Layton:
I think we saw the real Jack Layton; a career politician; whom is nothing without politics. He may appeal to unemployed factory workers, but that’s about it. His views are actually self-righteous and narrow. It seemed like ever word coming out his mouth was a government solution to every problem; under Jack the government would grow and infiltrate every aspect of our lives. No thanks.
Duceppe:
He seemed to be the one whom was most at ease. Also, I didnt realise his English was that good. Now that sovereignty is way down on the list of priorities, we are actually starting to hear some reasonable ideas coming from the Bloc Quebecois. Imagine that? I find that I dont hate them as much as I used to.
May:
She brought in some good points. She was strong on economics & environment policy but often wishy washy on issues outside of her expertise. For those whom thought she was there to support Dion; I dont think that was the case. Her victory was to instill herself, her party and environmental issues into public life. I think people will respect her intellect and speaking abilities.
In sum,
I think Layton was the big loser in this while the rest of the leaders gained in credibility.
That’s all. Good luck with your campaign.
Daryn
Ah the truth about “Turning the Corner’ is starting to be heard.
Mr. Harper was asked about his plan this morning in St. John.
1. Setting more realistic targets .. 20% by 2020. Toothless…
2. Companies exceeding this will put money into technology fund. But the plan won’t tax consumers.
But just like Green Shift and the issue the PM has with it, these additional costs, and putting money into a technology fund will be an additional cost, will be passed on to the consumer and there will be no tax reducing offset.
The PM’s math says Green Shift isn’t tax neutral. Turning the Corner doesn’t even try to be neutral, we’ll all pay more.
I watched both debates. Absolutely outstanding. That pained smile on Harper’s face will follow me into my nightmares.
I imagine he was told to control his temper, something he isn’t able to do behind closed doors, or so say some of his (former) insiders. If you hold that smile, the other microexpressions are harder to read.
The deeper-than-normal voice was more noticeable during the French debate than the English one. I was trying to pin down where I’d heard that before and then it came to me – Harper was doing a Mulroney. The deeper and slower the voice got, the more you knew he was trying to slime you.
So, Harper stole Mulroney’s voice and threw the original owner under the bus. Nice!
—
By TomC on 10.02.08 11:50 pm
“Did I hear Mr. Dion say Canadians want their Canada back? Has he been reading your blog, Garth? That’s my line!”
I caught that too. You DO have a voice on the national stage.
—–
You know, I think Harper was surprised at the depth and breadth of the opposition to his policies. He doesn’t hear that too often at close quarters. In the HoC, the rules of decorum are in force (just like here!). He bolts from the house like a rabbit and doesn’t have much face time with other people.
I’m glad Stéphane Dion came out straight and called him a liar when he misrepresented Liberal policies. I suppose he was trying to pull that old neo-Con trick of being the first out with a lie, which everyone hears, although they rarely hear the exposure of the lie.
Bill Moyers mentioned that a few weeks ago, how the Rethugs in the U.S. do that on a regular basis, on the premise that you “can’t unring the bell”. The only thing to do is ring an even louder bell to counter the lies.
Both debates were fantastic.
We all watched, and that included my early-twenties son and mid-teens daughter. We were spellbound. It was as if Harper was finally made to listen to something else beside the echoes in his own head.
The stupidest line of the night:
Canada will escape the fate of the U.S. Harper said that people weren’t worried about jobs and mortgages, but were only worried about the stock market.
Don’t know what planet he hangs out on, but I have a feeling it’s filled with “rich elites” – and I bet there ain’t an artist among them.
Our area remains a “safe Conservative” seat (a bit of a contradiction in terms).
Sign watch – the Liberal, NDP and Green signs keep getting flattened during the night and straightened up again during the day. Funny – the Con signs always remain standing. It must be a cosmic message, or more likely a bunch of idiots.
Hmmmm…I wonder why that is?
But you live in a more hopeful place. Go, Garth!
Someone needs to explain to Lisa Raitt the Saturday Night “Death Watch” skit they did all those years ago.
Also, my dear Ms. Raitt, it is Lisa’s Blog Deathwatch”
We are watching your blog, but it’s already dead, get it? Geeze, some people are so challenged when it comes to humour,…
What a Drama Queen,…
By Halton Riding Voter on 10.03.08 9:51 am,
When a political party decides to run an election as a referendum on its leader, it is dishonest to complain when that leader becomes the focus of attack.
Garth, My commodities stocks have been reduced from their crazy highs that they were at a few months ago. I check the yearly chart and the current price is equel, or slightly down from 1 year ago. Encana for example was high %50s last year, and are high $50s now. The peak was mid $90s 2 1/2 months ago when oil was at an unusual high. Should I be concerned? I am thinking to reload on some more commodities stocks as they are not a bad price given the history, is this a good or bad plan of mine? Should I wait until the TFSA before reloading with cash? Would a Liberal government keep the TFSA in place? I have not heard anything about it in some time.
My personal favorite Garth expression is “femi-nazi”, it’s a classic.
Gord.
I did not coin it, and used it only in sarcasm. Bravery has its limits. — Garth
Harper is sliming again.
While the other parties are all talking about 20 to 25% reductions in GHG by 2020…
All of the OTHER parties are basing the 20% reduction on 1990 GHG levels.
Harper is basing his 20% reduction on 2006 GHG levels.
If taken to 1990 levels like all of the other parties, he is claiming a 3% reduction in GHG levels. THREE PERCENT!
Don’t give him a free ride on that!
Another slimy deception by Harper.
Garth,
that media release has enough actionable libel for a suit. It’s an official release, so Raitt owns it. We can’t have that kind of unfounded smear appear in a press release in an actual political campaign.
Beating Raitt will be your best revenge, but it will not be good enough. In the name of digital democracy, please proceed to court and produce an object lesson in what shall not be tolerated in politics in the Canada.
I did not coin it, and used it only in sarcasm. Bravery has its limits. — Garth
By Gord G. on 10.03.08 12:23 pm
Care to out the genius?
Gord.
In my opinion, if Harper gets the most votes in the next election, he did not “win”. He will have stolen those votes with 2 plus years of denigrating ads on Stephane Dion, with deceit, manipulation, LIES, possible criminal behavior, deviousness, misrepresentation, cheating taxpayers with the ten percenters, control and dictatorship. Does the public not realize that while campaigning, he will not take questions from the public, refuses to go one on one CBC with Peter Mansbridge, and controls all media events? His candidates avoid many riding all party debates. What does he need to hide?
Why do people vote for him?
In my opinion, he is destroying Canada. My heart will ache for those who voted for him and mostly for those who saw “the truth of the man and his gang” and chose to vote Liberal in the next election to save Canada from a Bushite and a bully.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3dVG8R7qVE
http://www.scandalpedia.ca
http://www.100reasons.ca/articles.php?tag=All_Articles
http://www.Voteforeenvironment.ca
http://www.thisisdion.com/Flashsite/thisIsDion.html
I did not coin it, and used it only in sarcasm. Bravery has its limits. — Garth
By Gord G. on 10.03.08 12:23 pm
Care to out the genius?
Gord.
By Gord G. on 10.03.08 12:36 pm
I think Rush Limbaugh owes the rights to that one, if he didn’t invent it, he certainly owned it for the last decade and a half
Hello out there – boo hoo Harper’s being ganged up….duh – all PM’s go through this during their tenure as PM.
Why do you think Harper is so weak that he shouldn’t be challenged?
What a wimp.
I think Rush Limbaugh owes the rights to that one, if he didn’t invent it, he certainly owned it for the last decade and a half
By Zorpheous on 10.03.08 12:55 pm
Thanks Zorpheous, I had never heard feminazi until Garth used it. Rush Limbaugh, hey, that name sounds familiar, what does he do?
Gord.
If as the Cons are correct about the economy why has the Bank of Canada had to pump 20B since mid-September?
Btw, I thought Dion was Fantastic in the French debate and okay in the English. He got his points across.
Harper uses attack ads and then adds further insult by using people’s first names? What was that about? Avoids opening and closing statements to talk economy and Nothing? I thought it was very condescending and disrespectful. Didn’t help that his face got so red at times I thought he was going to blow a gasket.
Advanced polls start today and the Libs are getting two votes from this household. Won’t help much in this riding. The Con candidate could wear a white sheet, dunce cap and burn effigies and still win, probably with more votes.:)
Keep the Peace Libs!! You guys Rock!! Gooooo Dion!!
There sure are lots of potatoes in the fire at the moment, and many are very important. Moreso than blograp. I agree largely with daryn’s assessment of the debate so I won’t comment on that right now. I will say something about Ms. Rait, who in my view is showing herself to be an opportunistic, overly self inflating CPC candidate .
Often I have difficulty understanding my fellow citizens, both those on the street and those in high places, but I try my best to give them the benefit of the doubt until they become ridiculous.
I wasn’t going to comment on Ms. Rait even though I did a bit of research on her and had some inclinations based on experience and todays realities. But her comments regarding children reading this site and her 7 yr. old viewing the death watch post/picture is indicative of just how she percieves the world around her and the public as a whole. She, by virtue of these words and by choosing to address this in this way, might has well have called us all idiots.
Children do not read political blogs and her 7 yr. old would not have been likely to see that image unless she allowed it to happen. Parental responsibility and all that.
What I learned from Ms. Rait’s web site is that her father was a union leader and that she pursued one area of education due to stated convictions, then quickly changed and studied law. She doesn’t talk about her work experience other than the port authority, but likes to refer to legal oriented work experience. Given her age range, year of acceptance to the bar and time at the port authority, there isn’t a great deal of time in between for hands on experience.
She got the port job from the liberals apparently, and now is running for the CPC. The daughter of union leader no less. Flag no.1
Re: port authority job; there were no more experienced and senior employees available or willing? Flag no.2
Accepts non Democratic appointment as candidate for Halton and runs while on leave from her employment again limiting risk to zero. Flags no.3 and 4
Has limited real world experience. Flag no. 5
To date, has shown little political acumen other than that of a scripted talking head. Flag no. 6
Now in my usually politically incorrect manner, I am going to suggest that she has benefited to date from gender favoritism in a politically correct environment which she can largely thank previous liberal governments for. Apparently, she is not particularly appreciative. If I am wrong, and she would like to clearly state her credentials that spport her candidacy, her appointment at the port authority and her experience in order to refute my inclinations, then I would welcome that. If she in fact is a female version of Bill Gates, then I will retract what I just wrote, with apology.
Given what I have read regarding the financial performance of the Toronto post authority while under her watch, I’m not too worried about how to cook my crow.
It appears to me that Halton has become a grudge match, and I’m not impressed. I am a citizen, and I have a right to state my opinion and I have that opportunity on this X rated blog. As such, I will finish with this. I do not want a government full of talking heads, message carriers and seat warmers. I want a government made up of Democratically chosen, capable people who are diverse and bring more than one point of view to the table. That is the only way we can achieve a semblance of balance within the current political structure which is heavily weighted in favor of wealth.
“Last election, almost 15 million Canadians voted and yet the decision as to whether it was a Liberal or Conservative government came down to fewer than 15,000 voters in fewer than a dozen ridings,” said Peter Donolo, a partner with polling firm the Strategic Counsel. “I think all parties are going to be focusing on 40 to 50 of these battleground ridings that are geographically concentrated across the country.”
I remember the posting where Garth replied ‘bite me’ and other such quotes that Raitt uses in her media release. At the time I chucked and thought ‘Thank God there is a politician that can still act human and not dance around worried about being politically correct at each corner.
I’ve yet to see anything stated by Garth as over the line, and the only comments I thought were not kid friendly were from upset Conservative Trolls crying that they were losing an argument they had no hope of winning.
Raitt, try quoting Garth without doing it out of context, over simplifying, or distorting the source. Everytime you do this, you simply lose credability yourself. It’s largely why Harper has negative credability with a lot of canadians right now… not a good guy to look up to!
By David Bakody on 10.03.08 8:37 am
Yeah… what gets me riled with Jack is his hypocritical double standard of propping up the Harper government when he actually does have a balance of power and playing safe and opposing Harper when there is no risk of bringing the Harper government down.
Do the Libs need to feel that they can win an election to defeat the Harper govrnment and force an election? They have been 1st or 2nd since confederation… duh… what do you all think?
And its not just about winning. Its about how badly the opposition could lose! Layton goes on and on and on about the Liberals supporting these confidence bills (which is in itself a lie, they didn’t support but instead did not oppose) without ever acknowledging the reality that if the Liberals aren’t ready to go into an election or believe they won’t have any kind of electoral success, the outcome could be a Harper majority!
Does Layton really feel that his supporters are not smart enough to catch onto this fact? Cause thats the risk if Dion pulled the plug too soon. A Harper majority. Sobering… isn’t it? And this is Laytons big knock against the Libs… lets go into an election unprepared, running purely on principles with no smarts, watch a Harper majority ruin this nation for 4 years or more and when the next election comes, blame that too, on the Liberals.
Its cheap and tasteless, considering his own double standards of supporting Harper when NDP votes actually counted. Hypocritical and a touch slow, is all I have to say about it concerning Latyon for trying to pull this one on your average Canadian. Message to Jack: “Birds of a feather, Jack. Were not that slow!”
And did Layton come across as a bully last night? Fer sure… and it won’t fly.
What else did Layton come across as last night? He couldn’t explain C02 “intensity targets” when it came up. Duceppe had to explain it for him (I like how he chased the cup at the end, too, that was funny).
And when Layton went on about cuts, Harper challenged him on which ones and you know what? Layton couldn’t get specific because he just… ain’t… all that smart, folks. Jacks the slowpoke of the pack, an insincere opportunist, to be sure.
I like how May, Dion and Duceppe did last night. Harper had to lie his ass off, so I guess if one bases a performance on actorship, Harper won the debate. He was the best liar of them all.
But who won the debates? Who really won? Dion. He looked priministerial, a gentleman, helping the Liberal brand with the historical explanation of the pressures to get rid of public healthcare and deregulating banks but they held firm.
Dion was articulate last night showing some real leadership qualities. Any assassination attempts by the Cons towards Dions leadership will backfire now.
I think… the overall will come down to how many people watched the debates and what the buzz will be in the coming days. Clearly, in terms of damage control and getting out the brand message, defending the historical, Dion was the winner and in terms of trust, vision, plan, preparation, Harper was the loser. Duceppe last night, relaxed, he easily won the French debate which he had to but Duceppe was relaxed last night and that was helpful in terms of the Canadian view of Quebec.
Smart man, Duceppe is. Anyone who thought Duceppe was “all washed up” and an “old lion with no fight left” or “long in the tooth” better think again. I predicted Duceppe would hand the Cons their entrails before this election was over and the debates clearly revealled why that is.
May showed Canada the reason why she should have a place at the table. Layton showed Canada why he shouldn’t ever become a PM. Harper showed Canada he’s one of the worlds best liars. Duceppe showed Canada he really is the man to lead and defend the interests of Quebec. But Dion… Dion showed Canada why he should be the next Prime Minister and I don’t think there is much doubt now that this is his destiny for what is likely to be the next 7 to 8 years into Canada’s future, 7 to 8 years of a Dion led minority government rule.
Duceppe, for as long as he stays with the Bloc, will ensure minority governments in Canada unless the west breaks rank in Alta. They won’t. I see 7 to 8 years of Dion minority governments and should have numbers for you all shortly to think about, province by province, relatively soon.
By Tim N on 10.02.08 2:55 pm,
This is probably a strategy (re: not releasing a COnservative platform yet). They may not have one or release it so close to the election that there will be no time to evaluate it.
By C. B. Innes on 10.02.08 6:15 pm
I just read on Macleans.ca that Harper has announced that a platform will be released – Tuesday.
I guess you’re bang on. Great time to release it – after the debates. Coward.
Tom Hazlett, a professor of law and economics at George Mason University,credited with coining the term
Quote: “Strange, I understood Dion just fine. Did you remember to repress “mute”? — Garth”
He really is difficult to understand, and I’m fluently bilingual. I’m voting Lib either way, but I’m afraid Dion isn’t winning over the undecided English vote, mostly due to his inability to express himself in English.
new Nanon numbers.
3 day rolling average:
Con 35 Lib 30 NDP 18 BQ 10 GRE 8
http://www.nanosresearch.com/election/CPAC-Nanos-October-3-2008E.pdf
The Libs are a second half team. Ignatieff speech, clear message and good advertizing. The Cons peaked to soon and have the wrong message on the economy. These numbers will trend up. Dion didn’t have to “win” the debate. He had to establish credibility for himself and his ideas. He did that. The vast majority of people I know basically were taking a wait and see with him. Dion did well enough to become the clear choice. There was a latent poll impact from al the Conservative gaffs, blunders and Harper’s personality.
Quote: “Strange, I understood Dion just fine. Did you remember to repress “mute”? — Garth”
He really is difficult to understand, and I’m fluently bilingual. I’m voting Lib either way, but I’m afraid Dion isn’t winning over the undecided English vote, mostly due to his inability to express himself in English.
By Alan B on 10.03.08 2:42 pm
Did you have your hearing aid on? I have some loss of hearing, speak only English and have a terrible time with those East Indian tech boys you get on the phone.
I had not problem understanding Stephane Dion last night nor when I attended the Halton town hall with 1400 people in attendance.
I experience his converstional English as much improved. Just think of the time he has had to put in to learn to speak English well!!! –because he believes he has something to give to Canada and I second that motion.
Stephane Dion can lead us to a richer, greener, fairer Canada. Garth Turner will do the same for Halton. Both of these intelligent men have courage, convictions, caring and persistence.
Advance Polls are today, tomorrow, and Monday open from noon to 8 pm for those who want to vote early.
I was very pleased to find out that my polling station had the largest line-up for voting. It appears people do care about what happens to Canada, and I hope on election night to see the following on the bottom of my TV screen “HALTON…GARTH TURNER”!!!
Great looking students and may I add smart….Thank you from a retired man who has always know that our children are for the very most part honest trustworthy, and good kids. And to think if Steve gets his way should any young kid make a mistake he just might lock em up for ever….
By the way incarceration in Canada costs 80-120K per/person/year… can you imagine how far that kind of money would go in education.
By James- Chatham on 10.03.08 7:41 am
Please “Put it Out There” James.
By PYOTR PETROBITCH on 10.03.08 8:03 am
At the risk of breaking the copyright laws a third time… (don’t give them my IP Garth!)….
The discussion took place during Harper trying to explain his actions on income trusts:
Harper: We had a case where the entire corporate sector was converting. So what we did, we didn’t apply tax income trusts immediately, we gave a four year period so no income trust has paid taxes, in the menatime what we did to compensate for that, was we brought in lower taxes across the board for companies and we brought in income splitting for pensioners, which, Stephane, you said in this election, you voted against and you said in this election you don’t support.
Dion: What we support is broad tax cuts for everyone, much deeper than you are proposing.
Harper: So you don’t support income splitting for our pensioners?
Dion: We will do much better than that. I invite the people to, Canadians, to see the Green Shift.CA . You have a calculator, it will give you the tax cuts you will enjoy under the Liberal plan.
May: (Shouting over the moderator) Investors lost $35Million overnight.
There you have it!
One point I note, for an economist, Harper doesn’t understand that the value of a stock, bond of IT unit is based on its future earnings. Therefore even delaying a tax for four years or phasing it in, will reduce future earnings and hence the price will decline.
And just like the NFL ref. ad that says “well, I totally screwed up that call, so I’ll screw up again to make things even,” he makes it sound as though his tax cuts and income splitting were his way to make up for screwing up on IT’s.
By brain on 10.03.08 1:48 pm
Good overview Brian, may I add Dion was also correct when told Layton had he sided with him and the Bloc the first time Harper pulled his ode move the Afghanistan goal post play, the troops would be home safe sound with their heads held high for doing more than was asked. For what it is worth, the word here in the East (Peter Mac Kay country) that Harper will extend the mission to 2015 albeit under some other smoke screen….. any bet?
Yeah… what gets me riled with Jack is his hypocritical double standard of propping up the Harper government when he actually does have a balance of power and playing safe and opposing Harper when there is no risk of bringing the Harper government down.-Brain
When did Mr Layton prop up the Conservative government. Right, it was withen the first year and a half of this governments life. I would expect any party not to force an election in such a short time period. The Liberal govenment did an excellent job of propping up the Government in the last year with their strategic abstinence. If Canadians did not want an election last October 07, what makes you think we wanted one in Oct 06?
Tom Hazlett, a professor of law and economics at George Mason University,credited with coining the term
FEMNAZIS
So, would you please tell us why you all of a sudden think that you can game the free market system, this is arrogance in and of itself….weak very weak.
By adamsmith on 10.03.08 8:23 am
The free market economy is like a nuclear reactor. With proper controls, the whole thing heats up and blows apart.
Now you have a point about what happens when politicians, paved with good intentions, try to help the little guy. It was the US. legislators that told financial institutions they must provide No Income, No Job or Asset mortgages. That was putting the fuel that started the housing market to overheat.
However, the failed to control investment banks from taking these mortgages and repacking them as Mortgage back securities, which were then sold to others who use debt to buy them.
The fuel was added, but no controls put in place, and the economy has exploded.
Now in Canada, our government added fuel to the fire with 40/0 mortgages. Not as bad as Ninja, but fuel none the less.
And now the US has exploded, we’re getting caught in the fallout. The 40/0 allowed many of our mortgagees overextended, making them more vulnerable to this downturn.
Some of our banks bought the repackaged mortgages from the US. not knowing the time bomb they were sitting on. If our banks are so immune, as Harper would have us believe, why are they writting off millions because of this?
What Garth is suggesting is to ensure the proper controls are in place to allow for the cyclical market you describe, without allowing it to overheat and explode.
And maybe my analogy of a nuclear reaction is appropriate, because this government has no idea about nuclear safety either!
He really is difficult to understand, and I’m fluently bilingual. I’m voting Lib either way, but I’m afraid Dion isn’t winning over the undecided English vote, mostly due to his inability to express himself in English.
By Alan B on 10.03.08 2:42 pm
Being fluently bilingual in Klingon doesn’t count .
Perhaps Jack Layton knows Harper has is election campaign plan under his sweater because they share the same dressing room on the campaign trail?
Halton Riding Voter on 10.03.08 9:51 am
Halton Riding Voter, if you need enough reasons why all the other parties were trashing Harper in the debate, I’ll point you again to the list drawn up by
rural on 10.03.08 8:35 am in case you missed it. And while I’m at it I’d like to add another reason.
20. Plagarizing speeches from other now discarded leaders. Howard from Australia, and Harris from Ontario.
What else will they find. This is a guy who has no original thoughts. As David McGuinty stated today, “This man is not a strong leader – he is a weak follower”
So, would you please tell us why you all of a sudden think that you can game the free market system, this is arrogance in and of itself….weak very weak.
By adamsmith on 10.03.08 8:23 am,
It is interesting that you take the name of Adam Smith because the conditions today are similar to the conditions that Smith was arguing against. He was opposing a system in which national governments worked with their corporate sector to control the global market. At the time it was referred to as mercantilism.
The system Smith proposed would likely be impossible to implement under the conditions today, if it ever was possible. He lived in a different time and depended on “community values” to regulate the free market system. He saw the community as controlling individual greed. Instead, what has happened is that the system has become so complex that “community values” are totally ineffective that the system has reverted to something akin to the mercantilism that he so opposed.
Times have changed but new Conservatives live in some kind of time warp.
By Halton Riding Voter on 10.03.08 9:51 am
This really pisses me off!
There are a group of anglophone speaking people in this country who always complain that they can’t understnad a person with an accent, French, Indian or other speak. I’ve heard it at Church when we’ve had foreign pastors and I hear it from you people about M. Dion.
Time to get out of your cubby hole, wash your ears and realise this is a big world.
If you’re really from Halton, take a few trips into Toronto and talk to people there. You’ll find many have unfamiliar accents. And they’ll find yours very strange too!
As an Englishman, I find M. Dion’s accent no more difficult to understand, than M. Ducceppe. And I can understand them both just fine. So what’s your problem?
Correction:
The free market economy is like a nuclear reactor. WithOUT proper controls, the whole thing heats up and blows apart.
Brain getting ahead of fingers again!
By Men With Hats on 10.03.08 3:54 pm
Damn it man!! Stop making me laugh out loud while I’m at work. People are starting to divert their eyes when I walk by.
By Marc on 10.03.08 3:30 pm
M. Dion hit the nail on the head concerning Mr. Layton supporting the CPC when they discussed child care plans.
When Mr. Layton accused M. Dion of not getting it done with the Lib plan, M. Dion pointed out that the plan died when the NDP supported the CPC in bringing down the Martin government.
By Marc on 10.03.08 3:30 pm
Have you every read George Orwells 1984?
Three factions, its always two against one. But every few months, they change; A and B vs C, A nad C vs B, A vs B and C. And each time history is rewritten as though the current situation has been the case forever.
And that’s what Layton is trying to do.
If we look back the Libs have supported the CPC, but so have the NDP and the Bloq on occasion.
Way to go Stephane!!!! (you’re like the little engine that could)
The latest Nanos poll today out after both debates shows a significant swing in the election post-debate. The Conservatives have dropped from 37% to 35% nationally and the Liberals are up from 26% to 30%. Dion did a masterful job in the French debate…helping to increase the Liberals support in Quebec to 24% now in second place behind the Bloc. The Conservatives are at 20% in Quebec.
Dion was OK in the English debate and did well enough to pull up the Ontario numbers to 36% from 33%. The Conservatives dropped from 39% to 36%, so Ontario is still the key battleground.
On the issue of leadership Dion shot up 40% post debate while Harper continues to fall. Harper is now at 79 to Dion’s 71…a horserace is shaping up folks!
For any readers of Garth’s blog who want to get rid of the Harper Conservatives by voting strategically you can email me at strategicvoting@yahoo.ca to obtain one of my reports. They are available for BC, Prairies, Ont, Queb, and Atlantic.
TS
strategicvoting@yahoo.ca
By TS on 10.03.08 4:15 pm
I was about to post that too.
The link is here
http://www.nanosresearch.com/election/CPAC-Nanos-October-3-2008E.pdf
Looks like we might have a race after all – when you look at it by region..
Libs are leading (by a wide margin) in Atlantic Canada
Cons leading by a wide margin in the West (no surprise there either)
Libs up 7 point – 7! in Quebec – now #2 behind the bloc
Libs and Cons TIED in Ontario (Cons down 3, Libs up 3 – tied at 36)
Best news I’ve heard in a while….
By Alan B on 10.03.08 2:42 pm
I think your observations have merit, but I gravitate toward thinking that many English speaking Canadians have an issue with Dion’s command of the English language. This sentiment is commonly expressed on various internet forums etc. and I think it is something that has to be acknowledged openly in order for it to be addressed somewhat intelligently.
Reaction to last nights debate has many people commenting positively on Dion’s seeming sincerity, and that includes many who clearly state they support Harper or at least have some favor for him.
Personally, I admire him for having the courage to address a largely Anglo audience and do his best to articulate his policies, and his point of view.
I don’t agree with a great deal of what he has done in respect to being politically savvy, nor do I agree with his reversal of position on Afghanistan. Still, I certainly will acknowledge that he made best efforts to converse intelligently with us Anglos, and in that respect I couldn’t ask anything more from him.
While on the subject of our francophone brothers, I was especially impressed with the eloquence of Mr. Duceppe’s gobsmacking of Jack Layton on the Afghan issue. He did it with such finesse, and almost with a wave of his hand. In an instant, he dismissed Jack from class. Kudos Mr. Duceppe. I didn’t like his cutting Harper off at times. I did like when he made him answer a question that Harper didn’t want to answer. He was a Bull Dog about it, and I like that.
By jcinns on 10.03.08 2:51 pm
http://www.nanosresearch.com/election/CPAC-Nanos-October-3-2008E.pdf
Don’t ya just love stats…
Aside from the significant jump in Liberal support, and decline of the CPC everywhere but out west (DUH!), along with the NDP drop, did anyone notice the jump in undecided? Particularly out west!!!
That is where the Liberal minority lies. Now, how do we get to them?
On the polls, people really need to remember these are rolling poll results, Nanos is a three day polling roll, and the true impact of the debates will not be seen until we have three full days of stats. So Sunday will reveal the Frech result more clearly and Monday will reveal the English debates
That aside, Nanos’s numbers do indicate that he was very correct on Voter Volatility (he was the pollster measuring and watch his stat)
The interesting thing we political wonks need to remember that we are not your average Canadian, most Canadian tune out politics between election calls, yet there has been on solid stream of political ads coming out Ottawa, Harper’s negative ad campaign, which has been running since he took office. People could not escape it, it was on tv, the radio, the two single most effective medias. It has been the constant background buzz.
Now that the election is here, Canadians that plan to vote start to pay attention to things political (as much as they can stomach) and they are starting to learn that Harper’s negative ad blitz for the last three years really isn’t true. Many Canadian might see this as Bus style Politicking and the art of perminate campaign as designed by Rove and Neo-Cons. If this is the conclusion that Canadians make, then they will punish Harper for doing this.
Yet like I said at the beginning of this campaign, it is coin toss, and now I think we are at 50-50 odds right now.
Harper may now have to battle media monster he created himself, and it might just bite his head off. (I’m sure Lisa Raitt will find a way to take this quote out of context and suggest we hupporting the decapitation of Harper or something)
Come on Garth, time for the Libby’s to announce they will increase the CDIC insurance limit and index it to inflation.
Otherwise those few of us who aren’t in debt up to our necks will start pulling funds from our great Canadian Banks!
U.S. did it.
Britian just did it.
Ireland did it and funds flowed INTO Ireland from other EU countries pissin’ them off cause they haven’t had the sense to do the same.
Harper says our banks are safe so there shouldn’t be much increased cost to CDIC if that were true!
If we look back the Libs have supported the CPC, but so have the NDP and the Bloq on occasion.
By James- Chatham on 10.03.08 4:10 pm
And that is exactly how a minority government should work. Unless we all want to go to the polls every 6 months, and have our politicians achieve nothing while in office.
—————————————-
When Mr. Layton accused M. Dion of not getting it done with the Lib plan, M. Dion pointed out that the plan died when the NDP supported the CPC in bringing down the Martin government.
By James- Chatham on 10.03.08 4:06 pm
That has nothing to do with the N.D.P. propping up a Conservative government. The Conservative party was official opposition during Mr. Martins Liberal government. I was commenting on Brains accusations of Mr. Layton propping up a Conservative government.
As the Con-clones continue to push their one depleted asset the ‘worm begins to turn’
Canadians are fed up with this one man show (dictatorship) and his idiotic ideology that flies in the face of all that is ,truly,Canadian .
Their one asset is badly damaged and bloodied by his non intervention into the economy .
This is no economist nor even a book keeper .
Their deliberate destruction of our economy will bite them big time .
Canadians are finally waking up from their psychic trance/spell that they have been under .
Monsieur Dion won the French debate in a walk . He had to .
Now it is once again safe for our brothers and sisters in Quebec to vote for the professor .
I hope someone is monitoring the Con-clones advertising .
Wouldn’t put it past them to try it again to prove they are right and Elections Canada is all wrong .
U.S. housing crisis won’t happen in Canada: Flaherty
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20081003/Flaherty_crisis_081003/20081003?hub=Canada
Im happy that they think being positive is the best policy. But I think I prefer my politicians to be REALISTS, not blowhards.
Whats wrong with this country? When did we become so easily manipulated?
“The polls seem to indicate most thought Harper won last nights debate”
Best to watch the Nanos poll which I heard this am on cpac have changed dramatically (rising for the Libs) They said they would report later today. Better yet go watch the faces pouring into the advance polls. Many folks look determined and mad as hell. My guess it’s a sign of ABC
“If you hold that smile, the other microexpressions are harder to read” (this quote was about Harper) Actually in fact, lying eyes and a very worried soul are extremely easy to read. The eyes dart around, the face twitches, the posture repostitions frequently even if minimally. The best a person can do is ‘try’ to keep still and hold a pose (ie the smile) but the subconscious speaks loudly in body language to those that watch for it.
If any of you rewatch the debate tonight on cpac, pay very close attention to Harper visually whenever the camera is on him. He is absolutely squirming and can’t hold eye contact with the veiwers for more than a nano-second. Somewhere ‘out there’ there have been articles written on how to watch for when someone is lying and how easy it is to spot. Eye contact is the biggy.
Why would you do a lecture to a class at Drury High School; where you doing it as an MP or as a candidate?
Duh. — Garth
Time to get out of your cubby hole, wash your ears and realise this is a big world.
If you’re really from Halton, take a few trips into Toronto and talk to people there. You’ll find many have unfamiliar accents. And they’ll find yours very strange too!
As an Englishman, I find M. Dion’s accent no more difficult to understand, than M. Ducceppe. And I can understand them both just fine. So what’s your problem?
By James- Chatham on 10.03.08 4:01 pm
For starters just go to the corner of Kennedy and Clarence in Brampton, and then try the corner of Jane and Finch. Then go to Winnipeg, on Main St. and about Higgins Ave., or Edmonton around 97th St and Jasper Ave., plus Vancouver near Hastings and Main St. These neighborhoods should enlighten you to what the real Canada is! As my deceased Ukrainian Grandfather-inlaw used to say: “You no like-it dis country, gitt-it out-it!” He knew the differences and the real essence of much of Canada from Thetford Mines, and Sudbury to the Peace River!
Broken English is not a crime or a sin, but maybe a handicap that coincides with an unequal educational opportunities. The person(s) that have difficulty with accents in my experience lack mental agility and flexibility in thinking. They also are not good at telling puns or appreciating some of the finer sense of humorous quips. They also find it difficult to lighten up! Using an accent as an excuse to discriminate is no different than kicking a hurt dog or wounded cat when it is down. PURELY SHABBY AND UNCANADIAN!
“Duh”-Garth
Quite so, although you accidently failed to answer the question. As an MP or as a candidate? As you point out they had a copy of your campaign sign on the blackboard, right? That seems a little dodgy if you were there as an MP.
As a candidate was the same offer extended to all the others?
Ask the school. — Garth
My last post on the debate(s). I didn’t care for the format. It really did look like 4 on 1 much of the time. I am almost inclined to say that at times it was something of a circus. A middle ground between this and what was, would be much better. Maybe a few less points to discuss and or more time or more debates so the issues can be better addressed by all participants.
That said, I thought Ms. May did reasonably well and proved herself worthy of a place at the table. Learning to control her passions somewhat could be beneficial, but I can relate. She displayed her ability to comprehend complex issues, her background and her commitment to move forward with a plan. I don’t agree with all of her plan, but there is a lot of good in it, especially regionalizing a good deal of our economy as is reasonable, rational and responsible. Did I mention the benefits of being Green? Like the old folks, friends. You just have to learn not to depend on the Carpetbaggers. They ain’t your friend.
To critique Harpers performance is hindered by the fact that the debate format didn’t provide a level playing field. I realize that an incumbent PM has to defend, but this format allowed little else. He was brought to task on issues of importance and unfortunately the pace was so advanced, and the sniping so frequent that Harper escaped having to answer many of the questions. He definitely did not win, but whatever or however you saw his performance, he did it in a prime ministerial fashion. For what that’s worth.
The biggest political loser IMO, was Layton. He was challenged several times on his attacks and showed his lack of depth. He called others on their record only to foolishly set himself up for Duceppe to utterly dismiss him as a serious entity.
So this is what splits the so called left? C’est la vie
More plagiarism accusations surface
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20081003.welxnplagiarism1003/BNStory/Front
This time from a Mike Harris Speech?
Is this why the Conservatives haven’t come out with a policy/platform yet?
Are they looking at stuff from other political parties?
Dump ‘em!
That is where the Liberal minority lies. Now, how do we get to them?
By maybe Rhino? on 10.03.08 4:42 pm
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/edmonton/story/2008/09/15/elxn-sherwood.html
http://calsun.canoe.ca/News/Columnists/Kaufmann_Bill/2008/10/03/6964231-sun.php
By coming up the middle?
“Duh”-Garth
Quite so, although you accidently failed to answer the question. As an MP or as a candidate? As you point out they had a copy of your campaign sign on the blackboard, right? That seems a little dodgy if you were there as an MP.
As a candidate was the same offer extended to all the others?
Ask the school. — Garth
By Simon on 10.03.08 6:34 pm
Haven’t you heard Simon, Schools and Universities are “No Fly Zones” for CPC MPs. They are not allowed to go these places and speak or debate. Rules direct from the Stphen Harper Party of Canada
whats with CBC saying Harper won the english debate???????? There is nothing further from the truth! Guess Stevie’s got them in his pocket now too.
Never give up. It may be that the sign you pounded into the ground today is the one which convinces 5 people to vote. This message is from the income trust discussion board. Honourable Paul Martin seems to have surfaced out of nowhere. But at least he took his message to the lion’s den, for which I give him credit.
“Let me simply say, on Oct. 14, we will elect a Liberal government.”
‘We will elect a Liberal government’: Paul Martin tells Calgary crowd
Last Updated: Friday, October 3, 2008 | 6:09 PM ET/CBC News
Former Liberal leader Paul Martin gestures at a heckler during a Calgary speech. (CBC)Former Liberal prime minister Paul Martin raised some eyebrows in the oilpatch when he predicted the Liberals will form the next federal government.
In a spirited speech to about 100 Liberal supporters at the Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre on Friday, Martin attacked the Conservatives’ economic record, while taking on a heckler.
“Who’s the best economic manager?” began Martin, who was then interrupted when someone in the crowd answered, “Stephen Harper!”
The former Liberal leader shot back, with his voice rising: “Stephen Harper hasn’t come up with a plan. If he’s so good, why doesn’t he come up with a plan? If he’s the prime minister of this country, why is he afraid to deal with the issues?”
The partisan crowd cheered at Martin’s feistiness in the heart of Conservative country.
“When we took office in 1993, the Conservatives left us with a $43 billion deficit. Four years later, that deficit was gone, and when we left office 2.5 years ago, there was a $12 billion surplus and no other country in the world can match that record,” he continued.
‘Let me simply say, on Oct. 14, we will elect a Liberal government.’
Martin was back in his element, shaking hands and telling the crowd how glad he was to see them again.
When asked if he missed campaigning as a political leader, Martin said: “I’ve been there, done that. Time to go on to other things and I’ve been very clear that the aboriginal issues in Canada and Africa are where I’m going to be putting my time.
“But I am very worried about the Conservative record on the economy.”
Martin, a lawyer and businessman, plans to spend the next few days in Calgary attending to what he called personal business interests.
Martin’s Liberal government fell to the Conservatives under Stephen Harper in 2006 after 12 straight years of Liberal rule in Canada. Martin stepped down as Liberal leader after that defeat, but promised to finish his term as MP for the Montreal riding of LaSalle-Émard.
Why would you do a lecture to a class at Drury High School; where you doing it as an MP or as a candidate?
Duh. — Garth
By Simon on 10.03.08 5:57 pm
Too bad you don’t have a stupidity filter .
Simon: Your paranoia is showing. Conservatives are their own worst enemies–preying on fears and anxieties and creating crises where they don’t exist.
Simon: Who better to lecture future voters on our political landscape than an M.P.?
I have seen our own Prime Minister visiting classrooms. Do you object to that, too???
C.B.,
it is not just that “community values” have failed to control individual greed. Community values have been inverted and now encourage individual greed. The stars of commerce and entertainment have become models and are admired for what their riches buy them and allow them to do. The community value or ethic now is to do whatever it takes to get rich and be, have and act like them.
The system has not become too complex to be controlled by community values. It stays pretty simple. The former community values have simply been made irrelevant and been replaced by “values” that support the system.
U.S. housing crisis won’t happen in Canada: Flaherty
By SJ on 10.03.08 5:37 pm
NOW WHO WOULD EVER BELIEVE JIM FLAHERTY!!! ISN’T HE A NEOCON AS WELL?
DOUBLE REASON NOT TO BELIEVE HIM. IT SEEMS HE HAS A PROBLEM TELLING THE TRUTH. SOMETHING ABOUT INCOME TRUSTS AND 18 BLACKED OUT PAGES.
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20081001/economy_housing_081001?s_name=&no_ads=
Excerpt
Cda. risks getting entangled in housing crisis: expert
Updated Wed. Oct. 1 2008 5:53 PM ET
The Canadian Press
NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE, Ont. — Canada risks becoming even more entangled in the American housing crisis and could see a similar bust in some of its more bubbly markets, a renowned U.S. economist said Wednesday.
Robert Shiller, a Yale University professor and co-creator of the Case-Shiller index of U.S. housing prices, said he believes the U.S. housing crisis stems in part from an investor culture “looking to make a quick buck,” motivated by people believing that home prices will constantly rise.
While Canada hasn’t had the same type of real estate bubble, Shiller said the country isn’t immune………
VOTE FOR THE RESPECTFUL MAN WITH INTEGRITY AND HONESTY. VOTE FOR THE TEAM PLAYER VOTE FOR A LIBERAL AND GET TO HAVE STEPHANE DION AND HIS TEAM LEAD US TO A FAIRER, GREENER, RICHER CANADA.
THIS IS THE ELECTION TO MAKE A SACRIFICE IF NECESSARY IF YOUR FAVORITE TEAM IS THE NDP OR GREEN
VOTE STRATEGICALLY.
That is where the Liberal minority lies. Now, how do we get to them?
By maybe Rhino? on 10.03.08 4:42 pm
Don’t you worry about us. We always play our hands “close to the vest” NOT BLUE!
Watch my new anti-harper internet ad and see what I think of the Conservatives and Harper.
Cheers!
The system has not become too complex to be controlled by community values. It stays pretty simple. The former community values have simply been made irrelevant and been replaced by “values” that support the system.
By Herb on 10.03.08 7:51 pm ,
You are probably correct in the sense that so much of the country has lost its sense of community. But it appears that it is immigrants who often have a greater affinity for community than the native born.
What I see is that those values that you see as supporting the system will eventually lead to its distruction just as we are seeing in the United States.
People are taught to believe that individualism and personal greed is good. Most come to a point in their lives, some early and some late, where that ideology has negative personal implications.
There are many people searching for the sense of community and when they find it they realize what they have been missing.
Haven’t you heard Simon, Schools and Universities are “No Fly Zones” for CPC MPs. They are not allowed to go these places and speak or debate. Rules direct from the Stphen Harper Party of Canada
By Zorpheous on 10.03.08 7:00 pm
All Candidate Meetings are also out of bounds for neocon candidates according to reports of some of the turnouts.
Harper himself is terrified to answer questions directly from Canadians as he refused to be on “Your Turn” with Peter Mansbridge.
A friend from BC just arrived in town today and gave me a call. SHe told me she has never been able to stand Harper after looking in his eyes. She is very intuitive and says he “scares” her. She told me her friends are working on educating people on the 100 reasons to not elect Harper and instructing people on how to vote strategically. They tell the pollsters they will vote for Harper just for fun. Her mother here in town has been able to convince her bridge partners to vote Liberal this year. One at a time can get the job done.
Vote Liberal, Get an honest, inclusive, courageous, intelligent, wise man for a PM. He comes with a great team. Lots of value for the price of one:>) Poor Mr Harper is very limited as he is a dictator and his team consists of puppets whose strings he pulls–very limiting.
Thanks again for this wonderful bog Garth. Without it, I would never have become political because I would never have known all the negative behavior of Harper. I owe many thanks to the great posters on this blog for they have taught me a lot and given me lots of links so I could learn about the dark side of Harper. I am doing my best through my email list to educate people about the 100 plus reasons you don’t want to vote for Harper. I give them the Scandalpedia website as well since all the “truths” are referenced.
VOTE LIBERAL. VOTE GARTH IN HALTON. I TRUST LISA CAN HANDLE DEFEAT. I WISH HER THE BIGGEST AND BEST DEFEAT POSSIBLE
Just confirming with Garth that the same opportunity is available to all candidates to lecture high school students as he was given.
A simple idea; I’m a little surprised Garth’s sheeple are so edgy about it.
I think they are more disgusted, actually. Just a hunch. I am. — Garth
Media “spin” tends to suggest that the Green Party will take votes from the Liberals and NDP. I was in a room with four people who traditionally vote Conservative discussing the federal election. All four indicated that they were planning to vote Green in this election.
The condescending smirk that Harper always had on his face when he looked at May certainly raises questions as to what it was intended to convey.
Herb, I agree with you on that point and have been saying the same thing within my own circles. Listen to Harper’s words; he doesn’t dismiss it outright, he says “Now is not the time”. If they win, it will become part of their platform by the next election to try to take the wind out of the Liberal’s sails. That tax cut is just too delicious to let go; unfortunately I don’t expect there to also be an accompanying social investment.
It was stupid policies, not market forces, which turned the US real estate market into a sinkhole. If you want the same here, vote Harper. — Garth
Garth that is just a stupid comment. Even the experts have said that the current American Real estate situation will not happen in Canada. You may be an expert on many things but on this one I think you are wrong wrong wrong.
North America’s leading housing expert, Robert Shiller, predicted three days ago that exactly this would happen in Canada. BTW, read my book? I think it’s time. — Garth
Garth, I have a question for you.
I don’t really understand how the financial system works so you can tell me this is a stupid question and as usual, I will not take offence (as if you care!).
On Sept 23 the Bank of Canada injected $4 billion in money markets, another $2 billion in 84-day securities and another $2 billion in 27-day securities. It also relaxed standards on the type of collateral it will accept. This seems to be opening up the Canadian financial system to same risks that caused the U.S. problem.
Today it is reported that the BOC is releasing another $10 billion. If the same problems as are threatening the U.S. economy have not spilled over the border why has the Bank of Canada provided an additional $18 billion in liquidity within the last two weeks?
Because they know what they are not telling you. We, too, have a brewing credit crisis. You will hear a lot more about this after October 15th. — Garth
Are the CON’s hiding a huge deficit? Personally, I wouldn’t put it past them as Flaherty The Fibber is wont to do every few years, round about election time. This post is from the income trust discussion board. Verify the facts for yourself.
Federal surplus shrinks in first four months
KEVIN CARMICHAEL
Globe and Mail Update
September 26, 2008
This is from the comments-
* _Since April the Conservatives issued $15.5 in treasury bill debt, another $388 million in bond debt, slowed down the buyback of Canada Savings Bonds and used up $6.1 billion in cash. _*
_*If you look at the details provided by the Finance Department in the Fiscal Monitor the Conservatives are actually running a “deficit”.
*_Globe Customer from Canada writes: As pointed out by a previous poster, the Conservatives are definitely cooking the books! It’s so classic too. Just before an election. Almost like what happened in Ontario a few years ago. I’ll just copy/paste parts of what I posted earlier on another site… Those so-called “surplus” numbers are highly decepetive._* If you look at the details provided by the Finance Department in the Fiscal Monitor the Conservatives are actually running a “deficit”.*_ A huge one in fact, to the tune of some $20.3 billion. Ya, that’s right $20 billion! “Net financing activities up $14.2 billion” “The Government financed this financial requirement of $20.3 billion by increasing market debt by $14.2 billion and reducing cash balances by $6.1 billion. The increase in market debt was achieved largely through the issuance of treasury bills.” That hasn’t happened in a quite a long time. Debt being issued on this sort of time scale that is.* _Since April the Conservatives issued $15.5 in treasury bill debt, another $388 million in bond debt, slowed down the buyback of Canada Savings Bonds and used up $6.1 billion in cash. _*All this just to finance day to day operations since last April. As anyone who knows accrual based accounting, you can record revenues and expenses irrespective of when any sort of cash is actually received or paid out. Play around with the books and you can record revenues earlier and expenses later. Voila, instant surplus! It happens all the time in the private sector when companies want to make things look better than they actually are. Always catches up with you though. So, always look at cash flow. Always, always, always! Cash is king. These Conservatives are definitely cooking the books that’s for sure. Actually making things look better than they actually are. Gee, I wonder why? Can anyone say election time, buy some time, and then we can try to spin the real numbers later on? Once they have a mandate for another few years that is, lol.
Taken from globe and mail article’s comments-
Garth that is just a stupid comment. Even the experts have said that the current American Real estate situation will not happen in Canada. You may be an expert on many things but on this one I think you are wrong wrong wrong.
North America’s leading housing expert, Robert Shiller, predicted three days ago that exactly this would happen in Canada. BTW, read my book? I think it’s time. — Garth
By Van on 10.03.08 9:10 pm
From my earlier post.
Isn’t this man saying we can have the same housing problems? He looks like he is qualified enough to believe or at least pay attention to.
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20081001/economy_housing_081001?s_name=&no_ads=
Excerpt
Cda. risks getting entangled in housing crisis: expert
Updated Wed. Oct. 1 2008 5:53 PM ET
The Canadian Press
NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE, Ont. — Canada risks becoming even more entangled in the American housing crisis and could see a similar bust in some of its more bubbly markets, a renowned U.S. economist said Wednesday.
Robert Shiller, a Yale University professor and co-creator of the Case-Shiller index of U.S. housing prices, said he believes the U.S. housing crisis stems in part from an investor culture “looking to make a quick buck,” motivated by people believing that home prices will constantly rise.
While Canada hasn’t had the same type of real estate bubble, Shiller said the country isn’t immune………
Sheeple?
Simon,
That is exactly what is wrong with cpc supporters such as yourself – you get everything backward. You listen to gossip instead of finding out for yourself. Sheep are not terribly bright. They’d follow blindly off the cliff when led.
Fox on the other hand are quite clever.
Lemme ask you a few simple questions to illustrate the point?
If your last election campaign was based on ‘transparency and accountablity’ then why can’t we see your platform and policy costing until Tuesday? Why are documents virtually entirely blacked out when demanded by the public? Why is your leader not transparent or accountable? Why is there NO answer when asked about breaking his word on not taxing IT’s? (you’d think at least he would have said sorry and come up with some excuse!)About breaking his word on fixed elections? No answer does not equal transparent or accountable. Not even remotely. Where did that go? Are we supposed to forget? What’s the new thrust? Pick the cpc based on their record? Pick the cpc based on that the other guy has an accent? (hello, Canada is multicultural almost everyone has, or has family, friends and neighbours that have an accent)Pick the cpc because there is nothing happening with the economy and the cpc is doing little incremental steps that will magically fix what isn’t going down the toilet?.
I’m afraid your sheeple ‘Just don’t get it’, ‘Aren’t worth the risk’, ‘Absolutely have zero track record’
Get the point Simon?
You are the sheeple, we are the fox.
School lesson finished, do your homework now Simon and if you get a chance explain all this to Halton’s blonde contender so she find a few new lines in the next few days.
The Canadian debate.
I liked the fact that teleprompters were not used. (At least I think they were not) Layton could pretend he was PM, Harper had no canned comeback and sulked in his chair. Dion sputtered from the heart, Duceppe was piercing and May conducted herself like a prosecuting attorney. In contrast with the U.S. debate, I could see Palin and Biden using the teleprompter as a crutch. Palin at times,was reading as fast as she could. To me, that is not a debate.
“then why can’t we see your platform and policy costing until Tuesday?”
Oh, one more thing…
Too late, I already voted.
LOL
You want to be a Conservative MP?
You will be up against stiff competition in the future. Take a look at the future CRAP MP being developed. This MP will be programmed not to speak and can cover an entire riding in one week on a tank of gas.
http://www.bostondynamics.com/content/sec.php?section=BigDog
Howse ’bout a lil’ poetry that seems to apply here…
Maybe I should send this to the CPC campaign headquarters…
“Instant karmas gonna get you
Gonna knock you right on the head
You better get yourself together
Pretty soon you’re gonna be dead
What in the world you thinking of
Laughing in the face of love
What on earth you tryin to do
Its up to you, yeah you
Instant karmas gonna get you
Gonna look you right in the face
Better get yourself together darlin
Join the human race
How in the world you gonna see
Laughin at fools like me
Who in the hell d’you think you are
A super star
Well, right you are
Well we all shine on
Like the moon and the stars and the sun
Well we all shine on
Everyone come on
Instant karmas gonna get you
Gonna knock you off your feet
Better recognize your brothers
Everyone you meet
Why in the world are we here
Surely not to live in pain and fear
Why on earth are you there
When you’re everywhere
Come and get your share”
- John Lennon
34% off already.
http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/Blue-Thunder-History-Conservative-Party-Bob-Plamondon/9781552639610-item.html
Funny . You know it is a toss up as to who has the dumber trolls,Garth or Nik Nanos .
Hard to believe some of the idiots over there .
Clearly the Cons are only up by five points and this moron is insisting it is ten .
Sheeesh ! Dumb and dumber .
Some of our trolls are Einstinian by comparison .
Of course I’ll deny I ever said that .
Cap’n George,
“Duceppe was piercing …” My irreverent conclusion after the debate: we should draft him as PM.
Have you got a press gang to send out?
Actually I’ve never indicated that I support the Conservatives. I do understand that detail isn’t a strong thing for Garth or his posse, however they do tend to matter. One of Garth’s ongoing failures is that he’s heavy on the sound bites and light on substance.
Compared with which other MPs who discuss economic policy and financial forecasting on their blogs? Links, please. — Garth
You don’t actually “discuss” economic policy and financial forecasting, Garth
You issue pronouncements then get cranky when people challenge them or point out the flaws in what you’re saying. Then, of course, there are the deleted posts.
Answer the question. — Garth