Across a plate of salmon, in a north Toronto restaurant which had been cleared of patrons, I stared for the first time at this professor from Montreal. With me was the go-between MP, one of the men Stephane Dion has just defeated in the Liberal leadership contest, and a long-time party operative.
After sitting as a Harper outcast and Indie member of Parliament for four months, I’d been approached to meet this new political breeze, this earnest man the country and I knew far too little about. In those first days after Montreal, he represented the antithesis of politics, the outsider fuelled by principle and intellect as opposed to the other contenders backed by sagging party warhorses and far too much money.
Over dinner I told Dion I had been a Progressive Conservative my entire life, a believer in less government, lower taxes, but yet compassion and fair treatment for all. I’d fought Reformers, and had seen in Stephen Harper a narrowness no prime minister should harbour.
“If there is room on your team for a PC refugee,” I said, “I’m willing to give it a try.”
Dion jumped up, grabbed his glass of white wine and thrust it over the table. “And I am so pleased to have you,” he said.
That wasn’t always the case, of course. My commitment of digital democracy, open government and frank talk got us both into trouble a few times. Dion shocked one day by disowning me in front of caucus after I’d given a rousing visual presentation on current events, heavy on Max and biker Julie. He punted me again in Calgary last summer after a blog posting here managed to inflame a majority of people (it seemed) in both Alberta and Quebec.
But I think those were things one would expect from a leader dealing with a guy like me. However, he was warned. I told him when I joined the federal Liberal caucus that my allegiances would always be with voters and citizens first, parties and leaders second.
In my coming book, I summarize it this way:
While parties are central to how we run countries, it is less so each day. The Internet has the power to turn unknowns into leaders and involve citizens whom partisan recruiters, organizers and militants will never meet. A blog can alter political outcomes, while web sites reach millions when media outlets are still editing. Politicians who open digital conversations make the future impossible for those who do not. One or two more federal elections, and the traditionalists will be gone.
Parties may follow. They’ll certainly be transformed. Online members will be harder to control, and more responsive to voters. Ridings will melt away in the digital ascent of issues over geography. And if dozens of independents are ever to take their seats in the House of Commons, it will be because of this. Funded, promoted and elected through web-based campaigns, they will skirt the rules of a political establishment which abhors them.
Experience has convinced me this is what many Canadians want. Parties and leaders who demand unquestioning acceptance of dogmatic positions are doomed. No one, not even a prime minister, can put this back in the bottle.
To his credit, Dion never did try to stuff me back into a manageable form. He is obviously an intelligent and ethical person. All of Canada knows that. But he’s also a sensitive, compassionate and thoughtful colleague. He called me when my dog, Cheka, died. His wife called me to thank me for blog entries. Dion called me in defeat, whereas Harper never called me in victory.
We all know the failings of the campaign just past. I’d asked my leader not to run on the Green Shift, but rather to issue it as a pre-election discussion paper less open to categoric attack and misinterpretation by the Harper forces. The party lapsed on a communications effort, and was totally outspent, outgunned and outfoxed by a Conservative team that was planning for war while Dion was minivanning from church basement to high school auditorium all summer.
Nonetheless, Stephane Dion is a great Canadian and has left a legacy of accomplishment behind him, from the separatist-bashing Clarity Act to doing more for climate change awareness than a dozen Green Parties ever could. He may have been disinterested in the things which brought him down – fundraising, organization, tactics – but he was a leader who mattered, who rose unexpectedly by dint of his own determination, and proved bullies can be faced with calm dignity, and hope.
Adieu, boss. Merci.
128 comments ↓
Another Liberal to say good riddance to. This has been an excellent week.
That was gracious. — Garth
Ditto
Just as representative democracy was made possible by the printing press, the Internet has the potential to make direct democracy possible and eliminate all the shenanigans and ad hominems associated with representative democracy.
It may take 100 years, but we can start working on it now.
http://doconnor.homeip.net/InternetDemocracy/index.htm
http://www.metagovernment.org/wiki/Main_Page
Thanks, Garth. It will be a long time before women are given the opportunity to participate in the federal government in the way that Dion was prepared to do. Most just want our votes and keep the power.
People like you and Dion are good for democracy. I’m sorry you will no longer be there to report out to us. I’ve learned so much from you and I will always be grateful.
Your friend in Vancouver.
Jennifer
I’m I a bad person for thinking that Canadians deserve every pain and hardship that is going to come there way? We had our chance to get ahead of the global marketplace with innovation but chose instead to stick to the tired old ideas of the 20th century.
It is a real shame.
Luckily for the Liberal Party Mr. Dion is a bigger person than I am. Yesterday he impressed me once again, even in defeat he somehow managed to rise above them all and act solely in what he thought was the party’s and country’s best interest.
I am still holding out hope that we get an election before the leadership conference … wishful dreaming I know, but you never know.
Garth, I am very sad about your loss in Halton and about Dion stepping down as leader.
Dion was a big inspiration to me and drew me to the Liberals. Dion was ahead of his time and Canadians will see the wisdom of his words in years to come. Just today, at an international meeting on business, other leaders were spouting Dion’s wisdom:
The financial and climate change crises facing the world are interlinked and businesses can only tackle them through concerted, coordinated and coherent action, environmental experts said Tuesday.
“They can’t be separated, they’re two sides of the (same) coin and therefore the solutions have to be coordinated too,” said Erik Rasmussen, head of a Danish think tank and member of the Copenhagen Climate Council.
Garth, Garth, Garth. Dion had you sitting on your hands in the HoC until it must have made you vomit. Don’t tell me he “never did try to stuff me back into a manageable form.”
Dion is arrogant to the ‘nth degree. He refused to listen to you and all the senior liberals. He told everyone “Canadians will love me and they’ll love the Greenshift.” He was stubborn and head strong to the point it destroyed the entire party. He couldn’t fund raise even from within liberal supporters and MPs. Talk about phone calls, when Warren Kinsella’s FATHER died the ONLY person who called him was Mr. Harper and as you know he’d been a strong supporter and advisor to the LP for many, many years.
One senior liberal even referred to MR. Dion on CTV as an idiot savant.
Dion is sooooo arrogant that what do you want to bet that he isn’t toying with the idea of bringing the government down over the next Feb. budget so he can have his ‘second chance’?
God, Garth, be truthful, Dion was/is not a saint.
Unlike you, apparently. — Garth
Hi Mr. Garth Turner,
‘Nonetheless, Stephane Dion is a great Canadian and has left a legacy of accomplishment behind him,’
I hope we have not seen the last of Dion and your potential to help make/keep Canada a place worth living in and raising a family in.
I will take some comfort in seeing that you still have this blog thing going, for what ever it might be worth.
I hope LisaMP is also able to help ALL the people of Halton, despite PMSH.
We will see???
(I wonder if LisaMP or the PM will be surfing your blog for insight and ideas?)
I wonder if Lisa Raitt would be interested in the income trust issue??
Thanks Garth for all of your concern & help with this made-in-government debacle–you were there alone when all others had just shrugged their shoulders & let it go.
Tell your Boss thanks as well.
Dr Mike Popovich–former life-long Progressive Conservative.
Thanks for this post, and I hope we will see many others on the issues of our day even as you move on to new opportunities.
And I still hope we get you back in our government soon. We need people like you, Garth.
As Keith Richards said about Steve Cropper, “Perfect, man.”
Mr. Garth Turner, FYI anyone,
Will LisaMP or PMSH really be looking out for us all? Or will we see this in Canada sooner that you might think?
The USA Patriot Act has already taken most rights way from the USA people already!
What is in the SPP deal anyway? Are we already there too???
Will the Canadian Opposition be willing to stop this from happening hear, and have another election again, soon if needed???
Will PMSH call another election before the opposition can raise more money, so he can try to get the majority to do what ever his corporate masters bid of him?
Britain’s freedoms under threat from ‘Big Brother security state’, warns Director of Public Prosecutions.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1079155/Britains-freedoms-threat-Big-Brother-security-state-warns-Director-Public-Prosecutions.html?ITO=1490
Garth, I’m sorry for your loss in Halton and our loss with Stephane Dion. I was quite taken with what Andrew Coyne said on “At Issue” last night to a question poised by Peter Mansbridge about the circumstances of Dion stepping down.
” What was unseemly was what went on in the five weeks previous and the two years previous. What was done to this good and decent man over the last two years, firstly by the Tories multi-million dollar defamation campaign, by the media with this sort of sniggering pile-on that we always reserve for the people who are being bullied and finally by his own people in his own party, the knives in the back during the campaign from the usual anonymous individuals is quite disgraceful.”
Unfortunately, this reflection was too little too late as I blame the media as much as the Tories for blowing off Dion at every opportunity. Tax shift difficult to understand? Not at all, people scared of the convergence with the meltdown in the economy, you bet! We can put off the environment for only so long. Pay now or pay later…seems that Canadians have chosen regardless of an increase in the Green popular vote.
Thank you for holding him up with others in the party that share his integrity. I’m not confident that the party is going to reshape, rebuild in time to make a difference with the unseen fractures within. My riding lost too..payback for Stronach playing both sides and stepping down?
Harper also has nothing to be proud of, worst voter turnout, over 60% of Canadians don’t want him. Leadership review for him should also be mandatory at this time. I don’t trust him.
Will you stay with them or bow out for the interim? I would love it if you would continue your blog and join other political pundits in calling our government to account. Please say yes!
/TS
I see the CPC trolls like Leasa can’t even win with grace – that would be the adult thing to do.
The worst thing Dion did was not succeed as a leader – he was not a mass murderer or part of a biker gang or anything horrible, and yet, you act like the animals you are.
Part of statesmanship is grace – try to get some.
Mr. Dion would have been an excellent leader. Sadly,it seems to make him a lousy politician.
Not an insult. Just a somewhat depressing reality, for now.
Mr. Garth Turner,
Are we going to see PMSH continue to allow foreign takeovers of Canadian Companies? With their well paying head office jobs and the taxes there pay here.
Don’t forget about the R&D and developed technology jobs also.
Or will PMSH rethink the issue as the French are doing?
But with PMSH record on income trusts I truly wonder were Canada will be, even with this minority government?
Sarkozy calls for halt to foreign ownership.
http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/economics/article4984670.ece
Mr. Dion. Garth Turner. Thank-you for your contribution to the nation’s business. We welcome your continued input and conversation in an attempt to build a stronger, fairer, Canada.
Mr. Garth Turner, FYI anyone.
Is anyone here, in Canada watching the till?
Bailout beneficiaries are also masters of dodging their fair share of taxes
http://www.boston.com/business/articles/2008/10/21/bailouts_spur_calls_to_end_tax_dodges/
Garth,
Perhaps in different ways you both are too altruistic to a fault. Dion was stubborn and truly believed Canadians were ready to tackle the future. You, well, carry your heart on your shoulder and speak the unvarnished truth.
Voters say they want open and honest politicians to run their affairs and then they shuffle the deck for a bunch of bobble heads or even worse stay at home and let other people decide the future of their generation.
On Dion, the professor will go on to better things, great things when unimpeded by a Party that has lost its compass.
On Turner, Garth can do anything he chooses with my support but I would like to see him have a politics show on CPAC and continue the blog.
The biggest loser is the Liberal Party who have hollowed out the traditions of St. Laurent, Pearson and yes, Trudeau. When the grassroots including me tried to dissuade M. Dion from stepping down we were trumped by shadowy figures that think they are entitled to their entitlements to run the Party from the backrooms.
They will learn in the next election just how flawed that tactic will fail them. The Liberal Party will end up in the black hole of also ran with a modest seat count below the NDP. Some talking heads think that going to the right will improve their fortunes with a Manley or McKenna.
Actually, Canadians are moving to the progressive left and this election was not lost on the Green Shift but the narrative that Dion was weak. Personally, I think a lot of people held their noses and voted for Harper because they believed the myth that he is a brilliant economist and money manager. They were afraid when they voted.
To the Leader, those M.P.’s and Liberal candidates that lost the battle thank you for your submitting your name for public service and keeping democracy alive.
Mr. Garth Turner, FYI anyone,
Freedom under USA occupation?
Will Canada be next under SPP and PMSH?
Order 81. Under this mandate, Iraq’s commercial farmers must now buy “registered seeds.” These are normally imported by Monsanto, Cargill and the World Wide Wheat Company.
http://www.uruknet.info/?p=m47991&hd=&size=1&l=e
Well said Mr. Turner!
Leasa, I will take your bet. You are clearly clueless when it comes to seeing people for what they truly are. A perfect fit for Mr. Harper.
Mr. Garth Turner, FYI
More reasons to keep PMSH from bringing in voting machine to Canada!
Florida Voting Machines Break Down On First Day.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/10/20/florida-voting-machines-b_n_136342.html
As long as the Queen of Sweet keeps slagging away, Garth and this blog are a force to be reckoned with by the CPC.
Thanx for the compliment, Leasa.
LIBERAL LEADERSHIP ISSUES
This is a draft of a unfinished speech that I wrote for Stephane Dion (Sept 16-22). As we now know, Dion was not listening to ANY of his advisors. This draft speech also includes some background info. Some of the possible leadership candidates should take note of what I have written if they really want to become the new Prime Minister of Canada, elected by the free citizens of a Sovereign Nation still called Canada.
************************
Ladies and Gentlemen.
I have a major policy statement to make on behalf of the Liberal Party of Canada.
In view of all of the uncertainties that have arisen in the Global Economy and Financial System; and in the uncertainty that surrounds Pakistan and NATO’s mission in Afghanistan; I am withdrawing the Green Shift Plan from the Liberal policy platform in this election, and if I form the next government, it will not be a policy of that new Liberal government.
I must confess that I fell into the Global Warming trap. It turns out that this is a massive Hoax on the population of this Planet. Any solution that involves Carbon Taxes is just a financial scam to transfer wealth from your pockets to someone else’s pocket.
Instead, many credible scientists have shown that we are actually in the early days of a period of global cooling which will eventually lead into a new ice age.
Therefore, my Liberal government will set up a panel to reevaluate this global warming/global cooling situation so that in the future all Canadians will all be on the same page.
I am also changing my position in regards to the Canadian mission in Afghanistan. I have been reminded that Afghanistan is a landlocked nation. NATO is resupplied via Pakistan ports and roads. The situation in Pakistan is deteriorating and could get worse before it gets better. This means that Canadians and other NATO troops could be cut off from being resupplied.
Therefore, one of the first tasks of my Liberal government will be to remove all Canadians from Afghanistan as soon as it is feasible to do so.
[COMMENT]
[You could add: There are many Afghan women who would like to have a new future for themselves and their children. We will look at setting up a program to bring some of these women and children to Canada.]
Furthermore, my Liberal government will ask for a reevaluation of NATO as an organization. What should its reason be for existing in 2009 and what should its future mandate be?
Some people have said that I have a BIG EGO. Well, my ego is not so big that I will allow it to get in the way of what is right for all Canadians.
In a Global Economy it is difficult for a government to control its own national economy. However, in view of the volatility in the world prices of natural resources such as oil and copper, my Liberal Government will look at setting up a Domestic Pricing System for the natural resources that we produce in Canada. Why should the Canadian Economy be saddled with paying high world prices for the natural resources that we produce? This type of system would give the Canadian Economy a built-in advantage when competing against nations who have the advantage of cheap labour.
However, before we can legally set up a Domestic Pricing System, we would have to terminate our participation in the North America Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Therefore, in the early days of a new Liberal Government I will send off the required six-month notice of termination to our American and Mexican partners. I will also terminate our participation in the Security and Prosperity Partnership Agreement (SPP).
The American Economy and Financial System is currently in a state of turmoil. This is also affecting the Global Economy and Financial System. Therefore, it would be difficult for the Liberal Party to make a lot of firm pledges in regards to the Canadian Economy. However, it is possible for me to pledge to protect the value of the Canadian Dollar. As soon as a new Liberal Government takes office, I will initiate the necessary procedures in order to back the Canadian Dollar by using gold and other valuable properties. This will ensure that the Canadian Dollar can continue to be used in the new Global Economy if the American Dollar collapses.
{NOTE: It may be necessary to nationalize the Gold Mining Industry in Canada including Barrick Gold (who with JP Morgan are part of the Gold Cartel and their continuing efforts to manipulate the price of gold.}
[COMMENTS: ]
[The Big Banks led by the Rockefeller Family caused the 1907 and 1929 financial collapses. A similar group of Bankers is engineering the current collapse. The key unknown: is this going to happen in October or is it going to be put off until 2009? The Federal Reserve, Goldman Sachs and JP Morgan seem to be in the middle of everything that is going on.]
[There are at least two groups who are trying to bankrupt the Federal Reserve. Faction One wants to set up a Cashless Society using a Digital Currency. This will be the impetus to implement the North American Union. Faction Two is a group who want a legal American Government to control the monetary system using gold to back the American Dollar. (A reminder: the Federal Reserve is privately owned by a variety of International Banks.) Unfortunately, it is impossible to tell who is a member of Faction Two since they have opposed Faction One for over 50 years. New info suggests that Faction Two may even go back to the time of the Knights Templar, who operated the first multinational corporation and banking system.]
*************************
In conclusion, many months ago, I suggested that Frank McKenna would become the new Liberal PM of Canada. To my knowledge, he is the only potential leadership candidate that has been fully vetted by the Bilderberg Group. Furthermore, his duties over the past few years have been preparing him to become the PM of Canada. Unfortunately, since he is on friendly terms with the Americans, I would assume that he is willing to support the North American Union and the new Ruling Council of appointed Corporate Elites.
Is there any potential leadership candidate who would be willing to accept my suggestions in the above speech?
Cheers.
You know how I feel Garth, about you and Mr. Dion. No need to drone on about it. I just want to thank you for all you have taught us about Ottawa and our Government and to thank you for spot lighting some of my ~cough~ work. It has been a slice and if I had to do it all over again, I would, without any regrets.
I’m sure that many of your detractors will be greatly disappointed when you refuse to remain silent in the coming days and this blog continues to be a sore point in the back sides.
If you ever decide to run again, let me know, I will be there with cash in hand.
Garth:
It’s sad indeed that Canadians seem more interested in style over substance. Harper performed a character assasination on Dion that was most impressive. I was hopeful that Canadians would see past such shameless attacks, and judge the candidates on their policies and ideas instead. I have to admit that I cringed when Dion spoke, because I was concerned over what horribly distorted response I would see within hours from the Conservative war machine. Dion’s command of English isn’t great, and he does seem to lack a certain charisma that the public craves. But the dignity and intelligence of the man seemed obvious to me. Maybe Canada just isn’t ready for a leader like Mr. Dion. I firmly believe his Greenshift plan will be seen in years to come as a massive opportunity missed by the Canadian people. I hope Mr. Dion stays on with the Liberal party in some capacity. Our country needs more people like him.
One more thing…I say these things not as a Liberal supporter, or a supporter of any particular party as I’ve voted for all 3 mainstream parties over the years. Instead, I say these things as a father who is concerned about the future of this country (for his children). Perhaps the greatest problem of all is party allegiance. When each of us votes, we need to cast our ballot as Canadians, concerned about national issues of importance, not as Liberals, Conservatives, or New Democrats.
All the best Garth, and thank you for your service to our country.
By David W. on 10.21.08 12:47 pm
David, sometimes the truth does hurt. Life is hard at best and the truly gracious thing to do is suck it up and move on. I have backed leaders in the past who got badgered and beaten by the media and liberals much more than Dion ever did and yes, it’s hard. I do understand. I swallowed it, and moved on. Time proved that the media at that time was right, I was wrong and that was that. Everything I said today here about Dion is true. Senior liberals that have a lot of respect within the party have been saying the same thing.
If Dion had any real respect for Garth he would have listened to him regarding the Greenshift and not shafted him in Calgary. Garth is much too forgiving.
ON a personal note, with the Greenshift as a farmer, Dion was more than willing to throw me under the liberal bus or toss me from his GHG spewing plane. I owe the man nothing. Sorry.
Lose, learn and move on.
Leassa is the biggest dolt on this entire site .
For awhile I thought it was Hairy .
He has redeemed himself somewhat .
So now it is A-OK to run a deficit .
Didn’t the Stupids swear that we would never go into deficit ?
Was not that an election promise ?
Harpo and Flaherty are neither clever enough or educated enough to pull Canada out of its fiscal financial melt-down .
Here comes the pain .
Dion shocked one day by disowning me in front of caucus after I’d given a rousing visual presentation on current events, heavy on Max and biker Julie. – Garth
And that’s why the election was lost. M. Dion, by trying to change the face of Canadian politics by sticking to the issues and not getting into the dirty, negative stuff that the CPC dished out, didn’t give us a reason for change.
The CPC campaign never once told us what they stood for, even to the point were they had to be coerced into putting out a platform.
Blue woolly sweaters in warm, fuzzy, out of focus (makes the it look softer) fire side chats and negative ads, which was all the CPC gave use, shouldn’t have cut it.
When the HoC returns, as interim leader, I hope M.Dion continues dealing with policy questions, ignoring the crap the CPC will fling in the hope some of it sticks. It won’t; and if they don’t respond with informative answers, the next leader of the Liberal party will have a field day throwing the non-answers, arrogance and behaviour of the CPC back at them come the next election.
We already have the misinterpretation of the current economic situation to use against Harper. A steady hand on the tiller is of no use when the captain can’t see the storm coming; and the next leader of the Libs won’t be as reticent to use it against them!
By Bonnie N BC on 10.21.08 12:42 pm,
There is nothing like an economic recession to move the population to the left. The problem, as I see it, is that the Liberals will move back to the right in line with their new leader.
Even Rae has moved to the right. If you listen to Rae, it is quite evident that he has virtually his flirtation with left of center politics.
In the last recession the Liberals moved much further to the right than anyone is willing to acknowledge and that has driven inequality to record levels. The policies of the current government threatens to speed up the process of inequality because they believe that a society with a large gap between the rich and poor is actually positive.
They forget that economic health depends on the ability of more people to participate in purchasing goods and services without amassing unsustainable debt. The legacy of right wing governance is a huge level of consumer debt and too much wealth concentration to have a healthy economy.
BTW
The ever articulate Raymond Heard who yesterday on Mike Duffy Live called M. Dion a savant idiot, who supported Peter Kent over Susan Kadis is apparently one of the entitled to their entitlements backroom guys.
Some of us may have a few choice words for your backstabbing schtick to help Duffy get his Senate appointment.
You can email Ray at:
rheard@rogers.com
Mr. Garth Turner, FYI anyone,
2 videos 11min each, Noam Chomsky,
Chomsky on the economy (2nd part)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTtPYM8RSDE&feature=user
Chomsky says pick the lesser of two evils. (1st part)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kNpNzDoH1II
I hope Dion stays on after the Liberal leadership convention. I may totally disagree with his policies and get frustrated at his English language abilities, but his point of view is good in opposition. Dion was a foot soldier, not a leader… kind of like Paul Martin (but Dion was more ethical).
Well done on a classy tribute, Garth, especially since it’s probable that Dion was a major factor in your defeat (not saying he should have been – if I was voting for PM directly, my vote would have gone to him). Canadian politics are the poorer for both of your departures.
How did the alleged 2.5,million Canadian investors who lost a bundle on IT’s vote ?
Obviously they voted for the black hats .
They,for the most part,belong to the single largest voting group (Aged 55 to 68)
Maybe they thought if they voted for “The Gang That Couldn’t Shoot Straight”
they would get money back for being nice.
Frankly I am beyond caring as it is obvious they voted for these pirates .
As I have said before, Mr. Dion is a real leader. It would appear to me that Canadians don’t want a real leader yet.
Harper will do much damage to Canada before the next election. His hatred for our Canada is self evident, as is his utter lack of a moral compass, integrity, and truthfulness. As Canadians watch Harper hurt them they will come to regret having been fooled.
Thank you Mr. Dion, for showing people what a real leader you are. In time, your efforts will be seen for what they were, class statesmanship in a world of thugs and liars.
avec respect
Ben
Mr Garth Turner, FYI
Why the Dow could hit 4,500 next year.
http://www.myprops.org/content/Why-the-Dow-could-hit-4500/
825,000 Liberals failed to vote .
Talk about participatory democracy .
They should be ashamed of themselves .
Can’t wait for your book Garth. Will the anonymous Liberal insider sources enjoy it?
I am my own source. — Garth
Garth, I’m not going to tapdance on Dion’s political grave. Heck, I hope he finds some way to contribute even if he doesn’t do so in big-P politics.
But if you’re going to castigate some of your commentators for showing poor manners (which they have), can you really say you’ve acted any better on this blog? That’s not to say you need to apologize for what you’ve said here, but if you’re not going to, why should others?
Tell me what to apologize for, and I will grovel. — Garth
Garth , I find it interesting that you don’t seem to work well in any political party. Perhaps you should take this loss as a lesson learned and not run again. This is not to say that you cannot have a voice in politics, just don’t run. As a voter in Halton I never felt you were representing me as much as yourself in Parliament. As for Mr. Dion, he strikes me as a decent guy, as Politician’s goes that is, but he is not cut out to be a leader of a political party or the night shift Manager at McDonalds. He’s to weak, too nice, and doesn’t listen to those who may have something to teach him; Professor’s rarely do listen to others. I think the current crop of contenders in the LPC are a weak group and not worthy of the role. It will be interesting to see what happens. Good luck Garth. Dan
Leassa is the biggest dolt on this entire site .
For awhile I thought it was Hairy .
He has redeemed himself somewhat .
By Men With Hats on 10.21.08 1:36 pm
Not to worry, what goes around, comes around, and Leasa will experience that in spades, until then, let her gloat, she is insignificant and has solidified her position in that regard…
Garth I wish only the best for you and your wife…
Stéphane Dion might be nice and smart and honest and all of that, but he’s no number 1. And like Paul Martin before him, Dion should have recognized that his place is behind the scenes and then worked from there to advance his agenda. Just look at the devastation these two selfish men have wrought.
Progressive values are the most precious, adaptive possessions of humanity. If we are to survive and prosper in the world of the future, progressive values must prevail. Yet, because of Stéphane Dion, conservatism in Canada is stronger than ever before. And our hopes for the future are dimmer.
Serving himself up as a sacrificial lamb until the next leadership convention is the least Mr Dion can do to atone for his devastating self importance.
M Dion, qui va s’occuper de nous, dorénavant?
-R
Garth and Bonnie N,
After talking with many family & friends, then door-knocked with my local candidate, the past month really opened my eyes. And you two, and Mr. Dion, are part of that awakening. Re-group, rest. But we are better if we think together. We can’t abandon good people, including ourselves. Here’s a simple breakdown:
The “41 percent who did not vote” are caring people, but politics is just not interesting to them. The few outspoken ones know about politics and are discouraged, but they are far, far outnumbered by the totally disinterested (but caring) people who don’t yet realize what’s up. That may not be good, but they’re not bad people. They need encouragement: Some just need a bit of engagement, and truth, so they can make good decisions. That’s all they want, and then they’ll vote. Some people just need time. A few minds will only open after a disaster. Some minds close after a disaster. Some apathetic ones insist on charisma, just like viagra… they don’t have it within themselves… so they need an outside source of stimulation. But, everyone needs to get “fed up” with the new Rethuglican “Bio-Politics” which Flanagan and Harper embrace enthusiastically:
http://www.davidorchard.com/online/media-2004/flannagan-walrus-macdonald-200410xx.html
Until we rid ourselves of his garbage-flyer politics, Harper’s scams on the truth will win him the next three elections, until people learn.
Meanwhile, the 20 percent who voted for Harper, are also caring people, but they “selectively believe” that Harper is telling the truth. They won’t see the truth if it hit them in the face, just like the Republicans. They probably believe the vikings were here before the Paleoamericans. Naw, just kidding, nobody could believe that, right?
For the rest — there is a near total lack of understanding of how Harper very insincerely bio-targets his 20 percent — well, except amongst the people who read news other than the MSN.
More people need to know about Harper’s “bio-politics” model, which is being applied successfully to our detriment. It is the root cause of the recent dysfunction in our parliament. Abandoning civility under a clever guise of rationality is NOT a sustainable LONG-term option if we aim to keep ourselves economically sane, as well as support global stability. We have an advanced civilization — let’s insist on being civilized.
We need to join together and get people engaged. Not married, just talking, to the point where we can drown out the tricks Harper is playing, and just provide truth to citizens.
Because as it stands now, there’s a bit too much of this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXY_8cJlGMc
–> Warning: more humour
Nonetheless, Stephane Dion is a great Canadian and has left a legacy of accomplishment behind him.
On that there can be no ethical or moral disagreement.
Stephane has my respect, but just as I would not ask a mechanic to perform brain surgery, (I think he tried like crazy, but failed to listen to those who were giving him unwanted, but solid advice) I would not ask someone who has been in academia to lead this country. Knowledge and education are essential, but I think experience in this harsh and very real world are equally critical in a leader.
To be honest, the best spoken of all is Bob Rae. He should get credit for that. He is a true Statesman in my opinion. Ignatieff can say whatever he wants, but his eyes and expression betray him almost every time. Martha Hall Finley is another excellent spokesperson. Her voice has a calm quality to uit that speaks of real leadership and confidence.
The Green Shift was NOT the way to go, and it cost my vote, to a moderate extent, as well.
What was the worst thing Dion did while Leader? Not doing what the Official Opposition is there to do, i.e., keep the government IN CHECK!
Honestly Garth, of all the things that left me shaking my head, it were the abstentions in the HoC when Harper should have been, and could have been easily stopped.
Dion let future politics get in the way of Canadian’s interests, and that was his BIGGEST MISTAKE to me.
The future Liberal leader had better learn that we Centrists want balanced government, and all the political jerrymandering is going to cost them our votes. We will continue to vote, but for those we truly beleive have earned our vote, and will represent our interests.
That is all said with heartfelt empathy, but as I would say it were I face to face with such people.
Hint: Strive for a coalition government and get this country back on course. Then you will have real support from the real MAJORITY of Canadians.
This is NOT a hockey game where one team wins or loses. It is about OUR country and deserves non-partisan action by all parties. There are plenty of committee meetings to deal with the individual issues, but in the end I, and I think most Canadians, demand that whatever Bills are made into law will serve ALL Canadians equally and fairly. If that means a consensus government, like the NWT, then make it so.
Any repeat of the last Parliament’s Kindergarten will result in the Liberal party becoming extinct. Do what is RIGHT, not what is cute or politically childish. I will be watching and grading their performance. So will other Canadians.
It will be entered on their Permanent Record.
Thank you for the update and insights. You are still ranked as a true and Great Canadian with me, and I am honoured to have been here participating. I will be around for quite a while. We have a country to move forward. Let’s Get It Done!
is apparently one of the entitled to their entitlements backroom guys.
Some of us may have a few choice words for your backstabbing schtick
You can email Ray at:
rheard@rogers.com
BY BONNIE N BC 21.08 2:37 PM
Bonnie,
I’d never “Heard” of him but you’re right. Thanks for pointing him out. I looked Heard up, read what he’s done, and he’s akin to a traitor and complete backstabber… including being the first, apparently months ago to call for Dion to resign.
How can we the people get Ray Heard booted from tainting this party every again? No wonder we’re in trouble.
Get rid of the old boys club wherever it lurks.
…
There’s an online petition to ask Mr. Dion to reconsider
http://www.PetitionOnline.com/Dion/petition.html
Over the next months, perhaps there will be a change in Canadian apathy when the real Harpo returns..
Thank You Garth,
For say what we are unable to say. Mr Dion is and was a class act and it is unfortunate that so many Canadian couldn’t see it.People who worked for and with him know his true character. Those who neither volunteered and or went to party meeting heard the message.Those who just listened to talk radio or CTV didn’t. Thank you and your boss for giving some of us the kind of party we wanted, I’m not sure we will have it ever again.
Thank you Garth for your tireless efforts with your blog,you will be sadly missed by myself and all Canadians when we need someone to step up to the plate for us.The loss of you as an MP is a step back in time! Im very sad it will be a long time i think before we have someone who represent us with the dedication and openness you have shown.There sure as h-ll won’t be any Harper MP’s voicing their opinion or anyone elses unless approved in advance by Harper.Mr Dion stood tall under a constant barrage of Harper bully tactics never dropping to his level and im very sad he lost as i think the majority of Canadians will be if we have another 4 years of Harper–time will tell. Thanks again Garth you and Mr Dion are both winners the voters lost.
“A blog can alter political outcomes, while web sites reach millions when media outlets are still editing. Politicians who open digital conversations make the future impossible for those who do not. ”
And Garth, you will go down in history as the father of digital demorcracy, your efforts have not gone unnoticed or unappreciated, thank you from all of us “bloggers” and indeed all Canadians who value out democratic system.
By Barb the proofreader on 10.21.08 4:01 pm
Barb
Thanks for the humour. I was over the election and wanted to start to move to help the Party but when the knives came out I was so mad.
I am conflicted on what to do next – those old boys if not put in check will destroy the Party and they seem to be quite happy to do it. It’s so illogical!
I have two options: support MHF for the leadership or set up a group to encourage young women to vote.
I can chew gum and walk at the same time but I see this denial happening with the Ottawa Queensway boys that is so counter to a rebuild of the Liberal Party – I sit here in disbelief.
I will wait for the parameters for the leadership race to be defined by the Liberal executive to see whether they have the intelligence to stop the bleeding.
One thing is certain . If the Liberals are ever to regain power they must be united behind the leader .
No more of this shiv in the back behaviour from disgruntled members .
And no running to the press with grievances .
The party must mature, and quickly .
By Bill-Muskoka (not anymore) on 10.21.08 4:09 pm
The thing that I think M. Dion failed on as leader was the time it took for him to come up with a policy position on which he could fight an election.
Until that occured, Harper was always playing the confidence card, knowing the Libs would never trigger an election. If the loss was bad enough, going into an election without a platform would have been disasterous.
The issue, now, is will M. Dion go into party self preservation mode, again allowing Harper to govern as a majority; or will he, assuming his party will allow him, do the right thing and oppose as required, even if that results in another election?
We know Layton will vote against everything because he’s almost certain the Libs won’t vote down Harper; the Bloq will be the Bloq, its got to be in Quebec’s interest; which again leaves the Libs as the potential election trigger.
I think the leadership convention needs to be brought forward, followed shortly thereafter by a policy convention. In the meanwhile, they can sort out their problems in fundraising, communications etc.
The Libs have to get their act together quickly so that they are in a position to effectively oppose. Unless they are ready to fight an election, Harper will always call their bluff.
Not to worry, what goes around, comes around, and Leasa will experience that in spades, until then, let her gloat, she is insignificant and has solidified her position in that regard…
Garth I wish only the best for you and your wife…
By wjp on 10.21.08 3:44 pm
Agreed .
–> Warning: more humour
By Barb the proofreader on 10.21.08 4:01 pm
Barb, we are rank amateurs compared to Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert.
Last night Stewart raked Sarah Palin over the Muskeg for her ‘Small town America is the REAL America’, and told her exactly what she deserved for her stupid and ignorant persona, ‘F— You!’
I have to watch the Colbert report from last night this evening (I record both on my DVR and watch them the following day), but I am sure Colbert took a BIG CHUNK out her ignorant Small Town Arse as well.
Stewart had one of his ‘reporters’ interview the woman Mayor of Wasilla, AK (should Wahtsilly) who thinks, she too, is qualified to be President because she is the mayor of a nothing town that has no schools, no fire department and a bunch of backwoods hicks, and she has to sign cheques once a week.
No wonder they always say ‘God Bless America’, they truly need it. Some day, maybe November 4th, that blessing will arrive in Barack Obama? Change the WORLD believes in!
Mr. Dion, like Joe Clark, is probably going to go down in history as the best Prime Minister we didn’t elect.
He has class.
Garth, in answer to my comment, you said:
Tell me what to apologize for, and I will grovel. — Garth
You miss my point. I don’t think you need to apologise for what you’ve written here, except in rare cases and in those cases, you did the right thing and apologised on your own (the Kellie Leitch comment comes to mind).
But you do play hardball with your comments regarding Harper, Van Loan, that Tory MP who owns a car dealership (his name escapes me at the moment) and others. If, say, PVL had been defeated in his riding, I don’t think there would be many kind & friendly farewells on this blog. Hard comments back towards Dion and/or you aren’t exactly unexpected, either.
Anyway. The campaign’s over and I don’t see much point in rehashing – again – what’s been said, unless you think I haven’t been clear enough. Enjoy whatever you choose to do next.
[...] http://www.garth.ca/weblog/2008/10/21/adieu-boss/ [...]
Stewart and Colbert for pres .
Both Garth and Dion will go down in Canadian history for their great contributions to the nation.
Dion for his Clarity Act and sensitizing the nation to global warming and his Green Shift.
Garth for his principled political stance and introducing digital democracy to the Canadian internet.
You, Garth are writing a book and I hope Dion also pens his political experiences after May ’09 when he departs the scene.
I can’t think of two better politicians who deserved better from the electorate, and their loss is also our loss.
“the mayor of a nothing town that has no schools, no fire department and a bunch of backwoods hicks, and she has to sign cheques once a week.”
By Bill-Muskoka (not anymore) on 10.21.08 5:37 pm
This is what is wrong with society. Do you realize how arrogant your words sound?
I could be characterized as a “backwoods hick,” based on where I live, so I find these comments highly offensive. The fact that you perceive certain individuals as “unsophisticated” does not justify such cheap shots.
Garth, it’s nice to read you once again. I’m glad that you have come out of your self imposed exile in support Dion. Hopefully your book is near completion because I have been having serious withdrawals from my favorite blogger.(yes that means you)
Since I’m a big reader I’m looking forward to the book.
All the best to you and the ones you love.
BY BILL-MUSKOKA (NOT ANYMORE) 21.08 5:37 PM
I’ll have to check my tape. I keep forgetting that I record both. We’ve been watching just about since day 1. But we haven’t moved up to PVR yet, we’re still stuck in the VCR age, before the vikings.
Oh my gosh I get such a chuckle that she thought the vikings were here before, as she calls them, the “Indians”. What a narrow-minded bigot, and so dumb — and so very Harper-target.
‘If you don’t read the newspaper you are uninformed;
If you do read the newspaper you are misinformed.’
-Mark Twain
For these reasons, digital democracy will grow and flourish.
Garth, you have been a pioneer, on the side of right.
The CPC and their misinformation propaganda was spread in large part by well intentioned seniors as I found out, by the internet. The policy of the CPC was to make total advantage of ALL media.
Digital democracy is a two-edged sword. It will become another tool to propagate lies, and smear reputations. Unlike newspapers, the author remains unidentified, and untraceable. Like me, I guess. If an argument can be well presented, it is taken as truth, as few will actually research the claims.
This unfortunate lesson is the only real result of the past election.
M. Dion is the only political party head that showed “true grit” and leadership. How sleazy CPC trolls can not understand that anyone who stood against the millions of dollars spent to ruin the reputation of a good person for pure political gain, is a powerful leader, is totally beyond me. That, sir, is true leadership.
Canada is not better off now than before the CPC took the reins of power. All they have done is cheapen the political process, and add to the destruction of our democracy. There are less people participating in the vote, thanks to the fatigue of negative mud slinging, and loss of respect for the people who should be looking after our interests.
It is sad to see the bully triumph over the intellectual. However, it is worse to see the number of cretins who believe their ends justified the means.
Never in Canadian history has a party put 2 years of smear and slime on the leader of the opposition. Their financial backers must be laughing heartily, as they sit in their corner offices. The poor bastards who continue to support this mentality will only realize what they have lost when it is too late.
Comme t’as dit… salut boss. C’est triste que les canadiens n’ont pas ete assez sage pour notre pays. Mais. une chose certain… il y aura une autre opportunite, et nous serons beaucoup mieux preparer.
Merci Stephane. J’espere que vous pouvez trouver un peu de paix, sachant que vous avez tolerer une environment si mechant.
Bien a vous. A la prochaine.
Et, pour les cons dans l’ouest, c’est peut etre pas coincidence qu’ils supportent les CONS.
C’est assez… Je devien un anglo qui regard de plus en plus l’option de creer un pays juste, car ca deviens de moins en moins l’etre “canadien”…
C’est triste… le Canada a perdu…
Non. Pas encore. — Garth
By C. B. Innes on 10.21.08 6:47 pm
“I could be characterized as a “backwoods hick,”
(smile)
Funny how in the past, the gurus, wise men, philosophers, great thinkers were all somewhat reclusive. Whether it was avoiding people while living in cities, or choosing mountaintops in the wilderness, the “backwoods” mentality gave time for reflection, contemplation, and creative thought. Followers journeyed for months just to talk and gain wisdom.
You are definitely right it has become a derogatory term, but mostly from “backwards minded egotistical know-it-all city slickers”!!
BTW, have you ever looked up the definition of the word “homely”? Another term that was once a compliment that “modern society” has turned into a slur. Once, being “homely” meant family and caring about the home. Now, it is just “ugly”…
I think I will go for a hike in the woods to wash the city filth off my boots!
Oh my gosh I get such a chuckle that she thought the vikings were here before, as she calls them, the “Indians”. What a narrow-minded bigot, and so dumb — and so very Harper-target.
By Barb the proofreader on 10.21.08 7:24 pm
Actually, PBS had a program on this weekend regarding the DNA of North American natives, and the DNA shows that they ALL have 25% European heritage. The theory is that they (the europeans) migrated across an ice bridge during the Ice Age, and then when the land bridge between Asia and North America opened, the Asians came here and mated with the Europeans. The Asian genetics are quite obvious in our North American Aboriginals.
I have spent quite a few decades in this subject and I do accept their findings prima facia. However, Sarah Palin is fed information and I have no basis to believe she would know a Viking from Minnesota (the NFL kind) from a Viking from Europe, nor as in the Steve Martin movie ‘The Jerk’, Shit from Shinola.
As I pointed out yesterday, or Sunday (?), there were no ‘nationalities’ at that time, just racial DNA traces to follow. The same findings have occured in Europe with the English and French DNA.
One must seriously study Druidic history to grasp the import of these findings.
Another interesting FACT is that the Vikings (as we refer to them) landed ON North America in 999 A.D.. I have the Vatican manuscripts of that record published by the Norrcena Society.
Likewise, Columbus, who never set foot on North America, was provided maps by the Sinclair family of Scotland, who preceded him by a century.
Out history is a farce, but science is removing the veils of ignorance slowly and steadily.
Bottom line, we are all aboriginals from somewhere. Only the modern thinking of political/national origins precludes us realizing we are all Brothers and Sisters.
BTW, we should reserve the term ‘Indian’ for people from India.
Whew, I think I smell smoke after typing all that so fast. LOL My Muse seems to be on fire tonight!
My moment of Zen for Tuesday to be sure.
I think I will go for a hike in the woods to wash the city filth off my boots!
By maybe Rhino? on 10.21.08 8:37 pm
I think I could teach you a few things about avoiding Meadow Muffins old friend? LMAO!
Greg W., Oakville, 2:57 pm — Hi Greg, Charles here.
A while back I theorized the Dow would settle around 3500 – 5000 and the TSX would do the same, then start a slow upward trend again.
Maybe right or wrong, it doesn’t really matter. Over the next several months, events will transpire to tell sheeple that there is something badly wrong with the worldwide economy.
Interestingly, Warren Buffet said he dumped all his govt. T-Bills (boring stuff like that) and is now buying 100% US equity stocks.
Why? After five, ten and 20 years the markets always bounce back. He used Wayne Gretzky’s terrific analogy:
“I go to where the puck WILL be, not to where it is now.”
Same applies to investing — buy good quality US and Cdn. stocks when markets are down, then forget about them — can’t go wrong.
Stewart and Colbert for pres .
By Men With Hats on 10.21.08 6:30 pm
LMAO! Hey, MIH, Colbert already ran in South Carolina, and then resigned.
Now Jon Stewart? Hell YES! Washington would go into meltdown in three days with the TRUTH he speaks.
Comme t’as dit… salut boss. C’est triste que les canadiens n’ont pas ete assez sage pour notre pays. Mais. une chose certain… il y aura une autre opportunite, et nous serons beaucoup mieux preparer.
Merci Stephane. J’espere que vous pouvez trouver un peu de paix, sachant que vous avez tolerer une environment si mechant.
Bien a vous. A la prochaine.
Et, pour les cons dans l’ouest, c’est peut etre pas coincidence qu’ils supportent les CONS.
C’est assez… Je devien un anglo qui regard de plus en plus l’option de creer un pays juste, car ca deviens de moins en moins l’etre “canadien”…
C’est triste… le Canada a perdu…
Non. Pas encore. — Garth
BY MAYBE RHINO? 10.21.08 8:23 PM
Darn Rhino, I only have Grade 13 French, dropped it in univ, so I have to use the Google language translation tool to know what you wrote. Thanks to Google I got it:
“As you have said … salvation boss. It is sad that Canadians have not been wise enough to our country. But. Something sure … there will be another opportunity, and we will be much better prepared.
Stephane thank you. I hope you can find a little peace, knowing that you tolerate an environment so bad.
Sincerely yours. At the next.
And for the cons in the west, it may not be coincidence that they bear the CONS.
It’s sad … Canada lost …
No. Not yet. — Garth
BY MAYBE RHINO? 10.21.08 8:23 PM
Rhino,
I loved your whole post, of the bully over the intellectual, of Dion’s true grit, of Canada’s loss, and of Twain’s words.
In the end, the bully has lost. That is a glorious day to look forward to, for all the people vs greed.
One thing that Mr. Stephane Dion’s strict policy of RESPECT and HONESTY has made very clear for the world — there is only one party that is lying all the time, and their new name is quite apropos: The CONS
Garth,
Rick Mercer made a funny on you tonight, you, you “maverick”
As I know well, from some great comedians I know, making a funny on you: shows great respect for you. And you deserve great respect.
” Friedman Doctrine Under Fire ”
How the Liberals ever picked such a sad sack to lead them is a toatal mystery to me. As much as people say he’s so honest and nice he was a danger to this country. Could anyone seriously picture Dion dealing with any international crisis? He would have been a complete embarassment.
That said, I’ve voted for Harper the last three elections simply because of Dion being the tool he is and Martin couldn’t decide what he wanted for lunch never mind make a major decision but if the Liberals want mine and I’m sure a whole lot more votes they should do whatever they have to to get Frank Mckenna.
I have been having serious withdrawals from my favorite blogger.(yes that means you)
Since I’m a big reader I’m looking forward to the book.
All the best to you and the ones you love.
By Darlene on 10.21.08 7:14 pm
Well said, Darlene. Ditto that.
BY BILL-MUSKOKA (NOT ANYMORE) 21.08 9:19PM
You must have missed her post Monday? night… it was Leasa who stated (more than once) that the vikings were here before the “Indians”. I both pointed out to her that the vikings were of an era 1,000 years ago vs the indigenous paleoamericans who arrived 12,000 to 50,000 years ago. [And of course I asked her why on earth she was calling the indigenous north americans "indians".] She’s a wonder, she is.
Did you ever see the PBS documentary “Journey of Man”, the doctor travelled the world, in and searched the path of DNA out Africa, through Europe, Asia, to north America. I think I just found it on You Tube, and this looks like part 1 of 13:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OV6A8oGtPc4
and parts 2 to 13 are there too. He was able to trace the DNA path over tens of thousands of years to North America. A great documentary you’ll enjoy.
There are a core of people on this blog whose opinions I have come to respect. I thank those who have had the grace and intellect to appreciate what Dion tried to do and who have appreciated the opportunity Garth has given us to write our thoughts on this blog.
I agree with much of what was said by James- Chatham, D. Griffiths, Bonnie,
C B Innes, TS, Greg W. John, Barb the proof reader, and Maybe Rhino on this post.
Dion thought out the climate change issue so thoroughly — from Project Green and his updated Carbon Budget and in the final analysis realized there had to be a method of helping all citizens to cope with the inevitable changes we must make. He had learned that the cap and trade system had some inherent difficulties in that it would take longer to implement, was more subject to abuse in Europe and did not provide an even coping-mechanism for the population and the businesses that provide our jobs and make up our economy.
I think Canada has lost an opportunity to become a leader in the world — as a developer of new technologies and new jobs and as an example of how to deal with green house gases.
Dion is a very thoughtful and fair man. He has a compassionate side of him that would not have allowed suffering if he could help it. His wisdom will be missed.
It is truly sad when we want celebrity or a resonant voice over a integrity and a plan that should resonate with Canadians who claim to want to stop climate change and, at the same time, share what we have when we can to make the society stronger. Each of us has only one life. It should not be an unbearable existence for anyone. I believe Dion understood what was important to produce a healthy society.
Maybe many did not vote because they were confused by the lies and distortions of the Harper Conservatives. I really believe this was a large part of the story. Harper and so many of his M.P.’s telling everyone that the Libs would raise the GST and take away the Child Tax Benefit and that the Green Shift would put a tax on everything and that Dion was not worth the risk — well, we know there are, unfortunately, too many people who just latched on to this garbage and probably didn’t even know where to get any other information.
It is tragic that we are ruled by liars and cons and that this stuff worked.
Good luck with your book, Garth. I’m really curious about its subject.
Men with Hats:
Will go back and read what you wrote on Friedman tomorrow. Looked interesting!
That said, I’ve voted for Harper the last three elections simply because of Dion being the tool he is and Martin couldn’t decide what he wanted for lunch never mind make a major decision but if the Liberals want mine and I’m sure a whole lot more votes they should do whatever they have to to get Frank Mckenna.
By austin on 10.21.08 10:15 pm
Tell us Austin . How do you choose your breakfast cereal ?
BY MEN WITH HATS 21.08 10:11 PM
Men With Hats,
Thank you so much for that post, a wonderful step in the correct direction, to stop the insanity, I’m so glad the petitioners felt emboldened to do the right thing. I feel the domino effect already, kinda like when the Berlin Wall came down.
OH, and “a certain kind of donor” and “that donor will try to steer research in a direction that’s going to advance the cause” ..will certainly put the “Fraser Institue” in it’s proper slant.
And oh, yes, the “Chicago School, influenced governments around the world” will shine that extra light on it’s baby brother’s monkey business at the “Calgary School”, Flanagan’s little Institution which molded/moulded the mind of little Harpie.
Garth, I agree and I support your approach and vision of the future. I see I have missed much on the blog while I made a run up to London and back today. While there, my neighbor’s younger son who rents space in my son’s home confirmed that busy working tradesmen did not know where Dion came from, like who is he and what does he stand for!
These guys are union men, and internet savy, but politics is far from their minds unless it is the contract that needs ratification!
I sincerely hope that you will more than just publish, but plot how to return to the HoC where we need more of your ilk!
Good luck, but not good bye!
Garth, Bonnie, Pat, Deb, Lana, Go Green, Irene, Molly and everybody else..
You will all really enjoy watching Monday’s Jon Stewart Show. You can see all segments in clips 1 through 4 by going to the following link and clicking first on the black screen to re-direct to the show site:
http://www.thedailyshow.com/
Show: 10/20/08
CLIPS — 1, 2, 3 & 4
…
C. B. Innes,
Bill Muskoka was referring to this comedy show in which a mayor was interviewed. I’d better not explain, but if you watched the tape you’ll understand what Muskoka was referring to. And I think you would appreciate what happened.
http://www.thedailyshow.com/
October 20 — Clip 2 of 4
(I HIGHLY recommend you watch all four clips 1 through 4)
…
Thanks Bill Muskoka, for reminding me to watch my taping of Jon Stewart. But you forgot to mention the best part of Monday night’s show was the interview with documentary filmmaker Eugene Jarecki
http://www.thedailyshow.com/
See: 10/20/08 clips 3 & 4
“In his new book, The American Way of War, which discusses how the military-industrial complex has become all-pervasive in our society, to the point of pushing aside what was formerly the American way of life.
Jarecki told the Daily Show’s Jon Stewart on Monday that the military-industrial complex is not only more entrenched today than when President Eisenhower first warned against it 50 years ago, but also “much more generalized,” amounting to “a kind of corporate-political complex at work in this country … corporations and people in Congress working a bit too closely.”
“And what you can do by trying to pursue perfect security,” Jarecki continued passionately, “is you can literally bankrupt yourself as a nation — on every level. Spiritually, economically — we’re seeing so many levels on which we’ve damaged ourselves.”
“I don’t see how that could ever happen, Eugene,” interjected Stewart, “That’s crazy talk.” He then added, with mock anxiety, “Are we still on the air?” (continued at the following link)
The rest of the transcript is at:
http://rawstory.com/news/2008/Author_US_in_permanent_state_of_1021.html
Or just watch the funny video at the Daily Show links from above. Very funny, and good to have this all in the conversation now.
“Eisenhower would be rolling in his grave”
BY AUSTIN ON 10.21.08 10:15 PM
There’s a reason more than half the country wouldn’t want Frank McKenna as Liberal leader. He’s actively anti-abortion. New Brunswick is the one place in Canada where a woman can’t get an abortion, largely due to McKenna.
I keep hearing his name put forth and that is blasphemous, in my opinion. Women have rights too. And to propose an anti-abortion leader for the Liberal Party of Canada is ludicrous. The Blogging Tories are already laughing about this suggestion.
“Some people are too stoopid to learn.
I was going to suggest that the next generation might be more willing to accept regulation as a “good thing” until I remembered that post-Depression regulations were removed only recently which was a major contributing factor in this melt-down.
How long will the post-meltdown regulations last?
And the Americans want to run the “new world economic order”?
Re-read sentence 1.”
_______________________________
~ quote from an articleIf you ever decide to run again, let me know, I will be there with cash in hand.
By Zorpheous on 10.21.08 1:15 pm
Me too!
Now Jon Stewart? Hell YES! Washington would go into meltdown in three days with the TRUTH he speaks.
By Bill-Muskoka (not anymore) on 10.21.08 9:36 pm
Absolutely . Thirty per cent of Americans tune in Stewart for the news .
The man is FUNNY !
From Rick Mercer’s Rant: Burn It Down
http://www.rickmercer.com/blog/index.cfm/2008/10/21/Burn-It-Down
…
Bonnie N,
Check out the link to Rick’s rant. I like the part where Rick has a suggestion in lieu of a party convention.. that the members actually get to vote. I remember thinking the same thing, why delegates, why a convention, those who want to vote, pay to vote. I’ve always liked that system instead.
Heckuva way to raise funds too.
They could benefit from somebody who knows their way around web sites Garth. More digital democracy!
Ladies and Gentleman, I have news for most of you. As much as you may think that Garth may have been be lost to the political process of our great country, I’d beg to differ. I personally am of a mindset that Garth has had a political awakening over the past couple of years and suspect we have not heard the last of him on the political frontier.
I could be well be wrong (and like Harpo, I often am), but something tells me I’m not. My guess, for what it’s worth is that Garth has seen the inside of Harpo’s world and knows all too well what is in store if something isn’t done to right the balance. And I trust Garth (like Dion) will have the heart and courage to do the right thing by all Canadians.
Not to worry folks, I’ve got a feeling that Garth won’t venture too far off in the distance.
Austin said -
That said, I’ve voted for Harper the last three elections simply because of Dion being the tool he is and Martin couldn’t decide what he wanted for lunch never mind make a major decision but if the Liberals want mine and I’m sure a whole lot more votes they should do whatever they have to to get Frank Mckenna.
WTF? And you somehow think that Harpo is a major decision maker? Are you friggin nuts? Anytime Harpo has stated an opinion on an issue he has been on the wrong side of the issue. 100% of the time. Pick an issue. Be my guest. Harpo may be a leader (of his sheep) but he is far from what I would call and informed decision maker. I’ve yet in my lifetime to see a Canadian PM that has the talent that Harpo has for being wrong. Cripes, he had to muzzle himself at the end of the last campaign because he got sick of the taste of his own foot.
Harpo is nothing more than a Reformer wearing a Conservative suit. And if that don’t register for you, you’ve got some homework to do.
Austin,
your 10:15 last night is the kind of fact-free propaganda that makes the CPC so detestable.
There is no basis in fact for your ha-ha conclusion that Dion “was a danger to this country”, is a “tool”, or would have been a “complete embarrassment” in an international crisis. His failure to ignite voters does not indicate any of these.
The trouble with your political ilk is that you need no facts; any smear is good enough as long as it tars the target. That is a new development in our mainstream politics that merely imports US Republican methods introduced by Nixon and perfected by Rove. These methods pervert and disgrace democracy and must be erased.
ERASE THE DISGRACE – ÉCRASEZ L’INFÂMIE!
I have one of those Conservative 10 Percenters that says “Looking for the right tools?” then says “Now You Have Them!”. I believe that to be an accurate assessment.
By Barb the proofreader on 10.21.08 10:03 pm
Yes, he certainly did. Rick’s rant also said a lot of truth about the Liberal Party’s problems. His words should be posted in LPOC HQ as a reminder that they are NOT the ‘Natural Leading Party’ which they have so comfortably come to believe.
I am waiting to see if we have a government that puts Canadians FIRST? If no evidence is apparent then we shall have to try, try again. Unfortunately for Dion and the Liberals, that will mean a coalition government which he has already said he will not support.
‘Never say never’ should also be a motto for Liberals, because there has been a paradigm shift in Canadian politics.
The NDP and Greens pretty well tied in many ridings. Those votes were equal to the the Liberal’s votes as well in many ridings. In this riding the votes came to a fractional count of:
Cons 1/2
Libs 1/4
NDP 1/8
Greens 1/8
The Cons were just under 50% so had there been a unified front the combined votes of the Liberals, Dippers, and Greens would have won this riding, which is traditionally Conservative.
Now, I seriously hope no Liberal starts the mantra that they owned or deserved those votes because that is exactly the arrogance that caused them to lose them in the first place. The People OWN their votes and give them as they please. That is called Democracy.
As we now know 41% chose to not give their votes to ANYONE! Let the Back Room strategists chew on those facts for a while. I think their teeth will be ground down to stubs and they still won’t grasp the meaning.
This Canadian voted for the person he believed in, not some nebulous person his vote cannot be against.
I simply could not believe in the Liberal candidate. He was poorly spoken and not up my caliber of person to be an MP. So much for the Party Label being powerful.
Oh, and the signs did nothing to affect my vote, other than make me laugh at the waste of money cadidates still do like mindless sheep because of an old and outdated tradition before the modern age of communications. Besides, can anyone tell me of any campaign sign that informed the public of an issue? I can’t name even one. Just a party and candidate name which was already available in the newspapers, and online.
How much fuel was wasted putting up and taking down all those signs? Talk about non-Green!
As to the future, well, I like Bob rae because he is a Stateman. I like Martha Hall Finley because she is very intelligent and savvy. I reject Ignatieff, McKenna, and most of the others, and all from Quebec. We have had enough of the Quebec ass kissing. Ralph Goodale is not a choice either because he just doesn’t have the smoothness to be a PM IMHO.
Regardless, my vote will always go to the local candidate I believe in, and not anyone else, and NO ONE at all if I dislike all the candidates. So much for the Big Party machines.
Absolutely . Thirty per cent of Americans tune in Stewart for the news .
The man is FUNNY !
By Men With Hats on 10.22.08 1:28 am
I’m surprised it is only 30% !!
I wonder if anyone knows the percentage of Canadians who watch Stewart and Colbert. I love them, and wish we had something similar in Canada. How many of you have checked out “The Daily Beast” website, after hearing about it on Colbert’s show? I now read it daily. Again, I wish we had something like that in Canada…
By Barb the proofreader on 10.21.08 9:51 pm
Good morning!
Well, a small nuance you might have appreciated…
“les cons” is a slang term for “idiots”. So I as playing on a pun: “CONS = IDIOTS”.
Not bad for the rest. A little tense error so I give you a “B”!!!
A la prochaine!
(BTW – my Francais probably had an error or two!!)
coffee time!
BTW Barb…
One reason I wrote that in French – other than doing honor to man who tried his best to communicate in MY mother tongue – was to demonstrate a key point that was perhaps missed by many living outside this province.
Has anyone really thought about “why” there was such a dramatic switch just before the election away from the CPC? Considering the rapid switch to the BLOC, the actions from the Harperites did little other than clearly demonstrate how different the direction they are taking Canada is from the direction that Quebec has been following. No one party has ever clearly defined the depth of the division of philosophy. I cannot think of a single event that may have revived separatism than that last election (other than perhaps Meech Lake).
Without really considering the fallout, Harper has given many reasons for considering a separate political entity in Quebec. Like I previously said:
- Quebec believes in government subsidised daycare and has possible the best in North America
- Quebec believes in pharmacare, and I subscribe to it.
- Quebec believes in supporting the arts to support our culture, but apparently Harper disagrees
- Quebec had fought hard for “distinct culture” recognition, and fights to maintain their identity, something that has been recognised by Harper as a “nation”, but the CPC are all about merging with USA. This is something Quebec would not likely support.
I honestly believe the philosophical differences will strengthen the nationalists in Quebec. Even though I fought for Canada in 2 referendum, personally I do not like the direction taken by the CPC, and if it continues, would not have too much problem supporting a separate culture/nation that does a much better job of representing my political beliefs. These beliefs that I once believed were part of our Canadian identity.
If I begin to wonder… I wonder about those who dedicate themselves to independence.
Let us hope that “not yet” is accurate, Garth.
Putting a fine point on it …
Aaron Wherry looks at the Maclean’s post-election anaysis and raises some interesting questions, including
http://blog.macleans.ca/2008/10/21/btc-he-talks-in-maths/
Could anyone seriously picture Dion dealing with any international crisis? He would have been a complete embarassment.
By austin on 10.21.08 10:15 pm
Okay Austin
We only have to look to December 2005.
Compare and contrast the previous Election campaign and what these two men were doing in December…
Mr. Harper was trying to figure out how to hide his national advertising expenses by transferring funds to the candidate and then having the candidate wire the money back to launch ads against the Liberals. Mr. Harper broke Elections Canada law.
What was M. Dion doing at the same time?
The International Conference on Climate Change was meeting in Montreal chaired by Canada’s Environment Minister M. Dion. The crisis was created by the US and Australia trying to block the passage of an international resolution to create a framework for commitment beyond the end of the Kyoto Protocol in effect to 2012. With skill and courage Dion spearheaded the resolution for the framework and it was passed.
If the resolution had failed there would be no international body to tackle Climate Change as it would have collapsed.
Embarrassing Austin is a PM who breaks the law when he doesn’t suit his purposes.
Yet, because of Stéphane Dion, conservatism in Canada is stronger than ever before. And our hopes for the future are dimmer.
-R
By Rob Wiebe on 10.21.08 3:58 pm
Rob, I tend to think conservatism is what it has always been and has not spread any significant amount. Not yet anyway. What I believe we have just seen is an excercise in solidifying the anti liberal base and motivating it to show up and vote. This element is as consistent as a rock and shares similar attributes. Dense and largely inpenetrable via means of rational thought and reason.
Where Dion failed was splitting the left even further and alienating many centre and centre right voters who would have voted liberal. His green shift was the major contributor in my view. Sadly, the language issue was also right up there. Whether people want to acknowledge it or not, it’s there. On both side of the language spectrum. Too bad a significant number of people couldn’t live in other regions for a significant amount of time. If this happened, they would better understand each other.
The Russians love their Children too.
Could anyone seriously picture Dion dealing with any international crisis? He would have been a complete embarassment.
By austin on 10.21.08 10:15 pm
As has already been pointed out, we don’t have to imagine, because M. Dion has already dealt with international matters when it came to climate change, successfully.
Compare this to our PM. On climate change he denied it, and then pretending he needed to do something about it has paid lip service, demoting Canada to the laughing stock.
On the current economic crisis, he and his finance minister stated Canada was as solid as the Canadian Shield, saying a deficit was not in the picture. Then the day after the election, the PM announced his multi-point plan to deal with the crisis; a plan very similar to that announced by M. Dion during the election which led to him being accused of panicking by the PM.
Can you see a MO. for our PM, deny first, before obtaining the facts.
So far Mr. Harper has been inept and a complete embarrasement.
By maybe Rhino? on 10.22.08 8:51 am
Hi Rhino…nice to see things haven’t changed here and we don’t have to consider facts when posting. Quebec’s day care? Yes, there was a doc. a few years ago on that…over two year waiting list and the poor are the last ones to qualify for the spaces. Everyone pays $7. a day whether you are wealthy or not. Yeah, good system.
Anyway, I have to ask, have none of you figured out what Dion’s plan is? The reason he is staying as Lib. leader is because he is planning on bringing this government down in February over the budget. Dion feels that he and he alone can win an election at this time. He feels he deserves a second chance. Unless they can stop him as Iggy and Rae are attempting to do now, we will be once again heading to the polls very soon.
Hey Garth, if Dion gets his way…you running again?
Mr. Dion was a really good man (and still is). As I mentioned once before, he’s probably too good for the likes of us. His wife and daughter and terrifically lucky.
As for the Harperite “muscular” minority (what a complete load of codswallop that phrase is), some parts of Canada are like battered wives – they just can’t figure out how to get rid of the people who are causing them so much trouble. You know – he said he really loved Canada and was so sorry for his insults and contempt. If we would just take him back…
From Neil Kitson:
Blind Spot: Afghanistan in Canada’s Federal Election
“…[M]eanwhile, Canada’s foreign policy, already a festering mash of incompetence, head-in-the-tar-sands ignorance, and Pollyana-ish magical thinking, has erupted in several thousand Canadian troops being holed up in Kandahar on a mission of completely opaque legality, morality, and practicality. If we “won,” what would it look like, and who is “we”?
“…[A]s a result of the election, almost nothing has changed. A renewed Conservative minority is almost by definition emasculated, given the opposition in Quebec and general disgruntlement elsewhere. Since the Conservatives didn’t have a platform to begin with, never mind a foreign policy, the new Parliament seems certain to be a dog’s breakfast in which Stephen Harper will have to cooperate or die. He might prefer death. Many of us feel the same way.”
http://www.antiwar.com/orig/kitson.php?articleid=13621
“Many of us feel the same way.”
I certainly do. What a complete downer. Now we’re nearly in the clutches of laissez-faire economists, Republican wannabees, war-as-a-demonstration-of-manhood dark-ages thinkers, let-the-poor-and-sick-die health care policies, sell-asbestos-to-the-third-world death exporters, lying PR people, money-used-as-a-club slimy election “advertising”, and the prospect of having to hear more of that oleagenous Mulroneyesque voice, sacramental hand gestures and pasted-on Joker smile.
Excuse me, but I’m just a little angry today. Better than being depressed, I guess. Freud said that depression is just anger turned inwards. This particular batch is going outwards.
One bright note – Maud Barlow has been named the U.N’s special advisor on water resources and use. When Alberta has lost its irrigation water to global warming and has had most of the rest of it destroyed extracting crap from the tarsands to ship south, will it finally wake up and find that Harper and his buddies have sold “the West” down the (dried-up)river?
I created this video in an attempt to capture the genuine character of Stéphane Dion. It is my hope that this clip reflects some of the sincere love for Canada, the kindness and compassion, and commitment to the future that embodies Mr. Dion.
http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=b0b24dXYON0
Stewart and Colbert for pres .
By Men With Hats on 10.21.08 6:30 pm
LMAO! Hey, MIH, Colbert already ran in South Carolina, and then resigned.
Now Jon Stewart? Hell YES! Washington would go into meltdown in three days with the TRUTH he speaks.
By Bill-Muskoka (not anymore) on 10.21.08 9:36 pm
I find it highly ironic,and not a little disturbing,that Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert speak the truth about all things political while MSNBC,CNN and FOX are totally divorced from the
truth and reality .
Now that the doors to Garth’s blog have been thrown wide open to every Heckel and Jeckyl with a keyboard .I am serving notice I shall only respond to those of great intelligence and philosophy .
Folks like Billy Muskokoa,Barb The Proofreader,Lana,Herb,Truth,Zorph,and a dozen others .
Trolls be warned .Do not bother responding aas you are on the grease .
I find it highly ironic,and not a little disturbing,that Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert speak the truth about all things political while MSNBC,CNN and FOX are totally divorced from the
truth and reality .
By Men With Hats on 10.22.08 1:26 pm
Maybe they should take on Stewart’s sponsors instead of the corporate whores they have financing their broadcasts?
Likewise, I find a far more full news coverage on The Daily Show than any of the networks, except perhaps the News Hour With Jim Lehrer on PBS. Stewart and Colbert show how mindless and plaguaristic the networks are. One Talking Head comes up with a buzzword, and they all join in the mantra.
Then there is Limbaugh and O’Reilly. The Hate Mongers who watch and listen to those two self-appointed morons of truth are pond scum.
I stopped listening and watching any of them years ago, or any of the other American so-called news sources. CNN is Hype Central, and is just as bad as the rest. My American friends tell me they do not pay any attention to the babbling blowhards either, and read Canadian, British, and European news sources to find out what is actually happening. The networks keep in business by airing brainless game, sports, and soaps. Real news is almost non-existent in the U.S. Gee, I wonder who they learned that from? Canada is fast becoming the same with the likes of CTV, aka, Faux News North.
Bad troll, Leasa! Picking discussion points out of your nose!
BTW, ‘Air Farce: Final Flight’ aired a segment last night that everyone should watch regarding ‘Cash is Good’, which I think Rope helped direct. LOL
Check it out when it becomes available online. ‘No PIN, no signature,no minimum payments, and you can never spend more than you have.’ LMAO!
I am so glad you are blogging again! I wish there were translations of your writing in other languages so that others could read your blogs too. Maybe the voter apathy has to do with people not feeling they are being reached out to and therefore don’t care? I wonder what quality of reporting occurs for ethnic media in Canada.
By Men With Hats on 10.22.08 1:34 pm
Thanks MWH, I feel the same about you and the others you mentioned (did you mention James?). I will try and follow your lead re: trolls. However, once in awhile I can’t help myself when it comes to Leasa. She reminds me so much of Sarah Palin that it is scary.
———
Bad troll, Leasa! Picking discussion points out of your nose!
By Herb on 10.22.08 1:56 pm
I was thinking about another part of her body, actually. Why anyone would come to a place they aren’t wanted is beyond me. I think we should re-name Leasa and call her Sarah. Another woman with so much to say, with so little thought, and even less impact. (other than providing an annoyance-factor).
———————–
So glad Garth is back!
Deb,
Thanks for that bit of hitherto unknown (by me) info. A reassessment may be in order.
How sad that you people still hold out the idea that Dion was something special. Some of you said Dion has all ready been successfull on the international stage? If your idea of success is the Kyoto accord I now understand your love affair with the man. I’m all for saving the enviroment but the Kyoto accord is seriously flawed. And for the record I’m not partasian as some of you suggested and I don’t spout Concervative propaganda.
By Men With Hats on 10.22.08 1:34 pm
Now that the doors to Garth’s blog have been thrown wide open to every Heckel and Jeckyl with a keyboard .I am serving notice I shall only respond to those of great intelligence and philosophy .
Folks like Billy Muskokoa,Barb The Proofreader,Lana,Herb,Truth,Zorph,and a dozen others .
Trolls be warned .Do not bother responding aas you are on the grease .
………………………………..
Hey .. Mr. Asshat .. how about me ?? Are you still a cowardly cur that only picks on women like Leasa, and ignores others because you are on the wrong side of a one-track mind … i.e. a Liberal comeback before May ’09???
From Avaaz.org
“Dear friends,
A few weeks ago, Stephen Harper was headed for a majority government and 4 years of unchallenged control over our country and our environmental policies. Coming together like never before, 63% of Canadian voters stopped him. And that’s just the beginning.
It was close, so every bit of effort mattered. In just the 2 weeks before election day, Avaaz members rallied to run full page newspaper ads and hundreds of radio ads across the country, raised over $135,000 in a few days, produced a song from top Canadian artists that played on radio stations across the country, helped get over 400,000 Canadians to receive voting guidance from VoteforEnvironment.ca, and took over 15000 pledges to vote strategically in close races.
Widespread media coverage of the campaign included CBC, Macleans, Toronto Star, Vancouver Sun and many others:
“Avaaz.ca, the influential website to which hundreds of thousands of voters are tuning in.”
- Globe and Mail
“Small things add up. For the first time in Canadian political history, online fundraising has made its mark, as the group Avaaz raised $105,000 in a matter of days”.
- Ottawa Citizen
In addition to helping stop a Harper majority, we brought accountability for his shocking climate policy. We know Environment Minister John Baird felt this accountability. He desperately tried to intimidate us with a press release attacking Avaaz and spurious complaints to Elections Canada.
This kind of campaigning is fairly new for Canada. Almost all of our civil society groups receive government grants or tax deductible donations, which make them unable to speak out politically. They also report great concern over the vindictiveness of the Harper government. But Avaaz is 100% member funded and therefore independent – we’re uniquely able to speak out, we have a responsibility to do so, and because we’re just citizens speaking out, we’re not afraid.
The last few weeks have seen the beginning of a surge in people-powered response to Harper’s neo-conservatism on climate and other issues. People powered, internet based movements have removed John Howard from power in Australia, and are bringing final end to the policies of George Bush in the US. If we work together, we can bring the same kind of change to Canada.
It’s a challenging road ahead, and this is a good time to take stock of what we’ve learned, and chart our course for the future. To help do that, Avaaz is running a poll of all our Canadian members about our direction over the next 1-2 years. Please click below to participate, it will take the collective wisdom of all of us to choose the right course:
Click Here to take survey
With hope,
Ricken, Kristen, Jen, Laryn, Lisa-Marie and the whole Avaaz Canada team
PS: Here’s a link to reports on a range of Avaaz’s global campaigns:
http://www.avaaz.org/en/report_back_2/
And here are some press hits on our Stop Harper campaign:
The Globe and Mail feature story:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20081013.BCHUME13/TPStory//BritishColumbia/
The Ottawa Citizen feature on Avaaz:
http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/news/observer/story.html?id=bd441143-0689-4f81-8981-69cc0404291d
A CBC radio interview on the Avaaz campaign (opens in Real Player):
http://cbc.ca/ottawa/media/audio/allinaday/20081009avaaz.ram
————————–
ABOUT AVAAZ
Avaaz.org is an independent, not-for-profit global campaigning organization that works to ensure that the views and values of the world’s people inform global decision-making. (Avaaz means “voice” in many languages.) Avaaz receives no money from governments or corporations, and is staffed by a global team based in Ottawa, London, Rio de Janeiro, New York, Paris, Sydney and Geneva.”
Deb,
Thanks for that bit of hitherto unknown (by me) info. A reassessment may be in order.
By Dube on 10.22.08 5:30 pm
That’s what is so great about so many of you on here–willing to share information and willing to reassess when necessary.
It always makes me wonder why men have so much to say about abortions. Isn’t that a woman’s issue? I’m not a feminist, but I do resent male anti-abortionists–especially those in politics.
Umm, that’s not completely true. N.B. may have some questionable medical services, but abortion is available much like any other province. Sad to say.
I don’t care for McKenna for personal reasons, but let’s be fair. Moreso than he and his patronage hogs were with me.
By HARRY S on 10.22.08 12:35 pm
Who is this, and what have you done with Harry S?
Not another personality I hope> I’m afraid so Watson, MPD has endless faces
Not another personality I hope> I’m afraid so Watson, MPD has endless faces
By Comrade Okie on 10.22.08 8:06 pm
Yea, but all his personalities ate dumb.
A true anomaly in the psychiatric lexicon .
Usually MPD patients have at least one personality that can control the others.
The master .
So many personalities it is a crowded room in Hairys cranium .
Popping bubble wrap as therapy is cheaper than a psychoanalyst Hairy .
There’s virtually no way we’ll see another federal election before Q4 2010 regardless of who is selected as the new Liberal leader, barring some unforeseen catastrophe. The Libs are so up to their necks in debt at the party level that financing another election would be impossible for them before then. Plus the party has some serious work to do…new leader, new platform, new strategy, healing the inevitable divisiveness the leadership campaign will create, etc. It should be entertaining to watch and I look forward to many spirited exchanges on this blog in the meantime, assuming of course Garth chooses to maintain it.
What about it, Garth? What are your plans re this blog?
There’s virtually no way we’ll see another federal election before Q4 2010 regardless of who is selected as the new Liberal leader, barring some unforeseen catastrophe. The Libs are so up to their necks in debt at the party level that financing another election would be impossible for them before then.
By RM, Oakville on 10.22.08 9:38 pm
Two words. Power Corps .
Seventy one seats won with less than 10%:
Seventy one risings were won with less than a ten per cent difference .
Of the 71 MPs across the country who won by 10 per cent or less, included 26 Conservative MPs, 20 Liberals, 12 NDP and 12 Bloc Québécois and one Independent MP André Arthur, who won by a margin of 1.5 per cent of the vote.
Garth, one of your best blogs yet. It was gracious and thoughtful. I’ve told my friends, even as a Conservative, that you were undoubtedly one of the best MPs Canada has ever had, and your post here is no exception. I hope you remain part of the Liberal Party, and we hope to see you in the future.
Cheers.
By Pat G on 10.21.08 11:44 pm
I fully concur!
There’s virtually no way we’ll see another federal election before Q4 2010 regardless of who is selected as the new Liberal leader, barring some unforeseen catastrophe. …………….
By RM, Oakville on 10.22.08 9:38 pm
I have mentioned before that predicting the future is not possible and highly unlikely to have any accuracy. If all the opposition parties find the governments first presentation(s) to be so unpalatable, they could agree to vote no confidence and ask the Gov. Gen. for permission to form a coalition gov’t. While we think is is highly unlikely due to the degree of ideological differences, there still remains the possibility and only requires the motivation to take this course of revenge on Harper and his minions as pay back for their many transgressions! If it happens, then I will predict that the CPC will fire Harper!
I will not and I doubt that Las Vegas will give you odds, but stranger things have happened!
Yes Garth, The “Representative Democracy Party of Canada”, its elected members of Parliament, will always on every issue represent the majority wishes of the constituents in their riding.
I Asked you a long time ago and will ask again now, if you think it might be a cause for you to take on?
Thank you Stephan Dion and Garth Turner…. you both have opened a window to the concept that there really may be hope for politics as in honesty, integrity, principles and the fact that being a politician means that you are working for Canadians…not the party and not some dictator who wants to be lord.
Garth, you say:
“We all know the failings of the campaign just past. I’d asked my leader not to run on the Green Shift, but rather to issue it as a pre-election discussion paper less open to categoric attack and misinterpretation by the Harper forces.”
I believed you at first when you said that Stephane Dion had hit a home run in announcing the Green Shift as the central part of his campaign platform in advance of the election.
You now say that you “asked your leader not to run on the Green Shift.” Yet you stood their clapping and applauding his every statement when he announced it publicly last June.
It seems to me, in all honesty, that you were taken in by the political system when you joined the Liberal Party, putting up a false front to identify with your leader on the one hand, but inwardly, and in reality, having to suppress what you knew all along to be the source of wisdom and political common sense.
I only wish you had come clean on that when the Green Shift was announced, Garth. As it is, you have been taken in by the political system, when your popularity in the past stemmed from your willingness to be a straight shooter in defiance of that false system of putting allegiance to a party ahead of your own personal convictions.
You should have heeded my advice and remained as an Independent. Then you could truly have spoken your mind, and then you would surely have been re-elected as then, regardless of whether or not people agreed with you, they would know that you were representing your true convictions and personally held beliefs without kow-towing to the party line.
The Green Shift was an excellent policy which would provide a needed income tax stimulus and also an environmental benefit desperately required. However, I would have preferred to see it as a discussion paper rather than a fait accompli, allowing more flexibility and adpatability as economic conditions changed. The leader disagreed, and staked his future on a firm plan. He deserved my support, and got it. I regret nothing. — Garth
Wow, that’s a perfect picture of Dion.