Election night, 2008, and I was standing in the foyer of our campaign office with a CTV microphone in my face. Lloyd Robertson came on the monitor at my knees while the local reporter, Galit Soloman, held the mic.
It was a weird moment. I recalling hanging out with Lloyd in the network newsroom, giving him investment advice and some tips about his property on the Trent Canal, always being impressed at what a gentle soul he was. Then I remembered hiring Galit when she was a young exchange student, just trying to get into television production. She impressed me by showing up one day at the television and Internet broadcasting company I’d founded after leaving CTV, and offering to work for free. She was soon an on-camera presence, and as I looked at her this night, a poised and consummate broadcast professional.
But I digress.
When the satellite feed hooked in and we went live, when Lloyd asked me for my assessment of the night, my comment was simple: This is the night Stephen Harper lost it.
After all, it was the guy’s third kick at the can as a federal leader in an election campaign that was his to lose. He’d blown it totally in 2004, coming across as a scary rightist wingnut. In 2006, even up against Mr. Dithers and in the midst of a generational scandal, he barely eked out a win. And in 2008, fighting a man most of my constituents could not understand with an environmental platform when the story was the economy, he faired no better. In fact, only 60% of Canadians bothered to voted, and less than 40% of them supported Harper.
This was no mandate to last.
And so, here we are today. In his first act, with financial anxiety rampant in the land, Harper uses a key economic update not to help citizens but as an opportunity to screw his political opponents. It was political brinksmanship of the highest degree, and a measure of a man who ultimately cares only about himself and the divinity of his own ideas. He is a bully who now lives in a cloud of self-delusion, thinking he won an election when, in reality, the other guy lost.
And while he’ll try to pull a bunny form his hat over the next week, suddenly promising billions in new spending and a changed path, Harper’s done. In his government’s action this week it showed once again it cares most about power, and far less about using it to build and care for Canada. He’s poisoned the atmosphere in Ottawa just when we need Ottawa to work. He won the election by spreading lies – as did his opponent in my district – and an inattentive populace shrugged and said, yeah, whatever.
Since then the economy has deteriorated, markets plunged, house values eroded and jobs disappeared as whole industries stagger. And what does the prime minister make as his economic centrepiece? Skewering his ideological foes, bankrupting them, playing politics while the citizens of the land suffer and worry.
This does not surprise me. It’s why I said election night he was the loser. Soon he will lose government. Soon after that, he’ll be gone. Joe Clark, 1979. Steve Harper, 2008. Legacy: Loser. The only prime minister ever to have had his government defeated for incompetence and indifference and replaced by a coalition just weeks after an election. This is the man whose eyes I looked into after being elected to his caucus in early 2006, and saw hate.
Once again this week he’s lived by the sword of animosity and spite. And so shall he die by it.
188 comments ↓
I hope the Liberals and NDP stand strong because the onslaught from Harper’s minions will be out in full force.
You’re absolutely right. You could see the anger and hate in his eyes when he spoke on tv yesterday. It will be delicious to watch the Great Pathalogical Liar brought down very shortly. Next step — merge the liberal & NDP parties to ensure we never suffer the likes of Harper again.
Garth, it is called karma, and it has quite a tab to settle with Harper. It is virtually guaranteed that Harper will not be missed or loved (or more realistically, mildly endured) when his time comes, and it is coming. He will ultimately be responsible for his fate, and it will be a justly deserved be at that.
Doin’ my happy dance!
Harper is his own worst enemy. It’s one thing to challenge and try to beat someone, but it’s quite another not to be satisfied with that. I don’t know what his personal vendetta is with Dion, but it seems it is not enough to win – he has to grind his boots into the opposition’s face and draw blood. That is a sickness and shouldn’t be tolerated by Canadians.
We try to teach kids not to bully and beat the hell out of someone and then our PM does exactly what we try to teach the kids not to do.\
He is a very sick man.
Those of us who have been on to Harper for a while, have been waiting for him to expose enough of himself to rise above the complacent ‘all politicians are liars, etc’ reaction. Seems that Harper might just have finally done that.
Hmmm?
All the King’s horses and all the King’s men….
Stephen Harper starring as Humpty Dumpty. Looks good on him, especially after he fraudulently raided OUR nest eggs to the tune of $35 billion.
“I’M MAD AS HELL AND I’M NOT GOING TO TAKE IT ANYMORE!!!”
Anyone remember the movie “Network”? Different context – same philosophy.
Maybe it is time to follow-up on that email I sent to the GG when Harpo broke his own election law. Let her know how the MAJORITY of the electorate feels about this narcissistic government.
Help her make the right choice in accepting a coalition.
Too bad we don’t have an Obama in Canada…a person who knows the value of compromise, teamwork, and non-partisanship. Dion is probably the closest we have (or Broadbent), but because of his communication issues, and lack of charisma, it is hard to figure out how a coalition will work. However, it is the lesser of two evils, in my opinion.
Pierre Poilievre is out there talking about Harper’s mandate. The Conservative strategy during the election was to make the election a referendum on Harper. There was no real program presented except for a vague document filled with pictures of Harper.
Now the PM’s spokesman is focusing on the issue from the perspective: that Harper has a mandate to do whatever he wants and no one has the right to challenge him.
Canadians need to be aware of the danger of giving a party leader a carte blanche mandate, even a minority mandate, as they did with Harper.
The heavily ideological economic statement reflects Harper’s agenda, an agenda that was not part of any Conservative mandate because it was “secret.”
What the economic statement strongly reflects is the “secret agenda” that Harper and his “Conservatives” have been hiding for so long. Prohibiting the right to strike in the public service, eliminating pay equity rights, cutting government spending, privatizing public assets, and placing more power in the hands of the finance minister to use our money.
The statement suggests that Canadian families need to “adjust their priorities,” “make sacrifices” and “tighten their belts.” At the same time they are pouring money into the financial institutions to encourage the same institutions to “continue lending to consumers, homebuyers, and businesses.” Does this this kind of contradictory message give us confidence in the ability of Harper to handle an economic crisis?
Stephen Harper’s arrogance and pathological need for self-importance will finally earn him a place in Canadian political history… for being the creator of the biggest political blunder of all time.
Can you hear the sharpening of Conservative knives across the country? Poor little bully Stevie…as soon as his sorry ass is booted from office all of those folks that he bullied within his own party will be out for his blood.
When this egomaniac goes down to defeat it will be the best Christmas present this country has ever seen.
As he desperately tries to hold onto power he will no doubt unleash millions of dollars of advertising next week bashing all of the opposition parties. The beauty of all of this is that it was Harper’s own narrow-mindedness and self-centred approach that created his ultimate downfall.
Garth, you are absolutely right…Harper lived by the sword and will die by it.
I wonder how he will feel replacing Joe Clark as having made the worst political decision in Canadian history?
My only regret is that I will be out of the country on December 8th and I will miss seeing the backside of this enraged little bully as he is turfed from office.
Where do we find the “coalition” plan for their financial stimulus package; presumably they’ll share it with Canadians before they decide to take over. The Cons lack of a plan is, at least in theory, what they’re so fussed about. Where’s theirs?
HARPER MUST GO
TIMING TIMING TIMING
It takes time and effort to Become Aware.
Stephen Harper has forfeited the privilege of being Prime Minister of Canada and of being the leader of the Conservative Party of Canada.
Harper’s chicanery in having his Finance Minister Jim Flaherty announce an egregious ‘poison pill’ that he expected the opposition parties to swallow means that he has defaulted on his recent election win. He has not only betrayed the Canadians who voted for his party, but he has also betrayed the members of the CPC.
If Harper does not have the decency to resign both of these positions then the members of the CPC Caucus should have the fortitude to remove Harper from their Caucus ASAP. Unfortunately, I doubt that there are any REAL Conservatives left in that Caucus. Instead, they appear to be a variety of opportunists who desire a power trip along with all of the other perks.
Most of the news articles that have been written about this issue seem to support the removal of the taxpayer subsidy based on the number of votes received in an election. However, only two or three had the decency to mention that it would be necessary to adjust the $1000 limit on donations from large entities, since that was the fair thing to do. Some others also mentioned the inappropriate timing of this move, even if they did support it.
Remember that PM Harper is controlled by the Canadian Corporate Elites on behalf of the Bilderberg Group, and Jim Flaherty is controlled by Harper. I doubt that Harper, the anal-retentive control freak, is free-lancing on this issue.
So who benefits if the Canadian Government is thrown into a state of turmoil in the midst of a Global Financial Crisis, a Global Economic Crisis and when the situation in Afghanistan and Pakistan is deteriorating?
I think that it is time to revolt against the elected officials who are pretending that they know what is good for us. In Toronto and Calgary, we have Mayors who are trying to force their personal views on the residents of those cities. They just want to spend and tax on their personal projects, regardless of what is happening in the real world.
First, we have to start with the Federal Government. Whether we like it or not, we are going to have to support a coalition government led by an interim Liberal leader, an NDP deputy leader; both supported by the leader of a Separatist Party. Therefore, we must impress upon them that their crazy policies must remain in the garbage can. Only mainstream issues that will affect us over the next year or two must be debated.
One of the first things that this coalition government could do is to terminate NAFTA.
It is time for the Canadian Revolution to begin!
Cheers.
Hi Mr. Garth Turner,
PMSH has no clothes! (But you already know that.)
I hope the opposition does not let him keep his thrown, be it by coalition or an election! Watch your backs!
(The snake squirming this week will be interesting to watch, forked tong and all.
Did you see Harpers head turn 360 degrees and the horns showing through,
When it became clear that he might get throw out by the majority of the peoples representatives next week!)
Mr. Garth Turner, since you have finished your new book, have you given any thought to running for the Liberal leader ship? I hope Dorothy will be OK with that? Don’t forget to check first!
Instead of the Harper lies;
Do you think the bosses of the corporate mass media (the passed backers of Harper) will let a message get out to the masses, which most will want to vote for? Will the media actually put a positive spine on it, to ensure we never see Harper again?
Will the media do a better job of checking facts and calling Harper’s gang on there statements? Will the media let the masses know before the vote takes place?
Id like to see the Coalition parties swamp the airwaves with Harper quotes prior to the last election–e.g.–banks are sound (75 billion later),there will be no deficit, buy stocks,surplus . his backroom deals etc etc.Hit him before he has a chance because he will be spreading more lies! The three parties together could share the expenses.
From your lips (keyboard) to God’s ears……
Simon: Why are you all of a sudden concerned about a stimulus plan? Have you e-mailed Harper and asked him for his? The empty words offered by Flaherty on Thursday had no stimulus in them. In fact they what he fed us were depressants.
I understand everyones excitement, but I would temper that a bit if I were you. Hope for the best, but expect the usual kind of thinking.
I bin watching, reading and listening and find this latest little drama of ours quite interesting.
Watching the players, and their reactions deserves a recap and a synopsis.
I’m thinking this comes down to one thing mostly, and I will get to that at the end of the post. First, a brief recap.
Harper has success using power play politics against a financially weak opponent. He learns he can successfully bundle bits of unpopular legislation and get his way.
Opposition suffers and looks weak.
Harper has election handed to him but is in trouble with economy.
Has many players to satisfy.
Opposition warns will not be doormat again. Harper listens. Sort of.
Reverts to previously successful strategy to establish dominance. King of the Hill or Bust.
Rolls dice.
Opposition rolls out heavy artillery and aims it at bully.
Bully blinks. Engages tactical retreat strategy.
Synopsis;
Harper went to the wishing well once too often.
Opposition doesn’t want a coalition government.
They want Respect.
R-E-S-P-E-C-T
Find out what it means to me
Now for a tune to sooth all those folks who are afeared of the great Communist horde at the gates.
From the Queen of Soul, the great Aretha Franklin; R-E-S-P-E-C-T
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3kkgQHcdlZU
Brought to you by Radio Central of the People’s Republic of Little Nero’s
…Maybe it is time to follow-up on that email I sent to the GG when Harpo broke his own election law. Let her know how the MAJORITY of the electorate feels about this narcissistic government.
Help her make the right choice in accepting a coalition.
By maybe Rhino? on 11.29.08 11:20 am
Maybe Rhino:
The “Liberal for Life” blog is also suggesting that we contact the Governor General and ask her to support an Opposition proposal to form a government. The blog provides a sample letter to send. Here’s the link:
http://liberal4lifeblog.blogspot.com/2008/11/contact-governor-general.html
LOL-the bullies played the game too long—-Defence Minister Peter MacKay told the Halifax Chronicle-Herald on Thursday that, when the subsidy measure went before Parliament, the opposition would blink.
“When they play chicken,” he said, “they wind up looking like chickens.”
Except this time they didn’t.
Priceless! LMAO!
The Reform base of the “new” Conservative party must be ready to eat their young this morning–not only could Stephen Harper end up populating the Opposition bench in short haste but he made a rookie mistake–he underestimated his opponent.
He thought the opposition body was dead but forgot to check for a pulse–it is there albeit thready at best.
There is nothing worse than a wounded animal when all he has left is sharp teeth & one gasp of air left to use them.
Harper made the mistake of coming up close & personal to make that last knife stick.
He is about to see just how sharp those teeth are.
Dr Mike Popovich
Esther—how goes the battle?
Amen to the Reformers falling on their own sword…aka…government built on lies, deceit and dirty tricks and smear.
Thanks for that, Garth. When I want to get away from the delusional, deceptive bull-crap out there aplenty, I come here. An inclusive, honest (for the most part) forum. What lenghts many in that leaderless group running our country (into the ground, add salt) will go to in order to accumulate and protect their wealth AND power knows no bounds. And that so many go to their mega-churches and commit these acts in the name of Jesus, grieves me. Makes my blood boil. Hence the good fight. Let’s do it. Shed light on them. MSM? Some are, more so every day. Ms. Davis and Mr. Brison are doing a great job talking to us through MSM. And the Con’s have P.P.? Stating talking points from behind the scenes? Cowards.
Well…
We can pass comment on the Con plan, or lack of plan, and that is, apparently, what the Lib/NDP/BQ are claiming to be doing. Why, then, shouldn’t the citizens of Canada be allowed to see what the proposed alternative is. Is the suggestion that the Lib/NDP/BQ coalition should take over power before they tell us what they’re proposing to do.
The standard line is that parties will release their plans once the election writ is dropped and not before; the new thinking, at least according to the Garthies, appears to be that we’ll find out what the “coalition” intends to do only after they claim to be the government. If there’s a plan why not share it with Canadians?
Very interesting reporting on Radio Canada this morning (French CBC).
It seems the last and only Canadian coalition government was 1917, and against the Conservative government. (History repeating?) Apparently, it was about conscription.
Harpo, should he lose the confidence vote, actually has the option to step down, and let another party – probably Dion & the Liberals, govern instead. If he does not, it forces the GG to either declare election, or consider/accept a coalition option.
The tone of the reporting was Harpo has already decided not to take the “high road” and step aside, and prefers to FORCE another election. This would be particularly galling for Quebecois, as we just finished the Federal, have a Provincial vote in December, and having 3 elections in 6 months would be overkill.
Now, the question remains… who would the Canadian electorate PUNISH for wasting $300 millions on an election that resulted in another minority government with no change in power except minor gains for the governing party?
That, my reasonable friends is the crux of the biscuit.
Would WE punish the opposition for forcing a confidence vote?
Would WE punish the CPC for showing arrogance and unilateral policy when they promised compromise?
And the multi-billion dollar questions:
Would MORE CANADIANS be so pissed off they would actually go out and VOTE (like some clowns here who are “proud” to have not voted)?
Which naturally leads to the question, who would benefit most from the increased voter turn-out?
My guess, it would NOT be the CPC…
Hi Garth, FYI anyone,
Link to Nov. 2008 tech. atrical,
‘Innovations in Solar Power’
http://asmcommunity.asminternational.org/portal/site/www/AsmStore/ProductDetails/?vgnextoid=0180e0469b36d110VgnVCM100000621e010aRCRD
How long will it take the cons to turn on Harper?.
Another interesting concept…
Is it just possible, that Harpo is NOT the one behind the “Flanagan shenanigans”, but rather just a front man?
Is it possible that he is mad as well because he has just figured out he, too, has been played for a fool by his handlers? That he will lose his place in history and be remembered as the worst PM ever?
The plot thickens…
The stomach turns… Just like the old soap “A the world turns”…
I have read a couple of posts elsewhere that, if proven true are INCREDIBLY disturbing.
I have seen posts that suggest that when independently contacted, people who were listed as contributors to the CRAP party disavowed all knowledge of the contribution that they were on record as having made in their names.
In other words, someone contributed to the CRAP party in the name of people who were not actually contributors. that would be a clever way for large corporate donors to fraudulently donate.
Are these allegations substantiated anywhere?
If so, it should be the subject of immediate and vigorous investigation by Elections Canada and the RCMP. It smacks of election fraud (again).
Anybody?
Hi Garth, FYI anyone,
Something that might wet your interest,
from a Canadian Company.
link to artical,
Water Goes Off the Grid
By Samuel K. Moore
First Published November 2008
A Canadian company rethinks atmospheric-water generators.
http://www.spectrum.ieee.org/nov08/6914
I hope we get a “Nixon moment”—the final salute to the minions as Harper wings his back from whence he came.
Harper, hopefully and by his own doing, soon to be thrown on the scrapheap of Canadian political history.
It’s time to throw the whole sorry lot out on their ass. It’s time to bring in a party that will work in the best interest of Canada and all Canadians.
By TS on 11.29.08 11:26 am
CBC.ca will carry it world wide!
Much has been said to describe the hatred in Stephen Harper and all of it true… Our proud First Nations Chiefs always said “look into the eyes for the truth” That is reason for the circle, Steve Harper never could look anyone in eye…. BUT he also never passed a mirror he did not like. Let it be know there was never a Conservative Party it was and remains the Reform Party… may I suggest we refer to them as such coast to coast to coast. Hello MSM… line up the old PC’s and then line up the Reformers (American Republicans holding Canadian citizenship included) and see the long Reform line… Note. The PC party had many great Canadian politicians and Joe Clark is one of them… always a gentlemen and Canada was lucky to have him….Merry Christmas Joe to you and your wonderful family.
What are some of the advantages of a coalition government?
My creative juices have just started to flow, so I will just throw out some general ideas.
However, first I must point out a flaw in the proposals that a number of Governments have made for spending on constructing infrastructure projects. Most of the people who are losing their jobs do not have the type of experience and skills that would be required for most of this construction work. That means that Governments are going to have to look for projects that will put some of these laid off workers back to work.
Apparently CBC management have finally announced the cancellation of their top-rated drama show ‘Intelligence’.
It so happens that I have a fairly comprehensive plan for restructuring the CBC. In addition to the yearly one billion dollars of taxpayer funds, we would require another 500 million dollars to use for creating new content. If my concepts are successful, in two or three years CBC-TV would be the top-rated television network in Canada.
My first move would be to renew the ‘Intelligence’ show if it was still possible. However, the producers have been negotiating with an American network so it might be too late.
Since Harper does not appreciate the CBC, this is another way for a coalition government to stick it to Harper.
Harper also announced that he was going to solve the problem of getting foreign doctors integrated into the Canadian health system. A few months later, he cancelled his intentions.
A coalition government could solve this problem along with a variety of other health care issues by adopting some outside-the-box solutions and some selective spending on health care issues.
Another way to help some future job seekers is to establish a two-year job training program for high school students.
A coalition government could also provide the funds to startup the production of ethanol using industrial hemp and kelp. This could especially benefit farmers and small towns. There are a number of other creative ideas that could benefit farmers and their surrounding regions.
A coalition government could also explore the advantages of building a Canadian vehicle that could use one standard chassis that could handle a variety of bodies and engines.
This is just a small sample of constructive suggestions that a coalition government could make use of to generate economic activity.
Try and generate some creative ideas yourselves. Remember, we are looking to create jobs for people who cannot work on a construction project.
Cheers.
Garth … How do you feel about the success of a Liberal-NDP coalition dependent on the separatist BQ?
Are you not concerned in such a weak coalition government being controlled by Quebec separatists?
I think this is the question you must address before condemning PM Harper. Thanks.
Thanks to CalgaryGrit.
April 18th 2005
On Monday, Valeri said he would cancel a Conservative opposition day motion because setting opposition days is the responsibility of the government, not the opposition parties.
That provoked outrage from Conservative Leader Stephen Harper who met with reporters Monday evening on Parliament Hill to denounce Valeri and the Liberal government.
“I think they are just signing their own death warrant,” Harper said. “This is the kind of behaviour a government does when it is scared to death of the electorate.
“It is not up to the government in our system to decide whether an opposition motion is order or not. It’s up to the Clerk and the Speaker. Our motion was in order. We don’t have to get the approval of the government to express dissent.
“When a government starts trying to cancel dissent or avoid assent is frankly when it’s rapidly losing its moral authority to govern.”
About an hour ago:
Prime Minister Stephen Harper has delayed for a week a confidence motion vote that could bring down his government.
posted by calgarygrit at 7:09 PM | 25 comments
http://calgarygrit.blogspot.com/
Quickly as I am off to afternoon show… seniors rate… Tell the LPC BLOC and NDP…. to watch out for the snakes next move and close the hole (s) quick…. inform the RCMP to lock up all the shedding machines and inspect all boxes and briefcases leaving Ottawa offices…. If we the taxpayers find out there are missing mountains or less of documents that the Auditor General could not find…. you will wish they never invented the Internet! Harper has spent 10’s of Billions and mentioned nothing as to accountability!
I am one taxpayer looking to see the inventory report…. and for those who believe Harper is honest and truthful come buy a bridge here in Dartmouth, take your pick we have two!
Perhaps all the doom and gloom about the liberal party in trouble was just another chess move by Mr. Harper. He is not a stupid man. Perhaps this time he underestimated his opponents
Clearly also is the fact this isn’t about Harpernomics. This is about Canada and it’s future. If a coalition government focuses on what is best for Canadians then it might work short-term.
Harper’s agenda to destroy the liberals is evident. The suggestion to call our MP’s is odd – if you have a conservative MP then they will spout the party line. With all the juniour ministers he will have things tightly reined.
Trying to understand the economic situation is next to impossible. So is trying to decipher what is behind this sudden refusal by the parties to pass this economic package. Just how flawed is it? Or is this about Harper’s total inflexibility?
Is it possible that the liberals originally passed the budget and let the other bills go through waiting for this moment?
Dare we hope that the best interests of our country will be served at this critical time?
Sadly, I think not. None the less, I will call my MP Monday. We all should.
Sour grapes Garth?
Even you would find it repulsive to had to cow tow to separatists in order to get anything accomplished.
You think ALL Libs are Red Libs? Harper only needs 13 of them at any given time in order to pass a motion before parliament.
How many do the “coalition” need from the Bloc in order to pass motions – ALL OF THEM.
Talk about shortsightedness. Expect a Harper majority next election.
Garth
Do you think Stephen Harper would be willing to fall on his sword for Canadians?
He and only he is responsible for this mess.
The only way to restore confidence in the House is for Mr. Harper to resign and appoint Jim Prentice interim leader and Prime Minister. All the Harris government hacks would need to be put in the backbench and of course Jim must go immediately.
Where do we find the “coalition” plan for their financial stimulus package?
By simon on 11.29.08 11:27 am
Here you go, Simon:
BTW, Scott Brison’s performance has been exceptional throughout all this – poised, articulate, determined. Sounds like the perfect neutral candidate for an interim Prime Minister.
So, Garth – are you desperately wishing you were back in the thick of all this right now? Or are you just happy to sit back and watch from the sidelines?
Canada was founded on a coalition of nation founding Liberals and Conservatives.
That coalition was led by Sir John A MacDonald.
As a matter of fact, of the first 5 Canadian Prime Ministers, 4 were Liberal-Conservatives.
I am looking for that same visionary coalition approch to the economy, for the benefit of all of us in Canada.
Why did it take so long for the opposition parties to get together and figure out a way to hold the Harper Conservatives accountable?
What ever the factor was it was long overdue the 62% of Canadians that did not want this government is fed up of being left out.
Hopefully this government will be replaced with a coalition that more accurately reflects the wishes of Canadians, even if this government survives the tone of this parliament has permanently changed and not in a way that Mr Harper is going to appreciate, he might just have to listen to others if he wants to survive as PM.
A letter by Harper the Hypocrite in 2004 signed in coalition with NDP/BLOC:
Please read carefully and think about Harper’s words in the press conference yesterday:
To all of those Tory supporters fuming with outrage at the possible “overthrow” of Harper’s minority government in an “undemocratic coup” and who are especially aggrieved at the thought of the Bloc’s participation in a progressive coalition government, please read the following letter from your Dear Leader to then Governor General Adrienne Clarkson dated September 9, 2004:
As leaders of the opposition parties, we are well aware that, given the Liberal minority government, you could be asked by the Prime Minister to dissolve the 38th Parliament at any time should the House of Commons fail to support some part of the government’s program. We respectfully point out that the opposition parties, who together constitute a majority in the House, have been in close consultation. We believe that, should a request for dissolution arise this should give you cause, as constitutional practice has determined, to consult the opposition leaders and consider all of your options before exercising your constitutional authority. Your attention to this matter is appreciated.
That letter was signed by all three opposition leaders: Gilles Duceppe, Jack Layton and Stephen Harper.
h/t Red Tory
By simon on 11.29.08 11:27 am
Simon, you will not see any economic plan from the NDP-Liberal party. Because there isn’t one. These people are acting so irresponsible it’s beyond belief. All they are doing now is screaming ’stimulate the economy’! over and over. Do they propose simple throwing a few billion at the big three with no guarantees or plan? Why, yes, Simon, they do. Garth seems as many here do, so set on revenge that he would in fact support this and support dealing with the separatists to boot!
The liberals are so now enamoured with the Bloc that Marlene Jennings had this to say:
In the Ottawa Citizen, by contrast, Liberal MP Marlene Jennings expresses a rather startling view of the Bloc:
“All of the three parties are discussing, we are looking at all the common ground we are agreed upon,” she said. “The No. 1 priority for the NDP, the Bloc Québécois, the Liberal Party of Canada, is the economy, is the Canadian people.”
Now, let’s pose the question; who’s in it for a power grab? LOL
NutJob, go over to this link and read columnist’s comments. Virtually
Every commenter is dicing Harper over this
Looks to me like Harper is not going to get much support from media on this one except for Mike Duffy of course. Duffy is still looking for that Senator Job.
By Randy on 11.29.08 1:36 pm
Don’t forget about Robert Fife.
So who benefits if the Canadian Government is thrown into a state of turmoil in the midst of a Global Financial Crisis, a Global Economic Crisis and when the situation in Afghanistan and Pakistan is deteriorating?
I raised this question in an earlier article. We know that the Corporate Elites would like to be able to contribute more than $1000 to their favourite politician. So why didn’t Harper modify this part of the funding equation when he chose to eliminate the taxpayer subsidy? Did they want Harper to be ‘forced’ into making this modification or do they really want a new Canadian Government that would be more in tune with President Obama?
Do you remember the NAFTA highway and the planned North American Union? The Chinese are spending a lot of money on their seaport in Mexico. They are also building a major bridge through the mountains as part of the Mexican NAFTA highway to the American border.
There are some other problems on the horizon. The G-20 had their meeting and made no major announcement. However, I have come across a number of articles discussing the fact that a number of G-20 nations want a new global currency system. This could mean that a number of the key currencies would have to be devalued.
Apparently, it also appeared that the Americans were on the outside looking in, while the Europeans and some others were calling the shots. I wonder what Harper was really doing?
A worst case scenario for the American dollar could be 10 dollars to 1 new unit. Since this could be a Digital Global Currency, they could use the term ‘credits’ as per an old movie. Hopefully, the Canadian dollar should be stronger than the American dollar in this scenario. Technically, the American financial system is supposedly insolvent due to the high amount of debt they owe to foreigners like China, Japan and Russia.
If there is a major devaluation, that also means that products and labour must be re-valued. This could have a major effect on everyone.
For example, you might have enough cash in the bank to purchase a $20,000 item now. Under revaluation, that item might be 10,000 credits, but then you might only have 6000 credits after devaluation. A major difference!
Forewarned is forearmed. Be prepared!
Remember, the American Empire, like the Roman Empire, is coming to an end, only the timing is in doubt.
If we had a coalition government that was willing to be truly Nationalistic, we could revise our own Monetary System so that we have a strong Canadian Dollar backed by gold and other valuable properties.
Canada is a Nation rich with resources, we should be able to determine our own destiny if we can get rid of The Powers That Be.
Cheers.
For the presumed Master tactician that virtually every news reporter in Canada would have us believe Stephen Harper to be, this whole episode puts that “spin” to a complete rest.
The only things that Harper has ever done that were deserving (?) of the media’s label of master tactician were things that involved “going places” where no prior politician would have stooped to go, or by resorting to outright lies that the media never fully investigated in their haste to cover the next story. Evidently this conduct of Harper’s is deserving of being bestowed with the media anointed halo of “master tactician”?
I don’t get it.
Nothing Harper has ever done has struck me as “masterful”. Indeed, I wondered at the time why it was that Harper decided to broadcast ( to Con friendly media types like Don Martin) the fact that his FU was going to contain an elimination of the $1.95 per voter “subsidy”. What possible tactical purpose could that have served? None, unless you think sending your enemy an advance notice of your strategy to be a good idea?
This whole episode would have unfolded quite differently had that 24 hour advance notice have not occurred. Harper himself planted the “coalition seed” and allowed it to germinate at hyper-speed.
Loser.
Maybe 63% of Canadians didn’t vote Conservative in the last election …. but 74% didn’t vote Liberal and 82% didn’t vote NDP.
You can’t just total the Liberal and NDP votes to form a united opposition party … that’s like mixing apples and oranges.
Canadians didn’t vote for a Liberal-NDP coalition govt shored up by the separatist BQ. They elected a strengthened Conservative minority govt .. which should be a distinct signal to the opposition parties.
If the NDP decides to ‘cross the floor’ and unite with the Liberal party, they should resign their seats first so their constituents can judge if they want that to happen.
What the NDP are doing now is a betrayal of trust and anti-democratic .. and have created a covert coalition-merger of the Liberals and NDP.
The panic – and spin – begins!
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20081129.wtories_message1129/BNStory/Front
Some key excerpts:
Mr. Giorno’s message also includes very detailed scripts MPS are expected to follow while delivering radio interviews that include the following lines:
* We’re not even two months removed from the last election, and a group of backroom politicians are going to pick who the Prime Minister is. Canadians didn’t vote for this person. We don’t even know who this person will be.
* Not a single voter voted for a Liberal-NDP coalition. Certainly not a single voter voted for the Liberals to form a coalition with the separatists in the Bloc.
* This is what bothers me the most. The Conservatives won the election. The Opposition keeps saying that the Conservatives have to respect the will of the voters that this is a minority and so on.
* …how about Liberals, NDP and Bloc respecting the will of the voters when they said “YOU LOSE”.
* And what’s this going to do to the economy. I’m sorry, I don’t care how desperate the Liberals are — giving socialists (Jack Layton) and separatists (Gilles Duceppe) a veto over every decision in government — that is a recipe for total economic disaster.
* But how more phony could these guys be?
* I mean, I follow the news, virtually every single day you have Harper or Flaherty out there telegraphing exactly what they plan to do with the economy. And not once did you hear the Liberals, NDP or separatists talking about toppling the government in response.
* No — do you know what set this off. When Flaherty said he was going to take taxpayer-funded subsidies away from the opposition. Now there is a reason to try and overturn an election— because the Conservatives the audacity to say “Hey, it’s a recession, maybe you should take your nose out of the trough.”
* And I wish the media would be more clear on this point — the opposition aren’t being singled out by this fact the Conservatives stand to lose the most money of all. The only difference is that Canadians are voluntarily giving money the Conservatives, so they don’t need taxpayer handouts. The only reason the opposition would be hurt more is because nobody wants to donate to them. They should be putting their efforts towards fixing that problem.
* I don’t want another election. But what I want even less is a surprise backroom Prime Minister whom I never even had the opportunity to vote for or against. What an insult to democracy.
Wow – I think we’ve heard a few of these already!
What a GREAT day.
Just heard on the National that Baird says the cons are backing down on political financing.
Guess they’re getting really, really, nervous.
Okay idiots . Let me get this straight .
You are bitching and moaning about the creation of a coalition,as being undemocratic, that will truly represent the majority of Canadians bot the one in three that actually voted for the all clown party .
The entire enterprise was illegal by any standard in law .
Reality is that the Cons increased their popularity by one per cent .
So you have a lot of nerve to bitch about a coalition being undemocratic .
Get over it . You are all done as being a political force in Canada .
Switzerland gas been ruled by a coalition since 1959 .
Time to grow up,morons .
It’s ok Harpo ,it’s just a technical takedown…
By Leasa on 11.29.08 2:26 pm,
Politics is all about building a national consensus through debate and discussion. Stephen Harper broke his promise to work with the opposition and others in the best interests of the country. He has proven once more that he cannot be trusted.
Some of us had hoped that Harper and people like you had changed and stopped trying to enforce an ideology on us that was not in our interests. Unfortunately, that hope was not realized.
Our only hope now is that the opposition parties can put their differences behind them and put together a responsible economic plan for the country that promotes entrepreneurship and new ideas.
You cannot do this over night because in spite of what Harper claims, and I know you believe every word he says, I don’t believe the opposition parties ever thought it would come to this. I believe they actually thought that Harper had learned from experience that you cannot force an unpopular agenda onto the public.
It takes time to build an economic plan, something that the Conservatives have failed to do even as a unified party with all the information available to a government.
The Conservatives can spin all they want but they were operating on the assumption that they could use the economic crisis and the red herring of cuts to party funding to snowball the public into accepting an unpopular agenda.
You know what I think is needed? A rebellion within the CRAP party.
The CRAP MP’s that were elected less than 2 months ago need to band together for the good of Canada and get rid of their lying sociopath of a leader.
This is a time of challenges for Canada and we need every MP, no matter what party to work together to help Canada weather the storm.
In true sociopathic style Harper has clearly proven, beyond any shadow of a doubt that he is absolutely incapable of acting on behalf of anyone but himself. He is utterly and completely morally bankrupt.
The Crap party will be banished from power if they cling to this “morally insane” leader.
Dump Harper and they might survive.
Are you listening boys and girls?
Ben,
your 12:22 has twigged me to something that’s bothered me for a couple of years.
Some time after the CPC was formed, I was phoned and asked to donate to the party. I did not do so. A year later there was another phone call thanking me for my $150 donation last year, and requesting that I do the same again. Now, the caller had my particulars down pat, and the dunning did not stop until I had told him that I had never contributed to a political party in my life, and if I were to do so, it certainly would not be the CPC.
At the time I thought that an overeager volunteer had perhaps used my name to inflate his total. You raise an entirely different and more nafarious possibility.
I don’t care who leads the coalition, just leave the egos at the door because now’s not the time to play politics.
When I see grown men crying in front of reporters because they’ve lost their jobs and can’t pay their mortgages or feed their families that get me upset.
Even more upsetting is to have a so called leader more interested in ’sticking it’ to the opposition than any concern for getting people back on a payroll.
And the proposed Bill C-36 is frightening, thank you for posting the link. To use a social safety net for the most vulnerable in our society, seniors, as collateral is Wrong. With all the cutbacks there is even less money going into the coffers then projected. It’s Taxpayers money.
Flaherty has been abysmal as Finance Minister. The numbers used in the FU just don’t add up and use very optimistic numbers.
Lastly? I heard the arguments about the subsidy. It may need some tweaking for new start up parties, otherwise it is just fine. We live in a very diverse society. Immigrants who come from war torn countries where political affiliation is a death sentence for an individual as well as his or her family. Contributing to a party is fine for an individual who doesn’t think the government won’t kill them or their family members for it. There are many in this country who are very afraid government. That’s why I loved the beauty of this subsidy system. Register to vote, and no one knows who you’re voting for unless you tell them.
Mr. Turner,
Have you any means to dig deeper into the possibility that I suggested at 12:22 today?
You already have one poster (herb at 4:05) indicating that my hypothesis might be close to fact.
I have long been puzzled by the apparently high donations made to the CRAP party as compared to legitimate political parties.
Most certainly I would say that given Harpers past performance, I personally would not put such actions past him. Not at all. He has already shown utter contempt for Canadians and parliament.
How can the truth be uncovered Mr. Turner?
Ben,
your 12:22 has twigged me to something that’s bothered me for a couple of years.
Some time after the CPC was formed, I was phoned and asked to donate to the party. I did not do so. A year later there was another phone call thanking me for my $150 donation last year, and requesting that I do the same again. Now, the caller had my particulars down pat, and the dunning did not stop until I had told him that I had never contributed to a political party in my life, and if I were to do so, it certainly would not be the CPC.
At the time I thought that an overeager volunteer had perhaps used my name to inflate his total. You raise an entirely different and more nafarious possibility.
By Herb on 11.29.08 4:05 pm
VERY INTERESTING!
By Leasa on 11.29.08 2:26 pm
Leasa,
Help me out here. What’s the number one priority of the Conservative Party?
Is it the Canadian people? Is it the economy? Is it the destruction of the Liberal Party?
I would have thought their priority was to govern the country.
A year later there was another phone call thanking me for my $150 donation last year, and requesting that I do the same again.
By Herb on 11.29.08 4:05 pm
No conspiracy here. Its a standard tactic for charities and political parties alike. First make the person feel good about themsleves, give them a compliment or two, and then ask for the money. Of course they hope you won’t remember that you’ve never given them anything.
Every year there is a rodeo or circus put on by the local police association, in benefit of children with certain disabilities or illnesses. They use the same pitch.
I have never contributed because, on principal, I won’t commit to anything over the phone, except to tell the local Lib that I will be voting for them and the local CPC to “go suck a cactus!”
By Go Green on 11.29.08 3:48 pm,
That is just the “red herring” taken care of. It is all the other things in the economic update that should concern people such as what he means by things like: “To deal with longer term pension concerns, we will soon be launching consultations on issues facing defined benefit and defined contribution pension plans with a view to making permanent changes next year.” Taken in the context of families having to “adjust their priorities,” Canadians being asked to “tighten their belts” making “sacrifices” this should be a worry for those already on pension.
You cannot trust this government and even without a majority they have a reputation for sneaking through unfriendly legislation by linking it to more popular legislation.
I don’t believe the opposition will bring them down because there are too strong egos involved. I also believe that Harper will continue to try to use the uncertainty in the Liberal Party to get an abhorrent agenda through without a majority.
Watch out!
By Observant on 11.29.08 3:17 pm
Sorry it does not work that way… Harper said he work with the opposition to ensure good government for Canadians…. (Lie) if he had worked with them he would not now be sitting in his own barn yard. He now says he will work with them (oh promise me routine) and has launched taxpayer adds saying so and will continue with more carrots daily. Who believes him? does not look so from the 1000’s of down right unkind posts on blogs coast to coast to coast…
Another point I find disturbing is the mixed signals the Conservative Cabinet are trying to give. For example, Flaherty says he has no intention of changing his plan to eliminate the per vote funding for parties while Baird is out in the media saying that they will leave the funding rules as they are now.
It sounds very much as if either they are trying to deceive the public or the cabinet is in chaos.
PS: the movie Australia was great and the guy who lied, cheated, and stole to get to the top….well go see it and see how it turns out.
The Harper Method (in my opinion)–and he has proven it over and over again–very simply>> “TELL PEOPLE WHAT THEY WANT TO HEAR”.(curiously it has worked for him) He has banked on people being uninformed and gullible! Truth has never had any bearing on his promises or statements—which has been clearly obvious to anyone taking an interest.Hopefully the statements made during the last election will be fresh in people’s minds and they will see him for what he is.The “rosy” picture that him and Flaherty painted was totally untrue–they knew it but did it to gain votes. They played us for suckers!!! Which makes one wonder what has really happened behind the scenes. Hopefully their day of reckonning is upon them!
Harper is an interesting study of the difference between an adult that can wait for desired results and the child he is that has to have it NOW!
After calling a snap election he has reduced the opposition to economic impotence for at least two years. As an adult he would have added his poison pill to the budget in four months with lots of job creating stimulis and aim it especially at Quebec. Opposition to the budget would be political suicide and he would likely get BQ support for the budget and get the salt in the fields economic destruction of the opposition he desired with little or no resistance.
As we know Harper never grew up so he attached that pill to the first shiny piece of legislation because he had to destroy his enemies NOW and we now have the situation we are in.
We all know Harper still likes playing with his dolls but keep in mind that if he withdraws the poison pill that he will introduce it later when it won’t be so easy to deal with.
Immigrants who come from war torn countries where political affiliation is a death sentence for an individual as well as his or her family.
By Dee on 11.29.08 4:12 pm
A fine consideration indeed. Good post and an indicator of why we must continue our journey of betterment in this country. And to lead by example. It’s not just the politicos who need fine tuning I would add.
An example of what you speak of is a fine Gentlemen I was privileged to know some years ago. He was Saudi and his family were upper class, and reasonably well off. His Brother a ranking Officer in the Military, and he held an executive position with the Saudi National Airline.
Everything changed when his Brother was implicated in an attempted coup. When I last saw him, in 2001, he hadn’t heard from his Brother for 9 yrs.
He was dismissed from his position and subject to random harassment including threats to his immediate Family, and was on one occasion dragged from his bed in the dead of night and beaten.
He obtained a job with a US airline and flew back and forth for approx. 2 years until he received a warning that he should leave the country with his family. Immediately.
He did so and worked in the US for 2 years but was bothered by the discrimination he encountered because he and his family are Black.
He found his way to Canada, and I met him here. He is such an extraordinary individual that I can only say it is a loss for Saudi Arabia and the USA, and a gain for Canada.
He is a devout Muslim and throughout his tribulations, remained so.
This Man, his life and his grit, like others I have encountered have humbled me. So should the politicos be humbled by such People.
Power to the People. In spite of the tyranny and the manipulation.
Long Live the Spirit of the Tank Man.
Copy of an email sent to all 308 MPs
It was also sent in both official languages where the MP preferred language was French. It most likely will not accomplish anything except gave me the opportunity to vent my displeasure with the games going on in Ottawa.
Quote;
“Dear MP
I am sending this to all MP’s of the house of Commons.
All parties must come to their senses and stop your stupid and worthless partisan games and brinkmanship. That applies to the Conservatives, Liberals, NDP and Bloc.
All of you must start acting like civil adults instead of a bunch of school kid juveniles. We thought we were electing responsible adults but apparently not. This is not the time to play your political games, brinkmanship and games of chicken..
If we the public have to tighten our belts our MPs must do the same. My advice to the Conservatives is to drop the party funding cut and make it part of your platform during the next election. If you win then you would have a mandate to proceed with your plans but you must increase the donation limits to be fair to other parties. My advice to the other parties is to get your acts together and start money raising programs now to increase donations instead of waiting for government handouts and please stop trying to cloud the issue by saying it is about economy. Sorry that doesn’t wash because it is all about you losing your entitlement and funding.
Get on with it and do what we the people elected you to do and that is to govern our country in the same manner we elected you and that is with a minority Conservative government. Sorry, but their is no mandate for a coalition government and besides if we wanted one we would have elected one. What is it about the election you don’t understand????
Perhaps you all will now understand why the voter turnout was so low this past election. GROW UP!!!!!! If you don’t then you should resign your seat immediately because it was not our intention to elect irresponsible people like you as our MPs.
Yours truly
One very angry constituent
Van
Address etc included in original
I was phoned and asked if I would like to donate to help pay Mr. Dions leadership debt. I told the caller I am willing to match dollar for dollar what Mr. Dion pays to help retire my car loan.
As I see it, pm Harper and the Conservatives do not want to govern during the upcoming economic turmoil.
They’re doing this to cover the fact that they don’t have the intestinal fortitude to govern in really tough times.
Looks like they might get their wish.
I just hope this troglodyte of a politician never has a second chance.
Leasa – please READ the following and keep in mind Harper’s hypocracy in his press conference on Friday:
Stephen Harper attempting to take power without an election:
September 9, 2004 Her Excellency the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson,C.C., C.M.M., C.O.M., C.D.Governor GeneralRideau Hall1 Sussex DriveOttawa, Ontario K1A 0A1
Excellency, As leaders of the opposition parties, we are well aware that, given the Liberal minority government, you could be asked by the Prime Minister to dissolve the 38th Parliament at any time should the House of Commons fail to support some part of the government’s program. We respectfully point out that the opposition parties, who together constitute a majority in the House, have been in close consultation. We believe that, should a request for dissolution arise this should give you cause, as constitutional practice has determined, to consult the opposition leaders and consider all of your options before exercising your constitutional authority. Your attention to this matter is appreciated. Sincerely, Hon. Stephen Harper, P.C., M.P.Leader of the OppositionLeader of the Conservative Party of Canada Gilles Duceppe, M.P.Leader of the Bloc Quebecois Jack Layton, M.P.Leader of the New Democratic Party
….okay, get it now? Harper has shot his supporters a big bag of BS, again.
You can’t just total the Liberal and NDP votes to form a united opposition party … that’s like mixing apples and oranges.
By Observant on 11.29.08 3:17 pm
Sorry to repeat myself. In aminority government, the party with the most seats are asked if they can form a workable government. That was the CPC and Harper decided to go it alone and to govern without forming a coalition to give him a majority.
If the no-confidence passes, that means his government is unworkable.
The GG, can then ask the next party if they want to form a government, either by going it alone, like Harper, or by forming an alliance. If the alliance failsm then they too will have an unworkable government, and then we spend another $300 million.
Noone wants the latter as the economy will be out of control with noone at the wheel. Either harper has to compromise and get on with governing, or the Libs and nDP can form an alliance.
Garth said (above) “…[A]nd while [Harper will] try to pull a bunny form his hat over the next week…”
If it’s going to work, it better be a fuzzy blue bunny.
—–
While Harper got 1% more in the last election, it was as a percentage of the total number of votes cast. As far as hard numbers are concerned, he actually got fewer votes. The turnout was 2-3% lower than the last time.
How low does a voter turnout have to be before the election is considered illegitimate?
Time for some kind of proportional representation, I think, or we could be holding elections every five minutes for years.
The news of the possible ouster of the Cons is making the international newspapers. Very unusual.
A lot of places, when they thought about us at all, must have wondered what had happened to us – wxport of toxic asbestos, increased militarism, leaving one of our citizens, Khadr, to the tender mercies of Bush “justice” in Guantánamo when all other countries have rescued theirs, throwing the Kyoto protocol under the bus, refusing to sign UN accords on aboriginal rights, creeping religiosity, backing of the Bush doctrine, Chicago school economics…they must have thought we’d lost our minds.
Let’s make sure that if Harper is determined to destroy himself, he doesn’t get the chance to take the rest of us with him.
—–
By David Bakody on 11.29.08 1:15 pm
“Quickly as I am off to afternoon show…”
What did you see? I’m desperate for a good movie. Reality is dragging me down.
—–
Ahhh… the irony!
Irony is such a…well.. ironic thing!
IF this is to pass, and this is a big IF (a week is a LOOOOONNNNGGGG time in political life), Harper would probably be the first PM being tossed out for trying to make the ONE decision that actually makes sense. WOW, friggin WOW!!
IF a coalition survies, again, a BIG IF (coalitions are known to have a life span of a fart on a motorcycle going on the QEW @ 2 AM in the morning) they will make the WORST possible decision by pushing a “stimulus” package.
Look, this is a looooonnngg story. Suffice to say that IF the package is NOT passed, Canada would be the FIRST nation in purging its bad debt and be WELL AHEAD of everybody else. IF the package is to pass, bucke-up Sonny, it’s going to be a LOOOOOONNNNGGG and misserable recession/depression.
Oh well.. The irony!! Getting ousted for the ONE correct decision in its entire political carrer!!
This one it’s got to be one for Guiness!!
>One of the first things that this >coalition government could do is to >terminate NAFTA.
>By John Zalischuk on 11.29.08 11:33 am
You are living in dream land my friend because that will never happen
>It is time for the Canadian Revolution >to begin!
This may well happen if the Liberals, NDP and Bloc carry through with their threat and it will be at the peril of the NDP and Liberal parties.
The public I feel is getting fed up with all the party games that these so called adults are doing.
Advice to the opposition parties.
When Harper falls, do not let up. Relentlessly pound him, mercilessly reveal his lies, his disrgracefull actions against Canada and parliament. Do not give him the opportunity to recover.
Seriously
Time for some kind of proportional representation, I think, or we could be holding elections every five minutes for years.
By CM on 11.29.08 6:08 pm
PR is a good idea, but this isn’t one of the reasons. It all goes back to the way of thinking of our political parties; having the most seats gives them the right to govern.
PR will always return a minority government, that is no party will have 50%+1 of the seats.
What it does do, and this can equally apply with repeated minorities under FPTP, is tell the parties their way of thinking has to change and that they must work together.
PR or FPTP, if the thinking doesn’t change, we’ll be going to the polls time and time again.
James – Chatham,
I get my share of phone solicitation from Art Gallery to you-name-it too, but no one except the CPC has used an alleged past donation as an encouragement to donate again. I remember that one because it struck me as strange at the time and has not been repeated by any other organization.
Would MORE CANADIANS be so pissed off they would actually go out and VOTE (like some clowns here who are “proud” to have not voted)?
By maybe Rhino? on 11.29.08 12:14 pm
What did you vote for?
The GreenST was never meant to be anything other than a stick to poke the CPC in the weakest spot. It was composed of a CPC budget last spring, some numbers a year old. It was never even costed out let alone had a of administration.
You didn`t vote for an economic plan when we knew there is an economic crisis because there wasn’t one, you voted for the worst possible reason, a vote against the worst but you`re proud of that. Sry R but there are still a few Cdns brave enough to stand up and say enough is enough and yes we are proud of it.
Scott Reid – bless his heart – “This becomes relevant because suddenly, he is weak. In fact, at this particular moment, he is almost unable to defend himself. Owing to a ridiculously ill-considered act of hubris, he has laid himself vulnerable to his opponents. Their imperative could not be more clear: kill him. Kill him dead. Do not, whatever you do, provide him with an opportunity to extend his hold on power. Because you can be damn certain he will never again be so reckless as to give you a chance to finish him off.”
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20081129.WReid29/BNStory/Front
Off to the movies!
I applaud your effort at direct democracy, Van, but there is something about the last election and elections in general you do not seem to understand yourself.
The last time, voters again gave the CPC only enough seats for a minority, so that is the government we have. HOWEVER, by design or accident, they also gave enough seats to the other parties to provide a balance of power. Any government can only rule with the confidence of a majority of the elected members of the House. When it does something to lose that confidence and a majority of MPs express their lack of confidence, it cannot blithely continue to govern. The Prime Minister must go to the Governor General and offer the resignation of his government. It is up to the GG to dissolve the House and sign the writ for an election, or to consult the leaders of the other parties to determine if one of them is capable of gaining the confidence of enough MPs to govern.
No games, Van, no power grab, just parliamentary democracy of the Westminster variety. In fact, it is not merely my opinion that the GG should not have granted Harper’s request for dissolution the last time. It was a transparent ploy, he could have been told to continue governing since his government had not been defeated in the House, and there remained the other option. Perhaps Mme Jean has learned something in the interim. Having one election after another until Harper has a result he likes would not be a constitutional requirement.
Dr Mike Popovich–former life-long PC supporter, well said.
It is amazing that Harper got away with the bald faced lies that he did with his Income Trust Betrayal.
Harper is an complete and utter disgrace to democracy. There is absolutely no question about that.
Bring ‘em down!
Does all this mean Harper will be wearing those ugly sweaters again?
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I can hardly wait for Monday morning to hear Calgary talk radio host Dave Rutherford’s spin on these events. Rutherford is Harper’s unofficial propagandist and cheerleader so it should be interesting.
Personally, I thought the feeble attempt by the finance Minister’s financial update was lacking sufficient information to make canadians any the wiser as to what is the position of the government. I have e mailed him and my MP and voiced my opinion.
However, I do feel that this talked about colition (Liberal/NDP and supported by the Bloc) would throw the economy into chaos. If you think the markets are bad now then put on your seat belt.
We just had an election and the people have spoke. I would sooner trust the present government the people elected than this pipe dream that we are being lulled into.
Now I am hearing rumors that Harper is thinking of Killing Parliament “Prorogue”
until the New Year to take the heat off of him. Unbelievable. That will be another stupid bonehead stunt the media and opposition will have a field day with. Prorogue , in other words cut and run at the worst time when the Economy and Canadian public need leadership and good Government at the most crucial times.
No games, Van, no power grab,
By Herb on 11.29.08 8:14 pm
roflmao
Herb, a little reality please, everything is about a power grab, that`s all it`s ever about. We go from one crisis to the next, one scandal after another with little or no work done, it`s all about winning. Buying votes, age old gimmick, character assassination, even the Greeks had a bit. Broken election promises, lol when did any of the big election turning promises ever get done,,,, by any Party.
Coming from you Herb I really was on the floor, laughed so hard I fell off my chair.
no games, no power grab, no no no we have a plan and we`ll give it to you after we`re back in power,,,,,, too funny my friend, always did like your fine political humour.
the peasants sire, they have no credit
One of the first things that this coalition government could do is to terminate NAFTA.
It is time for the Canadian Revolution to begin!
Cheers.
By John Zalischuk on 11.29.08 11:33 am
NAFTA is one issue. Regulating heating oil, natural gas, and gasoline pricing is probably far more imminently important to average Canadians. It is winter and people need heat and mobility to survive.
As to a revolution? Welcome, it has already begun!
By Required on 11.29.08 6:22 pm,
Do you think it is better for the government to use tax dollars for the global marketplace than put the same money into badly needed domestic infrastructure?
I don’t believe in using our tax dollars to feed an automobile industry that failed to operate on a sustainable basis. On the other hand, the need for public infrastructure is there and a much larger share of the money invested will stay within the Canadian economy much longer creating at least some multiplier effect.
I do not see anything wrong with stimulating the economy on behalf of the infrastructure we need anyway although direct welfare is probably more efficient as an economic stimulus.
Unfortunately, the current “conventional wisdom” is to focus on corporate globalism and not on public service hence the money goes to the financial institutions so they can be competitive in the global capital marketplace.
Regarding the coalition government. I shall remind you of a very wise American saying ‘We either hang together or we shall hang seperately!’
Yes, there is power in numbers, and party coffers as well. CANADA FIRST PLEASE!
Aye, there be desertion in Harper’s ranks. Coalition politics explode on the Web: Tory bloggers question PM
Seems there are some real Conservatives left, and they clearly understand who is to blame…Stephen Harper!
It’s time we focussed in on a two party type of government where we can be assured of a majority government when we go to the polls and end this childish drivel. Let’s face it, how in the heck did the Bloc ever become a “federal” party when it is represented in only one province. Furthermore, if it was a party in any other country it would be charged with treason. Time we had someone with enouogh balls to stand up and declare the party illegal. Furthermore the NDP have about as much hope of forming a government as the stock market hitting 15000 on Monday. I sure don’t want a coalition government with members of a party included whose mandate is to secede from the country. Is is just me who thinks we as Canadians are nuts bowing down to Quebec’s whims and wishes all the time.. let’s turf the Bloc and get on with an opportunity to get majority government back into Parliament.
Brought to you by Radio Central of the People’s Republic of Little Nero’s
By Comrade Okie on 11.29.08 11:43 am
Harper will be airing his response on George Carlin’s favourite station Wonderful WINO!
What did you see? I’m desperate for a good movie. Reality is dragging me down.
—–
By CM on 11.29.08 6:08 pm
I suggest, for your entertainment and enlightenment watching ‘Hancock’ starring Will Smith. Here we find your everyday park bench, passed out drunk Super Hero, who, good to his word, says what he means and DELIVERS it literally.
A MUST see flic! The action is beyond Terminator in several hilarious scenes BTW.
To the Opposition Coaliton. Like one must cut of the head of the snake to ensure it is truly dead, so must your resolve be!
You are not dealing with a rehabitable person, you are dealing with a personality which is historically manifested time and time again as the Ultimate EVIL!
It feels nothing for anyone, except putrid hate, and is completely and utterly incapable of changing its own persona.
Destroy this plague on Canada by exposing his true self, and do it with unity together. Its offspring are many.
This is not a normal person, it is the Paragon of Narcissistic Psychosis which has a brood of mindless followers determined to raise their ideology over all.
Think of a nest of voracious spiders, each and everyone determined to suck Canada dry, slowly and without mercy!
As karma bites his dogma, will he stay or will he go ?
http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=sEik1fg6rYY
Hi Garth, I hope you are doing well! I sure miss you being in Ottawa.
I think that the idea of a coalition government in Ottawa is a great idea – we need to replace the current governing party RIGHT NOW!
My only concern is that the coalition partners go into this with their eyes open and with a plan to be the government for at least 2 years.
Also, as the Bloc needs to be on side I believe that they should have at least 1 member of their caucus in Cabinet to show that they are real team members.
I find it funny that this coalition talk is the direct result of Mr. Harper. Had he been a true National leader and worked for the benefit of ALL Canadians he would not have been able to unite the separatists with other Canadian parties.
If this coalition does work we may have to thank the CON leader for being the reason Canada finally united. This is truly fun to watch.
Take care Garth and best wishes to you and yours!
Harper said on Friday:
“The Opposition is working on an agreement in back corridors to reverse the result of the last election, without the consent of voters”
Karma – I love it!
Isn’t it priceless? After the economic statement was given in Parliament, the opposition parties spent days telling the Conservative government what they thought needed to be done to address our economic situation but then, just absolutely ignored what almost two-thirds of the people’s elected representatives had to say. Then, Mr. Harper had the gall to say the opposition parties “want to take power, not earn it”. He really believes he is still entitled to govern even though two -thirds of the HoC has completely lost confidence in him and his ideologically deaf and blind finance minister. But then, they have always felt entitled to their entitlements!
If Canadians don’t wake up now from their sleep walking through life, and see that everything Harper does is for political gain — including lowering the GST and giving hockey parents a $500. deduction for their children’s hockey (and after a lot of criticism, to parent of music students as well), then I am ashamed of how careless our citizens are.
Even if the Cons are waiting to find out what is going on between the U.S. and the automobile industry, they could have approached the car mfg. industries sooner to ask for a green business plan to encourage the purchase of their automobiles and maybe offered customers incentives to buy the new green cars.
The Cons could have done something to make EI more easily accessible so laid-off workers could pay for food and a roof over their families’ heads — maybe even keep up payments on their mortgages, which many had been paying off for years.
But then, Cons don’t believe social programs should be a responsibility of government. We, taxpayers, shouldn’t be entitled to an choice of where our tax dollars should go. We are not enetitled to our entitlements.
Did you notice, if you were able to watch CPAC, how many Con M.P.’s stood up and made reference to the Liberal or opposition parties expecting their entitlements? When I started to count, it was at least six Conservative M.P.’s.
So much for free thought! It’s all politics all the time.
And to think, Harper want to take ownership caps off our uranium mines to help stimulate the economy. And we don’t want government to pay for a public broadcaster, do we? It might give us some unbiased news or information!. So much for democracy — as Flanagan revealed, they want to kill the Liberals for all time. That would give Canadians a healthy choice!
Now that I got that little bit off my chest, I can go back and read the other posts.
Things may be looking up, eh?
Hey Garth, I’m trying to build a strong show of support for the Alternative Government on Facebook. Please advertise this to your readership. I’m circulating the link to all the sites I can think of.
Thanks,
Gareth Hitchings
Laurier Club
Support the Liberal/NDP Alternative Government.
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=51482725308&ref=mf
“Garth … How do you feel about the success of a Liberal-NDP coalition dependent on the separatist BQ?
Are you not concerned in such a weak coalition government being controlled by Quebec separatists?
I think this is the question you must address before condemning PM Harper. Thanks.
By HARRY S on 11.29.08 1:12 pm ”
Harry S., as always you are missing the point. The Bloc are the democratically elected representatives of the majority of voters in Quebec and as such they have every right to be involved in the legislative agenda of the country.
Duceppe has gone on record that he is interested in supporting progressive economic measures that will enhance the ability of the country (and yes Quebec) to overcome the current economic crisis. He actually made some good points during the French debate including giving manufacturers fully refundable tax credits when they invest in plant equipment that will improve productivity and competitiveness.
Harper had his chance to address the economic crisis and he chose to ignore it in favour of cheap, partisan politics.
It is time to have a government that actually wants to do what is right for average Canadians and work cooperatively. As long as Harper is PM this is simply not possible. He has no interest in anyone’s ideas other than his own.
The mess that Harper is in right now is of his own doing. He deserves to be defeated by a non-confidence vote and he needs to step aside to let the other parties work cooperatively to address the economic crisis that Harper himself ignored.
There is talk–more like a rumour over at Stephen Taylor’s blogging tories site that Harper may prorogue into January the same way he did in 2007.
So, the CONS test the waters and realize it is too choppy; then realize that they are adrift in a furious storm, paddling helplessly, spinning that the LIB/NDP/BLOC just want to ursurp power without a mandate; then they change direction and paddle their asses back to shore crying “prorogue” parliament so they can hold onto power just a wee bit longer.
Sure Stevo! you may do that just to piss off the opposition parties, but your time will come you paddling ass backward coward!
Hi Herb,
I am quite aware of the rules and elections and minority governments and cooperation that is required. But cooperation works both ways and not just on the government side.
I still think Dion doesn’t want to be the only Liberal, leader that was never a PM and he will do almost anything to become PM even making deals with separatists and the NDP who he stated during the election that there would not be any coalition with them because they would ruin the country.
As for this being no games. Sorry I disagree totally. They are all playing games and using parliamentary procedures to do it.
Unfortunately Harper is his own worst enemy and egos on all sides of the house is coming to the top.
What the NDP are doing now is a betrayal of trust and anti-democratic .. and have created a covert coalition-merger of the Liberals and NDP.
By Observant on 11.29.08 3:17 pm
You are a friggin’moron .
Wow, they’ve conceded.
http://conservativesforprentice.blogspot.com/
He’s at least cute huh?
By Tim N on 11.29.08 3:22 pm
Panic and spin? This accurately sums up what a lot of Canadians think and feel. Thanks for sharing.
Stephen Harper has never quite go it has he? It not about how many mirrors he can stand in front of to receive praise…..”It’s about Canada Stupid” not Reform!
Advice to the opposition parties.
When Harper falls, do not let up. Relentlessly pound him, mercilessly reveal his lies, his disrgracefull actions against Canada and parliament. Do not give him the opportunity to recover.
Seriously
Ditto! and I add to all blogger and MSM… we want the full… we deamd the full truth of all that went on since these clown entered the offices of the People of Canada…. and that includes the RCMP front office…we have and will support the brave Officers who pound the beat on the front lines.
Is that the same Scott Reid of the infamous “beer and popcorn” bit; you know, the one where Canadian parents can’t be given cash directly for childcare because then they’d blow it on beer and popcorn?
So, according the Brison, the plan is to have some meetings? That’s even assuming the Liberals and the NDP can figure out how to work together, right?
As you may or may not recall the NDP was demanding cancellation of about $50 billion in corporate tax cuts and the Liberals were declaring such a move to be lunacy.
Might be a good idea if they decide which is actually correct and let the rest of us know before they claim to lead the country.
Deadpan of the Day -
Randall Denley, “Now is the time to lead the country, not pick fights”, at http://www.ottawacitizen.com/time+lead+country+pick+fights/1013549/story.html
Well i think this is great ! The Cons have said at some point in the future they will help out the big 3 automotive companys and the Libs/NDP are on record during the last 72 hrs, that if they win power then the money will start flowing ASAP to the Canadian divisions of the big 3 . So either way whoever is in control we in the car assembly business will start to see the millions start to flow. I’m going to tell all of my fellow auto workers that a Lib/NDP/Bloc government will open the purse strings and give us the money we need. Sweet… You guys rock
How about this name for a new coalition Party?
CDP = Canadian Democracy Party
Note: Not Democratic Party because we want Canada seperate from any confusion with the U.S. Democratic party.
It’s all over but the clean up…think Harper has lost all confidence not only in the faces of all that work in Ottawa and beyond but by many supporters who have worked for them…. CBC Newsworld from Harper’s riding has reported they are fed up with the entire crowd. They dislike Liberals and now have no respect for Harper! Get the hook… just tell him to turn the lights off when he cleans out his desk and help save at least some pennies for the taxpayers. There is no way anyone can work under these circumstances…and Canadians will not pay for another election…. the longer he stays the worst it gets… Harper now knows each and every bill must have the full support from all three opposition parties…. No Ticky No Laundry! …. So it matters not if he goes or stays the oppostion parties will be running the show for Canadians. And now he has even given the Senators a cause to stand tall!
A spokesperson for the LPOC, has an article out in the Post and this is an excerpt from that article on the Prime Minister:
Their imperative could not be more clear: kill him. Kill him dead. Do not, whatever you do, provide him with an opportunity to extend his hold on power. Because you can be damn certain he will never again be so reckless as to give you a chance to finish him off.
~Now kiddies, tell me the truth, who is guilty of a naked power grab? Is the the LPOC’s call to the wackos? Kill him dead? I think so. Leasa
Scott Reid – bless his heart By Molly on 11.29.08 7:49 pm
So, maybe the call should go out to run Dion over with a car? Honestly, liberals are so power hungry and so corrupt they actually want our Prime Minister dead. OMG!
The liberals are so incredibly power hungry they want everything we do in Canada to be dependant on the Bloc. Good Grief.
Will Garth find a place in the new leftist party?!
Garth …????!!!!!!!
By HARRY S on 11.29.08 3:00 pm
The values of the major parties are diverging, Harry. The CPC are going one way, the NDP the other, and the Libs somewhere in the middle.
But is the CPC moving to the right, the NDP to the left and the Libs oscillating in between?
Or is it the CPC who are standing still, and the Libs moving to the left and the NDP even more so?
Or is it the NDP who are standing still while the Libs move to the right, and the CPC move even faster right that they may fall off the edge if they don’t put the brakes on?
You need to study relativity, Harry!
From the right winged view point, everyone else is moving left; whereas in fact, it is Harper and the CPC who are moving right!
C.B.,
I’ve read a few of your posts over the past couple of days and have found them right on the money and are highlighting a few points that others have not brought up. When I listened live to Flaherty’s update last week, the antennae immediately went up when I heard him announce that he would be given additional discretionary powers, presumably of the same nature as say that given to Dianne Finley last session to have ultimate final say about who gets into the country. Or perhaps somewhat analogous to Stockwell Day as final arbiter, through his bastardized application of security legislation meant to keep hard-core terrorist threats at bay, to keep common criminal (drug dealer) repatriation from happening. I think there might be other examples that have slipped my mind. No oversight, just Star Chamber decision making. Curiously, even media has not seemed to pick up on this latest move to consolidate even more power in the hands of a few.
And this statement of yours also says very much:
I thought that maybe Harper was finally “getting it”, had come to a pragmatic realization that in order to ever hope to retain power he would have to govern in a way that might be a distasteful anathema to his core beliefs, because ultimately that’s what a heterogeneous Canadian population — one that does not embrace those beliefs full stop — wants. He said as much during his campaign (yet another lie?). But no, right off the bat, he incorporates highly inflammatory and destabilizing politicized measures into his legislation whose end effect supercedes any purported concern for the economy because it suits his goal of ultimate power and decimating the representation of those that did not vote for him. Any shred of hope or trust that I might have had for Harper to govern for the benefit of populace over party is now vanished. The man has crassly demonstrated that he is not ever to be trusted, should never be let loose with the free-reining reward of ultimate and sober responsibility: leader of a majority government.
I believe I am not alone.
Herb,
Just read the article you posted, lots of good points within it that could be quoted. But of those, this excerpt says it all:
Steady hand? More like the effects of DT’s.
slippery Steve sure lost his image as a sweater guy—christ it looked like he was ready to burst into tears or explode (most likely a screaming temper tantrum). Sure would like to be a fly on the wall in the harper household—not pretty id bet
Anyone see Baird on TV ? Wow what a representative of our government–he has the charm and charisma of a strip club bouncer
Leasa, did the nurse not come around this morning with your meds????
. Randall Denley of the right-leaning Ottawa Citizen said the prime minister had tried “one of the dumbest stunts in the history of Canadian politics”.
He wrote on Sunday: “He has blown his credibility … maybe the Liberals aren’t the only party that should be looking for a new leader.”
….. just imagine if he had won a majority government WOW would democracy be in trouble!
Now kiddies, tell me the truth, who is guilty of a naked power grab?
Leasa,
You tell me. Is Mr. Harper totally bent on the destruction of the oppposition because he wants Canada to have only one political party?
Which statement from Mr. Harper do you believe accurately reflects his views: Sept2004 when he joined with the NDP/Bloc to argue for a coalition government, or the Nov2008 version of his argument that it is an affront to democracy?
Is it OK for the Conservatives to be ‘power hungry’ Leasa? Is hypocracy one of the necessary requirements to be a Conservative supporter these days?
I would suggest that there is a lot of ’situational blindness’ if you and others support this idiocy.
By TS on 11.30.08 1:44 am
An excellent post that point out several things about the “separatist” Bloc party.
They will work to support their constituents. They have to; they know if they do not, they will lose their voter base – as shown in the pre-election polls. Believe me, Quebec voters are pragmatists, and if threatening separation will get them some advantage in Canadian politics, they will do so.
The problem has now become, thanks to the present government, much more acute. As we see the government’s direction moving away from the support of a CANADIAN/Quebecois culture, so shall the Quebec electorate move away from federalist. This goes for lifetime sentences for 14-year olds, reduced support for social programs, like daycare, pharmacare, etc.
Quebec definitely tends toward socialism, and remains focused on support of our “people”. The Francophone must do so to prosper on a continent of uni-lingual English (though the Yanks are “discovering” bilingualism – Spanish!).
M. Duceppe has come across as the most pragmatic. His comments are not directed at any political party – except the CPC. He KNOWS he cannot be seen strongly supporting the other federalist opposition directly, so he approached the problem pragmatically, and makes suggestions for the economy, knowing this is what his voter base needs. He is frankly the most “honest” about his goals, and everyone knows what the party platform truly is. He can afford to be the “king builder”.
As an aside, if someone like me, a lifelong federalist can be so fed up with the direction the CANADIAN government continues to take, imagine what a soft separatist feels. Harper is dangerous for Canadian unity. I am serious; if this continues, I will be left with little choice but to support the political philosophy closest to mine. that is rapidly becoming the Bloc and Pequiste.
That is both sad – and dangerous.
By Mike on 11.30.08 9:23 am
As you are aware the auto industry is a very complex issue…many only see one very tinny speck…wages..or the cost of operating one… They never stop and think what might be in all those trucks running around our towns and cities… but boys oh boys they sure notice when they have to wait for something on back order, just think if there are millions of back orders and no big three trucks to bring the orders to a store near you…Trains as you know have GM diesels in them… and all those little and big vehicles at air ports….Ford and GM… and that is just for openners… Harper it appears never stopped to look at the world around him… Complex indeed……all those Emergency vehicles…. not Toyota!
OTTAWA — The federal government announced this morning it will unveil its budget Jan 27, as the NDP and Liberals continued to discuss the possibility of forming a coalition to take down Stephen Harper’s Conservative government.
Fool me one shame on you….Fool me three times….. This budget will full of so much pork plus all the back room deals and more will that cook the oppostions goose for ever as the Bully on the Hill will be looking for blood.
By James – Chatham on 11.30.08 9:00 am
James, I have a 90 page document from the provincial Liberals that I got through access to info. 90 pages of blanked out pages. 90, so what’s your point? They called this their ‘cleaned up copy’. This is how access works. Hell, even the Ombudsman’s office cannot get full copies, they get the same thing we do. LOL
Harper, power stripped from him.
I can’t wait.
His party will dump him and take him down faster than the price of a barrel of oil.
The Conservatives say they will deliver a budget on January 27, 2009.
They are going to let the Canadian economy go on autopilot for two months.
A government needs to get ahead of these economic challenges, not chase them.
That’s not leadership. There is no plan. There is no vision.
Conservatives are failing us.
Anyone who thinks that this crisis is over a lack of an economic stimulus packahe is in deep need of therapy and an entire team of psychiatrists
No,this is about the almost three uears of Con-bot arrogance,demonizing out leader,lying to the electorate breaking election law,bribing members of Parliament and an entire host of other ills .
Harper is a con-trived Conservative. If the real PC’s would get themselves a capable leader they could be in power for the next ten years. Perhaps they should ask Paul Martin if he would like the job. He would do wonders for the conservatives and the country.
Given Jack Layton’s “New Democrats” schtick it appears our NDP would dearly love to ride on the U.S. Democratic coattails. Seems like only yesterday they were the NDP, proudly fighting for “working people” around the “dinner table”.
Correct me if I’m wrong, but doesn’t the Prime Minsiter have to visit the Governor General to ask to prorogue? And would she grant it after but a 2 week session? This is not just adjourning for Christmas, it actually kills Bills in progress (only 1 !) and opens a new session of Parliament. I don’t think the optics of that would go over well; it’d be a stupid move and the Opposition would have a field day with it. It would imply that the Conservatives are going to keep pressing the reset button until they can finally get it right. Doesn’t inspire confidence that they know what they’re doing and would given even more credence to their replacement by a coalition of Opposition parties. If anything, maybe we’ll see Christmas Break announced on December 7, spanning to, oh, sometime after January 20, 2009.
So, maybe the call should go out to run Dion over with a car? Honestly, liberals are so power hungry and so corrupt they actually want our Prime Minister dead. OMG!
By Leasa on 11.30.08 10:24 am
Very Strange how Harry wanted Dion dead at Stornway and now Leasa wants to put out a call for Dions assination…very violent people these CPC supporters….no harm should come to anyone…The CPC made a real bonehead move and now will have to live with the consequences…a shame we have no leaders in Ottawa in any party!
Just came across this little tidbit in the G&M:
“Meanwhile, the Conservative party used the political crisis as grounds to issue an emergency plea for political donations.
Irving Gerstein, the chairman of the Conservative Fund Canada, is appealing for “emergency donations of $200 or $100” from party faithful to avert what he says is the hijacking of Canadian democracy.
“As you read this letter, the Liberals are holding secret negotiations with the socialist NDP and the separatist Bloc Quebecois to overturn the wishes of Canadian voters and take power,” said the e-mail missive, under Mr. Gerstein’s name.
“We need your help to ensure they do not succeed!”
One paragraph in the fundraising letter, in bold font and underlined, claims “it is clear the Liberals do not care about the economy. They only care about regaining their power and regaining their entitlements.”
The entire article can be read at:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20081130.wflaherty1130/BNStory/National
By Bill-Muskoka (not anymore) on 11.29.08 10:10 pm
NAFTA is one issue. Regulating heating oil, natural gas, and gasoline pricing is probably far more imminently important to average Canadians. It is winter and people need heat and mobility to survive.
As to a revolution? Welcome, it has already begun!
*****************
Bill, right now, my primary reason for terminating NAFTA is so that we could set up a Domestic Pricing System for our natural resources, along with a new Monetary System. The legalities of NATA prevent us from doing what you suggest.
For example, with oil at $147, if we had decided to only charge Canadian refineries $80, we would have had to sell to the Americans at the same price because that is what NAFTA calls for. That is why it must go.
In a continuation of what a coalition government could do:
A coalition government could start up a Special Economic Zone somewhere in Quebec. They could also start up some Aboriginal Economic Zones that would allow some of the Aboriginal Reserves across Canada to join the modern economy.
And since Harper has failed to give us a revised Law Enforcement System, maybe we could finally persuade the opposition politicians to stop being soft on criminals and give us a Justice System that protects the interests of the majority of Canadian citizens.
*****************************
By C. B. Innes on 11.29.08 4:03 pm
Politics is all about building a national consensus through debate and discussion. Stephen Harper broke his promise to work with the opposition and others in the best interests of the country. He has proven once more that he cannot be trusted.
*********************
In my earlier articles, I did not make reference to Harper being a liar. However, I totally agree with the above statement. In the past few months, there are many times that he appears to be talking out of both sides of his mouth.
I would not believe anything that he says right now. Just because he is starting to back off of his recent statements, that is no reason to stop the coalition movement.
I am not a fan of coalition governments. However, in this case it is a necessary evil. I can only hope that our opposition politicians are big enough to agree to a mutual set of goals and policies that will give Canadians some respectful governance for at least the next six months. Every good move that this coalition government can make is a move that reduces Harper’s political life.
Liberal spokesman Scott Reid wrote an article in the G&M. I am not a fan of this cocky propagandist. The tone of his article can be questioned, but the scenario that he lays out is true. Harper is now a wounded animal, who still has the power to become dangerous. He must be finished off. The coalition movement must continue, and must be successful.
Cheers.
On the concept of a coalition…
I am among those who are tired of the ability of a government, elected by less than 50%+1 of the electorate, being able to make such drastic and fundamental changes to the Canada I love. One group has made so many changes to Canada that it has destroyed social programs, and lowered our international prestige as we are now seen as blind supporters of US policy, and do not honour our international agreements. Our word is now suspect. All thanks to the CPC.
As I lean more towards PR rather than a strict 2-party system, perhaps this is the blessing we have been searching for. This could be an historic opportunity – a chance to PROVE that we, as Canadians, can work in coalition for the betterment of Canada.
It may be a simple uniting of the “left”, if someone can tell me where “center” is. Maybe the Opposition will look at what they have in common, rather than the relatively insignificant detail differences. Maybe, they can work together on their strengths instead of trying to profit from the “other guy’s weakness”.
What a concept. Harpo’s ignorant arrogance actually giving Canada a long term benefit, by teaching the Opposition how to work together, for the benefit of Canada!
I love the irony…
Time to walk the beagle… sunny, plus 4, no wind… Ah… the country lane beckons…
DO NOT FALL FOR THE TRICKSTER, “THE MAN WHO’S NAME SHALL NO BED MENTIONED” give this wide message wide distribution to every MP on the right side of Canada… Remember Income Trust, Atlantic Accord, Balance Budget, The fundamentals of our Economy is Strong, Canada is different than the rest of word and that big sign “ACCOUNTABILTY”
Look up any LPC or NDP member and pass it on…. WARNING: “Under no circumstances is Stephen Harper to Be Trusted”
PS: if you know how to put the Warning in red make it so and bold for quote:
A fun game is trying to second guess that fool Harper. I expect him to do something drastic and authoritarian and stupid. Maybe he will invoke the War Measures Act and arrest the opposition for treason. That would be quicker than suing them. He is too stupid to cut a deal. I think what he is really afraid of is someone else coming in and seeing the real books. Remember what I said after the election, Mr Dion is hanging on to his job so he can stick it to these c@@@@@ckers for defaming him for the last two years. Watch what happens. Steve and the Con dogs are about to be exposed for what they really are about. I see Oily Poily is back from his spirit walk and is doing what he does best-embarrass his government. Like I also said in another incarnation. Put on CPAC, pull up a comfortable chair, put your feet up, crack a cold one and enjoy this train wreck. “Are you sitting comfortably?, then we’ll begin”. RIP Kenny McLean and Platinum Blonde
I get a kick out of those who are ranting on about the 30 million of their tax dollars.Actually it’s only $1.95 of your tax dollars. And only if ya voted.Get over it.
And the MP,s should be more concerned about the 10 million $1.95’s that are not available.Come to think about it,after an totally unnecessary election call and $300 million Plus spent just 6 weeks ago,what’s a buck 95 compared to the Cons millions spent on those stupid 10%ters.
Of course the conbots will use Gilles Duceppe and the separtist fear card to turn Canadians against a Coaltion government when actually there are many Canadians who have publicly and privately thanked him for keeping Harpo and his Yes Sir,No Sir,Right Away Sir elected robots from getting his majority.
And for Leasa.I believe Harper may have actually committed political suicide.And making sure he remains dead(politically speaking of course) should be the priority of any opposition going forward.
The transparency of his pre election and post election BS is stinking up the country.Canadians are ready for the winds of change.Blow Baby Blow.
“Harper a student of Joe Clark’s 1979 budget blunder”
ROBERT BENZIE
QUEEN’S PARK BUREAU CHIEF
_______________________________
Stephen Harper was chortling.
Holding court in the aisle of the chartered Air Canada Airbus 319, Harper was entertaining a group of reporters with a favourite topic: former prime minister Joe Clark’s bungling in 1979.
“You can be principled without being stupid,” he said aboard the campaign plane Dec. 13, 2005.
With an almost childlike glee, Harper recounted the Clark administration’s decision to table a budget with an 18-cent-a-gallon gasoline tax, which caused the Progressive Conservative minority government to fall Dec. 13, 1979.
“I mean, I read that (1979 Tory election) platform,” he said, motioning as if he were leafing through the document, “and there wasn’t a word in it about raising gas taxes 18 cents a gallon!”
While Harper was realistic enough to know that a majority was beyond his grasp in the Jan. 26, 2006 election, he boasted that his minority government would be more competent than Clark’s, which lost to the Liberals in February 1980 after just nine months.
Fast-forward three years and Harper is on the precipice of a blunder that could eclipse Clark’s as the gravest miscalculation in Canadian political history.
Nowhere in the Conservatives’ 2004, 2006 or 2008 platforms was there any mention of ending public funding for political parties.
Yet that provocative measure in Finance Minister Jim Flaherty’s economic statement Thursday, which was withdrawn yesterday, seems as poorly thought out as the gasoline tax in 1979.
http://www.thestar.com/News/Canada/article/546108
Garth … I for one welcome a coalition of the Left … Dion-Rae Liberals .. Layton NDP .. Duceppe BQ.
Harper has achieved what the Left has not been able to do. He has “United the Left”.. a historical political achievement.
Garth .. where do you now find yourself in the Canadian political spectrum..???
The liberals are so incredibly power hungry they want everything we do in Canada to be dependant on the Bloc. Good Grief.
By Leasa on 11.30.08 10:26 am
Hey I did not see that one in Guys email to the mindless. Cons arent supposed to adlib and have their own thoughts.
Mr. Harper is sore that the opposition parties cannot trust him and his ego-stricken finance minister. Nor can they trust all the M.P.’s who, along with them, perpetuated all kinds of lies about Dion, the Green Shift, that the GST would be raised if the Libs. were in power which was just as untrue as their lie that the Libs. would take away the child-care benefit when the opposite was true. (By the way, boys, my daughter didn’t spend the money on beer and popcorn, she used the contribution to take her kids to Disneyland while my cleaning lady couldn’t find daycare for her kids and had to quit.)
Anyway, this PM and his apostles believe they are entitled to lie their way into power. they love their entitlements!
Mr Dion is hanging on to his job so he can stick it to these c@@@@@ckers for defaming him for the last two years. Watch what happens. Steve and the Con dogs are about to be exposed for what they really are about. I see Oily Poily is back from his spirit walk and is doing what he does best-embarrass his government. Like I also said in another incarnation. Put on CPAC, pull up a comfortable chair, put your feet up, crack a cold one and enjoy this train wreck. “Are you sitting comfortably?, then we’ll begin”. RIP Kenny McLean and Platinum Blonde
Paul Fist In Your Face on 11.30.08 1:33 pm
I really don’t think M. Dion cares a whit about coatcheckers … It’s them other dimwits he’s after, including Harper (THE DIVINITY) and VOODOO Dim-Jim.
I see that Bob Fife of CTV is now saying that he has a tape that proves that there was a conspiracy between Jack Layton and the Bloc to take down the Conservative government long before the economic statement. The Liberals supposedly knew nothing about it.
There is no doubt that he will have to produce the “tape.” If this is true who in the NDP caucus or staff present at the meeting that was taped gave this to Fife and ATV knowing their partisanship? I have my suspicions because I have always suspected that the NDP has a Conservative mole high up in the party.
Of course, the right wing extremists are spinning this in the most outrageous way showing their desperation.
Ignore the pro- and anti-CPC ranting, read what Kady O’Malley links to in red as the Giornogram and ask yourself if that is the kind of politics you want in this country:
http://blog.macleans.ca/2008/11/29/who-needs-the-little-shop-of-tories-the-whole-world-is-their-war-room/
OFF TOPIC – but…
Red Shirt
If the red shirt thing is new to you, read below how it went for a man…
Last week, while traveling to Toronto on business, I noticed an army sergeant traveling with a folded flag, but did not put two and two together.
After we boarded our flight, I turned to the sergeant, who’d been invited to sit in First Class ( across from me), and inquired if he was heading home.
‘No’, he responded.
‘Heading out’, I asked?
‘No. I’m escorting a soldier home.’
‘Going to pick him up?’
‘No. He is with me right now. He was killed in Afganistan, I’m taking him home to his family.’
The realization of what he had been asked to do hit me like a punch to the
gut. It was an honor for him. He told me that, although he didn’t know the
soldier, he had delivered the news of his passing to the soldier’s family
and felt as if he knew them after many conversations in so few days.
I turned back to him, extended my hand, and said, ‘Thank you. Thank you for
doing what you do so my family and I can do what we do.’
Upon landing in Toronto, the pilot stopped short of the gate and made the
following announcement over the intercom.
‘Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to note that we have had the honor of
having Sergeant Steeley of the Canadian Armed Forces join us on this flight.
He is escorting a fallen comrade back home to his family. I ask that you
please remain in your seats when we open the forward door to allow Sergeant
Steeley to deplane and receive his fellow soldier. We will then turn off the seat belt sign.’
Without a sound, all went as requested. I noticed the sergeant saluting the
casket as it was brought off the plane, and his action made me realize that
I am proud to be a Canadian.
So here’s a public Thank You to our military Men and Women for what you do
so we can live the way we do.
Red Fridays.
Very soon, you will see a great many people wearing Red every Friday. The
reason? Canadians who support our troops used to be called the ’silent majority.’ We are no longer silent, and are voicing our love for God, country and home in record breaking numbers. We are not organized, boisterous or overbearing.
Many Canadians, like you, me and all our friends, simply want to recognize
that the vast majority of Canadians supports our troops. Our idea of showing
solidarity and support for our troops with dignity and respect starts this
Friday and continues each and every Friday until the troops all come home,
sending a deafening message that every red-blooded Canadian who supports our
men and women afar, will wear something red.
By word of mouth, press, TV — let’s make Canada on every Friday a sea of
red much like a homecoming Hockey game in the bleachers. If every one of us
who loves this country will share this with acquaintances, co-workers, friends, and family, it will not be long before the Canada is covered in RED and it will let our troops know the once ’silent’ majority is on their side more than ever, certainly more than the media lets on.
The first thing a soldier says when asked ‘What can we do to make things
better for you?’ is ‘We need your support and your prayers.’ Let’s get the
word out and lead with class and dignity, by example, and wear something red every Friday.
- from an email…
It is an American email about US forces, sent many times. — Garth
Dube,
Randall Denley is one of two-and-a-half reasons I have not cancelled my subscription to the Ottawa Citizen. Yes, there was a lot of good stuff in his column to-day, but I thought I’d just cite the conclusion and let those interested fill in the rest themselves.
Personally, I liked the “Dr. Harperstein” bit best – he did create the CRAP monster.
The liberals are so incredibly power hungry they want everything we do in Canada to be dependant on the Bloc. Good Grief.
By Leasa on 11.30.08 10:26 am
And if the Libs and NDP vote against the Government, then Harpo is in need of Block support…. what is the difference
Leasa: And Harper is so power hungry he has given everything Quebec and the Bloc wants—–except their own seat at the U.N.–(perhaps that will be their next promise to the Quebecois nation).
Flaherty will deliver early budget end of January. Sorry Jimmy–you are the weakest link—good-bye!!!!
By maybe Rhino? on 11.30.08 3:12 pm
Do not start Rhino…. you just might open the door on the 100 plus suicides.. 1000 or so with PTSD… over a 1000 who can not find jobs …. another few 1000 who have been and will be after a short stay home… failure to recruit under lock step recruitment procedures (Betcha you do even know what it is) add to this the total lack of support for Navy and Air Force…. dare I go on ….. And in the end nothing will have changed in over 1000 years…. on I forgot….drug production 1200 tons/yr prior to NATO 10,000 tons/yr since NATO …. go get em tiger.
By Ed Brooks on 11.30.08 12:07 pm
Hi Ed, I’ll tell you what, you catch the CPC stealing millions of tax payer’s dollars and I’ll push for a full blown election. In ‘04, there was no talk of agreement to put any bloc members into government and it was with the intention of bringing us to election. Currently, the LPOC does not want to go to an election simply because they are having trouble ousting Dion before the convention.
I think we will find shortly that this plan of a coup was in the works before the economic update. Liberals think they are entitled to power, election or not.
From CPC website>.Secret deal exposed
November 30, 2008
In a call with NDP caucus members and senior staff, Jack Layton privately admitted that the NDP has had a secret – and longstanding – deal with the separatist Bloc Quebecois – a deal pre-dating the Government’s recent Economic and Fiscal Update (EFU). The NDP provided the date, time, call-in number and conference call code to the Conservative Party.
For the NDP, toppling Canada’s Government is not about the economy or the Government’s EFU. The EFU was merely a trigger to execute a longstanding secret deal between the NDP and Quebec separatists.
The NDP and the Quebec separatists are attempting to do through secret negotiations what they’ve been unable to do at the ballot box: win power and impose their agenda on Canadians.
Just as the Liberals do not have a mandate to form a coalition with the NDP after campaigning explicitly against such a coalition, the NDP certainly does not have a mandate to implement a secret deal with a party that wants to destroy Canada.
How can the Liberal Party – the party of Laurier and Trudeau – allow itself to be played by the NDP in this way? Was Stephane Dion aware of this secret deal with Quebec separatists when he started talking to the NDP?
The opposition has every right to defeat the Government. They do not, however, have the right to impose a coalition they campaigned against and a secret deal with Quebec separatists without the consent of Canadian voters………….HARPER’S DIGGING A DEEPER HOLE ALL THE TIME METHINKS!
Liberals think they are entitled to power, election or not.
By Leasa on 11.30.08 5:00 pm
Liberal and Canadians are entitled to good government. We have not been getting that.
Ask Mr Harper to go with the majority of Canadians.. ie, the policies that can make it through a vote of confidence. NOT the ideological crap that we have been seeing.
By The Canadian Press
OTTAWA – A Tory insider says a closed-door NDP strategy session on bringing down the government was secretly recorded by the Conservatives after they were mistakenly sent a code for a conference call.
CTV News is reporting that NDP Leader Jack Layton can be heard on the tapes boasting to his caucus that he had prepared scenarios to bring down the government with the help of the Bloc Quebecois well before the Conservatives issued their recent economic statement.
A spokesman for the New Democrats says there is no difference between the latest NDP-Bloc discussions and similar talks aimed at bringing down the Liberal minority government in 2004.
Stephen Harper, who was leader of the Opposition at that time, held lengthy discussions with Layton and Bloc Quebecois Leader Gilles Duceppe aimed at supplanting Paul Martin’s Liberal government without an election in the fall of 2004.
NDP spokesman Brad Lavigne says the Conservatives are merely trying to deflect attention from the government losing the confidence of the House of Commons.
Conservative officials were not immediately available to respond to queries about the the recording of the NDP caucus call.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>HMMMMMMM is this the same party whose leader (stephen harper) is on tape in front of an eyewitness admitting that his party attempted to bribe a member of parliament to overthrow the government!!
I think we will find shortly that this plan of a coup was in the works before the economic update. Liberals think they are entitled to power, election or not.
By Leasa on 11.30.08 5:00 pm
>>> who cares! Harper’s corruption has to go!!
By David Bakody on 11.30.08 4:57 pm
I support our troops – NOT THE PRESENT AFGHAN MISSION.
Those poor buggers, some of whom I know, do their duty and deserve our support.
The people making decisions, who sleep at night in their own beds (or 5-star hotels), and sanctimoniously make decisions about the lives of others, should have to spend a week on the line with our proud Forces. Eat a little dirt, crap their pants once or twice, see a friend hurt.
I do not support war. I do support those who protect our rights. A bit of a contradiction, I know, but that is it. No doubt, I would fight for my freedom and family if necessary. I just do not like our fighting someone else’s war.
Thank you Canadian Armed Forces. Honorable mention to the others in the trenches as well. If only your sacrifice was truly understood – and appreciated by those who send you there.
BTW, I spent a couple of hours on Remembrance Day watching the Honor Roll on the Internet. A sobering exercise, waiting for the name of a once family member to come up… Made sure the next generation were watching…
I will dust off my red shirts and sweaters. After all, it will also fit the season!
Peace on Earth
Nine Words Women Frequently Use . . .
****************************************
(1) Fine: This is the word women use to end an argument when they are right and you need to shut up.
(2) Five Minutes: If she is getting dressed, this means a half an hour. Five minutes is only five minutes if you have just been given five more minutes to watch the game before helping around the house.
(3) Nothing: This is the calm before the storm. This means something, and you should be on your toes. Arguments that begin with nothing usually end in ‘fine’.
(4) Go Ahead: This is a dare, not permission. Don’t Do It!
(5) Loud Sigh: This is not actually a word, but is a non-verbal statement often misunderstood by men. A loud sigh means she thinks you are an idiot and wonders why she is wasting her time standing here and arguing with you about nothing. (Refer back to #3 for the meaning of nothing.)
(6) That’s O–kay: This is one of the most dangerous statements a women can make to a man. That’s o–kay means she wants to think long and hard before deciding how and when you will pay for your mistake.
(7) Thanks: A woman is thanking you, do not question, or faint. Just say you’re welcome. (I want to add in a clause here — this is true, unless she says ‘Thanks a lot’ — that is PURE sarcasm and she is not thanking you at all. DO NOT say ‘you’re welcome’. . . that will bring on a ‘whatever’).
(8) Whatever: Is a women’s way of saying F*cK YOU!
(9) Don’t worry about it, I got it: Another dangerous statement, meaning this is something that a woman has told a man to do several times, but is now doing it herself. This will later result in a man asking ‘What’s wrong?’ For the woman’s response refer to #3.
P.S.: Send this to the men you know, to warn them about arguments they can avoid if they remember the terminology.
P.P.S.: Send this to all the women you know to give them a good laugh, cause they know it’s true.
****************************************
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY! (Courtesy wrh.com)
“If you cannot tell the difference between divine intervention and random stupidity, then there is for all intents and purposes no divine intervention.” — Michael Rivero
*******************************************
“. . . The rule of law has been abandoned and with it accountability. The system is broken beyond repair.” — let them pay cash, 9:57 pm
Hello Robert.
The rule of law seems to have been abandoned deliberately so the rich get substantially richer, the middle-class are left to fend for themselves and thus end up poor — a two-class system, no in-between.
This leads to un-accountability, because there is no one left to blame, and even if there was, nothing would happen anyway. This same type of scenario happened prior to the French Revolution, and the peasants eventually won.
The UK could now be on the verge of hyper-inflation, one of the pre-cursors that led to GD1. If it takes hold, it will spread like a cancer across Europe, over here, then the world.
Citibank also says that gold may hit $2,000 / oz. within a year or so, although one link from a few months back suggested $6,500 / oz. Some links . . .
From wrh.com: “A Citibank memo states that as the financial collapse worsens, there will be ‘civil unrest’ . . . He goes on to explain that the massive money creation efforts by the Federal Reserve and other central banks will end with one of two things: A resurgence of inflation, or a fall into “depression, civil disorder and possibly wars . . .”
. . . wrh.com commentary . . .
“. . . the US Government cannot fix the economy. The Last Official Act Of any Government Is To Loot The Nation. . . . We are THERE, people!”
In Thailand, fights between the military and civilians who don’t want their govt. anymore (are Cdns. capable of doing this?); in Nigeria, Christians and Muslims have taken up arms against each other. Shades of The Crusades?
It will never be revealed by the msm, but apparently the CIA and Mossad are responsible for India’s bombings; both countries have attempted to send in ‘teams of experts’ to help.
Two comments from wrh.com goes with the first two links:
“The government cannot fix the mess they made, so they are going to ignite a major war as a distraction.” There is one distraction that you write about; — and — “Ordered to stand down?” — Supposedly, the USAF was ordered to stand down while 9-11 was allowed to finish.
http://tinyurl.com/65tkud http://tinyurl.com/56noa3 http://tinyurl.com/5jhafp
http://tinyurl.com/5jsmzb http://tinyurl.com/5c63cy
*********************************************
“. . . oh, sometime after January 20, 2009.” — Dube, 1:18 pm
Obama takes the reins on Jan. 20, and Colin Powell said there will be something happening on Jan. 21 or 22.
Time I turned off, tuned out and went someplace else!
****************************************
Sarkozy and Richard Gwyn, on both sides of the planet and saying essentially the same thing. Gwyn’s headline in his column today reads:
“Save your country, not yourself”; the Sarkozy link says to “use the financial crisis to change the world”.– http://tinyurl.com/5rq7as
A person’s duty is first to change him/herself, to look at all aspects and change what can be changed. The rest is illusory, frivolous stuff all of which is temporary, fleeting.
Bribery of judicial officers, etc.
119. (1) Every one is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding fourteen years who
(a) being the holder of a judicial office, or being a member of Parliament or of the legislature of a province, directly or indirectly, corruptly accepts, obtains, agrees to accept or attempts to obtain, for themselves or another person, any money, valuable consideration, office, place or employment in respect of anything done or omitted or to be done or omitted by them in their official capacity, or
(b) directly or indirectly, corruptly gives or offers to a person mentioned in paragraph (a), or to anyone for the benefit of that person, any money, valuable consideration, office, place or employment in respect of anything done or omitted or to be done or omitted by that person in their official capacity.
Yes, you read that right, directly or indirectly. And although Stephen Harper did not bribe Chuck directly (which explains Chuck’s denial that money was offered when conversing with Harper directly), he surely ordered two of his party members, Conservatives Tom Flanagan (close confidant of Stephen Harper) and Doug Finley (Director of Political Operations, Conservative Party of Canada), to do so.
>>>>>>> And the RCMP found no reason to investigate this crime (sure does help when you appoint your own commisioner). This offence was admitted on tape by Harper in front of an eyewitness!!–Above the law i guess!!
So, maybe the call should go out to run Dion over with a car? Honestly, liberals are so power hungry and so corrupt they actually want our Prime Minister dead. OMG!
By Leasa on 11.30.08 10:24 am
What you are suggesting constitutes conspiracy to commit a criminal act, which is in itself a crime. You should be arrested, charged, and prosecuted along with Harry S. Shame on both of you. So much for CPC and their supporters being strict on crime!!!!
And this is what Standing On Guard For Thee, Oh Canada has come to mean? Tell me now who is so power hungry that they would assassinate the Loyal Royal Opposition Leaders just to maintain a slim minority edge. Expect We the People to get more than just a little peeved with your antics. Come to us again for another needless election and see what happens, the worms will turn and eat the base out of the trash pile to make some fresh soil to plant new seeds for new hope.
Hi Ed, I’ll tell you what, you catch the CPC stealing millions of tax payer’s dollars and I’ll push for a full blown election. ..
By Leasa on 11.30.08 5:00 pm
…………..
BULLSHIT Leasa. You know DAMNED WELL that Harper is under investigation for allegedly attempting to defraud taxpayers with his foul “In and Out” election scandal.
You defend Harper with a zealousness that is simply not rational and you know it and WE know it.
You sure as HELL are not pushing for a full blown election in spite of the evidence.
Christ Leasa, you are such an F’ing liar! Seriously you are.
No wonder you love Harper. Birds of a feather.
You got it Pyotr,Prime Minister Flip, Unter secretary uf der dollars Flop and all the rest of c@@@roaches. And coat checkers, hatcheckers, forecheckers backcheckers, backscratchers, carpetbaggers(Giorno), and bagmen(again Giorno). Even Casey Jones wont be able to keep this one on the tracks.
A Tory insider says a closed-door NDP strategy session on bringing down the government was secretly recorded by the Conservatives after they were mistakenly sent a code for a conference call.
Copyright © 2008 The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.
“Mistaken code????”
Or more skull-duggery??????
Once a liar always a liar.
Conservative officials were not immediately available to respond to queries about the the recording of the NDP caucus call.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>HMMMMMMM is this the same party whose leader (stephen harper) is on tape in front of an eyewitness admitting that his party attempted to bribe a member of parliament to overthrow the government!!
By john on 11.30.08 5:26 pm
So the Conservatives, in an attempt to spin this, have admitted to eavesdropping, and taping a private conversation between 2 parties, where neither one was themselves? Did they just actually admit that they were SPYING on the opposition?
Wow – they are just imploding, aren’t they? I wonder what other civil liberties they will tramp on….
Leasa,
how do I stop your slime from spreading from the monitor and short-circuiting the keyboard?
how do I stop your slime from spreading from the monitor and short-circuiting the keyboard?
By Herb on 11.30.08 6:47 pm
Practice Safe Surfing! Go to Princess Auto and buy a Keyboard Protective Cover. Cheap, like Leasa’s comments.
Leasa,
how do I stop your slime from spreading from the monitor and short-circuiting the keyboard?
By Herb on 11.30.08 6:47 p
Any person with half a brain and a arsehole would know not to read her. Apparently Herb, you don’t even have a half a brain.
I think we will find shortly that this plan of a coup was in the works before the economic update. Liberals think they are entitled to power, election or not.
By Leasa on 11.30.08 5:00 pm
The tapes released by the Conservatives the the NDP/Bloc confirm a plan was being plotted before the update. Not sure thou if the Liberals were in on it at this stage but I do see the NDP and Bloc approaching the Liberals after they themselves had cooked a deal. I also see the Liberals going along with it especially after the government parry funding was about to be cut.
Herb,
Perhaps it’s because it is the newspaper located in the same city as the seat of government, but I think that the Ottawa Citizen is probably the most balanced within the CanWest chain (don’t know if that’s saying much). For every nutcase article from David Warren, there’ll be a more palatable one from Dan Gardener, or maybe Susan Riley for a view from the left. Unlike it’s big brother, the National Post, it’s one of the online sources that I will turn to for information. Sometimes the Edmonton Journal too, surprises me, but then the city does carry the nickname “Redmonton”.
Van,
re. your 7:51, don’t denigrate one of your fellow toilers in the vinyard of the Good Lord Harper like that.
Leasa is only doing her job, and I’m only trying to get her to do it more professionally.
The tapes released by the Conservatives the the NDP/Bloc confirm a plan was being plotted before the update. Not sure thou if the Liberals were in on it at this stage but I do see the NDP and Bloc approaching the Liberals after they themselves had cooked a deal. I also see the Liberals going along with it especially after the government parry funding was about to be cut.
By Van on 11.30.08 7:56 pm
Well t looks like the NDP will be exploring the possiblity of having the CPC charged under Canada’s privacy laws after Harper and the CPC illegal eavesdropping on private conference calls, illegally taping them and then illegally releasing them to the public and media.
My. my. my. But Harper and the CPC always seem to be getting into trouble with tape recorders. Grewal, Cadman and now illegal wire taping. Oh boy those crazy neo-clowns and their tough on crime bull shit.
Sarkozy link says to “use the financial crisis to change the world”.–
Charles Oxley on 11.30.08 5:36 pm
Thx for the link Charles, put it on my blog.
much appreciated
Robert
Van,
re. your 7:51, don’t denigrate one of your fellow toilers in the vinyard of the Good Lord Harper like that.
Leasa is only doing her job, and I’m only trying to get her to do it more professionally.
By Herb on 11.30.08 9:47 pm
Herb, I encourage you to do the same with several other contributors on this blog. The hateful, angry tone and disgusting language used by many of late and sometimes directed at others clearly shows how uneducated, unprofessional, and childish folks can be. Politics aside, our country could very well be led by a coalition government that is embraced and supported by these lonely individuals. Scary!
Garth,
You removed a rhetorical post of mine from last night, I believe because of its Watergate inferences; I think I can understand the reason for that and accept your decision as arbiter. That said, I’ve just heard from an NDP MP with respect to the taped conversation that in order to have heard it, the Conservatives would have had to deliberately dial-in; in other words, not accidental. While the post was tongue-in-cheek, as this plays out, it may prove to be closer to the truth than I ever imagined.
Interesting times.
I did not remove any of your posts (although others were not so lucky). It is likely in the filter, and I will check. — Garth
The CPC are liars, plain and simple.
If the other parties unite, put their differences aside and govern with a certain amount of fairness, then Canada will be a relatively good country to live in.
By Charles Oxley on 11.30.08 10:43 pm
Charles,
These other parties along with complicity in silence by the CPC have created all of our problems, starting with the complete loss of international investor confidence, and the failure by the CPC over the last 30 months to return one nickel of confidence.
The people and Parties in government can change but it won`t fix the broken system.
I still argue that if Garth dedicated this blog to fixing the system rather than changing the people he would have been re-elected as most Cdns know it`s broken. Bashing the opposition into losing so the people will vote against the worst didn`t even hold Harper to a minority, he did it himself.
Garth lost, lowest voter turnout in history, election turned on handful of entitlements, election won on a no-plan plan, media completely consumed with got ya reporting, economic indicators for over a year putting our economy in the tank and now the opposition wants to seize power over their entitlements, sry Charles as poor an outlook as we have under the CPC a change of people won`t fix this, only a change of the system will.
the peasants have no credit
Hey- Men With Hats! “Where’s their Messiah now?” Overseeing some sweet, sweet justice being served up, I do believe!
If the other parties unite, put their differences aside and govern with a certain amount of fairness, then Canada will be a relatively good country to live in.
By Charles Oxley on 11.30.08 10:43 pm
Increased raw log exports which brought increased government revenue while decreasing the value to forestry workers was previous Liberal government which destroyed western forestry. The NDP who tout themselves as the defender of forest workers are offering to join this group as long as unemployment benefits are extended, that`s making Canada better?
lol, Charles surly you must find this crew making Canada a relatively good country to live in a contradiction.
The only thing the left has in common is the desire to replace family with daycare.
Mark my words, with Biden as US VP and Clinton in state this is the motive for the left uniting. We already have the highest number of parent denied children erupting in massive increases in youth mischief soon to turn into youth crime. Hiding the results of this lunatic ideology is paramount to the left and controlling power is the only way to hide it.
The Reform grass roots are ready to call their MP`s back to the old motto of reform or else and instruct them to go with or else. Short of changing the system this will make Canada a better place. The easterners may choose to go down with the ship but I assure you it will not take a loud call for westerners to man the life boats.
By Charles Oxley on 11.30.08 10:43 pm
Charles, consider this.
The broker of this deal is Chretien. Not only did he confirmed authenticity of government corruption is good for the country he raised raw log exports to unsustainable levels killing the forest industry. Meanwhile the protector of these lost jobs has eagerly joined, with the only condition being an increase in UI to benefit the unemployed caused by the broker of this deal. I don`t belive any politician in our history has ever slapped their supporters harder in the face than Layton is doing. Furthermore the BQ will only support the co-co government if it governs in the best interests of Quebec. The country is now at the whim and control of Quebec separatists which guarantees the `or else` is in play out west.
And while all this is happening,,,
economic conditions will force the changes required
And the blame seems to be landing on the prime minister’s doorstep.
Stunned Conservatives MPs are barely concealing their outrage. Many are venting their anger in private because of Stephen Harper’s iron grip on the party and the uncertain prospects of a coalition of opposition parties.
But while a few blame Harper’s new top aide, Guy Giorno, for putting their government on a knife’s edge, most lay responsibility for their unprecedented predicament squarely at the feet of the prime minister.
ya i knew it would happen,they turned on him in record time!