Long, long ago, before I’d met Stephen Harper, before I once again won a seat in Parliament, before anyone believed a Conservative government could lose $50 billion in four years, before I was kicked out of my own party live on TV, before I learned Conservatives were no longer Progressive Conservatives, before I became a refugee Liberal, before I lost my seat, before I understood it’s all about power and not the people, before I wasted three years and neglected my wife, before my Tory colleagues shunned and hurt me and my new Grit family embraced me, before I was dooced, before the crash and when I still believed passionately in the integrity and worth of individual democracy, I started this blog.
Now it ends.
As of today, this is an archive. In it are 1,854 articles, made up of 1.3 million words, the equivalent of 20 books. In addition, there are 144,610 visitor comments and over 169 MB of database content, plus dozens of hours of original digital video shot on Parliament Hill.
Since May 20, 2005, this site has received over 60 million hits. I felt every one.
Curious historians will read of a born-again politician, a democrat, who dreamed of marrying the role of member of Parliament with the technology of a newly-wired country. The hopeless and naive man thought by blogging about his job, his experiences and the way we are governed, he could improve it. He called it ‘digital democracy’, and took the unprecedented step of opening a new channel onto the floor of the House of Commons, where any citizen could speak out loudly, cast a ballot, be partisan or just honest. He hoped it would change the cynicism and repair the mistrust. Make us all the government.
Naturally, this led to disaster. Leaders aren’t fans of democracy. Within a week of being elected, the guy knew he was toast. Choose, he was told. And he did.
His story is here in 1,854 chapters.
To truly help your country never, ever stop paying attention. — Garth
146 comments ↓
Garth, I didn’t always agree with your comments, but you had the balls to try and change our process of dealing with concerns in our country. Unfortunately it wasn’t easy and as you note it was costly to you in some areas.
I hope you can move forward successfully with your projects and I wish you the very best.
That’s a shame. I’ll miss your blog. Happy Trails and good luck to you, Garth. You’ll always be a winner.
Shame to see you go Garth. I’ll miss your commentary on the political scene.
Very strange to see you go from MP to slinging parts online like me.
Keep in touch with all the blogster’s eh!
Au revoir … and thank you for permitting my run on your fine forum. Speak out against that infamous Coalition Junta if you are a true Canadian … and your political life will be fulfilled.
Best of luck in your new ventures, regardless of the economy … opportunity is there for those who can see into the future.
Garth – there are tears streaming down my face. But, I shall read your other blogs and hopefully will learn from them. That does not mean that I have given up on you throwing your hat into the ring again.
BTW, I rec’d a confirmation saying your book was on the way.
Good luck Garth in all of your endeavours. I hope we shall have the opportunity to check on your ’site’ each morning. I know that my morning tea would not be the same if I couldn’t read your daily blog and those who contribute to it. I wish also to say HI to your beautiful wife, Dorothy, and your companion, Bandit, Esther and all of your diligent workers. Peace be yours.
Hey Garth.
You will be missed.
The more I see things change, the more permanent they appear, they are just that, only to be tested again.
Garth, you can’t stay away from this. I don’t believe your mind will permit you to do it.
You will be back, just like the rest of us, that say, we will not.
We will all be back again!
In reading your posts I had to ponder the leadership of our fearless leader…and to help me in my ponderings I consulted with the ever so wise Nicolo Machiavelli who should know a thing or two…
But if a prince who is not experienced should take counsel from more than one he will never get united counsels, nor will he know how to unite them. Each of the counsellors will think of his own interests, and the prince will not know how to control them or to see through them. And they are not to be found otherwise, because men will always prove untrue to you unless they are kept honest by constraint. Therefore it must be inferred that good counsels, whencesoever they come, are born of the wisdom of the prince, and not the wisdom of the prince from good counsels.
So what happens when the Prince like we have is not wise or good…and as our Prince does does not listen to his counsel?
Throw them out!
Men rise from one ambition to another: first, they seek to secure themselves against attack, and then they attack others.
Niccolo Machiavelli
So what happens to the counsel who have much wisdom and ability?
Become Entrepreurs!
Entrepreneurs are simply those who understand that there is little difference between obstacle and opportunity and are able to turn both to their advantage.
Niccolo Machiavelli
Thanks for All the Fish !
Thanks, Garth. It’s been a good couple of years with you, but I guess it’s time you started looking after your own family.
Nine more days to Obama, and I can only hope that just the lack of Bush will improve the morale of the nation. He can’t possibly make as much difference as people think, but at least he’s offering hope – and trying to unite a fractured nation. I only wish that Canada could have the same hope in the near future.
I await my book with great anticipation. Signed or not, I believe you are much more aware of the problems we face than the current government – or at least willing to share your conclusions.
Thanks again, Garth.
Janissa
“Goodbye. . . . Now it ends.”
Never say goodbye, or now it ends. When one door closes, another opens.
Instead, try ‘Au revoir, mes amis’, or ‘Till next time’.
There will always be speaking engagements, tours throughout the country, etc.
Shortly after the last election, I mused that your defeat would be better for most Cdns. in the long run, provided they paid attention to what was happening around them; they now know what it is.
Cost you some, but Dorothy, Esther, Bandit, you — along with us — are significantly better off, for knowing each other.
Plus, there is GreaterFool.ca, so thanks muchly for letting me have the privilege of ranting daily!
If we’re not snowed under in the Okanagan during your tour, maybe we’ll meet in person.
Cheers! Charles
I am also going to miss your blog. I really enjoyed your insight into Canadian affairs. I wish you well, and really hope that my MP Pablo Rodriguez is at least half the MP that you were.
Thank you for running this blog. Although it may have caused you great pain at times, it has helped thousands. Mission accomplished!
Bummerrrrrrrrrr!!
Now what do us old lost PCs do for excitement.
It was certainly a pleasure while it lasted.
Thanks old buddy for being there.
Mike & Mary Popovich.
Your courage and frankness will be sorely missed. Thanks for all you’ve done. All the best to you and your family!
DC
Hi Garth,
Thank you Garth!
Wishing you and your family all the best.
Greg
At first, it will be much easier than you expect. You’ll find you have a whole lot of time on your hands and you’ll wonder why you wasted so much writing online. After a month or so, you’ll start to wish you still had your little place to have your say and know that others are actually paying attention.
Thank you Garth.
Wow..im going to miss your blog Garth! I have been reading your blog for years.Thank you so much for your advice and your efforts to make our country a better place.You have made a difference.You gave us a place to state our opinions (right or wrong),your advice has been priceless. You made our political leaders accountable and im sure your blogs made many of them sweat under their collars
.Thanks Garth and all the best to you and your family and hope to see you back in politics. Your simply the best!………john
Thanks…
You helped people you’ll never even know. You gave us all something to think about. Thank you.
Congratulations on finally realizing that mollycoddling your devoted morons here is not as important as family.
Somedays I wondered where people like you have the time to do what you do. You certainly demonstrated to all how dedicated you are to what you believe in.
Best of luck on your new endevours, Garth!
by Harry S.
Au revoir … and thank you for permitting my run on your fine forum. Speak out against that infamous Coalition Junta.
Well, I can’t say I will miss Harry’s absolute nonsense and drival. I will say, however, that your blog was inspirational, at the forefront of digital democracy, and it will be missed.
All the best,
Thank you Garth
After the first time we met in Kelowna I knew you were a kindred spirit.
You are and always will be an exceptional Canadian and I confer upon you the “Stand on Guard for Canada” award for valor above and beyond the call in the face of personal suffering and at great personal expense.
I will continue to read your other blogs and when your book gets to my local Bookstore I will have one.
It was a pleasure meeting and visiting with Dorothy and speaking with Esther from time to time and I can only hope our trails will cross at another point in our great Earthwalk.
You are always welcome at my fire and my lodge always has a place for you and your family.
If you come to Alberta I will seek you out to shake your hand and express my heartfelt gratitude for all you have done for me personally and for the country I know we both love. Canada
Megweetch mon ami
I will miss your current event blog, but at least all is not lost. My copy of your new book is on it’s way and there’s still the other 2 blogs, so hopefully my withdrawal symptoms won’t be that bad.
Your insights will be sorely missed, politics won’t have the same luster without you. I know that life wasn’t all that easy during the past few years, but one day hopefully you’ll realize it wasn’t in vain. You’ve certainly gained my respect and I’m sure a great deal of others as well.
All the best to you Garth.
Your blogs will sorely be missed, when I first started visiting your web site, seems like years ago, thats what raised my attention to the whole blog thing and getting more involved with the goings on in Ottawa. I hope you make it around to offer the odd comment now and again. Best of fortunes and enjoy yourself now that you have a life of your own.
I will miss the blog and the discussion but I understand that it is time to move on.
All the best to you Garth in your future endeavours.
Garth,
Enjoyed our small online battles. Does this mean I won the war?
All the best to you and your family in 2009.
Garth,
You’ll be missed by your critics too. Though cynical, your posts were informative, ahead of time, and may have helped the common man to think differently.
Garth: Thank you…….
sincerely,
Judy
Thank you for all your efforts on our behalf, Garth! I will miss reading this blog every day but will visit your other sites regularly.
All the best to you, Dorothy and Bandit. May the future bring you much happiness.
Thank you very much for the hours and hours of entertaining and informative reading that you provided on your political website Garth.
I take it Greater fool will be your main blogging site now?
Yes. Hope to see you there. Thank you. — Garth
Garth, I was naive enough to believe that your version of digital democracy was only the beginning. I still believe it, but we may have to wait until Krypton explodes.
Good luck, keep the faith, and don’t give up on the internets.
=R=
Sub-prime is cheap so they are popular, but they always pop because they are not prime.
Good luck Garth, see you @ your greatfool.ca
I think the fact that you ran in such a staunchly conservative riding worked against you, Garth. Had you run as a Conservative, I have no doubt you’d have been re-elected. In the end, though, the voters get the government they deserve and I think Halton will regret the mandate they gave Ms. Raitt.
Shame you think your blog isn`t doing more good than the years you miss as an MP and would like to be back too.
For anyone interested in continuing discussions on democracy contact me. If we find a new home I`ll post the addy on my blog.
Hope to see you on the flip side Garth.
Remember folks:
“Si vous ne vous occupez pas de la politique, la politique s’occupera de vous.”
[If you don't look after politics, politics will look after you.]
Garth looked after politics better than any MP in Canadian history. Shutting down this blog shall leave a big hole in Canadian political discourse. Hopefully we shall hear from Garth again soon.
Hey Halton, you could try posting here now that Garth is gone!
http://lisaraitt.ca/blog/
NOT
Thank you for everything Garth.
Geoffrey
Just to add my thanks. You are a real patriot.
i wish you well my friend. i say ‘my friend’ because i believe that you spoke for many of us who believe in the real democracy, where a representative spoke for the people he represented, NOT what the party expected him to say. i do not believe, despite this set back, that that vision is so far away. but until the egomaniac currently masquerading as prime minister is removed from power, the outlook is bleek indeed.
my best to you and dorothy and bandit.
be well,
peter in olympia
Goodbye.
Thanks Garth. If you,re on Vancouver Island and need a place to park your bike, or hang your hat,or need a
chauffeur the offers always open. Thanks for the education(‘digital democracy’). It,s much appreciated. I bet that bikes going to get a work out this summer.
I’m sorry to see you discontinue the political blog. I have enjoyed hearing your opinion immensely. I was introduced to it after reading Greater Fool. I was hoping to see your opinion on the unfolding scandal in Vancouver with the Olympic Village, since it is a perfect blend of real estate speculation and bad politics. Maybe on the other blogs? Anyway, thanks for caring. Perhaps you have inspired others to fight the good fight?
Anxiously awaiting your new book. Should be any day now…
Garth,
Thanks so much. Your straight talk about the politics of the day has been so very valuable, to me and so many Canadians — you will never know the depth of gratitude. I must say we’ve certainly been lucky for your generosity of time. You have a way with words, talent, energy — and you care. So it makes me sad that we’ll lose your perspective on the political scene. If your book tour brings you to my town, I hope we’ll get a chance to say hello.
I see on Amazon.ca that you have another book coming in April, and I absolutely love the title of that one. Looking forward to “Sheeple: Caucus Confidential in Stephen Harper’s Ottawa.”
I’d like to quote something you said today on your Real Estate and Economics website about why people are reluctant to face change, (when losing a job and trying to sell a home):
“First, there’s fear. People who have lost their jobs understandably fear the future and more change. Daily routine, friends at the shop, a structure – it’s all gone. So, deep down, there is a profound reluctance to also give up the home which is now a refuge.” — Garth
What also saddens me is that I’ll miss the many talented people who admire your guts, your savvy and your honesty — people who chose your place, your gracious hospitality, your digital democracy — to ‘gather for a morning coffee’ to start their day with you, and to share insights.
It’s been an education, it’s been fun, and “deep down, there is a profound reluctance to also give up the home which is now a refuge.”
Garth.ca will be greatly missed.
You’ve also been an inspiration, for me, and for many Canadians, to get fired up, and get to know what’s really going on — and to get involved in the political process — I wouldn’t have done it without you. You inspired many to participate and volunteer. For me, it was the first time. I thank you so much for that, and I can only hope that you will see fit to re-enter, if only for Canada’s sake.
Please thank Dorothy for me, for all the time you’ve given to benefit others. You have improved the lives of many, and like Bandit, you gave us a home. Selflessly helping fellow humans is the highest honour of all. What more can a human ask for. Well…. perhaps a bit more peace and quiet. Granted.
– Barb
Thanks for writing. For getting me interested in politics again, I’m grateful to you. On a related note, for getting me interested in politics again, I’ll never forgive you.
Best of luck!
Thanks, Garth.
My hat goes off to you for having had the cajones to put your neck out like you did.
You shone a light where it needed to be shone, and I believe you did this selflessly for the greater good of Canada.
You’ve done an endrun around the mouthpiece media, and used your profile to give us hope that more Canadians will have the necessary tools to gather their own information to formulate an informed, not brainwashed, opinion.
Please keep using your profile to teach people what they need to know.
Thank you Garth
A truely sad day.
while we’ve agreed on many issues and disagreed on others, the discussion has been informative.
I’m reminded of William Shatner’s comments at a Star Trek convention to all the Trekkies in attendance, “Get a Life!” The comment may be appropriate for some who contributed to this blog.
But don’t forget, the Trekkies live on.
So while this blog rides off into the dust, I trust its voice will remain strong in the cause of democracy being by the people, for the people.
Live long and prosper, Garth.
James.
Thank you Garth
I have enjoyed your blog and have always been appreciative of the effort it took.
I will check in at Greater Fool, just stop trying to scare us so much.
Best if luck
Be well
Tom
Much Thanks to you Garth ….. I smelled it coming …. After the Crash ….. (?) ….. there was more to your blog than perhaps even we the bloggers understood …. it opened the doors for to reason to read and to write about daily political events ….. to take a stand …. to think … and that wonderful reason to get up in the morning ….. or check in before bedtime ….. and even provide knowledge to those with an ear to listen.
I am not sad, nor am I joyed, for I have come to look at the picture in my mind of speaking in person with some very special people who have taken the time to participate in the process of freedom of speech …. their are over 5 billion people on this planet and perhaps only handful of people were allowed this privilege …….
Bon Chance and good luck Garth Turner …. enjoy each and every day …. your next adventure is just around the corner when your have gained your strength and decide it is time to continue your journey …..
Oh Great Spirit whose voice I hear in the wind and whose breath gives live to world hear me.
I come to you as one of your many children for I am small and weak I need your strength and wisdom …………….
There is more to this Native Prayer but for now this is all that we need to know …… as we see and here of giants falling in the forests ….. keep your family close.
Garth, thanks for all the time you spent on this blog–it must have been very time-consuming. Also, thanks for the opportunity for people to say goodbye to you, and to each other.
I echo Barb’s eloquent remarks, and will miss her, and many others who have posted on here over the years. Yes, there is the other blog you have, but what brought us together was our interest in politics. Someone (I believe it was Got Rope) talked about starting a blog, and maybe that will help, but no one on here is a match for you when it comes to a great writing style and a broad outlook.
Goodbye to my blog-friends, you know who you are.
And goodbye to Harry, Van, Bocanut and Leasa—-you were like an itch I couldn’t scratch, and I won’t miss you at all. But you’ll miss Garth, and the rest of us.
Best of luck, Garth. I’ll see you on your new blog.
Garth – as they say, never say never. Perhaps a long vacation from this is all you need.
When you read the blogosphere – people a so angry and intolerant.
Perhaps it’s worry, or worse than that, under Harper the citizens have become more and more partisan.
Whatever you do I wish you much success and happiness.
So sorry to lose you Garth…my best wishes to you and Esther for your understanding and attempts to right an inconsolable wrong with my son’s lack of service medal despite serving a year in Afghanistan – my private fight goes on – you both deserve all the best. I wish you and your loved ones good health, happiness and some well deserved rest. Take care, my friend.
Monday Morning Commentaries here we come.
Thank you Garth clap, clap, clap……………..
And Thank you to all who have shared your thoughts and ideas. I am more educated today because of it clap, clap, clap……………………………..
As your January 9 blog, ‘We’re in One,’ demonstrated, the future your political instincts have attempted to apprehend has come to pass. The time for prophecy is past. Now is the time to ponder how we got here so that we can change our attitudes, our thinking, and our behavior. The disaster of Ayn Rand’s “For the New Intellectual” administered through Alan Greenspan and the Chicago School is upon us. The false prophets have been shown up for what they are: false. Its time to resolutely turn to the critics of that way of thinking: Joseph Stiglitz, Paul Krugman for starters.
The melt-down has demonstrated among other things how utterly interdependent we really are. We’re not here for our comfort, but to cultivate an alertness to the wonder of it ALL.
Sorry for us, Garth, but you need to follow your choice of priorities.
Can’t thank you enough for your courage and insight. I hope you keep taking part in politics, in some fashion. We need integrity and honesty in tht field.
Garth,
it’s a load off the “Energizer Bunny”, but a loss for digital democracy. You provided a forum for politics of all persuasions. The daily exchange of information, views and links was educational and clarified issues. I will miss the comrades and sparring partners (the latter not so much.) Hate to say this, but it’s a victory for political ignorance and deliberate mis- and disinformation. “Greater Fool” is great for real estate and the economy, but it does not have the same focus on the politics that steer this country.
It’s been a great couple of years, Garth, and I thank you for all you have done for us and the greater good. If you ever need anything done on the ground in Ottawa, you know how to reach me.
#33 Robert Gold on 01.11.09 at 10:16 pm.
I forgot to add, this experiement in digital democracy was successful. However, it proved to be an idea ahead of its time.
At sometime in the future, others will ensure it will rise again.
In the meanwhile, keep swapping your MP’s, Minister’s and the PM’s e-mail!
Thank you, Garth, for the education, and spirited discussion. I will miss the daily conversation…
Thank you to the intelligent bloggers with useful commentary.
Thank you to the Harperite trolls – you have inspired millions, but probably not the way you wanted to…
The Moving Finger writes; and, having writ, Moves on . . .”
Many thanks for allowing freedom of expression.
Hi Garth,
I sure will miss your blog and the opportunity it gave me not only to read your insight into politics but also the opinions and thought of so many of your readers. Between you, you helped to clarify my ideas, deepen my knowledge, and gave me the clarity to make informed decisions. Thank you for that. There were those whose somewhat snide and unwarranted comments left me cold but they were easy to ignore!
My very best wishes and thanks to Dorothy and Esther, who also were so willing and able to “fight the good fight” and to Bandit, what a lucky dog you are.I hope to meet many of the “regulars” on your new site – I’ve got a feeling that politics won’t be completely off the radar.
Thank you so much Garth and good luck
Garth, you’re a pioneer.
You gave us what we wanted and still need, an open, accessible MP who put the people first. Purveyors of the status quo fought like hell to bring you down and we, the people let them. We failed you.
Your fight has not been in vain though. You offered a service that many thousands of people, from scores of ridings took for granted. Instead of demanding information, answers and accountability from our own MPs it was far too easy for many of us to reach you. Now that the easy option is gone, I and many others will be demanding more of our own MPs.
In time I am confident that other public servants will see the demand and walk down the road you paved.
Thanks for everything Garth.
Guess it is better to shut down before the power goes out!
Hey Garth, I’ve had one of those Generac home standy-by generators since 2002. Lots of soup cans in the garage.
What a shock to encounter on a Monday morning. The END of Garth’s wonderful blog. The one place where the People could come and share their wisdom, silliness, and hopes for our Nation’s future.
Garth,
Thank you for your tireless efforts, and to all who assisted you in doing so. You have made a real difference, and it will live on.
I am glad it will be archived, because there is enough material in here to re-write the political science textbooks, and Boy, do they need to be if democracy is to survive.
I bid you farewell and may God Speed in all your undertakings.
*sigh*
Wot? You’re exiting stage left?? And here I thought you could take a joke..
Alright fellow minions, time for a song; how about a nice rejuvenating rendition of “Shall We Gather at The River”?
For every ending, comes a new beginning so let’s find a place to continue what Garth started. Maybe a site where people can do rotating blog posts each day so as to give everyone a kick at the can? Maybe affiliate with progressive bloggers? What say you Comrades?
And Garth, 2nd Star to the Right and straight on til morning..
“Public life is regarded as the crown of a career, and to young men it is the worthiest ambition. Politics is still the greatest and the most honorable adventure.”—Lord Tweedsmuir.
So it goes Garth; count your blessings…you had a good run and are the envy of manner. That you sometimes lacked patience, faild to bend with the wind or forgot that the best steel is sometimes made in the hottest of furnacers no longer matters. I thought, as did many others thay you made a fine lawmaker and nationbuilder. Such is politics…only the fittest or most conniving survive.
“We forget that Socretes was famed for wisdom not because he was omniscient but because he realized at the age of 70 that he still knew nothing.” —Robert Lynd
Good luck in your future endeavors.
You took on the bully and for that I am forever grateful. If only more people had revealed the truth about PM Harper, the PMO, the evil-doer(!) strategists and all the nonsense they inflicted upon Parliament. Never before has that noble institution been such a joke.
Who will keep the truth alive now?
Best wishes to you. Maude
Best wishes Garth. I too will miss you & your daily blog. Also the wonderful people who contributed to the debates. You all know who your are. But, good riddence to the trolls. They in the end will be the losers for not using their brains & choosing to follow the liars instead of the very people who were trying to help them all. I hope this is a sign of your contemplating putting your name in the rinks again into the political field. I wish you well, good health & I will drop in your other blogs once in a while as well. I too would love to purchase your new book & my only way to do so would be through sending a check & if that works for you Garth, let me know please. I have cancelled my credit cards for the time being. Irene
Email me, garth@garth.ca. Thank you. — Garth
Garth, Can’t believe you’d give up this easy. Great people in history never give up.
Don’t leave us
Farewell Garth,
It was good while it lasted, we will miss you. I found many people I could agree with in fact many times they said what I would have said so I didn’t post. Of course there were some that I totally dis agreed with.
We wish you the best, Enjoy your life with Dorothy and Bandit and our best to your trusty friend Esther,
Judy Roberts
Wot? You’re exiting stage left??
Alright fellow minions, time for a song; how about a nice rejuvenating rendition of “Shall We Gather at The River”?
For every ending, comes a new beginning so let’s find a place to continue what Garth started. Maybe a site where people can do rotating blog posts each day so as to give everyone a kick at the can? Maybe affiliate with progressive bloggers? What say you Comrades?
.
#50 Lana
Someone (I believe it was Got Rope) talked about starting a blog
========
I was just suggesting those interested in democracy stay in touch and perhaps find a new home, that I would post the addy on my blog. lol, Lana I really try and avoid politics so it would take a braver soul than myself to do what Garth has done, moderate a political blog.
There are many outstanding issues that have yet to completely play out, with only msm and without Garth I doubt most will even know let alone understand.
I suspect it`s just our time to go, I know my time is short.
A few thoughts to take us all into the future.
A system broken by corruption will not fix itself.
There will be no investment without justice.
Deficit spending will not prop up government or the country for long, months not the years needed.
Economic conditions will force the changes required.
A Saturday evening walk in freshly fallen and still falling snow offered you a new perspective?
It is surely disappointing, but one can hardly argue with your choice.
I hope in time you will come to value the past three years more than you seem to at present. I believe the impact you have had is beyond the measure of a seat in the House of Commons.
Best wishes Garth. Keep up the good work. You are an original.
Well done! And I’m looking forward to seeing your new book in my mailbox this week. You have a refreshing and honest viewpoint, an independent spirit and, most important of all, integrity: qualities which are all too rare these days on all sides of the House.
I would just like to say that nothing in my life ever inspired me to care about the political system more than this blog. The diversity of opinion and the great insights that we were privileged to receive through your eyes and fingers were eye opening, often alarming and sometimes just plain maddening.
Please don’t feel that it was three years wasted as you opened the eyes of many, and inspired many more to actually care. It is too bad that the campaign went as it did but the lessons to us all were made even that much more clear. We should never ever take our democracy for granted because we will only get what we deserve and not what we need. Apathy has its own way of biting us on the backside and only through efforts like yours can we hope to overcome the greed and avarice that threatens our political system. Every bit helps and you have contributed more than any I know of.
I will keep reading your stuff going forward and only hope that our fearless leader doesn’t puff up his chest thinking that he has overcome digital democracy. Hopefully others won’t be afraid to communicate with the people going forward and this is actually the beginning of a political evolution and not the end. We need more like people you.
Many Thanks and best wishes. I look forward to seeing you turn this experience into a positive in the future. I think you will.
70 Comrade Okie
For every ending, comes a new beginning so let’s find a place to continue what Garth started. Maybe a site where people can do rotating blog posts each day so as to give everyone a kick at the can? Maybe affiliate with progressive bloggers? What say you Comrades?
========
I`d vote for you comrade so if you find a place or start one I`ll and post the addy on my blog linked to this handle so the folks can find it.
“Before you speak, listen.
Before you write, think.
Before you spend, earn.
Before you invest, investigate.
Before you criticize, wait.
Before you pray, forgive.
Before you quit, try.
Before you retire, save.
Before you die, give.”
-William Arthur Ward
Some good advice. No one can say you never tried Garth. Good luck in the future.
Garth, please accept my sincere thanks for all of the time and effort that your blog took over the years. I found your insights to be invaluable. You brought much needed freshness, openness, and fearlessness to the Canadian political scene. You will be sadly missed.
I can certainly understand you ending this blog. The time commitment must have been huge and you have many other priorities to pursue.
For all of the other folks reading this last entry on Garth’s blog, I would like to thank many of you for your well researched and intelligent postings… Barb the Proofreader, Lana, Pyotr, Bill-Muskoka…and many others. I have learned much from you and I thank you for your insights.
And, for all of the mindless neoCon trolls like Harry S., Leasa, Van… I have nothing but disdain. You added nothing to the intelligent discussions that were being held here. The outright lies you folks posted were an absolute disgrace. Although all of you are incapable of it…you should all be ashamed of yourselves. Considering the mean spirited, narrow-minded, and bigoted postings you have made, for any of you to call yourselves Canadians is an insult to the history and heritage of this country.
Garth
Thank you for your insight, your blog was always the first thing I looked at with my morning coffee. Not only will I miss your forum but the many posters who created the dialogue from across the country.
I came here because of those over the top 10 per centers stuffing my mailbox. You gave us much more than a political forum to complain but a place to take back our responsibilities as citizens to engage.
Bravo, merci – thank you. No regrets except one. I would like to shake your hand.
Keep your helmet on.
We will miss your inciteful comments, Garth, on both the political and economic fronts. Thanks for propping the door open to the goings on on Parliament Hill. Many thanks also to Esther and Dorothy for sharing you with all of us. We truly believe that Ottawa still needs you. Never say, “Never!” but good luck in the interim. Au revoir.
Ray and Cathy
The second law of thermal dynamics states: Energy never dies, it just changes form. Recycling happens in nature, both in body and mind.
Some good-byes mean more than one could ever say about them. In this case, I know that this good-bye marks the beginning of a new chapter. Here’s looking forward to keeping in touch through your other endeavours. Keep us up to date with a newsletter with speaking dates, etc.
Thank you, Garth, for the inside-track and pushing each one of us to ask our own questions and to not accept the political pablum that has been peddled prolifically to the pale populous… Good luck.
Bye, Garth.
Bye, everyone else, whose posts I so enjoyed reading.
It was fun.
I’ll miss you all.
Now what,????
What am I going to look forward too in the politics of the day, you have been a member of the family, a rock, a person that gave comfort, no more.
But, you will be back, you have to steer this nation in the right direction.
Thank you Garth, for all your hard work.
Good luck, family is great, no one can live without.
79 CAL on 01.12.09 at 1:11 pm
A last small chuckle (was it inadvertant?). Perhaps this sums it up nicely. Garth was inciteful as well as insightful, wasn’t he?
Garth,
I must admit I am somewhat surprised. I figured you would stick it out here until the April book came out. All in all, I figured you wouldn’t do this too much longer. “All Good Things…” and all that, after all.
I think you were going in the right direction; I hope that others will take note of your effort to reach out to the electorate and communicate with the ‘grassroots’ and make another attempt. It was certainly a benefit to be able to reach inside the House of Commons with you on a daily basis.
All the best in your future endeavours, my friend. Your efforts have been sincerely, and much, appreciated.
I guess this day had to come but it is certainly going to leave a terrible void for many of us on this blog. I echo what Barb has said.
Your dedication and faithfulness to this blog was a measure of the strength of conviction and courage you possess. When you did your town hall tour across the country — with all the travel, attention to logistics and speeches — and then gave of whatever was left of your energy to write another page — every single day, we wondered how you did it. Hopefully, your health has not suffered too much from your efforts; that you will be able to recoup and that you and Dorothy will have time to enjoy many years of good health, happiness and fulfillment in the future.
You have been an inspiration to us and a great example.
Thank you so very much for bringing truth to light.
Thanks to Esther for all her past contributions to this work.
I wish I knew how to stay in touch with so many of the people who have contributed so much constructive commentary here. I did prepare a piece questioning a number of the CPC’s plans and policies but there were seven pages and I knew it was too long to post here. There were also two pages of supporting web sites which I think I could now send out. I don’t know how to do this because I’m afraid to put my e-mail address here in case there are repercussions I couldn’t handle. Does anyone know how I could get this out to those who might be interested?
Thanks again Garth, and thanks to all who met here because you really care. It showed.
Anyway, thanks to all who posted here and
Thank you kindly Mr. Turner. Your blog will be dearly missed. You certainly are ’second to none’ and I wish you and yours the best – always!
Pedro
Good Bye Garth. It has been a slice. Good luck in your new endeavours.
Cheers
Van
Guess I won’t be posting jokes on GreaterFool.ca or After The Crash, but one today — a best man’s speech — was taped and e-mailed, so here it is (about 5 mins.).
The last part is hilarious!
——
OMG!! This is a MUST WATCH!
I swear you have never seen anything like this! This is a groomsman toast to the Bride and Groom — and it is EXCEPTIONAL.
Click on the arrow once it loads and give it time. BE SURE to watch until the very end.
http://www.freakybestmanspeech.com/
——
#71 got rope?, 11:39 am — Hello Robert and all.
“. . . I was just suggesting those interested in democracy stay in touch and perhaps find a new home, that I would post the addy on my blog. . . . I suspect it`s just our time to go, I know my time is short.”
Certainly would be nice to keep in touch through DD (Dig. Dem.); may happen, but one poster on GreaterFool said that by spring (I hold out for late summer / fall), it will be a worldwide economic armageddon, having taken root and growing exponentially.
FWIW, my e-mail is chox@shaw.ca. I also visit your blog, Robert.
As for your time being short, I guess mine is too. Pretty much everything I have done in life, it’s started early, completed and then moved on.
Figure the same will happen to me. A guess — an educated guess — but nevertheless that’s has been my nature thruout life.
For the record, I have reserved two seats for your appearance in Kelowna, Garth!
Whoops .. clicked the wrong thread!
Garth,
This may seem like a goofy question, but it may be telling. I’ll explain later after Garth responds.
One question, please translate “good-bye’ into our other official language, est-ce que ‘au revoir’ ou ‘adieu?’
Alors, sans doubte, c’est ‘au revoir.’ — Garth
One more thing…with a nod to Kenny Rogers:
“You picked a fine time to leave me, Lucille……”
Alors, sans doubte, c’est ‘au revoir.’ — Garth
Glad to hear it… from what little Parisienne French I remember, Au Revoir means good-bye, see you later.
Adieu means “Good-bye, I’m out of here!”
So “Au Revoir” it is!
Sorry to see you go Garth. But, if I am correctly reading between the lines, it sounds to me like you might be getting ready for another run as the M.P. for Halton. Anyway, whatever you do, good luck and good health.
To all.
I wanted to say thanks Lana, TS, Pat G, Go Green, Esther, CM, Brain, Dube, C. B. Innes, David Bakody, Bill Muskoka, Dee, maybe Rhino, Pyotr, Pecked to Death, Herb, Comrade, Charles, Irene, Bonnie L, Bonnie N BC, Brent, Dr. Mike, Molly, William, James, Judy, Geiseric, Calberta, wjp, AToryNoMore, Ben, Greg, Deb, Emilie, tricia, slg, Men With Hats, Daryn, Robert, Don, RSandi, Maude, crs, Geoffrey, — ok, ok, I can’t name every name
…..anyway, you know who you are, the good, honest, real people, I enjoy the everyday comments of so many bloggers, as I’m sure many others do. I’ve learned a lot from you all these past 10 months since I began to read Garth.ca
Also, I’ve noticed in the past that several bloggers have their names hyper-linked, some to other blogs, some to their own blogs — ie: Zorph, and Jennifer.. another couple of great people.
[if the Commenters’ name has a slight dotted underline, click to link. Some are no longer active though]
I’m not familiar with everyone’s links. For instance, #80 cms, #16 Jason, (liblogs.ca), got rope, colette, who have their names linked to one site or another. I haven’t explored them, but I wouldn’t mind asking cms.. if you can brief us on what it’s about? ( https://secure.adms.ca/ ) or it’s subsequent links? ie: http://www.avaaz.ca/
For the bloggers who have mentioned they’d like to loosely keep in touch, I hope so. Personally I haven’t the talent nor energy, nor any of the compelling and unique knowledge that Mr. Garth has been able to share with us so kindly and generously.
I’ve noted Charles has posted his email address. I took Charles up on that a couple of months ago, and we sent each other a couple of emails. Since I will miss reading not only Garth’s insights, but those of others, the humour, the truth, the everyday interests, even your weather on the coasts, maybe we Garth.ca ex-pats will have an occasional nod to each other elsewhere – it would be nice to be in loose contact, in case we do gather up another spot to exchange good thoughts. Or.. perhaps Mr. Garth’s “Au Revoir” can be read into as hope for a bright spot on the political horizon some day.
I do enjoy other people’s perspectives on current events, or using their watchful eyes to zero in on, or catch up on what is going on. And I enjoy all you Yoda’s and OB1s. We have much to learn, and as Garth says, “To truly help your country never, ever stop paying attention.” Garth will never know how much he has helped us all. But know this Garth, we hear ya. BTW, Hubby and I look forward to your book tour.
Charles emailed me that “Jennifer knew of a link to a free blog site, where anyone could pick one up, add/delete a few things and go from there” but he, nor do I, know where it is now. If Jennifer reads this, perhaps she can post that information Charles mentioned.
I agree Lana, TS, Pat G and several others, we’ve come to know each other if not just a bit, enough to care about each other. It would be nice to have a comfortable place some day again, amongst those we’ve gotten to know, to discuss and learn about Canadian politics. Garth has certainly set the bar way too high with his integrity and honesty and spirited insight. But we can always try to find a new gathering spot for coffee and discussion.
After all, it’s a bit far for us to meet for a “Tim’s”
Okay…I must be exceptionally thick today. This site is closing, but on Greater Fool Garth will be blogging with comments and all… Except for the address…what’s changed? Leasa
You can stay here. — Garth
Thank you and many thanks to your wife for all you have done for us Canadians. You were the golden goose of political information, and you shall be sorely missed.
Canadians are now going to have a diet of rotten eggs instead.
“Everything you do everyday is a portrait of who you are”
unknown
Your portrait has been very enlightening.
After all, it’s a bit far for us to meet for a “Tim’s”
#92 barb the proofreader on 01.12.09 at 7:12 pm
How about a http://www.garth.ca reunion? If high schools can do it………..
or a http://www.garth.ca annual convention?
Or maybe just good old MSN (I’ll have to get my daughter to show me how!) The local Tim’s in Halton wouldn’t be able to hold us all?
Those who don’t toe the line and truly stand by their convictions are few and far between I believe.
Walking the walk takes something special.
I wonder if there were more Garth’s ‘running the show’ where we’d be?
Barb:
Thanks for the ideas. I never noticed the dotted lines below the names and now I will go back and try to get them.
I saw Charles’ e-mail addr. Have an idea!
I am going to check out a few other blogs and maybe we’ll meet again occasionally.
‘Bye and good luck.
James – Chatham on 01.12.09 at 9:19 pm
After all, it’s a bit far for us to meet for a “Tim’s”
#92 barb the proofreader on 01.12.09 at 7:12 pm
How about a http://www.garth.ca reunion? If high schools can do it………..
or a http://www.garth.ca annual convention?
James:
I like your idea but we are scattered all over Canada.
Maybe we could have a provincial do and each chip in and have food somewhere. Could be in better weather though.
I’m like Barb. I really couldn’t keep a blog going like Garth does. My knowledge is limited and my energy as well.
I wonder what time the lights are going to go out?
Well it’s a shame that you’re moving onto other pastures, but I’m happy to know you’re still involved, that you’ve found other opportunities and that you’re still trying to help Canadians in your own way. You’re a national asset Garth. Thanks for being there over the last three years (as long as I’ve been reading).
You can stay here. — Garth
I don’t get it. What am I missing? I asked a perfectly honest question. You will allow comments on the other board, right? Why can’t all the posters from here go there? I must be totally zoned out and missing something. L
Well Garth, it was a good run, it is too bad the people of Halton were fooled by the CPC, their new member will be a puppet, where nobody pulled your strings. Thank you for the blog, it was interesting to read your take on events as well as the comments, most were enlightening although many were partisan as well. I truly think this idea of digital democracy has not come to an end, but is just interrupted. It is just a matter of time before all MPs will do a blog as their constituents will demand the information. Good luck in the future and good wishes to you and your better half. I am sure she is glad to have you back.
One more web site for our friends in the west:
Americans seeing the light on carbon tax – Tyler Hamilton
http://www.thestar.com/printArticle/569202
Garth,
I’ve been following your career for about 30 years now, from when you were the business editor for The Toronto Sun (remember the mail-in petitions and the various protest demonstrations to Parliament Hill?), through your initial foray into federal politics (which spawned the book “Garth! Just What The Hell Is Going On In Ottawa?”), your many books over your career of which I own every one, including your first, “Real Wealth” written waaaay back in the go- go ’80s. I still have that book by the way, dog eared and the binding so shot now, all the pages are falling out. But even then you gave sensible and, even in these times, relevant advice about owning real estate: paying down the mortgage quickly, not getting emotionally involved in bricks and mortar to the point you’re blinded into making a bad purchase, etc.
Just as that first book and subsequent tomes guided me into making sensible decisions about real estate during my life, your initial Parliamentary run and chronology of your experiences got me interested in politics, and for that I owe you an enormous debt of gratitude, even if we didn’t always see eye to eye over the years.
All that to say, I wish you, Dorothy and Bandit nothing but happiness in the years ahead and I will remain (with apologies to Stephen King), your Constant Reader.
All the best and thanks.
Ralph
Thanks once again for this blog Garth. It always astounded me that you kept this up as long as you have. I can not phathom where you found the time. Like, Dude, do you ever sleep?
60 million hits. That left me speechless. You, us ,we, did get our message out. And, if ever, this time the medium was the message. Take care.
The Artist Formerly Known As Paul Fist In Your Face.
Garth,
Take a rest, enjoy life…
“It was Mark Twain that encouraged the entourage to go to Europe and show them something truly American and so they did. In 1887 the Buffalo Bill Cody Wild West Show went to England for the Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee”
How about it, Garth?
Thank you Mr. Garth!
Oh goodness what will I do after my morning walk? It seems I have been reading this blog for ages and I have learned so much from everyone here. Good luck Garth!
The last post, eh.
Seems like yesterday when we met for a Tim’s down at Trafalgar and the 401. You talked about the right uniting, your decision to go for the Conservative nomination here in Halton; the fire-in-your-belly; your hopes, your dreams, your ideas, the future.
Our future. Halton’s future. Canada’s future. Your dream of digital democracy. Bringing government to the people. How I remember that first blog, like it was yesterday. Halton would travel with you, every step of the way. We would not be disappointed. Who could have ever predicted how it would all end.
Thank you Garth for giving me the chance to live my dream too. You’re a good man Garth Turner.
YOU ROCK!
#92 barb the proofreader on 01.12.09 at 7:12 pm
I was saddened to see that my name was omitted on your list of names. Guess I was never part of the right clique?
Just kidding.
Garth, it is too bad you are going to be closing this site. I found out about it after the David Emersson fiasco. I have enjoyed your writing, and your way with words is what kept me coming back. Will you be setting up a GA (Garth Anonymous) 12 step program for us Garth.ca addicts, so we can try to cure the addiction?
Thanks so much Garth…
…for everything you have done for all of us. Thanks for sharing the knowledge of Hill and the House. Thanks for the insights the laughs and some amazing pics (thanks to Zorph too). Thanks for showing amazing depths of patience and a classy drop kick when necessary.
I’ve not posted to comments much lately but I have been lurking quietly in the background and I will show up at the new site. It’s just a little sad, this one has been “home” for so long.
So not g’bye,, but a see’ya later Garth! All my best to Dorothy and Esther and let me know too, if you are ever out on the left coast again.
**hugs**
Geo
ps and *hugs* out to Bonnie N, Mike Oxley, Charles, Bill M.(not anymore?), 900ft Jesus, David Bakody, Dr. Mike, Barb the proofreader, Kevin M, Jason C. and those I’ve missed. You know who you are:) Thanks for some great discussions, some infuriating ignorant statements (it lives forever on the interwebs you know:).
SuxRope, you are still at it I see. Anything to snare a few live ones to your site under any pretext. Democracy thru a maglev system. The poor can squat underneath it. That’ll work.
#75 Got Rope
#92 Barb
#87 Charles
And to all who have an interest in finding a home for those with varied interests, experience and perspective, let us begin. I have noticed recently, that many liberal leaning bloggers who don’t care for following the party line or have challenged those followers of the new guard, are dropping off the ranks of organized liberal blogdom. Some have talked about affiliations with progressive bloggers. Some of these bloggers are quality people and writers, and I think there are possibilities of affiliations to be explored.
It is my understanding that setting up a simple blog is not complicated. Adding the frills is another matter. There is also the element of time to moderate it. Yes Pecked, thet Steenkin’ moderation. Everything starts somewhere and there is enough talent and curiosity on this blog to be the nucleus of good things, IMHO.
Again, in my opinion, an invitation should most definitely be extended to those of differing views, both politically and otherwise as this is the essence of exchanging ideas and viewpoints. We can learn from each other, albeit begrudgingly sometimes. As long as people talk with each other, there is hope.
To Harry, if ya’ll come, I will keep my powder dry.
Good Luck Garth and I wish you the very best.
Ok, I have gone and done it. Progressive Comrades lives.
http://progressivecomrades.blogspot.com
A new home for Jesters, tin foil hats, stogy political theorists, partisan mumblers and hopefully a multitude of others who have something to say and want a place to say it.
My intent is to make it your place. There will be some start up bumps, so take that into account
Comrade One.
Formerly known as Okie
It figures. Just as you close up shop here Dim Jim gets something right. A National Securities Regulator.
Battle erupts over securities watchdog
#111 Comrade Okie on 01.13.09 at 7:04 am
I thought about starting a blog (had one) but simply do not have the time to properly moderate it and maintain it.
If someone (perhaps retired and knowledgeable) does, please let me know. Build it and I will come.
110 Georgine
Democracy thru a maglev system.
———–
Hello, Geo. Not a moment to soon to say goodbye.
You could read a little closer. I said I`d post the addy of a new home on my blog if we found one, not start one or use mine.
Also I`ve been promoting democracy through the rule of law, nothing else.
There is no reason to be po`d with me just because I told you 18 months ago to advise your kids not to buy a house.
=======
111 Comrade Okie
an invitation should most definitely be extended to those of differing views
——-
The more the merrier.
“bloggers who don’t care for following the party line or have challenged those followers of the new guard, are dropping off the ranks of organized liberal blogdom”
Not just Liberal bloggers Comrade.
While I sympathize with all the effort Garth has put into this blog it seems with a federal budget and massive deficit spending with the statement Flaherty has no intention of curbing the size of government, a couple more weeks would have shared a lot of info with Cdns.
#115 Bill
As my #113 says, I have taken a plunge of sorts. Come visit and we can talk about structure and such. Am hoping to fulfill the need you refer to as one of the goals. That being a venue for people to post their own entries without the hassle of moderating etc.
Over the many months that I have followed Garth.ca, I thought many of the posts could well have been a blog thread on their own.
#116 got Rope
Another curiosity I have noticed lately is the appearance of criticism of Harper and his government on Conservative/Right wing sites. Some of dem, aren’t being very nice to ‘im….you know?
Wow! This is a shock – the last thing I expected when I went to your blog. Your voice is one of the most sane in the country and we will all be the worse for its absence at this moment when sanity is so needed.
As the saying goes, “All good things must come to an end sometime”! And so it is with this site?
This move by you Garth has caused me to do some reflection and it will continue for some time to come. While it has not and is not unexpected, your action(s) bring to mind that there are reasons and items of interest….that you have left unsaid, undealt with, and in short you have created a void. I will be watching and evaluating what occurs to fill the void(s)……
Most everyone else has stated the obvious and expressed their regrets plus thanks. I would like to add to that but also commend you for making and acting on what you see as the next step or phase necessary in the digital democracy evolution. Congratulations and condolences, both since it takes motivation and conviction to act plus cut loose from the familiar and the routines…..the daily habits.
Now in the coming days will be the test of how successful you have been and who will grow into the medium….what and how will it be characterized!
To all of the rest of you, it is your duty and responsibility to carry the torch, develop the medium, and grow with the times. Do not be dismayed by the challenges, nor the vocabulary, but read between the lines, look behind the thoughts, and respond to the moment while we still have the opportunity. Our way of life, will change, and this is not to be feared, since change, changes are the way our existence operates.
Finally, thank you Garth for the opportunities and the forum. Plus go make good on your next projects, as I know it is you who make your own good luck, it does not come looking for you, you have to look for it! Some times it takes a failure(s) to help get pointed in the better direction. The future is often better understood when reviewing it in the rear view mirror! Take care now!
118 Comrade One
criticism of Harper and his government on Conservative/Right wing sites
======
In 1993 the C`s were ground to dust over deficit spending that only created huge problems. The L`s were still touted fiscal responsibility with ended deficit spending. Even in modest recessions deficit spending never evolved past a band-aid solution in the hopes things would turn around quickly. With global demand for our exports not expected to return for many years the $30B, now $40B it`s getting very hard to disguise an obvious attempt to bail out government and not the people. The promise massive deficit spending up against global demand won`t be the promised parachute or even a tourniquet while the band-aid will be applied to government only.
On the flip side it would be so easy for government to do the right thing, take the hit and move Canada forward but as we know government will protect itself before the people.
Even more amazing, people keep voting for a continuance of this system while hollering it`s you democratic duty to keep your mouth shut and vote in another government not governed by the rule of law…
Canada needs a total makeover, I`m sure economic conditions have that covered.
Garth,
As a “newbie” to reading the blogs, I always found your blogs informative to the point where I always checked on a daily basis to see what words of wisdom you had.
Now that you are moving on, I wish you all the best!!
Dave
PS: I received “After The Crash” yesterday and am enjoying the read.
Garth, so very sorry to see this site come to an end. It was
always the first place I visited, whenever I turned on the computer.
Although, I visit and enjoy other sites, yours was the only one that gave us, the little people, a voice. In difficult times, such as these, it made so much of a difference to know someone in government was at least hearing us and asking for our opinion. It really mattered. Here is hoping after some time off, you will
reconsider.
Canada needs a total makeover, I`m sure economic conditions have that covered.
#121 got rope? on 01.13.09 at 12:13 pm
And just how do you visualize that happening? Does it require an armed revolution, or a total default of the current economy so that everyone and every thing is bankrupt including government? How can a total remake occur without violent revolution and a new ruling class emerging? There are some very serious pitfalls and ramifications that are totally unacceptable to the Canadian mentality and way of life. You may think that you can change the system, but the system has a way of biting back and burning the best of intentions. Then add to this the external forces that would come to bear on this. A principle that is oft ignored is that evolutionary change denied over time promotes revolutionary change. This is true in many facets of life, and history is full of examples. It also shows that the results of revolution sometimes are not the solution desired and creates more problems that it solves.
#114 Bill-Muskoka (Not Anymore) on 01.13.09 at 9:36 am
And guess which two provinces are balking at it?
Quebec and Alberta. Go figure!
Bill-Muskoka (Not Anymore) on 01.13.09 at 9:36 am It figures. Just as you close up shop here Dim Jim gets something right. A National Securities Regulator.
Battle erupts over securities watchdog
Hi Bill -l I agree that we should have a NSR but, unless, legislation changes, Flim Flam cannot impose it on those provinces which disagree. This co govt. doesn’t agree with democracy. It just wants to oppose their right wing, religious agenda on every one. That’s not democracy. Harper and his puppet caucus is just another ‘double speak’ mouthpiece, e.g. their elected senate playbook. The cons are always spewing their obfuscations to the ignorant electorate, as though its just a question of their attaining a majority, and not about our constitutional system. Anyone recall what they, and their Con CTV propagandists (Duffy, Taber, Fife, etc.) said about the ‘illegal’ coallition.
Thanks cons for all the taxpayer $ spent on 10%’ers and polls you conducted, more than any previous govt. I know my tax dollars are well spent on all your polls and bash Dion ads, at tax payer expensive. You’ve got a short memory. In opposition, you said you’d never do that. You were all for transparency and accountability. Hyporcrits, thy name is CRAP.
#117 Comrade One on 01.13.09 at 10:33 am
Thanks I have you bookmarked. Way too busy today for more.
Garth held us TOGETHER … That’s NO SURPRISE. I will miss everybody here, repeat EVERYBODY … The country will be missing a fullness in Garth’s absence. For Esther, I still have the MAPLE leaf mounted, center forehead … and I am a true fashion plate.
124 Truth B Told on 01.13.09 at 1:19 pm
Canada needs a total makeover, I`m sure economic conditions have that covered.
#121 got rope? on 01.13.09 at 12:13 pm
And just how do you visualize that happening?
===========
Several posters here have examined derivatives with comments on supplying the banks with liquidity even though they are supposedly fully liquid. $75B to bail out various toxic assets, another new $40B in deficit spending with ??? on how much more it`ll take to prop up the system. Still to go, credit card debt and defaults and we have yet to get into the serious job loss season.
We`ve been through all these things so you should not be asking me how I visualize, you should ask yourself why you`re not.
Garth is gone? Can it be so? It ain’t April fools day is it?
You and your blog renewed my interest in Canadian issues and the Government of Canada. I do not like the “politics” associated with it as to many contributers are very partisan. Most national issues could be solved if we could get byond partisan beliefs.
I really enjoyed the discussions and am going to miss your input and the interaction that went with it.
I truly hope this is not the end of your comments on Canadian government issues.
Thanks for the education that came with the process.
Comrade One!! Dude! Just tried to post on your blog but received an error. Do we need a google account? You need to get a contact email too.
#126 Go Green
“Thanks cons for all the taxpayer $$$ spent on 10%’ers and polls you conducted, more than any previous govt.. my tax dollars.. spent on all your polls and bash Dion ads, at tax payer expensive. You’ve got a short memory. In opposition, you said you’d never do that. You were all for transparency and accountability.
Hypocrites, thy name is CRAP.”
Hi Go Green – Those flyers are one of the first things that got me reading this blog. It was reassuring to see so many other people were as upset about them as me. I was so mad about them! And there’s something reassuring about seeing someone as angry as I am at the Harper Cons. Can you recommend any Lib blogs? I’ve never ventured much past here, but might as well if I want to keep on reading up on Canadian politics. I have to see it through — I have to see Harper and his gang of thugs out of office. My health is not good enough to live under Harper’s constant state of fear and lies.
BTW I emailed Charles, he’s a sweetie; he says so did Herb, Brain and others. I see Comrade opened a blog which I’ll take a look at and sign up.
I am really going to miss reading your insights and straight forward honesty and humour
This has been such a fun place and simple place to get together to solve Canada’s problems and have some great chuckles
But alas, too much to ask of Garth – he’s done a lot of good for Canadians and he deserves a break.
…….
#84, #97 Pat G
“I wish I knew how to stay in touch with so many of the people who have contributed so much constructive commentary here. I did prepare a piece questioning a number of the CPC’s plans and policies but there were seven pages and I knew it was too long to post here. There were also two pages of supporting web sites which I think I could now send out. I don’t know how to do this because I’m afraid to put my e-mail address here in case there are repercussions I couldn’t handle. Does anyone know how I could get this out to those who might be interested?”
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I saw Charles’ e-mail addr. Have an idea!
I am going to check out a few other blogs and maybe we’ll meet again occasionally.
Hi Pat – When I emailed Charles, I remember asking around and he and others filled me in on places you can go to set up an extra email address. Probably the easiest way is to just call your internet company and ask them if you can have a 2nd email address for free. More than one email address usually comes with your account. If you have any problems then you can just cancel the 2nd address or change it easily — that’s my same worry. And ask Charles for my email if you like.
Pat and Go Green, I’m thinking there could be an election, and here we are, with no venue to lighten the worries, share our concerns and pick up ideas. And I’m really going to miss the sometimes unexpected, insightful wisecracks from some really fun people in this gaggle like Lana, Dee, Georgine, Irene and the Bonnies. I think women’s humour is more wry then men’s. My mom had a great sense of humour and I miss that sometimes.
I’m also going to miss the scholarly view of people like C. B. Innes from whom I’ve learned a lot. Garth had provided us with a fun place to search and learn, and that can’t be replaced.
So if anyone knows of a fun Liberal blog, or place to read, I’m game.
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#110 Georgine
“hugs**
–Geo
“PS and *hugs* out to Bonnie N, Mike Oxley, Charles, Bill M.(not anymore?), 900ft Jesus, David Bakody, Dr. Mike, Barb the proofreader, Kevin M, Jason C. and those I’ve missed. You know who you are”
Hi Georgine – I hadn’t seen you here for awhile. Hugs back at ya, and to everyone else. And I solidly agree with you, Garth has had an amazing depth of patience, and.. I like your term: “classy drop kick when necessary”. I’ll be keeping an eye, too, on Garth’s RE site – my husband and I will need some honest advice on that in the retiring future.
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#109 Marc
Marc !!!
Oops, I’m halfway to senile — was just going by the names on this page — just too many good commenters here to mention all. I certainly hope we’ll all find good, reliable, honest, fun, intelligent and caring conversation out yonder — I may be old but I still have lots to learn. It’s always been great to read and converse with you and I hope we all can share liberal and progressive values, and honesty, in another venue.
I want The ‘Good’ Canada back!
We have a great, quality bunch of people here, and we can make a dent come the next election. That’s my concern for now. Sometimes just knowing we all care.. helps.
I want to see Canada be able get back to being a country that is admired again. Harper has divided Canada and made us into an ugly and uncaring country, a hateful backwards country. A country of cowards. Harper has deliberately divided many segments of Canadian society — and fired up the use of hate & misunderstanding — as his own personal advantage against us. But a ‘divided people’ will lose — and that’s his strategy. We don’t have a hope of recovery until he’s out of office — only then will we have a chance to become a progressive, admired and leading country again, and to get our government fixed through the help of honest people.
Inspiration helps us roll up our sleeves, and Garth knew how to inspire — and I know he was on the right track — trying to make politics work for the people.
Harper makes me sick — he has diseased Canada — I for one, want the cure.
#129 got rope? on 01.13.09 at 3:34 pm
That is not an answer, you are just baffle gabbing. We have had credit card debits, and defaults before and will have still into the future. My wife made a very good living in the credit collections portfolio business section of several well known corporate names over her post child bearing days. What you are failing to respond to is what mechanism to you visualize to do an economic make over in Canada.
I was hoping that you would endorse a nationwide constitutional conference rather than a revolution or a foreign take over. Frankly I make you to be a little light in abstract reasoning and analysis category. It may come as a surprise to you, but there are many ordinary average people who are afraid of the unknown and would rather stay with the current model in spite of all its problems. Since no one individual “owns” Canada, it must be a joint mutual majority decision to renegotiate the economic framework and rules of the “Great White North”. As for the deferring of the cost of current programs until the next generation for them to pay for them, that is what the previous generation had to do to us, and thus it is modus operandi continuum ad noseum. Get used to it. You are lucky that the grave separates you from this indebtedness in the great unkown beyond!
#132 Dee
It came through ok Dee. Maybe some glitch that fixed itself.
Dee and Bill, see you over at Comrade One.
Comrade, thanks for doing that.
Pyotr, you better show up there, or you’ll make me very mad — I command you. You must obey.
Mr. Turner
PLEASE reconsider your decision.
You are a very effective thorn in the side of the Sub Prime Minister.
Bill Casey has announced that he too is stepping away from political life.
If you can find the time and energy, please consider sticking around and helping Canada rid ourselves of the cancer in Ottawa.
Please don’t let Harper win this. It’s worth the fight.
With deep respect
Ben
#95 James – Chatham — fun ideas, and you’re probably on the right track. I bet Garth’s book tour will bring together more than a few bloggers.
All I want to say is Thank-You Garth. Thanks for your service and dedication to this (once) fine country.
The Canada that I grew up with is NOT the same country anymore. I have slowly seen our unique heritage and traditions fade away into oblivion. I have watched how small towns all across this nation ceased to exist. I have seen how once prosperous farming communities utterly vanished overnight. I’ve witnessed how close-knit families became scattered from east to west because Free Trade and Globalization destroyed their way of life. I’ve watched an entire generation grow up with nothing to look forward to except a future full of BS McJobs and a lifetime of massive debt. I have seen university graduates end up on social assistance because they couldn’t find work in their field of expertise. This, my friends, is the Canada that we’ve become. For shame!
This entire “economy” makes me sick. It’s a system that rewards the corrupt and the crooked, a system that caters to the wealthy few over the working many. It’s a economy that allows the incompetent and immoral to triumph over the honest and integral. I am no longer proud to call myself Canadian. Be it as it may, what exactly do we have to be proud of anymore? We’re more in debt than any other time in history. Once mighty cities are quickly becoming barren wastelands, our net-worths have turned negative, and I personally have never seen such a dumbed-down society as the one we live in today. Incredible. We are graduating college students who are unable to read or spell one word correctly!
You were a voice of inspiration, Garth. A beacon in the night. You were one of the brave few who wasn’t afraid to speak up and tell it like it is, whether people wanted to hear the truth or not. You were one of the dear souls who wasn’t fooled or deceived by the insane folly and wild bash of the last decade, where it literally was a non-stop party based on cheap credit and our “laissez-faire” attitude towards life…
I bid you farewell, sir. Keep your head up high. I feel 2008 was the beginning of the “end” for the entire global economy as we once knew it. It will get worse, but not before people wake up and realize just how deluded they were into believing they really could “have it all”…
Farewell and Adieu.
Hello fellow bloggers,
There seems to be some huge withdrawal symptoms on Garth’s blog from political posters across the country trying to figure out where they go from here.
Garth hasn’t ended our dialogue – I expect he is waiting to see if we lay down the gauntlet to continue. No lament, just what kind of blog would you like to see?
I personally, would like to have a commentary from all 308 MP’s on a subject of their choosing.
Garth was a conduit for all citizens but a more balanced approach would be to solicit all MP’s.
Sure I could set up a blog but what would you value as a dialogue?
What are your ideas on the format of a digital democracy blog?
It’s a focus group kids – Garth has ended his political blog. What do you want?
134 Truth B Told
What you are failing to respond to is what mechanism to you visualize to do an economic make over in Canada.
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The same one Garth spoke about when he talked about under saved, over spent, over mortgaged, Cdns with 30m po`d Cdns added in.
I don`t think Garth was doom and glooming when he announced Cdns are $1T in debt with credit cards making up $100B of it. btw the latest tally is $1.3 trillion in debt. Now that you`ve made it clear Garth was just baffle gabbing we can all go out in the next election to vote knowing things are just fine. Thanks again for taking the time to straighten everyone out.
“I was hoping that you would endorse a nationwide constitutional conference”
There have been several already and if they were on track to stop the brutal economic changes coming I would endorse one. You must have noticed the conferences are hosted and the speakers are all entrenched in the current failing system and only look for sugar coated spins to mislead the public. Hardly worth my minuscule endorsement.
THANKS for everything Garth!! Are you sure you can’t do a political post a couple times a month? That would be great.
#139 Bonnie N BC “I could set up a blog but what would you value as a dialogue?”
Hi Bonnie – Good question and great offer – I’ll give it a day of thought — but as Pat says, who knows when the lights will go out. So should we not be quick enough to post a reply to you here, we can do so at “One’s” site posted at #113 …but hope Garth will give us a few days to discuss it here. Maybe Garth will leave this open for as long as it take to give us time to all post replies to you here.. hopefully time enough for you to get the consensus/discussion you’ll want to move on it.
As #138 Bruce said so eloquently, Garth was a voice of inspiration and Canada has changed. Now, we have to suck it up, put on our helmets, and fix it all by our little lonesomes. Our inspiration is the future of Canada and rebuilding what has been destroyed.
#136 Barb
It’s the least I could do given that so many people come here to offers their experience and vast efforts to research, learn and share. I also look at it as an attempt to continue Garth’s efforts in whatever fashion I can.
I’m not going to get all up on male bonding here, but one has to admire what Garth has accomplished. He sure put a lot on his plate and he has a right to be tired. Besides that, he put up with me and that’s not easy.
Gart, your words will be missed by many. Your vision of a Member of Parliament who was accessible and involved with his community, I expect will be missed by the residents of your riding as well.
I still find it hard to believe that Halton chose a parachuted store brand candidate.
I will pop in to your new site occasionally and offer some Okie advice about self reliance. I have considerable background in that area from my past. That was before the Corporate vision took away the Heart of a Country Boy, and made him just another mouse running on a wheel.
Power to The People
Dear Garth, thank you for being here . My first attendance on a blog with my first computer has been the most fascinating, exciting journey I could’ve imagined, because of you and all the Comrade’s here. As it’s been said- this place is “home” to many. And home is where the heart is. See you around, Garth! Okie, Herb, Barb, Bill, Got Rope, Mr. Oxley…I will gladly join or at least listen to your conversations, where ever they take place. All of the posters here, I have learned from, related to and hoped and dreamed with. Thank you.
[...] Turner brought the system out of the dark by reaching out on his blog. This week, he’s shutting it down. What remains will be a record of what he set out to accomplish by using technology to communicate [...]