Well, it looks like this should be the end of the coalition, and I still tend to suspect that despite the apparent internal Liberal support for it, I have a feeling that we will either see the budget pass at the end of January (which, interestingly, would validate Harper's decision to prorogue somewhat), or an election. But I have a few more thoughts at the at least temporary end to one of the more interesting periods we've seen in recent Canadian policital history.
1) Harper shouldn't have requested the prorogation of Parliament. Although the coalition would have been an undemocratic and rejected option by the majority of Canadians (read any poll, or just look at the last election results), avoiding that option by similarly undemocratically proroguing Parliament doesn't help matters. This was a mistake by Harper. Although I see his point and do believe that the suggested coalition would be one of the biggest mistakes this country has ever made, proroguing Parliament simply expands the problem and looks equally undemocratic.
2) So what should he have done? Put back in the party-financing bill into the confidence vote scheduled for Monday, speak to the country and explain that he had previously agreed to EVERY SINGLE THING the coalition requested of him, and that the coalition was determined to gain power regardless, and die on THAT sword. I honestly think (should that have happened) we'd either be in an election campaign right now, or in the middle of an incredibly unstable coalition government that would have ended up with us back at the polls in 6 months time.
3) John Manley (who probably has more respect from me right now than every other Liberal party member) has eloquently explained why the coalition idea is bad for both the country and the Liberal party (Saturday's Globe and Mail). Frank McKenna also said he was never part of the whole "unelected and rejected" group. As a result, that band is down to a duo - Paul Martin and Roy Romanow. And there is still time for them to reject this as well.
4) Michael Ignatieff is making a major miscalculation. If he honestly thinks that the majority of Canadians are behind this little coalition, I suggest that he force an election when the budget is presented and take that coalition to Canadians. Good luck with that, sir.
5) I have no problem with coalition governments in general. The problem is that this type of situation is unprecedented, not just in Canada, but globally. In Israel and France and Germany and Australia (all examples used by pro-coalition proponents), coalitions are prepared in advance of the elections, and people actually know who they are voting for. Furthermore, the majority of those countries use at least some form of proportional representation, which lends itself to workable coalition governments rather than a hastily-patched-together-centre-left-separatist coalition that has no stability whatsoever.
6) I have heard the whole "62% majority" argument so much it is ridiculous. It wasn't 8 weeks ago that Layton and Dion and Duceppe were all fighting and swearing that they would never be in bed together, and now they are going to lead the country together? That sounds stable.
7) The coalition actually taking power after the country less than 8 weeks ago gave the ruling party an increased mandate is simply an abuse of the process. Dion was rejected like no other Liberal leader in history, and he was going to lead this thing? How, pray tell, is that democratic? I have no problem with the opposition voting the government down and going to another election (in fact, that would be very appropriate). But to try to grab power like this is simply unheard of in our system.
8) And finally, the major problem I have with the Bloc being part of this alleged coalition? The money that would have come from an economic stimulus package as presented by the coalition would have focused the bailout on two sectors: the Ontario automobile industry, and the Quebec lumber industry. That is why the Bloc was so interested - huge points for Quebec.
Unfortunately for the good of the country, the Bloc lumber industry is in a far more stable state than (say) the BC lumber industry, and there was no suggestion made of helping them out. And the Ontario automobile industry? Please. Let's be perfectly blunt - what is the point of making new cars if nobody has the money to buy them?
None of the above has any bearing on the fact that Harper should not have prorogued Parliament. But to suggest that the coalition would have been the best option for a stable government through the worst economic situation since the Great Depression is simply not seeing the big picture.
Showing posts with label Politics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Politics. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Harper vs. Dion - Word War
Why does it feel we just did this? I guess we did just a few weeks ago.
HARPER
Good evening.
Canadians take pride in our history as one of the world's oldest continuous democracies. During the past 141 years, political parties have emerged and disappeared, leaders have come and gone, and governments have changed.
Constant in every case, however, is the principle that Canada's government has always been chosen by the people. And following the light of this democratic tradition, Canadians have built one of the most peaceful and prosperous countries the world has ever known a land of hope and opportunity that inspires others around the globe, and has drawn millions as new immigrants to our country.
On October 14, for the 40th time since Confederation, Canadians voted in a national general election. We are honoured that you returned our government to office with a strengthened mandate to lead this great country through the most difficult global economic crisis in many decades. Canada's government is acting to deal with the crisis, right now.
Further personal and business tax reductions are coming into effect. We are doubling spending on infrastructure; we are ensuring credit for businesses and consumers by injecting liquidity into financial markets; we are helping seniors who rely on RRIR income; and securing pension plans.
We are implementing the Automotive Innovation Fund and, working with the government of Ontario, we are undertaking due diligence on any further requests for assistance from the auto industry.
We are increasing support and incentives for manufacturers, the forestry sector, and others to pursue business opportunities. We are implementing agreements with the provinces to enhance labour mobility. And, next month on January 27, we will bring in a budget which will contain additional measures to boost Canada's economy, while making sure we avoid a long term structural deficit in Canada's finances.
In preparation for that budget we are consulting widely with Canadians, meeting with premiers of our provinces and territories, and working in collaboration with our international partners in G20. The minister of finance will be consulting with the business community and interest groups.
We are consulting with, and expect to hear more from, the opposition parties in Parliament. We hope they bring forward specific proposals -- we have invited them to do so. In fact, we have already changed some of our proposals to meet their concerns.
Unfortunately, even before the government has brought forward its budget, and only seven weeks after a general election, the opposition wants to overturn the results of that election.
Instead of an immediate budget, they propose a new coalition which includes the party in Parliament whose avowed goal is to break up the country. Let me be very clear: Canada's government cannot enter into a power-sharing coalition with a separatist party. At a time of global economic instability, Canada's government must stand unequivocally for keeping the country together. At a time like this, a coalition with the separatists cannot help Canada. And the Opposition does not have the democratic right to impose a coalition with the separatists they promised voters would never happen.
The Opposition is attempting to impose this deal without your say, without your consent, and without your vote. This is no time for backroom deals with the separatists; it is the time for Canada's government to focus on the economy and specifically on measures for the upcoming budget. This is a pivotal moment in our history.
We Canadians are the inheritors of a great legacy, and it is our duty to strengthen and protect it for the generations still to come. Tonight, I pledge to you that Canada's government will use every legal means at our disposal to protect our democracy, to protect our economy, and to protect Canada.
Thank you, and goodnight.
DION
Canada is facing the impacts of the global economic crisis. Our economy is on the verge of a recession. Canadians are worried about losing their jobs, their homes, their savings. Every economist in the country is predicting increased job losses and deficits for the next few years.
The federal government has a duty to act and help Canadians weather this storm.
Stephen Harper still refuses to propose measures to stimulate the Canadian economy. His mini-budget last week demonstrated that his priority is partisanship and settling ideological scores.
The Harper Conservatives have lost the confidence of the majority of members of the House of Commons. In our democracy, in our parliamentary system, in our Constitution, this means that they have lost the right to govern.
Canadians don't want another election, they want Parliamentarians to work together. That's our job. Canadians want their MPs to put aside partisanship and focus on the economy.
The Liberal Party and the New Democratic Party are ready to do this. Jack Layton and I have agreed to form a coalition government to address the impact of the global economic crisis. The Bloc has agreed to support this government on matters of confidence. The Green Party has also agreed to support it.
Our system of government was not born with Canada. It is ancient. There are rules that govern it and conventions that guide it. Coalitions are normal and current practice in many parts of the world and are able to work very successfully. They work with simple ingredients: consensus, goodwill and co-operation.
Consensus is a great Canadian value. In this spirit, we Liberals have joined in a coalition with the NDP. We have done so because we believe we can achieve more for Canadians through co-operation than through conflict. We believe we can better solve the challenges facing Canada through teamwork and collaboration, rather than blind partisan feuding and hostility.
Our coalition is a consensus to govern with a well-defined program to address the most important issue facing the country: the economy. It is a program to preserve and create jobs and to stimulate the economy in all regions of the country. The elements of the program need to be spelled out and this is what we will do if we are allowed to present it to the House of Commons.
We share the frustration Canadians have about a political crisis that has been allowed to take prominence over the more important economic challenges we face. Elsewhere in the world, leaders are working to cope with the recession, to bring forward the kinds of investments that will help their people and their economies. Politicians are working together. Rivals are working together.
Mr. Harper's solution is to extend that crisis by avoiding a simple vote; by suspending Parliament and continuing the confusion. We offer a better way. We say settle it now and let's get to work on the people's business. A vote is scheduled for next Monday. Let it proceed. And let us all show maturity in accepting the result with grace and the larger task of serving Canadians in mind.
Within one week, a new direction will be established, a tone and focus will be set. We will gather with leaders of industry and labour to work -- unlike the Conservatives -- in a collaborative but urgent manner to protect jobs. To stimulate the economy and create good well-paid jobs we will not only accelerate already planned investments, but invest significantly more in our country's infrastructure. Helping our cities like Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, Montreal or Halifax build modern, efficient public transit systems. Investing in our rural communities so that cherished ways of life are protected for future generations. We can stimulate our economy through investments in clean energy, water and our gateways.
We will invest in our manufacturing, forestry and automotive sectors to protect and create jobs. We believe that in these tough economic times the government has a role to play to ensure that those who are doing their share for the prosperity of our country can continue to provide for the well-being of their families.
In times like this our compassion as a country is tested. We believe it is imperative that the government offers Canadians who have already lost their job, whether in the factories of southwestern Ontario or the forests of Eastern Quebec and British Columbia, the support they need to live in dignity and develop new skills. That is precisely what we intend to provide.
Earlier today I wrote Her Excellency the Governor General. I respectfully asked her to refuse any request by the prime minister to suspend Parliament until he has demonstrated to her that he still commands the confidence of the House. If Mr. Harper wants to suspend Parliament he must first face a vote of confidence.
In our Canada, the government is accountable for its decisions and actions in Parliament. In our Canada, the government derives its legitimacy from an elected Parliament.
Allow me to end tonight on a personal note. If I am entrusted with the role of prime minister for the next months that I have left to serve, I will work day and night to combat this economic crisis, to do what it takes to minimize its effects on Canadians, to protect jobs and to create jobs.
I will serve my country until my time to serve is at an end.
HARPER
Good evening.
Canadians take pride in our history as one of the world's oldest continuous democracies. During the past 141 years, political parties have emerged and disappeared, leaders have come and gone, and governments have changed.
Constant in every case, however, is the principle that Canada's government has always been chosen by the people. And following the light of this democratic tradition, Canadians have built one of the most peaceful and prosperous countries the world has ever known a land of hope and opportunity that inspires others around the globe, and has drawn millions as new immigrants to our country.
On October 14, for the 40th time since Confederation, Canadians voted in a national general election. We are honoured that you returned our government to office with a strengthened mandate to lead this great country through the most difficult global economic crisis in many decades. Canada's government is acting to deal with the crisis, right now.
Further personal and business tax reductions are coming into effect. We are doubling spending on infrastructure; we are ensuring credit for businesses and consumers by injecting liquidity into financial markets; we are helping seniors who rely on RRIR income; and securing pension plans.
We are implementing the Automotive Innovation Fund and, working with the government of Ontario, we are undertaking due diligence on any further requests for assistance from the auto industry.
We are increasing support and incentives for manufacturers, the forestry sector, and others to pursue business opportunities. We are implementing agreements with the provinces to enhance labour mobility. And, next month on January 27, we will bring in a budget which will contain additional measures to boost Canada's economy, while making sure we avoid a long term structural deficit in Canada's finances.
In preparation for that budget we are consulting widely with Canadians, meeting with premiers of our provinces and territories, and working in collaboration with our international partners in G20. The minister of finance will be consulting with the business community and interest groups.
We are consulting with, and expect to hear more from, the opposition parties in Parliament. We hope they bring forward specific proposals -- we have invited them to do so. In fact, we have already changed some of our proposals to meet their concerns.
Unfortunately, even before the government has brought forward its budget, and only seven weeks after a general election, the opposition wants to overturn the results of that election.
Instead of an immediate budget, they propose a new coalition which includes the party in Parliament whose avowed goal is to break up the country. Let me be very clear: Canada's government cannot enter into a power-sharing coalition with a separatist party. At a time of global economic instability, Canada's government must stand unequivocally for keeping the country together. At a time like this, a coalition with the separatists cannot help Canada. And the Opposition does not have the democratic right to impose a coalition with the separatists they promised voters would never happen.
The Opposition is attempting to impose this deal without your say, without your consent, and without your vote. This is no time for backroom deals with the separatists; it is the time for Canada's government to focus on the economy and specifically on measures for the upcoming budget. This is a pivotal moment in our history.
We Canadians are the inheritors of a great legacy, and it is our duty to strengthen and protect it for the generations still to come. Tonight, I pledge to you that Canada's government will use every legal means at our disposal to protect our democracy, to protect our economy, and to protect Canada.
Thank you, and goodnight.
DION
Canada is facing the impacts of the global economic crisis. Our economy is on the verge of a recession. Canadians are worried about losing their jobs, their homes, their savings. Every economist in the country is predicting increased job losses and deficits for the next few years.
The federal government has a duty to act and help Canadians weather this storm.
Stephen Harper still refuses to propose measures to stimulate the Canadian economy. His mini-budget last week demonstrated that his priority is partisanship and settling ideological scores.
The Harper Conservatives have lost the confidence of the majority of members of the House of Commons. In our democracy, in our parliamentary system, in our Constitution, this means that they have lost the right to govern.
Canadians don't want another election, they want Parliamentarians to work together. That's our job. Canadians want their MPs to put aside partisanship and focus on the economy.
The Liberal Party and the New Democratic Party are ready to do this. Jack Layton and I have agreed to form a coalition government to address the impact of the global economic crisis. The Bloc has agreed to support this government on matters of confidence. The Green Party has also agreed to support it.
Our system of government was not born with Canada. It is ancient. There are rules that govern it and conventions that guide it. Coalitions are normal and current practice in many parts of the world and are able to work very successfully. They work with simple ingredients: consensus, goodwill and co-operation.
Consensus is a great Canadian value. In this spirit, we Liberals have joined in a coalition with the NDP. We have done so because we believe we can achieve more for Canadians through co-operation than through conflict. We believe we can better solve the challenges facing Canada through teamwork and collaboration, rather than blind partisan feuding and hostility.
Our coalition is a consensus to govern with a well-defined program to address the most important issue facing the country: the economy. It is a program to preserve and create jobs and to stimulate the economy in all regions of the country. The elements of the program need to be spelled out and this is what we will do if we are allowed to present it to the House of Commons.
We share the frustration Canadians have about a political crisis that has been allowed to take prominence over the more important economic challenges we face. Elsewhere in the world, leaders are working to cope with the recession, to bring forward the kinds of investments that will help their people and their economies. Politicians are working together. Rivals are working together.
Mr. Harper's solution is to extend that crisis by avoiding a simple vote; by suspending Parliament and continuing the confusion. We offer a better way. We say settle it now and let's get to work on the people's business. A vote is scheduled for next Monday. Let it proceed. And let us all show maturity in accepting the result with grace and the larger task of serving Canadians in mind.
Within one week, a new direction will be established, a tone and focus will be set. We will gather with leaders of industry and labour to work -- unlike the Conservatives -- in a collaborative but urgent manner to protect jobs. To stimulate the economy and create good well-paid jobs we will not only accelerate already planned investments, but invest significantly more in our country's infrastructure. Helping our cities like Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, Montreal or Halifax build modern, efficient public transit systems. Investing in our rural communities so that cherished ways of life are protected for future generations. We can stimulate our economy through investments in clean energy, water and our gateways.
We will invest in our manufacturing, forestry and automotive sectors to protect and create jobs. We believe that in these tough economic times the government has a role to play to ensure that those who are doing their share for the prosperity of our country can continue to provide for the well-being of their families.
In times like this our compassion as a country is tested. We believe it is imperative that the government offers Canadians who have already lost their job, whether in the factories of southwestern Ontario or the forests of Eastern Quebec and British Columbia, the support they need to live in dignity and develop new skills. That is precisely what we intend to provide.
Earlier today I wrote Her Excellency the Governor General. I respectfully asked her to refuse any request by the prime minister to suspend Parliament until he has demonstrated to her that he still commands the confidence of the House. If Mr. Harper wants to suspend Parliament he must first face a vote of confidence.
In our Canada, the government is accountable for its decisions and actions in Parliament. In our Canada, the government derives its legitimacy from an elected Parliament.
Allow me to end tonight on a personal note. If I am entrusted with the role of prime minister for the next months that I have left to serve, I will work day and night to combat this economic crisis, to do what it takes to minimize its effects on Canadians, to protect jobs and to create jobs.
I will serve my country until my time to serve is at an end.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
A Liberal That Gets It & A Conservative That Has It
Hands-down the best partisan Liberal blogger on the net, Calgary Grit, has done an excellent job of summarizing why this might not be such a great idea for the Liberal party.
I don't want to cut and past the entire post, but I do encourage you if interested to give it a read. It's a great commentary on the risks inherent for the Liberal party, risks that if I were in their shoes I would not want to indulge.
Also (and he didn't raise this, but I will), at the end of the day, if Harper is hated by the public as much as the Liberals and Dippers do, wouldn't the public not have given him a stronger mandate as well as 38% of the popular vote (the same percentage they gave Chretien in 2000, and nobody was complaining then about his lack of legitimacy?) Why wouldn't the Liberals want to give this hated bully as much rope as possible, and then bring him down when they have a new leader? (Answer: This is about Dion's ego, and the loss of the party financing subsidy, which has since been revoked...unfortunately...which makes it predominantly about Dion's ego).
And another link for you: ALW again, with a great post about the reason behind the Liberal-NDP madness. The LPC and NDP do NOT like Mr. Harper. I dislike Dion and Layton and Rae, but it's nowhere near the vile that those gentlemen hold for the Right Honourable Prime Minister (whom, again, Canadians overwhelmingly voted in favour of).
I don't want to cut and past the entire post, but I do encourage you if interested to give it a read. It's a great commentary on the risks inherent for the Liberal party, risks that if I were in their shoes I would not want to indulge.
Also (and he didn't raise this, but I will), at the end of the day, if Harper is hated by the public as much as the Liberals and Dippers do, wouldn't the public not have given him a stronger mandate as well as 38% of the popular vote (the same percentage they gave Chretien in 2000, and nobody was complaining then about his lack of legitimacy?) Why wouldn't the Liberals want to give this hated bully as much rope as possible, and then bring him down when they have a new leader? (Answer: This is about Dion's ego, and the loss of the party financing subsidy, which has since been revoked...unfortunately...which makes it predominantly about Dion's ego).
And another link for you: ALW again, with a great post about the reason behind the Liberal-NDP madness. The LPC and NDP do NOT like Mr. Harper. I dislike Dion and Layton and Rae, but it's nowhere near the vile that those gentlemen hold for the Right Honourable Prime Minister (whom, again, Canadians overwhelmingly voted in favour of).
A Call To Michael Ignatieff
In times like this, it seems wrong to promote rumours, but the rumour that Mr. Ignatieff is not particularly thrilled with the advancement of this coalition government continues to a) not go away, and b) gain steam and traction with each moment that Ignatieff doesn't come out and reject it as a rumour.
To wit, then, I request that Mr. Ignatieff immediately either a) declare his own unbridled support for the coalition - which if successful he is the odds-on favourite to be the leader of in May, or b) denounce this shameful ploy once and for all.
I say this as a concerned Canadian citizen, most interested above all (when it comes to these matters) in our country's well-being, because I am increasingly of the opinion that this coalition could be the best possible thing for the Conservative Party of Canada's fortunes (not Stephen Harper's fortunes, regrettably, but the CPC for sure).
As a result, the best action on the part of Michael Ignatieff would be to denounce the coalition, first and foremost for Canada's best interests. I have a feeling that as a collateral benefit, it would also be the best choice for Mr. Ignatieff's own, long-term aspirations.
To wit, then, I request that Mr. Ignatieff immediately either a) declare his own unbridled support for the coalition - which if successful he is the odds-on favourite to be the leader of in May, or b) denounce this shameful ploy once and for all.
I say this as a concerned Canadian citizen, most interested above all (when it comes to these matters) in our country's well-being, because I am increasingly of the opinion that this coalition could be the best possible thing for the Conservative Party of Canada's fortunes (not Stephen Harper's fortunes, regrettably, but the CPC for sure).
As a result, the best action on the part of Michael Ignatieff would be to denounce the coalition, first and foremost for Canada's best interests. I have a feeling that as a collateral benefit, it would also be the best choice for Mr. Ignatieff's own, long-term aspirations.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
The Real Coalition Winner
This says it all. The real winner if this coalition goes through? Gilles Duceppe and the BQ. They have nothing to lose and everything to gain. And the thought of a guy like Dion working with Duceppe seems unbelievably weird.
Duceppe is ONLY going to abide by this coalition agreement until he feels that he can gain more seats in a federal election. This whole "agreement for 18 months" crap? Not going to happen.
Furthermore, can anyone see Ignatieff working with Layton?
Of course, help us all should Rae with the Liberal leadership.
Duceppe is ONLY going to abide by this coalition agreement until he feels that he can gain more seats in a federal election. This whole "agreement for 18 months" crap? Not going to happen.
Furthermore, can anyone see Ignatieff working with Layton?
Of course, help us all should Rae with the Liberal leadership.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Top 2 Stories on CBC.ca
"Liberals, NDP, Bloc sign deal on proposed coalition."
"TSX point drop biggest ever."
I'm just saying.
And you all thought I was a Conservative partisan hack before. HA.
"TSX point drop biggest ever."
I'm just saying.
And you all thought I was a Conservative partisan hack before. HA.
Ignatieff & Rae Both Signed Off On This Deal
Just wanted to make sure that's crystal clear. They support this deal with the NDP and the deal with the Bloc.
If this goes through, just wait for how bad this extremely mild recession (in Canada anyways) will get once we have Dion and Layton trying to spend their way out of it. This is a disaster waiting to happen, not to mention an affront to modern democracy.
If this goes through, just wait for how bad this extremely mild recession (in Canada anyways) will get once we have Dion and Layton trying to spend their way out of it. This is a disaster waiting to happen, not to mention an affront to modern democracy.
Stephane Dion - Canada's Next PM?
And they take another step.
Again - perfectly constitutional. Ridiculous and unbelievable? Yes.
Stephane Dion was OVERWHELMINGLY rejected as the Prime Minister, just 6 short weeks ago. Now, the Liberals and NDP are going to try to appoint him in that role.
Of course, he's got the Unelected and Rejected group to advise and lead him, so at least there's that.
Unbelievable.
Again - perfectly constitutional. Ridiculous and unbelievable? Yes.
Stephane Dion was OVERWHELMINGLY rejected as the Prime Minister, just 6 short weeks ago. Now, the Liberals and NDP are going to try to appoint him in that role.
Of course, he's got the Unelected and Rejected group to advise and lead him, so at least there's that.
Unbelievable.
Democracy, Schmocracy
At least, that's what this Liberal-NDP-Bloc coalition attempt seems to suggest to the Canadian public.
There's a few links that very concisely say what I would like to. So I'll link you to them: Andrew Coyne's blog, as well as ALW's. The few recent posts on each of those sites is good reading.
Believe it or not, I believe that the Lib-NDP-Bloc have a perfectly reasonable right to first defeat the government, and then ask the Governor General for them to form the government. Of course, she'll first be hearing from the PM, asking her to dissolve the government and have an election. The opposition parties would have to convince her that they would be able to form a stable government (whether they could convince her or not, this is highly unlikely to be a 'stable' government coalition).
Why is this such an affront to democracy then? Well, just consider the fact that part of this coalition suggests putting in 4 'All-Star' Canadians as an 'economic council' to guide the Liberals and NDP on this glorious coalition. Who are they? Frank McKenna, Paul Martin, John Manley, and Roy Romanow.
None of whom are elected officials. None of whom were chosen by the Canadian people. All of whom either left elected office, or the Canadian electorate specifically rejected.
This leaves aside the grand plan of this coalition to try to spend our way out of this recession, by increasing taxes and providing "stimuli" - which would be bad enough, but to implement it via a system of unelected and rejected ex-politicos is simply embarassing.
I like that. If the above scenario happens, I'm going to dub that group the "Unelected and Rejected". Sounds like a cheesy band title. If only that's what it was.
There's a few links that very concisely say what I would like to. So I'll link you to them: Andrew Coyne's blog, as well as ALW's. The few recent posts on each of those sites is good reading.
Believe it or not, I believe that the Lib-NDP-Bloc have a perfectly reasonable right to first defeat the government, and then ask the Governor General for them to form the government. Of course, she'll first be hearing from the PM, asking her to dissolve the government and have an election. The opposition parties would have to convince her that they would be able to form a stable government (whether they could convince her or not, this is highly unlikely to be a 'stable' government coalition).
Why is this such an affront to democracy then? Well, just consider the fact that part of this coalition suggests putting in 4 'All-Star' Canadians as an 'economic council' to guide the Liberals and NDP on this glorious coalition. Who are they? Frank McKenna, Paul Martin, John Manley, and Roy Romanow.
None of whom are elected officials. None of whom were chosen by the Canadian people. All of whom either left elected office, or the Canadian electorate specifically rejected.
This leaves aside the grand plan of this coalition to try to spend our way out of this recession, by increasing taxes and providing "stimuli" - which would be bad enough, but to implement it via a system of unelected and rejected ex-politicos is simply embarassing.
I like that. If the above scenario happens, I'm going to dub that group the "Unelected and Rejected". Sounds like a cheesy band title. If only that's what it was.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Follow The Leader
I'm not a fan of the Parti Quebecois, but I AM a newfound fan of their new leader, Pauline Marois.
Why?
Here's why:
Brilliant! C'est incroyable!
Why?
Here's why:
MONTREAL -- They may never write stories about her health again.
Bleary-eyed and freezing, a group of journalists was forced to follow Parti Quebecois Leader Pauline Marois for her regular morning walk under a dark pre-dawn sky.
Marois had been frustrated by stories that she was too tired to run a decent
campaign, and that she had cut back on evening events to deal with her fatigue.So she challenged her tormentors to join her for her daily walk -- and they
were compelled to oblige.
The 59-year-old politician was followed by a group of reporters and camerapeople as she began her march up Montreal's Mount Royal at 5:45 a.m., with only the moon piercing the near-total darkness.
It was a surreal scene.
Marois put on her iPod and listened to tunes while several panting members of the media struggled to keep up with her brisk pace. She occasionally tossed a taunt their way during the half-hour walk. "I'm still here!" she shouted back at one point.
When someone asked why she was doing this to them Marois replied: "Because all of you thought I was sick."
At the end of the walk, she told the assembled throng that she hoped their little field
trip would turn the page on any questions about her health.
Brilliant! C'est incroyable!
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Remembrance Day Thoughts
Several things were on my mind yesterday, as the world observed a day of remembrance for the tragedies of war.
1) Remembrance Day should be a statutory holiday. I remember the argument a number of years ago that children would be able to remember better in school than having a freebie day off, but when we celebrate Civic Holiday, Labour Day and now Family Day with statutory holidays, it seems somewhat embarrassing that we don't afford Remembrance Day the same respect. I have a view of the cenetaph from my office and I suspect the crowd that gathered would have been significantly larger if not so many people were working. This needs to be revisited again.
2) Just because you dislike war (as we all do) doesn't mean that you can't respect the sacrifices that people made to defend freedom.
There were a lot of good people who have died in wars over the years to help protect innocent people from tyranny. Remembrance Day is a day to honour those men and women. It is not a day for anti-war protests. There are 364 other days a year for that.
1) Remembrance Day should be a statutory holiday. I remember the argument a number of years ago that children would be able to remember better in school than having a freebie day off, but when we celebrate Civic Holiday, Labour Day and now Family Day with statutory holidays, it seems somewhat embarrassing that we don't afford Remembrance Day the same respect. I have a view of the cenetaph from my office and I suspect the crowd that gathered would have been significantly larger if not so many people were working. This needs to be revisited again.
2) Just because you dislike war (as we all do) doesn't mean that you can't respect the sacrifices that people made to defend freedom.
There were a lot of good people who have died in wars over the years to help protect innocent people from tyranny. Remembrance Day is a day to honour those men and women. It is not a day for anti-war protests. There are 364 other days a year for that.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
What Exactly Obama Will Do
As I have been called to task, I will now have to put my extremely limited knowledge of the US Presidential campaign to the test and try to predict what President Obama will actually do.
1) Pull out of Iraq.
Might not be tomorrow, might not be Saturday, but I have a very strong feeling there will be a pullout of Iraq by the end of 2010, at the latest. Gradual, not an immediate pullout, but a pullout nonetheless.
2) The Attorney General won't be William Ayers.
I realize it's a negative, but it won't be him. Sorry MC.
3) Raising taxes.
He's got to. He shouldn't but he's got to. Don't ask me what taxes, but certain ones must be raised.
4) Improve of US relations.
At least temporarily. This will not be as drastic as many people think, partially due to the fact that Bush was far less unpopular worldwide than he was in the minds of many demoliberals. But at least initially, perception of the USA has dramatically improved (something that would not have happened should McCain have won).
5) Chicago will win the 2016 Olympics.
How can they not now? It will be the last year of Obama's term, and for them to host the Olympics in the first American black President's hometown will be too much for the IOC to resist.
6) 2012 Election Prediction: Obama over whomever.
It won't be with 300+ EC votes this time. But he's going to win in 2012 as well. The Republicans should be looking 8 years down the road.
1) Pull out of Iraq.
Might not be tomorrow, might not be Saturday, but I have a very strong feeling there will be a pullout of Iraq by the end of 2010, at the latest. Gradual, not an immediate pullout, but a pullout nonetheless.
2) The Attorney General won't be William Ayers.
I realize it's a negative, but it won't be him. Sorry MC.
3) Raising taxes.
He's got to. He shouldn't but he's got to. Don't ask me what taxes, but certain ones must be raised.
4) Improve of US relations.
At least temporarily. This will not be as drastic as many people think, partially due to the fact that Bush was far less unpopular worldwide than he was in the minds of many demoliberals. But at least initially, perception of the USA has dramatically improved (something that would not have happened should McCain have won).
5) Chicago will win the 2016 Olympics.
How can they not now? It will be the last year of Obama's term, and for them to host the Olympics in the first American black President's hometown will be too much for the IOC to resist.
6) 2012 Election Prediction: Obama over whomever.
It won't be with 300+ EC votes this time. But he's going to win in 2012 as well. The Republicans should be looking 8 years down the road.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Smiles and Cries
"Ya gotta control your smiles and cries."
Points to whomever gets that reference first.
Anyways, I've been hearing an awful lot from a lot of people that the sky is caving in, now that we are about to have President Obama (or as his buddies call him, President Barack). Alternatively, I've heard that PO is going to solve world hunger, end all wars, and fix the economy all before yesterday's breakfast.
My take is that Obama won't be nearly as bad as his opponents are afraid of, and won't be nearly as good as his proponents are sure of.
All that said, it truly is an incredible day for the democratic process. And when it is all said and done, Obama's 2008 election campaign will go down as one of the greatest political performances in history.
Points to whomever gets that reference first.
Anyways, I've been hearing an awful lot from a lot of people that the sky is caving in, now that we are about to have President Obama (or as his buddies call him, President Barack). Alternatively, I've heard that PO is going to solve world hunger, end all wars, and fix the economy all before yesterday's breakfast.
My take is that Obama won't be nearly as bad as his opponents are afraid of, and won't be nearly as good as his proponents are sure of.
All that said, it truly is an incredible day for the democratic process. And when it is all said and done, Obama's 2008 election campaign will go down as one of the greatest political performances in history.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Official Prediction: USA Votes 08
Obama in a landslide, probably with more than 300 Electoral College delegates.
The Democrats should also take the House and Senate as well, although not as handily as Obama does.
Prepare for 4 years of...well, I guess we don't really know...
The Democrats should also take the House and Senate as well, although not as handily as Obama does.
Prepare for 4 years of...well, I guess we don't really know...
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Dion Gone, Who's Next?
While the Liberals continue to search for a quick fix to a rather large problem (namely, the Conservatives continue to crunch them from the right, and the NDP and Greens push from the left), Dion announces he will step down, but not until an interim leader is chosen.
This is apparently to avoid infighting over "which camp" an interim leader would come from - Ignatieff or Rae.
Of course, there will already be plenty of infighting over who the next leader will be, so Dion might simply figure too much is too much.
In terms of who the candidates might be, my guess it will be someone from the list of Ignatieff, Rae, McKenna, Kennedy, Hall Findlay, Coderre, Manley or Tobin. And from that, the only ones I really see with any reasonable chance of winning are Ignatieff, Rae, McKenna and Manley. And as a friend said to me recently, of that group, Manley should probably be a Conservative (agreed), and I would suggest that McKenna probably should be as well.
Weirdly, the best thing the Liberal party could do for their electoral forture is elect a right-leaning leader and try to steal back those right-of-centre votes they lost as a result of the left-leaning of Dion.
This is apparently to avoid infighting over "which camp" an interim leader would come from - Ignatieff or Rae.
Of course, there will already be plenty of infighting over who the next leader will be, so Dion might simply figure too much is too much.
In terms of who the candidates might be, my guess it will be someone from the list of Ignatieff, Rae, McKenna, Kennedy, Hall Findlay, Coderre, Manley or Tobin. And from that, the only ones I really see with any reasonable chance of winning are Ignatieff, Rae, McKenna and Manley. And as a friend said to me recently, of that group, Manley should probably be a Conservative (agreed), and I would suggest that McKenna probably should be as well.
Weirdly, the best thing the Liberal party could do for their electoral forture is elect a right-leaning leader and try to steal back those right-of-centre votes they lost as a result of the left-leaning of Dion.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Canada Election 2008
A few thoughts:
1) Please, please, please stop those of you making the comments that "Harper just wasted $300 million on a federal election that returned the exact same result." I have a feeling a good number of incumbent MPs that were turfed would disagree with you, not to mention those who have a new representative for them. Furthermore, if Harper was able to predict the election prior to the votes being counted, he should have a different job. And finally, the fact that no party other than the Bloc (and MAYBE the NDP) is fully happy today should be proof enough that the landscape has been altered.
2) And the landscape has been altered. The Liberals have taken one in the teeth, with shockingly low popular vote numbers, and bad (and surprising) losses around the country. There was nary a riding that was a positive surprise for them (never a good thing). The Greens have been emphatically declared "irrelevant". The NDP has put together yet another "good" result, but I wonder if Layton had actually gone after Dion (his real competition) instead of Harper (almost nobody actually chooses between NDP and CPC), if we could be seeing a NDP Official Opposition today. The Bloc will be happy, although I continue to wonder what purpose their party actually does play in the Canadian political spectrum. And the Conservatives will be mixed - happy they won more seats, disappointed they missed the majority, happy they broke through in Ontario, disappointed they failed to break through in Quebec and Toronto.
3) Speaking of Toronto, I'm still baffled that (apart from Layton and Chow) it always goes straight red.
4) Elizabeth May - why did you sell out the Greens and tell them to strategically vote Liberal in certain spots? Like Layton, if you had gone after the Liberals instead, you could REPLACE them, rather than simply be an afterthought. This election should signal the end of Ms. May's political career.
5) Same for Dion. Although I am still surprised that the Liberals seem to feel their choice is either Rae or Iggy. In the time we are in where the economy is a big deal, I have a feeling that the CPC war room would eat Rae for dinner.
1) Please, please, please stop those of you making the comments that "Harper just wasted $300 million on a federal election that returned the exact same result." I have a feeling a good number of incumbent MPs that were turfed would disagree with you, not to mention those who have a new representative for them. Furthermore, if Harper was able to predict the election prior to the votes being counted, he should have a different job. And finally, the fact that no party other than the Bloc (and MAYBE the NDP) is fully happy today should be proof enough that the landscape has been altered.
2) And the landscape has been altered. The Liberals have taken one in the teeth, with shockingly low popular vote numbers, and bad (and surprising) losses around the country. There was nary a riding that was a positive surprise for them (never a good thing). The Greens have been emphatically declared "irrelevant". The NDP has put together yet another "good" result, but I wonder if Layton had actually gone after Dion (his real competition) instead of Harper (almost nobody actually chooses between NDP and CPC), if we could be seeing a NDP Official Opposition today. The Bloc will be happy, although I continue to wonder what purpose their party actually does play in the Canadian political spectrum. And the Conservatives will be mixed - happy they won more seats, disappointed they missed the majority, happy they broke through in Ontario, disappointed they failed to break through in Quebec and Toronto.
3) Speaking of Toronto, I'm still baffled that (apart from Layton and Chow) it always goes straight red.
4) Elizabeth May - why did you sell out the Greens and tell them to strategically vote Liberal in certain spots? Like Layton, if you had gone after the Liberals instead, you could REPLACE them, rather than simply be an afterthought. This election should signal the end of Ms. May's political career.
5) Same for Dion. Although I am still surprised that the Liberals seem to feel their choice is either Rae or Iggy. In the time we are in where the economy is a big deal, I have a feeling that the CPC war room would eat Rae for dinner.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Very Briefly
Spending mass amounts of dollars in governmental programs and jacking up the tax burden on the average person is not the way to deal with an economic recession or crisis. This will only add more burdens to the average joe who is struggling to make their mortgage payments.
Ironically, when it comes right down to it, most people hate governmental interference in their lives, except when wannabe governments are advertising billions of dollars in spending (then they love it...except when they forget where the government money is actually coming from).
I think most people feel that they know how to spend their own money alot better than the government does.
Ironically, when it comes right down to it, most people hate governmental interference in their lives, except when wannabe governments are advertising billions of dollars in spending (then they love it...except when they forget where the government money is actually coming from).
I think most people feel that they know how to spend their own money alot better than the government does.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Green Shift/Debate Issues
It's already been heavily discussed, but the Liberal Green Shift plan is now being roasted by senior Ontario Liberals as well (including the Ontario Finance Minister). Not surprisingly, he doesn't consider it to be good form to radically change the tax burden in the country at a time of economic instability (which seems to make alot of sense).
Harper also wants a full hour of the debate focusing on the economy. Layton has immediately agreed. That puts Dion in a tough spot - should he disagree, he looks like he either doesn't care about the biggest issue in the election, or he is worried about discussing it for that length. If he does agree, he gets an hour with his weakest (and Harper's strongest) issue. Big trouble for him, and strong move by Harper.
And I can't believe the Liberals are actually running out the whole "plagiarism" card when it comes to a speech Harper gave 5 years ago. Even when the Conservatives were blasting the Liberals over issues like the sponsorship scandal, it was a) current, and b) completely relevant. This is neither, and for the Liberals to be parading it like a big, scary, nasty find is simply amusing.
And finally, a big shout out to all you out there reading this. I had no idea so many of you were out there. Thanks for the readership, and I'll be trying to keep this a bit more up to date than I have in past months.
Harper also wants a full hour of the debate focusing on the economy. Layton has immediately agreed. That puts Dion in a tough spot - should he disagree, he looks like he either doesn't care about the biggest issue in the election, or he is worried about discussing it for that length. If he does agree, he gets an hour with his weakest (and Harper's strongest) issue. Big trouble for him, and strong move by Harper.
And I can't believe the Liberals are actually running out the whole "plagiarism" card when it comes to a speech Harper gave 5 years ago. Even when the Conservatives were blasting the Liberals over issues like the sponsorship scandal, it was a) current, and b) completely relevant. This is neither, and for the Liberals to be parading it like a big, scary, nasty find is simply amusing.
And finally, a big shout out to all you out there reading this. I had no idea so many of you were out there. Thanks for the readership, and I'll be trying to keep this a bit more up to date than I have in past months.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
I Saw John McCain...
...on an episode of 24 last night (an older, Season 5 episode). Amusing.
This move, although it reeks of blatant politicking (like the Palin appointment as VP), is going to be a tricky one for Obama to handle. How can Obama blast McCain about taking a break from campaigning, (including pulling all advertisements!!) to deal with the largest financial crisis the US has seen since the Great Depression? I'm looking forward to seeing how he'll respond (and if the debate will go through tomorrow night.
This move, although it reeks of blatant politicking (like the Palin appointment as VP), is going to be a tricky one for Obama to handle. How can Obama blast McCain about taking a break from campaigning, (including pulling all advertisements!!) to deal with the largest financial crisis the US has seen since the Great Depression? I'm looking forward to seeing how he'll respond (and if the debate will go through tomorrow night.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Why The NDP Will Be Forever Irrelevant
Jack Layton: "We say the arts are at the core of the economy."
Am I saying I hate the arts? No. But to suggest the arts are what is driving the Canadian economy is so ridiculous that it's incredible that Jack can't understand why people don't take him seriously.
Arts funding is all well and good, but I have a feeling that for the vast number of average Canadians getting concerned about the pending economic situation, money for the arts that is instead diverted into other areas is probably a good thing, and I tend to think that even the most liberal of Canadians would agree that the arts are hardly at the core of the economy.
Am I saying I hate the arts? No. But to suggest the arts are what is driving the Canadian economy is so ridiculous that it's incredible that Jack can't understand why people don't take him seriously.
Arts funding is all well and good, but I have a feeling that for the vast number of average Canadians getting concerned about the pending economic situation, money for the arts that is instead diverted into other areas is probably a good thing, and I tend to think that even the most liberal of Canadians would agree that the arts are hardly at the core of the economy.
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