Thursday, October 16, 2008

Daily Digest October 16, 2008


The DAILY DIGEST: INFORMATION and OPINION from ST. JOHN'S to VICTORIA.
ARCHIVED at http://cdndailydigest.blogspot.com/

EDITORIALs

ST.JOHN'S TELEGRAM -
The big no-show

CORNER BROOK WESTERN STAR -
System just isn't working

CHARLOTTETOWN GUARDIAN -
Advice to MPs: make it work this time
MPs need to ease up on partisan wrangling and focus on what's best for their constituents

CAPE BRETON POST -
Harper asked to be a real PM
http://www.capebretonpost.com/index.cfm?sid=180702&sc=151

HALIFAX CHRONICLE HERALD -
Election gag law Let's stop pretending

STATE OF THE NATION Who's buying?

AMHERST DAILY NEWS -
Talking about what it takes

MONTREAL GAZETTE -
Dion's Green Shift deserves a better end

OTTAWA CITIZEN -
Starving his own people

 Unfortunate withdrawal

 Participatory democracy

 Traffic safety first

KINGSTON WHIG STANDARD-
A meaningless election

Expand new tax benefit for working families

MAKE NEXT PARLIAMENT WORK

TORONTO STAR -
Liberals need new leader, plus

Harper's olive branch

NATIONAL POST -
At election time, let us all speak
http://www.nationalpost.com/todays_paper/story.html?id=883159

HAMILTON SPECTATOR -
Show Canada real leadership

NIAGARA FALLS REVIEW -
Greed fuelling economic crisis

Grit support didn't bleed, it simply stayed at home

K-W RECORD -
Chong deserves cabinet consideration

WINDSOR STAR -
Vote's bill

 Who's staying, who's not

SUDBURY STAR -
Mixed signals from Harper

WINNIPEG FREE PRESS -
Condescending rubbish
http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/editorial/story/4238942p-4882258c.html

SASKATOON STARPHOENIX -
Even belatedly admitting crisis good first step

 Leaders' job clear

 Politics of economic insecurity elude PM

 Saskatoon deserves voice in cabinet

 Parliamentary stability product of voter fears

 Adapt to minority rule

REGINA LEADER-POST -
Democracy is hollow without participation

 Alberta, Quebec the real winners

CALGARY HERALD -
Voting distortions show change needed

 Sound plan to navigate economic waters

 Tory majority would have been a blessing in disguise for Grits

 Promising young adults show passion for democracy

GRANDE PRAIRIE DAILY HERALD TRIBUNE -
It's not all Dion's fault - Liberals have more than just leadership problems

EDMONTON JOURNAL -
Why did Quebec withhold blessing, deny majority?

 NDP upset is good for Stelmach Tories

 Attack ads generate controversy, to be sure. But do they really work?

LETHBRIDGE HERALD -
Few voters cared about election
Read more...
 
Results fit nation's mood
Read more...

PRINCE GEORGE CITIZEN -
Stevie Wonder

VANCOUVER SUN -
Leaders should take stock in the aftermath of the election

VANCOUVER PROVINCE -
Democracy is better with fairer representation of voters' choices

 Champs and chumps in 2008 election

VICTORIA TIMES-COLONIST -
Tackle real issues of homelessness

 Inept NDP blew a great B.C. opportunity

 Making it hard for the homeless, and others, to vote


ISSUES

AFGHANISTAN -
Afghan aid blunders 'waste millions'

Taliban may cut al-Qaeda ties, former Afghan minister says

Illicit drug trade greater threat than Taliban

Afghan strike 'kills civilians'
At least 18 civilians have been killed in an air strike by foreign forces in the southern Afghan province of Helmand, reports say.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7674435.stm

We do our utmost to avoid killing civilians
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/oct/17/nato-afghanistan
 []
Second Taliban Attack Hits Afghan City
The New York Times (10/16/2008)
[]
No time to go wobbly
The Economist (10/16/2008)
[]
Pakistan's ex-spymaster outlines Taliban demands
Adnkronos International Italia (10/16/2008)
[]
Iran slams powers talks with Taliban
Press TV, Iran (10/16/2008)
[]
How Deeply is the U.S. involved in the Afghan Drug Trade?
The Huffington Post (10/16/2008)
[]
Feds: Missing Afghan scholars from UW found in Canada
The Associated Press (10/16/2008)
[]
Afghan ally Haqqani is now a foe
The Washington Times (10/16/2008)


CANADIAN FORCES
Blast wounds three Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan


ECONOMIC AFFAIRS
PM outlines his plans to protect economy
http://www.nationalpost.com/todays_paper/story.html?id=883139

BMO projects Canadian recession
http://www.reportonbusiness.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20081016.wrecession1016/BNStory/Business/home

U. S. recession feared as retail sales plummet
http://www.nationalpost.com/todays_paper/story.html?id=883089

 Canadian manufacturing shipments slide

$10 billion deficit looms: Report


JUSTICE SYSTEM
RCMP terrorism unit called in after bombing of pipeline


OPINION AND INFORMATION
 Post-election questions

The PS isn't out to get the PM

Canada fails at turning technology innovations into products

Taking the measure of Metric-Imperial limbo
http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/subscriber/westview/story/4239005p-4882290c.html

Capitalism is at bay
http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/subscriber/westview/story/4239106p-4882394c.html


INFOS 
Les rumeurs sur la démission de Stéphane Dion s'intensifient
http://info.branchez-vous.com/Nationales/081016/N101638AU.html

Le Bloc québécois rappelle à Stephen Harper qu'il est toujours minoritaire
http://info.branchez-vous.com/Nationales/081016/N101666AU.html

Les mauvais résultats des libéraux aux élections coûteront cher au parti
http://info.branchez-vous.com/Nationales/081016/N101658AU.html

Les députés défaits ont droit à de bonnes pensions et indemnités de départ
http://info.branchez-vous.com/Nationales/081016/N101650AU.html

FTQ et CSN à Harper: il faut un plan plus étoffé pour le manufacturier
http://info.branchez-vous.com/Nationales/081016/N101694AU.html

Afghanistan: 3 soldats canadiens sont blessés, dont un est dans un état critique
http://info.branchez-vous.com/Nationales/081016/N101654AU.html

Harper se tourne vers l'économie; Dion panse ses plaies loin des médias
http://info.branchez-vous.com/Nationales/081015/N101590AU.html

Parti libéral du Canada
Stéphane Dion en réflexion
http://www.radio-canada.ca/nouvelles/Politique/2008/10/16/001-dion-depart.shtml

Discours du chef conservateur
Minoritaire en sièges, majoritaire en confiance
http://elections.radio-canada.ca/elections/federales2008/2008/10/15/012-harper-allocution.asp

Parti libéral
Stéphane Dion encaisse le coup
http://elections.radio-canada.ca/elections/federales2008/2008/10/15/006-dion-discours.shtml

Dion soigne ses plaies
http://www.ledevoir.com/2008/10/16/210844.html

L'économie et le Sénat au menu de Stephen Harper
http://www.ledevoir.com/2008/10/16/210841.html

 Le Canada est entré en récession, dit BMO

Stephen Harper dévoile son plan

12 ridings that surprised
http://www.nationalpost.com/todays_paper/story.html?id=883141

Eight lessons learned from Oct. 14
http://www.nationalpost.com/todays_paper/story.html?id=883149

 Harper scrambles as economy fades

Sweet taste of victory may sour for Tories

Liberal problems extend far beyond Dion's leadership. MORE...

There is life after leader.. MORE...

Dion a dead duck MORE...

Stick in a fork: Dion is done.. MORE...

The Commons: Dream On. MORE...

The forecast: Dion out by year's end, Harper before the next vote. MORE...

A bad night for all party leaders MORE...

Liberals need new leader, plus MORE...

Where Harper's majority was lost.. MORE...

Tory majority would have been a blessing in disguise for Grits. MORE...

Biggest challenge is democratic deficit MORE...

Humbler Harper emerges.. MORE...

No reason for Harper to be blue.. MORE...

Effective governments in minority. MORE...

McGuinty coy on federal job. MORE...

The one Liberal without baggage  MORE...

Quebec separates without separating. MORE...

May's delusions of grandeur. MORE...

Censored by Elections Canada. MORE...

 Liberals quash rumours of Dion's imminent departure

 Dion weighing options, won't step down today

Dion silent on future

Knives come out swiftly for Dion

Frustrated Dion lashes out at CTV

McKenna eyeing Liberal leadership: source

 Arbour not interested in Liberal job

I don't want Dion's job, Ontario's McGuinty says

Who's running for the Liberal leadership?

A Liberal overhaul

Tories' victory under a microscope

 Harper scrambles as economy fades, deficit looms

 Layton urges Harper to temper Tory agenda

 Respect Quebec voters, Charest tells Harper

 Reform Senate or we'll appoint Conservatives, Harper warns

PM prepared to stack Senate

Harper's 'love' of Quebec not shared by province

MacKay: Nice guy Williams won't last

 Williams trumpets success of anything-but-Tory campaign

 Duceppe to PM: Reverse arts cuts

 Conservatives deliberately held back platform, and other insider leaks

 Tory ridings encroaching on two of our biggest cities

 Premier Campbell prepared to work with Harper

 Remarks could cost Ritz his place

May calls for a cross-party coalition

 May turns to public for funds

Green Shift failure worries Suzuki

Emerson credits ethnic vote for gains

 Tory challenger vows to continue feud

 Tory loser wants recount

 Negative ads, Commons bickering keeping voters away: former MP

 Democracy the loser as election turnout hits record low


BELOW(30)(30)(30)(30)(30)30)(30)(30)(30)(30)(30)30)(30)(30)(30)(30)(30)30)(30)(30)(30)(30)(30)(30)(30)(30)

Nothing from me to-day other than adding my thanks to everyone to Rob Ede's.

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From: "Robert Ede"
Subject: your readers

Joe,
 
You certainly know your subscriber-base.
 
I'm amazed at the breadth of opinion and depth of passion in response.
 
Irrespective of whether we  spoiled Canucks "agree" , we do indeed "believe"
 
Thanks for the demonstration
--
Robert (Rob) Ede,

AND

To: "Pierre Bourque" <pierre@bourque.com>
Subject: Let's Buy Iceland! (b4 Russia Does!)

Dear Sir,
 
Since our banking system is the best and our fine reputation is still intact, let's buy Iceland and start our conquest of the world - we'll spread our muddle-thru-the-middle message 'round the world.
 
In addition we can beat Russia to it!
 --
Robert (Rob) Ede,

===================================
From: "Rebecca Gingrich"
Subject: voting

Joe--I just got back from voting.  Just about 50 meters from the polling station is a large Liberal sign.  I phoned the constituency office here and they checked to see what the rules were.  They told me it was 100meters from the polling station.  I brought the issue up with the Returning Officer at the polling station.  She found the rule--it now only has to be off the property of the polling station, which it is.  What a farce.  All these games while Canada goes down in flames.  I rejected my ballot and had no trouble doing that.  But the games they all play makes me wonder why I even bothered.
becky

=====
Seems about 40% agree with you - and didn't bother.
You did and can make comment, those that did not can't by my belief.

===================================
From: "Brent Cameron "
Subject: Re: C/C/NET EXTRA: Response anyone?

Joe

Through you, to the denizens of the DD, I have to admit my disappointment at some of the invective launched toward Harper, as it clearly conforms to a double standard.

First, the PM is accused of a 'hidden agenda', and yet between the vague details surounding the Green Shift, plus the curious relationship between the Liberal and the Green leadership, I see more evidence of a Liberal hidden agenda, than the reverse.

Secondly, it is rather disingenous to cry foul over portrayals of Dion as weak and effete, when those same people are prepared to assert that Harper is some cruel automaton who takes glee in the suffering of others. Calling Harper evil incarnate, while whining that Tories crossed the line by saying Dion was "not a leader" redefines both hypocrisy and irony.

This election will change nothing in Ottawa, but it should.

Brent Cameron
Lanark-Frontenac-Lennox and Addington

=====
Hopefully they work to find consensus and even compromise.
===================================
From: "Russell Gorham
Subject: Re: C/C/NET EXTRA: Responses to 10.45 P.M.

More fertilizer.
 
RHG

===================================
Brian Treble

Please remove me from your email list. I have had enough crap!
Brian

===================================
From: Caspar Davis
Subject: Re: C/C/NET EXTRA: Responses to 10.45 P.M.

Dear Joe,

"Mark Garstin" writes, "What bothers me is the fear tactics that the opposition (especially the Liberals) use against the Conservatives.  They stir up fear in people so as to provoke them into making irrational decisions about who to vote for based on emotion, not on rational, balanced and well informed judgment.  These are the sorts of tactics that I see coming out of the US Presidential race, in particular out of the Republican party."

Ever since M. Dion was elected leader, Harper has been buying the most offensive ads about him, urging Canadians not just to fear him but to despise him as "weak." Against a man who stood up to his province over the clarity bill at considerable cost to his popularity. Who has had the courage to confront the severity of the climate change despite the dinosaurs and ostriches in both major parties who have derided him and tied his hands while he was environment minister (although not gagging him as Harper would have done). Who is undeniably an intelligent and honourable man, and who has amply demonstrated that he has dedicated himself to the well being of Canada and the planet.

For a "Conservative" to accuse the Liberals of trying to "stir up fear in people so as to provoke them into making irrational decisions about who to vote for based on emotion, not on rational, balanced and well informed judgment" is so absurd I can think of no simile to match it. For two years, Harper has bombarded Dion with attack ads aimed at making Canadians despise him and fear his leadership. Dion has for the most part responded with dignity and with far too much restraint.

Meanwhile, Harper has shown his contempt not only for Canadians but even for his own caucus and cabinet by silencing them except when he's provided them with a script. His fear of letting them speak actually seems well justified, because whenever the muzzle slips off they tend to make racist and or callous remarks. The frequency with which this happens makes it almost certain that this kind of talk and thinking is commonplace when "Conservatives" let their hair down behind the locked and guarded doors.

Since his "firewall" days, Harper has made it clear that he has no concept of Canada as an honourable nation and that he sees no higher goal for Canada than as a servant of the corporate US. He was "ashamed" when Canada did not follow Bush on his illegal fool's errand in Iraq. Harpers own words and actions make him abundantly scary to anyone who values an open society, democracy, or Canada's honourable heritage as a rational and generous middle power seeking to promote peace, rights and dignity on an often berserk planet - one which has seen few crazier and scarier leaders than Mr. Harper's friend, the warmongerig, climate-change denying George W. Bush.

Mark Garstin sounds like an honourable fellow, but it is hard to see how he could be so blind or misguided as to write what appears above.

Caspar Davis

===================================
From: "Ron Noel"
Subject: C/CNET EXTRA: Respponse Anyone?

Joe:
 
Any idea why it is no one has mentioned the fact that Canada only contributes about 2% of the world's carbon gas output??? I dont' see how reducing our emissions will have any great effect on the global situation. I see no reason to tax our home heating fuel; afterall we are a northern nation and its not as if we have any choice but to turn on our furnaces/stoves during the winter!!
 
Ron Noel, Medicine Hat

===================================
From: Ray Strachan
Subject: Everyone...See Dwight Eisenhowers parting speach from Presidency

Joe

I wish every Canadian Voter, would take the time, to look up President Dwight
Eisenhowers parting speech to The American People. (But would they understand
it?)   Im afraid not many,l  but that is just a guess on my part.

What he warned them against, was letting their country be taken into the
UNHOLY Claws,of "THE MILITARY INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX".    THEY LOST HIS WARNING
COMPLETELY DID THEY NOT.

NOW our Government wants to let us in gently,  only   18 BILLION towards the
American, AFGHAN WAR.   

OH WELL, ITS ONLY MONEY AND LIVES,RIGHT.

Ray Strachan

Military-Industrial Complex Speech, Dwight D. Eisenhower, 1961
http://coursesa.matrix.msu.edu/~hst306/documents/indust.html

===================================
From: Nancy Clarke
Subject: Re: Daily Digest October 15, 2008

Hi Joe - It should be very interesting times for Canada. My question is will Harper continue to operate in the same fashion as before? Making every vote a non-confidence vote, as an example. The Bloc won a solid majority in Quebec, with Justin Trudeau winning a seat for the Liberals. With Justin on board it should make it interesting when Harper starts to attack his person, as he did with Dion. What will Harper do with Newfoundland and Labrador and Danny Williams? Who is he going to pick for a representative for NL?  When it comes to NL interests, and Quebec, Harper has two very angry dogs tied on a very short leash. Will Harper start to pour money in both provinces, to keep them calm? What is interesting about NL, is the fact that NL, even though the provincial economy is really in a good position to ride out the economic storm; that NL is use to being ignored by the sitting federal government. If Harper starts to throw money at NL, the money better be thrown at the ferry costs, reduction in ferry rates, contract for the coast guard vessels, investment money for the Lower Churchill Hydro project, shared management of the fisheries and many more that requires significant investment and are under federal control.  If money is thrown at things that don't matter, won't create jobs,  or create an environment where one riding gets it all - Newfoundland's goose egg will remain in place for at least a few years to come.
It will be something to watch, with the uncertain economic times. Another 500 jobs were lost in St. Thomas, Ontario.  Will Harper start to invest in the manufacturing sector, or tell the workers to go to Alberta.
Finally, how will Harper work with and no doubt will be elected, the new Democratic government, who will be more incline to invest in the American people,  rather than sending jobs to other countries.
Bye for now, Nancy

===================================
From: Tom Brewer

How do I feel the morning after? To be honest I feel sick and worse yet very light in the pocket.

This election cost millions and really did not change a thing, in my opinion. We still have a minority government but if the truth be known that is in our favour. Indeed usually a minority government works for electors as no one party can lord it over us.

Now we have to see if our newly minted MP's will work to effect decent policies we can live with.

The fact remains Harper is, has been and will continue to be as arrogant as ever. That's his way we cant change that. He must come to terms with the fact the Opposition is there to oppose.

Opposing means simply the government must work to appease their concerns. It means massaging whatever the government would like in order to make something work… FOR THE PEOPLE.

Harper has always been a one person show. It is and has been his way or the highway.

What we don't need is one more election in say a year or even two. If we have another election too soon the electors will balk. We pay those MP's a goodly sum now its time once again for them to roll up their sleeves and work for their employer that being you and I.

Come on people its now or never to do your job.

Brewt

===================================
Subject: Re: Daily Digest October 15, 2008
From: "Michael Watkins"

On Wed, October 15, 2008 4:01 am, Joe Hueglin wrote:
> Reflections anyone?

Winner: Harper, for increasing his vote, his seat count, his "apparent"
mandate. *Loser* for blowing Quebec and the "ABC" movement which took away
his prize.

Loser: Layton, having run the most expensive NDP campaign ever, picking up
a paltry 8 seats. He won't keep them in the next go round.

Loser: Dion, obviously, for being a decent person with the right idea,
perhaps at the wrong time, with a party who would not support him. Loser:
Rae and Iggy, but mostly Iggy for the Rae/Power Corp juggernaut is already
moving. Unless radical changes occur, Rae will be crowed king and the
Chretienites will be back to help him, the Martin folks purged. *Winner*:
in time, the Liberal party.

Loser: Greens. May and Carr should have picked more winnable ridings to
run in.

Loser: Climate change.

Loser: Canadian unity and Canadian sovereignty.

Loser: Canadian Federalism, being slowly whittled away. The long term
trend will result in a much weaker federation where separatist movements,
not just in Quebec, can exert their influence with greater authority.
Through the use of the power of the purse, which has already been
radically savaged under the first Harper government, fundamental changes
to the very meaning of federalism can be accomplished without a single
first minister's meeting or constitutional discussion. Few Canadians, and
relatively few Conservatives, are even alert to this.

Loser: Democracy. How long before cabinet is sprinkled with another Senate
appointment? How long before the next series of votes are declared votes
of confidence when they should not be? How long before the next episode of
contempt before parliament occurs? The Harper government record in this
regard is far worse than the Chretien Liberals.

I became involved in the Progressive Conservative Party of Canada to fight
against the Chretien abuse of power; Harper has taken Chretien's sceptre
and wielded it with even less regard for democracy and respect for
parliament.

Loser: Canada.

===================================
From: "Suan H.Booiman"
Subject: Quebec

October 15, 2008
 
The Editor,
 
No matter how many billions one spends on Quebec it is never enough.
Harper declaring it a Nation within a Nation, followed by the
recognition as the State of Quebec is  rewarded with a slap in the
Prime Minister's face.
The 10 seats in Quebec are a clear indication that no one is
welcome in this welfare state, carrying the motto "we want more".
With Western Canada now holding 70 Conservative seats
it is time for them to stand up and be counted, sick and tired of
Quebec's arrogance.It is a message to Harper to give up handing
over money for no return, no different than the present economic
world downfall, originated by the USA. The end of equalisation.
 
Suan H.Booiman

===================================
From: Ron Thornton

Hi Joe:

In response to your call for reflections on Tuesday's election, I must admit it proved an interesting one, especially in two Alberta constituencies.

To ensure a former Alliance candidate did not upset the applecart and seek the Conservative nomination against a sitting incumbent, they parachuted him into a neighboring riding in a fashion that upset the good folks there. In a fight between the official candidate and the local "independent grassroots conservative", the outsider won though barely. I have always found it repugnant when the party gets involved in the local process in a fashion that preordains or grossly manipulates the outcome of  the nomination. This appears to have been the case in 
Edmonton-Sherwood Park.

In addition, one aspect of the old Reform Party (that it sadly eventually abandoned along the way) was that in order to be involved in the nomination voting process, a member needed to have at least a 3 to 6 month investment in the party in order to gain full privileges. While remaining open to all to take part if they only get off their butts to make the minimal commitment of maintaining their membership in the party, it cut down on the mass of instant members who so often only are there to support a single individual, and just as often shipped in like cattle to vote, only to disappear from whence they came. If membership really has no value, other than to add to party coffers, then we might as well have an open primary system where the general public can take part in the process. If any method of determining a candidate undermines the democratic process, then why should we condone it?

Meanwhile, in Edmonton-Strathcona, it appears the NDP has won a seat in what would otherwise be a sea of Tory blue. Considering the fact that this is in the university area, the scene of various artistic festivals, it probably is not all that surprising. Come to think of it, having a non-Conservative voice in the midst isn't a bad thing, as the new MP no doubt will provide an alternative take on policy affecting Alberta.

Finally, I find it interesting how this election once again demonstrates how the views in this region differ from much of the rest of the nation.  For example, the Conservatives picked up 64.6% of the vote in Alberta, 53.7 in Saskatchewan, 48.8 in Manitoba, and 44.4 in British Columbia, or 52.4% voted Conservative in the four western provinces. The Liberals picked up 16.3, the NDP 21.5, and the Greens 8.5% in the west. 
It would indicate a fairly even and healthy split between left and right. That is not the case elsewhere in the country.

Counting just the top five parties (with the Conservatives on the right and the Liberals, NDP, BQ, and Greens on the left), Ontario went 39.5 right, 60.5 left. Quebec was 21.9% right, 78.1% left. Atlantic Canada went 30.6% right, 69.4% left. This is a huge difference. It will be interesting to see what this means and how this plays out.

Ron.

===================================
From: "Peter Robertson"

Joe,
 
                Stephen Harper and the Tories laboured mightily --- and brought forth a mouse.  A better mouse, mind you, than what they had previously, but a mouse nevertheless.
 
                With the economy in disarray, the global financial system greatly dislocated and possibly imploding, and with Canadians facing what may be the worst depression since the 1930s, I am amazed that Harper did not deliver a modern equivalent of MacKenzie King's infamous "5 cent speech", and thus throw the election.  After all, who in his (or her) right mind would want to be Prime Minister with all of this happening?  So Harper "won", and may go down in history as the new R.B. Bennett as a result.  If he can actually assist Canadians by alleviating the economic turmoil, then I will take my hat off to him.  I have my doubts; but fifty years of observing and participating in Canadian politics have probably made me cynical.
 
                As for Stephane Dion, he is a pleasant, honourable, and intelligent man, who appears to be far too gentle to survive long. Like Bob Stanfield, he will be one of the best Prime Ministers we never had.  Dion personally approved the "Green Shift" platform, which was badly presented and poorly explained.  The concept is probably valid, at least in the short term; however, carbon taxes – or for that matter, any new taxation scheme – cannot be successfully introduced in Canada without a relatively long period of consultation and explanation.  Dion seems to have not understood this, and thus gave the Tories an opportunity successfully to eat into Liberal support.
 
                I predict that we will all be at the hustings in about two years or so.  Perhaps the Tories will learn to understand Quebec (although I doubt it); perhaps the Liberals will concoct a platform that is relevant to most Canadians.  Who knows, maybe the Green Party will learn about economics.  We live in marvellous times.
 
Peter Robertson.

===================================
From: Bob Taubman

Hi Joe,
 
I'm always cynical about Harper's sincerity, but he gives the appearance of wanting to work co-operatively with the opposition parties to get the country's economy back on track.  I sincerely hope he is true to his word but I'll take a wait-and-see on that.  Minority parliaments must work together in the best interests of the country rather than wrangle over ideological tenets.  Am I dreaming in technicolour or does that olive branch have an elastic band attached to it?
 
Bob Taubman
Ottawa, ON

===================================
From: "Suan H.Booiman"
Subject: common grounds

Joe,
 Yes, Harper said that he wants to find common grounds, but such
a move is found in the equality of the people in any form.
Making Canadians within three years without knowing the language,
history, principles, law and order is not the way.
Neither putting one heritage on a pedestal because of immaturity.
Nor the inability to recognize the rights of representation, does not
matter if it is Senate. House, Courts or committees in any form,
one Province, sorry state, blackmailing the country should not stop
it from progressing on the peoples voice, besides that it is
represented in the House by a provincial party, which should not
be allowed to vote on National issues. For me, voted reluctantly
conservative, he will continue to sell out the country for whatever
Quebec wants, as John Charest said "I will do everything to stop
Senate changes". Hope he leaves with his Pétain government soon.
 
Suan
 
AND

Reading the comments that some 44% did not vote, really
am not surprised.
 
There is no incentive provided by the government to even
get a small understanding of Canadian politics. It shows
that a large amount of the population are here as foreigners
in a Canadian outfit but have no commitment nor feel
obligated. That is the price we pay for multiculturalism
which means much more than recognizing people from
where ever they come from. The title is the ground work
of the French enforcement, without "multiculturalism"
politicians would not be able to sustain the glorifying
of one race over others. Multiculturalism is the protection
for the right to divide.
 
Suan

===================================
From: "James Christian Parsons"
Subject: For Below(30)
 
Well, Ron, that rhetorically devastating use of "Jimmy" and "Jim Bob" has really got me reeling. I'm struggling to cobble together a riposte to match that brilliant irrefutability. Deep down inside, I know it's futile, but here goes...
 
I'm glad you take moral objection to those who cannot argue without marginalising and ridiculing others. I shall certainly keep that in mind next time you refer to Central and Eastern Canadians as lazy, immoral, Communist, Taliban-loving, criminal-coddlers. And by "next time", I mean "tomorrow'.
 
Your loathing of all things non-Albertan and non-neocon drips from your every word. Your loathing is deep and irrational, thus satisfying my definition of "bigotry" fairly easily. You clearly don't like wearing it, but I think the shoe fits.
 
As for my own attitude to people who disagree with me, Stratos is pretty clearly a Stephen Harper supporter, yet my discussions with him (while often spirited) have always been respectful--on both sides. Stratos is an articulate, persuasive and reasonable spokesman for his views. If the CPC had more of his ilk on their side (and fewer of your ilk), they might have swept Ontario and Quebec today.
 
Stratos argues; you rant. But, please, continue. Don't let me stop you. Far be it from me to dampen the kind of rabid hate that keeps real (i.e. proud) Canadians from giving you folks a meaningful mandate.
 
 
Stratos:
 
Thanks for your comments regarding my comments. I had pretty much anticipated the kinds of refinements to your original thoughts you've offered.
 
Just a note: when discussing the CPC smears against Dion, I wrote that he was being attacked for being "professorial" (i.e. like a professor), not "professional".
 
I would be interested to hear your thoughts on the CPC's abortive "breakthrough" in Quebec. What do you think really did them in? Was it Harper's philistine jibes about the "artsy élites"? Was it poor organisation? Is there just no way for Harper to out-pander the Bloc (from a nationaliste point of view)?
 
Life isn't fair, is it? So many decent Quebec CPC candidates go down to ignominious defeat, and Maxime Bernier (who makes Homer Simpson look like Disraeli) gets re-elected in a landslide. The gods must be crazy.
 
 Yours,
 
James Christian Parsons
( http://www.dredtory.blogspot.com/ )

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