I just finished watching Canada's Finance Minister Jim Flaherty on Power and Politics.
I am absolutely relieved to know that our Jim will be a one term wonder and that he will destroy any confidence Canadians who voted for him and his party had.
Our Princeton schooled elite lawyer is now all about the second coming of the "Common Sense Revolution" - you know the economic religion of Mike Harris promoted by then Minister of Finance of Ontario, the one and only (thankfully) Mr. Flaherty.
Ultra fiscal Conservative and disciple Flaherty and ultra social Conservative Reform disciple Stephen Harper. It will be a rough 4 years but then I believe it will end.
Flaherty is not a financial guru - he used the systems left by former Finance Ministers - and those who operated distinctly different in ideology than him. He inherited banking policy, EI funds, balanced books, and a system which was fundamentally different than the USA (crippled by its own fraudulent, corrupt, and unregulated system). Flaherty as was his boss Mike Harris - is a Reaganomics lovers.
Flaherty and his PC's in Ontario were replaced after people became sick of waiting for the rebirth of finance and he (Flaherty) successfully accomplished nothing memorable during his tenure - other than hardship for anyone other than financially wealthy families. Then Flaherty ran - unsuccessfully twice - for the leadership of the Ontario Progressive Conservatives. Why did Tories not elect this "genius" to be their leader? He was too conservative. He is absolutely at home with his new ultra-right-wing reform party.
Now as is typical of right wing conservative fanatics - Flaherty is hypocritical - and will do what is necessary in the moment. In a minority Harper government - he spent like a drunken labour socialist on steroids - with the exception of who actually benefited. Make no mistake social - human welfare will be replaced by corporate welfare. He will keep taxing ordinary Canadians to reduce taxes for the largest of the corporate world.
Today - on Power and Politics - with Evan Solomon - Flaherty tried to defend the elimination of election financing. As with other ultra-right-wing liars - the Minister kept looking toward the floor and not the camera (presumably to keep a straight face) as he tried to justify the elimination of fairness and equity in democracy.
Flaherty tried to explain to Solomon that the $2 dollar per vote system meant that somehow my money would not be going to a party I support. Hang on now Minister it is based on actual votes. It is a fair system that places us closer to a representative system rather than the "first past the post" system we suffer under.
Now Mr. Flaherty hear this from this taxpayer and voter - you have not removed the system of tax credits for political contributions wherein I know my money is going to support parties and candidates I do not support.
Mr. Flaherty talked about "passing the hat" and getting a contribution - he added write a cheque. Ditto Mr. Flaherty - when people give a political contribution - they will continue to get a tax credit. How about if you write a cheque for a political party - don't hold your hand out waiting for me to give you a partial refund of your contribution.
The Finance Minister was also very elitist when he suggested the writing of cheques - what of Canadians - the families he goes on and on about who pay tax - and at the end of the day do not have enough to put away for a pension? Flaherty is talking about more affluent Canadians who have funds to spare after the basic needs, tax, pension contributions, and financial contribution for their children's' education. These affluent Canadians will write the cheque because Mr. Flaherty will make sure the companies they head or run will get tax breaks - and they are likely to get the opportunity to pick up public assets at a cheap privatization price.
Flaherty is going to hack the public service and he will hack programs that are important to people in most need. Flaherty will continue the practice of Corporate welfare and you and I will pay for it.
Flaherty had no problem bailing out the auto giants - and will claim he did so to save a job. Jobs would have rebounded as new corporate entities filled the void of bankrupt companies who "did not live within their means".
Ontario put him in - and Ontario should have known better. But as is usually the case in this failed federation - the big decide and the smaller pay and suffer.
Flaherty will justify the G8 G20 fiasco about to be revealed - including a fake lake - however clean water and food for children - that will have to wait. That's just "common sense", as Mr. Flaherty sees it.
I wonder how easy it would be to get a face to face with the Minister if you are the CEO of Scotia Bank? Do you think you can get the same meeting to address your needs?
Mr. Flaherty you and your party have sucked off the public teat to the tune of tens of millions of dollars. You and your party have benefited more from our election financing than any other - and still the Conservatives wanted to break the rules/law when it suited the political needs.
Flaherty like Harper is a political fraud and a hypocrite.
Thank you Evan Solomon for a decent interview that was very revealing. The only question you missed was - when are they cutting all funds for the CBC?
Showing posts with label #elxn41. Show all posts
Showing posts with label #elxn41. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
What a Tragic Day for Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, and Democracy
Where do I start?
There is no doubt that Stephen Harper is a liar. There is also no doubt that he is a right wing fundamentalist. He also heads up a party that ignores election laws and rewards people who lie - with a Cabinet post.
The real problem and concern is that he is also very shrewd - he will use his intelligence not for the common good but for his own advancement and that of his secret corporate buddies.
Today as Newfoundland and Labrador witnesses the appointment of Peter Penashue to Cabinet - we should be celebrating this historic move - instead we have to ponder how cynical this actually is.
Without questioning at all the sincerity of Mr. Penashue - I absolutely am sickened by what this means for our future. I am able to hypothesize why Harper has made the move - but I am yet unable to determine if Penashue will fall for it.
Peter Penashue is now the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs - and as such may be the individual that delivers the loan guarantee for the Lower Churchill development to the province. As an Innu leader - Harper can claim that he not only gave our government what it wanted but it was done through an aboriginal person. This development - possibly the largest giveaway in our history - should be stopped not financed. Harper for his part will use Penashue to deliver cheap - green - reliable power to other provinces of importance to him. This is great news for Nova Scotia, Ontario, and perhaps other Maritime provinces or New England States - but it is devastating to us. What a clever lad our Prime Minister is - how deceptive, vindictive, and sarcastic he is.
Meanwhile back at the ranch - that Stephen Harper's surreptitious mind lives on - he has once again appointed Fabian Manning to the Senate joined by other failed Conservative candidates. Another absolute slap in the face to the people of our province who chose again NOT to elect him. Remember Harper - promising to deliver an elected Senate? Not only has he continued to renege on this - he appoints people the people have said no to.
Then the kicker - Harper finished his News Conference on the Cabinet appointments - then passes on the information on the Senate appointments and does not stick around to answer questions about it. John Baird the newly minted Minister of Foreign Affairs - also refused questions on this absolute contempt of the Canadian people.
For political desert - if your stomach is not already upset - Bev Oda returns to Cabinet!
For the 22% of the voting public that elected this mess - well done. For the over 70% who did not - shame on those who did not vote and the remainder of us should simply work very hard to make sure the next four years does not destroy our country and ensure this type of administration is never elected again.
Cheers to Peter MacKay - your sly and manipulative manner has surely paid off.
There is no doubt that Stephen Harper is a liar. There is also no doubt that he is a right wing fundamentalist. He also heads up a party that ignores election laws and rewards people who lie - with a Cabinet post.
The real problem and concern is that he is also very shrewd - he will use his intelligence not for the common good but for his own advancement and that of his secret corporate buddies.
Today as Newfoundland and Labrador witnesses the appointment of Peter Penashue to Cabinet - we should be celebrating this historic move - instead we have to ponder how cynical this actually is.
Without questioning at all the sincerity of Mr. Penashue - I absolutely am sickened by what this means for our future. I am able to hypothesize why Harper has made the move - but I am yet unable to determine if Penashue will fall for it.
Peter Penashue is now the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs - and as such may be the individual that delivers the loan guarantee for the Lower Churchill development to the province. As an Innu leader - Harper can claim that he not only gave our government what it wanted but it was done through an aboriginal person. This development - possibly the largest giveaway in our history - should be stopped not financed. Harper for his part will use Penashue to deliver cheap - green - reliable power to other provinces of importance to him. This is great news for Nova Scotia, Ontario, and perhaps other Maritime provinces or New England States - but it is devastating to us. What a clever lad our Prime Minister is - how deceptive, vindictive, and sarcastic he is.
Meanwhile back at the ranch - that Stephen Harper's surreptitious mind lives on - he has once again appointed Fabian Manning to the Senate joined by other failed Conservative candidates. Another absolute slap in the face to the people of our province who chose again NOT to elect him. Remember Harper - promising to deliver an elected Senate? Not only has he continued to renege on this - he appoints people the people have said no to.
Then the kicker - Harper finished his News Conference on the Cabinet appointments - then passes on the information on the Senate appointments and does not stick around to answer questions about it. John Baird the newly minted Minister of Foreign Affairs - also refused questions on this absolute contempt of the Canadian people.
For political desert - if your stomach is not already upset - Bev Oda returns to Cabinet!
For the 22% of the voting public that elected this mess - well done. For the over 70% who did not - shame on those who did not vote and the remainder of us should simply work very hard to make sure the next four years does not destroy our country and ensure this type of administration is never elected again.
Cheers to Peter MacKay - your sly and manipulative manner has surely paid off.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Renouvellement de la Politique Québécoise (this takes guts and makes sense)
I am sure most of Canada looked at Quebec after the federal election and scratched their heads. What was all that about? They threw out most of the Bloc, continued to punish the Liberals, and yes continued to find Harper too un-Canadian. They elected a group of youngsters, university and college kids under the NDP banner. They left some incumbents standing to make sure Quebec's interests were covered by most parties.
Canada and its media looked on and tried to figure out - how did that happen? Was it Jack Layton? Well - yes it was - in some part - as Jack is a native son and is progressive regarding social policy. Jack is also now the leader of the official opposition.
So Quebec now dominates the caucus of the official opposition which in some part counters the ownership of Government by Ontario. Quebec has sent a message to all politicians in that province - do not get too comfortable - you are replaceable. Quebec has looked to the future and said - let's bring in the rookies - the youth; let's take advantage of the vote mob and bring fresh new ideas to the table.
Let's engage the future generations of Quebec and involve them in the protection and service to Quebec - change that is required to move ahead and not stagnate.
The pundits - the critics were out in full force - essentially making fun of absentee candidates and those who were not bilingual, too young, not established, and most importantly not yet owned. That's exactly the point - Quebec rejected the establishment, the worn, the politically corrupt, and traditional voting patterns.
I look at the House of Assembly in Newfoundland and Labrador - my home province - and am jealous of the Quebec political renewal. I look at the bourgeois population of the peoples House and am tired and bored. I know the new kids on the bloc representing Quebec in Ottawa - despite being rank amateurs in the politics of politics - are far more inspiring than the entitled MHA's we are subjects of.
Look at the nodding heads sitting behind Ms. Dunderdale or other Cabinet Ministers; do they inspire you? Do you get a sense of independent thought from any of them? Do you experience chills as they stand up and make predictable Members Statements? Their hands are "rubbed raw" from clinging to Danny's shredding coattails. They speak on important matters such as the Lower Churchill with passion only seen in the dead eyes of a drowned cod.
Quebec said no to; Crosbie begets Crosbie - Ottenheimer begets Ottenheimer - PC begets Kevin O'Brien - High School Principal begets yet another nodding head - all waiting to jump to their feet and cheer if the Premier says something - anything sounding similar to an insult to Jones or Michael.
Quebec demonstrated one very important philosophy - Democracy.
This is not about getting rid of the sovereignty debate - that is still alive and very healthy at the provincial level. It is about renewal. It is about Quebec. It is about a lively and unpredictable voting population that will keep politicians under their employ; as long as they say.
I would be willing to throw the whole works out for a bunch of new people - un"established" in the partisan sense of the word. I would love to see all MHA's replaced with students, fishers, miners, small business owners, and single parents - diverse and new. People who are truly representative of people and have the ability to have thoughts and ideas unencumbered by intrusive life-long senior bureaucrats still pushing failed and unwelcome policies.
In Quebec - this summer will be about the culture, the language, the pride, and the aspirations of a country - their own. In Newfoundland and Labrador we can look forward to unseasonably tanned politicians dragging themselves from funeral to BBQ without missing a beat and expect the people they come close to standing beside rush to get the camera to capture the moment they came close to shaking the hand of our legislative elite.
You feel comfortable with the Lower Churchill development? Why? I know Stephen Harper will be delighted to take away that cheap, renewable, reliable power and watch as Newfoundland and Labrador pays an enormous price - both short and long-term. I know Stephen and Peter will be happy to deliver to Nova Scotia and perhaps even Ontario. Stephen Harper enjoyed making a promise he will actually keep to our people - as it will represent something that diminishes our future.
You think it's time for a renewal in Newfoundland and Labrador?
Canada and its media looked on and tried to figure out - how did that happen? Was it Jack Layton? Well - yes it was - in some part - as Jack is a native son and is progressive regarding social policy. Jack is also now the leader of the official opposition.
So Quebec now dominates the caucus of the official opposition which in some part counters the ownership of Government by Ontario. Quebec has sent a message to all politicians in that province - do not get too comfortable - you are replaceable. Quebec has looked to the future and said - let's bring in the rookies - the youth; let's take advantage of the vote mob and bring fresh new ideas to the table.
Let's engage the future generations of Quebec and involve them in the protection and service to Quebec - change that is required to move ahead and not stagnate.
The pundits - the critics were out in full force - essentially making fun of absentee candidates and those who were not bilingual, too young, not established, and most importantly not yet owned. That's exactly the point - Quebec rejected the establishment, the worn, the politically corrupt, and traditional voting patterns.
I look at the House of Assembly in Newfoundland and Labrador - my home province - and am jealous of the Quebec political renewal. I look at the bourgeois population of the peoples House and am tired and bored. I know the new kids on the bloc representing Quebec in Ottawa - despite being rank amateurs in the politics of politics - are far more inspiring than the entitled MHA's we are subjects of.
Look at the nodding heads sitting behind Ms. Dunderdale or other Cabinet Ministers; do they inspire you? Do you get a sense of independent thought from any of them? Do you experience chills as they stand up and make predictable Members Statements? Their hands are "rubbed raw" from clinging to Danny's shredding coattails. They speak on important matters such as the Lower Churchill with passion only seen in the dead eyes of a drowned cod.
Quebec said no to; Crosbie begets Crosbie - Ottenheimer begets Ottenheimer - PC begets Kevin O'Brien - High School Principal begets yet another nodding head - all waiting to jump to their feet and cheer if the Premier says something - anything sounding similar to an insult to Jones or Michael.
Quebec demonstrated one very important philosophy - Democracy.
This is not about getting rid of the sovereignty debate - that is still alive and very healthy at the provincial level. It is about renewal. It is about Quebec. It is about a lively and unpredictable voting population that will keep politicians under their employ; as long as they say.
I would be willing to throw the whole works out for a bunch of new people - un"established" in the partisan sense of the word. I would love to see all MHA's replaced with students, fishers, miners, small business owners, and single parents - diverse and new. People who are truly representative of people and have the ability to have thoughts and ideas unencumbered by intrusive life-long senior bureaucrats still pushing failed and unwelcome policies.
In Quebec - this summer will be about the culture, the language, the pride, and the aspirations of a country - their own. In Newfoundland and Labrador we can look forward to unseasonably tanned politicians dragging themselves from funeral to BBQ without missing a beat and expect the people they come close to standing beside rush to get the camera to capture the moment they came close to shaking the hand of our legislative elite.
You feel comfortable with the Lower Churchill development? Why? I know Stephen Harper will be delighted to take away that cheap, renewable, reliable power and watch as Newfoundland and Labrador pays an enormous price - both short and long-term. I know Stephen and Peter will be happy to deliver to Nova Scotia and perhaps even Ontario. Stephen Harper enjoyed making a promise he will actually keep to our people - as it will represent something that diminishes our future.
You think it's time for a renewal in Newfoundland and Labrador?
Wednesday, May 04, 2011
Harper's first Scary Quote after the Election: As Canada Erodes
Below is a quote by Stephen Harper in a Globe and Mail article today.
Read it very carefully and remember it as Canada devolves to become unrecognizable.
“One thing I’ve learned in this business is that surprises are generally not well-received by the public, and so we intend to move forward with what Canadians understand about us and I think what they’re more and more comfortable with”
So what do we understand about them - and what does he think we are becoming more and more comfortable with? Notice we are Canadians - they are them - and somehow we are more and more comfortable with something we understand about them "us".
Read it very carefully and remember it as Canada devolves to become unrecognizable.
“One thing I’ve learned in this business is that surprises are generally not well-received by the public, and so we intend to move forward with what Canadians understand about us and I think what they’re more and more comfortable with”
So what do we understand about them - and what does he think we are becoming more and more comfortable with? Notice we are Canadians - they are them - and somehow we are more and more comfortable with something we understand about them "us".
Tuesday, May 03, 2011
Ontario Wins Big, Newfoundland shows Guts, the Big Land goes it Alone and Dunderdale may have Trouble!
Congratulations are in order for Ontario - for once again dictating the outcome of the federal election. Harper will be there for our biggest "greatest" province.
There may now be hope for the federal Liberals - if - they clean house at the executive and backroom level. Canada's "heartland" will set the agenda for the upcoming parliament and have rewarded Harper for the massive corporate bailouts in the auto and associate industries.
Irving and companies will also be a big winner in New Brunswick.
Now that the NDP is an essentially Quebec and Ontario based party 58 and 22 seats respectively close to 80% of their seat count with over 50% out of Quebec - what and who will they represent? Further the NDP had more of a say in the minority than they have in a Harper majority.
Now that Canada has sent a message to the Liberals to clean-up - they have done so by electing a fellow who has shown complete disregard for the truth, parliament, and our democracy. Harper has his majority and it is going to be real tough on the Progressive Conservatives in the party.
The Bloc is temporarily down - while Quebec takes a break from a nationalist party in Ottawa - but may very well elect a sovereignist party provincially. This is just another Quebec change-up.
The Conservatives are nasty and they will - without humility - rub this victory into the faces of Canadians who believe that moderate not extreme is Canada. This is a very clear example for Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland and Labrador - that we really don't matter much in this system.
We witnessed a taste with Bev Oda - and her leaning respecting funding and pro-choice ideology. More interesting is her decisive win last night - rewarding her despicable behavior. Ontarians in her riding have redefined public service and the value of honesty. What did Oda have to say?
“Those who know me know I would never lie or mislead,” This is unbelievable!
In Newfoundland - we absolutely did the right thing and showed extreme courage by not electing one Conservative on the Island. Despite the on the ground boots of most all Dunderdale's Cabinet - they lost. We actually said to those who betrayed this province - we don't want you. Sullivan, Ottenheimer, Manning and fibre-optic Taylor were defeated - in most cases soundly.
In Labrador I can take some solace in knowing that the Big Land did what it wanted to do and not what our Island suggested they do. They have made a decision and it was their own. That is also the case with the Lower Churchill - this time it will not be shoved down their throats - rather they and they alone will determine what happens to this great resource. Further this time - they will sit in Cabinet at the federal level - not representatives from the Island. It is also clear that Labrador believes that Harper will live up to his promises for the base and the loan guarantee.
The deal on the Lower Churchill is up to them. If they wish to export - do so - and they can even make us pay for it. After all power leaves their place and heads to other jurisdictions - and they are left with royalties for the aboriginal peoples (or some of them) and a handful of jobs after construction - it will not be our fault as it was with the Upper Churchill.
Peter Penashue has a great deal of responsibility resting on his shoulders and good luck to him. I hope he brings to Labrador what Labradorians want. I hope he delivers in spades for his people and uses his voice to eliminate the long-standing social problems. For now they can choose their destiny - and the direction is all theirs. They can stand proud and make decisions that are good for them - eliminating the Island and most non-aboriginal influence. They can further build corporate partnerships between aboriginal companies and other Labrador based operators. They can take control of tenders and dictate how many jobs will be kept in Labrador and how many will leave. They can control the route of the hydro power resource and determine if they want industrial development at all - or prefer to go for royalties only. I have fought for the equal rights of Labradorians as an Islander for most of my adult life - and I have now experienced closure in that regard. Presumably Dunderdale will have to answer to Labrador and if the deals are not already done - will have to be done with the aboriginal peoples and corporate Labrador. Labrador now has control of its destiny and that is a good thing.
From a provincial Progressive Conservative point of view - there are many significant developments on the Island. The votes were mainly Liberal and NDP and both rural and urban voters have said no to Kathy Dunderdale and her team of Cabinet Ministers. We know what happened when Danny said ABC - the province listened. When Kathy Dunderdale said ABC is over and now we need to vote Conservative - the province did not listen. The PC urban vote did not recover and did not show well in other rural communities - with the exception of perhaps Felix Collins and Keith Hutchings. The federal election of 2006 saw almost 43% popular vote for the Conservatives. The ABC of 2008 demonstrated a complete collapse of that vote to 17% and now that ABC was called off by Premier Dunderdale the vote climbed to only 28%. The urban PC vote stronghold has not regained anywhere near the reliability needed to guarantee the almost always guaranteed vote for the PC's in St. John's and surrounding communities.
Let's look at the Avalon Peninsula - as it relates to influence by the current Premier Kathy Dunderdale versus the influence under Danny Williams. Same provincial layout - with only 2 opposition members in a bastion of Blue including a significant number of the Cabinet.
2006 When Danny got promises from Harper on equalization, Five Wing Goose, and custodial management.
Loyola Hearn enjoyed 44.6% of the popular vote.
Fabian Manning enjoyed 51.5% of the popular vote.
Norm Doyle enjoyed 46.5% of the popular vote.
2008 When Danny Williams declared ABC most all PC MHA's campaigned for Liberals or NDP.
St. John's South/Mount Pearl District (formerly Hearn, candidate Merv Wiseman) dropped to 12.6% of the popular vote.
St. John's East (formerly Doyle, candidate Craig Wescott) dropped to 9.3% of the popular vote.
Avalon District (Manning) dropped to 35.2% of the popular vote.
2011 When Kathy Dunderdale declared ABC over and has all but one PC MHA campaigning for Conservatives.
St. John's South/Mount Pearl District only recovers to 22.8% of the popular vote.
Avalon District only recovers to 40% of the popular vote.
St. John's East District only recovers to 20.9% of the popular vote.
Without a doubt the vast majority of the people continue to support Danny Willams position on Stephen Harper and the majority reject Kathy Dunderdale's new relationship with Stephen Harper. This despite - what can only be called strong provincial MHA's Caucus and Cabinet out in force as never before for federal Conservative candidates.
Further the Conservative candidates in St. John's East and St. John's South/Mount Pearl in the 2008 election, Craig Wescott and Merv Wiseman respectively were arguably much weaker candidates than the "star" candidates of 2011 in Loyola Sullivan and Jerry Byrne. One might speculate that the candidates themselves brought the difference to the table versus any recommendation by Dunderdale. In Manning's case where he was the constant he went down 16 points during ABC and only recovered 5 points last night. That we can write off to PC's feeling it was okay to vote at all.
This was not a good night for Kathy Dunderdale despite the tremendous victory for her friend - and colleague Stephen Harper.
The October election remains up for grabs and in many critical seats. The only thing holding back a resurgence for the provincial Liberals is the party itself. They should be able to make great gains in October as may well a few more NDP seats on the strength of Layton and Harris. (depends on how NDP policy impacts NL)
If the Liberals do some cleaning and add some star candidates of their own - they may very well cause Dunderdale and company real problems. After the turnaround of PC MHA's back to Harper which was seen by the majority of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians as disingenuous and opportunistic - seats won on Danny's coat-tails will be vulnerable.
My overall feelings are that Canada was crushed by the Ontario not Orange wave and that never bodes well for Atlantic Canada. Further Canadians have absolutely decided with the exception of Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, PEI, Quebec and parts of British Columbia that lying is okay, contempt of Parliament is dandy, and that the Elections Act is not anything relevant. Let's see if the right wing extremeists get the upper hand this time. Will Harper moderate? I don't believe a word he says - so my guess is he will not. You know when Preston Manning is delighted - we moderate people should be very concerned.
A great night for Newfoundland as we told Harper - you cannot lie to our people. Labrador - time will tell - if the Big Land gets what it wants I am happy for them. If it does not - the Island - for once will not be responsible.
There may now be hope for the federal Liberals - if - they clean house at the executive and backroom level. Canada's "heartland" will set the agenda for the upcoming parliament and have rewarded Harper for the massive corporate bailouts in the auto and associate industries.
Irving and companies will also be a big winner in New Brunswick.
Now that the NDP is an essentially Quebec and Ontario based party 58 and 22 seats respectively close to 80% of their seat count with over 50% out of Quebec - what and who will they represent? Further the NDP had more of a say in the minority than they have in a Harper majority.
Now that Canada has sent a message to the Liberals to clean-up - they have done so by electing a fellow who has shown complete disregard for the truth, parliament, and our democracy. Harper has his majority and it is going to be real tough on the Progressive Conservatives in the party.
The Bloc is temporarily down - while Quebec takes a break from a nationalist party in Ottawa - but may very well elect a sovereignist party provincially. This is just another Quebec change-up.
The Conservatives are nasty and they will - without humility - rub this victory into the faces of Canadians who believe that moderate not extreme is Canada. This is a very clear example for Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland and Labrador - that we really don't matter much in this system.
We witnessed a taste with Bev Oda - and her leaning respecting funding and pro-choice ideology. More interesting is her decisive win last night - rewarding her despicable behavior. Ontarians in her riding have redefined public service and the value of honesty. What did Oda have to say?
“Those who know me know I would never lie or mislead,” This is unbelievable!
In Newfoundland - we absolutely did the right thing and showed extreme courage by not electing one Conservative on the Island. Despite the on the ground boots of most all Dunderdale's Cabinet - they lost. We actually said to those who betrayed this province - we don't want you. Sullivan, Ottenheimer, Manning and fibre-optic Taylor were defeated - in most cases soundly.
In Labrador I can take some solace in knowing that the Big Land did what it wanted to do and not what our Island suggested they do. They have made a decision and it was their own. That is also the case with the Lower Churchill - this time it will not be shoved down their throats - rather they and they alone will determine what happens to this great resource. Further this time - they will sit in Cabinet at the federal level - not representatives from the Island. It is also clear that Labrador believes that Harper will live up to his promises for the base and the loan guarantee.
The deal on the Lower Churchill is up to them. If they wish to export - do so - and they can even make us pay for it. After all power leaves their place and heads to other jurisdictions - and they are left with royalties for the aboriginal peoples (or some of them) and a handful of jobs after construction - it will not be our fault as it was with the Upper Churchill.
Peter Penashue has a great deal of responsibility resting on his shoulders and good luck to him. I hope he brings to Labrador what Labradorians want. I hope he delivers in spades for his people and uses his voice to eliminate the long-standing social problems. For now they can choose their destiny - and the direction is all theirs. They can stand proud and make decisions that are good for them - eliminating the Island and most non-aboriginal influence. They can further build corporate partnerships between aboriginal companies and other Labrador based operators. They can take control of tenders and dictate how many jobs will be kept in Labrador and how many will leave. They can control the route of the hydro power resource and determine if they want industrial development at all - or prefer to go for royalties only. I have fought for the equal rights of Labradorians as an Islander for most of my adult life - and I have now experienced closure in that regard. Presumably Dunderdale will have to answer to Labrador and if the deals are not already done - will have to be done with the aboriginal peoples and corporate Labrador. Labrador now has control of its destiny and that is a good thing.
From a provincial Progressive Conservative point of view - there are many significant developments on the Island. The votes were mainly Liberal and NDP and both rural and urban voters have said no to Kathy Dunderdale and her team of Cabinet Ministers. We know what happened when Danny said ABC - the province listened. When Kathy Dunderdale said ABC is over and now we need to vote Conservative - the province did not listen. The PC urban vote did not recover and did not show well in other rural communities - with the exception of perhaps Felix Collins and Keith Hutchings. The federal election of 2006 saw almost 43% popular vote for the Conservatives. The ABC of 2008 demonstrated a complete collapse of that vote to 17% and now that ABC was called off by Premier Dunderdale the vote climbed to only 28%. The urban PC vote stronghold has not regained anywhere near the reliability needed to guarantee the almost always guaranteed vote for the PC's in St. John's and surrounding communities.
Let's look at the Avalon Peninsula - as it relates to influence by the current Premier Kathy Dunderdale versus the influence under Danny Williams. Same provincial layout - with only 2 opposition members in a bastion of Blue including a significant number of the Cabinet.
2006 When Danny got promises from Harper on equalization, Five Wing Goose, and custodial management.
Loyola Hearn enjoyed 44.6% of the popular vote.
Fabian Manning enjoyed 51.5% of the popular vote.
Norm Doyle enjoyed 46.5% of the popular vote.
2008 When Danny Williams declared ABC most all PC MHA's campaigned for Liberals or NDP.
St. John's South/Mount Pearl District (formerly Hearn, candidate Merv Wiseman) dropped to 12.6% of the popular vote.
St. John's East (formerly Doyle, candidate Craig Wescott) dropped to 9.3% of the popular vote.
Avalon District (Manning) dropped to 35.2% of the popular vote.
2011 When Kathy Dunderdale declared ABC over and has all but one PC MHA campaigning for Conservatives.
St. John's South/Mount Pearl District only recovers to 22.8% of the popular vote.
Avalon District only recovers to 40% of the popular vote.
St. John's East District only recovers to 20.9% of the popular vote.
Without a doubt the vast majority of the people continue to support Danny Willams position on Stephen Harper and the majority reject Kathy Dunderdale's new relationship with Stephen Harper. This despite - what can only be called strong provincial MHA's Caucus and Cabinet out in force as never before for federal Conservative candidates.
Further the Conservative candidates in St. John's East and St. John's South/Mount Pearl in the 2008 election, Craig Wescott and Merv Wiseman respectively were arguably much weaker candidates than the "star" candidates of 2011 in Loyola Sullivan and Jerry Byrne. One might speculate that the candidates themselves brought the difference to the table versus any recommendation by Dunderdale. In Manning's case where he was the constant he went down 16 points during ABC and only recovered 5 points last night. That we can write off to PC's feeling it was okay to vote at all.
This was not a good night for Kathy Dunderdale despite the tremendous victory for her friend - and colleague Stephen Harper.
The October election remains up for grabs and in many critical seats. The only thing holding back a resurgence for the provincial Liberals is the party itself. They should be able to make great gains in October as may well a few more NDP seats on the strength of Layton and Harris. (depends on how NDP policy impacts NL)
If the Liberals do some cleaning and add some star candidates of their own - they may very well cause Dunderdale and company real problems. After the turnaround of PC MHA's back to Harper which was seen by the majority of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians as disingenuous and opportunistic - seats won on Danny's coat-tails will be vulnerable.
My overall feelings are that Canada was crushed by the Ontario not Orange wave and that never bodes well for Atlantic Canada. Further Canadians have absolutely decided with the exception of Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, PEI, Quebec and parts of British Columbia that lying is okay, contempt of Parliament is dandy, and that the Elections Act is not anything relevant. Let's see if the right wing extremeists get the upper hand this time. Will Harper moderate? I don't believe a word he says - so my guess is he will not. You know when Preston Manning is delighted - we moderate people should be very concerned.
A great night for Newfoundland as we told Harper - you cannot lie to our people. Labrador - time will tell - if the Big Land gets what it wants I am happy for them. If it does not - the Island - for once will not be responsible.
Monday, May 02, 2011
Why I Vote - Everytime
Hi all - out there in Canada - wherever you may be.
Today we have the opportunity to vote. Today we should all take that privilege seriously and know that others in the world are currently giving their lives for that same privilege.
It may be difficult for some to justify giving anybody a vote. Perhaps you have not been treated well by elected representatives - perhaps you believe all in your riding are not worth your vote - or perhaps you are sick of them all. You can still cast a ballot. It is up to you what you do in that voting booth.
Some people will vote against somebody or thing and some will vote for somebody or for something. Others will spoil a ballot and make a statement of another sort.
Some people may vote traditionally and along partisan lines - others will vote for the person - others will vote for a platform - yet others will vote strategically to ensure a particular candidate will not win.
These are our freedoms - hard fought - and frankly we should fight harder to preserve them.
In this election - youth - parents, grandparents, and all eligible voters get out and vote. Make your voice count and all forward to Canada tomorrow.
Be part of increasing participation. Be part of the 80% challenge. Your one vote always makes a difference.
I cast my ballot at opening of the polls this morning - and I feel great.
Today we have the opportunity to vote. Today we should all take that privilege seriously and know that others in the world are currently giving their lives for that same privilege.
It may be difficult for some to justify giving anybody a vote. Perhaps you have not been treated well by elected representatives - perhaps you believe all in your riding are not worth your vote - or perhaps you are sick of them all. You can still cast a ballot. It is up to you what you do in that voting booth.
Some people will vote against somebody or thing and some will vote for somebody or for something. Others will spoil a ballot and make a statement of another sort.
Some people may vote traditionally and along partisan lines - others will vote for the person - others will vote for a platform - yet others will vote strategically to ensure a particular candidate will not win.
These are our freedoms - hard fought - and frankly we should fight harder to preserve them.
In this election - youth - parents, grandparents, and all eligible voters get out and vote. Make your voice count and all forward to Canada tomorrow.
Be part of increasing participation. Be part of the 80% challenge. Your one vote always makes a difference.
I cast my ballot at opening of the polls this morning - and I feel great.
Sunday, May 01, 2011
Ignorance is Bliss - not in this case - the Real Stephen Harper
Important information - please read before voting:
If you are from Atlantic Canada, Quebec, a member of the Canadian Labour Congress, a woman, ethnic, a supporter of choice, or a liberal minded Canadian, or a Canadian period - please read. I have highlighted for emphasis.
Below - please take the time to read quotes from a speech Stephen Harper delivered as, then vice-president of the National Citizens Coalition, to a June 1997 Montreal meeting of the Council for National Policy, a right-wing U.S. think tank, and taken from the council's website:
Let's take the New Democratic Party, the NDP, which won 21 seats. The NDP could be described as basically a party of liberal Democrats, but it's actually worse than that, I have to say. And forgive me jesting again, but the NDP is kind of proof that the Devil lives and interferes in the affairs of men.
Some people point out that there is a small element of clergy in the NDP. Yes, this is true. But these are clergy who, while very committed to the church, believe that it made a historic error in adopting Christian theology.
However, our executive is the Queen, who doesn't live here. Her representative is the Governor General, who is an appointed buddy of the Prime Minister.
First, facts about Canada. Canada is a Northern European welfare state in the worst sense of the term, and very proud of it. Canadians make no connection between the fact that they are a Northern European welfare state and the fact that we have very low economic growth, a standard of living substantially lower than yours, a massive brain drain of young professionals to your country, and double the unemployment rate of the United States.
In terms of the unemployed, of which we have over a million-and-a-half, don't feel particularly bad for many of these people. They don't feel bad about it themselves, as long as they're receiving generous social assistance and unemployment insurance.
But the important point is that Canada is not a bilingual country. It is a country with two languages. And there is a big difference.
For years, we elected Quebec prime ministers to deal with that, Quebec prime ministers who were committed federalists who would lead us out of the wilderness. For years, we have given concessions of various kinds of the province of Quebec, political and economic, to make them happier.
As long as there are exams, there will always be prayer in schools.
If you are from Atlantic Canada, Quebec, a member of the Canadian Labour Congress, a woman, ethnic, a supporter of choice, or a liberal minded Canadian, or a Canadian period - please read. I have highlighted for emphasis.
Below - please take the time to read quotes from a speech Stephen Harper delivered as, then vice-president of the National Citizens Coalition, to a June 1997 Montreal meeting of the Council for National Policy, a right-wing U.S. think tank, and taken from the council's website:
Let's take the New Democratic Party, the NDP, which won 21 seats. The NDP could be described as basically a party of liberal Democrats, but it's actually worse than that, I have to say. And forgive me jesting again, but the NDP is kind of proof that the Devil lives and interferes in the affairs of men.
Some people point out that there is a small element of clergy in the NDP. Yes, this is true. But these are clergy who, while very committed to the church, believe that it made a historic error in adopting Christian theology.
The NDP is also explicitly a branch of the Canadian Labour Congress, which is by far our largest labour group, and explicitly radical.
However, our executive is the Queen, who doesn't live here. Her representative is the Governor General, who is an appointed buddy of the Prime Minister.
First, facts about Canada. Canada is a Northern European welfare state in the worst sense of the term, and very proud of it. Canadians make no connection between the fact that they are a Northern European welfare state and the fact that we have very low economic growth, a standard of living substantially lower than yours, a massive brain drain of young professionals to your country, and double the unemployment rate of the United States.
In terms of the unemployed, of which we have over a million-and-a-half, don't feel particularly bad for many of these people. They don't feel bad about it themselves, as long as they're receiving generous social assistance and unemployment insurance.
But the important point is that Canada is not a bilingual country. It is a country with two languages. And there is a big difference.
In fact, before the Reform Party really became a force in the late '80s, early '90s, the leadership of the Conservative party was running the largest deficits in Canadian history. They were in favour of gay rights officially, officially for abortion on demand. Officially -- what else can I say about them? Officially for the entrenchment of our universal, collectivized, health-care system and multicultural policies in the constitution of the country. At the leadership level anyway, this was a pretty liberal group. This explains one of the reasons why the Reform party has become such a power.
If you look at the surviving PC support, it's very much concentrated in Atlantic Canada, in the provinces to the east of Quebec. These are very much equivalent to the United States border states. They're weak economically. They have very grim prospects if Quebec separates. These people want a solution at almost any cost. And some of the solutions they propose would be exactly that.
For years, we elected Quebec prime ministers to deal with that, Quebec prime ministers who were committed federalists who would lead us out of the wilderness. For years, we have given concessions of various kinds of the province of Quebec, political and economic, to make them happier.
As long as there are exams, there will always be prayer in schools.
The complete speech found here CTV
Hypothetical Harper refuses to Speculate - must Speculate that Canadians are fools
The following is a quote from Harper - yesterday - at the end of the campaign:
"I'm not going to speculate on hypotheticals." — Prime Minister Stephen Harper refuses to comment on what he'd do if the Governor General gave Harper's hypothetical, NDP-led coalition the reins of power.
The following are quotes from Harper throughout the campaign:
"I have been quite clear on the choices in this election, the choices between a stable majority Conservative government where we have an economy on the right track [and] a reckless haphazard coalition formed with the NDP and the Bloc and the Liberals and the only thing they actually agree on is increasing taxes."
The Conservatives release their platform, including a five-page chapter called Here for Law-Abiding Canadians that refers repeatedly to an "Ignatieff-led Coalition."
In Markham, Harper continued to sound the coalition alarm: "If we win this election, they've already decided they'll vote against our next budget. So on it goes. Another attempt at a coalition and another election."
"Our first preference was to have a debate with the leader of the coalition," said Harper. "Mr. Ignatieff insisted his first preference was to have his coalition partners at the debate."
Harper says new immigrants to Canada "don't want members of Parliament who are going to be part of an Ignatieff government put in office by the NDP and Bloc Québécois even if they don't win the election."
Stephen Harper, after meeting the Governor General to dissolve Parliament, immediately urges voters to give him a majority to stave off a "reckless opposition coalition." Extended quote: "Canadians need to understand clearly, without any ambiguity: Unless Canadians elect a stable, national majority, Mr. Ignatieff will form a coalition with the NDP and Bloc Québécois.
Read quotes here CBC
"I'm not going to speculate on hypotheticals." — Prime Minister Stephen Harper refuses to comment on what he'd do if the Governor General gave Harper's hypothetical, NDP-led coalition the reins of power.
The following are quotes from Harper throughout the campaign:
"I have been quite clear on the choices in this election, the choices between a stable majority Conservative government where we have an economy on the right track [and] a reckless haphazard coalition formed with the NDP and the Bloc and the Liberals and the only thing they actually agree on is increasing taxes."
The Conservatives release their platform, including a five-page chapter called Here for Law-Abiding Canadians that refers repeatedly to an "Ignatieff-led Coalition."
For example: "In spite of obstruction from the Ignatieff-led Coalition, Stephen Harper's government has managed to pass a number of important measures to protect the vulnerable, and hold criminals accountable."
"Our first preference was to have a debate with the leader of the coalition," said Harper. "Mr. Ignatieff insisted his first preference was to have his coalition partners at the debate."
Harper says new immigrants to Canada "don't want members of Parliament who are going to be part of an Ignatieff government put in office by the NDP and Bloc Québécois even if they don't win the election."
Stephen Harper, after meeting the Governor General to dissolve Parliament, immediately urges voters to give him a majority to stave off a "reckless opposition coalition." Extended quote: "Canadians need to understand clearly, without any ambiguity: Unless Canadians elect a stable, national majority, Mr. Ignatieff will form a coalition with the NDP and Bloc Québécois.
Stephen Harper must believe Canadians are fools - you and I are fools.
Enabling bad behavior is not what we support when raising our own children. We have to become hypocrites to vote for Stephen Harper.
Read quotes here CBC
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Harper's 20 messages of Fear - Be very afraid Canada
Stephen Harper to Canadians
1. You do not want an election,
2. You really do not want an election,
3. Be afraid of them (all other political parties) - they are and always have been plotting a coalition,
4. Be afraid of a Liberal lead coalition with the Bloc,
5. Be afraid of the Bloc (even though he used them to prop up a previous budget),
6. Be afraid of an NDP lead coalition,
7. Coalitions are bad,
8. Be afraid of Michael Igfnatieff,
9. Be afraid of Jack Layton,
10. Be afraid of Gilles Duceppe,
11. Fear for the economy - unless I and only I can get a strong majority,
12. If Canada does not elect me - everything will fall apart,
13. Be afraid of everybody but me because they will spend too much (Harper outspends everybody),
14. Be afraid of not lowering tax on giant corporations (Exxon profits first quarter 11 billion dollars),
15. I will only answer 5 questions at media events (Mr. Transparency),
16. I lie so you won't be afraid of the truth (and he can't sell the truth),
17. Beware of Helena Guergis - for the "things" she has done (nothing proven whatsoever),
18. If you do not elect Conservative members your area "might" not be represented,
19. Love Republicans as you would love thou self,
20. Be very afraid of an open and accountable democracy.
1. You do not want an election,
2. You really do not want an election,
3. Be afraid of them (all other political parties) - they are and always have been plotting a coalition,
4. Be afraid of a Liberal lead coalition with the Bloc,
5. Be afraid of the Bloc (even though he used them to prop up a previous budget),
6. Be afraid of an NDP lead coalition,
7. Coalitions are bad,
8. Be afraid of Michael Igfnatieff,
9. Be afraid of Jack Layton,
10. Be afraid of Gilles Duceppe,
11. Fear for the economy - unless I and only I can get a strong majority,
12. If Canada does not elect me - everything will fall apart,
13. Be afraid of everybody but me because they will spend too much (Harper outspends everybody),
14. Be afraid of not lowering tax on giant corporations (Exxon profits first quarter 11 billion dollars),
15. I will only answer 5 questions at media events (Mr. Transparency),
16. I lie so you won't be afraid of the truth (and he can't sell the truth),
17. Beware of Helena Guergis - for the "things" she has done (nothing proven whatsoever),
18. If you do not elect Conservative members your area "might" not be represented,
19. Love Republicans as you would love thou self,
20. Be very afraid of an open and accountable democracy.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Why Chantal Hebert said of Harper "many voters...be wary of....promises..."
From the CBC
Members of the Nova Scotia legislature voted unanimously Thursday in favor of a resolution condemning Stephen Harper, the leader of the Canadian Alliance.
The resolution was in response to Harper's comments that there is a "defeatist attitude" in Atlantic Canada.
From the National Post
Williams, who has launched an “Anything-but-Conservative” campaign to defeat Harper’s MPs, warned Canadians of “dire consequences” if they give the Conservative leader a majority government.
“I beg you and plead with you today to stop and think and decide if that is what this country deserves,” Williams told a group of business leaders in a televised address in St. John’s, N.L. “If you believe this country deserves better, then you know what to do — it’s as easy as ABC.”
From the CBC
Harper promised compensation 'in error,' minister says
Prentice now says his party made a mistake and didn't have all the facts when it made the original commitment. That means the court-approved settlement deal that would pay some 80,000 former residential school students an average of about $25,000 each won't apply.
From The Star and Chantal Hebert
How much is Stephen Harper's word worth? In the wake of the Prime Minister's stunning reversal on income trusts this week, many voters will understandably be wary of taking anything he promises at face value in the future. After all, it is the second time in less than a year that Harper broke his word in a spectacular fashion.
From the CBC in 2008
Members of the Nova Scotia legislature voted unanimously Thursday in favor of a resolution condemning Stephen Harper, the leader of the Canadian Alliance.
The resolution was in response to Harper's comments that there is a "defeatist attitude" in Atlantic Canada.
"There is a dependence in the region that breeds a culture of defeatism," the Opposition leader said Wednesday following question period in the House.
From the National Post
Williams, who has launched an “Anything-but-Conservative” campaign to defeat Harper’s MPs, warned Canadians of “dire consequences” if they give the Conservative leader a majority government.
“I beg you and plead with you today to stop and think and decide if that is what this country deserves,” Williams told a group of business leaders in a televised address in St. John’s, N.L. “If you believe this country deserves better, then you know what to do — it’s as easy as ABC.”
From the CBC
Harper promised compensation 'in error,' minister says
Prentice now says his party made a mistake and didn't have all the facts when it made the original commitment. That means the court-approved settlement deal that would pay some 80,000 former residential school students an average of about $25,000 each won't apply.
From The Star and Chantal Hebert
How much is Stephen Harper's word worth? In the wake of the Prime Minister's stunning reversal on income trusts this week, many voters will understandably be wary of taking anything he promises at face value in the future. After all, it is the second time in less than a year that Harper broke his word in a spectacular fashion.
From the CBC in 2008
Prime Minister Stephen Harper said he won't be breaking his promise to Canadians if he calls an election this fall, a year ahead of the fixed date set by his own government.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Can you lie, cheat, break the law or simply be a traitor? Harper needs you!
Short and not-so-sweet overview of Harper's judgement of character Canada. (small sample)
Can you lie? - Harper needs you!
Can you cheat? Harper needs you!
Can you break the law? Harper needs you!
Are you a traitor to your province, your people, your country? Harper needs you!
Fabian Manning applauds Stephen Harper as he broke his promise (lied to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador) ends up in Senate after ABC campaign - now looking to be re-elected in NL - says he wants to look to the future.
Can you lie? - Harper needs you!
Ms. Oda lied about the decision not to renew funding for Kairos by repeatedly claiming it was a decision of the Canadian International Development Agency.
Can you cheat? Harper needs you!
A top Tory strategist has left the Harper campaign after a media mogul outed him for supplying false information.
Can you break the law? Harper needs you!
Elections Canada has laid charges against the federal Conservative Party and four senior officials for exceeding the spending limit in the 2006 election campaign.
Are you a traitor to your province, your people, your country? Harper needs you!
Fabian Manning applauds Stephen Harper as he broke his promise (lied to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador) ends up in Senate after ABC campaign - now looking to be re-elected in NL - says he wants to look to the future.
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