Saturday, September 30, 2006
Liberal Leadership Delegate Results so Far
As for me, I vote tomorrow. I'm voting for Brison. Because even though it'd take a miracle for him to win, I'm hoping that if he gets enough support he can hang around long enough to play kingmaker and get a plum cabinet post to set him up for the next time. It'll also be nice to have an enjoyable day, life has really sucked since the fire, the aftermath of which has just been terrible. I sometimes think that perhaps we died in the fire and this is Hell. ;)
So, How's That REAL Inquiry Going?
One of my favorite posts I've written since I started this gig was entitled That the House condemns the government for its arrogance... It got it's title from the dubious confidence motion Harper and his boys levelled at our Liberal Government, resulting in the election that swept him and his ultra far right buddies in to limited power. (Not Limited Enough -Ed.)
One of the quotes in this article was from Stephen Harper.
Harper: "Mr. Speaker, a new government will get on with the real inquiry."
So Stevie, how's that real inquiry going? You know, on the Sponsership Scandal, you know it's only the ENTIRE REASON you defeated the government.
Of course, there is no real inquiry. I knew there wouldn't be one. As I've said many times before the Conservatives aren't interested in cleaning up the corruption, they're interested in being the ones doing the corrupting. This is the same type of garbage they spouted off about how the Gomey inquiry was bogus, all the while taking any bad thing said about the Liberals from the inquiry and screeching about it at the top of their lungs for days afterward in Question Period. People who don't watch politics as closely as I do never get to see this hypocracy, never get to see how full of shit their new government was when they were in opposition. If I were the Liberal Ad maker all I would have done was taken videos from parliament such as instances of these, and then at the end I'd have a narrator ask "Are these really the people you want running the country?"
Now, all the right wing nutjobs out there will be able to come up with tons of bullshit explainations why we haven't seen a new inquiry, but they're already too far gone for anyone to be able to do anything to help them, no this is aimed at you're average Joe or Jane Voter out there, who voted against the Liberals because they were told by the Conservatives they'd get to the bottom of this. Also, what about all this talk about the gun registry being even worse than the sponsership scandal and how it was a massive slush fund? Why haven't the Conservatives blown the whistle on that? Simple, there's nothing to blow the whistle about.
Now do I want an inquiry run by Conservatives? Of course not, the purpose of such an inquiry wouldn't be to find the truth it would be a witch hunt.
One of the quotes in this article was from Stephen Harper.
Harper: "Mr. Speaker, a new government will get on with the real inquiry."
So Stevie, how's that real inquiry going? You know, on the Sponsership Scandal, you know it's only the ENTIRE REASON you defeated the government.
Of course, there is no real inquiry. I knew there wouldn't be one. As I've said many times before the Conservatives aren't interested in cleaning up the corruption, they're interested in being the ones doing the corrupting. This is the same type of garbage they spouted off about how the Gomey inquiry was bogus, all the while taking any bad thing said about the Liberals from the inquiry and screeching about it at the top of their lungs for days afterward in Question Period. People who don't watch politics as closely as I do never get to see this hypocracy, never get to see how full of shit their new government was when they were in opposition. If I were the Liberal Ad maker all I would have done was taken videos from parliament such as instances of these, and then at the end I'd have a narrator ask "Are these really the people you want running the country?"
Now, all the right wing nutjobs out there will be able to come up with tons of bullshit explainations why we haven't seen a new inquiry, but they're already too far gone for anyone to be able to do anything to help them, no this is aimed at you're average Joe or Jane Voter out there, who voted against the Liberals because they were told by the Conservatives they'd get to the bottom of this. Also, what about all this talk about the gun registry being even worse than the sponsership scandal and how it was a massive slush fund? Why haven't the Conservatives blown the whistle on that? Simple, there's nothing to blow the whistle about.
Now do I want an inquiry run by Conservatives? Of course not, the purpose of such an inquiry wouldn't be to find the truth it would be a witch hunt.
Friday, September 29, 2006
Bloggers on the Leadership Day 2
Today I post my interview with Cherniak on Politics who supports Stephane Dion. Before agreeing Jason asked me to make it clear to all that this interview is purely his own words (which is of course what I wanted) and that in responding to it he is not speaking as a representative of the Dion Campaign in any way. (Like the Dion campaign would touch me with a 10 foot pole, especially upon reading question 10, but you can't be too careful. -Ed.)
1. Why did you choose to endorse Stéphane Dion?
I endorsed Stéphane Dion because I met him for lunch and agreed with pretty much all his policy thoughts. My MP was supporting him and I decided that Dion was a man I could support as well.
2. In your view, what are the top three issues that face our country and how do you see Stéphane Dion handling them?
1) National Unity
Dion understands that national unity is not about a supposed “fiscal imbalance” or whether Quebec is a “nation”. He understands that to keep the country together, we need to put forward bold ideas that prove to Québequois that Canada is where they belong.
2) Economic Management
Dion knows that we need a strong economy. As Prime Minister, I trust him to maintain a balanced budget and keep our tax rates competitive.
3) Environment
Dion understands that this is becoming a defining issue for Canadians. He wants to use the powers of the federal government to create incentives for industry to clean up its act. He also wants to encourage research and technology to ensure that Canadians are inventing the next generation of environmentally friendly technology, which will be the big money maker in the foreseeable future.
3. What do you think Stéphane Dion’s greatest strength would be in an election matchup against Stephen Harper?
Dion has the ability to explain policies very clearly and quickly. I think he would be able to show Canadians that the Liberals not only have clear plans, but also that our plans are far superior.
4. What do you think Stéphane Dion’s greatest weakness would be in an election matchup against Stephen Harper?
I think that in stressing his environmental message, Dion sometimes comes across as more left-wing than he actually is. That might give Harper more room to maneuver.
5. If Stéphane Dion couldn't win, who would you prefer he/she throw their support behind and why?
Michael Ignatieff. Of the four front runners, Iggy is only other candidate with a coherent set of polices who can communicate them in French.
6. Not Answered
7. If you were Stéphane Dion 's campaign manager, how would you run their campaign?
At this point, I would release a full “platform” that puts it all together. I think we need to highlight that Dion is the guy with the ideas who can also sell them. I would also start pushing the economic message.
8. Tell us something about Stéphane Dion you think most people don't know.
He really wants to have a one-on-one debate with Ignatieff.
9. Next to Prime Minister or Deputy Prime Minister, which cabinet position do you feel Stéphane Dion would excel at?
I’m going to add “other than intergovernmental affairs or environment” to the question. My answer is that I think he would be a great minister of Industry.
10. If Stéphane Dion were pitted in a three way, 57 round battle royale against Paul Martin and Jean Chrétien who would win?
I think Chrétien would win because he would have Warren Kinsella hit Dion and Martin with a chair when they aren’t looking.
1. Why did you choose to endorse Stéphane Dion?
I endorsed Stéphane Dion because I met him for lunch and agreed with pretty much all his policy thoughts. My MP was supporting him and I decided that Dion was a man I could support as well.
2. In your view, what are the top three issues that face our country and how do you see Stéphane Dion handling them?
1) National Unity
Dion understands that national unity is not about a supposed “fiscal imbalance” or whether Quebec is a “nation”. He understands that to keep the country together, we need to put forward bold ideas that prove to Québequois that Canada is where they belong.
2) Economic Management
Dion knows that we need a strong economy. As Prime Minister, I trust him to maintain a balanced budget and keep our tax rates competitive.
3) Environment
Dion understands that this is becoming a defining issue for Canadians. He wants to use the powers of the federal government to create incentives for industry to clean up its act. He also wants to encourage research and technology to ensure that Canadians are inventing the next generation of environmentally friendly technology, which will be the big money maker in the foreseeable future.
3. What do you think Stéphane Dion’s greatest strength would be in an election matchup against Stephen Harper?
Dion has the ability to explain policies very clearly and quickly. I think he would be able to show Canadians that the Liberals not only have clear plans, but also that our plans are far superior.
4. What do you think Stéphane Dion’s greatest weakness would be in an election matchup against Stephen Harper?
I think that in stressing his environmental message, Dion sometimes comes across as more left-wing than he actually is. That might give Harper more room to maneuver.
5. If Stéphane Dion couldn't win, who would you prefer he/she throw their support behind and why?
Michael Ignatieff. Of the four front runners, Iggy is only other candidate with a coherent set of polices who can communicate them in French.
6. Not Answered
7. If you were Stéphane Dion 's campaign manager, how would you run their campaign?
At this point, I would release a full “platform” that puts it all together. I think we need to highlight that Dion is the guy with the ideas who can also sell them. I would also start pushing the economic message.
8. Tell us something about Stéphane Dion you think most people don't know.
He really wants to have a one-on-one debate with Ignatieff.
9. Next to Prime Minister or Deputy Prime Minister, which cabinet position do you feel Stéphane Dion would excel at?
I’m going to add “other than intergovernmental affairs or environment” to the question. My answer is that I think he would be a great minister of Industry.
10. If Stéphane Dion were pitted in a three way, 57 round battle royale against Paul Martin and Jean Chrétien who would win?
I think Chrétien would win because he would have Warren Kinsella hit Dion and Martin with a chair when they aren’t looking.
Thursday, September 28, 2006
Stephen Harper News Conference Transcript
I hope you enjoy a bit of broken record inspired theatre.
Press Paige: Ladies and Gentelmen, Prime Minister Harper will now make a brief statement, followed by his taking your questions.
PMS: Thank you Cheryl, Ladies and Gentelmen there has been growing discontent with my government for the last month now and I am here to set the record strait. Nothing that has happened is the fault of the Conservative government, everything that is wrong with the lives of Canadians today is the fault of the previous Liberal government. I'll now take your questions.
John Mackney, CTV: Prime Minister, how do you respond to critics who say that in your most recent finance announcement you simply cut programs you as Conservatives didn't like as opposed to what was best for the country.
PMS: I'm glad you brought that up Jack.
John Mackney, CTV: It's John, sir.
PMS: Oh, I'm sorry John, but as I was saying it's the fault of the Previous Liberal Government.
John Mackney, CTV: Uh, the Previous Liberal Government forced you to cut programs?
PMS: Yes.
John Mackney, CTV: Could you.... Um, Elaborate?
PMS: I'd like to, but the Previous Liberal Government prevents me from doing so. Yes, Jana.
Jana Sampson, CBC: Yes, Prime Minister would you say that your cut in the GST, which has gone largely unnoticed by the general public, was a wrong move?
PMS: Let's be clear here, we didn't make that utterly useless cut the GST, the Previous Liberal Government did.
Jana Sampson, CBC: But sir, I have the copy of the bill right here...
PMS: That's just what the Previous Liberal Government wants you to think you're holding, in actuality you're holding a bowl of lettuce cleverly disguised to look like the GST cut bill. Ok, now on to Sam.
Sam Parker, Calgary Sun: Supreme Leader Harper, isn't it true everything that's wrong with Canada is the fault of that devilish Previous Liberal Government?
PMS: Finally a good question! I wish the rest of you in the pres gallery would learn from good old Sam here. Yes, everything that's wrong with Canada is the fault of the devilish Previous Liberal Government.
Sam Parker, Calgary Sun: I have a follow up if I may you're highness.
PMS: Of course Sam.
Sam Parker, Calgary Sun: Now given that the economy is robust at the moment, and that taxes will soon begin to fall in Canada, isn't it true that you're a God?
PMS: Well, Sam, you know I don't like to brag but... Well. Yes, I suppose it's ok to let people know the truth.
Sam Parker, Calgary Sun: Why do you think so many people don't see that my liege?
PMS: Well, Sam you know what I think.
Sam Parker, Calgary Sun: That it's those bastards in the Previous Liberal Government?
PMS: Exactly, now as much as I'd love to chat with you all day Sam, I have to move on to the others.
Sam Parker, Calgary Sun: *wispers* call me!
PMS: Ok, Lisa?
Lisa Willington, Toronto Star: Mr Prime Minister, you're Parliamentary Secretary Jason Kenney has admitted to misleading Parliament, will you ask him to step down?
PMS: Of course not! Everyone knows he only lied because he was forced to by the Previous Liberal Government!
Lisa Willington, Toronto Star: And how exactly did they do that sir?
PMS: I'm glad you asked Lisa, before those bastards left they haunted all of the government offices with ghosts of themselves! And they scared poor Jason so much, and thretened to raise taxes on his family 1/4 of a percent, which would obviously mean they wouldn't be able to afford a Porsche and would have to settle for a Lexus, *sniff* I'm sorry it pains me just to think about the horrors they had to endure, but anyway suffice it to say Liberals suck and Conservatives own. Last question goes to Julie.
Julie Cholo, Montreal Gazette: Prime Minister, do you expect anyone to believe this?
PMS: *chuckles* The Canadian people voted me in as their Prime Minister didn't they? How much stupider can you get?
Press Paige: Thank you Ladies and Gentelmen, Prime Minister Harper is very busy fighting those mean old Liberals today, so we'll have to say TTFN.
Press Paige: Ladies and Gentelmen, Prime Minister Harper will now make a brief statement, followed by his taking your questions.
PMS: Thank you Cheryl, Ladies and Gentelmen there has been growing discontent with my government for the last month now and I am here to set the record strait. Nothing that has happened is the fault of the Conservative government, everything that is wrong with the lives of Canadians today is the fault of the previous Liberal government. I'll now take your questions.
John Mackney, CTV: Prime Minister, how do you respond to critics who say that in your most recent finance announcement you simply cut programs you as Conservatives didn't like as opposed to what was best for the country.
PMS: I'm glad you brought that up Jack.
John Mackney, CTV: It's John, sir.
PMS: Oh, I'm sorry John, but as I was saying it's the fault of the Previous Liberal Government.
John Mackney, CTV: Uh, the Previous Liberal Government forced you to cut programs?
PMS: Yes.
John Mackney, CTV: Could you.... Um, Elaborate?
PMS: I'd like to, but the Previous Liberal Government prevents me from doing so. Yes, Jana.
Jana Sampson, CBC: Yes, Prime Minister would you say that your cut in the GST, which has gone largely unnoticed by the general public, was a wrong move?
PMS: Let's be clear here, we didn't make that utterly useless cut the GST, the Previous Liberal Government did.
Jana Sampson, CBC: But sir, I have the copy of the bill right here...
PMS: That's just what the Previous Liberal Government wants you to think you're holding, in actuality you're holding a bowl of lettuce cleverly disguised to look like the GST cut bill. Ok, now on to Sam.
Sam Parker, Calgary Sun: Supreme Leader Harper, isn't it true everything that's wrong with Canada is the fault of that devilish Previous Liberal Government?
PMS: Finally a good question! I wish the rest of you in the pres gallery would learn from good old Sam here. Yes, everything that's wrong with Canada is the fault of the devilish Previous Liberal Government.
Sam Parker, Calgary Sun: I have a follow up if I may you're highness.
PMS: Of course Sam.
Sam Parker, Calgary Sun: Now given that the economy is robust at the moment, and that taxes will soon begin to fall in Canada, isn't it true that you're a God?
PMS: Well, Sam, you know I don't like to brag but... Well. Yes, I suppose it's ok to let people know the truth.
Sam Parker, Calgary Sun: Why do you think so many people don't see that my liege?
PMS: Well, Sam you know what I think.
Sam Parker, Calgary Sun: That it's those bastards in the Previous Liberal Government?
PMS: Exactly, now as much as I'd love to chat with you all day Sam, I have to move on to the others.
Sam Parker, Calgary Sun: *wispers* call me!
PMS: Ok, Lisa?
Lisa Willington, Toronto Star: Mr Prime Minister, you're Parliamentary Secretary Jason Kenney has admitted to misleading Parliament, will you ask him to step down?
PMS: Of course not! Everyone knows he only lied because he was forced to by the Previous Liberal Government!
Lisa Willington, Toronto Star: And how exactly did they do that sir?
PMS: I'm glad you asked Lisa, before those bastards left they haunted all of the government offices with ghosts of themselves! And they scared poor Jason so much, and thretened to raise taxes on his family 1/4 of a percent, which would obviously mean they wouldn't be able to afford a Porsche and would have to settle for a Lexus, *sniff* I'm sorry it pains me just to think about the horrors they had to endure, but anyway suffice it to say Liberals suck and Conservatives own. Last question goes to Julie.
Julie Cholo, Montreal Gazette: Prime Minister, do you expect anyone to believe this?
PMS: *chuckles* The Canadian people voted me in as their Prime Minister didn't they? How much stupider can you get?
Press Paige: Thank you Ladies and Gentelmen, Prime Minister Harper is very busy fighting those mean old Liberals today, so we'll have to say TTFN.
Bloggers on the Leadership: Day 1
Today is day 1 of Liberal For Life's Special Report: Bloggers on the Leadership. Most bloggers who've endorsed a candidate can say anything they want about their chosen one anytime they want, but few if any have an oppurtunity to speak out about them in an interview type format and perhaps be asked questions they wouldn't have thought of mentioning on their blogs. That is the purpose of this exercise.
We start off with The Dan Report and Gerard Kennedy.
1. Why did you choose to endorse Gerard Kennedy?
The number one reason for me was that Gerard has always been dedicated to helping those most in need of a hand. And since I'm not a silly idealist I was also very impressed that Gerard has gotten the job done everytime he has taken up a task.
2. In your view, what are the top three issues that face our country and how do you see Gerard Kennedy handling them?
1. Education
2. Environment
3. Afghanistan
Well I think Education should be the number one priority for any country and it's pretty obvious that Gerard is the most fit of the group to work on this issue. I've heard many people say that Gerard "speaks teacher". Gerard probably doesn't have the expertise of some of the other candidates on environment but if Gerard were to make promises you can count on him to achieve those goals or to die trying. Well we know Gerard's position on Afghanistan, and I agree. If we're not winning we have to figure out how we can. I'm not interested in giving away Canadian lives to keep a "moral promise" or whatever Iggy called it. I think we have to cut off the NDP here. Remember that Pierre Trudeau was seen as scary isolationist when he first became Prime Minister.
3. What do you think Gerard Kennedy's greatest strength would be in an election matchup against Stephen Harper?
His character
4. What do you think Kennedy's greatest weakness would be in an election matchup against Stephen Harper?
His inexperience in leading a party in an election.
5. If Kennedy couldn't win, who would you prefer he/she throw their support behind and why?
I've flip-flopped between Rae, Iggy and Dion but right now I'm siding with Dion. I'm just not comfortable with Iggy's foreign policy and I was quite upset with Rae's massive flip flop on Quebec and the constitution. The auditor general's report on environment spending might once again throw my second choice in the air. I haven't made up my mind yet.
6. If Kennedy couldn't win, who would you prefer he/she NOT throw their support behind and why?
I'd have to say Dion again. But that's not my final answer and that's assuming Dion would be able to finish in front of Kennedy anyways.
7. If you were Kennedy's leadership campaign manager, how would you run their campaign?
I trust that the campaign managers are a little smarter and experienced than me. But I would have tried harder to find a way to fight perceptions. They haven't done enough for example to counter the idea that Gerard can't win which some in the media parrot because of ridiculous/untrue polling numbers. A little more focus on the air war. But they may be trying to stay under the radar, out of the way of all the flying mud.
8. Tell us something about Kennedy you think most people don't know.
Preston Manning once asked Kennedy to join the Reform Party. He obviously decided against it.
9. Next to Prime Minister or Deputy Prime Minister, which cabinet position do you feel Kennedy would excel at?
Good question. Jonathan Ross of TDH Strategies suggested, wishfully perhaps, that Kennedy would be a good Finance Minister under Ignatieff. But I could also see him doing great things in Aboriginal Affairs, Environment, or even perhaps Canada's first Education Minister.
10. If Kennedy were pitted in a three way 57 round battle royale against Paul Martin and Jean Chrétien who would win?
He'd beat Martin, but it's going to take a little bit more experience to beat a guy that won 3 straight majorities. Mad respect for Chretien!
----------------------------------------------------------
If you’re a supporter of Michael Ignatieff, Scott Brison, or Martha Hall Findlay and would like to participate in this L4L Special Report click here for information on how.
We start off with The Dan Report and Gerard Kennedy.
1. Why did you choose to endorse Gerard Kennedy?
The number one reason for me was that Gerard has always been dedicated to helping those most in need of a hand. And since I'm not a silly idealist I was also very impressed that Gerard has gotten the job done everytime he has taken up a task.
2. In your view, what are the top three issues that face our country and how do you see Gerard Kennedy handling them?
1. Education
2. Environment
3. Afghanistan
Well I think Education should be the number one priority for any country and it's pretty obvious that Gerard is the most fit of the group to work on this issue. I've heard many people say that Gerard "speaks teacher". Gerard probably doesn't have the expertise of some of the other candidates on environment but if Gerard were to make promises you can count on him to achieve those goals or to die trying. Well we know Gerard's position on Afghanistan, and I agree. If we're not winning we have to figure out how we can. I'm not interested in giving away Canadian lives to keep a "moral promise" or whatever Iggy called it. I think we have to cut off the NDP here. Remember that Pierre Trudeau was seen as scary isolationist when he first became Prime Minister.
3. What do you think Gerard Kennedy's greatest strength would be in an election matchup against Stephen Harper?
His character
4. What do you think Kennedy's greatest weakness would be in an election matchup against Stephen Harper?
His inexperience in leading a party in an election.
5. If Kennedy couldn't win, who would you prefer he/she throw their support behind and why?
I've flip-flopped between Rae, Iggy and Dion but right now I'm siding with Dion. I'm just not comfortable with Iggy's foreign policy and I was quite upset with Rae's massive flip flop on Quebec and the constitution. The auditor general's report on environment spending might once again throw my second choice in the air. I haven't made up my mind yet.
6. If Kennedy couldn't win, who would you prefer he/she NOT throw their support behind and why?
I'd have to say Dion again. But that's not my final answer and that's assuming Dion would be able to finish in front of Kennedy anyways.
7. If you were Kennedy's leadership campaign manager, how would you run their campaign?
I trust that the campaign managers are a little smarter and experienced than me. But I would have tried harder to find a way to fight perceptions. They haven't done enough for example to counter the idea that Gerard can't win which some in the media parrot because of ridiculous/untrue polling numbers. A little more focus on the air war. But they may be trying to stay under the radar, out of the way of all the flying mud.
8. Tell us something about Kennedy you think most people don't know.
Preston Manning once asked Kennedy to join the Reform Party. He obviously decided against it.
9. Next to Prime Minister or Deputy Prime Minister, which cabinet position do you feel Kennedy would excel at?
Good question. Jonathan Ross of TDH Strategies suggested, wishfully perhaps, that Kennedy would be a good Finance Minister under Ignatieff. But I could also see him doing great things in Aboriginal Affairs, Environment, or even perhaps Canada's first Education Minister.
10. If Kennedy were pitted in a three way 57 round battle royale against Paul Martin and Jean Chrétien who would win?
He'd beat Martin, but it's going to take a little bit more experience to beat a guy that won 3 straight majorities. Mad respect for Chretien!
----------------------------------------------------------
If you’re a supporter of Michael Ignatieff, Scott Brison, or Martha Hall Findlay and would like to participate in this L4L Special Report click here for information on how.
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