BS: Winter election in Canuckville???

Subject: BS: Winter election in Canuckville???
From: gnu
Date: 24 Nov 05 - 03:50 PM

Good lord!!! What are they thinking? Steve and his bunch ain't that bright, but... a winter election? IT IS CANADA. WINTER ELECTIONS CAN HAVE PROBLEMS YA TWIT!!!! Seriously, what the heck is wrong with these idiots? Or, are they all liberals in wolf's clothing?

Subject: RE: BS: Winter election in Canuckville???
From: Peace
Date: 24 Nov 05 - 11:39 PM

If we don't have the elections in winter, gnu, then that leaves only the two weeks of summer in July.

Subject: RE: BS: Winter election in Canuckville???
From: dianavan
Date: 25 Nov 05 - 01:18 AM

We all know whats happening anyway. Bush has sent his neo-conservative think tank to Canada. They have headquarters in Ontario, Alberta (Lethbridge?) and now Langley, B.C. They are busy forming a fundamentalist coalition. Now that the Liberals have blown it with 'pork barreling', they actually have a very good chance of being elected.

Sad to say that our wonderful Vancouver City Council and Mayor, School Trustees and Parks Board have all been ousted by right leaning parties. I have a hard time understanding why. It was a very functional city government who actually accomplished many, many community projects. Its frightening to think of a city government aligned with the criminals in Victoria and now, maybe Ottawa, too.

Sometimes you just have to shake your head and walk away.

The voters in B.C. are so wierd. Doesn't matter who is in power, they always vote them out. I think everybody just hates politicians, period, and its just their way of saying the whole process stinks.

If Harper becomes Prime Minister, I'm dropping out for the second time. The first time was because of Nixon.

Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against Conservatives (I actually liked Joe Clark) but Harper is another animal. I hope the public can see through him but I fear its a choice between the devil and the deep blue sea.

Subject: RE: BS: Winter election in Canuckville???
From: Peace
Date: 25 Nov 05 - 01:20 AM

Alberta is just the opposite. It doesn't matter who is in power, they always re-elect them.

Subject: RE: BS: Winter election in Canuckville???
From: Metchosin
Date: 25 Nov 05 - 01:51 AM

Bah! Humbug!

Subject: RE: BS: Winter election in Canuckville???
From: Peace
Date: 25 Nov 05 - 01:51 AM

LOL

Subject: RE: BS: Winter election in Canuckville???
From: Metchosin
Date: 25 Nov 05 - 02:47 AM

Or perhaps more appropriately, "God help us, every one."

Subject: RE: BS: Winter election in Canuckville???
From: Paul Burke
Date: 25 Nov 05 - 05:09 AM

What is it you extreme rightwing Merkins have against Canada? Is it because they make you look nearly as bad as you are?

Subject: RE: BS: Winter election in Canuckville???
From: Peter T.
Date: 25 Nov 05 - 05:46 AM

The real election will be between the puritanical streak in the Canadian psyche and the pragmatic streak. Stephen Harper with those blue eyes and the prissy mouth may convince the voters to throw out the Liberal bastards, and then "shrink government" by eviscerating the federal system, which is the main aim of rightwing Tory life. Or, the voters may decide that Canada is an organized system of mutual bribery anyway, and the rest is the usual hypocrisy, and vote the Liberals back in.

The whole thing is ridiculous. The only people who will win will be the Parti Quebecois and the Alberta First crowd who will be able to say I told you so as the country perishes.

At least that is what it says here in my book.

yours,

Peter T.

Subject: RE: BS: Winter election in Canuckville???
From: gnu
Date: 25 Nov 05 - 06:30 AM

Oops. My comment about Stever being a "Liberal in wolf's clothing was not aimed at political philosophy or corruption. Rather, it was meant to imply that by forcing a winter election, they are pissing people off and, more importantly, if the weather is poor on election day, the voting results may be swayed, probably toward the Liberals. He is certainly not gaining favour with anyone I know.

What are the chances of poor weather in The Great White North in the dead of winter? Even if it's sunny, for eight hours at most, on election day, the whole length of the country, it has been known to be a tad chilly, icy, slushy, windy, F***ING COLD, in some parts. Heck, the army might be shovelling out Tronna.

Idiot!!

Subject: RE: BS: Winter election in Canuckville???
From: Peace
Date: 25 Nov 05 - 10:02 AM

Wot's a merkin?

Subject: RE: BS: Winter election in Canuckville???
From: Paul Burke
Date: 25 Nov 05 - 10:04 AM

I've never known why anyone needed them.

Subject: RE: BS: Winter election in Canuckville???
From: Metchosin
Date: 25 Nov 05 - 11:27 AM

I don't see any Merkins to the right or left on this thread. Did something get deleted?

Subject: RE: BS: Winter election in Canuckville???
From: Little Hawk
Date: 25 Nov 05 - 12:42 PM

This gets one big yawn from me. How tedious.

Subject: RE: BS: Winter election in Canuckville???
From: bobad
Date: 25 Nov 05 - 12:53 PM

My sentiment exactly, even the mudslinging has become tedious and predictable, I am going to tune this one out as much as is possible.

Subject: RE: BS: Winter election in Canuckville???
From: gnu
Date: 25 Nov 05 - 12:58 PM

Youse guys and most Canucks. A political campaign over Christmas?

Idiot!!

Subject: RE: BS: Winter election in Canuckville???
From: Peace
Date: 26 Nov 05 - 04:16 PM

OK. But now we know who the Grinch really is.

Subject: RE: BS: Winter election in Canuckville???
From: Cluin
Date: 26 Nov 05 - 07:49 PM

The one I don't understand is Jack Layton. How does he figure to better his position by pushing for an election now? He's in the strongest position now his party has held in many years.

Easy to see why Harper and his Reform loonies want another election whenever and wherever (though this is Harper's last chance to win before his party boots his ass off the top of the heap with Peter MacKay panting at his heels; that's why he stuck around) and Duceppe can't either better or worsen his status (though the Bloc shouldn't even be allowed to run as a Federal party anyway).

Yes, the Liberals have been in too long. Unfortunately there is no alternative. I wish there was. I might even vote old style PC. But not for the rabble of right wing wacko malcontents that is passing for Conservative now. Besides, just as much corruption occured under the Tories in the past.

But I figure Layton only stands to lose NDP seats by pushing for an election now. Martin said he would call an election after the final Gomery report in February. Gives Canada a better picture of what went on and sets us up for an election in spring. And Layton could then at least say he didn't send Canadians to the polls at Christmas time.

Well, party politics stinks anyway.

Subject: RE: BS: Winter election in Canuckville???
From: Peace
Date: 26 Nov 05 - 10:21 PM

Maybe Layton has made a deal with the other parties.

Subject: RE: BS: Winter election in Canuckville???
From: dianavan
Date: 26 Nov 05 - 10:50 PM

I think Layton said he would not force the election but if the Conservatives did, he would back them.

He tried to make a couple of education and health care deals with the Liberals but the Liberals didn't buy it. Layton can go either way, whoever offers the best deals. The NDP will never be elected so their only power is in making deals. They are in a good position to do that and are making the best of it.

No deal? O.K. Lets have an election.

Subject: RE: BS: Winter election in Canuckville???
From: Cluin
Date: 26 Nov 05 - 10:53 PM

That's not a deal. That's suicide.

The NDP in bed with the CRAP party? Strange bedfellows indeed.

Subject: RE: BS: Winter election in Canuckville???
From: Peter T.
Date: 26 Nov 05 - 11:32 PM

Cluin is right, Layton is wrong: his current situation is the best deal he will ever get, period. Like the Conseervatives he probably got fed up, and decided that he didn't want the Liberals to be able to choose everything, but it is still a mistake.   

yours,

Peter T.

Subject: RE: BS: Winter election in Canuckville???
From: Mooh
Date: 27 Nov 05 - 09:24 AM

If a winter election keeps the bastards off my doorstep, then all the better. Mooh.

Subject: RE: BS: Winter election in Canuckville???
From: dianavan
Date: 27 Nov 05 - 02:49 PM

Cluin and Peter T. -

I don't really understand why you think siding with the Conservatives, at this time, is suicide. Somehow, I don't think it makes any difference one way or another if the Liberals stay in office.

If on the other hand, the Conservatives manage to gain power because the NDP backed their call for an elections, I will be furious.

Do you really think the Conservatives have a chance? I think people will be so put off by a winter election that they will vote Liberal just to spite the Conservatives. I hope so.

As to the NDP, they have never been anything more than an effective (ineffective) opposition at the federal level. Maybe thats what you're saying, that backing a new election is an ineffective move. I guess I'd have to agree because I certainly do not want to see Harper as PM of Canada. What a nightmare!

Subject: RE: BS: Winter election in Canuckville???
From: Peace
Date: 27 Nov 05 - 06:35 PM

Gonna be trudging through snow to go to the poll. Idiots. The lot of them. And, the choices are bleak.

Registered Political Parties

Bloc Québécois

Canadian Action Party

Christian Heritage Party of Canada

Communist Party of Canada

Conservative Party of Canada

Green Party of Canada

Liberal Party of Canada

Libertarian Party of Canada

Marijuana Party

Marxist-Leninist Party of Canada

New Democratic Party

Progressive Canadian Party

Subject: RE: BS: Winter election in Canuckville???
From: ToulouseCruise
Date: 27 Nov 05 - 07:16 PM

In a way, I am fortunate that there is a person of excellent reputation who shall be running in my riding, now that the Hon Claudette Bradshaw (Liberal, cabinet minister, and also of excellent reputation) has chosen not to re-offer. I have no problem with whom I shall vote for, since I am keeping my vote consideration at the local level.

Now, if we actually had to cast a direct vote on who should lead our wonderful country (both party and person), it would be a matter of voting in whom I would feel would do the least amount of harm, as opposed to the most amount of good. That happens to be Mr Paul Martin, who, as I luck (?) would have it, is the leader of the party for the local guy that I plan to vote for.

It is a shame that I have the mindset of voting for the lesser of the evils, if I look at this whole thing for the big picture that it truly is. I do look forward to the future, hopefully seeing Peter McKay from Nova Scotia and Frank McKenna from New Brunswick leading their respective parties. Maybe a little input from the Maritime provinces can put forward more of a national focus, at least more so than the mindless "Vote-for-me, cuz-they-cheat-and-are-mean-and-Gomery-and-such" agenda from a certain wanna-be-cowboy from Alberta.

Brian

Subject: RE: BS: Winter election in Canuckville???
From: hesperis
Date: 28 Nov 05 - 10:50 AM

I hope it's not a winter election because I haven't been paying attention to Canadian politics for a while and don't have time to get up to speed.

Maybe there should be a Mudcat party.

Subject: RE: BS: Winter election in Canuckville???
From: Peace
Date: 28 Nov 05 - 10:54 AM

Well, as it stands right now I have to spoil my ballot.

Subject: RE: BS: Winter election in Canuckville???
From: gnu
Date: 28 Nov 05 - 11:12 AM

I'd like to soil mine.

CBC news: "It will be the first time since 1979 that a government has fallen at the hands of the opposition. About 35 bills will be left hanging, including an act to decriminalize small amounts of marijuana..."

Martin will, at least, have the dope vote.

Idiots!!

Subject: RE: BS: Winter election in Canuckville???
From: gnu
Date: 28 Nov 05 - 06:59 PM

A confidence motion. Instituted by the party that brought NAFTA in and had 22 cabinet ministers investigated on criminal charges. The PM was let off because the RCMP fucked up on procedure. And now this. Good lord help us all. The bells are ringing on CBC as I type.

Idiots!!

And guess who are the idiots?

I am so ashamed of my country.

Subject: RE: BS: Winter election in Canuckville???
From: gnu
Date: 28 Nov 05 - 07:14 PM

This just in. The vote... idiots win.

Subject: RE: BS: Winter election in Canuckville???
From: Beer
Date: 28 Nov 05 - 08:34 PM

So do the seperatist.

Subject: RE: BS: Winter election in Canuckville???
From: Beer
Date: 28 Nov 05 - 08:56 PM

So I can't spell.
(Separatist)

Subject: RE: BS: Winter election in Canuckville???
From: Azizi
Date: 28 Nov 05 - 10:28 PM

See a discussion of the no confidence vote in Canada:

Canadian Government Falls

Included in this dailykos discussion is a summary for Americans [meaning UnitedStaters] as to what this is all about and numerous comments from Canadians and UnitedStaters, too.

Here's an excerpt from that diary that was put together by fishhead
{Mon Nov 28, 2005 at 05:24:44 PM PDT}:

"Some American readers have been asking what some of the issues are in this election. Here is one version, most of which I cribbed and condensed from the wikipedia site in the interests of time.

Sponsorship scandal This issue continues to be a hindrance for the governing Liberals. The Liberals are currently being attacked and will undoubtedly continue to be hammered by the opposition on this issue, particularly by the Conservatives and Bloc Québécois. Already today, we have heard speeches by Tory Leader Harper and Bloc Leader Duceppe placing the scandal and "integrity in government" at the top of their election issues.

Health care This is a perennial top issue in Canada and is being pushed hard by the NDP and Liberals. In previous election campaigns both the Liberal Party, and the NDP have heavily campaigned to be seen as protectors of Canada's Medicare system. The new Conservative Party, and its predecessors have campaigned on "fixing" the Medicare system in various ways, but there are many on the right who support expanding private-sector health care or - as the Bloc favours - devolving power to the provinces (which essentially means more private health care).

Social Issues Though Canada's generally liberal social policies have enjoyed fairly consistent levels of support in the last decade, there are criticisms from the "Christian Right" and other conservative groups, especially in rural areas and among recent immigrants, that Canada's policies on abortion and same-sex marriage are too liberal. Expect the NDP and Liberals to hammer the Tories on this with a view to continuing to shut them out of gains in urban Canada. The so-called "Notwithstanding Clause" of the Canadian Charter of Rights would be required to revert to the traditional definition and over-ride the Supreme Court ruling on the matter. The Liberals and NDP have also adopted positions supporting the decriminalization of marijuana (a bill doing this died on the order paper) and legalizing prostitution.

The Economy and Taxation The Conservatives proposed to lower taxes significantly, but much of their thunder was stolen by recent tax cuts introduced by the Liberals (afforded by the NDP's withdrawal of support for the government). The Liberals can be expected to run on the fact the government has been raking in huge surpluses (thanks largely to booming resource, especially oil, sectors). Today, the Finance Minister was trumpeting the largest surpluses since Confederation. Expect the Tories to respond that this would allow more tax cuts - the NDP to argue that this should allow greater spending on health care, childcare, and other social programmes.

Canada-United States relations This issue has divided Canada more than ever since the 2003 Invasion of Iraq. Most Conservatives believe that closer relations with the United States (such as a North American security perimeter and deeper integration through NAFTA) are necessary for economic and political reasons. Most of the Bloc and NDP believe that Canada needs to move away from the United States, especially with the re-election of President Bush in 2004. The Liberals are split, with most tending to the NDP/Bloc side.

The Americans' rejection of NAFTA's final ruling in Canada's favour in the U.S.-Canada softwood lumber dispute on August 10, 2005 has raised questions about if and how Canada will retaliate. One thing Canada _has_ been doing is actively building markets in other parts of the world, in order to rectify the huge trade imbalance with the States (over two-thirds of our exports go to the US - Canada is the USA's largest supplier of petroleum, natural gas, and hydroelectricity). Expect the Liberals and NDP to paint the Tories as too pro-American. The phrase "American-style" is a favourite epithet in Canadian politics, usually followed by the phrase "health care," "justice system," "politics," etc.

Environment This is another perennial favourite. The Liberal government has been critized by several parties for its policies on environmental matters. Criticism has been expressed by all other parties regarding the Liberal party's management of Canada's carbon dioxide emissions, and how Canada will meet its obligations to the Kyoto Protocol. While the Conservative Party criticizes the Liberals' environmental plans as being fiscally irresponsible and unmanageable, the NDP, the Bloc Quebecois, and especially the Greens would like to see environmental protection as a priority for the federal government. Other environmental issues such as water quality in Aboriginal communities have also received attention."

-snip-

I'm curious to know if Canadian 'Catters think that this dailykos discussion is on point.

Subject: RE: BS: Winter election in Canuckville???
From: Azizi
Date: 28 Nov 05 - 10:30 PM

BTW, I envy Canadian government's no-confidence provision.

If the USA had such a provision, I believe that we'd be saying bye bye to Bush's government.

But that's a whole 'nother story, and I don't mean to hijack this thread.

Subject: RE: BS: Winter election in Canuckville???
From: dianavan
Date: 28 Nov 05 - 11:44 PM

Azizi -

That sounds like a pretty fair assessment of the issues and the parties.

One thing for sure, NOBODY in Canada appreciates a winter election or the idiots who pushed for non-confidence. The Conservatives will lose points for that alone. Campaigning will also be difficult. Nobody has their heart in an election when they would rather be enjoying the Christmas holidays.

Everyone is so mad at the Liberals and so afraid of the Conservatives that its hard to say which way the vote will go.

Personally, I'd like to see the NDP with the Bloc and Greens in opposition but that is very, very unlikely.

Subject: RE: BS: Winter election in Canuckville???
From: gnu
Date: 29 Nov 05 - 06:59 AM

January 23 appears to be the date. Nine days after the full moon. Advance Poll anyone?

Subject: RE: BS: Winter election in Canuckville???
From: Mooh
Date: 29 Nov 05 - 08:20 AM

The NDP should not have supported the government earlier, and they should have known that they wouldn't get anything of their agenda done with Liberal help. This was naive in the extreme, regardless of Jack Layton's good intentions. Had the government fallen months ago, a pre-Christmas election might have been okay. Either way the Liberal's days were numbered, but a winter election will piss off many voters...I don't care as I'm not voting for any of the big three parties.

I predict we'll end up with another Liberal minority, or even a majority. Either way the costs of an election are squandered.

Your tax dollars hard at work.

Peace, Mooh.

Subject: RE: BS: Winter election in Canuckville???
From: GUEST
Date: 29 Nov 05 - 10:29 AM

The media has already told us what we think..God, I am tired of political pundits. Anyway, I will vote Liberal because I live in The Maritimes and the Bloc does not know we are here, The conservatives think we all buy our souwesters and wellies with welfare cheques, The NDP thinks Ontario is THE East and the Green Party doesn't know the ocean is Blue. What a silly bloody country, still I am glad I'm here and not in some war torn or weather battered place. So let's just get on with it, have a laugh or two and hope that none of it interferes with Hockey Night In Canada.

Subject: RE: BS: Winter election in Canuckville???
From: Seiri Omaar
Date: 29 Nov 05 - 12:18 PM

I predict we'll end up with another Liberal minority, or even a majority. Either way the costs of an election are squandered.

I predict Liberal minority again. Between the seat bonus the Liberals get because we run under the FPTP system, the fear of the Conservative Party generally, and the fact that the Liberals have an iron-tight hold on Ontario and non-Bloc Quebec will give them what they need.

Cheers, Seiri.

Subject: RE: BS: Winter election in Canuckville???
From: gnu
Date: 29 Nov 05 - 02:57 PM

I hope that a blinding prairie snowstorm shuts down the riding of Calgary Southwest on January 23 and that idiot doesn't even get to cast his vote. Idiot!!

Subject: RE: BS: Winter election in Canuckville???
From: GUEST
Date: 30 Nov 05 - 07:24 AM

what idiot ?

Subject: RE: BS: Winter election in Canuckville???
From: *daylia*
Date: 30 Nov 05 - 07:50 AM

WEll I'm about ready to vote for the Bloc this time round. ANd if I do, you can blame it on Stephen Harper. Or no ... blame it on gnu! He convinced me a while back that the Bloc won't spend half as much time or taxpayer's $$$ kissing Yankee butt as our other esteemed leaders.

Hey, they can't be worse than the Tories or the Grits! Yup, I'm all set to make the big move. To La Belle Province, that is. I'll be sure to bring my maple leaf toque, my Leafs "Sundin" jersey, my Tim Horton's mountain bike, and my big big BIG Canada flag to hang over my new front porch railing.

That oughta convince 'em to roll out la carpet rouge .... ou, la matte BIENVENUE ....

;-)

Subject: RE: BS: Winter election in Canuckville???
From: *daylia*
Date: 30 Nov 05 - 09:30 AM

PS .... so who do you think "loves" Canada more?

"Mr. Martin later seized on the Mr. Harper's failure to swing at a reporter's softball political question -- "Do you love this country?"

Mr. Harper had answered with Spock-like enthusiasm that he thinks Canada is "great." He did not, however, say that, yes, he loves Canada. And Mr. Martin seized on it.

"This morning, I'm told that Stephen Harper had a little difficulty saying this, so let me say it: I love Canada!" Mr. Martin roared to wild applause at a Liberal rally in Ottawa..."

Is that a snow job or what?

Subject: RE: BS: Winter election in Canuckville???
From: Beer
Date: 30 Nov 05 - 11:24 AM

If your voting Bloc, Daylia and Dianavan, then your voting for separation. Why bring the Canadian flag Daylia? I'm sure you wouldn't want to promote the Bloc's drive for independance. That is their platform. This is the worst possible time for a federal election. The Bloc will gain seats, our lack luster jerk primer Jean Charest will continue to decline giving the separatist movement exactly what they want.

It was some time around 1885 that Louis Real was hung for treason. Now we have worst in parliament getting paid Canadian $$ and preaching the destruction of our country. Then they also get our Canadian $$ for their pensions. A hundred and so years ago they would have been hung. Today this may seem a little extreme, but do we have to recognize their party? Do we have to let them sit in Ottawa preaching independance. Do we have to give them pensions? I'm 48 years in Quebec and this is the first time that I am truly worried as to what the next few years will bring. If it sepearted I wouldn't want to live here. But then I do have a wife who was born in La Belle Provance so she would have to be willing to move as well. Not a good position to be in.

So I ask you two. Don't vote Bloc. Don't even talk about supporting them traitors.
Beer (Adrien Doucette)

Subject: RE: BS: Winter election in Canuckville???
From: *daylia*
Date: 30 Nov 05 - 12:36 PM

Please pardon that moment of sarcasm above, Adrien. Rest assured I wouldn't vote Bloc even if I could!

Why bring the Canadian flag Daylia? I'm sure you wouldn't want to promote the Bloc's drive for independance. That is their platform.

Do you mean that in Quebec, the presence of the Canadian flag indicates support for separation???

Subject: RE: BS: Winter election in Canuckville???
From: Beer
Date: 30 Nov 05 - 01:09 PM

I was referring to your statement when you said you were making the big move. Voting Bloc......moving to Quebec and flying the Canadian flag. But now I see you were just saying these things in jest.

Subject: RE: BS: Winter election in Canuckville???
From: gnu
Date: 30 Nov 05 - 06:52 PM

I refuse to comment on certain comments on the grounds that they may be self-discrinatory. My comments, I mean... I think.

As for the Liberals, what I said was, when I said what I said, was not what I said. What I said was what I said. You have to listen to what I said and not what I said. I have proof of that.

As for the Conservatives, I said it and I don't care what you said, I ain't takin it back, no matter what anyone says, even if what I said was not what I should have said.

As for the Bloc, je dis, "Pas comment, moi". Know what I'm sayin?

And that's all I am sayin.

Subject: RE: BS: Winter election in Canuckville???
From: Beer
Date: 30 Nov 05 - 07:01 PM

That was easy to understand.
I think.

Subject: RE: BS: Winter election in Canuckville???
From: Seiri Omaar
Date: 30 Nov 05 - 07:07 PM

gnu: What about the New Democrats? Hehehehhe.....

Cheers, Seiri.