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Straight shooter looks to lead

TU THANH HA

From the Globe and Mail Sept. 6, 2006

Latest comment posted at 9:59 PM EST 03/12/06

Onetime pariah gains new respect for his federalist views. ...Read the full article

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  1. Michael H from Edmonton, Canada writes: I spent a lot of time watching Mike Duffy Live this summer while I was off work doing some renovations around my house. Mr. Dion impressed me as one of the most genuine and honest politicians to appear on the program. He's clearly up to the task of debating Harper despite his less than perfect English. I'm a little concerned that his campaign, to date, has appeared a little too one-dimensional (environment) but I think he is much more attuned to the hearts and minds of the majority of Canadians than is Mr. Ignatieff. Dryden has the ability but his hesitant speaking style is too reminiscent of Paul Martin and I don't think that he will do well in the debates. I strongly believe that Mr. Dion has the integrity that people have falsely (my opinion) concluded is an attribute of Mr. Harper.
  2. Roger Freel from Toronto, Canada writes: This is the man for Canada! The anti-King Stevie Harpercrite, a man of integrity. Canadion!!!
  3. Gerry Pankhurst from westport, Canada writes: I'd be interested to know how #1 spent the summer watching Mike Duffy Live. His program went off the air when Parliament closed for the summer and Mike, God bless him had serious heart surgery.
  4. Daniel Sturgis from Rabat, Morocco writes: He irritates the separatists - perfect. Did the Liberals expect to chip into the seperatist vote anyway? He didn't support the Iraq war - even better. He hasn't run a province into financial catastrophy - perfect. He may not be the most charismatic guy, but he's miles better than Rae or Ignatieff. In his own words, if there was someone better to run the party, he'd support them. The fact is, there might be better non-candidates (Shiela Copps), for instance, but, IMO, there isn't anyone actually running that is better than Dion. He's the best chance the Liberals have to take out Harper.
  5. Robert Billyard from Mission, Canada writes: Dion is the obvious choice. He has a good track record and extensive federal experience. We need a leader that can hit the ground running- and he is the one.
  6. Dave Medich from Windsor, Canada writes: I love his idea about raising taxes for the environment. We need more taxes. I hope the money we export under Kyoto is spent well by the 3rd world countries we buy credits from as we continue to pollute. Fighting 'Climate change' is important since we all know climate shouldn't change. Personally, I like 'climate change' more than the old 'global warming'. It covers a much broader range for the professional activists who need a raison d'etre. I can't wait until the day we know exactly what the weather will be without having to predict it. Dion's stealing of Suzuki's environmental plan was brilliant. This is the guy!!!
  7. gordon mcpherson from Ottawa, Canada writes: Isn't this what we need--a straight shootin, dye-in-the-wool Federalist, straight talkin type of guy who doesn't mince his words or his actions. He has a wealth of experience behind him and he's bilingual to say the least--he can also deal directly with Quebec--he gets it. Also, I like his 'three-pillar' approach to government, with emphasis on social issues, economic growth and environmental concerns...' It doesn't hurt either, in these times, that he has access to honest expertise in strategic studies and anti-terrorism at hand... All around, I can't think of a better opponent who is certainly not afraid to express his views...go gettim Steph!
  8. L M from Fort McMurray, Canada writes: Yes this is perhaps the politicians with the most integrity. He would certainly bring about a much needed political renewal in Canada - he's honest and he's there for a cause, not an ideology or a personal agenday. Go Stephane!!! If the liberals are intelligent they'll him the next Prime Minister of canada!
  9. gilles monenemie from Montreal, Canada writes: Dion has the potential to help develop the just society vision that Trudeau envisioned. I'll take that over Harpers 'me and my buddies' society that he has adopted from George Bush. Overall Dion is the best of the pack of rats running for the Liberals. He does speak frankly. He would more or less admit that climate change mitigation wasn't happening under the liberals because of the powerful influences of the fossil energy industry and the money it brings to the canadian economy. As much as he tried as environment minister he wasn't powerful enough to get Martin and company to slow down the fossil energy industry in Alberta.
  10. 20 20 from Canada writes: I would like to see Mr. Dion add a 4th pillar, Canadian sovereignty (political, economic, cultural, and geographic).
  11. David Smith from Calgary, Canada writes: How can Rae be considered a frontrunner and not this guy? Dion for the Liberal leadership!
  12. Karin Pasnak from North Vancouver, Canada writes: Dion might be the choice of many and he is not stupid by any means, but I expect my Prime Minister to speak english fluently.
  13. Darryl La France from Canada writes: This man needs to be stopped before he destroys Canada over the whole nonsense of Kyoto. In the 70's it was thought that we were headed into another 'ice-age'! They also cried out about over-population and it being impossible to sustain food production for all, etc. etc. We have plenty of food it is just corrupt regimes that use food as a weapon (ie many African nations). Did anyone get embarrassed over the ice-age prediction? NO, of course not. Kyoto doesn't even address pollution it only is a wealth transfer for the 'right' to pollute by buying an imaginary commodity called 'hot-air credits' from other countries like Russia (borderline democracy) or China (a tyrranical communist state), or some 3rd world country somewhere. How can something so ridiculuous be such an easy sell to so many Canadians? Wake up! If Kyoto actually did something to reduce real pollution in cities it would at least be money well-spent; but this is a brain child from a scientific lobby that is unparalleled in history! When this TREND of warmer weather is replaced by a TREND of cooler weather, no-one will call them on it. It will just pass on to the next lobby for cash from the gullible. In the 1930's there was a heat wave that was why it was called'the dirty thirties' . ie The drying up and blowing away of topsoil! Should we reduce pollution? Yes. But let's do it in a REAL way; not in this highly politicized 'United Nations' (that should send up a warning right there) scam! People think that scientists are above human failings, they are gods in most people's eyes, not to be questioned. Think this through a bit! Not to mention there are LOTS of scientists who don't like the manner in which the data is gathered OR interpreted! Dion is just another Liberal big spender (Sorry Dryden I used your BIG word for Dion) with nebulous (or I should say nefarious) intentions.
  14. Michael H from Edmonton, Canada writes: Dave Medich, As I pointed out in yesterday's discussion, there is no way that you can make the argument that this was plagarism. Look at the original documents, there is only one small section that is suspect. It is related to the legal opinions and to call it plagarism would require looking at the original sources and determining whether or not there was mention of the CEPA and the legal possibilities for the government to pursue violoations of the legislation. Rather, Dion has a good case for libel.
  15. lenny jones from Bangkok, Thailand writes: Dion is the man who could casually eviscerate Harper in a debate without breaking a sweat. Kenney, Day and all the other sycophantic whelps would be trying to stuff Harper's innards back into his flaccid gut as Dion articulated a sane, inclusive and practical vision for Canada.
  16. Austin Powers from Canada writes: And the good thing about Dion is that, should he win and subsequently defeat Harper, GW Bush can still refer to our PM as 'Steve', minimizing any potential confusion for White House staff...
  17. Tim Robinson from Hoylake, UK, Canada writes: OK, so he's close-minded like Harper and knows he's right, but what's his position on health care - does he have any positions other than speaking at a general level about the holy trinity of economic health, social values and whatever else is high in the polls right now?
  18. Oh, Come on! from Regina, Canada writes: I love this guy -- almost an anti-politician; it's got to be good for us. I also like Dryden -- both are intellectual heavyweights, thoughtful instead of reactive. Visionary. But, Fellow Canadians -- will you buy the goods if they don't come all packaged up prettily with glibness, glitz and glamour? Or are we all so tuned into the media world that we demand star power, and so instead put our votes toward slickness and partisanship?
  19. H C from Canada writes: Lets see.. A Chretien loyalist/insider who has an association with the corrupt Liberals of the 90's? Soemone from the same old guard that was responsible for the stagnation of ideas and policy? No Thanks. The Liberals are trying to renew the party here with new ideas under new leadership, not some rehashed one's. Canada doesnt need another administrator as a leader. Mr. Ignatieff, please rise up to the occasion! You could take back those centralist votes that gave Harper his minority!
  20. Dat Guy from edmonton, Canada writes: Dion is still old school and represents predictable liberal thinking. I don't think he is appreciated outside of Quebec for some of his offside comments on policies. When I hear other posters say he will hit the road running..I can't help thinking about the roadrunner and the results of the coyote - actually hitting the road.
  21. Political Junkie from Canada writes: Dave, #6. Agreed. If Dion really is interested in climate change and has some cojones, he's going to have to level with Canadians and tell them that to actually reduce greenhouse gases is going to hurt like hell. The only countries coming anywhere close to meeting Kyoto committments are in Eastern Europe where the economies have been devastated. All other nations, just like Canada when Dion was Minister of Environment, aren't even close. Easy promises of a decade ago are coming home to roost but the politicians who made them aren't around to face the music.
  22. Grandpa Ron from Calgary, Canada writes: He is from Quebec, they have had their turn at being PM the last 30 odd years. The west is in now in, the east would be foolish to vote Harper out now. We have had enough of the Martin/Cretien teams; we like what we have. Good luck to Mr. Dion but he is not tomorrows man, Harper is.
  23. Pretty Much from Toronto, Canada writes: Definately a winner in my books.
  24. chris jenkins from Rock of the Westies, Canada writes: This character won't get a single vote west of Manitoba, but I know that isn't a concern to the Liberals. They know that as long as they can fool the GTA and part of Quebec, the vote in the West means nothing. This is their historical route to power. In fact, the more anti-West and anti-Yankee they are, the more support they get from the corruption loving Eastern electorate. As a Western separatist, I would love to see any Liberal sneak their way back into power, but especially this loser.
  25. John Spong from Windsor, Canada writes: Mr. Dion would make an excellent Prime Minister.
  26. Les Caine from brampton, Canada writes: Stepane Dion deserves credit for standing up for Canada, going against the Quebecois grain. Canada needs champions with that kind of grit and integrity. Bonne chance Stephane!
  27. Michael H from Edmonton, Canada writes: #3, your correct. But it was only off the air for two months if I remember correctly. Not that I ever agreed with much that he said but, as so many people have pointed out before, you want to get your news from multiple sources. I watch the Fox News Network when I travel to the U.S. as well. It allows me to see what type of propaganda is being fed to the far right wing.
  28. B H from Toronto, Canada writes: If he was the leader, there's a real chance I would actually start voting liberal for the first time. It's rare to find someone running for leadership that speaks like an intelligent person and not like an actor for the media, and it's nice to see a candidate that doesn't strike me as trying to out-right-wing than the (minority!) conservatives.
  29. Michael H from Edmonton, Canada writes: There is plenty of evidence that global warming is taking place. The only people denying it are like the tobacco industry execs who insisted until very recently that nicotine wasn't addictive. They have vested interests. The only people seriously threatened by responding to global warming is the oil industry. Yes, that threatens Alberta but if Alberta was on the ball they would have already been preparing for the time when oil can no longer drive the economy instead of sending out Ralph bucks. It was only a few months ago that an independent panel of scientists from the National Academy of Sciences reviewed the pro and con data and reached the same conclusion as the climatologists directly involved in the research. We can quibble over details (i.e., effects on storm intensity etc...) but there is no significant debate over global warming just like there is no significant debate over the world not being flat (yet you can read arguments on the Flat Earth Society web page that will argue otherwise).
  30. Name Witheld from Vancouver, Canada writes: Stephane Dion might be the best choice as a true politician and statesman. This is a man who can restore Canada's traditional role internationally as a diplomatic state and a soft power, instead of this current tack of being 'America's Parrot' having been introduced by Stephen Harper. This is not to say that Dion would be ignorant of the security threats faced by Canada - in fact I suspect that he has a clearer perspective on terrorism than many other politicians - but he also has the diplomatic skills to resolve them through means other than bloody conflict. Dion cultivated his statesmanship in shepherding the Kyoto accord - a prime example of Canada's potential to provide leadership on the world stage. The fact that it was gutted by those with special (self) interests does not negate the achievement of its construction, and carbon credits and taxes are a powerful way to leverage market forces to change the behaviour of consumers for the common good. Putting a price on consumption forces users to consume more efficiently, and ultimately makes from stronger, leaner competitors on a global stage. Federalism, Diplomacy, Foreign Policy, National Security, The Environment. Dion is well on his way to covering all these bases. I am curious though as to his plans for Health Care, and Innovation / Competitiveness. He'll need strong programmes in both areas in order to truly stand out in this leadership race, but at this point, my vote in this race is his to lose!
  31. Jeremy Kirouac from Victoria, Canada writes: Dion is the man. He's got vision that will not only renew the Liberal party but also the entire nation. Traditionally the Liberal Party has worked for both the economic and social health of Canada. Now we need to add a third pillar to that tradition - linking the environment with the economy and social well-being. The essence of the Dion Campaign is to do just this. As far as meeting Kyoto, Dion's plan will get us there and even the C.D. Howe institute has admitted to that. I say, if you are a Liberal and you love your country, if you want a Liberal leader who will tear into Harper without even breaking a sweat, vote for Stephane Dion in the upcoming convention in Montreal.
  32. T G from Lethbridge, Canada writes: I have always admired this gentleman for his passion and integrity. I think he would make a great Canadian leader.
  33. Steve Konroyd from Calgary, Canada writes: News flash - Darryl LaFrance (#13) is smarter than the majority of scientists around the world who are gravely concerned about global warming. Darryl's next accomplishment will be to post a comment that doesn't contain numerous spelling & grammatical mistakes :) Seriously, the real question for Darryl is: you must be a Conservative so why do you care who leads the Libs? Stand Up For Canada!!
  34. h c from Toronto, Canada writes: I'm no Liberal, but if the party is smart, they'll vote for Dion. I met him a few times while he was environment minister, and Dion must be the most honest, up-front politician that I've ever met. I agree with many here: Dion is the best chance the Liberals have in defeating the Conservatives. But are they smart enough to vote Dion as their next leader? My money's on 'NO'.
  35. B C from Toronto, Canada writes: what u mean hes not a pariah anymore?
  36. M M from Toronto, ON, Canada writes: Mark my words, if the Liberals do the right thing in Montreal by voting Dion their new leader, the entire nation will be swept by 'Dionmania.' And I mean that in the most serious of manners. He is the clearest thinker, loaded with integrity, and is the best would-be PM since Trudeau, by far. George W. Harper, on his best day, can only be Dion's shoe-shiner. The moment Paul Martin announced he was stepping down as leader I immediately thought of Dion as the best candidate for his replacement. I was light years ahead of any of you band-wagon jumpers!!;)
  37. Peter Kells from Canada writes: Stephane Dion is truly the Man for All Seasons that this country desparately needs at this point in our history. He speaks the non-partisan languages of integrity, honesty, respect for ideas and courage of conviction. For some of the regional contributors to this forum - perhaps you haven't discovered these languages yet? It matters not where a leader is from, what matters is the quality and strength of his/her character!
  38. Darryl La France from Canada writes: #33 News flash back at ya (or is that too colloquial). You obviously can't read my comment to the end before you blow off your comment. There are numerous scientists who, like I said in my comment previously (#13), do NOT agree with how the data was gathered AND how it was interpreted. There, my point is remade for you. You obviously think that every climatologist on earth in is total harmony on this and you're a fool if you think that is the case. You haven't answered my point regarding how transferring money to China or Russia is going to 'save the earth'? 'Hot air credits' bought and paid for with Canadian tax dollars isn't going to clean our air or do a thing for us other than allow you to attend your next girlie tea party and rant about how your such a big part in saving the earth. You're a veritable hero. Kyoto is a joke and I'm smart enough to figure that one out; you see, I don't just believe everything just because a scientist makes a claim. Are you the Korean Scientist's (Geneticist) defense lawyer? Let's just say that we buy into Kyoto (excuse the pun) and we buy our credits and you go to the tea party; who is going to 'force' Russia or especially China to spend the money on 'clean' technology? You obviously think you are so much smarter (and a better speller?), why can't you figure out the obvious? I'll help you. It isn't something that you can do. I don't know if you noticed but the UN is pretty much useless at most things; I don't expect them to do better in this capacity. Rwanda, Oil-for-food in Iraq, countless useless Middle-east resolutions, etc. etc. They have such a lovely track record we should give them 12 Billion of Canadian tax dollars to play with? You and your kind are SUCKERS! You utter the word 'Kyoto' like it was a mantra that will by its being spoken aloud will cure the earth. Ridiculous, and there are SCIENTISTS who say so, as well. Obviously you can use the Internet, can't you look into it further than the hype?
  39. Jeremy Kirouac from Victoria, Canada writes: MM from Toronto, you're not the only one who was been hoping for Dion since the beginning.
  40. jojo savard from whitehorse, Canada writes: no. 12 Karin, I'm certain his english is better than yours. Would you also object to a PM who does not fluently speak french????
  41. A reader from new orleans, United States writes: Here appears to be a man, a leader, a ploitician, an intellectual, a viable option to the Conservatives and the most impressive of the Liberal candidates for a middle of the road ,progressive Canada. This man should be the Prime Minister of Canada. Raise Canada to the level it ought to be both Nationally and Internationally....Peace!
  42. A reader from new orleans, United States writes: #4. Dan,...Sheila Copps is a total non-entity, a loser on the world and National stage, Canada would be a grave place with a non-compes- mentas like herself. Excuse my spelling, ...Peace!
  43. A reader from new orleans, United States writes: #27...Michael...Your is inappropriately used here, you mean you're the contraction of you and are!....Did you go to public school?
  44. Una Fischer from Canada writes: I think that Stephane Dion is by far the best of the candidates. I surely hope that he wins. Una Fischer
  45. Miles Lunn from Vancouver, Canada writes: Dion without question is the best leader to defeat Harper. One can agree or disagree with him and even I myself don't always agree with him, one cannot deny he is a politician who is driven to build a better Canada as opposed to one driven solely for power. He is also an ideas politician who will look for innovative ideas to solve the current challenges we face rather than simply doing whatever he thinks will improve his poll numbers. If the goal of the Liberals is to defeat Stephen Harper in the next election, this is who they should go for.
  46. jay oakes from hamilton, writes: Bravo Darryl La France, I thought I was the only one who realized that kyoto is the biggest load of you know what dumped on the world since america's invasion of Iraq. I mean does anyone ever look into the facts anymore or just jump on whatever band wagon is closest. I'm all for spending money to save the environment but global warming is the stupidest thing anyones come up with since the american news convinced everyone killer bees were coming. Someone claims dubya went into iraq for oil because there's no way he did it to help the people and everyone laps it up like its the greatest thing since sliced bread but ever wonder who pays the salary of the scientist that have 'proof' (HA) of global warming. I have a number of stats and figures I could quote to prove my point but i'll just use one. The temperature of new york city has gone up 3 degrees in the past 150 years, in rural towns out side of new york the temperature has stayed the same. At the military base far from anything in new york state the temperature has dropped. There all dealing with the same atmosphere over head so whats the difference. I'll give you a hint, the population of new york city has increased 10 fold as well as buildings and roads where the population in the army base has stayed pretty constant. The earth is getting hotter for dozens and dozens of reasons, most of which we have nothing to do with or have no control over. If kyoto was implemented and every country in the world signed and followed best estimates have it decreasing the world temperature but .35 degrees over the next 30 years. yeah cause thats not a waste of money
  47. Darryl La France from Canada writes: Dion is a Kyoto sucker. He wants to pour unlimited billions into this UN scam! Those that are crying that the 'end is near' because the globe is heating up, ask yourself one question. (This is only one of MANY examples by the way) Why do they call 'Greenland', 'Greenland'? It is covered in ice (which is now melting and they are freaking out about this) Well, from the 8th to the 15th centuries it WAS a land of green, that is where it got its name from; simple but effective name pick at the time I guess! What is the deal with that? Hmmm. I guess our climate goes in cycles like most things; in that period it was obviously a great deal hotter than now and it cooled off again from the 16th century till the 19th and THAT'S a fact). Wake up people! I am not anti-environment, I breathe the same air as you and I want a future for my children! What I don't like to see is these big Gov't fiascos (Nothing is more Political than the United Nations & Liberal\NDP Govts) that misdirect funds that could go to REAL climate change; for Canadians. Slopping money around for emissions credits (hot-air-credits) is NOT going to do a thing for anybody! It is more socialistic\hyper-environmentalist nonsense. Another scam to rip off the industries, that do need the odd kick in pants, but let's be fair here. Let's at least call industry on the carpet for REAL problems. To blow our whole economy away for this imaginary cause is stupid! Some would counter that I am speaking above the gods (scientists), thinking I'm 'smarter'. Actually, I'm quoting other scientists, that aren't funded by this gravy train. If we were to follow the money of a lot of this research it would probably reveal some interesting things. One thing is for certain, if you speak against Kyoto you are branded a heretic. This is the 'climate change Inquisition' and people a hundred years from now can look back and laugh at them. YES, our climate is changing, but NO, Kyoto if enacted Won't fix it. Say NO to being a SUCKER!
  48. Gaston Paquette from Canada writes: Harper has no chance of winning against either Stepane or Bob. Face the facts losers,Harper is an idiot of the first stripe. I loved 15#'s description of the evisceratin of Harpo by Dion. Exactly what would happen. This party has no brains in sight and are totally out of touch with the real Canadian's. Good luck next election losers.
  49. Andrew Howarth from Hamilton, writes: I actually hope this guys wins, or Bob Rae.......... because it would give much more reason espicially in Ontario to vote Conservative. Both of these candidate have messed up royally..... Dion in terms of his enivronmental management, and Rae in Ontario..... If you live in Ontario I'm sure I need no further explanation. Fact is, Liberals don't have much chance for a good leader...Ken Dryden???? The exeption may be Ignatieff, which coincedentally has been accused of being Conservative friendly. Lets face it, Canada has shifted to the right. Might as well learn to live with it........ Its worked out well so far!
  50. Dan Weaver from Canada writes: Dion for Prime Minster!
  51. marlene gregory from Canada writes: Harper has made enough 'Canadians and Canadiens' outraged in a very short period of time with only a minority government. Just think what he could do with a majority. Becoming 'CANADIONS' may be Canada's wiser choice.
  52. A reader from new orleans, United States writes: #48.Gaston..Would you be respectful enough to refer to Mr.Rae and Mr.Dion by their surnames. It is very unbecoming the way Canadians always refer to people in places or positions that deserve respect in a fraternal manner. This seems to have stemmed from those union socialists Boob white and the other late non-compus mentas ...Peace!
  53. Michael Karlin from Ottawa, Canada writes: Gods. I don't think a worse troll than Darry Lafrance has spammed these boards; give it up buddy. Kyoto may be a policy black hole and a slow step forward but it in no way does that invalidate the data collected that illustrates climate change. If the vociferous opponents are as eloquent as you, it's no wonder no one listens to that side of the argument. You can't call everyone 'suckers' - in all caps no less - and expect anyone to take you seriously. On a more general note, I find it amusing how anyone here actually believes themselves qualified to speak for all Canadians. 'Canada has shifted to the right.' Right, and you know this how exactly? Are people suddenly imbued with a magical telepathic power that they are able to canvas the political opinions of all 20-odd million of us voters. If pollsters get it wrong regularly, then armchair politicians are utterly clueless. The voting public is fickle; I'm sure few people actually review policy records and voting histories before casting their ballot.
  54. Elizabeth Burrows from Toronto, writes: Re: Comment #49- 'It has worked out well so far' - Not as I see it. 'Lets face it, Canada has shifted to the right.' - Not for long I hope. Harrris is no longer in power in Ontario. There is reason and hope for change at the federal level too. 'Canada Might as well learn to live with it......' Why? Why should anyone live with/support what they believe is counter the public good in many respects.
  55. Robert Lepage from Canada writes: I can only hope that Mr. Dion is successful in his goals. Rae, while he has a little potential, cannot be held up against Mr. Dion; he just has too much baggage leftover from his provincial stint that even people outside of Ontario can't stand him (or it could just be the Calgary belly-achers who are just looking to complain?). I hope that the Liberal party smartens up and sees the potential this man has. We need a slightly left of centre Liberal party; to compensate for the idiocies already enacted by this dim-witted autistic government.
  56. Andrea Timmons from Kingston, Ontario, Canada writes: Prime Minister Dion will be welcome & wonderful for Canada & Canadians & make Canada a real player in global politics not just a US puppet.
  57. Peso Liviano from Toronto, Canada writes: Regarding #49's claim that Dion mismanaged the environment, I feel that it should be clarified that Dion only became environment minister mid-2004. While the Liberals didn't do much good for the environment, Dion was just starting to turn things around when the Liberals lost to the Conservatives in 2006. What he did during his short stint as environment minister is remarkable and shows that he has the ability to make Canada a world leader in the new economy. For anyone who wants to know more about what he accomplished, check out this video of a speech he made at Concordia University in January 2006: http://news.concordia.ca/media/005710.shtml
  58. Hector Fibbs from Palm Beach, Nunavut, Canada writes: to #47 Darryl La France. Who exactly were you 'quoting'? You might want to look up the definition of the word quote first, but seriously I'd love to know who's (scientists not politicians) backing your gravy train theory. Yes, climate changes are cyclic, but there is a consensus that it is the first time it is caused by human activity, and that it is occuring faster than it would be expected to otherwise. As for the consequences they might be harder to forecast with certainty, but ignoring the problem amounts to playing Russian roulette. On the Greenland ice melting, in particular, dynamics are also an issue. By the way, it's a sad cliche to say that environmental and economic concerns are conflicting issues.
  59. James C from chaozhou, china, Canada writes: all summer long the posts to different articles on these blogs regarding the liberal leadership convention were overwhelmingly in agreement that stephane dion couldnt win in quebec. he is/was reviled in the province because of his strong federalist stance. he wont win many votes in the west either. so it looks like stephane dion probably wouldnt be elected PM of canada. but who knows?
  60. al goguen from Victoria, Canada writes: I wish Dion would hire the best English teachers in the world to help him with his diction, to tell him where to put the emphasis on a word correctly, I believe he would have a very good chance of becoming our next Prime Minister. Let's face it, he is without any doubt the most intelligent of all the other candidates, and much valuable experience. So Dion, get yourself in a pair of good hearphones and the best diction teachers and you still can win.
  61. Roger Freel from Canada writes: I find it humourous that people criticise Dion's English. What about ideas, people? He speaks well enough to be understood, and that's all that should be required. People who dislike his English need to go to Quecbec do a little public speaking in French to understand what Mr Dion must feel when he speaks English.
  62. Jeremy Kirouac from Victoria, Canada writes: In response to #59, Dion is actually doing remarkably well in Quebec. In fact, of all the candidates, Dion is the one who would be able to get the Quebec Liberal vote. The west wants him (BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan) and so does Quebec. In Dion we have a candidate who can truly unity the country and deliver a majority government. No other candidate touches Dion.
  63. West Coast Don from Vancouver, Canada writes: #49 - I lived in Ontario through the Mike Harris years. If they were so great, why were they dumped ignominiously? If the Conservatives attack Rae as leader, he will have a field day going after Flaherty, Clement, Baird et al. There are a ton of Ontarians who remember what they did as part of Harris' government. Rae is not the only one with a track record in Ontario. Dion is different and I like him a lot. I even have a Liberal membership but will be away this Saturday so don't get to vote for him.
  64. Rick McNaulty from Calgary, Canada writes: I didn't know Dion spoke English. Did he attend the Jean Cretien school of public spending oops I mean, speaking?
  65. Peter Simms from Canada writes: Dion's a strong candidate but he can't match Ignatieff. His accomplishments with his environmental portfolio are modest at best and should be a clear marker of his potential with greater responsibility. Absolutely he would do a better job than Conservative Harper or NDP Rae but he isn't in the same league as Ignatieff, even on environmental policy.
  66. Geoffrey Diss from Berlin, Germany writes: @ Rick McNaulty (#64) The depth of hate-filled stupidity that spews forth particularly from certain western quarters of my beloved country is truly depressing. Mr. McNaulty, your comment reminds me of being told by a German acquaintance here in Berlin about his recent vacation in Canada. He raved about the country's natural beauty, its extraordinarily friendly, welcoming, tolerant people, its vibrant, peaceful diversity, etc. Just as I was about to tell him that there's no such thing as paradise, he related finding himself in a shop somewhere in western Canada - Alberta, he believed - where the hot ticket item was a t-shirt emblazoned with the words: My Canada does not include Quebec. With a weary shrug, he asked me (with all the Teutonic irony that he could muster), 'Who did those people think they were, the master race?' Mr. McNaulty, Stéphane Dion is a fine, fiercely proud Canadian - like millions of French-Canadians in and outside of Quebec. Unfortunately, Canada has two internal enemies to conquer: Quebec separatists and their dim-witted allies, the hordes of bigots who congregate in towns like Calgary, Alberta ... and spew forth hate-filled stupidity.
  67. Roger Freel from Canada writes: To poster 64: Dion must have gone to the same language school to learn English as Harper did to learn French; however, it seems that whereas Dion placed among the top students, Harper must have dropped out. If you think Dion is poor in English, listen to Harper speak French.
  68. Jeremy Kirouac from Victoria, Canada writes: To #65, Who do you think you're kidding? First off, Ignatieff has basically taken himself out of the race by stating that he wouldn't run for the party if he didn't win top position. What does that say to you about his loyalty to the people of the Liberal Party? But more directly to your claim that Ignatieff would do better than Dion for the environment, I want to make it clear to you that Dion is the only candidate with the credibility and capability to do well for Canada's environment. He has been praised by the likes of Elizabeth May, David Orchard and more. Personally, I'll bet you I know a great deal more about environmental issues than you and I will state again that Dion has the most credibility in this field.
  69. Kelly Pickford from Vancouver, Canada writes: I think that Stephane Dion would be the perfect leader of the Liberal Party. Whilst his English may not be exemplary, his ideas and wealth of knowledge & experience really put him in a great postition. I will be the first to admit that when I first met him, I did not appreciate his attitude. He was Minister of the Environment at the time, and was backing every idea that the Martin government was considering. Personally, I was opposed to many of these proposals, but now, with a greater understanding of both politics and the environment, I see no fault in what he said in 2005. Now I am willing to back him every step of the way.
  70. J lin from Montreal, Canada writes: After the first ballot, I expect Dion up there as one of two possibles, Iggy will be drafting his surrender speech and packing to go back to Harvard within 72 hours, Rae will be wilting under the pressure of an Ontario cold front, and Dion and Keen-eddy will be out gathering support from the drop-outs. Now I'll may as well throw this crystal ball away and wait through the fall weather, watching for the snafu's by all the candidates. But why in then hell are we subjected to all this pre-mature ejaculation when the real race starts on convention day one?
  71. Barry L. Jones from Canada writes: 'Straight Shooter Looks To Lead'...an interesting headline. Perhaps this is the guy we need to lead our troops in the hunt for Bin Laden! By the way, Dion, I always enjoyed your music when you were with The Belmonts.
  72. Yvonne Wackernagel from Woodville, Canada writes: Dion is a gentleman; he comes with no baggage; he has the most cabinet experience or general experience for that matter; he is a true CANADIAN; he was educated in Paris for some time. Now compare Harper. The farthest he travelled was Mexico; at almost 50 years of age, he was a failure, which has continued through his first 8 months as PM; he couldn't even handle his domestic staff -his cook which served former Prime Ministers successfully had to sue him. Come on, let us start getting back to class! If a politician has not travelled to foreign countries, how can he understand other cultures? Have you ever heard Stephen Harper swear when he is angry; that is a true test of a gentleman: ask Belinda. As far as Bob Rae is concerned, he scuttled the Pickering Airport which has prevented districts north and east of the GTA from development to their full potential for nearly 30 years. Ignatieff has been out of Canada for too long and is shifty; he is only be pushed by the Chreiten crowd for their own purposes. My vote goes to the best of the bunch -Stephane Dion! The French have always made better Prime Ministers and, for that matter, Quebec is still the most progressive province in Canada with respect to our laws, social programmes, agricultural programmes and a lot more (except their overpasses at this time!)
  73. Erin Voegeli from Kitchener, Canada writes: Before much attention was paid to Stephane Dion in the Liberal leadership race, I felt he was up to the task. He speaks his mind and is articulate, getting to the point. Unlike other politicians in interviews I've watched, he actually answers the questions at hand. He seems intellectual enough to talk circles around Harper but concise enough to get his points across to voters. I think people need to look past the curb appeal of candidates such as Ignatieff and Rae (although each has definite leadership potential) and delve deeper into the substance of each candidate to see who's up to task of most likely becoming PM one day.
  74. peter barss from Al Ain, United Arab Emirates writes: Mr Dion is greatly to be admired for his persistent courage to fight for our country's survival in a province where this made him plenty of enemies. Let's give him a chance. I've spent most of my life working abroad for international development. I will feel a whole lot safer working overseas with this intelligent guy in charge of my country than with the current redneck management team, who have already managed to undo a lot of Mr Dion's good work in Quebec and that of former peacemaking prime ministers around the world!
  75. Robert Lepage from Ottawa, Canada writes: Daryl, please check the credentials and who is paying for your climatologists research. You'll be awfully surprised to find out that they are sponsored by Oil companies and other big stake companies who have a lot to lose if 'climate change' is recognize. Furthermore, again, Kyoto is about average and credit trading. You apparently don't have much understanding of what credit trading does, as well as its benefits. I recommend taking a few environmental classes at the local university or college to get your misguided and disillusioned facts straight. Furthermore, the name Greenland was used as propaganda used by Erik the Red to get more settlers to come to his new found territory; not because it was 'green'. Smarten up dude, seriously...
  76. Fernando Arrufat from Villa Carlos Paz, Argentina writes: Please, stop the quarrel in here. The good thing is that as the campaign goes on and on, details are coming up about the contenders. The quality of the candidates is impressive. I only hope that after this party election is over, all of the acting forces come together and offer an alternative to the present national government for the good of Canada.
  77. Stephen P from Cambridge, Canada writes: I don't suppose that many Liberal strategists are reading this, but as someone who has voted Liberal exactly once (federally and provincially) since casting my first ballot some 30 years ago, I can say that Dion is the only one of this crowd who could get my vote. Mr. Ignatieff still can't admit the invasion of Iraq was a mistake although he has tried to make a warm fuzzy liberal case for it. As for Bob Rae, what he did for Ontario he can do for Canada. Yikes!!
  78. barry scott from Powell River, writes: There is no way that I could support another liberal leader from Quebec - especially one who doesn't speak English very well.
  79. Mr. Big Hershey from H**l on Earth, Ontario, writes: Congratulations, and Bonny Chance, Stephanie!
  80. Brad Heath from Yellowknife, Canada writes: Straight shooter? He actually said in his convention speech that prior to the Conservative's election that Canada was poised to meet its Kyoto commitments. I wouldn't exactly call that shooting straight. The Liberals did practically nothing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions: except talk, of course, and add more hot air to the environment.
  81. Spicy Doc from Canada writes: I am disappointed that Dion won; I was looking forward to the Iggy-Harper banter in question period. I agree that the Libs picked their least toxic option--however, Harper will kill Dion in the debates since Stephane needs translators for both languages. I would expect that a guy who has been in federal politics for a decade would have English that was better than Belinda's French. Seriously, though, I respect Dion's overall integrity. I hope the beds in Storneaway are big enough for him AND Gerard. PS, Kennedy in 2011 is a no-brainer (Harper majority next year?). Big BTW--the scene of Rae and his defectors wallowing in their rejection was sweet; I respect the delegates for giving us that pleasure. BTWBTW Dion doesn't look like a mouse; he looks like the animated Chicken Little.
  82. F E from Canada writes: Before Stephen Harper even passed through the motion of the whole Qubecois is a nation idea he passed it through by Dion first...Dion speciality is Quebec/ Canada politics and the father of the clarity act. He is a teacher not really a politician. As of today he has my full support and vote. I think Canada needs a change from Stephan Harper already...
  83. Always have an opinion? May Be!! from Toronto, Canada writes: Some would like to credit Dion (Chretien's Quebec minister at the time)for saving Quebec from separating from Canada in 1995, but if any one did that that was Jean Charest. Granted, Dion is an intelligent man and a principled one, may be, but what else?
  84. smail-djamel lounis from Kingston, Canada writes: All I can say is that Mr. Dion has my total support. I watched the leadership election all day. From the second tour results, I was sure that he will be the one to be elected! I am very impressed with his calm attitude and his way of saying things in english. I admire him for being frank and straight shooter. If all politicians acted the same way, more positive things can be acheived. Bonne chance Monsieur Dion!

  85. liz bredberg from vancouver, Canada writes: "Dion won't get a single vote west of the Rockies." Wrong.

    I just looked at my compass and the Rockies are east of Vancouver. Dion's definitely got my vote, and I'm breathing a huge sigh of relief that I don't have to hold my nose and vote for the arrogant, opportunistic Ignatieff.

    This western vote thing is what landed us with the loathsome Mr.Harper, and our current position in the US's hip pocket. It's a stupidity that must end.
  86. Jon Roberts from Canada writes: #78--and some still wonder why french speaking Quebecois get irritated with anglo federal politicians who cannot speak french.
  87. jiri Z from Canada writes: Here you have a bookwormish politician more nerdy-looking than Preston Manning.

    There is a difference, though. Preston is a thinker, a brain. I don't know Dion. But he is obsessed with wasting huge money fighting mother nature, so he must be a moron.
  88. Bill Smith from The wilds of Canada, Canada writes: I think Stephane Dion is what the Liberal Party of Canada needs at the moment. I think the party's fascination for messiahs and demogogues over the past few generations have done serious damage.

    I don't think the Liberals will win the next election. The Conservatives will most likely win a small majority, have one more term and then fall from grace. What Mr Dion has to do is rebuild the Liberal Party and come up with a credible plan, vision and purge the "old way" of doing business.

    At the moment the Liberals are not ready for prime time, they want to be elected for the sake of getting back into power. That will be achieved by promising everything to everyone. That won't work. If the plan is to brand themselves, "we are not the conservatives". That will fail.

    I wish Mr. Dion luck, I think he will make the party healthy again but its going to take time.

    Bill
  89. interested observer from Victoria, Canada writes: Wow! I haven't had this much fun in a long time! I am having such a good time reading posts that I hardly read the paper anymore! My pernsonal fav today is Darryl La France - holy cow! He must have smoked dope AND inhaled. Wow!

    G&M these comment forums are the best. How else to keep tabs on what everyone else is thinking? And gosh, do we ever have some interesting people out there! Keep it coming folks. Never a dull moment finding out what everyone else is thinking!

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