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Dion seeks safe way through Harper's minefield

BRIAN LAGHI and DANIEL LEBLANC AND GLORIA GALLOWAY

From Saturday's Globe and Mail

Latest comment posted at 1:28 AM EDT 06/10/07

Top Liberal advisers push ‘case by case' approach to Tory trap ...Read the full article

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  1. dave mackay from nova scotia, Canada writes: Cowards! At $ 1.75 a vote the Liberals are looking at bankruptcy.

    Diane Marie:
    Question the reporting and the comments close.I rest my case! Have a good night.
  2. Joel Parkes from Peterborough, Canada writes: I'm sorry but I'm just not convinced by the Liberal's various comments here. They have really painted themselves into a corner with their selection of Dion and now they are seeing that they actually have to live with that decision. It's not a pretty picture. If they had actually believed in their new found 'green' philosophy that they claimed when they chose Dion, green scraves, hats and all, then they would have no hesitation in running to the polls in order to bring down the anti-Kyoto Harper. Their lack of initiative to do so reveals that the whole thing was just another cynical exercise from a party that has posed as believers in causes before (free trade, GST). Any procedural wrangling that prevents the Liberals from going to the polls will expose Dion as what everyone already knows he is - possibly the weakest leader the Liberal party has ever had in it's history.
  3. diane marie from calgary, Canada writes: dave mackay:-- You misquoted me. I did not use the word 'enlightened' to describe educated voters. What I would say is that more formal education tends to make people more tolerant of complexity and ambiguity and, therefore, less desirous of easy, ideological answers (from whatever end of the spectrum). I am very pleased to debate you but wish you would avoid misquoting me in order to advance your argument.
  4. diane marie from calgary, Canada writes: dave mackay:-- If you watch the Globe's operation, you will discover that it is at about this time of night that new stories are offered and others retired as the Globe prepares its print edition for the presses.
  5. Ian E from Vancouver, Canada writes: Harper is soon going to learn that most Canadians are embarrassed to admit that he is our prime minister. The sooner he's gone the better.
  6. Scenic Sask! from Canada writes: The BQ, NDP and Liberals have presented their 'demands' to the government. All but the Liberals have vowed to defeat the Conservatives after the Throne Speech. The Liberals, lead by a non-leader are on the fence. They without the power demand the most. Now they will see what real leadership does. The Liberals quoted were able to call Stephen Harper and 'autocrat, power hungry, adolescent, strong armed, and a bully. They must REALLY be afraid! Bring on the election. Lets see where the chips fall!
  7. chris jenkins from Free the West, Canada writes: It seems to me that the 'trap' refered to here in the headlines is the forcing of the Liberals to take a stand on policy. Their inability to do so is the true weakness of the party. Funny how that doesn't make a difference to Toronto voters.
  8. jim lllll from Canada writes: The Toronto Liberal MP Carolyn, also a former leadership contender called Harper a bully,,, awwwwwww,,, where does this poor lady think she is, in some school yard? If this is the kind of leadership thinking a contender has , no wonder the lieberals are in trouble. She also said 'her caucus' would have to see what is in the Throne Speech before deciding its next move. Actually what she was saying is ''her caucus' will ask a few MPs to abstain or not show up for votes'. The liberals have their heads up their as$ and are in disarray
    Come on Ms Bennett....... 'Make My Day'
  9. Greg Davies from Calgary, Canada writes: Ian E from Vancouver, Canada writes: 'Harper is soon going to learn that most Canadians are embarrassed to admit that he is our prime minister. The sooner he's gone the better.

    LOL get real Ian.

    Canadians are thrilled to have real leadership again for the first time in two decades, and are thrilled to see the criminal party relegated to opposition status where they appear poised to spend a good long time while Mr. Dion learns the ropes.
  10. Bobby Dy from Edmonton, Canada writes: Diane Marie, further to your point on education, we had an interesting discussion over lunch today about religion in the classroom. While there was a consensus that religious schools are not a good thing, there was also a consensus that world religions should be mandatory in the public schools. The reason is just that, education promotes tolerance. If all high school students learned about the major religions of the world, their history, and their basic tenets, this would go a long way towards achieving tolerance between different religions and atheists/agnostics and religious citizens.

    The second point that I would like to add is that a so-called liberal eduction (meaning that science students, for example, take at least a reasonable minimum of arts courses and vice versa) is really what promotes tolerance. Specialized education, such as all science or all arts curricula, are not nearly as effective.

    The most important role of education, however, is to teach the questioning of what one is taught (i.e., critical thinking). It is important to understand why something is true or generally held as much as it is to learn something that is generally held. In understanding the underlying principles, one is more resistant to basic propaganda techniques. In learning to question what one is traditionally taught, for example by dissecting a commonly held belief and then examining evidence that shows it to be a myth that is not supported by facts, one learns to reach conclusions based upon evidence and develops the flexibility to adapt an opinion when provided with convincing evidence that the position that one holds is inaccurate or misguided. Those abilities are at the heart of a strong functional democracy.
  11. diane marie from calgary, Canada writes: Greg Davies:-- Only about 33% of Canadians are 'thrilled' with the 'real' leadership - a small detail you have conveniently overlooked in your zeal to speak for all Canadians.
  12. Richard Pearson from North Vancouver, Canada writes: The Liberals are trying to put on a brave face on the sorry situation. The Conservatives basically called the Liberals their beyotches... it's now up to the Liberals to disprove them... That is, if they have the intestinal fortitude for an election...
  13. one thinker from Canada writes: This waiting game by the liberals can be very risky, i wont be surprise if by the time they decide to make move the conservative are in a stronger position to win a mayority.
  14. Norm Neil from in the Wild, Wild West..., Canada writes: I really do not understand this all or nothing mentality of Mr. Harper's?

    We can all generally agree that crime is bad and needs to be addressed but the how IS important (e.g. the details)!

    If Mr. Harper truly was a statesman (I apologize for my chauvinism), then he would understand this and work with the rest of parliament on the details.

    Unfortunately, I see the stage being preset for more political cheap shots.

    Tragically, the joke is on us (the voting publc), who tolerate (and pay for) these juvenile shenanigans that some actually confuse with sound governance.
  15. Bobby Dy from Edmonton, Canada writes: Diane Marie, now I will follow up with a specific example. Aware of the facts that owning a gun increases the odds of dying by a gun, it was my generally held belief that there was no place for guns in the hands of ordinary citizens. In one of these gun debates on this web site, someone pointed out a specific paper by a professor at SFU. I read the paper and it indeed presented a strong argument that when more homes have guns, many crimes (e.g., break and enter) are significantly reduced. While there were some limitations to the study that I could identify that rendered the study compelling but not conclusive, the paper convinced me that there was room for more study and that, in contrast to my preconception, there may be benefits to having guns in more homes.
  16. one thinker from Canada writes: I would like to add that Dion better move fast. If he is planning a strategy to empower the liberals he better do it quick otherwise his troops will get restless with all these misteries meeting and not talking to the troops.
  17. John Redman from Canada writes: The sooner Dion loses Liberal leadership the better off Canada will be. Stephan Harper has shown himself to be a quality leader, but it is effortless to do so when the alternatives are incompetents like Dion, has beens like Layton and never beens like Duceppe. Hopefully soon the Liberals will be led by persons of quality like Frank McKenna or John Manley and not the joke trio of Dion, Ignatieff and Rae. Then those of us who are not blind sheep will at least have a decision to make.

    Mr. Dion, you cannot even handle the simplest of tasks such as managing your party's finances or internal turmoil. Why would you ever expect Canadians to give you the responsibility of governing our nation?

    Mr. Harper so long as your direction does not deviate significantly from my personal immutable principles you have my vote. Continue to lead us and build a better Canada.
  18. Bobby Dy from Edmonton, Canada writes: The LPC plan, announced today on the CTV evening news, seems like sound strategy. Although I personally would like to see an election sooner rather than later, they presented an approach that I suggested on here a few days ago--pick the issue to defeat the government on in order to force the government to initiate the election on a policy that is not popular with the public. That's sound strategy. The other part of it is to highlight Harper's bullying, which is one of his attributes that Canadians find least attractive. When he is seen as a bully, his numbers drop. The bullying he did in the last few weeks of the last session of Parliament are probably a major reason why his numbers have dropped and, despite the chaos in the LPC of late, he has not gained any traction.

    The one absurd aspect of the CPC strategy, although it appeals to Albertans and rural Quebeckers, is the notion that the 1867 British North America Act defining the roles of provinces and the federal government is relevant in the 21st century of internet, high speed travel, and global markets. The British North America Act was created at a time when horses were the mode of transport, trains did not extend across the entire country, and telecommunications were non-existent. Much of the trade was local. The BNA Act is a recipe for defeat in the knowledge economy. National strategies are needed to develop a competitive country in such a world. Some regions may survive off of natural resources but there will be limits to what kind of society and wealth distribution we can have with a resource-based economy. That is certainly one issue that the LPC should consider taking the government down on.
  19. siren call from Canada writes: Tough call for Dion. But supporting the Throne Speech is just going to make every day like today; Harper can bully any piece of legislation as a vote of confidence. The plus is that Dion can hold the Liberal vote on a piece of legislation he thinks is too draconian and make it an issue in the election.

    Harper must be careful too. If the poison pill(s) in the throne speech are too toxic; that will become the election issue.

    BTW, I think these discussions on Dion are shut down swiftly because they swiftly become clogged with gloating political hacks name calling.
  20. Bobby Dy from Edmonton, Canada writes: John Redman, what are those personal immutable principles? If you voted for the man because, for example, he was going to end this constant favoritism of Quebec in federal politics, you are either not happy or hypocritical. If it was that appointments should be solely merit-based, he's failed again there, making a very large number of patronage appointments and, after having his partisan rejected, failing to implement the Appointments Committee. If it was on accountability, you need only to read the original Act that he campaigned on and look at what was done BEFORE it was introduced to Parliament and amendments made, you will see he has again betrayed you here. If it was implementing the Accountability Act, again, not much has been implemented. So, what are those immutable princples?
  21. diane marie from calgary, Canada writes: Bobby Dy:-- Good evening/morning. I'm all for the teaching of the world's religions but would add the discussion of atheism and agnosticism. But, can't you see the minefield that this could or would become - a parallel is found in the oft-litigious debate over creationism, evolution, and 'intelligent design'. I completely agree with your comments but would just add that yesterday or today's facts are not necessarily accepted as such when more information rolls in. This is, of course, contrary to such controversial ideas as literal interpretation or original intent (versus functionalism). To this day I regret not taking a course in philosophy...
  22. Joe Calgarian from Canada writes: Tory trap?

    You know what, f*ck the G
  23. diane marie from calgary, Canada writes: Joe Calgarian:-- If you are using a Mac, you can't use an ampersand.
  24. diane marie from calgary, Canada writes: Bobby Dy:-- I spent a week a few years ago driving around Dallas/Ft. Worth (by myself) taking in the city's cultural offerings. After several days, I commented to my husband that the local drivers were remarkably polite - no gesticulating, road rage, eye contact, etc. He reminded me (I hadn't though of it) that the locals would always be concerned that another driver might have a gun in his or her car.
  25. Norm Neil from in the Wild, Wild West..., Canada writes: Bobby Dy from Edmonton, Canada writes: '...In one of these gun debates on this web site, someone pointed out a specific paper by a professor at SFU. I read the paper and it indeed presented a strong argument that when more homes have guns, many crimes (e.g., break and enter) are significantly reduced. While there were some limitations to the study that I could identify that rendered the study compelling but not conclusive, the paper convinced me that there was room for more study and that, in contrast to my preconception, there may be benefits to having guns in more homes.'

    Bobby: most countries in Europe that have compulsory military service(Austria, Denmark, Germany, Finlad, Sweden, Switzerland, Norway for a few) require their citizens to store guns in the home, yet paradoxically, we do not see the same number of shooting related deaths as we do in North America (and specifically the US)?

    Do you suppose this discrepancy is the result of the overwhelming majority of gun owners in those countries having received formal (e.g. military) training and having undergone rigorous training (education) in the use of a gun (and its consequences)?

    I am curious as to your thoughts...
  26. Upper Canadian born and raised in Western Canada from St Albert, Canada writes: Bobby Dy, Why was the trans-Canada built in the first place? Here... let's review, shall we? 'It's the world's longest national highway. At 7,821 kilometres, it stretches from Victoria, B.C., to St. John's, Nfld., and through every province in between. Constructed over some of the world's most treacherous terrain, it took 20 years and $1 billion to complete. The Trans-Canada Highway fulfilled a dream — to open up new regions of the country, usher in new economic prosperity and make fellow Canadians…just a car ride away.' http://archives.cbc.ca/IDD-1-73-678/politics_economy/trans_canada/ Apparently Diefenbaker thought it meant something. Considering he was in the 1950's, I suggest you might read his memoirs to answer your own question (which in my mind is nothing short of treachery of the HIGHEST order.) 'Prime Minister John Diefenbaker opens the Trans-Canada Highway at Rogers Pass. ' http://archives.cbc.ca/IDC-1-73-678-3900/politics_economy/trans_canada/clip5 PS: 20 yearsish after the 1867 BNA act - that being 1885, the railroad across Canada was completed. Not 'ancient history' as you would lead people to believe. http://archives.cbc.ca/IDC-1-73-678-3897/politics_economy/trans_canada/clip3 Ah.. education...! The power of the internet takes the power of history away from those who try to distort it!
  27. carlos g from Burnaby Douglas, Canada writes: >One example might be Mr. Harper's pledge to restrict the federal government's right to spend federal government money in areas of provincial jurisdiction. The Liberals believe most voters want the government to maintain that right and that it could be an election issue.

    ZZZZZZZZzz, snork.... huh... oh yeah, that'll be an election issue... for about 12 hours.... i can see it now, the great 'right to spend money' election of 'ought seven... They'll be debating this for the rest of the century.... sheesh
  28. Not Withstanding from Not Toronto, Canada writes: The further towards the end of their rope they go, the tighter the Liberal's noose will be.

    You don't have to like the guy to admire his strategic brilliance...Harper has them.
  29. Bobby Dy from Edmonton, Canada writes: Diane Marie, if what you mean is that the public will be outraged about their Christian children being taught about Islam as if it is a valid religion or Muslims outraged about their children being taught about Hinduism as if it is a valid religion, I agree that it will. That is the point, though. Parents will be outraged but children will be educated. The point is not to preach religion but to teach religion. In terms of atheism/agnosticism, you can't really teach that as a single thing. Specific philosophies, such as secular humanism, need to be taught. It is essential that these be taught without prejudice and with objectivity. Creationism and things like that are fine taught in this context but they absolutely do not belong in a science class or taught as a valid alternative theory to evolution. These are very different issues. The point is that we are trying to educate, not indoctrinate. If creation myths are to be taught, there are many of them and we need to teach them all in the context of this type of world religions class. The point is to promote understanding and not to validate any specific set of beliefs. Evolution is a testable theory, creationism or evolution directed by 'Divine influence' is not. I don't know if I have been clear enough but I hope that you understand the distinction that I am making.
  30. diane marie from calgary, Canada writes: Bobby Dy:-- I wasn't at all disagreeing with you, I simply said that it would be a minefield - but obviously one worth trying to traverse.
  31. diane marie from calgary, Canada writes: Not Withstanding:-- Mr. Harper may enjoy strategic brilliance - he may even demonstrate that he does - but he may belatedly discover that he is not admired for it. In other words, he may win a skirmish or two but lose the battle for the electorate. Trees, forest, etc.
  32. Robert Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: Is there any wonder that Canadians are disgusted with the state of Federal Politics right now? I wonder if we will get less than 50% voter turnout next time.

    'Adolescent' could be used to describe a number of Federal parties tactics right now.

    If there is any divine justice in all this, it is the fact that these folks have to live with themselves. I wonder how they do it?

    How does one pick between two essentially identical parties who don't operate on any principles anyways?
  33. Watcher 1983 from Just around the corner, Canada writes: Bobby Dy from Edmonton 'critical thinking' is now a widely use code for tearing down traditional values and promoting socialism. In learning to question I wonder how many progressive myths are dissected and then examined showing that they are not supported by facts and evidence.
  34. diane marie from calgary, Canada writes: Watcher 1983:-- And 'traditional values' is often a widely used code for hate and bigotry.
  35. Bobby Dy from Edmonton, Canada writes: Upper Canadian, what is your point? I was referring to the division of powers and responsibilities between federal and provincial governments. I was saying that the world was, effectively, a lot bigger when these divisions of power were decided upon and that it is no longer relevant. Rather than take several days to go from one side of the country to the other, I can do it in a few hours.

    Norm Neil, those are good questions that I am not qualified to answer and can only speculate about. I haven't given it much thought but, as you asked the question, I found myself wondering about what a gun means in these two different parts of the world. Unfortunately, our culture seems to teach us that a gun is power. I suspect that this is not how people in Europe generally think about a gun. I think that you can also see, from reading some of the comments here and on related stories, that many people seem to adhere to the belief that 'might makes right'. The alternative, that reasoned argument is the proper way to debate and succeed in debate seems to be held in disdain by a significant number of people. It reminds me about the way that I was taught religion when I was a child. One had to have faith and faith meant not questioning one's beliefs or 'the Word of God'. A transforming read for me was the Tao te Ching and the first two lines in the Tao te Ching, which essentially say the opposite 'the way that is called The Way is not the Eternal Way, the name that is called The Name is not the Eternal Name'. That is probably the most influential thing that I have read in my life. Basically, how I interpreted it is that any attempt to describe the undescribable is tainted by the description. Anyone claiming to reveal that 'truth' is delusional because it can only be experienced and not described.
  36. Upper Canadian born and raised in Western Canada from St Albert, Canada writes: Not at all, Diane Marie .

    Bobby Dy just totally lied about the BNA Act being so ancient compared to the railroad - I suppose if you consider 18 years to be 'ancient', by all means...

    Maybe those who hail the 'academia halls of higher learning' should actually maybe pick up a library card..... they might actually learn something about the history of this country.

    I suppose this is called 'creative history' now in the liberal realm?
  37. siren call from Canada writes: Watcher 1983 from Just around the corner, how did you crack the supposed code for 'critical thinking'?

    Really, what makes you think this is code for attacking 'traditional values' whatever those are. Or for the promotion of shudder socialism?
  38. Norm Neil from in the Wild, Wild West..., Canada writes: Bobby Dy from Edmonton, Canada writes: '...Anyone claiming to reveal that 'truth' is delusional because it can only be experienced and not described.'

    Too true! I just wish more could understand that simple concept.
  39. Bobby Dy from Edmonton, Canada writes: Watcher 1983, traditional values should be challenged. Challenging traditional values is not promoting socialism. If traditional beliefs were never challenged, we would not have the 'modern world'. Diane Marie's point is also valid.

    What I find strange about this whole 'promoting socialism' notion is that there are NO serious socialist parties in Canada. The NDP today is not the same NDP of 30 years ago. It seems that some people are hung up with cold war concepts and keep shifting what they call 'left' to the right in the political spectrum. Times have changed. Relative to 30 years ago, the NDP is center, the LPC is center-right, and the CPC is right.

    Diane Marie, I recognize that you weren't disagreeing with me. I just wanted to be clearer about what I was actually proposing.
  40. J. Cobb from Canada writes: look at the references in the letter. advised by party officials ;said an official close to Mr. Dion;Strikingly, Mr. Dion remained silent again ;Party officials told The Globe ;One person familiar with the Liberal thinking ;The source said that ;Others wanted to see ;One Liberal aware of the most recent thinking said ;

    What is it that the Liberal party has no one of any consequence, especially their leader, that will allow their name to stand in front of what they say.

    PM Harper has simply said that he wants to govern, that he will govern, given that the unelected, unresponsible and irresponsible senate actually pass the bills that the elected Parliament has sent to them. This is unacceptable that this senate full of liberal hacks can stall legislation that Canadians actually want, and prevent it from becoming law and protecting law abiding Canadians from being shot in the streets. TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE REGARDLESS OF WHAT PARTY IS IN POWER IN THE PARLIAMENT OF CANADA.
  41. Upper Canadian born and raised in Western Canada from St Albert, Canada writes: Bobby Dy:

    Seeing as the railroad was an effective means of transport (my Nana, born in Prince Edward County in 1894, to her it was the only mode of transport, and it was the only way she travelled), in 1885, I'm curious what has happened between now and then that constituted this great 'technological leap' forward?

    Time? You're implying the eradication of the constitution over 'a few days' to 'a few days'? How many days does it take to drive from Alberta to Ontario? Are you sure you have travelled Canada before via train, bus or car?
  42. Bobby Dy from Edmonton, Canada writes: Upper Canadian, I recognize the time frame of BC entering the confederation and the building of a national railroad was an important part of that. I did not intend to misrepresent that fact. The point is that the Act was drafted at a time when everything was much more regional. I can courier somthing to China and have it there within 24 hours. That wasn't possible when the BNA Act was constituted.

    Regardless, what I am really trying to point out is that we need national initiatives to compete in a knowledge-based economy. Let me give you a specific example-research. Research is the hub of technological change. The federal government is the only level of government that has the resources and ability to coordinate the research necessary to help Canada compete. China and India, for example, are making massive investments in physical and life sciences because they recognize these investments as the path to properity. It is the path that the developed world used to get to where it is today. It has a long established track record of improving the standard of living and quality of life. Even Alberta cannot (or does not) effectively do this alone. McGuinty has done a lot for Ontario in this respect and Ontario may have the population base to attempt this independently. Alberta doesn't have the research infrastructure (universities, faculty, and students) to effectively compete alone. National initiatives are essential. Look to the rest of the developed world and the developing world for evidence. They are all investing heavily in the future.
  43. Watcher 1983 from Just around the corner, Canada writes: Hey siren call I cracked the code by noticing who was always talking about 'critical thinking' and not practising it. Perhaps I should have said 'statism' to cover all forms of central planning not just socialism.
  44. Upper Canadian born and raised in Western Canada from St Albert, Canada writes: I don't care about BC in that respect. Prince Edward County is in Ontario - Southern Ontario to be exact. My ancestors fled the americans landing first in the US in 1740 and fled north in 1780.

    I'm not a fan of globalization at the cost of the nation-state, really that is simply 'code speak' for colonization. I'm not interested in being colonized.
  45. Bobby Dy from Edmonton, Canada writes: J. Cobb, Mr. Harper's mandate is to find majority opinion (selecting different parties to support his government for different policies) in order to govern. The mandate of the opposition parties is to represent the constituencies that elected them. If Mr. Harper wants to govern strictly according to the CPC agenda, he needs to go to the electorate to get that mandate. That is fine but he shouldn't be pretending that he is not orchestrating an election. In fact, this was the stupidity of the fixed election date legislation. Fixed election dates are fine for majority governments but he should have left minority governments the right to call an election, without defeat by a non-confidence vote, in order to obtain a mandate to govern according to the agenda that they want to deliver on. But, I repeat, he has NO MANDATE to govern strictly according to his own agenda. The oppostion has a mandate to oppose his agenda. The governing party's mandate in a minority government is to find those compromises. If it can't or chooses not to, it is exceeding it's mandate and needs to go to the electorate for a mandate to govern in that manner.
  46. Upper Canadian born and raised in Western Canada from St Albert, Canada writes: PS Bobby Dy: What you advocate, the dissolving of the goverment, would destroy the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which many in this country have come to love and cherish. It's a call to arms is what that really is.

    You advocate civil war. I don't support that one bit.
  47. Bobby Dy from Edmonton, Canada writes: Upper Canadian, I am still not clear on exactly what it is that you are asking me or the specific point you are trying to argue that makes the BNA Act every bit as relevant today as it was in 1867.
  48. Norm Neil from in the Wild, Wild West..., Canada writes: Upper Canadian born and raised in Western Canada from St Albert, Canada writes: '...Bobby Dy just totally lied about the BNA Act being so ancient compared to the railroad - I suppose if you consider 18 years to be 'ancient', by all means... '

    UC, methinks thou art reading too much into Bobby's comments.

    He never said the BNA Act was 'ancient compared to the railroad' - those are your words. He stated (correctly) that at the time of the signing of the BNA Act 'trains did not extend across the entire country'.

    I fail to understand your confusion?
  49. Bobby Dy from Edmonton, Canada writes: Upper Canadian, advocating civil war or the dissolution of government? I'm saying that the Federal government has an important role to play in defining Canada and it goes beyond the resonsibility for maintaining a national defense. I'm saying that in a competitive modern world, regionalism doesn't cut it. I understand why it is popular in certain parts of the country but I don't agree that it is the way to move forward and compete.
  50. Watcher 1983 from Just around the corner, Canada writes: Bobby Dy from Edmonton traditional values are the reason that we have the modern world. Those values which promote an economically and intellectually healthy society are those which have survived in the evolution of man. It is interesting that many who decry the ignorance of creationists and intelligent designers while supporting Darwinism deny self oranization in economics.
  51. Upper Canadian born and raised in Western Canada from St Albert, Canada writes: If you dissolve the constitution, you dissolve the goverment. Along with it you dissolve the Crown, where Natives go to take their land claims. In addition, you dissolve the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

    All these things go poof when you dissolve the constitution, regardless of what you replace it with. There is no obligation for the 'new goverment' (which is what a constitution replacement represents) to continue to 'contractual obligations' of the past.

    That's called a coup. Are you prepared for civil war Bobby Dy?

    Norm Neil:

    Sixteeen years? I'de say they were pretty busy.
  52. Upper Canadian born and raised in Western Canada from St Albert, Canada writes: Bobby Dy: I'm sure if you surf the pages of the Canadian goverment web sites, you'll find a place entitled 'foreign affairs', perhaps the very thing you're looking for that already exists.

    Norm Neil:

    correction 18 years.
    Busy Beavers, they were.
  53. Bobby Dy from Edmonton, Canada writes: Upper Canadian, you are correct that I did not choose my words carefully enough. I was criticizing specifically the division of powers in the BNA Act. You have interpreted that as meaning that I was saying that the entire Act was of no value. I don't think that you truly understood it in that manner, you are merely trying to exploit that choice of words. You haven't addressed the points that I have made. Certainly, that is my fault for not being more careful about how I described what I was intending to convey. However, you are intentionally being absurd. I think that the intention of what I was saying in reference to the BNA Act is clear in how I focused my discussion of it.
  54. Norm Neil from in the Wild, Wild West..., Canada writes: Upper Canadian born and raised in Western Canada from St Albert, Canada writes: '...Norm Neil: Sixteeen years? I'de say they were pretty busy.'

    U C, you are a complete nutter, you know that don't you? And I must be one as well to go to such lengths to engage you. Mores the pity...
  55. Bobby Dy from Edmonton, Canada writes: Watcher 1983, while I am not sure what it is you are trying to say about Creationism or Intelligent Design, I think that your point about economics and self-organization has some validity. If you are trying to say, however, that the government has no role to play in building a competitive nation through investments such as investments in research, I disagree. The role of industry and investment in research is minimal. Quite simply, the resources are not there for even the major pharmaceutical companies to make sufficient investments in research to fuel the next generation of health innovations. The reason is that the money has to be spread far and wide with no effective means of identifying the investments that will lead to the 'next big thing'. Investment from industry or private investors plays an absolutely critical role at the next stage, moving discovery to the innovation stage.
  56. Upper Canadian born and raised in Western Canada from St Albert, Canada writes: Unfortunately, Norm Neil, I know my family history. We're tight knit, what can I say?

    I am a Loyalist, and my first duty and obligation is to this nation. I'll expose you pricks every chance I get. I defend my family's reputation.
  57. Norm Neil from in the Wild, Wild West..., Canada writes: Upper Canadian born and raised in Western Canada from St Albert, Canada writes: 'Unfortunately, Norm Neil, I know my family history. We're tight knit, what can I say?

    I am a Loyalist, and my first duty and obligation is to this nation. I'll expose you pricks every chance I get. I defend my family's reputation.'

    I rest my case.
  58. John L. Murlowe from Colony of Vancouver Island, Canada writes: Ian E from Vancouver, Canada writes: Harper is soon going to learn that most Canadians are embarrassed to admit that he is our prime minister. ...
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    I think most Canadians are embarrassed that guys like Ian E have been taught to use a keyboard.
  59. Bobby Dy from Edmonton, Canada writes: Upper Canadian, if your first duty and obligation is to this nation, why do I get the impression that you are arguing in favour of regionalism over nationalism? The region is not the nation. The limitations of the BNA Act that I was pointing out reflected the tendency to promote regionalism over nationalism.
  60. Bobby Dy from Edmonton, Canada writes: John L. Murlowe, the question that I get asked when I travel to the U.S. is what the heck are you guys doing up there? Haven't you paid attention to what Bush has done to this country? We looked up to Canada as a progressive force and now we see you wanting to repeat the same mistakes that we have made.
  61. Mahatma Gandhi from Calgary, Canada writes: Listen up, Harper: We pay you to govern, not to play games. We know you think you're the Einstein of political gamesmanship, but government demands other skills. There are pressing issues to deal with: The Afghanistan mess, the threat of bulk water exports, global warming, the environment. For heaven's sake, stop dithering and do something. Besides whine about the Liberals, I mean. Frankly, it's getting stale. And I'm not even a Liberal.
  62. Mrs. Whiggins from Canada writes: Stephen Harper is like the little boy who, afraid to go to school the second day, builds a blanket fort under the hall table. The little boy defends his ground under the table while life goes on around him. The family come and go about their business, ignoring the defiant cries and taunts from the hall. Things are going swimmingly for the little boy until suppertime.

    Then the wheedling starts. The little boy says, I'll come out IF you do x, y and z. The family sit at the dining table and begin their dinner. The little boy shouts now from the hall, I'll come out WHEN you do x, y and z. The family smile amongst themselves and move on to dessert. The little boy cries, when I come out you are going to be SO sorry!. The family take their coffee and move to the living room. The little boy sneaks out, cadges a few leftovers and retreats back to his blanket fort, crying out that he'll come out just as soon as everyone AGREES with him that he is so special he does not need to go to school. The family decides on a tv program to watch for the evening.

    Night falls. The family prepares for sleep. The little boy bravely stays in his fort, threatening any to COME and make him go to his room. The lights go out. Things are good for the little boy while he basks in the glory of his coup. The clock ticks in the hall. TIC TOC, TIC TOC...

    Sometime in the night, the little boy STEALS from his blanket fort and retreats to his familiar room and his snuggy-bunny, clutching it fiercly and whispering vows of REVENGE into its raggedy ear.

    In the morning, the little boy goes to school while his family smile and WAVE.
  63. david sandford from Canada writes: Harper's window of opportunity looks to be closing. Oh well.
  64. Bradly Wiebe from theGandMsucks, Canada writes: I cannot believe that you supporters of the left are continuing to defend the Liberals.
    .
    When Harper doesn't speak to the press you say he's avoiding them and putting up walls between them. Here, Dion won't speak to the press, and he's being strategically silent.
    .
    You complain about the Conservatives not getting work done in Parliament, yet this very article quotes the Liberals as saying they will forestall bills, delay, and extend debate.
    .
    You and the article complain that his throne speech makes him look power hungry and using strong arm tactics, yet ignore the fact that the last Liberal Prime Minister actually canceled opposition days so he could maintain his hold on power, and you seem to have forgotten how he managed to attain that power in the first place.
    .
    The funniest one is how you continually direct everyone to the fact that Harper has only 33% support from Canadians, yet slide right over the fact that EVERY other party leader, including Dion, has much lower support from Canadians.

    It's really quite pathetic.
  65. Mrs. Whiggins from Canada writes: Right on Mahatma! The only reason Harper wants an election now is to cover up his utter failure on the many important files that affect Canadians, let alone his own personal trials that loom large on the horizon. Stephen Harper is trying to impose his own shadow and the threat of an election which Canadians don't want over the shadow that is cast by his own inaction and/or inability to deal with important issues. Not all Canadians think that all we have to do is wait for some rapture to make all the icky bits go away. That kind of thinking is for Sunday-schoolers.

    Harper is afraid to face the questions from the people in the only arena allowed: Question Period. Harper is afraid to let his government be on-the-job. That's why Harper created or allowed his Handbook of Parliamentary Stalling to be issued and used.

    The central rule of subterfuge is DON'T GET CAUGHT! Too late. He's caught. Fish or cut bait indeed, Prime Minister Harper.

    Man the boats! Rig the lines! We're going fishing!
  66. Greg Davies from Calgary, Canada writes: Bradly Wiebe from theGandMsucks, Canada writes: 'I cannot believe that you supporters of the left are continuing to defend the Liberals.
    .
    When Harper doesn't speak to the press you say he's avoiding them and putting up walls between them. Here, Dion won't speak to the press, and he's being strategically silent.
    .
    You complain about the Conservatives not getting work done in Parliament, yet this very article quotes the Liberals as saying they will forestall bills, delay, and extend debate.
    .
    You and the article complain that his throne speech makes him look power hungry and using strong arm tactics, yet ignore the fact that the last Liberal Prime Minister actually canceled opposition days so he could maintain his hold on power, and you seem to have forgotten how he managed to attain that power in the first place.
    .
    The funniest one is how you continually direct everyone to the fact that Harper has only 33% support from Canadians, yet slide right over the fact that EVERY other party leader, including Dion, has much lower support from Canadians.

    It's really quite pathetic.'

    Bradley great post.
  67. Greg Davies from Calgary, Canada writes:
    The incessant bombardment from paid members on these boards is getting more than tiresome.
  68. Mrs. Whiggins from Canada writes: Ahem. Should anyone want to pay me for writing, please direct your interest to Mrs. Whiggins c/o the Globe & Mail. Please Globe & Mail, send me an email regarding such expressions of interest. Little old pie-bakers like myself can always use a few more apples. Serious inquiries only, please. Thanking you in advance, sincerely, Mrs. Whiggins.
  69. John Hinkley from Thornhill, ON, Canada writes: QUOTE #1: 'The strategy, supported by Mr. Dion's newly appointed principal secretary Johanne Sénécal, is aimed at helping to buy the Liberal Leader more time while painting the Prime Minister as an autocrat who cannot tolerate checks on his power.'

    Doesn't this quote sort of remind you of Jean Chretien - a vindictive, petty PM.

    QUOTE2: &8220;The idea would be to move case by case,&8221; said an official close to Mr. Dion. &8220;The prevailing view among senior officials is to delay. Literally, we should play them one at a time.&8221;

    Sure sounds like the status quo to me.

    The opposition parties are already making it difficult for the Conservatives to govern effectively. There are currently several major bills, including crime control, stuck in committee or in the Senate that would make life better for Canadians.

    Once Dion and the Lieberals support the Throne Speech, they should be honour-bound to support the implementation of such policies.

    However, when has 'honour' ever been high on the list of these characters?
  70. Gnarly kanuck from Ottawa, Canada writes: Mr. Harper has been given a mandate to govern the country from a minority position.

    Just because he senses weakness in the opposition, this clown thinks that he has the right to force us to the polls at a cost to us of more than $200 Million Dollars?

    What gives him the right to waste public money for his own personal gratification?

    He was voted in on an agenda of fiscal responsibility, and he has done nothing but spend like a drunken soldier.... Time for him to go
  71. S S from Western Canada, Canada writes: The Liberals are a joke right now. Vote against the throne speech means a majority for the Conservatives. Who in their right mind would vote for the Liberals right now with all the in house fighting that's going on. Yeah, I want those lards in power HAHAHA.
  72. Dave a Conservative from Ottawa, Canada writes: *Back to the article* So, the media has accurately picked up on the quandry Dion has put himself in. 'Sleepwalking and now...wide-awake' - yeah, right. Dion is still sleepwalking because the man is incompetent of making priorities or decisions. While the NDP and Bloc were *prepared* for the fall T.S., what was Dion doing? Taking Kyoto for an extended walk? Mahatma said that the MP's are paid to govern... well said. So, what has Dion been doing this summer break??? Obviously, nothing. He was caught with his pants down, while the other real opposition leaders developed policy platforms to deal with the T.S. speech. Dion - 'We'll wait and see' approach is typical of his dithering. Layton was first off and stated categorically where the NDP stands. Duceppe revealed the Bloc plan... and Dion 'ehm, we wait an' see wat 'Arper say.' How about we say the LPC 'leadership' is pathetic! LOL - a few posters have said PM Harper is attempting to govern like he has a majority and not consult the opposition! PM Harper has ALREADY heard what the opposition wants - the NDP & BLOC already said what they want (Dion - 'we'll wait and see' - means ZERO!!). So, if Dion wants or requires nothing from the T.S. then logically he has no problem with the government agenda for the coming year and should vote consistently to support the items he and his LPC'ers have allowed to pass. Folks, the NDP and BLOC are the real opposition these days... regardless of the bluffering that LPC hacks and posters want to state. Dion has no position but hacks defend him anyway.. talk about loyalist hacks with blinders on. Pathetic.
  73. Mrs. Whiggins from Canada writes: Dave, that's one of the most round-about arguments I've seen in some while... and that's saying something. So, because Dion didn't spill his guts to Harper about his plans like the other minor opposition parties did means he's a wiener? Is that your argument?

    If so, may all the gods and goddesses ensure that you are never on a strategic council or are ever responsible for other people.

    Of course, Harper would prefer that those that he hasn't been able to suss out beforehand, being the brilliant tactician he is, should just show him their cards...

    Are rapture people allowed in Vegas or allowed to play poker? Or is it one of their dirty little secrets?
  74. Will Scarlet from Canada writes: The hypocracy of the Liberal supporters knows no bounds. You would be hard pressed to find a more dictatorial prime minister than Mr. Chretien which seemed to be fine for the Liberals. However, Mr. Harper's firm decision-making style is now 'dictatorial' and the party should be purged because of it. I am curious. Do any of the lapdogs of the Canadian Criminal Party who jump on the Conservatives ever read what they write? Please bring on the election.
  75. Alan Breck from St. Catharines, Canada writes: Let's get it over with. Call an election; the Libs lose; Dion is replaced with Iggy; next election Libs win!
  76. Dave a Conservative from Ottawa, Canada writes: Whiggins - your a party hack, correct? Honestly, for all the blustering about PM Harper which is smoke and mirrors on another derogatory article about Dion aren't you just the slightest bit worried about your dear leader? As the article has pointed out accurately, Dion has been asleep at the wheel. He has zero policy and yet he is supposed to provide a strong option to the current government! As I already stated the NDP and BLOC provide better opposition than Dion has since the day he received the coveted mantel of leader of the LPC brand. Posters on this G&M board state that the PM should work with the demands of the other parties. OK, again the NDP and BLOC have done that so.... what is the HIDDEN DION AGENDA???? Let's guess because even my local LPC MP's have ZERO IDEA!! Yep, glad their all in this together, on the same page and know the direction of the party. Not. The local Ottawa Waste Management has more definition and direction than Dion has delivered to the Cdn public, who are paying his salary while he does NOTHING! Yes, whiggins it's all 'round about' logic - whatever. You should have applied for the LPC leadership, you'd fit perfectly and perhaps actually have a policy (anti-current gov't and anti-other opposition parties platforms).. as opposed to Dion who borrows the NDP and Green party platforms. Pathetic.
  77. Mrs. Whiggins from Canada writes: Oooooh Dave, spare me scare me! I wish I was a paid hack. Errrm. Perhaps not because then I'd be EXPECTED to say anything and write anything at any time, day or night, true or not. And I'd have some bad-arse boss breathing down my neck to write the party line, like those poor dweebs at the death star. shudder

    Dion isn't asleep at the wheel. It's just that he's being a mean ole Santa, insisting that you all wait until the right time to get the goodies. He's not going to be bullied or cowed into laying it all out for the grand tactician.

    Suck it up. All good things come to those who wait, right?
  78. Mrs. Whiggins from Canada writes: And wasn't it Harper who cancelled some Liberal-inspired environmental initiatives presented to the Canadian people only to re-wrap them up in prettier paper and present them as his own?

    Who's stealing from who? The NDP is a great party (btw I vote NDP) and stands as a firm bulwark between the excesses of the rabid right and its inherent fascist bent and the libertarian liberals with its often lasse-faire hands-off approach. However, that does not disenfranchise me as a Canadian to hold a free opinion and a free vote to use however I see fit.

    Vive le difference!

    Government: use it or lose it! (tm)
  79. Dave a Conservative from Ottawa, Canada writes: LOL - Dion = Santa.

    What next Dion = Tooth fairy for all who vote for him?! LOL. A brownbag full of embezzled money for each voter who votes LPC? naw that would never happen with the LPC! OH, wait a sec... it did only it was MP's!

    The Dion comedy show takes another twist: He'll leave you guessing till after the election!

    So Dion HAS a HIDDEN AGENDA!!!!

    pathetic.
  80. Mrs. Whiggins from Canada writes: Ahem. Please, anyone who wants to use the phrase: 'Government: use it or lose it!' (tm) may forward the appropriate monetary value to Mrs. Whiggins c/o G&M. So far I'm using the honour system, but you know how that works out...
  81. Roop Misir from Toronto, Canada writes: The Liberals Party is blessed with academicians like Mr. Dion.
  82. Robert Dryburgh from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada writes: The bottom line is $hit or get off the pot. To me that's a good thing. Less B S and more action will move Canada ahead.
  83. Waiting and Seeing from GTA, Canada writes: Roop Misir from Toronto, Canada writes: The Liberals Party is blessed with academicians like Mr. Dion. Roop, as a long-time CPC supporter, I am also glad that the LPC is 'blessed' with Mr. Dion.
  84. Malcolm Thistle from Toronto, Canada writes: 'The Liberals believe that most voters want the government to retain the right (to spend federal money in provincial jurusdictions)'
    Not this voter - that's how we got into this cock-eyed jurisdictional quagmire in the first place. Just when I was starting to feel a little sorry for them they go and say something inane like that and remind me why I'm voting against them in the first place. What a bunch of wart hogs. I hope they're decimated in the next election and forced to start over anew from scratch. They've got their heads up their proverbial...
  85. Mrs. Whiggins from Canada writes: Cue the death star and the provincial jurisdiction red herring that the Bloc put out as its sword to fall on.

    Not buying. That mine will be neatly sidestepped.

    Next!
  86. Waiting and Seeing from GTA, Canada writes: Bobby Dy from Edmonton, Canada writes: 'National strategies are needed to develop a competitive country in such a world. Some regions may survive off of natural resources but there will be limits to what kind of society and wealth distribution we can have with a resource-based economy.' We've drifted a little bit from the throne speach topic, but what-the-heck, here's my take on your comments: Your main point is that our intellectual resources need to be concentrated in order to achieve great things. Sounds reasonable. However, using the term posted earlier, 'National Strategy' is also a code phrase for central Canada's control over the less populated regions. Who will develop the 'National Strategy'? Where will the 'National Strategy' office be located and who will staff it? Who will get the 'National Strategy' grant money? How will the area of specialization be selected? (BTW,how do you feel about a robotics institute?) The devil is in the details. These sorts of things have good intentions and might actually produce something, but in Canada they usually wind up as vote buying vehicles or ways to reward political friends (as per standard LPC operating procedure). I have travelled quite a bit and spent a lot of time trying to define Canada and explain it to others. When you compare it to Norway, Germany,Italy, or the UK, it always seems to come back to Canada's size, natural resources and how much opportunity there is here. There are other paths to follow, but at the moment it seems to be working OK. I have fundamental problem with trying to win votes in Ontario, or Quebec by pushing their views on the ROC. Canada is a Federation, with a basic set of rules on how the provinces and the federal government relate to each other. It would nice to see the spirit of these rules followed so maybe would have a slightly smaller and less expensive federal government.
  87. Jason Roy from Nova Scotia, Canada writes: Bradly Wiebe from theGandMsucks (3:38 AM), I agree with Greg Davies - great post. For the Lib hacks braying about Harper's methods here - he is only the latest in a line of prime ministers who’ve used the confidence threat against politcal opponents. FROM THE CHRONICLE HERALD: 'Confidence threat old hat Harper following former PMs’ tactics in intimidating opponents, experts say' 'Academic experts say Harper had every right to warn the opposition that they could trigger an election if they defeat him in any vote on crime, the environment, foreign policy, or economic issues. Harper says he considers those issues central to his government’s agenda —which in the British parliamentary tradition is one element in the definition of confidence. That definition has been interpreted differently throughout Canadian history but Harper appears to be following in the footsteps of Mackenzie King & Jean Chretien. Both those leaders declared bills to be crucial when they wanted to intimidate election-weary rivals into supporting them. To Chretien, those rivals were Paul Martin supporters on his own Liberal backbenches...Canadian governments have had wildly different interpretations of the confidence convention, which flows from the British principle of responsible government...It’s understood that key money bills, straight-up confidence motions, & any crucial legislation that forms the core of a government agenda are life-and-death issues for any prime minister. The throne speech that will kick off a new session of Parliament on Oct. 16 is one such example of a vital vote...Chretien often brandished the confidence threat to keep his notoriously rebellious caucus in line. He warned his MPs that he would head to the polls — and that they were risking their seats — if they voted against...gun registry, his political-fundraising reforms, or his government’s tainted-blood compensation package.' Full article at: http://thechronicleherald.ca/Canada/937055.html
  88. Malcolm Thistle from Toronto, Canada writes: Waiting and See makes good points about limiting the size of the federal government. But there are other reasons for eliminating federal spending in provincial jurisdictions. First it defeats the letter and spirit of the Constitution Act which gave the province the powers that they have precisely so they could develop in their own way according to their own priorites, and according to their own culture. This wasn't just a sop to Quebec. All the provinces were seen as having their own identities and needs. Liberal spending power is a countervailing force to this and inserts federal values and goals. Then they turn around and make side deals with individual provinces and the whole thing becomes an administrative and political nightmare. The second thing I don't like about federal spending in provincial jurisdictions is that it obfuscates accountabilty and creates an internal dissension which isn't necessary. Citizens blame the feds when they should be blaming their own provincial governments and vice-versa. And you get the feds blaming the provinces and the provinces blaming the feds. A certain amount of this is natural in any federation but in Canada it gets out of hand. Harper is trying to clear this up so that governments can stop blaming each other and spend more time governing than politicking. I support him in this endeavour. I't time for the feds to run foreign affairs, defence, the economic union etc, and the the provinces to run local communities. I detest the Liberal for pretending they're strenghtening the federation with their spending power. The exact opposite is true. The amazing thing is that part of the reason they are in such trouble in Quebec is because of federal spending ursurping provincial authority. Their arrogance is so entrenched, that even in the face of defeat, they can't renounce policies that are hurting them. They still think they know better than everyone else.
  89. Waiting and Seeing from GTA, Canada writes: Bobby Dy from Edmonton, Canada writes: 'the question that I get asked when I travel to the U.S. is what the heck are you guys doing up there? Haven't you paid attention to what Bush has done to this country? We looked up to Canada as a progressive force and now we see you wanting to repeat the same mistakes that we have made.' Ah, the usual Liberal moaning about losing our proper standing in the world. Well, your experience seems a bit different from mine. While I have had some very thoughtful conversations with a few well informed Americans, most of them struggle with seeing Canada as separate country or as being any different from the U.S. No one, including PMSH, can run for office in Canada and hope to get elected with a platform to the right of the U.S. Democratic party. If this blog is still open when you wake up later today, could you please expand on what 'mistakes' Canada has made or is about to make? I don't see radical changes in health care or lax gun control happening anytime soon. Do you? The only thing I see happening is that the very tired, former natural governing party is desperate to get back to the trough. They might even be eyeing changing the legislation governing political donations. Getting back to the good old days of having a few rich corporate backers might solve their current money woes. Bobby Dy, you seem to have replaced another prolific and intelligent blogger from Edmonton - the illustrious Michael H. He was a very respectable fellow (albeit with some mis-guided political views), and I envied the amount of spare time he seemed to have. There was something about his life in academia that enabled very long mid-night posts. Anyways, you seem to be doing a good job of picking up where he left off.
  90. Don Adams from Canada writes: I think we'll see two things tha will make it difficult, if not impossible, for the opposition parties to ignore....Harper doing away with Kyoto completely and probably a statement about the troops staying in thier current combat roles until 2009. Liberals will lose all credibility if they don't vote against these.... they'll also lose all credibility if they have members stay away. One thing Harper could do is use the throne speech to launch his intentions to change voting procedures in HOC..... make it mandatory for every voter to vote on every bill, by proxy, if they're not going to be in the house. Watch that stir up a hornets nest if it happens!
  91. Malcolm Thistle from Toronto, Canada writes: What's worse about the Liberal approach to federal spending is that they've spawed the myth that our federation is too de-centralized and the provinces are too strong to sell it to the electorate. Whole generations of Canadians have grown up believing this from Liberal propaganda over the years. Nothing could be further from the truth. In the law, the Canadian provinces have no more power than states or provinces in other countries and in fact, less power than some, such as the states in the U.S. The Liberal used the potential threat of seperation to extend their power when in fact, if they had followed the constitution all along, probably would have reduced the seperatist threat in the first place - which is exactly waht Harper is trying to do,
  92. Mervin Hollingsworth from Saskatoon Sk, Canada writes: So this is what the Liberals mean when they say they want parliament to work, delay, obstruct and vote against every piece of government legislation. All with the view of making their weak leader stronger and of course to try and convince Canadians they are a government in waiting. Well, they can try all their tricks but the people will see what the Liberal party stands for...greed and power. To hell with what's in the best interest of the Canadian people. Mr. Harper did exactly what he should do with these arrrogant, crass opposition leaders, box them into a corner. The Liberals need to realize that the Conservatives won the election. They have a right to introduce their agenda. Harper will give the oppostion an opportunity to work on bills and improve them but if he sees games being played like being suggested in this column he will go to the people..
    Of course the wimpy Liberal leader and party will cry he is being a bully. So sad watching this silly Liberal party whinning and crying like big babies...don't hurt us Mr Harper please don't hurt us.
  93. The Electorate are hopelessly Brain Dead from Canada writes: Mrs. Whiggins from Canada writes: Cue the death star and the provincial jurisdiction red herring that the Bloc put out as its sword to fall on.

    Not buying. That mine will be neatly sidestepped.

    Next!
    ===================================
    Wow! Talk about living in denial.
    It'll be glorious when you have to eat those words!
  94. Malcolm Thistle from Toronto, Canada writes: You're right Don Adams. Harper has seen something in the polls that makes him want to