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Dion hints Liberals willing to let budget stand

STEVEN CHASE AND RHÉAL SÉGUIN

From Tuesday's Globe and Mail

Latest comment posted at 1:47 AM EDT 19/02/08

Appears to lower bar for what he'd accept, saying he might let it pass if it's 'not too harmful' for economy ...Read the full article

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  1. Ricky for a Centrist Canada from Canada writes:
    Cue the personal attacks from the Harpercrite apologists.

    Care to try and make your point without attacking his english (which is as good or better than Harper's french, IMO), his heritage, his physique, or other superficial and irrelevant things?

    Can you do it?

    Didn't think so.

    Don't feel too bad....neither can the CPC. Their attack ads are all sizzle and no steak. And pathetic, to boot.

    That's why your hero's party is basically in a tie with Dion's in the polls.

    That's why Harper will never get his majority.

    Thank goodness.
  2. spicydoc reconstituted from a dumpy place, Canada writes:

    Oct 2009 is looking like a good time for an election.
  3. Costas Piliotis from Canada writes: Well I'm going to call it like I see it. In my marriage I've decided to set the bar low and not by my wife flowers. I've lowered expectations from her :)

    What the Liberals have done with Dion is put a putz in as caretaker of a fledging party, until the Conservatives look bad and replace Dion with a winner like Ignatieff. If Iggy won the previous leadership convention, he maybe could have squeaked by with a minority governmen. With Dion now, he sets the bar so unbearably low that Iggy looks just awesome when he is parachuted in the next time around. Dion's just a caretaker - a janitor if you will.
  4. Dan H from Alta, Canada writes:

    Ricky for a Centrist, are we allowed to criticize Dion's lack of having a spine? At what point is this guy going to stand up for something?
  5. Rollo Tomasi from Belgium writes: '... we could let i[the budget] pass and avoid $350-million in [taxpayer] expenses for an election,” the Liberal Leader said.
    -------------------------------------

    Hooey. The only election cost a politician cares about is winning or losing. Sooner or later, Mr. Dion, you're toast.
  6. Greg Buckle from Victoria, Canada writes: How could anyone vote Liberal withthis clown as its leader? He is not a good leader and he is not upto the job of being leader of the opposition let alone PM. The more abstaining/ walking out he does the more his party loses credibility.
  7. Former 2 Time CIBC Staffer from North Vancouver, Canada writes: Dion, you're a chicken... You blinked...

    As they say at the Calgary Stampede,

    'He's all hat, no cattle'
  8. Dan Zenderman from TO, Canada writes: Dion pulls the plug on the budget and an election is called ..

    The tories burst out of the gate with ...afghanistan...tax cuts...senate reform ..the crime bill ..etc....The proverbial torch from ' Flanders Fields ' held high !!

    Meanwhile , back in Dion's camp , the Liberals charge out with a cold wet turd in a tin pot called the Mulroney Schreiber Affair...

    ..an election ? ..you got to be kidding !
  9. dan vanman from vancouver, Canada writes: Dion is on the verge of losing ALL credibility , unless he actually does what he has said in the past. One week this guyy is threatening to take down the government, and now he changes his mind...because of ??? What a pinhead. I have voted Liberal several times, but unless these guys show a spine and soon, I may not next time.

    Harper must be stopped, before he turns Canada into the 51st state. Bush has stripped Americans of personal rights, and this current gov't is doing all they can to follow suit.
  10. Marc S from Canada writes: I am a supporter of Dion but I do wish he would stand up for his idea's ............how much longer do we have to endure this inept government in power right now ??
  11. Nancy Wilson from N.Ontario, Canada writes: May I ask the Liberal voters,if they are not dismayed by Dion's lack of backbone and wishy-washy policies regarding our mission in Afghanistan,the budget,etc.
    The Conservatives may be polling at much lower levels if it weren't for Dion.
    You can't take a stand if you always choose to abstain,or change your stance in mid stream.
    Their stance on Afghanistan can get really confusing,as it changes,week to week[depending on who's speaking for Dion]
    As A Cons. voter,but not crazy about Harper,I'd like to see a strong opposition.
    And Dion is the Libs worst nightmare,[a Conservatives good dream]
    This is not a man who can lead,I'm sorry to say.
    Get a true Leader!!,At least it would provide a more level playing field.
  12. Bruce Haddad from Toronto, Canada writes: Sounds good, I'm very happy with minority government, I don't want another election right now, things are going fine.
  13. sol levin from Canada writes: Dan Vanman: When has Dion ever actually publicly stated that he would vote down the Conservative budget? He hasn't. Only through anonymous sources have we heard what Dion supposely was thinking... I admit he did lose credibility in my mind with his retreat on his Afghanistan position... but then again PM Harper has no credibility when it comes to Afghanistan so that won't hurt Dion.
  14. Rollo Tomasi from Belgium writes: There's not much to endure: last time there was to be a confidence vote, the leader had his party run away from the House.
  15. James P from Spruce Grove, Canada writes: I agree. If anything this makes me consider him more than anything he has said so far.
  16. diane marie from calgary, Canada writes: There's another scenario. Mr. Harper and the CPC have no money to spend. The budget will be a non-event. The cupboards are bare and, contrary to their assertions that the Liberals would put the country into a deficit, the CPC has already done it, or come close to doing so. The LPC is wise to wait until, as spicydoc suggests, the fall. The bi-elections are upcoming, the economy is souring, Afghanistan is not going well, NATO will face the music and perhaps be found wanting, and the American election will give a lift, albeit modest, to (oh, how to put this?) the forces of light. As the U.S. election campaign turns swiftboat, Canadians will find something familiar in the CPC's tactics...where have we seen this before? The CPC will look through its deck of cards, but for some reason will find only one - the one it's been playing for the last 18 months - the notaleader card - grubby, dog-eared, and serially overplayed.
  17. The true Neil-conservative from The West, Canada writes: OK, on the CBC's Poltics today, the Grit finance critic said that the Tories haven't had a balanced budget since 1912, and said that the Liberals were the party of fiscal prudence.

    First of all, the Globe and Mail reported sometime back in October, I think October, that former Progressive Conservatives had joined the Liberals, scoring a win for Dion. Considering that their Finance critic just lambasted their former party, that might not be a good idea for the Grits. After all, wasn't Scott Brison a PCer? Wasn't Ujjal Dosanjh an NDPer in BC? What about Bob Rae? I know all about his 'fiscal prudence,' and how he has taken over the federal Grit platform. The Liberals have gone left and have taken some PCers with them.

    Secondly, the Liberals are the party of fiscal prudence? What the heck were the 70's for? Did John MacCallum hibernate for those years, or is he an amnesiac, or is he in denial? We're paying down the debt today, at the Federal level, to make up for the spending spree the Liberal Trudeau started during his pseudo-socialist years. We have a combined $780 B debt to repay, thanks in large part to Trudeau and his stupid, left wing spending spree.

    Paul Martin, you know, the guy who ran a corporation with off-shore accounts to avoid paying Canadian corporate taxes, balanced the books in 1997 using a $40B GST the Liberals vowed to rescind, thanks to those fiscally irresponsible PCers, in an economy buoyed by an American economy due to a post-Cold War boom. We're lucky we had NAFTA so as to benefit greatly from U.S. economic growth.

    Dion's right to abstain from voting on the budget. Not enough spending from this 'Conservative' government to please Dion and his party of fiscal 'prudence.'
  18. Mrs. Whiggins from Canada writes: Canadians will have to endure for some while longer; up until people finally understand what the old adage 'tory times are tough times' really means.

    Why should Dion give Harper the election he craves? I thought Harper wanted to govern? So, govern already! Why would Harper want to kill all his legislation again? Why would Harper want to throw out all the good work he's done? What is Harper worried about that he's willing to let all this work come to nothing? Why will Harper break his own fixed-election date law? Curious...

    Harper's worried about Dion, the March by-elections, the 'in & out' election funding fiasco, Baird's legal difficulties, various audits anc court cases, the economy tanking, massive layoffs, bankruptcies, people losing their homes, deficit.

    Dion is holding up very well considering Harper has thrown everything but the kitchen sink at him. Yet Dion keeps on making strides. Dion has a strong spine, something many Harper supporters wouldn't recognize anyway.
  19. John Redman from Calgary, Canada writes: This is pathetic. When can we get Mr. Mckenna or Mr. Manley as leader of the Liberals. The joke trio that is Dion, Rae and Ignatieff has gone on too long. We need persons of quality fighting for the leadership of this country. Mr. Harper is one person of quality. He is a true leader, willing to do what is right regardless of how the position is perceived politically. The Liberals have had persons of this quality in the past. However, leadership qualities are certainly lacking with the current pathetic bunch in charge of the party.

    Let's go to the polls. We'll end up with another minority win for the Conservatives. Let's get rid of the current bunch of pathetic men leading the Liberals and find some true leaders. The Liberals certainly have better people within it's ranks than Dion to lead this country. It's time for them to step up and provide the competition necessary to forge the governance Canadians deserve.
  20. Paul B from Vancouver, Canada writes: I can't believe Dion is getting paid by tax payers. This is a total joke.
  21. The true Neil-conservative from The West, Canada writes: I'd like to see more tax cuts and some spending cuts at the federal government if/when the Tories get a majority government. Unfortunately, while much of the West has figured it out, the new Tories still need to convince Ontario and Quebec by taking a page from the Liberals and do to woo Ontario/Quebec: bribe them like they're Mexican prison guards. Ontario will be tougher, because the province is a wasteland of arrogance, complacency, entitlement and self-centrism ($145 B debt in Ontario? Who knew? The biggest America-bashers, yet the most tied to the U.S. economy? Who knew?). Quebec will be easier because of the Quebec nationalists and traditional conservative voters outside of Montreal. But anyways, time for me to sleep then work, then pay taxes. I've mentioned one constant in life, and in time we'll all face the other.
  22. James P from Spruce Grove, Canada writes: diane marie from calgary, I'm a realist, and from what you just wrote I gather you are not. Wow I wonder how out of touch people can be, and you are a poster child for out of touch. I know you want the greatness and are always trying to promote it, but do you ever read what you write and really think its what is best for the country, or is it just best for your position? Brrr
  23. R L from Canada writes: I don't understand all of this hostility toward Stephane Dion himself for not going to an election... because from everything that I've heard, Dion is one of only a handful of Liberal Party MP's who WANT to go to an election, and who has wanted to go to election since last fall... while much of the Liberal Party seems to be of the opinion that losing an arm or leg is better than going to an election.

    I'm blaming the fools at the LPC for completely dropping the ball on being the official opposition. Harper's traitorous CPC party has blatantly spit in the face of Canadian democracy, Canadian independence, and Canadian values, and all opposition parties (including NDP & Bloc) should be slamming Harper & the CPC for all of it. Take Afghanistan for instance... by choosing not to make Afghanistan an election issue, the LPC have completely tossed aside all of Harper's mismanagement of the war and the blatant CPC lies regarding the detainee issues, all of which are significant topics in this country. And why cannot we find a viable party that will act on the environment?
  24. R L from Canada writes: I believe that Michael Ignatieff is a big source of the problem, and by problem, I mean a problem & menace for CANADA. This guy is a true Harpercrite at heart, and has consistently backed Dictator Harper when it came down to decision time. Ignatieff was one of the key supporters of extending the Afghanistan counter-insurgency mission to 2009 (HoC handshake with Harper and all), and who is now one of the key backers of Harper's extension to 2011. I also believe that Michael Ignatieff has been instrumental in the past month to take the Afghanistan War off any LPC election platform... a real disgrace to Canada's democracy, robbing the Canadian electorate of debate & choice regarding our future in Afghanistan.

    This is a sad state of affairs for this country. The maple leaf is wilting & drifting away, as it becomes a sock puppet for Washington's press office.

    Canada must get rid of Harper, but also must not allow Michael Ignatieff, the wolf in sheep's clothing, to take over our beloved country.
  25. James P from Spruce Grove, Canada writes: Well being from Alberta, I am so understanding of why WTF you like Dion. Really most here just think of him as a dufis(as in the plural) Really we do. He sucks yet many east from here think he is a viable guy. It makes many here wonder why we even care. Youse guys are really that dumb, in fact you are americans that are so dumb you don`t even realize
  26. Bobby Dy from Edmonton, Canada writes: What is interesting about this delay is the reports that it reflects a realization in caucus that the LPC can win an election under Dion. My preference is to put this government out of its misery and get Canada on track after this brief derailment by conductor Harper. The CPC are likely to lose the election now and things are likely to get worse for them in the future. Dion has surged ahead of the CPC in the recent Leger poll in Quebec and Harper has nothing left after the GST cuts to buy Quebec votes. The tactic of generating apparent momentum through the by-elections is sound but waiting for an LPC majority would not be my preference. We need genuine democratic reform and the only way to get that is through an LPC minority and an agreement to proceed with genuine democratic reform in order to get NDP support. Senate reform, in contrast, is a complete waste of time and energy playing to the obsessions of the Western conservative base.
  27. Diane Schweik from EDMONTON, Canada writes: Dion is a good example of tragedy turning into farce.
  28. View from the Middle from Canada writes: The last thing the conservatives want, is an election 6 months or a year from now when Canadians will have a track record to judge; the economy does not look promising, and the inefficient use of the GST tax cut looms as a wasted opportunity, Harper's mishandling of Afghanistan is coming to haunt him, and Mulroney and Doucet aren’t helping. Muzzling people is not Democratic and is not a sign of leadership. It must be frustrating for conservative mps not to have a voice.

    Everyone knows it is Harper who wants an election, not Dion.

    Dion is smart to wait. It does him no harm, and he and the Liberals in general, have been gaining some ground, slow is better than none or reverse. Harper and his team continue vicious attacks, and spamming misinformation, though have made no ground when times were good.

    Patience is a virtue.
  29. Nancy Wilson from N.Ontario, Canada writes: I can only say ONE thing.
    When are The Librerals going to get a 'Leader'?
    Dion is NOT a leader!!
    He is a wishy washy meek and timid mouse ,representing the Liberal Party.[I can easily picture him with a set of Mickey Mouse ears on]
    He trys to expand his chest muscles,to appear formidding and decisive,but it just doesn't cut it.
    When he expires those muscles,he's in a state of collapse!
    The Libs can do so much better,and would probably be advanced in polling,if it were not for Dion.
    I'd be mad as hell if I were presently a Lib voter.
    Get rid of this Popeye politician.
    No amount of spinach can save him!!
  30. mike daffy from Canada writes: Diane Schweik from EDMONTON, Canada writes: Dion is a good example of tragedy turning into farce.

    Good one Diane. Every party gets the occasional Kim Campbell.

    Dion is a great leader in his own mind but that is not where the real world is. In watching this slow-motion car crash however, I share earlier concerns from RL (3:34) about who could be next. Iggy with power is something to seriously ponder. Not exactly Mr. Nice Guy.
  31. Will Hoaccio from Toronto, Canada writes: LAME!!! This is ridiculous. The Liberals can't act as though every bill is going to be the end of the world for a month prior, then act as though everything is 'okay'.
  32. Expert Eel from Ottapettawawawa, Canada writes: When will the Liberals get a real leader?

    When Harper quits being leader of the opposition I guess.
  33. James C from Nowheresville, British Indian Ocean Ter. writes: 'diane marie from calgary, Canada writes: The CPC will look through its deck of cards, but for some reason will find only one - the one it's been playing for the last 18 months - the notaleader card - grubby, dog-eared, and serially overplayed.'

    ----------

    if the 'not a leader' card is the only one to be found in the conservative party's hand come election time, it will likely be enough. the conservatives may not have impressed all canadians with their performance so far, but given the opposition, they havent really had to try too hard as of yet. you only have to play hard enough to win, and thats it, as they say. its not the best situation, but it seems to be the way things exist right now.
  34. David Blott from Dartmouth, NS, Canada writes:

    Judging by the quality of the comments against Dion on this thread I'd say he's doing exactly the right thing by refusing to play Harper's game of bringing the government down this month.

    As a few others have noted, Harper so clearly wants an election before either the economy sours or he has to attempt to continue the Afghan mission without any extra NATO troops, that he has all but voted against his own confidence motions. There is no reason at all for the Liberals to make his life any easier.

    Finally, to set the record straight: Neither one of these guys is much of a leader.
  35. Kevin Desmoulin from TO, Canada writes: Dion as one poster said, can wait, it is harper who wants the election,
    It be great to see all the crap the Cons leave behind this time.
  36. Expert Eel from Ottapettawawawa, Canada writes: I agree with the previous 2 posts, Harper is great at engineering the downfall of a government, but not much at running one.
  37. () () from Canada writes: If Dion is a bust then what can one say about the leaders of the Bloc and NDP when they are against the budget BEFORE IT HAS BEEN BROUGHT FORWARD! And we pay these idiots to represent the people. We deserve better!
  38. The Bubble from Canada writes: Diane Marie is exactly spot on about waiting. This is the sunset of the Conservatives you can see it in the desperate tone of the posts here and the way the party is acting. The Liberals should wait until Barack Obama is in power, his prescence on the world stage will make Harpers government look very foolish indeed.
    It's difficult to wait but it'll be nice to finally see this come to an end.
    When it's over, there is still a huge mess to clean up. We'll have to lean on the oil companies to help finance the clean up.
    God bless Fidel, the last man of conviction.
  39. Bill C. O'llector from Canada writes: David Blott from Dartmouth, NS, Canada writes:

    'Judging by the quality of the comments against Dion on this thread I'd say he's doing exactly the right thing by refusing to play Harper's game of bringing the government down this month.'

    ================================================

    News flash for the Dion apologists - the budget is automatically a confidence vote, unlike the two motions put forward on the crime bill and Afghanistan, and whether the government stands or falls on it is not in the government's hand - but the opposition's hands.
  40. Bill C. O'llector from Canada writes: Ricky for a Centrist Canada from Canada writes:

    'Cue the personal attacks from the Harpercrite apologists.

    Care to try and make your point without attacking his english (which is as good or better than Harper's french, IMO), his heritage, his physique, or other superficial and irrelevant things?'

    *****************************************************
    Oh you mean like the remarks about Harper's girth, his 'dead' eyes or fake smile, stuff like that from supposedly pious LPC supporters?

    Do remarks about Dion hurt your widdle feelings?
  41. Bill C. O'llector from Canada writes: The true Neil-conservative from The West, Canada writes:

    'OK, on the CBC's Poltics today, the Grit finance critic said that the Tories haven't had a balanced budget since 1912, and said that the Liberals were the party of fiscal prudence.

    Secondly, the Liberals are the party of fiscal prudence? What the heck were the 70's for? Did John MacCallum hibernate for those years, or is he an amnesiac, or is he in denial? We're paying down the debt today, at the Federal level, to make up for the spending spree the Liberal Trudeau started during his pseudo-socialist years. We have a combined $780 B debt to repay, thanks in large part to Trudeau and his stupid, left wing spending spree.'

    First of all the first two budgets of Harper's were balanced - so McCallum is LYING (Mike Sty won't like that - I mean frankly, can we trust aLiar).

    Secondly - according to the Great Book of Canadian Revsionist History (The Liberal Edition) - depending on which version you have - the 70's didn't exist or the debt is entirely the fault of Mulroney. As well, only Tories are warmongers and the LPC is the party of peace and tolerance.
  42. The Bubble from Canada writes: So the Liberals vote for the budget as long as Harper stays where he is long enough for everyone to see what he's done.
    Bill O don't go away mad, why do you speak like you're desperate for the budget to not pass? Don't the conservatives want to stay in power?
  43. R. Carriere from Maritimes, Canada writes:

    Dion says, 'But we also have to respect the decision of the voters in 2006,' he said, referring to the Conservative victory in the last federal election.

    Now how bloody funny is that? It's 2008 now, Stephane.

    Note to Stephane: 64% of the voters rejected this government and the number now stands at about 65%-67%. So your excuse is lame at best! Why don't you just tell it like it is! That the Liberal brand is doing well, but your 17% leadership numbers just won't cut the mustard. That you have no ideas and only hope the CPC slips up..and even then!

    'When Quebeckers get in the mood to vote for a party, things can move quickly. I am confident we can create that momentum,' he said.

    Note again to Stephane: While one day the Quebec voter may turn to the Liberal Party, it will certainly NOT be on your watch. You must already know you have been voted as one of the most dislked politicians in Quebec history. They do not call you 'The Rat' or 'le Rat' for no reason.

    Rae says one thing, Mccallum another, Trudeau this and Iggy that. What is it Stephane? What profound weakness!

    .
  44. Bill C. O'llector from Canada writes: The Bubble from Canada writes:

    'Bill O don't go away mad, why do you speak like you're desperate for the budget to not pass? Don't the conservatives want to stay in power?'

    Actually Mr. Bubble, I will most likely be spoiling my ballot during the next election.

    I've experienced Trudeau lies, Mulroney lies, Chretien/Martin lies. Like many I thought Harper was going to do things differently and was wrong. Will I vote NDP or Green - nope and nope. Dion - HA! and for what - -LPC lies all over again?

    However, I take my right to vote very seriouly and always show up to have my name crossed off the list at all three levels - municipally, provincially and federally - even if it means spoiling a ballot.

    Have a good one.
  45. Alyssa Watson from Canada writes: Maybe this is the Smartest thing he has done yet. Its not the time to call a election. Im wondering about his comments yesterday. He made the comment that canada should recognize Kosovo's independence along with the US and Europe. Yet the globe and mail had a poll and a majority of Canadians said no, intresting is it not.
  46. wayne ouellette from Canada writes: It is little wonder that liberals everywhere are embarassed and ashamed to admit they are liberals. This bobblehead of a 'leader' is so confused he does not know which way to turn. Should be lots of 'reliable source' info being provided by other liberals to the cbc and the g&m.
  47. Jack Jones from Paradise aka Clearwater, BC, Canada writes: Dion is stupid and gutless

    Shoulda been Iggy

    Despite his bushy brows, here is a statesman. A man with principle.

    Time to go Dion or the Liberal Party will continue to suffer.
  48. David Bakody from Dartmouth, Canada writes: Shortley after the Liberal leadership race and Stephane Dion won, many stated he would be Harper's worst nightmare. Boy's oh boy's were they right. No only does Haper (Bully on the Hill) not know what Dion is thinking, nieither does the MSM. The CPC is spending millions of taxpayers (political donations) on attact adds that are and have fallin in the trash bin along with all their trash talk. Think? who is the smart cookie here, Think? who's bill stated no election until 2009? Crime Bill is garbage, Afghanistan is a loose and Harper spent all the surplus PLUS!
  49. Alyssa Watson from Canada writes: The Bubble from Canada writes: Diane Marie is exactly spot on about waiting. This is the sunset of the Conservatives you can see it in the desperate tone of the posts here and the way the party is acting. The Liberals should wait until Barack Obama is in power, his prescence on the world stage will make Harpers government look very foolish indeed.
    It's difficult to wait but it'll be nice to finally see this come to an end.
    When it's over, there is still a huge mess to clean up. We'll have to lean on the oil companies to help finance the clean up.
    God bless Fidel, the last man of conviction.

    I think Barack Obama and Mr Dion would make a great team i see Barack has already borrowed lines from his friend Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick.
  50. Rollo Tomasi from Belgium writes: Alyssa Watson from Canada writes: Maybe this is the Smartest thing he has done yet. Its not the time to call a election. Im wondering about his comments yesterday. He made the comment that canada should recognize Kosovo's independence along with the US and Europe...
    --------------------------------------

    Canada has nothing to gain by recognizing Kosovo's independence, and much to lose.
  51. R. Carriere from Maritimes, Canada writes:

    Alyssa Watson from Canada writes:.... Im wondering about his comments yesterday. He made the comment that canada should recognize Kosovo's independence along with the US and Europe. Yet the globe and mail had a poll and a majority of Canadians said no, intresting is it not.

    Morning AW: Exactly! Mr.Dion has once again, shut off the filter between the brain and the mouth. While there are positives to the recognition, perhaps Mr. Dion has forgotten the ramifications towards the Quebec separatists-possibly an opening they are looking for.

    Once words are out there-they are out there forever. Hopefully Harper will take his time and phrase the acceptance in a manner that will not fire up these same-or just let it be, as this new entity is not on our 'A' trading list or preferred vacation spots.

    This is a very slippery slope, and if some type of Quebec revolution (quiet or otherwise..) transpires, Canadian law and the Clarity Act may be looked upon as irrelevent. This is serious stuff, and to spout out positions without analysis once again shows a terrible Dion weakness.
  52. WILLY HATT from Canada writes: Mr Dion , there is a WalMart in Quebec looking for a bilingual greeter , you might be qualified for that job , or as a burger flipper at McDonalds.
    Imagine trusting this man with the country , scary thought. Now Harpers no better dont get me wrong i dont trust or like either of them , but until their parties elect a leader who shows some leadership and a little backbone , well i guess this is all we have to choose from , sad aint it.
    Its time for new blood in politics , i for one am tired of the same old stuff from the same old parties , we need on Obama to ignite some passion in this great country of ours , but we keep getting Clintons.
  53. Ron Judd from Toronto, Canada writes:

    The conservatives argue that money in the hands of the consumer is necessary to stimulate the economy and avoid a freeze-up of sorts. Well, it really doesn't matter where the injection is, so I fail to see how more social spending is any less stimulating.
  54. The Bubble from Canada writes: Carrierre I have to say you have made me chuckle more than any other poster here. Your seething hatred of all things French and all things past decries your age and your irrelevance.
    You should try to be less predictable.
  55. Steven Koning from Bloomfield, ON, Canada writes: Dion Quixotte rides again, tilting at wind mills. On Kosovo he shows again that he puts his mouth in motion before putting his brain in gear. As a former camaigner for the Quebec Separatist Party, he still has feelings of empathy for illegal declarations of independence and is encouraging the separatistes in Quebec with his Kosovo comments. He also thought it was worthwhile studying Marxist public administration in France, so that can tell you something about where the federal bureaucracy would be headed under the Dionistas if he and his supporters in the Liberal Party ever got their leftist hands on the government levers of power. Scary, and very revealing of the type of people in the Liberal party that chose him, the Coderres, the Rodrigues, the Tamil Tiger lovers, the brown envelope brigade etc. etc.
  56. Gerry Pankhurst from westport ontario, Canada writes: Rally around folks: (R. Carriere plwase note):- The Westport oracle strikes again: No election on the horizon.

    How much does it take to convince the vast majority of contributors and, particularly, the media who predict one with every passing season?
  57. Steven Koning from Bloomfield, ON, Canada writes: Dion Quixotte should realize that 'The Year of the Rat' was not about him.
  58. Bill C. O'llector from Canada writes: Following this latest reversal from Dion, I wonder which tumbling/hopscotch act Vern and Wall Flower will entertain us with today.
  59. Gerry Pankhurst from westport ontario, Canada writes: Vickil 002129 etc. Welcome; with a phony alias like that you will fit right in here. Try a direct appeal to Vern McPhartson. He will go for anything that doesn't make any sense.
  60. Ron Judd from Toronto, Canada writes:

    LOL
  61. Raymond Johnson from Toronto, Canada writes: Whatever respect I had for Mr. Dion has completely evaporated as time and again he has shown himself not to be the person to lead this country. Instead, he appears indecisive and rotates and turns like a weathervane in a thunderstorm, unable to decide which position is appropriate. The last straw was when he and his caucus colleagues strolled out of Parliament last week refusing to vote on the motion regarding the crime bill allegedly stalled in the Senate. True leadership requires that you stand for something, anything, and that you promote that position because it's the right thing to do, even when you know it could hurt. This constant turning of the other cheek by Mr. Dion, to avoid an election, is further proof of what many have been saying, that he just doesn't have it! For the good of the liberal party he should step down now, before he inflicts more harm than he has. While I know many rabid anti-conservatives may disagree, at least Mr. Harper looks like a leader, and in the end more people will vote for his leadership style than will vote for the substance presented by Mr. Dion.
  62. R. Carriere from Maritimes, Canada writes:

    Gerry Pankhurst from westport ontario, Canada writes: Rally around folks: (R. Carriere plwase note):- The Westport oracle strikes again: No election on the horizon. How much does it take to convince the vast majority of contributors and, particularly, the media who predict one with every passing season?

    Morning GP: What once looked like a 'logical' given is no more. Your prediction is looking good again. Note I mentioned the word 'logical.' It is difficult to use 'logic' when dealing with the Dion lead LPC, as we really do not now who is in charge and who to listen to.

    Is it Chretien? Lapierre? Iggy? Rae? McCalum? Dryden? Trudeau? Kennedy? The spirit of Trudeau? The anonymous source? The caucus insider? the G&M writer apologists? Kyoto the dog (2 barks yes-one bark- no?)

    Didn't Dion want an election a year ago? Then Spring 2007? Then Fall 2007? Then Spring 2008? Now GP-what numbers should I choose for this Friday's Super 7 ????

    .
  63. Harold Uhlman from Lunenburg, NS, writes: Looking good. Why would Mr. Dion play into Mr. Harper's hands and be blamed for forcing an election? Mr. Harper got his fixed election date set for the fall of 2009. Let him play it out and claim to be the longest surviving minority government in history, and go down in history as only a minority government. Like it or not politics is all about opportunism. All parties play it. You do all you can to get the right opportunity to win. How else can you become the governing party? Mr. Harper has to play the weak leader card. He has little to run on otherwise. All his great plans have failed to captivate the voters, other than his hardcore base. The fact that he is trying to force an election with confidence votes, when he championed fixed election dates, shows some deperation on his part. The fact he has come up with his bogus book re: Liberal spending, shows more desperation. His government is the highest spending government in history as a fiscally conservative government. The fact that the economy is slowing, and it is, causes him more desperation. Looks for the personal attacks on Mr. Dion and the CPC attempted trickery to continue. Interesting Mr. Prentice is now an attack dog, more desperation, who couldn't stand up to Susan Bonner on Politics last evening. Never underestimate your opponent.
  64. Kenneth Yurchuk from Toronto, Canada writes: To the few remaining Liberal loyalists (the unpaid ones that is): how long will you tolerate the fact that your Party has been hijacked. How long will you tolerate this de facto coalition government with the Conservative party.

    The betrayal of the centre/left wing of the Liberal Party will go down in the annals of Canadian History on the same page as 'the night of the Long Knives' and MacKay's treachery to David Orchard and the progressive wing of the PC party.
  65. western thought from Canada writes: I can't wait for next year so I can about how R L from Canada describes the Tories as President Obama's lap dog.
  66. Steve Hennessey from Whitby, Canada writes: Well it is quite clear that Dion has limited power even though he is called Leader of the opposition, he is far from that. He should be given a title that would be a little more appropriate, how about Leader of the indecisive?
  67. Bill C. O'llector from Canada writes: Kenneth Yurchuk from Toronto, Canada writes:

    'The betrayal of the centre/left wing of the Liberal Party...'

    What 'left wing' of the Liberal Party - the party that campaigns from the left and governs from the right?

    The 'left wing' of the Liberal Party is nothing but a charade - originating under Paul Martin's desperation during the 2005-06 campaign when all of a sudden he decided the LPC was 'left-leaning' and started telling NDP supporters their democratic right to vote wasn't worth a damn unless they voted LPC - and continued beautifully to this day by Dion.

    Judging from the amount of LPC supporters who now think the party is 'left-leaning' or left-of-center - it looks like the shepard beckoned and the sheep followed.
  68. Ucant Haveitall from Canada writes: Another point for the conservative majority!!! I love majority govt!!
  69. S Boatright from Canada writes: I won't be surprised at all if the Liberals support every motion the Conservatives put on the table. (And I believe that abstaining is supporting - because the very act allows the motions to pass).

    The Conservatives are in a win-win situation as far as the confidence motions. If they pass - then they get their mandates through as a minority government which is a rare success in itself. If not, I think they are the most organized, election-ready party at the moment. They have a good chance of getting another minority government - and they've learned quickly how to make a minority government effective.

    My personal feeling is that the Conservatives have found a few more choice Liberal skeletons in the government closets. It didn't make the papers much, but I recall hearing one of the cabinet ministers (Prentice or Kenney I think) talk about an in-depth audit of all government departments. I have always thought they're saving the best dirt for an election. Right now only the Liberals know how bad this could be - but the desertion of the 'A' list of Liberals in 2006 (McKenna, Manley, et. al) tells me it will be worth the wait. Patience is a virtue. :)
  70. Canuck InIowa from Dubuque, United States writes: I find it interesting that the journalists at the globe don't even take the time to weave new and interesting editorials into their pieces anymore. They simply cut and paste the entire last paragraph of this 'news' article from one that appeared yesterday! I also believe they have set a new record for the use of the word 'attack' in a single piece. Is it too much to ask to get a fair an honest accounting of the news without have to extract it from someones opinion?
  71. Kenneth Yurchuk from Toronto, Canada writes: Bill C. O'llector from Canada: I agree in general thet the Liberal party campaigns from the left and governs from the right when they win. However about 60% of their support comes from folks who would describe themselves as centrist progressives.

    I am not talking about the cynical elite who run things from the back rooms but the people who vote. These are the folks who have been betrayed (again, some might say)
  72. Pete H from Canada writes: Mrs. Whiggins from Canada writes:Why should Dion give Harper the election he craves? I thought Harper wanted to govern? So, govern already! Why would Harper want to kill all his legislation again? Why would Harper want to throw out all the good work he's done? What is Harper worried about that he's willing to let all this work come to nothing? Why will Harper break his own fixed-election date law? Curious...
    Seems to me he is governing, quite well actually considering he has a minority governement with the traditionally most uncompromising oppositon party in history, not to mention a liberal controlled senate. Budget bill to pass, Afganhistan extension to pass, crime bill, all in record time and in a minority government. Harper has a defacto majority thanks to a weak and ineffective liberal opposition. And by the way, how can a minority government break a fixed election date law? The only thing curious is your partisan logic on how that law actually works.
  73. Peter Wojnar from Hamilton, writes: >>Appears to lower bar for what he'd accept, saying he might let it pass if it's 'not too harmful' for economy

    What a bunch of nonsense. Just say anything to try to win office.

    Liberals are so full of crap it's beyond belief.
  74. Michael Crowell from Halifax, Canada writes: In other words we the Liberals don't have a snowballs chance in hell of winning any time soon so they will let the Budget pass. As is the history of that party it is all about the Liberal Party, Canada is an afterthought. To Neil-conservative from The West: Neil I saw that interview and I and cannot believe to what ends the Liberals will go to endear themselves with glory. Pathetic.
  75. I hate the G Comment Section from Toronto, Canada writes: Coward
  76. Raymond Johnson from Toronto, Canada writes: Ron Judd from Toronto, Canada writes: The conservatives argue that money in the hands of the consumer is necessary to stimulate the economy and avoid a freeze-up of sorts. Well, it really doesn't matter where the injection is, so I fail to see how more social spending is any less stimulating. ******* Spoken like a true liberal many of whom, like Ron Judd, believe that government spending can always be counted on to stimulate the economy. If only it were so! The most basic fundamental principle of a market economy is that consumer spending alone creates long lasting, permanent jobs, while government spending can only act as a stimulus in creating short term solutions for problems that re-appear once the government spending is terminated. Evidence of this occurred as a result of the cuts in the late 80's and early 90's to government spending. At the time, the draconian reduction in social spending, was seen as anathema to the liberal policy of spending. In reality this is the main cause of why we have one of the healthiest economies in the world today. What is truly ironic of course is that while it was the liberal party of the day that forced this upon us, it largely came about as a result of the liberal party stealing many of the policies of of Mr. Manning and the Reform party! What's even more ironic and troubling is that the current finance mininster, Mr. Flaherty doesn't seem to get it!
  77. M.Y. Twocents from Canada writes: The Black Knight suffers yet another 'flesh wound'
  78. J. Collins from United Kingdom writes: Celine make up your mind, yes/ no, high/low/, left /right/, black/white.

    You dither even more than Paul Martin. Keep it up, or down. But just keep on the way you are, or not.
  79. Mike Charles from Canada writes: Time goes by. Ignatieff is still sitting unhappy beside is ''leader''. How long can he wait. This is drama ladies and gentlemeen.
  80. Rachel M. from Retirement city for political leaders, Canada writes: Ding Diong, training school is over. Professor will not get tenure.

    Iggy, Rae? No, not the second string.

    Bring on the new old Liberals. John Manley, Frank McKenna.
  81. Steve Tatone from Ottawa, Canada writes: Harper has had 2 years of governing and Canadians don't like him any better. That's a bad sign for the Conservative Party of Canada. The more negative things Conservative supporters say about Dion, the more pathetic it seems that the Prime Minister can't seem to pull ahead of him in the polls.
  82. Shawn Bull from Canada writes: This is to funny. Dion changes his position yet again.

    Fill in the blanks: The Liberals stand for ___________?

    This is a party wandering in the woods being led by a confused and directionless leader.
  83. Gerry Pankhurst from westport ontario, Canada writes: R Carriere: I share your question regarding who is in charge but I honestly believe the answer is nobody. The party is a study in disfunction. There isn't anyone who wants to be seen as being in charge because of the risk of being exposed as a fool when the out of control boss inevitably pulls away the rug.

    Surely the personification of the phrase 'mass confusion' is the Liberal party caucus. It is amusing to a degree but, in reality, it is sad of not nationally embarassing.

    I am sure you have already gathered I am no fan of the LPC. Trudeau left an indelible impression on my political beliefs back then and for ever more. Hated him then and hate his memory now.

    However, I would like to see an opposition that shows some sincerity of belief in something that may be good for the country and worthy of parliamentary review. The only party that could achieve that goal is the LPC but I see absolutely no sign of it happening now or in the foreseeable future, barring a wholesale shake up.

    Where Super 7 is concerned; I'm afraid that is beyond my power of prediction. Even if it wasn't, I wouldn't share it with you or anyone else. When I win it, I want it all.
  84. Simply Red from Canada writes: Oh no! Now how will Stevie get his election?
    He'll have to rig one some other way!
  85. M.Y. Twocents from Canada writes: Ron Judd from Toronto, Canada writes:

    'The conservatives argue that money in the hands of the consumer is necessary to stimulate the economy and avoid a freeze-up of sorts. Well, it really doesn't matter where the injection is, so I fail to see how more social spending is any less stimulating. '

    Ron- you know perfectly well that the people will just spend it on beer and popcorn..
  86. 15 years of surplus blown by our schoolboy economist ? from Canada writes: STEVEN CHASE AND RHÉAL SÉGUIN From Tuesday's Globe and Mail February 19, 2008 at 1:42 AM EST The cash-strapped Tories have nearly emptied Ottawa's coffers of spare cash since 2006, taking about $30-billion worth of annual government revenue and doling it out in tax cuts and spending, including $12-billion in reductions to the goods and services tax. ??????????????????????????? stevie news flash !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Appeared in the Vancouver Sun Author(s): Jason Clemens & Niels Veldhuis The federal budget delivered Monday by Finance Minister Jim Flaherty was conservative in name only. The budget plan calls for program spending to increase to just under $200 billion in 2007-08 -- $199.6 billion to be exact. That’s an increase of $10.7 billion over this year (2006-07) and comes after a $13.8-billion increase in program spending implemented last year. $ 35 billion above plus corporate tax cuts , plus billions of USA military purchases on credit (including 500 bunker buster bombs) , plus E.U. tank fiasco , plus $1 billion tax cut for one province , plus poor monetary management allowing huge current account deficet of $ 36 billion from a $12 billion surplus CONS under stevie boy are even poor liars ?
  87. Dominik B from Canada writes: Pete H. Don't start on the fixed election date with Mrs Whiggins. She doesn't get it. On another thread, 4 of us tried to explain it to her and she still brings it up. If she can't grasp a simple concept like that, don't bother with her posts in general.

    R. Carrière is the only one that brought up this line from the article: ''But we also have to respect the decision of the voters in 2006'. That is probably the lamest statement I have heard yet to deflect from triggering an election. What ever happened to his and his party's convictions which were deemed best for Canada and Canadians?

    I would like to see a strong LPC and a strong LPC leader. As it is, Mr Dion as no credibility. Trigger the election already! At least, that would show some spine. Live with the consequences and work on a new LPC platfrom, which should have been done a year ago. We may not like Mr Harper, but I like that he takes decisions and in a minority government at that.
  88. Gerry Pankhurst from westport ontario, Canada writes: Steve Tatone: The explanation is really quite simple. Whenever the news is irrefutably slanting toward CPC successes, that could herald a jump in the polls, the media goes on a witch hunt to find other news they can sensationalize with misleading headlines and journalistic spin to hold them back. This news today will be one of those incidents. Watch for the negative headlines and news items that will be followed by a poll showing little or no CPC advance. Call it partisan paranoia on my part, if you like but facts are facts.
  89. M.Y. Twocents from Canada writes: 15 years of surplus blown by our schoolboy economist ? from Canada writes:' STEVEN CHASE AND RHÉAL SÉGUIN From Tuesday's Globe and Mail February 19, 2008 at 1:42 AM EST The cash-strapped Tories have nearly emptied Ottawa's coffers of spare cash since 2006, taking about $30-billion worth of annual government revenue and doling it out in tax cuts and spending, including $12-billion in reductions to the goods and services tax.'

    Sure sounds like grounds for an election!!
  90. Lyn Alg from Canada writes: Does it surprise Canadians that Dion will 'let the budget stand'? This embarrassing leader of he opposition wouldn't oppose anything. He simply doesn't possess the mental fortitude nor the self conviction about anything. One word describes this type of leader - WIMP ! The sooner he is turfed from Office, the sooner the Liberals will increase their popularity.
  91. Cynthia MacLean from Windsor, Canada writes: R.Carriere from Maritimes: Well said, thank-you!

    Jack Jones Clearwater BC Right On!

    RL from Canada: Ignatieff is not a problem or a menace. The Afghan war should NOT be on anybody's Election Platform. Our men and women are fighting for us over there. IF ALL of our politicians would grow up and put the real issues first instead of their own personal agendas parliament could have a civilized debate about our position in Afghanistan. Regretably, I don't see that happening with this pathetic bunch (all Parties).
    Canada must get rid of Harper. Michael Ignatieff is NOT a wolf in sheep's clothing!
    He is a native born Canadian and loves this country and has no desire to see it become a puppet or part of the United States.

    Michael Ignatieff for Prime Minister ASAP!!!!!!!!