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Commentary

Mr. Harper's empathy deficit

MARGARET WENTE

From Thursday's Globe and Mail

Latest comment posted at 1:50 AM EST 09/10/08

Guess who hasn't met the test of leadership ...Read the full article

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  1. FD Boudville from Canada writes: I can't agree more. Dion still hasn't backed of his carbon tax plan which would place Canada at a disadvantage relative to the US which doesn't have one. Even the Ontario Liberal finance minister has now said today is not the time for a new massive tax plan. But Harper hasn't empathised enough with Canadians until today. Why is it so hard for him to say, like Bill Clinton famously did in 1992: 'I feel your pain.' You'd think he was a robot. It took his own mother to tell him about ordinary people's fears about unemployment and an economic downturn.

    My guess is we will have another weak minority government on October 14 which would do nothing to govern Canada effectively. The only party that will be happy is the Bloc who get to hang onto the perks and prequisites of political power without any sense of responsibility for Canada. Another pizza parliament. What a shame.
  2. Not the Green Taliban from Vancouver, Canada writes: This is the first time I've disagreed with Margaret.
    We are electing a Prime Minister not a shrink or a best friend. I don't care a whit about the PM's empathy. I want sound economic policies and a person that doesn't panic which will make the markets worse.
    I don't want someone who will push us further into a tailspin with their 'green shaft' policies, nor do I want Mr. 'Spend like there's no tomorrow' Layton.
    Come on, people. Use some common sense. How far will empathy go in putting food on the table or heating our homes this winter. For pete's sake. This is the most ludicrous critique of a politician I've ever heard.
    If you want empathy call your best friend, cry on your spouse's shoulder or talk to your dog.
    If you want to survive this recession give the Tories a majority or no one will be guiding the rudder during this storm!
  3. jimmie rabbit from toronto, Canada writes: 'mr. harper is an able economic manager.' really? what proof is there of this? he inherited a huge surplus and squandered it on tax cuts so that now as hard times approach there is nothing left with which to cushion canadians during the downturn.
  4. Andre Carrel from Salmo, Canada writes: Not the Green Taliban from Vancouver, Canada writes: 'We are electing a Prime Minister not a shrink or a best friend. I don't care a whit about the PM's empathy. I want sound economic policies and a person that doesn't panic which will make the markets worse.' I do agree with you, Green Taliban, (although I rarely agree with the Taliban); the role of the Prime Minister is not act as everybody's shrink or best friend. But we are talking about governing a country here, not a corner grocery (or a Wal-Mart). There is a lot more to running the country than economics. Granted, economics is the big issue of the day. Most everybody seems to believe, howeverm, that there is nothing any government can do about the global economy anyway, so why bother with an economist in the PM's chair if the economy is out of government's control anyway. There are many other policy issues, just as important as the economy - maybe not this week - but do you remember what the most urgent government policy issue was on September 10, 2001? There are issue of justice, health, foreign affairs, natural resources, don't forget the Aboriginal land claims, immigration, changing demographics, there is a whole bunch of stuff on the agenda in addition to economics, and many surprises coming. I would venture to say that the economy is not the most important issue. After all, the purpose of the economy is to serve the needs of humanity, not the other way around (I hope). So the qualities that I am looking for in a PM is a person who understands human beings, human feelings, and human reactions because what I want the PM to do is to bring out the best of every single MP elected to Parliament, regardles on what party each MP belongs to, and to provide leadership in raising the quality of debate in Parliament to a level where each MP comes out of there by the end of the day believing that, although he or she did not get his or her way, contributing was worth it.
  5. Stephen Harper's Ignorant Tories from Canada writes: Worse is Harper's intelligence and decency deficit. He's a nasty piece of work that uses what limited brains he has to hurt and punish others.
  6. Ed Long from Canada writes: The grimmest election in my lifetime.

    Absolutely no choices for a voter looking to support responsible and responsive government.

    The 'R' word? I just heard the 'D', as in depression, on American TV.

    De Kaptan of De Nile or the Nutty Professor.

    De Pressing.
  7. Ed Long from Canada writes: My day.

    A mortgage broker advises me that most variable rate products have been taken off the shelf. Variable lines of credit are basically gone.

    A friend advises that a housing project is capped ... as in close the gates, and terminate the trades contracts.

    A friend owns the largest bar in this beach town and it has been closed the last two nights. He's out of town.

    A real estate deal that could be done in a few days two years ago, is now going into three weeks because the lenders want documentation of everything including the means of purchase for the buyer's grandmother's wedding dress.

    Will I vote for a nutball who will tax us into oblivion because of last Tuesday's scientific theory? No.

    Will I vote for an earnest but over the top Tommy Douglas redux in the twenty-first century? No.

    Will I vote for a deer in the headlights control freak who thinks China is the stuff his mother serves tea and she is worried about her RRSPs? No.

    Will I vote for a nice lady who has no MPs except a scoundrel even the Liberals puked out like poisoned milkbone and claims she really likes the environment? No.

    Will I vote?

    Dunno.
  8. Missa A from Canada writes: I would contend that Dion isn't the big risk he's being made out to be. The complexity of his plan is a good thing, it shows that careful thought has been put into it. True, the context has changed, which probably means that it's implementation will be given more careful thought. A large number of economists have spoken out in favour of the green shift - they apparently understand it.
  9. spicydoc of the spring from Canada writes:

    Ms. Wente--

    I think you have things backwards. Let's use a medical analogy---

    When a person is healthy, they want their doctor to be compassionate, understanding etc.

    However, once you get truly sick, you want the doc who knows how to make you better; you really don't care if he/she is a d!ckhead (think 'House').

    Harper is a gormless chowderhead, but offers the least idiotic 'treatment' for what ails us.

    An election with smart AND 'charming' choices will happen next time. (Prentice, Iggy, Mulcair).

    For now, give me the creep who has a clue.
  10. Lloyd Drury from Abbotsford, Canada writes: Well, certainly no one here who shares 'Canadian Values' of tolerance and understanding!
  11. Hart Oldenburg from winnipeg, Canada writes: Can we inject Health care into the election debate, please?
    More Doctors, Nurses, Pills? We have to reduce line-ups by teaching prevention--- we have way too many patients!
    Harper--- Clement---not a healthy duo.
  12. Ron Pacific from Victoria, Canada writes: Yes - Canadians are in a foul mood and are not happy about being forced to the polls AGAIN. Unfortunately, it was Harper's decision to call the election. This is the final issue which Canadians will consider as they go to the polls and the issue does not favour Harper. However, it was Harper's decision to go to the polls. It was also Harper's rant against artists which wrecked his chances in Quebec. It was Harper's request to have the debate concentrate on the economy and then arrive without any plan. All in all, Harper has no one to blame but himself for his party's current predicament.
  13. R Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: Ms. Wente: Many politicians have empathy deficits.... I doubt that Harper is unique in this respect. There are a select few that honestly try to better the entire society in which they live, but I would have to guess that they are few and far between from what I have witnessed... Ottawa is pretty far removed from both White Rock and St. John's. I will grant you the fact that many Federal politicians can pretend to care better than Mr. Harper can... And I really don't understand your contention as to why that you think that the PM should be talking down the Canadian economy right now... Is Ontario's economy going to hell in a handbasket ? Yes. Is that really what you want to hear from your Federal leader ? I know that you don't honestly believe that the Global credit crisis was Harper's fault. However, after many Canadians valiantly fought to get the Green Party leader into the Federal debates, only to subsequently find out she is now mostly advocating support for another party (whose former leader recently wrote a very damning book about that said party's corruption,) I am officially as disgusted as Ed Long is... Maybe, Atwood had it right in her last oped... Perhaps, it is time for a number of regions (not just Quebec) to embrace 'autonomy.' After all, all politics is local. Cheers
  14. spicydoc of the spring from Canada writes:

    Ron Pacific--

    'All in all, Harper has no one to blame but himself for his party's current predicament'.

    What predicament??

    On October 15th Harper will still be PM and the LPC will have fewer seats than at dissolution.

    This was the original goal, and it will happen. Harper never expected a majority, nor does he care.
  15. Ian h from Canada writes: 'Mr. Harper's style of management by increments is fine in normal times. But in these times, we need someone who can explain the big picture in a way that reassures'

    Peggy! as much as I usually respect you... what the hell have you been smoking? What we need is an adult to stand up and say 'what are you thinking?' We have that now!

    For what its worth... what advice are you following with your investments?
  16. diane marie from calgary, Canada writes: I am struck by the inability of seemingly bright people to marshal their intellectual resources to understand a few relatively simple concepts, one being the idea of a carbon tax. We're not talking rocket science here. Does the idea of 'personal responsibility' include taking responsibility for what goes on between one's ears? All that talk about the nanny state, when what we're really talking about is the infantile brain (and writing about it). Apparently, one can earn a living writing about being a ditz and being proud of that fact. Oh, dear, I thought I could vote without thinking, but then things became so complex.
  17. Phil Courterelle from New Westminster, Canada writes: Hmm, which PM strangled aprotestor and then at another time ordered the pepper spraying of 20 others? Hippo has nothing on Chretien.
  18. Linda Dial from Calgary, Canada writes: Just my opinion Margaret. Harper really doesn't want it that bad anymore. He doesn't really want to take the responsibility in case he blows it. He will be more comfortable sniping from opposition. The today version of conservative policies were tried in the early thirties and failed. Our banks are strong but are they so strong they can dare to defy the Bank of Canada? Or the Minister of Finance? And here is Mr. Harper toying with the idea of aiding them in rebellion against the central bank? Are you sure this guy knows what he is doing? When Mr. Dion said quick action was needed he meant it. Credit conduits are not moving. The banks seem to have little familiarity with using the Bank of Canada as an everyday lender. They have to get with the program or else. At the moment they are tooled to borrow elsewhere which a lot of that is gone now. They may get the picture sometime soon but surprise -- a lot of meetings will have to held first. Even Stelmach is calling for a meeting of the premiers. So you should know that Steve is really behind.
  19. KT Ocean from Canada writes: Ms. Wente, the Green Shift is really not so difficult to understand and it is not an experiment. Sweden's done it for years and its economy grew significantly and it is now in a much better position to weather international financial storms. Charge for pollution, which will also wean us off dwindling oil and stimulate alternatives which we can use and export, and cut taxes on things we want more of to stimulate economic growth.

    Why insist on looking like a bubblehead? Read the letters from the economists and scientists. It really is not complex at all.
  20. Cur Mudgeon from Bahamas writes:

    Andre Carrel, well said.
  21. Terrence Punch from Halifax, Canada writes: Many of us feell like Ed Long. We are faced with Hobson's choice. The crisis in economic confidence demands something beyond a sandbox tiff from our partisan politicians. If anyone thinks that the PM is the cause of the meltdown in the overheated credit markets of the US and beyond, they are delusional. The greed of multinationals and their overpriced executives, the endless shopping binge of many 'ordinary people' with credit cards, and sharp practice along the way (read sub-primes) have something to do with it. With some reservations, I'd advise against chucking the pilot overboard just as we hit the white-water rapids. Look at the alternative skippers: one will only bail his part of the boat, a second says we should turn to the third who is talking about a complicated plan to ban boats in water, while the fourth says that if the stronger paddlers give him their oars he will redistribute the oars to those who can't paddle at all. Read my lips, mes amis, the party is over. It won't be pretty for the next while, but if Canada means so much to us, we need to rediscover the 'Canadian value' of looking out for ourselves and each other in hard times. That got us through two world wars and a worldwide depression in my parents' generation. Have we become such dependent children that the rest of the world looks at us with the scorn reserved for those having no values at all except Fun, Shopping for More, and blaming politicians for giving us what we wanted for years? Come one, Canada, we're better than that . . . aren't we?
  22. Super Cyclisto from Canada writes: Margaret, the Green Shift is not that difficult to understand. At least give it a try. I've heard school children explain it quite well, and Ms. May did a good job the other night. Can you give it a try? Can you do that? I knew you could! Personally I'll be voting for a convicted criminal: Rick Simpson, of Cumberland County, who is a medical MJ advocate, and who has been convicted of possession. At least he has a platform!
  23. LY H from laval, qc, Canada writes: Bravo, Terrence Punch fom Halifax!

    I think you got it exactly right!
  24. CG fr Toronto from Canada writes:
    Empathy deficit?

    Harper can't even hold his wife's hand in today picture!
  25. Alex Lopez-Ortiz from Canada writes: It's funny that the harperites here don't get it either. People are worried about losing their jobs, so they want to hear a prime minister that says 'we are keeping an eye on things. We've assembled a top notch economic team that is following the events. I'm in constant contact with Dave Carney at the Bank of Canada. We'll act swiftly when is needed, etc.'

    Instead what we get is 'buy stocks, this is an opportunity'.
  26. Henry Allen from East Bank, Don River, Canada writes:
    Observations about Harper's empathy deficit are bang on. This is a guy who started his campaign with TV ads showing him in a sweater and a gentle smile. Get this folks, his ad campaign was actually aimed at trying to sell us on his empathy, the very think he can't do in real life. His handlers tried to show a gentler, caring Stephen Harper. But, Stephen is not a good actor, he's wandered off script, and fallen back to his real personality -- a tough-minded, autocratic policy wonk. Problem is that with world economies in turmoil and financial systems collapsing, nervous Canadians need to feel their leaders give a damn about them, especially when tough decisions have to be made. Harper can make tough decisions, but he can't act the part of a prime minister who gives a damn.
  27. Jeff S from Canada writes: Empathy.

    Ah, the result of coddling our youngsters has finally come to fruition - people who feel that even though everything is okay they would still need comforting for a psychosomatic condition.

    KT Ocean -

    Sweden's economy 2.7% in 2005, 4.1% in 2006 and has sinced dropped back down to 2.4%. There is no way you can link living green with an economic expansion there.
  28. RG White from Canada writes: Harper has empathy for hard-working taxpayers in his platform with his no millions for Quebec advertising companies, no millions for Air Canada airplane lobbyists, no misssing millions for this ministry or that?? We want our old Canada back. This honest government idea that Harper practices is just wrong! This is the first time we've tried a competent leader, and it is just not working, so give us a leader from Quebec to distribute our wealth. We're not STUPID, you know!!
  29. Ime Thisguy from Canada writes: To heck with them all!
    I'm voting for Oprah.
    She feeels my pain.
  30. Fungal Fred from Canada writes: A good read as always, though I was hoping for a mention of how Harper's way of relating to others is through his family.

    The closest he gets to caring about how people are getting by is to think of his poor mother, huddled in her shawl in the cold drafty old house at 24 Sussex, watching her stocks tumble; never knowing when there's a good buying opportunity; wondering whether her son, who has a family to feed on only $280,000 plus per year, will have a few cents to spare for her.
  31. Mike Quinlan from Gatineau QC, Canada writes: I get a kick out of some of the Liberal supporters here. Their plan is 'approved by economists', while other economists decry it. Since when did economics stop being the dismal science? Keep in mind most practicing economists work for large scale financial companies, investment houses, banks, not to mention central banks, and finance ministries. They clearly dont have a crystal ball.
  32. Phyllis Wagg from Nova Scotia, Canada writes: As an independent voter I am not sure why people have so much difficulty understanding Dion's Green Shift Plan. There seems to be a lack of intelligence among the media and the general public or merely laziness.

    While I am not convinced that the Green Shift will have the impact that Dion's hype suggests there is no doubt that something has to be done. We cannot stick our heads in the sand as manufacturing jobs leave and not look at ways to help develop a new economy. In fact, if we don't start changing the way of thinking about our economy and adjusting to a rapidly changing environment we will all be the losers. Harper's laissez-faire economic ideology, to which he is totally committed, is the wrong direction to take under the current circumstances.
  33. Kim Huynh from Montreal, Canada writes: There's a big difference between management and leadership.
    With that line, the article is worth reading. That having said, management is always incremental. You act according to the rule book, just like a computer program. Mr Harper after all is a cool-headed gambler. a couple of months back, he figured he can win big by calling an election with Mr Dion sliding in polls. Now the biggest financial crisis has set things back to the reality Mr has to face and act fast. Just a week to go. But in politics, a week is a long way off just like a few miles in the movie 'A bridge too far'!
  34. Russell Barth from Canada writes: harper has one idea to save the economy: jail more pot users. His crime platform promises will require at least 11,000 new jail cells, at a cost of at LEAST $259 per inmate per day. 11,000 X 259 X 365 = 1,039,000,000. 1 point O three BILLION every year more than we pay now. And because the cost of keeping people in jail is going up pretty much every day, that number could almost double in less than three years legalizing marijuana would generate at least THREE BILLION DOLLARS in tax revenue every year, while simultaneously thwarting organized crime and freeing up police resources. how is jailing people for longer, for growing or using pot, going to help the economy?
  35. Western Clods from Vancouver, Canada writes: In the last recession, Kim Campbell's inherited mess from Mulroney wiped them out because the Tories couldn't show basic human empathy for the plight of average Canadians. Chretien won because although he had pretty much the same solutions as the Tories, he had a grip on the very real problems average Canadians face.

    That's one of the many reasons why Harper isn't a leader, and why he's going to blow what should have been the easiest election win in years.
  36. Martha K. from Canada writes: I voted for Trudeau 3 times and I don't remember him showing a lot of empathy. It was mostly smart talk with a bit of arrogance thrown in and we admired him for it - he said what needed to be said. But this is another generation - the coddled one and they like to see smiles and tears and a whole lot of emoting.

    I think this supposed lack of empathy on the part of Mr. Harper is a pure fabrication of the press. I don't hear ordinary Canadians talking about it. But the left has taken so many pot-shots at him re a hidden agenda, to calling him a neo-con (which by the way if you knew the meaning of the word, you'd rule him out), that some of it obviously sticks. And one thing that stuck is this coldness of his - which I've never seen! I see a clear-headed man, who talks gently and assertively, concisely and intelligently. He's tough where he needs to be and sympathetic at other times.

    The left-leaning MSM has not played fair with Mr. Harper and that's a fact - instead of attacking his 'cold blue eyes' - attack his policies if you must, but the rest is just nonsense.
  37. Anyone but Harper from Toronto, Canada writes: I can't believe no one has commented upon the most striking thing about this column: that the normally right-wing Wente--she of the 'global warming doesn't exist,' 'what's the matter with kids today, get off my lawn' sort--is NOT endorsing Harper. I would've thought she'd be hailing 'No platform except for criticizing them lefties' Harper as Canada's saviour.

    Maybe there's hope for her after all.
  38. D G from Canada writes: And who do we have to thank for the 300 million dollar taxpayer funded bill for this election anyways?
  39. The Central Scrutinizer from NB, Canada writes: Martha K...I remember Trudeau giving voters the finger from the railway car. Imagine if Harper did that? I can remember Trudeau saying to farmers 'Why should I sell your wheat?' He was an arrogant, taunting PM, and yet was quite popular. Would he be popular today? This is a society now that wants its hand held every step of the way. Remember, Chamberlain had loads of empathy...
  40. Martha K. from Canada writes: The Central Scrutinizer from NB, Canada writes: Martha K...I remember Trudeau giving voters the finger from the railway car. Imagine if Harper did that? I can remember Trudeau saying to farmers 'Why should I sell your wheat?' He was an arrogant, taunting PM, and yet was quite popular. Would he be popular today'

    Probably not, or maybe. who knows. Mr. Duceppe has a bit of Trudeau in him - the disdain for all things not of his Bloc persuasion, etc.

    I was young when I voted for Trudeau, and only knew a lot about him in retrospect years later, via research and then the internet. Here's the irony: he lived in my riding! So much for that. Anyhow I don't regret it because he did do a lot of good things for the country.

    But the liberal party these days is not the liberal party of 25 or 30 years ago - that's my perception. So for the first time, I'm voting conservative.
  41. Joe Blow from Canada writes: The 'other guys' are downright scary - and Harper's not? Harper is the scariest of the lot! He broke his own law in calling this unnecessary election which is wasting 300 million taxpayers' dollars, not to mention all the time and effort lost in the election process. Dump Harper!
  42. Tom Paine from Do us all a favour and VOTE STRATEGICALLY - www.voteforenvironment.ca, writes: Peggy writes: Stéphane Dion wants to spend an extra $80-billion, which would come from a massive tax experiment that no one understands.

    No-one? Or no-one in your latte club?
  43. kK J from mississauga, Canada writes: Ms. Wente - I watched the MDL show and I found so much of what you said to be emotional. In a time like this you should really have to have a leader like PM Harper. As the gang of 4 have proven by their hysterical reaction to the world banking crisis they have no idea our banks are not at all like the US. We are not bailing banks out everyday. It is because the Conservatives saw the state of the housing market in the US last year and started to implement tools to weather the storm.

    I can get a hug from my kids and husband when things go bad - but I want a clear headed gov. that steps back from all the other panicky personalities and makes smart, longterm decisions. I believe you (Ms. Wente) were not sincere on MDL and you knew it but carried on for the sensation of it.
  44. Comments closed, censored, deleted or made to disappear from Mini Bushland, Canada writes: I cannot hear 'I'm sorry' and 'I feel your pain, you know' anymore. Personally, all I want is full responsibility, full accountability and justice. I don't need that false empathy and do not care that those buffoons be sorry or not. I can handle my own feelings thank you.
  45. Comments closed, censored, deleted or made to disappear from Mini Bushland, Canada writes: 'To bear other people's afflictions, everyone has courage and enough to spare.' (Benjamin Franklin)
  46. Tom Paine from Do us all a favour and VOTE STRATEGICALLY - www.voteforenvironment.ca, writes: spicydoc of the spring from Canada writes: ... On October 15th Harper will still be PM and the LPC will have fewer seats than at dissolution.

    This was the original goal, and it will happen. Harper never expected a majority, nor does he care.

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

    LOL! So, if you're right, the whole election -- all $350,000,000 worth -- was for absolutely nothing.

    Now tell me again what a great fiscal steward Harpo is, only this time, poor me a double while you talk.
  47. Joan Guenther from writes: We’re confronted from the get go, in the first paragraph of today’s column, with Margaret Wente’s usual strategy: bludgeon the reader, with her version of the facts and argue from there. News flash Margaret, five weeks ago the upcoming election was about something very important indeed: “the central business of government… to provide public goods…” (as per Garton Ash’s column, this morning’s cheek by Wente’s jowl). Sometime around midnight past, Andre Carell was drawing up the list. Harper wanted it both ways, taking credit for reforming the election process and arbitrarily pulling the plug on parliamentary business in his own best interests. (Given the lack of depth on the Conservative bench, as well as Harper’s need for total control, I do mean in his own best interest.) Smells like Wall Street spirit to me: greed and rotten judgement. If Wente (god forbid) is still pedaling her slippery ideology in five years I foresee a column on the environment along the same lines as her current response to the Iraq fiasco: Who Knew How Bad It Could Get. She continues to resort to calling on our inner stupid, our I’m-too-dumb-preoccupied-and-venal-to-come-to-terms-with-climate-change and the best policies regarding that particular speeding train. Her Pallinesque cutsey thing is getting on my tattered nerves.
  48. AMB @TO from Toronto, Canada writes: Wow Margie, we hardly knew ye ... could write something sensible once in a while ...
  49. Tom Paine from Do us all a favour and VOTE STRATEGICALLY - www.voteforenvironment.ca, writes: Terrence Punch writes: ...We are faced with Hobson's choice ... If anyone thinks that the PM is the cause of the meltdown in the overheated credit markets of the US and beyond, they are delusional.

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

    I don't think anyone thinks that. Voters are asking themselves:

    1-Which party is most likely to make good choices during economic headwinds? (Liberals are probably winning this analysis as they are the pragmatic party, unlikely to act out of ideology.)

    2-Which party has a credible record of smart choices in financial matters? (Again, Liberals have the advantage with prior deficit reduction, and as sound regulators compared to laissez-faire cons.)

    2-Which party is most likely to make the best strategic economic choices for the long term future, past the immediate financial crisis? (A lot of people who have had the chance finally to hear what Dion has to say are impressed with the coherence of his linkage of social, environmental and economic well-being.)
  50. Bobby Jo Frances from Canada writes: Has anyone considered that Harper has Aspergers Syndrome? The main characteristics are difficulties in social interaction, lack of empathy, lacking communication skills (unless scripted), stereotyped patterns of behaviour. Of course it could be that he just has A**hole Syndrome which is the above plus a serious lack of compassion, a hatred of generousity and a need to control everything. That is starting to sound like Fascist Syndrome.
  51. F Los from Toronto, Canada writes: Martha K - I have to respond to your funny post. You call this the 'coddled' generation and that makes me laugh out loud!

    By the sounds of your post, I'm guessing you came of age during the 60's, the most coddled generation of them all, when jobs basically grew on trees and you could walk in for an interview with a high school diploma, a smile and a nod, and land a cushy job with life-long benefits.

    I'm sorry - but you have no idea the difference today. That type of job is either gone or only available after racking up a $50,000 debt for school loans.

    This generation isn't crying for emotion - We simply want politicians to face up to current realities! Namely, that our economies have been building bubbles for decades and we will soon need to live sustainably or it's crash time. Perhaps we're already there.

    So, no. We don't want 'emoting' - We want basic accountability and recognition that things must change. This is something Harper (with his 'business-as-usual' approach, stuck in Bush's stone age economics) doesn't seem to understand. He may win this election, but it's all downhill from here for the Conservatives.
  52. agent sixtynine from Canada writes: Libs and NDP cheering on a recession. You haven't seen anything yet should they ever get into power.
    Good luck Ontario.
    www.freealberta.com/links.html
  53. Dr Strangelove from Tonga writes: Super Cyclisto from Canada writes: Margaret, the Green Shift is not that difficult to understand. At least give it a try. I've heard school children explain it quite well, and Ms. May did a good job the other night. Can you give it a try? Can you do that? I knew you could!
    ---
    Of course she can, but she doesn't want to. It's much more comfortable to stick to one's tried and true preconceived notions - we're all doing it.
  54. kK J from mississauga, Canada writes: F LOS what you want is to be cared for by the Gov. from cradle to grave. Most people take pride in doing things on their own. It gives them a sense of pride - instead of relying on handouts for everything.

    In case the left didn't know but money from governments is called taxes. Say it again money from governments is called taxes. So the more you hand out the more our taxes are. It simple to understand.

    Could someone tell me if the Libs. will be recalculating the 4% growth number they used for their carbon tax platform. I believe the real number is somewhere around 0.9% - another Liberal miscalculation that could lead to problems - I know the media will be all over that one LOL - Serious if they use their number I smell deficit - maybe they can adjust it (rejig their entire platform in the middle of an election)
    before election day cause I sure as heck want to know everything about this massive tax before voting - don't you ?
  55. Martha K. from Canada writes: F Los from Toronto, Canada writes: Martha K - I have to respond to your funny post. You call this the 'coddled' generation and that makes me laugh out loud! . . . I'm guessing you came of age during the 60's, the most coddled generation of them all, when jobs basically grew on trees and you could walk in for an interview with a high school diploma, a smile and a nod, and land a cushy job with life-long benefits.' Actually F Los, I 'came of age' in the 70's and as I said, in Quebec, where jobs did not grow on trees for ME as an anglophone and I had to leave the province in my 20's, for Ontario, where jobs STILL did not grow on trees. I'm not further ahead now either and still struggling financially - no car, etc., and NO benefits - you know, 45% of the entire work force (my age) has no benefits - did you know that? I'm one of them! SO nothing cushy for me I'm afraid. Still, I see Mr. Dion promising 80 billion worth of incentives to Mr. Harper's 5 billion - that tells me everything. That 80 billion is going to be realized (if at all considering past performances by the Liberals) on the backs of all Canadians if they are elected; this in a time where we can all least afford it. You can vote Liberal as your democratic right, but Mr. Dion will be FORCED to implement his Green Shift since he's been doing nothing but talking about it. After a year, tell me if you still want the Liberals in office. Your taxes will skyrocket - of that I'm absolutely sure.
  56. Western Clods from Vancouver, Canada writes: F Los from Toronto, Canada writes:
    We don't want 'emoting' - We want basic accountability and recognition that things must change. This is something Harper (with his 'business-as-usual' approach, stuck in Bush's stone age economics) doesn't seem to understand.

    _____________

    Exactly. What Harper doesn't understand is that government can no longer be a monolithic, inaccessible beast. This generation has been raised to believe that they can change the world by becoming active and working together. You can't win anymore by hiding your candidates, dodging questions and ducking your basic responsibilities to the electorate.

    People no longer want trickle-down economics...they're tired of being trickled on. Want they want is government that does things with them and for them...not to them.
  57. Robert Scarlett from Burlington, ON, Canada writes: 1) There has been a lot of talk (type) about the 'squandered' surplus. That's my money, not the slush fund for the Party in power. Either pay down the debt with it or give it back!It seems to me, that's what Harper did.

    2) I'd rather have a calm, dispassionate Harper to a Dion who's 5 point 30 day plan calls for meetings (not do'ings). Panic KILLS. Ask any survival expert.

    3) The Green Shift plan is nothing but smoke and mirrors. It has all the earmarks of another bureaucratic nightmare. Remember the Gun Registry, another ill-conceived reaction to public concerns.

    4) If you have the franchise, VOTE. You have a responsibility to demonstrate to the elected how you want your country to be run. The elected are our employees, not our masters. Hire the best for the job and let them get it done.
  58. Ed Long from Canada writes: First the Green Shift, Page 40, Costing, has $15.38Billion in tax generated revenue. Less than $1 Billion, I believe originally it was $600M but may have changed in the campaign, benefits the environment and that is through an accelerated capital cost allowance. It is wealth redistribution from the regions and social engineering.

    Second, The above defines nanny state. And Diane Marie, reduced to ad hominem inanities, cannot explain how a carbon tax in Canada reduces what is supposedly a global problem. Should we even discuss the changing world of science, it is not static as some will have you believe, that now features significant research into solar activity, or lack of, such as the new current cycle?

    Three, Trudeau was a provocateur and brilliant. I, too, voted for him. But it was a different Canada. We were coming off Expo 67, we were confident and almost unCanadian cocky. The world believed we had unlimited potential, design, industry and tough leadership ... Levesque, Trudeau, Lougheed, Blakeney. They changed this country and were the real fathers of this Confederation. The problem is ... nobody has picked up the torch. We have become petulant, entitled, totally dependent upon the U.S. and a nanny state . And who do we have to vote for ..... ????

    The Diane Marie's speak to some higher order, rarely of specifics or the nuts and bolts of a country. It is the last vestiges of liberal arrogance. Nothing real to bring to the table except assumptions and dated pretensions. The most pathetic example being Atwood, an artist who should be a national visionary, whose whining now has her voting for a party to split the nation.

    I cannot bring myself to vote for the worst aspects of yesterday.
  59. F Los from Toronto, Canada writes: Marth K and kK J from mississauga:

    No - I don't want to be cared for from cradle to the grave. I was simply stating the reality that this generation is anything but 'coddled' when it comes to economic prosperity.

    I simply don't agree that the green shift is wrongheaded at this stage. If anything, it is the most clearheaded course of action given the reality out there. If we don't get prepared NOW for the inevitable green economy (renewable energy, efficient cars etc.) we will be left behind economically in the future - exactly how the big American car companies are being left behind now. They didn't see the coming energy crunch and they ideologically put their faith in unsustainable gas guzzlers.

    In my books, Harper and his Conservatives are the perfect analogy for these companies. Business-as-usual, play it (supposedly) safe, but then lose out in the end because they place ideology above common sense and foresight of the future. Believe me, you will be sorry to vote for these guys.
  60. kK J from mississauga, Canada writes: We had a military to rebuild. The left gutted it but still insisted we do peacekeeping in very dangerous places. Too much surplus mean the gov. is taxes us too much. The left has never turned their backs on other people's money - and that's a fact.
  61. dave ross from Canada writes: Harper tried to squeeze an election through before the economy took the huge dump it is now in the midst of. He should have called it in the spring - too bad for taxpayers forced to pay dearly for likely the same result. Harper is not an honest person many might like to believe. He lied outright to Peter Mansbridge the other night regarding his calling Parliament dysfuntional. He screamed bloody murder about Belinda Stronach switching parties then lured Emerson a mere 2 weeks after the last election. He screamed bloody murder about the horrible unleected Senate and promptly appointed his own man so he could be in the cabinet. He promised endlessly not to touch income trusts and then did a 180 degree reversal. Is this the steady hand at the tiller some have commented on? Finally, Harper's human side. I have referred to him as Stepford for several years mainly for his relentless, plodding, blinkered forward march on whatever topic occupied him at the time. When he first became Prime Minister he arranged a photo op of him dropping his children at school. He managed to shake his son's hand; couldn't even manage a pat on the shoulder let alone a hug. His let them eat cake comments about stock opportunities only seals my impression of him as a totally cold and uncaring person. Now would I base my voting choice solely on a candidate's empathy quotient? No, just as I would not vote for someone because I thought he might be more fun to have a beer with (apparently a deciding factor for many Americans who voted for W). But I will not vote for a man who seems ideologically bent on destroying the Liberal party as opposed to leading the country.
  62. Dr Strangelove from Tonga writes: Ed Long from Canada writes: 'First the Green Shift ... has $15.38Billion in tax generated revenue. Less than $1 Billion ... benefits the environment ... .'
    --
    The most significant environmental benefit is in the reduced carbon consumption that is encouraged by the tax, not in the way the tax money is spent. It will be spent mostly on those things that previously were covered by income tax, which will be reduced at the same time.
    ---
    'And Diane Marie ... cannot explain how a carbon tax in Canada reduces what is supposedly a global problem.'
    ---
    No one will claim that this global problem can be solved by Canada alone. However, Canada must address its own share of the problem, and it will be as well to get started now.
  63. B Reynolds from Canada writes: Does anyone else find it funny that this reporter in particular is writing about an empathy deficit?
  64. Jesse Winger from Calgary SW, Canada writes: Wente writes: 'The election that used to be about nothing is now about whom you trust to get us through the mess that lies ahead. And the answer, so far, is: no one.'

    Harpers' conjuring up his mothers hectoring him over her plummeting investments was pure Hollywood - and a bad act at that. This new turn by the Harper campaign is plain sick.

    Stephane Dion, always trustworthy and much more believable, is the obvious choice - despite the bitter Wentes' '80 billion dollar' smear.
  65. kK J from mississauga, Canada writes: So what about the 4% growth number they base their carbon tax platform calculation on - $1B - $15B - $115B it could be high - high - higher.

    The number that the bank guestamated earlier this week is growth at 0.9% that is a huge difference for the bottom line in the Libs. huge carbon tax platform. Can you imagine with money and businesses having to play so close to the line any calculation that is that far off from a Federal Gov. will create chaos in our financial markets and for our wallets. So what is it?

    Won't someone please explain the Lib.'s % difference to me?
  66. Jesse Winger from Calgary SW, Canada writes: B Reynolds from Canada writes: 'Does anyone else find it funny that this reporter in particular is writing about an empathy deficit?'

    Very funny, indeed! Good point.
  67. Michael Sharp from Victoria BC, Canada writes:

    The left only have empathy for your money.
  68. R Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: Terrence Punch from Halifax, Canada:

    Great post at 6:36 AM...

    You have said quite alot...

    However, look at the articles in the G&M lately...

    A leading National authour like Margaret Atwood is now embracing separatism (in writing) in schoolyard fit style over a very modest cut to National Arts funding and the National Newspaper is furnishing her soap box repeatedly.

    Canada is now ungovernable as it is.

    Any Federal leader that decides to stand up to the many special interests or Premier is immediately villified as evil.

    As a descendant of one who chose Nova Scotian Confederation, I am convinced that we need a better way.

    This will no longer work.

    Cheers
  69. Kim Philby from Canada writes: Looking at the PM's remark objectively, he simply stated a truth: there are bargains out there. There are bargains because people panicked and sold at a loss. Is the person who then buys those available stocks somehow callous and unfeeling? Why is it the buyer's fault that people sold at a loss?

    I'm not by nature a Conservative supporter, but let's have a reality check here, folks.
  70. Martha K. from Canada writes: F Los from Toronto, Canada writes: Marth K and kK J from mississauga: I simply don't agree that the green shift is wrongheaded at this stage. If anything, it is the most clearheaded course of action given the reality out there. If we don't get prepared NOW for the inevitable green economy (renewable energy, efficient cars etc.) we will be left behind economically in the future' I respect your opinion and grave concern for the environment; I'm all for it too and have a lower environmental 'footprint' than anyone I know. Still, please explain to me how the Liberal govt will help the actual environment when nothing on emmissions gets implemented until year 4 (surprise! an election year!). That's how the Green Shift reads - carbon offset cash to poverty issues (good), but none to environment (bad). Why not call it a poverty tax which is what it really is if you want to be honest which is good. Instead calling it the Green Shift as if anything good for the environment is going to come out of it, is disingenuous. Also, you know who is going to pay - Alberta, and now Nova Scotia. Ironically, they also pay the biggest taxes in the country - so I'm not sure where all the money is going to come from for those plans, unless it's a wash. The fundamentals are just not there financially for the Liberals. It took me years to come over to this side, but now I see it's merit :-)
  71. Martha K. from Canada writes: Ooops. I meant newfoundland (offshore drilling resources - big cash) and not Nova Scotia, in my last post. Apologies.
  72. Tony Lo Presti from Canada writes: The tactics of fear are evident in Prime Minister Harper's recent attempts to allay the economic fears of Canadians by suddenly becoming folksy in his public appearances. Uncharacteristically, he is now mentioning the economic worries of his mother and his friends and is pasting more bland smiles on his face than in all the years that he has been a politician. 'Steady as she goes' is not the right course to steer the good ship Canada in turbulent economic waters with massive icebergs surrounding us that are sinking other ships. Harper claims that our economic and banking system is 'unsinkable.' But that is not true as all economies of the world are interdependent. Everyone knows that we are highly dependent on the U. S. and the world as trading partners. In the domino effect of a possible economic collapse of major countries, we are sure to be sucked in the wake and in the undertow that inevitably results. Do we want Canada as a country to suffer the same fate as the Titanic, which was also supposed to have been 'unsinkable'? Canadians are not so naive as to not realize that Harper's unwillingness to do anything is evidence that he is not only unprepared to deal with the crisis but that he is just not up to the job of Prime Minister. A leader is not tested in good times but in bad. By his non-reaction, Harper has revealed that he is not a wartime leader or an effective crisis manager. In the hard economic realities that we are facing and that lie ahead of all of us, no amount of spinning, no amount of folksiness, and no amount of bland condescending smiles will convince Canadians that he is on the right course or the best man for the job of Prime Minister. It is not too late for Canadians to realize that we need a new Prime Minister who is honest, sincere, and willing to act so as to safely navigate our country through the rough waters that threaten to capsize our economic welfare.
  73. Life Insurance Bribe from Canada writes: No, what's 'downright scary' is someone with an English degree providing the journalistic assessments of various economic policies. Yeeesh.

    Harpo has the same neo-con economic principles as the buffoon(s) in the USA that instigated the crisis in the first place.

    Harpo, the 'economist', didn't finish his degree until he was 34, & has never even practised as an economist. He's spent his entire career involved in rightwing politics & pulling off conservative hit-jobs.
  74. Fifty Cent - 50% American / 50 % Canadian from Canada writes: I love Steven Harper. The man is a walking train wreck when it comes to campaigns. He obviously has no handlers (and that 's a good thing) since he can make simple comments such as those he made on funding for the arts - and bam! he just lost Quebec.

    I'm not a fan of the Conservative's policies on a range of matters - but as long as Harper is their leader, and he keeps talking, we have nothing to fear. Canadian want a government that represents their ideas of compassionate inclusion...and Harper, bless his soul, just never seems to get this.
  75. James W from Toronto, Canada writes: I want to echo everyone who has said the Green Shift isn't really very hard to understand. The Conservatives and the NDP both talk about how hard it is to understand, but that's just politics. Also, to Bobby Jo, I would totally believe Harper has Asperger's, and that's not to say anything about whether I think he could make a good PM or not. I think he's an abysmal PM, but not because of his difficulty showing emotion on his face. The young generation is not the coddled generation. To people who think it is, that's what your parents' generation thought of you, and that's what nearly every generation has thought of the next since the dawn of time. And yet each generation seem to further human progress. The reason why young people don't like Harper is because we grew up inundated with extremely slick and devious advertising campaigns, and we can actually see through the Conservative's fairly obvious campaigns to notice there is no substance there. Simply asserting that Dion is not a leader and that the Green Shift is too hard to understand carries no weight, no matter how slick the packaging is. Why do we want the government to intervene in daily affairs? It's not because we need someone to hold our hands, it's because we understand that any necessary resource that is not abundant should be government regulated. It's why we have public police officers and fire fighters. It's why governments should ration food in famines and not ration food when there isn't. It's good to have law and order that prevents the poor from simply killing the rich and taking what they want, but being protected by those laws is a great priviledge and with that priviledge comes a responsibility. If you can't question your basic assumptions that law and order, air to breathe, stores to purchase things from, etc., are basic rights that are simply gifted by society, then I think I can turn around the accusation of being coddled. Off topic, but I felt it had to be said.
  76. s like from Canada writes: Stephen Harper's Ignorant Tories

    You don't know Stephen Harper do you? Mostly you don't like Tories so you project your vitriolic dogma at him without having a clue why.
  77. had enough from Canada writes: This Wente is like a pit bull with rabies, she is completely out of her head and it is time Wente Went.
  78. Marc S from Canada writes: What a right wing shill !! She says Harper is an able manager of the economy ???? ROFLMAO..........Harper is toast not because he cannot SHOW empathy, it is because he HAS no empathy . There is a big difference. Remember the phrase about the pig with the lipstick, well it duly applies to Harper.
  79. Trillian Rand from Canada writes: With such a lack of leadership at the federal level, we should be asking ourselves what we really want in a Prime Minister and a federal government. Do we really want someone with all the answers or do we want someone who responds to our concerns in ways that best serve us, not corporations or special interest groups?

    If anything, leaders must identify with those they would lead. Which one of the federal leaders gives that impression? Mr Harper with his suggestion we look for good deals in the stock market when we are wondering if we'll be able to afford our mortgage payments? Mr Dion who says he will consult with experts while the country slides into recession? Mr Layton who wants to make sure corporations that are already looking for ways to cut expenses pay their 'fair share'?

    Do we really want a continuation of parties that put themselves and their own interests ahead of Canada? How much time did the three major parties spend working on parliamentary strategy in the last session so they could embarrass each other and how much time did they worry about the welfare of ordinary Canadians? Even now, as we stand at the edge of an ever deepening American and world recession, our federal politicians tailor their comments to provoke electoral sympathies. Is this what we really want?
  80. Erik D. from Canada writes: Of course Harper has an empathy deficit, I mean look at who his mentor was, Brian Mulroney...
  81. kK J from mississauga, Canada writes: Fear - Smear is that all you leftheaded people have to say. If you know so much about the macro could you please tell me what the 4% growth rate the Libs. are using to calculate the monies coming and going from their carbon tax platform. The growth rate was stated at around 0.9% for the coming year.

    There seems to be a lot of personal attacks and emotional information out there for us to read but it is an election and I/all of us want to know what the difference is going to be in the Liberals huge tax grab that lies within their carbon tax platform due to the fact that the numbers they are using are not based in reality.
  82. F Los from Toronto, Canada writes: Martha K: I'll attempt a quick explanation for how the Green Shift will work for the environment:

    First, the main point to remember is that 'throwing money' at the environment (whatever that would mean) is not the type of policy that would work here. The reality of shifting taxes (away from income and onto environmentally-destructive activities) is that it will influence consumers the only way we know: by effective market pricing. This is why ALL economists out there argue that a carbon tax is the way to go.

    You're assuming that the environment is a special interest group or something. The point is not to throw money at it, but to design the tax system to influence consumer behaviour to STOP throwing money at environmentally-destructive activities and toward other, more sustainable ones.

    Hopefully this answers your question, Martha K. In short, the Liberal green shift plan would ensure that the market will alter the market in a such a way that 'green' products, energy, food etc. will be favoured. Therefore, money will be dedicated to the environment in the most effective way possible - certainly NOT by a bloated gov't throwing money at it to save face.
  83. V ADS from Canada writes: Just because a person doesn't blubber like a baby or panic like a headless chicken does not mean he has an 'empathy deficit'.

    Quite the contrary.

    Do I feel sorry for the guy in the fancy house across the road crying because he bought an over-priced condo to flip and can't sell it now? Let him go get a big hug from Jack Layton, a new 30-day plan from Stephane, or