Archiblog

Harpers' cover up, has exposed alot!!!

2010-01-10T08:35:00.000-08:00

I was glad to see Donolo back, and I am glad to see hie is doing what most Canadians wanted the liberals to do years ago; go after Harper with the same gusto he has gone after us.

The difference is Harper goes personal, and the Liberals are going after substance.

The new ads released are fantastic, and I hope the first of more to come.

These ads work, some people may not lie them, but they are effective, and mostly because they are factual. That is what makes a good ad great. And these ads are great.

Well done, keep them coming!!!!!
Here is a link to my favorite one....http://www.liberal.ca/en/newsroom/liberal-tv/7QbXftg3Iu8~present

MacKay out of Cabinet!!!?

2009-12-09T11:45:00.001-08:00

It may just be another way they can say it has nothing to do with MacKays horrible performance, but the Cons are now talking about a Cabinet shuffle. Maxine Bernier will be put back into Cabinet according to some sources....http://www.calgaryherald.com/news/Harper+cabinet+ripe+revamp+before+Christmas/2319617/story.html

Is MacKay so tarnished that he will be pushed out to make way for a former cabinet member who was once booted out of Cabinet

Lets wait and see.....

BREAKING NEWS!!!! Top General admits abuse

2009-12-09T10:01:00.000-08:00

TRhis story gets better and/or sadder each day. For days now the Harper group has said we should be listening to the words of the Top General, not a diplomat. Now that the Top General has admitted there was abuse, I wonder how quickly it will take the Harper Con hacks to start calling him a Taliban dupe or Liberal stooge.

Hats off to the general for being adult enough, and beyond political games, to admit he now has more evidence that does support the claims. This is what real leadership is about.

Faced with overwhelming evidence, can we, no shouldn't we expect a full blown, fully transparent, all the documents uncensored and put forward inquiry?

What will it take, an actual video of abuse before this government admits the matter is one of the most serious in our countries history.

here is the link to the shocking news
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/in-about-face-top-general-admits-canadian-detainee-was-abused/article1394104/

Cheque-gate could mean Harper forces election

2009-10-24T05:48:00.001-07:00

Harper is one thing, if nothing else ; power hungry. He wants to be PM with a majority so bad he can barely keep from exploding. That's really what Harpers oh so out of character, Yo-Yo Ma moment was. It was an explosion of the giddy in Stephen Harper that has grown recently. He thinks he can win it all. Could he be getting ready to force an election on Canadians?

http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/stephenharper/article/715587--travers-pm-may-be-wise-to-force-election

Everyone knows the old saying , a week in politics is a lifetime, and Harper may not sing again anytime soon.

The disturbing partisan use of tax payers money for Conservative benefit, is starting to take its toll. We shouldn't be surprised, Harper and his government have gone so far as to put their party logo and pictures of their MP's on government a.k.a tax payers dollars, cheques.

Links on government funded websites have gone to questionable pro harper propaganda. Some people in the bureaucracy have started complaining about the partisan overload. Ethics investigations are being started;
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20091020/cheque_probe_091020/20091020?hub=QPeriod

As we saw in the last few years, Harper will cause an election for selfish reasons, and now may be the best chance he has in years.

This is bad for Canadians because Harper will find a very divisive issue to cause an election if his style to date holds true.

Forcing rifts between Canadians for partisan reasons, one more sad line in the currently being written legacy of a government that continues to fail Canadians.

SHOCKER!!! Interracial couple denied marriage license.

2009-10-16T07:08:00.000-07:00

I don't really need to say much about this, it's just a shock. They have elected a black president, but some southern boys just can't seem to grasp the fact that we are one race, the human race.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/10/16/louisiana.interracial.marriage/

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Harpers olympic ring toss

2009-10-14T13:13:00.000-07:00

This story is another one that I don't think makes a person go hmmmm. I understand the official line is that the government had no idea what the Logo was going to look like. I am not sure if that cuts it. First, since we are hosting the Olympics and taxpayers are shelling out billions to support it, which I am glad we are, you would think the government would be involved in the process. The articles states the decision was made by the Canadian Olympic committee. Does the government not have a rep on that board. They should be involved when billions are at stake.
http://www.canada.com/sports/2010wintergames/Canadian+Olympic+clothing+logo+close+Tory+logo+Opposition/2056039/story.html

http://www.ottawacitizen.com/sports/2010wintergames/Olympic+clothing+design+looks+like+ToThry+logo+opposition/2057729/story.html

Once again this doesn't pass the smell test, the logos are so much alike, even if it was a genuine mistake, the right thing to do is to take steps to fix the problem.

This government is vindictive, petty and mean spirited and we the taxpayers, are going to pay for it in the long wrong. When you spend like a drunken sailor and skirt the ethical lines of government spending, fiscal Karma will bite you back. It's usually higher taxes and less services.

Tory times are tough times, just ask Mulroney, and in a few years his good buddy Harper.

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BREAKING NEWS!!! More tory tax dollar abuse

2009-10-14T06:59:00.000-07:00

If you thought Gerald Keddy was the only conservative/reformer to give out your tax dollars, and claim it as their own or from their party, you were wrong.

Take a look at the photo and stories of MP's from the conservative party using your tax dollars for self promotion.

http://www.frontenacnews.ca/2009/09-26_jul_2/ah_build_canada.html

http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/article/660206 ( thanks to my informed reader Ted for most of these tips, keep up the thoughtful debate.)

Look at MP Reid in this photo, he is handing out a cheque, and on the cheque it has his name, not even the parties, which was bad enough, but his name.

Remember people, these are tax dollars, handed out under the build canada fund banner. This is a government agency. Whats next, Harper putting his name or party logo on all the tax refund cheques, socail assistance cheques, pensions etc? And while you may think, come on now, thats just not going to happen, take into acount it is exactly what they are doing now. Taking money from you, using it to fund government programs, and claiming the money came from them, its one of the most blatant and disgusting abuses of power I have ever seen.

The ethics commissioner is being asked to investigate, I give the tories 2 weeks before they start trying to ruin the rep of the commissioner, as they have tried to do with the independent budget officer, the former head of the nuclear saftey agency.

This is so unethical it can't be discounted as a simple mistake.

They don't get it, the money is from the pockets of tax payers, its not Tory money, its not money they are giving us, it is our money, they are giving back, and giving back in much higher quantities to their supporters.

I really want to hear any of my con/reform readers explain this one away. Only a true Kool-aid drinker would say this activity is okay.

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Harpers new sponsorhsip scandal!!!???

2009-09-28T08:24:00.000-07:00

Some great stories linked below on an issue which is soon to become a full blown scandal, well should become a full blown scandal. Conservative candidates are already admitting only riding's that vote for Harper and his reform/con crew will get any federal help, and tax dollars being used to help Harper stay in power.

You should note, one of the few MP's in his party that Harper allows to speak a lot, is Pierre Polievre. A young MP with little experience, Pierre recently used the term "tar baby". Most of us know this is a terribly racist term, but Harper and Polievre refused to apologize for the crass comments. Well this young clown is sent out to defend the Harper plan. It speaks volumes when Harper sends out a young man, known for his racist slur, to defend his party. It begs the question, why does Harper let this inexperienced, racial slur uttering mouth piece for the party have so much influence and power?

Anyway, enjoy the articles on your tax dollars being used for partisan Conservative propaganda.

http://www.thestar.com/article/698415

http://www.thestar.com/opinion/editorials/article/701853

http://www.thestar.com/article/700423

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2009/09/24/libearals-infrastructure.html

Harper is a failed economist

2009-09-28T06:14:00.000-07:00

The fact that Harper brags about being an economist should scare us all. Usually something you brag about, is something you are good at, Harper clearly is a failed economist.
First, less then a year ago, he was saying there was no recession coming. He was wrong; stunningly wrong.
When he was a member of the lobbyist world, he screamed about government waste and abuse of tax dollars, and we now see as PM he is one of the most wasteful, disgraceful guardians of our tax dollars ever.
Even groups he used to chair ( NCC) now complain he does exactly what he used to complain about.
We have seem spending on golf balls, trips to exotic sites, and websites that in the end need to be purged of pictures of Harper because the party is accused of misusing tax dollars for political use.

Our deficit is growing everyday, our debt becoming so large that it will take generations to tame ( not that Harper cares, his lot of reformers will be long gone)

Trying to get honest info on infrastructure spending is impossible. Harper says one thing, budget offices say another, and often questions about the money are ignored by this government, or twisted to be used as attacks on others.

Harper, a failed economist and a failed leader. It's time for him to take his long walk in the snow, I am just worried he will try and charge us for his new boots, it seems to be his style.

Harper angry at Non Tories, but loves Mulroney

2009-09-25T05:50:00.000-07:00

It's almost on a daily basis now that we see Harpers true colours. In recent days he gladly joined with teh NDP and the Bloc to keep himself in his job, and praised the NDP and Bloc for supporting him. Whats wrong with this you may ask? At its face value nothing. But when taken in proper context, it's another sign of his willingness to say anything at all to hold onto his loose hold on power.

For instance, in mid September, in a secret meeting that he didn't want broadcast, this is what he said about parties working together;

"If they get together and force us to the polls, we have to teach them a lesson and get back there with a majority and make sure their little coalition never happens to this country," Harper said to applause from the partisan crowd.

That to me doesn't sound like someone who wants to see parties work together. My favorite part is his "teach them a lesson" line. What lesson will that be? That cooperation should be punished, that anyone who tries to stop him will be taught a lesson, that it's okay for other parties to work together to keep him in power, but wrong when they work together against him.

It must be hard to be Stephen Harpos brain, everyday getting sent mixed messages. One day the Bloc and NDP are bad, the next, they are allies.

Harpers desire to be King of Canada is so evident now, I am waiting for him to pull out a crown.

IN his attempt to win seats in Quebec he will even go so far as to chum up with Brian " brown paper bags full of money" Mulroney. Mulroney seems to think its okay to not pay taxes ( yes years later , when confronted, he did settle debt), thinks its okay to accept brown paper bags full of money from Karl Heinz Schreiber ( a man charged with bribery amongst other things) in meetings at airport hotels.

Harper will stoop to anything to win votes, and that should scare Canadians. A leader needs to do what helps the country, not what only helps him.

We can do better, and its a sin we aren't. The buck stops with Harper, and the incompetence of his regime is shocking.

Harper joins with Separatists to save his skin

2009-09-16T04:31:00.000-07:00

Well it's official, Stephen Harper will say and do anything to stay in power. After spending millions of dollars and hundreds of hours chastising the Liberals for working with the bloc and NDP, calling the cooperation undemocratic and un-canadian, Stephen has joined up with the Separatists and NDP to save his job, for now.

I watched another Harper attack ad, in it his party claims that a deal worked out between the Liberals , NDP and Bloc last fall was just a terrible, terrible thing. Because the tories run their ads at naseum, I have to assume that while the deal between Harper the Separatists and Layton was being worked out, this commercial was being viewed by Canadians.

This is an example of Harpers anything at all to stay in power mentality, he doesn't seem to care that the thing he is now doing, he is actually running attack ads against. He doesn't seem to think its wrong to call the NDP the "bloc anglais", socialist left wing ideologues and vilanize most of the ir policies, then work with them to stay in power.
He doesn't seem to think its wrong to work with a party, the Bloc, who aim to rip apart our country.

The sad reality is this this, by helping the Bloc and the NDP, he is making the Separatists a more legitimate party, and helps them to ultimately achieve their goal of dividing the country.

Mind you I shouldn't be shocked that Harper wants to see our country ripped apart, he always has been hell bent on pitting people and regions against each other, this is his political policy.

What a flip flopper, what a toss away your principles, clutch at straws, say and do anything to stay in power little man Harper IS, not has become, but IS !!

Can we really risk giving this separatist in reform/con clothing person another mandate.

I think not, and now I wait to see more dirty Conservative attack ads, so un-Canadian, so transparent.

Harpers' Hypocritical stance..on just about everything!!!

2009-09-15T06:58:00.000-07:00

So Harper is now talking openly about winning the support of the NDP or Bloc to stay in power. This can't be though. No way would Harper, a man who has called the NDP and Bloc every name in the book, and said a deal with either of them by the Liberals was undemocratic.

This is the same man who throws around the term socialist like its a four letter word, and constantly uses it to describe Layton and his party. This is a man who says Ignatieff isn't a true Canadian because he has worked outside our borders. This is a man who fights the supreme courts attempts to save a child soldier from Guantanamo Bay. This is a man who lets Canadians abroad ( mostly those who don't have white skin, what a shame) languish in foreign jails with little or no help from the Harper Conservative government.

Harper has flip flopped on his stances so much that he may go down in history as the most indecisive and perhaps the worst PM ever.

He has flip flopped on his dislike of patronage appointments, appointing a long list of loyal Conservative and reformers to the senate

he has flip flopped on open government, not allowing Ministers to speak, not speaking to reporters, unless they get on his list.

He has flip flopped on Fiscal conservatism, no one can say he is acting like a true fiscal Conservative, because he isn't.

The simple point is this, Harper is not the best we can do, in a country as large as this, as diverse and as caring, do we really deserve a right wing ideologue, who pits people against each other, breaks his own principles and ruins our image around the world.

We need an election, to get a leader who we deserve. The irony of Harper saying an election is wrong, when he broke his own law and caused one just a year ago, is stunning.

Harpers motto seems to be: do what I say, or get punished, and never mind what I do, I am just in it for power

Liberals will end gas regulation, add new holiday

2009-05-16T02:29:00.000-07:00

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/nsvotes2009/story/2009/05/15/novascotiavotes-liberals-gas.html

http://thechronicleherald.ca/Front/1122344.html

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/nsvotes2009/story/2009/05/15/novascotiavotes-tories-red-tape.html

Rodney and the Ghost of John Hamms' legacy

2009-05-14T07:22:00.000-07:00

What a conundrum must be facing former Premier John Hamm. A principled man who garnered support from all parties. His economic leadership was respected by all, and he went to great lengths to ensure a responsible policy for dealing with our provinces massive debt load, a burden future generations will have to deal with. Now his own party has destroyed his legacy.

In his time as Premier Rodney has undermined all those achievements, even suggesting he would after the fact change a law to allow him to break legislation brought in my Dr.Hamm. This law guaranteed certain monies would be set aside for debt repayment.

Rodney has within the last few days shown a complete flip flop. He emphatically said construction and road work would have to stop, and blamed it on the opposition parties. Just yesterday he announced the work could go ahead.
Which is it? Last week he said the work would have to stop, now he says it can go ahead.

Are we to believe that last week he was so clueless that he didn't understand the facts of the issue, or is this just another vote buying plan. To bad for all those workers who spent last week worrying about their jobs......bah humbug is Rodney's attitude.

I love his proven track record campaign slogan. My question is which of the following things should Rodney be pointing to as a sign of his strong record:
Under staffed and resourced Jails and correctional workers
Crumbling roads and bridges.
Immigrant sponsorship boondoggle
Gas regulation confusion and failure
Sunday Shopping regulation chaos
Worst performing economy in Canada according to statscan
Conflict of interest scandal involving cabinet ministers
Car crashes by Cabinet Ministers who flee the scene only to be tailed by reporters
Heather Foley Melvin, close friend and former staff member of Rodney given a plum 6 figure salary.
Atlantic accord betrayal
Massive massive job losses ( a quick count this morning in my riding alone shows several hundred in recent weeks)
1000's without a family doctor
NS power failings

Peter le Pew

2009-04-15T08:09:00.000-07:00

http://thechronicleherald.ca/Front/1116645.html

So Mayor Kelly had a lovely swim in the Harbour. He was photographed, and went on to say how it shows he gets tings done, he raised it in his election bid, and beyond his personal connection, it is a huge amount of taxpayers money that has been wasted.

This summer we will notice terrible odours, and more taxpayer money being spent. All because this project was underfunded and poorly planned. Look at other similar size Canadian cities ( Victoria) they are spending more money, because they recognise the dire need to have sewage and water systems that don't damage the environment.

This summer we will host the tall ships, and as tourists look up at the tall masts, lets hope they don't look down at the raw sewage, floating along side the beautiful ships. What a lovely memory.

Mulroneys Muddy mess

2009-04-14T10:02:00.000-07:00

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2009/04/14/mulroney-schereiber014.html#socialcomments

The sad part is we will never really know the whole truth.There are so many people, so many accounts, so many willing "fibbers" with lots to lose, and so much murkiness surrounding it that in the end, part of what we think we know will be based on the words we hear from people, whom most of us have at least some credibility issues with.

I defy any Mulroney supporter to give me a real clear, honest and non partisan reason why any Canadian should believe that huge, undeclared cash payments made in hotels aren't beneath the actions of any reasonable business person. And Mulroney was a former PM .

Mulroney needs to take a page from the Ralph Klein book of politics. Say yes I was wrong, it was dumb, I will accept consequence and move on, I am human.

Rodney MacDonald calls an election....well sort of

2009-04-14T09:40:00.000-07:00

I hope when you read this article you keep several things in mind. First, Rodney is taking a thumping in opinion polls. He has all but told his team to be ready for an election and he recently has said he will break the law, and spend money to ensure he can say he kept his promise of no deficit, and that still may not happen. Of course Rodney just says he will change the law, nice style, if you don't like the law, change it. Mind you he will most likely amend the law, after he breaks it.

In this article, note how Rodney says, it is contingent on his budget passing. This is his weasel way of trying to make it look like the Liberals and NDP don't care about schools. I can hear Rodney now in a few weeks at a press conference, or during an election, " Look I wanted to give money to schools, but the other parties wouldn't let me."
What's next, offerring money to hungry kids, and accusing the other partied of wanting kids to starve. It's brutal, what a clown.

Keep those things in mind, and tell me if this doesn't sound like a vote buying plan, by a desperate lot.

http://thechronicleherald.ca/Front/9011397.html

Who is at the wheel here? Mind you these cabinet Ministers haven't shown the best behind the wheel judgement, in many senses, now have they?

click click click

2009-04-13T17:39:00.000-07:00

the new and improved adsense is on here now. The ads are better now, muchmusic, travel etc., I want to ensure it is working, so i hope all my loyal bloggers can click on my ads and help me test it out....and click everyday, the more clicks the better the blog, enough clips would allow me to offer more to you as readers. more updates, more often, with more links and resources for you.

thanks, and of course read my posts lol ..but click too....

MacKay gets us 2 for the price of 3, eventually

2009-04-13T16:29:00.000-07:00

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/nova-scotia/story/2009/04/13/ns-frigate-rustout-0413.html

I sometimes feel bad for Peter. His youthful mistakes and endless need for power had meant he had made many rookie mistakes. That's understandable, it happens. Then you add on Harpers desire to keep Peter, and his leadership ambitions, under wraps, and we saw a Cabinet Minister who was kept in the backgrounds, and only poked his head out to fix a mistake he or his boss had made.

But now he is just turning out to be a weak Minister. The Defense Minister has to have strength both of character and in political ability. MacKay has yet to portay either. He bungles through errors and allows Harper to continue to keep him down. Even as a regional Minister he has been awful. Under his guidance, 1000's of jobs have vanished, our Ports and dock workers have seen contracts lost to BC conservative ridings, and we got stiffed millions in offshore revenue.

I guess its good we find out now that he doesn't have the stuff to hack it, just imagine if he had become PM and we found out, now that would be more than just a little oops...we'd be as screwed as well as....well as well as MacKays career

Rodneys crazy last days

2009-04-09T16:30:00.000-07:00

Rodneys recent decision to ignore his own law and re-direct money away from the debt, and in doing so, harming the fiscal strength of our province going forward, is shocking for several reasons.

First, in precedent, it makes it possible for any government, at anytime, to just change laws after the fact, to make what they did legal. This type of governing is just plain blind and cowardly.

Second, Rodney knows he won't get this passed. He is running camapign ads, commercials, and giving attack style campign focused speeches. Why is this relevant to my point ? It's relevant because it shows dishonesty, it shows a lack of character. Rodney is saying to Nova Scotians that he knows he is going to lose his job ( we all know the tories are done in ns for awhile) and he will say anything to win votes. His budget, which will make up a cornerstone of their election platform, is based on the premise that to pass it, you will have to break the law.

Rodney is bumbling through his final screw up. His days are numbered and soon Rodney will join the ranks of the unemployed. In his search for a new job, I hope he doesn't ask any Nova Scotian for a reference, we all know he wil break laws to try and win, not much of a character trait.

Flahertys fast talking, flip flopping economy ruining plan

2009-02-26T03:03:00.000-08:00

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090225.wflahert0225/BNStory/politics/home

The first line says it all, Flaherty is admitting he will foul up and waste our money. This is a new plan, and perhaps for the tories the only one that may work. Instead of saying everything will be fine,( remember Harper and Flaherty said no recession was coming) they now just admit upfront they are going to waste your money.

I would think the plan should be to ensure no mistakes, and that should be the aim, but that's not the tory strategy, it is to admit defeat and tell us now that they are going to waste our money.

I guess the amount of flip flopping and promise breaking we have seen from this party, has finally been accepted as actual party policy. I mean if you do something all the time anyway, you may as well get some credit for it. Too bad for the Canadian taxpayer that the thing the Tories do all the time is waste our money.

What a shame. Now off to work I go, and thank heavens, with the way Harper is blowing through our money we need all the taxpayers we can get.

Terrible Gas pains in Nova Scotia

2009-02-25T13:41:00.000-08:00

http://thechronicleherald.ca/Front/1108327.html

I get the argument for paying for gas before you fill up, but the gas retailers leave out several key problems/issues. First, by their own design, gas stations have become convenience stores as well, some with tim hortons inside. You now have people who wil have to make two trips in and out of a store to make purchases, crazy talk.

Second, sometimes I want to fill my tank, it rarely comes out to a number like $20, or $30. Do I have to guess, or not fill up. I get the credit card thing, but I don't always want to use it for gas, or can't sometimes.

Third, this sets a terrible precedent. I don't see why almost any business can't ask for money up front first. Many businesses work on billing systems, they may all decide they want money up front. From a cash flow and security stance, it makes sense, money in product out.

Gas stations/big oil companies, spent years laying off employees and bringing in self serve for gas, they encouraged us to come in, shop around. Hell most had magazine racks, movies to rent, food, you name it, none of which was designed to encourage wham bam thank you mam consumerism.

If security is an issue, then bring back full serve gas, but at self serve price, they are making the money back on the chocolate bars and windshield wiper fluid we buy, and it is they who say security is the issue, so take the steps to ensure security, at their own cost, I doubt they would argue employee safety isn't a top priority, so money shouldn't be an issue. But of course it is, it always is.

One more thing, I noted this response from one of Rodneys do nothing except the wrong thing Ministers in regards to employees being liable for stolen gas ( which I think is a damn outrage),

On Tuesday, Labour and Workforce Development Minister Mark Parent said gas-and-dash is more a theft issue than an occupational health and safety issue. He noted his department did make a change in 2005 that ensures employees working during a gas-and-dash usually don’t have to cover the loss.

The word that bothers me is "usually" . So sometimes employees have to pay to cover that cost, and Rodneys crew think that is okay, and indeed passed a law to ensure it. Shameful.

Anyway....sunny in Halifax tommorow..wooooooo

Back at it! Sorry Steve, you brought it on yourself!

2009-02-24T13:01:00.000-08:00

After some technical fine tuning and updates, I am back. Sorry if I caused anyone to miss their daily fix, however much I doubt that is true, I still hope you're glad I am back.

From now on, most updates will be focused on 2-4 times daily. Morning, 6ish and probably later in the evening. These seem to be the best times to hit people who are 1- waking up and checking 2- arriving at work and checking ( don't worry everyone checks daily news, email, facebook etc at work) 3- Checking in after you are home and settled.
This also gives me more time to add better links, updates and full story on topics I am blogging about.
Tell your friends, become a follower ( it's easy) and enjoy!!!!

Here goes:

Let's all be honest here for a minute and look at the bare facts. Fact #1- Harper has been PM for almost 4 years. Fact #2- Our Economy is tanking, jobs are bleeding, industry is collapsing, some economists, not many but some, are using the D word. While the number is few, the credibility of those who think so is without question. And the news agency reporting it, CTV.
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20090219/great_depression/20090219?hub=CanadaAM

Fact #3, while in opposition, and in his younger days as a hill staffer ( I am almost ashamed to that share common bond with him, well maybe ashamed is a tad hard) and Head of a Right wing group, Harper would attack liberal governments for situations they had to deal with while they governed.

He was correct in doing so, a government takes credit for the good that happens under their watch, the burden of failure is also theirs to carry. Harper can't escape this fact.

That has got to be one of my biggest beefs with this government. They talked such a big game about reform, and doing things different during QP, and more transparency and accountability, and on and on about their higher standards, and how have they delivered?
This is the guy who angered journalists and reporters by only allowing certain people to ask questions, thus controlling the type of questions they got. The made a list that you had to be put on by the PM staff. It is the nature of on their toes, facing tough questions from smart educated reporters that helps keep governments in check.

This is the guy who has seen QP become the biggest joke in memory. It was bad under Chretien at times, hell it was bad under most PM's, the nature of QP is adversarial. But Under Harper it is beyond a sad joke. I had the privilege of sitting through many a QP during the Chretien days, and it was loud and partisan, but under Harper, it has become not only louder and more partisan, but the nature of some answers leaves me to wonder if medicinal marijuana wasn't prescribed to some ministers to help calm nerves before they must stand in the house. I have heard MP's ask over and over again for a simple yes or no answer, they almost plead to have just a yes or no, and the answer, 99% of the time ( at least the time i see it) is a partisan slam that often accuses the questioner of some wrong doing. It is almost a sin that hard working MP's ( and yes there are some) have to waste their time sitting through non answer after non answer, when they have real work to do.

If you ever get a chance to watch QP or read Hansard, listen or look carefully, listen to how 30 seconds of talking can say so little.

So there it is, a quick, rambly re-start.
Tomorrows will have some good morning links to start the day...plus the weather. Fancy.

SHOCKER:Bus driver makes 8yr old walk km's in snow,

2009-02-05T11:11:00.000-08:00

Super S#*t disturber and all around strike queen Joan Jessome, still giddy from her near strike experience, in which her big pitch was that her drivers care sooooo much about the kids, doesn't have the energy she once had. What else could explain her almost complete silence on the fact that mere days after getting a pay raise and more, her drivers made small children, some as young as 8, walk through treacherous conditions, km's away from the planned drop point.

First, this driver should be fired and not receive any of this retroactive pay. Second, Joan Jessom now has a major credibility crisis on her hands. She used the safety of tax payers children as one of the main reasons her drivers deserved more $ . Granted , it wasn't the only one, but it was a major plank in her sympathy bid. But now we see through the layers of foundation, blush, mascara and lies. We see the real Joan Jessome. A person who will say anything, and do anything to "win". And a person who when faced with her own errors, refuses to fess up and take the punishment. She made a promise, kids safety was #1, she didn't follow through, how can she ever be trusted again?

Look all of you Joany moany supporters. I know she didn't drive the bus, so waste your breathe with that argument. When she makes it clear to everyone and anyone who will listen, over and over and over again, who she is and what she thinks, then she has to take the heat for this. She wants credit for all the good, she wants people to know she is the leader of that Union, we get it Joan.

The key word I used above is leader. She claims to be, and clearly is the leader of that Union, leaders don't let others suffer for their mistakes. If she is going to preach safety is #1, she damn well better to be able to back it up. These are kids, not cakes or flowers or pizza getting delivered, these are humans.

You know with all this flip flopping, constant fight picking, and refusing to own up to her mistakes, she may be just what Harper is looking for in an Senator, and we know how he ikes to appoint like minded people. Take her, PLEASE!!!!

Bill Casey vs the Bully party

2009-02-04T07:52:00.000-08:00

I should have been but wasn't shocked. I should have been because the accusation against Casey is ludicrous, hogwash and without merit. I wasn't because nothing Harper does surprises me. This is a dirty smear against a man who just happened to make Harper look really bad. Just coincidence? No way

Bill Casey and Newfoundland and Labrador, unfortunately, have had to take some awful abuse at the hands of Harper. The only silver lining is that this may be the straw that breaks the camels back. Polls recently have shown Canadians place blame for most of the recent Parliament hijinks squarely on Harpers shoulders. He caused all the recent trouble with his hyper partisan attitude. Canadians don't like it. My prediction, polls in the next 2 Weeks show a drop for Harper a bump for Iggy.

Update..read it and have fun

2009-02-03T17:16:00.000-08:00

For those who didn't read the most recent post, before this one, please do, but you don't have to, I am easy.

I want to see what kind of answers i get to this question:

Excluding all Current MP's, who would you most like to see as Prime Minister?

Post you answer in my comments section...this should be fun.

Chretien For PM

2009-02-03T11:06:00.000-08:00

Man oh man do I miss Chretien. He knew how to be a Liberal. He knew that obstacles are to be overcome, not used an excuse to do nothing. The Liberal Party was built on moderate, progressive ideas that a large majority of Canadians support. They just need us to show them that we are the party of Canadian values. They needs us to remind them of what we stand for. They need to know that we stand on the side of what is right, no matter the consequence, no matter the fight we face. At the end of the day a well funded campaign wil never beat a campaign built on fairness, equality, openess ,respect and compassion.

I have worked my bum off for years during and in between elections for the Liberal Party. Now this party of Moderates has said they will support a budget which will cost NFLD billions and many people their jobs.

Who is worse, Iggy for going along with it, or Harper for trying to push it through.

I am a fan of Iggy. I have complimented him on his approach, and up until the last few days was okay with the budget. It has been the ensuing equalization issue that has altered my opinion. It was put in the fine print, Harper hoped to squeeze it in, and we all know what this is. Harper, who was destroyed electorally in NFLD because of Premier Williams is a vindictive man, and he is sticking it to the people who don't want him as their PM.

That isn't the kind of leadership we deserve. Ignatieff has been put in a tough spot, and I am glad he was the only leader to allow his MP's to vote with their conscience.

My problem with the support is that once again we are a party that screams bloody murder, we talk big, and then we lay down and play dead.

If we are forced into an election, so be it, yes there is a cost, but the long term cost of having a government in power that has clearly shown no ability to deal with the economic situation is much greater.

And I doubt it would come to that. The GG would almost certainly have to ask Iggy to form a government, he could, and should. Anyone who thinks this shouldn't happen doesn't understand how our system works. It's not a partisan thing, it's a written in law thing.

This budget has failed Canadians. To stand by and watch it happen, to see Harper divide the country, again, and do nothing, is not an option.

What is becoming of our party? Where have all the Liberals gone? Is it too late to bring back Chretien? Maybe he will bring Martin too....oh please come back. Canada needs you, before it's too late. ( If you hadn't noticed, the guy in charge now, not so good)

E-I-E-I Oh no she didnt!!!!

2009-02-03T04:21:00.000-08:00

These guys and gals just don't get it. Thousands and thousands of factory workers, mill workers, service industry workers, construction workers etc are losing their jobs because the Harper Reform party can't manage the economy. Now they are saying they don't need to improve EI because they don't think people who are on EI should be living a Lucrative life.

http://www.ottawacitizen.com/Business/Finley+under+fire+jobless+comment/1246450/story.html

These people don't get average Canadians. A very very large number of Harpers Cabinet is made up of Silver spooners, always had it easy, lots of money, never worried about bills.

Sure there are some in Cabinet who weren't born that way, but I guess their well over $150,000/year salary has made them forget.

I doubt anyone on EI lives a lucrative life. Conservatives look at people without jobs as, welfare bums, lazy, no good etc.,

I wonder if Mrs. Finley would ever consider changing places with someone on EI for just one week, swap salaries, home etc., I guarantee 1- she would never do it, nor would any tory, they like their money.

2-She wouldn't last a day

It's a sin, this government attacks people who are unemployed, during a time in when 100,000+ jobs will be lost, and when people are scared for their future. The stigma of unemployment created by these tories may lead some people who deserve it to not apply. I know I would be worried about applying for a program whose participants the government has disdain for and publicly berates.

I am sure unemployed workers are glad that you added to their stress, by painting them out to be lazy.

Shame on you Harper and Finley, but I shouldn't be surprised, silver spoons can often distort reality.

http://www.ottawacitizen.com/Business/Finley+under+fire+jobless+comment/1246450/story.html

Gettin' Iggy with it

2009-02-02T07:40:00.000-08:00

Ignatieff is Harpers worst nightmare. Smarter, more polished, more human, less likely to shake a small childs hand. The Cons/reformers are scared, and with good reason;

The New York times has recognised what many Canadians are starting to understand. Ignatieff is the new kind of leader we need.

I hope you enjoy this article and some nice poll numbers

http://thechronicleherald.ca/World/1104199.html

http://www.nikonthenumbers.com/topics/show/117

Conservative Myth busted

2009-02-01T07:55:00.000-08:00

I have always wondered why the old belief that Tories are the best fiscal managers to be puzzling. Any basic reading of Canadian and American political history shows it to be a complete lie. The Tory times are tough times theory is the accurate one.

This article does one of the best jobs I have seen at very simply explaining why the Conservatives pitch that they are the best economic minds is false, plain and simple!

http://thechronicleherald.ca/NovaScotian/1104126.html

Harper to throw away Jobs for Trades people?

2009-01-31T08:02:00.000-08:00

Harper has time to change his budget, it hasn't passed, he needs to recognise that the additional cost of well over $10 billion could be an overload on an already suffering economy. There is such a thing as a tipping point.

Look a these articles. $7 billion here, a few more billion there, Harper thinks the economy is leaking, we know the damn has burst. I will say this, of course

different groups have different views, but facts are facts, and this could be added on top of the already big pile of tough economic news.

http://www41.statcan.ca/2006/1130/ceb1130_001-eng.htm

http://www.cbc.ca/money/story/2009/01/29/buy-american.html?ref=rss

Harper can't wait to see what Obama may or may not do. He needs to be proactive. Put measures in the budget now to ensure these industries are protected. If Obama acts against NAFTA, then our businesses can at least survive during what clearly would be a long and drawn out process in trade court. Canada would indeed win, because it is a clear violation of NAFTA.

Any costs associated with protecting our industries would be recovered, with penalties. Spending money in defense of what is right is always good. Workers in these industries deserve it.

Harper hopes, or perhaps knows, because personally I believe this issue is about off shore dumping by China etc., that Canada will be exempt. Obama has a constituency to play too. In the end though, as in the past, Canada is often exempt from regulations and tariffs others may face while entering US markets. Another reason why this probably won't be an issue is the fact that, and I may be wrong, but pretty confident in the numbers, 100% of our steel producers have American owners and or links. They will still be making steel, it is still needed.

The same goes for a lot of construction based industries, some but not all, have ties to American interests, which loopholes them from such clauses. The simple fact is that if American demand grows, they need our materials, or they won't be able to sustain the growth. My apologies to anyone who may loss work/money because of it, it may happen, I hope it doesn't, and I hope I am right about out industries position of strength.

Harpers plan, most likely is to look like he is being tough with Obama, standing up for Canada, all the while knowing a favourable outcome. Clever politics, terrible governing. There is a chance there will not be an exemption, these are extraordinary times. Harper needs to look smart not tough, cause the tough never works for him, and smart is slowly slipping away.

Harpers only saving grace now, and it's telling that it has come to this, is to do the right thing. It's about the only thing he hasn't done so far.

Wisdom, Courage, principles. Andrews sets a new standard.

2009-01-31T06:34:00.000-08:00

Bill Casey sent a message to Stephen Harper. He didn't listen. Danny Williams punished him in the polls. He didn't listen. Now two of Newfoundland and Labradors Liberal MP's have seen enough.

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/newfoundland-labrador/story/2009/01/30/foote-budget.html

Will they be punished, I doubt it, perhaps a slap on the wrist. That's okay. These two political war horses know there are rules that parties have to follow, and they will accept punishment, if any. I can't see them being kicked out of caucus and disrespected in the same way the Con/Reformers did with Bill Casey. The Liberal party welcomes divergent views, anyone who has ever witnessed a Policy convention for the party will know this to be true.

Andrews and Foote have been sent to Ottawa by citizens of Newfoundland and Labrador. They have to walk the streets, eat in the diners, worship in the churches, cheer at the same rinks and share the same communities with the people this budget will hurt.

Harper is playing tricks with the budget, he taken steps to punish the citizens of that great province for not sending any Conservative MP's to Ottawa. This is the bitter, vindictive little man in Harper, that Premier Williams has been so good at calling out. Cutting $1.5 billion from what is owed to the people is just dirty dirty dirty.

Ignatieff is caught in a rough spot too. Party discipline is important. But he is a man of principle and he knows what Harper is trying to do. Harper likes to create wedge issues, both for citizens and members of parties. He drags up the abortion debate, He drags up Gay rights. He pits English against French, West against East...anything he can find to divide people.

As Ignatieff has shown in recent weeks, he is a calm, thoughtful, intelligent man who makes decisions using the best information he can get his hands on. He is smarter than Harper and I doubt he will let this issue divide his party.

This could all backfire. The Liberals, under Ignatieff, can show they are still a broad based party. To pick up on the Key from the New Obama administration, the Liberals can and will be seen as a party that welcomes all views, from all corners. Encourages free thought and dialogue as a way to solutions. A consultative approach with a willingness to listen.

Compared to Harpers iron fist, my way or the highway approach to policy, the Liberal approach is a refreshing refrain from the same old, tired politics.

It was during a time of change in the Democratic party, when a man with a funny sounding name came to be known by all the country after his powerful speech.

Perhaps we have seen the rising of our Obama. Perhaps we are seeing the first signs of a current of change that can bring us to the promised greatness of our democracy. A democracy shaped by people who speak for main street, not by people who seek only to hold power.

Perhaps the man with the warm accent and east coast born strength, can be our new beacon. From the streets of the rock, to the halls of power, with people like Andrews and Foote around, hope has indeed found a messenger.

While my NDP MP Ms. Leslie voted against a document before she saw it, showing an absolute disdain for democracy, in an attempt to stay in her bosses good books, Mr. Andrews and Mrs. Foote showed real leadership. I wonder if they could use some new constituents, mine seems to be on vacation.

Scott Andrews / Kid Newfoundland does whats right!

2009-01-30T13:23:00.000-08:00

Hats off to Scott Andrews. The Liberal MP from the Rock has shown a Bill Casey"esque" quality, and is moving ever closer to Folk Hero Status in his home province.

Andrews is declaring he is first and foremost, in Ottawa to protect his constituents, and he won't take Harpers kick in the gut lying down.

Andrews is a street fighter in the political sense. A true backroom warrior who knocked on doors, ran campaigns, made phone calls, stuffed envelopes and held senior positions within the party, before being elected MP.

If Harper thinks he had a fight on his hands with a pissed off Danny Williams, he may have just bitten off more then he can chew now. Andrews won't lay down, these are his people, Newfoundland and Labrador is the province he loves, he stands up for loved ones.

Harper had better know when to back down. Kid Newfoundland can throw with the best of them, and our PM just picked a fight.

Guilty plea in Boudreau Case

2009-01-30T09:06:00.000-08:00

I don't even want to say anything about it. Here is the link, but please, be very very cautious. If you are overly sensitive, well not even overly, if you have any sensitivity this will upset you. The actual details, which haven't until now been released, are contained in the statement of guilt. It is awful.

So again, honestly, this isn't something you want to read if you are at work and about to head into a meeting, it truly is disturbing. Okay, I think that is enough of warning, here are2 links.

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/nova-scotia/story/2009/01/30/ns-karissa-guilty.html

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/nova-scotia/story/2009/01/30/ns-karissa-guilty.html

Shocker!!Poll finds Canadians against Fighting in Hockey

2009-01-29T13:21:00.001-08:00

Here are links to a few stories;

http://www.niagarafallsreview.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1388510

http://www.thestar.com/Sports/article/578326

My question to you is this. How much of this poll is a reflection of the tragic death recently in Ontario? In six months, would poll findings be the same?

Budget to cut funding for stem cell research

2009-01-29T06:21:00.000-08:00

Harper, in his stimulus budget, has decided that scientific jobs don't really count. Why else would he cut over $100 million from the budget of Genome Canada and put 1000's out of work.

Here is the article:

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090129.wbudgetscience29/BNStory/budget2009/home

Is it just coincidence that Genome Canada funds stem cell research? I am sure Harper will be getting a call from his old buddy George Bush, Yo Harper, good job on the stem cell stuff. Go Neo-Cons.

Above and beyond the motives for the cuts, is the fact that this could send some of our best and brightest minds away. Scientists need research funding, they go where it is. Harper has sent the message to the Scientific research community, no work for you.

Canada's Charter of rights violated by Doctor

2009-01-29T04:36:00.000-08:00

UPDATE;
Below is a new story. The clinic director is trying to defend the doctor. Read it so you know where I am coming from. My reply to his sad excuse, which basically was saying she didn't say she wouldn't treat them, just that she thinks they are disease filled and had sexula problems.
Oh well, of course these women would feel comfortable using this doctor. I know if my doctor told me I was disgusting and he was used to dealing with people like me, that I would feel very comfortable. These women are being oppressed. They are being denied the most basic of rights.

I am not gay, so I can't fully feel the impact of this statement. I can imagine though. I can imagine, being gay, going to work and paying taxes, only to have those taxes pay the salary of Women who would refuse me health care because of her backwards hate filled views. I can imagine the pain and disgust it must cause are awful.
Where is our Prime Minister on this subject? His job is to defend the rights and security of all citizens.
If they weren't lesbians would the Conservative government stay silent? If it was a Cabinet Minister who was told he/she couldn't have access to health care? What will it take for someone to root out injustice, silence hate and eliminate the old conservative principles that too often are built on religious based discrimination.
http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews/MD-did-not-refuse-lesbians-clinic-says38528377.html

This story made me sick to my stomach. Thank god I am not a lesbian or perhaps my upset stomach would go untreated.

http://thechronicleherald.ca/Canada/1103158.html

This story is about a Doctor who refused to help a Lesbian couple. The article includes this little gem, in which she gave the reason as :

she has no experience treating gays and lesbians who have "sexual problems" and "a lot of diseases and infections." Her words. She thinks gays and lesbians have a lot of diseases and infections.

This Doctor, from Egypt, had to I hope, pass some tests and meet some standards before she could practice in our country, and accept tax payers dollars, some of those tax payers by the way are gay or lesbian. I would think the most basic standard would be that she FOLLOWS OUR LAWS.
This women should be deported. She has trampled on the Human rights of a Citizen.

To put this in perspective. Lets replace the Female Egyptian born Doctor, with a male Canadian born Doctor. If he told a lesbian couple the same thing as this women did, I suspect it would be headline news, the Doctor would loose his ability to practice medicine. Why are we allowing someone to come to our country, ignore our laws, commit what is in essence a hate crime against this couple and then collect taxpayers money.

Do we live in a country where we believe in rights, or do we just pay them lip service.

I suspect the PC police have the college of physicians and surgeons worried about the optics of going after someone who isn't from Canada. I suspect they fear they will be accused of prejudice if they go after this Doctor, who is a minority.

This case would be bigger news, like I said, if it was a white male saying this. It shouldn't matter who did it.
The injustice inflicted on these women is indefensible. She should be punished, and if at all possible forced to compensate these women and deported.

We send undesirables away from our shores, we don't embrace them. If we don't punish this women, severely, the message we are sending the Gay and Lesbian community is simple, your rights don't matter. That's not the Canada I know.

BREAKING:Harper Official: Good fiscal position

2009-01-29T03:24:00.000-08:00

These guys just don't get it, here is a quote from Ted Menzies, the PS to the Finance Minister. It is in response to a question from John McCallum. John asked Mr. Menzies to admit they had brought in the first deficit in over 10 years, but Mr. Menzies seems to think everything is okay.

That is the reason Canada is in the good fiscal position that it is in going into this global economic recession. We are better able to fight it. We are better able to adapt to what Canadians need. We will come out of this even stronger.

In his pre-amble, Menzies said they had paid down some debt. It should be noted the ability to make those early debt payments were set in place by the former Liberal government. This budget is the first budget to reflect the policies and fiscal tactics of this government. And as we see, complete failure.

Only a Conservative would ever think of using the phrase good fiscal position to describe a government who has spent us back into deficit.

I wonder what kind fo weasel words they will use to spin this. The problem is, the Tories think things aren't bad. Well, better yet, the tories refuse, and always have refused, to ever admit error. If they admit we aren't in a strong fiscal position, they have to admit error. It's not in their DNA.

BREAKING NEWS: CON MP SAYS ECONOMY IS GOOD

2009-01-28T11:39:00.000-08:00

That's right, Parliamentary Secretary Ted Menzies just said in QP that the economy is in good shape. I am trying to get the direct quote from Hansard. If i heard him wrong, i apologise, but I didn't hear him wrong......or i will eat crow as I said

More as news comes.....

Ignatieff brings adult supervision- And Real Solutions

2009-01-28T09:11:00.000-08:00

I must say this, I admittedly wasn't in favour of supporting this budget. I didn't think there were enough things in the budget to actually spur growth. My political junkie side said go for the Jugular. Alan J, one of Canada's finest politicians, was often of the mind that you take the chance to form a government when possible. That in fact is the goal of a political party, to govern.

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2009/01/28/ignatieff-decision.html

I also, having been involved in politics for too many years to admit, understand strategy, pragmatism and caution have to be measured into your equation.

Ignatieff has done something that no other politician has been able to do in recent memory. He has brought a calming, mature approach. He, as is his duty as opposition leader, has told Mr.Harper that he needs to start cooperating, focusing on Dinner Table issues, stop being a partisan bulldog, and govern, or he, Mr.Ignatieff, is fully prepared and ready to topple this government and replace it with a Liberal Majority.

Mr. Ignatieff has said he will be watching like a Hawk, being the catalyst to ensure the money Harper pledges, he spends. This is something cities and municipalities have said Harper has done in the past. ( That is announce money, but never hand it out).

Finally an adult has joined the fray. I have decided I will support the parties stance. While I may have concerns with the budget, Ignatieff has done more than enough to show he too understands that the budget needs improvement, and he is going to do all he can to ensure it does indeed improve.

Ignatieff has already made the budget better. Imagine how good it would have been if he had written it.

BREAKING NEWS IGGY SUPPORTS BUDGET

2009-01-28T08:20:00.000-08:00

Sources are now saying coalition is dead, Iggy will support budget.
Stay Tuned More news as it breaks...

Danny Boy, the New Captain Canada

2009-01-28T07:26:00.000-08:00

I wanted to add this link for several reasons. Not the least of which is that Premier Williams is one of the brightest minds at work in Canada now. His opinion matters, to people all across the country. In boardrooms and around coffee tables. Danny needs to be listened to.

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/newfoundland-labrador/story/2009/01/28/williams-budget.html

No Stimulus should equal no support

2009-01-28T06:41:00.000-08:00

Sorry Jim, No Thumbs up for you!

This budget was supposed to be about stimulus, about encouraging Canadians to spend. This budget was supposed to be a strong response to a crisis. This budget was a failure. The tax cuts should have been more targeted.

According to stats Canada, I am one of the middle class so often talked about. We make up a majority of the tax paying base. This budget will not encourage me to spend one extra cent. The tax credits for renovations are great, if you own and don't rent, if you have enough money to do the work to begin with ( you still pay for it, and wait and wait and wait until the give you the credit), and if you need renovations. Yes it will create some work, and needed work, but it won't do much if anything to actually stimulate economic growth.

Infrastructure spending will help, but not every dollar announced will be spent. Bureaucratic tie ups, non matching funds, and other cost and time delays will mean some of this money will take years to flow, or may not flow at all.

If every cent in this budget that was meant to stimulate actually was used in a stimulative way, it may have, note may have, fixed the problem, or at least stemmed the growing tide of crisis. The problem is, as structured now, not all the money will flow which means the full stimulus effect won't be felt.

Another point to be considered. These numbers could get worse. Harper and Flaherty are being very optimistic in their view of when things should recover. Any slight deviation from their expected course could cause disaster. This scares me because the nature of this crisis is uncertainty, no one really knows. To make assumptions like those Harper has made, could be catastrophic. Only a few weeks ago, Harper and Flaherty said no deficit, no recession, no way. They were dead wrong.

Can we trust them now?

Fool me once, shame on me, fool me twice and my countries economy collapses...wait that's not how it is supposed to end.

Like sex without foreplay, a budget with no stimulus

2009-01-28T04:22:00.000-08:00

I have a cat, Carmen. He does things he isn't supposed to do like scratches furniture, wakes us up in the middle of the night and so on. We have given up yelling, cause all it does is startle the cat for a few seconds , then he acts bad again.

Harper is like my cat. He was scolded for his first budget, and throne speech. He almost lost his job. He was startled. And for a few seconds acted nice.

His budget shows me he doesn't get it. We are in a time of serious economic crisis and needed stimulus. This budget means a family with a combined income of $100,000 will save about $250. How is this stimulus.

Listen to Mayors, some won't be able to use the infrastructure money cause they are cash strapped.

Over 2 years Harper has made billions in announcements for infrastructure, but it was never used because Mayors couldn't afford their 1/3. This problem still remains.

In a budget where ensuring people stimulate the economy is key, giving across the board tax cuts don't cut it. Someone who makes more than $150, 000 /year, won't go right out and spend the few extra dollars they see on their paycheque. That money than, meant to stimulate the economy, will sit in a bank.

Harper wanted to sa badly to please everyone, that he did nothing. This budget was like sex without the foreplay, no stimulus, over fast, not something to brag about.

I hope Ignatieff asks for some major changes. I hope he gets them, or I hope the GG comes to her senses and gets rid of Harper.

This budget will fix nothing, only make it worse.

While Canadians lose jobs, Harper spends big on trips

2009-01-27T09:54:00.000-08:00

It's clear why Harper, only a few short weeks ago, said we should go out and spend, he was doing a lot of it himself.

The CP is running a great story

http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Politics/2009/01/26/8154811-cp.html

This guy can't control himself. You can be certain Harper and staff didn't stay in motels and didn't snack on pretzels.

This is the most out of touch PM in History.

Don Newman shocked by Bairds Comments

2009-01-27T08:06:00.000-08:00

Here is the clip. The section is from about 9:35-10:40. Newman seem shocked that Baird says he wasn't ever told by Municipal leaders that money is an issue.

I like how Don keeps saying , " really?!"

http://www.cbc.ca/video/popup.html?http://www.cbc.ca/mrl3/8752/politics/politics_mon.wmv

If for whatever reason the clip won't load, it is on the CBC politics website, Monday January 26th edition.

I have added some articles, written during the time Baird met with Municipal leaders. It clearly indicates Mayors and Wardens are telling Baird that money is an issue for them.

http://www.thestar.com/News/Canada/article/278495

http://www.thestar.com/News/Canada/article/570334

In these articles he talks about getting rid of red tape as a desire all parties have. They all want to see this happen, because it recognizes that currently not enough money is available, and they need to free it up. In other words, it recognizes that Municipalities don't have the access to the capital they need now to create jobs.

So I ask again, when Newman mentions that he has heard Mayors say they don't have the money to get these projects started, and Baird says he has never heard that, just what does he mean?

Look, if I am reading these articles and statements incorrectly, then I will eat my words, but come on, take away the spin and arguments around wording, and don't we see a contradiction in what Baird says from one day to the next?

Bairds Budget Blunder

2009-01-27T05:01:00.000-08:00

Last night I decided I need TiVo. Well for a minute I did. John Baird dropped a bombshell.

Don Newman, in referencing his talks with Mayors and officials from cities and towns, said he had heard the big issue for the municipalities was that they couldn't afford their 1/3 of most infrastructure projects.

That's when the shocker hit, this isn't a direct quote, but Baird told Newman he has never heard of this issue. Newman looked puzzled, and asked again, it seemed like he was trying to correct Baird, and rightly so. Anyone who has any interest what so ever in current affairs knows the reality. We hear it over and over again on the news. Municipalities have infrastructure needs they can't meet because of costs.

They agree they need the pay their share 1/3, but until now the Harper conservatives won't front end load the cost, which would help get all these projects going.

Baird, after Newman pressed him on the issue several times, still said that he has never been told by a big city mayor that the 1/3 cost was an issue.

Either Baird isn't listening to anyone or thing other than Harper, or this is the way the Conservatives are again going to spin things.

Here is what will happen, as has already happened. Harper makes an announcement of "x" number of millions, has a big press conference, flies in his private Jet to the event, announces the money, and then it stays in the bank because Harper won't allow for front end loading of costs.

Harper then touts his infrastructure spending, but in reality that money sits in the bank, no work gets done, but Harper can still say he did something, when all he did was create work for those staging his press conferences.

I know this may all sound like semantics and perhaps Baird misspoke.

No he didn't. He was asked a very clear question about a subject that is widely talked about. We all know that Municipalities and Cities are in a financial bind, Baird seems to no be aware, and he is the Minister in charge of Infrastructure.

This can't be good.

Harpers Throne Speech Bombshell

2009-01-26T15:20:00.000-08:00

For those of you who didn't hear or read the speech from the throne, or more appropriately, the brief comment from the throne, here is a link to the English text

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2009/01/26/throne-speech-transcript.html

Short and sweet, it was more of a description of what they think has happened. Harper seems to blame the situation on everything but his government. At its core, if you believe this throne speech, Harper appears to have softened his approach, and may present a budget that represents the majority view of the House, not his parties view.

The trust issue is the problem with this guy. He has flip flopped so much, action now is his only true path to redemption. His words are soft, he has gone back on his words far too often.

I was bothered by something he did say, here is a copy of the part in question:

As Canadians expect, the economy will be the focus of our government’s actions and of the measures placed before Parliament during the coming year. In pursuing measures to support the economy, our government will also attend to the other important priorities that it set out in the speech from the throne to open the 40th Parliament.

What this says to me, is that he may present an updated budget, but he will stick to his neo-con, reform party born policies. It was that speech from the throne only a few weeks ago that started the whole crisis which almost cost Harper his job. I don't think he gets it still. I think he believes on the economy he has to budge, but not on anything else. The only reference in this throne speech to issues that aren't economic based (education, housing, health care, aboriginal issues, immigration,the environment, funding for arts and culture), was a reference to his old throne speech. That throne speech laid the groundwork for Harpers Conservatives to slash funding to arts, health, education, housing, women's groups, immigration support, environmental protections and so on.

Harper may have seen the need to cooperate on economic issues, but the test is whether or not he sees fit to cooperate, as all Canadians expect and want, on all issues MP's face.

I hope he has learned his lesson, I fear he hasn't.

Dastardly Debt duo

2009-01-26T10:11:00.000-08:00

These are the two guys, who mere weeks ago said we should buy stock with all our extra money and that talk of deficits and recession were just liberal fear mongering. Do you really want these 2 in charge of your tax dollars.

Sources are saying the throne speech will be 600 words long. Harpers last speech 4000 words. Why the huge difference? Most likely because he was forced to treat this throne speech like an adult would, so after cutting out all the partisan garbage, the speech goes from 4000 to 600

Maybe that's the reason, who knows

After the Throne Speech you can be sure I will update...waiting now......44 minutes to go

The leaks we have seen from this government on the budget are awful. There response is, of course, the Liberals did it.

The facts are , the Liberals didn't. Yes, details about general programs were leaked, ie., more money for Health Care.

Harper touts out Ministers to give specific figures. This flies in the face of Parliamentary privilege. The MP's should be the first to see/hear budget info, of course after the government.

Harper just wants to get people talking about something else, because he knows if we talk about the real issue, his massive failures on the economy, that it may not be good for his image.

Joan Jessome, Public enemy #1

2009-01-25T04:19:00.000-08:00

Surprise surprise surprise. Joan Jessome may be leading another group into a strike. It's time we got rid of this women who will sacrifice the well being of those in her union, for more on Camera time for her.
http://thechronicleherald.ca/Front/1102700.html

My favorite part in the whole story is this line, from Joan;
"This is the traditional way bargaining goes, although it wasn’t our intention to stay there all day, because it’s just the money on the table. It’s just the wages," union president Joan Jessome said Saturday night.

The, " it wasn't our intention to stay there all day" part. Classic Joan. Sure she wants this strike to end, she is only looking out for kids and Union members, but she can't be bothered to negotiate all day. Sounds like concern to me. Sounds like someone had Saturday night plans. And by the way Joan, we know it's about wages, it's always about wages with you, always always always.

A few things about this whole Bus drivers strike that bother me.

First, the annoying ad they are running on Radio . The womens sad voice, says she is a school bus driver, and that the kids safety is their biggest concern. I am sure this is of cold comfort to the thousands of kids, who now have to walk slippery, dangerous, snow covered and sometimes impassable sidewalks to get to school. This seems very safe. I can just see it now, kids jumping over piles of sidewalk snow, out into traffic. Also in this ad, and in interviews with drivers, they all say they love their job. Alot of people hate their job. These people seem to have jobs they love, that have part time hours and pay what is roughly an average hourly rate in this Province, if you really love a job, pay isn't an issue. ( Yes they need to live, but again, the hourly rate is pretty average for this province)

Second, Joan said it wasn't fair that her Union members get no benefits and pensions, and the salary is too low. Isn't this Joans fault? I know people in Unions, if they didn't receive benefits, pensions and had, as Joan describes it, low pay, they would can their union boss. Why has Joan allowed this to become so bad ? Why, because no TV network would do a story on a well managed Union, it's only in Joans own created chaos does she get her needed air time.

Third, while I don't think it's an amazing salary, $12-14 an hour, for what is part time work, isn't bad. I know other people who make less money and work more hours, they would never take it out on kids, they take it up with their employees.
Joan isn't concerned with her members, if she was she wouldn't be constantly overseeing strikes. A union leader is supposed to ensure his/her members are well taken care of, not just be strike planners.

I love how Joan or one of her people always say, we are doing everything we can to ensure your kids get to school safe and on time. That's such a load of....well you know. If she were doing "everything " she could, she would keep the buses running. She always says she isn't trying to punish kids or parents, but they are always the only ones to get punished. Joan knows this, just too cowardly to admit it.

Nova Scotia has three major impediments in the way of our progress. 1- Joan Jessome and her strike or bust attitude scares away more jobs then she creates. She has yet to see a strike she can avoid, or a TV Camera for that matter.
2- Phil Pacey and his anti-anything newer than 100 years crusade.
3- A government with no backbone to stand up to fools like Joan, and no plan to address our growth needs.

It's sad really. Joan Jessome is the big problem. She dresses up like she is heading out to a cruise ship showing of Chers greatest hits, and goes before the Camera to plead the case of her common folk members. The members need to realise, the general population , doesn't respond well to a women who tells them they will have to deal with the headaches she is creating, and shows little sympathy. She is a terrible public face for your members. She does you harm . and is a media hog who strives for the attention.

Be smart union members, get rid of Joan. I guarantee the tax paying public, whose money you want and kids you are paid to drive, will have a much better image of you.

Oh and tell Joan , when she wants to go on TV, to beg for more money, and to plead the poverty case on behalf of members, perhaps all the big jewelery, dangly earrings and frills you have should be kept under wraps. Try to appear like you are one of them. They wear jeans and sweaters, you wear diamonds and leather. Joan needs a crash course in PR, or better yet a crash course on how to retire early. Do us all a favour Joan, if you want to be on TV, become an actor, not a Union boss.

Spains Lottery Genius

2009-01-24T10:35:00.000-08:00

For those who don't know about it, here is an article that describes what I am talking about;
http://www.live-pr.com/en/el-gordo-delivers-big-winnings-to-r1048252319.htm
Now my idea is a little different than theirs , but bare with me.
I think this idea needs to come to Canada now. I play the lottery, not always, but a few times a month. A straw poll of my friends, some who play religiously, some like I do, and some less than most. They all agreed, they wouldn't really change their habits if we adopted a more broad award system. The basic theory is this, if the jackpot is at $43 million, like it is now, the 6/49 folks award lets say for arguments sake 100 top prizes, $43 million divided by 100 is $430,000. I think if 100 people could win that, it tops 1 or 2 splitting it, even if you awarded 50 top prizes, then it's $860,000. I know the argument is you win less, so it's less appealing, I would agree, but would guess, unscientifically of course, that die hard players still would play, some may quit, but other new players may start buying because of the increased odds. Look, I admit, $43 million would be amazing, but so would $430, 000. If i wasn't happy with the smaller amount, I don't deserve any.

Harper Loses a close ally in Bush

2009-01-23T09:37:00.000-08:00

It must be hard to lose a good friend. Stevie, as his good buddy Bush called him, lost not only a fellow neo-con, but an ideological soul mate. Harpers government, from it's policies to its electoral strategy, comes straight from the books of Karl Rove and Dick Cheney.

If you want to know why our Country is in the mess it is, I encourage you to watch this 31 second clip:

http://bushharper.com/

The site highlights the striking similarities between Bush and Harper, and in turn the Cons/reform party and the Republicans.

This isn't the kind of leader we need. Harper is easily one of the most Republican/religious conservative leaders in the free world.

Remember " Yo Harper". http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20080707/bush_harper_080707?s_name=&no_ads=

It was that moment that best describes Harpers worshipping of Bush. NO self respecting leader of our Country should ever allow a US President, or anyone disrespect the office in such away. Harper seemed to liked it, his hero talking to him, just sad. Bush would have known better than to talk to Chretien or Martin that way.

Flaherty's Fiscal Fiasco

2009-01-22T14:56:00.000-08:00

Despite his warm and fuzzy cat cuddling image...can you believe this sad attempt to look kind... Harper is causing some real heartaches and rough times in this great country.

This isn't my first post on this topic, but the news is fast and furious. Harpers Finance flunky Jim Flaherty has really put us in a bind. This years deficit $30 billion plus.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090122.wPOLdeficit0122/BNStory/politics/home

I remind you that this news, comes from a Prime Minister and Finance Minister who mere weeks ago said there was no recession and no need for deficit spending. $30 billion plus this year, and next, with at least 5 more years of no surplus. The $100 billion mark is in within Harpers reach, and that's the problem, this so called economist seems to be doing everything he can to ruin our economy.

Below is a copy of text from a CTV online article

Just two months ago, the Tories flatly dismissed that deficit spending was imminent and championed their conservative fiscal policies.
And during the fall federal election, Harper said repeatedly that his government would keep the country's finances out of the red. ( Link to story below)

http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20090122/Ottawa_Deficit_090122/20090122?hub=TopStories

Harper has become , in my opinion, so clearly duplicitous, that I can't believe he doesn't know it.

Whether or not you were a fan of Prime Ministers past, I can scarcely remember one who so often would say one thing and do another; Income trusts, Senate appointments, fixed elections, promise to Cape Breton Veterans widow, no deficit spending and on and on.

The tired excuse of the Economic times have changed is dead. Every other party and Canadian recognised the crisis in October. Harper told us to buy stocks with all our extra money, not worry about a recession and that the books would be balanced. The crisis has indeed changed the outlook, but the challenge still could have been met with more planning and preparedness.

Harper was too busy being partisan, too scared of losing his job to be paying attention. Now Canadians pay.

Potato Pete's Pathetic Pooch house performance

2009-01-22T09:25:00.000-08:00

Peter " Bye Bye Jobs" MacKay is at it again. Under his watch , the political Minister/Puppet for Nova Scotia has watched as thousands of jobs have vanished. We saw it at Moirs, Trenton Works and now lumber mills.

According to the CBC, a Century Old business will be forced to close its doors, devastating its employees and their families.

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/nova-scotia/story/2009/01/22/ns-comeau-lumber.html

The damage to the community will be swift. A hundred years of solid business destroyed in a few years by a government that doesn't seem to care about anything beyond partisan gains.

MacKay is supposed to stand up for Nova Scotia. How does he show it? By supporting Harper on the Atlantic Accord, and not standing shoulder to shoulder with Bill Casey, on the side of Nova Scotians. He helps engineer an economic strategy that has seen thousands of job losses locally, and many more nationally. He allows Navy ships, based on the Atlantic Coast, to be shipped to Vancouver to ensure their shipyard workers have jobs, not ours.

He is either blind and can't see that Harper is using him as punching bag and trying to ruin his career by damaging our province, or he likes the warmth that comes from being so snuggled up close to Harper and his backside, that he doesn't mind if the rest of us suffer.

MacKay should take the lead of Bill Casey, stand up for his province and do his job.

UPDATE:

Sadly, while writing this article, another NOva Scotia business was announcing job cuts. Hundred of employees of ACA in the Annapolis Valley are losing their jobs, and Peter remains silent.

Bourque Newswatch or " Con Spin doctor"

2009-01-22T06:48:00.001-08:00

I used to respect Bourque Newswatch. It was a great way to get the headlines, etc., He always has been, but recently it's gotten worse, in love with anything Conservative.

No mention of $105 billion debt, no mention of Income trust flip flops. I once wrote him a note, asking why he was so harsh on Liberals, his response to me was to call me a name and spout some Tory spin.

Look at Bourque today, nice picture of MacKay, some feel good fluff, and a few stories trashing the coalition. Bourque was quick to highligt a poll that showed a majority were against Coalition. Those numbers are now reversed, Harper is slipping into George Bush popularity realm, and Bourque won't show those stories.

What we need is a new Honest, Fair and Balanced alternative to Bourque. His tired old Conservative views are better left to the cave dwellers and knuckle draggers who support Harpers neo-con view of everything, then to moderate, fair minded Canadians.

I wonder if Bourque will post an Articles as headliners on his page outlining Harpers line of broken promises. Or does Bourque want a Senate seat too.

Breaking News:Harpers $105 billion dollar boondoggle

2009-01-21T12:01:00.000-08:00

I almost fell out of my chair. The Parliaments Budgetary watchdog appointed by Harper himself, has said our deficits could go as high $105 billion. Wiping out every bit of progress made under previous Liberal governments.

Harper and Flaherty have in 2 short years taken our economy from healthy to devastated. The legacy Harper wants to leave to our future generations is increasing debt , damaged environment, collapsing Health care system, weakly funded education systems and hyper partisan Parliament.

Harpers own words , only a few months ago, prove he is either completely incompetent or lied to us. When Liberals warned that Harpers economic ways would bring about deficits, He, and his friends in the media called Liberals fear mongers and Harper said, under him there would be no deficit.

Harper has gone from saying no deficit, to creating a $105 Billion..with a B deficit. I wonder why all those Conservative supporters who said only Tories could handle the economic crisis have gone so quiet. Nothing worse than being wrong, and not being able to admit it. Harpers support is plummeting in George Bush style.

Harper looks like yesterdays man when next to Obama. Obama shows us that we deserve better, Harper reminds us why we should never trust the Cons again. Lied about deficits, lied about Senate appointments, lied about Income Trusts.

Anyone remember Mulroney, Buchanan, Harris......Tory times are tough times. Never was a more true statement uttered in Canadian politics.

Obamas' bump--for the Liberals

2009-01-21T04:57:00.000-08:00

There was a great globe and mail article today,

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090120.wpoll21/CommentStory/politics/home

Not only does the article highlight the impressive job the new Liberal leader is doing , but it highlights the poor job Harper is doing it. More than half, 55%, of Canadians do not approve of how Harper is handling things,

“That is a very bad number,” Ekos president Frank Graves said of the disapproval rating. “That is getting up into [former U.S. president] George W. Bush numbers. Not quite, but 10 more points, and you're up to as bad as it gets for elected leaders.”

Harper is about as popular as Bush. This comes as no shock, and proves that his recent victory had little to do with him, and much more to do with weak opposition. We now see a new leader, in Ignatief, who Canadians are warming to ( his favourables are higher then Harper, already)
who and who clearly would be a much better leader for our Country when it comes to dealing with Obama. The fact is this, Obama is an instant cultural icon. He is credited by some, with single handedly changing the image of the Bush bruised America.
Harpers ideology is out of whack with Obama's. We will need to work with the US administration. Iggy is such better suited to do just that, Canadians know it, and Harper is worried.
for
I doubt Harper has the political or personal strength or ability to best Ignatief in an election. We all will watch what a Liberal Government can do for people, as we watch Obama get to work. Canadians will want the same from their government. Who can honestly say that if you prefer the politics of Obama, you would vote for Harper over the Liberal Party of Ignatief.

When Obama comes to Canada, Harper will stand close and try to steal some of the love, and maybe boost his own number. The problem is, the comparison, once Harper wants to make it, is there to talk about, and Harper, unlike Iggy, offers nothing similar to what Obama does. If I were Harper I would stay away from Obama. Some may argue that to stand beside him will boost Harpers image. I argue just the opposite. If I park my Ford Focus next to a Mercedes, it doesn't make my car look better, just reminds people how great the Mercedes is. Harper next to Obama will just remind people what we have, but could have. Like I said, if I was Harper I would stay away, but since I want Harper gone, my free advice to Harper, stand next to Obama alot.

Bye Bye Bush

2009-01-20T04:13:00.000-08:00

Today is the day, Bush is Gone Barrack is in. What started in Illinois, on a cold windy day, was an improbable search for a new way. A man, with as he says it, little supporters, no money and little chance to win, has transformed a world. I know that sounds impressive, and maybe over reaching but it's not. A recent survey showed that many Americans, who mere months ago felt differently, now feel Dr. Kings dream has been realised. The number of African Americans who believe it has skyrocketed.

Obamas victory is evidence that, man and women, of any colour, when given the chance, Will always vote for the better candidate. Election night was a victory for dreams and ambition, not just Obama. My words will never clearly capture the greatness of the occasion, so I leave it with you, to watch, enjoy and hopefully remember.

Other things did happen in the world today, but most will get lost in the shuffle, so here are a few headlines:

www.herald.ns.ca A great story in it today about Conrad Black not getting a pardon from Bush.
Gen. Walt Natynczyk, chief of the defence staff, spoke to several hundred people at a Pier 21 fundraiser. He talked about the need to build new warships, does this mean worker for our shipbuilders, let's hope so. And Mayor Peter Kelly is asking the URB to look into the NS power outage issue. I agree with Mayor Kelly, every storm and power goes out, this isn't normal.

www.theglobeandmail.com

Omar Khard has mentioned Maher Arar , according to the FBI. Arar, tortured in Syria, and paid millions by the Canadian government to settle their liability, has always claimed innocence, and I for one believed him. Could this prove to have been one of the biggest scams ever pulled by a terrorist, or more here say. This will be interesting to see.

Todays news is lost in Obama-mania, so I will have more to come, but for now, enjoy and celebrate. A new day has dawned.

Iggys' steady hand approach.

2009-01-19T12:59:00.000-08:00

I love the Liberal bloggers who seem to be so in shock that Iggy may take his time and not force an election ( I think the GG has shown she is no outside the box thinker and surely would allow an election over coalition). He is doing exactly, and correctly , what he said he would. He has traveled the country, listened at well attended town halls, and now is conversing with caucus on how to proceed.

I want Harper gone as badly as the next. I don't want him just gone, I want his ideology soundly rebuked. The way we do that is by building a Liberal party that can win a strong and decisive majority. Recent elections and polls show that no majority is likely on either side now. While Ignatief is giving us a strong, and what I believe will be a continued bump in poll numbers, he/we also have to address the parties debt, organization, policy etc.,

Iggy has already begun that process, and has made some strong additions to his office. A national meeting will be held in Vancouver, coming out of it we can present Canadians with a strong, moderate, progressive platform, and then fight and election on solid ground, both financially and organizationally.

Of course, if Harper uses the budget the way he did his economic statement, and doesn't properly address the needs of those Canadians who most need it now, our hand will be forced. So be it. It may be a tough fight, but a fight Liberals can win, if Harper wants to pick it.

I just can't see Harper, after what happened, and the crisis we face, not putting forward a budget we all can get behind. He has too, Canadians, not liberals demand it, and won't stand for any less, they have had enough Ottawa nonsense. They will tell us whether to defeat, or support, that you can count on.

Let's remember who we are with and who we are against, give Iggy the chance, he is exceeding expectations already.

CBC's corporate takeover

2009-01-19T07:08:00.000-08:00

I watched CBC newsworld this morning, and I wasn't aware that Tim Hortons had bought our national broadcaster. I joke of course, but I thought it funny, that there on the desk in plain sight for all Canadians to see, well all Canadians who were watching CBC newsworld, was a cup of Tim Hortons. While Coleen and Heather talked about Markets, sports , Obama etc., there it was, center of frame, Tim Hortons.

Now don't get me wrong, I was drinking out of my own tims mug, but my first thought was, nice free advertising, my second was poor Robins Donuts, my third was, if this had been a cup of starbucks, CBC would have been raked over the coals for daring to show this product on air.

Look, I don't think there is anything sinister about it, I found it funny, and to be honest, comforting, it was familiar. But I bet someone is fuming about it.

Update

2009-01-19T04:30:00.001-08:00

I thought I would add a little zing to my blog, by giving you more than my tired old views. I will venture to highlight the headline news of the day, local, national and international. A few headlines with link and commentary on the days news.

My thought is that perhaps you can come for some news and stay for some readiong pleasure. Also, since most of my posts, deal with current news, it would be helpful to ensure access to the news I am getting, so I can be as fair as possible.

So here is my first go at it:

In the Chronicle Herald there is a great story about speeding and the dangers of the 101, as well as a great article on the continuing saga of the Armour group trying to create jobs vs the heritage group trying to lock us in the past. http://www.herald.ns.ca

The globe and Mail today has several great reads. Some news on the Gaza truce. An update on jailed Canadian Child soldier Omar Khadr, a story about the mortgage crisis situation, where American based insurance companies want the Canadian taxpayer to fully guarantee their products. As is stated in the article; Such a move would make the federal government ultimately liable for all of the hundreds of billions of dollars in insured mortgage debt.
And a story I have blogged about today( if you are reading this it is the next post on the page ), Senator Brazeau and the missing money
http://www.theglobeandmail.com

In sports news, Steelers and Cardinals in the Superbowl, leafs still suck, Ottawa is getting better( still awful) and the Habs are shaky. In the west, Vancouvers recent Sundin trade hasn't been huge yet, i note yet, and the flames and oilers, same old same old.

The big news of the day is the less that 24 hour away swearing in of Barack Obama, I will be glued tight to the TV, and you can be sure more is to come on this subject.

I can smell my coffee now, I am off, be back soon with more news, stories etc.,

Harper senate appointee and the missing cash

2009-01-19T04:14:00.000-08:00

I woke up, looked out my window, and wanted to go back to bed. Snow, rain, wind, blah. I did get up though, I should have gone with my first instinct and stayed in bed, cause my eyes and brain were about to get a kick.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090119.wbrazeau17/BNStory/politics/home

The globe and mail is running a story today. If you have read my blog in the last few weeks, you will be aware of my fury at the recent appointment to the senate of a man accused of sexual harassment, drinking on the job and unfairly dismissing staff. This Harper appointee was the head of a group, tax payer funded group, that spent more than a quarter of a Million, roughly $260,000 of Canadians tax dollars, and has no proof where it went. They claim they paid people to be at board meetings, but there is little to no evidence that any of this work was done, more or less they paid people, no doubt friends and colleagues, for little or no work.

Maybe Harpers genius was in putting him in the Senate, now Mr. Brazeau can't oversee such a waste of taxpayers money. Unless of course you consider the fact that we have to pay this 34 year old man, a bare minimum of $122,000 roughly, for the next 41 years a waste of money, which I do.

Harper has been completely silent on this. Could you imagine if Chretien had appointed a 34 year old to the Senate, guaranteed him a rich mans salary for 41 years, and tried to ignore the fact he/she is tied up in scandal and controversy surrounding hundreds of thousands of taxpayers dollars, Harper and his reform/alliance bunch would have screamed bloody murder.

Harper has taken an ends justify the means approach. I am not certain this massive abuse of taxpayers money can ever be forgiven, or should be. Shame on our Prime Minister.

Mideast mess

2009-01-17T07:47:00.000-08:00

I think I should always preface my thoughts on the Mideast situation with this. I think 99.9% of Israelis and Palestinians are being unfairly punished by militants in Hamas, and hawks in the IDF. Most people just want peace, no suicide bombers, no soldiers in cities, no rocket attacks, no air strikes. I am neither pro or anti either side, purely anti-senseless preventable death. I tell people (who can sit through my babbling) a story of living in Ottawa, in a house of several friends, some with family, religious and philosophical links to both sides, some of us with no direct links. This was during a heightened time of violence in the late 90's and early into 2000. At times voices were raised and the rhetoric was question period like. We all still cared about each other, ate together, got sometimes perhaps a tiny bit too drunk with, but never wanted harm to come to the other. I now have, in a slight way a tie to the region. Perhaps that is why the messy war bothers me so much. I am, admittedly then, part of the problem, my disgust should leap from my humanity, not be coerced through friendship or bloodlines.

40,000 stranded pregnant women

2009-01-16T08:19:00.001-08:00

CARE international is reporting that there are 40,000 pregnant women in Gaza, with no access to health services. Most can't leave their house, and if and when they need medical attention, hospitals are not equipped to handle them.

If you are a parents, or anyone who just has a soul. Imagine what it would be like, if your spouse was pregnant, and there was no medical assistance for her.

We will be reading about the massive crimes against humanity that occurred in Gaza years from now, and we will ask how it happened, and promise to never allow it again. Like we did after the Holocaust, Rwandan genocide, and Kosovo.

From Banning abortion to blowing cash..Harper style

2009-01-16T05:11:00.000-08:00

It seems Canadians are increasingly concerned about the economic crisis. It also seems that those who wish to see us spend our way out of it, are now in the majority. The number of Canadians who think deficit spending is okay has sky rocketed. So what does this mean? Well first I think it shows that Canadians are a little more sophisticated than perhaps given credit for. We recognise that deficits are sometimes a necessary evil.

The same poll also shows that Canadians are increasingly coming back to the Natural Governing party, the Liberals. Canadians know the Liberal track record on the economy is strong. They are proven deficit and debt fighters, they know how to balance the books. This all scares me. You may be confused as to why. Simply put, Harper, who says he doesn't govern by polls, but clearly does ( I suspect a pollster told him people don't like hearing he governs by polls, so he won't say it) now has a mandate and reason to spend like a drunken sailor ( no offense meant to my drunk sailor friends), in his mind at least.

Electoral victory is all that matters to the Conservative/Reform Party. The Provincial tory government in Nova Scotia is facing defeat. Prem Rodney, a close advisor and supporter of the Harper/Bush bunch is going to put off a budget( you call that leadership in economic crisis) to wait for more money from Ottawa, so he can look like he is doing something, and then call an election. Harper will go against his neo-con beliefs and spend billions on infrastructure, but call everyone else socialists when he can.

I believe we need a stimulus package. I agree with the spending. I don't agree with the motives. Harper will use the money to bolster his support and supporters. This kind of political interference never causes a good end result.

Harpers problem is he knows his days are numbered. He will be remembered for taking over a healthy country economically and socially, and turning it into a country where regional, ethnic, and gender divides have been created and our books are in chaos. He has re-opened the Abortion debate, gay marriage debate, took equality out of status of women mission and ended the pay equity system. He will be remembered for going from surplus to huge deficits, maybe up to $40 billion.

Harper hopes pictures of him, in a hard hat, announcing jobs and projects will fix his image. It won't. Just a few short weeks ago, he told people the economy wasn't as bad as Liberals , NDP and Bloc supporters were saying, and he encouraged people to go out and buy stock.

He has done a complete 180 on his economic " principles". The Conservatives have only one principle that they follow, victory at all cost. This is no way to run a country.

With Iggys poll numbers way up, and support slipping from Harper, he may just do whatever he has to so as to stay in power. Motivated only by desire to win, armed with our tax dollars, and hoping to firm up support in his base ( Religious groups, NRA supporters, Republicans and Reform/Alliance people) Harper has the ability to do massive harm to our fragile economy, lets hope someone in his inner circle can stop him, but no one has yet.

Harper has done these few things in the last year that make me question his politcal skills and compassion.
1-Created a hug deficit
2- Allowed a committee to investigate making abortion illegal.
3- Flip flopped on income trusts, costing millions of seniors billions of dollars.
4- Killed Kelowna accord and the help the First Nations requested.
5- Appointed almost 20 partisan hacks to the senate, after saying he never would ( One appointee is 34, charged with sexual assault and will make millions because he has his seat until 75 almost 40 years)
I could go on, but you get the point. Harper is all over the place. He needs a long vacation.

Israels rock and hard place position

2009-01-15T11:27:00.000-08:00

Oddly enough it took the, as I am sure they would describe it, reasonable answer of the Israeli government, that best describes the error in their current strategy. An Israeli defence Ministry spokesperson, summed up the problem in roughly this way. Israel has to respond to Hamas attacks and wipe them out, because a ceasefire won't work. His reasoning as to why it wouldn't work, was that Hamas can't be trusted to stop attacks and respect the ceasefire.

Let's take his premise as legit, not that I believe it, but for arguments sake. Hamas can't be trusted, they are a terrorist group who won't follow rules. If Israel knows Hamas won't follow the rules, but says they won't stop attacking until Hamas stops attacking them, aren't they basically admitting there is no end. It's sort of like saying I am going to throw buckets of water into this lake, until it stops being wet. You better have a good bucket throwing arm.

They could kill every Hamas militant or other terrorist in Gaza. Militants from other places would come, or some people in Gaza not killed, would plan, train and commit more bombings. Those left behind are the exact people recruiters look for, young, traumatized by war, family members dead and angry. Perfect for brainwashing and indoctrination.

Israel knows it will never stop terror by bombing Gaza. They know Hamas militants and/or other terrorist groups will keep up the fight.

Israel is the only party that has the true ability to alter the direction of the situation. Terror groups are too many, with different allegiances, goals etc., Israel has the institutionalized ability to stop 90% of the bloodshed.

Then you focus on the remaining 10%, by helping moderate Palestinians find normality. They want rid of terrorists as much as Israelis do. When their lives improve, they will seek out and eliminate the evil that lies within. An evil that isn't prescribed to by a majority of Palestinians, an evil that exploits and sacrifices innocent Palestinians and Israelis for their cause. An evil that is not representative of anything other than their own desires.

To punish a people who are struggling for statehood , because terrorists have hijacked their freedom, is a far greater punishment than these people should be asked to ever bare.

OHL's new jerk reaction

2009-01-15T07:17:00.000-08:00

I am a political junkie. Love it in all shapes, forms, colours etc., I watch with interest, political news from any source I can, and I have professional experience in politics. So far be it from me to have an opinion on Hockey, but I do. In between yelling at Mike Duffy or Don Newman, from the comfort of my sofa, and through the TV, and after I have had a good dose of Blitzer or Brown, I watch TSN. From Boxing and hockey to curling and golf, and oddly the occasional spelling bee ( my thoughts about spelling bees on TSN can be discussed later), I get my fill.

So with that in mind, and noting my limited expertise in the field, I offer you this thought in reaction to the OHL's recent rule change regarding helmets during fights, a decision made in response to the terrible and tragic death recently of a man in Ontario during a hockey fight.

This was a preventable death yes. As preventable as deaths from car accidents are, which is completely. I bet you are wondering what I mean. I mean that deaths from car accidents are completely, 100% fool proof preventable. Just ban driving any vehicle whatsoever. In turn we can prevent terrible, tragic, accidental deaths in sports by just banning all sports. I hope you all get I don't actually want to ban either of these things.

The point I am making is this. From what I can tell, this death was a fluke, no one wanted to see this man die, it was a fight in Hockey, that ended horribly. Part of the reason was that his helmet was off. This new rule will penalize players a little more, if they take their helmet/chin strap off. But they still can fight, they still will. These are kids, as young as 16 and as old as 20. They are playing hockey in one of the best leagues in the world. Often away from home, in sell out rinks, with autograph seeking fans cheering and willing them to victory. Hockey is a rough sport. Tempers flare, and with the hormones and testosterone levels of teenage boys, mixed with what must be thrilling adrenaline rushes from the screaming packed houses, fights will happen, regardless of penalty, unless it is banned.

With that said, I don't think fighting should ever be banned. I suspect, and I may be wrong, but people have died or been permanently injured, from hockey injuries, that weren't fight related. I have seen people crash into the end boards, head first. We all have seen these big hits that knock guys helmets off, chin strap be damned. In football, huge men hitting each other as hard as they can over and over has caused broken necks, life altering injuries, and could easily lead to death. Car accidents lead to deaths. Poorly built electrical equipment that catches fire causes death. Falling trees due to hurricanes cause death. You get where I am going. There are billions of people, we all will die. Some deaths will be senseless, awful, and gut wrenching, as in said Ontario hockey death. Others will be due to natures course on our tired and strained bodies.

We could do lots of things to make sure certain deaths don't happen. And I hope, out of this death, Hockey Canada does look hard at the issues of players safety, in all aspects. I hope from this honest, open, consultative and wide spread debate that we should have on the issue ( Hockey is our sport, we should set the example for the rest of the world), that we can come up with new and appropriate ways to prevent as much injury and death as possible, and hopefully to end any death completely. Knee jerk reactions are rarely looked back upon as well advised. The phrase " in hindsight" tends to come up a lot. Our approach to this issue should be genuinely Canadian; calm, open, thoughtful, informed, caring.

It's our great game, let's protect the men and women, boys and girls, who play it.

Canadian Bailouts begin

2009-01-15T05:42:00.000-08:00

I shouldn't be shocked. It's not like we didn't see this coming. The up side is I now can say I finally own a piece of Nortel, the sad part is, it's worth a lot less then this warm cup of coffee in my non typing hand ( yes i type with one hand sometimes) .

This is concerning. If Nortel, at one point the most valuable company in Canada and technology giant, can crash and burn, then certainly others will follow.

If we can remember all the way back to October, it started with one big collapse, Bear Sterns, and then boom, down came the whole house. Yes I recognise Bear Sterns was not the first affected, but first major firm, and first really noticed one, because of it's impact.

So Stepehen " i'll trade my principles any day" Harper, has decided to bailout this massive corporation. Some of you may ask, well why is that so bad? It's bad because the precedent it sets is staggering.

Surely now every business that is in trouble, every corporation looking ahead at tough years, and most likely our banks, will want our money. How can the government say no. If it's okay for a company, once seen as a world leader, flush with cash, and staffed by some of the brightest minds in the world , to get a handout, then how can we disallow any other group.

The crisis is affecting every sector. The government has to recognise this fact. It also has to recognise that the government has a bad track record in and shouldn't be engaged in, picking winners and losers in the market. Winners and losers in the business sector will be declared through spread sheets and profitability.

If your business fails, your business fails, everyday many businesses close shop. That's okay. If Nortel is so poorly managed, so broke, so incapable of surviving in this economic climate, then so be it. Government isn't here to be a revolving line of credit.

A friend of mine, successful in the business world, said to me once, his strategy for investing is to stay out of things the government is involved with. He once said to me, " If I need government money to run my business, I am not running it correctly."

He told me he has three colleagues, all involved in business through government programs. All failed. Two of them tried again, sans government help, same business, same model, same plan, different results.

My point is this, governments shouldn't be in the job of picking winners and losers. Governments should be creating a business environment that enables those who can be successful to do just that. Through reduction of red tape, corporate tax levels and infrastructure investments, the government can make the business climate healthy, without putting billions of taxpayers dollars at risk.

Harper is handing out Billions to big banks and his corporate buddies, not much fan fare. I see Harper re-announced some money he was going to spend. Making the announcement twice was for what purpose? Does Harper think saying he will invest 10 billion twice, means he can claim a 20 billion investment.

From now on, the government should have to put on a big show, like Harper does when he hands out money to community groups. He likes to go on stage, hold up a big cheque and say look at all the money we are giving to you common folk. Next time he hands out billions to banks or tech giants, he should have to go on stage, with a big cheque, and hand it to the CEO. If Harper believes his bailout is just, then he should have no problem doing this.

I hope Harper hasn't flip flopped while I was writing this, it happens so much now, it's hard to keep track of.

Harper to run deficit for decade

2009-01-14T04:24:00.000-08:00

Stephen Harper, to win votes , said during the election he would not run a deficit. Now we see that not only was that a lie, but that the deficit for this year will be one of the largest deficits in Canadian history, and we will continue to rack up deficits, and in turn add to our debt, for at least the next 5 years.

Kevin Page, the Parliamentary budget officer, appointed by Stephen Harper, is predicting half a decade of deficits. How did this happen? We had a government that went 12, or perhaps 13 straight years with surpluses, they were blasted by Harper for bad fiscal management. Harper finally gets his shot, inherits the healthiest economy in the G-20, surpluses, jobs being created, and a contingency fund of billions set up to handle these situations.

What did Harper and Flip Flop Flaherty do? Within 2 years, surplus gone, contingency gone, deficits back, economy floundering. Is this the strong fiscal leadership Harper promised.

According to the globe and mail, Mr. Page and his staff aren't excited about the prospects ahead:

"It would be very hard to bring it back to balance in five years," Mr. Page said.
One of his staff suggested it might even take Ottawa seven to 10 years to return to balanced budgets under some scenarios, but cautioned there are too many factors at play to forecast with precision.
Mr. Page said, however, that in excess of half a decade is probable. "It's going to take more than five years," he said.

So, under Harper we have gone from a country of economic strength and hope, to a government that may run a deficit for up to a decade.

The old, but very important question needs to be asked about the Harper governments performance, " Are you in better or worse shape economically now, then you were under the former liberal government" The answer for a large majority of people, accept those serving in Harpers Cabinet is simple, worse, Much worse.

In roughly 2 years Harper has destroyed our economic strength, re-opened the abortion debate, re-opened the gay rights debate, re-opened the equality for women debate, has seen tens of thousands of job losses, and flip flopped on income trusts, veterans survivors benefits, no deficits, more house cooperation and senate reform. He broke promises on all those issues, most Canadians are worse off, and we have a decade of red ink to look forward to.

For a leader who likes to think he is always the smartest guy in the room when is he going to make a smart move.

Will Bill Casey replace Rodney MacDonald

2009-01-13T11:28:00.000-08:00

Nova Scotia politician turned folk hero, Bill Casey has decided to call it quits. The Chronicle Herald reports that Mr.Casey will not run in the next federal election.

http://thechronicleherald.ca/Front/9010283.html

Note in the story how he says he will explore new directions. That has provincial tories drooling. The thought of Bill Casey as their leader gives even the most disgruntled tory supporter, and there are alot of them, hope.

I hate to be the bearer of more bad news to these tory faithful, but on top of the fact that you will have to face a reinvigorated, and surging provincial liberal Party and leader, you will have to do it without Bill.

If he has proven anything, Mr.Casey has proven he will rise above the political spin, and stand up for his constituents and what he and they believe is right, he is not blindly partisan.

Mr. Casey is not a good fit in the Nova Scotia PC Party, in its current shape. This party is too lost. Floating from one crisis to another, with no real direction or even philosophy. Bungled programs and legislation and a general lack of control ( 4 wheelers for kids with taxpayers dollars, Sunday shopping, regulated gas, delayed budgets,conflict of interest from Cabinet Ministers, patronage appointments to former Cheifs of Staff, the list goes on).

The only thing we can be certain to hear from our Prem, is a partisan take on everything, the only action we can be certain of, is sadly inaction.

The soon to be held provincial election will surely see Rodney and friends tossed. Stephen McNeil has made great leaps forward not only in creating a strong, and increasingly popular image personally, but in rebuilding the Liberal party's machine. Darrel Dexter is stable, but seems to have peaked, albeit at a high level and has a strong shot at the big job. My guess is the Liberal party will retake a large chunk of vote they lost to the tories in past elections, and some soft NDP vote. Outside Metro the liberals will be strong, the tories will collapse, and Halifax will be a relatively equal mix of all three parties.

While sitting in the opposition, and most likely third place parties benches in the Nova Scotia Legislature certainly is a new direction, I am not sure if it's a path Mr. Casey would be willing, or wise to take. My advice to Mr.Casey, go out on a high note, you are well respected and admired, both properly deserved. Look at life through a new lens, spend time with family, friends, take a vacation, and stay away from that Rodney, no good can come from it.

Ezras' anger.

2009-01-13T07:27:00.000-08:00

I want to make something clear, so as not to make him too angry at me, although he always seems angry anyway. I don't think Ezras' a bad guy, don't think he is racist, or prejudiced or anything of the sort, but he does display a great example of the Israel above everything else attitude that too many have, and which makes the debate so frustrating.

What do I mean? Simple, I have heard people who are dubbed Pro-Palestine by the media, admit that Hamas does terrible things, and want Hamas and Hezbollah gone. These individuals readily admit fault on both sides, and for the most part accuse Israel of excessive force. This means they accept the premise that Israel has a right and obligation to respond. This to me, is fair and balanced criticism. They are accepting war is messy and blame, usually, isn't limited to one side.

On counter, I rarely hear anyone who is dubbed Pro-Israel, admit any wrong doing. They will say they are sorry innocents get killed, and wish it wasn't the case, but will always say it is the fault of Hamas. The inability to accept any of the responsibility for this war, coupled with the IDF's refusal to allow journalists to see first hand what is happening, and censoring all media coverage, demonstrates clearly that Israel, and many of the nations supporters have developed a "we know what's best, and no one else does" philosophy.

This war will only be ended through diplomatic, face to face actions. Through cooperation, understanding and international assistance, this situation can calm down. This won't happen only by military might, and the pools of cooperation have been polluted by Israels' our way or the highway stance.

Israel has a right to defend against attack. If they truly believe in that theory, than there are family members of the nearly 4000 killed or injured Palestinians, who were attacked, and now have justification, if precedent means anything, to attack Israel.

Israeli citizens deserve peace, happiness, calm. Palestinians deserve peace, happiness, calm, and freedom. As history shows, people will fight, and die, for freedom. A freedom that can be so easily granted and created, through dialogue.

Ezra Levant, Canada's boy who cries wolf.

2009-01-13T06:26:00.000-08:00

Poor Ezra, what a terrible world it must be for him. If you follow his blog at all, you would think this world is hot bed of anti-semitic feelings and that Jews of the world are under daily attack.

I like Ezra, if not for his ability to stir it up, than for his ability to live in a fantasy world, but still function in normal society. It seems that in Ezras' view, anyone who objetcs to anything that the IDF or Israel does, is anti-semitic. Rich for a guy who stirred up trouble and offended millions of Muslims with his support for cartoon drawings of the Prophet.

Ezra, no military genius, says on his blog that Israel can handle itself in Gaza. Just when will this start? They have already backed away from their goal at the biegining of this siege. They lost to Hezbollah, and now face Hamas and are finding that fighting against peoplpe who are in essence fighting for freedom, isn't so easy. The IDF can't win this fight, they have proven it, that is why they turn to blanket bombings of civilain targets and even UN real estate.

Ezra refers to marchers in the streets of Canada as radical Muslim groups, who wave the terrorist flag of Hezbollah. That seems fair and not biased at all. Ezra always has been pro-Israel, and clearly anti-democracy . I say this because he forgets to mention, that groups like Hezbollah and Hamas, were elected, are political parties and like Ehud Olmert, had to win support from their people. If Hamas and Hezbollah can only be considered terror groups, than the IDF surely has to fall into that group. I mean no army would bomb places of worship, schools, hospitals, United Nations buildings, and deny people food and basic human rights. Only a terror group would inflict such evil, a kind of evil not seen since the holocaust. For those who don't like the comparison, I ask you this, what would you call it when people are forced to live in a certain place, surrounded by military, attacked daily, denied food, water, health care etc, where killings go unpunished and you are literally surrounded by a wall, erected by a military force. I call it forced confinement, and the United Nations has condemned it for years. But if you ask Ezra, he would probably just say the UN is anti-Semitic

Harper to leave child soldier in jail

2009-01-13T04:40:00.000-08:00

It seems I was a bit hasty. The talk from the Obama people is now much clearer. They will indeed be closing gitmo. In fact, all reports seems to indicate that it will be one of President Obama's first executive orders. Thank heavens. For Omar Khadr though, it may not be the end of the road. The Americans still may prosecute this Canadian, who was a child. Mr. Harpers response to the whole thing is a wait and see approach. He says we will have to see if he is charged and allow the court process to take shape. This is Mr. Harper at his most despicable. His first priority is to protect Canadians. This is a case where the United States Military regime attacked and charged a child, and Mr. Harper lets it happen. Leaders from the UK and other European countries stood up, raised concerns and demanded child soldiers be let go, and they achieved positive results. Harper seems content to let this Canadian wallow in an American military jail, a place which regularly denies him counsel and basic human rights.

All our Prime Minister needs to do is make the case, loud and publicly, use the skills he claims to have, and protect the children of our country.
Prime Minister Harper, according to CTV said, "The promise that president-elect Obama made was that he would close down the facilities at Guantanamo. That's primarily, as I understand it, because of the objection to the fact that many of the people at that facility aren't charged with anything," he told reporters in Vancouver.
"I don't think you can necessarily leap to the conclusion that it will affect people who have in fact been charged, and who are facing a legal process. We don't know the answer to that question."

Think about that statement. In it, Harper admits that many held there aren't charged with anything. So he clearly understands that this is a kangaroo court, where guilt or innocence don't matter. Harper thinks it's okay for a boy of 15, to be forced into war by his father, defending himself from attack and winding up in a jail without his basic rights protected.

I know I have made the point before, but consider it again. A Canadian citizen, born in our great country, can be held in a military jail, known for torture, without a trial, without rights, even though he/she is only a child. The Prime Minister has children, he should understand that a child can't be held accountable and treated like this, that, at the end of the day is the biggest problem, this was a kid, so where are the kid gloves.

Obamas' flip flop and Child soldiers

2009-01-12T05:40:00.001-08:00

I read two stories yesterday that highlighted President Elect Obamas' attitude towards Canada. The first, that he would be making his first international visit as President to our great nation. The second story though, left me with my first bitter taste from the Obama soon to be administration.

Senator and Candidate Obama said Guantanamo would be closed. For Canadians this hopefully means the conclusion to a sad chapter in Canada-U.S relations, that being the sickening detention of a Child, Omar Khadr, charged with murder for killing a marine. ( A Marine might I add, who was part of a group of soldiers who were involved in a war and were attacking said child soldier) .

Obama has no stepped back, albeit only slightly from his plan to shut down gitmo. I hope, as he is now saying, that the plans are the same, and that it just may take a little longer to accomplish.

The terrible reality about Omar Khadr is this. He was a child, following the lead of his father, a man who does have terrorist links. This child didn't do anything that any child wouldn't. You believe your parents, you look to them for guidance, protection, etc., As a boy this child, who is Canadian, was brainwashed by his father. Most likely told how evil and terrible the Americans were. Made to fight by his father, and under attack from American soldiers, this child killed a Marine. He was captured, locked in jail with adults, denied counsel, and from the well documented cases of abuse and torture, does anyone really believe he was handled with kid gloves. He most likely faced some sort of abuse/torture.

My question has always been this. If the marine had shot and killed Khadr, would he/she have been charged with murder. While i loathe war, and am no 5 star general, my basic understanding of war was that people get killed. Why is this boy charged with Murder? Are these the new rules of engagement? Kill an American soldier during battle, go to jail.

Think about a 15 year old you know, maybe a son, daughter, niece, nephew neighbourhood kid etc., Now imagine if their father, from an early age, introduced them to hate, and terror, trained him/her to fight, and threw them into battle against a country that he/she had been raised to fear. Imagine the fear this young boy faced, bunkered down, surrounded by grown men, bullets flying by, explosions all around you, I know I would be scared for my life at 31, I can't imagine what I would feel at 15. He threw a grenade at people who were attacking him. He was a child, he was denied legal rights, kept in a camp known for torture, and he is Canadian. What chance did this kid have?

If the Americans can do this to one Canadian, are the rest of us safe? We do have lots of oil, but it's not like wars are ever waged over that though, right?

Joe the Pumber, now a war correspondent!!!

2009-01-09T06:13:00.000-08:00

Joe the plumber, made famous because of his uneducated attempt to embarrass then candidate Obama, and praised by the right wing media ( Fox news) as a political wizard and common man, is now a war correspondent. No joke, read this if you need to see it to believe it.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5ifkn8yQXgPnDHKzwHgre1CdU69qwBut

I am never shocked at the lengths American media empires will go to to exploit any situation. No offense to Joe. He may be a nice enough guy, hard working, etc., but he is a plumber, not a reporter. Don't get me wrong, plumbing is a noble, skilled, and often well payed career. I have friends who are plumbers and I have nothing but respect and a little jealousy for their career. Think about it, no matter how bad the economy gets we all need to use plumbing in some way shape or form, we don't stop using water. But I digress.

My point is when my pipes burst, I call a plumber. When war breaks out and I look for news, I look for a war correspondent. Joe is the former, not the latter.

If he chooses to go to school, study to become a journalist and gain some experience in the field, then Joe the plumber can be Joe the reporter. But not now. When Fox asked him how he was preparing, he said, and I am not directly quoting, but basically that he was watching the news, and keeping informed on the issues.
Well, I know lots of people who read papers each day, both print and online. Watch the TV news throughout the day and are well read. They hold jobs like IT consultant, hairstylist, bartender, teacher. They don't report on the conflicts in the Middle East, but they are stars in their fields.

Good luck Joe, it's a dangerous place, stay safe, and for goodness sake, if you see some broken or leaky pipes, put down your note pad and pencil,pick up some tools, use your great skills, as a plumber.

Harper appointee accused of sexual harassment

2009-01-09T05:04:00.000-08:00

Stephen Harper has done it this time. He was so blinded by partisan desires that he appointed a man in his 30's ( will keep his salary for 40+ years) to the Senate who is accused of amongst other things, sexual harassment and drinking on the job. It should also be noted many in his group, the Manitoba wing of the Congress of Aboriginal peoples', were fired before they could bring it up at a National meeting. The globe and mail article goes on to describe how many saw his move as politically motivated and warned him against it.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090109.wbrazeau09/BNStory/politics/home

Was this man vetted at all. Will Canadians now be on the hook for millions of dollars in salary to keep this man in a job until 75. I want Mr. Harper to explain how in any way shape or form, this man will be good for our country. I recognise the need to have a more diverse Senate, and the appointment of Aboriginals and first nations is needed, but Mr. Brazeau is anything but a shining example to other first nations peoples, or anyone for that matter. What an insult to members of the First Nations community, who have in their ranks thousands of talented and much more worthy individuals.

How will Harper explain this away? He won't , he'll just ignore it and say, " it's a legal matter I can't comment".

Economy collapsing, silence on Palestine-Israel war, flip flopped on Senate appointments, income trusts, widowers pensions, appoints questionable, but loyal tory supporters to senate.

I wouldn't be surprised to see Mr. Harper fly, he says he can't, but I am not sure if I can believe anything he says now.

New Canadian Senator

2009-01-08T12:00:00.000-08:00

I hope this helps our Prime Minister, he has shown great difficulty in accepting our Senate, so I suspect making appointments must be very hard. Hopefully he takes the advice of reguar Canadians.

Please sign the petition

http://www.petitiononline.com/joeyarch/petition.html

Harper to fill more senate vacancies with Party supporters

2009-01-08T05:25:00.000-08:00

So Stephen Harper, who for years railed against partisan appointments tothe Senate, and just recently appointed 18 of his supporters to said Senate, one of which is a 34 year old man charged with innappropriate sexual behavious towards co-workers, now plans to appoint even more. This has to rate up there as one of the biggest Flip Flops in Canadian political history. Harper says he wants to have a majority in the Senate, do any of us think he will appoint any moderates, no they have clearly shown that all appointees must be reform or Con supporters. Harper is on record as having said he is against appointments to the senate, he has made them just as easily as any other PM, but others have been less partisan.

As summed up by Harpers close advisor and Mulroney Mouth Piece Marjory LeBreton, "
Conservative Senator Marjory LeBreton said that if the government fills the seats upon vacancy, by the end of 2009 there will be 49 Conservatives and 50 Liberals.
But by the next month - in January, 2010 - the numbers will reverse and the Tories will have 50 Senators and the Liberals will occupy 49 seats with the retirement of Toronto Liberal Senator Jerry Grafstein."

For a man who gained power by claiming he would get rid of the senate, he has been more active in appointing people to it than any PM in modern History. Flip flop, flip flop.............

Did Oprah gain weight on Purpose ?

2009-01-07T14:52:00.001-08:00

UPDATE: Let me say this . I am not saying she did, no evidence, facts etc., I just think it's funny how many people read this and said to me they thought it too.....I don't want Oprahs' lawyers on me. Keep that in mind when you read the post from earlier.

I have to hand it to Oprah, she is a genius. Next to Sumo wrestlers and world champion hot dog eaters, she is about the only person I know who gains weight and makes more money by doing so. The recent fodder about her weight gain has helped to turn around her sagging numbers. I have heard it argued that her recent drop in viewers was related to the belief by some that she was losing her common touch, I argue you lose that once you make your first $100 million, something I am sure Oprah accomplished years ago. I see merit in this argument, her over the top endorsement of Obama, reminded us that she has a hefty ego to go along with her wallet, and now waist line. Oprah's viewers, from what I gather from my sometimes viewership, care about books she recommends, the health of their bowels, free stuff and Dr.Phil. They didn't want her views on politics, but she pushed and pushed. This brings me back to the weight gain. If indeed her numbers were dropping, and if in fact it was cause she looked less common, what better way to relate to her viewers ( mostly American, the fattest nation on earth) then by gaining a few. We can't argue these facts. Her weight gain has focused attention on her, she is all over CNN, Talk shows, E News etc., I would venture to guess that she will do a special , all about weight loss/gain, maybe a book. We have seen her on TV talking about her struggles and she seems sincere. I do know this, Oprah is a genius, and this weight gain has helped her wallet get fatter also. Is it just pure coincidence? Probably. Or better yet, is it smart damage control? Possibly. But would I be shocked if this plan wasn't devised behind closed doors, perhaps over burgers, not at all. The one thing I do know is that Oprah has one big fat wallet .

Did Oprah gain weight on purpose?

2009-01-07T05:36:00.001-08:00

UPDATE: Let me say this . I am not saying she did, no evidence, facts etc., I just think it's funny how many people read this and said to me they thought it too.....I don't want Oprahs' lawyers on me. Keep that in mind when you read the post from earlier.

I have to hand it to Oprah, she is a genius. Next to Sumo wrestlers and world champion hot dog eaters, she is about the only person I know who gains weight and makes more money by doing so. The recent fodder about her weight gain has helped to turn around her sagging numbers. I have heard it argued that her recent drop in viewers was related to the belief by some that she was losing her common touch, I argue you lose that once you make your first $100 million, something I am sure Oprah accomplished years ago. I see merit in this argument, her over the top endorsement of Obama, reminded us that she has a hefty ego to go along with her wallet, and now waist line. Oprah's viewers, from what I gather from my sometimes viewership, care about books she recommends, the health of their bowels, free stuff and Dr.Phil. They didn't want her views on politics, but she pushed and pushed. This brings me back to the weight gain.

If indeed her numbers were dropping, and if in fact it was cause she looked less common, what better way to relate to her viewers ( mostly American, the fattest nation on earth) then by gaining a few.
We can't argue these facts. Her weight gain has focused attention on her, she is all over CNN, Talk shows, E News etc.,
I would venture to guess that she will do a special , all about weight loss/gain, maybe a book. We have seen her on TV talking about her struggles and she seems sincere.

I do know this, Oprah is a genius, and this weight gain has helped her wallet get fatter also. Is it just pure coincidence? Probably. Or better yet, is it smart damage control? Possibly. But would I be shocked if this plan wasn't devised behind closed doors, perhaps over burgers, not at all. The one thing I do know is that Oprah has one big fat wallet .

Gaza madness

2009-01-02T05:42:00.000-08:00

I understand both sides, let me make that clear. I get the need for States to protect themselves, and I get the need to fight if you feel oppressed. What I don't get is how Israel thinks bombing a Mosque will do anything. This is , as was said by the Israeli defense Minister, who happens to be in a leadership contest, a war. In this type of war no side holds the exclusive title of always right, because war is messy. ( and yes i know Hitler was wrong and we were right, but these aren't comparable conflicts, we all know he was pure evil.) There are many moderates on both sides, many Palestinians who just want peace, many Israelis who want the same. This conflict, like all in this day and age, require, as crass as it sounds, a PR campaign. Israel claims that this mosque is used as a storage depot for ammunition, Palestinian leaders refute this. So, the optic , which will be used by many is that of a place of worship being targeted. This adds fuel to the fire that this is a religious war. Many on both sides use religion as a way to promote hate and gain support for their bloody desires. The image will only help to solidify support for the Palestinians by some, up until now, moderates. It will make those already on the extreme fringe a reason to go that extra, and often terrible last mile. Jeanette Rankin, the First female Member of Congress said, "You can no more win a war then you can win an earthquake." The sad fact is that this is too true, and we know it, but yet we do nothing about it, which brings to mind another great thought, "Violence is the first refuge of the incompetent, " Issac Asimov

Six Degrees of Bernie Madoff?

2008-12-31T05:37:00.000-08:00

If I just heard CNN correctly, Kevin Bacon was caught up in the Bernie Madoff Ponzie Scheme, how unfortunate for Mr.Bacon and his family, and I truly feel sorry for him, but my god, there has to be a comedian somewhere who can see the foundation for a solid joke here. I just can't remember what film I saw Madoff in.....( Please take note all you fact freaks, I am aware Madoff is not an actor, it's an attempted joke)

I like how the give it a funny sounding name, a Ponzie scheme. I know the story, about the name ponzie, but still, it sounds like some kind of scheme pulled by a muppets character. This is some serious, massive fraud on a scale rarely, if ever seen before. Some of the uber-rich, some of the best business and investment minds, along with many other investors lost a ton of cash. Maddoff reportedly was a regular at many of the most exclusive country clubs, yacht cubs etc., these circles must be spinning now, I'd hate to be a new upstart looking for investors among that crowd now.

Senate reform for Dummies

2008-12-27T09:10:00.000-08:00

The recent Senate appointments by our Prime Minister and subsequent debate over how to reform the Upper Chamber, gives me a great chance to add my two cents, if in fact it's worth even that, to the debate. First though, I think everyone needs to be made aware of one simple fact. It should be kept in mind when you listen to all the yelling from both sides. No matter how much we want to reform the Senate, and I know some see abolishing it as the only option, the process to truly reform it is complicated, both constitutionally, and politically. It can't be done away with by a motion in the House, it is embedded deeply within our political system, some argue designed as such, because they wanted to ensure it was always around, as a safe haven for partisan hacks ( not my view, just repeating what I have heard). It would require massive consultation with provinces, compromise among deeply divided groups, and massive concessions from some who may have no logical, reasonable expectation to make such compromises. So with the knowledge of the migraine style headaches associated with, and years of time to accomplish such reform, may I make a simple suggestion.

If we want to ensure that appointments to the Senate are without political influence, then perhaps whenever a seat is vacated, the federal government randomly selects the name of a Canadian from within its massive databanks. I am certain that they have a file on every Canadian who pays taxes, which are inturn used to pay the Senators salary. No influence, no coercion, no paybacks, no rewards, people can't complain about this region vs that region, it's a random draw open to all Canadians who are legally entitled to work and be taxed, in our great Country. You know it may even bring in extra revenue, imagine all those people who don't file tax now, but want a shot at the $130,000/year until age 75 job. Imagine that, a Senate that fairly represents us all, and makes the government money, that's what I call reform.

Harpers not so reformed Senate

2008-12-23T05:21:00.000-08:00

I have a friend, loves to cook, and loves to cook one particular dish, a primevera pasta of sorts. Now I love my friend, and I eat his pasta with a smile, and some red wine, but it tastes just awful. The problem is he tries, and tries and tries to get it right, but it's always awful. You want to know why ? Because he always uses the same ingredients. Why do I tell you this story you may ask. I tell it because it is a great analogy for what Stephen Harper did today. He hates the Senate. He has spent a life time criticizing patronage appointments, ridiculing any Prime Minister who appointed partisan hacks, calling for an elected, reformed senate and planning to one day abolish the Upper Chamber. So when elected, many correctly assumed we would see a revolution in the way the senate was dealt with. I mean to spend your life calling for Reform of said institution really paints you into a corner when you hold the power to do things differently. Unfortunately for all those who were hoping and expecting to see reform, what they got was the same bitter taste. Like my friend, Harper seems to not understand the basic flaw in his recipe, and that is if you use the same ingredients, same method and same utensils, you will get the same result. Stephen Harper has appointed 18 of the most Hyper-partisan, Conservative/reform leaning bunch of partisan hacks this country has ever seen. From former Chiefs of Staffs to Conservative Premiers to old buddies of fathers of Cabinet Ministers, this partisan pasta tastes a lot like the same old same old, and very little like the reform we expected. The conundrum I face is who should I really blame. Maybe I am too optimistic, I do it with my friend, every time I go over, I hope this time it will taste better, it never does. Perhaps believing the Senate would be reformed, when it comes from the mouth of the man who gave us such flip flops as Atlantic Accord, Income trusts, deficits, removing equality from status of women mission, promise to veterans of widows broke, ( just ask Peter Stoffer and the Widow from Cape Breton about that) said we weren't in for recession, partisan budget, and oh yes, his already partisan use of the senate ( remember Michael Fortier, campaign worker, appointed to senate then made a cabinet Minister). In the recent weeks we have seen the true political mind of Harper work, and he has failed in both cases. His partisan budget created a crisis unseen before in Canadian politics which almost cost him his job, and his Senate appointments, massive in both size and hypocrisy have shown that the man who has built his image around being in control and the smartest guy at the table is neither right now. Perhaps he needs some time to think about what reform really is. Over Christmas I hope he relaxes and reads a good book, unwinds and re-evaluates his decisions to date, and if he gets hungry, I have some pasta I bet he would love.

Christmas truce?

2008-12-17T08:27:00.000-08:00

I wasa glad to see the concilliatory, and open minded answers given by MP's Brison and McCallum. To say they are taking the Finance Ministers word on the budget and promised information sharing, shows they are ready to get beyond politics, and extend more than an olive branch, lets call it a sturdy piece of lumber, to the Conservatives. Take into account the over the top partisan gamesmanship Harper used in his first economic statement, coupled with his only recent acceptance of deficits and reccession, something he called opposition members fear mongers for bringing up, and you can see where I am going. Harper has done little if anything to give these MP's reason to believe anything he says ( oh did I forget to mention atlantic accord, income trusts, Widows of veterens aid as other Harper flip flops). Yet, they go in front of the cameras, and tell the country they are ready and willing to work together, and said they were promised more information, in a timely manner. We take him at his word, is what they basically say. I liked the sound of that, and then it happened, some governement spokesman said the liberals shouldn't get too excited, and that the first statement was realistic at the time, not misleading etc., wow, couldn't they have just said, yeah it was a great meeting, no no, they had to be partisan, puff out their chests, and continue to admit that there was anything wrong with the first statement. And there I was, hoping for a Christmas truce, but we may end up with a January slugfest....to steal a line from a great Christmas movie, if politics in Canada could talk, i am sure it would say, Wait, my mouths bleeding? How about that, Bert, my mouths bleeding!

Did he even have a plan beyond the election.

2008-12-16T05:01:00.000-08:00

I wonder if PM Stevie let his economic and policy advisors off during the election and allowed his camapign staff to chart his future course, cause ever since, this is a person who has little direction, and dithers from one blunder to another. During the election, Stevie was furious that the other parties said we would be in deficit. He called them fear mongers, said it wasn't going to happen and he was incredulous in his anger towards any journalist or citizen who dared suggest it might happen. If you read today's globe and mail, or if you were unlucky enough to have seen Steve " I'll play that tape anyway" Murphy lob easy questions in an almost giddy way at him ( is it possible steve has a crush on stevie), you will know what I mean. Harper is now calling for a deficit, his new budget will have deficit spending ( something he said mere days ago wouldn't happen), and he says we are heading for some of the most uncertain times in our countries history. So, in the last few days we have learned this, 1- Harper, an economist he claims, was the only leader of a national party( and for that part one of the only Canadians) who didn't see this coming, only a month or so ago. He said no recession, no deficit. 2- While Canadians loses their jobs by the thousands, Harper and his conservative party decided to call an early vacation for themselves, isn't there work to be done? 3- Harper doesn't understand the constitution. He said, on national TV, that the coalition had no right to govern in our system, even a first year poli sci student could tell you he was wrong. Which begs the question, when you look at how blatantly wrong he was; an economist way off on the economy, a leader of a Parliament unaware of basic parliamentary procedures, was he really just wrong about all these major issues ( clearly rebuking his peoples belief that he is the smartest guy in the room always) or did he say what he had to, just to get elected, facts aside?

Harpers Senate shenanigans, and hope lost

2008-12-15T06:36:00.000-08:00

I will give Prime Minister Harper this, he sure has decided that come hell or high water, he will do as he pleases, and that takes, well, we know what it takes, and it's not integrity. Here is a man who has spent his life screaming out for senate reform, and an end to patronage appointments. Yet he, more than most before him, has used the plush promise of partisan presents to reward his most loyal, and by loyal, I mean staunchly conservative supporters. The former leader of the now defunct Canadian Alliance and now PM, was pressuring Paul Martin to push then PM Chretien to put his "elected" Alberta buddy Bert Brown to the senate. He said that for Martin to be taken more serioulsy out west, he would need to push for reform of the senate.

I could go on and on, the well known raison d'être of many reform, then alliance now conservative members has been to reform the senate, and Stevie Harper was their loudest cheerleader, now he is going to give 18 of his conservative colleagues the biggest Christmas gift many of them may ever get. Thank heavens for the smell of Christmas cookies or the stink from Harpers massive flip flop would ruin the season.

Let's see how he has done on senate reform since being elected PM. Fortier, un-elected senior conservative figure, close to Harper, put in Senate, than Cabinet, never answers questions on the floor of the house, fantastic accountability.

Very little if any legislative agenda focus of reform, lots of talk, no action.

Now the 18 Senate elves, line up, take their post, and smile all the way to the bank. And as for Stephen Harper, it's not like he has to face tough questions about it in the House, remember he shut down Parliament. Our economy is tanking, we now have word the mortgage crisis will affect us in a big way, plants are closing, jobs being lost, but Stevie needs time off, and lets remember, all that patronage stuff can be tiring.....bah humbug