The Centre Block

Who said Health Care is broken in Canada?

2010-01-21T13:39:00.003-05:00

I called and left a message on my doctors answering machine over lunch hour, and got an appointment the same day at 3:00pm!

Ha!

Not enough focus on jobs.

2010-01-21T13:06:00.001-05:00

http://www.liberal.ca/en/newsroom/media-releases/17326_liberals-are-working-while-conservatives-take-extended-vacation

Why is Iggy not leading the discussion on Jobs? Its the most pressing issue facing Canadians.

I know leaders should delegate, but Canadians want to see their leaders with their sleeves rolled up trying to get our people back to work.

I'll be asking that at the live townhall meeting on facebook today.

Josh & Matt's Potpourri - The First Waft

2010-01-20T15:33:00.004-05:00

Hello Friends,

Welcome to Josh and Matt's Potpourri!

The motto for the Centre Block is "The Life and Times of a country called Canada. Politics, Culture, and More." We feel that we probably fall into the "more" category...or possibly "and."

Here's a little bit about us:

--------------------------------------------------------------------

I'm Josh Bresnahan. James and I were talking over a pint and he asked me if I would write for his blog. At first, I told him that I could not commit to writing a political blog because I don't get as 'excited' about politics enough to be a regular contributor. He said I didn't have to write about politics and that I could write about whatever I wanted! I thought this would be more fun if I did this with a friend because I sometimes lack ideas and motivation. I asked my friend, Matt Outerson, to help write the blog with me. He said something about being an environmentalist...so, I hit him, stole his wallet (there was no money) and when he came to, he agreed!

Let me tell you about myself. I am a 25 year old Virgo, and a proud Brantfordian/Brantfordite. I grew up on the gray streets of Grey Street playing street hockey in an old factory and collecting various syringes. I am currently a packaging engineering student that enjoys baseball, fishing, water skiing, long walks on the beach with my best girl Amanda (we're going steady ;^D) and hanging out with my BFFs. I also spend a lot of my free time helping out as an officer/instructor with the local Royal Canadian Sea Cadet unit (a great FREE youth organization) and playing in a local music group.

Josh Bresnahan

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I'm Matt Outerson. When Josh suggested we partake in a blog together, I asked myself, "What in the world is a blog?" Webster's Dictionary defines blogging as: 'the process of cutting trees for lumber'. I told Josh that I didn't have any interest in leaving my comfortable office setting to chop wood for a living. He punched me in the nose and when I came to; he explained what a blog actually was and convinced me to help out!

Allow myself to introduce myself. I am a 27 year old living in Paris, Ontario, Canada. I grew up in the 'dark alleys' of Eagle Place in Brantford, Ontario, Canada. I'm currently working as a POS/SBT Analyst at The News Group in Burlington, Ontario, Canada. I love music, watching hockey and spreading butter on toast. I spend most of my free time with a guy named Jimmy enjoying the free internet at the public library and I play in three local skiffle groups.

Please don't judge me because I'm tall.

Matt Outerson

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We have decided on a fun format for all of you:

1) Pick things to talk about.
2) Wait to see if anybody cares.

Please feel free to comment on our work.

XOXO,

Josh & Matt

Ignattieff: University of Calgary

2010-01-15T14:04:00.003-05:00

I encourage you to all check back here in the coming days, our Calgary Correspondany, Matt Mc, was at the Michael Ignattieff Press Conference in Calgary.

Thats right folks, The Centre Block got press credentials!

The article on the visit to U of C should be great!

I'm with COCO Continued!

2010-01-13T16:52:00.003-05:00

Here is a list of some execs at NBC!

JOHN.ECK@nbc.com,
Jeff.Gaspin@nbc.com,
JEFF.ZUCKER@nbc.com
jeff.zucker@nbcuni.com
STEVE.CAPUS@nbc.com
ALLISON.GOLLUST@nbc.com,
PAULA.MADISON@nbc.com
CORY.SHIELDS@nbc.com
JOHN.WALLACE@nbc.com,
David.Verdi@nbc.com
Jeff.Zucker@nbc.com
Bob.Wright@nbc.com,
LYNN.CALPETER@nbc.com
DICK.EBERSOL@nbc.com
MARK.HOFFMAN@nbc.com
MICHAEL.PILOT@nbc.com
david.verdi@nbc.com
MARC.CHINI@nbcuni.com
Alyssa.Corcoran@nbcuni.com
MICHAEL.BASS@nbcuni.com
MICHAEL.PILOT@nbcuni.com,
Ron.Lamprecht@nbcuni.com

Show these Pigs that we're with COCO!

Keep Watch!

I'm with COCO

2010-01-13T13:48:00.003-05:00

Save the Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien at 1135pm! Spread this image around. Show those Morons at NBC that screwing around with The Tonight Show is a crime!

Join the Facebook Group Here: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=288153400967

"Chretien Did It..."

2010-01-12T13:56:00.001-05:00

http://www.leaderpost.com/opinion/Chretien+also+prorogued/2431020/story.html

Two wrongs don't make a right.

Stephen Harper was elected in 2006 because he claimed he was different then the Liberals.

Scan Me All You Want

2010-01-06T14:55:00.002-05:00

I have no problem being scanned while travelling by air. I personally don't view it was an infringement to my right to privacy.

These scanners are too little... almost too late.

If you disagree, feel free to do so, but I think this is a case of where our collective security matters more.

We cannot be free if we live in fear. These scanners will help end that fear. If in fact, as I read today that the Government ordered these scanners months ago, then I congratulate the Harper Government on being ahead on something.

That said, we need more human intelligence. We can't trust machines. I hope that when Parliament resumes, all political parties put forward that we invest in our security services so that we all may be safe - and not rely solely on security measures at airports.

Post #100: An Open Letter to Michael Ignatieff

2010-01-06T01:45:00.003-05:00

Readers: To mark our 100th post, I am commenting on the news story that the Liberal Party is returning to Ottawa on January 25th, with an Open Letter to Michael Ignatieff I have further comments after the letter concludes.

------

Dear Mr. Ignatieff:

Canadians want Parliament to work.

We elected this parliament so that the business of the people could be conducted. I've read that you intend for your caucus to return to work on January 25th, even though Parliament has been prorogued.

We hope that Members of Parliament of all political stripes join your caucus in doing so. We pay you all far too much have an extended vacation. This year will be important to our economic recovery, and we need our elected representatives at work. Most of us are not fortunate enough to make 155 000 a year. Because of that we expect hard work to be conducted on our behalf.

I hope that you take this time to stake out a clear vision for Canada. For far too long you and the other opposition parties have stood for nothing - except not being Conservatives. This will not do.

You have accused Stephen Harper of eroding our democracy. But your party and that of the NDP and Bloc Quebecois have done nothing to defend it. You are equally guilty as the Prime Minister. Democracy only thrives when there are competing visions of the future.

The Liberal Party, as well as the Conservative Party, used to stand for something. Each with their own clear vision of Canada. The party of MacDonald has betrayed its honourable tory tradition, and the party of Laurier, Pearson, and Trudeau has lost its vision.

We expect more from all of you, especially you Mr Ignatieff, you have travelled the world, you have seen, especially by comparison to the rest of the world, how wonderful our democracy has been since 1867. Please don't let us down.

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Readers: If you agree, please distribute via your blogs, e-mails, etc. I also encourage you to call your local member of parliament, regardless of party, to get back to work in Ottawa on January 25th.

Keep Watch.

Centre Block: Prorogation Edition

2010-01-05T18:09:00.003-05:00

Please note that until parliament resumes that The Centre Block will be a Prorogation Edition.

It doesn't really change very much of what we will be doing around here. Hell, it'll be more then Parliament. Except we don't collect a paycheque.

I was away for the holidays and came back to this, and am still sorting through it. I have an opinion, but I want to refine it for all of our fine readers. I will read and listen over the next little bit and comment on what we should keep expecting in Canada: Stephen Harper Edition. (TM - Me, 2010).

On a side note, I really appreciate how far we've come here in so little time. Our newest contributor Adam David wrote a wonderful piece defending prorogation. Even though I disagree with him, I encourage you to read and comment.

In the mean time, call your MP and complain that he or she isn't in Ottawa doing the work YOU are paying them to do.

We also have a new email address: centreblockblog@gmail.com feel free to email us and complain or comment!

Stay tuned for announcements on new features we hope to introduce in the coming days, weeks, and months.

Keep Watch!

So you want to prorogue Parliament

2010-01-03T16:38:00.001-05:00

So the political blogosphere has been abuzz the last few days with the news that Stephen Harper was planning to, and then did, prorogue Parliament. According to pundits, the world is coming to an end and Prime Minister Harper is taking his dictatorial powers to a new extreme. In other words, this is The Worst Thing Ever to happen to Canadian Democracy.

Time for some sober second thought.

Remember that Parliament is an ancient institution consisting of the Crown, the Senate (House of Lords in England), and the House of Commons. Parliament is called by the Crown; the Executive is selected by the Crown; Parliament considers the Crown's business (although Parliament does claim a number of ancient rights. More on that in a later blog post). The Crown determines what business is conducted and in what order it happens. The Crown also decides when Parliament will sit and for how long.

Ultimately, of course, the Crown is vested in the person of the Queen of Canada: Her Majesty, Elizabeth II and power flows through her representative in Canada, the Governor General, Her Excellency Michaelle Jean. In practice, however, parliamentary business is determined by the government of the day. Barring special circumstances (more on that later), the Governor General must follow the advice of the Prime Minister.

Each election ends a Parliament and starts a new one. The 40th General Election resulted in the start of the 40th Parliament. Each Parliament is divided into "Sessions," during which the Government's business is done. Each Session begins with a Speech from the Throne that lays out the Government's agenda for that Session. The length of each Session is indeterminate in Canada (some Provinces prescribe the lengths of a Session, but the federal government does not) and can, to some extent, be used as part of the political tools of the Government. A Parliament could theoretically have only one Session or as many as the Government of the day wants. In practice, however, a four-year Parliament will generally have three or four Sessions.

To end a Session, the Prime Minister asks the Governor General to prorogue Parliament. All business on the Order Paper disappears, committees do not sit, and no business is done until the Governor General recalls Parliament. Parliament, in effect, resets itself to begin anew with the Government's agenda.

So what's the big deal?

Well, let's look first at the biggest part of this deal: this proroguement happens just when the Government is experiencing some serious scrutiny on the Afghan detainee issue and Parliament will not be able to continue its questioning or demand answers of the Government until after the Olympics, a new Throne Speech, and a Budget in March. The timing looks suspicious, and I can't deny it.

But.

The Tories will, for the first time in 15 years, have a plurality in the Red Chamber when the Prime Minister appoints 5 new Senators this month. The Senate is a great patronage tool for any Government and in spite of his desire to reform the Senate, the Prime Minsiter can, should, and must work with the tools he has at his disposal. So, he'll appoint the Senators and gain some political advantage in the Senate as well as keep the foot soldiers happy in the process.

While the Conservatives might have the advantage in the Senate Chamber, the only way they can hope to gain any kind of advantage in Senate committees is to prorogue Parliament to allow them to reset and realign with the new, more relevant, numbers. This is Parliamentary business and would probably go unnoticed without the detainee issue.

So the question at this point is: do we believe that the Government isn't also using proroguement to avoid the spotlight? You bet they are! Governments use this kind of tool to their advantage all the time! Anyone who thinks otherwise is naive at best. We have to remember that this is something that any Government might do and is not indicative of the Tories being any more evil than anyone else.

Is it an abuse of Parliament? No way. It's not ideal, and certainly not great, but it's not an abuse. We haven't even had an abnormally short Session! The Second Session of the 40th Parliament lasted just under a year, which is a little short of the average, but not outside the realm of possibility.

What does give a lot of people pause is the fact that the 40th Parliament started in Fall 2008 just after the election and was then almost immediately prorogued when Harper was less than tactically brilliant. So they're asking themselves "why prorogue now?" While it's a good and valid question, I think that in almost any other circumstance, these same people wouldn't even blink an eye over the prorogation. It's the Afghan detainee issue and the short First Session that are causing the hue and cry across the nation.

I argue that if it weren't for a general dislike of Prime Minister Harper, we wouldn't be hearing a word about a perfectly routine matter in dealing with Parliamentary business.

Adler Watch: Using the troops....

2009-12-28T16:00:00.003-05:00

I was listening to Charles Adler once again (I know, shame on me). He was ranting about Heather Malik's article in the guardian (http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2009/dec/02/embarrassing-canadian-corrupt-petro-state)

With his broadcast, he offered to give her $133 towards offically moving to another country. Why $133 you ask? What could possibly be the signifigance of the number 133?

Because according to him thats how many we have lost in Afghanistan.

First of all he is wrong, its 134, we tragically lost a soldier on Christmas Eve. Secondly, how dare he use the memories of our fallen to try to score cheap political points against someone who has a viewpoint different then he.

Men and women wear the uniform of this country to defend us from our enemies. They have died in too many places defending the liberty of others, and Canadians.

It's the same liberty that Charles Adler takes advantage of when he uses our war dead to build his case of an argument against a fellow opinionist. Charles Adler, you claim to be looking for the "truth". If so, why do you try to obscure it by using our war dead?

Charles Adler, you might just be the worst person on Canadian Radio.

Shame on you.

Keep Watch.

Photo Contest anyone?

2009-12-27T01:43:00.004-05:00

It's time for the first ever superfantastic extraordinarily cliched Centre Block Photo Challenge.
Our first victi.... I mean our first participant is Jack "Always a bridesmaid, never a bride" Layton:

The submission deadline will be Monday Evening, and I'll post them on Tuesday Morning before I head out of town again for the New Years celebration. Send all submissions to lordbeav@gmail.com

I'll try to post while I'm away via my cell phone.

Have fun and Keep Watch!

Why the Queen Matters.

2009-12-26T15:02:00.001-05:00

My friend Matt, stated on his Facebook Status "We're not bees. Why then do we need a Queen?

The republicans show up after the Queen makes her annual Christmas speech; and they'll be out again in force when HM comes to Canada in 2010.

I myself am a Monarchist, and I believe strongly in the role of the Crown in our country.

However I understand and respect the viewpoints that most republicans in this country have. Most people arguing in favour of a republic are smart, intelligent people that I disagree with.

Allow me to share a few quotations with you, to help you all understand my view of the Crown:

"[The Queen] symbolizes for many the merits of a constitutional monarchy in which the head of state...is separate and apart from the ongoing political struggles of the day." - Bill Blaikie, NDP MP, 2002

""Provinces agree that the system of democratic parliamentary government requires an ultimate authority to ensure its responsible nature and to safeguard against abuses of power. That ultimate power must not be an instrument of the federal Cabinet." - Joint Statement by the 10 Provincial Premiers at 19th Annual Conference, Regina, Aug 9-10, 1978

"...our ability to love inclines most naturally to persons, and in the person of The Queen we can invest all those many fractured loves that make up patriotic love: love of country, love of nation, love of culture, love of land, all combined and channeled through one person, one family..." Andrew Coyne, Columnist, 2002.

"I have a considerable regard for The Queen and the monarchy although I'm a New Democrat and a socialist. I think that the monarchy has validity at a time when everything else is flying off in all directions... I admire her stubborn refusal to break down and take the easy way, to conform with the constantly changing public image of how our leaders should act." - Farley Mowat, Author, 2002

The Crown symbolizes all that is good in Canada: Justice, Fairness, and Liberty. I know some would disagree regarding Liberty, but the Crown is there to protect our liberty from those who might use government to remove it.

The Crown remains as the ultimate safeguard against tyranny. The Canadian Crown exists to unify us through one person, into a single nation. The Crown remains, as always, or Guarentor of Freedom.

The Crown does not belong to the Queen or her heirs; it belongs to us. We are not her servants; she is our servant. The Crown belongs to Canada.

HM Queen Elizabeth has been a steady leader for over 50 years. She continues to serve her people and leads by example, I've already written on how HM showed a good example by taking a standard train for a trip, in solidarity with her people who are suffering in the recession.

During World War Two, her father, George VI, again led by example. Buckingham Palace undertook rationing like any other British Family, and the family never evacuated to safety, as can be summed up in this quotation from the Queen Mother on the subject of evacuation:

"The children won't leave without me. I won't leave without the King - and the King will never leave"

The Queen and her family have given us a lifetime of service, they work for us, they give up their privacy, their right to lead a normal life, all in of duty and service to us.

To close, I'll let the words of HM herself, show why the Crown is relevant and is a powerful force for leadership in this country:

"I declare before you all that my whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service"

"It is my privilege to serve you as Queen of Canada to the best of my ability, to play my part in the Canadian identity, to uphold Canadian traditions and heritage, to recognize Canadian excellence and achievement and to seek to give a sense of continuity in these exciting, ever-changing times in which we are fortunate enough to live. "

Keep Watch.

AECL Sale - Blame Canada

2009-12-26T14:51:00.000-05:00

Some thoughts I've found on the AECL:

From the Toronto Star:
http://www.thestar.com/opinion/editorials/article/741635--problems-in-aecl-sale

From the Montreal Gazette:
http://www.montrealgazette.com/opinion/editorials/Ottawa+right+reactor+business/2369140/story.html

Now, they both argue the same point - that its our own fault that AECL isn't making money, because no one in Canada is buying CAN Uranium Deuterium (or Nambla) Reactors. So why should the world?

I would have to agree with both editorials. However, this goes far beyond profitability.

This comes down to Jim "The Axe" Flaherty's record as a neo-conservative. He wants to privatize and karate chop the budget. Deep down inside, I think he and Stephen Harper love this recession and destroyed our finances - not because they like to spend; but because when recovery finally sets in, we as a people will regain our senses and oppose deficits, giving Harper and Flaherty free hand to destroy our federal government, and in cases like the AECL selling off our national industries piece by piece.

I can't wait for the CBC to be bought by Rogers...

Division of Powers

2009-12-26T14:46:00.000-05:00

Keep Watch!

Merry Christmas to all!

2009-12-23T19:14:00.001-05:00

I'd like to take wish you all a Merry Christmas.

I won't be available to make any entries until at least Boxing Day, so I thought I'd wish you the safest and happiest of seasons. I know for many this year will be difficult, myself included. But, I'd like to thank you all for your involvement in my little part of the internet.

It is a pleasure to write and take part in the national discourse affecting all of us. 2010 could possibly be one of the most important years in our national life, and I'll be here commenting on it. I encourage you all to read and debate with me so that we can arrive at something close to the truth. I'll also be commenting on the lighter side of life, as well as cultural issues affecting myself and all of us.

If you have the time, feel free to message me at lordbeav@gmail.com !

No matter what party or affiliation, may your holidays be filled with family, love, and joy.

Keep Watch, and Happy Christmas!

Stephen "I wouldn't rule out a carbon tax" Harper

2009-12-22T17:17:00.001-05:00

http://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5jo8RELbW1nuMruYPgRCq38zGX3kA

Do I really need to say anything more?

Leading by example.

2009-12-20T22:07:00.000-05:00

An important rule of leadership is "Lead By Example".

Which leads me to this news article: http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2009/dec/17/queen-train-travel-sandringham

HM the Queen (of the UK, Canada, Australia, et al) has again led her people not by words but by deeds.

The United Kingdom is feeling the effects of this Global Recession, and it was responsible of HM to take the "regular" training instead of the 50K+ pounds it would have cost to have her Royal Train take her.

Perhaps her Prime Minister here in Canada could learn a lesson or two from her most gracious majesty when it comes to the subject of leadership.

Keep Watch.

Three Years of Silence

2009-12-20T17:58:00.000-05:00

After taking power in 2006, the Conservatives feared a new Liberal "Rat Pack":
http://www.nationalpost.com/scripts/story.html?id=ec605037-f7cb-472b-abea-d2bc1b3ef0ea&k=97569

So where are they? Why are the Liberals truly afraid to attack and harass their enemy until victory is won?

Do they believe that silence and false outrage will win the next election?

Icons of our time: Dwight K. Schrute

2009-12-20T17:37:00.001-05:00

First of all, I'd like to thank my good friend Kyle for making this his Facebook Profile Picture. I claim no credit for this, I just want to share it with you all!

Keep watch!

Why the success of Avatar matters.

2009-12-20T16:03:00.001-05:00

Avatar: $232 Million worldwide in its first weekend. Amazing.

Apparently the film lived up to the hype, which has slowly been building over the last decade. This is good news for us out there who enjoy Hollywood movies. Why? Two words:

Original Idea.

There was no previous franchise (Batman, Star Trek, Transformers, etc). This movie was an original creation and wasn't engrained into our group consciouness before hand, driving demand. You could argue that James Cameron is a franchise unto himself, but this isn't that sort of blog!

Thank you James Cameron for keeping hope alive for an industry which has been as of late just repackaging old ideas, instead of creating new ones. I hope Hollywood will grow on your movies success not my launching a sequal, but by looking out for new ideas that will captivate and entertain audiences here and abroad.

Guess who didn't come to dinner?

2009-12-19T00:33:00.001-05:00

*Slow Claps*

Way to be not invited Mr. Prime Minster.

You are a failure.

Alone in the world.

2009-12-18T13:16:00.001-05:00

This would have been larger, but I'm on a computer without photoshop.

Just a logo representing our governments failure!

Stephen Harper: Not a Leader

2009-12-18T12:22:00.000-05:00

http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/capress/091218/world/climate_cda

Congratulations Mr. Harper you have destroyed whats left of Canada's credibility in the world.

What was that about Dion not being a leader? He'd probably at least be invited to an emergency meeting of World Leaders. I can guarentee that Ignattieff would have been. Hell, Layton would have been invited, should god forbid the NDP were somehow our national government.

The worst part of this is that none of our media outlets are carrying this important failure of Harper to secure our place in the world.

I urge all of you in the blogosphere to share this story with everyone you know and detail the epic failure of our Government to matter in the world.

Keep Watch.

Minister of National Incompetence

2009-12-17T14:58:00.000-05:00

Rebranding Canada in the World: A Candu Attitude

2009-12-17T13:06:00.000-05:00

No, I'm not talking about the Olympics. I'm talking about the environment and the economy.

A friend of mine commented on my post about privatization, he suggested I was erronious regarding the pollution of nuclear energy. Let me state:

Yes, it is polluting, but not like Coal or Oil. We could launch nuclear waste into the sun if we really wanted to. Besides that, Nuclear energy might just be the way to defeat CO2 emissions; and Canada can be a part of that.

How?

Three words: CANada Deuterium Uranium or CANDU (also known as NAMBLA - thanks Daily Show!).

You can read some simple info on CANDU reactors here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CANDU_reactor

We have already sold some overseas, its time for Stephen Harper to restart "Team Canada" trade missions and sell these reactors around the world. Imagine the world being powered by reactors with a big maple leaf on the side.

Kind of makes your heart glow, doesn't it?

But no, in the midst of a global change, the Government of Canada is selling its shares:

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/ottawa-putting-candu-reactor-division-up-for-sale/article1403759/

The same mistake that McGunity the Shedder is making.

Are you insane Ottawa? The world will need Nuclear reactors, and we cound provide it to them.

Morons and Idiots: Our collection of Canadian Politicians.

Can I have some money too?

2009-12-17T12:44:00.000-05:00

http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/article/740046--youtube-short-leads-to-30m-hollywood-deal?bn=1

Good for them, I'm glad Hollywood is doing so well. But now I'm jealous.

I'd really like a book deal from my writings here on The Centre Block - any publishers out there with money to throw away?

I'd do it for like $30 000, I'd also do alot of other things too.

There are still good people out there....

2009-12-17T12:40:00.000-05:00

http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/toronto/archive/2009/12/17/citizens-rescue-girl-12-from-abductor-police-say-he-tried-at-least-twice-before.aspx

Fantastic news, good citizens stepped up, stopped a heinous crime, and now a criminal is facing justice.

It goes to show that when good people stand up then the bad is stopped.

Keep Watch!

Time to "Unite the Left"? - Part One

2009-12-17T01:18:00.000-05:00

Will they? Won't they?

On again? Off again?

This was what the 90s sounded like when it came to the idea of uniting the right; which eventually becaming conquering and pillaging the Progressive Conservatives. I still habour an opinion that given the self-destruction of the Liberal Party, that Peter MacKay could be the Prime Minister, leading a centrist government. But that's another story all on its own.

When 2010 rolls around, we'll see Stephen Harper still in command in Ottawa, it's been a brutal three years so far. All we get is Lies, Lies, and Coverups. 2008 was the year of the coalition - it failed miserable, because of two factors: Stéphane Dion and the Bloc Quebecois. Dion was weak, and no one likes separatists.

So what does this mean? Well in the coming years we'll see seats in the west explode, and the Conservatives are dominant there. Which means Harper (if he is still around) might be able to form a majority without Quebec at all. While this will be good because it will signal the end of the Bloc Quebecois (we can hope). It will be bad because the Conservatives will exploit the split in the left and be dominant for years to come.

Now, I like to at least try to be unbiased, but what the Conservatives (especially our PM) are doing with our democracy is a shame, and if left unchecked could lead to the end of our country as we know it.

This means the split in the left is a danger to our democratic survival, the Westminster Sysetem was never designed for this many parties, and the Conservatives are not taking care of our democracy. Over the next few posts, I'll be exploring a few options that the Liberals and NDP may want to consider in order to manage what could potentially be the biggest crisis progressive politics in this country has ever faced: A Conservative Majority not held in check by a Quebec Caucus.

Keep Watch.

Privatize the LCBO?

2009-12-17T00:51:00.000-05:00

Mr McGuinty, you need to bring your ship - the Government of Ontario to a full stop regarding privatization. Especially when it comes to the LCBO.

Privatize Ontario Power Generation? Are you serious? We need government involvement in our power generation if we are going to transition into renewables and less polluting (nuclear) energy. $88 million a year in profits isn't anything to sneeze at.

Privatize the OLGC? Are you a moron? Think of the lost billions going into government coffers if you were to get rid of the only source of legal gambling a province of over 11 million people.

Privatize the LCBO? Are you a freaking psycho? It is the crown jewel in the provinces collection of Crown Corporations; it generates over 1.3 Billion dollars in profit every year. While it may seem attractive to get rid of it when you have a 24 Billion dollar deficit; think of the lost revenue in the future. That 1.3 Billion (which will likely grow) will be quite useful when it comes to paying down the debt the province has occurred.

I can see privatizing crown corporations that are a burden to the government, but you are considering getting rid of three of the successful, profitable crown corporations you have. If you do it, it will be a far more stupid, though less politically toxic decision, then the HST as you will have destroyed the finances of your Government for years after you gone.

McGuinty.... Klaatu barada nikto!!!

The Last Detail 2

2009-12-16T21:02:00.000-05:00

Better send Jack back out:

Because Randy Quaid is at it again: http://www.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/12/16/randy.evi.quaid.skip.court/index.html

Word Association # 3

2009-12-16T16:08:00.001-05:00

I post, you comment.

Election...

No Action Plan Sign?

2009-12-16T15:36:00.000-05:00

Again from the National Post: http://www.nationalpost.com/news/canada/story.html?id=2345516

It seems our fighting men and women, who the Conservatives claim to be on the side, are having to find some places to cut back.

Now the Canadian Forces shouldn't be exempt from cutting the waste; but when training and positions are needing to be cut, then thats a problem. As the article notes, they've denied the cuts, but its come to light.

I hope that the Conservatives find the miltiary its $80M before they prorogue. It'd be a shame to see this sort of damage done.

For all of us who are truly on the side of those who put on the uniform in defence of our country and freedom around the world this is a monumental shame.

Parliament of Harper

2009-12-16T14:32:00.001-05:00

From the National Post: http://www.nationalpost.com/news/story.html?id=2344764

Proroguing again?

Generissimo Harper is looking to suspend parliament once again. It seems the cause is that the Conservatives are about to retake the Senate (Sorry Alberta, it seems the Senate Reform you want, will have to wait... forever).

The GG will likely do nothing and give in to his request. Though she is on the way out too, and I'm sure Harper will recommend the appointment of a Neo-Con Thug. Thus giving him control of Parliament and the Executive.

Now this article outlines some reasons why the government wants to prorogue. One of the key points being committees (even though the Conservatives hate Committees). However, I think its far more sinister... Harper and his posse is trying to get opposition to force an election right in the middle of the Olympics. Which would be a disaster for the opposition parties and hand Harper his majority (or as he calls it "his precious").

I think the Opposition should take it easy, let it happen and give the Conservatives enough rope to hang themselves with. With control of the Senate, the real right wing of the Cons will start to get a little louder, and a little scarier. John Baird is getting ready to turn it upto 11.

Oh yeah, Alberta, I need to remind you about that whole Senate Reform thing, and how its not happening. Just incase you forgot.

How Harper will be remembered.

2009-12-16T13:53:00.001-05:00

Raising the national debt

Abandoning the West
A man re-discovers himself.

Word Association #2

2009-12-16T13:04:00.001-05:00

Copenhagen...

He's Barack Obama

2009-12-15T18:42:00.001-05:00

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

Word Association - #1

2009-12-15T17:52:00.000-05:00

I'll post a word; you comment with your association.

NDP....

Unions, would you like some whine with your cheese?

2009-12-15T15:36:00.001-05:00

Is it just me or are unions (in general - I'm sure there are a few useful ones left) becoming annoying little fleas biting all of us whenever the mood strikes.

I was reading the Financial Post when this came up: http://www.financialpost.com/most-popular/story.html?id=2339191

Well, you see the Unions apparently don't like the increased competition that Globalive (marketed as Wind Mobile) will bring to the market place.

I for one love competition and like the lower prices that come along with it.

Unions, go back to actually looking out for the little guy.

4 Lightsabers Up!

2009-12-15T15:36:00.000-05:00

Brilliant; can't wait for the next installment.

Watch this; or cry.

P.S. The Elephant costs $58 000.

Merry Christmas Michael Ignattieff

2009-12-14T14:25:00.000-05:00

It's not the greatest of news for the Liberals, but as the House breaks for Christmas a sign the Liberals are gaining in the polls:

http://www.visioncritical.com/2009/12/conservative-lead-narrows-as-liberals-bounce-back/

A gap of seven; which is better then where its been. I hope the Liberals don't get giddy and try for another election.

I think this means there are continuing reservations on the parts of Canadians to giving Mr Harper a majority government.

I think Ignattieff might be a caretaker and party builder - but alas, may never be the PM.

Just in case we forgot...

2009-12-14T14:15:00.001-05:00

Remember before he wowed us by singing our PM looked alot like this....

GEEK ALERT!

New Contributor

2009-12-13T16:50:00.000-05:00

Hey all,

I'd like to announce a new contributor to The Centre Block. His name is Adam and he is a centre-right type of fellow, a self described red tory/blue liberal, and will no doubt be a welcome addition to the Centre Block.

If you like what you see here and think you would like to contribute, you are welcome to. Left, Centre, or Right I don't care. Extremists of any political stripe need not apply!

James

Corus - Making us all stupid, one radio host at a time.

2009-12-13T16:42:00.000-05:00

Roy Green you sir, are a moron

2009-12-13T16:30:00.000-05:00

Roy Green you join your cohort Charles Adler as one of the people poisoning the political climate in Canada.

I bashed my head against the steering wheel driving down the 401 today when I heard you say "Global Warming", your voice dripping with sarcasm, after you spent 30 minutes agreeing with a scientist who believes man-made climate change.

I happen to agree with you that cap and trade isn't the best system for solving our problem. I think, we as country should be selling our famous CANDU reactors to the US, China, and India. Decrease their dependence on oil and coal - and we make billions in construction, maintaince, uranium sales, etc. I'll talk about this more.

Our oil deposits should be an end to that mean, we can use present profits to fund future profits in another industry, and then use those profits to fund green energy technology here at home.

So, Mr Green, do us all a favour, turn off your microphone and give us back our airways for serious, balanced, political discourse. Instead of your pre-canned Fox News, Hannity approved dribble.

Why does Charles Adler get a radio show?

2009-12-11T14:53:00.000-05:00

I can't help it, I am a glutton for punishment. My choice of punishment?

Charles Adler. He is the bain of my driving existance, but I keep tuning in, perhaps under the guise that I can help protect us all from the dribble he forces his listeners to take in.

I need to stop; or I need my own AM Radio Show. If I become a nutjob, can I have my own show too?

Can we call the hydro company and have them turn off the power to his studio?

You know, maybe I should start podcasts. Are you in?

Dow closes above 10000

2009-10-14T16:40:00.001-04:00

Its been a long year, but the Dow has closed about 10000 for the first time in over a year.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3683270/ns/business-stocks_and_economy/

Its good news, its a psychological barrier that the US Economy has overcome. But, we aren't out of the woods yet. Stock Markets are generally a leading indicator, but the recovery won't be on its way until the unemployment rate drops, which unfortunetly for the unemployed masses, is a lagging indicator.

Maybe, just maybe, we have a reason to be hopeful, and hopefully by next Thanksgiving, a reason to be thankful.

Back in the Saddle

2009-10-14T15:03:00.001-04:00

Amongst many things lately, I have recommitted myself to The Centre Block. It's an exciting time in Canadian politics and we need all the commentary we can muster.

We as a country are facing a decision about the direction we want this country to go in. Should we follow Mr Harper or Mr Ignattieff.

Now, this blog is titled the Centre Block, as you can tell from most of my writings I am a slightly left of centre type of guy. I believe in the role of our federal government in running the country. You could call me a social liberal and a fiscal conservative.

I'd like to have some more contributors to the Centre Block, especially a right of centre type of person. I welcome all who are interested to contact me at lordbeav@gmail.com . I'd like someone who could post at least once every day (or two). If you are an extremist - you need not apply. I want people who can balance their passion with some reason.

It's our country, its time to fight (or write) for it.

10 Things for Lloyd St. Amand To Do

2009-02-04T13:07:00.001-05:00

As promised I give you my top ten things for Lloyd St. Amand to do:

1. Enjoy some time off. You were a hardworking and progressive member of parliament for 4 years. Spend some time with the family and reconnecting with Brantford. You were here in Brant enough during your tenure in office that the stentch of Ottawa hasn't attached itself to you. Some of your suits might be a bit smelly, but a good trip the Dry Cleaners should fix that up.

2. Call Michael Ignattieff. Not tommorow, right now. If you are Lloyd St Amand, stop reading and pick up the phone. Dial his number then continue reading. Tell him that you will represent the Liberal Party in Brant in the next Federal Election.

3. Continue to speak out on important issues in the community. Your thoughtful, intelligent speeches are missed. Please take every opportunity you can get so we be inspired.

4. See # 2.

5. See #3.

6. Secure your election - work with the City and the Six Nations to help broker an understanding so that development can happen in Brantford and Six Nations can continue to press the Federal Government to settle. In your call with Ignattieff get him to come to Brantford and highlight the issue.

7. Highlight the plight of cities like Brantford to your fellow Liberals as they create the policy platform for the next election. You were mentioned by Ignattieff as a good friend after the last election. He sees you as the honest, hardworking man that you are, use that to better your community as you did over your tenure of MP.

8. Win the next Election.

9. Never Change. You are the leader we need and I think alot of people are experiencing buyers remorse after the last election.

10. Repeat 1-9 as necessary.

Moving Day

2009-01-30T15:53:00.000-05:00

I am adding in all of my posts from brantNOW.com . I'll be posting them at the same time for now.

I encourage you all to visit www.brantNOW.com as it's a great resource especially if you are from the Brantford Area. So visit now.

Please excuse the posts dating back to November!

Majority Rights

2009-01-29T16:14:00.000-05:00

That's it, I've had it with Political Correctness once and for all.

I read this story below on CTV about a school in New Brunswick that doesn't play O Canada anymore because 2 (thats right Two) Parents complained.

http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20090129/o_canada_090129/20090129?hub=TopStories

What about the parents of the other children - should the will of two parents get to dictate policy over the majority?

The singing of O Canada is not an oppressive practice; if a parent doesn't want their child to sing then tell them not to sing, they won't get in trouble for it.

Your religion says you can't stand for it? When I was a kid those who had religious beliefs which said they couldn't left the room each morning.

Do you know what that taught the kids in the class? That you can be tolerant to other people and their beliefs and practices without sacrificing your own beliefs and practices - no one was made fun nor was anyone placed in an awkward situation.

I'm usually one to be on the other side of these "red meat" issues, but this is way too far. But I am fed up of average Canadian's have to give up what is most dear to them over a couple of complaints.

Inclusive? Yes. Tolerant? Yes. Giving up everything for the sake of a couple of complaints? No.

1.21 Jiggawatts?!?!?!?

2009-01-27T16:13:00.000-05:00

Remember the shock Doc Brown had when he found out how much power the De Lorean would need to go "Back to the Future"?

Well I had that same feeling when I read the story about the Conservative's Federal Budget.... $85 Billion?!?!?! I have a few (well more than a few) problems with budget.

It erases 85% of the debt we paid back throughout the late ninties and early 200o's. I'm sorry Paul Martin all that hard work you did restoring fiscal responsibility went out the window.
If you are going to spend 85 Billion Dollars, why are you only spending 12 Billion on infastructure? If we spent more than that we could have rebuilt our highways, developed a world class mass transit system, especially for the Quebec City-Montreal-Toronto-Windsor Corridor, as well all the other major cities in Canada.We could have built wind and solar power stations from coast to coast and shut down most of our dirty energy sources. Not to mention rebuild crumbling public schools and our colleges and universities.
Where is the cash for former Post-Secondary Students. How much money from former students is paying back the government for student loans (that shouldn't be paying Prime + 2%) instead of into the economy.
Land Claims - while we were spending $85 Billion, why didn't we spend the extra few billion it will take to end the land claims issues (good work on getting that problem solved Mr McColeman).
Stupid Tax Policy. The most moronic thing the Conservatives have done (and it gets us to this budget) is cutting the GST. Sales Taxes are equal taxes; those who buy more, pay more. So for Joe Cool Millionair, he can afford to buy fancy things like boats, cars, diamonds, etc and the GST is just an annoyance. Those at the poorer end of the spectrum pay very little because they are buying things like meat and vegtables and childrens' clothing - GST exempt items. (I'll get into this issue in another post).

All and all, a wasted opportunity for Stephen Harper to actually do something constructive, instead we get an attempt to buy everyone off incase the government calls. The amount spent in this budget is the NDP's Wet Dream, no one likes deficits better then Jack "I'm running for Prime Minister" Layton, and even he's against it.

In case you were worried, I'm sure the voice of Brant was heard loud and clear by the Prime Minister. Too bad that none of the development that might happen due to this budget won't happen because of Native Protests.

I hope you are not growing attached to your offices Mr. McColeman.... I think your stay might be shorter then you think.

To the other suffering regions of Canada - I hope you like your one newly paved street and tax cuts for the rich.

An era of responsibility

2009-01-21T16:11:00.000-05:00

"Homes have been lost; jobs shed; businesses shuttered. Our health care is too costly; our schools fail too many; and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet." - President Barack Obama, January 20th 2008.

Yesterday, as I am sure many of you did, I watched the history of our neighbours to the south unfold before my eyes. I watched a Black Man reach their highest office in the United States.

As I did this, I read the Brantford Expositor, I see Dave Levac has continuing his dream of moving the casino out of the downtown and replace it with more room for Laurier. However laudable this may be, this is not the time for such an idea.

Why isn't Mr. Levac at Queen's Park lobbying the province to help Brant?

Why are our city counsellors wasting their time listening tp such stupid ideas?

Why aren't these elected officals doing something productive with their time?

As one of their bosses (you are one as well) I am frankly fed up with politics in Brantford. We don't need grand dreams right now, we need practical, back to basics, get people working ideas. Time and time again our politicans have shown how to screw up a good thing Here are a few reasonable ideas that'll get things moving in Brantford again.

1) Build Highway 424 THIS YEAR. We need to be connected to Kitchener/Waterloo/Cambridge by a highspeed road link. If this had been built earlier we may have gotten the Toyota Plant, and not Woodstock.

2) Expand GO Transit to Brantford, we have the rail link, just send a train down the line. Let's connect Brantford to major cities to our east so we can attract white collars workers who are looking to shed themselves of overpriced homes in Mississauga, Oakville, etc.

3) Get provincial money for Laurier and Mohawk - post-secondary education is the future of Brantford; let's continue the responsible redevelopment of our core by bringing in students.

4) SOLVE LAND CLAIMS!!! Mr. Levac do you really think the protestors from the Six Nations would allow us to build a new Casino while redeveloping Market Street south for the university? If you do, I want to go back and time and change my vote. We'll never get development moving if it is being hamstrung by protestors.

Politicans of Brantford (Federal, Provincial, Local) you've been put on notice. We have an example in US who is proclaiming a new generation of responsibility and leadership, hop on the band-wagon or else you may want to look for new jobs.

Relationship Advice: Ottawa Edition

2008-12-02T16:10:00.001-05:00

"I'm sorry, I'll never do it again"

Six words every man needs to learn.

I'm not even married and I know how important these six words are to ensuring a good relationship.

Now last week, everyone's sweater toting Prime Minister made a couple boo-boo, big ones. He politicized an Economic Update. That was mistake #1, well then he went ahead and made mistake #2 by not apologizing.

It was more or less the political equivelent of forgetting your anniversary.

The next day after he attempted to knee-cap the opposition, Mr. Harper could have risen and said "Mr. Speaker, I'm Sorry, I'll never do it again". He could have even bought the three party leaders some flowers.

Instead of acting like an adult, he acted like a Child, and he got a childish response, and now we are in the midst of a political and perhaps constitutional crisis.

Is the Prime Minister the only one to blame? No. But if he wants to be our Prime Minister he should start acting like it. Sometimes that means admitting a mistake.

I think all of our political leaders need to have a girly drink with Carrie Bradshaw in Manhattan and have a good cry, and work it out.

Now for a solution, bring in another Union Government like we did during World War One. We are facing tough economic times, and we need the government working instead of bickering. However they aren't grownups, we elected Children.

I'm sure we'll see the Blue Sweater get pulled out of the dresser.

A Very Super Parade

2008-11-30T16:08:00.000-05:00

Brantford should be proud of itself!

As a participant in the Santa Clause Parade for over a decade, and before that a spectator for over another decade, I have seen many a parade.

This year was perhaps the finest though, the entire route from what I noticed was lined at least 3 deep and in many places much more. The weather was awesome, usually I am frozen solid after that long march, this year though I was fine.

Personally, the Band I was performing with sounded awesome, and from hearing the warm-ups in the Band staging area I know the other bands sound spectacular.

From what I saw on Rogers the floats looked pretty good, I'm not sure what other cities have, but I think we can safely say we have one of the best.

I was glad to see that good ole Saint Nick stopped by Harmony Square, its great to have a place for the parade to end and kick off a season of skating. We should all be proud of our annual Santa Clause Parade!

I look forward to the 2009 Parade, I have no doubt that JCI will organize another great parade, our horns are already warming up for next November, lets hope the temperature is the same next year.

Another Government Intrusion

2008-11-27T16:06:00.000-05:00

I came across this on CTV:

http://toronto.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20081127/cigarillios_081127/20081127/?hub=TorontoNewHome

I'm not a smoker, but this is a needless intrusion into the lives of Ontarians. Where are these intrusions coming from? Powerful lobby groups.

Last week it was poorly devised rules about new drivers pushed by MADD and others.
This week it is banning flavoured cigarillios pushed by the Canadian Cancer Society.
Do you see a trend developing? Our politicans are being pushed around by lobby groups with agendas.

Whats the next step? The Temperance Union making a come back and denying me the liberty of going to the pub and enjoying a pint?

I'm all for laws that protect the common good. Drunk Driving laws are an example, so are laws banning things like murder, or perhaps a economic stimulus package that will keep people working, and things such an environmental initatives. But sometimes enough is a enough.
Our politicans have far more important things to worry about. Our economy is weakening and Ontario for the first time ever became a "have-not province", our ecosystems are being destroyed by our dependence on oil.

Yet our elected representatives are wasting their time legistlating our lives. We are to blame for this, we have let the government get far too involved in our day to day lives. Pierre Trudeau once said, the state has no place in the bedroom's of the nation. He's right, and we ought to stand up and tell the government their job is to keep us safe, provide education and health care, keep the economy regulated, and give the less fortunate a hand-up.

I encourage you to contact your MPP and MP and tell them we want to them to stop legislating our lives, and getting to back to the real jobs at hand. Remember they are our employees, we are management, not them.

Hi, my name is Canada, and I have a problem.

2008-11-26T16:04:00.000-05:00

Over the last month we have seen gas prices drop to levels we have seen in years. This has been caused be a couple of things (though these aren't the only reasons):

People cutting back on driving due to prices.
Less demand due to the current economic climate.

Now before we pull our SUV's out of the garage and celebrate with a drive out to California and back, let us resolve to send a message, we are ending our addiction to oil.

I urge you to continue to buy the fuel efficient cars, the hybrids, the smaller cars, etc. Keep carpooling, keep walking or taking public transit. Park the car and walk into the Tim Hortons instead of idling in the Drive-Thru(through?).

On a side-bar, if you are in the drive-thru at Tim Hortons you better only be buying coffee and donuts, otherwise you are wasting everyone's time. The drive-thru is for Coffee and Donuts only.
Kick the habit, and in the next couple of years, if you can afford it, go out and buy those next Generation Cars, like the Chevy Volt our the Plug-In Prius.

The only way this economy will truly recover is if we invest in the New Energy Economy, without oil.

As with any addiction, the first step is realizing you have a problem.

200 Reads and Counting

2008-11-21T16:03:00.000-05:00

My friends with this post, I will exceed a total over 200 reads, a momentus occasion, as I have only been writing here on brantNOW.com for a short time.

So far my three most popular posts have been: Downtown Delays, Watching the Planets, and by Top 10 List for incoming MP Phil McColeman.

Since you folks are reading, I am going to keep writing. I'd like to thank you for your readership so far, I know with all the different aspects of brantNOW.com that reading my blog could be an easy oversight. But so far you've made it a success.

I do have a request for you though, I am sure that 100% of you do not agree with me. I don't expect it, and I expect to be challenged. If you want to have a discussion, please head over the Forums where you will meet a willing foe for a friendly debate on the issues. There are already numerous excellent discussions in progress and your added voice would be welcome! I warn you though come with evidence to back you up!

It's been a pleasure so far, prepare for my Top 10 List for former MP Lloyd St. Amand, it'll be a riot!

I'll see you when I see you.

10 Things Phil McColeman Should Do

2008-11-18T16:01:00.000-05:00

1. Get Chuck Strahl* to come to Brantford and begin the process of settling the Land Claims Issue. Do this and re-election is in the bag.

2. Realize that you are a backbencher - don't overstep (no press conferences in the National Press Gallery until your second term). Harper doesn't seem to like noise coming from behind him; I think he is easily startled. That said, don't be a yes man, you work for us, not him.

3. Visit Brantford as much as possible. While it's important that you represent our interests, make it a point to be back at least twice a month if not more. We don't want an Ottawa Resident as our Member of Parliament. Consider Ottawa to be a smelly place, and the longer you stay there the worst you smell. We like fresh smelling MPs.

4. See #1.

5. See #4.

6. Give good speeches - short, to the point, and where appropriate funny. Hire an unemployed Political Science student to write speeches for you. There is lots to choose from, so don't worry about having to pay them a lot.

7. We want action, not talk. Your predecessors delivered action; we expect the same from you. Use that Poli Sci student to draft some policy for you.

8. Get us government goodies, you said we needed a MP on the Government side of the House of Commons, prove it. Every time you do #3 on this list, you better have a big cheque with you.

9. Be the leader we need, not the leader we want. These are serious times and it calls for serious leadership. Don't do what's popular, do what is right. If a vote with the government will hurt Brant - vote against it. If you get removed from caucus, so be it, you stood up for your constituents and that's what matters most. You'll win respect and votes in the next election. Remember, your predecessor lost after doing a good job, we in Brantford aren't afraid to fire people to give someone else a chance.

10. See #1-9, repeat as often as necessary.

Please see Comment #3 for explanation.

Sabotaging Industry

2008-11-17T16:00:00.000-05:00

http://www.brantfordexpositor.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1299537

A few weeks ago, I was pleased to see in the news that a company had decided to located at the currently vacant Blue Bird Bus Co Factory on Highway 53.

Today, I saw that local residents were attempting to hamstring a potential 100 jobs from arriving to our areas. There was reference to a residents home value. Guess what, your house will be worth nothing if the local economy collapses. We need those jobs.

As for enviromental concerns, I agree, all projects should go through rigourous potential enviroment impact analysis.

As for noise? My goodness, you live next to an Airport, and upto a few years ago one of the largest bus factories in North America, how could that be silent.

It's hard enough to encourage development in the area due to the Land Claims Issue, we had someone wanting to bring jobs, lets assume that 100 employees at an average of 45 000/year = 4.5 Million dollars coming into the economy each year.

We are in a near recession, we cannot afford to have these jobs move somewhere else. If I see the petition they want me to sign, I'll say "No thanks"

Downtown Delays

2008-11-12T15:56:00.000-05:00

My goodness! It's impossible to drive downtown these days.

With all the delivery trucks, construction, and pedestrians breathing life in to our downtown, it brings to mind, whats the plan?

The City has a downtown revitalization plan, but to see it in action you see a collection of individual efforts to revitalize our central core. The City of Brantford website states "The Downtown Master Plan will identify the action items necessary to achieve this outcome of Councils approved Community Strategic Plan, to make Brantford's "downtown vibrant and successful- the hub for its citizens, students, businesses, visitors and government".
So far, so good right?

A visit to their site shows numerous reports - but I find no eventual goal other to make it vibrant and successful.

How do we want our downtown to be shaped? Do we want it to be a burgeoning university district with cafes, shops, etc to service students? Perhaps instead we want to encourage businesses and professionals to set up shop? Or do we want both?

We need a plan and course accessible to all citizens - I call on our leaders to communicate its plan with us.

Need for News - Originally Posted : 12 Nov 08

2008-11-12T15:55:00.000-05:00

125 000 people.

That's what Statistics Canada states is the approximate population of the Brant. How many major sources of news and opinions are there?

Two.

The Brantford Expositor and CKPC are no doubt diligent and hardworking media entities. But, how many people outside of their place of business listen to CKPC? What do people read first, the Expositor or the Toronto Star, National Post, or Globe and Mail? Is it not a sad fact that these questions even need to be raised?

There is a saying, all politics is local. We only get two sources for political news, that's it. HI'm not questioning the integrity of the Brantford Expositor, but one source of news does not serve the democratic interests of our citizens. I'm sure Mr. St Amand in 2004 and 2006 can tell you how important the Expositor's endorsement was to his electoral success in those elections. I'm also sure that Mr. McColeman can tell you how important it was this year in his upset of Mr. St Amand.

My point, the Expositor is a trusted source of news and opinion due to its fact it is the only source of news in town. There is no discourse, no differing opinions. The Expositor can't cover all the news, how many critical stories about the issues and about the residents of our area have been left unheard because of the limited resources of the only paper in town.

A well-informed citizenry is essential to the ideals of democracy and community. We need to hold the fire to the feet of our elected representaives, and the only method we have is the media.
In this year 2008, we should begin the task of moving past the media of previous generations and embrace the so-called "new media". We can't expect this city to join the 21st century if we rely on the media of the 20th. Your city deserves better, your neighbour deserves better, you deserve better, and your children, our future, deserves better.

Obama - 103 EV; McCain - 34 EV

2008-11-04T20:14:00.000-05:00

MSNBC says Obama wins Pennsylvania.

Obama leads on Ohio, Florida, North Carolina. McCain in Indiana and Virginia.

The results are interesting. McCain is still alive, sorta. But losing Pennslyvania was perhaps a bad omen.

If the Gary area goes for Obama he'll likely take Indiana.

The dream might be coming true.

Obama for America.

Election Watch: 3:15pm

2008-11-04T15:17:00.000-05:00

Here I am, waiting impatiently for the first polls to close in the United States.

I have say, I am cautiously optimistic, but scared of what might be. Can all the polls possibly be wrong?

If they are, I truly fear for the future, and weep for it as well, because in the year 2008 our neighbours from the south could have revolutionized they way the world sees them.

I'm not unbiased, I wish and pray for an Obama Victory. It's days like today I wish I was a US Citizen.

At this point, I have just three words: Obama for America

Not seeing the big picture.

2008-10-28T22:40:00.000-04:00

Campbell Brown wrote an opinion article about Barack Obama's "broken promise" regarding accepting public financing.

You can see her article here: http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/10/28/campbell.brown.obama/index.html

8:00PM is no offically the No News Hour on all three US News Networks. We have Bill O'Reilly on FNC; Keith Olbermann on MSNBC; and now Ms. Brown on CNN.

But thats another point.

The point I am making is that Sen. Obama had no choice put to revolutionize the fundraising apperatus in order to survive. He wouldn't have been able to fight of the McCain/RNC Attack Ads if he had handicapped himself with Public Financing.

Mr. Obama has involved people in politics in a way not seen in generations. If he is successful in one week's time we'll be talking about the Obama Revolution like we now talk about the Reagan Revolution.

Yes, the US needs campaign finance reform. But I don't think Obama so much as broke a promise, but instead was realistic. And isn't that what everyone wants in a Commander In Chief?

McKenna is Out.

2008-10-28T17:35:00.000-04:00

http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20081028/mckenna_leadership_081028/20081028?hub=TopStories

Frank McKenna has again announced he will not run for the Liberal Leadership.

Its looking more and more likely to be a Ignattieff vs Rae Battle.

Obama's Final Argument...

2008-10-27T10:54:00.000-04:00

... well sort of.

Obama will apparnetly be giving his "closer" in Ohio today. MSNBC reveals a heartwarming line : “The change we need isn’t just about new programs and policies. It’s about a new politics -- a politics that calls on our better angels instead of encouraging our worst instincts; one that reminds us of the obligations we have to ourselves and one another.”

We'll see how it plays, and rest assured if it needs tinkering we'll see it in Obama's 30 Minute Ad coming this Wednesday.

Needless to say, on paper it seems like a powerful line, and Obama will likely deliver on it.

Until next time my friends.

Things to Come

2008-10-26T21:46:00.000-04:00

There are changes coming to The Centre Block. We are planning an expansion of our content. We have added some balance by adding some contributors.

Just recently "In Media Res" our voice from the west has posted. Soon you will see some from Matt B and Lucas Timmons, Mr. Timmons is our local Libertarian and I assure you will antagonize us who disagree. However he is a very smart man and will make you think about the issues.

Matt B is man dedicated to reason and his arguments will keep you coming back for more.

We are a centrist blog. This is why we make our additions. True political discource requires multiple point of view. I hope you'll join us here as we debate issues local, national, and international.

We'll also be having some fun. Keep reading, because we'll keep writing.

Confident and Smug

2008-10-25T23:32:00.000-04:00

Indeed, Chretien exudes(ed) a respectable confidence in carrying out his duties; in retirement, he's also allowed to be a little bit smug. When several Canadian banks had it in their mind to merge (in 1998), arguing it would make them more competitive, the government blocked the deals from going through. Mr. Chreitien, though unwittingly, has left us in a generally favourable position heading into the current economic crisis; for this we ought to be appreciative.

Canada's Most Poopular Leader

2008-10-25T21:00:00.000-04:00

He's still here, haunting us. Arguably, Jean Chretien is Canada's most popular living politician. Even for all those who hate him, the facts are undeniably there that he won three back to back majorities.

I won't apologize for his faults or accused scandals, but the guy is unbelievable. He has an unshakable confidence in himself, excluding the 1995 Referendum, but I think that year the entire nation had little confidence. Something which I think our current cabal of leaders lack. Yes, Harper seems confident, but I always get from him that he is unsure of himself.

I'm going to argue that Canada has lacked true leadership on the national stage for quite some time. No one inspires us anymore.

Here's hoping for a great Liberal Convention.

Poor Alberta

2008-10-25T19:06:00.001-04:00

I'm not an expert. But it seems the current slide in oil won't help Alberta any. Combined with the Alberta Gov't new royalty plan, is it possible that their economy might tank too?

The Down Ballot Struggle Begins

2008-10-24T15:53:00.000-04:00

I just saw this ad on Ben Smith's Politico Blog.

With Obama starting to wrap up his presidential campaign, it appears he is starting to let people ride on his coattails.

Though If I were him I would want to make sure that no party has a veto proof majority.

Expect more of this as the Democrats go for the trifecta this year.

On a side note, I have been living on Politico for the last few weeks. Sadly, there is no Canadian version.

Deficit Night in Canada?

2008-10-24T15:30:00.000-04:00

Welcome to the 1980s.

Trudeau ushered in the era of big deficits, and Mulroney kept it going. Now after over a decade of surpluses we are going to have to sit through a blast from the past.

Yesterday, the Ontario Government announced a $500M deficit, today the Federal Finance Minister Jim Flaherty said we might not be able to avoid it, but he is "confident" we can.

Its time to bring out the scalpal (not the axe) and start trimming the budget. Perhaps it wasn't such a great idea to slash the GST after all.

A Commitment to more posts.

2008-10-24T15:10:00.000-04:00

My friends (I guess thats cliche now).

I have from time to time decided to post to The Centre Block. Now is the time for me to commit myself to blogging more than I have.

In today's economic and political climate it is more important than ever before for citizens to report their opinions and the facts they can find. In the past this was a difficult thing to do. Now with the advent of the internet we no longer need to sit quietly.

Martin Luther King Junior spoke of the fierce urgency of now during the Civil Rights movement. On the verge of the next era in Canadian and World politics, I along with all of you will be here saving the world through our words.

Liberal Leadership

2008-10-21T15:38:00.000-04:00

So its begun. Now that the campaign has begun, let us look at a few contenders:

Michael Ignattieff: The Philosopher King. He is arguable the strongest of the contenders for the leadership, and most likely the candidate the Conservatives don't want. However, his long abence from the country is still an open sore.

Bob Rae: Potential Leader of the "Unite the Left" movement, however, Bob Rae is still toxic in Ontario, and as the last election has shown, Ontario is no longer a Liberal Fortress. To win it back they'll need a leader who can rebuild the party's fortune in Central Canada.

Gerard Kennedy: The Dealmaker. He was a strong enough candidate in the last campaign that he won it from Dion. However, will that strength remain? It can be argued in hindsight that his efforts have harmed the Liberal Party.

Frank McKenna: Premier, Ambassador, Businessman. Likely Bay Street's choice for Liberal Leader. He's bilingual (though apparently rusty).

Jane Stewart: She was apparently the successor Chretien wanted. She threw herself on the media grenade of the HRDC. There was a small "Draft Jane" movement in 2006, its unknown if she would take the plunge or not.

There are numerous others, but it'll be a short campaign, expect an Ignattieff or Rae victory.

A "Tory" Response

2008-03-25T02:35:00.000-04:00

A friend of mine, who is also a contributor, and myself have been debating recently the merits of a Canadian Republic. He is a proponent of such a change, myself I believe the status quo of this nation being a constiutional monarchy; it has served us well since 1867 and is stable enough that it should last as long as this nation retains its status as an independent nation.

He argues through most of his post about Empires and the negative effects Empire has had on Canada over the last 140+ years - to start off and make things more simple, let me concede the point that Imperialism/Colonialism is counter-productive to the growth and development of the modern nation-state.

Let me make my case for why Canada should continue to retain the Monarchy (read: Governor-General):

1) Provides for non-partisan execution of the powers of the Head of State. We can see in the United States how the partisan "vision" of the presidency can often lead to problems with the legislative branch of Government. The Monarchy is not the symbol of one politican party or another; but instead all Canadians.

2) The Monarchy can lend its voice and influence to causes that are sometimes overlooked by partisan bickering in the House of Commons and the Senate. Aboriginal Affairs; Women's Rights; Development of a Uniquely Canadian Identity have all been heralded by the Queen's representative.

3) Specific to Queen Elizabeth II, she keeps abreast of Canadian affairs even with a representative in Ottawa. She has been known to advise Prime Ministers of the best courses of action - her experience is unparalelled she has ruled as monarch for over 50 years. Her first British Prime Minister was Sir Winston Churchill; her first Canadian Prime Minister was Louis St. Laurent.

4) Canada was not designed as a republic. My friend in his post spoke of the "great experiement" of the US Republic. Canada, as much younger nation has been just as much as a testbed of ideas as the United States. The adoption of the Charter shows this. In terms of Human Rights and Social Policy we were not stained of the "original sin" of Slavery - we remain light years ahead of our southern neighbour.

5) If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

God Save the Queen, God Save Canada.

A More Perfect Union

2008-03-24T22:13:00.000-04:00

Pouring Sugar in the Gas Tank

2008-03-24T12:08:00.000-04:00

This is where I have gotten my inspiration for my post: http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20080324/flaherty_ontario_080324/20080324?hub=TopStories

Ontario is considered to be the economic engine of this country - with 40% of the population Ontarians hold much economic clout and as much their fears of the "R" word should be met with optimism.

However, the Federal Finance Minister Jim Flaherty in a partisan attempt at winning votes for the Federal Conservatives in the next federal election is goading Premier McGuinty into a fight over business taxes. Going as far as saying that Ontario is the least desirable place in Canada in which to run a business.

Being pro-business is fine; but branding the economic engine of the country as being the least desirable place to run a business is akin to pouring sugar into the gas tank of a car. It is irresponsible of the Finance Minister to speak like this. Canadians deserve better then a partisan hack dispensing "advice" to the provinces; especially Ontario which contributes more to Federal coffers then it receives back from the Federal Government. We've paid our dues and then some. Ontario's money goes to "equalization" (of which this author supports - in theory) and in response we get our economy hamstrung by the statements of an incompetent Finance Minister.

Say what you will about the dithering Paul Martin as Prime Minster; but he ran a tight ship as the Finance Minister and led this country (with the help of Uncle Jean) out of the economic wilderness and set us on the path of prosperity. For fiscal conservatives, the Harper regime is proving themselves as spendaholics and are treading very close to deficit spending - which will only serve to weaken our economy while we are tending to weather the recent economic storm down south well.

Jim Flaherty is not one to speak - his work as a Provincial Cabinet Minister during the dark years of Mike Harris destroyed the public infrastructure of this province.

Dalton McGuinty is right - this time. Ontarians of every politician stripe needs to stand behind our government and demand that Ottawa supports Ontario's economy - for the benefit of the whole nation.

Stephen Harper needs to reign in his Finance Minister - or be prepared to face the consequences in Ontario in the next Election.

The illusion of the Dominion, the dream of the Republic.

2008-03-24T09:35:00.001-04:00

The following is inspired from a post from my other blog that has become stagnant.
You can read the original here:

http://gebrauchmusikblog.blogspot.com/2006/10/republic-of-canada.html

I have decided to edit it and add a bit more to make it relevant.

A good friend of mine and I were talking a number of days ago about an officer at the Royal Military College who disagreed with the military’s rule that members of the forces must toast the reigning monarch. Refusing to do this it would be considered disloyal, which has accompanying punishments, all of which I am unsure of and so will not quote here.

To me, this brings up two very interesting issues:
1 - What role does Empire (both American and British) have in Canada?
2 - Would shedding our imperial heritage really hurt Canada?

Some dear friends of mine say that the Monarchy and our ties with the UK are what defines us and keeps us from becoming American. I disagree with this statement. Canada has done a fine job of feigning off Americanism albeit in the name of the “Commonwealth and Empire,” however, our reluctance to define what it is to be Canadian and our reliance on pretending to remain loyal to The Empire (that never gave a damn about us anyways) has skewed reality.

But, a friend told me, the monarchy recognizes the importance of Canada! The Queen Mum once replied to the question as to whether she was English or Scottish and replied that she was Canadian – she was probably drunk, and good on her for it! Much like her reply, our perception is based on selective memory, and gin.

It is because of the insecurities we have about our identity that we keep the Governor General, the Lieutenant Governors and our constitutional monarchy. Canadian tax payers are supporting institutions that archaic at best and wasteful at worst. It is time to perfect the grand American experiment. It is time for a Canadian Republic.

Our clutching to the constitutional monarchy is not surprising though, as WASP Canadians have for time immemorial had a romantic relationship with the Empire (a romantic and very one-sided relationship). Canadians have died for the follies of Empires over and over again. Canadians have been willing to gulp up the tripe fed to us. much like the rhetoric we see south of our boarder today. Much as the Spanish American War was fought because of WR Hearst's jingoism, so too Canadians were easily convinced that the Boers in South Africa were barbaric and a direct threat to the morals and authority established by the Empire (as defined by the so-called ‘White Man’s Burden’). Does this situation sound familiar?

Six times more during the 20th Century Canada would both directly and indirectly come to the aid of Empires that had created their own messes. In each of these situations, just as in the Boer War, many Canadians wanted to, and did, believe in the nobility of their fight and fought proudly and valiantly. It is in these wars that we are told we defined ourselves as a nation. But at what price was this nationhood, and who determined the currency? As it turns out, blood, slaughter and victory are the price – decided by those who used the same to build the Empires we have so gallantly defended. We’ve been lied to and abused and we should be very pissed off.

WWI

The slaughter/blood bath that was Belgium and France between the years 1914-1918 is where we tell ourselves that Canada finally became a nation. Vimy was where the stupidity and incompetence of the French and British generals was finally tossed aside. The Canadian contingent decisively beat the ‘Huns’ holding the ridge and marched into history as an army that wasn't lead by idiots and half-wits, an army that wasn’t lead by the imperial generals. The cost for this, however, was a great deal more than the trials of Vimy.

We also had to endure the Somme, Ypres, Passchendaele, the Marne, and countless others. Why? Because the "Great" Empires of Europe had been pointing loaded guns at each other for 50 years, just waiting to see who pulled the trigger first. The "Dreadnought Gap" (sound oddly familiar?) fuelled the first major arms race that lead to the Great War. And when the first shots were fired, Johnny Canuck gladly picked up his rifle and marched to the Maple Leaf Forever to the killing fields of Europe in support of the only thing we ever knew - the Empire.

WWII

This was the only war with an actual cause. A downtrodden and vanquished Germany that had been allowed to rot and fester for 10 years wanted revenge and respect. The Second World War really started the day the Treaty of Versailles was signed. In 1919 the victors basked in their dismantling and humiliation of the defeated Germany, when they were just as responsible for the war as she was. The apathy of three empires - British, French and American - let Germany rise once again, this time to single-handedly terrorize two continents under a ruthless and brutal man. These Empires’ lethargy in actually carrying out the stipulations laid out at Versailles led to Canadians once again being called on to defend the Empire that partially created its own mess. “The New World” came to defend the old (as paraphrased from Churchill when he was calling on the USA to aid Europe). But who was already defending the Old World? The Royal Canadian Navy, the Canadian Merchant Marine, the RCAF and the Canadian Army - we fought in North Africa and Italy, and had our own beach at Normandy. How was Canada rewarded? Dieppe. After all of our dedication and success we were still colonists; we were still guinea pigs.

Korea

A change in Empires: the Huns had been punished, and now the ‘commies’ were the enemy – the threat to freedom and liberty. Was the Korean War a police action or a flexing of might? This war was a challenge to the American Empire’s dominance in the Pacific. The world was once again convinced of the validity of the fight and marched in step with an Empire asserting its might.

Vietnam

Superficial defiance though the protection of dissenters (draft dodgers) masked the silent compliance and assistance to the American cause. Economically Canada was very supportive of the US war effort, of our big brother to the south.

Iraq I

A brutal dictator (who was openly supported economically and militarily by the US government) finally disobeyed his American masters. After the spin and jingoism were done, there was still lots of room on the bandwagon for Canada and the rest of the world to jump on. “How dare Saddam invade the small, peaceful, liberty-loving nation of Kuwait?” we all asked. But the real question was “How dare Saddam fly in the face of Washington?” Suddenly, the US government claimed to care about the human rights abuses that occurred in Iraq (such as the use of gas on Kurdish Iraqis); conveniently overlooking the fact that that gas had been procured from the United States. We weren’t told about that and suddenly, the world was ready to fight for freedom once again.

Afghanistan

“The enemy of my enemy is my friend” syndrome led to American support of the extremist Taliban in fighting off the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. Afghanistan, a very progressive country, was left as spoils to the Taliban after the Soviets withdrew. They did what they wished with the population, human rights be damned. As the Russians withdrew, so, too, did the concern of the Americans. And today, Canada is left, once again, fighting a war caused by the ignorance and arrogance of an empire - exactly where we found ourselves 100 years ago.

Why are we in Afghanistan? Because a CIA-trained, American-supported “freedom fighter”-turned-America hater decided to molest American interests around the world. Only after this campaign culminated in the 911 attacks did the American government become “concerned” with human rights abuses in Afghanistan (which, let us not forget, were perpetrated under the very people they had armed and left to govern it).

Once again, our men and women are fighting a noble fight to right wrongs and establish peace, order and good government following the meddling screw-ups of our imperialist neighbour to the south.

At what cost do we continue to support such imperial ambitions? We have already forgotten the lessons learned from Britain’s lofty ambitions, and now fondly remember, as we wave our Union Jacks and sing Land of Hope and Glory, a time when the “sun never set on the British Empire” (a saying to which Henri Bourassa once shot back that it “only goes to prove that not even god trusts the British in the dark”).

It is time to move on and away from our imperial mother and big brother countries. We need to lead by example, through tolerance, understanding and democratic rule. The American Republic was an experiment in those values; the outcome has so far proven to be another empire.

The Republic Canada would be a grand experiment, and one in which I believe we would succeed.

Canadian Citizenship for Obama

2008-03-23T21:52:00.000-04:00

Canadians need to stop whining about how we perceive ourselves - French, English, Newfoundlander, Westerner etc - and start working together to make this world a better place.

Very rarely can one look at a news service's paper or website and not find some person somewhere complaining how their region of Canada is misunderstood/needs more money/isn't given enough of a say. The very reason why we have so much regionalism in Canada is not because we're so big, but because we lack a leader who is willing to say "yes we are all different, now lets get over that and start working together." Barack Obama says that, and for the sake of the free world, I hope he believes it.

When is a political leader in Canada going to stand up and say "we're all in this boat together so lets make a go of it?" We don't have to agree, but we have to stop being divided. Division being the tested neo-conservative strategy of slamming all opposition. The Harper government is not above this. Furthermore, its survival has only been prolonged by the ineffectiveness and apathy of the opposition leaders.

Mr Dion may have been a great diplomat and back room politician, but it seems he is so afraid of an election because he knows he will lose, and inevitably lose his place as leader. The people are tired of listening to Mr Layton, if they ever actually did in the first place... And the Bloc... they're part of the problem in the first place. The Green Party, who?

If the Americans decide they don't want Barack Obama, I'd take him. He has a vision, and not a crazy vision either like Martin Luther(not MLK Jr if you were wondering). His is a real vision of hope and togetherness, which sounds like a bunch of hooey, but I think it's exactly what we need.

A New Found Respect for Naomi Klein

2007-09-06T12:03:00.000-04:00

I really haven't liked any of her previous works or interviews, but I had the opportunity to read her interview in Macleans. It caused me to think twice about her - I saw her as a radical anti-capitalist "hippie" but in her interview she changed my mind.

The interview can be found here:
http://www.macleans.ca/culture/lifestyle/article.jsp?content=20070910_109113_109113

Do yourself a favour and check it out. She talks about mixed market capitalism and how its beneficial to all as it promotes hard-work, economic expansion, and social justice.

This is the type of political discourse we need here in Canada and the rest of the Western World.

Its Easy To Bash the Dead

2007-09-06T00:20:00.001-04:00

http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20070905/mulroney_intvu1_070905/20070905?hub=TopStories
Mulroney is being daft again - Canada's worst former Prime Minster who is in the midst of his history being raked over the coals has decided for no reason to bash Trudeau, the most bashed man in Canadian politics. Now when the man was alive and able to defend himself thats one thing. However, The Rt. Hon. P.E. Trudeau sadly is dead, and in no position to defend himself. History can be twisted, but the essence of man does not, and cannot change. PET's essence was Canada itself.

If we went though Meech, we would be letting Canada go with a whimper. One only needs to look at Belgium to see what Meech like results would have given us, that country is on the verge of splitting into pieces. Trudeau saved Canada from that. We've survived separatism and the federation is strong.

Mr. Mulroney shut your mouth and spend the time defending yourself. You are just bitter that Canadians love Trudeau while they revile at your name.

Vive les Canada!

Another Improptu Visit to Iraq

2007-09-03T21:46:00.001-04:00

My goodness it seems Uncle George has been a busy man. After loosing his most talented advisor and press secretary, Dubya has made another secret mission to Iraq.

Surprised? I'm not when there is bad news its easy to charm the media by having the Commander-in-Chief visiting the front. It's distracted you from the stumbling US Economy, even just for a second, no?

Kudos to Bush, he has pulled the wool over the eyes of Americans once again.

Well I suppose, That's My Bush!

And then a step to the right

2007-06-17T18:15:00.000-04:00

If you want to go to Europe, head down the Political Highway and turn right.

It seems that Europe is on the verge of becoming a conservative utopia. It all started in 2005 when Angela Merkel became Chancellor of Germany.

Now in 2007 we look to France when Nicolas Sarkozy is now President, and has as of today formed a Majority Parliament.

One can only wonder if Tony Blair replacement Gordon Brown is next on the chopping block, and if Britain is ready for Prime Minister David Cameron....

A Summer of Discontent

2007-06-17T17:56:00.000-04:00

I've been watching CPAC with my last couple of months available to lay about. The Hill has become a dury place of which nothing substantial occurs; except for 308 MPs releasing enough verbal pollution to warrant an International Climate Change conference.

PM Harper is the more partisan then Jean Chretien; though the latter had a majority and didn't need to be. However, it is usually the Opposition hurling insults across to the Government benches who take it (sorry for being politically incorrect) like men. However, this time its Harper (and lackeys) hurling them at the Opposition.

I'd like to see productive work being done; even its by a party I don't support. If something is good for Canada I'll support it regardless of party. I haven't seen it from Harper, and he'll pay dearly when he fails to win a majority or the next election.

Senator Fortier - Coward

2006-10-25T15:19:00.000-04:00

As you recall, Senator Michael Fortier was appointed after the Conservatives were shut out of Canada's three biggest cities; this caused quite an uproar, seeing that the Conservatives are apparently against an appointed Senate (another debate for another entry). He promised to run in the next general electon.

There is now a by-election and he is refusing to run, why? Because he knows he cannot win? He'd rather stay in the protected halls of the Senate?

Shame on Fortier, Shame on Harper, Shame on the Conservatives....

Garth Turner

2006-10-25T00:39:00.000-04:00

I haven't said anything about Garth Turner; his explusions from the Conservative Party shows how fearful Harper is of having any dissention... think how bad it would be if he, perhish the though, had a majority government.

He should join the Green Party... bring them into Parliament, and end the Conservative hold on Parliament.

Republic Meltdown

2006-10-09T18:20:00.000-04:00

Well, after years of economic slowdown, a war that kills over 1 American Soldier a day, and corruption from all levels of Government, the Republican Machine is finally breaking down. All it took was an almost child molestor... rightfully so, its one of the most heinous crimes in Western Society.

The republicans have been covering this up for years, all in the name of winning elections. While if they had done the right thing years ago, they could be claiming to be the protector of children, but instead they showed their true colours as moral-less partisans bent and bound on elctoral victory.

Welcome to the Democratic Era.

Iggynation - The New Trudeaumania?

2006-10-06T18:25:00.000-04:00

Is the self-proclaimed Iggynation an attempt to revive Trudeaumania in the 21st Century?

No it is not.

Trudeaumania was the product of the 1960s culture. However the "Iggynation" is the product of our current culture, we have the Leafs Nation, the Sox Nation, most professional sports teams have a "nation" behind them now. Michael Ignattieff's political advisors have smartly attached this to a political campaign, will it work?

The early results say yes, as it stands Micheal Ignattieff has 29.8% of the delegates, clearly the frontrunner. Now they have to capitalize on this to make sure he manages to win the leadership. Heaven forbid Bob Rae becomes Prime Minister.

Now you ask, why not Bob Rae? I'm from Ontario, I was a young lad during Rae Days, but I remember the counter swing... Mike Harris and the Common Sense Revolution, it all but destroyed Ontario. The man (Rae) is politically tainted; do we want a Harper Majority? NO. Bob Rae while now an elder statesman will destroy our party, and will give the Conservatives the chance and ability to become a majority government, punishing the liberal party to a decade of darkness.

I beg the delegates going to the convention to think ahead... we want our Caesar, and it is Michael Ignattieff.

The Harper Hypocrisy

2006-09-27T17:16:00.000-04:00

Over the last week, we've seen the current Conservative Government cancelling countless programmes implemented from previous Liberal Governments. When in opposition, they attacked the surpluses, and demanded tax cuts, now that they are in the same boat, they did what the Liberals did, pay down the debt.

Jean Chretien and Paul Martin destroyed the deficit, now as the Conservatives gain the benefits and they claim the Liberals are still causing trouble.

The next election will be interesting, especially with the right Liberal leader.

Ignattieff - The Future of Liberal Politics

2006-09-26T16:57:00.000-04:00

Since the January 2006 election, the Liberal Party has been wandering in the desert, Bill Graham has been serving as an apt Interim Leader, keeping the machinery running, and ensuring a solid house policy. Its a testament that we are so strong in the polls, leaderless... think of what it wll be with the correct leader?

For those of us who watched the West Wing, we saw a great US President, Josian Bartlet, he was everything anyone would want of a natonal leader; smart, witty, articulate, a great orator. Everyone wants Jed Bartlet as their leader, well we have him, his name is Michael Ignattieff, world renowned intellectual and nouveau politico that already graps the machinery of politics.

As the Super Weekend arrives, we can hope that he does well, unfortunetly somehow, Bob Rae has become a contender, but how? We have to realize that he is A) not electable in Ontario and B) Not really a Liberal.

I beg Liberals everywhere, choose what we need, and what we want, it should be Michael Ignattieff.

Why is no one calling David Emerson a Whore?

2006-02-13T12:35:00.000-05:00

If you recall when Belinda Stronach croseed the floor to join the Liberal Party, some members of the now governing party went as far as to call her a whore. Now that David Emerson did the same thing, he's apparently standing up for Canada.

The Conservatives need to practice what they preach in order to win a majority, as a Liberal, I am more then happy to watch the Conservatives implode before they even sit in the House of Commons, as a Canadian though, I am sad to see another example to why we have a cynical electorate.

Garth Turner is being reprimanded for speaking his mind, yet the Conservatives wanted to restore the voice of MPs in Parliament, where is that freedom? Will it exist when policies such as revoking the right to Same-Sex Marriage, and eventually abortion come back to the table, or the Conservatives force their MPs to follow the party line.

Stephen Harper said Canadians voted for change, well Canadians are asking him, where's the change?

Maybe we would have been better off with another Liberal Minority... at least we know where they stand.

Or maybe we should just start calling Emerson a whore...

Tory Trouble

2006-02-09T12:42:00.000-05:00

http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1845&ncid=1845&e=1&u=/cpress/20060209/ca_pr_on_na/emerson_fallout
It appears that the Tories are already in trouble and they have yet to even sit in parliament. the noble constituents of our new governing party are outraged at the party switching that was done by former Liberal Industry Minister (and now Conservative Cabinet Minister) David Emerson.

Can the Conservative Caucus survive this sort of infighting, what happens when debates over serious policy start to begin? Time will tell, but at the moment things are not looking good for the new government.

Stephen Harper needs caucus discipline if he intends to last longer a year.

Harper's Hypocrasy

2006-02-08T00:02:00.000-05:00

Oh me, oh my, its politcal hypocrasy rearing its ugly head in Ottawa, surprised? I'm not. But he, don't blame me, I voted for the other guy (which one you'll know later).

http://www.cbc.ca/story/canada/national/2006/02/06/emerson-jumps060206.html

Harper said, regarding the appointments "If you look carefully at what I said in the election campaign, I did leave open that possibility.." could someone point us to these statements? I'll kindly give Harper credit if he said that and no picked up on that, but the media was reading the Conservative talking points as if they were commandments from God.

Ok, Canada's changed, we've had our break with the Conservatives, can we go back to the Liberals now please? At least we knew what we got with the devil we knew.