16 December 2009
No Action Plan Sign?
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
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.
15 December 2009
Unions, would you like some whine with your cheese?
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!

14 December 2009
Merry Christmas Michael Ignattieff
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.
13 December 2009
New Contributor
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
Roy Green you sir, are a moron
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.
11 December 2009
Why does Charles Adler get a radio show?
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?
14 October 2009
Dow closes above 10000
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
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.
04 February 2009
10 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.
30 January 2009
Moving Day
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!
29 January 2009
Majority Rights
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.


