While watching Stephane Dion deliver his speech last night at the Ignatieff Coronation Convention, I was reminded how weak he was as a leader and a speaker.
No doubt many others shared my thoughts.
So Iggy is now the default choice for the Liberal Party of Canada. For ‘Liberal brand’ voters Iggy is a leader they could live with, whereas many party faithful simply stayed home during the last election because they just couldn’t bring themselves to endorse Stephane Dion as possible Prime Minister.
But was this tribute to Dion intentional in order to boost Iggy’s leadership capital?
Jane Taber tells us that Dion didn’t seem to actually want the attention initially:
…According to some Liberals, the former leader didn’t even want a tribute.
Senator David Smith, a national co-chair of many campaigns, described Mr. Dion as the “opposite of glitzy” when asked why he wasn’t too keen on a tribute. But Mr. Smith said yesterday that the party has to “show respect.”
Obviously the party operatives were successful in talking him into it.
This morning Taber reports that Dion’s speech was awful:
…Stéphane Dion, the outgoing leader, who was being feted for his tenure, also had Liberals on their feet – but it was as they were walking out on his speech. It was that bad.
This was supposed to be Mr. Dion’s night. Instead, his speech which was slated for about 15 minutes went nearly 30. It was flat, professorial and a reminder of why he fared so poorly in the last election. He couldn’t lift the words off the page. His speech was mostly a rehash of some of his promises and policies from last year’s disastrous election…
Was Stephane Dion used to make Iggy look better by contrast and thereby justify the lack of democratic process in the selection of a leader?
If so, that would be about as low as the LPC could go.
* * * *
Update: Chrétien first off the mark with attack ads – Chrétien blasts Harper to open Liberal convention (CBC)
Ignatieff takes hit for tax remarks – Star
It’s like 1968, only without the candidates, issues, excitement or leader – Andrew Coyne
Back to future for Liberals on carbon tax - Calgary Herald
(H/T Bionic Liberal)
Liberal delegates leave room for carbon tax, which Ignatieff doesn’t support (today) – Canadian Press
Vancouver Liberal Convention – Green Shift Green Lighted – Secrets of Vancouver
Michael Ignatieff’s convention speech: a critical reading of the text – John Geddes, Macleans
‘And before I go . . .’ – CBC
Will Ignatieff Be First Atheist Prime Minister? 1 Anxious Liberal
* * * *
Sunday Update
Ignatieff yet to deliver substance – Chantal Hébert: (H/T East of Eden)
…As for Dion, if he served a primary purpose the past three days, it has been to make Ignatieff look good.
Any regret some Liberals might have felt at seeing him go was largely dispelled by a long, rambling farewell speech Friday that featured a lot of the woolly thinking that induced almost one million habitual Liberal supporters to stay home in the last election…
Chantel must have read my post.
Ignatieff Q&A: ‘I’m going to become PM’ - The Province (H/T Bruce)
It was the fake ‘united’ front on display.
The family photo re-do.
Iffy urges the LPC membership to go one member one vote….at his coronation.
Two + years ago, his speech seemed to be fine; in fact better than the (un)chosen one.
I specifically remember this reporter (JT) on Mike Duffy, going on ad nauseum over the convention and how exciting it had been. Then we had the polls, indicating how amazing he was going to be.
These same people that are going to criticise, write about and leave their seats, were the same ones that told the country, how GREAT Dion was for the country.
These same people, will now do it with Ignatieff. It defies logic but it does not defy, their hypocrisy.
They absolutely think, that they have a God given right, to lead this country, no matter who’s in charge. No matter what they say, do and think.
If they politically call themselves Liberal, it could be a warm body and that’s all that matters.
No wonder this country, has lost it’s way.
“Was Stephane Dion used to make Iggy look better by contrast and justify the lack of democratic process in the selection of a leader?”
Of course he was. The Liberals could not afford another haphazardly chosen leader. They, in their wisdom therefore chose one, made sure there would be no opposition, and now have to justify their choice to the members. I actually feel sympathy for Mr. Dion. Being used in this way is really very demeaning in my opinion. But for reasons unknown to me, he went along with it. Perhaps thinking he might have one more shot at wooing the populace, who knows. I suppose there’s some truth in that old saying: ‘There’s no fool, like a useful fool.’
But for reasons unknown to me, he went along with it.
I’m guessing that he naively bought the story that the party needed to ‘show respect.’
I wanted to add, many of these same people, if not all of them, were publicly chastising Conservatives for allegedly, disrespecting PM Brian Mulroney.
And then they cannot even sit on their adult behinds, to pay homage to someone THEY elected. THEY elected this guy, OVER the one THEY have now appointed.
When Prime Minister Stephen Harper, used the phrase moral compass, it was bang on.
We use the term, entitlement often to describe this current version of Liberals. Never have I felt it more appropriate than right now.
The circle has closed. They need a bomb to crash through it and start all over.
I would have more sympathy for Dion if he didn’t keep taking all the credit for the Clarity Act. Harper in 1999 with the NCC came up with most of the content of the rules for the federal government’s response to any future referenda on Quebec separatism. Also the English rights Equality Party in Quebec pushed for these ground rules.
Yeah, I too think they used Dion one last time. Is that as low as they can go? Just watch them!
Hallelujah John’s a Bum. John is as confused now as he was in 1984.
John Who was there. John with Iona: been there, bummed that*: “Our private lives were private,(sic)”
“John Turner, the former Liberal leader and prime minister, turns 80 next month. He is frail and walks bent over with a slightly tentative gait as he uses a cane.”
>>> John Who said: “The media are busybodies, too involved in a politician’s private life. “[This is more] prevalent now than it was in my day, thank God. Our private lives were private, and we had a good community with members of the House of Commons right across the floor, and the press and media stayed out of it.” He received rousing applause.”
http://tinyurl.com/d7w3t
(lottsa libgoodies by Giggles)
…-
John Who in his salad days?dazed:
*”Reminds me of the time, a number of years ago (1984), when the then-Prime
Minister of Canada, John Turner, patted a former cabinet minister
(female), Iona Campagnola, on the bum at a public event. It lost him a lot
of votes. He tried to excuse it by saying he was a physical person — mano
a mano etc. — and that got him nowhere.”
urlm.in/chst
Herewith a triboot for John:
“Hallelujah I’m a Bum Oh, why don’t I work like other men do? How the hell can I work when the skies are so blue? cho: Hallelujah! I’m a bum, Hallelujah bum again …”
(traditionaliberal)
OT/Just posted this on another thread but I thought everyone should have their input. So I am posting here as well in case some didn’t catch it on the last thread.
Go over to SDA and give your input.
“Reader Brian Mallard is looking for input;
I am going to be in Ottawa this coming week. I will attend a meeting where the prime minister will take questions in an open forum. There are no media in the room. What question would you ask if you had the chance?”
http://www.smalldeadanimals.com/archives/011322.html
Interesting blog post by Brian Lilley, Ottawa Bureau Chief for radio stations CFRB and CJAD here:
http://www.cfrb.com/node/922443
“Stephen Harper continues to poll ahead of his party and is seen as the man best suited to run the country, a person they trust more than Michael Ignatieff and someone who can get things done. Michael Ignatieff you could say is trailing his party. The man remains for many a blank canvas, Liberals better fill it in before Conservatives do.
Here are some of the poll highlights from the Ipsos-Reid news release. …”
Read how the PM leads in most attitudinals.
Dion won head to head against Ignatieff in 2006 not because Dion was a great leader but because Iggy was not well liked amongst Liberals for the reasons we all know so well.
Fast forward to 2009 and the Liberal trolls are telling everyone that the party has never been this united. What changed? Nothing.
If this had been a real leadership race Iggy would have lost again in the end. But to make sure this did not happen the back room elite pulled out all of the stops and ripped up the LPC constitution to ensure ‘their guy’ would not have to face the membership that voted against him in 2006.
Saw a lot of EMPTY SEATS along with all the EMPTY Liberal suits.
Boob Rae didn’t qualify to sit with the front row chosen one? He didn’t look very happy. McGuinty looked hypicritical, laughing at the crap coming out of Chretians yap, after appearing with the PM the day before on the bailout announcement…shaking hands.
Talk about attack ads. Chretians speech was a TOTAL attack on the PM. Guess anything goes when your a Lieberal. All I could think of was the SPONSERSHIP SCANDLE.
A tribute to Dion…when he finishes Jane Taber and the others tear him down.??? Will wonders never cease.
She was dressed appropiately…a Liberal RED dress.
PMSH should be HAPPY after watching the wake last night. If that is Liberals BEST…..OMG!!
Seems to be the same old carbon TAX and DAYCARE again.
along with the Kelona Accord…they couldn’t even stay in their seats for the aboriginals performance.
The man remains for many a blank canvas
A blank canvas in an empty suit.
Joanne, Iggowaffle is boring too and ARROGANT, condesending. Yeh, you could be right maybe the so call tribute to Dion was to make Iggowaffle look better.
At least you could say Dion you knew where Dion stood on various issues. You can’t say that of Iggowaffle. Like I think it was Rutherford or someone yesterday said of Iggo, he’s like a windsock, all over the place.
BTW about not releasing any policy, do they have any? Or do they have a hidden agenda?
P.S. I won’t call Ignatieff Iggy because I think it denigrates Jarome Iginla of the Calgary Flames in which I am a fan. His nickname is Iggy too.
The only reason Dion went along with the tribute (I bet he wanted to spit in their eyes), was his leadership debt. Where does that stand and has he any hope of retiring this debt without Liberal support? I’ll also take money in wagers that if he didn’t have a debt he would have stood up and said “Thanks for the memories and goodluck (NOT) in the future”. That statement would have taken 15 seconds – short and pithy. The best I can write in his political obituary is “decent man who couldn’t swim with the sharks and had poor communication skills”. Good luck Mr. Dion in private life – you should be glad to get out of the down and dirty of Canadian politics.
Good point about the leadership debt, Fernstalbert. They were passing the hat for him.
Off-Topic
If folks here want to read an excellent piece that explains very clearly the difference between journalists here and in the USA, I recommend “Chronicler of the Truth” by Kevin Libin in today’s National Post.
It’s very easy to criticize the biased media and lame journalism in our country. It’s another thing altogether to understand it and realize that it’s embedded in our culture and expect nothing more.
Ontario Girl Says:
May 2nd, 2009 at 10:29 am
“Boob Rae didn’t qualify to sit with the front row chosen one? He didn’t look very happy.”
Iggowaffle better watch his back. Look out for Rae to do a Paul Martin and it’s not gonna bet pretty either. I believe he can play dirty. Iggowaffle is an academic and not very politically savvy being profoundly gaffe prone. As far as relying on Special K, I think he doesn’t quite have the touch as he once had in the old Stockwell days.
As far as the party being united? I don’t believe it for a second.
Frmgrl – Count Windsock may be a better name than Iggy since you point out that it denigrates a Calgary Flames player.
O.K. Count Windsock it is.
BTW, I seem to be getting an unusual number of Vancouver hits this morning.
Strange, that.
CPAC – JD Bellevance live talking about this now.
He says Dion was stubborn and wanted to make his speech which was not very gracious. Others tried to talk him out of it.
Mr. Ignatieff wants to distance himself from Dion and his carbon tax.
I really think that the “Lieberal convention” wasen’t anything other then a Wake. It was very strange of Mr Dion to appear at his own funeral and drone on for half an hour. I did not like the “green shift” he presented on behalf of Mr Ignatiff (Mr. Ignatiff was the author of that horror)he was at least sincere in his beliefs. Mr. Ignatiff is a weathervane blown to all points of the compass as the wind changes, being all things to all people, he is the “ultimate empty suit” hardly the “history maker” he proclaims himself. The Lieberal campaign workers if put on parade would resemble the remnants of Napoleans Grand Armee on the “stragetic retreat from Moscow”
Our Duly elected Prime Minister is calling for all parties to work with him for the good of all Canadians, we shall see. I really don’t like what I hear from the other Haavard Limo Liberal,POTUS Obama it is a good thing P M Harper is wisely exploring other markets, and has been for some time, whilst the Lieberals have been playing “swallow the Leader” if I could have been a “flea in Mr Dions ear” I would have whispered into his ear to say just three words instead of a half hour rant “EA TU IGGY”
Whoops Typo “et tu Iggy” my bad
After listening to JD, I’m thinking that Dion was getting back at Count Windsock in his own way.
Repeat after me:
Stephen Harper is the PM
He’s polling well ahead of the Ice-Man as a leader, visionary and manager of the country.
He’s young, has a young family and relates well to everyday Canadians.
He’s not worried about Ignatieff. In fact, I’ll remind you all again that Ignatieff is the guy the CPC war room was prepared for last leadership. They’re double-ready this time given the faux-pas and screwed-up up image Ignatieff has so far shown.
I’m betting that after this non-event the King of the flock will still not be recognized by guys are park benches.
The fact that Iggy’s going to come out of this a the same blank-slate he’s been so far makes it all the more sweet for the CPC to define him and his fickle stands on just about every issue.
Expose yourselves if you must to the offerings on the boobtube today, and thanks for submitting to what most would consider a punishment by watching the fun and games on what is a very chilly Spring morning in South-Central Ontario. That must be because all of the hot-air is concentrated in Vancouver today.
Relax and bake something today because things aren’t that bad. Can’t catch swine flu from pigs, but we can catch Liberal flu from being exposed to too much of their pap.
Symptoms of LPOC Puffin Flu
- chills of fear re: just about everything
- impending feelings of doom and gloom
- the verbal runs
- no substance or policy therefore no backbone
- feeling of entitlement and nausea
- a unusual urge to buy clothing with feathers
You left out:
- brain congested, unable to make clear decision
- memory loss, including where you hid that money
- inability to control ones mouth or fingers (also known as Kinsellaitis)
In it’s later stages you may:
- See imaginary homeless people
- Lose your sense of direction, for example, East Bank, West Bank.
- become petty, vindictive, and petulant.
“With his trademark mix of humour and folksiness, the former prime minister Chretien revved up Liberal troops meeting in Vancouver by skewering Harper as a leader who’s gone missing on the international stage and bungled the economic crisis.”
Bob Rae said something like that the Conservatives have diminished Canada’s stature on the world stage.
Liberals do not live in the real world.
How could they possibly miss the praise for PMSH and Canada from many world leaders of late?
Buffoons all of them, I’d like to offer that old Cretch some golf balls and not in the good way.
Susan is not being overly nice to yesterdays events in Vancouver, especially Dion. Apparently a good majority of the delegates left the room, before the native dancers or whatever they did. Dion’s speech was a non event. She says as most of those there were from Ont and their body clocks told them it was bed time. Guess they must be in one of the time zones someone didn’t know about.
I can’t believe the bashing BC is taking for daring to have a provincial election during this non-event. (hey backroom guys, there is life in Canada other than your dream world), the hockey playoffs, and how dare PMSH have a birthday.
What is happening election wise in BC, my son phoned from Fort St John and said after the Green gal was at a forum she leapt ahead of the lib guy in polls. I hate to say it, but he is voting Green and no to the other item on the ballot.
“All the gimmicks of the Conservatives, all their mean propaganda machine will not succeed next time,” Dion told about 500 Liberals.
cnews
It wasn’t “their mean propaganda machine” that caused Dion to lose the election. It was, in part, because he says things like “their mean propaganda machine”.
NeilD
Chretien improved our stature on the world stage by:
- Not having a clue on a mid-east tour about the West bank, and saying something something about “it’s da only lake dey got”.
- Then there was that incident where he couldn’t attend a funeral for a foreign countries king of state because he didn’t want to stop in the middle of his skiing trip.
- publically stating he hoped Gore won the U.S. election.
- getting Pakistan to release a known terrorist, who later was killed in a gunfight with troops.
- refusing to visit ground zero after Sept. 11th, until shamed into.
- signing the Kyoto accord with unattainable goals, just so he could one-up the U.S.
My sister lives in B.C. and sees her choices in that election as this:
1. A Liberal party that has been caught in more scandals than one can imagine, with a leader who has a penchant for the odd drink.
2. An NDP party that destroyed the province their last time in power, particularly health care (sis is a RNA)
3. Green Party. nuff said.
In B.C. there is a slightly left of center party, a labour hard left party and the enviro-mental-ist party. What a sad state of affairs with the current Premier being convicted of drunk driving in Maui a few years back while he was Premier.
Why don’t Chretien and Martin get lost, just fade away. We don’t need yesterday’s losers. Chretien’s speech was filled with intellectual dishonesty. Once again, the Liberals demonstrate their refusal to re-new. They keep hauling out old Liberals from the past. They continue to be directed by the past, Liberals from the past. Voters must realize it’s the same old Liberal party with all of its faults intact. Nothing has changed.
Iggy’s remarks about raising taxes will be the downfall for him and the Liberals in the next election. This from the Star article:
“In Ontario, support for the federal Liberals stands at 43 per cent, down slightly from a Nanos poll in mid-March. But in the past month, support for the federal Conservatives in Ontario has risen to 39 per cent from 31 per cent.’
And yesterday Rocco Rossi did something stupid, he said on camera, “read my lips, no new tax increases”. Last guy I heard say that was McGuinty, and we all know how that turned out.
“Conservatives in Ontario has risen to 39 per cent from 31 per cent.”
Wow that’s pretty good considering Ontario is feeling the biggest brunt of the current recession.
FYI, resolution on climate change just passed at the convention.
Wow that’s pretty good considering Ontario is feeling the biggest brunt of the current recession.
Yeah, that’s interesting alright. I wonder if it has anything to do with the Federal Conservative gov’t working so closely with the Ontario Liberal Gov’t?
Frmgrl. I do not believe the LPC is united either. Telling us repeatedly they are does not make it so, in fact it fuels suspicion.
As for his behind the curtain dirty tricks goon,aka “Special K”, he seems to be either lacking roughage or he’s holding it until he gets permission to fire.
This from Conventionwatch twitter:
“Motion 123 on Climate change passes: establish a CARBON TAX. Giant emmissions cuts with a major economic impact. #roft #van09″
and this
“Lib Human Rights Commissions resolution. Final vote is 223/185. Libs vote to EXPAND their mandate. David Orchard votes against. #roft #van09″
http://twitter.com/conventionwatch
Paulstuff, wasn’t the stmt Read my lips, no new taxes the downfall of Pres Bush 1.
Re the poll numbers. The internal polls at the war room must be very encouraging for PMSH and his sitting MPs.
In reading the various polls, I have a problem understanding how a party can increase their numbers by almost double (libs at 47% in Ont) without another party having a decrease in their numbers equal to the increase.
What were the results after the last election in Ont.
I read the liberals are gaining in Alberta. What did they get on election day. I remember on election where the ndp vote increased by 100% at my poll. They went from 1 vote to 2 votes.
MaryT, Bush1 did indeed use those words, as diod McGuinty in the 2003 election, shortly before brnging in the $2.7 billion yearly health tax.
Raising taxes, a new motion for a carbon tax, both losers for the Liberal’s, and should show in the ppolls.
The PM has taken heat from some staunch Conservative’s for not taking greater action on the human right’s commissions and their power. With that resolution the Liberal’s just gave the PM another gift to use in an election.
Where have all the delegates gone. 223+185 doesn’t come close to the 1500 voting delegates that are supposed to be there. More like the total that listened to Dion’s speech.
So, there will be a carbon tax and increased power to the hrc. How did Keith Martin vote on that one.
Now PMSH can bring Martin’s motion to the floor for a vote.
“As for his behind the curtain dirty tricks goon,aka “Special K”, he seems to be either lacking roughage or he’s holding it until he gets permission to fire”.
My guess is Kinsella will be kept in the backgorund. B.C., and in particular VVancouver and Victoria have a huge Asian population. Throwing Catsmeat Kinsella out there would probably do more damage then good IMHO.
“Now PMSH can bring Martin’s motion to the floor for a vote.”
You bet. Bring on PM Harper. If the Libs vote against it, let it be known in an election campaign.
The mean Conservative propaganda machine vs. Dion who called P.M. Harper a liar I don’t know how many times. And while we are at it, can’t any of these Liberals and media types say P.M. Harper and show some respect?
There are a lot of spelling mistakes in these comments. Come on people, we are better than that!
It appears that only around 500 devout liberals were around to vote on the carbon tax. Willl cdns pay attention to what less than 300 cdns want. We must stress how many votes for and against any resolution or motion got. How many delegates could have come, how many did come, and how many stayed for the speeches or votes. Real enthusiastic bunch in that room. Wonder how many went to Vancouver with their real intent of going to a hockey game.
Anyone notice an absence of street people, were they cleaned up and brought in to fill seats and get a decent meal.
Louise Arbour. Everybody left before she spoke. Beautiful.
Bob Rae debating Foreign Affairs on a panel chaired by Denis Coderre. Game is on Ignatieff.
Kinsella making doughnut jokes. Big talk no walk.
Mary T @ 1:06 pm
1500 attendees-408 votes cast= 1192 Lib Luvin’ msm
LOL!
‘It’s like 1968, only without the candidates, issues, excitement or leader’
HaHaHa! – Coyne nailed it perfectly!
Great artical, in it Iggybert Dumbledork self references himself to PET.
Does anybody remember the last convention when Count Beetlebrow ‘arranged’ for a bevy of middle aged women to run after him a la beetlesque teenage groupies hoping to ignite PETmania? Talk about having no shame – but then we’re talking libs here. The scene was enough to give you the dry heaves.
Watching the youth vote amendment re one vote one member. 2 young liberals from CALGARY, one speaking French. Hey, they have all these important issues to discuss and less than 500 people are given about 2 minutes to talk for and 2 minutes to talk against said motions.
No wonder libs are in such trouble, no one comes to vote and then they can only discuss things for 5 minutes. Guess that is what happens when you have a coronation.
The youths want 25% of each ridings weighted vote and is defeated.
Gee they have to check with legal advisors to read out an amendment, can’t do it. There goes the vote of the visually impaired.
Oh, a volunteer will read said amendment to the blind delegate. The time this will take would be about the same if the MC read it out loud.
Belinda is up there saying she has always believed the liberal party was for the people of Canada. Is she saying she was lying when she ran for the Conservative leadership, she never believed in our party.
Bob Rae making a speech at the mic.
“There are a lot of spelling mistakes in these comments. Come on people, we are better than that!”
Not my fault. I spilt coffee on my keyboard a few weeks ago and now it does weird things. Sometimes I key a letter and it posts twice sometimes not at all. Staples tommorrow for a new one.
Sounds like this convention is turning out to be a joke.
Thanks for the belly laugh, Agent Smith!
The Liberals and their apologists and mouthpieces in the media and those trolling conservative blogs better take some Valium. They’ll need some stamina for what could be an uphill climb for the real fight, the next election.
If Iggy has any thought of getting in the Trudeau zone, he better check with PET’s first born, Justini who may not exactly be a fan of the newly crowned King of the Liberal Court.
Liz J Says: at 12:57 pm
Frmgrl. I do not believe the LPC is united either. Telling us repeatedly they are does not make it so, in fact it fuels suspicion.
Liz J, IMHO the Chretien/Martin war rages on, Dion was Chretiens puppet, now they have Iggy-Martins puppet and the old Cretch wants the “Power Corp Kid” Bob Rae as leader.
My guess is that Iggy’s numbers through the end of this year will fall and donations will not be coming in anywhere near the volume needed to run an election campaign without resorting to taking out large loans, which should be made illegal.
I think the libs and media are in for a big shock, with so many conservatives watching this comedy show on cpac and getting info out re the policy they are voting on. We beat the newspapers and news shows.
So, carbon tax a sure thing, more power and funding for the HRCs, more funding for the cbc. They are now talking about how to suspend or revoke a membership for really bad actions. Would Chretain qualify to be thrown out re all his theft and corruption.
And as a person involved with the disability community I find it a real lack of compassion that all the information being discussed has not been produced in Braille. And I don’t notice a signer there for the deaf or hearing immpaired. Bad move, we have thousands of votes.
OMG, Awesome truth ad, thanks Joanne..
I am trying really hard not to follow this Liberal, MSM PR exercise. But of course I can’t stay away from your blog so I am getting sucked in
.
I really wish former PM Chertien would come back, so PM Harper could hand him his a$$. He really “grinds my gears”…
I can’t believe it, there have been 5 libs from AB speaking so far. One was a woman, wonder who she was, missed her name. But, Jason C really exists, just saw him and heard him talking against something AB wants.
Something about voting in rural riding. One guy was from Ft Macleod. Have these people never heard of conference calls. Still see mostly empty seats in the hall. And they didn’t take a lunch break. (too broke to supply it, just wondering)
They are having trouble keeping enough in the room for a quarom, and might have to suspend business.
Mary T – That’s a hoot! Maybe they’re all in the hospitality suites. Oh wait. No leadership race. Not likely that then.
That’s right. Only a week or so ago Justin was saying Ignatieff keeps changing his stand on issues, unlike (according to Justin) Pierre Trudeau. Now he is praising Ignatieff.
And speaking of changing all the time, Belinda Stronach takes the cake. I guess Magna is going to get some of our taxpayers’ money one way or another with this bailout.
Now they are waiting for the count re renewing expired memberships. All memberships expire Dec 31, and the motion was allowing said expired membership to be automatically renewed within 3 months.
Does that mean that the head of the EDA’s can go thru expired memberships, and just automatically renew them and pay for them. It was defeated. There goes the increase in membership numbers. Oh, 310 people voted. 188-122. Where are those delegates that are so excited about this circus.
Oh oh, they are now talking about not allowing past elected MPs to be delegates. After all Emmerson could be there and Brian is looking for a party. As one person said, not all past MPs are friends of liberal party. Ex-officio delegates are not wanted. Looks like they want to get rid of the old backroom members. Defeated. none in favor.
Chretien thinks he’s King for life, He’s ever the media darling, they’re still wetting themselves in anticipation of his appearances. He’s basically the same old sh*t disturber. He also holds the record for telling the biggest whopper to get elected when he said the GST would be gone. He then lied further by saying he didn’t say it.
Watched a short clip of Martin squawking on about how PM Harper squandered the surplus or some such stupid comment and he was stammering even more than usual.
Yes, we probably can conclude this “Convention” to crown/anoint the appointed one was a comedic farce when it comes to accomplishing anything of substance.
They could have done the whole thing at Stornoway with his cat Mimi present.
Seinfeld could use the script.
Anybody else notice Dosanjh an a couple of other liberals ( sorry they all look alike )referring to iggy as a ” guy ” ? He’s a fun guy . he’s a policy guy , he’s about 25 other kind of guy . Aren’t they afraid of shattering his gawdlike image trying to make him appear normal to us peons ?
For the past 4 hours I have half-heartedly watched and listened to this farce. First they have to get rid of all the lawyers and academics who are writting these motions and amendments and put them in language one can understand.
This party is far from united. There is a group speaking against these things and a group speaking for them. Then if first group is for something the other is against it. Not unity IMHO.
According to my Roberts Rules of Order, when one moves to table a motion ect, it is automatically tabled and discussion ceases. The chair ignored this and called for a vote-defeated.
Chairman is getting upset over all the interruptions on having debates on motions.
More people are walking out.
So, about 300 cdn liberals are making policy for liberals everywhere.
And these people want to run Canada. Very scary thought.
Wonder how many will show up for the coronation tonight. And they haven’t even had a bathroom break or lunch. Last number of votes 328. Where are all the people.
Oh, and one delegate brought up all the groups the libs have lost and how they have to get them back.
Immigrant groups led the list. Missed the rest but it was at least a dozen.
Looking at the convention photos over at Calgary Grit I have just one comment – WHERE IS EVERYONE??
I’m thinking that the fact that grit took photos of garbage cans and is making fun of that bag that the reality of this event is not great.
I think it’s great that Martin and Chretien are getting media fact time…..and Ignatieff and the thin crowds are not. It just reminds viewers of why we have Harper.
Oh, and that wasn’t an attack ad you heard Joanne..it was just one of those old white men babbling something that no one’s paying attention to.
Well…with a few exceptions.
I was just checking out another Liblog and noticed Dalton sitting right beside Count Windsock.
I wonder if he’s still contemplating a move to federal politics eventually?
Well, cantuc, if Dosanjh thinks Iggy’s a policy “guy” where’s he hiding the policies? Unless they consider the carbon tax and raising taxes all the policies they need?
Wow! CG says Dalton threw a party!
Best comment I’ve seen today, from CTV:
“Nice lauding, though, of Stephane Dion, particularly since it wasn’t that long ago, the former Liberal leader had so many knives sticking out of his back he was pulling in TV signals from Guatemala.”
Joanne – Dalton’s probably just happy to be out of Ontario. I would have loved to be a fly on the wall in that party though.
Paul – I’m glad I didn’t watch the Dion non-tribute – it would have ticked me off because as bad as Dion was everyone in that room is a hypocrite. Can’t wait for Dion’s memoirs. Any chance we can get that out by the next election:-)
Haven’t they got male translators for male speakers. Or female for women.
Some poster over at Calgary Grit said something like 3000 delegates. So why were only about 350 voting on all the main stream business sessions.
1500, 2000, 3000
Seems no one has a true picture of numbers but you know what? Pictures speak louder than words….and the place is not filled…far from it.
C.C., as I understand it, Dion has already completed his book of memoirs. The problem is he wrote it in Dion english and the publishers expect it will take anywhere from 8-10 years to translate it.
Room filling up now as guess who will soon be there.
Oh,got a look at the new liberal logo, wonder how much that cost, and who got the contract for it. Maybe adscam money is being used. Imagine, an L with a so called maple leaf, that to me, looks like what hubby rakes up in the fall. It is supposed to represent a new liberal party, with new ideas etc.
Oh, nanos said the libs and bloc are almost tied in Quebec, and we are down to 8% from 30%. Do those numbers for libs mean they will just get another 10 seats and will Duceppe give up without a fight.
Like MaryT, I have had the TV on CPAC, but have not really paid close attention to this convention. A couple of points:
1. One resolution called for “MSM” being able to donate organs. One lady asked what “MSM” meant, and I thought to myself “Oh my, I guess she hasn’t heard of MainStream Media.”
But much to my surprise, the sponsor (?) of the resolution said MSM stands for Men who have Sex with Men.
So, from now on, one has to be very explicit when one uses the acronym MSM.
2. Bob Rae was on a few minutes ago. I call “liar liar pants on fire.” Why? Because he said that this convention is open to all, whereas the Conservative convention was behind closed doors.
Sorry, but I distinctly remember many of the motions being published and discussed before the actual convention, and a far more active participation by members in discussing the motions during the actual convention than we see here at the Liberal convention.
3. There was a repeat broadcast of an interview Martin Stringer did with the PM’s Press Secretary, Dimitri Soudas.
Rather than asking questions, Stringer engaged in a debate with Soudas, disagreeing with most of what Soudas said and defending Liberal positions.
Are there still any doubts that many in the MSM – oops! I mean the MainStream Media – is pro Liberal?
Not what interviewers are supposed to do, IMO.
Who just heard Tom Clark, in talking to Finlay and Scott say that MIMI has to define himself before othere do it for US.
So, from now on, one has to be very explicit when one uses the acronym MSM.
Hilarious, Gabby!
So.. is MSM in bed with the Liberals? Better not to go there I think.
All I can say is, from what I heard on Roy Green, Chretien is still making statements that make him sound like the PUPPET MASTER.
Chretien, has made enough comments to make it sound as though he is still the supreme boss of the LIEberals.
Great renewel, LIEberals. Same old, same old, ANCIENT back room BOSS, calling the shots.
Count Sockpuppet, will be asking and taking advice from the ‘idiot of the 95 referendum’!! IMHO!
Tom Clark is a Liberal. Nevermind his dad was a Toronto Star editor, but after watching Tom’s interview with Brison and MHF, the propaganda is to much. Wow, CTV is in the Tank for the liberals..
Bob Rae is now on I am turning the channel, on this MSM love fest..
Have a good night everyone..
Frankly I’m embarrassed to watch this Liberal Mickey Mouse convention.
I listened to Apps. What a joke this man is. Great fundraiser? He left his cndidate who, incidently is broke, in debt . Couldn’t raise diddley.
I am watching Rae . Nothing new. No substance. Playing the end game.
But look around the room. No turbans. A few blacks. A couple of Chinese. No Indians. A couple of Martin Indians. No Chretien Indians{son}. A lot of old white men and women.
Bring it on Iggy.
Frankly I’m embarrassed to watch this Liberal Mickey Mouse convention.
I listened to Apps. What a joke this man is. Great fundraiser? He left his cndidate who, incidently is broke, in debt . Couldn’t raise diddley.
I am watching Rae . Nothing new. No substance. Playing the end game.
But look around the room. No turbans. A few blacks. A couple of Chinese. No Indians. A couple of Martin Indians. No Chretien Indians{son}. A lot of old white men and women.
Bring it on Iggy.
Oops just saw Martin sitting beside the figure skater’s old boyfriend, Turner. And Iggy’s wife. Looks like an old wizened flower child.
Now LeBlanc. The only class act in the room.
Tom Clark is a Liberal. Nevermind his dad was a Toronto Star editor,
Seriously? I didn’t know that.
Frankly I’m embarrassed to watch this Liberal Mickey Mouse convention.
I listened to Apps. What a joke this man is. Great fundraiser? He left his cndidate who, incidently is broke, in debt . Couldn’t raise diddley.
I am watching Rae . Nothing new. No substance. Playing the end game.
But look around the room. No turbans. A few blacks. A couple of Chinese. No Indians. A couple of Martin Indians. No Chretien Indians{son}. A lot of old white men and women.
Bring it on Iggy.
Oops just saw Martin sitting beside the figure skater’s old boyfriend, Turner. And Iggy’s wife. Looks like an old wizened flower child.
Now LeBlanc. The only class act in the room.
Bring it on
Joanne Says:
May 2nd, 2009 at 6:02 pm
I jumped the gun, sorry. Tom Clarks great-grandfather Joseph T. Clark was managing editor of the Toronto Star.
Sorry, I got my facts mixed up.
Joanne at 5:33 pm:
“So.. is MSM in bed with the Liberals? Better not to go there I think.”
Umm, no, I really wasn’t going there, and I wasn’t suggesting anything … I was simply pointing out how progressives appropriate parts of the language and use it for their own purpose.
I don’t know how long the acronym MSM has been around, and I don’t know whether this alternate (new to me ) one has been around for a while.
Actually, that was a bad attempt at a joke on my part, Gabby.
Another thing I find annoying … every time Liberals get together, they want to re-invent Canada, as if Canada needs re-tooling or fixing.
And that surplus that the Liberals have been boasting they created (by overtaxation!) and that they say the Conservatives supposedly “squandered” – with Kelowna, daycare, Kyoto and the carbon tax, that surplus would have been long gone …
Does anyone have the costing of those three Liberal policies? Kelowna alone was around $6B, wasn’t it?
Joanne at 6:25 pm,
Yes I know you meant it as a joke.
It’s just that whatever you or I or any other commenter says here can be easily misinterpreted, so I thought I should clear that up, just in case …
Totally off topic but another good story about our great Prime Minister.
CTV, of course, attempts to wreck it with a few cheesy comments.
PM Harper played the piano today for some students at the Royal conservatory in Toronto.
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20090502/harper_piano_090501/20090502?hub=Canada
Did Tom Clark just say the Liberal covention is more important than a Health Canada announcment re: swine flu? Said he’ll update us?
It’s just that whatever you or I or any other commenter says here can be easily misinterpreted, so I thought I should clear that up, just in case …
Ah yes. Thanks.
Thanks for the link, Bluetech! I hope there are some pics somewhere.
Thanks bluetech @ 6:32 pm
That was fun and yes, cheesy to say the least.
These are some of the reasons I was so frustrated with the ‘arts funding’, BS.
You guys have been super keeping me up to date. We had a big issue today with our outdoor pond and so I have only been able to keep in the loop with radio and YOU GUYS!!! THANKS!!
What a day and these guys think they can run a country? HA HA!
True, the Liberals always want to fix Canada, they’re the only ones who can in the small scope of their little minds. It’s all about Liberals being in power all the time. How dare the people in this democracy elect any other party to govern. They show no respect for the people, treat us all like dopes not capable of choosing who we wish to govern us.Ignatieff has some gall spouting off about taking Canada back.
Didn’t he and his party join with the Bloc and the NDP to proclaim Quebec to be a nation? Wasn’t it our PM who sorted that out by saying “Quebecois, as a people were a nation within a united Canada? We’d be in a fine mess with that man as PM.
Martin and Chretien brought back the stench that’s still fresh in the LPC and the minds of Canadians by showing up at the show to crown the chosen one. Martin stuttering and sputting out about Mr Harper squandering his surplus was to make one barf. Has anyone in the media or anywhere bothered to find out how much of the EI fund figured in their surplus?
What’s the truth about Dion? Some report he was reluctant to be “honored”. Or, was it a case of Liberals using him again to save face?
Just got back from coffee with a friend and heard the great one talking to PMSH. You are dividing the country, person against person, region against region etc. We liberals will, YES WE CAN. Where have we heard that stmt before.
He has the nerve to say liberals have never divided Canada, region against region. I remember always it was east vs west, and didn’t Chretain make a stmt he didn’t like Albertans.
Giggles is going crazy, yes we can, yes we can.
To me it was like listening to a lecture in a class room. Doesn’t take much to get libs off their feet. He wrote this speech himself, with editing from his wife.
How disappointed they will be after the next election. Anyone got the e-mail for ctv, the gushing is sickening. Back to the 1960s.
Now we get the news re H1N1, otherwise known as swine flu.
Here’s a few of the lines from the Grate (not a typo) Michael:
- incredible team
- 3000 liberals in one room
- we’re all Canucks tonite
- Canadians who do not know if they will ever work again!
- a message of hope (at least 3x)
- to unite our people again
- Liberals understand the Canadian way
- common standard of eligibility for EI
- create a society where learning is a way of life and learning is life-long
- a knowledge-based society
- child care
- pay equity
- student who gets the grades goes to the best U in the world (big applause)
- education for First Nations & Métis
- literacy
- what I want is that we surprise ourselves, that we astonish ourselves, that we astonish the world
- we do remain a light unto the nations
- a longing for change – longing for spite and spin to be replaced by civility and common purpose
- our task in opposition: platform for action
- M. Harper, vous ne comprenez pas le Canada
- Mr. Harper, you have failed to understand
- Mr. Harper, you have failed us
- To a great people given great leadership, nothing is impossible. Bonsoir, Good night
How humbled … must Canadians feel to be in the presence of such Grateness (not a typo).
“- to unite our people again”
The LIEberals, divided this country within these last 40 years. Count Windsock, told us so in his BBC interview. There was no hope, ‘fractured’.
I just find it amusing that one of the coalition ‘consultants’ Chretien, has gotten such a free ride and Dion, was under the bus driven by Chretien. What a crew!
Take Canada back, from where, where has Canada been, the only time we appear to be lost is under liberals, lost money, lost promises, lost honesty.
Love the spelling of grateness. That is a keeper. I wonder how those msm head honchos like their new definitions. Did that pass, can gays donate organs. Remember the blood scandal over this issue. Have not supported the red cross in any way since that decision to be politically correct.
Anyone catch a glimpse of GT in Vancouver, I never.
And what happened to all that vaccine that a former liberal minister of health ordered, back in 1976.
Here’s a funny from the Lib. Convention – my son’s girlfriend is in the fashion industry. Some of her friends in Vancouver went to the Liberal Convention as Youth delegates. One got close to Mrs. Ignatieff and knowing that she likes fashion asked her ” Who is your favourite Canadian designer?”
Apparently Mrs. Ig-noble said ” CANADIAN designers? ” gave her a strange look as if to say Why would I, wife of the Great Leader and European bred, know about CANADIAN designers? and then the crowd closed in.
The girls are still going to try to track her down to get a real answer or educate her that Canada has a dynamic fashion industry.
“Grateness” of a Grit come lately.
What should grate on all Canadians is the fact this elite opportunist is now telling everyone he will be giving great leadership. What the hell is “platform action”? He’s not in government but he’s going to act like he is and dictate the government platform?
Nice work if you can get it. He seems to think he can railroad over everyone, all protocol and rules to be the big Kahuna. He’s got a long way to go, so little time.
from the Grate (not a typo) Michael:
He sure does grate on the nerves alright.
Re: the link Bluetech provided at 6:32.
The story contained a glaring inaccuracy.
The story stated: “Culture groups were outraged over his comment that “ordinary people” don’t care about arts funding.”
AGAIN reporters misrepresented something the PM said.
The “Gala” statement was made on Sept. 23 in answer to a reporter’s question, referring to the Gemini Awards which took place on Sept. 14.
Here’s what really happened:
Referring to the Gemini Awards Gala, where several artists criticized his government, PM Harper said something to the effect that when ordinary people turn on the television to watch a lavish gala funded by taxpayers, and they hear artists participating in the gala complain that their funding is not high enough, the PM said he was not sure that those complaints resonate with ordinary people.
How that translates into PM Harper saying that «”ordinary people” don’t care about arts funding» is beyond me. Truly “creative” reporting!
I did send an email via “feedback” at the bottom of that web page, including much of what I said above, as well as this:
Your network is supposed to report the news, not make them up. I would appreciate it, as would thousands of Canadians, if you were to be true to your mission.
Well said, Gabby.
They’ve really twisted the facts to suit themselves. Truly pathetic.
Anyone been over to Angry to read the comments by the lastest lady that needs some “nice” pills. She is one angry lady, and of course has all the facts wrong. I think she is one who would follow Jim Jones to the kool-aid container. Says she lives in the PMs riding so she is in for major pain for the next few years.
Iffy is an atheist. I’m shocked.
Mary T @ 8:49 pm
What the riding that an MP (PM) received over 73% of the popular voTe? The woman is a newbie and probably a dimwit! The other 24%, didn’t show up!! LOL!!
Gabby…I sent an e-mail to CTV re: not calling him PRIME MINISTER Stephen Harper in that article.
Our friend CC will be along soon to scold us for watching CTV.
The main story at ctv is no longer the lovein for liberals, lots of comments. Not all of them pro liberal, and of course you have the vicious attacks on us conservative posters. But, there is a poll,
Will the liberals continue to gain a bounce with the new leader (paraphrased) 51% yes 49% no.
I am surprised my comment made it thru, where I sort of blasted Tom for saying us instead of you. And said it sounded like giggles was having a sleepless in seattle moment. (the restaurant scence)
What is it with female liberal women to make them so hateful.
Senator David Smith, a national co-chair of many campaigns, described Mr. Dion as the “opposite of glitzy” when asked why he wasn’t too keen on a tribute. But Mr. Smith said yesterday that the party has to “show respect.”
What a laugh. They stabbed Dion in the back and gave him a very public boot and they now want to “show respect”. Puh-leeze. If Dion had one shred of dignity, he would have NOT shown up. What a crock.
As for how low can the Libs go? I’d say that they can (and have) go much, much lower.
Chantal Hebert’s column – worth reading:
http://www.thestar.com/News/Canada/article/628213
Iffy is an atheist. I’m shocked.
Yes, apparently. But when you think about it, it’s not all that surprising. Faith usually comes from a feeling of humility and the realization that you can’t do it alone.
More here from a reader at Angry’s:
Lorraine:
Strange that a strongly catholic province like Quebec would so happily embrace an atheist like Ignatieff. But then – Ignatieff says he had a great experience in a church once where they were paying omage to HIS ancestors (not God but close I guess). Here is an excerpt:
Article from:The Sunday Telegraph London Article date:December 14, 1997 Author: INTERVIEW BY FRANCES WELCH
The television presenter and academic Michael Ignatieff combines atheism with a passion for religion. “Some of the most important experiences of my life have taken place in churches. One of them was a visit to a little Ukrainian church built by my great-grandfather. The priest and community of believers sang a panikhida (a mass for the dead) in tribute to my ancestors – a family that had left 80 years before.
Have you ever heard Count Windbag say “God bless Canada”?
Thanks for that link, East.
One thing for certain, we’ll hear nothing about the Count of Opportunity’s religion or lack thereof from the media.
They’re only interested in specific Christian religions and those they deem Christian “Right”. The likes of Garth Turner is attempting to paint our PM as a member of that “religious Right” in his Harper hate book called “Sheeple”.
Sad really. We have in PM Harper a solid leader, leader with the right background for the present uncertain economic times and the media is trying to tear him down, daily, minute by minute.
We couldn’t have a leader closer to the Canadian ideal, a good family man with a beautiful wife and two beautiful children.
Ignatieff is now anointed, he’ll be fed more talking points and we’ll be hearing more pap like taking Canada back, holding the government’s feet to the fire and other Liberal screed. The threats to take the government down will continue, laced lies about trying to make government work.
I do not want that man leading this country, he scares the hell out of me. He’s the father of the carbon tax idea and has taxing on his not agenda. In fact raising taxes, imposing taxes is about all we have heard from him aside of getting the “greatest national institution” back in power. That’s all she wrote folks, that’s policy.
We know that this blog is visited by LPC supporters so I have a question for them and would like some honest answers – I’m not trying to goad but I’d like to clear up one of the LPC’s approaches.
When Lisa Raitt was appointed as the candidate for the last election, some LPC people made a huge deal about how Harper circumvented democracy by appointing her instead of letting the riding association elect her as the candidate. Some of the criticism even came from LPC candidates who were also not elected but, rather, appointed or grandfathered into the candidacy.
Now, we have Ignatieff who “ran” unopposed and was, for all intents and purposes, appointed. A vote was held but, as the only candidate, he had no opposition. To make it simple for him to be appointed, the two strong candidates opposing him dropped out for reasons which we do not know.
So, my question is this: do you, as LPC supporters, believe that democracy was circumvented or are you happy with the process? If you are happy with the process, does this absolve Harper of circumventing democracy by appointing Lisa Raitt?
Now, bear in mind, I am concerned with the result – both Raitt and Ignatieff were parachuted into their positions without any form of opposition.
As LPC supporters, would you have preferred to have a real leadership race or do you think that appointing a leader is the way to go?
I’d also like to know that why, if you support Ignatieff, why you support him. To date, he has said nothing definite about his approach. Almost every statement he has made publicly has been countered by an explanation or about-face? Are you comfortable with this?
Please also, when you answer the questions, refrain from any anti-Harper rhetoric. I want to know how you feel, with no involvement of anti-Harper rhetoric. Anti-Harper rhetoric or speaking points are not an answer – they are simply anti-Harper rhetoric or speaking points.
I’m looking forward to hearing how LPC supporters feel about Ignatieff’s appointment and the other questions which I posed.
Joanne – you’re welcome. Ironically, her column appears in the Star.
Speaking of Ignatieff-friendly media – Mark Steyn wrote a somewhat scathing column in MacLean’s about Ignatieff and his book. I’m surprised that MacLean’s published it, given that, yet again, it devoted three pages to Ignatieff. One letter-writer even took the magazine to task for their drooling love-in with Ignatieff. I won’t be renewing my subscription when it runs out.
Picture of PMSH at the Royal Conservatory in Toronto:
http://www.twitpic.com/4g3ff
Joanne, you may wish not to publish this, but …
As I’ve said before on another thread, some topics about politicians are off limits, IMO. I’ve said before a politician’s family should not be under scrutiny nor paraded around for political gain. Many here disagreed with that opinion, which is fine. A difference of opinion.
Here’s another. I feel just as strongly about a politician’s religion, or lack thereof. I don’t think it should be a determining factor in whether a politician is worthy of support or not unless the politician himself uses his religion for political purposes.
I don’t care what religion a politician professes to be, or whether the politician doesn’t adhere to any religion at all.
I did object in the past to Paul Martin being portrayed by the press as a devout Catholic yet he supported “a woman’s right to choose” (he seemed unable to say abortion), because that is a contradictory position. If one is a “devout” follower of any religion, one adheres to its precepts, and last time I looked, the Vatican has not changed its mind on abortion.
To be fair, though, it was the press that referred to his being “devout.”
So … whether Michael Ignatieff is an atheist, Russian Orthodox or anything else is irrelevant, as far as I’m concerned. Only if his religion is used by him and his people for political ends should it be an issue. Otherwise, his religion should be off limits.
Some may say I’m trying to shut down debate. That is not my intention. What I want to guard against is the kind of vitriol and venom spewed by some of our opponents: the ones who portray conservatives as religious fanatics who are intolerant of others on the basis of religion, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, etc. We have enough issues to contend with; we don’t need to take on this one as well.
Bluetech at May 2nd, 2009 at 9:43 pm, good for you.
Some media people may not even notice the difference in how they refer to different politicians. Even if they personally dislike the PM, they should show respect for the office.
“scold you?” – No Bec – I just choose not to waste my time wallowing in what CTV has to offer day after day after day.
I’ve tried to help point out that sometimes I feel the discussion borders on the obsessive and I think it’s a waste of good talent that’s assembled here.
My choice is different to yours. I watched maybe an hour total of the convention over the whole weekend and feel great when I read the comments here…..because there was nothing new to discuss, or offer.
If the only new thing that happened was a new logo, and if the scant media attention is any indication it wasn’t worth my time…the Liberals and the media bias never are.
I’ve always felt that this blogs strength is in the positive’s not the negatives. My choice is the positive stuff and like everyone else get sidetracked by crap.
Solang der alte Citoyen Dionky. Danke, Dionky.
You was da proof of da assininity of da Librano$.
Enter stage left, STOPIGGY.
Great Leader Atheist Iggy’s 3-Year Bedtime PrayeraTory was:
There probably is no Dionky; so Bam the Dog and go to sleep.
But, in Iggy’s Credo we read that Iggy believes in foregoing “foundational” garments^.
Iggy throws “God the Father” under da bus.
…-
“Recent Top Posts
** Will Ignatieff Be First Atheist Prime Minister?
* I’ve Been Kicked Out of Liberals Online?
* Endorsement For Leader” (AA)
**”… [Ignatieff] believes that human rights were created by humans as a defense against the oppression of religion.
[Iggy quote]“Human rights is the language through which individuals have created a defense of their autonomy against the oppression of religion, state, family, and group.””
[More Iggy quote]““Some people will have no difficulty thinking human beings are sacred, because they happen to believe in the existence of God the Father and believe He created Mankind in His likeness … Far better, I would argue, to forego these kinds of foundational arguments^ altogether and seek to build support for human rights on the basis of what such rights actually do for human beings.””
(H/T)
http://1anxiousliberal.wordpress.com/2009/02/05/ignatieff-first-atheist-prime-minister/
Ignatieff to be first athiest PM? We can only hope it never comes to that. If it does, God forbid, how will that work out? Will it translate into a mockery of all this country was built on?
Apparently he has no trouble using a part of our Anthem as a self serving title for his ‘all about me’ book, “True Patriot love”. How will he be able to sing a line from our Anthem with “God” in it?
It won’t be mentioned or dwelt on by the media, religious beliefs or lack of them only count if you are a Conservative. We all know about the recent attacks on a Conservative MP concerning evolution.
It’s the old one-way-street, right-to-know issues that only matter if you are a Conservative.
“CFRA Polls
Is Jean Chretien right when he predicts that if an election were held sooner rather than later, the Liberals would be in a very good position to win?
Yes, Stephen Harper’s fortunes are falling in Quebec and Ontario and the Liberals are debt free and more united than they have been in years. 19.8%
No, Canadians don’t want another election and will punish the Liberals if they force one 78.0%
Other 2.13%”
http://www.cfra.com/polls/default.asp
Total Votes: 2197″
The Lethbridge Herald, page A4, May 3rd, has a great pic of our PM at the R.C. in Toronto, surrounded by a group of children. I thought he had no love for the arts or culture. Another myth busted.
Bec. I don’t think that lady is a newbie, just someone who is using a different name.
Anyone notice that all those regular haters who post never make great, loving, supportive comments on lib blogs, at least with the names they on conservative blogs.
Dion is planning to run in the next election. That should be interesting. Will the waffle sign his papers. I hope he wins.
Regardless of the msm and their lovein with the newly crowned liberal, there will not be an election till after the Olympics. And it will be the Bloc and NDP making nice with the PM rather than the other way around. It is their votes that are in trouble.
The starting point for Michael Ignatieff’s future as federal Liberal leader came at the end of my talk with him at Vancouver’s hangar-esque new Convention Centre.
“I’m going to become the prime minister of this country, as sure as I’m sitting here, and I’m going to inherit the largest deficit in Canadian history.”
http://www.theprovince.com/business/fp/Ignatieff+going+become/1559047/story.html
Comments anyone?
Gabby at 8:50 am – Interesting comment and good food for thought.
I agree that a politician should not be slagged for their religious beliefs or lack thereof.
It’s a delicate issue for sure.
The fact is that many people profess to have some kind of religious faith, but their actions suggest otherwise.
However, I think it’s still a fair topic for discussion as long as the other side derides Stephen Harper for being an Evangelical, or whatever kind of Christian he is.
Great picture of our best Prime Minister ever!
“I think it’s still a fair topic for discussion as long as the other side derides Stephen Harper for being an Evangelical, or whatever kind of Christian he is.”
In a way, you’re right – but if we consider it unfair for the PM’s religion to be a subject of discussion and/or derision, then I figure we shouldn’t engage in similar objectionable behaviour. I don’t believe in tit-for-tat, I believe in using strong rational factual arguments in pointing out opponents’ shortcomings – like their wrong policies. Or in pointing out the misinformation, smears and misinterpretations of whatever Conservatives have said or done.
One thing, though. In our little exchange, we have demonstrated how people can have a difference of opinion without resorting to dirty tactics. I guess I am naive in wishing and hoping it were like this everywhere.
In a way, you’re right – but if we consider it unfair for the PM’s religion to be a subject of discussion and/or derision, then I figure we shouldn’t engage in similar objectionable behaviour.
Good point, Gabby. And it is the Christian way to deal with it.
(Then again, the devil’s advocate side of me wonders how successful an atheist would be in getting elected as POTUS.)
“I’m going to become the prime minister of this country, as sure as I’m sitting here, and I’m going to inherit the largest deficit in Canadian history.”
Bruce – Wow! Talk about arrogance. Voters obviously don’t count.
He may not believe in God, but he obviously believes in himself and/or fortune tellers.
Juxtapose over at SDA. Good one.
Hey, Joanne, your blog was highlighted on Rad-Can’s “Les Coulisses du pouvoir” with Daniel Lessard.
http://www.radio-canada.ca/emissions/les_coulisses_du_pouvoir/2008-2009/archivage.asp
Every week, one of the contributors to the program, Michelle Lamarche, highlights some blogger and/or columnist. Today she referred to your thread “Time for Quebec to Grow Up.”
I don’t know if you get RDI, but the program is going to be rebroadcast tonight at 9:30 pm. The segment is at about 20 minutes into the program. If you don’t get RDI on your cable grid, you can always view it “en direct” on the web, I guess.
Hey that’s great, Gabby! Thanks for the tip.
Do you remember what was said?
“Do you remember what was said?”
Basically just a little summary of the points you presented in that post. Unfortunately, the broadcast was “rudely” interrupted soon after by a live broadcast of a Q&A with a somnolent Ignatieff.
I hope I remember to watch the program rebroadcast tonight.
with a somnolent Ignatieff.
Ha-ha! How dare he?
“Majority of Canadians support Canada-EU trade talks: poll”
[PM]“Harper will travel to the Czech Republic on Tuesday to participate in meetings with European leaders.”
“70 per cent of respondents want their federal government to pursue more free trade agreements internationally.”
“The poll, conducted among 1,000 Canadians between Apr. 23 and 26, indicated there is even stronger support for trade talks with the European Union specifically, with 75 per cent saying they thought it was a good idea.”
urlm.in/cide
Copied in its entirety.
The concluding paragraph is here:
“Meanwhile we have to wait and see how far in the ladder a donation of CDN$ 50,000 could take Theo Anthony in the Liberal Party of Canada.”
Is this being investigated by the RCMP/CSIS?
…-
“Liberals and NDP in a race to inherit Tiger legacy in Canada
Fri, 2009-05-01 03:28
By a special correspondent Vishnu – Mississauga – Toronto
Toronto, 01 May, (Asiantribune.com): Another attempt by Tamil Tigers to hijack Canadian Conservative government failed miserably on Tuesday April 21, 2009. After weeks of protests waving LTTE flags unsuccessful protesters hide their flags on Tuesday in order to bring Canadian politicians out of the parliament; to address the gathering but failed adding more stress to their agony. Also Canadian parliament rejected the idea of having another emergency debate on Sri Lanka as suggested by Gim Karigiyanis and Albina Guaneri MPs of Liberal party of Canada.
Only politician caught on the LTTE trap was the New Democratic Party Leader Jack Layton. On Tuesday Mr. Layton addressed the same crowd those who on the previous day carried Tamil Tiger flags and chanted “Prabakaran is our leader”. In that sense Jack Layton became the first Canadian political party leader to address a terrorist rally in Canada.
On the other hand Liberal party leader Michel Ignatiaff did the right thing. He sent an unrelated person to convey his massage to the crowd. Even LTTE man inside liberal party Mr. Theo Anthony couldn’t change Liberal leader’s action. But still Liberal leader don’t understand the depth of the hole some of his GTA MP’s had dig in for him with the help of Tamil Tigers in Toronto.
To get the correct picture, Liberal leader must first understand the story of the LTTE man inside his party. The Liberal party outreach coordinator Mr. Theo Anthony is coming from a family belongs to Prabhakaran’s caste (Flocks of the same feather); the beneficiary band of LTTE.
Theo Anthony happens to be a brother of well known LTTE international “property czar” late Mampalam, a pioneer member of well established LTTE economic wing. Also he happens to be the brother of Sean Anthony (Stan)who is in charge of Mexican businesses for LTTE. He also owns a part of CMR radio & TVI which also known as the main LTTE mouth piece in Toronto.
Theo Anthony is also the brother in law of well known Sri Lankan Fr. Sinnarasa; who is living in Toronto under the name of Antony Philip. Fr. Sinnarasa is wanted for Neervely Bank robbery in Sri Lanka, where 81,00,000 Rupees were robbed on March 25th 1981.
In September 1983, Father Sinnarasa escaped from custody during the famous Batticoloa jailbreak. Sinnarasa and Theo Anthony’s sister’s marriage was solemnized by LTTE while they were in the training camp of Tamil Nadu. Theo Anthony has another brother named Kumar Anthony is in the shadow group of Canadian Tamil Congress which also happened to be controlling some Liberal politicians in Toronto through its fundraising and voting arrangements. If Liberal leader cannot recognize these terrorists hidden in tie and a jacket let the god help him and his party.
On the other hand Canada’s left wing political party NDP has quickly becoming a victim of Tamil Tigers. It is becoming very clear that NDP is having problems with understanding and separating issues of Tamil Tigers and the issues of Tamils in Sri Lanka. It also seems NDP is fully unaware of fact that Canadian Tamil Congress blocked NDP Tamil candidates in the previous elections just to pave the way for future pro-LTTE candidate from Liberal party of Canada.
Meanwhile we have to wait and see how far in the ladder a donation of CDN$ 50,000 could take Theo Anthony in the Liberal Party of Canada.”
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/17194
“Ignatieff to be first athiest PM” – well technically. Previous PMs have professed a faith but clearly failed to actually put their faith into practice. However, I don’t think his atheism should be an issue any more than Harper’s faith. It rankled me when the LPC made cracks about his faith and about Day’s faith and it really galled me when Goodyear’s faith became a bone of contention with regard to his portfolio. If Ignatieff is an atheist – no problem. He is what he is and even if he were a man of faith, I still would find him insufferable and empty.
Should the LPC foolishly use Harper’s faith as an issue, the the PMO should counter it with a statement to the effect that personal beliefs should not be a source of derision or other such slags. That it is crass and should be off-limits.
I notice that none of our LPC supporters have answered my questions. Isn’t that odd? I guess if anti-Harper rhetoric or speaking points will be dismissed, there is no point in trying to respond. I think that the lack of response is the answer I expected, after all.
Dionky Baseball.
Don Iconnyou Bwaaaadcasting from here at Mudville Stadium.
Buzz is in his hair.
Hezbollah Coderre is on all fours.
And here’s the pitch …..
It’s a swinggggg …. and a MissIggy.
…-
“Ignatieff preps Liberals for election
Insisting that he still wants to make Parliament work, newly crowned Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff said Sunday he plans to have his party’s election platform ready next month.”
…-
“Donkey basketball endures in rural US
It’s a Monday night in this small south-central Iowa farm town, and the high-school gym is full. There’s a buzz in the air. Before long, the stars amble in from a side door – on all fours.”
(canoenews)
Hey Gabby! I caught the rebroadcast of “Les Coulisses du pouvoir”.
It didn’t sound like Daniel was very impressed with that post. Oo la-la!
Now, what would ‘Blue Like You’ be in French? Bleu Comme Vous?
The broadcast was cut off this aft just at the point where Lessard said “oui” to what Michelle said about your blog. And then the Ignatieff presser began.
It’s true Lessard didn’t seem impressed, but I figure it must have been the title of your post rather than the content.
Oh well, as Lincoln apparently said: “You can please the people some of the time, and you can please some people all of the time, but you can’t please all the people all of the time.”
Yeah – “Bleu Comme Vous.”
Anyway, it’s nice you got the recognition, regardless of whether Lessard liked the post or not. Don’t forget he hangs around with Travers, so as another saying goes: “He who hangs around a cripple learns to limp.”
Joanne – “bleu” can mean angry in Quebec lingo. I learned this years ago in a rather humourous manner when one of my managers said, in English (he was learning English) that he was “blue with her”.
We all make the funniest errors when learning a language – I remember, when I was refreshing my French, telling a woman that I wanted to do something with myself in front of her because I forgot the “de” in the sentence. She knew what I meant and didn’t take offense (thank God) and, from what her colleague told me, was laughing so hard back at her desk that she was shedding tears. I never made that mistake again, let me tell you. We had quite a good laugh over it.
The broadcast was cut off this aft just at the point where Lessard said “oui” to what Michelle said about your blog. And then the Ignatieff presser began.
Ah, that’s interesting. Well, in the rebroadcast it was uninterrupted so I’m very glad you mentioned that. I was able to record it for posterity.
I don’t actually mind Lessard not liking the post. Some kind of milque-toast item would obviously not have drawn the attention. But it does serve to remind me that we are not just having a private chat here and your reminders to be careful about what is said is very good advice. This blog is not a mouthpiece for the CPC, but we sure don’t want to make things more difficult for them.
East, that’s a funny story. Thanks for sharing.
Yes, I think ‘bleu’ can also refer to some degree of profanity in French, if I’m not mistaken.
‘Angry like you.’ That could be an appropriate translation for this blog. Heh. Sounds a bit to close to Janke’s though.