Although I never mind readers going off-topic in the comment section, the previous post has definitely been taken over by reaction to yesterday’s Throne Speech. So here’s a brand new one just waiting for your thoughts. I’ll start with a few of my own.
First of all, I’d say that the Conservative Government is definitely not spoiling for an election anytime soon. There are no poison pills that I can see although I suppose we will have to wait for today’s budget to get the details.
All in all I see a good forward-thinking outlook with the tone of restraint being set, but not in such a rapid manner as to stunt the recovery.
I see the opening up of the telecom market as being a definite plus for the economy and for consumers.
The only item that baffles me is the flag discussion. As I understand it, any changes would only be considered if a Parliamentary committee is in agreement and presents them in Parliament. Personally I see it as a bit of a distraction.
In any case, The National Post has a great online hub available for your one-stop budget browsing pleasure.
Yes Canada truly is open for business. Let’s get rid of that archaic, unproductive protectionist mindset and get on with the our true Canadian spirit of competition and excellence.
We can do it!
That opening of the telecommunications market might just get us our own FOX CANADA?? Maybe if we start writing to FOX now they’d buy into the idea?
Re: the changes to the National Anthem – I find that this is what’s captured the attention out of all of the rest of the Throne Speech hilarious. I see it as a non-starter and maybe even a slight and purposeful diversion on the part of the PM to get people talking about our nationalism, pride etc. I mean coming right after the Olympics where I’m pretty sure no one cared about the wording of the song we heard so often. The PM is keeping patriotism front and centre.
I’m not at all offended by “thy son’s command” – my bet is that nothing will change.
Let the opposition parties go nuts with the anthem issue while we move on with the budget and keeping Canada on continued positive economic footing.
Boycott CTV Joanne? I couldn’t agree more. I’m already there as the constant reminder what a total waste of time tuning in to that network is becoming. FOX CANADA can’t come soon enough.
On the whole I found the budget kind of right down the middle of either being too ambitious or not ambitious enough.
I notice no media is sharing what a loss Ignatieff took yesterday with the defeat of his motion to cut the power of the PM to prorogue Parliament.
Actually, I think you might see the anthem thing as a “test” of the media. As in, “what will they report on? The economic, important stuff or the shiny trinket in the middle?”
Here’s my take on the anthem brouhaha, cross posted at SDA last night:
My first thought is, who — what feminist — are they trying (temporarily, I hope) to placate? Who are they trying to eventually shut up?
I’m hoping that the suggestion of a change to “True patriot love thou dost in us command” is merely that: a suggestion that will quickly fade into the ether when more pressing issues take over the HOC’s agenda.
The media seems to have no idea how to pronounce “dost” which they have pronounced, ad nauseum, as “d-aw-st.” “Dost” [pronounced “dust”) means doest/do. You’d think the idiots might know this. They had me confounded, thinking “this is TOTAL madness,” until I saw the line in print. It actually makes sense if you sing it right.
Which isn’t to say that I like it.
That opening of the telecommunications market might just get us our own FOX CANADA??
Richco, that’s the first thing I thought of too!
I missed the vote re limiting the PM’s power, who voted against it, other than the conservatives.
This morning on cbc/ctv I have heard O Canada several times, or parts of it. I think that could be a nugget in the speech to see how much air time the media gives it, and the reaction, while the govt goes on and gets things done.
But, O Canada is being played in the media, usually with pics of some olympic event, or hero.
Iggy just said the speech was regurgistation instead of recalibration.
what I found interesting is that our media can not sing the anthem one said she knew the star spangeled banner but not o’Canada
I guess we will not expect much from them
Canada is a proud country if people who choose Canada as their home cannot accept Canada’s values then maybe Canada is NOT proud to have them choose Canada
Canada should not have to change it is the people coming to choose Canada that should respect Canada not the other way around
my family chose Canada my Father would not permit a clinging to the past he was forward looking and always celebrated Canada as the greatest country in the world
I am a proud Canadian
fh
I know this is going to rankle those conservatives who have expressed their anti-bilingual opinions here, but since this country is officially bilingual, here goes …
If the anthem needs changing at all, it should be changed to reflect the fact the country is bilingual.
I often cringe when at the opening of Question Period on Wednesdays a few MPs stand together to sing the anthem, some of them singing it in English, some in French. What a meaningless cacophony! About 25% of people are French-speaking in this country, so why not have 25% of the anthem reflect that fact?
The beginning should be in French, IMO, to reflect the origins of the country known as Canada.
That may again not please those who were here first — the First Nations — but before the French and English came, this land was not known as “Canada” which is what the anthem celebrates.
Personally, I’d like to see this become the official version
“O Canada!
Terre de nos aîeux,
Ton front est ceint
de fleurons glorieux!”
The translation of those first four lines:
“O Canada!
Land of our forebears
Your brow is wreathed
with glorious garlands of flowers.”
So this is how the anthem would read
“O Canada!
Terre de nos aîeux,
Ton front est ceint
de fleurons glorieux!
With glowing hearts we see thee rise,
The True North strong and free!
From far and wide,
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
God keep our land glorious and free!
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.”
For other versions, see http://www.pch.gc.ca/pgm/ceem-cced/symbl/anthem-eng.cfm
I believe that I heard someone yesterday suggest that the improvements to the telecom market only involved more competition in cell phones etc but if the CRTC can approve Al JAzeera, I wonder why not Fox??
However with Shaw cable taking over the TV wing of Global, we may have an opportunity for our own home grown version.
As far as the anthem goes, it has changed many times over it’s history and indeed, if more people know it because of this DISCUSSION, how can that be bad?
http://www3.sympatico.ca/goweezer/canada/cananhist.htm
There should be no more Liberal attack ads, running down our country, saying they are ashamed to be Canadian….
Back to the drawing board Team Iffy!
Looks like the govt is poised to make some REAL changes in immigration, like cut down the number of appeals would-be immigrants can make!
Here’s hoping Ruby Dhalla’s mamma can no longer fly around the country on the taxpayer!
‘I missed the vote re limiting the PM’s power, who voted against it, other than the conservatives.’
Mary, that type of motion needed unanimous support to be passed. All it took was ONE MP ‘shouting’ out NO, and it failed.
That is why Iffy planted it right after the SFTT, so his doomed to fail motion got no media coverage.
Everyone’s talking about anthem and nothing else, and that was the plan, I think.
Condolences to Stephane Dion,
his Mom passed away.
Well, I agree with those who claim the budget demonstrates a position that shouldn’t provoke an immediate election. Having said that, I am dismayed by the proposed national anthem change. We just do not need to push any emotional buttons right now.
With issues such as the need to eliminate our HRC’s and come out fighting against the Climate Change scam, what could possibly be behind a push to tackle something sure to garner emotional response.
I did hear from friends that it was a ploy. Serious folks don’t do ploys and this one will only raise hackles. I love it’s Flag with its bold Maple Leaf, but when it was created “all hell” broke out. Diefenbaker cried in the house and nasty debate was the norm. Maybe the initiator thinks this is like a new flag…if they do the timing is silly and dangerous.
This kind of thoughtless initiative could only alienate the party core who usually come up with donations.
Thanks for that wilson@ 9:48am
I too missed it and suspected as much but as we NEVER get any in depth media coverage on this sort of thing waited for some clarity.
I too express my condolences to Stephane Dion and his family.
Really,really,REALLY O/T – for those in Ontario who have kids in the public system you need to be aware of the changes going on to the “new” curriculum under the McGuinty government. For example the new elementary health curriculum “will have 8 year olds exploring their sexual orientation and gender identity, while 11 year olds will be taught the virtues of masterbation and 12 year olds will be encouraged to keep condoms handy at all times.” For more please go to http://www.societyforqualityeducation.org and check out the “School For Thought” blog.
In light of the lap-dancing Manitoba teachers this week I shutter at what’s happening in Ontario.
This needs to come to the attention of every parent in this province.
melwilde,
the anthem thing is something to talk about.
The media, instead of asking people on the street “was this worth proroguing for/”,
they are asking people on the street about the national anthem….it’s a beauty.
McKay on a radio program this am, said he liked the anthem the way it is.
It’s wide open for ‘coffee talk’,
a relaxed chit chat.
Lib MP Derek Lee is supposed to table a motion soon,
if the govt doesn’t hand over unredacted Afghan docs,
the govt is in contempt of Parliament, meaning a slap on the wrist or even Cab Min’s tossed in jail!
That’s one to watch, will Iffy take the chance that PMSH declares the Lib motion a vote of confidence?
Do the Opps want an election over a 3 years old story about an Afghan detainee getting smucked up the side of the head, with a shoe, by Afghan guards?
Come on Iffy,
walk down that hill….or face Canadians in an election
The anthem is a safe discussion with a safe Senate now.
This will be something most definately that Canadians will weigh in on and the mere fact that people are suggesting entire changes to the anthem, suggests that they didn’t hear the current one in their heart.
I hear the current one in my heart and that is good enough for me but I don’t dismiss a DISCUSSION. I particularly enjoy the roll of the media over this, they are so predictable and ready to pounce! Wow!
Mary T – Iffy made the motion re: elimination of the powers of the PM very early on as a point of order. It needed unanimous consent to move forward which it didn’t get.
Re: O’Canada – I like Gabby’s suggestion alot actually. I know both versions, having lived in Quebec for many years I quite like the French version so blending the two would be awesome.
Think of this folks. Each time one of those annoying media plays the anthem today or in the coming weeks what do you think will come to mind? The Olympics and patriotism of course. This is a purely strategic and terrific move by the government.
How about we get a bit of blue on that Liberal Canadian Flag? Two pin stripes up the insides of the red stripes? Too American?
Did no one tell iggy that his motion would need unanimous consent, and did he really expect PMSH to vote in favor of it.
What a dolt. I remember a native that yelled NO in Sask a few years ago, think his name was Harper.
Sympathy to Mr Dion and his family.
I think our PM’s done it again: outsmarted and ‘got the goat of the Opposition and their shills in the media!!
As others have pointed out, that’s all the negative nancies are talking about! In the meantime, he’s probably placated some feminist’s fiery breast — and the suggested change will likely fade into the ether. Wow! PMSH has killed a brace of birds with one, tiny, gender-neutral term. LOL!
Way to go, Mr. Prime Minister!
My deepest sympathies to Stephane Dion and his family on the passing of his mother. God be with you all!
I am so sick and tired of the opposition playing games to try and score a few political points. Stabilizing the economy, how to get that deficit back down, reducing crime, and keeping our borders safe is what they should be talking about and offering some credible suggestions. Those are the things that
really matter.
Mary T said – “Iggy just said the speech was regurgistation instead of recalibration”
Funny he should use that term, he has been regurgitating old Liberal talking points for some time now – daycare, GST, hidden agenda, Conservatives bad.
Jim Prentice on Dave R as I type, talking about the anthem.
DWT – if that’s the best The Waffle can do it’s just more of an indication how irrelevant he and his party have become. Not to mention no one’s exactly pushing the LPOC to come up with a better alternative. Iffy’s likely pissed because his motion didn’t fly.
Gabby
Put it in any language you want but if 25% of the House of Commons refuses to stand and sing the anthem like yesterday when the Bloc refused to sing to welcome the Paralympics sanctions should be applied.
As many of you have done this morning, I listened to a radio talk show discussing the ‘National Anthem’. Every POV was intensely personal but one fact I took from it was there was most certainly a 50/50 split.
Who was in favour of a change? Women.
I sense that we may be missing an appeasement offered to one of the opposition parties. I suspect the NDP based on the opinions of Ms Chow.
At any rate, the wind has gone out of the sail of the stupid detainee thing and the prorogation. The budget can be presented and there will not have been 24 hours of ‘REGURGITATION’ from Ignatieff and his MP children.
I agree Dillon @ 12:05 pm
When the BLOC are gone, then we can talk!
Frank Graves of EKOS is again stirring the election pot, over at Taber’s Ottawa Notebook
“The next two weeks are absolutely critical,” Mr. Graves says. “If they [CPC] start falling back … then I think this Parliament’s shelf life could be close to best by date.”
And that is because there is nothing to keep the opposition in line. “For some time it’s been the threat of punishment at the polls. Doesn’t seem like much of a whip anymore.”
Meanwhile, the daily tracking numbers were all over the place:
Feb 25th, we were down by 5.2 points, then Mar 2nd, we were up by 15.4 !
“Nearly 60 per cent of Canadians want investment in social areas, including in health, education and jobs;…
“We shall see what the budget contains but it is improbable that it will resonate strongly with the social investment priority that seems to allay all non-conservative voters.”
Uhh, Frank, health and education are PROVINCIAL responsibilities ! We already promised not to cut transfers to the provinces on these.
I’m starting to seriously question Graves’ competence and impartiality. I get it that pollsters love elections, because of the extra business for them, but Graves is going off the deep end here, with this “analysis”.
It kind of reminds me of last June, when Chretien, David Smith, David Herle, Scott Reid and Kinsella were all publicly urging Iggy to vote non-confidence over EI-360.
CJ – Graves is as disconnected as is Taber. They can stir the pot all they want but with a LPOC that’s as divided as ever(despite what they would like us to believe – just read their blogs…not exactly a whole lot of excitement about Iffy if you ask me) and some still resolving debts from the last election and a thinker’s tinker in the works I bet Iffy’s closer to calling it quits and launching his own “this is it” tour than he is to forcing an election no one wants.
Harper knows that.
Ok – I’ve sent a link to Fox in the USA with a link to the Throne Speech and a few of my favourite Tory Blogs. If we’re serious about giving CTV and CBC some serious competition many more should shoot off an email or too!
Sort of off topic-sorry-
Watching CPAC and a discussion on whether women are being left out of the stimulus funding.
Where are all those opposition MPs that were anxious to get back to work. Very empty HofC. Where is iggy doing his regurgitation, in the bathroom. Even Layton is missing a chance to be on TV.
Why not just replace O’Canada with The Maple Leaf Forever I far and away prefer that song. Unless of course Maple Leaves aren’t gender neutral…wouldn’t want to offend tender feelings.
Someone earlier had a point. If this is Harper’s gift to Layton and it’s what it takes then let’s have the discussion.
PS – Anyone got a good link to Canadian Folksongs?
On Rutherford just now, 10.50a.m., a hilarious version of our anthem, done years ago when this topic was in the news. Hope someone can get it posted.
Rob just said the video is posted on his blog at QR77
Richcoo: “Graves is as disconnected as is Taber”
Yah, what planet are these guys on? The whole “mood” from the Liberal side is one of resignation. Fife has said the Libs have “no stomach” to fight.
So it’s just a question of HOW the Libs will vote, so as to avoid an election (abstain, vote for the budget, or some mixture). And after the vote, Iggy regurgitates Donolo’s spin on WHY they voted as they did. And we all move on.
Graves seems to have blinkers on, only seeing what he WANTS to see, in his polls, and elsewhere. He almost talks like some of the rabid anti-Harper posters on the Globe, DREAMING about Harper “the bully” getting taken out on a stretcher.
http://www.am770chqr.com/Blogs/RobBreakenridge/BlogEntry.aspx?BlogEntryID=10100693
Here it is Mary T….scroll down and the YouTube is there.
Dillon at 12:05 pm:
“Put it in any language you want but if 25% of the House of Commons refuses to stand …”
No, not in ANY language. Speaking as a person whose mother tongue is neither English nor French, IMO the anthem should be sung in the two languages of the two founding nations of the country of Canada — IF it needs to be changed at all, and that is a big IF.
You may be thinking exclusively about the Bloc as speakers of French, whereas I’m thinking of people like Olympians Alexandre Bilodeau and Joannie Rochette, pols like Christian Paradis, or the newly appointed Senator Pierre-Hughes Boisvenu, among many others.
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/montreal/story/2010/01/29/qc-boisvenu-senator.html
““It is almost impossible to know who is the government and who the lobbyists. They have merged into one single animal with different faces.” – Dr. Gabriel Calzada, Spanish economics professor and researcher”
“But no animal escapes the cruel knife in the end.”
(Animal Farm)
…-
“Obama Admin. Caught Red-Handed Working with Big Wind Energy Lobbyists, Misleading America People”
http://canadafreepress.com/index.php/article/20637
http://www.smalldeadanimals.com/archives/013486.html
Watching QP and of course the detainee thingy is front and center. And what a bunch of hypocrites those bloc members are. They refused to stand and sing the anthem yesterday, when the Torch was there, but today are bragging the accomplishments of all Quebec medal winners (which they should) and saying how proud everyone was to be Canadian.
Maybe I missed it but so far have heard no Liberal offer condolences to Mr Dion.
Jack on his feet with a big smile.
Iggy brought up prorogation and asked if the PM would set up a committee or something to restrict the use. PMSH said it was something that had been used by all parties numerous times, and that last year it was necessary to prevent democracy from being overthrown, then told iggy, if you want to be PM do it thru an election.
Layton tries to tell us that there was great numbers out protesting prorogation, he forgets we saw the small crowds, organized by the NDP.
Tom Clark has Christie Clark from CKNW on as one of his guests, but conveniently doesn’t mention that she is married to one Mark Marrisen;
Mark Allan Marissen (born 1966, in St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada) is a senior strategist for the Liberal Party of Canada, and is chairman of the Burrard Group,[1] a strategic communications and government relations firm.
Marissen graduated from Carleton University with a Bachelor of Arts in political science, and also attended Simon Fraser University.
Marissen has a long record of involvement in the Liberal Party, joining the party in early high school. Upon graduating from Carleton University, Marissen served as the party’s National Youth Director in the early 1990s, and as an organizer for the national Liberal campaign during the 1993 federal election under Liberal Leader Jean Chrétien. Subsequently, Marissen became a political advisor to then cabinet minister David Anderson during his tenures as Minister of National Revenue, Minister of Transport, and Minister of Fisheries and Oceans.
Marissen was the British Columbia Campaign Chair for Paul Martin’s successful bid to for the leadership of the Liberal Party of Canada and then served as the Liberal Party of Canada’s British Columbia Campaign Co-chair for the 2004 and 2006 general elections.
In 2006 Marissen served as the National Campaign Manager for Stéphane Dion’s successful campaign to become leader of the Liberal Party of Canada. It was a come-from-behind victory which many observers viewed as an historic upset. The vote took place at the 2006 leadership convention in Montreal on December 2, 2006.
On December 22, 2006 Mr. Dion appointed Mr. Marissen and Nancy Girard as National Campaign Co-Chairs for the Liberal campaign in the federal election which took place October 14, 2008. While no-one predicted victory for the Liberal Party, and Prime Minister Harper was held to a second minority, Mr. Dion was widely criticized for his performance. The election result was one of the worst in Canadian history for the Liberal Party, thereby forcing Mr. Dion’s resignation as the Leader of the Party.
Following Mr. Dion’s resignation, Marissen reportedly decided to support Michael Ignatieff as Liberal Party Leader.[2] Ignatieff will be confirmed as Leader at a national convention taking place in Vancouver in late April, 2009.
Marissen resides in Vancouver, British Columbia, and has one child whose mother is former BC Deputy Premier and CKNW talk show host Christy Clark.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Marissen
Tom Clark? Christie Clark? Any connection?
Bruce @ 2:41pm
She opened her mouth and I muted so I thank you for your in depth research on yet another blatantly biased commenter on CTV.
Forward your RESEARCH to CTV’s PP…They could use your help as they have no one there that does anything even close to what you did! Good job!
Good question Bruce…. Tom Clark? Christie Clark? In any event… I am beginning to feel very uncomfortable about Tom Clark. Something is just not right with his body language. He is not able to hide his distaste for this government. Until he can demonstrate that he can handle this job in the best interests of all Canadians he should be removed from his job. Canadians deserve better from CTV!!!
Good question Bruce…. Tom Clark? Christie Clark? In any event… I am beginning to feel very uncomfortable about Tom Clark. Something is just not right with his body language. He is not able to hide his distaste for this government. Until he can demonstrate that he can handle this job in the best interests of all Canadians he should be removed from his job. Canadians deserve better from CTV!!!
Fay, right on! Bring on Brian Williams!
If I had to come up with one word to describe Tom Clark, it would be ‘smug’.
The opposition members have not learned a thing during their holiday. Thankfully we were spared 17 days of this circus.
H1N1-Bennett is still on that, prorogation-Layton– abortion front and center- guess they are unaware that O is having the same problem. Detainee thingy-gay rights- you name it-Quebec complains- those are what was important today, and I know I have missed some things. Oh, women getting short shifted in stimulus-good response given to this- long gun registry, crime bills, mention that liberals have gutted one bill and plan to oppose all crime bills in the Senate.
No special committee on prorogation-only reason opposition members want it is to resurrect the coalition.
Lots of points of order, MPs leaving the HofC.
Probably to take lessons in how to scream and disrupt proceedings.
Brian Williams is in whole other league. He has set a standard for other CTV journalists to meet.
I am still trying to figure out why none of the MSM has seen fit to query Iggy, or other lefties, on what their reaction is to the jump in the economy of 5% in the last quarter – is the MSM afraid of ruffling lieberals ? – do they not equate their feeding off the bad world news in the last 2 years, with the need to present a fair stance at this time ?
Should our national anthem see change?
Yes
7%
No
87%
Maybe
4%
Not sure
2%
21079 responses, not scientifically valid, results updated every minute.
http://www.sympatico.ca/
BTW, Canada is an officially bilingual country??? In reality, it is not. It’s a shame we live with this hypocrisy and continually look the other way. Tell Quebec to accept bilingualism and then we can say we are an officially bilingual country. As for the bloc, guess where they get their votes from every election. Canadian, yeah right. The bottom line is simple: there is no fairness in the bilingualism policy.
Gee..this is a huge surprise! Layton NOT supporting the Budget!! Where have we heard that before.
Indeed Byng @ 4:05 Are there indeed any real live “Journalists” in Canada. It’s all about the Economy! Mr Ignatieff seems to think the throne speech didn’t have enough detail. I guess 20,000 words is just a sentence or two to him. That and it was “regurgitated” or some such I am a little lost as to what that means exactly, must be Haavaard speak. As long as we are on “bodily functions” will the essence of his thinkers thoughts jamboree be expectorated or excreted? Just askin’
Oh..wait,he’s now taking credit for some of the things in the Budget…what a loon.
Oh…………Iggy will vote against the Budget,but ‘not in a way that will provoke an election!’ The Lib media doesn’t seem impressed..The TO Star reporter refers to this as weak-kneed approach…braaaack braaaack,chicken!!!!
YIPPEEEEE..Lizzie May HATES the Budget!Must be bad for the greenies,and she says if she was in the HofC (yeah,like that’s gonna happen)she would vote against it.
Oh…………Iggy will vote against the Budget,but ‘not in a way that will provoke an election!’
Sammy – He says Canadians told him last fall that we don’t want an election. I wonder how long he’ll try to milk that one?
“But the rest of the Netherlands thinks differently. That silent majority now has a voice,” he said.”
al-Reuters whines: “has dented the image of the Netherlands as a country that has often portrayed itself in the past as a bastion of tolerance.”
…-
“Dutch anti-Islam leader Wilders is major winner in polls
AMSTERDAM/THE HAGUE (Reuters) – Dutch anti-Islamist leader Geert Wilders scored major gains in local authority polls on Thursday, making him a serious challenger for power in a June national election, preliminary results showed.
In the first test of public opinion since the collapse of Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende’s coalition government last month, Wilders’s Freedom Party (PVV) led in the city of Almere and was second in The Hague.
The results came on top of an opinion poll showing that the PVV, which campaigns against Muslim immigration as its main platform, would win the most seats — 27 in the 150-member Dutch parliament — in the June 9 election.
That would make it tough for Balkenende’s Christian Democrats, projected to win one seat less, to forge a strong coalition without Wilders. Months of talks between parties, and the resulting policy vacuum, could threaten a fragile economic recovery and cast doubt on the scope of planned budget cuts.
The popularity of Wilders, who compares Islam to fascism and the Koran to Adolf Hitler’s book “Mein Kampf,” has dented the image of the Netherlands as a country that has often portrayed itself in the past as a bastion of tolerance.
The PVV has been pitching its policies to a nation of 16 million that is turning increasingly inward as the economy struggles and social tensions rise. There are nearly 1 million Muslims in the Netherlands.
“The leftist elite still believes in multi-culturalism, coddling criminals, a European super-state and high taxes,” Wilders told cheering supporters at a rally in Almere after polling ended on Wednesday.
“But the rest of the Netherlands thinks differently. That silent majority now has a voice,” he said.
(Excerpt) Read more at swissinfo.ch”
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2464252/posts
Good Lord..Iggy just now on ctv..with Fife and Oliver and Lloyd Robertson doing their damndest to provide cover for his sorry a**! Iggy says ‘people are looking at me for a credible alternative!’ That’s right Iggy..it IS all about YOU.
Cool…. None of the opposition likes the budget and will not support it. I just wonder which of the Three Stooges will blink first.
Iffy wants to provide an alternative for Canadians but he doesn’t want to provoke and election. Mmmm… How do you do that?
Cut’n'run Liberal IffyDionky.
Iffy says ……. The Separatist Coalition Troika is not holding together. It’s Taliban Jack LaytoNDP’s fault.
…-
“Liberals won’t topple Tories on budget
Ignatieff says some of his MPs will vote against Flaherty’s plan, but not enough to send Canadians to the polls
The Liberals are allowing Prime Minister Stephen Harper to stay in power because they are still not ready to form a government, Leader Michael Ignatieff says.”
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/budget/liberals-wont-bring-tories-down-over-budget/article1489798/
I don’t think Ignatieff read or listened to the budget and was briefed on what to say in response by Donalo who also obviously did not read the budget as they are talking through their hats and egos.
Ignatieff says there is NOTHING for youth employment like he demanded in his 7 page letter of good ideas.
Fact: The Conservatives have also put aside more money for youth, including $108 million over three years in a variety of areas, including internships, support for young entrepreneurs and youth at risk.
That is on top of existing programs which were expanded last year.
Ignatieff – blathering on about nothing because he does not bother to even brief himself on reality.
Missed the budget presentation.
Could anyone provide an analysis or opinion of the budget? Iggy bashing is getting tired.
Bluetech – Here’s what you need to know- The Opposition parties hate the budget but won’t force an election.
Oh and BTW, John Manley thinks the budget is pretty good. So does Gordon Campbell – inspite of CTV’s best efforts to stir things up.
bluetech, Stephen Taylor has the budget posted in it’s entirety at his blog;
http://www.stephentaylor.ca/
Well if Lizzie May hates the budget, then it MUST be OK, LOL.
nailed it Joanne – budget cautious and stands pat, reduces spending growth, freezes civil servants & MP’s stipends – liked by Manley says it all – as for Iggy bashing – is Iggy the bashor or the bashee ? – never have heard a positive word about anything, out of his pit bull advisored trumpet
PET Cemetery Bulletin:
LIBERAL = PROROGUE.
Liberal to re-focus.
Cue the Farcebooks.
…-
“McGuinty prorogues provincial parliament
Premier Dalton McGuinty prorogued provincial parliament in order to refocus”.
http://www.thestar.com/news/ontario/article/774961–mcguinty-prorogues-provincial-parliament
O’narcissist has snapped.
“… the narcissist is injured. Narcissistic injury inevitably leads to narcissistic rage and to a terrifying display of unbridled aggression. The pent-up frustration and hurt translate into devaluation. That which was previously idealized – is now discarded with contempt and hatred.”
(global politician)
…-
“Obama: I’ll steamroll health reforms through
President Obama declared for the first time yesterday that he was prepared to steamroller his troubled health reform legislation through Congress with only Democratic support; a move Republicans denounced as the “nuclear option”.
Signalling that his patience had snapped after a year-long fight, Mr Obama laid the ground for Democrats in Congress to muscle the Bill [...]”
http://www.jacksnewswatch.com/
liked by Manley says it all
Boy Manley scares me. If he became leader of the Liberal Party, I’d have some serious conflicts to deal with.
Bruce, Bluetech said thanks but I accidentally deleted it. Sorry.
Oh I don’t know, yes Manley was making fairly positive comments but I heard a few suggested kudos to the Chretien Liberals from Manley.
If anyone thinks that the Chretien Liberals were a success team, I’d have to disagree.
The Provinces were tormented by the Chretien Liberals and our military decimated. Our reputation with the US, a shambles and so on.
I lived through it but it wasn’t a financial picnic and Frankly, I’m sick of hearing that they were getting rid of the Mulroney deficit…they were getting rid of the Trudeau deficit if the truth were admitted too.
Joanne, remember the people Manley would bring with him should he become leader. Until they are gone and a new crop become liberal MPs, Manley would never run for the leadership.
The regulars were out in full force today in QP, Bennett, Jennings, Ujaal, and others. Can you imagine any of them as a cabinet minister. And I am still upset that not one liberal offered condolences to Mr Dion, (unless I missed it). They did give a great ovation to a smiling Layton.
Manley is great but you have to look at the rest of the group they need to get their act together
Leaders are born leaders
Stephen Harper is a born leader
Stephen Harper cares
fh
if all the opposition vote against this economic recovery budget they will not be very popular with the majority of Canadians
look at the optics
fh
CTV had a former deputy minister of finance (for Paul Martin) commenting on the budget today. (Not sure, but I think his name was Peter Scott.) They have had him on quite a bit recently and I see a ‘conflict of interest’ problem there since his allegiance would obviously be toward the civil service. So of course, he’s been saying ‘there shouldn’t be cost cutting done within government and that raising taxes is the right thing to do’ every chance he gets. Hardly an unbiased opinion and CTV should be explaining that aspect upfront, IMO because lots of folks might not be connecting those dots.
Anyways, the feedback on the budget from the business community was positive so that’s enough for me to give it a thumbs up because they are the engines of our economy.
Mr. Iffy. Mr. Maybe.
Liberal Mr. Iffy, Liberal Mr. Maybe.
“then maybe then we’ll have an election,” he said.”
But, first the Separatist Coalition:
““Bit by bit, block by block, stone by stone we’re putting an alternative together”.
1. “Bit by bit”
2. “Block by block”, er Bloc by Bloc.
3. “stone by stone”.
Voila! The Separatist Coalition.
…-
“Budget expected to sail through Commons”
““Bit by bit, block by block, stone by stone we’re putting an alternative together and when that alternative is ready, when Canadians can see a clear choice between cuts and freezes and gimmicks and an alternative that gets this economy going, really meets the challenges … then maybe then we’ll have an election,” he said.”
http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Politics/2010/03/04/13113496-qmi.html
Another endorsement for McGuinty’s government in Ottawa-West-Nepean, Bob Charelli won the by-election. There is no hope.
Don’t think John Manley is happy with the state of the Liberal party or how it got that way.
Liz, that is so awful about the byelection.
[Update: Actually it was a fairly close race! Reason for optimism there.]
Manley is great but you have to look at the rest of the group they need to get their act together
A lot of you seemed to be saying the same thing there after I put comment moderation back on.
Thank you for bringing me to my senses.
Hope and Fear.
Here is Hope and Fear: Liberal Iffy’s Separatist Coalition Alternative.
“Andrew Dunn of Deloitte and Touche said the best way to plug the deficit hole would have been to raise the GST back to 7%.”
…-
“Economists call Tory plan ‘reasonable’”
http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Politics/2010/03/04/13113576-qmi.html
The Intellectual Arrogance of the Member from Elitist:
Liberal Iffy.
“Mr. Ignatieff told me ‘It’s chump change what you’ve asked for.’ It’s nothing, $22 million,”.
Your tax dollars mean “nothing” to Liberal Iffy.
Your tax dollars are “chump change” to Liberal Iffy.
“$22 million” = Liberal Iffy.
…-
http://www.theprovince.com/sports/2010wintergames/Budget+worth+weight+gold/2644489/story.html
Yes Joanne, the Ottawa West-Nepean byelection was close but the fact any Liberal candidate for McGuinty wouldn’t be trounced given the historic mess he’s made and continues to make of this province is baffling.
the thought that Manley would even consider running with the current Carvel-crazed madmen in charge of the lieberal party is laughable – he is of the old business-oriented liberals school, the remnants of which, should cross the floor to sit with the CPC, if they had any degree of conscience
LizJ: ” … the fact any Liberal candidate for McGuinty wouldn’t be trounced given the historic mess he’s made and continues to make of this province is baffling.”
Well, Liz, it’s only baffling if most Ontarians weren’t politically illiterate and hadn’t been brainwashed.
When you consider that McGuinty is hardly ever taken to task in the media — the MSM reserve their big guns for the federal Tories — it’s not all that surprising that the provincial Liberal scumbags keep being elected. Their “brand” is the most easily recognizable and until Ontarians see their salaries being totally savaged and depleted by McGunity’s government, to pay for all of their extravagant and unaffordable social “safety nets” (sic), they’re going to continue to vote Liberal in provincial elections.
I don’t like it at all. But, sadly, it’s all too easily explained.
It wouldn’t be so bad if Hudak had more help. I hear that many of the heavy hitters for the PCs are doing double-time working for a Toronto Mayoral candidate. So even at the Ont. PC level there doesn’t seem to be much focus on taking McGuinty down just yet. Should there be? I’m not sure but there just isn’t that buzz around Hudak that there was when Harris was simmering to take a kick at the can.
Let’s not forget that this weekend is the Ontario PC policy convention…yet I’ve heard pretty much nothing about it. Not even from my riding association.