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Liberals mobilizing to dump Dion

CAMPBELL CLARK AND STEVEN CHASE

From Saturday's Globe and Mail

Latest comment posted at 2:13 AM EST 06/12/08

High-profile MPs, advisers calling for his ouster after bungled TV address, while Ignatieff says party mulling expedited leadership race ...Read the full article

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  1. rick from river city from Canada writes: as the Liberal caucus sings = all we want for Christmas is a new front man, a new front man, a new front man. All we want for Christmas is a new front man....
    Apparently the job is now open to separatists.
  2. Walter Funk from McMahon, Canada writes: Dion was generally presented as a man of integrity. When he joined the coalition, my opinion of him plummeted. Now I see that the video fiasco was a very honest metaphor of what coalition rule would be.
  3. J M from Canada writes: I laugh that aesthetics (i.e., a bungled video address) is what is used as a weapon against Dion by the public. If aesthetics and optics weigh so much in public opinion, then we truly have failed, uneducated democratic citizens.

  4. truth betold from Canada writes: Maybe it's indicative. Rush to air some high-school quality video, rush to give away billions of tax dollars to corporate pals and voting blocks (Blocs?). Chicken Man's gotta go.
  5. rick from river city from Canada writes: J M from Canada writes: I laugh that aesthetics (i.e., a bungled video address) is what is used as a weapon against Dion by the public.

    that was just this weeks weapon - there is a new one every week, at least.
  6. Zando Lee from Vancouver, Canada writes: .....Yo Stephie......nice guys always finish last....adieu....
  7. Some Guy from Canada writes: When the coalition idea was floated a week ago, I suggested it could only work if they replaced Dion with Goodale as an interim leader. The fact that they didn't probably Goodale was ducking and running. Get Iggy in as leader ASAP, Bob Rae is too far left. Let him make the best face saving deal as possible with the tyrant. Rebuild the party to take the tyrant down after he has screwed up the economic recovery with long discredited Republican strategies which turned the 1929 crash into the Great Depression. It's may not be what's good for Canada in the short term, but if it keeps the tyrant out of a majority government, it is better for the country medium and long term. And do it all quickly so he doesn't run a selfish wreck the country ad campaign for the next six weeks. I am afraid you cannot overthrow the tyrant now and he will deliberately destroy the country if it keeps him in power. He is very much 'Apres moi le deluge.'
  8. martha stewart from Canada writes: Poor Dion. The wrong man with the wrong ideas and the wrong skills in the wrong job in the wrong party at the wrong time.

    The only real questions are how did the LPC ever even accidentally elect him as leader, why did they keep him so long, and was it Rae or Iggy's people who produced that out-of-focus video?

    Harper will miss him.
  9. harry carnie from Northern, B.C., Canada writes: Golly.........the new ,'potential Prime Minister of
    Canada' and leader of the three party 'Coalition government.'

    Fails to enjoy the 'confidence' of his own party.

    Am I the only one who finds this absolutely
    incredulous?
  10. Point Blank from Vancouver, Canada writes: I'm a Liberal and I like(d) Dion, but this is politics and Harper will continue to put parliament in these near death situations until there is a clear strong leader at the head of the Liberal camp. I am glad that the leadership of the party is taking these steps. My preference would be for a convention and new leader well before the house reopens on January 26th. One that can either stand with the Coalition or stand with the government...
  11. Ken Woodwords from Canada writes: J M from Canada : It doesn't matter how many good qualities Mr. Dion has, he is lacking a very important one for the job: communication skills. A person in a leadership position must be able to convey his/her message clearly, have the ability to persuade people to buy into his ideas, and have a body language that shows presence. He should very well be aware of his own shortcoming and shouldn't even present himself as a candidate for the Liberal Party leadership position.
  12. Bert Russell Paradox, BC from Canada writes: No wonder Liberals will not allow another MP to stand behind them... it wasn't total dysfunction it was self preservation. Every Liberal for themselves. A question still needs answers, how and who decided on Dion and why? The person or persons who made this fundamental error in judgement, to my mind needs airing ... before Liberals as a Party can be trusted.
    In spite of this, a cooler head has emerged, a common purpose (Canada) has emerged and this hopefully through the Recession to an election majority.
  13. John McMortimer-Boyles from An Undisclosed Underground Location Safe From Nuclear Attack, Canada writes: Point Blank from Vancouver, like you I liked Dion when he originally ran for leadership of the Liberal Party of Canada. He has not lived up to my expectations as leader of the party.

    He was the wrong man for the job.

    And when the Liberals tried to put an outdoorsy look on him last election, the first thing that crossed my my was, 'Liberal version of Stockwell Day'.

    The party really needs to have him out of the way by the time Parliament resumes in January, and have a reasonably good interim leader in place.

    And I hope to God the Liberals find some better candidates than the current crop of front runners for the leadership. Fast.
  14. Free The West Free The West from Rock of the Westies, Canada writes: And yet just three short days ago the Greater Toronto Area was calling him the deserved leader of all of Canada and willing to put $30 Billion in his hands!!!!! What a joke.

    The truth is, Quebec and Southern Ontario were willing to do anything to take over power. Even with Dion, even with separatists, even without an election. This was all about an immoral Southern Ontario coup. Then the G&M; throws headlines at us saying that it is HARPER that is dividing this country! Again, what a joke.
  15. Edward Eh from Bathurst, Canada writes: Was the coalition Dion's child? Get rid of him AND the coalition with one stone. Discard him, and the blame with him
  16. Bengt Lindstrom from Canada, Canada writes: As a Canadian, I have great hopes that sanity and common sense will prevail. Firstly, the Liberals must find a true and accepted leader,
    emerging from within their highly capable group of candidates. Secondly, the chosen Liberal leader must have enough vision, for the good of Canada, to find a common path with the governing Conservative Party to foster a more dignified and constructive atmosphere in The House Of Commons, and to preserve the prosperity of the Canadian people.
  17. Derek Blood from Canada writes: harry carnie from Northern, B.C., Canada writes: Golly.........the new ,'potential Prime Minister of
    Canada' and leader of the three party 'Coalition government.'

    Fails to enjoy the 'confidence' of his own party.

    Am I the only one who finds this absolutely
    incredulous?
    =======================.
    No, most of the country agrees with you.
  18. Darcy Meyer from Canada writes: AS I said this lego titanic of a coalition won't last until monday. Dion was moving to far left and surrendering the middle ground to Harper. That's why I had hopes Manley would be involved in the leadership campaign. Not to win per say, but to help shift the debate back towards the center. Rae now is trying to pick up right where Dion left off, and Ignatieff really needs to reign this thing in quick.
  19. Not PC from Canada writes: A new leader for the Libs by the January Parliament is a first step. Then a stake through this ridiculous coalition. (Good grief, with the NDP and Bloc? What were they smoking when they came up with that idea?) At the same time get together with the PCs, work out a deal both can live with and let's get Parliament working again for the good of the country. There are issues out there that are far too important for them to be jackassing around as they've been doing these past few days.
  20. Hee Hoo Sai from Canada writes: The liberals would be well advised to get as far from the coalition as possible, speaking of distance, any word on the whereabouts of Jack in the bloc? Didn't take him long to hide once the rabble were roused. The new liberal leader will inhereit a whirlwind, wait till May (not green may, who is a libility to the liberals even if she isn't one). A long cooling off will help, and give time a chance to heal this gash. The issue is one of preception, and the voter is not precieving the liberals in a positive light at the present. Not a good time to pontificate on legal rights, the voters think that an elected government is best, not a legislated justification to twist the results of an election. The out of focus day late and dollar short video sums up the current state of the party.
  21. Shawn Petriw from Prince George, Canada writes: By the time January 26th rolls around, enough sitting Liberals will be ready to cross the floor that Harper will have his majority.

    Whether you like Harper not, you've got to admire his Machiavellian ability.

    He'll blow up the Liberals so badly that even Iggy or Rae won't stand a chance, either.

    The Liberals really need to spend 10 years in the wilderness like the Conservatives did. Only then will they be ready to form a government.
  22. Darcy Meyer from Canada writes: I think many saw this coming almost two years to the day.
    One order of business the liberals should consider is the normal process they use to select leaders, to avoid this from happening again.
  23. Hee Hoo Sai from Canada writes: The liberals go blowed up real good. Started with inflated ego's and will finish much lower after suffering a month of coalition constipation.
  24. Devon Paul from Canada writes: We've known for years that the Liberal Party was a bunch of spinless milquetoasts. They couldn't get it together to oppose Harper in the last Parliament, and it looks like they are getting ready to backtrack and accept that they've been beaten by a delusional Prime Minister who appears to believe he was elected President of the Republic of Canada and who has torn up representative government. By all means, get rid of Dion, but to back the Conservatives after they have proven congenitally incapable of running a government of compromise is an exercise in cowardice matched only by Harper's in getting a prorogation.
  25. Philip More from MONTREAL, Canada writes: Here is Harper's last move: When and if the conservatives are defeated by the no confidence vote, all the conservative MPs are going to resign en mass their parliment seat thus a de facto election call.
  26. A. S. from Edmonton, Canada writes: There are many valid points to be made about what the Liberals should or should not do.

    But I wish the rabid 'CON' posters would shut up. That is distinct from Conservative posters.

    Harper won; he should call them off. The more they yelp, the more they draw attention to the chip on their leader's shoulder.
  27. Eel Expert from Canada writes: Wow, I go into the comments section about the Liberal leader being replaced and all I find are right wing neocon posts slamming the Liberal party.

    Don't any of you have a life???

    It's Friday night for heavens sake.
  28. Joe Liberali from Canada writes: Dion will be the first Liberal leader in history to never become PM. But, he did make an error for all of us by staying on (in hopes something like this might have taken hold?) Paul Martin stepped aside nicely, and honestly, I was sad to see Bill Graham go.
  29. Darcy Meyer from Canada writes: Advise to Liberals (not rocket science): Force Dion out, absolutely revolt if you have to, get some knives out whatever. Then place Goodale as the interm leader. End the coalition and find common ground to move through this upcoming session. Select a new leader in May and lay this whole nightmare at Dions feet, and move on with a refreshed, united party under new leadership. That way you will have a legitimate opposition position next fall, with intent to govern when the time arrives.
  30. Don M from Canada writes: Too little too late for the Liberals. They are now a has been party. With all the money problems and scandals in the past few years, and giving everything to Quebec, they need a complete remake of the party. Get rid of all, yes all the old Liberals and get some new blood and start over again. I don't mean the likes of Justin. Without the last name, a school teacher would never have got to run for the Liberals in a chosen riding and that is one of the biggest downfalls. How can you represent people where you don't know what they want and what their problems are. The Conservatives had to do it and now so do the Liberals if they hope to continue. Only thing is, can they live without being in power long enough to rebuild. Power, power, power is what they are all about.
    Get away from having to please Quebec and get with the new Canada, the west. I know that hurts but the truth always does. Canada has been run from Quebec and Ontario far too long. Ontario is now a has been province and the sooner we stop the flow of Canada's money going to Quebec the better. Tell them no and let them squirm for awhile and they will see that belonging to Canada is the right choice.
    We have lived for far too long bending to the threat that they will separate. Let them go and be on their own without any handouts from the rest of Canada. They should leave with the same as they came with. Quebec was just the size of a football in the beginning and that is what they should leave with. Until they sign like all the other provinces, shut off the flow. I don't think they could last 3 months without Canada.
    One more thing, if you can't run candidates in 80% of riding's in the country, you are not a federal party. That takes care of the Bloc and any future separatist party that may come along.
    Extend UIC to those being laid off until things turn around and keep up with tax cuts that help everyone, not handouts that help the chosen few.
  31. Joseph Bloggins from Canada writes: I see that the G&M; poll is about who were the biggest losers in the 'coalition crisis' this week. At the time of writing this, about 44% say the Conservatives. I would say the biggest losers are the dolts who think that the Conservatives (now standing at over 50% in the latest poll) are the losers. They should see help for their mental condition.
  32. Joseph Bloggins from Canada writes: Eel Expert.....I didn't realize this comment column was for tearful Liberals only.

    Just as a final statement, unless and until the Liberals (and the ND's for that matter) understand that there is more to Canada than the 'Golden Triangle' (soon to be the Rust Triangle), they will be wandering the political wilderness forever.
  33. Modest Insights from Ottawa from Canada writes: Dion's ousting will translate into good news on the TSX next week. Of course, it will only be a blip, but I'll gladly take anything positive these days.
  34. Eel Expert from Canada writes: bloggins, if you can't see for yourself that Harper and the Conservatives lost quite a bit this week, you are the delusional one.

    First he picked a fight, then he backed down showing his weakness, then he ran and hid from Parliament showing the big yellow stripe down his back.

    If you think that this doesn't hurt his image, just look at all of the international headlines:

    Harper closes down Parliament in a bid to hold onto power
  35. Eel Expert from Canada writes: Joseph Bloggins from Canada writes: Eel Expert.....I didn't realize this comment column was for tearful Liberals only.

    Wrong again jo, I'm not Liberal.

    bloggins, shouldn't you be spengind more time with your girlfriend on a Friday night and less time posting propConganda from your Mom's basement?
  36. Eel Expert from Canada writes: oh wait, you don't have a girlfriend, do you?
  37. Darcy Meyer from Canada writes: Eel...the international headlines don't vote. Besides a historical (and recent) analysis of international headlines placed Harper (and our economy) in a very good light compared to his/our contemporaries. And your right he was forced to back down by a majority opposition. Everyone in the house had to team up on him; and he still survived. History will show he was desperate, but brawled with the best for his and his governments survival.

    Anyway, enough of that. What do you think the liberals should do to move forward in terms of leadership and strategy?
  38. earl pearl from Canada writes: I thank Mr. Dion. He's handed the CPC a majority in the soon to be called election.

    Merci.
  39. Eel Expert from Canada writes: Darcy Meyer from Canada writes: Eel...the international headlines don't vote.

    What a retarded comment.

    Of course headlines don't vote dummy, but guess what?

    International perception affects how the rest of the world thinks of Canada.

    Right now, International perception is that our PM is running and hiding from that which he was elected to run.
  40. Eel Expert from Canada writes: Sorry Darcy, I only read the first line of your comment before I posted, my bad.

    As far as international perception goes, what you said was the perception before last weeks circus on the hill.

    As far as polls go, the last poll took place before Canada lost 70000 jobs in Nov

    As far as the Liberal Party goes, they should dump Dion, appoint an Interm leader and fast track the leadership Convention to replace Dion ASAP.

    As much as I hated Chretien, at least he had the decency to allow the Cons to fight amongst themselves and pick a new leader before introducing confidense measures.
  41. Angry West Coast Canuck from Canada writes: Best thing for the Liberals would be to get their asses in gear and get a new leader in before January 26th. If they can move firmly and decisively on THAT issue it would go a long way towards fixing our problems when Harper is finally flushed out of hiding.
  42. Darcy Meyer from Canada writes: eel..no worries.
    Chretien did hammer Day pretty hard and called a premature election to capatilize on the newly elected leader not been known amonst canadians.

    But all that is in the past. We need to move this country forward, and need stronger leadership where ever we can find it.
  43. C R from Canada writes: Mr. Manley in his wisdom gave us an extension to the war that is Afghanistan. So great was his wisdom that we threw another 1000 troops at that mess so we could all read about how we've not only made no progress, but that the situation is regressing into a worsening failure as we lose more soldiers. So I think, yes, we should get rid of Dion but, no, unlike Manley's wisdom or lack of, we need to continue to consolidate the coalition and remove Steven Harper from power. Harper is a threat to our democracy. You should not prop up a government that is willing to listen, and record the private conversations of political opponents. You should not prop up a government that will shut the doors of Parliament and deny Canadians their representation to have the voice they were elected to have in our government. You can not prop up a government that would suspend Parliament in order to save it's grip on power in the face of a vote of no confidence. You should not prop up a government that would ignore the economic crisis with any plan other than to use that crisis to scheme up new ways to cripple political opposition. To prop up such a government is to be part of that failure of trust and that failure confidence. To prop up such a government would be to sell out on the principles and values that this democracy is supported on. Removing Steven Harper at this time is in Canada's best interest.
  44. martha stewart from Canada writes: Eel Expert writes: 'if you can't see for yourself that Harper and the Conservatives lost quite a bit this week, you are the delusional one.

    First he picked a fight, then he backed down showing his weakness, then he ran and hid from Parliament showing the big yellow stripe down his back.'

    Eel, are you familiar with the tactics used by Sitting Bull in the Battle of the Little Bighorn?

    That was also known as 'Custer's Last Stand.'

    Yes, the Sioux et al picked a fight, and then 'ran and hid' too.

    And Custer, like this coalition, took that bait, and fell into the trap.

  45. W M from Canada writes: Both Dion and Harper should go. Dion has shown that he simply doesn't have what it takes to lead and Mr. Harper has demonstrated that he simply doesn't have the emotional maturity to resist the temptation to try to get even with anyone he feels has wronged him or anyone he considers an ideological enemy, no matter how unwise the timing. E.g., anyone out there who still thinks Harper didn't OK the Obama leaks? We need someone with emotional maturity that exceeds that of an angry 13 year old. I'm inclined to think Jim Prentice or Chuck Strahl would be to step in at this point. At the very least, they seem to be grown ups.

    Baird or Flaherty would just be more of Harper's character flaws, dressed up in a different suit. On the other hand, if they ever led the CPC into an election, it would at least demonstrate to the West that Ontarians dislike of Harper has nothing to do with where he lives (just who he is). I doubt that Baird or Flaherty could even do as well as Harper in Ontario. Ontarians know them too well.
  46. T J from Canada writes: I would never vote for Manley. Dion has got to go. Get Ignatieff in there ASAP.
  47. rick from river city from Canada writes: Eel Expert from Canada writes: As much as I hated Chretien, at least he had the decency to allow the Cons to fight amongst themselves and pick a new leader before introducing confidense measures.

    ..yea, like when he waited a week after a new leader was chosen before he called an unnecessarily early election. Chretien... real class act.... not a decent bone in his body. the conservatives need no lessons from that old baffoon.
  48. Allan Simonson from Canada writes: After the latest poll showing that 51% of Canadians would vote for the CPC, the mop and pail is finally shifting gears from 'Harper made a mistake' to 'dion made a BAD mistake'.
  49. C R from Canada writes: You know what the Sioux did Martha? They formed a coalition amongst the tribes in order to defeat Custer. I'm pretty sure Harper is Custer.
  50. james c from Canada writes: how the liberals can see dion as a potential PM leading this coalition on one hand while at the same time wanting to dump him as leader is perplexing. it tells me one thing: the main reason purpose this recent coalition attempt was not because they cared about canada but because they wanted to be controling the levers of power.

    i also liked dion but he is definitely not PM or leader material. his many bungles are proof of that.
  51. J Birch from Hamilton, Canada writes:

    Ah, Canadian Politics, a race to the bottom

    Why are we not comforted

    .
  52. Eel Expert from Canada writes: martha stewart from Canada writes:

    And Custer, like this coalition, took that bait, and fell into the trap.

    So you admit Martha that Harper is more interested in playing political games, than running the Canadian Government for the better of Canada?
  53. W M from Canada writes: Joseph Bloggins from Canada writes: I see that the G&M; poll is about who were the biggest losers in the 'coalition crisis' this week. At the time of writing this, about 44% say the Conservatives. I would say the biggest losers are the dolts who think that the Conservatives (now standing at over 50% in the latest poll) are the losers. They should see help for their mental condition.
    =======================================

    They have all acted like complete losers. And, because Harper had almost managed to convince Canadians that he could be trusted and needlessly squandered that trust because he simply can't seem to bring himself to walk past a cat without kicking it, it he thinks there is any chance he can get away with it, he has indeed lost a lot. To use a hockey comparison, he has shown that he has many of the instincts of Sean Avery. However, if you want to argue that he isn't quite as big a loser, be my guest. The problem is that Canadians would like someone they could respect for a change, not the lesser of two losers.
  54. Eel Expert from Canada writes: rick from river city from Canada writes:

    ..yea, like when he waited a week after a new leader was chosen before he called an unnecessarily early election.

    Yes Rick, he waited until AFTER they chose their leader before calling an election. He had decency, Harper has none.

    BTW, Chretien handed Day his a$$ in that 'unnecessary election'
  55. 'Who should we blame for the Three Stooges' Rebellion???? ' from Toronto, Canada writes:
    'A historically rare event amidst an already strained relationship'
    MICHAEL VALPY, Globe and Mail, December 4, 2008 at 5:10 AM

    ' ... Ottawa's senior public servant, Alex Himelfarb [then-clerk of the Privy Council] ... 'Prime Minister, your biggest problem is in Rideau Hall.'
    . . .
    Ms. Jean and her husband, Quebec filmmaker Jean-Daniel Lafond, were turning out to be a pain in the behind to the federal bureaucracy.
    . . .
    Ms. Jean had forced one chief of staff out of her job.
    . . .
    A second had quit in anger.
    . . .
    Mr. Lafond was involving himself in at least one sensitive issue - the 400th anniversary of the founding of Quebec - in which the Governor-General's office was not welcome.
    . . .
    Ms. Jean ... too meshed with her former career as a journalist to be the Queen's representative and de facto head of state,
    . . .
    her as someone with an imperfect understanding of both the governor-general's role and of the country itself.
    . . .
    There also were reports that Mr. Lafond was too close to Quebec separatists.
    . . .
    =============



    To: ['Stakeholders']
    Sent: Thursday, December 04, 2008 12:34 PM
    Subject: Who should we blame for the Three Stooges' Rebellion????

    It is more and more apparent that Three Stooges from Quebec overplayed their cards and their Coup d'etat has failed. Now, the question is; how and why did we get into all that mess in a first place??? Simple analysis of this year’s events indicates that the seeds of Three Stooges’ Rebellion were planted directly by Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean the Governor General of Canada and Chief Justice of Canada, the Right Honourable Beverley McLachlin.

    It all started with decision to . . .

    ... tbc ...
  56. Eel Expert from Canada writes: Thanks for the anger hotline number Darcy, I already use 5-HTP (hydroxytryptophan) for my anger problems.

    That and a Harper Dartboard (full of bullseyes)

    :)
  57. martha stewart from Canada writes: C R writes: 'You know what the Sioux did Martha? They formed a coalition amongst the tribes in order to defeat Custer. I'm pretty sure Harper is Custer.'

    Good point CR. But no, this time the coalition is Custer. Just watch.

    And Eel - Harper can walk and chew gum at the same time. But they already knew that the NDP and the Bloc were gearing up for 'political games' so they did this pre-emptive strike. Can't govern, especially in times like these, with the constant threat of being toppled.

    The net result will be a neutered opposition if what's left of the coalition passes their budget - most likely scenario - or a CPC majority of they vote against it and force an election.

    In the meantime, there is plenty they can and will do, and they already were doing and have done a lot. This is no time for ill thought out actions or panic.
  58. W M from Canada writes: martha stewart from Canada writes: 'Eel Expert writes: 'if you can't see for yourself that Harper and the Conservatives lost quite a bit this week, you are the delusional one. First he picked a fight, then he backed down showing his weakness, then he ran and hid from Parliament showing the big yellow stripe down his back.'

    Eel, are you familiar with the tactics used by Sitting Bull in the Battle of the Little Bighorn? That was also known as 'Custer's Last Stand.'
    Yes, the Sioux et al picked a fight, and then 'ran and hid' too. And Custer, like this coalition, took that bait, and fell into the trap.
    =====================================

    Martha, if you are going to use historical analogies, you might want to think them all the way through. Sitting Bull won a battle, not a war nor even a campaign.
  59. Eel Expert from Canada writes: martha stewart from Canada writes:

    Harper can walk and chew gum at the same time. But they already knew that the NDP and the Bloc were gearing up for 'political games'

    So Harper saw a fire and threw Gasoline on it great.

    Also, you are proud of your leader for illegally spying on the NDP?

    Harper is the one throwing lawsuits around ... still waiting for Cadman & in-out results ... with luck, Jack will sue Harper too.
  60. Garry BC from notunderthecloudoftommydouglas'sghostanymore, Canada writes: to all you lips/dips..........nah nah na na nah
  61. 'Who should we blame for the Three Stooges' Rebellion???? ' from Toronto, Canada writes:

    . . . cont' from 06/12/08 at 2:30 AM

    It all started with decision to appoint Dr. Henry Morgentaler, well known abortionist from Quebec, to the Order of Canada in June of this year despite Harper government's objections and sustained and widespread public protests against such appointment. Morgentaler fiasco was compounded by Her Excellency's decision to invest Dr. Henry Morgentaler into the Order of Canada on October 10, 2008 (Friday before Thanksgiving Weekend and Election Day).
    See: http://www.gg.ca/media/doc.asp?lang=e&DocID;=5514
    Photo: http://i36.tinypic.com/kc6rl.jpg
    Governor General Michaelle Jean, right, decorates Dr. Henry Morgentaler as a member of the Order of Canada at the Citadelle in Quebec City on Friday, Oct. 10, 2008. (Jacques Boissinot / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

    It was cynical ploy aimed at discouraging social conservatives, whose protests over Morgentaler’s nomination were ignored, from participating in electoral process. It was slap in face for the Conservative Party of Canada and the Right Honourable Stephen Harper incumbent Prime Minister of Canada.

    This blatant provocation was just the beginning as it was soon followed by multiple acts of electoral fraud and “judicial recounts” that “judicially validated” four cases where Election Canada officials with the help of Canadian judiciary stole four electoral victories (three from Conservative candidates and one form Bloc candidate) and awarded these victories to Liberal candidates skewing results of federal elections and diminishing magnitude of electoral defeat of Liberal Party of Canada.

    Public protests over “judicial validation” of blatant electoral fraud by Associate Chief Justice Patrick Dohm, one of the courtiers of Chief Justice and the prominent member of the Court Party of Canada (Canadian Judicial Council) went completely unheeded.

    It was not very surprising that after ...

    ... tbc ...
  62. Eel Expert from Canada writes: martha writes: a CPC majority of they vote against it and force an election.

    How do you figure martha?

    How will Harper get a majority after sh!tting all over Quebec?
  63. Eel Expert from Canada writes: Garry BC from notunderthecloudoftommydouglas'sghostanymore, Canada writes: to all you lips/dips..........nah nah na na nah

    congratulations Garry on posting the most mature conservative post of the night.
  64. Garry BC from notunderthecloudoftommydouglas'sghostanymore, Canada writes: ........Eal ....its easy ........remember those ndp /green votes in the west........they are gone now........thanks to capt jack bin layton and liz may
  65. Robin Hannah from Canada writes: This Globe & Mail headline is beyond the pale, and I don't understand it. 'Liberals mobilizing to dump Dion'. Huh?

    Stephane Dion publicly, with grace and dignity, has already resigned as Liberal Leader. Or didn't your reporters catch that part?
  66. T J from Canada writes: Its the opposition's fault that Harper is a bloodthirsty power at all costs ultra-partisan (ex)PM who is pathologically obsessed with the destruction of the Liberal party. When Harper wins a minority it really means he won a majority. Smarten up.
  67. martha stewart from Canada writes: WM - All I am referring to are the tactics used in that battle as an analogy for what has happened here.

    (In politics the 'war' never ends.)
  68. Garry BC from notunderthecloudoftommydouglas'sghostanymore, Canada writes: thank you very much Eal.........at least i dont have to eat crow........nah nah na na nah a far as quebec who cares ? they dont most dont listen to politics anyhow
  69. Garry BC from notunderthecloudoftommydouglas'sghostanymore, Canada writes: he resigned until he smelled the capy chair.........wanna bet he was planning on resinding that little gem??? anyhow i have 1 crow pie left...........which 1 of dppers would like it??????
  70. Garry BC from notunderthecloudoftommydouglas'sghostanymore, Canada writes: as proof of that ..........where are the comments from Quebec on here??
  71. Eel Expert from Canada writes: gary whatever writes remember those ndp /green votes in the west?

    firstly what green votes? the greens have not won an election riding in Canadian history.

    Secondly how about Edmonton-Strathcona, Skeena-Bulkley Valley, British Columbia Southern Interior, Vancouver Kingsway, Vancouver East, Burnaby Douglas, Burnaby New-Westminster, New Westminster-Coquitlam and Naniamo Cowichan??

    Do some homework fool.
  72. old curmudgeon from Armenia writes: It's not enough to dump a leader--there must be a credible alternative. In view of the limited time available before the next round in the fight, the Liberals' only hope is to bring in a new and exciting face. The same tired cast of pretenders--with their favours owed and principles eroded by their long and grinding climb to the top of the political heap--no longer has the ability to excite the public imagination or inspire public confidence.

    It worked in 1968, a could work again.
  73. martha stewart from Canada writes: Eel Expert writes: 'How do you figure martha?

    How will Harper get a majority after sh!tting all over Quebec?'

    Easy. The NDP and LPC are going to get wiped out in the West for this, and lose more seats in Ontario and the Maritimes - yes, even in Danny Williams's NF I bet.

    And Harper specifically jumped on the 'separatists' not Quebec. I'm expecting this whole episode will inspire the Quebec federalists to get out and vote next time and they will not be voting for the Bloc, or either the LPC or NDP after this coalition attempt.

    But I actually expect the budget to pass and to see no election for some time. The coalition is disintegrating 'as we speak.'

    I like to call it Monty Python's Black Knight Coalition now. That sems to best describe it.
  74. Apu Nahasapeemapetilon from Vancouver, Canada writes: Eel Expert from Canada writes: before Canada lost 70000 jobs in Nov

    The job losses seem to be an Ontario only event as the November unemployment rate fell in all four western provinces; down to 3.4% in Alberta.
  75. Eel Expert from Canada writes: Garry BC from notunderthecloudoftommydouglas'sghostanymore, Canada writes: he resigned until he smelled the capy chair.........wanna bet he was planning on resinding that little gem???

    Actually gary, I had the same thought.

    Scary.

    'I ave doon a goot jab as Pee-em since overtrowing arper, and furmally witdrew my reseegnation.'
  76. 'Who should we blame for the Three Stooges' Rebellion???? ' from Toronto, Canada writes:

    . . . cont' from 06/12/08 at 2:30 AM

    [For the details on the previous 2 paragraphs, see, respectively:

    http://tinyurl.com/ElectoralFraud08

    http://tinyurl.com/Public-Protests-against-J-Dohm
    ]

    It was no very surprising that after such string of direct attacks on democratic process and will of Canadian electorate by Liberal appointed representatives of Canadian government, it was just a matter of time and right opportunity that defeated members of the “natural governing party of Canada” would try to stage Coup d'etat counting on unqualified support of Liberal appointees: Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean the Governor General of Canada and the Right Honourable Beverley McLachlin, Chief Justice of Canada.

    I am willing to bet that Her Majesty Queen Elisabeth II, when she receives reports from Canada, is not going to be very pleased with such antics by Her Canadian Representative.

    To write to Her Majesty visit: http://www.royal.gov.uk/output/page249.asp

    For more info visit: http://tinyurl.com/Who-to-blame-for-3S-Rebellion

    ==============================

    http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20081204.wparlgg04/BNStory/Front

    A historically rare event amidst an already strained relationship

    MICHAEL VALPY
    From Thursday's Globe and Mail
    December 4, 2008 at 5:10 AM EST

    . . .
  77. Eel Expert from Canada writes: martha, sorry but Canadians aren't a bunch of cow towing sycophants like you are. Most have a simple thing called 'free will'

    Harper will lose quebec, also he will energize those Canadians who were afraid of him in a Majority position into voting for ABC.

    as your buddy Apu above posted, most of the job losses came from Ontario in Nov. Do you think that Ontario has forgiven Flaherty for bashing his own province?
  78. Eel Expert from Canada writes: martha writes:

    I like to call it Monty Python's Black Knight Coalition now. That sems to best describe it.

    Wow martha, your analogy is really off tonight.

    After defeating the black night in Monty Pythons quest for the holy grail, Arthur left him be and moved onto his quest.

    Harper would take sadistic pleasure in not only cutting off the arms and legs, but he wuood hang around for hours kicking the disabled knight just for fun.
  79. western woods from terrace, Canada writes: Garry BC: Are you still pretending you are not a prairie farmer?
  80. James P from Nanaimo, Zimbabwe writes: 'Twas the night before Confidence, when all through the house

    Not a politician was stirring, not even a mouse;

    The backroom deals were hung by the chimney with care,

    In hopes that Majority soon would be there;

    The Dippers were nestled all snug in their beds,

    While visions of sugar-plums deals danced in their heads;

    And Duceppe with his separatists, and I in their lap,

    Had just settled down for a long winter's nap.
  81. Crescent Beach from Canada writes: Even more troubling was Dion stumbling badly trying to read his statement about the poroguing of Parliament. He was reading his speech from a sheet of paper that he obviously had never read before and was re-reading sentences to change their inflection, not seeming to understand what he was saying. I think Obama would of used a teleprompter in that situation :)

    And let's not forget his two do-overs of that famous interview during the election. The reporter got heat for releasing the tape, but it probably revealed more about Dion than we realized at the time.

    He may be a nice man, but he is way out of his element. At least the Reds can dump him now and hang this entire coalition fiasco on his narrow shoulders, then start off fresh and fiesty with an All-New leader who can wash his hands of this whole affair.
  82. martha stewart from Canada writes: Eel - Don't you remember when, after all his limbs were chopped off, the Black Knight was still insisting that he wanted to fight?

    That's the coalition now - the Bob Rae version.

    Soon it will be like Monty Python's 'parrot' sketch.

    Don't agree with your version of how this will play out in an election, but then you don't agree with me. Guess we'll have to see what happens.

    If Dion was still leader, it would be a true Kim Campbell result.

    Not sure about Apu's stats. But no doubt Ontario is taking a major hit. Now that the Big Three have finally provided their plans and expectations - as of TODAY - something can be put together... something coordinated between the US, Can and ON governments.

    It seems the coalition wanted this BEFORE this information was available or coordination was possible... that was their cover story at least. Total insanity.

    And the lower Can dollar should help... but this is a serious mess, and it is not a made-in-Canada mess. No quick fixes.

    I sure hope that the CPC comes up with a great budget, and acts on this auto issue even sooner, don't you?

    P.S. 'cow towing' is something farmers or ranchers do. 'kow-towing'
  83. L M87 from Calgary, Canada writes: I disagree with the two pronged approach of the Tories. If they put together a good plan, the merit of the plan should be enough to win enough Liberals to keep the Tories afloat. Trying to work it both ways at the same time requires the dexterity of a snake.
  84. Iain's Opinion from Canada writes: I want to know what they promised to the Bloc for their support.
  85. Eel Expert from Canada writes: martha stewart from Canada writes: Eel - Don't you remember when, after all his limbs were chopped off, the Black Knight was still insisting that he wanted to fight?

    now you are contradicting yourself martha.

    is the coalition falling apart or still fighting even though they are limbless?
  86. Eel Expert from Canada writes: martha writes: I sure hope that the CPC comes up with a great budget, and acts on this auto issue even sooner, don't you?

    Well Martha, I thought that you were actually hoping that harper would set another political trap, rather than deal with issues facing the PM?

    That seems to be the tone of your previous posts.
  87. Eel Expert from Canada writes: Iain's Opinion from Canada writes: I want to know what they promised to the Bloc for their support.

    ian, I just don't get you or your kind.

    on one side of your face you love Harper because he keeps Canada (and the Tory party) in the dark while he operates, but on the other side of your face, you demand transparency from the Libs & NDP.

    isn't that the definition of a hypocrite?
  88. Eel Expert from Canada writes: with thanks to Dan McTeague:

    September 9, 2004

    Her Excellency the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson,
    C.C., C.M.M., C.O.M., C.D.
    Governor General
    Rideau Hall
    1 Sussex Drive
    Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0A1

    Excellency,

    As leaders of the opposition parties, we are well aware that, given the
    Liberal minority government, you could be asked by the Prime Minister
    to dissolve the 38th Parliament at any time should the House of Commons
    fail to support some part of the government’s program.

    We respectfully point out that the opposition parties, who together
    constitute a majority in the House, have been in close consultation. We
    believe that, should a request for dissolution arise this should give
    you cause, as constitutional practice has determined, to consult the
    opposition leaders and consider all of your options before exercising
    your constitutional authority.

    Your attention to this matter is appreciated.

    Sincerely,

    Hon. Stephen Harper, P.C., M.P.
    Leader of the Opposition
    Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada

    Gilles Duceppe, M.P.
    Leader of the Bloc Quebecois

    Jack Layton, M.P.
    Leader of the New Democratic Party

  89. Robin Hannah from Canada writes: You know who I'd really like to hear from now - now that Dion and Layton and Duceppe have been stopped in their constitutional tracks by Stephen Harper, the ugliest, nastiest, and most right-wing Prime Minister Canada has ever seen - (surely we can all agree on that, right?) - I'd love to hear from all those Albertans who want to separate from Canada.

    Are you still foaming at the mouth to get out?
  90. Sebastian Flyte from Toronto, Canada writes:

    Obviously the simple facts have failed the pro-war mob, yet again. They are left with nothing but the gnashing of teeth and the snarling of bad temper to defend their case.

    Smith's regurgitation of the party line of 'progress' is so hackneyed and belied by the facts that it takes no more than a google or two to expose the despicable hypocrisy and outright lying that characterizes the case for the continuance of this outrageous fiasco.

    Must we wait as did the Great American Lardmass for 58,000 dead soldiers before conceding to the reality of a military loss?
  91. James P from Nanaimo, Zimbabwe writes: Liberals should be happy about this. If Dion did take down the government next Monday, it would have failed badly. Causing many to vow to never vote liberal or NDP again. Now with a new leader they can start again, blame Dion and build back some support they lost so far. Proroguing Parliament 5 days before the official end of the house was the best thing to happen to the liberals in this situation. In a way, it lets them save some face.
  92. Some Guy from Canada writes: And no one here seems to realize that for the fate of the country, Harper needs to go too. In order to retain his hold on government, he has attacked national unity, playing the race card against Quebec. After Dion leaves, Harper needs to leave. He won't though. Harper will destroy this country for power over what remains.
  93. martha stewart from Canada writes: Eel - The point is that the Black Knight kept insisting he wanted to fight even though he was finished, limbless, harmless.

    He was deluded.

    Like Bob Rae is right now.

    The coalition was effectively dead when Duceppe and parizeau stabbed it in the back by stating that it was great for their objectives.
    That was no accident.

    Now we are seeing the Iggy camp split away, leaving Rae all by himself to take the fall.

    Rae is so deluded he actually thinks he's going to help his cause in the leadership race by becoming the Black Knight's talking head.

    He really just became the captain of the Titanic.

    This has been great entertainment to watch, and its not over yet.

    Almost feel sorry for Dion... almost. He is a genius in his own mind. But he didn't know when to step down, which was immediately after the election. And in his desperation to be PM for a day, he (with Chretien's 'help') got into the disasterous coalition and fell for this trap hook, line and sinker.

  94. Ian h from Canada writes: What intrigues me most is that fact that the man the Lib's keep trotting out as their saviour is Iggy... a natural member of the CPC!
  95. martha stewart from Canada writes: Eel Expert writes: 'martha writes: I sure hope that the CPC comes up with a great budget, and acts on this auto issue even sooner, don't you?

    Well Martha, I thought that you were actually hoping that harper would set another political trap, rather than deal with issues facing the PM?'

    No Eel. The CPC have a minority government. They already knew that Layton and Duceppe were plotting to dump them at their first opportunity. So this was a pre-emptive strike. They - Canada - needs a stable government right now to deal with all this.

    That was the coalition's Big Lie. That they could act faster - with a rational well planned actions that is - than the CPC and that that dysfunctional coalition would bring stability.

    And as I explained earlier, it was too early to take action on the auto sector last week because the info was not sufficient and the US was not ready either.

    Now they'll act on that with the US and Ontario governments, with the needed info. Don't need the House to be sitting. And in january they'll present a great budget which will include all the coalition's good ideas. Iggy and his people will support it.
  96. Ian h from Canada writes: if all of you day traders would just take your Ritalin! The fact is that by stopping this abomination, Harper may have saved Confederation!

    Can you imagine if the 'coalition' had seized power? The Bloc had only to say 'my guys don't like this... they have a serious case of Dion Flu setting in, and may not make it for the vote' and it is a veto. Having said that, it was all extortion, all the time! When all that money went to Quebec, can you imagine right thinking people in any part of the country not being driven mad? I think not!
  97. Common Sense from N.S., Canada writes: There will be no Christmas holidays in Ottawa this year - they couldn't find three wise men, but they found lots of a--es in the stable. Looking back over the past week, I hope Canadians realize how close they came to a true meltdown.
  98. martha stewart from Canada writes: Robin Hannah writes: 'Stephen Harper, the ugliest, nastiest, and most right-wing Prime Minister Canada has ever seen - (surely we can all agree on that, right?)'

    Not sure about the 'ugliest' - remember Deifenbaker? - but I can agree with the rest.

    But then we surely can all agree that Jean Chretien was the ugliest and nastiest left-wing Prime Minister Canada has ever seen.

    Let's face it. Slim pickings of late.
  99. Eel Expert from Canada writes: martha writes:

    That was the coalition's Big Lie. That they could act faster

    Uhhh yeah martha, and prorouging parliament for 7 weeks is faster than a coalition govt that would have been created last Monday?

    You right winging Orwellians really need to refine your doublespeak.

    I had 5 rations last week, this week Prime Minister Harper increased my rations to 3.
  100. Eel Expert from Canada writes: martha stewart from Canada writes:

    we surely can all agree that Jean Chretien was the ugliest and nastiest left-wing Prime Minister Canada has ever seen.

    Trudeau???

    martha also writes:

    Let's face it. Slim pickings of late.

    AGREED!!!!!

    Finally.
  101. Bert Russell Paradox, BC from Canada writes:
    Iggy the villian in black cape will emerge to point a finger and say 'I told you'... 'I told you'. Rae ... true to his exhibitionist NDP roots, leads the stragglers over Buffalo bluff to carnage ... a bitter sad, a..rray display.
    This leaves Jack in a box.
  102. Eel Expert from Canada writes: Bert Russell Paradox, BC from Canada writes:
    blah blah blah, blee blee blee, bling bling bling, ching chang chong ....
    This leaves Jack in a box.

    Good point Bret, but wait, when I go the the globe poll that asks who lost the most this week, only 3% said that the NDP lost the most.

    What's wrong with this??

    You Freepers only know how to vote against the Libs in Globe polls?
  103. Bert Russell Paradox, BC from Canada writes:
    Eel: May I be so bold as to point the folly of GM Polls with the Liberworst bias.
    Lampreys suck!!
  104. martha stewart from Canada writes: Eel - They only shortened the session by 7 working days max.

    Plenty can be done without the House sitting.

    The coalition had no plan, and would have to come up with a cabinet and staf etc., etc.

    Happy to hear about your increased rations. Hope you enjoy hissing at Harperstein.

    OK. Trudeau was AT LEAST as nasty... so we AGREED again!!! But Chretien was uglier.

    No doubt. Slim pickings indeed.

    Good night. Been doublegood. Don't have any Scary Harper dreams. fun.
  105. Eel Expert from Canada writes: martha stewart from Canada writes:

    The coalition had no plan

    martha, are you lying or just ignorant??

    http://tinyurl.com/6e677f
  106. David Gibson from Hamilton, Canada writes: The article is rather reassuring, in that various people seem to be saying sensible things, the exception being Bob 'Charge Of the Light Brigade' Rae, who has just written himself into a non-existent coalition and out of the Liberal leadership. That's too bad; he is such a useless little twerp that he would have been good for the Tories. Well, Iggy it is then. I hope Harper has learned something about judgement and measure. Still, one can't help but wonder about the disconnect between the scribblers calling for his exile, the hacks here applauding his demise with 'sweater' comments, and his [now three] public opinion poll results, showing him beating the crap out of his opponents. I guess people will believe what they will, arithmetic notwithstanding.
  107. David Gibson from Hamilton, Canada writes: ...and in the spirit of civil behaviour and respect which you all demonstrate, I want NO references to the rock band 'Iggy and The Stooges' in this political context. Thank you for your co-operation. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iSN-Y1W4Jm4
  108. A Canadian from Cole Harbour, Canada writes: Eel Expert from Canada writes: Bert Russell Paradox, BC from Canada writes:
    blah blah blah, blee blee blee, bling bling bling, ching chang chong ....
    This leaves Jack in a box. Good point Bret, but wait, when I go the the globe poll that asks who lost the most this week, only 3% said that the NDP lost the most.
    What's wrong with this?? You Freepers only know how to vote against the Libs in Globe polls?

    ---

    Whats wrong with this. easy, most canadians think the NDP is irrelevant.
  109. A Canadian from Cole Harbour, Canada writes: Eel Expert from Canada writes: martha stewart from Canada writes:
    The coalition had no plan martha, are you lying or just ignorant??
    http://tinyurl.com/6e677f

    --

    As usual, lots of nice words but at what cost .
  110. Mike Sharp from Victoria, Canada writes:

    Test, test...
    Is this thing on?
  111. R L from Canada writes: .

    Ignatieff is a NeoCon on foreign policy, and I will never accept him, nor his fundamentalist ideology.

    I may acccept Ignatieff as part of an NDP coalition, given that the NDP would keep his foreign policy extremism in check, but anything less than that is unacceptable. The Liberals must get a different party leader.

    I have not seen anything wrong with Bob Rae, and I think he should lead the Liberal Party. I know nothing about his history with Ontario, and I have no biases for or against him. All I know is what I have seen of him over the past couple of years, and it has been almost entirely positive in all respects. Ignatieff on the other hand reeks of pompous divisiveness.

    .
  112. Sherlock Hemlock from Canada writes: Go get 'em Bob Rae! Grab your torch and pitchfork! You and your erstwhile NDPers are going boldy where no reasonable Canadian wants to go. Godspeed, Captain Coalition!
  113. Michael Powers from Canada writes: Dion has to go, he has absolutely no political skills, but being where he is causes harm to both the Liberal Party and Canada.
    He has completely destroyed the misconception that he was an honourable man - clearly he is not.

    I am sure that Carolyn Bennett and Anita Neville are receiving messages from their constituents stating that they must dump Dion but they fail to mention that they are also demanding that they assist in killing the coalition also.

    I certainly hope the decent citizens of NDP orientation are also pushing to have that hypocrite Taliban Jack Layton removed also. He has destroyed what was left of any good will and trust that I had for that Party. They do have some trustworthy options but they are dwindling fast.
  114. Michael Powers from Canada writes: If the Liberal Party ever wants to regain the Leadership of this country, they will have to return to the Moderate Center policies that kept them in power for so long.

    By allowing the the Far Left Wing of the Party to take control and by joining the coalition, they have just become a wing of the NDP.

    This latest fiasco has severly damaged their brand, they have to start working immediately to regain their credibility and keep their moderate members from drifting away.
  115. wayne ouellette from Canada writes: Now you are going to see what liberals do best.....backdoor other liberals. The knives are out and who best to execute the chosen ones than the likes of john mccallum, scott bryson, gerard kennedy, the other mcguinty boy, ken dryden...all on their own simply dynamic leaders. Iggy is the only one who seems to be playing this properly. Keep quiet and let the others talk themselves out of contention. John Manley has it right folks. Cut the ndp loose and set them adrift again. If liberals do this they may retain enough seats to for the official opposition in the next election.
  116. Eel Expert from Canada writes: A Canadian from Cole Harbour, Canada writes: Eel Expert from Canada writes: martha stewart from Canada writes:
    The coalition had no plan martha, are you lying or just ignorant??
    http://tinyurl.com/6e677f

    --

    As usual, lots of nice words but at what cost .

    I'll assume that the above is a question.

    At what cost? Thanks for asking CFCH.

    The cost would be the ousting of an uncooperative, vindictive, petty Minority Leader and the reward would be the Majority of the Canadian Parliament working together for the better of Canada.

    What do we have now?

    A 7 week delay on a stale-mate.

    great leadership.
  117. Bert Russell Paradox, BC from Canada writes:
    Dion made no mistake, he was a pawn, a sacrifice ... Iggy has eliminated two opponents, Dion and Rae the imposter ... scratch Iggy and you expose just another incompetent Liberal ... a Toronto mime with Montreal strings. Then comes the Prince who would be king, Jack Layton the insurgent, who stands facing the reality of a nightmare come true. Jack in a box, with the cat litter.
  118. Alan Breck from St. Catharines, Canada writes: The person responsible for this entire mess is Gerard Kennedy. Had he not thrown his support behind Dion at the Liberal Convention, history would be different now!
  119. Patrick Nash from Canada writes: Do the Liberals have any credibility left? They got booted from office for lining their own pockets, they then got thumped in the general election and finally, like a group of petulant children, they decided to steal power by jumping into bed with socialists and seperatists. Now, they even want to replace the man they are meant to be rallying around because it may be politically expedient. Do they even know what integrity means? What I find truly sad is the reactionary nature of everything the Liberals are doing. They simply do not seem to be able to see beyond the end of their selfish noses, instead making up policies on the fly as the polls move in one direction or the other. This is not the sort of people we need leading the country. Where's the vision? Where's the planning? Take a step back. Take a deep breath. Accept that you are not in power. Then, please sit down and calmly come up with an alternative for Canada that is good for Canada and not just good for yourselves.
  120. David Bakody from Dartmouth, Canada writes: Good News for the Liberals..... very Bad News for the Reformer dressed in Conservative cloths... They have awakened a sleeping giant.... and their long time herd. Think? Most Canadians do like Harper (PM by default) mthe MSM has started to rise off their hands and knees.... HELLO both Bob Rae and Michael Ignatieff have great confidence in themselves and can stand on their own feet in front of the Media and speak with commanding tones. Both are Rhodes Scholars so they can and will challenge journalists. For the MSM sharpen your pencils and be prepared to once again enjoy your chosen profession. For those who like to bash Liberals just because they are be careful... these two have the facts at hand and the memories and quickness to open doors y'all may think Canadians have forgotten about... This reminds me of a World Series when some fool slammed into M. Schmitt on third base.... and commenter said bad move... you just woke up a star play...who was content to just play their ... catch and throw balls...next at bat he knocked one out of park and another and it was game over... Harper just could not let sleeping dogs lie and now he has done the same thing, the Liberals were content on doing the same old thing...waiting for a new leader.... now not only are they waiting for a new leader but dam big fight... and they have ABC on their side.... REMEMBER the early websites... Baird and Prentice for Conservative Leader.... Hello MSM.... Harper is doomed from not only from outside but from within... and he knows it. Bob Rae said it best it's not about money... it's about honesty and integrity to which Harper has neither. Our children, your children and grandchildren of the world are asking the nations of the world to just get along (Obama has listened) so why should Canadian not set an example by getting along with all political parties... after all it was the peoples of Canada who voted for them....
  121. bob saunders from Belleville, ON, Canada writes: David Bakody from Dartmouth, Canada writes: Good News for the Liberals..... very Bad News for the Reformer dressed in Conservative cloths... They have awakened a sleeping giant.... and their long time herd. Think? Most Canadians do like Harper (PM by default) mthe MSM has started to rise off their hands and knees.... HELLO both Bob Rae and Michael Ignatieff have great confidence in themselves and can stand on their own feet in front of the Media and speak with commanding tones--------------------------------- Yes they are both smooth, glib and fast with their mouths, with large egos. This doesn't mean they are good for Canada. Bob Rae has the power corporation behind him, and Iggy, well he is a little bi of an unknown quantity. Rae has the best intentions for Bob Rae only.
  122. John Connor from Canada writes: The Liberals could have saved themselves this hassle if only they had just elected somebody else as leader.

    Thus proving once again that hindsight, is indeed 20/20 vision.

    Que sera sera I guess.
  123. D Le5 from Canada writes: I don't see how people can be complaining about how our MPs behave - just read these posts and it is obvious that acting like children is a new national past time.
    Perhaps you can see how each party shares in the blame.

    It is refreshing to see that the LPC finally hired someone to talk strategy with them as they have been bouncing all around the board the last few years. Interestingly the right goes on ad nauseum about Dion - as if the right had never had a bad leader in their life. Dion is one of the first Liberal leaders in a long while that was just simply a terrible leader (say what you will about Cretien and Trudeau - they were leaders, Martin just had too many things stacked against him to even try to lead).
    As in life when a number of bad things fall at your feet in quick succession it is difficult to see the forest for the trees.
    The real fear for the CPC is that the LPC get a suitable leader (sorry to say that isn't Rae as the CPC will beat 'rae days' to death despite their own stance against government employees) and then will have to actually attack policies rather than a man's accent.
    I think in this situation Harper will have a much harder time as to date he has not achieved a majority despite a near crippled LPC with a weak leader what hope would he have against a strong leader?
    Iggy would serve to capture back the centre and there are enough more left MPs to capture some of the NDP votes. A new leader would reset the LPC (by blaming Dion) and the right would be looking at Harper to see if he has become too toxic to lift the CPC to a majority.
  124. D Le5 from Canada writes: bob saunders from Belleville: And Harper isn't???
  125. Brian B from Canada writes: RL says 'I have not seen anything wrong with Bob Rae, and I think he should lead the Liberal Party. I know nothing about his history with Ontario, and I have no biases for or against him.'
    You needn't have said that you know nothing about his history with Ontario.
    That is quite obvious.
  126. Not the Alliance from In my opinion, The Harper Gov't is totally Incompetent, but excel at whining that it's ALWAYS somebody else's fault. Harper's exceeded even MY lowest expectations., Canada writes: For the good of their parties as well as for the good of the country, BOTH Harper and Dion should resign.

    They can be airlifted to a remote island where they can continue their sissy fights until the last 'man' is standing.

    Meanwhile, our country will be the better for it.
  127. R. Carriere from Maritimes, Canada writes:

    Who and what is the Liberal Party today? Is it the failed NDP Premier running around the country blowing the horn of the coalition? Is it Dion and a Carbon Tax? Is it IGGY? Someone else? WHAT is it?

    Simma Holt: Liberal MP 1974-1979
    Canadian News Hall of Fame
    Member: Order of Canada

    'I was a Liberal MP in the Government of Pierre Elliott Trudeau 1974-79.

    But there is no place in the Liberal Party of Canada for a true Grit.

    Nor is there a place for western Canadians in this Insane Hysteria from the eternal losers-the NDP, the Bloc, and their chosen leader Stephen Dion--to succeed in this Contemptible Coup.

    The only way the three losers can get power is by total contempt of the Canadian voters–with this Coalition.

    The only sound we hear across the miles is their hysterical demand for their own power-power none of them could get from the voters. Canada did not vote for Stephen Dion as the leader of this country.

    The contempt of the voters of Canada, and indifference to the economic and political crisis not only of Canada but the world, makes all of these power seekers unfit to service in the Nation's Parliament.'

    Simma Holt
    .
  128. A Canadian from Cole Harbour, Canada writes: Eel Expert from Canada writes: At what cost? Thanks for asking CFCH. The cost would be the ousting of an uncooperative, vindictive, petty Minority Leader and the reward would be the Majority of the Canadian Parliament working together for the better of Canada. What do we have now? A 7 week delay on a stale-mate. great leadership. -- That 7 week bit is getting old, ottawa would have shut down one week later anyway. Most canadians agree with Harper and the GG about this decision so get over it. The cost. I read that they are planning to spend an additional 30 billions dollars above and beyond what the CPC is planning to do. Money going to failed industries just to keep the unions and the liberal big business happy. Which by the way, where did this so called coalition of fools come up with the figure. I bet it would be much higher than this after all is said and done. To give anykind of money right now to the big 3 without knowning what the US is going to do would be totally irresponsible. Same for the lumber. Should we give them money to produce lumber that nobody will buy and rot in the yard because the US housing industries have been in the slump over the past 2 years. As far as the natives are concerned, we are spending way too much money already. Before any more is provided, I want to see the first nation leadership start taking responsibilies and ownership about what goes on with taxpayers money on the reserve. The rest of the document is just a bunch of empty words not worth the paper it is written on. Now we have Boob Rae trying to make himself Captain Canada. I cant wait to see liberal MPs going to the conservatives should he get elected the leader of LPC.
  129. D Le5 from Canada writes: R L from Canada: two seconds after Rae got into the job you'd hear about his days in Ontario endlessly. Rae came in at a very bad time in Ontario and then decided to tick off his base (unionized employees) by informing them that they would work one day a month (or every two weeks I can't recall) for free.
    Perhaps others can see the irony that many of the CPC base would love to eliminate Gov't jobs all together but would gladly paint Rae in the worst light for his tenure as Premier for taking on the same people.
    Ontario is the largest pot of seats and the LPC would be taking a huge chance that Rae wouldn't spell their doom in Ontario.
    If the LPC were in a stronger position in the public eye it might be possible to sell Rae but after taking the worst beating in their history I think that shouldn't be an option.
  130. doug howell from halifax, Canada writes: just two days ago they said he was the man to lead the libs/ndp/ cccp(bloc) to the promised land CAPT CANADA if i remember correctly,KNIVES,KNIVES and MORE KNIVES
  131. DON BARTA from Canada writes: - - All the Liberals have to do to get rid of Dion is to pay his debts and put him on a plane to Paris.

    - This leaves Bare Butt Bob Rae and Egghead Iggy to fight for the leadership.

    - Too bad the Liberals are out of money.....

    ~
  132. D Le5 from Canada writes: R. Carriere from Maritimes: Are you going to endlessly cherry pick quotes from some Liberals that don't support the coalition??
    No doubt their were PC members that vocalized the same opinions when the CPC tried the same when Martin was PM.
    All parties are opportunists - Harper wanted power as soon as he go tin as leader and would have partnered up with anyone to do so - just as Dion would do now.
    No matter what they say - a coalition is a democratic option, as much so as prorouging Parliament to avoid a confidence vote you know you'd lose. Both are poor options for the public on the other side of the political fence but neither are illegitimate.

    I am not a fan of the idea myself but I do appreciate that if a majority of the MPs can agree on something then it is the essence of democracy - no matter how dumb we might think it is.
  133. Ron Burke from Ashton, Canada writes: The Liberals should take a deep breathe. It's ok to loose the odd election. They can get themselves onto a re-org and sound financial footing. They have massively damaged their Save-Canada!! brand. Dion's lame 18 month deal with the Quebec-first, damn-the-rest Bloc Quebecois is a desperate about-face for liberalism. Libs need to give the new leader time to reform the party and settle policiy priorities. And they should remember who they are. They are a trans-Canada party with duties to protect 9 loyal provinces from Bloc machinations. They now appear to have sold out 9 loyal provinces and the Arctic territories for the support of 1 us-first-above-all BQ. So , give the Conservatives some time to either sink themselves, or do a sound job for us. Libs, start by ordering your own house.
  134. CG fr Toronto from Canada writes:
    Dion needs to go now - he is a major liability to his party!

    Bob Rae needs to get with the script with the Liberals or join the NDP

    While the Liberals are regrouping to bump up their leadership race

    'Bob the Savior' the pretend Liberal is off on a tangent with this

    concocted coalition that obviously has his name on it - Who asked you to

    go cross-country with it?

    Ignatieff, obviously is the clear winner here

    ... and Bob is becoming a mere distraction - Go away
  135. L K from Canada writes: Finally, get rid of Dion!
  136. doug howell from halifax, Canada writes: DAVE U DON'T LIVE IN ONT ANYMORE U LEFT THERE 45YRS AGO YOUR A BLUE NOSER NOW FR RED LIGHTXXXX
  137. 4Cryin Outloud from Canada writes: I'm hoping Ignatieff gets crowned Liberal leader because he'll be even more vulnerable to the Harper smear campaign. More to smear, less of a backbone. They should leave Dion where he is, he's already been smeared beyond repair, yet has been able to withstand it better than the prima donna Ignatieff ever will. Ignatieff is another Harper and if you think he's going to take to smears gentleman-like I think you haven't got what it takes to read a kids book let alone people.

    Igantieff is not the one to fix the Liberals, he would be best crossing the floor and fixing the Conservatives. He's another Harper and we need another Harper.
  138. Duane Freemantle from writes: Members in the Liberal party are looking for someone to blame on their failure to effective form a governing party. It is hard to determine if they are lost in the wilderness or just do not have a vision for to lead. Their every move is fraught with failure, and only strengthen Harper. There are people within the Liberal party that continue to undermine their chances. In fighting and treacherous behaviour will continue to make them appear as a third party. The Liberals have a chance as long as they DO NOT select Iggy or Rae as their next leader.
  139. Catherine Wilkie from Canada writes: As R. Carriere would say, if his Conservatives were the topic, the headline is wrong-minded.

    Mr. Dion has resigned as the leader of the LPC.

    Now, the timing of his leave may be negotiated, and it sounds like it is being hastened, but the inevitability of his departure was already planned.

  140. Catherine Wilkie from Canada writes: The pertinent and fun question is, how are the Conservatives going to rid themselves of Harper?

    He will 'take all legal means' and scorch the ground of his successor.

    Oh, he is already doing that.
  141. doug howell from halifax, Canada writes: COLE HARBOUR,from watching the interviews from the libs meeting the other night i guess we know which two members will be walking across the floor very shortly
  142. Ron Burke from Ashton, Canada writes: I like the way Stephen Harper has managed in a difficult job. I like the tax reduction of 2% gst bringing us from about 48% overall to about 46%. This is a middle-class prime minister from the suburbs, for once. You spent 30K in 2007, you got 600$. That is stimulus. Also I am glad to see that the army has got the gear it needs and that the flyboys got C17 air transports and the navy is getting arctic patrol ships. This stuff was long overdue. Harper has also good ideas to negotiate a North Amer carbon trading system with Obama. And I like the apology to first Nations last summer. And he cleaned up the civil service corruption. He is a coldly technocratic-type of man. I think S. Harper makes a good employee for all the people of Canada.
  143. Dave Jansen - The Progressive Centrist from Canada writes: Ron Burke from Ashton, Canada writes: I like the way Stephen Harper has managed in a difficult job. I like the tax reduction of 2% gst bringing us from about 48% overall to about 46%. This is a middle-class prime minister from the suburbs, for once. You spent 30K in 2007, you got 600$.

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

    The only people spending $30,000 on taxable goods are upper-middle class families at the very least.

    Wouldn't it had been better, like 99% of economists agreed, to have an income tax reduction instead of GST? Therefore I wouldn't have to spend money to save money (somehow in conservative la-la land, this makes sense to them).
  144. Who'll forget?: Sat 29-Nov-08 5:00PM, Globe & Mail , SCOTT REID:'... kill him ... Kill him dead.' from Toronto, Canada writes:

    SCOTT REID

    Globe and Mail Update

    November 29, 2008 at 5:00 PM

    First things first: take him out.
    ...
    Stephen Harper is the most dangerous animal lurking ...
    ...
    In fact, at this particular moment, he is almost unable to defend himself.
    ...
    Their imperative could not be more clear: kill him.
    ...
    Kill him dead.
    ...
    If you don't put Mr. Harper in his grave, he'll put you in yours.
    ...
    The next question is how. Nothing should be taken for granted.
    ...
    ... determination to finish off Mr. Harper,
    ....
    Scott Reid was the communications director for former prime minister Paul Martin

    ====================

    Other CCC s59 Sedition in last 3 months:

    Best to bomb the other party's weakest link
    Sep 07, 2008, Angelo Persichilli, Toronto Star
    http://www.thestar.com/comment/article/491830

    ... If you are weaker than the opponent and are forced to go to war, you resort to the weapons you have.

    You don't attack the bridge with Stealth bombers you don't own;
    you resort to suicide bombers against the strongest link in the enemy's 'chain' hoping for the best. ....

    Conservatives don't have 'Roman guards,' as the Liberals called those around former prime minister Jean Chrétien, to protect Harper.

    If Conservatives don't devise a mechanism to protect him
    from the Liberal suicide bombers, the next election will be the most unpredictable we have had in the last few decades ... . . .

    ==============

    http://www.xtra.ca/public/Toronto/Election_forum_shows_anger_fear-5594.aspx
    Krishna Rau / Toronto, Sept 30, 08

    .... I CRUSH HIS HEAD. Franco Boni imagines meeting Stephen Harper as (from left) Peter Bochove, Akim Larcher, Zahra Dhanani and Chris Reid look on at Xtra's election forum on Sep 28.(Joshua Meles) ...
  145. bob miller from Canada writes: What this current Liberal party obviously lacks is leadership with the common sense of a Mr. Manley. Instead we get Bob (Look At Me, Look At Me) Rae and lifetime 'American' Ignatieff. Where ARE the Pearsons of old?????????
  146. A Canadian from Cole Harbour, Canada writes: Catherine Wilkie from Canada writes: The pertinent and fun question is, how are the Conservatives going to rid themselves of Harper?
    He will 'take all legal means' and scorch the ground of his successor.
    Oh, he is already doing that.

    --

    a better question would be , why would they. Check the polls, any polls, the majority of canadians trust him and the CPC better than any other party leader to lead canada through this crisis.

    Did the Governor General make the right decision?
    Yes 23622 votes (72 %) No 9368 votes (28 %)

    Who would you prefer to govern the country?
    The Conservatives 31976 votes (62 %)
    The NDP-Liberal coalition 19980 votes (38 %)

    An NDP-Liberal coalition would:
    Reflect the will of the people 4681 votes (27 %)
    Be nothing more than a power grab 12852 votes (73 %)




    You are just bias against anything CPC related. Get over yourself
  147. Dave Jansen - The Progressive Centrist from Canada writes: Who'll forget?: Sat 29-Nov-08 5:00PM, Globe & Mail , SCOTT REID:'... kill him ... Kill him dead.' from Toronto, Canada writes:

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

    Get rid of the tin-foil you paranoid mentally-deranged individual.
  148. doug howell from halifax, Canada writes: RON FROM ASTON,if the libs/ndp/cppp(bloc) get their way, all of the nice stuff that bought for the CAF will go on e-bay to pay for the biggest deficit we have ever seen , don't forget what Rae did to upper Canada
  149. Alex C from Ottawa, Canada writes: Dedicated to the Memory of Mr. Blackwell

    Quick Memo to the Libs before BFest:

    JM: Great job! You're the best & smartest Lib since you're staying away from that train wreck of a party.

    SD: Why bother? You're finished.

    MI: You're struggle to impress your ancestor's shadow is not gonna end with a victory in May. Keep on trucking anyway. I actually like you and might even vote for you!

    BR: Always morally right and always politically wrong! You'll lose again in May & have the luxury to snipe from the sidelines like you always have (even as PM of Ontario).
  150. Lawrence Hutchinson from Houston, United States writes: Joe Liberali from Canada writes: Dion will be the first Liberal leader in history to never become PM

    Wrong. Edward Blake was Liberal leader (1869-70 & 1880-87) and did not become PM. George Brown (1867), Herb Gray (1990) and Bill Graham (2006) were interim leaders and not Pms.
  151. David Michaelson from Ontario, Canada writes: I say we annex the United States and invite Obama to take over as leader of the Liberal Party. Then after the next election he can be Prime Minister of all North America.
  152. Fa Chili from SW ONTARIO, writes: Delusion is the right word for the coalition of the laughable.
  153. Chantelle Bryson from Canada writes: The implementation of the next leader (not an interim one) must occur by year end. Whether returning with or without a coalition intact, to another attack by Harper on the duly elected oppostion or to a conciliatory budget, Dion must go NOW. He is a distraction and is not serving the interests of those who voted Liberal by staying. He is putting us, the people who do not support the Reform (sorry Conservatives), at risk of a sharp turn to the right in Canada - a Bushesque state in which many are left behind, with the the furhter humiliation of the ruling party's public disdain for them.

    Plea to Dion - each one of us wakes up each day to the realization that we have a limited part to play in this world and an obligation to recognize our best skills and to put them to work for others. We must all realize our limitations to do so effectively. Despite your intellectual abilities and your environmental vision, you do not have the skills Canadians desire for a leader of the centre-left. Such a leader does nto exist independent of that support. Please, we are begging you, to recognize this fact and make room for someone who can deliver us from the exclusive, elitist, mean-spirited realm of Mr. Harper's vision for Canada.
  154. André Villeneuve from Chelmsford, Ontario, Canada writes: Where was Manley when all that planning of the coalition was going on? Applying for another Harper's job? Why don't you just shut up Manley, you appear to be better being part of the problem rather being part of the solution. Go back to Bay street there a lot to do thetre too!
  155. Eel Expert from Canada writes: doug howell from halifax, Canada writes: COLE HARBOUR,from watching the interviews from the libs meeting the other night i guess we know which two members will be walking across the floor very shortly

    Why can the con posters show no consistancy at all??

    Dave Emmerson - crossing the floor is good
    Belinda Stronach - crossing the floor is bad
    Possible Stray Liberal MPs for poaching - crossing the floor is good
  156. Irene Lepine from Panama writes: Well finally someone, Mr. Manley it appears, reminds everyone that dealing with the economic crisis is the main issue. This ridiculous circus around the coalition has obscured the very pressing need for strong economic planning. The well being of Canadians young as well as those like myself who are retired is at stake.
  157. Robert Dryburgh from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada writes: Dion will be gone in a mater of days. He will dumped and made to take the full blame when the ill conceived coalition falls apart and all the rest of the Liberals recent woes. I believe Dion to be a decent man who has been manipulated and pushed by the back room boys. We probably will have to wait for the book to discover what really has happened.
  158. doug howell from halifax, Canada writes: CHANTELLE,your choice of political party put him there, they said he was the' MAN' just two days ago he was cool,now what????
  159. Ron Burke from Ashton, Canada writes: Dave Jansen - The Progressive Centrist aka gst The 2% gst cut from overall about 48% taxation down to 46% overall is the only tax cut you'll ever get in this country. Be thankful. A politician promised it, got elected, and carried through with it. Poor'ish people do tend to spend more of their money proportionately to rich'ish people who tend to have more proportionately to invest rather than spend. So the gst is taxing proportionately more of the slim income folks. They got a break. Mulrooney's wrong is now somewhat corrected, by middle-class suburban TO kid Stephen Harper. This Prime Minister is an economist by trade. He's balancing very well. I say we keep him on for a while, eh?
  160. Bill Hopkins from London, Canada writes: Two comments:

    (1) Isn't it too bad that John Manley stand for the leadership of the Liberal party? I mean, what a revolutionary idea -- put politics aside for the time being and work with the Conservatives to deal with the very significant problems facing the country right now. Then again, maybe not. The Peace tower would collapse from the enormity of it all.

    (2) I wonder how Gerald Kennedy fells now about his support for Dion at the last leadership convention. It is clear that Dion has no interest in working for Candians. His sole interest is in working for Dion. (Yes, I suppose one might say the same of Harper, except that Harper clearly sees in the 'coalition' the same dangers that many of the rest of us see.)
  161. doug howell from halifax, Canada writes: Eel,it's all about the pension at the end do u really think these 4 care about us in the long run,just 4-6yrs and there's 120,000 Gs for life not bad eh!
  162. Roger Cooper from Canada writes: Mr. Dion is now about to fall from his wounds, most self-inflicted. It's sad to see a well-meaning and sincere person go down, but politics is a blood sport and the vulnerable are quick prey.

    If the LPC cannot cancel their May venue, they ought to elect a new leader in the next weeks and then use the May gathering as a policy convention. This is a party that must regroup and refocus, and most of all, begin to build a broad base of support among ordinary Canadians, much as the CPC has done.
  163. Jason Roy from Central Nova - After October 14th AKA STILL Peter MacKay Country, Canada writes: Dave Jansen - The Progressive Centrist from Canada writes: Who'll forget?: Sat 29-Nov-08 5:00PM, Globe & Mail , SCOTT REID:'... kill him ... Kill him dead.' from Toronto, Canada writes:

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

    Get rid of the tin-foil you paranoid mentally-deranged individual.

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

    Uh, he did write that:

    http://choiceforchildcare.blogspot.com/2008/11/kill-him-kill-him-dead-scott-reid-plans.html

    theglobeandmail.com

    Globe article ammended since publication to drop the words of choice.
  164. Paul Byer from Canada writes: Ron Burke from Ashton, Canada writes: I like the way Stephen Harper has managed in a difficult job. I like the tax reduction of 2% gst bringing us from about 48% overall to about 46%. This is a middle-class prime minister from the suburbs, for once. You spent 30K in 2007, you got 600$.

    ..............................................................................................................

    Not to mention the thousands of Canadians who are able to take advantage of the Pension Income splitting brought in by Harper or the Child Tax credit (beer and popcorn to the Liberal's Scott Reid) or the $5000 tax free savings accounts. I can't remember the last thing the Liberals gave Canadians except the shaft and promises of even more shafts. The GST cuts are shared by all people and businesses on an income related basis. Thank you Mr. Harper.

    Another great term. A steady hand on Canada's tiller and no Liberal (or NDP or Bloc) hands in her till.

    And welcome to all of the Neo (new) Cons (Conservatives) who have deserted the Liberal ship in the past days. Wise decision. The remnants will join the NDP and Canada will still have two parties.
  165. Eel Expert from Canada writes: Bill Hopkins from London, Canada Two comments:

    1) why does the opposition who has capitulated for 2 years on Conservative Legislation and confidense votes (until Harper called the unnecessary election) always have to be the ones to put politics aside for the time being and work with the Conservatives? They have tried for 2 years and still got kicked in the teeth while they were down.

    2) I wonder how Conservatives feel about their support for Harper. It is clear that Harper has no interest in working for Candians. His sole interest is in working for Harper. (Yes, I suppose one might say the same of Dion, except that Dion already quit, he surrendered the Liberal Leadership and at a time when the Liberals were broke and leaderless, Harper introduced a poison pill confidense vote and then chickened out and backed down when the collective opposition parties who happen to be the Majority of Parliament stood up to him.)
  166. bob saunders from Belleville, ON, Canada writes: Chantelle Bryson from Canada writes:
    Please, we are begging you, to recognize this fact and make room for someone who can deliver us from the exclusive, elitist, mean-spirited realm of Mr. Harper's vision for Canada. -------------------------------- Please describe for me this vision that you say Harper has.
    Less taxes, equal treatment across the country( no special regions) increased transfer payments to the provinces...etc. Whom are the elitists that you are refering to. The Conservative party has members from all walks of life in Canada, just as do the other political party's. You are entitled to you opinions but you are a little over the top on this.
  167. Eel Expert from Canada writes: doug howell from halifax, Canada writes: Eel,it's all about the pension at the end do u really think these 4 care about us in the long run,just 4-6yrs and there's 120,000 Gs for life not bad eh!

    pretty sweet - except for Canadians

    ALSO:

    Jason Roy from Central Nova - After October 14th AKA STILL Peter MacKay Country, Canada writes: Dave Jansen - The Progressive Centrist from Canada writes: Who'll forget?: Sat 29-Nov-08 5:00PM, Globe & Mail , SCOTT REID:'... XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX.' from Toronto, Canada writes:

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

    Get rid of the tin-foil you paranoid mentally-deranged individual.

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

    Uh, he did write that:

    http://choiceforchildcare.blogspot.com/2008/11/kiss-him-kiss-him-deal-scott-reid-plans.html

    theglobeandmail.com

    Globe article ammended since publication to drop the words of choice.

    Sure they did Jason, and you can tell the same story to CSIS because I notified them of your death threats against MY Prime Minister.

    Maybe they will believe you and your interrogation will be short.
  168. Harvey Mushman from cambridge, Canada writes: ...and how much pressure is being put on Liberals by Jack Layton and Gilles Duceppe to dump Dion? Considerable would be my guess. How bizarre is that? The NDP and Bloc giving Liberals their marching orders for the 'sake of the coalition.' Just one more big mess that Dion has led the Liberals into.

    Look for Jack to make a bid to be head of the coalition now...knowing it will fail, but he can then claim that the whole thing fell apart because of the ineptitude of the Liberals.
  169. Chantelle Bryson from Canada writes: Now, we move as qucikly as possible to secure a government that does not wish to leave vast numbers of its people behind. We find a leader that can unite the Country and that has the basic human decency to include all Canadians in their vision. Mr. Harper has displayed his utter disdain for anyone unlike him, once again. His ramblings about the 'people' are reminiscent of Sarah Palin's comments about 'real Amerricans'. Mr. Harper only wants to serve those HE feels are worthy, and like Bush and Ms. Palin, he believes that those without boot straps to pull up are without of their own doing. Where does one without boot straps find them anyway?

    And, before the assumptions begin about the lazy leftist complaining, I am a high income, high level taxpayer who simply believes that those us with such good fortune in terms of abilities and opportunities have a moral obligation to assist everyone in our society in moving forward.
  170. Paul Byer from Canada writes: Eel Expert from Canada writes:
    1) why does ......

    2) I wonder how Conservatives feel about their support for Harper.

    ..............................................................................................................

    Not hard for the thinking Conservatives and those rapidly abandoning the Liberals. Read the polls. Canadians apparently do have common sense. Don't stress yourself so much. The answer is as plain as day.

    Open your eyes. The Truth shall set you free.
  171. Symon Says from Mississuaga, Capital of, Canada writes:
    They can't dump Dion if he won't come out of his room.

    Stornoway should be re-named Hideaway.

    Dion is a little crybaby!
  172. Lane Myers from Canada writes: Why the change of heart? Just a week ago the entire Liberal caucus gave Dion an ringing endorsement of his leadership skills.

    The Liberal Party is dead meat. Iggy is sitting on his hands, while Bob Rae is about to start off on his Canada wide Buck Ninety Five Tour to tell Canadians that nothing that the government does will save its skin. Doesn't sound like Rae is willing to consider any proposals the government brings in its January budget. His main objective obviously is to defeat the government and become prime minister.
  173. The Real PS from Canada writes: Point Blank from Vancouver, Canada writes: I'm a Liberal and I like(d) Dion, but this is politics and Harper will continue to put parliament in these near death situations.
    .
    Okay, I admit I'm a staunch Conservative, but I am generally able to see both sides of an argument, but in this case, I do not understand how it was Harper who put Parliament in the near death situation.
    .
    This coalition had been planned weeks if not months ahead of the economic statement, the statement was just a trigger and it it hadn't been this trigger it would have been the next one. Why is it not the coalition that brought about this near death situation?
  174. Abe Preisinger from Canada writes: POLITICIANS INFIGHTING WHAT A CONCEPT
  175. J. Bergin from Canada writes: Finally people are coming to their senses, Dion will be gone soon and that Bag Lady, Elizabeth May, will not be getting her Senate seat.
  176. 4Cryin Outloud from Canada writes: Dave Jansen - The Progressive Centrist from Canada writes: Who'll forget?: Sat 29-Nov-08 5:00PM, Globe & Mail , SCOTT REID:'... kill him ... Kill him dead.' from Toronto, Canada writes:

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

    Get rid of the tin-foil you paranoid mentally-deranged individual.
    Posted 06/12/08 at 8:06 AM EST | Alert an Editor | Link to Comment

    This person(?) is all over the forums inserting lengthy excerpts of things obviously VERY important to him/her. I'm always trying to find a way to comment on them, but never can bring myself to give them validity through comment. BUT! When I read your comment it took me into that yoga laugh thing they were broadcasting on CBC the other night. Huge rise in endorphins - so much so I had to run to the ladies room. God I love Canadians! All of you!
  177. John Kanuck from Canada writes: Canadians should worry more about the power greedy dealings of Jack Layton and the NDP.

    It is they who have engineered this coaliton and it is Jack Layton who proclaimed that Harpers government will fall.

    It was also he, when asked what he would do if the budget presented would change his mind said that they well still defeat the government and then take all the good ideas and use them when they rule.

    Jack Layton is the puppet master of this coalition.
  178. klaus mayers from lund, Canada writes: the liberal party is on a path of self- destruction. leaning to far to the left,becoming a regional party. if this coaliton would succeed a former ndp premier,pretending to be a middle of center liberal now would break up this country. i can see the make up of the cabinet already: pm rae,finance layton, environment senator may. the new name of this party would be: the LIBERAL SOCIALISTS OF UPPER CANADA.
    what a party. go liberals go
    go get a new leader who understands canadian politics,and unite yourself. do not wash your dirty laundry in public. you might be one day the party in power again.
    this is from a person who never voted liberal in the past.
  179. John Smith from North of Toronto, Canada writes: So the Liberals want to fast track/by-pass their leadership process?

    Not surprised.

    I wonder where I heard of this before...... oh, that is right. Hey Iggy, make sure nobody is recording your coup attempt.
  180. Jason Roy from Central Nova - After October 14th AKA STILL Peter MacKay Country, Canada writes: Eel Expert from Canada writes:

    Sure they did Jason, and you can tell the same story to CSIS because I notified them of your death threats against MY Prime Minister.

    Maybe they will believe you and your interrogation will be short

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

    So tell me troll, where did I threaten the PM?
  181. North Star from Canada writes: Get it over with as quickly as possible.
  182. MITCH POWELL from Etobicoke, writes: Bridge Over the River Rideau...
    When people look back at the Canadian political landscape 40 years from now, someone is going to pinpoint that the epicentre of much of our political turmoil can be attributed to one man; the political anti-cripes...Mr. Bob Rae.
    I’m from Ontario, so I know first-hand how dangerous this man is. And now, he is the architect of what is quite possibly the most devastating political manoeuvre in Canadian history.
    This man, along with Smilin’ Jack, have such blood-lust for power, they don’t even see that the country is being cleaved asunder by their hate. Someone called Bob Rae the “Trojan Horse Virus”; infiltrating from the NDP, and infecting the venerable Liberal party with his megalomania.
    Someday, years from now, Bob’s going to have his Alec Guinness “River Kwai” epiphany (after his character realized he had unconsciously helped the enemy war effort). Bob Rae will look back at the lifetime of devastation in his wake, and say, “my God, what have I done?”...
  183. Adrien Cornelisse from Canada writes: The Liberal part needs much more of a housecleaning than just removing Dion. It needs to get rid of Rae and Iggy. Appoint an interim leader for one year. Then appoint someone else with the mandate and power to wip the Liberal party into shape. Over the period of one year they should get a cleaned up party that will attract some top notch Liberals to run for a clean and mean party. Otherwise they will self destruct, the beginning of which has already started with the coalition affair. What Liberal in their right mind would want to run for this party at this time.
    In the mean time let the government of the day deal with the the economic situation. Contrary to the ongoing rhetoric of, 'The Sky Is Fallying', 'The Neo-Cons Are On The Loose', we are on a steady course. To derail that course with a coalition attempt or similar coup attempts would have a detrimental effect on each and everyone us for some time to come.
    We cannot afford to have these delays at this time.
  184. PANIC! At The Ice Floe from Ottawa, Canada writes: Wow...At least Manley seems to understand...They need to work WITH the Gov't and not against them.

    Why can there not be a referendum when a minority Gov't is facing ouster? Would a referendum not be a cheaper and faster solution?
  185. Catherine Wilkie from Canada writes: Canadian from Cole Harbour: 'a better question would be , why would they. Check the polls, any polls, the majority of canadians trust him and the CPC better than any other party leader to lead canada through this crisis'

    The 'question' about the CPC ridding itself of Harper.
    The CPC is surely going to have a hurdle to rid itself of Harper.
    He will be as nasty in the process as he is capable of in every other relationship.
    And they must rid themselves of him
    He is poison.
  186. North Star from Canada writes: Bill Hopkins from London, Canada writes: Two comments:

    (1) Isn't it too bad that John Manley stand for the leadership of the Liberal party? I mean, what a revolutionary idea -- put politics aside for the time being and work with the Conservatives to deal with the very significant problems facing the country right now. Then again, maybe not. The Peace tower would collapse from the enormity of it all.

    --------

    Loving the above: why don't the LPC work with (read: do as your told) by the Conservatives' when of course it should ALL PARTIES working together.

    The CPC needs to stop its attack ads on the coalition to demonstrate its good faith so that Harper is not reaching out with one hand while slapping them with the other - impossible to co-operate with Harper's two-faced situation now.
  187. Eel Expert from Canada writes: Harvey Mushman from cambridge, Canada writes: ...and how much pressure is being put on Liberals by Jack Layton and Gilles Duceppe to dump Dion? Considerable would be my guess.

    either that was a bad guess Harvey or Layton & Duceppe are bad negotiators, why didn't they make Dion dumping part of the coalition deal in the first place?

    My guess on that would be that the coalition wanted to follow proper parliamentary procedure.
  188. charlie brown from Canada writes: While all this intrigue is unfolding, is any one in the Liberal Party developong the new policies for the Coalition?? These should be ready by the time Parliament reconvenes in late January. How will the new Coalition intend to deal with the economy, Afghanistan, the environment, health care, education etc. etc. etc. How will the disparate views of the Liberals, NDP and Bloc be brought into an agreement on all these matters? In the meantime, the CPC Government policies are well stated and being implemented.
  189. andy J.S. Decepida from Toronto, Canada writes: What's the point of electing local riding representatives if you require a referendum whenever a minority government is facing ouster? I don't think it'll be cheaper... it's populist, not democratic. The idea may get you traction while campaigning but it is really impractical in so many ways. If this is what Canadians want then we need to change from a Parliamentary system because these very notions undermine the system.
  190. Eel Expert from Canada writes: Jason Roy writes:

    So tell me troll, where did I threaten the PM?

    If I'm a troll Jason, why did you rise to my bait and reply?

    Don't worry Jason, death threats on Harper are many I'm sure.

    They will have you waiting in line for a while.
  191. Derek Holtom from Swan River, Canada writes: libs don't need a coalition. they need to rebuild. start by getting rid of those ex-NDPers
  192. R Rrr from Canada writes: Prime Minister Harper saw the opposition as weak and tried to take advantage of it. It backfired. Prime Minister Harper now looks like a poor politician and poor leader. Instead of Dion getting sacked by his party, it should be the conservatives looking to sack Prime Minister Harper for bringing the country to a political crisis. Now all he (prime minister) cares for is saving his job while thousands loose their jobs in manufacturing. What a mess!
  193. Eel Expert from Canada writes: Canadian from Cole Harbour writes:

    Check the polls, any polls, the majority of canadians trust him and the CPC better than any other party leader to lead canada through this crisis'

    I checked the polls from Quebec CFCH, you are completely wrong on that front.
  194. doug howell from halifax, Canada writes: was it not the good old USofA that started the ball rollin towards this world recession', for some reason i don think it was the con,thank $hist they libs/ndp/cppp(bloc) where not in charge of the country,by the way we lost 3 boys this morn and who was it that send them there with 60's equipment and who updated the CF NOT THOSE 3 NIMRODS
  195. Paul Byer from Canada writes: Catherine Wilkie from Canada writes: The 'question' about the CPC ridding itself of Harper.
    The CPC is surely going to have a hurdle to rid itself of Harper.
    He will be as nasty in the process as he is capable of in every other relationship.
    And they must rid themselves of him
    He is poison.

    ..............................................................................................................

    Precisely, my dear Catherine, why the CPC will not get rid of him. He is 'poison' to the opposition but an elixir for Canada.
  196. Catherine Wilkie from Canada writes: North Star: 'The CPC needs to stop its attack ads on the coalition to demonstrate its good faith so that Harper is not reaching out with one hand while slapping them with the other - impossible to co-operate with Harper's two-faced situation now. '

    Exactly. The CPC has adopted many tactics from the Republicans, but the negative advertising is surely certain to rob Canadians and the Opposition of any generous spirit towards Harper, if he continues lobbing bombs at them.
  197. Eel Expert from Canada writes: Paul Byer from Canada writes:

    Open your eyes. The Truth shall set you free.

    Very interesting comment there Paul (I'm humoring you).

    But funny what you say about the truth setting me free.

    Everyone that I know is very upset with this political situation, but they don't know why they are mad, they think that the Libs are joining the seperatists to destroy Canada, then I explain the Actual situation (poison pill legislation) and the anger turns to the Cons.

    Give a few weeks for Canadians to educate themselves on this thing and the Truth will set Canada free from Right wing ideological wannabe dictators.

    proroging was a good idea. The truth will trickle out.
  198. Paul Byer from Canada writes: Eel Expert from Canada writes: Canadian from Cole Harbour writes:

    Check the polls, any polls, the majority of canadians trust him and the CPC better than any other party leader to lead canada through this crisis'

    I checked the polls from Quebec CFCH, you are completely wrong on that front.

    ..............................................................................................................

    I think the term used was the majority of Canadians. My question is...
    If you vote for separatism, do you still call yourself a Canadian?

    Perhaps a separatist could answer that one for me. I would think not however. I believe it is a valid question.
  199. R M from Ottawa, Canada writes: Martha Stewart:

    your comments are intelligent and enjoyable to read, but wrong.

    Dion was the one willing to be in 'the bad place' that no other Liberal would; genuinely wanting to help his party through a nasty time. And he has been doing that, with all the 'thanks' (in the back) that he is getting from the party.....he has the personality to have been a good coalition leader, and he did what was needed to spank Stevie a good one, as did the GG, even in granting the proroguement.

    Now that the GG has granted Harpo his reprieve (and that IS what it is; he is going down, it is just a question of when) I do agree that the Libs should move ahead with a new leader.

    But not Iggy. He does not have the experience.

    C'mon, Frank McKenna. Time to finally step in. Stop waiting for the party to be completely rebuilt for you, get in there and help.
  200. Ann Marie Ackerley from Wallaceburg, Canada writes: I am amased at how uninformed the people of this fair land are. Mr. Dion may not be the man for the job and he should go, however there are a few observations all should look at. The erogant fork tongued thing inhabiting the PM's office is the poorist speciman since confederation. The lies, deviant behaviour, anger and generelly behaviour used by emotional cripples has united with the block and NDP just early in the past. One day is screaming across calling Dion a man deviding the country and he has just come out of the wash room having done the very thing. It gives me great pleasure to know that our Canadians in Que. will BASH him the next election. Maybe if he wasn't a liar and a cheat he would have had a majority by now ! The old saying What goes around comes around delights me in this situation, and I would like to be there to see it! Whatever happened to HONESTY,INTEGRITY , AND eTHICS. This PM was found along the side of the road, Cons. did you have to copy U.S.A?
  201. Adrien Cornelisse from Canada writes: How much influence did Chretien have in all of this? I havn't heard one word from this 'Famous' Liberal. I have'nt even seen him on any of the news broadcasts.
  202. H B from Canada writes: I snuck out to the rally on Thursday on Parliament Hill to support the coalition and came back extremely disheartened. Most of the attendees were hard-core union, with a few masked native rights guys floating around. When it was suggested to Rebick that we sing O Canada, she decided instead to lead a round of the solidarity chant. It felt like an NDP rally, not a groundswell of support for a coalition that would represent mainstream Canada more democratically.

    Dion's tape was the nail in the coffin. I don't begrudge him his English - he was forceful and lord knows I mangle French a lot worse. But clearly, Canadians were going to react to the production quality, rightly or wrongly, by assuming this crew couldn't govern a day-care much less the country.

    It's all over. At the end of the month, the Conservatives will come in with a budget full of stimulus, and they'll have bought themselves at least a year worth of confidence just because the Liberals will have lost all confidence in themselves, as will have Canadians.

    I'm deeply, deeply disappointed. But while I trudged up to the Hill hopeful that I was going to see a real expression of Canadians' democratic principles and values, all I saw was a partisan power grab. Every single last one of them is playing politics with our economy, our environment, and our values, whipping up the worst rhetoric and mean-spiritedness on both sides.

    I'm outta here. Probably best at this point just to hunker down, ride out the crisis, and look to improving our democracy at some point much much later when all of the current Conservatives, Liberals and NDPers are out to pasture and we have the possibility of some real leadership.
  203. Eel Expert from Canada writes: Catherine Wilkie from Canada writes:

    The CPC has adopted many tactics from the Republicans, but the negative advertising is surely certain to rob Canadians and the Opposition of any generous spirit towards Harper, if he continues lobbing bombs at them.

    Not to mention that this buffoon spent $3 billion of my tax dollars to appease Quebec, and now in a desperate attempt to hang onto power he is alienating them again.
  204. Joe McLinden from Canada writes: A call to the Liberals. The stomach of corruption is growling to be fed.

    We have not had a spending scandal since the liberals were forced from government.

    This is a relection of good government that Harper et al have given us.
  205. Al Bore from OTTAWA, Canada writes:
    It's not all Dion's fault.

    The Liberals elected a man to lead a coalition, who was rejected just 2 months ago by Canadians.

    As a Conservative supporter, I must admit I will miss Dion.

    Now we have Bob Rae.

    The gifts keep coming from the Liberal Party.

    Is it Christmas already?
  206. Catherine Wilkie from Canada writes: Paul Byer: Suits me just fine.
    I don't presume to speak for the electorate, but I can read editorials and opinion pieces.
    It would appear to me, that Harper has reached his high water mark and this last action was indicative of the man's hubris and partisanship.
    Flouncing around in his office and hurling obscenities at anyone who had to cross his path, is indicative of a man who is unbalanced.
  207. 4Cryin Outloud from Canada writes: From what I can tell most Harper supporters prefer to drink poison and then sit back and wait for their opponents to die. So far it seems to be working. All parties have become Halloween parties.
  208. Eel Expert from Canada writes: Paul Byer from Canada writes: Eel Expert from Canada writes: Canadian from Cole Harbour writes:

    Check the polls, any polls, the majority of canadians trust him and the CPC better than any other party leader to lead canada through this crisis'

    I checked the polls from Quebec CFCH, you are completely wrong on that front.

    ..............................................................................................................

    I think the term used was the majority of Canadians.
    I think the term used was Check the polls, any polls, the majority of canadians trust him, I checked the polls from Quebec and those polls show that a majority of Canadians there do not trust him.

    What's the matter Paul, your side doesn't consider Quebecers Canadian?

    Paul also wrote:

    My question is...

    If you vote for separatism, do you still call yourself a Canadian?

    is that a rhetorical question Paul?

    or are you so dumb that you are not sure if voting to leave Canada also means that you don't want to be Canadian??
  209. Dorina Grossu from Norval, Canada writes: Why not imagine this scenario: Conservative Party came with a weak budget because all these time they were manipulating the other Parties and “push them to form a coalition”.
    Since Mr. Harper had previously talked when Liberals were in power about coalition it is obvious now that Conservative Party wants Liberal Party dispersed so they can take the control.
    This is the weakest link, they do not have a Leader who wants to unite Canada but rather works on separation. What exactly is happening there? Is Mr. Harper helping your party to be united by creating animosity! That is an interesting strategy but works well only for limited time!
    Canada needs to “steer its wings in the proper direction” which is creating wealth, peace and reduce pollution. While USA will have a new president in January 2009 who is looking for partnership, what are we doing? Are we still trying to redefine Canada?
  210. Eel Expert from Canada writes: Joe McLinden from Canada writes:

    We have not had a spending scandal since the liberals were forced from government.

    uhhh Joe, In-out?
  211. David K from Guelph, Canada writes: From the article: 'Also, the Tories will distance Mr. Harper and his senior ministers from the sharpest anti-coalition campaigning so the public sees them as working to fix the economy rather than playing partisan games.'
    Worth repeating, just so we don't harbour any illusions as to who is in charge. Is there any emission that comes out of the CPC that does not have Mr H's imprint on it in one way or another?
  212. Hexx Guy from Canada writes: Odd...
    Dion didn't have the confidence of the Liberal party-until they had the chance to form the coalition and needed a leader, then they declared that they (and the Bloc and NDP) had confidence in him.

    Seem to remember them signing a letter to that intent.

    Now, that the takeover isn't happening, they don't have confidence in him again.

    Funny how that works, makes it look almost like a desperate grab for power by the Liberal party.

    But I'm sure it was actually an honest procedure, where the Liberal party had nothing but confidence in their leader for 3 solid days, and had nothing at all to do with the idea of how stupid it would look for the Coalition to declare they had confidence in a man who the Liberals were replacing at the earliest opportunity.
  213. Brenton E. from Canada writes: Mr. Manley suggests it's Dion's fault, lets understand something, Dion is a man of integrity, principles, courage and loyalty. In todays political world these attributes are not highly valued. He has promoted national unity and environmnetal issues to the forfront of our politics. He is as fine a man who has ever existed in parliament and now he should step down. This political world is too ugly, too false, too spin ridden, too TV iimage important for a good principled man to succeed to our highest office. Goodbye Mr. Dion, you were far better than we deserve.
  214. Eel Expert from Canada writes: Al Bore from OTTAWA, Canada writes:
    It's not all Dion's fault.

    Nope, in fact it's All Harpers fault.
  215. Adrien Cornelisse from Canada writes: If Harper was more timid and conciliatory then the Liberal supporters would barrage us with comments like: 'He is too timid and conciliatory, get rid of him.
    Be a 'Manly' and stop talking out of both sides of your mouth.
  216. Jason Roy from Central Nova - After October 14th AKA STILL Peter MacKay Country, Canada writes: Eel Expert from Canada writes: Jason Roy writes:

    So tell me troll, where did I threaten the PM?

    If I'm a troll Jason, why did you rise to my bait and reply?

    Don't worry Jason, death threats on Harper are many I'm sure.

    They will have you waiting in line for a while.

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

    ... putting out baits is what trolls do.

    The only reason I'll be in line for awhile is they are probably still beating Scott Reid with the phone book.

    Now once again - show where I threatened the PM...if you can't let someone else use the free internet at the library and get back to your street corner loser.
  217. James Coruzzi from Winnipeg, Canada writes: bottom line is Dion cant speak english. how can be a federal party leader? it's pathetic and insulting to the rest of canada. someone needs to buy him rosetta stone english for christmas
  218. Uncle Fester from Canada writes:
    The coalition was sold as providing Stability in an economic crisis.

    No economic plan presented, no cabinet presented, lead by a party in the middle of a leadership crisis and backstopped by a party without national interests.

    How stable is that? The Governor General saved Canada from ruin.
  219. Tor Hill from Canada writes: Michael Kesterton's Verbatim is hilarious. He's got a photo of a cruise ship entering Sydney harbour. The heading is: ''Exeunt, pursued by pirates.'' There is something ludicrous in everything.

    Of course, some people might think Harper is being pursued by pirates too. I don't. If only we could laugh these troubles out of existence.
  220. Dan Zenderman from TO, Canada writes: Dion and the Coalition ..FULL SPEED AHEAD !!

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pfTXg25sUfk
  221. Uncle Fester from Canada writes:
    Canadians know that this coalition has nothing to do with the economy, nothing to do with the civil service union's right to strike and nothing to do with bailing out the auto industry.

    The coalition is about hatred and outrage over a PM who will not give up his campaign to destroy the Liberal party.

    It is about how the NDP and Bloc took advantage of the LPC's outrage to further their own agendas.

    Let's call a spade a spade.
  222. Uncle Fester from Canada writes:
    The NDP and Bloc have really done it to the LPC this time.

    Layton and Duceppe knew the success of the coalition was a long shot.

    But they also knew that the destruction of the Liberal Brand was a certainty.
  223. Botti Tchelli from Canada writes: Bunch of hypocrites, all of them. Why anyone wants to be in politics is beyond me.
  224. Skeptical Realist from Canada writes: A full seven weeks to late. Dion should have been tossed by the party the day after the election. It was obvious to everyone, but the nutty professor, that he did not resonate with the electorate.
  225. Uncle Fester from Canada writes:
    We must look behind the curtains of the Liberal party to swee what is going on here.

    How could Rae, Dion and to a degree Ignatieff think that their personal agenda's were more important than the historical brand of the Liberal Party of Canada?

    Dion and Rae don't care, they are socialists heII bent on persuing their ideological agendas.

    Ignatieff obviously cares, but he is a coward who appears to be content hiding behind Dion and waiting for May-09 to win the leadership. What is the cause of his paralysis? Fear?
  226. Paul Byer from Canada writes: Eel Expert from Canada writes:My question is...

    If you vote for separatism, do you still call yourself a Canadian?

    is that a rhetorical question Paul?

    or are you so dumb that you are not sure if voting to leave Canada also means that you don't want to be Canadian??

    ..............................................................................................................

    I guess you have answered it. If you vote for leaving Canada, you are foresaking being a Canadian. You don't want to be one.

    Therefore, any poll involving separatists views really shouldn't be taken into the poll account of Canadians.

    Quite logical really.
  227. Tor Hill from Canada writes: It takes fewer facial muscles to smile than to frown. Renounce hatred today, including all remonstrances of Quebec and Alberta.
  228. Tiu Leek from Here, Canada writes: "The net result will be a neutered opposition if what's left of the coalition passes their budget - most likely scenario - or a CPC majority of they vote against it and force an election."

    Cripes, not this again.

    If the Tories lose a confidence vote within the next 2 years, it's not likely that an election would result.

    In fact, it's more likely that the coalition, if it still exists at that point, would be allowed to form a government.

    ...

    And as far as the Coalition goes, it doesn't look as though it's going to fall apart at this point. Bob Rae is for it, and Iggy has said that it's useful as well, as it's the only thing that's gotten any results out of Harper.

    My guess is that the Liberal/NDP/BLOC will stick together simply out of a need for self-preservation.
  229. David Ho from Markham, Canada writes: So incompetent.. first figure out what the people want, isn't that what the MPs are supposed to do? Then form a plan and sign your name on the dotted line. All the Liberals that signed Dion's letter are spineless, and I think that is 100% of them. They did this all backwards which shows how out of touch they are with Canadians. We want a better economy based on a sound plan, not fear mongering. Jack Layton ALWAYS uses fear tactics. The only brilliant leader here is Duceppe. This leader always gets everything he wants for the people that he represents. He's also good as deflecting any blame and making himself look good.
  230. Percy from NL from Canada writes: Harper's dissolving of parliament this fall had nothing to do with parliament being dysfunctional. It had everything to do with Harper's wish to destroy his biggest democratic competition. Harper feels he cannot defeat the Liberals on the ideology front, or in the larger political debate. He doesn't have confidence enough in his Conservative brand.

    So now Harper wants to spend nearly a billion dollars in taxpayers money in less than 3 years on elections in order to try to bankrupt the Liberals. That's not donations from private citizens, it is a billion dollars of taxpayers money. Then this hypocrite says that Canadians cannot afford the $30 million a year to fund political parties. Well Mr. Harper and his supporters, being as principled as they are, can return their portion of that funding and let the other politcal parties pay the political price for not doing so.

    Harper wants to spend nearly a billion dollars of taxpayers money, that's 30 years of funding our political parties, in less than three years in order for us to fund his warped political agenda.

    Let's call a spade a spade.
  231. trenton trash from St. Neots, Canada writes: If you look over the right shoulder of the video of Mr. Dion, there were some books on a shelf. Does one title not read HOT AIR. I thought this appropriate as this was what coming from Mr. Dion's mouth.
  232. Ron in Ottawa from Canada writes: I hope the information provided in this column is sufficient to convince all that this entire exercise was about backroom power plays and the grab for the keys to 24 Sussex - not inthe best interests of you and me. Mr. Manley excuses Mr. Dion with the line “Confronted by a political crisis that was not of his making, ..." which condems Mr. Dion and the Liberals on several fronts. I assume he is trying to blame Mr. Harper and absolve the left wing parties; sure, chastise Harper for proposing a measure the general public likes and supports but the actions of the three Opposition leaders are their responsibility and the blame is theirs to wear - the devil made me do it excuse is sad. The crisis arose because of the coalition and its push to topple the government - Mr. Manley seems to be saying Mr. Dion had no part in forming this coalition, or planning its moves and guiding its objectives? Is he suggesting Mr. Dion is simply a puppet of the backroom group? Next, we learn that the population has clearly stated in the Praxicus poll, and every single poll taken, that it does not want the coalition to assume power. Yet, for some reason that doesn't seem to be an issue with Mr. Rae or the other members pushing to continue this "coup". The Conservative position has been consistent all along - in the 21st century, in a modern democracy the only way to achieve power is through the express will of the people. Sure, the constitution makes what they are doing legal - it also makes what Mr. Harper did (prorogue Parliament), legal; so why are they complaining about that?
  233. Serge M from Montreal, Canada writes: The Ontario car industry is behind the creation of the coalition. If Harper wants to save his job, he should talk to GM, Chrysler and Ford instead of blaming Quebecers who have nothing to do with it. Quebec will soon elect a strong and majority Liberal government, our economy is diversified, we have social peace within our province, there is no bubble here awaiting to explode, leave us alone.
  234. joe schmitt from Canada writes: LOL I love Dion still spewing his line "Harper has lost the confidence of the house" while pulling the knives from his own party out of his back.

    Dion don't let the door hit you in the a$$ on the way out. Don't worry, you will leave a legacy. Blooper shows world wide will be replaying your videos and statements for years to come.
  235. Vic Hotte from Kettleby, Canada writes: The Liberal party is a complete FARCE. It elected Dion to the leadership and immediately started to tear him down. There are TOO MANY would-be leaders in the Liberal Party. Everyone wants to be 'chief'. Too many self-interested bagmen want access to the treasury for their own devious ends. Mr. Dion seems like a decent fellow, so he has to get out of politics. The person who took that inept piece of video was Nick Gzowski, son of famous Peter Gzowski, but the media won't dump on one of their own, so now this becomes Mr. Dion's fault, too. If the coalition was so serious about forming a government, why didn't Layton, Rae and Ignatieff assist Mr. Dion with his videotaped national message by hiring a professional PR crew? The problem here is ALL the leadership hopefuls, including Rae, Ignatieff and LeBlanc (and all the backroom boys who will stab them in the back should any rise to the leadership) want power, but they don't want to DO anything to deserve it. They are bureaucrats who huff and puff and write enormous documents, but they have NO IDEA how to organize themselves, nor take action. Lazy, incompetent, back-stabbing, self-interested politicians - rotten to the core. And, the civil service continues to function nonetheless. How do we reduce the number of politicians to something manageable, efficient, accountable and accessible to the public? BTW, this would also be a good time for Mr. Flaherty to resign or be dumped.
  236. James P from Nanaimo, Zimbabwe writes: trenton trash from St. Neots, Canada writes: If you look over the right shoulder of the video of Mr. Dion, there were some books on a shelf. Does one title not read HOT AIR. I thought this appropriate as this was what coming from Mr. Dion's mouth.

    -----------
    What I thought when I saw the book is how it is people like Jeffery Simpson influencing policy. Yikes!

    Harper should have followed my line of thinking. The night before the update I saw the story here that the CPC were going to cut funding....I thought no no no. This will cause an uproar. Instead the CPC should have stated that, for now, they are willing to give up the funding and encourage the other parties to do the same. Ball in their court sort of thing.

    Instead he hit em where it hurts and caused them to lash out. Dumb move unless there is something I'm missing. But even a more stupid move was to have the Liberals join with the NDP & Bloc and saying Canadians wanted this. Too bad Harper has that streak in him, without it he could have been a PM to name schools after. Regardless, I still find that my preference is still for the CPC. There was no way I could have voted Dion. Each day Dion lives(in office) proves my vote was a wise choice.
  237. Bill M from Canada writes: R L from Canada writes: .I have not seen anything wrong with Bob Rae, and I think he should lead the Liberal Party. I know nothing about his history with Ontario, and I have no biases for or against him.

    I would suggest you study the history then, because I'm sure there are millions of Canadians that lived through it who would rather not be doomed to repeat it.
  238. Eel Expert from Canada writes: Paul Byer from Canada writes: Eel Expert from Canada writes:My question is...

    If you vote for separatism, do you still call yourself a Canadian?

    is that a rhetorical question Paul?

    or are you so dumb that you are not sure if voting to leave Canada also means that you don't want to be Canadian??

    ..............................................................................................................

    I guess you have answered it. If you vote for leaving Canada, you are foresaking being a Canadian. You don't want to be one.

    Therefore, any poll involving separatists views really shouldn't be taken into the poll account of Canadians.

    Quite logical really.

    Paul also ignored the other question that I asked him in my previous post:

    What's the matter Paul, your side doesn't consider Quebecers Canadian?

    But I guess that Paul answered it.

    Cons don't consider Quebecers Canadian

    Quite logical really.
  239. Spending our money from Canada writes:
    Serge M from Montreal, Canada writes: The Ontario car industry is behind the creation of the coalition.
    ....................................................................................................................

    The Ontario car industry at present is Toyota.

    People are buying their cars.Have you asked yourself why?

    The coalition cannot create jobs for a group that makes products that no one wants to buy.It's the same with lumber....no customers.

    McGuinty created 20,000 retraining spaces in Ontario.Less than 1,000 unemployed people are interested in signing up.
    Why is that?
  240. Eel Expert from Canada writes: James P from Nanaimo, Zimbabwe writes:

    Harper should have followed my line of thinking. The night before the update I saw the story here that the CPC were going to cut funding....I thought no no no. This will cause an uproar. Instead the CPC should have stated that, for now, they are willing to give up the funding and encourage the other parties to do the same. Ball in their court sort of thing.

    Brilliant James, That would have been a deadly political stroke, you really should be a Senior Conservative advisor.

    You would be much better than the current crop of sycophants and yes-men that Harper surrounded himself with.
  241. James P from Nanaimo, Zimbabwe writes: Eel...I agree with you, for once.
  242. James P from Nanaimo, Zimbabwe writes: Harper definitely needs a new PR adviser. Have people like and respect you and you will gain more votes. I may not like Harpers style but as far as the measures brought forward I still find the CPC the only choice. Slim pickings out there.
  243. Bill M from Canada writes: I noticed some earlier posts telling Manley to shut up and go away. Perhaps he's making his statements because the so called coalition claimed that both he and McKenna were part of the panel of economic experts that were supposed to advise them. Then it turns out that that was a blatant lie, and neither one of them knew anything about it.

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