I say yes, you say no, OR People are Strange

pickle

Hi RR. Yes it's election time here once again. Harper is up in the polls which is no surprise. What hopefully will change is that we get a majority Government this time around so we can get on with the Nation's business.

First time in the history of the Commonwealth that a Commonwealth country is being held in contempt.

Election day is May 2nd. We don't have long campaigns here. We just get the nuts and bolts of it. Not a lot of drama.

Edited for spelling....darn iPad

Bren-2007

Anne .. you tickle me .. was waiting to hear which way you would go now!

Bren

CherrylH

Anne, sorry to see how far you have fallen. I know that,as with politics and food, there's no point in trying to talk logic to you and change your mind. The Heels are ready for whoever comes up against them. Have a good day, anyway.

BarbaraA

Bren tell Tim Butler has to get through the Gators first.

AnneW

CherryIH, you make me laugh! Fallen, no. Risen. You'd have an easier time changing my politics than my loyalty!

IronJawedBCAngel

God bless you, Anne!

and bye, bye Gators!

BarbaraA

I am crushed.

BarbaraA

So dinner: stone crab claws, steamed red potatoes and steamed carrots. On my way.

So check out the Grand Prix here this weekend on ABC. I am going for the final tomorrow.

otter

Darn. The Gators could have had that game against Butler, if they hadn't waited so long to shoot at the end of regulation time.  Oh, well...  GO CATS!!!  (I always cheer for the 'Cats, unless they're playing the team from my former place of employment.  Even then, I sometimes [quietly] cheer for the 'Cats during basketball season, 'cause the basketball team from my former place of employment is so sorry.)

We are home (finally).  Hit some awful weather en route today --  the heaviest rain I've ever driven through.  We were even in the middle of a tornado-warned area and didn't know it.  (The computer voice on the NOAA weather radio in my car was giving the long-range forecast.)  There was also some baseball- and pingpong ball-sized hail embedded in there somewhere, which we also missed (fortunately).

I guess life is supposed to get back to normal, yes?  I am now the puzzled co-owner of a house on a half-acre lot in a quiet neighborhood of a town that's 1,200 miles from where I live. I would think about keeping it as a vacation home if the taxes in that state weren't so obscene.  Sis is thinking about moving back there (she's the other co-owner). But, of course, it's very complicated...

It might surprise some here to learn that I voted for Mondale & Ferraro.  I even still have one of their campaign pins in a box in my closet.  My political leanings were much more liberal back then than they are now.  I don't know what happened in the interim.  Oh, wait -- I did vote for Clinton in both his elections; but when I first saw that scene where Monica wrapped her arms around his neck and gave him that big hug, I just knew something was going on... "I did not have sexual relations with that woman"?  Such sleaze.  I could have voted for Hillary, if doing so wouldn't have threatened my marriage. I even heard Rush say some decent things about how Hillary might be dealing with the mess in Libya if she were President.

See?  I am not a total ditz.  I can talk about politics.  BTW, Athena, I really liked your Cliffs Notes piece on the Federal Reserve.   Nicely done. 

otter

konakat

As usual my unconventional sleep patterns have me playing catch up with the boards.

I loved the story about Hideaki Akaiwa -- he's a hero!!

I love turtles.  When I learnt to scuba in Hawaii I was mesmerized by the turtles.  I associate them with peace, freedom, tranquility.  When I got home I got a little Polynesian-stylized turtle tattoo on my ankle.  The meaning of the turtle is fertility and long life in Polynesian lore.  Oh well, not quite what I was thinking but I messed around with the design and made it mine.

I'm not into basketball.  Hockey and football are my games.

iodine

Awww, hate to hear about Ferrero.  I really admired that woman for taking on the VP candidate slot with no hope of winning so we could Finally have a female candidate for higher office.   Our first crack in the glass ceiling of politics.  She did a fantastic job, even with poor handlers.  Unfortunate her husband's activities were brought to light and squashed her intelligent and calm manner of negotiating. 

I really enjoy college football, basketball and women's basketball, along with major league baseball----but only when I have my teams to root for.  If I don't have a favorite I'm just not that into it.  We bought our first "second" TV in the house last spring because my dh has again become interested in sports.---guess retirement did it for him.  I am WORN OUT on ball games (except woment's basketball) and he was supposed to be watching games in the guest room, but guess what?  I get a lot of reading done and way too much time on the 'puter.  LOL

1Athena1

Glad you are home sweet home (((Otter)))

lassie11

pickle141 - I hope you are hoping for an "anyone but the Conservatives" majority!  Having gone out on a non confidence motion based on contempt of parliament, they really do not deserve another chance. I hope it's true that the rise in the polls is in areas that already have an unwavering Conservative seat and other ridings are up for grabs.  It will be an interesting six weeks. 

I wish we had a rule that campaign signs (for all parties) could only be on private property. Yesterday within an hour of Harper visiting the GG, our Tory incumbent (actually a nice guy in the wrong party) had the streets littered with his signs. More will sprout even before the spring flowers.

River_Rat

Pickle, I think it's great that you just call for an election and then have it without dragging the whole thing out forever.  I hate how long out "election season" is.  I was also curious about the contempt citing and does that actually do or change anything.?  So is the problem that the Conservatives haven't been able to work with the other parties and accomplish anything?  And if so then it is preferable to have a Conservative majority so that things can get done.  Is that the situation?

I've preferred divided government in the past, when the parties have to work together.  But in recent years it seems that here they're unable to work together.  Is that how it's become in Canada too?

Otter, I wouldn't have been surprised.  You don't strike me as being overly ideological so I can imagine you changing positions.  I also think people do move back and forth throughout the years.  My dear mother went in the opposite direction.  She was conservative (but nothing that would pass as conservative today) and has evolved to where she is more liberal than I am.  Some of the things she says now leave me with my mouth open for a moment.  And it used to be that she would never discuss politics in public.  She is still not the first to broach it but when someone (usually conservative) approaches her speaking as if they think she is one of them she is very quick to inform them otherwise. 

Konakat, I'm glad you liked the story about Hideaki Akaiwa.  I am assuming it was the badass version that you liked.  P.S.  Loved your throat comment in the Dr. Weiss article thread.  The healthy eating must have protected me from that one.   

lassie11

The finding of contempt was because the govt refused to provide information (on the costing of some budget items) to Parliament when requested to do so and for months thereafter. Contempt in itself, while highly unusual, does not make anything happen. As part of a non confidence motion in a minority governement it means the government has lost the confidence of the representatives of a majority of the people and thus can no longer hold power. Election time starts.

A minority government can be a very good thing. Usually it means that the parties work together to the benefit of the country. In this case, the minority government was acting as if it had a majority and was unable/unwilling to work with others. I won't bore you with examples but that's the essence of the situation.

208sandy

Lassie:  From One Canadian to another - fine job of explaining our government!  I think it should also be noted that even though MP's get a darn good salary they don't spend very many days in Parliament and I think that needs to change - more time in Ottawa might just get more things done!

Sandy

pickle

Both minority and majority governments come with their own set of problems. The Harper minority government has been stonewalled and threatened with non-confidence for every budget that they have tabled. All previous budgets had only been passed once his government packed a few goodies in there to satisfy the other parties and of course once the other parties looked at the polls, knowing they would not be able to defeat Harper. This time, although some may think that the contempt of Parliament doesn't make a difference, it has really been the reason for the fall of Harper. The requested documents were handed over, 4 months ago and unfortunately the panel reviewing it were made up of mostly opposition. This has been a bit of a witch hunt and the opposition parties have been just waiting for the right time to defeat the government. The new budget wasn't even read by the opposition, they used contempt as their reason to shut things down. Oh boy, I think this is our 3rd elction in 7 years. $$$$ big waste! Harper is certainly more fiscally conservative than the Liberals and I shudder to think what will happen with a Liberal government. Spend spend spend in all the wrong places.  I  think we need to stay the course to get through the economic recovery. We have been relatively unscathed thus far with the economy...when I say relatively, I mean in comparison to other countries. Our economy has chugged along and not receded to the point of massive job losses and major housing downslides. The US is Canada's largest trading partner and even though the US economy clearly affects us, we have managed to a a positive growth in GDP. I don't think this is the time to rock the boat and "take a chance " on Iggy...he flip flops on everything.  JMHO

BTW, I was watching Bill Maher on Friday and heard his guest, Jeremy Scahill - National Security Correspondent for The Nation magazine, said that Nato appointed a Canadian general to take the lead in the Libya mission. What was funny about it is that he said that he is the General of the RCMP. Bill Maher chuckled and made some horse trot sounds....I laughed because neither one of them seemd to realize that the RCMP is our National Police Force. The General belongs to the RCAF...Royal Canadian Air Force. Too funny!

crazy4carrots

River -- As you can see, we have two different points of view showing up here! There are significant regional differences in party support.

A very significant elections-related difference between the U.S. and Canada is that only individuals are allowed to support political parties, and only up to $1,100 per year.  Corporations and unions -- not allowed!

Pickle -- Now it's the Canadian Armed Forces, although I think the old RCAF tartan is still around!

covertanjou

I am not sure how I am voting in this election.  I am liberal (LIberal) when it comes to social issues (no surpriese here), but I am fiscally conservative (again no surprise since my husband is a stockbroker--he is also a card-carrying member of the Conservative party--yikes!).  

I am tired of 3 successive minority governments.  I also do not like Iggy.  Had the Liberals chosen another leader, I would definitely be voting Liberal.  As it stands now, I am torn.  I do not like the influence that the now-defunct Reform Parry has on the Conservatives, and I don't like Iggy (especially after he hinted at having new Consititutional talks with Quebec).  So, I will have to see who is running in my riding and then decide. 

pickle

Linda. I stand corrected on RCAF. There was some petitioning going on last year to restore the "royal" back in the title.

pip57

Personally, I think that the liberals are just trying to find a way to get rid of Ignatieff.  They worked so hard to drag him back to Canada to be the leader.  When he did so badly in the last election, they knew he was the wrong pick but now have to appear to have his back.  If he loses this election, he can leave having tried to do the job, and they can move on.  Justin perhaps?  I do think they have been biding time waiting for him to be ready. He would certainly add a new excitement to the ballot.

covertanjou

pip, interesting analysis.  Yes, I think the libs realize they made a mistake with Ignatieff.  As for Justin, I agree.  It is just a matter of time before he runs.  

pickle

Iggy...no platform...no ideas...other than increasing taxes on large corporations by 3%. Not the best time to be doing that. Tax increases = job loss in this economy. I don't like Iggy and didn't like Stephane Dion either. Prior to that was Bill Graham for a very brief period (who even remembers him?)

Harper is getting tough on crime, eliminated old age security for prisoners (yes we used to pay old prisoners...lol) , TFSA, lowered the GST from 7% to 5%, Income splitting for seniors,  tightened the regualtions on mortgages....just to name a few,

I am also Liberal when it comes to social issues and fiscally conservative.

Wouldn't it be nice to have a candidate get up and say something inspiring? Get everyone excited and engaged. Our young people have never seen that.  Trudeau did it so well...he had so much charisma that you'd buy into anything he said. Women swooned over him and he really got people interested.

pickle

So the Liberals chose Stephan Dion...didn't like him. They chose Iggy...don't like him. Sounds like they may not have the best judge of character when it comes to picking a leader. Twice in a row...mmmm

Justin Trudeau could really fire things up. Again, it would be great to have election excitement and he could really do it!

imbell

NOTHING INTENDED - JUST THOUGHT IT WAS FUNNY

imbell

Has anyone in Canada tried Vote Compass on the CBC. You take short test and it tells you your political leanings and who you really don't like. There were no surprises. I have liberal leanings and least laikely to vote CONS. But my riding has gone NDP for the last 4 electiions so be it.

PS the Liberals' stubborness regarding Iggy is going to cost them the election. The man has no clue how to be a politician never mind a leader. Bob Rae would have done better.

-angel-

I'm fascinated with your discussion of what's happening in Canada.  I wish our country would disallow corporate and union political contributions.  I don't understand why we allow that.  Maybe somebody could explain it to me.

I just watched a hilarious Lewis Black bit on The Daily Show in regard to Donald Trump.  Enjoy! LOL

http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/tue-march-22-2011/back-in-black---trump-2012

edited to make url linkable

pip57

I am trying to be impressed with Ignatieff.  However, his non-answers after the vote did not sit well with me.  And I definitely do not want a coalition government with the Bloc.

GG27

I just so pissed off that we are spending 1/2 a billion dollars on this election that no one wants.  Basically the C's want a majority gov't & I think they figured everyone dislikes Iggy so much that it's their best chance to win the majority.  I dislike them all.  I think they are all in it for themselves & care little for the people of Canada.    Here in BC we also have a referendum for the HST & a provincial election hanging over our heads.

lassie11

Pickle - of course the committee was a majority of opposition members - it reflects the make up of Parliament. Harper did NOT provide the requested information. Even when he sent in 1000 pages 17 minutes before the committee began, according to the Budget Officer, it was only about half of what had been requested.  It looks like he managed the recession all right because he inherited a healthy surplus and the banks were already regulated. Now we have a huge deficit. That's how he managed the economy. That and spending a lot of tax payers' money for advertizing companies to tell us how well he was doing.

Of course Harper had to put in things the opposition parties wanted in previous budgets. That's how a minority government is supposed to work. He complained about it a lot because he'd rather be Emperor than Prime Minister of a minority government. A higher percentage of Canadian voters did not vote for him than those who did. He was obligated to work with the other parties and did not.

And tough on crime?!  He wants to build prisons to house the prisoners for "unreported crimes". How do you put people in prison if the crimes weren't even reported? In fact, we have declining crime rates but that doesn't suit Harper's fearmongering.

Now he is fearmongering about a coalition which is perfectly legal within our system and saying , despite the facts, that he didn't try to join a coalition in 2004. The Liberals have said they won't go for a coalition, but Harper carrys on with his delusion about coaltions not being good for the country.

Perhaps we differ in our political views.