Im Back!

Hello All!

I’m terribly sorry for my poor blogging etiquette over the past few weeks. I have had problems with my computer and school has been extremely busy. But for those few humble readers who enjoy my thoughts, I will return to publishing my thoughts this week.

Cheers!
Liberal Semantics

Tories Flounder on Healthcare?

Last January’s election brought five major promises from the Harper government, and in all fairness they have followed through with the likes of the GST cut along with the $1200 Childcare package. But I came across an interesting article in these early morning hours.

Apparently Minister of Health Tony Clement feels that their hasn’t been sufficient time to address and create a proper timeline for one of Harper’s big election promises. He spoke to reporters about healthcare wait times stating:

"It's going to take as long as it takes to make sure the system can sustain the guarantee, and that it's a viable system."

Now before we all jump on the “broken promise” bandwagon - stop. This is not (at this point) a broken election promise, rather one giant comma. But what frightens me is what comes after that comma. Those of us who follow the actions of governments know that politics really comes down to two things: Language and Intent.

For example, it is no secret that many within the CPC flirt with the introduction of some form of privatized healthcare services within Canada. Now it would be unfair if I didn’t admit that I to have pondered the notion of a two-tier healthcare system in Canada - but ultimately have decided on staying put with my position favouring universal health care, under any circumstance - but I digress.

Now if we take a gander over to the CPC webpage we find this interesting excerpt in regards to healthcare.

"A health system that is timely and sustainable will require innovation. The Government will support and enable innovative approaches to health care delivery consistent with the principles of a universally accessible and equitable public health care system embodied in the Canada Health Act."

Now on the surface words like “innovation” and “equitable public health care” all sound promising, but keep in mind these words come from a Tory viewpoint - which sadly have some open-minded opinions about private health care. Now lets be frank, the only real way to cut wait times in Universal healthcare system is more funding - so you would think that funding, or at the very least the issue of money would be discussed when the Minister of Health in conference with various Health Ministers.

Well, you’d be wrong.

"There were no negotiations and money wasn't on the agenda" , according to Clement.

That comma just got a little bit scarier didn’t it? Now don’t you all worry, im not one to advocate some big bad Tory conspiracy to ruin Healthcare in Canada (lets remember, Tories use and need the same healthcare system we use) but the recent language of Tony Clement along with the CPC’s intent to “innovate” healthcare is at least cause for concern - well for those who support a fully public funded healthcare system. But if innovation would result in less wait times along with the preservation of the public health care system, then kudos Mr. Harper - if not, well then we have a problem.

Perhaps Im reading into this far to much - but alas, sometimes it’s the smallest clues that have the biggest impacts. But perhaps some can comment and provide some insight into the topic - but in doing so I also place this challenge to fellow Liberals not to fall into the “Tories are simply out to ruin healthcare” argument - and vice versa to my Tory readers not to get into this “We don’t need to do anything because the Liberals have ruined everything” argument.

Its Sunday, So Have a Laugh - Stephen Colbert on The O'Reilly Factor

It's a Sunday, even bloggers need a break from the world of Politics. So how's about a quick laugh, care of Oshawa's favourite new son.

Stephen Colbert

Obama - The Mighty Underdog

Its finally happened, the official announcement for Sen. Barack Obama’s run for President. And needless to say - America can enjoy a bit of optimism in the wake of an ever self-imploding Bush government. With the stigma of Iraq, the war on Terror, corruption charges, etc engulfing the airwaves of American news (unless you’re the Fox Network - but I digress) Obama is a beacon.

Yes - im sure some of you are going to be quite angered by my overly kind words. Im one who wants to retain a sense of objectivity, but as I mentioned yesterday - Obama is the Truth. There is going to be a great deal of talk about Obama’s lack of political experience - to which I have no proper rebuttal for, im not his defence lawyer - but an admirer. But backing Obama is not so much a “sure bet” but a political risk.

Obama, is a minority, running for President in one of that nations most turbulent periods. He has built a movement reminiscent of Robert Kennedy - in that those who support him, do so knowing that support comes out of an emotional bond to what this man represents. This is a movement based on hope, of a new message - and with such a radical stance, being unsure about Barack Obama is just natural.

So where does this leave Sen. Clinton - well im sure her people have planned extensively for Obama’s entry into the race; but she can still sit in the kingmakers chair. She is still the front runner in this race; a woman who has the a very strong Democratic machine behind her, and oh yes, the backing of one of the most popular Democrats - yup, the other Clinton.

Obama is going to fight an up hill battle for the Presidency - but honestly, would those who support Obama want it any other way for the guy? I doubt it, his Presidency is the epitome of struggle, struggle politically, struggle racially and a struggle personally. Please note my gushing comments of this man are truly what I believe - we all have different opinions about who or what Obama’s run really means. But I have a feeling as Obama’s campaign gets into full swing - many more will begin to agree with my thoughts of this man.

The cartoon comes from Steve Sack of the Minnesota Star-Tribune

Obama’s decision is near - Will he run?

Well if you’re a big backer of Sen. Obama - zero hour is approaching. The first minority in United States history who has a viable shot at becoming the leader of the most powerful nation in history. Obviously I mean no disrespect to the likes of Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson - but Obama is of a different time. Where Sharpton and Jackson ran to represent a voice to the Democratic party for the Black community.

Obama is the truth.

Perhaps I see a bit of the man I backed for the Liberal leadership - Gerard Kennedy - in Barack Obama. Both men are/were running a grassroots movement, both are/were inexperienced yet inspiring, both men provided a hint of hope for those who listened and watched them. Now the historical significance for Obama to win far outweighs that of Kennedy. But alas, some similarities are there. And I only put these two men in the same room for comparision - Obama, needles to say is an international figure, while Gerard is not

So do I think Obama will run? - YES

And ill tell you exactly why.

“Democratic Sen. Barack Obama plans to stand outside Illinois' Old State Capitol on Saturday, a building indelibly linked to Abraham Lincoln, and tell the world about his 2008 presidential plans.” (this is from the article posted earlier in this post)

As many have pointed out already; the powerful image of a black man announcing his Presidential plans; while standing in front of a commanding symbol of Abraham Lincoln - the man who freed the slaves, can be best described as inspiring.

Run Obama Run!

The 33% Fantasy

Now the blogs have been riddled with news that the Liberals and Conservatives are in a DEAD HEAT according to the most recent SES poll. Some have discussed the apparent “success” of the numbers - but hold on a sec. Is 33% something to be proud about?
Lets put things into prospective;

1) 33% means that from a group of a 100 national voters , only 33 of them respect the Liberal message enough to give them a vote. In contrast 7 of them would prefer voting Green - and they are essentially a one issue party (whose platform is growing , yes) with not a single MP in the house. I mean not to patronize people with some basic math lessons - but sometimes polls fail to tell us the most rudimentary facts about federal politics. I mean, if you invited 100 people to your party but only 33 of them liked you enough to show up - would you be happy? I didn’t think so!

2) 33% means that were in a tie with a party that hasn’t stuck a cord with a broad base of Canadians, the Conservatives. After groups representing FIRST NATIONS, WOMEN, GAYS and ENVIRONMETNALISTS have made it very public that this government has not acted fairly (or fully) on their interests - the Liberal Party - the party of Social Justice is still in a “dead heat” with this floundering party. As much as I am critical of the Conservatives constantly attacking the Liberals as if they were still members of the opposition but never acting as the governing party and doing something about it! - maybe somebody should remind the Liberals that as the opposition, were supposed to be on the OFFENSIVE when there is dissatisfaction within the country!

3) Although it is a victory (in a small way) that the Liberals are within striking distance of making this a close race whenever the next election maybe. But are we really satisfied with that - does the excitement that we are now tied with the Conservatives; really mean that more Liberals are just interested in regaining power then actually creating an atmosphere of REAL CHANGE. I assure you, those of us on the grassroots want this party want to make a real difference, and minority governments are not a stable way to help this nation grow in the long term.
___________

I suppose there is some good news in that we are still in this race - but perhaps we should step back and see these numbers with a bit more of a critical light - many of you are right that this poll is cause for encouragement; but if you don’t look at the numbers from both sides then you do no justice for the party that you support.

Be strong friends, we should not reduce ourselves to be content with a chance of minority governments. If you really believe in what this party can do - then only be happy if this party has the chance to take a majority government. With this in mind - only want this majority government If you think this government is capable of doing what we want it to. Remember the party is accountable to us - not the other way around. Make this party act on behalf of your voices.

Mix ¼ Cup of Socialism, and ¾ of Rhetoric with a pinch of Hope

Maybe its just because Hilary is a “Clinton” and a Democrat. But im really excited to hear a Democrat (at least a high level Democrat) be a little more aggressive on renewable energy policy. Yes it’s a vague pledge, but it is exactly that - a pledge.

Keep in mind this is widely discussed and viewed excerpt, so if she goes back on her word. Well she’ll the wrath of the left along with taunts from the right on this one; and with a Presidential looming, the last thing you want to do is disown the political electorate. But hey, Clinton would still better off then Giuliani!!

Im still a big believer in Obama - But Clinton is no dud - and this is statement is no small joke. Hilary means business.

Undisputed Heavy-Weight Champion of the Centre-Rigggggght!

“He’s Mean, He’s Green and He’s gonna kick ass and take names while he’s at it!”

Well not quite, but Turner is perhaps an example of an untapped political source for the Liberals, the “moderate“, centre-right vote. In the last few years the party has drawn over the likes of former Progressive Conservatives Scott Brison, David Orchard, David Kilgour now Turner. A political migration, maybe?

But then, where are the centre-right voters going exactly? Dion has argued over and over again that the Liberal Party is the Party of the “Big Tent Centre” - which is the best course of action for the Liberal Party (In my humble opinion) - but what exactly makes the Liberals the “big Centrist” party. Ill be truthful, sitting on the centre-left of the parties political spectrum I do often look over to the right and try to get a feel for why our “friendly-rightist” feel comfortable about being Liberals. I’m sure some on the centre-right will do the same with the likes of me and ask why im comfortable with this party.

Being on the political wings of this party is an interesting position within the party - most of us enjoy the diverse opinion, but essentially what I seek to understand, is how others within the party see this notion of the big tent centrist position of the Liberal Party.

Does it even exist? Or are those of us who are “winged Liberals” just find the likes of the NDP or CPC to far off the Canadian political spectrum to be comfortable to join those particular parties.

So I extend the olive branch within my own party - perhaps a little discourse on the matter can shed light on who we are in relation to this party.

I think we might be pleasantly surprised that perhaps those of us on the wings have more in common then we have in differences.

Turner to Harper: By-election is in the hands of Prime Minister

"The Liberals new Rebel"

Firstly, Ya gotta love the power pose in that picture, amidst the leather jacket. Turner is one rebel without a cause - if I can put it so lightly.

I just finished watching the press conference - a lot of rhetoric except one particular part of Turners speech in that [and I paraphrase - as I have yet to locate a full trasncript of the speech]

‘I would agree to a by-election if the Prime Minister will call similar elections for Emerson, Fortier and Khan’

Which I’m sure the Prime Minister will reject - I mean Im not the biggest fan of Stephen Harper’s, but he’s not a political idiot. You don’t risk three shaky seats over some political dual put forth by Turner. But if Harper did agree (in some unbelievable stroke of luck for the Liberals) - the move would almost surely return Emerson and Khan’s riding’s to the Liberals - but that’s just dreaming. But kudos to Turner on a bright political play. Hes (to some degree) taken the pressure off his previous feelings of floor-crossing by offering to go into a by-election.

Garth goes Liberal

Interesting move, and to be honest I was taken by surprise on this one. For months Garth (Turner) and the Green Party looked like a pretty strong match. But much to my surprise Turner’s going Grit. I mean on a political level - a Turner for Khan trade looks pretty good for the Liberals. But wow, this sure does look bad for the Grits from a PR point of view.

I mean for a few weeks it looked like the Liberals finally had the upper hand on the whole floor-crossing debate with the move of Wajid Khan. But if one really looks at these two MP’s “moves“, they have some similarities. Both Khan and Turner were outcasts amongst their parties - Turner was to outspoken; so the Tories kicked him out. While Khan was to quite; so the Liberals kicked him out. The only difference I can see is in the possible responses of each of Khan’s and Turner’s constituency. One might recall that Turners riding of Halton has been held by a Liberal since 1997, for the exception of Turners 2006 win with the Tories. Whereas in Khans riding of Mississauga-Streetsville (which has come about from the former ridings of Mississauga-Brampton South and Brampton West) have all been strong Liberal seats since the mid 1990’s. Nevertheless, these thoughts do not condoned floor-crossing on the basis of prior electoral results - there’s really never a stand-out winner when someone switches parties. That MP will always have the stigma of being a floor crosser and in the short term it hurts the political party to whom they have flocked to.

I never liked the idea of MP’s moving to another party without an immediate by-election. Obviously there are circumstances for both Khan and Turner’s move’s but nevertheless I hope Turner and the Liberals do the right then and commit to a by-election.

There is a press conference at 5pm tonight; lets sit back and see what Turner and Dion have to say on the matter and we can move forward on the subject (hopefully with some encouraging news - namely a by-election).

So Party On Garth!

Stephen Harper - Hates Dion's Dog?

Check out this is clip of Stephen Harper feeling the "heat" (I sure do love those cheesy climate change jokes) on global warming. Notice as Stephane begins to press the matter, Mr Harper begins to get defensive resorts to the tried and tested Tory tactic of bringing out the big guns - yup - sponsorship scandal! Mr. Harper quite literally ends the debate by insulting Stephane’s dog…I mean really? Is this politics today! Ha Ha…beating the dignity out of some dog, only on the count of its name…Poor Kyoto.

I’m quite sorry for the spree of video's lately, I am quite busy with school commitments at the moment. I assure you as soon as I have the time to write something coherent - I will do so with haste.

So keep up the good fight!

George Bush’s Nephew!

I recall seeing this clip sometime ago, and to my amazement I found it after some time amidst some Youtube lurking. The resemblance in attitude and appearance is uncanny, I especially love that Bush charm at the end when Pierce tells Campbell that he’s “gonna go hit the bed” followed by that ol’Bush family chuckle.

Trudeaumania Redux?

Its no big surprise that Justin Trudeau- Liberal Studmuffin (as countless women have described him) and heir to the Trudeau legacy - has thrown his name in as a candidate to run somewhere in the area of Montreal in the upcoming elections. Before Liberals get all worked up and feel that “The Trudeau” has returned amongst us - realize this - Justin is not Pierre.

The one thing the Liberal Party has come to understand is we can not dwell on the past, and hope for another Pierre. Justin is his own man, and will win or lose whatever riding he contests on his OWN merits. The key for Justin is to break away from his name. He is a bright guy, but hopefully he does not fall into this “the next Trudeau” trap - otherwise he will surely fail in this endeavour.

As long as Justin does not run in Outremont (a relativity safe Liberal seat) then he will have the support of this blogger - and by not running in that riding he will show that he is willing to fight to become an MP. Justin would win Outremont, no doubt about that, but he will not have earned it. And right now, the one thing Justin needs, is some political capital, in order to ensure he is respected as an individual and not just the son of “The Trudeau”.

Jack Layton compares the NDP to Communist China

Jacks been on a tear with the silly comments in recent weeks, The poor guy tries to rip into the Conservatives on BIG OIL and BIG ASS and failed miserably, which was even more embarrassing for Layton with Harpers witty response (a rarity from someone who comes off so, well, robotic)

But today Layton had this “huh?” quote when he went on record describing his hopes that the Conservatives could reach out to the NDP on Kyoto and find some common ground. Layton stated and I quote:

"I think this government has a big opportunity to do a 'Nixon goes to China'." LINK

Oh Jack…I don’t think Canadians look to kindly if deep down in side you think of yourselves as Communist-Dippers locked in an environmental struggle with Nixon-Tories. But if the Liberals have to fight an election against Authoritarian Communists and Nixon Republicans, I think a Grit landslide could be assured.

Praise the Glorious Leader Jack Layton.

May Flowers

As the debate on Global Warming heats up (no pun intended) in Canada - that battle of public opinion is being waged between Liberals and Conservatives (and yes even the NDP). But what is missing is an absence of real debate on the matter. Liberals don’t think the Conservatives are sincere in their attempts to combat global warming, the Conservatives feel that Liberals have no track record on the matter - and the NDP are just angry. All the parties have argued the politics of global warming, yet none have made a real strong case to win over the hearts and minds of the Canadian people on the matter.

Enter Elizabeth May.

To think that our political parties will agree on perhaps the biggest issue of the new century is hopeful wishing at best. But Elizabeth May brings this progressive voter a flicker of hope. To those who have been under a rock for the last 2 years, May is one of Canada’s most respected environmental voices and the leader of the Green Party. Former lawyer, activist and Environmentalist - May has also served as the executive director of the Sierra Club of Canada. She has had the ear of Prime Ministers and Presidents, and yet she sits without a seat in the House of Commons.

Now I don’t think May will single headedly solve Canada’s environmental problems - but her absence from the House is absurd. If Canada wants to have a real debate on the environment, I would expect that we as Canadians had an Environmentalist - who has worked on the subject - with a strong voice in the House. If you seek spiritual advice, one asks a priest, If you seek economic advice, one asks an economist - likewise when Canadians ask to understand the real dynamics of Environmentalism, we get our knowledge from partisan politicians.

See the Problem?

I’m unsure where May will be running in the next election, Iv heard she will again challenge the riding of London North Centre where she came second to Liberal Glen Pearson. Iv also heard rumblings that she will perhaps run in a riding near her childhood home of Cape Breton. Regardless, Grits, Tories and Dippers alike all owe it to the electorate to vote this women in somewhere, somehow. Unlike her dud of a predecessor Jim Harris - May has the makings to really blossom in the House and make the Green Party a viable voice in the arena of Canadian politics.

So, Any big Plans for “Stephen Colbert Day”

In case you didn’t know - March 20th is now Stephen Colbert Day in the fine (albeit shamed city of Oshawa). If you missed the details pertaining to the holiday check the link below.

http://liberalsemantics.blogspot.com/2007/01/colbert-wins-oshawa-is-forever-shamed.html

Im unsure what im going to do this Stephen Colbert Day, but perhaps some of you can send me some suggestions on how to celebrate this - the least holy of holidays.

Obama Calls for Withdrawal by 2008

A strong stand - This will put alot of pressure on Sen. Clinton to solidify her position on Iraq.

Call my a cynic - but the next election is in 2008 - Perhaps this Iraq Bill has a great deal to do with the fact that Obama doesnt want to deal with an unpopular war if/when he was to run for the White House.


____
Also it appears that this particular vid has been reposted under this blog several times on liblogs. Ignore the other posts, this is post is the real deal.

A Retraction and Apology

Yesterday I posted an article in regards to the Tory Environmental policy along with some comments on the days first Question Period. It was brought to my attention that some of the wording in my post was to be blunt, wrong. This error was brought to my attention by The Prairie Wrangler. Whom in response posted a hilarious article citing my errors. His post was quite funny and to be honest I enjoyed the absurdity of my mistake. But unfortunately, some took it upon themselves to respond to the post with a large amount of anger, which frankly was alarming. So I would like to humbly apologize for that post - and I assure you it's errors were unintentional. Also I would like to thank The Prairie Wrangler for his kind response to this perfect stranger.

To clarify - the exact line in question was “Mr. Dion who was a central architect for the conception of Kyoto!” Now obviously Mr. Dion did not create the Kyoto Protocol, what my intention was to describe Mr. Dion as an ardent supporter of the Kyoto Protocol - but regardless the fault still lies with me.

Perhaps this situation will serve as a lesson to the blogging world that kindness and integrity are virtues of the individual, and have little to do with ones political affiliation. So once more I would like to thank The Prairie Wrangler.

Thank You,
Liberal Semantics

Tory Attack Ad's, Against the Law??

This was sent to me from a friends blackberry a few minutes ago........


Joan Bryden
Canadian press
OTTAWA

Conservative attack ads fired at Liberal Leader Stephane Dion mayend up sideswiping the ruling party after questions were raised aboutpossible breach of copyright laws.The television ads, which began airing Monday, use footage from last fall'sLiberal leadership debates to deliver the message that the new Grit leaderis weak, indecisive and an environmental failure.But that footage belongs to a consortium of TV networks which pooled theirresources to provide live coverage of the debates. The Cable Public AffairsChannel provided the pool camera for each debate.The networks are now looking into how the Conservatives obtained the debatefootage for their ads.CPAC anchor Peter Van Dusen said Monday that any outside use of debate videowould have to be approved by all pool members. Moreover, he said such videois traditionally never authorized for use by political parties.Van Dusen said he is not aware of any request by the Tory party to buy oruse any portion of the debate videos."It would come through me and I certainly don't remember ever getting arequest," he said, adding that he "would've said no" if he had received arequest.Conservative spokesman Ryan Sparrow refused to say how the party obtainedthe clips. But he stressed that the ads were approved by the TelevisionBureau of Canada before going to air.However TVB president Jim Patterson said his agency - a voluntaryadvertisement-vetting service, created by private broadcasters - has nothingto do with ensuring that ads don't violate copyright laws."We don't rule on copyright. That is not our job," Patterson said.Indeed, Patterson said the TVB always gets advertisers to sign a generalletter of indemnity, specifying that the bureau can not be held liable ifany legal issues arise from an ad. The Conservative party signed such aletter.Given the reliance on debate footage in the ads, Patterson said the TVB hasdrafted a more specific letter of indemnity that it will require the Toriesto sign for any ads in future. The new letter specifies that the TVB cannotbe held liable for any copyright infringements.Without knowing how the Tories came by the debate footage, copyright lawexpert Michael Geist said it's difficult to judge whether there may havebeen an infringement.It's possible one of the networks sold the video to the Conservatives; thenetworks are checking to find out if their marketing or archival units mighthave done so.Alternatively, a party member could conceivably have recorded the debates ona camcorder from a seat in the audience.But if the party simply taped the debates from television, Geist said theads could fall into a grey zone in Canadian copyright law."They might try to argue that they would qualify for some sort of exceptionunder the Copyright Act," said Geist, a University of Ottawa law professor.The most likely exception, he added, would be the "fair dealing exceptionfor criticism."Geist said the use of such video clips in political ads would be entirelyproper in the United States, which applies a broad "fair use doctrine" toits copyright laws. The fact that the Tory ads raise questions herehighlights the shortcomings of Canadian law, he added."Frankly, it should be beyond doubt that they should be able to use shortclips of these kinds of public political events that should fall under afair use doctrine. I think it's unfortunate that under Canadian copyrightlaw there is some level of uncertainty."

OYL Unlimited is Pretty Fly

Many of us who work closely with OYL (Ontario Young Liberals) have come to relay on this association for coordination and support throughout the years. OYL is not just a group of young Canadians who gather and discuss politics, this organization has come to be a family of sorts to many of us. What this family shares, is a strong sense of progress in Canada and abroad.

This year a group of some of the leading members of this organization have come forth in the shape of OYL Unlimited. Each of these Liberals bring forth a uniquely individual quality, many of them I have had to work with throughout the years, but the one genuine quality each member of OYL Unlimited share is passion. I don’t mean this with generic sense of praise. If you have the opportunity to meet some of these candidates, I assure you - you will recall this post and realize, "Man, Liberal Semantics was right..". I promise, OYL Unlimited does not disappoint.

I have been a member of the Liberal Party since the age of 15, and in those years I have always worked to make sure that groups like OYL function with firmness and purpose. But I am truly excited to work with a strong and well lead group - many of whom I have worked with for years; and am quite pleased at the prospect that the will head up OYL.

It is my pleasure to place my humble support behind OYL Unlimited. Give'm Hell Guys! and Good Luck!

OYL UNLIMITED - WEBPAGE

Defination of "Fly"...

George Bush on "Global Warmings"

Hes "deeply, in a deep kind of way" really concerened about Climate Change....

Harper ponders future....

Its a Sunday - thus a slow news day and the blogging world tends to lose its buzz on this day of rest. But alas, Harper may think otherwise from taking a break this Sunday. It appears Harper in a rare move of real transparency into his government feels that an election at this time would not be beneficial for his government.

OTTAWA (CP) - Prime Minister Stephen Harper says he has no incentive to engineer his government's defeat and trigger an election during the spring session of Parliament that starts Monday.
After all, Harper told The Canadian Press, there's little imminent prospect of a Conservative majority government. LINK

Ill be honest, I was taken aback with such a bold statement by Prime Minister Harper. I mean, this is a Prime Minister who has been in Campaign mode since January 23rd, of last year. Perhaps all the dealing to gain votes through "patchwork politics" has failed. Maybe Harper's realized that you don’t win broad support by coaxing opposition MP's and one-trick policies aimed at a particular voting demographic.

So does this mean that Harper has backed himself in a corner? Hardly, but his statements essentially end the 2006 election campaign - This lazy Sunday could very well mark the start of the race for the 40th Canaidan Parliament

Picture Care of REUTERS

Colbert Wins, Oshawa is Forever Shamed

A kind Thank You to CFSR for the Hat Tip.
But with niceties aside. March 20th appears to be 2 important days for the City of Oshawa with the advent of Mayor John Gray's Birthday....AND.....Stephen Colbert Day. Yesterday night the Oshawa Generals failed Canada's hockey honour by losing 5-4 to the Saginaw Spirt. If your unsure why this game has garnered so much attention check this following link.

Roll out the Red Carpet, Perhaps this loss may lead to a victory for the city of Oshawa. With March just around the corner - perhaps Stephen Colbert will visit Ontario's most famous Blue Collar town.

P.S. Regardless of the loss, Im sure all Canadians will still have a special place in their hearts for both the city of Oshawa and the Generals.

Picture care of Symphoney Space

Colbert vs. Oshawa

GAME ON!!

Watch this clip - all will be explained.

Go Generals!

Is Harper courting Muslim Voters?

Well ill let you setup this series of domino’s, a few weeks prior he courts Former Liberal MP Wajid Khan in the prestigious world of Tory Backbenchdom, Yesterday The CPC offers aid to Lebanon and today a formal apology to Arar along with the sum of $12.5 million dollars. Very interesting…
The one thing we can be certain is that PM Harper is not acting on behalf of all Canadians - far from it - his actions lean towards self benefit in the form of a majority government in the next election. Immigrant voters are an essential backbone for Liberal electorate, these actions act as a means to wedge these traditional Grit voters. Some might argue this is simply smart politics, which one would be hard pressed to rebuttal - but is it the right thing to do for a Prime Minister to orchestrate a belief that the CPC really cares about the rights of minorities in this country?

Lets not forget this is the party of Rondo Thomas.
http://www.trailervision.com/trailer.php?id=166

And more recently the antics of Jim Prentice and First Nations Peoples.
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20070125/mayes_email_070125/20070125?hub=Canada

Oh right - Lets not forget about the plight of Women
http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Canada/2007/01/10/3279857-cp.html

And to round it all off - the big thorn in the CPC’s side - the LGBT community
http://www.canada.com/topics/news/national/story.html?id=13f68a2e-eb65-45d5-8c49-7746c5197d9e&k=73154

Shall I continue…

Yesterdays aid package to Lebanon (as I wrote) could have been seen as a possible change in Harpers attitude, alas, that was just a dream. This party doesn’t care about minorities, Muslims, Women, the LGBT community, etc. To the CPC your either a nuisance or a possible voter.

Rudy's Playbook!

If some of you recall, Presidential "hope"full Rudy Giuliani quite literally lost his handwritten playbook for his 2008 bid for the Presidency. Well the entire document has surfaced! Take a look at The Politico. The link is provided below...Interesting read so far. Giuliani seems/seemed really geared to fight a Giuliani vs. McCain battle for the Republican Nomination.

http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/0107/The_Giuliani_Dossier_A_Brief_Tour.html

CPC gives hope to Lebanon, and Canadians

Indeed this blog is written from a liberal-progressive point of view, but what this blog is not designed to be, is a voice for partisan nonsense. As liberals, we all [or at least I hope so] have a vested interest in the notion of social justice, at home and abroad. Today the CPC (Conservative Party of Canada) pledged nearly $50 million to help one of the worlds most war-torn and economically indebted nations with much needed aid.

The CBC reported International co-operation minister, Josée Verner (who is currently in Paris along with International delegates on the matter of Lebanon and Peace) as stating:

"What we will do is to help the government of Lebanon to reinforce their institutional structure so it will be easier for them to give results to the population and to make sure it will be sustainable to ensure security and democracy in the country,"

To which I can only applaud - Yes the United States is pledging nearly $800 million, and the total global donor ship hovers in the realm of the $8 billion. This increase in funding could mean a new direction for the ideological rigid approach to the Harper government. We remember the early parts of 2006 when the Harper ended Humanitarian funding to Palestinians after the free-elections in the country resulted in the rise of Hamas as the ruling government.

Now nobody in their right mind would condone Terrorism, But by depriving people from the ability to live - buy reducing the few international dollars that create a tiny sense of stability; do we not just make a stronger case to the world that the west simply does not care? I’m sure some who may read this may begin to feel a bit of animosity - and you should, peace is a tough subject and require honest debate. Issues like international stability requires us to listen to all sides, and not just one hard line political stance. Embrace difference, don’t fear it.

Mr. Harpers foreign policy has never been the voice of the majority of Canadians - we tend to stay neutral, with a mission to support humanity rather then regimes and political interests in the Middles East. So interestingly enough, the CPC has recommitted to this belief - perhaps it signals a new beginning to Harpers foreign policy.

Liberals follow the stream of hope, and act on behalf of justice - And we show our support to anyone who adheres to these values. Kudos Mr. Harper, there’s no better day then today for a new beginning. In this case a small start, is at least a step in the right direction.



CBC Article - http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2007/01/25/lebanon-aid.html
Picture is from the New York Times - http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2005/02/28/international/28cnd-leba.650.jpg

Forget Bush - Have a Chuckle With Obama Instead

I’m not going to post something in regards to yesterday's State of the Union Address; Because everyone has already posted extensively on the topic. But in case you really want to get an overdose of State of the Union analysis check out Andrew Sullivan’s thoughts on the matter - http://time.blogs.com/daily_dish/2007/01/bushs_remaining.html

So instead kick back and relax - have a laugh with Senator Obama and Conan O’Brien - Ill report back tomorrow with some more insightful thoughts about, well, everything.

The Only thing Conservatives Recycle - are old Liberal Environmental Initiatives

Yesterday, Natural Resources Minister Gary Lunn began the media circuit to portray a “new” and greener image for the CPC after the political mishandling of the Clean Air Act. The Environment is clearly on the minds of Canadians, so in response the new steps taken forward by the CPC - involve recycling old Liberal environmental policies. Albeit, the premise of the Liberal plan was investment to invigorate the public and private sectors to become cleaner - the CPC plan comes with two major faults.

1) The emphasis of the plan targets homeowners, rather then large business who exceed allotted greenhouse targets without discretion.

2) More importantly, what has fallen under the radar is the fact that in order to qualify for the $5000 grant, the homeowner must first pay for the environmental audit and upgrades before qualifying for the program. Ultimately - many Canadians would be unable to spend upfront on the various upgrades, thus rendering the plan almost useless.


The plan calls for a $300 million dollar investment over four years ($75 million per year - Less the Toronto Blue Jays yearly payroll). Bob Rae really hit the nail on the head in that this new plan “missed the boat completely…[that this is simply the] Baird Minimum” on Environmental Policy.

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/ottawa/story/2007/01/21/conservatives-energy.html

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Update - New Poll!

Harper at 54%, the Cabinet is far lower. Bottoming out with Tony Clement's approval rating of 34%.

http://www.angus-reid.com/polls/index.cfm?fuseaction=viewItem&itemID=14457

A Modest Start

Well after a great deal of thought, I have finally decided to begin this process of sharing my lowly thoughts with those who seek it. Alas, I am in my infancy in terms of my blogging career. But hopefully with time, this blog (along with myself) will be able to spark a sense of understanding on the various topics of discussion; and perhaps we can all find a bit of growth through discourse with one another.


So Welcome!
Liberal Semantics