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.