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.