I just listened to a very infomative interview with Jim Flaherty on Mike Duffy Live.  While the opposition accuses the Conservatives of doing nothing, the Finance Minister outlined what is taking place in the run-up to the planned Budget of January 27th.  He talked about the fact that they have met with the G20 leaders (a couple weeks ago), and there is an upcoming first ministers’ meeting.  There are also pre-budget consultations taking place across the country, along with long-term plans expected from the auto industry by Friday.  I wish Flaherty had addressed the nation tonight.  The Conservatives are doing their homework in putting together an informed budget, rather than rushing to produce a hastily-prepared stimulus.

Stephen Harper alluded to many of these things in his speech tonight.  There are many who say his speech lacked substance – and they would be right – there were no specifics.  He did little to reduce the tone of the rhetoric in parliament.  He was careful to note that they have backed down from the toxic proposals in the economic statement and also noted that his is listening to the opposition parties.  In my opinion, though, he could’ve done more to reach out to them.

Stephane Dion would lead you to believe that the Coalition has a plan in place, but didn’t provide much substance in his speech either.  He actually stated many of the same things the Conservatives are already doing.  He is talking about consultation with industry and the provinces.  He says that they will deliver quickly, but the reality is they need to get their government set up, there will be a Christmas break, and they plan on consultation.  There was nothing said to distinguish his plan from the Conservatives!  Further, if they are ready to govern, why were they so late with the speech?  They were given a window to deliver the tape to the networks, and missed that window.  The tape that aired was late, out-of-focus and amatuer.  Stephane Dion’s speech was nothing more than the title of the book behind him - Hot Air.

Jack Layton gave a wonderful speech – easily the best of the night.  It’s telling that CTV is airing Layton’s clip ahead of Dion’s in their new segments.  His speech was moving, had substance and informed us of a personal meeting between he and Stephen Harper.  He stated that he informed Harper of what he had to do to stimulate the economy on November 12th.  Unfortunately, he isn’t giving the Conservatives the chance to even show if they’ve listened.  He isn’t even waiting for the budget to see whether any of his proposals will be there.  The reality is that he won’t be happy unless a significant chunk of his ideas are implemented.

What the Harper will likely do is request prorogation.  Some may see this as avoidance, and many say that they will be taking the time off.  This is not true.  While, yes they will be avoiding a confidence vote right now, the Conservatives will present a budget right away when they return.  Also, the consultations and meetings should be allowed to carry on throughout the county.  If, when the budget is presented, the Conservatives lose, the GG has her options.

What if the GG tells Stephen Harper to face the vote?  I don’t think the coalition is as iron-clad as they present themselves to be.  The Liberal party has only 77 seats – what if several Liberals realize that many of their constituents do not want this?  Could they abstain or vote against the non-confidence motion?  Would Stephane Dion, with his recently discovered spine, kick them out and risk further damage to him and his party?  What happens to the Liberals if they actually LOSE the vote?  I thnk it’s a distinct possibility, especially after Dion’s video tonight.

What we are really facing now is an informed budget vs. Hot Air

The Liberals, NDP and Bloc have all stated that the Conservatives should not be upset at this coalition, as they tried the same thing with Paul Martin’s goverment.  Here is some of the content of that letter, containing the supposed coalition, signed by Stephen Harper, Gilles Duceppe and Jack Layton:

“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…”

This was not a coalition being formed to take power, it was a request that the Governor General consult with them before calling an election.  They may have then looked at possibilities to work together for a period of time, although there were no guarantees.  This also would’ve been as a result of a request for dissolution, rather than a power grab.  Yes, they talked with the Bloc, but they did not set up a coalition, depending on their support to pass legislation and to stay in power.

This was not the same thing as the Marriage of Convenience that we saw consumated on December 1st, which was an unabashed power grab.  After Paul Martin’s government fell on the first ever non-confidence vote (Prior governments fell their own legislation), there was an election.  In this circumstance, should the government fall, there should be now, too.

The Liberal and NDP allegations that Conservatives “did the same thing in 2004″ as they are now is revisionism at it’s finest.  There was never a coalition between the Bloc and the Conservatives.

On the other hand, every time the Conservatives and Bloc voted together in prior parliaments, the Liberals and NDP accused them of being a Conservative-Bloc alliance, calling it a terrible thing, bringing up the fact that the Conservatives were dealing with the separitists.  Talk about hypocritical!

It’s time that all the MPs come to their senses and actually govern.  They need to stop the rhetoric and get back to their jobs, bringing forward legislation to help Canadians.

Yesterday, we watched the signing of the register for the Marriage of Convenience between the Liberals, the NDP and the Bloc.  I was appalled as I saw them sit together to propose that they form a coalition government (technically a Liberal-NDP government, propped up by the Bloc).  Personally, this made me angry – at each one of the leaders, including Steven Harper.  It seems I’m not alone as the outcry can be heard from coast to coast to coast.

First, my anger is directed towards Steven Harper and Jim Flaherty.  Their proposal last week that funding be cut to the political parties was asinine.  If they really felt that this would help the economy, the Conservatives should have volutarily given up their $10 Million and then recommended that the other parties do the same with their $1.95 per vote.  That way it would not have the effect of mugging the opposition and putting a choke-hold on them.  With the limits placed on donations as a result of the scandals of the past, this is a life-line to all the political parties and they were about to remove this.  How did they think the opposition parties would react?  As Rex Murphy put it last night, Harper is either stupid or arrogant.  Combine this proposal with attempting to restrict the public service’s right to strike for three years and the removal of some of the pay-equity legislation, and it’s little wonder there was a firestorm.  As soon as I heard the news, as a Conservative, I had to shake my head in disgust.

To their credit, the Conservatives backed down on these proposals.  They had been accustomed to a spineless opposition in the Liberals and a helpless opposition in the Bloc and the NDP.  Suddenly, when Stephane Dion finally discovered and inserted his spine (six months before departure), they did the right thing and backed off.

That brings me to Dion and his new partners, Layton and Duceppe.  All three of them were perfectly justified in their anger towards Harper and the government for their approach and arrogance.  But considering the Conservatives backed down when challenged, they should have done the same.  Instead, they plowed ahead with their Marriage – all selling out their principles in some way.

For starters, Jack Layton campaigned continually on reversing the “$50 Billion corporate tax cut.”  This was one of his main campaign sound bites.  Day after day, he focused on the “kitchen table, rather than the boardroom table.”  He wanted to help “ordinary Canadians.”  Suddenly, now that he has the opportunity to sit in government, and in cabinet with 5 other NDP MPs, he decides that he will back down on that.  NDP supporters have said if they’d known he’d do this, they wouldn’t have voted NDP.

Stephane Dion said during the election that he couldn’t form a coalition with the NDP, because their economic policies wouldn’t work.  Six weeks later, a formal coalition is signed.  Stephane Dion also wrote the Clarity Act and has been a staunch federalist.  Yet, he has made a deal with a party whose stated aim is Quebec sovereignty.  Tomorrow, it’s rumoured that Jacques Parizeau will come out supporting the coalition.  Pierre Trudeau is likely rolling over in his grave right now!  Further, he is stepping down as a failed leader, with his dismal election perfomance, and yet he says he has the confidence of the house.  The question really should be, “Does he have the confidence of Canadians?”  How can he possibly become Prime Minister?  We don’t even know who the next leader will be.  Who decides to step up now that they have the opportunity to become Prime Minister?  Do the Liberals continue with their leadership process?

Gilles Duceppe still claims to be a sovereignist and yet has agreed not to bring up the Quebec issue for the 18 months of this agreement.  This is his party’s core value, and yet, he’s abandoned it to support the coalition.  While this one is more understandable, as sovereignty is not on the front-burner, it is still drawing the ire of Bloc supporters, hence the reason for Parizeau’s aforementioned support tomorrow.

What started as a bone-headed move by the Conservatives has turned into an unprecidented fiasco.  Considering the Conservatives pulled their finger away from the trigger, it should’ve all been over.  The three fairweather friends would argue that the Conservatives have presented nothing of substance, but the reality is that should they succeed, the Conservative budget would’ve been introduced before they will be able to bring anything forward.  It’s going to take some time to transition, then there’s the Christmas break, and then they will have to come up with the legislation for their stimulous package.  The fact is, they didn’t even give the Conservatives a chance to present a budget.

Honestly, I hope Harper asks for a prorogue of Parliament, that the Governor General allows it, even as early as it is, and that MPs have the chance to listen to the anger of their constituents.  When they come back in January, the Conservatives should be allowed to at least present a budget, then if they get voted down, the Governor General has her options.

Unfortunately, the Liberal, NDP and Bloc MPs, as elected representatives are within their right to do this, although I believe in the process, they are damaging themselves and the country.  I would hope that should the Governor General grant a prorogation, that MPs do listen to the anger of their constituents.  I also believe that the majority are actually against this coalition, for different reasons.  Obviously, Conservative supporters are, but I believe many Liberals and NDP are too.  By the sounds of things, so are the Bloc.  Hopefully, “cooler heads will prevail” and a tamer, more conciliatory government will move forward with what is best for Canada.

For a minority government to work, concessions do have to be made, but the way that the three party leaders have capitulated on major issues in the name of power is astounding.  Their supporters should be and are outraged.  As noted above, I am a Conservative and I am extremely disappointed in the approach my party has taken.  I was a former PC member, who has stood by, supporting the Conservatives fairly quietly.  I have purchased my membership again, because I support a lot of their policy.  I also purchased my membership to demand better of our politicians, specifically the Conservatives.  As I noted in a previous blog entry, we need to take an active role in holding our politicians accountable.  It’s time that we called on our politicians to stop behaving like they are on the playground and start governing.  For me, this starts by becoming active again at the grassroots level.  It’s the only way we will see change take place.  Whatever party you support, pick up a membership or become active in some other way.  This is the only way we will see change – there is no reason to expect that it can’t happen.  Apathy is not an option.  Let’s take this anger and use it to request better government and more respect.

This marriage of convenience can’t last – hopefully it gets anulled before anyone gets hurt.

Tonight my two favourite hockey teams honoured two of my favourite players growing up.

Patrick Roy is the reason I’m a Habs fan for life.  When I was younger, I seemed to cheer for goalies and in the ‘85 playoffs, Montreal had Steve Penney in net.  I started cheering for them at that time.  The next year, a young goalie named Patrick Roy took over as the number one goalie – and they won the cup.  I became a fan right away.  I enjoyed watching his game and his style.  He helped bring the Habs two cups, winning two Conn Smythe trophies in the process.  Unfortunately, he left under difficult circumstances, but no one can deny what he did for the team.

I enjoyed him when he was in Colorado, too.  One of my favourite lines from him was when he and Jeremy Roenick were trading jabs and he said, “I couldn’t hear him, I had my two Stanley Cup rings in my ears.”  That was awesome!  Sometimes his mouth got him into trouble, but he backed up his comments on the ice and could afford to be cocky as a result.

He pioneered a goaltending style that is prominent in today’s NHL.  I really liked the way the Canadiens honoured that tonight, as they had several children come out wearing the uniforms of so many French-Canadian goaltenders that have followed in his footsteps.  They always do these things well.

Tonight, Patrick Roy alluded to his departure, telling the fans, “I left too early, without saying good-bye.”  Well he had that chance tonight and did it with class.  I don’t think the fans blamed him anyway – I know I didn’t.  Au revoir, Patrick, and merci beaucoup!

Wendel Clark started when the Leafs were terrible.  He played on the “Hound Line” with Gary Leeman and Russ Courtnall.  They made it entertaining for fans that deserved a better product.  He also helped to lead the team back to respectability.  He was hard-nosed, to say the least.  He led by example.  He captured the hearts of Leaf fans and still does today.  That was clear tonight.  Fans were devastated when he was traded away and it took Mats Sundin a long time to come out from under his shadow (and Doug Gilmour’s, too).

Tonight was a great trip down memory lane, as they showed highlights of the 1993 playoffs, when Clark was back with the team.  I wish Toronto had been able to beat LA in their series – they deserved it – and I would’ve loved to see that final!  (Maybe I could’ve worked up a hate for the Leafs that isn’t there – as a Habs fan, I’m not supposed to like them, too – especially living in Ottawa).

Toronto and Montreal both did a tremendous job honouring players that defined their franchises for my generation of fans.  They were very different ceremonies, but both were well-done and fostered great memories.

Congratulations, Patrick and Wendel.  You are both very deserving of the tributes you received tonight.

GO HABS GO!!!

War is sometimes necessary, often needless and always painful.  Today we remember the sacrifice of those who fought, so that we could have freedom.

We remember those who died – who paid the ultimate sacrifice.  We remember their families and their pain.  They have sacrificed, too, and suffered great loss.

We remember those who came back, too.  Many with injuries – whether physical, mental or emotional.  The scars do not heal overnight and, in many cases, not at all.

We remember those who are out there now, fighting, doing their duty – for country, for family, for freedom.

Men and women who go to war or serve as peacekeepers deserve our honour, our respect and our thanks.  They put themselves at risk, so that we can be protected.  Their families deserve our support, our compassion and our generosity.

So, for myself and many in my generation, the fortunate ones, who have not had to go to war,  THANK YOU.  We are truly grateful.  Words cannot express how much we appreciate what you have done and continue to do.  WE WILL NEVER FORGET.  You are in our thoughts and prayers every day.

It was a year ago yesterday when I was forced to make a choice.  I had to make the choice to live a healthier lifestyle and change my habits.

Last summer, I started having some heart palpitations.  This caused some concern and I saw a doctor about it.   There was really nothing too major.  My heart is likely easily over-stimulated and I was consuming copious amounts of coffee, along with dealing with a little more stress than normal.

The battery of tests they ran revealed another problem, though, and I was sent to an internal medicine specialist, whom I saw on October 29, 2007.  He informed me that my LDLs (BAD Cholesterol) were way too high in relation to my HDLs (GOOD Cholesterol).  He told me that if things didn’t change I would need to start taking medication to regulate these levels in the near future.  He told me that I needed to change my diet and increase my exercise level significantly.  At the time, I was pushing 200 Lbs.

I got started right away, literally running on a treadmill (not lasting very long) that night, and continuing daily for a while.  I also changed my diet immediately.  He recommended the G.I. Diet (which I also recommend).  With the help of my wife, I totally change my eating habits overnight.  For the next six months, I followed the diet rigorously.  My weight dropped to 175 Lbs, which for my height, is a little more healthy.

In recent days, I haven’t followed either of these as closely.  Yesterday was a good reminder of the urgent tone that the doctor used when he spoke to me.  I remain about 175 Lbs right, but it’s so easy to over-indulge and to become lazy without thinking twice.  I need to get some blood tests again and hopefully things are moving in the right direction, but I need to re-commit to the diet and exercise as rigorously as I had been.  This is for my own good, for my future, for my family.

I got a wake-up call last October and had a pretty good reminder yesterday.  This was a major one for me, as I know my family has a tendency toward high Cholesterol and blocked arteries.  My mom actually had an angiogram yesterday – thankfully she received good news in that regard.  For me, dealing with this problem now is a key to prevention later on in life.

I think its easy to get careless in life, forgetting to take care of our bodies, our relationships and our spiritual well-being.  Sometimes we need a wake-up call, like I received.  I’m thankful for the heart palpitations I had last summer, because they led me to the change I needed.  Is there a wake-up call needed in your life?  Is there something you need to change?  Choose to do it now, before it becomes a much bigger problem.

That’s all for now… gotta run (not tonight – far too late)

Well, I just finished watching the Barack Obama Infomercial…

This was a fantastic idea for his campaign and money very well spent.  This was not a cheezy infomercial or an opportunity to pile-on his opponent.  He took the opportunity to present his case to become president.  Whether you agree with him or disagree with him, this was done extraordinarily well, touching on the many issues facing the American public today.  He covered the economy, health care, the war, job security, retirement and education with conviction and clarity.

By speaking with ordinary Americans on each topic and allowing them to share their story, he was able to touch the heart of the average viewer.  He then discussed what he would do that would deal with their issue.  His ideas seem like sensible solutions to significant problems and not left-wing idealism.  His plan includes tax cuts and tax credits, along with specific, targeted cost-cutting and waste-reduction measures.  These actually sound relatively fiscally conservative.  His most significant cost-cutting measure would be, quite obviously, to pull the military out of Iraq – he was pretty clear about that.

The tone of this commercial was the most impressive to me.  There was virtually no negativity (other than one reference to “eight years of failed policies,” alluding to the economy).  It was a positive message, allowing the American public to hear what he would do, rather than talking about what his opponent would do wrong, or comparing his opponent to the current regime.

I would like to see the networks PROVIDE a half-hour time slot to each candidate to do exactly this in the future.  There is no clearer indication of the fundraising gap in this campaign than Obama’s ability to purchase this time slot.  Both parties have been on both sides of the fundraising gap, so this is not an argument that this was unfair.  I believe that the American public would be better served by having the opportunity to watch both candidates share their ideas on the issues, rather than 30-second ads denigrating their opponent and their policies.

For the record, even if it was provided by the networks, I believe that this would still play into Obama’s hands, as he is the far more charismatic, effective and convincing speaker.

That’s all for now… watching as an interested observer in six days!

Well, on my Facebook page, it has become apparent that I voted Green.  There is a long story behind it that will come out gradually in the not-too-distant future.  Politically for me, this was quite like the song, “I kissed a girl…and I liked it.”  If you know the song, it’s now stuck in your head and you will get no apology from me!  This went against my regular pattern of behaviour.  Like the girl in the song, I did enjoy it, but I’m not planning on staying there.  It also felt strangely exhilarating and kinda dirty.  It was as if I’d experienced some guilty pleasure that was wrong and taboo.  OK, maybe your voting experience is not quite like mine, and just maybe, I need to enter some kind of rehab facility.  I seem to certainly get far too much excitement from marking my ballot.

In all honesty, though, today, I wrote an article about demanding more respectful behaviour from our politicians.  (It was going to be my blog entry, but it was far too long for one sitting).  I felt like the Greens demonstrated that respect throughout the campaign.  I have heard that one of their campaign edicts was that if some of their volunteers were putting up or fixing a sign and they saw another party’s sign damaged or down, they were to put that up as well.  That’s respect and that’s class.

Policy-wise I disagree with a Carbon Tax, although I believe there need to be discussions on putting a price on carbon and how that gets implemented.  The Green Party also presented some interesting discussion on cutting payroll taxes (certainly not a left-wing policy there!!!).  I would’ve certainly had no problem with a few of them in parliament, adding to a constructive debate.

I asked a question at our local debate about respect and our incumbent (who was re-elected in a landslide) only made excuses for why our representatives act the way they do.  To be honest, I still almost voted for him, but I just couldn’t bring myself to do it.  I am a Conservative, though, through and through.  I still like to research the issues and see where the parties stand, and normally vote on that.  This time, I was absolutely sure that our incumbent Conservative would win.  I was hoping to send a message with my vote and that the result would be closer.  Unfortunately, the message was a whisper.  I’m working on ways to make it louder.  This blog entry is a start.  The article I’ve written will follow up on that.  I believe there are many like me, who feel that we need to demand better of our politicians.

Just some food for thought…mmm…food!

 

Well, as a political junkie, I feel compelled to break my self-imposed silence on this election.  Last night the debates were interesting, well-moderated and everyone had a chance to get their point across.  Here are my thoughts on each leader, in order of current poll standings (Green before Bloc because they’re national). 

Stephen Harper

He did a great job last night defending the Conservative record.  The other candidates gave him the most face-time, because they were all on the offensive against him.  The result was that I think he came off as calm, cool, collected and composed.  Other than the shot he took at Layton for use “private” health care and his ambiguity on whether we would be in Iraq if he were Prime Minister at the time of the decision, he did exceptionally well.  He looked the part of a confident Prime Minister who is ready to be a steady hand in uncertain times.  I think it’s what Canadians were looking for and what will ultimately put them over the top.  I really believe this is the true Stephen Harper.  Those that know him portray him and talk about him in this way.  For too long, he’s been stiff and made up, but as he’s grown more comfortable with himself being in the public spotlight, the more relaxed he’s become.  As far as policy goes, he would do well to introduce the party platform, or a policy statement.  His record is good, and even if the platform is to stick to the same things they’ve been doing (which they will), it needs to be formalized.

 

Stephane Dion

He is in stark contrast to Harper.  I didn’t get to watch the French debate (my lack of comprehension of the French language played a major factor), but I heard he did really well.  Good for him – he needed that in Quebec to have any hope.  As for last night, is it just me, or are Liberals the only people who thought he did well?  While he accuses Harper of being out of touch with Canadians on the issues, I believe he is out of touch when it comes to how to deal with the issues.  For example, on the environment, his current “Green Shift” plan is the right idea for the wrong time.  It has potential merit, but in this uncertain time, the last thing we need is a carbon tax the way he is proposing it.  While there may be “tax” breaks for Canadians, the cost of goods will increase beyond what they expect.  This needs to be phased in somehow if we are to go in that direction.

 

Jack Layton

The media thought he was working too hard to try for the one-liner.  Personally, I don’t think he was.  While I think the lines he gave were prepared in advance, I think he’s the one who created with them and decided to use them at an opportune time.  They fit his personality and wit and came off naturally.  He had the best lines of the night and, I personally believe, won the debate.  I do think this potentially positions him to be leader of the opposition.  On policy, I think they are closer on the environment.  The provinces tend to favour his proposal of a cap-and-trade system.

 

Elizabeth May

Its funny because, while they differ on policy, there are a lot of similarities between Sarah Palin and Elizabeth May.  I saw a reference to Palin today, that she is a little “folksy,” and that suits her.  It’s also applicable to May.  She did well.  She’s not the refined politician that the others are – and that’s a good thing.  That is where the similarities end.  She seems to be pretty well-versed on various policies and was able to portray that last night.  She shows she has more to offer than just environmental policy.  She is on the right track when she says that it is not economy vs. environment.  Focusing on the environment will undergird, rather than undermine the economy.  The “main” political parties will do well to listen to her.

 

Gilles Duceppe

I think I’d like to get to know this man.  He seems like he would be quite the entertainer.  He provided some good laughs last night and did well to pin Harper regarding the war in Iraq – a bigger issue in Quebec than anywhere else in the country.  This may serve him well when it comes to ballot time, but sovereignty is not really on the map right now, so other than being entertaining and having a couple good points, he was really a non-factor.

 

On Sunday, the parties, then, early next week, candidates in districts I have a personal interest in (Either I live in them, or my immediate family does).  I have a bit of research to do, but it will be fun.  Here are the first three:

 

Newmarket-Aurora

St. Catharines

Nepean-Carleton

 

Monday was my dad’s birthday.  There is so much to say about him and far too much for one blog entry.  My Dad is the one who instilled in us the importance of family.  He’s worked at maintaining strong bonds with his brothers, no matter how much time passes.  Is my dad always right? no.  Is he perfect? no.  He is a man of integrity and character, though and that’s what’s important.  After our family left on Monday night, I got thinking about the fact that it was his birthday and what I could do to honour him.  I thought one way would be to list a few things I’ve learned from him.  Here are five:

• Loyalty - Dad is loyal to those around him, especially family.  Thanks for your example, Dad.
• Peace – For the most part, he’s been a man of peace and doesn’t get worried over little things.  He rarely gets rattled, but rationally thinks through solutions to major problems.  I’ve learned this and tried to apply it to my life.  Once again, thank you, Dad.
• Inclusiveness – This has been a family trait for a long time.  He got this from our grandparents.  There are many people in his circle of friends who would be shunned from various social groups.  Each one of them is important to him.  Again, something I strive to attain.
• Compassion – Dad genuinely cares for people in general.  There are far too many examples to think of, but he is a man of compassion.  He cares for those who are hurting and struggling and does what he can to encourage and help them.  I can only hope that I’m half the man he is in this area.
• Unshakeable Faith – Most of all, Dad is a man of faith.  He tells numerous stories and we’ve seen first hand examples of God’s provision, protection and providence.  He is very quick to point out that it is God at work and not chance or coincidence.  Dad, I appreciate your commitment to God and the example of faith you set for us.

I pray that I am able to pass these traits on to my children, when they come along.