The cross-country train thing that Elizabeth May is doing is nice to see. I think it says some fundamental things about the origin of this country and what binds it together, and how things change. But it also has a good message about green transportation.
I wonder how much sway they have over the schedule of the Transcontinental - apparently it's a regularly scheduled one. My experiences on that beast have been that they are invariably delayed by many hours - sometimes tens of hours as they go across the country, but perhaps things have changed in the latter decade or so.
Meanwhile, elsewhere, I continue to hear reporters talk about the Liberal inability to fill the schedule with event, press or public. They seem to have some severe organization issues. I'd speculate that those who would normally organize such things are waiting to precipitate Dion's failure so they can bring their guy in (read: Ignatief or Rae)
I'm amazed at the things the Conservatives do and the inability of voters to see thru' the charade. I mean a minister joking and making light of one of the western world's worst bacteria contaminations of the food supply, and I see little sign of it impacting their support.
Frighteningly, I heard a reporter speculating that with stronger parties on the left, the threshold of popular vote required for a majority may be as low as 35%. That's pretty scary. The more I think about it, the more I think that our only hope is some coalition forming that can depose a Conservative minority. If a majority happens, we're all really, really screwed.
The same push towards deregulation (or at least hollowing out of food safety inspection infrastructure) that allows the Listeria epidemic also allows the sub-prime mortgage fiasco. If our conservatives start pushing that even further, who knows what sort of mess we'll find ourselves in.
Maybe I'll look into this vote-swapping thing. I don't think it's going to have much impact, but the tiniest oportunity to ensure that we aren't beholden to ideologs is attractive.
Monday
Governance by the Numbers?
Second week kicks off with out much really gripping the electorate. There was that whole country-wide uprising of voters of all stripes against the party leadership that would exclude a leader from the debate who has a sitting member, and candidates running coast-to-coast in all ridings. That is a real great thing for Canada, that we value our democracy to that extent and can be non-partisan in such movements.
But I fear I am hearing a real erosion of the Liberal party. My prediction seems to hold still that this election will help us in terms of clearing out some people that shouldn't be there. I think Dion will be gone after this. I just fear that the result will be a Conservative Majority. I am hearing some clearer positioning of the Green Shift concept lately, but still think it is a mistake for the election campaign. It would have been better as a policy to bring forward as a governing party.
My biggest hope is that new found strength in the NDP and Greens will result in enough seats to form a coalition of some kind. I mean, if the conservatives get a minority, but the NDP + Liberals represent more seats, it is conceivable that they immediately vote down the Conservatives and go to the GG to request that they form a coalition government. Of course the numbers will be a challenge, as the remaining parties Greens + Bloc perhaps could depose them with the conservatives. But some bedfellows are not probable. And after the animosity being displayed in Quebec between Bloc and CRAP, it could well be that they will not vote together in such a situation.
Still waiting for some substance to emerge, and still grumbling about the idea that some moron would place the Canadian leadership debate on at the same time as the US leaders debate. Duh.
But I fear I am hearing a real erosion of the Liberal party. My prediction seems to hold still that this election will help us in terms of clearing out some people that shouldn't be there. I think Dion will be gone after this. I just fear that the result will be a Conservative Majority. I am hearing some clearer positioning of the Green Shift concept lately, but still think it is a mistake for the election campaign. It would have been better as a policy to bring forward as a governing party.
My biggest hope is that new found strength in the NDP and Greens will result in enough seats to form a coalition of some kind. I mean, if the conservatives get a minority, but the NDP + Liberals represent more seats, it is conceivable that they immediately vote down the Conservatives and go to the GG to request that they form a coalition government. Of course the numbers will be a challenge, as the remaining parties Greens + Bloc perhaps could depose them with the conservatives. But some bedfellows are not probable. And after the animosity being displayed in Quebec between Bloc and CRAP, it could well be that they will not vote together in such a situation.
Still waiting for some substance to emerge, and still grumbling about the idea that some moron would place the Canadian leadership debate on at the same time as the US leaders debate. Duh.
Tuesday
Poor Respect for our Political System
There is some broad consensus that the exclusion of Greens, and their theologian leader, from the upcoming debate. I'm reminded of the CBC 'At Issue' panel - a set of political pundits, who were asked a week ago, as a wrap up question: "Should the Greens be part of the Debate." All three unequivocally said yes without hesitation.
Contrast that against the denigrating Prime Minister slagging the Greens with some inane argument that the greens as liberals anyway. This is some half-assed reference to a riding where they've coordinated to not split the vote, to ensure a conservative defeat. Of course, the conservatives are similarly not fielding a candidate in another riding where a conservative leaning independent is strong (with the hopes that he's shift to them, of course).
I am disappointed that our politicians don't fundamentally understand how important it is to preserve the fair and open principles of electoral debate.
I'm saddened by our current government and hope we can find some path to change. Crap, I'm too depressed to type anymore for now. I'm going to bed.
Contrast that against the denigrating Prime Minister slagging the Greens with some inane argument that the greens as liberals anyway. This is some half-assed reference to a riding where they've coordinated to not split the vote, to ensure a conservative defeat. Of course, the conservatives are similarly not fielding a candidate in another riding where a conservative leaning independent is strong (with the hopes that he's shift to them, of course).
I am disappointed that our politicians don't fundamentally understand how important it is to preserve the fair and open principles of electoral debate.
I'm saddened by our current government and hope we can find some path to change. Crap, I'm too depressed to type anymore for now. I'm going to bed.
Monday
Anti Democratic Principles
I heard that the Greens will be excluded from the debate because PM Harper has refused to take part if they participate. They are fielding candidates in all ridings across the country, are getting a non-trivial portion of the vote, and - unlike say the libertarians, or the communist party or the marijuana party - most people know someone who has voted Green, or perhaps will vote green themselves.
Given that threat, the other parties have said if Harper doesn't participate, they won't thus, the media is saying lets exclude the Greens.
Will this stick to the Conservatives? No, not likely. The media won't give it legs. Such fundamental rejection of free speech, and the importance of the debate process is so sad. But it's in line with a party who locks the media out of the workings of government, instructs the caucus to not talk to media, and is even coaching certain foot-in-mouth prone candidates to not talk to anyone.
Crazy process.
Given that threat, the other parties have said if Harper doesn't participate, they won't thus, the media is saying lets exclude the Greens.
Will this stick to the Conservatives? No, not likely. The media won't give it legs. Such fundamental rejection of free speech, and the importance of the debate process is so sad. But it's in line with a party who locks the media out of the workings of government, instructs the caucus to not talk to media, and is even coaching certain foot-in-mouth prone candidates to not talk to anyone.
Crazy process.
Sunday
Barack Layton?
My reading of the election timing is starting to show up in the media. I saw CTV commentary that mentioned (mostly jokingly) Obama and Layton comparisons. That was my prediction a week or two back. The thesis? A media feeding frenzy on the Obama/McLean project south of the border is bound to inspire Canadian voters - some of whom will say "I wish we had someone new talking about big questions, and inspiring us. A strong orator like Obama."
I don't think we have anyone like that in the slate - though some folks have told me that seeing Dion in person is much more inspiring and impressive that his on-TV persona.
When I spin through our existing leaders though (and this has been supported by a recent poll which came out after my comments earlier), I think Layton is the guy who would benefit most from those thoughts. On that poll, I heard surveys of opinions about leadership show people to rate Layton highly.
Smooth, though, Layton isn't. Noticing some media footage recently, he's got a strange posture that might turn some people off, looks like some combination of a guy in a girdle and a flamboyant thespian - too much arm swinging or something. Can't put my finger on it, but these things do a lot to influence people's opinions (unfortunately). Hmmm, I wonder if it's a good time for him to consider loosing the mustache? Nah, probably too much screwing with the brand at this point would hurt him.
Still watching...
I don't think we have anyone like that in the slate - though some folks have told me that seeing Dion in person is much more inspiring and impressive that his on-TV persona.
When I spin through our existing leaders though (and this has been supported by a recent poll which came out after my comments earlier), I think Layton is the guy who would benefit most from those thoughts. On that poll, I heard surveys of opinions about leadership show people to rate Layton highly.
Smooth, though, Layton isn't. Noticing some media footage recently, he's got a strange posture that might turn some people off, looks like some combination of a guy in a girdle and a flamboyant thespian - too much arm swinging or something. Can't put my finger on it, but these things do a lot to influence people's opinions (unfortunately). Hmmm, I wonder if it's a good time for him to consider loosing the mustache? Nah, probably too much screwing with the brand at this point would hurt him.
Still watching...
The Long Road Ends At Another Road
Well that took a while, but finally we're there. Writ dropped, election officially in place this morning, and driving around this afternoon I see men with poor motor-skills trying to tap stakes into the ground to support their election signs.
Tip: Obese senior citizen with a big sledge hammer - wielding that thing takes a bunch of arm strength you haven't been working on since your late 60's. Let the young guy do that part before you bust the guys arm.
Listening to a cross country call in show, I'm hearing positive things and scary things. Some pragmatic perspective from BC where an existing carbon tax gives them some perspective. Some blinders-wearing Albertans who are content living in a one-party system, at federal and provincial level staying on script.
I heard some brilliant comments from an immigrant man, and a middle aged lady. From the former, echoing my thoughts, the fear of a Harper majority, given a blatant disregard for democratic society (e.g. free media who are included in the workings of government) and the hidden ideologue's agenda.
The lady on the green shift idea made an excellent point that took me a bit of time to parse - but she said (to paraphrase) "being against the green shift isn't going to make gas and fuel costs come down, and if you think we need to make some changes because of the evolution in our fuel driven economy, perhaps this is the way to go."
I think the green shift plan, as it's proposed was a terribly poor strategic move going into an election, but is probably an astute direction. I think we'll hear many commentators quoting Kim Campbell in the coming weeks: "An election is no time to discuss important issues" (to again attempt a quote from memory).
So out on the trail go our politicians, and the outcome is uncertain. I must say though that I truly am worried about where we might end up. Particularly that an Environics poll suggesting a possible Conservative majority might be accurate and sustained. I think we'd see the loss of treasured Canadian institutions such as our healthcare system and the CBC, and quite possibly loss of identity pulling us closer to Americans through the scuttling of our currency, our resources and our independance in foriegn policy.
I remember waking up after a Mulroney victory and how dismal things looked - and much of that was well founded. This current Conservative group scares the crap out of me, and I can only hope that some other party - any party can keep them at least to a minority, or if not, someone else can get into a minority position through some dynamic changes during the course of the campaign.
Watch this space for more avg guy on the Capital streets perspective.
Tip: Obese senior citizen with a big sledge hammer - wielding that thing takes a bunch of arm strength you haven't been working on since your late 60's. Let the young guy do that part before you bust the guys arm.
Listening to a cross country call in show, I'm hearing positive things and scary things. Some pragmatic perspective from BC where an existing carbon tax gives them some perspective. Some blinders-wearing Albertans who are content living in a one-party system, at federal and provincial level staying on script.
I heard some brilliant comments from an immigrant man, and a middle aged lady. From the former, echoing my thoughts, the fear of a Harper majority, given a blatant disregard for democratic society (e.g. free media who are included in the workings of government) and the hidden ideologue's agenda.
The lady on the green shift idea made an excellent point that took me a bit of time to parse - but she said (to paraphrase) "being against the green shift isn't going to make gas and fuel costs come down, and if you think we need to make some changes because of the evolution in our fuel driven economy, perhaps this is the way to go."
I think the green shift plan, as it's proposed was a terribly poor strategic move going into an election, but is probably an astute direction. I think we'll hear many commentators quoting Kim Campbell in the coming weeks: "An election is no time to discuss important issues" (to again attempt a quote from memory).
So out on the trail go our politicians, and the outcome is uncertain. I must say though that I truly am worried about where we might end up. Particularly that an Environics poll suggesting a possible Conservative majority might be accurate and sustained. I think we'd see the loss of treasured Canadian institutions such as our healthcare system and the CBC, and quite possibly loss of identity pulling us closer to Americans through the scuttling of our currency, our resources and our independance in foriegn policy.
I remember waking up after a Mulroney victory and how dismal things looked - and much of that was well founded. This current Conservative group scares the crap out of me, and I can only hope that some other party - any party can keep them at least to a minority, or if not, someone else can get into a minority position through some dynamic changes during the course of the campaign.
Watch this space for more avg guy on the Capital streets perspective.
Thursday
Writ Pending?
It's oh so close... Or is it? The insiders say that the it's a certainty, but one never knows. I'll wait and see if there is any writ droppage today or tomorrow. But word on the street is it happens before the weekend.
On a call-in show yesterday I was surprised to see how many callers said they didn't want to see this election now, and then proceeded to talk about how crappy the current government is and how they aren't doing anything, and should do something first.
I can't help but see that as a contradiction - if they're so crappy and unable to do anything, then perhaps this is your chance to impose some change on them.
The show had a very astute guest though, well, I say that because he was echoing things I've been saying around the dinner table and coffee shops for a while, but had yet to hear in the media. Unfortunately I didn't get his name, and the CBC website for 'OntarioToday' has no history info.
One - on the concept of a fixed election date. First it's an indictable offense to have proclaimed that a fixed date was required because otherwise parties would select election days opportunistically, then to have done exactly that.
Two - the whole concept of a fixed election date makes little sense in a parliamentary system. (my theory is that it's more of their subconscious white-house wannabe syndrome)
Three - the deck-clearing effect of this election could be dramatic, with new leaders possible in many camps. This is a key value for me, and why I'm anxious to see this one happen.
Anyway, rather than 99% sure, as most media and pundits seem to be, I think I'm hovering around 65%. Just given the opportunism, Harper et al may well be pulling our chains with all the meeting shenanigans and hint mongering. I certainly hope not.
On a call-in show yesterday I was surprised to see how many callers said they didn't want to see this election now, and then proceeded to talk about how crappy the current government is and how they aren't doing anything, and should do something first.
I can't help but see that as a contradiction - if they're so crappy and unable to do anything, then perhaps this is your chance to impose some change on them.
The show had a very astute guest though, well, I say that because he was echoing things I've been saying around the dinner table and coffee shops for a while, but had yet to hear in the media. Unfortunately I didn't get his name, and the CBC website for 'OntarioToday' has no history info.
One - on the concept of a fixed election date. First it's an indictable offense to have proclaimed that a fixed date was required because otherwise parties would select election days opportunistically, then to have done exactly that.
Two - the whole concept of a fixed election date makes little sense in a parliamentary system. (my theory is that it's more of their subconscious white-house wannabe syndrome)
Three - the deck-clearing effect of this election could be dramatic, with new leaders possible in many camps. This is a key value for me, and why I'm anxious to see this one happen.
Anyway, rather than 99% sure, as most media and pundits seem to be, I think I'm hovering around 65%. Just given the opportunism, Harper et al may well be pulling our chains with all the meeting shenanigans and hint mongering. I certainly hope not.
Tuesday
Trailer Park Soaps versus Writ Droppage
The pending election is palpable, I suspect the dropping of the writ will occur today, unless our current GG is off traipsing around some distant country on our dime. Just in time, and I hear on morning radio the discussion of our election versus their election.
Of course the debate was prepared ahead of time, before all the trailer trash stories in the saga of veep candidate Palin started showing up, and there's almost another one every news cast. So the discussion is charisma versus no charisma.
I think the downside is that the charisma channel tends to bring with it a package of bad decisions and trashy stories. In comparison, I'm glad to say that our elections are a little tamer. Certainly less vetting of candidate family members, but also fewer knee jerk 'card' playing to counter the opposing party's positions.
The most we get (thankfully) is a carefully orchestrated shot of Liberal Dion arriving for a meeting in a Prius, and stories of his dog being named Kyoto. That's enough of that sort of stuff for me.... though as I said earlier, finding a leader with the ability to articulate a vision and address issues head-on would be nice.
Of course the debate was prepared ahead of time, before all the trailer trash stories in the saga of veep candidate Palin started showing up, and there's almost another one every news cast. So the discussion is charisma versus no charisma.
I think the downside is that the charisma channel tends to bring with it a package of bad decisions and trashy stories. In comparison, I'm glad to say that our elections are a little tamer. Certainly less vetting of candidate family members, but also fewer knee jerk 'card' playing to counter the opposing party's positions.
The most we get (thankfully) is a carefully orchestrated shot of Liberal Dion arriving for a meeting in a Prius, and stories of his dog being named Kyoto. That's enough of that sort of stuff for me.... though as I said earlier, finding a leader with the ability to articulate a vision and address issues head-on would be nice.
Monday
Meetings, Meetings
PM Harper schedules meetings with all the opposition leaders and speculation is reaching a peak that the call will happen imminently. Why the meetings - I assume it's so he can say 'I tried to work with them, but they just refuse to stop ruining parliament.'
Of course, voters won't soon forget the publishing of the conservative handbook on how to effectively disrupt meetings, committees and debate.
The Obama tidal wave on the American news channels is scaring the crap out of the charisma-vacuum that is the Conservative party. Don't get me wrong, I'm not a fan of charisma driven politics. However the I find their realization humourous that their combined lack of charisma and lack of ability to communicate a vision leaves them exposed during an American media juggernaut. They end up looking boring and directionless, which can only help their opponents.
This promises to change on an almost hourly basis at this point, as we finally get into an election campaign, albeit for manipulative reasons, based on pretense.
Of course, voters won't soon forget the publishing of the conservative handbook on how to effectively disrupt meetings, committees and debate.
The Obama tidal wave on the American news channels is scaring the crap out of the charisma-vacuum that is the Conservative party. Don't get me wrong, I'm not a fan of charisma driven politics. However the I find their realization humourous that their combined lack of charisma and lack of ability to communicate a vision leaves them exposed during an American media juggernaut. They end up looking boring and directionless, which can only help their opponents.
This promises to change on an almost hourly basis at this point, as we finally get into an election campaign, albeit for manipulative reasons, based on pretense.
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