Busy political week in a busy work week
This has been a busy week in Toronto for me as I start a new job and still have more work involved in moving in. At the same time it has been a busy political week, which unfortunately due to time constraints I have been unable to blog much on. So here is my take on a number of major issues of the day.
Norman Spector's Comments on Belinda - I find them absolutely disgusting and vile and if I happen to be one of only 10% of men who don't think she is a bitch, then I am proud to be part of that 10%, although I suspect the number is much higher than that. Although Norman Spector has the right to say whatever he wants, if he has any decency he would apologize, but if he wishes to look like a complete jerk, he can choose not to, but he shouldn't expect much respect from others.
Brison's Baring - Although generally liberal on this issue, I don't think it is the most appropriate move for a politician. For an athlete, musician, or actor/actress fine, but I certainly would never advocate a politician doing this, but really, I honestly don't care. However, I certainly won't by buying the calendar.
Canadian Wheat Board Report - I think the Conservatives should have been more open and consulted with a wider range of groups, but I do agree with the idea of a dual marketing system. Compared to most Liberals, I am very pro free enterprise, partly because I believe the market in most, but not all cases, works, but also I am person who has a strong drive to succeed without government help and believe governments should not stand in the way of those who wish to succeed on their own. I am all for maintaining the Wheat Board, but one should be able to opt out. Finally as someone now living in Ontario, but with family in Alberta, I don't think it is right I can sell wheat on the free market, but my family in Alberta cannot without facing fines or prison time. I also don't buy the argument the CWB would collapse since the Australian Wheat Board, Ontario Wheat Board, and Manitoba Pork have all survived under a dual marketing system so why can't the CWB. The arguments sound too eerily similiar to the fears presented in 1988 during the free trade debate, which all never materialized. However, even if support the Tories here, I find their views in other areas too regressive to consider voting for them under their current leadership.
Jack Layton's Environmental Initiative - Kudos to Layton for doing something constructive. While I feel this was motivated more by politics since the NDP needs to at least get something done if they want progressive voters to stay with them, otherwise they become useless and progressive voters will likely return to the Liberals. Likewise Harper needs a strong NDP to stay in power since his ceiling in support is likely in the high 30s. That being said, the clean air act absolutely stunk so anything to improve it is a good step. I just hope the opposition on committee can radically alter the bill.
Income Trust Taxes - This caught me by surprise and although I do have my concerns, it was regretably inevitable. Since too many corporations were trying to use this to avoid paying taxes, it was going to happen eventually no matter who was in power. Off course as someone who is in the financial sector I never like to see major drops in the TSX, but the losses in stocks is likely smaller than the loss in government revenue if this loophole wasn't closed. Even as someone in the financial sector, I do believe corporations should pay their fair share of taxes. Rather than letting some off tax free, I think across the board corporate tax cut and income splitting for pensioners is the way to go, although I think the corporate tax cuts should have been larger. If some corporations are exploting tax loopholes, it is only a matter of time, before others do.
Quebec Nation - Seeing how divisive this issue has been, I believe the best solution would be to defer the motion to a later session once the Liberals have a majority government. This will hurt the party no matter what position they take so lets put it off until we have a majority and do it well in advance of any election. In addition it will allow for more reflection and discussion so we can have a resolution that is acceptable to both Quebecers and English Canadians alike.
Norman Spector's Comments on Belinda - I find them absolutely disgusting and vile and if I happen to be one of only 10% of men who don't think she is a bitch, then I am proud to be part of that 10%, although I suspect the number is much higher than that. Although Norman Spector has the right to say whatever he wants, if he has any decency he would apologize, but if he wishes to look like a complete jerk, he can choose not to, but he shouldn't expect much respect from others.
Brison's Baring - Although generally liberal on this issue, I don't think it is the most appropriate move for a politician. For an athlete, musician, or actor/actress fine, but I certainly would never advocate a politician doing this, but really, I honestly don't care. However, I certainly won't by buying the calendar.
Canadian Wheat Board Report - I think the Conservatives should have been more open and consulted with a wider range of groups, but I do agree with the idea of a dual marketing system. Compared to most Liberals, I am very pro free enterprise, partly because I believe the market in most, but not all cases, works, but also I am person who has a strong drive to succeed without government help and believe governments should not stand in the way of those who wish to succeed on their own. I am all for maintaining the Wheat Board, but one should be able to opt out. Finally as someone now living in Ontario, but with family in Alberta, I don't think it is right I can sell wheat on the free market, but my family in Alberta cannot without facing fines or prison time. I also don't buy the argument the CWB would collapse since the Australian Wheat Board, Ontario Wheat Board, and Manitoba Pork have all survived under a dual marketing system so why can't the CWB. The arguments sound too eerily similiar to the fears presented in 1988 during the free trade debate, which all never materialized. However, even if support the Tories here, I find their views in other areas too regressive to consider voting for them under their current leadership.
Jack Layton's Environmental Initiative - Kudos to Layton for doing something constructive. While I feel this was motivated more by politics since the NDP needs to at least get something done if they want progressive voters to stay with them, otherwise they become useless and progressive voters will likely return to the Liberals. Likewise Harper needs a strong NDP to stay in power since his ceiling in support is likely in the high 30s. That being said, the clean air act absolutely stunk so anything to improve it is a good step. I just hope the opposition on committee can radically alter the bill.
Income Trust Taxes - This caught me by surprise and although I do have my concerns, it was regretably inevitable. Since too many corporations were trying to use this to avoid paying taxes, it was going to happen eventually no matter who was in power. Off course as someone who is in the financial sector I never like to see major drops in the TSX, but the losses in stocks is likely smaller than the loss in government revenue if this loophole wasn't closed. Even as someone in the financial sector, I do believe corporations should pay their fair share of taxes. Rather than letting some off tax free, I think across the board corporate tax cut and income splitting for pensioners is the way to go, although I think the corporate tax cuts should have been larger. If some corporations are exploting tax loopholes, it is only a matter of time, before others do.
Quebec Nation - Seeing how divisive this issue has been, I believe the best solution would be to defer the motion to a later session once the Liberals have a majority government. This will hurt the party no matter what position they take so lets put it off until we have a majority and do it well in advance of any election. In addition it will allow for more reflection and discussion so we can have a resolution that is acceptable to both Quebecers and English Canadians alike.
posted by Monkey Loves to Fight at 3:33 PM
13 Comments:
Hey Miles, just ran into your blog. Great page. So you're in the big TO now, banking?! Good for you. Switched federally too. Interesting. Hope all is well. Cheers Leah Muirhead
Leah - Good to hear from you. I just moved to Toronto a week ago. I switched federally about a year ago, but I still remain a BC Liberal supporter and plan to vote PC in the next provincial elextion.
Still in Kelowna. Hope all is going well. What field are you in.
As for your comments on what Spector said...
You've never been dumped by a girl?? I can tell you that it's not fun experience to go through.
I am not necessary saying that what Spector said or what MacKay alledgely said were right. I am going to keep my opinion on this to myself other than to say that I thought what Spector said was interesting. (It doesn't necessary mean I agree with him or I don't agree with him.)
Having said that, forget about all the political ideology or political parties. You can't say that you never felt sorry for Peter with the way he's been dumped.
If you are a guy and you didn't feel sorry for Peter when he got dumped, especially the way he's been dumped... you should be ashamed of yourself.
I don't know... I guess just something to think about.
So and hi Leah! How are you?
Woosang - I somewhat feel sorry for MacKay but not totally. He, not Belinda ended the relation since it wasn't possible being in different parties. I think he should have also joined the Liberals and I am sure the two would still be together.
Well, I don't know about you Miles but if my girlfriend joined my enemy like Belinda did, I think I will be quite mad. Also, we all know that Peter MacKay pretty much got dumped very publicly.
I also wonder what Mrs.Domi would say about Belinda and Tie Domi for breaking up her marriage.
Calling a woman a bitch is never appropriate no matter what you think of the person. Its no different than making a racial slur against someone who is a different race and does something you don't like.
On the issue of Belinda joining the enemy, what MacKay joining up with the Alliance who have less in common with the PCs than the Liberals. She like MacKay was a progressive conservative who had enough of Harper's social conservatism. She quit the party the same reason I did. If there is anyone to blame it is Harper for refusing to reach out to moderates.
Miles-
1) On Norman Spector: he is a private citizen, and he is therefore allowed to say what he very well wants to. Furthermore, I don't believe the Tories have any responsibility to apologize, as the Liberals say they should, for his actions, given that a) he is a private citizen, and does not speak for the government, and b) is not affiliated with any party, nor has he ever (he was a Mulroney staffer as a non-partisan).
2) Regarding the "bitch" comment itself, while you may be a proud member of the 10% of don't think she's a bitch, I'll stick with the majority on this one. Do not assume it is merely out of defection, as many Liberals share this sentiment (one need look no further than the blog comments of Cherniak's blog on this matter for evidence). Again, I wonder what Mrs. Domi would say about this matter.
Moreover, calling out MacKay for defecting to the Alliance is absolute BS and you know it. I would be more accepting of it had you voted against the PC-Alliance merger, as that is a standard argument of those people; however, you have made it vehemently clear you VOTED FOR THE MERGER; therefore, do not call MacKay a traitor on a matter whic you supported.
Furthermore, you had your reasons for leaving the Conservatives, but because you left for those reasons, do not assume Belinda had the same motives. She was someone who clearly expected to lead the party without experience and got a little grumpy with the fact she wasn't leader. And as for your argument about Harper not being able to keep moderates within the party- why don't you ask his right-hand man, Jim Prentice about that one? Or how about John Baird....or Lawrence Cannon....or Josee Verner...I could go on....point is, for every one Red Tory who jumps ship, theres several who stayed with the CPC. It just seems people pay attention to that ONE.
3) On the environment: just because you say the Clean Air Act is crap and the Liberals would be so much better, does not make it so. The Tory plan calls for 65% reduction in emissions from 2003 levels- at 1990 levels, in which the Liberals operate, that's about 52%, slightly less than what Dion or Rae would propose, and more than what Ignatieff would propose. Industry would be regulated by 2010....a little over THREE YEARS FROM NOW. Such regulation takes time, it isn't done in one day. There needs to be a feasible timetable in which industry can be regulated, it's just the truth. You don't think the CPC plan's good? Fine, it's your prerogative. But don't go praising the Liberal plans in the same breath, which don't appear to do any more than the Tories would.
BC Tory
1. I said Norman Spector, not the Tories should apologize. It is not the Tories fault and I was not suggesting they apologize. Norman Spector has every right to say what he did, but if he wants any respect and not to look like an ass, he should apologize.
2. I still believe the merger was the right thing, just as I support Belinda Stronach's defection. I was simply pointing out that it was hypocritical for Woosang to criticize Belinda Stronach for jumping to the Liberals who have more in common with the PCs than the Alliance but not MacKay. I am not criticizing either. I don't know for sure why Belinda Stronach switched, but I know she is not the only moderate to jump ship. Scott Brison and Keith Martin also did and others such as Joe Clark stated they preferred the Liberals over Conservatives, while Danny Williams criticized the federal Tories for being too right wing and distanced his party from them.
3. On the environment, I am not against not bringing in regulations until 2010, but the Tories aren't bringing in GHG emissions until 2025. The Clean Air Act puts everything so far off into the future that it is simply window dressing. In addition it uses intensity based targets rather than absolute targets, something the Bush administration has done. But don't just take it from me, read this: http://www.greenparty.ca/index.php?module=announce&ANN_id=191&ANN_user_op=view and pay attention to this line "Worryingly, these amendments actually weaken the regime to clean the air and address the climate crisis.” This is from the Green Party who are no fans of the Liberals. In fact Elizabeth May was a secretary to Brian Mulroney and supported giving him the award as greenest prime-minister, while she has said the thought of a Stephen Harper majority is terrifying. While read this from the Sierra Club on the past Liberal government http://www.sierraclub.ca/national/media/item.shtml?x=819. The facts are all neutral environmentalists agree the Tories have been a disaster, worse than the Liberals even though many are rightly critical of the Liberals. The Bloc Quebecois has called the Tories worse than the Liberals.
You got chuzpah, kid.
You have a picture of Paul Martin --while you solicit donations for your party. My donations already went to the Quebec Liberal Party, I am sad to report. Some of my money was in the brown paper bags circulating just next door to Paul Martin's riding.
But you already know that.
Hi Miles,
I could not agree more with your comments about the NDP lighting a fire under everyone's butts about the environment. What part of this picture do we not understand???
For your info and your readers' info, an interesting webcast on re-connecting environment, health, and health care can be found at the following website address (sorry this old person does not know how to do a url link yet - but I am trying to learn!):
Ted Schettler, M.D., M.P.H., Science Director, Science and Environmental Health Network. Toward an Ecological View of Health: An Imperative for the 21st Century (accessed Oct 3, 2006). Archived webcast record of paper presentation at Designing the 21st Century Hospital: Environmental Leadership for Healthier Patients and Facilities, September 28-29, 2006, in Hasbrouck Heights, N.J. Sponsored by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation; available at
http://www.rwjf.org/portfolios/pioneer/features/activity.jsp?id=10182&type=3&iaid=140
In either: Windows Media Player Version OR RealPlayer Version
back to Canada, you are dead on that anything that any politician does to give that "Un-Act" any teeth is right by me. However, I am now disillusioned with all mainstream parties, and have reached the light of day - or "cleared the air" to see - that I need to vote GREEN. Whether they get in or not ( a very unlikely thing in my Alberta neck of the woods), at least I will be voting with my conscience once and for all - trying other strategies has not paid off as far as I can see - including the LIberals. Although if I WAS going to vote for any Liberal, it would be Stephane Dion.
Sincerely,
A Fan
Civitanesis- Give it a rest. The next election will be about Harper's record and the record of his Liberal opponent.
The Fan - I share your sentiment on the environment, although since I believe you live in Edmonton Centre, if I am correct, this is one of the few Alberta ridings the Liberals could win. Off course in most parts of the province you might as well just vote whatever you want since the Tories are going to win anyways.
From what you posted on my blog Miles:
"As for the Hot Air Plan, every single environmental group has condemned it as have most European countries."
I don't care about SIGs or European countries, I care about what's good for Canada.
Mack - the plan is not even good for Canada either. It is a smokescreen to cover for the Tories incompetence here. As for the Europeans, I would much rather we follow them on the environment than the Bush administration. But if we wish to follow the Americans, we should follow states such as California not regressive administrations such as the current White House. And I should note Angela Merkel in Germany and Arnold Schwartznegger in California are not lefties by any stretch of the imagination, they just aren't hard line right wingers like Harper.
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