Leader Circle

The Liberals have a surplus so they can buy votes. This next election they have screwed themselves in Quebec, so I assume they will buy votes somewhere else. Maybe head east? I like to know my tax dollars are going to buy votes from people that need the money & the east definitely needs the money! Don't forget to pay your taxes, so the Liberals can gain some seats back east! Do your part to re-elect a minority corrupt Liberal gov't so that the east can have a better Christmas! Don't forget to stuff some cash filled envelopes into the pockets of your faithful Liberal supporters. (for the good of the country!) LOL Welcome to a corrupt Liberal Canada, where the government does not have to be accountable to the people!

I guess spending $ 22 billion a 3 week period to impress a bunch of communists equals fiscally conservative? Where did you learn economics?

Or it could be because there's more people in the GTA than in Alberta and Saskatchewan combined? As for the "wine and cheese set" stereotype: please. It's boring. Give it a rest. Fair enough. They dissapprove of different behaviour (which alone torpedos the notion that of Albertans' robust individualism) to the point where they are willing to legislate against different behaviours (ie. SSM). That makes them restrictive. Of course, legislation aside, Albertans are also prone to other means of expressing their dislike of different opinions: just look at the number of times I've been challenged by fellow Albrtans to "walk into a bar and say that" or how about, not two posts above yours: "Plus voting the way he does, it's a wonder he doesn't get run over by one of my crew trucks!!" I expect they look a lot like Ralph Klein and his posse, albeit with nicer suits. Actually, most of Alberta's urban elite lives in Calgary, judging by the per capita income and number of corporate HQs down there. See, in my book, "elite" status depends more on real power (political and economic) than it does fancy book learnin'. I'll refrain from explaining the necessity of unemployment to the capitalist system and instead point out that you're just proving my points here. As was already pointed out, I was born and raised here. And I would also point out the irony in your accussing me of stereotyping Albertans, even as you trot out ever single tired cliche in the book. (By the way, why the constant threat of violence with you people? Are your opinions so weak that they can't withstand dissent? Or are you just trying to show what a big tough manly man you are?) You need to get off the farm, son. Stop perpetuating every sterotype about Albertans there are and open your eyes. Alberta, for all its faults, is a modern and diverse province. It's people like you, who cling to outdated stereotypes and wax nostalgic for the bygone days who are the are relics and dinosaurs that are holding us back. <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I am not stereotyping anything, I am saying that, as much as Quebec has a case for sovereignty, so does Alberta! I don't threaten any violence to scare you, I tell you what the average working man thinks of union-type people who care about nothing but themselves. It frustrates me for people to abuse a system just because they can and it seems like you promote unemployment! Bottom line: Alberta is a great place and needs more recognition from Ottawa.

Don't remember China spelled with underscores!! And China is stuck in the 50's, they buy our coal. Good ole non-polluting countries!!!

Yet, under the leadership of "Joe Who", they lost official party status. So how does he qualify as a good leader? A good leader if you're a Liberal! He now resorts to passing around his daughter as eye candy to win a couple votes. He is washed up and not even in contention for a new leader!

It doesn't matter who the Conservatives get, the Liberals will continue their smear campaign on whoever! I swear in Toronto, they must have subliminal messages in everything they watch on tv, that say: "Harper is the devil, he will rob your soul and corrupt your children!" Whatever it is, the nitwits will keep on voting for the LIbs, because they are scared on the next Conservative soul-taker! LOL I still think this "T-word" will fade away, but I'll respond to him anyway!

Amen! I knew there were a few good Conservatives left down there!!! Must be from the coast and not from Hali-AlexaMcDonough-fax! LOL

<{POST_SNAPBACK}> Yes lets tax the guys that keep our economy going, great idea! Why not just resurrect the NEP? These stupid lefties that have their judgement so clouded with "social programs", they can't see what drives our economy!! Who the hell are you to call anyone an ostrich? Better to have your head in the sand than so far up your ass, you can't see your welfare cheque!

I wanna be a left winger for a minute and this is how they sound. It's that damn preacher's kid pissing off a young Liberal. Those damn bible thumpers caused him to do it. If we took religion out of our schools and replaced it with some good old fashion man on man sodomy movies, this world would be a better place! They moved the kid to Ontario, supposedly to be near his mother, but in truth it was because he was a lefty and didn't want to work and those Albertan's would have whooped his ass everyday for being a lazy, good for nothing bum(aka:union worker) Sorry had to throw that in, because I find it relevant to what is going on in Canada today. Seriously, we are all victims of removing good morals from our kids! Instead of promoting religion and family values, we are creating kids that get what they want and have no discipline. You can't spank a kid anymore, because that's abuse. They do as they please and fear no authority, because that is what they learn in our schools. No longer are they being taught "do unto others as you'd have others do unto you", because that is a Bible quote and that is forbidden in our schools. The things they learn instead is politically correctness and don't offend others by steering them in the right direction, because you make hinder their human rights & freedoms. If kids were taught to respect authority figures and feared just a little bit, maybe they wouldn't be holy terrors. Part of the problem with all of this is our school system in general, our teachers are not good leaders and they hate their jobs, they just want to move up the pay scale!!! Teachers used to get into teaching, because they liked kids and wanted to help, now they become teachers, because the union keeps the pay good and you have your summers off!! Why should they give a shit how a kid turns out? It's not their kid! Teachers used to be smart when I grew up, now, some of the dumbest kids that I went to school with, became teachers. Scary! I know one in particular, she could barely get by in school, but got accepted into teacher's college and was able to squeak her way through. Now she is full time teaching at the my old high school. There is no standard anymore, because it would be offensive to turn someone down if their grades were too low!! It would be infringing on her human rights!! It is a scary sign of the times! Maybe homeschooling is the better option! Sorry to rant off topic, but I think it plays a factor in what this kid did!

Perhaps the debate doesn't interest me. And convincing you even less so. Speak for yourself. You are not privy to all of the posts on this board. Leader Circle has been quite profuse with insults regarding the above. And issue is taken with your pettiness. Very aware. And I find it odd to find such incivility at a Canadian forum. Whatever you say. I won't ask for examples or "proof" of the basis of your assertion as the basis of your opinion is your own. Bemused giggles. Getting into psychiatry now are you? I have no desire to "change" things as you suggest. I'm just disappointed to find them the way they are. Or I could just quit this forum and return to all the other forums that I'm a longtime member (and moderator) of. Yeah, gotta get that personal insult in there...Enough is enough. Bye. P.S. Congratulations in running another one out of your little sandbox. If you want a flame war, you're going to have to look somewhere else to find one. I don't play those kind of games. I just walk away. <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Bye bye Michael. Under the advice of Greg, I will refrain from getting too emotional and sensitive in my farewell to you! Good luck in your future endeavours! Leader!

BS. Where were your mighty Liberals with their promise to remove the GST? We sell our oil to the states, yet we donate the money to the east so you can drive your escalade to the pumps!!! We are paying lots out here too. Talk to your hero Martin and ask him for federal relief....never gonna happen. Remember this, corruption starts at the top and shit rolls down hill!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}> Best PM, LOL @ 19% for none!!!!

The Pride Parade takes place on a public street, and the relevant community can only be the entire city. <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Mad mikey was at the gay pride parade and may just be miss shemale world, therefore none of this bothers him(it). But in all seriousness, I find gay pride parades to be offensive, and would not want it in my neighborhood.(Which is not ever a possibility, living in northern Alberta!!) I respect the fact that they are gay, I just don't see the need of them prancing in the streets in tights & strap on gear & shemale contests, making total asses of themselves. It is over the top! And for Toronto to ban miss Universe from their building for degrading herself and let these freaks do what they do, it shows poor judgement on their part and favoritism to the gay pride folks! If we truly are going to have equal rights, we need to extend them to all not just the vocal groups!!!! Toronto, of all cities, should be setting an example to the rest of Canada. This is not a way to get that accomplished! To you Mad, I have a direct question..... Should gays & lesbians be given more rights than the rest of Canada for such things??? Do you honestly see nothing wrong with what happened at Nathan Phillips Square??

I know, that is why he should try opening his eyes....I think he lives on Whyte with the Artsy Fartsy's I speak of!!! He has no concept of the people of Alberta! Plus voting the way he does, it's a wonder he doesn't get run over by one of my crew trucks!! LOL

I had no idea that there was a correlation between Alberta's material wealth and the validity of its social beliefs. As for "urban elites": that describes more than 2/3 of Alberta's population. If only it were true. However, that is less Alberta's culture as Alberta's enduring myth. For example, why is a culture with such a "robust sense of personal freedom" also on eof the most socially restrictive parts of the country? As far as other myths go, sure Albertans believe in responsibility and freedom from regulation...until times get tough, in which case Albertans are always right there jostling for their spot at the trough. Finally, when it comes to "political elites", you don't have to look much further than the insulated pashas under the dome of the legislature. <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Blackdog, how can you say that 2/3 of Alberta's population is urban elite? Are you on crack? Ever been to Alberta? The only urban elite is in Edmonton and that is the artsy fartsy's most Albertan's don't like, because they are too lazy to get a job!!! As far as socially restrictive, yeah maybe, but only to those lazy asses who want welfare and are perfectly able to work in a society that has, in essence, 0% unemployment, were it not for the welfare gang! There are 3 jobs for every person here and unless some major recruiting is done, it will always be that way! You need to come here and see(of course a weeny like yourself would get the shit knocked out of him), before you try to stereotype Albertans! Come have a look and see what hard working, middle class, downhome kind of people are here in Alberta. Where people will actually say hello, without trying to sell you some useless knick knack as a tourist! There is a way of life here, unlike the rest of Canada and it needs to be preserved! Where you see a tractor driving down highway 2 in rush hour and you're not surprised! In Quebec it would be a catastrophe if a tractor tried that! Cowboy hats and wranglers and ropers are the apparel here! Not preppy tight shirts and spiky hair like you see in your urban centers. Don't judge until you have actually seen what Alberta is about!

Tell this to Myron Thompson, et al.If the Reform/Conservative party wants to be taken seriously, they have to seriously distance themselves from a half-dozen senior members of the party who consistently and constantly make anti-gay, anti-immigrant, anti-Quebec, anti-everything comments. Until then, they shall be tarred with a wide brush. Nothing the Reform/Conservative party is accused of supporting has been made up. Every negative thing they are accused of supporting can be found to be widely supported by the party. If the shoe fits... or until Harper hangs one of these rednecks out to dry (which he has most certainly not done). Caroline Parrish went off the rails and spoke outside the playbook and got kicked out of the Liberal party for her troubles. How about Myron Thompson? <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Parrish will end up back in the Liberal party, when he needs her. Funny when the confidence vote came, PM was more than happy to welcome her back into the fold. Good old wishy-washy politicians! But, if Ontario wants Liberals inspite of this.....Ontario gets, no matter what the rest of the country thinks!

Back to the topic. According to the SPA website, the 2004 totals of equalization payments that were never returned to Alberta was $9.3 billion. Transfer payments to Ottawa 2004

Your condescention is amusing. Your rebuttal is also non-existent. No surprise, I'm beginning to see a pattern here. Btw, I prefer the title of philosopher as I have higher degrees in that discipline that in poli-sci. <{POST_SNAPBACK}> No surprise! How fortunate for us to have such a learned person in our presence!

It appears the Liberals have the 'incumbant' advantage. When people are feeling good about their lives and the economy they really don't like to kick the people in charge out. When Gomery was in the news it sounded like a good reason to get rid of the Liberals but it faded as people went back to their lives. Any opposition leader would have a tough time in these circumstances. If the CPC had elected a Joe Clark clone instead of Harper they would be equally low in the polls and people would blame them for not differentiating themselves from the Liberals in policy. <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I disagree. The Conservatives ought to be doing quite well right now. However, so long as they are (legitimately) bagged with the tag of anti-immigrant, anti-gay, anti-equality, anti-Ontario, anti-Quebec and anti-Maritimes, we will be stuck with the Liberals ruling. Go figure. <{POST_SNAPBACK}> They are not anti to any of this. Who tried to get the Atlantic Accord through seperately and fast? Not the Liberals! They are not anti-gay, they simply said gays should have civil unions not marriage. Again, another example of how a 20 year political scientist can't dig his head out from his ass!

The difference is that Nathan Philips Square (in front of City Hall) is owned and totally operated by the city. Thus, all events at Nathan Philips Square are "g-rated" for family entertainment - with typically bureaucratic rules of political correctness. A couple of years ago the Bare Naked Ladies were prohibited from playing at a City Hall New Years Eve concert due to their name. In contrast, the Gay Pride Parade is entirely a private organisation, held by a notable community group, funded by private sector donations. The decency standards applied to this event are those of the relevant community - which one might say are somewhat more lax than that of the uptight city bureaucrats. Thus, the two events are not comparable. Try comparing two City Hall sponsored events and show me the same 'inequality'. Or perhaps, show me two separate private events on city streets and show me the same 'inequality'. So, in conclusion, I must say, you most certainly are looking like a bigot here. You appear to be looking for some thing to rationally justify your bigotry. Like most bigots, your facts have been cherry-picked for the purpose of expressing your bigotry. <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Our local political scientist has proven how much weight his arguement has! Nuff Said!

The Star should change it's name to "The Toronto Liberal News". Again we are back to bias and worthless newspapers. People who waste their time with this trash, need to find a better hobby.

They want retribution for all the sins committed against them. The dumbass Liberals are awarding them with it and the weak bleeding hearts are giving them anything their hearts desire. It's only going to get worse. Welcome to Canada! Where the men are men and the sheep are nervous!

To think you say this when quoting a story without unproven accusations of a five dollar payout to buy a couple blizzards from a couple kids no one has ever heard of. Even if it's true, the kids got a couple blizzards and five more dollars went to charity. I'll take Sheila Fraser's report over theft and misuse of millions of dollars by the Liberals any day... Any proof for this biased media? Wow, the fall the Liberals are in for is going to be that much harder than in 1984 because they are that much more arrogant this time around. <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Shoop, He is weak and will cling to any shred of hope for his pathetic, dishonest liberal party.

Then why are you posting a link to it? How many? Examples? <{POST_SNAPBACK}> If you read the link about the taser incident, there is so much more to the story. I was in Digby 2 weeks ago when this happened. I knew Paul Saulnier, and he was a big boy, but very harmless until 5 years ago when he had a nervous breakdown. After that, he was more like a mentally handicapped person. For the police to go to these lengths to subdue a man is silly. The cops in Digby have been posted there too long and have become corrupt. The one cop in this taser incident, Chris Thibodeau, has been involved in several of these incidents and truly is a piece of shit! I have a friend that watched this taser thing in Digby and he described it as murder! They had him shackled & tie strapped and were booting him in the face and tasering him like seagulls on a hotdog. Pathetic! I am sure many small towns are victims to such cops!

This number adds up to 27 billion/year which is nearly 3 times the annual budget of the government of Alberta and equal to the all the revenue generated by the GST. Your number is clearly bogus. I suspect the real number is a much less eye popping $900/year. <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Yeah not real sure about that number, it sounds high to me too. I stole this from another forum, MadMikey was looking for reasons to separate.