shoop

I think that Harper strived to appear more relaxed after the 2004 debates. He definitely gave the impression of trying to appear statesmanlike, definitely likely to be perceived as cool by some. I noticed how often Layton got cut off. Anybody notice when they started cutting of microphones.

Cutting the GST, the most regressive tax in Canadian history, is a proposal that would help the poor most. Or am I missing something?

From the 'about' page of notacolony.ca "Are you tired of Paul Cellucci's lectures? Do you fantasize about Ralph Klein winning the Green Card Lottery, packing up his trailer and moving to Texas? Have you heard about enough from our Media Elite about how ungrateful we are to the benevolent superpower?" What a fair and balanced news source? They can't even take the time to change the U.S. Ambassador they are attacking? Could you point to a fairer news source? Nothing on that page is any more serious than the quotes of Martin I sourced in the OP.

Heck, even the CBC hasn't pulled that one out. Any evidence?

Harper said he doubted the Canada military had the capability to send troops. Martin's outburst was symbolic of the problems with the Liberals. Distorting the truth, and Canada's best interest, to make sad political points that only play to the faithful...

Err, why would you use such a racist and offensive term? It lowers the quality of debate and makes you sound ignant.

If Harper would have screamed "I Love Canada" (a la Paul Martin) would that have changed your opinion of him. Of would you have decided he wasn't the person you wanted to represent you internationally because he wasn't professional enough? Is his reasoned, principled approach to dealing with the US not as statesmanlike as Martin's cheap electioneering that hurts the country in favour of scoring political points?

Wow Eureka, what exactly were his special qualifications that got him in to Power Corp? Outstanding undergraduate grades? A lifetime of connections and access to the halls of power in the Liberal Party thanks to his father, a long-serving cabinet minister and oft-failed leadership aspirant. Good job revenging your father Paul...

You have never posted anything that questions any ND politician or policy. What is it that you don't especially like about the NDs?

Ibbitson is easily one of the most well known right of centre columnists in Canadian media. The fact that you haven't *heard* of him goes to show what a narrow spectrum of available sources you get your information from. Typical of the loonie right. Attack the source instead of the argument. That is the second offensive writing by Steyn I have taken fault with. In both cases you resorted to a personal attack, while deflecting attention away from Steyn's ignorance. Have fun in your hovel pal...

Dealt with the issue firmly, respectfully and professionally. Guarding Canada's sovereignty while maintaining a working relationship with our most important ally and trading partner. Does anybody disagree with Harper's response to the column in the Washington Times? Why?

Shakey my man, I told you on another thread I don't really get worked up by this stuff. I am here to read and learn. Take a look at the heat I have taken from the *hard core conservatives* for finding fault with Mark Steyn, Ezra Levant and canadafreepress.com. I agree that the board should be for people from all parties. I learn a lot about other people. If I were out door knocking and came across Normie Chateau I would walk away in about ten seconds. Definitley not worth the time.

The article that started this thread had *actual evidence* of the letter writing campaign. In my OP I didn't say anything about the YLs being paid for their efforts.

Thanks. Completely agreed about Adscam. If the Liberals just lose all their seats in Québec as a result it will be ultimately just. Have you seen any one poster here post as much about corruption as you have about social conservatism? Can you please respect that and move on...

You know Normie. If you would reduce the rhetoric and hatred a little. (i.e. quit using phrases such as "band of social conservatives" when it doesn't apply to most CPC MPs at the dissolution of last parliament) you might actually move some people. But using such spiteful wording only polarizes the issue.

Yaaaaawn, Martin went to private schools, moved in the circles of the wealthy and powerful. Say what you will, Harper has a far more middle-class background than Martin.

Shark that was then 2004, this is now 2005-6. They may not be onside, but they definitely aren't as anti-Harper as they have been in the past. Best to just ignore it and hopefully not antagonize them.

I can defend both Black Dog, but only one at a time. And only after he deals with Rae and BC. Which would you like me to deal with first? P.S. kiss my arse for the obtuseness line you ignant jerk.

That's an actual *defence* of Martin? Wow, the cupboard really is dry on this one. Try again!

The Liberals are too caught up in their own strangeness (beer & popcorn/pissing match with the U.S.) to target Harper this time around. Now they will be hard pressed to return to the same old playbook...

Really Normie? I never would have guessed you don't like Harper from your history of posts.

Hey Monty Burns, John Ibbitson (Globe and Mail) and Lorne Gunther (National Post/Edmonton Journal) are two very solid, well-considered conservative columnists in this country. Does that count as *acceptable* right wing sources for you? They do in my books. Here is a good link with what is wrong with Mark Steyn. The quote is one of the many gems on the link. Steyn Link

Hmmm, why not ask the Liberals the same question? Their proposed combination of tax cuts and extra spending takes far more out of the coffers than does the CPCs. Why did anti-poverty groups cry the loudest when the GST was introduced? Because it hurts the poor more due to the larger percentage of their disposable income taken up by the GST. But that's ok, attack, attack, attack. Finally average Canadians aren't listening, sorry.

100K, are you kidding? You are a little out of touch with the job market. Barring some very direct, and valuable experience, I would bet most programmers don't make anywhere near that dough. btw, very few tech jobs care about the number of degrees you have...

That's because Grant Devine was Premier of Saskatchewan, not Alberta.