normanchateau

No Harper doesn't have the baggage of turning Canada into an economic leader among all G-8 nations. His only baggage is Reform, NCC, Alliance, social conservatism, religious conservatism, complete inability to unite the right, dismissal by Klein, Campbell, Clark and most every other former PC supporter.

Yes, and do you still claim that Muslims believe in a different God than Christians and Jews or is it your policy never to admit you're wrong even when you're wrong?

I never said all conservatives are untrustworthy nor did I say that all liberals are trustworthy. Claiming that I did is referred to as creating a straw man argument. There is no shortage of trustworthy individuals in both camps. As far as Quebec goes, Stephen Harper is in fourth place, lower than any conservative candidate ever has been in Quebec. Quebec won't separate and they'll continue to elect Liberals, even in 2006. But the shutout of CPC in Quebec guarantees they can't govern.

The question is will Martin's use of private health care trump Harper's shifting position and credibility on health care? I know you have your opinion and I have mine. We'll know on January 23rd.

Tell me it ain't so Sharky. You aren't really claiming that Muslims believe in a different God than Christians and Jews...or is that your claim?

Harper is trying to get elected and his constantly shifting position on health care reflects that. The problem is he's lost so much credibility with his shifts that there's no reason to believe him now.

You might be right but until I see the statistical evidence, I remain unconvinced that there are fewer Arabs in Canada. I do agree completely however that anti-Semitism is growing in Europe. And based on what I was told by a French friend (sorry I have no link on this topic), it appears that much of the anti-Semitism in France is coming from Muslim immigrants rather than French Christians.

That's why many Canadians want to keep religion and politics separate. If only Harper would figure this out he'd be taken far more seriously as a candidate. But even Ralph Klein now discounts him.

I agree as well. But let's not forget the real reason; this government has been insecure for some time, and there are more Jewish than Arab voters. <{POST_SNAPBACK}> For now, these demographics could change depending on immigration. However, I'm gladd to see him supporting Israel. <{POST_SNAPBACK}> So you believe that there are more Jewish than Arab voters? Evidence please.

Hey that sounds worse than what we have now. Be in pain or risk dieing in a line up or be in pain and risk dieing in a line up. <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Harper saving his best ideas until after he's elected "sounds worse than what we have now."?

Let me see if I understand your argument. Are you saying that "they" are all not trustworthy. Would you buy the argument that all CPC MPs are not trustworthy because Peter MacKay lied, or Gurmant Grewal?

You're in luck scriblett. Harper has numerous positions on health care and they keep shifting. One of his former positions included giving us choice and I'm sure he'll bring that position back if he's elected. There's no need for him to tell us everything he'll do just now. Best to save his best ideas unrtil after he's elected.

Better still I bought two income trusts at the end of October when CPC supporters and some investment houses were whining that Ralph Goodale had reduced their value. Once the whining started, I knew that their value could only increase and it did.

He makes the most sense when he's not consistent, i.e., when he's being all things to all people. In his list of health care positions, there's one to suit almost everyone. Now if only he showed the good sense to be inconsistent on his other positions, i.e., the ones motivated by his social and/or religious conservatism.

Martin's 67 but you probably knew that and were looking for an excuse to say he looks over 70. In any event, even if Martin were dying it's inconceivable that Harper would ever pick up more than the hard core social and religious conservative vote which in Canada ranges from 20 to 30%. A good 70% of Canadians are not social or religious conservatives. That's why the former Progressive Conservative vote has eluded poor Stephen Harper.

Which Liberal MPs are untrustworthy and based on what evidence?

I'm sure his previous ppolicy also made sense. So did the one he announced when he flipflopped just before the 2004 election. So did his policy when he was Leader of the Alliance. So did his policy when he was Director of the National Citizens' Coalition. How about when he was a Reform MP and disagreed with Manning on numerous issues? Yes, all his positions, while constantly shifting, made sense.

Martin initiated the Gomery report. No one is questioning the findings of the Gomery report other than some CPC supporters and Chretien. Chretien because he was fingered and CPC because no current Liberal MPs were found guilty of any crime. Even though none of the current Liberal MPs are guilty, CPC continues to bash all Liberals with sweeping statements like "Liberal corruption." Many posters have made comments like they "know" they're guilty even in the absence of evidence.

Nor I.

Love these comments. Good thing the CPC does not appoint judges since such CPC judges wouldn't be hindered or shackled by technicalities like evidence. Odd you should say this. Many of us have been making the same statement about our Supreme Court for some years. Evidence? Who cares? So is your point that it's bad for the Supreme Court to make decisions in the absence of evidence but it's OK to assume every Liberal MP is guilty of something or other in the absence of evidence.

Let me see if I understand where this is headed. Calling Martin guilty of crimes is OK. Calling Liberals corrupt is OK. Implying that the Liberal Party condones corruption is OK. But challenging these notions is stirring the pot. Perhaps I've not been on this site long enough but it's my impression so far that Martin and the Liberals are bashed regularly and that this is viewed as perfectly acceptable by most posters.

Didn't conservatives use this strategy before? Campaigning against Chretien's face, as I recall, wasn't exactly a vote getter.

Ah, it seems freedom of religion comes with socialist restrictions. Do as we say and not do as your beliefs command. <{POST_SNAPBACK}> What restrictions? The court upheld the right of the Knights of Columbus not to rent their hall to lesbians. How does this relate to socialism?

Yes, yes, of course I know that and if you go to the link I posted, it's obvious. Perhaps next time I make an attempt at humour I will wear my moose horns so you'll know.

I agree as well. But let's not forget the real reason; this government has been insecure for some time, and there are more Jewish than Arab voters. <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I also agree with the government but I don't buy your explanation at all. The percentage of Arab Canadians is growing exponentially. The proportion of Jewish voters is not. Martin has nothing to gain with this new stance. In fact this is a vote loser since the NDP is increasingly capturing the Arab vote. And please provide the evidence, if you can, that there are more Jewish than Arab voters.