betsy

I am a visible minority. Originally from the Philippines and came to Canada some 20 years ago. Having always dreamed of living in the west...because of the freedom and the western way of life, I was more than willing to adapt to my adopted country. After all, its very way of life was the main reason that lured me here in the first place. I do not understand why being protective of one's own culture is suddenly offensive or so "extreme right-wing." If a Canadian chosed to go to the Philippines, you'll be welcomed.....but if you demand that their culture be modified to suit you, or if you become insulting to the Filipinos' way of life...rest assured, you'll be told to take a hike. I am sure the reaction will be the same, or far worse if you dare move to elsewhere in the world and demand a people to change their ways. Judging from the post about what the mayor of Carleton Place had stated....I, as a visible minority, am not offended by it. He may have made some strong comments....but he spoke as a defender of his faith and culture. He is a human being, outraged at what he sees as in injustice to his own culture. Others die and kill for their faith. At least, this mayor only rants about it. It is true. Canada had already open its doors....had already done so much to make us all feel welcomed. The Filipino community here still retain and maintain their own little cultural niche....their own identity. The same with other ethnic groups. The Filipino community is practical on its stance with the culture of this country....and we are actually critical of the outrageous demands being made by some who allegedly represent other minority groups. Why can't we have our host country...the one who unselfishly granted refuge to multitudes from all over the world to maintain some of their identity too? It's like a vegetarian who comes as a guest in someone's home. The host had made specially prepared vegetarian dishes to suit the vegetarian.....but the vegetarian demanded that the dinner must be completely meatless, for he (vegetarian) found it offensive to have to watch others eat meat of animals that were slaughtered. As a Christian, I lament the fact that it's become so fashionable to bash christian traditions and values. Christmas is Christmas. It's true meaning is about Christ. It is inclusive to everyone....everyone who wishes to participate in its celebration. I greet everyone "Merry Christmas", regardless of color or faith. I do not expect anyone though, to tell me to change the meaning of this what to me is a very symbolic day...the same way that I do not expect Jews to change or modify the meaning of hanukah...or Muslims to change or dilute the meaning of Ramadan....nor wiccans or pagans or atheist or agnostics to modify their views to whatever it is they celebrate. That is theirs....and they have the right and the freedom to celebrate it the way they want to. You may notice that I am so concerned about the corruptions. It is simply because they remind me so strongly of the corruptions I've lived with for most of my years under Marcos' rule. Although the actual declaration of martial law did occur suddenly one day....the process that led to it...all the tell-tale signs of rotting...had been building up for sometime. Dictatorship did not just simply happen overnight. To any visible minorities in Canada who may be reading this, please remember why you left your mother country and chosed to come to this place. You've seen and experienced personally what a lot of our fellow Canadians had only heard about. Cheers.

I wonder if other news will pick this up? This must go public. Your report and the Liberal candidate's bribing guarantee of an election win are two damning evidence that an irregularity may exists. They sort of substantiate one another. Maybe we should email journalists and networks?

If this proves to be true, this will explain why the Liberal Candidate who was accused of bribing an NDP candidate GURANTEED A WIN for the NDP in another upcoming election if he (NDP) steps aside in this one. How can you guarantee a win? Vote fixing?

This is not about the Liberal's inaction for the 13 years they have been in power, nor is it about their pattern of broken promises. It is about Corruptions. Deep-seated, by the looks of it. And deeply troubling and scary for me, as a citizen in this country. This election campaign had somehow revealed glimpses of the true face of the Liberal party. This "win at all cost" attitudes that emerged paint a very stark and disturbing profile of the party. I will not bother with Goodale's ethical lapse in refusing to step aside for the sake of keeping Canadians' trust in our system of government while the investigation goes on, or Martin's major lack of leadership in handling this scandal. Martin's loyalty to friends is commendable. But his loyalty to the interest of our country is deplorable. These are instances that I found to be revealing of the true nature of this party. 1. The Conservative and Liberal candidates that have been both dumped by their respective parties are not the same when it comes to the implication behind their "crimes". The difference is that with the Liberal candidate bribing the NDP with a GUARANTEED victory in another upcoming election suggests that Liberal higher-ups in powerful positions are involved. And for them to be able to guarantee a win, does this mean....votes can be fixed? We now know that corruptions run deep under the governance of this party. It is now a question of just how deeply? 2. And now Martin wants to tinker with notwithstanding clause. To suit his own vision for the kind of Canada he wants. Some may say it was dumb of him to even think about that. But history is peppered with dumb and mad leaders. 3. The outright twisting of statements by Martin, boldly and baldly, suggests that he has no reservations at all when it comes to lying. He accuses his opponent of the very same thing that he himself was guilty about. How do I trust this man? How do I trust the Gomery Commission that this man had appointed? 4. Martin had no compunctions in demonizing our own military as a pawn, he had no reservations in planting seeds of doubts and distrust towards the military. He accused the military of a conspiracy with Harper to wrest power from a democratic government to install a dictatorship/martial law. He is sowing fear. Do foreigners want to invest or put up businesses in a country that could suddenly become "unstable" when Harper comes into power? With this dire warning from Martin, will foreign investors wait and see what form of government Harper will establish before they come to our shores? Who knows, we might end up having a civil war? With all these big businesses recently announcing closures.....do we really need this kind of mongering from Martin at a time like this, when people are losing jobs? 5. And now he is drawing his ultimate weapon. Using women as pawns to prop up his toppling party. As if talking to innocent little children, he addresses the women and scares them about the boogeyman. As if women are not so informed...and as if they've got only fluffs between their pretty little ears. As if they do not have the ability...and their little pea brains do not have the capacity to see through con and lies. I guess he thinks his charisma is irresistible. He is confident he can even get away at showing this contempt for women, packaged of course, with all the feel-good, fuzzy, nice trimmings. These are the things I found revealing for me. How about you?

We discuss it. We're both pretty much conservative in our views.

When it comes to platforms and policies, one thing Canadians must keep in mind about the Liberals: A record of broken promises. The Liberals is promises social policies, tax cuts, the moon, the stars....all the fuzzy-feel-good stuffs that everybody could only dream about. Those are the key words..."dream about". After 13 years of hearing the same promises on every elections, we're still dreaming about them. As far as I'm concerned, there's no point in even considering the policies being promised by the Liberals. They don't count. What's the point for them as being in the " best interest of the country"...if they just remain as promises and no actual delivery? The Liberals had proven it. All talk and no action. Dalton McGuinty even went as far as doing an about-face right after he was elected. That's the norm. That's the Liberal way. The only platforms to be considered are those being offered by the Conservatives, NDP and Green.

I'd still choose an "inexperienced" party than a party so well-experienced in corruptions.

Did you see the clip of a comedy show from the USA? The comedian adviced the Liberals they should imply Harper has an illegitimate black son.

I'll just wait for it on video....if ever I do watch it. This one being the most highly talked about heinous crime that happened, I am curious about it. I'll read the reviews though before I bother.

...who do want as the Opposition? I want the NDP!

Mike Duffy was saying that in a talk radio in Saskatoon, a Conservative candidtae was a guest. A caller phoned and accused him of sexual assault. The candidate denied it. The call was eventually traced to the Liberal headquarters. John Duffy said the Liberal headquarter is situated in a mall. Mike Duffy asked laughingly, "you mean anybody from the street could just walk in and use their phone?" My goodness! There's so much dirt on this party....I just don't know what to say anymore.

UPDATE I saw Martin's campaign somewhere in Ontario (CTV)....and after the speech, reporters started asking questions. I forgot exactly what the questions was, but it definitely pertained to Hargrove. It was one of the 3 questions asked right after his speech. Martin started stuttering and my God, the very rapid eye-blinking as he was talking. He neatly skirted questions and kept on hammering at Harper with women's right to choose and same-sex marriage (using Harper's response about court judges). The anchorwoman who viewed the telecast looked aghast...she read Harper's quote word-for-word...and she said Martin clearly manipulated the statements of Harper.

Is the only way to defend Canada ripping apart the US? YankAbroad was not being critical of Canada, just of politicians who play games with the GLBT community. The same could be said of countless politicians here in the US. Please learn the difference between criticising a politician and a people. I agree with you Liam. Such a shame that for all the chest-beating at how "understanding and tolerant" we are, that treatment clearly do not extend to our closest neighbor and trade partner. Credibility flies out the window. It only mirrors the kind of credibility the Liberal has.

I was not into politics....not until the Sep 11 and the ensuing drama that followed. It was then that I discovered Harper. After that, I never really followed politics as much as I'm doing now. What I knew of it was through the hourly news report on...of all station...CBC! I feel the stress in this election. I wouldn't be surprised if my blood pressure had skyrocketed. Do you feel the same way?

What you are suggesting goes against their own Code of Ethics. Read the Code of Ethics from this site Link to Society of Professional Journalists Webpage to see what I mean. I perceive a huge media bias towards the Conservatives in this election, just as there may have been towards the Lberals in the last election and again, i think this is wrong and against their own Code of Ethics. Look at the media today. How many of them are perceived as left/right wing rags? They obviously had to slant one way or the other to get those monnikers. So, since when has ethics had anything to do with it. What's the difference between being slanted and lying about it and being slanted and being intellecually honest enough to admit it? I think he who admits his bias is of higher integrity than he who lies about it. You're absolutely right! I take back what I said about agreeing with Rovik. Tis true come to think of it. If it's against ethics, why would any paper want to be perceived as left/right-leaning? I guess, it is about news reporting that a journalist had to be accurate and straightforward....but editorials and comments are a different matter.

They brought out an interesting analysis on M Duffy regarding Same Sex issue. It could be this very issue that might be working against the Liberals. That due to politcal correctness, people are not being open to pollsters in indicating why they are turning against the Liberals. An MP candidate said that that's a big issue where he's campaigning when he goes door-to-door. They even said that Liberal MPs who are opposed Same Sex marriage might be the ones who'll be able to hold on to their seats. I know that for me, it is a big issue. It is in the way that Martin did this that I feel so strongly now about the Liberals.

If there is anyone playing poker with the lives of gay people, it is none other than the party who nobly purported to protect them. The Liberals are scaring the pants off the gays and lesbians, using them in a cheap trick just like they used the military. The Conservatives had stated their stance regarding the issue in the past, and future should Harper becomes PM. He said he'll bring it up as an open vote and if it gets defeated....he'll let it rest. I don't see anything wrong with being open and honest.

SAME-SEX MARRIAGE. They're talking about this at M Duffy Live....the Liberals will use this as a wedge. Martin already brought it up apparently in his campaign. One gay Cabinet Minister already announced that he had to speed up plans to marry before Monday comes. M Duffy conferred with guests and all agreed that it will take years to take effect should Harper does open up the issue for votes in Parliament. M Duffy wondered out loud why would a Cabinet Minister cause the gay community needless worry and panic? He thinks the Minister was being irresponsible. BTW, M Duffy guests were scratching their heads when Martin showed up at a campaign bringing up this Same Sex issue...indicating that anyone who is against it is a neanderthal. Well, the Liberal candidate in that riding where he's campaigning (who was standing next to him on stage) was among the Liberal MPs who was against it.

UPDATE Boy, oh boy....Harper said what Hargrove said was shocking....to urge Quebecers to vote for separatism. That Martin, as a federalist, should distance himself from Hargrove. Then guess what, Martin did "back-pedalled", according to M Duffy. Guests were having another giggle over this latest fiasco. One said, you can be sure Hargrove won't be around...at least not until after the election. They really found it funny that Martin ended up doing damage control (again).....and, acknowledging Harper's patriotism as well! I forgot who said this but someone did: It only shows that Martin puts the party's interest first before that of our country. Oh Canada, who luvs ya baby?

What you are suggesting goes against their own Code of Ethics. Read the Code of Ethics from this site Link to Society of Professional Journalists Webpage to see what I mean. I perceive a huge media bias towards the Conservatives in this election, just as there may have been towards the Lberals in the last election and again, i think this is wrong and against their own Code of Ethics. Obviously CBC doesn't care about that code of ethics. And they're public-funded to boot! Most of the media who are now pro-Conservatives have been known to be slanted towards the Liberals in the past. That they, in droves, had gone the other way tells how disenchanted (to put it mildly perhaps) they are with the Liberals right now. No one can even say it's a conspiracy. Media's drastic action tells so much about the Liberals, I must say.

I agree with Rovik that media should be neutral. However..... When MAJORITY of the media coming from all forms (journalism, radio, tv, newspapers) start pointing out...and ganging up...in OUSTING the current regime.... one can only see that this is no petty "slant" or "biased" information. The media clearly knows where the true evil is coming from. They smell and see something terribly rotten. After all, without the media, we wouldn't have known about oppressive regimes and atrocities happening all over the world. The media is doing its utmost to help Canada.

La Presse endorsed the Conservative Party in Quebec. All Radio Talk programs that aired live on CPAC station have all been vocal in pointing out the corrupt Liberals and supporting the need for change. They are very pro-Conservative. Yesterday I watched only a portion....it was a station from KELOWNA, B.C. The announcer had a guest (I think he's from a local paper), fielding questions from viewers. Both sneered at the Gomery Report. They said it is hard to imagine that as a Finance Minister. Paul Martin knew nothing about what was going on. They said: Either that...or he's incompetent! Last night on Duffy, three announcers were guests. All three were happy about the Conservatives. One went so far as to rant about what he called the "ethically-bankrupt Liberals!" There is real active "revolution" out there aimed at pushing the Liberals out the door. I would like to think that they are not only wishing for the Conservatives to win....but wanting to see a Conservative Majority.

He may have been a staunch Liberal...but definitely not anymore. He's one of those who had finally seen the light. I've watched him steadily since the first debate (both daily shows) and although he tries to appear neutral, he is helping out the Conservatives....and poking holes/shooting down Liberals...in a sly way. Last night when he had Harper on a one-on-one, his last question was clearly to give Harper a chance to clearly point out why there must be no fear at all about him winning a majority as far as governing is concerned. Harper, with the aid of Duffy, pointed out that if the Conservatives win as a majority, the party's hands would still be tied by the various appointees of the Liberal in various office. Duffy reminded the viewers how Mulroney's term was made miserable by the appointees. When he described the new Liberal ad as "touching"....there was a slight innuendo, which Anne McLellan tried to correct. Peter McKay was let to rant for so long that he used up a good portion of air time....so when the NDP guy's turn came up to rebutt and whack Conservatives, Duffy said "you've got only 30 seconds." Two labor leaders (one helping Stronach and pushing for the Liberal) and the other was for the NDP had in the end the same message: Prevent the Conservatives from taking hold. That the lesser of evil will be either Liberal or NDP. Duffy jokingly quipped: "Gee, you two sound so well-rehearsed." Duffy had the last words and the two looked discomfitted. All of the above happened last night. Check it out....he's definitely changed. Duffy is cleverly bringing out issues that may be used against Harper...making light of them....and thus, inocculating Harper.

Liberal new ad aired on Mike Duffy. It was "touching", as Duffy described it (to the objections of Anne McLellan who insists it was not "touching"...but rather, positive). It showed a humble Paul Martin. Is this dah bomb?

I am an adpoted child (one of two out of seven kids) and I love my family. My parents are great (although my dad didn't remember me last time I went to visit...strokes, dementia etc.) and I am proud to have the family name. I do realize, though, that should I have children, I won't be spreading the family genes, just the name. Kind of kooky when I think about it. As Argus states, (I am not in agreement with the tone, just the facts) that honesty must be a part of acceptance. If someone's family tree is a stump, as it were, it is that which should be realized and accepted, and I feel it is somewhat dishonest to show it as something else. I am happy that the people who adopted me did so, and think that adoption is a wonderful thing. Now that I am older, and own a business (with my wife) we have made charitable donations (of services) to a Christian adoption group in Calgary. While I am not religous, I feel that what they do is a good thing, and feel it warranted my support. I personally would rather see organized religion spend money and effort on these ventures, rather than on new churches, etc. Were you adopted by a gay couple? Just curious.