Ricki Bobbi

Just because rates are low? What should they do with the money they borrow?

Hey, Canada is a sovereign country? The PM doesn't listen to the leader of the FOURTH party in the house of commons in deciding what events to attend? Is that really the way you want the country to work?

It certainly would save the time for an election. Does this "lock-down" mean I can't point out how really unfunny your attempt at humour was?

And we want to make sure those with short memories don't forget the corruption of the Liberals...

Right on. Figleaf you are cheering somebody on about not stalking people? Would you like me to post a link to the seven straight threads you stalked me on in a one hour span yesterday? BD - the stalking does go both ways. Try not telling people what to do.

He still isn't willing to be scolded like a child by the EU for a policy choice. Why not say exactly that? Hmmm, that's the way diplomacy goes. If the EU officials were being held to the same standard ... shouldn't they speak on the record?

So that was an empty threat to complain to Greg about my breaking the rules? Is there a difference between the one term I used that you pounced on and 'others' constant rule-breaking? Definitely. If you can't see it such is life. Pretty sad really, that this *outing my rule breaking* is so weak on your part.

So.... He still won't go. Still isn't willing to be scolded like a child by the EU for a policy choice. Great work Layton. You sure stuck it to the PM.

Wasn't trolling for a reaction. If you really want to threaten my by doing what you want or you will cry to Greg ... go on and PM him. Edit my post like a big boy? yeah, anybody here what probably do what you told them when you end your post like that.

What is with the arrogance of "economists"? Nobody said debt is inherently bad. But when we have the ability to pay down the National debt we should. Not all at once, not like we could, but big debt payments every year are good. Past generations thought only of themselves *TRUDEAU* in running up the huge accumulated debt. Should we continue the same self-centered behaviour by not paying down the debt? Personal debt is a matter of personal choice. How many people with huge personal debts drive new vehicles? Have tons of pricey personal electronics? Are in over their heads with their housing choice? Paying down the national debt is much fairer.

There is such an extrmem level of individualistic behaviour in Ayn Rand's work. Paying down the debt is good policy long-term. I understand it doesn't help you here and now. You haven't proven how cutting taxes so the government runs balanced budgets today and cuts your taxes today makes any sort of sense other than making you better off here and now.

I still think it's going to be a Democratic house and a barely Republican senate. In the long run it looks like the Republicans are going to Obama isn't ready to mount a run at the big job ... close but not quite there. Unless a different Dem wins the Presidency in '08 look for him to run in '12...

Fair enough, at least you recognize what you are saying. I still see not paying off the debt as very Ayn Randian behaviour...

I know you have dealt with this before, but does the 'right now' mean that there are conditions under which you feel it woubl be appropriate to pay down the debt?

It still has to go through committee and pass parliament. It will be discussed in Canada, by Canadians. Once a consensus has been reached in Canada then it would be appropriate to discuss it internationally as the Canadian position. Probably. The left is using this to label Harper as anti-Kyoto. Which he is. That's why the Government is 'polishing' the made in Canada plan.

oops

Too much like the US party for the anti-US dippers...

Nobodies disputing that it was a snub Gerry. Adding Kyoto to the agenda against Harper's wishes was also a snub.

The plan is still being formed, it's too early to present it as fait a compli. Who knows what else they had to discuss? Harper didn't want to discuss Kyoto. Doesn't appear that the EU took his concerns into consdieration when making the agenda.

I know it was added to the agenda after Harper agreed to attend because it was in the story you started this thread with Gerry. Yes sometimes white lies are told in diplomatic dealings. Again, he cancelled becaue it felt like an ambush. He made a decision about abaonding Kyoto. What is to be gained by being chastised by the EU on the decision? He won't change his mind because Kyoto is wrong for Canada. Member states of the EU won't change their minds by listenting to him.

Actually Harper's reason for cancelling was because Kyoto was added to the agenda after he agreed to the meeting.

Go ahead...

And the problems cause by the oil price collapse were exacerbated by the NEP.

Presumably when the Government agreed to it the plan wasn't just to give Canada crap about abandoning Kyoto.

It was the worst economic downturn in Canada since the Great Depression. Alberta was the hardest hit province in the country due to the NEP.