I miss Reagan

Thanks Sweal perhaps we need a new thread for this?...

Oh, I think one way or the other this is how things are going, although not how he'd prefer. In Canada there is a borderline disincentive to work. For instance, I work with consultants who choose to work less because they are taxed so highly the opportunity cost of not working is preferable to being more productive. There are many, like dentists, who choose to work 4 day weeks, for example, because working harder just isn't worth it. Add to this labor laws which make it difficult for employers to fire lazy employees and laws which cut down on employers profit margin but forcing them to pay all sorts of entitlements and you have an inefficient country. Of course the problem with this is life is great for a while, but the effects aren't seen for maybe a decade or two and by then it's too late, you're poor Ireland and you have to make radical reforms to get back. Norway is in a similar situation, a socialist country with a lazy workforce riding on it's oil resources. Norway I good republican buddy of mine in the states used to tell me not to talk politics with my travelling pals when I backpacked around the world. He said people who travel generally don't work, and people who don't work are usually liberal. Funny but I think he's right.

Of once you achieve your goal of separating Alberta from Canada you will likely need to start a party to get Calgary to seperate from Alberta because those polictians in Edmonton are all crooks. Next, of course will be to get North Calgary to separate from South Calgary.... You will also need to get a posse to lynch all those nastly left wingers living in Alberta (about 40% of population the last time I checked). Having to live in a democratic country with people who disagree with you must be quite horrible. You have my sympathy. <{POST_SNAPBACK}> This is how you misunderstand Albertans. You mistake their desire for political freedom for being spoiled and wanting a uniform political state. In a way you are right. Everytime the Liberals win a battle there are some who lash out in a knee-jerk reaction crying "separation!". But I think most of the Alberta Separatists realize that strong opposition is neccesary to have a balanced government. Alberta simply wants the same thing Quebec, and maybe even Newfoundland, wants. To not be governed by Ontario.

Let's take that a step further. The less people work, the more likely they are to support center or left wing parties.

That was kinda the point:

I think you need to review your definition of hyperbole duude

Interestingly a good friend called me from Russia last night to tell me how he'd just read an article in a Russian newspaper about how Canada ranked at the top of corruption among developed countries. Now, you know you've got a problem when Russia is calling you corrupt.

Sweal, for one who claims to be a classical liberal you sure don't seem to believe in economic liberty...

I haven't looked at their website in a long time. Their Q and A is pretty good, I like it. FAQ They need to change their name. The word 'Separation' is a little too sharp. The key is getting some solid people involved rather than radicals. I'd like to see Harper go Provincial.

Ya don't flatter yourself, that's the last thing they want. They have us right where they want us. A small country full of resources with a working population that has no political influence. It's perfect. Why would they ever want to add to themselves such a liability of whining, leftist voters. Canada is even too liberal for the Dems. I think they'd take Alberta maybe, that's it.

Fear not, Shakey, I am here and will not leave you! Actually I'm not sure what you want to hear from me. You know how I feel about him. Nevertheless I will oblige. I think Harper is a good man. I honestly think that the press in Canada doesn't like him at all. They've jumped all over the Liberal accuasations of being extreme and having a "hidden agenda". I don't think he's been treated fairly at all. Sometimes they potray him as boring, at other times angry. I'm not sure how he can be both. With respect to abortion, I'm not sure how many times he can say that abortion is simply not on the table before people believe him. With respect to same sex marriage, the population is divided on this issue, there are Liberal MP's who are opposed to it as well. For some reason the press has chosen Harper as the sacrificial goat on this issue. This stuff isn't a huge deal to me though. I'm more concerned about having a leader who is resolute on reforming the Senate, the PMO, and other democratic reforms. I prefer a leader who will do his best to lower taxes and treat our neighbors better. I think he is genuine and wants a fairer and more prosperous country. That is my opinion. I understand that you and others disagree with me and his opinions. Perhaps most of the country disagrees with me as well. This brings me to separation. I see no good reason for Alberta to remain a part of confederation. I see no good reason, other than oil, for the rest of Canada to want us in confederation.

Hey news flash buddy, conservatives now have control of the House, the Senate, and the Presidency. The liberal dems are the ones cryin . You libs are so violent and intolerant when it comes to conservative views, yet so passive when it comes to fighting real threats.

How? I can see your point here. However, I think this is way overblown. There are a lot of religious types in the party, but it is not the conservative agenda to go anywhere near abortion. Same Sex marriage; there are a lot of people of all political stripes who are opposed. But I don't think the CPC should have brought it to the forefront. I disagree, but what examples are you refering to? with respect to what? BTW, I am not intending to imply any comparisons to the Liberal Party here.

More of that liberal tolerance we are so accustomed to. BTW, I'm curious why you 'usual suspects' are so concerned about the well being of the CPC? Why is it that you want Harper to resign, and want us to basically become the Liberal party by being more 'progressive'. If we're indeed so extreme wouldn't it suit you guys better to remain such so as to alienate us from Canada even more so? No, the truth is you're scared to death of us getting into power.

Sorry Sweal, I thought you said you lived in Rob Anders' riding. My mistake. Sorry again, I missed that. Interesting thanks.

Ok here we go with the equivocation , the arguing over the literal meaning of words etc. Right? "I did not have sexual relations with that woman" Give me a break Sweal, you know if you were in a similar situation and your significant other made a huge decision and decided to confide in everyone but you, you'd feel pretty betrayed. I have no doubt that people can have differing political views and maintain their relationships. James Carville, a liberal democrat, and his wife, a hardcore republican, are perfect examples. But belinda stabbed him in the back admit it.

Lies, damn lies, and statistics as it goes. Right? Then I counter with stats on the increase of tax rates, increase in standard of living and buying power of all segments of society. The fact is all of us have more wealth than any generation in history. Home ownership is at an all time high. But also higher than ever is the percentage of our income taken by the government and squandered away on useless programs. Not that Canadian philosophy is anything the same, but when the founding fathers in the US discussed taxation there was a collective gasp in the room when they suggested a 1% tax. Where are we now? Not that this really has anything to do with the original premise. That being that spoiled elites have no concept of the value of a buck, and thus, have no qualms about high taxation.

Oh you're an eastern transplant, even worse . Sweal honestly, how are you a classical liberal? Personally I agree with the following definition: "Classical liberalism has been so thoroughly defeated by modern liberalism's statism and its coercive homogenization of cultural life that even its name has been appropriated. "Liberal" once referred to a political tradition that honored individual liberty and a cultural ethos that allowed for the best that is known and thought to emerge from the free exchange of ideas. That kind of liberalism is today judged to be a marginal counterculture, especially in elite circles. Thus classical liberals -now know as conservatives - face an uphill battle in their struggle to preserve what is best in our inheritance." Is your problem with the CPC that you feel they infringe on individual liberty with the views on SSmarriage, and abortion etc.? Honestly, I'm curious Sweal.

Probably because she totally betrayed him and the party at the time when she mattered most. She calls him at midnight a few hours before, after she has told Paul Martin and her other friends. Obviously he didn't matter to her all that much. I think she used him for publicity, perhaps even to get some inside information before defecting. She's a pretty selfish person.

I think this is sad too. It seems like a real class system consisting of lawyers and rich elites who buy their position, at least in the Liberal government. What I think is really bad are the Rockafeller, Kennedy, Martin, and Stronach types which are born into the money. I don't think they can truly appreciate the value of a buck. They don't realize how hard it is to make money. IMHO, this is why these same people have no problem with high taxes and taking money from the middle class to buy off the poor. Notice that these are also the same type of people who believe they can buy anything with money.

I agree. I think Cadman showed good character by listening to his constituents. However I think most of the credit for the win should be given to the person who showed a complete lack of character by selling her self to the Libs. That person is the total opposite of Cadman.

He truly is a good man. I honestly believe that. The Liberals and the media are so powerful in this country that it is almost impossible to counter the slander and demonization they have done to the man.

I don't know Newf. I wouldn't underestimate the growth of socialist entitlement in Canada...

Most of those 153 were the ones stealing from the taxpayers. (minus one political prostitute.)

Anyone have Belinda's quotes from the past year? Where she bashes Brison for leaving? Where she bashes the Liberals?