
Cartman
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Everything posted by Cartman
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Oh prove it! Prove the NDP are legally tied to unions. Prove that unions are one homogenous group with no variation whatsoever. My father was a Teamster area rep. in Ontario and worked for Hoffa and crew in the 1970's. They are very different from the Steelworkers who I worked for. Nonsense. You do not know what you are talking about. Prove that unions are "left". Left of what?!
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Crime in Canada is much lower than in the US no matter how you measure it (i.e. as a rate, a percentage, absolute tally etc). Why is this the case? Personally, I think that it has something to do with our social programs. They decrease poverty, poor health and misery in general. Why else does this ficticious line create such dramatic differences (i.e. Detroit and Windsor)? Some people argue it is gun control and maybe this is a part of it, but many Canadians have guns and the US still has higher rates of crime even when guns are not involved.
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Yup. What is the issue at hand though?
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Post secondary funding in alberta
Cartman replied to chris29's topic in Provincial Politics in Canada
No bites yet? I question two aspects of your post. First, it is my understanding that the UofC has suffered consistent deficits for some time now, whereas Athabasca, Alberta, and Lethbridge have not. This suggests to me that the UofC has unique spending problems. I would also question your assertion that educational costs are higher in Alberta than anywhere else. I was under the impression that they are higher in Nova Scotia and I would assume that wages there are lower than in oil rich Alberta. The PC's, of course, are to take responsibility for education, good and bad, as they have held power for some 33 years or so. I like the fact that you are not apathetic and work to induce positive change in Alberta, but students also need to look at what individual institutions are doing as well. They have been very successful at deflecting blame for problems they have created. Weingarten should get off his fat ass and stop funding stupid ventures. I blame him and his predecessor more than I do Klein. Remember, universities are in the unique position of making noble demands for tax $$ on behalf of students, but spending it pretty much as they please. Sadly, the provinces can keep dumping $$ into universities, and tuition will keep rising as long as they try to become mega-complexes. These are decadent kingdoms that need more fiscal restraint. If you knew how much some of the bureaucrats make in universities, you would get ill. IMO, students have every right to be angry with educational costs and large class sizes, but they should blame the Presidents, the BOG's and, to a lesser extent, professors that are bought off by wage increases in exchange for larger class sizes. -
Layton Strikes While Iron Is Hot
Cartman replied to maplesyrup's topic in Federal Politics in Canada
This should not be a partisan issue. This is a Canadian issue. If Layton brings up information in the preamble to his questions, give it a hearing and if silly, it will be acknowledged as such. But, booing is just nonsense and can serve no purpose. Pretty sad when the Bloc continues to be the best opposition to the Liberals. Unfortunately, I agree with Duceppe when he says that Canadians have been well served by their work. -
Well, I do not pirate any movies or CD's. I am uncomfortable with taking something that does not belong to me, though I shed no tears for companies that lose $$ due to pirating. I agree that they often put out crappy products and they destroy creativity. BTW, I worked in management for an electronics company and at $15.00 per CD, the distributor is making a pretty healthy profit (depending on how many they sell of course).
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We have all heard of large corporations moving their operations to other countries to reduce taxation. Not too long ago, Stanley Tools left the US moved to Bermuda. http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,52474,00.html The move outraged Republicans and Democrats alike because jobs were lost but Stanley retained their market in the US. Both parties gave thoughts to sanctioning such companies. My question is this: why do companies (apart from primary resource extraction businesses) operate in North American at all?
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Will Canada's Sovereignty Tank Any Time Soon?
Cartman replied to Trial-and-Error's topic in Canada / United States Relations
Why use costly force when you already basically control the nation? It sounds nasty, but I think that the world accepts the US taking over Iraq, but it would be very different if say France took over Spain or Germany took over France. It would upset world order. -
Obese Children & Parental Responsibility
Cartman replied to ndpnic's topic in Federal Politics in Canada
Eliminate any pop, chips etc from all vending machines and replace them with pure fruit juices and other healthy snacks. Give physical education a more prominent role in school. I see no problem with schools sending out nutritional information and education initiatives to make kids more healthy. I also think that more pressure can be applied to parents whose children are really obese. I mean when kids are at risk of heart attacks, we have a serious problem. -
Unionize Wal-Mart or Let's Boot Them From Canada
Cartman replied to maplesyrup's topic in Federal Politics in Canada
Oops...my mistake. Cheerfully withdrawn. You are not going to like my answer. I generally feel as though free-choice is illusory or rare at best. I recognize that this is rather nihilist but also true. I would think that if all industrialized nations engaged in a global agreement working with business, third world nations would be much better off. I have no illusions about the difficulty in eradicating international poverty, but I think that wages can be higher than sweatshop wages. I try to keep on top of companies that are "good corporate citizens" and purchase more from them than others who are not. Some unions keep lists. The company operating in the 3rd world is a coal mining company. They pay union wages to CDN's working there, but much lower wages to the domestic labour force. This was altered somewhat by union pressure. Higher wages will not substantially affect pricing because the coal is used largely in steel manufacturing for cars. As it sits, there is a large discrepancy between the cost of raw materials (like coal) that go into the vehicle and the ultimate product. Most of the margin comes from manufacturing the car. Increasing the costs of coal by $1 per tonne will have little impact on the price of a car. Because this particular mine operates on somewhat lower wages, they could increase wages and still offer lower coal prices and lower car prices. I think capitalism has been shown to make the pie larger. It is not the case that the less I have, the more you have as Marx suggested. If this is the case, then the world will be in big trouble as these nations industrialize. -
Unionize Wal-Mart or Let's Boot Them From Canada
Cartman replied to maplesyrup's topic in Federal Politics in Canada
I buy things from many different places and I would not call them "snooty". "Mom and pop" shops are not "snooty" but it may be "snooty" for you to unfairly label them as such. I do not want to be treated like a "lord" as you put it, I like to be treated like a human being...sorry. Did I say this? I just do not enjoy going there and, for me, it is worth the extra money to stay away from them. They can remain open as far as I am concerned. This is the first label you have correctly attributed to me. I am an anti-sweatshop person and I believe nations should sanction companies that employ them. I have worked for a Canadian company that operated in a third world nation. When Canadians worked there, they were paid unionized, Canadian wages so I am sure that they could be paid the same. My union also made the same argument. Odd how you and August seem to be so concerned about these children but offer no concrete ways to truly make their lives better other than the economic "freedom" to choose between virtual slavery or complete misery. So, what is your option? We have very different ideas of what constitutes "decision-making". Maybe I will make this my new signature. Your argument is quite weak Hugo because you have found it necessary to resort to inaccurate and pejorative labels. You have also attributed inaccurate logic on my behalf. That does not seem to be in keeping with the ideals of anarchy. Sincerely, Lord Cartman, the Pope. -
Layton Strikes While Iron Is Hot
Cartman replied to maplesyrup's topic in Federal Politics in Canada
That is what I am saying. Will kissing ass do any good? There seems to be a sense that protests against Bush ruin our economy. It seems to me they will have little effect. -
Unionize Wal-Mart or Let's Boot Them From Canada
Cartman replied to maplesyrup's topic in Federal Politics in Canada
I am best placed to judge which company I choose to do business with. I find it odd that you feel I am immoral in making a decision to not shop at this place. This sounds communist August and it also sounds judgemental. I enjoy smaller businesses with superior products. In the end, they cost less because they last longer. My understanding is that Wal-Mart no longer uses sweat shop labour anymore because it tarnishes their corporate image. As you so frequently say, let the market decide. Ha! We all make judgements August. What is the definition of an individual who does not make judgements? For a more direct answer, I have the right to say it is ideal for people to comsume less because greater consumption leads to greater environmental destruction. As a taxpayer funding health care, I have the right to say that physical exercise and healthy eating are superior to a sedentary lifestyle and eating poorly. Do you believe speaking my mind is immoral? Yes, I am the Pope. -
Layton Strikes While Iron Is Hot
Cartman replied to maplesyrup's topic in Federal Politics in Canada
I agree with this statement August and I do suspect that the Liberals will win a majority next time. While rudeness to prez Bush will solve nothing, do you think that being really nice will accomplish much? This is a sincere question. It seems to me that the border will open up when businesses in the US (that strongly desire our products) exert sufficient pressure. Is not free trade a business interest? -
I do not think it is Greg's job to moderate in such a fashion. I think people should just let the power of their arguments be judged by everyone here. There are few links on the internet that can be said to be "good proof" for any argument. Cite well researched books or journal articles.
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Layton Strikes While Iron Is Hot
Cartman replied to maplesyrup's topic in Federal Politics in Canada
As the US pressured us to help in Iraq or at least support the war efforts there to legitimize it, we have a right to explain why Canadians are against this war. It should be done without stomping on dolls or using words like "moron" etc, and Layton did just that. He represented himself better than some Liberals and yet people are upset that he talks to Bush in a civil manner. WTF? -
Layton Strikes While Iron Is Hot
Cartman replied to maplesyrup's topic in Federal Politics in Canada
Rape, disease, poverty, starvation and wars are realities and it does not matter what Canada says or does, but I hardly think this is a good reason to just give up trying. Apathy is not a cure. -
Another eloquent post by Hawk. Next time you try to insult someone, try spelling "perceive" and don't" correctly. Otherwize, u just luk lak u downt no wat ur talkin bout.
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Unionize Wal-Mart or Let's Boot Them From Canada
Cartman replied to maplesyrup's topic in Federal Politics in Canada
I find the company absolutely disgusting and have not been there for years. I cannot stand the crowds, the insincere welcomes, the use of sweatshop labour (at least in the past) and the way they have been known to be poor corporate citizens. I am no bargain hunter and would rather get gouged than be treated like a cow. Wal-Mart's success is just a mirror of general problems in our society. Our children (and adults) are fat because they eat like shit and their parents do not take them out on walks, swimming, hiking, cycling etc. There are many cost effective ways that parents and children can enjoy time together without having to buy more poorly made crap. Having more stuff does not make a person happier. -
Obese Children & Parental Responsibility
Cartman replied to ndpnic's topic in Federal Politics in Canada
So forget about abused and neglected children? Nobody is arguing for the death penalty here, but some sort of a mechanism to remind parents that they should care about what their children eat. -
I think it appropriate to include a clear message stating that it is unhealthy to eat fast food more than once a week. Parents and schools should do more on this matter.
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Layton Strikes While Iron Is Hot
Cartman replied to maplesyrup's topic in Federal Politics in Canada
This sounds reasonable enough. I can see some people getting angry about mob violence and inappropriate adjectives for the prez, but certainly a polite explanation of how many Canadians feel is appropriate. Are we to just abdicate on everything? -
This was never touted as a scientific poll, it was a television show. I suggest not using tv for important information. Surveys show that health care is an important issue for Canadians.
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Obese Children & Parental Responsibility
Cartman replied to ndpnic's topic in Federal Politics in Canada
Maybe it is not abuse, but it is a form of neglect. People should get more active and do things with their kids. -
Argus has made some valid points, I agree. i.e. But, I believe that NC has made a pretty strong case as well.