Rob1963

Socialism and Progressive is not the same thing. And there is a place for conservativism in my outlook. I call myself a Red Tory simply to distinguish myself from the hard right Blue Tories (the majority of whom are now CA members). I think "Red Tories" generally are more fiscally conservative than Liberals, maybe a bit more socially conservative than Liberals, but much more socially "liberal" than CAer's. So, Why should these two parties merge?

Exactly why we should not be even wasting time on these talks. Put out your platform and let Canadians decide. But, of course Harper realises Canadians won't vote for his Party unless they have no other alternative to the Liberals.

No, I do not think Canada is a haven for Socialism, nor is it a haven for conservatism, therefore, neither the NDP, nor the CA will ever form government in Canada. Both Parties have a constituency to speak for, however, and for that reason, they exist. As it stands, only the Liberals or the PC Party will ever form government in Canada for the forseeable future. And, yes, I consider myself a "Red Tory". So, why should the two parties merge?

I am against a merger because it will be the "kiss of death" for the PC Party (the merged party will not do much better than the CA, maybe even worse). Then we really will have no real alternative to the Liberals! Talk of merger, even if it dosen't produce anything, is a complete distraction for voters who, when it comes time to cast their vote, are much more interested in where the various parties stand on the issues of immediate concern to them, rather than the future of a party much farther to the right than many of them are. Canadians have a long history of being progressive and the PC Party has been at the forefront of that evolution. Canadians will not vote for a Party that throws out its principles simply for possible (but not likely) electoral success. Why should the two Parties merge, other than to defeat the Liberals (admittedly a pretty good reason, but not good enough for me)?

It is unfortunate. He's obviously not listening to Party members. Maybe if we write asking him to mix his Cheerios with his eggs for Breakfast, we may get the same letter

Funny, I recently sent a letter to Peter MacKay urging him NOT to merge the PC Party with the Canadian Alliance and got the same letter.