The option of Proroguing Parliament

[bush_cheney2004]

....It just sounds expensive and unnecessary.

Then why have elections at all...think of all the savings!

Freedom ain't free...and neither is "democracy".

[M.Dancer]

Then why not do away with parliament all-together? Let's all just vote on everything!

All in favour say Aye...

[g_bambino]

All in favour say Aye...

Wait a sec... I have to elect a representative to vote for me...

[Wilber]

Then why not do away with parliament all-together? Let's all just vote on everything!

Americans go to the polls every November for something or other. Every year there are elections for different Federal or State politicians plus all kinds of initiatives that they get to vote on directly. Canadians are too lazy for that kind of democracy.

Edited December 4, 2008 by Wilber

[Shakeyhands]

well, I'm upset on one hand and not on the other. I'd have like to see the coalition get a crack before Jan.. but on the other hand, maybe this is for the best. One thing I do know is that the days of Harper (assuming he and/or his gov't survive) thinking he is going to run roughshod and through partisan agenda around are over. This is a good thing. Lets start doing something constructive.

[Shakeyhands]

Then why have elections at all...think of all the savings!

Freedom ain't free...and neither is "democracy".

I love dumb quotes.

[Smallc]

Wow, this is twice we have agreed on something in less than 24 hours. One of us must be getting soft

lol, well we actually don't disagree on everything, and I don't think any less of you for your opinions....even if I do get testy at times (and I apologize for that). I think think (and I can only speculate) that the Prime Minister was with the governor General for so long, because she wanted assurances (and I think she's meeting with the other parties to get the same assurances) that they would start talking to each other to try to work things out. He seemed much more conciliatory as he came out the door.

I think we may see some kind of agreement between the Conservatives and the Liberals. I think that those who support Ignatieff will be more than happy to defuse this and I think that Bob Rae has just cemented his loss. Just my thoughts though.

[g_bambino]

Americans go to the polls every November for something or other. Every year there are elections for different Federal or State politicians plus all kinds of initiatives that they get to vote on directly. Canadians are too lazy for that kind of democracy.

That statement assumes that Americans are energised enough to participate in all that voting.

[M.Dancer]

I've been thinking...the worst thing about proroging parliament is that for the next month and a half that will be the only topic of discussion here...

[Wilber]

That statement assumes that Americans are energised enough to participate in all that voting.

It assumes nothing of the sort. Like Canada, there are many who don't, the differece being they have far more opportunities for direct involvement in how they are governed than we do.

[Wilber]

That statement assumes that Americans are energised enough to participate in all that voting.

It assumes nothing of the sort. Like Canada, there are many who don't, the differece being they have far more opportunities for direct involvement in how they are governed than we do.

[Smallc]

It assumes nothing of the sort. Like Canada, there are many who don't, the differece being they have far more opportunities for direct involvement in how they are governed than we do.

It doesn't always produce good results for theme either though. I still think that there's nothing terribly wrong with our system. Sure, it could use some tweaking, but I don't believe that we need to change the underlying foundation.

[Topaz]

I don't think Harper has been a good for Canadians. ALBERTA has created the good paying jobs and the Feds have created the part time jobs, inside the Commons, they just bully, personal attacks and never give straight answer they are always on the defense to anyone who questions them. Harper called this past elections because he said HE couldn't work with them. Harper never got the majority he hoped to get, so he'll try again for an election very soon only this time, the times are different. The Fed workers know now that he tried to take away their right to strike and Canadians know they he is trying to have a one party only in Canada so he can DO anything he wants. Harper is doing a job on Canada by trying to divide it. I hope that the Libs voters of the past will come out again and give the majority gov`t to the Libs, so we can help those Canadians who needed the most. IF any good that has come out of this union of the 3 parties, is that now Harper KNOWS he can`t have it his way any longer like he has had it in the past! BTW, how many can an individual give to a party?? $1000??

[g_bambino]

It assumes nothing of the sort.

Well, it would appear to me that by saying Canadians are too lazy for the American form of democracy it is implied that Americans are not too lazy for the American form of democracy.

[Wilber]

It doesn't always produce good results for theme either though. I still think that there's nothing terribly wrong with our system. Sure, it could use some tweaking, but I don't believe that we need to change the underlying foundation.

I'm not so sure. The problem with our confrontational system is that after a bitter contest the loser now becomes the official opposition yet somehow we expect them to work together. Contrast that with Obama and McCain. McCain lost the presidential election but because he has no duty to act as opposition, he and Obama are free to act together for the good of the country, without having to beat each other over the head in question period every week. Fact is, our system doesn't naturally lend itself to co-operation (quite the opposite) so we shouldn't be too surprised when we don't get it.

[bush_cheney2004]

I love dumb quotes.

...and I love voting. I love the smell of a felt tip marking pen on a virgin ballot in the morning...smells like...liberty!

Do you guys get free "I voted" stickers at the polls? No? Maybe that would cost too much.

[Wilber]

Well, it would appear to me that by saying Canadians are too lazy for the American form of democracy it is implied that Americans are not too lazy for the American form of democracy.

Some are, some aren't. You obviously are so why don't you think you and other citizens. should have the same opportunities to express your opinions by casting a ballot? Are you afraid of the results or do you see it as a threat to some power that you may have in our current system?

[bush_cheney2004]

Well, it would appear to me that by saying Canadians are too lazy for the American form of democracy it is implied that Americans are not too lazy for the American form of democracy.

Not at all...Americans are just as lazy....but we seldom bitch about the cost of an election process for those who wish to play the game. Live a little!

[Smallc]

I'm not so sure. The problem with our confrontational system is that after a bitter contest the loser now becomes the official opposition yet somehow we expect them to work together. Contrast that with Obama and McCain. McCain lost the presidential election but because he has no duty to act as opposition, he and Obama are free to act together for the good of the country, without having to beat each other over the head in question period every week. Fact is, our system doesn't naturally lend itself to co-operation (quite the opposite) so we shouldn't be too surprised when we don't get it.

I agree with what you say, but I really don't think there's anything fundamentally wrong with the system. It works in so many countries the world over and it continues to work here....even if it has at times (like now) become stressed.

[g_bambino]

You obviously are so why don't you think you and other citizens. should have the same opportunities to express your opinions by casting a ballot? Are you afraid of the results or do you see it as a threat to some power that you may have in our current system?

In the same way you know what I obviously am, you've no doubt taken the liberty to answer the question for me, yours being the most correct response, of course.

[Wilber]

In the same way you know what I obviously am, you've no doubt taken the liberty to answer the question for me, yours being the most correct response, of course.

I know nothing, I just wonder.

[g_bambino]

I know nothing, I just wonder.

Er, the use of the word "obviously" leaves little room for wonderment.

[blueblood]

I have a feeling in my bones that Ignatieff stays quiet for a while. This may be a Liberal Leadership wedge issue. Ignatieff is skating on thin ice and I think he is waiting to see what the mood in caucus is. I think Rae goofed.

[kimmy]

I have a feeling in my bones that Ignatieff stays quiet for a while. This may be a Liberal Leadership wedge issue. Ignatieff is skating on thin ice and I think he is waiting to see what the mood in caucus is. I think Rae goofed.

It seems as if Ignatieff is leaving himself room to backtrack...

Michael Ignatieff, the front-runner in the Liberal leadership battle, remained silent during yesterday's caucus meeting. His supporters and strategists are advising him to stay away from a Dion-led coalition cabinet for fear that to do otherwise will damage his political prospects.

Some of the MPs supporting him are also remaining mute in caucus, afraid that anything they say will be interpreted as reflecting Mr. Ignatieff's thinking.

One Liberal supporter of Mr. Ignatieff said he is in a difficult situation: If he says he doesn't support the coalition, Mr. Ignatieff risks upsetting MPs and delegates to the leadership convention who do.

“On the other hand he risks losing the country,” the Liberal said.

“Why the hell are we doing this now?”

-k

[guyser]

I have a feeling in my bones that Ignatieff stays quiet for a while.

Every last head of every last party including all their advisors should be sent home via train. Harper can get his after things are settled , but he too should go.

The whole lot need to be replaced.