For those fed up with Harper's undemocratic behavior, tell your MP

[myata]

All Iggy has to do is let the Press go after the PMO.

OH look they are and there out for blood

Right, but what good will it do for me (and our country's democracy)? Iggy's power itchy hands replacing Harper's on the same old and dusty and screeching steering wheel? How would that state of affairs make things better?

One has to be blindly partisan to not notice a much bigger and scarier issue behind Harper's obsession with power and control. Yes, our outdated political system allows control freaks with dictatorial tendencies to do many more things than they should be allowed to in an open, transparent and functional democracy. That's not good for the country and the democracy, no matter the colour of the control freak that sticks to the power lever.

I'll say it one more time, the only way to get something real out of this situation is to put both behemoth parties "on probation" (how ironic). Deliver real, meaningful change or don't count on our support, period.

[nicky10013]

Didn't seem to bother China '08 at all....a smashing success. Canada's biggest problem so far has been the IOC barring ski jumpers with breasts.

Hard not to hop over the bar when the bar is so low in the first place. Problem is, in terms of open and democratic governance Canada's expectations are probably just a tad higher.

[g_bambino]

Yes, our outdated political system allows control freaks with dictatorial tendencies to do many more things than they should be allowed to in an open, transparent and functional democracy.

I think you mean "our foreign internal party systems allow control freaks" to do more than they should. Have party leaders selected by caucus rather than the wider membership and parliament will have more power again.

[myata]

I think you mean "our foreign internal party systems allow control freaks" to do more than they should. Have party leaders selected by caucus rather than the wider membership and parliament will have more power again.

That may be a part of the problem, though still, the ability of the elected House to work efficiently and without obstruction should not depend on internal processes of political parties. Ultimately, it comes down to the question of where the seat of power is vested, the elected Parliament, or the government that may very well be a minority faction. And if it's vested with the Parliament, in an open and functional democracy there has to be a working and efficient process for the elected Parliament to remove any government that has lost its confidence. Without interference, obstraction, obstacles or unnecessary expenses. Any complications in doing so result in a compromised democracy.

[ToadBrother]

That may be a part of the problem, though still, the ability of the elected House to work efficiently and without obstruction should not depend on internal processes of political parties. Ultimately, it comes down to the question of where the seat of power is vested, the elected Parliament, or the government that may very well be a minority faction. And if it's vested with the Parliament, in an open and functional democracy there has to be a working and efficient process for the elected Parliament to remove any government that has lost its confidence. Without interference, obstraction, obstacles or unnecessary expenses. Any complications in doing so result in a compromised democracy.

And we would have that, if the Liberals weren't broke and the polls didn't seesaw like crazy, making even the extremely overconfident Stephen Harper blink at times. Parliament more resembles a Mexican standoff right now. Not exactly a recipe for good, efficient and rational government.

[g_bambino]

[T]he ability of the elected House to work efficiently and without obstruction should not depend on internal processes of political parties.

Quite obviously it should, precisely because the two will never be separate. The problems with party leadership aside, we already have everything you say is lacking.

[c/e]

Edited January 19, 2010 by g_bambino

[ToadBrother]

Quite obviously it should, precisely because the two will never be separate. The problems with party leadership aside, we already have everything you say is lacking.

[c/e]

It would be nice if the average voter was a little more proactive. Believe me, if every Tory MP had 5,000 letters on their doorstep promising defeat in the next election, Harper would not be so willing to pull these stunts (the same applies to the other parties too). I wrote a letter to my MP expressing my feelings about the prorogation. I'll wager damned few others did. How can anyone expect their MP to have the backbone to stand up to the party leaders if they feel they have no backing from their constituents?

People can complain about how the democratic process is in tatters and that voter apathy is simply a symptom, but the reality is that apathy leads directly to this. Low voter turnouts means there's less attachment between the MP and the electorate of his or her riding.

[myata]

And we would have that, if the Liberals weren't broke and the polls didn't seesaw like crazy, making even the extremely overconfident Stephen Harper blink at times.

Except we're lacking, some may say severely, two important things:

One, a real and effective ability of the Parliament to hold the government responsible on any issue, if the majority of the elected House so decides. As things stand now, i.e this government behaves itself toward the Parliament now, the question, who holds the upper end in the balance of power appears far from obvious.

And two, the ability of the Parliament to replace government that has lost its confidence promptly and efficiently, without interference and unnecessary obstacles. Let's remember that on the far end of the spectrum, the one we're gradually moving toward through government asserting itself at the expense of the elected Parliament, would be a virtually irreplacible government, i.e. a dictatorship.

Parliament more resembles a Mexican standoff right now. Not exactly a recipe for good, efficient and rational government.

Even the best system does not give any guarantees, just as the best car won't assure accident free driving. That's not a reason to hang on to generations old half broken clanking drone right till the moment it falls apart in the middle of the road.

People can complain about how the democratic process is in tatters and that voter apathy is simply a symptom, but the reality is that apathy leads directly to this. Low voter turnouts means there's less attachment between the MP and the electorate of his or her riding.

To that, I subscribe completely. Our democracy will only be as good as our will to support and defend it, and if that will goes out the window, well.. history has many examples what happens next, no need to go guessing.

Edited January 19, 2010 by myata

[Topaz]

Tell my MP that I don't like it, well guess what, I found out they don't like it either and they are a TORY!!!! Of Course, if his boss found out they would be in trouble, especially if the media found out and went after them for a comment. It sure would make Harper look bad.

[William Ashley]

The PMO may also have a Wildrose problems flashback to lat 90s rite wing self destructed and impeded on it self!!

lasting 12 to 15 years back than!! hmmmmmm.

Wildrose isn't registered fedreally is it?

[Alta4ever]

Wildrose isn't registered fedreally is it?

No it isn't.

[msdogfood]

Wildrose isn't registered fedreally is it?

it worked!!

[msdogfood]

No it isn't.

No its not at the moment!...

[ironstone]

the liberals only did it for times in 12 years!!!!.

This has been mentioned before,but how about the darling of the left in Canada,Pierre Elliot Trudeau,proroguing 4 times in 4 years?As for the Facebook nonsense,I wonder how many of the people on there could actually name their MP.For the "outraged" younger generation,how many of them have actually gotten off their butts and voted in an election?

You're not admitting the real truth which is that the Canadian left will not tolerate any political party to the right.You believe in democracy only when it suits you,no exceptions.Were you outraged when Chretien prorogued to avoid sponsorship scandal questions?Of course not,you were just fine with it weren't you?Did you know Bob Rae did it three times when he almost singlehandedly brought once mighty Ontario to it's knees?By your own logic,Rae's behavior was undemocratic.

I won't hold my breath waiting for an honest response.

[g_bambino]

Were you outraged when Chretien prorogued to avoid sponsorship scandal questions?

That wasn't just a prorogation, it was a complete dissolution of parliament followed by an election.

[ToadBrother]

That wasn't just a prorogation, it was a complete dissolution of parliament followed by an election.

I think he's referring to Chretien's prorogation so Martin could take over. Explanations very. I've heard the claim that Chretien offered to let the sponsorship scandal report be tabled while he was still PM, but Martin wanted him out.

Edited January 27, 2010 by ToadBrother

[g_bambino]

I think he's referring to Chretien's prorogation so Martin could take over.

Oops; perhaps you're right. I mistook what he said for when Chretien advised the dissolution of parliament that ended the investigation into Canadian Forces soldiers' actions in Somalia.

[Alta4ever]

No its not at the moment!...

There is no interest to take it federal. Its focused strictly on provincial politics.

[Shakeyhands]

I won't hold my breath waiting for an honest response.

Just as soon as some honest questions are asked....

[msdogfood]

See facebook!

Canadians Against Proroguing Parliament

or my blog

Description:

On December 30th, 2009, for the second time in as many years, Stephen Harper has asked the Governor General to prorogue parliament. Like last time, he will certainly get what he's asking for, forsaking his responsibility to be accountable to his employers, us Canadians citizens.What can we do? Ask your MP to attend parliament anyways. Think it can't be done? Check this out:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Long_ParliamentFirst, find your MP:http://canada.gc.ca/directories-repertoires/direct-eng.html#mpOur Members of Parliament are our employees, and they should show up to do what we pay them for. If you need help getting started, here's a sample letter:Dear [MPs name]:I am writing to you to ask that you ignore Stephen Harper's request to prorogue parliament and attend anyway. This is not unprecedented in a parliamentary democracy, having occurred in England in 1640. It is important to me that you attend and I look forward to hearing from you soon.Sincerely,[Your Name]Cher Député ou Ministre (nom)Je vous écrit pour vour demander d'ignorer la requête de prorogation du Premier Ministre Stephen Harper et de vous présenter à la Chambre des Communes malgré tout. Ceci n'est pas un précédent pour un gouvernement démocratique puisque cela s'est produit en 1640 en Angleterre. Il est très important pour moi (nous) que vous teniez cet engagement de vous présenter à la Chambre des Communes malgré une prorogation et j'attends avec impatience d'obtenir des nouvelles de vous. Sincèrement,(vote nom)Écrivez une lettre, un courriel ou téléphonez votre député. Faites circuler auprès de vos amis et de votre famille pour qu'ils s'impliquent. Nous devons montrer à ce gouvernement ce qu'est une VRAIE démocratie.Vous pouvez également contacter la Gourverneure Générale. Même si la décision a déjà été prise, il n'est pas trop tard pour lui faire connaître votre indignation et votre colère. Email Gouverneure Générale [email protected], email, write your MP. Tell your friends and family to get involved. We need to show the government what real democracy is about!Also, feel free to contact the Governor General. While her decision has already been made, its not too late to voice your anger:[email protected] (read less)

On December 30th, 2009, for the second time in as many years, Stephen Harper has asked the Governor General to prorogue parliament. Like last time, he will certainly get what he's asking for, forsaking his responsibility to be accountable to his employers, us Canadians citizens.What can we do? Ask your MP to attend parliament anyways. Think it can't be done? Check this out:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Long_ParliamentFirst, find your... (read more)

It workd!!.

[PIK]

Imagine if the liberals were in power with all this stimuli money floating around, thank god for a honest man like harper to be at the helm. Just imagine trying to put together a national babysitting program right now with the way the economy is. And yes iggy said it ,at any cost, he is going to take your kids away after birth and raise them ,why because the left believes it can raise your children better then you. LOL

Edited February 8, 2010 by PIK

[ToadBrother]

Imagine if the liberals were in power with all this stimuli money floating around, thank god for a honest man like harper to be at the helm. Just imagine trying to put together a national babysitting program right now with the way the economy is. And yes iggy said it ,at any cost, he is going to take your kids away and birth and raise them ,why because the left believes it can raise your children better then you. LOL

If the polls keep going the way they are, we may find out.

As to the stimulus program, it was a moronic pot-hole filling party. To be fair, the Opposition is equally to blame, but we should have been building electrical generation facilities, new highways, bridges, tunnels, railways and so forth, things that can be considered long-term investments.

[bloodyminded]

Imagine if the liberals were in power with all this stimuli money floating around, thank god for a honest man like harper to be at the helm. Just imagine trying to put together a national babysitting program right now with the way the economy is. And yes iggy said it ,at any cost, he is going to take your kids away and birth and raise them ,why because the left believes it can raise your children better then you. LOL

Iggy's not only going to kidnap our children and raise them; he's going to birth them too?

[PIK]

If the polls keep going the way they are, we may find out.

As to the stimulus program, it was a moronic pot-hole filling party. To be fair, the Opposition is equally to blame, but we should have been building electrical generation facilities, new highways, bridges, tunnels, railways and so forth, things that can be considered long-term investments.

Funny thing roads and bridges is exactly what is happening in eastern ontario.

[capricorn]

Iggy's not only going to kidnap our children and raise them; he's going to birth them too?

Not if Harper eats them first.