Why I will still vote for Stephen J. Harper in 2015

[August1991]

For the 20% of the population that absolutely loathes Harper (many posters here since the Internet attracts people with strong opinions), this may be depressing to read but I suggest that you slog through my post.

First, I have no other choice. I will not vote for this BQ, the NDP and I simply cannot bring myself to voting for Trudeau Jnr (as much as I have nothing against the guy). In an entirely different context (southern Ontario), Harper wisely knows this.

Secondly, Harper has achieved many things that I think are good for Canada: He got rid of the long gun registry. He got rid of Section 13. He got rid of the wheat board. He even accepted medicinal marijuana. He reduced the extent of the dairy quota in a "free-trade deal" with Europe. He is on track for a federal balanced budget through lower government spending - not higher taxes. He has not intruded into areas beyond federal jurisdiction - the famous firewall. He got rid of the penny and brought Australian plastic cash to Canada. He supported our NATO allies in Afghanistan and then said we've done our share. He has supported Israel. He has cut taxpayer funding (transfer payments) to leftwing lobby groups.

(In my own bailiwick, he finished the 30, including a toll bridge, and has been adamant that the Pont Champlain will be a toll too - but finished early.)

Thirdly, no one is accusing Harper (or anyone in his government) of taking money personally (or receiving a benefit) to change a decision. In simple terms, no one is accusing Stephen Harper of receiving a brown envelope or golf balls.

In federal politics, this is remarkable. Harper is at a Trudeau Snr personal level of honesty. (But Trudeau inherited several million in the 1930s. And Trudeau never kept his cabinet let alone caucus as honest.)

------

If I have a criticism of Harper, it comes from a comment of Lucien Bouchard. Bouchard said that the hardest part of being in politics was saying no to someone in his office, asking for a benefit. Bouchard said (and I paraphrase), "There were many other people just as deserving not in my office. When making a decision, I always thought of the people who weren't in my office."

The accusation is that Harper approved the Conservative Party (Gerstein et al) to give $90,000 to Senator Mike Duffy for his false claim of residency. Just like Harper approved/signed the billon dollar cheque for the G8 security in Toronto, the Tony gazebo.

IMV, Harper has compromised a little too often with the "people in his office". Sometimes, he should just follow "his own conscience".

Edited December 7, 2013 by August1991

[waldo]

this may be depressing to read

delusions of grandeur, hey!

but really, this is huuugggggeee!... that a hyper attacker of most anything even remotely "leftist", that a long-standing fervent Harper partisan, should come out so! Thanks for qualifying and distinguishing Stephen "J." Harper from all those other Stephen Harper's out there!

[August1991]

Thanks for qualifying and distinguishing Stephen "J." Harper from all those other Stephen Harper's out there!

Chong seems to think that people vote for an MP. Until future notice, people vote for a leader.

IMHO, in civilized Canada, our best protection against a dictator is our federal system: Quebec, Alberta and Ontario governments are checks against a dictator Harper.

-----

I kinda like the Charter too.

[TimG]

http://www.thequotefactory.com/irep/en/7/7EMSTL9QCUIT5_10RK2E8_PH_L_LS.jpg

Not withstanding the sentiment above, changing politicians requires an alternative that is palatable.

Trudeau seems to be saying some of the right things that would make him a moderate (e.g. supporting Keystone XL).

But he punctuates it with absurd suggestions like the Chinese government is to be admired for its "green" policies.

If the budget is balanced as promised then Harper likely deserves another term.

The "scandals" are too trivial to be concerned with (90K returned to taxpayers under the table - I can't think of any time in history where someone is in trouble for using his own money to fill government coffers).

Edited December 7, 2013 by TimG

[Human_Observer]

Chong seems to think that people vote for an MP. Until future notice, people vote for a leader.

IMHO, in civilized Canada, our best protection against a dictator is our federal system: Quebec, Alberta and Ontario governments are checks against a dictator Harper.

As a resident of OntarIowe, I can tell you we are prisoners of the Liberal dictatorship known as Toronto. Whom seems to be the only city that benefits from the provincial Liberal dictatorship. At the federal level the Liebrals caters to Quebec, while the ROC suffers.

[g_bambino]

Chong seems to think that people vote for an MP.

They do.

IMHO, in civilized Canada, our best protection against a dictator is our federal system: Quebec, Alberta and Ontario governments are checks against a dictator Harper.

The provincial governments and parliaments have zero control over federal bills or laws and who is in or out of the prime minister's chair in Ottawa.

[g_bambino]

[T]he provincial Liberal dictatorship.

You seem unaware of the definition of dictatorship.

[August1991]

As a resident of OntarIowe, I can tell you we are prisoners of the Liberal dictatorship known as Toronto. Whom seems to be the only city that benefits from the provincial Liberal dictatorship. At the federal level the Liebrals caters to Quebec, while the ROC suffers.

Such is a city, a society: we live among many.

How to protect individual choice in a collective? I favour a federal system. I am suspicious of anyone who wants "solidarty".

They do.

They don't.

Bambino, you and I know that in practice voters choose a party/leader.

Edited December 7, 2013 by August1991

[Human_Observer]

Bambino, you and I know that in practice voters choose a party/leader.

I vote for the person whom best represents my interests. Unfortunately, I have yet to find one who does.

Most people vote against someone, not for.

Edited December 7, 2013 by Human_Observer

[cybercoma]

For the 20% of the population that absolutely loathes Harper

You do know that only 25% of the population actually cast a vote for members of Harper's party, right? I'm not sure where you get your 20% of the population loathes Harper figure.

[August1991]

I vote for the person whom best represents my interests. Unfortunately, I have yet to find one who does. Most people vote against someone, not for.

Whatever you think of Stephen Harper, he made changes that I favour.

It is hard to change anything, and the best way to change is slowly.

Stephen Harper has changed things (some small, minor) slowly.

Edited December 7, 2013 by August1991

[jbg]

IMV, Harper has compromised a little too often with the "people in his office". Sometimes, he should just follow "his own conscience".

I agree with your post, though I personally won't vote for Harper or for a CPC MP. I think your criticism at the end should be required reading for every politician, lawyer, businessman or leader of any kind.

[On Guard for Thee]

For the 20% of the population that absolutely loathes Harper (many posters here since the Internet attracts people with strong opinions), this may be depressing to read but I suggest that you slog through my post.

First, I have no other choice. I will not vote for this BQ, the NDP and I simply cannot bring myself to voting for Trudeau Jnr (as much as I have nothing against the guy). In an entirely different context (southern Ontario), Harper wisely knows this.

Secondly, Harper has achieved many things that I think are good for Canada: He got rid of the long gun registry. He got rid of Section 13. He got rid of the wheat board. He even accepted medicinal marijuana. He reduced the extent of the dairy quota in a "free-trade deal" with Europe. He is on track for a federal balanced budget through lower government spending - not higher taxes. He has not intruded into areas beyond federal jurisdiction - the famous firewall. He got rid of the penny and brought Australian plastic cash to Canada. He supported our NATO allies in Afghanistan and then said we've done our share. He has supported Israel. He has cut taxpayer funding (transfer payments) to leftwing lobby groups.

(In my own bailiwick, he finished the 30, including a toll bridge, and has been adamant that the Pont Champlain will be a toll too - but finished early.)

Thirdly, no one is accusing Harper (or anyone in his government) of taking money personally (or receiving a benefit) to change a decision. In simple terms, no one is accusing Stephen Harper of receiving a brown envelope or golf balls.

In federal politics, this is remarkable. Harper is at a Trudeau Snr personal level of honesty. (But Trudeau inherited several million in the 1930s. And Trudeau never kept his cabinet let alone caucus as honest.)

------

If I have a criticism of Harper, it comes from a comment of Lucien Bouchard. Bouchard said that the hardest part of being in politics was saying no to someone in his office, asking for a benefit. Bouchard said (and I paraphrase), "There were many other people just as deserving not in my office. When making a decision, I always thought of the people who weren't in my office."

The accusation is that Harper approved the Conservative Party (Gerstein et al) to give $90,000 to Senator Mike Duffy for his false claim of residency. Just like Harper approved/signed the billon dollar cheque for the G8 security in Toronto, the Tony gazebo.

IMV, Harper has compromised a little too often with the "people in his office". Sometimes, he should just follow "his own conscience".

Harper's gov is being accused of offering money to whitewash a report. Bribes are bribes whether you are offering or receiving I'm afraid.

[Topaz]

August1991, if Harper is your guy, of course, go vote for him but I think I'm safe in saying, now 70% of Canadians don't agree with you and since the last elections, he has made many changes to social programs and many Canadians do not agree with him and PM's who try to change these programs, have never won an election and besides, PM in as long as Harper, usually get voted out anyway. The Senate scandal, coverup, is opening the eyes of even his own supporters, who have a higher moral values than the PM. Personally, I want to see Harper run in the next election and see him lose and he will if it IS a HONEST election.

[Benz]

I see tons of reasons why not vote for Harper, but I see only one good reason to vote for him that overcome them all. To avoid Trudeau taking the control of the country.

That said, I'll still not vote for Harper. I wouldn't help him doing that anyway because he is so unpopular here in Québec, I'd rather vote for the party that is in the best position to beat the liberal candidate in my district. It's either the BQ or NPD depending where you are located.

I would probably vote Harper if I was in Beauce or a place like that. The only few districts where the CPC stand a chance.

Trudeau... I prefer not think about it for now. I'll have plently of time to hate him if he wins the next election.

[Topaz]

In my view, I think Justin likes being leader and if he lost the elections as PM, I don't think it would bother him that much because he needs seasoning and right now the NDP leader is coming ahead because of his questioning of Harper in QP. In certain occupations, age and experiences does matter and since the NDP have never been in the PMO, why not give them a chance , minority or majority, they can't do any worse than the Tories.

[TimG]

since the NDP have never been in the PMO, why not give them a chance , minority or majority, they can't do any worse than the Tories.

ROTFL... A party which is held hostage by Quebec nationalists AND environmentalists can't do any worse? Take the mess the Liberals made out of Ontario and double it. The NDP would piss away all of the economic advantage that the Liberals and Conservatives have worked so hard to build up over the last 25 years.

[PIK]

In my view, I think Justin likes being leader and if he lost the elections as PM, I don't think it would bother him that much because he needs seasoning and right now the NDP leader is coming ahead because of his questioning of Harper in QP. In certain occupations, age and experiences does matter and since the NDP have never been in the PMO, why not give them a chance , minority or majority, they can't do any worse than the Tories.

Who are you trying to kid. Vote NDP, do you even understand what they stand for. Enough of the BS. Edited December 7, 2013 by PIK

[Moonlight Graham]

ROTFL... A party which is held hostage by Quebec nationalists AND environmentalists can't do any worse? Take the mess the Liberals made out of Ontario and double it. The NDP would piss away all of the economic advantage that the Liberals and Conservatives have worked so hard to build up over the last 25 years.

Fact is, you don't know how they'd govern federally. There isn't much risk with a minority government, which the NDP would only realistically get on their first run, and minority govs only last 1.5 years or so on average anyways i believe. I'd give them a shot.

[The_Squid]

Are you in Calgary, August? Cuz that's the only place that anyone can "vote for Harper".

[ReeferMadness]

For the 20% of the population that absolutely loathes Harper (many posters here since the Internet attracts people with strong opinions), this may be depressing to read but I suggest that you slog through my post.

First, I have no other choice. I will not vote for this BQ, the NDP and I simply cannot bring myself to voting for Trudeau Jnr (as much as I have nothing against the guy). In an entirely different context (southern Ontario), Harper wisely knows this.

Secondly, Harper has achieved many things that I think are good for Canada: He got rid of the long gun registry. He got rid of Section 13. He got rid of the wheat board. He even accepted medicinal marijuana. He reduced the extent of the dairy quota in a "free-trade deal" with Europe. He is on track for a federal balanced budget through lower government spending - not higher taxes. He has not intruded into areas beyond federal jurisdiction - the famous firewall. He got rid of the penny and brought Australian plastic cash to Canada. He supported our NATO allies in Afghanistan and then said we've done our share. He has supported Israel. He has cut taxpayer funding (transfer payments) to leftwing lobby groups.

(In my own bailiwick, he finished the 30, including a toll bridge, and has been adamant that the Pont Champlain will be a toll too - but finished early.)

Thirdly, no one is accusing Harper (or anyone in his government) of taking money personally (or receiving a benefit) to change a decision. In simple terms, no one is accusing Stephen Harper of receiving a brown envelope or golf balls.

In federal politics, this is remarkable. Harper is at a Trudeau Snr personal level of honesty. (But Trudeau inherited several million in the 1930s. And Trudeau never kept his cabinet let alone caucus as honest.)

------

If I have a criticism of Harper, it comes from a comment of Lucien Bouchard. Bouchard said that the hardest part of being in politics was saying no to someone in his office, asking for a benefit. Bouchard said (and I paraphrase), "There were many other people just as deserving not in my office. When making a decision, I always thought of the people who weren't in my office."

The accusation is that Harper approved the Conservative Party (Gerstein et al) to give $90,000 to Senator Mike Duffy for his false claim of residency. Just like Harper approved/signed the billon dollar cheque for the G8 security in Toronto, the Tony gazebo.

IMV, Harper has compromised a little too often with the "people in his office". Sometimes, he should just follow "his own conscience".

Your entire post sounds like the rationalization of someone who is suffering buyers remorse after a foolish purchase. Who are you trying to convince - us or yourself?

"Yes, dear. The house does have dry rot and it's on a flood plain. But that other house was just too far from the pub!"

You may be able to talk yourself into that the repercussions of your decision is somehow justified. It's too bad the rest of us have to suffer, however.

[Keepitsimple]

August1991, if Harper is your guy, of course, go vote for him but I think I'm safe in saying, now 70% of Canadians don't agree with you and since the last elections, he has made many changes to social programs and many Canadians do not agree with him and PM's who try to change these programs, have never won an election and besid

es, PM in as long as Harper, usually get voted out anyway. The Senate scandal, coverup, is opening the eyes of even his own supporters, who have a higher moral values than the PM. Personally, I want to see Harper run in the next election and see him lose and he will if it IS a HONEST election.

What changes to social programs are you referring to? Do you have 2 or 3 examples that are upsetting you?

[waldo]

Who are you trying to kid. Vote NDP, do you even understand what they stand for. Enough of the BS.

PIK, can you describe (one of) your boogeymen... to you, just what does the NDP... stand for?

[jbg]

Are you in Calgary, August? Cuz that's the only place that anyone can "vote for Harper".

And only in the Calgary Southwest riding. That is why I said I'd never vote for Harper. As for voting CPC, I really can't do that either.

[jbg]

PIK, can you describe (one of) your boogeymen... to you, just what does the NDP... stand for?

You're the one with the picture of Harper in your profile.