canada's destruction

[masterkush]

Canada's Emerging

Politics Of Destruction

By John Chuckman

5-5-5

What would Pierre Trudeau say? He stopped the FLQ dead in its tracks only to have the nation's future now toyed with by selfish, angry children.

This is a terrible time to force an election. I don't say this because it's only been a year since an election. I don't say this because another election will cost as much or more than the sponsorship scandal. And I don't say this because an election can only give us another minority government. The forces of separatism are more buoyant than they have been for years. Jean Charest's conservative policies have made the Quebec Liberals very unpopular, and the Parti Québécois waits to resume power. The backlash in Quebec against the federal Liberals means the nihilistic Bloc Québécois will take even more seats.

One hopes Stephen Harper will show statesmanship in not forcing a new election, but the hope is slim. His party, though it has virtually no chance of winning a seat in Quebec, naturally wants to be christened by even a brief assumption of power. Peter MacKay, number-two man in the party, answers questions about his past broken promises with a description of politics as a "blood sport," and judging from the language he uses during Question Period, he very much means it.

The Conservatives have no critical priorities, no desperately wished-for program, but they have the opportunity to exploit an unpleasant situation for a possible minority government. In doing this they would be upsetting a lot of important initiatives now underway. They would be appealing to people's unhappiness over a scandal where all the information has not yet even been collected. They would be trying to remove a government that has done everything anyone could expect from government in setting things right. Judge the meaning of an election called under those circumstances. And judge, too, the fact that Stephen Harper's Quebec lieutenant effectively must be Gilles Duceppe.

Duceppe is an almost asinine figure, a man with such a checkered political history that words about principles sound bizarre coming from his mouth. The Bloc Québécois, a bizarre separatist party acting in the federal arena where it can never achieve its objectives, basically serves as a place to park votes when people in Quebec are angry or frustrated as they are now. That is, except for the genuine opportunity a Conservative minority government would offer the Bloc to extract serious favours for its support. Now there's a principled arrangement: the Conservatives assisting separatism in order to gain power.

I do love the Conservative claim to moral high ground in the current scandal. This is, after all, the party of Grant Devine, a premier who had ministers sent to prison for fraud and who to this day sounds like a weasel trying to explain away what happened. This is the party of wife-murderer Colin Thatcher. This is the party of Brian Mulroney, whose immense Airbus scandal remains successfully buried. This is the party of Stockwell Day whose unique blend of ignorance and mouth cost a provincial government the best part of a million dollars defending him before he had the grace to apologize. This is the party of Peter MacKay, a man whose word goes about as far as the tiny distance between his eyes.

Danny Williams set a fine example for Canadians by taking down the nation's flag all over the Newfoundland because he didn't get quite the deal on revenue-sharing he thought he deserved. What else could you compare Danny's behaviour to except a child who bawls in the store to embarrass its mother into buying something? Taking down the flag of course has more serious implications than just bawling or holding your breath until you turn blue. It is damaging to people's sense of national identity and purpose.

I am not a defender of America's civic religion around its flag, something closer in spirit to brown-shirt demonstrations than pride in rights and freedoms, but, still, flags do mean something. Perhaps rather I should say Canada means something, something a bit more than getting just the financial deal you want. Canada is a genuinely decent country, a peaceful place, a place that does not make enemies in the world, a place where discrimination and hatred are about as minimal as you will find anywhere. The flag is a symbol for these qualities, not a symbol for a particular federal party or a particular financial arrangement. A political leader who uses it for a stunt deserves contempt and owes the nation an apology. Danny largely escaped the price of his ridiculous and destructive behaviour because people do have a certain expectation and tolerance for quaint ways in Newfoundland.

Ironically, and some would hold with considerable justice, an election would prevent Danny's special concession from being legislated. If that were the only consequence of an election at this time, it might not be bad.

Danny's stupid behaviour quickly drew the attention of Dalton McGuinty sniffing around for money. Dalton then stumbled upon the existence of a mysterious and monstrous gap in Ontario's financial arrangements with Ottawa. Evidently, Dalton was unaware of the fact that Ontario pays out more than it receives over the course of his considerable political career, just as he was unaware that Ontario was running a substantial deficit during the last election campaign.

Dalton's slogans about a "$23 billion gap" and a "$5 billion down payment" are as insidious, and potentially as destructive, as the poorly-defined promises of separatist leaders in Quebec. Not that Dalton is as effective a speaker. He is not, coming off rather like a gangly door-to-door salesman in love with the sound of his adenoidal voice.

No reasonable person would argue with Dalton's raising focused issues with the national government over aspects of equalization financing. There may well be aspects of immigration or transportation or other areas where Ontario is today short-changed because the variables in any established formula become stressed by changing circumstances over time. Discussing such matters would simply be part of his job as premier.

But that is not what Dalton is doing. Instead he keeps repeating cheap slogans that question the basic idea of sharing in the Canadian Confederation. Dalton has said he is not questioning the general principle, but the effect upon the public of his advertising slogans can only reduce public respect for traditional Canadian arrangements. That's precisely how advertising and propaganda work.

I won't dwell on Ralph Klein's being re-elected a while back in Alberta, his lifetime political achievement being holding office when oil prices exploded. For some mysterious reason people in Alberta are comfortable with this argumentative, unpleasant man who all too often behaves as though he'd just emptied a pitcher of martinis at the Petroleum club. I'll only mention that in looking at the Alberta government Internet site recently, I discovered Klein listing himself under the heading, the Executive Branch. I think that pretty much sums up his understanding of parliamentary government and perhaps says a word about his dreams.

Which brings us back to Stephen Harper. Can he rise above Ralph Klein's bar-room vision of Canada? Can he show the statesmanship and decency we knew from Joe Clark? Can he contribute genuinely to Canada's precious integrity? Few of our contemporary politicians seem even slightly capable of passing such a test.

http://www.rense.com/general65/cana.htm

[B. Max]

You mean can he bend alberta over far enough for quebec, that Ont. will vote for him. Some people have what i like to call the lincoln syndrome, keep the country together at all costs. Something dysfuctional as this country, can not, and should not be kept together. I don't see any abe lincoln's on the horizon, but i do see a federalist centerist government prepared to stay in power at all costs. Better to save a piece of it rather than go down with what is really nothing more than a sinking ship. Any attempts to save it now would be nothing more than rowing out to the titantic after it hit the iceberg.

[masterkush]

lincoln syndrome please

the

bush syndrom is

rip the country apart at all cosrts

[Leafless]

Canada's maple leaf a symbol of Canadian identity-now lost in a mass of individualism and self-righteounsness is the main reason I am LEAFLESS.

I agree the political noose has tightened to a degree that will inevetiably leave Canada a broken unregulated, ungovernable little country with no sense of leadership.

If our political direction continues in it's given course --collapse will be inevetable.

[newbie]

Canada's maple leaf a symbol of Canadian identity-now lost in a mass of individualism and self-righteounsness is the main reason I am LEAFLESS.

I agree the political noose has tightened to a degree that will inevetiably leave Canada a broken unregulated, ungovernable little country with no sense of leadership.

If our political direction continues in it's given course --collapse will be inevetable.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I think you've been buying too much into the U.S.'s fear agenda. We don't need to contiunally say "We live in the best country of the world" to convince us. We already know it. I'm so bloody tired of all the snivelling and negativity I'm hearing lately about Canada. Travel around a bit and visit the rest of the world. When you come back, you'll be grateful you live in this country.

[crazymf]

I did. I just got back from a 3 week bike trip through New Mexico, Texas, Arkansas and Tennessee. A LOT of discontented people around here could learn a thing or two about manners and hospitality from those folks. We met nothing but great people, both white and black down there and were left with the feeling that they were genuinely happy to see us.

Made me want to live there.

However, we had to come back to Canada, home of the liberal socialist majority.

Any American I talked to about Canada that knows us at all thinks we are a liberal bunch of passive hippies tolerant of everything from gays getting married to free dope on every street corner.

Made me proud to call myself Canadian, not. Lucky, we're not all like that. There is hope.

[mcqueen625]

It amazes me that people would rather hang onto the most corrupt government in our history. Even our Liberal politicians think it okay to continue on with their corruptive policies. Dingwall is an example of that free-spending mindset, and perceives that he has done nothing wrong. Of course he hasn't if we are to believe that Jean Chretian, Paul Martin and the rest of those Liberal crooks did nothing wrong.

We have absolutely nothing to be proud of when we get compared to being like a banana republic. The real problem is that the Liberla's think they have a God given right to govern this country, and that they can do no wrong! How egotistical and arrogant can they get, and we, stupid Canadian's just carry on as if the country is in great steads. Wake-up Canada!

The NDP are no better because not only did they help keep this corrupt government in power they actively lobbied against any tax relief for ordinary Canadian's, when we are one of, if not the highest taxed peoples in the Industrialized World.

[Montgomery Burns]

Rense.com? WOW!

However Rense's stories on UFOs, alien abductions, crop circles, the supernatural and ghosts are "interesting", to be kind.

[newbie]

I did. I just got back from a 3 week bike trip through New Mexico, Texas, Arkansas and Tennessee. A LOT of discontented people around here could learn a thing or two about manners and hospitality from those folks. We met nothing but great people, both white and black down there and were left with the feeling that they were genuinely happy to see us.

Made me want to live there.

However, we had to come back to Canada, home of the liberal socialist majority.

Any American I talked to about Canada that knows us at all thinks we are a liberal bunch of passive hippies tolerant of everything from gays getting married to free dope on every street corner.

Made me proud to call myself Canadian, not. Lucky, we're not all like that. There is hope.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Quite the world traveler. If you need help to pack your bags, give me a call.

[B. Max]

lincoln syndrome please

the

bush syndrom is

rip the country apart at all cosrts

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Not according to this.

http://globalresearch.ca/articles/CHO411C.html

[crazymf]

I did. I just got back from a 3 week bike trip through New Mexico, Texas, Arkansas and Tennessee. A LOT of discontented people around here could learn a thing or two about manners and hospitality from those folks. We met nothing but great people, both white and black down there and were left with the feeling that they were genuinely happy to see us.

Made me want to live there.

However, we had to come back to Canada, home of the liberal socialist majority.

Any American I talked to about Canada that knows us at all thinks we are a liberal bunch of passive hippies tolerant of everything from gays getting married to free dope on every street corner.

Made me proud to call myself Canadian, not. Lucky, we're not all like that. There is hope.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Quite the world traveler. If you need help to pack your bags, give me a call.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Exactly.

thank you for helping my point.

[newbie]

I did. I just got back from a 3 week bike trip through New Mexico, Texas, Arkansas and Tennessee. A LOT of discontented people around here could learn a thing or two about manners and hospitality from those folks. We met nothing but great people, both white and black down there and were left with the feeling that they were genuinely happy to see us.

Made me want to live there.

However, we had to come back to Canada, home of the liberal socialist majority.

Any American I talked to about Canada that knows us at all thinks we are a liberal bunch of passive hippies tolerant of everything from gays getting married to free dope on every street corner.

Made me proud to call myself Canadian, not. Lucky, we're not all like that. There is hope.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Quite the world traveler. If you need help to pack your bags, give me a call.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Exactly.

thank you for helping my point.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Not sure what your point is. Is it that you'd like to become an American "made me want to live there", or that you hate Canada, "made me proud to call myself Canadian, not". A little confusing. My point was that if one travels the world and not just the United States, one might come back with a better appreciation of what a great country we live in. As far as my reference to help packing one's bags, that was said to indicate that if you're truly discontented with Canada and prefer to live elsewhere (as you seem to indicate) then you have my support. And oh, if you choose to stay, you can express your political leanings at the ballot box.

[Leafless]

Newbie:

I don't have to travel the world to know what other countries are like, I already know.

I don't really know what your point is other than try to muzzle FREE SPEECH.

The negativity your hearing is all about the government running this country not the country.

[crazymf]

No, my point was simple. People were very friendly down south. Made me feel welcome.

As for you newbie, the day you pack my bags for me is over my dead body. I was born and raised here in Alberta and ain't leaving. If we separate from Quebec or become a state, whatever, that's different.

It's asshole statements like yours that makes Canada what it seems to be today. And quit backpedalling. That makes you look like a wimp. At least stand up for yourself if you're going to say something like that.

[Guest eureka]

That is uncalled for, Crazy. Newbie is the most moderate and respectful poster on the Forum.

You show yourself to be humourless.

[crazymf]

If you can't take it, don't dish it out. The response was appropriate for the statement made in the context it was made.

The inference is that Canada is great the way it is being a left wing liberal socialist state so I should leave if I don't like it. I don't think so. It needs to be changed.

[Black Dog]

Any American I talked to about Canada that knows us at all thinks we are a liberal bunch of passive hippies tolerant of everything from gays getting married to free dope on every street corner.

Ironic that such things are considered nagatives in the so-called "land of the free".

[newbie]

Newbie:

I don't have to travel the world to know what other countries are like, I already know.

I don't really know what your point is other than try to muzzle FREE SPEECH.

The negativity your hearing is all about the government running this country not the country.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Muzzle free speech? Interesting interpretation of what I said. And what is the country but the people. Did you think I was referring to geography? You guys better get over the fact that we have a democracy and people are elected by the people. To bitch and complain about the process is nothing but whining. My brother works in Gabon every month and tells me horror stories each trip back. Old people and sick children left to die on the streets with no health care. He's been to other African countries where starvation is rampant. That's a little of what I meant by "travelling" or at least opening your eyes. And I'll reiterate: appreciate what you have here. If the ballot box isn't good enough, then work for political parties to effect change.

[newbie]

No, my point was simple. People were very friendly down south. Made me feel welcome.

As for you newbie, the day you pack my bags for me is over my dead body. I was born and raised here in Alberta and ain't leaving. If we separate from Quebec or become a state, whatever, that's different.

It's asshole statements like yours that makes Canada what it seems to be today. And quit backpedalling. That makes you look like a wimp. At least stand up for yourself if you're going to say something like that.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I take it you didn't like my sarcasm or my symbolism.

[crazymf]

Any American I talked to about Canada that knows us at all thinks we are a liberal bunch of passive hippies tolerant of everything from gays getting married to free dope on every street corner.

Ironic that such things are considered nagatives in the so-called "land of the free".

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

You haven't figured out that we aren't free yet? By your sarcasm, perhaps you have. We're free as long as we play the game of society by the rules layed out for us. We have a choice on where to live and be employed but are tied to our mortgage and work commitments. Commitments to the infrastructure to support our free choices make us a captive to our own choices. It's the pay-as-you-go plan.

A race to the death.

[Black Dog]

You haven't figured out that we aren't free yet? By your sarcasm, perhaps you have. We're free as long as we play the game of society by the rules layed out for us. We have a choice on where to live and be employed but are tied to our mortgage and work commitments. Commitments to the infrastructure to support our free choices make us a captive to our own choices. It's the pay-as-you-go plan.

A race to the death.

Contgratulations on an insight that Jean Jaques Rosseau nailed more than 230 years ago ("Man is born free and everywhere else he is in chains"). What does it have to with your earlier comment and my response to it?

[crazymf]

You haven't figured out that we aren't free yet? By your sarcasm, perhaps you have. We're free as long as we play the game of society by the rules layed out for us. We have a choice on where to live and be employed but are tied to our mortgage and work commitments. Commitments to the infrastructure to support our free choices make us a captive to our own choices. It's the pay-as-you-go plan.

A race to the death.

Contgratulations on an insight that Jean Jaques Rosseau nailed more than 230 years ago ("Man is born free and everywhere else he is in chains"). What does it have to with your earlier comment and my response to it?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Because you and I have hashed most of that over before and I don't feel like doing it again.

[Leafless]

newbie

What do hard times in some other parts of the world have to do with Canada.

I think we are all pretty much aware that equality does not rule the planet and all things are not be fair and just in this world.

Yes I am complaining and again its called FREE SPEECH and I do think I am 100% justified in saying our freedoms are being removed by a corrupt government bent on installing it's own ideologies without a national referendum other than follow the more democratic pattern installed by the victors of this great land.

Until some Canadians wake up and not be duped by the hand of greed will realize that the leadership in this country duplicates a cheap banana republic with the ideolgies of a hippie community with a true rejection of conventional values.

[newbie]

newbie

What do hard times in some other parts of the world have to do with Canada.

I think we are all pretty much aware that equality does not rule the planet and all things are not be fair and just in this world.

Yes I am complaining and again its called FREE SPEECH and I do think I am 100% justified in saying our freedoms are being removed by a corrupt government bent on installing it's own ideologies without a national referendum other than follow the more democratic pattern installed by the victors of this great land.

Until some Canadians wake up and not be duped by the hand of greed will realize that the leadership in this country duplicates a cheap banana republic with the ideolgies of a hippie community with a true rejection of conventional values.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Some points:

-As some think we are hard done by living in Canada, I pointed out to travel around to compare our society to others. That was an educated suggestion that might have been lost on some here.

- Yes, there is inequality in other parts of the world, and that evokes in me a sense of deep gratitude for living in Canada, and wanting to contribute to those more unfortunate, both in this country and abroad.

-What freedoms are you talking about that are being removed?

- Why do people like you continue to throw around the word "corrupt" to tar an entire political party. (I'd consider that uneducated, uninformed and irresponsible)

- Re referendums, gov't can't bring everything to the people to vote on. That's why they are there. And if you're referring to the same sex legislation, it was a FREE VOTE. Even cabinet members could vote contrary to gov't position, and one did. He might have lost his job, but he did the right thing by representing the will of his continstuents.

- No one has duped me, but I do see the right trying to use the guise of conventional values to overshadow their inability to increase support.

[Leafless]

newbie

"What Right's have been removed."

How about the Charter of Rights and Freedoms that was imposed on Canadians even though this Charter was not ratified by all provinces and even though provincial Rights protected Canadian citizens.

This Charter gives the federal governnment the Right to impose Rights at their discretion overiding the Rights of Canadian citizens to participate.

You must remember Canada is not a NEW country but yet the Rights that have been decided on unilaterally by the Liberal government especially involving Quebec and SSM is almost the same as rewriting the Constitution and to say Canadians don't deserve to be part of this process is ludicrous , demeaning, insulting and demonstrates an undemocratic government bent on running Canada as a republic.

The Right has been humiliated by the Left in the eyes of freedom by a Liberal imposed Charter (Rights and Freedoms) that should be illegal anyways since all provinces did not sign it.