Conservative position on Iraq

[BubberMiley]

Has there been any statement by the Conservative Party on what they would do in Iraq if elected? Would Canada join our allies in the coalition of the willing?

[canuckcat]

Has there been any statement by the Conservative Party on what they would do in Iraq if elected? Would Canada join our allies in the coalition of the willing?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I seem to remember a video clip of Stephen Harper rushing by reporters and saying something to the effect that he would be in Iraq. By that I assume he meant that Canada would be in Iraq. He seemed very angry - like he hates Canada. That was a couple of years ago. I am looking forward to more from him on this. He seems very quiet on the subject lately.

The election campaign has just started, the hard questions haven't been asked yet. And we still have to hear the opinions of invididual Conservative candidates.

I think he still hates Canada, tho

[scribblet]

Has there been any statement by the Conservative Party on what they would do in Iraq if elected? Would Canada join our allies in the coalition of the willing?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I seem to remember a video clip of Stephen Harper rushing by reporters and saying something to the effect that he would be in Iraq. By that I assume he meant that Canada would be in Iraq. He seemed very angry - like he hates Canada. That was a couple of years ago. I am looking forward to more from him on this. He seems very quiet on the subject lately.

The election campaign has just started, the hard questions haven't been asked yet. And we still have to hear the opinions of invididual Conservative candidates.

I think he still hates Canada, tho

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Who hates Canada. I suppose it was a joke but if you are referring to Harper, and that dumb question he was asked, Harper and conservatives love Canada as much as anyone. Liberal values are not necessary Canadian values, and one doesn't have to Liberal to love Canada. -

[UltimateSin]

I know Stephen Harper said he and the conservative party would have supported the USA invasion of Iraq despite over 80% of Canadians being against in polls at the time. Shouldn't suprise anyone since when have conservatives done what the masses wanted. That is what you can expect if the conservatives get into power alot of USA ass kissing even at the expensive of Canadians.

[shoop]

Such a lame, lame attempt at scoring points by Martin.

Harper didn't have a heard time saying "I love Canada", he just tried to give a more in-depth and considered answer. Didn't really work very well for Martin. Maybe if he had actually used power when he got it people might believe his crappy one-liners.

Who  hates Canada.  I suppose it was a joke but if you are referring to Harper, and that dumb question he was asked, Harper and conservatives love Canada as much as anyone.  Liberal values are not necessary Canadian values, and one doesn't have to Liberal to love Canada.  -

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

[cybercoma]

The issue in Iraq, as we know it now, is entirely different than what it was a couple years ago. The responsibility now is to make sure they can defend themselves and the democracy they've been given by the United States and UK. If Canada wants to be taken seriously as a peacekeeping nation and a world leader, than we have an obligation to help defend Iraq and train their military so they can defend themselves and their liberty from the tyranny of terrorists and radical leaders. It is also incredibly pompous of our nation to sit back and allow the United States to pay for this war themselves when we depend so much on them to defend our nation should the need arise.

[Dan]

I don't think that Harper hates Canada at all.

I DO think that Martin hates anyone who disagrees with his God-given right to rule.

[shoop]

Right on both counts. Hell even the CBC was getting on Martin for it. Talking about how his childish attacks on Harper are making him appear to be un-Prime Ministerial.

The campaign has been interesting.

I don't think that Harper hates Canada at all.

I DO think that Martin hates anyone who disagrees with his God-given right to rule.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

[Shakeyhands]

you know... I'm interested in what Harper has to say on this one... Can't wait for the debates.

[err]

It is also incredibly pompous of our nation to sit back and allow the United States to pay for this war themselves when we depend so much on them to defend our nation should the need arise.

They started it... They got in, and now Exxon, Shell and BP are going to get the oil instead of Dutch, French, and Russian countries, so the war was a resounding success as far as the USA's objectives are concerned.... Or did you really believe that bit about "promoting democracy"...

the democracy they've been given by the United States and UK

Why should Canada come in and try to take some of the glory for the wonderful democracy they've (USA & UK) created in Iraq... I think it only fair that the USA and UK get all the credit for the wonderful state they've created....

[normanchateau]

Has there been any statement by the Conservative Party on what they would do in Iraq if elected? Would Canada join our allies in the coalition of the willing?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

For some strange reason, Harper's been rather silent on the issue of Iraq recently. But at one time, he had rather strong opinions on the issue. Link:

http://www.notacolony.ca/HarperonUSA.htm

Harper's campaign thus far appears based in part on his hopeless and unrealistic assumption that Canadians will forget all of his past inappropriate actions which distanced him from the average Canadian. For example, I'm sure he'd rather we forgot that he voted to exclude sexual orientation from hate crimes legislation. This was an extreme position even by the socially intolerant standards of CPC. Merely bringing up this topic angers some CPC supporters but I notice that Harper has no more chanhed his position on this than he has his position on Iraq. And if he has reversed himself on Iraq, he's not said so.

[shoop]

norman,

Your one note whinging is getting quite sad. How is Harper's legitimate opposition to the hate crimes legislation at all related to this post. Please, please don't post such biased material if you honestly want to foster debate.

For some strange reason, Harper's been rather silent on the issue of Iraq recently.  But at one time, he had rather strong opinions on the issue.  Link:

http://www.notacolony.ca/HarperonUSA.htm

For example, I'm sure he'd rather we forgot that he voted to exclude sexual orientation from hate crimes legislation. This was an extreme position even by the socially intolerant standards of CPC.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

[normanchateau]

How is Harper's legitimate opposition to the hate crimes legislation at all related to this post.

It's yet another example of previous Harper positions that Harper and CPC supporters would rather we forgot. And while you may think that Harper's position is legitimate, I personally believe that his vote to exclude gay bashing from hate crimes legislation is utterly reprehensible if not unconscionable.

[tml12]

Has there been any statement by the Conservative Party on what they would do in Iraq if elected? Would Canada join our allies in the coalition of the willing?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

At this point going anywhere near Iraq would be a PR disaster and impossible in a Conservative minority.

My personal view? Since we are already in Iraq I don't think there is much else we can do. Martin made sure to send assistance there as soon as Chretien left (although I think he...hush hush ...had people there to).

Let us just stand by and see what our US and UK friends need us to do.

[err]

norman,

Your one note whinging is getting quite sad. How is Harper's legitimate opposition to the hate crimes legislation at all related to this post. Please, please don't post such biased material if you honestly want to foster debate.

For some strange reason, Harper's been rather silent on the issue of Iraq recently.  But at one time, he had rather strong opinions on the issue.  Link:

http://www.notacolony.ca/HarperonUSA.htm

For example, I'm sure he'd rather we forgot that he voted to exclude sexual orientation from hate crimes legislation. This was an extreme position even by the socially intolerant standards of CPC.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Excellent point Norman.... The example provided is an excellent illustration of Harper holding a position that he's temporarily keeping in the closet. This deserves a thread of its own.

And if Harper's keeping this (position on hate crimes) in the closet while on campaign, it makes me question how many other things he's "just not mentioning". And what would he do about Iraq if elected on Jan 23????

[tml12]

norman,

Your one note whinging is getting quite sad. How is Harper's legitimate opposition to the hate crimes legislation at all related to this post. Please, please don't post such biased material if you honestly want to foster debate.

For some strange reason, Harper's been rather silent on the issue of Iraq recently.  But at one time, he had rather strong opinions on the issue.  Link:

http://www.notacolony.ca/HarperonUSA.htm

For example, I'm sure he'd rather we forgot that he voted to exclude sexual orientation from hate crimes legislation. This was an extreme position even by the socially intolerant standards of CPC.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Excellent point Norman.... The example provided is an excellent illustration of Harper holding a position that he's temporarily keeping in the closet. This deserves a thread of its own.

And if Harper's keeping this (position on hate crimes) in the closet while on campaign, it makes me question how many other things he's "just not mentioning". And what would he do about Iraq if elected on Jan 23????

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Correct me if I am wrong but aren't hate crimes verbal crimes that encourage racism? I am sorry but while people say "that's so gay" it is inappropriate but not a hate crime.

[normanchateau]

Correct me if I am wrong but aren't hate crimes verbal crimes that encourage racism?  I am sorry but while people say "that's so gay" it is inappropriate but not a hate crime.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Long before Harper opposed C-250, Canada had hate crimes legislation. That legislation stiffened the penalties for crimes such as physical assault or murder if the crime was motivated by race, religion, etnicity, etc. (but not sexual orientation). In other words, if you assaulted someone merely because they were Chinese or Jewish or Caucasian, the penalties would be more severe than if you assaulted them for some other reason.

Recently in Vancouver, the prosecution tried to prove that some men who killed a gay man in Stanley Park did so because the victim was gay. The defense team argued that had nothing to do with the killers' motives. Believe it or not, the defense was successful in reducing the jail time on the grounds that the crown prosecutor could not prove it was a hate crime.

Bill C-250 added sexual orientation to hate crimes legislation. Harper voted against it. Not a voting record to be proud of and certainly not one suggestive of a future Prime Minister of Canada.

[Black Dog]

It is also incredibly pompous of our nation to sit back and allow the United States to pay for this war themselves when we depend so much on them to defend our nation should the need arise.

Let's be clear: to the degree that the United States defends us, they do not do so out of the kindness of their hearts. They are protecting their interests. Thus, Canada doesn't owe them squat, especialy when it come sto starting needless wars in far away nations.

[southerncomfort]

Isn't it tho, wot in ell does SSM etc. have to do with this thread, I have this guy on ignore but I see the one note refrain anyway in replies.

Iraq isn't a campaign issue, havn't seen any party bring it up, but I'm guessing both Martin and Harper would provide peacekeepers if asked in future. Not sure how tho cos we don't have a lot of troops or equipment.

norman,

Your one note whinging is getting quite sad. How is Harper's legitimate opposition to the hate crimes legislation at all related to this post. Please, please don't post such biased material if you honestly want to foster debate.

For some strange reason, Harper's been rather silent on the issue of Iraq recently.  But at one time, he had rather strong opinions on the issue.  Link:

[url=]

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

[sharkman]

I wouldn't lose any sleep about Canada joining up to help in Iraq. Our ragtag military is stretched with all their present involvements in Afghanistan. Plus, they don't need us, the U.S. will be drawing down their numbers before too long.

[normanchateau]

I seem to remember a video clip of Stephen Harper rushing by reporters and saying something to the effect that he would be in Iraq.  By that I assume he meant that Canada would be in Iraq. He seemed very angry - like he hates Canada. That was a couple of years ago. I am looking forward to more from him on this. He seems very quiet on the subject lately.

I don't think he hates Canada. I think he mainly hates that Canadians see through him, that they remember what he's done and said in the past, and that no matter how angry Canadians are with the Liberals, they won't vote for someone as intolerant as him.

[sharkman]

Uh, it seems a little history lesson is in order. It can be said with certainty that most people in Canada and therefore most politicians are waaaayyy more tolerant now they were, say, 50 years ago. That the CPC party and Harper is to the right of the Liberals on social issues only makes them intolerant to some lefties.

[normanchateau]

Uh, it seems a little history lesson is in order.  It can be said with certainty that most people in Canada and therefore most politicians are waaaayyy more tolerant now they were, say, 50 years ago.  That the CPC party and Harper is to the right of the Liberals on social issues only makes them intolerant to some lefties.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

No doubt most of us are more tolerant than we were in the past. But Harper's runnihg for Prime Minister in 2006, not 1956.

And the socially intolerant Harper is not just to the right of the Liberals, a middle-of-the-road party by Canadian standards today. He's also to the right of the NDP, BQ and Greens. By positioning himself to the right of all four of these parties, Harper guarantees that CPC remains unelectable.

For example, Harper inexplicably and bizarrely this weekend in British Columbia let all of Canada know that he opposed the decriminalization of marijuana despite the fact that a majority of Canadians support decriminalization as do the Liberals, BQ, NDP and Greens. Sure, in the 50's Canadians didn't feel this way but Harper's running for office today.

[sharkman]

No doubt most of us are more tolerant than we were in the past.  But Harper's runnihg for Prime Minister in 2006, not 1956. 

And the socially intolerant Harper is not just to the right of the Liberals, a middle-of-the-road party by Canadian standards today. He's also to the right of the NDP, BQ and Greens.  By positioning himself to the right of all four of these parties, Harper guarantees that CPC remains unelectable.

For example, Harper inexplicably and bizarrely this weekend in British Columbia let all of Canada know that he opposed the decriminalization of marijuana despite the fact that a majority of Canadians support decriminalization as do the Liberals, BQ, NDP and Greens. Sure, in the 50's Canadians didn't feel this way but Harper's running for office today.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

What in the world does 'socially intolerant' mean to you? Because I don't think you mean anti-social, which is actually what it means.

The CPC may be to the right of the other parties but notice how they poll above all the parties save one by 4 points( which is within the margin of error)

Oh, so now you think that a policy needs to only be supported by a majority of Canadians to be right? Perhaps we should take another look at gay marriage.

You are all over the map. You're like a socialistic green conservative!

[normanchateau]

What in the world does 'socially intolerant' mean to you?  Because I don't think you mean anti-social, which is actually what it means.

The CPC may be to the right of the other parties but notice how they poll above all the parties save one by 4 points( which is within the margin of error)

Oh, so now you think that a policy needs to only be supported by a majority of Canadians to be right?  Perhaps we should take another look at gay marriage.

You are all over the map.  You're like a socialistic green conservative!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

By socially intolerant I mean intolerant of some members of society whose actions he disapproves of. For example, wanting to throw in jail those who possess a trace of marijuana. So far, more than a million Canadians have criminal records because of marijuana possession and Harper supports this intolerance of a large segment of society.

So what that Harper trails Martin by 4 points? Martin is a relative centrist and 70% of Canadians support parties to the left of Harper.

Where did I say that a position supported by a majority is "right"?

Your comment that "You are all over the map." is hilarious and shows a curious tendency that some have to want to pigeon hole people and predict where they stand on all issues based on where they stand on one issue. For example, some right wingers tend to think that any Harper opponent is a socialist. I can assure you that those people who voted Progressive Conservative in the 2000 and 1997 election were not socialists although probably many of them had little use for the social and religious conservatives in Reform, Alliance and now CPC.