Stephen Harper Not so Scary

[scribblet]

Good grief Charlie Brown, the Toronto Star must be having a brain fart, not a bad article especially for the Red Star.

Stephen Harper not so scary after all, Lord luv a duck, what next., maybe they'll advocate a CPC majority in the near future

http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentSe...ol=968350116795

Canadians are tired of being second-rate, says Rondi Adamson

Apr. 9, 2006. 01:00 AM

I don't think I'm alone in this. Since the election of Stephen Harper, I have heard several variations on the following, from friends, relatives and acquaintances who had previously felt a Harper victory would mean the immediate suspension of every Canadian's civil rights, a military draft and refusal of medical care to anyone who couldn't pay cash up front: "You know, he seems to be doing a good job. He's really not so scary and some of his ideas are worth giving some thought to."

This evidence of an apparent shift to the right is anecdotal, of course. And it might be, in part, because the Conservatives only have a minority and cannot effect drastic changes. So voters are willing to live and let live, knowing it might not last long.

But there is also empirical evidence of a change in the Canadian mindset, and a willingness to challenge what we have been trained to see as our "national identity." Two years ago, during the federal election campaign of June 2004, a Leger Marketing poll revealed that a majority of respondents supported the right to private parallel health care for Canadians. A year later, the Supreme Court opened the door to private health-care access.

Since then, Alberta and Quebec have been taking great leaps in that direction. In truth, prior to the legal blessing, they had already been leaping. Which is another indication that Canadians have, for some time, felt frustration with the status quo.

When Harper visited Canadian troops in Afghanistan, the trip — if not our role in that part of the world — was met with public approval.

Canadians might still not be able to get their minds around the idea of our soldiers doing the worst part of a soldier's job — killing or being killed.

But the days of rejecting Canadian military participation at the outset, and disapproving of any perceived support for that participation, appear to be fading — albeit slowly.

I don't think this change is because of Harper, though, depending on his actions, he might be able to help it along.

I believe Canadians are coming to understand that the Pierre Trudeau-era vision of Canada is dated, ineffective and nothing more than a de facto commitment to mediocrity.

Socialized health-care didn't deliver what Canadians wanted. Big government doesn't offer better schools, or choice in childcare. Nor does it prevent crime.

[Steve]

Rondi Adamson has a column like this every week in the Red Star.

I think that a rightward shift can be accomplished, but it's going to take time and more than one CPC government. We had a great, but squandered opportunity in the 1980s, and I don't think that Harper will let it pass him by like Mulroney did. Already we're trying to show Canadians that there is a different way of doing things - ie. stopping the child-care scheme and stalling Kyoto - and that the sky isn't falling with Harper in power.

This is the small stuff. If we can handle ourselves properly and hang on for a few terms, we can make some real progress in rolling back the Liberal state.

[shoop]

A rightward shift in the Canadian population is definitely a possibility.

The CPC has moved close enough to the centre that the Liberals *scary, scary, scary* just won't work anymore.

From the sounds of the LPC meeting in Edmonton the Liberals will likely move to the left. This will only create more opportunities for the CPC.

I think that a rightward shift can be accomplished, but it's going to take time and more than one CPC government. We had a great, but squandered opportunity in the 1980s, and I don't think that Harper will let it pass him by like Mulroney did.

This is the small stuff. If we can handle ourselves properly and hang on for a few terms, we can make some real progress in rolling back the Liberal state.

[geoffrey]

A right shift in Canada won't happen until our welfare population either kicks off or is convinced that working is a required part of life.

[shoop]

Dude, I think my views represent the move to the centre that helped us win in January and will help us win a majority next year.

The hardcore neocon views are pretty out of date. We have proven that the best way to deal with welfare is growing the economy. Pushing needless hot button issues like that is just outta date, and better suited to a party forever destined to be in opposition.

We are in government now! Let's push the PMs agenda. A smart agenda that won't help the Liberals run on *scary, scary, scary* again.

[geoffrey]

Dude, I think my views represent the move to the centre that helped us win in January and will help us win a majority next year.

The hardcore neocon views are pretty out of date. We have proven that the best way to deal with welfare is growing the economy. Pushing needless hot button issues like that is just outta date, and better suited to a party forever destined to be in opposition.

We are in government now! Let's push the PMs agenda. A smart agenda that won't help the Liberals run on *scary, scary, scary* again.

It's not a neo-con agenda that I'm stating. The area's that won't vote CPC are those full of unemployed people on government programs, the Maritimes, Toronto and Vancouver. It's pretty obvious that Canadians have been so spoiled by the government, and its don't work, we'll take care of you ideas, that the CPC really lacks appeal to many people.

The NDP is making gains too, on concepts like EI without restrictions on previous time worked, and more in government pensions and protectionist trade policies.

The CPC's gains are merely from the Liberals being destroyed right now. The business minded Liberals (which most are) switched as the CPC moved centre to fill the void, the socialists switched left. They'll all go back to the Liberals once the party has direction again.

The national ruling party concept isn't false.

What's the point of having the CPC in power if they are just centrist like the Liberals? Just because my team is in the office doesn't make me happy when they perform like the ones there before.

[shoop]

I have had this discussion with many of the further right members of the party.

Politics is about compromise. Better a centre-right Conservative government than a further right Conservative opposition that wins *moral victories* but stays in opposition perpetually.

The PM has been single-minded in his goal to win a majority government. Power to him. Sniping from the sidelines does nothing except increase the chances of a Liberal win next time around.

It's not a neo-con agenda that I'm stating. The area's that won't vote CPC are those full of unemployed people on government programs, the Maritimes, Toronto and Vancouver. It's pretty obvious that Canadians have been so spoiled by the government, and its don't work, we'll take care of you ideas, that the CPC really lacks appeal to many people.

The NDP is making gains too, on concepts like EI without restrictions on previous time worked, and more in government pensions and protectionist trade policies.

The CPC's gains are merely from the Liberals being destroyed right now. The business minded Liberals (which most are) switched as the CPC moved centre to fill the void, the socialists switched left. They'll all go back to the Liberals once the party has direction again.

The national ruling party concept isn't false.

What's the point of having the CPC in power if they are just centrist like the Liberals? Just because my team is in the office doesn't make me happy when they perform like the ones there before.

[sideshow]

Dude, I think my views represent the move to the centre that helped us win in January and will help us win a majority next year.

The hardcore neocon views are pretty out of date. We have proven that the best way to deal with welfare is growing the economy. Pushing needless hot button issues like that is just outta date, and better suited to a party forever destined to be in opposition.

We are in government now! Let's push the PMs agenda. A smart agenda that won't help the Liberals run on *scary, scary, scary* again.

I agree with your assessment. People dont want the "strong survive, weak die" attitude of hard core conservatives, nor the "tax anyone that makes more than poverty wages to death and spend them like a drunken sailor" attitude of hard core NDPers. This is why liberals become so popular-they can steal the middle road, and borrow a couple of the rights ideas, a couple of the lefts ideas, and sneak inside the hearts and minds of the electorate within the warmth of their wooden horse.

And then we all get taken for the ride.

[shoop]

The next 18 months of the first Harper Government is critical to preventing Liberals from sneaking back into power next election.

From the sounds of the Liberal leadership candidates in Edmonton this weekend the party will definitely try and swing to the left next election. This gives the Conservative's the opportunity to stay where they are. Effective, strong and disciplined leadership will help Harper win his desired majority next time around.

I agree with your assessment. People dont want the "strong survive, weak die" attitude of hard core conservatives, nor the "tax anyone that makes more than poverty wages to death and spend them like a drunken sailor" attitude of hard core NDPers. This is why liberals become so popular-they can steal the middle road, and borrow a couple of the rights ideas, a couple of the lefts ideas, and sneak inside the hearts and minds of the electorate within the warmth of their wooden horse.

And then we all get taken for the ride.

[sideshow]

im not a conservative, and dont support the majority of their agenda, but i do believe that the cpc will get a small majority next time. at the expense of all three other parties. just an opinion, but i think the bloc have kind of plateaued and will slowly die out, much like the reform, alliance did. they might stick around, but in a smaller capacity. as far as the ndp, they will be eternal-but ineffective. the liberals need to someone that is untouchable as a leader, and a strong player in the party-not some just came along and have a name kind of leader.

[shoop]

The Conservative's are working towards a majority with every step.

A small minority is possible with the party picking up half 25 to 30 seats in Quebec and basically holding steady in the rest of the country.

A bigger majority is definitely possible. If Quebec swings big time CPC, Ontario and the Maritimes could swing CPC big time.

The Liberals are in for tough times and are smart in thinking they will be out of power for the rest of the decade.

im not a conservative, and dont support the majority of their agenda, but i do believe that the cpc will get a small majority next time. at the expense of all three other parties. just an opinion, but i think the bloc have kind of plateaued and will slowly die out, much like the reform, alliance did. they might stick around, but in a smaller capacity. as far as the ndp, they will be eternal-but ineffective. the liberals need to someone that is untouchable as a leader, and a strong player in the party-not some just came along and have a name kind of leader.

[Steve]

What's the point of having the CPC in power if they are just centrist like the Liberals? Just because my team is in the office doesn't make me happy when they perform like the ones there before.

The point is that although we are not carrying out the Common Sense Revolution part II, we are accomplishing things that the Liberals would never do:

- we won't have a state-run child care program.

- we're showing real leadership in international affairs, ie. Afghanistan and the cutting of aid to Hamas.

- we banned the Tamil Tigers, which the Liberals wouldn't.

- slow, but steady reductions in government spending, ie. closing down the Council for Canadian Unity and the One-Tonne Challenge.

- we've all but abandoned Kyoto.

I know it's not everything, but getting too radical is a surefire way to make our stay in government short. And I'd rather have a moderate CPC in power than the assorted far-left alternatives, because at least it's not going to get any worse.

A small minority is possible with the party picking up half 25 to 30 seats in Quebec and basically holding steady in the rest of the country.

A bigger majority is definitely possible. If Quebec swings big time CPC, Ontario and the Maritimes could swing CPC big time.

They'll be looking primarily at Quebec and 905 Ontario, but I think there's potential in New Brunswick and Newfoundland. There are a few straggler seats in the west that can be taken as well.

[gerryhatrick]

"friends, relatives and acquaintances who had previously felt a Harper victory would mean the immediate suspension of every Canadian's civil rights, a military draft and refusal of medical care to anyone who couldn't pay cash up front"

Let me give you a clue...when an opinion piece starts off with a lie it's pretty safe to say the rest can be tossed out. This is no exception.

Nobody believed Stephen Harper was "scary". That was a rightwing narrative used to make him seem harmless.

Nobody believed anything would happen immediately. Over time, healthcare will be weakened, I believe. Civil rights and military draft? Where did the idiot get that from? Oh yeah, the lies. I forgot.

He has no friends or family who thought any of that shit.

[geoffrey]

What's the point of having the CPC in power if they are just centrist like the Liberals? Just because my team is in the office doesn't make me happy when they perform like the ones there before.

The point is that although we are not carrying out the Common Sense Revolution part II, we are accomplishing things that the Liberals would never do:

- we won't have a state-run child care program.

- we're showing real leadership in international affairs, ie. Afghanistan and the cutting of aid to Hamas.

- we banned the Tamil Tigers, which the Liberals wouldn't.

- slow, but steady reductions in government spending, ie. closing down the Council for Canadian Unity and the One-Tonne Challenge.

- we've all but abandoned Kyoto.

I know it's not everything, but getting too radical is a surefire way to make our stay in government short. And I'd rather have a moderate CPC in power than the assorted far-left alternatives, because at least it's not going to get any worse.

Either way, I'm unlikely to vote for the CPC next election, even though I campaigned for them this election. We are wasting our money handing out saleries to parents and there is still no focus on the west, and the injustice and inequity that the transfer program has become to my province, nor will there be as long the Quebec has more to give.

Sure, they aren't corrupt like the Liberals were, great. I like that. But I want results that positively affect my life and I won't be getting them from the CPC... that is unless they move back towards where they were before with tax cuts and more provincial powers, for Alberta too, not just Quebec.

If Harper was to give all provinces the power that Quebec has over its affairs, then by all means.

The CPC doesn't have to move right socially, nor should they. They must however, move right fiscally or they will spin off another western regionalist party. Everyone in Canada would love tax cuts. 2% off my GST isn't enough, I'm still way over-taxed and I get nothing for it.

[sharkman]

"friends, relatives and acquaintances who had previously felt a Harper victory would mean the immediate suspension of every Canadian's civil rights, a military draft and refusal of medical care to anyone who couldn't pay cash up front"

Let me give you a clue...when an opinion piece starts off with a lie it's pretty safe to say the rest can be tossed out. This is no exception.

Nobody believed Stephen Harper was "scary". That was a rightwing narrative used to make him seem harmless.

Nobody believed anything would happen immediately. Over time, healthcare will be weakened, I believe. Civil rights and military draft? Where did the idiot get that from? Oh yeah, the lies. I forgot.

He has no friends or family who thought any of that shit.

Uh, talking about lies, maybe you should go visit Rabble once in a while and hear lefties like yourself who are deathly afraid of what Harper might do. Fear, anger, denial, it's all there.

[shoop]

Sharkman,

No use arguing with the likes of Gerry.

He makes no sense. He is merely here to attack, attack, attack.

Nobody thought Harper was scary????

Hmmm, what exactly was the raison d'etre for the Pinochet ads? Dark scenario, threats of military in the streets, foreboding music. No, that couldn't have been meant to make people feel afraid of Harper...

Uh, talking about lies, maybe you should go visit Rabble once in a while and hear lefties like yourself who are deathly afraid of what Harper might do. Fear, anger, denial, it's all there.

[sideshow]

i love rabble. its a great left cartoon much like fox is one for the right.

[hiti]

Good that the voters did not trust Harper with a majority so that he must keep his real agenda hidden. His catering to Quebec will be bothersome to the ROC. Changes are coming to Alberta and that may reflect on just how many Tory votes Harper gets to implement his Quebec agenda in the next election.

Of course Harper is not so scary now because he knows he can't reveal his neo-con policies and has to muzzle his caucus, his MPs and his party.

He who laughs last laughs best and the show hasn't not even begun. The agenda is still behind the curtain.

[scribblet]

i love rabble. its a great left cartoon much like fox is one for the right.

LOL yep, and guess what Rabble is on strike !!!!

Oh and here we go again with the 'secret agenda' etc. etc. So far that has been a crock, and still is. The public aren't buying into it anymore.

[tweedledee]

Good that the voters did not trust Harper with a majority so that he must keep his real agenda hidden. His catering to Quebec will be bothersome to the ROC. Changes are coming to Alberta and that may reflect on just how many Tory votes Harper gets to implement his Quebec agenda in the next election.

Of course Harper is not so scary now because he knows he can't reveal his neo-con policies and has to muzzle his caucus, his MPs and his party.

He who laughs last laughs best and the show hasn't not even begun. The agenda is still behind the curtain.

Oh gee, here we go again sour grapes cos Harper beat out ole Stockie live with it hiti old girl we is gonna get a majority that ole dog don't hunt anymore LOL