Canada: Why not vote for the Conservatives?

June 15th, 2004, 08:35 AM

Here is an article that was pasted on the front page that I would like to repond to.
http://www.canadiancontent.net/commtr/article_688.html

"Note that their "solution" to the problem includes, among other things, creating more bureaucracy and departments. They want to "Direct the Auditor General to audit all federal granting programs and recommend changes to reduce waste and fraud" and "Create an independent Ethics Commissioner appointed by Parliament, not by the Prime Minister." So the solution to a large, wasteful government is to create more large wasteful government audits, agencies and commissions. "

Yes but what you also forgot to me to mention is the upside that there will be more accountability in government which could help to reduce corruption and make government more transparent. Please try and be more balanced in the future.

""Set federal elections on a fixed date every four years and examine other democratic reforms." "Hold elections to fill vacancies in the Senate." It sounds like they want to make things more like the American system"

So the best counter to that is that its bad because its more like the American system. Talk about fear mongering.
Maybe you dont want to admit this but the American system IS more democratic. Elected vs. appointed is more democratic. Please in the furture try and relaize that there are certain things that the American sytem does do better and certain things the Canadian system does better. Those are good things the conservatives are proposing.

"Someone with an income of CDN$30,000 in Canada paid 11.9%, or CDN$3559 federal income tax. Someone in the United States, making USD$30,000 ended up paying USD$4310 federal tax, or about 14.4%. "

You examples should be adjusted for exchange. For example you should be comapring a Canadian making $40,500CDN($30,000 USD)vs an American making $30,000 USD otherwise your comparison is dishonest. Or you could should how much less Americans pay for goods and services compared to us even with he exchange rate.
As you even admitted there are other taxes to take into account, your preport is oversimplistic and only appeals to people who are looking to despertately cling onto some victory over the US tax sytem.

"Futhermore, the average Canadian income in $CAD is higher than the average U.S. income in $USD. In 2001, the average family income in Canada was $60,300CAD. In that same year, the US average was $42,228USD (or roughly $57,000CAD at a 1.35 exchange rate). This contradicts another popular myth that the average American makes more money. "

More up to date figures would be nice.

June 15th, 2004, 08:58 AM

We also hear how the Conservatives think our corporations need another round of tax cuts to 'stay competitive'. Dont fall for it, its just another corporate giveaway.

US corporate tax rate is 34% - Canada it is 21%. So what was that about not being competitive?

Next is the all-mighty far-ranging tax cuts. Since 1984 there has been over $250 billion in tax cuts. 64% has gone to the top 20% - most of that to the top 10%. So who is going to benefit from the next round as well?

Harper as part of the NCC - was on record numerous times spelling out the gutting of Canadian social services in the name of US style free markets. There is nothing American that this crowd does want Canada to be.

IN the face of overwhelming evidence Harper wrapped himself in the US flag, badmouthed millions of Canadians and stated "we should be doing EVERYTHING possible to win". Maybe HE should strap on some knee pads and a helmet and put his mouth and ass where his heart is - south of the border.

One last thing - remember Mulroney and what happened to them - demolished to two seats? Well this new Conservative party was born out of the deceit of the MacKay-Orchard deal with funding from Bay Street to a large degree. Standing there grinning and trembling like a little school girl was Mulroney and team. Make no mistake - those voting Conservative are voting for not only the Republican Party of Canada but the new rendition of the Mulroney Conservatives.

Vote ABLOC - Anybody but Liberal or Conservative. I mean anybody - but preferable CAP if there is one in your riding. And yes I am biased.

June 15th, 2004, 09:03 AM

You right Ontario and Cnanda are very competitive for business investment, maybe a little too competitive.
http://www.2ontario.com/software/ois/labour.asp

Some hightlights from the Ontario government.
Canada’s Competitive Compensation Costs
Lowest total compensation costs in G-7
Wage rates below G-7 average1
Lower hourly manufacturing earnings than the Great Lake States2
Lower average salaries than the U.S. for highly skilled workers3
Manufacturing compensation lower than G-7 and U.S. averages

###CDN workers earn $0.75/$ earned by American workers####

June 15th, 2004, 09:28 AM

Ahem. How is it that George W. Bush, who did NOT get the popular vote, occupies the presidency? Talking about democracy, what kind of democracy is that? A new flavour, I guess, and one that I'm sure the Harpster would love.

June 15th, 2004, 09:32 AM

I like to make things real simple.
We suposedely have a "better economy". Its nice rhetoric but here are some facts.
We on average make less than Americans.
We pay more taxes overall than Americans.
We pay more for goods and services than Americans.
We have less disposable income than Americans
Due to all this we have to curtail our lifestyles compared to Americans.We have less to invest for retirement and living our lives.
So what exactly is the point of having a "better economy" if it doesnt benefit the average Canandian?

June 15th, 2004, 02:00 PM

We have more social programs that we don't have to pay for, that Americans do.