What will it take to beat Harper? Thomas Mulcair has a few ideas

[Colpy]

By the way, this is a pretty s hitty deal for Quebec if you're a separatist. They should have the right to continue to vote on these matters as long as there is a need. And it shouldn't be based on muddy terminology like "clear". If 51% decide to separate, then they move on to to the next step (whatever that is).

That's democracy - like it or not.

The problem with that is the ability of the separatists to take the question to the electorate over and over.....and over. The issue never goes away. The Neverendum, as some wag framed it.

It doesn't matter how often the federalists win, they never settle the issue, until the separatists win....once. As they almost did, and they cheated.

That is NOT democracy, and is why in every democratic country on earth that I am aware of, it requires a clear majority (often 2/3) to alter the constitutional makeup of the nation.

 

[mentalfloss]

That is NOT democracy, and is why in every democratic country on earth that I am aware of, it requires a clear majority (often 2/3) to alter the constitutional makeup of the nation.

I can see that.

I would propose two separate votes - one for Quebec and one for the rest of Canada. Let the Quebec vote win a 51% majority, but they do "belong to Canada", so the rest of us should have a say as well. Then it would be a matter of how to look at the aggregate vote and we could have a clearer picture of what's right.

 

[JLM]

I just got to wondering if it isn't a little early in Harper's majority mandate to start thinking about beating him. Let's give him three years and at that time we can weigh the pros and cons and decide if he's a keeper or going on the "recycle pile" on the fourth! :smile:

 

[wulfie68]

I just got to wondering if it isn't a little early in Harper's majority mandate to start thinking about beating him. Let's give him three years and at that time we can weigh the pros and cons and decide if he's a keeper or going on the "recycle pile" on the fourth! :smile:

Its part of the identity of the opposition parties to come up with strategies to replace the government so it is only natural that this type of conversation will ensue. Some might argue its their job, although I would disagree, as I see their function as ensuring the people get the best possible government, which is at odds with self serving political agendas that can arise. Also, the fact the next election is the better part of 4 years off doesn't mean that strategists shouldn't be thinking of ways to win it, no matter their affiliation: the old axiom about failing to plan is planning to fail holds true in politics as well as many other endeavours.

 

[JLM]

Its part of the identity of the opposition parties to come up with strategies to replace the government so it is only natural that this type of conversation will ensue. Some might argue its their job, although I would disagree, as I see their function as ensuring the people get the best possible government, which is at odds with self serving political agendas that can arise. Also, the fact the next election is the better part of 4 years off doesn't mean that strategists shouldn't be thinking of ways to win it, no matter their affiliation: the old axiom about failing to plan is planning to fail holds true in politics as well as many other endeavours.

The main priority of both Gov't. and opposition is to ensure they get the fattest pension possible. :lol:

 

[Nuggler]

Not all of us want to beat him.

..............As you stand behind your check out counter, with no benefits, no union, ****ty pay, subject to lay off at the whim of a manager. Congratulations on being one of the CRAP team.

 

[Cliffy]

..............As you stand behind your check out counter, with no benefits, no union, ****ty pay, subject to lay off at the whim of a manager. Congratulations on being one of the CRAP team.

Good points, but you are a little late. She retired.

 

[JLM]

..............As you stand behind your check out counter, with no benefits, no union, ****ty pay, subject to lay off at the whim of a manager. Congratulations on being one of the CRAP team.

I don't quite see the connection. Are Gov'ts. supposed to stick their noses into private enterprize? :smile:

 

[IdRatherBeSkiing]

The question asked would also need to be clear as well. If I recall the 1996 one was quite mamby pamby assuming Canada would let them keep their passports and our dollar -- both of which I would hope the answer would be no if separation was negotiated. Separation does not mean 'sovernty association'. It means you are on your own.

 

[Omicron]

How about starting with open government?

 

[wulfie68]

The question asked would also need to be clear as well. If I recall the 1996 one was quite mamby pamby assuming Canada would let them keep their passports and our dollar -- both of which I would hope the answer would be no if separation was negotiated. Separation does not mean 'sovernty association'. It means you are on your own.

Yeah but thats the reality Quebec sovereigntists and nationalists are planning for: a utopian society based on what THEY want. They don't want to admit the fact that most Canadians will view seperation in the same light as as a failed marriage and that we won't want (or allow) them in our bed anymore.

 

[Walter]

There is simply no way I'm ever voting NDP, unless they bring back Tommy Douglas....

He was a homo-hater.
Is Douglas still top Canadian? | Editorial | Opinion | Toronto Sun

 

[mentalfloss]

He was a homo-hater.
Is Douglas still top Canadian? | Editorial | Opinion | Toronto Sun

Why do you think Colpy is his #1 fan?

 

[JLM]

He was a homo-hater.
Is Douglas still top Canadian? | Editorial | Opinion | Toronto Sun

Who wasn't 30 years ago?

 

[darkbeaver]

lysol and sunlight

 

[Colpy]

After Jack Layton, NDP reverts to lefty instincts | Full Comment | National Post

Despite the delusions of the left, Canada is NOT a left-wing country.........

The NDP will shrink in the next election, and the Liberals will be back.....if they manage to promote a sane Canadian to the party leadership......

 

[mentalfloss]

despite the delusions of the left, canada is not a left-wing country.........

The ndp will shrink in the next election, and the liberals will be back.....if they manage to promote a sane canadian to the party leadership......

Wrong. Canada is only 40% right wing.

Anyway, quite posting Lorne Gunter Op-eds. The guy is a total shill.

 

[Colpy]

Wrong. Canada is only 40% right wing.

Anyway, quite posting Lorne Gunter Op-eds. The guy is a total shill.

Wrong.

If I were to guess, I'd say Canada is about 70% in the middle, with 15% at either end of the spectrum......and I mean a short spectrum, I am not including the NUTS on either fringe......

The Conservatives won because of two things.....the split on the "left" and the alienation of Liberals that watched their party swing to the left...........moving more to the left will alienate the sane part of the mere 19% outside Quebec that voted NDP..........say good-bye to the NDP caucus outside Quebec. Oh, and say hello to the new Bloc!!!!!

The Liberals will be back. If they elect a moderate leader, instead of a crook, a dithering idiot, an enviro-weenie, or an unprincipled psuedo-Canadian.

Either way, the CPC is established as not only a reasonable choice, but the prefered choice in Canadian politics.

they will rule for awhile past the next election.

 

[mentalfloss]

If I were to guess, I'd say Canada is about 70% in the middle, with 15% at either end of the spectrum......and I mean a short spectrum, I am not including the NUTS on either fringe......

Unlike your guesses, I'm using statistical facts.

Notice how 39% < 50%

 

[JLM]

Maybe we should reap some benefits (which looks like we are in the process of receiving) before we try to beat him. Liberals don't have a chance any time soon and the N.D.P. will just raise taxes! :smile: