How the House of Lords is preferable to anything the US has

[Pangloss]

When was the last time anybody on this thread actually read any of the proceedings of the Senate of Canada? MLG, I'm not sure of your politics, but I think if you looked at their reports/investigations on topics like our drug laws, prostitution and civil liberties, you would be surprised.

The Senate is on record as saying there is no social/pharmacological/ethical justification for the criminalization of marajuana; prostitution should be decriminalized to determine if that results in less child prostitution, disease, pimps and dead women, and the Canadian Senate was the first to speak out against preventative arrest and warrantless investigations of Canadians in the wake of 9/11.

I have worked with MPs/MLAs on re-election campaigns; I have written speeches for MPs currently in the House of Commons; I know for a fact that commitment to service does not come from a ballot box - it is a philosophy one carries within them.

Senator or MP - it is their intent and courage that counts.

Please note I have not said the Senate should be saved as it is - I just disagree with unthought opinions that aren't based on even the lightest bit of original research.

Pangloss

 

[sanctus]

When was the last time anybody on this thread actually read any of the proceedings of the Senate of Canada? MLG, I'm not sure of your politics, but I think if you looked at their reports/investigations on topics like our drug laws, prostitution and civil liberties, you would be surprised.


Pangloss

All this may very well be true, but in truth, the Senate as it exists now is a useless body. Reform is badly needed, and certainly there is nothing wrong with the idea of an elected Senate.

Also, you should note that Maple is a young person, 17 years old. She speaks her mind, and it is nice to see a young person who even thinks of these sorts of things, regardless of her opinions.

 

[Curiosity]

I'll have to back Sanctus up in his assessment of praise for MapleLeafGirl

While the majority of teens are deeply into narcissistic behavior, it is refreshing to see a teen battling away and asking questions and generally stirring up reactions ... whether her opinions
are right or wrong ... she is here to learn and challenge.

Nobody should be put down in their quest for knowledge no matter the road they travel.

Seventeen is hardly at the first rung of the ladder.

 

[Pangloss]

Sanctus -

Could you explain how you could agree with my post and still call the Senate a "useless body"?

The easiest thing in the world is to have an opinion - especially if you never bother to elaborate on your reasons for that opinion.

I'm sure you know the old cliche "opinions are like @**holes - everybody's got one"; that's why opinions are dull, but the reasoning behind them. . .ahh that's where the good stuff is.

A final note - pointing out flawed logic or a blind spot in somebody's argument is not attacking - it is the opposite: I have to pay attention to what someone wrote and actually take them seriously in order to criticize. Now, before you attack me for using the word "criticize," please note I am using the standard second definition of the word: "form and express a sophisticated judgement of".

Pangloss

 

[Pangloss]

Oh, yeah, I forgot - most of the reports of the Senate are available on the internet.

http://www.parl.gc.ca/common/Committee_SenMeetAll.asp?Language=E&Parl=39&Ses=1

That's as good as any for a place to start.

Pangloss

 

[Tonington]

It is my observation Pangloss that many people do not take any time at all to read the senate reports, tabled bills, proposed legislation etc. Opinions are a dime a dozen, seems most times people would rather assimilate someone elses than actually reason out their own. That page you listed would go well in the thread I started, somewhat related to this topic here.

Enough hijacking, I think we would be better served by fixed term elections. I also heard a great idea today, that there should be a law preventing new spending measures by the government within 6 months of an election. Some excpetions could be made for emergencies, it would certainly help us save our tax dollars and make it harder to 'buy' votes.