[RUEZ]

I find if funny that the left constantly tries to make a connection between Harper and the USA in a negative light. Now the left is embracing a leader that hasn't lived in Canada since 1978.

[Bibbi]

From BIBBI:

Yes, Ignatieff killed the coalition but whether that was smart or stupid, depends on whether you are red or blue. The "reasonable" conditions are reasonable if the role of the Opposition is to support the government rather than oppose it.

So, it could be said that what Ignatieff did was "rational and reasonable" to a progressive Conservative but less so to a progressive Liberal. I think also that fiscal conservatives in both parties would have liked to see a tighter more focused, controlled, bang for buck approach to the package.[/quote]

From HURLEY:
The coalition's reliance on the Bloc was questionable from the start. It's just way too charged a topic. It had its use in castigating Harper back in November, but there hasn't been any time since the 2004 election where a Liberal / NDP coalition could have stood on its own, and being able to stand on its own is requisite.

It's not about the opposition opposing or propping up, it's about the opposition doing what's best for the country, and even a bad budget is better than no budget or a budget crafted without regard to their input / criticism as could happen post-election if the Conservatives won a majority.[/quote]

Bibbi:

The coalition's reliance on the Bloc was not at all questionable because separatist issues were kept off the table and out of the negotiations. And even Gilles would parrot the cliché: "It's the economy, stupid!" (No implication here toward you, by the way, but rather Gille's approach to criticism from the anglophones). Despite any rhetoric to the contrary, to really understand Quebec, it is necessary to speak Canadian French. Then you can listen to the views of Quebeckers as well as reading those of the politicians in their language. Different nuances come through then via poor translation to English. Obama would call it "engaging your opponents" and gaining their support. The approach is valid, irrespective of your view of Obama and the US.

"Doing what is best for the country." may be supporting the budget for Conservatives and some blue Liberals but realize NOT for everyone. A "bad budget" is certainly NOT better than "no budget" if it puts us deep into debt without solving ANY of the economic problems and prolonging the depression. Some characterize the budget as a potential election budget with goodies for everyone but a mix of ideological tax cuts, money that won't be spent despite the estimates, and expenditures that will provide minimal long term growth to business, industry and individuals.

[Zipperfish]

ridenrain ridenrain:

The effect of the coalition did make them pry open the bank a lot more than I's like but then, I thought you folks liked that?
As bad as that might have been, it also galvanized Canadians against the coalition and it's underhanded dealings. The underhanded scheming of Jack and Dion is political gold and as good as a hundred "do-overs".

I've been clear that I like Iggy but I can't see him as a Liberal, at least where the Liberals are now. He's far to right wing and I predict his appointment is just going to grind with folks.
I'm also enjoying watching his media-hack, Kinsella self destruct.

The Canadians didn't want a coaltion, but I'm not convinced the Liberals wanted one either, so it worked out well for them. They wanted the Conservative government to realize they weren't a majority which they did.

I like Iggy too--so far--and I'm happy that he's bringing the party to the right. Actually, I used to like Harper a lot more too--I really agree with his stance on crime. I really thought that he was becoming more practical, but his ideological streak seems to get the better of him.

[Bibbi]

ridenrain ridenrain:

I've been clear that I like Iggy but I can't see him as a Liberal, at least where the Liberals are now. He's far to right wing and I predict his appointment is just going to grind with folks.
I'm also enjoying watching his media-hack, Kinsella self destruct.

I am inclined to think that a lot of Liberals can't see him as a Liberal either. On the other hand, a number of them see him as a potential winner. The interesting element will be time. As more of the ideological elements in the budget such as pay equity are challenged as unconstitutional and if we see that there has been for example misuse of funds, lack of control and accountability, and of course the bigee: overall lack of effectiveness,then Liberals will blame Ignatieff for supporting it in the first place and the knives will be out, unless he is very high in the polls. Politically it would also be difficult for the Liberals to bash the Conservatives for the consequences of a budget that they supported and I am sure that Harper won't let the Liberals forget that point.

The alternative scenario over time is that Obama's package in the U.S. works and brings back improvement to the Canadian economy as well. Harper will claim that his economic package worked (true or not) and he will be in a better position to go after his majority.

[mtbr]

kenmore kenmore:

He is the best man for PM now... peek a boo harper is crap and jack just keeps on blowing smoke.. Iggy is calm, clean, clear and collected. not to mention repspected world wide and extremely qualified and educated. He will bring the libs back to power next election without question..un homme pendant ces mauvais moments

[Axeman]

Zipperfish Zipperfish:

ridenrain ridenrain:

I've been clear that I like Iggy but I can't see him as a Liberal, at least where the Liberals are now. He's far to right wing and I predict his appointment is just going to grind with folks.
I'm also enjoying watching his media-hack, Kinsella self destruct.

The Canadians didn't want a coaltion, but I'm not convinced the Liberals wanted one either, so it worked out well for them. They wanted the Conservative government to realize they weren't a majority which they did.

I like Iggy too--so far--and I'm happy that he's bringing the party to the right. Actually, I used to like Harper a lot more too--I really agree with his stance on crime. I really thought that he was becoming more practical, but his ideological streak seems to get the better of him.

All of the those ultra-right, Reform/Alliance, So-Cred, Ayn Rand types are self-destructive. Harper's done his best to try and get them to tow the line and keep their yaps shut. But Canadians have come to recognize that personality type and they don't trust it. Harper's as dead as Dion in terms of image.

[ridenrain]

Quick. Someone tell Iggy not to jump out in the Uncle Sam costume today.
He's not living in America any more.

[Bibbi]

ridenrain ridenrain:

Quick. Someone tell Iggy not to jump out in the Uncle Sam costume today.
He's not living in America any more.

I wonder where the Liberals will go, who hate Harper but don't see Ignatieff as Liberal.

Will they go to the NDP or join the apathetic non-voting perhaps majority, if numbers continue to grow.

[Canadian_Mind]

mtbr mtbr:

kenmore kenmore:

He is the best man for PM now... peek a boo harper is crap and jack just keeps on blowing smoke.. Iggy is calm, clean, clear and collected. not to mention repspected world wide and extremely qualified and educated. He will bring the libs back to power next election without question..un homme pendant ces mauvais moments

Dude, thats awesome, but overused.

[Tman1]

Harper doesn't "shape up" on reasons why I voted for him, then it is time for 'another' change. Harper should ride out his elected term until then but I am willing to listen to Ignatieff however his 'unofficial vote' as the leader of the Liberal party concerns me but when you have so little to choose from the Liberal pool, it doesn't surprise me.