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I saw this cartoon today and it made me giggle. What did you think of the election? Do you think the Conservatives will be able to keep all of their campaign promises? Have we truly made a shift to the right?
12 comments:
Anonymous
said...
I strongly doubt that Stephen Harper can keep to his campaign promises. Like the Liberals have pointed out during the campaign period, there are holes in the Conservative budgets that don't add up. In this minority government, one can probably count the number of policies that can be passed. As to the shift to the right, we probably have, starting with the "closer" relationship with the US. As to how this relationship will lead, I feel the Conservatives might repeat the disaster of the 80s and be the badly abused underdog of the US. Stephen Harper is just as likely to be led around by Bush as Mulroney did by Reagan. Looking at the election results, Canadians aren't fed up with the Liberals as much as the other parties would have hoped. Therefore, I highly doubt that the Liberal Party would just sit around without power in hand. As soon as they elect a new leader, they'll make a come back with the popularity of the Chretien or Trudeau government. After all, the Conservatives have only won because of an unfortunate low point for the party. Especially with Harper as the leader, they should just consider stepping down automatically and leave the important stuff to the Liberals.
Just to point something out, the Conservatives would probably be toppled by a Non-confidence vote. However, the parties probably won't call one within 2 years, because none of them would have the strength to support another campaign and election. That of course, would be the only reason the Conservatives can manage to stay in power for so long.
I would say the Conservatives would be toppled within 2-3 years in power. Like I already said, the parties can't afford another election and campaign, which would increase the lifespan of this Parliament. As with the Duceppe/Harper "agreement" or whatever they have between them, it only make me disagree more with the Conservatives. As one of the two largest parties in Canada and the most right wing party, what are they thinking to join forces with a sovereigntist and slightly left wing party?!? In what aspect do they think supporting the war in Iraq and dismissnig gun registry would benefit Canadians in anyway?!? If their definition of "Stand up for Canada" is choosing an alliance with separatists that wants nothing to do with Canada or being again manuevered by the US and operating the country under the shadow of terrorism, then do they deserve any chance from me or the Canadians in general?!? Should a Prime Minister neglect his duties of representing and presenting his country to the world just because of a similar heritage? After all the works of PM Trudeau to protect the hardfound Canadian identity and sovereignty, PM Mulroney dismissed it, along with the interest of Canadians, upon realizing a rather irrevelant similarity they share. Because of a heritage, he's allowed to let the US invade into our Arctic territory? Because of a heritage, he's excused for letting the US push Canada around for NINE whole years? Because of a heritage, he can sign NAFTA then later admit that even he opposed it in his 1993 election campaign? I don't think so. The Conservatives say we should "stand up for Canada", do they mean it by letting the US government mobilize the Canadian troops as if it's their own? Or are they sending the message that we should let foreign ships and submarines roam over our Arctic? The fact that the Liberals got over 100 seats in the House should send out a message that there are clear minded people that can see through Conservative promises. When a new leader emerges, the party WILL be strong again. Paul Martin already graciously stepped down, setting the foundation for a clean slate. By the way the votes went, the shutout of the major cities clearly state that the people are unhappy with the Conservatives. If a PM can only get rural support, from what area does he plan to develop the country? No offence, but this is the 21st century, it's the urban pushing the rural, not the other way around. Harper better get his balance right unless he wants to revisit history and lead Canada back into the 19th century.
I stumbled across your son's blog when I missed a letter trying to get to this blog. I read the entries. hope you don't mind. it was cute. I loved the one about him saying bye to the bath toys. =)
I don't know if I completely agree. The whole "cancel each other out" part seems to be a bit of an oversimplification. However, it is fair to say that the Bloc Quebecois hold the balance of power in the 39th Parliament. The NDP were close, but they needed two more seats to hold the power. It will be interesting to see what legislation the Conservatives will be able to pass. They will have o stick to "bread and butter" issues. I think the daycare plan could be a "wedge issue", since the other major political parties are in favor of a national daycare program. The Conservatives should be able to pass some version of the Federal Accountability Act, since both the BQ and NDP would be in favor of "cleaning up government" (not that the Liberals would be against it). It will definitely make for an interesting upcoming session. I'm eagerly awaiting the Cabinet selection. Deputy Prime Minister might go to Cannon. Rick Mercer has been posting some funny choices for Cabinet ministers (none of these people have a real shot, but it's good comedy). My particular favorite might be the "Minister in Charge of Holy Wars" (no one said that they had to be actual Cabinet positions). If you want to check out Rick Mercer's blog, here's the address: http://rickmercer.blogspot.com/
I may not always agree with Rick Mercer, but the guy can make me laugh. If anyone can find a version of his parody ads of the Liberal ads, please let me know. Those were hilarious! "Stephen Harper has plans for Canada. Scary, evil plans. Stephen Harper owns a dragon. He keeps it in his shed. We can't make this stuff up." Does that ring a bell? If you can find it online, let me know people.Thanks!
You've got some good picks there Leo. It will be interesting to see if Tony Clement actually won his seat. The last I heard, he had won his seat by 21 votes and ballots were being recounted, and they were looking at the spoiled ballots too. That is the closest win that I can remember in recent years. He'll probably get in though, we won't have the whole "hanging chad" fiasco here. Does anyone else want to take a stab at the new Conservative Cabinet?
12 comments:
I strongly doubt that Stephen Harper can keep to his campaign promises. Like the Liberals have pointed out during the campaign period, there are holes in the Conservative budgets that don't add up. In this minority government, one can probably count the number of policies that can be passed.
As to the shift to the right, we probably have, starting with the "closer" relationship with the US. As to how this relationship will lead, I feel the Conservatives might repeat the disaster of the 80s and be the badly abused underdog of the US. Stephen Harper is just as likely to be led around by Bush as Mulroney did by Reagan.
Looking at the election results, Canadians aren't fed up with the Liberals as much as the other parties would have hoped. Therefore, I highly doubt that the Liberal Party would just sit around without power in hand. As soon as they elect a new leader, they'll make a come back with the popularity of the Chretien or Trudeau government. After all, the Conservatives have only won because of an unfortunate low point for the party. Especially with Harper as the leader, they should just consider stepping down automatically and leave the important stuff to the Liberals.
Just to point something out, the Conservatives would probably be toppled by a Non-confidence vote. However, the parties probably won't call one within 2 years, because none of them would have the strength to support another campaign and election. That of course, would be the only reason the Conservatives can manage to stay in power for so long.
hmm... conservative shutout in major cities... that sure wont last them long :D
I would say the Conservatives would be toppled within 2-3 years in power. Like I already said, the parties can't afford another election and campaign, which would increase the lifespan of this Parliament.
As with the Duceppe/Harper "agreement" or whatever they have between them, it only make me disagree more with the Conservatives. As one of the two largest parties in Canada and the most right wing party, what are they thinking to join forces with a sovereigntist and slightly left wing party?!? In what aspect do they think supporting the war in Iraq and dismissnig gun registry would benefit Canadians in anyway?!? If their definition of "Stand up for Canada" is choosing an alliance with separatists that wants nothing to do with Canada or being again manuevered by the US and operating the country under the shadow of terrorism, then do they deserve any chance from me or the Canadians in general?!?
Should a Prime Minister neglect his duties of representing and presenting his country to the world just because of a similar heritage? After all the works of PM Trudeau to protect the hardfound Canadian identity and sovereignty, PM Mulroney dismissed it, along with the interest of Canadians, upon realizing a rather irrevelant similarity they share. Because of a heritage, he's allowed to let the US invade into our Arctic territory? Because of a heritage, he's excused for letting the US push Canada around for NINE whole years? Because of a heritage, he can sign NAFTA then later admit that even he opposed it in his 1993 election campaign? I don't think so. The Conservatives say we should "stand up for Canada", do they mean it by letting the US government mobilize the Canadian troops as if it's their own? Or are they sending the message that we should let foreign ships and submarines roam over our Arctic?
The fact that the Liberals got over 100 seats in the House should send out a message that there are clear minded people that can see through Conservative promises. When a new leader emerges, the party WILL be strong again. Paul Martin already graciously stepped down, setting the foundation for a clean slate.
By the way the votes went, the shutout of the major cities clearly state that the people are unhappy with the Conservatives. If a PM can only get rural support, from what area does he plan to develop the country? No offence, but this is the 21st century, it's the urban pushing the rural, not the other way around. Harper better get his balance right unless he wants to revisit history and lead Canada back into the 19th century.
I don't think so. I think there won't be much of a difference, and if there is one it won't be good.
Was that in the National Post?
dude, Leo... you and your neo-con comments should get a tv show in the U.S.
You're on the wrong side of the 49th parallel. This here is Canada.
I stumbled across your son's blog when I missed a letter trying to get to this blog. I read the entries. hope you don't mind. it was cute. I loved the one about him saying bye to the bath toys. =)
Thanks for the great semester Mr. Gilchrist.
Mr. Gilchrist's son has a blog? aw
The address of my son's blog is really close to this one. It's http://gilchrist.blogspot.com
haha, the video of your son the phone is so cute.
I don't know if I completely agree. The whole "cancel each other out" part seems to be a bit of an oversimplification. However, it is fair to say that the Bloc Quebecois hold the balance of power in the 39th Parliament. The NDP were close, but they needed two more seats to hold the power. It will be interesting to see what legislation the Conservatives will be able to pass. They will have o stick to "bread and butter" issues. I think the daycare plan could be a "wedge issue", since the other major political parties are in favor of a national daycare program. The Conservatives should be able to pass some version of the Federal Accountability Act, since both the BQ and NDP would be in favor of "cleaning up government" (not that the Liberals would be against it). It will definitely make for an interesting upcoming session. I'm eagerly awaiting the Cabinet selection. Deputy Prime Minister might go to Cannon. Rick Mercer has been posting some funny choices for Cabinet ministers (none of these people have a real shot, but it's good comedy). My particular favorite might be the "Minister in Charge of Holy Wars" (no one said that they had to be actual Cabinet positions). If you want to check out Rick Mercer's blog, here's the address: http://rickmercer.blogspot.com/
I may not always agree with Rick Mercer, but the guy can make me laugh. If anyone can find a version of his parody ads of the Liberal ads, please let me know. Those were hilarious!
"Stephen Harper has plans for Canada. Scary, evil plans. Stephen Harper owns a dragon. He keeps it in his shed. We can't make this stuff up." Does that ring a bell? If you can find it online, let me know people.Thanks!
You've got some good picks there Leo. It will be interesting to see if Tony Clement actually won his seat. The last I heard, he had won his seat by 21 votes and ballots were being recounted, and they were looking at the spoiled ballots too. That is the closest win that I can remember in recent years. He'll probably get in though, we won't have the whole "hanging chad" fiasco here. Does anyone else want to take a stab at the new Conservative Cabinet?
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