Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Ignatieff Offers "Coherence"

A pretty favorable review of Ignatieff's economic speech, from the paper that supported Harper in the last election (liberal media, liberal media!). Coherence:
The Liberals have staked their ground as enthusiastic interventionists; the Conservatives, who have governed as occasionally reluctant interventionists for the last year, will have to explain their post-recession vision before Canadians cast their votes...

For his part, Mr. Ignatieff has chosen a classically large L-Liberal approach, with few new ideas, leaving some to wonder if he has done much to advance the debate on Canadian economic policy. A shorter list of areas where the government can really make a difference would be preferable.

In the end, there is a coherence to Mr. Ignatieff's vision, and Canadians need to hear Prime Minister Stephen Harper enunciate his own.

There is obviously more to come, in the way of details, so any "gaps" are of no immediate concern. What is important, Ignatieff is providing a contrast to the Harper approach. The vision is a center-left, that sees the government as active, if not overbearing. There is a demonstration of different tenticles operating in a co-ordinated fashion, to advance the economy. The Conservatives aren't capable of this type of vision, because they essentially rely on creating "the climate" without direction. Harper has bent, but only because events dictated and he is already assuring the faithful that intervention is temporary.

I see the distinction Ignatieff is setting up as key election issue. With all parties voluntarily shying away from a substantive debate on the deficit, the economic argument will center around who has the best platform for future prosperity. Within a world where the free market has revealed itself, naked capitalism hardly attractive, the Liberals are even better placed to make the argument for government as driver, only it capable of a comprehensive vision to address Canada's shortcomings.

It does appear, based on this reaction and other discussions, that the Liberals are finally starting to articulate a vision beyond just platitudes. Still general but focused, this "coherence" is something you can sell to Canadians.

11 comments:

marie said...

I agree Steve but it is time that the liberals do set a platform with sound polices. If Harper steals them, rob his nose in it over and over again. Accuse him of such and remind Canadians that Harper has no platform or ideas and waits in the background like a hyenna waiting for any remains.

It is time Ignatieff. Canadians are waiting.

Steve V said...

It seems like this type of speech is giving Ignatieff more shape, so it may accomplish what is necessary without releasing a full platform.

CanadianSense said...

I was mislead, it was construed a speech with Economic Policy.

What policy?

I am not the only person asking for some meat on those bones.

Steve V.

Can you tell me how the Liberals are going to resolve the Istope Shortage?

How they will reduce the deficit?

What spending under those evil neo-cons will be eliminated.

I think the $ 30 Million on EAP advertising, postage for sending those body bags is a big money saver.

marie said...

If I were in Ignatieff's shoes, I would want to have an audit done on the books Flaherty has probably cooked before I make any pledges on expenditures at this time. I am sure Ignatieff will do just that.

I am very curious how Harper can afford to spend any more tax dollars at this time and still have monies for bribes. Makes it appears that's why he's holding most of the stimulus monies back.

For those who think Harper won't raise taxes, how is he going to keep Canada in the red without some increases. He isn't. Any good economists knows that and because Harper himself claims to be an economist, If he is who he claims he is,he knows that or does he?

I also think the non believers of not paying taxes do not have a clue where monies come from to run Canada and keep social programs as well as health care, education and I can go on & on. In case you all don't know, its from every working Canadian. Without taxes collected, we would have to fire all government employees,senators and Mp's and put them all at the EI lines or the welfare lines. Might not be a bad idea Canada.

Kim Leaman said...

I think Michael Ignatieff offers a lot to Canadians.

His message, since Sept 1st, when he gave his Sudbury Speech, which was a declaration of Non-Confidence in the Harper government, he has been extremely coherent.

He has not waivered in his honest conviction that Harper's record is a Real Issue, and that a majority of Canadians do not share Harper's Vision of Canada.

This Simple message, coupled with his more recent statements about a liberal vision for Canada, of a Knowledge based Society, where the Government helps Canadians become Leaders in the World and a Canada that strives to be inclusive and Compassionate, is a vision I share with him.

There will be many opportunities in the coming months to get this Simple message ou there: Harper is incompetent and not honest and Canada is diminished by it and that Canada needs to and will do better!

And I believe that Ignatieff represents something Much better.

ttsm

CanadianSense said...

Donna each of us have one vote and clearly we disagree on what substance regarding policy difference.

Many pundits, journalists don't agree with your assessment regarding his speeches in being effective in providing contrast between the two major parties.

Since the Sudbury declaration the Polls have shown a backlash. Pick a Pollster and the trend does not support the opposition parties toppling the government.

It is not enough to call the PM a racist, liar, uncaring radical.

The scary hidden agenda schtick has failed and the leadership, trust, competent,vision scores reflect majority territory.

Canadians are fed up with manufactured news stories and election threats every few months.

Can you list 10/77 Liberal MP's that are publicly on record calling for an election in 2009.

The last vote in the HOC showed only 74 votes against the Government. Are three Liberals not interested?

CanadianSense said...

Donna each of us have one vote and clearly we disagree on what substance regarding policy difference.

Many pundits, journalists don't agree with your assessment regarding his speeches in being effective in providing contrast between the two major parties.

Since the Sudbury declaration the Polls have shown a backlash. Pick a Pollster and the trend does not support the opposition parties toppling the government.

It is not enough to call the PM a racist, liar, uncaring radical.

The scary hidden agenda schtick has failed and the leadership, trust, competent,vision scores reflect majority territory.

Canadians are fed up with manufactured news stories and election threats every few months.

Can you list 10/77 Liberal MP's that are publicly on record calling for an election in 2009.

The last vote in the HOC showed only 74 votes against the Government. Are three Liberals not interested?

CanadianSense said...

Steve V.

My apologies for the double post. I have no idea how it happened.

Steve V said...

ZZZZZZZZZZZz.

marie said...

Canadian sense, why don't you try and live up to the name you call yourself.You said,
Many pundits, journalists don't agree with your assessment regarding his speeches in being effective in providing contrast between the two major parties.
For one thing, the journalists of today are nothing but opinion wanna be journalists reporting on their views. They have forgotten what journalism and the rules such as investigation and ethicare all about and are no different then you and I as for pundits, they are mostly highly partisan people who do the same. Give their opinions on what they want to believe with not a whole lot of facts to back them up. Being called gossips would describe them to a tee.

Yup, we all here could and probably do the same.Take a news item by a paritsan person and doctor it up to sound intelligent which is nothing but bull.

Have a good day all.

CanadianSense said...

Marie you agreed the Liberals need to introduce policies that are an alternative to the current gov't.
Those TMZ pundits have been upset over Prince Caspian repeated threats.

In January 2009, Caspian decided to let Harper "wear the recession" instead of offering ideas or help in formulating the biggest budget in 30 years.
He told us it was NOT his budget and his job was to evaluate, ask tough questions.
He got report cards.

The Poll reflect his decision now to interrupt the EAP without providing ANY real alternatives.
The EAP takes time, the blank cheque of $ 3 Billion was stalled.

Now in September less than 50% of the EAP is delivered and they are now voting against the Budget they passed in March 2009.
EAP will take over 1 year and the results will take 1.5 years to be felt.

We don't want another election without EAP being fairly measured and evaluated. Try us again in Sept 2010.