tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20358187.post3714413158459512926..comments2023-10-22T09:18:16.885-04:00Comments on Far and Wide: PeculiarSteve Vhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04871113039374739208noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20358187.post-9905548262173598782011-05-01T12:20:44.816-04:002011-05-01T12:20:44.816-04:00Bubba, Canada spends the second highest percentage...Bubba, Canada spends the second highest percentage of it's GDP on health care for developed countries after these supposed Liberal cuts and yet it has mediocre, at best, outcomes. (It also has amongst the highest level of private dollars in health care so don't bother to bring that up).<br /><br />So how did any "Liberal" damage to health care occur? It's certainly not because Canadians aren't spending enough.<br /><br />Liberals brought in a universal child care plan. Harper killed it.<br /><br />The military was hardly damaged under Chretien or any Liberal PM. It just wasn't funded to the endless degree that the Cons want. We could outspend the US as a % of GDP and Cons would still want to spend more. Those dark days for the military actually were referring to the shame the military brought upon itself for the torture and killing of Somalis and only now have Cons twisted that to be about supposed under funding.<br /><br />Education? isn't that a provincial responsibility? Even university education is only a shared area.<br /><br />And GST? Well, that's just the equivalent of the Cons "Income Trust Promise" yet Cons like to ignore that.Kirkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04876442776701189706noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20358187.post-48083549922929637792011-05-01T09:53:32.030-04:002011-05-01T09:53:32.030-04:00Except for this one.
Yeah.
Harper promised acco...<i>Except for this one.</i><br /><br />Yeah. <br /><br />Harper promised accountablity in 2006.... we've seen how that's turned out. <br /><br />He also said he'd have a better relationship with the provinced. Newfoundland ran the "Anyone But a Conservative" campaign. Sask threatened to rebel over the Potash situation. <br /><br />Balanced budgets -- out the window. <br /><br />Then there was the promise to reform the Senate.<br /><br />These are just the things from the top of my head.sharonapple88https://www.blogger.com/profile/11149226422042041129noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20358187.post-5572364774251768892011-05-01T08:26:53.840-04:002011-05-01T08:26:53.840-04:00"No party has ever promised so much and deliv..."No party has ever promised so much and delivered so little"<br /><br />Except for this one.Steve Vhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04871113039374739208noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20358187.post-50170279618877621102011-05-01T08:24:03.127-04:002011-05-01T08:24:03.127-04:00No party has ever promised so much and delivered s...No party has ever promised so much and delivered so little(child care,Gst).No party has ever damaged key areas (health and education) as badly.No party has damaged the military more deeply. I can not wait to see who gets blamed for liberal devastation on may 3(attack ads,ignorant electorate). Because no party has ever taken less responsibility for their weaknessesbubbahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02322901865221961027noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20358187.post-61659602463912476912011-05-01T00:34:05.655-04:002011-05-01T00:34:05.655-04:00In addition to perhaps eliminating polls everyday,...In addition to perhaps eliminating polls everyday, perhaps newspapers shouldn't be endorsing parties. This I've always had a problem with.<br /><br />It's one thing for a newspaper to print columns of opinion and such, but endorsments? That's hardly responsible media. <br /><br />The Toronto Star's endorsement of the NDP as well as the endorsements for Cons will ultimately tell people how to vote. Many do swallow that corporate media kool-aid. <br /><br />I think the Toronto Star's endorsement of the NDP really doesn't help the Liberals.CKhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10762523064802036223noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20358187.post-56750775724735719642011-05-01T00:32:13.783-04:002011-05-01T00:32:13.783-04:00If the outcome is 'merely' that Harper nee...<i>If the outcome is 'merely' that Harper needs help from another party, if either Red or Orange backs the Cons post-election, I don't see a bright future for either.</i><br /><br />What happens after the election will depend on a lot of variables.<br /><br />But if it's 120 Con with 100 NDP that would make any Harper declaration that he is the sole, uncontested winner of the election and should be declared Supreme Leader hubris that will be obvious to almost all Canadians.<br /><br />However, if it's 150 Con then no matter what the numbers of the other parties it will be hard to deny that Harper has a stronger legitimacy as our returning conqueror.Kirkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04876442776701189706noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20358187.post-79148898609367484402011-05-01T00:29:14.357-04:002011-05-01T00:29:14.357-04:00This comment has been removed by the author.Kirkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04876442776701189706noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20358187.post-65056390142327116822011-05-01T00:27:12.941-04:002011-05-01T00:27:12.941-04:00"poll feedback" as I like to call it is ..."poll feedback" as I like to call it is particularly strong with regards to the NDP over other parties because a lot of what has held them back is the perception that they simply can't win and so it is a wasted vote. As that perception is challenged because of our awareness of the poll changes, it increases the chances of continuing movement towards the NDPbaziehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11554808178484135529noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20358187.post-52288785084313251952011-05-01T00:24:42.459-04:002011-05-01T00:24:42.459-04:00Actually, I just don't understand why Ignatief...Actually, I just don't understand why Ignatieff hasn't generated any momentum. But then again, I like him. People who didn't like him before apparently STILL don't like him, he didn't manage to change their minds at all. Layton, on the other hand, did change people's minds -- they saw four guys on a stage, and Jack's the one they liked.Cathie from Canadahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11418899090537597360noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20358187.post-36760924806845062352011-04-30T23:05:44.881-04:002011-04-30T23:05:44.881-04:00The only thing I fear is the split of the Liberals...The only thing I fear is the split of the Liberals and NDP to let the Cons slide up the middle.<br /><br />Mr. Layton and the NDP got the uber media notice the Liberals didn't because it's sudden and exciting and sorta kinda like the other unrest in the world. Everything I've managed to scrounge on Ignatieff said he does really well, but how often in the supper news has that been a feature?<br /><br />I like to think that the Conservatives were caught off guard by the sudden outside rush of voting opinion because they were covering their 'man', Ignatieff and the Liberals. Why would they be concentrating so hard on him and the Libs if there wasn't pressure saying he needed kneecapping hard?<br /><br />So now, the Cons are going, well crap, which way do we spin? So Harper tries to tell the Liberals they should score on their own goal by backing the Cons? So he can not only have the power to defund the VotePer, but get more money for his own party until he does so? Is this anything like trying to reassure the general voters, it's ok, the Cons know they can't get a majority, so don't come out and vote?<br /><br />If it's anything less than a majority for the Cons, the Liberals and NDP will need to join at the hip anyway. At this point, IF Harper simply glues himself to the PMO and needs hoisting on a petard, even the fat lady singing the polls are closed in Bamfield means this isn't over. <br /><br />If the outcome is 'merely' that Harper needs help from another party, if either Red or Orange backs the Cons post-election, I don't see a bright future for either.Nileshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04096047389811381098noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20358187.post-24787012982268747422011-04-30T22:15:28.259-04:002011-04-30T22:15:28.259-04:00I'm not sure if it's the campaign that'...I'm not sure if it's the campaign that's making Liberal supporters passionate, or if there's the feeling it's do or die time. How many people are volunteering? I'm not sure what it's like on the other political blog aggregates, but it seem as though practically everyone on liblogs is doing something.<br /><br />As for leadership... the real test will be after the election. There are party leaders -- for example, Mike Harris and Dalton McGuinty -- no matter how you feel about them, who managed to revitalize their parties, sometimes even rebuilding themselves in the process. Whatever happens, good or bad, we're going to need someone like that.sharonapple88https://www.blogger.com/profile/11149226422042041129noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20358187.post-65204971204212241682011-04-30T22:14:58.349-04:002011-04-30T22:14:58.349-04:00If the Liberal Party response to this election is ...If the Liberal Party response to this election is to say "Change the target, this one's full of holes" then they won't have learned anything. Martin, Dion and Ignatieff - that's 3 Liberal leaders shot down by Harper and just having a fourth one doesn't change the pattern.<br /><br />The Liberals need to stay in the game after the election and a minority Harper govt (almost guaranteed) will make for a lot of games. To go into neutral with an interim leader and internal attention focused on a leadership campaign will make the Liberals irrelevant at a crucial time, finishing the process started by a likely fall into third place.Kirkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04876442776701189706noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20358187.post-1778130895844987732011-04-30T21:52:42.327-04:002011-04-30T21:52:42.327-04:00we have an exceptionally super quality intellect ...we have an exceptionally super quality intellect a very decent character.. who NEVER shy away to answer ANY question.. we have a great leader in all senses. he built the party with GRIT ... and allI am asking we stay with him and he stays with us... for a long time..<br />this is not real a flashing mania .. will not hold it is a wind only.<br />Quebec is full of winds showing they are unhappy forever.<br />I always thought polls are poisons.<br />We will do much better then polls suggest.Damehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15548065189088501935noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20358187.post-56307583398229349322011-04-30T20:48:19.266-04:002011-04-30T20:48:19.266-04:00The tortoise and the hares.The tortoise and the hares.Jerry Pragerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09054428435443042500noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20358187.post-33661589432108489322011-04-30T20:47:05.614-04:002011-04-30T20:47:05.614-04:00I just keep being impressed by what a good leader ...I just keep being impressed by what a good leader in a crisis that Iggy is turning out to be, he just keeps going, keeps believing in his people, and giving his people reason to believe. I saw him today in Guelph, Frank V looked like he was frozen in the lights on the national media, hanging in because his leader was giving him the strength, and if that strength is coming from the base, then that is why Ignatieff is emanating strength for Frank and the party.His leadership numbers are rising while JL's and SH's numbers are falling, a ways to go yet, but this election is a wild ride. Iggy could turn out to be the come back kid.<br />At the start of the campaign Bob Rae implied that there would be days like these. It really isn't over yet.Jerry Pragerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09054428435443042500noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20358187.post-60644034963089513722011-04-30T20:34:20.280-04:002011-04-30T20:34:20.280-04:00Purple library guy, the domination of polling in n...Purple library guy, the domination of polling in news reporting and commentary has grown remarkably in the last 10 years. I don't think Conservatives were all that concerned with polls during the Liberal "natural governing party" years either.Kirkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04876442776701189706noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20358187.post-87314927160936063622011-04-30T20:25:39.075-04:002011-04-30T20:25:39.075-04:00Steve, it's interesting to look a regional pol...Steve, it's interesting to look a regional poll like this one from <a href="http://www.metronews.ca/halifax/local/article/845937--liberals-ndp-neck-and-neck-in-hrm-poll" rel="nofollow">Halifax</a>. The bit that catches my attention is the high number of undecided voters. <br /><br />"Perhaps more interesting, however, is 29 per cent of those surveyed remain undecided — a rare thing so late in the campaign.<br /><br />“It’s a bit of a mystery,” said Rick Emberley, senior council for MarketQuest-Omnifacts. <br /><br />“The normal range with four or five days left in the campaign would be in the very high teens ... It’s a signal of some description, and definitely indicates there’s a bunch of people out there sitting on the fence.”sharonapple88https://www.blogger.com/profile/11149226422042041129noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20358187.post-79560666384719041012011-04-30T20:13:17.892-04:002011-04-30T20:13:17.892-04:00" I have a funny feeling that this never occu..." I have a funny feeling that this never occurred to you in past elections"<br /><br />You'd be way wrong then :)<br /><br />Just to expand, I saw many clues in 2008 that gave me a sense of dread, all of those missing this time. BTW, I was never a Liberal during the "natural governing" reign, so maybe don't throw out judgements without knowing your subject matter.Steve Vhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04871113039374739208noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20358187.post-87899847912416329432011-04-30T20:07:33.923-04:002011-04-30T20:07:33.923-04:00I do think we would have a deeper discussion of is...I do think we would have a deeper discussion of issues, no question about it. You would still get cues of internal polling, based on where leaders were campaigning, money, volunteers, just not central consideration. I LOVE polls obviously, but really my main attraction is because I know how much they mean for momentum, you hope your side shows something in the polls so the media will key in, like what has happened to the NDP. It just feeds and feeds, good if it's you, but hard to recover if not, that's the self fulfilling part.Steve Vhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04871113039374739208noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20358187.post-66868236034911534992011-04-30T20:07:09.036-04:002011-04-30T20:07:09.036-04:00While I agree 100%, I have a funny feeling that th...While I agree 100%, I have a funny feeling that this never occurred to you in past elections when polls tended to reinforce Liberal "natural governing party" mythology rather than undermine it.<br />Bit late to complain at this stage about the institution that's been important to maintaining Liberal importance for decades.<br />After the election, can we expect sudden Liberal musings about the undemocratic nature of the First-Past-the-Post electoral system? That too will be welcome and absolutely true, yet somehow hard to take seriously.Purple library guyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01930984683714519212noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20358187.post-53069713093196601362011-04-30T20:01:56.150-04:002011-04-30T20:01:56.150-04:00A ban on publishing poll results during the campai...A ban on publishing poll results during the campaign, as well as a ban on out-of-writ political ads would go a long way to improving our democracy. The media would then have to spend their time on the issues. That would be a shock! <br /><br />The parties could still use polling results for their internal use. <br /><br />In all honesty, Ignatieff has run a very good campaign for his first time. And you are right about the platform. It combines the best of fiscal responsibility with necessary social programs. It is far superior to either the NDP or the Cons.Alisonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15641749905366773044noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20358187.post-5649070839259454392011-04-30T19:55:21.750-04:002011-04-30T19:55:21.750-04:00Agreed. You might recall before the NDP surge I sa...Agreed. You might recall before the NDP surge I said QC numbers for us were blunting our national numbers momentum. We were actually doing quite well in Ontario over 40%, BC showed promise, but we needed to get back up to high 20's in QC (which we were and more prior under Iggy).Steve Vhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04871113039374739208noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20358187.post-46160713855709920362011-04-30T19:41:59.153-04:002011-04-30T19:41:59.153-04:00I think that it was because of the lack of movemen...I think that it was because of the lack of movement for the Liberals in the polls that when the NDP started to make gains against the BQ thereby raising his aggregate national numbers, according to the polls, that people said, "OK, if Ignatieff isn't going to bring down Harper then it looks like Layton can".<br /><br />Funny thing is the the NDP-BQ dynamic had nothing to do with anything elsewhere in Canada outside of Quebec.<br /><br />The collapse of the Bloc made Layton the anti-Harper hero.<br /><br />Even funnier is that except for 4 or 5% of Canadians who've stopped supporting the Conservative since their heady 40% plus days before the election we've seen very little change in the Conservative vote, just shifting of the non-Conservative vote which is now viewed, strangely, as progress against Harper.Kirkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04876442776701189706noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20358187.post-62619116790345062812011-04-30T19:35:02.681-04:002011-04-30T19:35:02.681-04:00For what it's worth, my limited sense is Liber...For what it's worth, my limited sense is Liberals understand the stakes and will be active election day. I bet turnout is up over 2008.Steve Vhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04871113039374739208noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20358187.post-45485386928660098682011-04-30T19:19:23.810-04:002011-04-30T19:19:23.810-04:00It'd be nice if those 800 000 or so Liberal vo...It'd be nice if those 800 000 or so Liberal voters who didn't show up to vote last election DID show up this time. That would throw a wrench into things.Scott @ Prog Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05413703894603273706noreply@blogger.com