Rae to focus on economy in battle with Ignatieff

Comments I posted 14 Nov to G&M in response to their article:

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20081113.wliberals14/BNStory/politics/home

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You (lloyd macilquham, from Nanaimo, Canada) wrote:

Bob Rae’s running the Ontario economy is history. Steven Harper and Jim Flaherty’s timely stripping the Federal government’s safety nets just prior to the world economic downturn, forcing a deficit and applying their sink or swim approach to private industry in Ontario is current. If Bob Rea made mistakes in dealing with the recession in the early 90’s, and this is by no means conceded, he has had 15 years to learn from his experiences.

Harper and Flaherty are still making their mistakes – perhaps they should step down and come back in 15 years so that we may benefit from the wisdom and experience they, presumably, would have gained. Certainly if either Harper or Flaherty have as an illustrious career after their stint in power and make as great a contribution to Canada as Bob Rae has, then I may consider them myself (ha ha ha).

If it wasn’t for the Liberal’s 5 point as expounded by Dion during the election, Harper and Flaherty would be continuing with their “steady as she goes”, sink or swim, formula for disaster.

The fact of the matter is that when Bob Rae took over as Premier of Ontario, Ontario, the rest of Canada and the United States were entering into recession. No matter what party was in power or who the leader was, this was the realities – the recession was unavoidable.

I just thank God that Mike Harris wasn’t the Premier and Flaherty the Finance Minister at the time.

The criticism Bob Rea’s term as Premier was and is (although the Harper criticism is conspicuously divest of rational, concrete basis) the ‘Rae Days’. The Purpose was to save 10’s of thousands of public servants from losing their jobs. It was unpopular because it cost public servants 5 days of pay. Boy what a mistake! This was actually a very bold action, especially for an NDP leader. On the other hand getting 100’s of thousands of public servant upset with you is a politically questionable strategy.

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You (lloyd macilquham, from Nanaimo, Canada) wrote: Armins copy of Swank from Canada writes: lloyd macilquham from Nanaimo, Canada writes: If Bob Rea made mistakes in dealing with the recession in the early 90’s, and this is by no means conceded,
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Actually, he conceded in his book that he was unprepared to win and that he DID make mistakes. I hope he "wins" the Liberal "leadership". That'll be the last nail in their coffin.
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[my reply]

Actually . . . as per CBC: Rae said his experience governing during tough economic times should be seen as a strength. "We made some critical decisions as a province and I'm very proud of those. Did I learn some tough lessons in the course of it? Absolutely. But I think those lessons are very, very helpful," he said.

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/ottawa/story/2008/11/13/ignatieff-leadership.html

This is hardly a “mia culpa”. Perhaps you can refer to the actual section of his book where he made his alleged concession – quoting the partagraph (within the context) would be nice.

(PS – “and this is by no means conceded” is referring, of course, to me as per the context.)