Comments

Harper - It's Re-Cycling Time

3/3/2010 11:05:44 AM The Globe and Mail
Immigration Minister pulled gay rights from citizenship guide, documents show, The Canadian Press, 3 Mar.'10,
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/immigration-minister-pulled-gay-rights-from-citizenship-guide-documents-show/article1486935/ Tab 145

Should anyone really be surprised given that Stephen Harper, Jason Kenny, Peter Van Loan and all the Con's running this great nation of ours are extremist, right wing, ideologies based on intolerance.

As Van Loan once said “The professor has a different philosophy than us,”

Likely the reason Kenny had:

"noting that homosexuality was decriminalized in 1969; that the Charter of Rights and Freedoms forbids discrimination based on sexual orientation; and that same-sex marriage was legalized nationally in 2005. "

taken out is so when Harper and the Con's reverse these rights and freedoms they would only have to re-do the study guide for immigrants applying for Canadian citizenship. They have to look like they are doing something to reduce this record setting deficit.

In this era of environmental consciousness and human rights it simply would not be right (morally, that is) to suggest its 'book burning time' (besides that's such a extremist, right wing, intolerant ideologue, thing to do anyway) - so . . . it book 're-cycling time'.

In fact, it's government re-cycling time, don't you think.

Lloyd MacILquham cicblog.com/comments.html

- Harper No Class Act

Submitted: 7:14am, PST, 2 Mar.'10 CBC
Best Olympics world has ever seen: Harper, March 2, 2010
http://www.cbc.ca/sports/amateur/story/2010/03/01/sp-olympics-folo.html#socialcomments

- Harper A Class Con Act

Stephen Harper and all the Conservatives ought to take a lesson from the class act of not only all our athletes who competed at the Olympics, but all the athletes around the world. At least there is something about Canada that we can point on the world stage to dispel the dark shadow cast by Harper and be proud.

If our Hockey Players had played hockey the way Stephen Harper and the Con's do politics, they would all have been given game misconducts and the teams kicked out of the Olympics.

. . . There's a thought, kick Harper and the Con's out of office.

Never mind whether ' Own the Podium ' has been successful how about Stephen Harper and the Con's ' Own The Parliament ' strategy?

Now I am sure Harper will tout how he is responsible for Canada's great showing at the Olympics - who knows how, perhaps Harper will explain that his heavy handed abuse of Canadian Democratic Institutions, in-your-face statesmanship and hyper political self-serving served as an inspiration to all.

(By the way, congratulations to all the Olympic competitors for making such a great Games, and to all the Canadians, especially our Hockey Teams - it serves as a great example of what the nations of the world can achieve despite politics).

Lloyd MacILquham cicblog.com/comments.html

- Harper should get a Game Misconduct from Parliament

3/1/2010 1:21:16 PM The Globe and Mail, Tab 20
(see Article below)

Never mind whether ' Own the Podium ' has been successful how about Stephen Harper and the Con's ' Own The Parliament ' strategy?

If our Hockey Players had played hockey the way Stephen Harper and the Con's do politics, they would all have been given game misconducts and the teams kicked out of the Olympics.

. . . There's a thought, kick Harper and the Con's out of office.

*** I couldn't resist the Irony in the following Post by 'Blind Vision'

Tab 11: 'If a conservative reads this, he'll forward it so his friends can have a good laugh. A liberal will delete it because he's "offended".'

Like the rest of your post, you've got it wrong.

It's the Liberals that would get a good laugh and in fact the 2/3rds Canadians that voted against Harper and the Con's that would get a good laugh;

and,

anyone whose 'Vision Is Not Blinded' by self-interest but has the good of all Canadians clearly in sight would be offended.

Blind Vision, if you have such confidence of conviction and truly believed what you are writing, why hide behind a fake name.

Also,

DJay, Tab 13, wrote: "Why of course Harper's slide in the polls was going to stop; as soon as it collided with the collective, thick-skulled portion of the Canadian populace that has always represented its base; - roughly around 30% to 35%."

It is a mistake to think that all the die-hard Harper and the Con Party supporters are " thick-skulled portion of the Canadian populace", besides they are just as entitled to their say as any other. I don't agree that our politics should be based on self-interested, short-sightedness, emotions, irrationality, extreme right wing ideology. But they do have a right to their opinions. It is not their fault Harper is in Power. It the fault of the other 2/3rds of Canadians that stand by and let Harper run things.

Also, I have been posting the die-hard support for Harper and the Con's runs around 33 - 35%, with 33% more recently.

Lloyd MacILquham cicblog.com/comments.html

- Harper's ' Own the Parliament ' Strategy

Posted: 3/1/2010 10:45:56 AM The Globe and Mail

Prorogation 'lit the fuse,' but is furor fizzling? Campbell Clark, Mar. 01, 2010
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/prorogation-lit-the-fuse-but-is-furor-fizzling/article1485006/ Tab 11

Never mind whether ' Own the Podium ' has been successful how about Stephen Harper and the Con's ' Own The Parliament ' strategy?

Prorogation was a cold blooded, self-serving, totally politically motivated act, of a nature that we have come to expect from Stephen Harper and his Con's, the Canadian people be Damned.

Also, every one knows the real reason for Proroguing is to try to shut down investigation of the Afghan Detainee Transfer and ensuing cover-up scandal and put some distance behind it. It was either face the music now or face the music later. Harper chose later since, it couldn't be much worse. (After seeing the huge upswell against him and his government because of Prorogation, Harper is now trying to say that he was talked into it and really did want to do it - the 'Devil Made Me Do It' defence)

And, of course, perhaps in the meantime he could convince Canadians of what a great Prime Minister he is by, for example, suggesting that if were not for Harper spending countless (on because the actual amounts are redacted by the Harper government) billions on converting Canada's military to a 'fighting machine', so that he, MacKay, O'Connor, et al, could 'associate themselves' with the military and play soldier, the World would have fallen short in their assistance of Haiti after the earthquake. Harper made this revelation in Haiti the other day - "To do soft power, you need hard power", wow, what a Zen Master, Yoda step aside. He chose Haiti to do this, of course, so the Canadian Media and Opposition Parties could not confront him with the error in his thinking.

Now I am sure Harper will tout how he is responsible for Canada great showing at the Olympics - who knows how, perhaps Harper will explain that his heavy handed abuse of Canadian Democratic Institutions, in-your-face statesmanship and hyper political self-serving served as an inspiration to all.

(By the way, congratulations to all the Olympic competitors for making such a great Games, and to all the Canadians, especially our Hockey Teams - it serves as a great example of what the nations of the world can achieve despite politics).

It is not the political power that is the problem it is the people, Harper and the Cons, to whom we entrusted power, wielding it solely for political purposes.

We can see this with Harper's abuse of the Prorogation power as well. This power has been in the hands of every Prime Minister of Canada since Confederation, including PM who had very large majorities, like Brian Mulroney and Jean Chrétien.

It is only with Harper that we have this crisis in Canadian Democracy and call to bring in rules to limit the arbitrary and self-serving abuse of power by the PM.

It is not the rules that need changing it is the leadership.

The big difference with Harper and the Con's compared to previous governments is that previous PM's had the interests of Canada, all Canadians and the future of this nation, at heart.

Harper has dedicated his career in public life to tearing asunder Confederation. Soon Harper will be saying that the Federal Government is dysfunctional and disband Confederation.

Harper is only concerned with power, obtaining it, consolidating it and maintaining it, the Good of Canada be damned.

Lloyd MacILquham cicblog.com/comments.html

- Harper v. Ignatieff = Bad v. Good

Submitted 8:50am PST, 28 Feb.'10 The Toronto Star
Siddiqui: Michael Ignatieff same as Stephen Harper on key issues, Haroon Siddiqui, Feb 28 2010
http://www.thestar.com/opinion/article/772319--siddiqui-michael-ignatieff-same-as-stephen-harper-on-key-issues#article p.4

Ignatieff and the Liberals the Same As Harper and the Con's - Surely, Sorry I mean, Haroon, You Jest.

In archetypes, that's like saying Micheal the Archangel is the Same as Lucifer because they Fought each Other

Stephen Harper and the Cons are extremist, right wing ideologues.

Micheal Ignatieff and the Liberals are moderates

Harper's polices are based on their own agenda and the good of Canada be damned.

Liberals when in power, simply, have shown themselves as moderates whose polices are rationally based, given the circumstances and the good of all Canadians.

Harper and the Con's are dragging us back into a dark age where fear, intolerance and irrationalism reign supreme.

Ignatieff and the Liberals are set to lead us in this new Golden Age of Human Rights.

Harper has spent a greater part of his public life with the agenda of tearing asunder Canada than Ignatieff has spent being outside Canada.

Ignatieff has the education and experience required to lead this great and culturally, socially, ideologically, religiously, economically diverse and tolerant society which makes up Canada.

Simply put, Harper does not.

(Haroon Siddiqui if you want to compare Harper and Ignatieff you should set out their Resumes for everyone to see.)

Harper and the Con's bases their policies on right wing extremist ideas as handed down to him by his American overlords. Ignatieff and the Liberals are going to the people, all the people.

Harper has indicated that his strategy is to implement his extremist, right wing ideology and re-make Canada into an extremist, right wing, intolerant society by ignoring our Democratic Institutions disenfranchising the overwhelming majority of Canadians, hamstringing all Institutional supervision and do everything through his Executive powers. One of the prime methods is appointing right wing extremists to every administrative position in sight.

Harper makes all efforts to hide what he an his government is doing. Harper prorogued Parliament to avoid having to stand up and 'face the music' regarding the Afghan Detainee Transfer scandal and ensuing Harper cover-up.

The Liberals under Paul Martin, stood up and took responsibility for the Sponsorship Scandal and called a public Inquiry. They did this because it was the right (morally right that is) and despite the negative political repercussions, including creating the circumstances for Harper attaining government.

Harper and the Con's do and say everything for political gain only. Truth, integrity, decency, fairness have no place with them . They are only concerned with grabbing onto power and maintaining it, at any cost, without a care for Canada.

The Harper, and the Con’s generally, style politics is of distortion, cover-up, duplicity, deception, obscuration and obfuscation, suppression of truth and, slandering, mud slinging and character assassination in lieu of serious and sober response to important issues. Their attitude to Science and Scientific research are in the dank ages and Crime reminiscent of the irrationality surrounding witch-hunts and the Inquisition.

Harper and the Con's have developed the biggest propaganda machine seen in Western democracies in
recent history that they have no hesitation in using to the above ends no matter how reprehensible and morally and secularly dishonest, approaching Canadians on an emotional, fogged level, with a total disregard for the truth.

Harper bases everything his does on politics and what he thinks will help him to clutch and grab onto power and nothing on what is best for Canada and our nation.

Lloyd MacILquham cicblog.com/comments.html

- Harper Appointments - You Aint Seen Nothin Yet

Michael Ignatieff objects to Tory choice
for rights-agency chief, Campbell Clark, Feb. 25, 2010
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/michael-ignatieff-objects-to-tory-choice-for-rights-agency-chief/article1481604/Tab 22

Harper and the Con's are right wing extremist ideologues. Their predecessor Reform and Alliance were,
of course, right wing extremist ideologues. We all know this.

The longer Harper and the Con's are in power the more Canada is transformed into an right wing extremist society, where intolerance reigns supreme.

It's as simple as that, Harper shutting down all the rocket scientists won't prevent Canadians from seeing this for themselves.

Harper has indicated that his strategy is to implement his extremist, right wing ideology and re-make Canada into an extremist, right wing, intolerant society by ignoring our Democratic Institutions disenfranchising the overwhelming majority of Canadians, hamstringing all Institutional supervision and do everything through his Executive powers. One of the prime methods is appointing right wing extremists to every administrative position in sight.

This strategy is insidious since it is taking several year to come to fruition. It is far too blunt to fire everybody and make new, partizan appointments - it would wake Canadians up to what he is doing. So, Harper must combine a shrewdly chosen combination of firings and waiting for opportunities including thru attrition.

The next few years will be vital. The Senate has of course reached that critical point. Another major Canadian Institution that protects our democracy and civil right is the Supreme Court of Canada. The pattern appears to be multiple retirements in relatively short periods of time and we may be coming up to one of these periods in the next year or two. If Iggy is complaining about the Harper and the Con government's appointment to the arms-length agency Rights and Democracy, just wait.

The only solution is to get rid of Harper and the Con's as soon as possible, unless you like an intolerant, extremist, right wing ideologically based society run by the Executive, where Democracy is merely for show.

Lloyd MacILquham cicblog.com/comments.html

Harper + Bernier = Con'd Again !

Posted: 2/25/2010 10:59:29 AM The Globe and Mail
Maxime Bernier challenges climate science, Norman Spector, February 24, 2010
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/blogs/spector-vision/maxime-bernier-challenges-climate-science/article1479289/ Tab 16

Taking Action Against Global Warming is the Right (morally, that is) Thing to Do.

"What is certain is that it would be irresponsible to spend billions of dollars and to impose unnecessarily stringent regulations to solve a problem whose gravity we still are not certain about." (Norman Spector translation)

Maxime Bernier is approaching the global Warming problem on an emotional not rational basis, designed to incite the Con core-supporters concentrated West of Manitoba.

No Body or Organization that has responsibility would base their policies on such an extreme, absolutist perspective.

The only time we will be certain about Global Warming and its catastrophic impact around the world is when it happens, which will be far too late. Even then there will be Con deniers.

If there is more than a mere possibility that even a fraction of the damage predicted will occur because of our activities now in and in the past, we must do something about it. We must do it now since later it will be too late.

Of course, this is simply looking at the problem in a rational, logical 'risk management' approach.

There is no doubt that Bernier's approach is deliberate and is espousing the true attitudes of Stephen Harper, the Con Party and all the die-hard supporters of the Conservative Party. There is no doubt that the only reason Harper appeared to have 'abandoned' this position a few years ago is he wants to hold onto power and try not to look too politically motivated and self-serving in the International Community. There is no doubt that it is timed to be released just before a mayor report on the inefficiencies of the tar-sands due to royalties etc. It is easy to see where this is all headed.

Whereas, Harper's base is in Alberta. They make up the die-hardest of his supporters, and perhaps the source of the lion's share of the Con's funding. Harper, from the start has done everything to increase Alberta' autonomy and protect its oil industry, and Canada be damned - this is nowhere more apparent than Harper's policies on Global Warming. Natural Resources Department assessment indicates that the projected increase to economic growth from the oil industry is $885 billion between 2000 and 2020, including growth of $634 billion in Alberta. Just imagine how much the benefit would remain in Alberta if there were no Federal taxes. Then there is the transfer payments, which would be hugely increased, that would be done away with. You do the math.

When all those countries that have not contributed to Global Warming or benefited from it but suffer the greatest devastating impact of it turn to Canada and see that we not only contributed to it, did nothing to stop it, but in actuality have benefited, we will be lucky if all they do is sue us for trillions in law suits similar to the tobacco suits. It will be our children and our children's children that will be required to pay the price.

Lloyd MacILquham cicblog.com/comments.html

Posted February 25th 2010, 12:27pm Toronto Sun
Mad Max makes sense on climate change
By LORRIE GOLSTEIN, QMI Agency
Last Updated: February 25, 2010 2:00am
http://www.torontosun.com/comment/columnists/
lorrie_goldstein/2010/02/24/13013311.html
Tab 3

Thursday, February 25, 2010 9:16 AM
Harper's Mad Max headache
Robert Silver
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/blogs/silver-powers/harpers-mad-max-headache/article1480814/
tab 4

- Get Rid of Harper and Stop This Extreme Abuse

The Tornoto Star (no posted were allowed)

Tories sniped at firearm data Challenges held up RCMP report backing long-gun registry until after key Commons vote, Kevin Frayer, Feb 22 2010
http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/article/769298--tories-sniped-at-firearm-data

My reading of the article:

Access to Information has revealed that the then-public safety minister Peter Van Loan's office sat on the RCMP report on the Gun registry until after the vote. The paper trail shows that the Report was received by him on 18 September. It ought to have been released in 15 sitting days but was help up by Van Loan until 6 November, after the vote. Van Loan tells us he had the Report "for several days".

***

This obscuration, obstruction, manipulation, suppression and distortion by Stephen Harper and his Conservative Party, this time then - Public Safety Minister Peter Van Loan, just goes on and on and on. When will it stop.

This abuse of power, like so many others, has been uncovered by the paper trail, especially E-mails, obtained thru Access To Information.

No wonder Harper and his PMO are so dead set against Access To Information.

Unfortunately, as has been suggested (see my posting below "Harper - PMO - Prime Modus Operandi", 22 Feb.'10) the PMO and government staffers will simply stop using E-mails and start doing everything by word of mouth.

There is only one way to stop this extreme abuse - get rid of Harper and his Con's and sooner rather than later.

Lloyd MacILquham cicblog.com/comments.html

- Harper and His Con's Are Not the PC's of Old

Last best hope for democracy in Canada: An appointed Senate Upper chamber selected by blue-ribbon panel would be valuable check on excessive PM power, Senator Elaine McCoy, Feb 22 2010
http://www.thestar.com/opinion/article/768518--last-best-hope-for-democracy-in-canada-an-appointed-senate

Here, Here!

Anyone who tries to suggest that Stephen Harper and his Conservative Party are somehow identified with the Progressive Conservative Party of old, will have a very difficult time explaining away this article.

(Oh, and by the way, did I mention, Senator's proposal is very similar to mine - see below.)

Senator Elaine McCoy, Feb 22 2010:

. . .

"So let's start again. Let's take the proposition that an independent, appointed Senate is, after all, Canada's last best chance for democracy.

We'd still be left with the problem of how we appoint senators, of course. But surely we can figure out how to do that without prime ministerial intervention.

It is, when you get right down to it, a prerogative exercised by the Governor General. That she takes advice is a good thing. For years now, however, we've accepted that she only take advice from the prime minister. What if, instead, she convened a blue ribbon advisory panel to help choose senators?

The panel could identify outstanding Canadians with a proven record of dedication to what's best for the country, men and women who could stand tall and say to our elected members, "Are you sure that's what you want to do?"

As Senator John Abbott declared, speaking in 1890, that's our job. "Let us take care," he said, "that no temporary fit of prejudice or passion, injurious to our country or disadvantageous to our interests is allowed to force a measure through this Parliament without giving to the people a further opportunity for considering it ..."

Being appointed, individual senators can stand up and do what Abbott called on us to do without worrying about whether we have a job at the end of the day. At least that gives our nation one last bulwark against overbearing executive power.

What it gives us, in short, is a constitutionally protected place where Canadians from all parts of the country and all across the political spectrum can make their voices heard. "

***
Lloyd MacILquham cicblog.com/comments.html

18 February, 2010, - Harper & the Con's fit the profile of a third world dictatorship
. . .
Polices and decisions ought to be based on what is best for Canadians as a nation, based not on whether it is in line with some ideology, but on a rational basis, given the current context, both domestically and internationally. What is rationally based can debated in Parliament, discussed in they media, including recently developed, technology based media. But, it is logical that Canadians would request input from those who are outstanding in the particular matter at issue.

. . .

This could be done very easily and without much fuss by appointing people outstanding in various areas important to Canadian society to the Senate, as opposed to making political appointments. The Senate could then set up standing committees to review and investigate on an ongoing basis, taking into account the circumstances at the time and the best interests of all Canadians as a whole.

This, is completely in line with the intention of the purpose of the Senate of "Sober Second Thought". There is a very good reason that when the Senate was established appointments for life were included - to distance them from political interference of the day. Harper's intentions are to destroy this. One can only think that the reason is that considering things rationally and for the good of all Canadians is diametrically opposed to extreme (right wing) ideologically based policies that favour the few.

A very good analogy of this proposed reform and one that is extremely successful and well respected is The Supreme Court of Canada (SCC). The SCC is the exemplification of rationally based decisions. We would be in good stead if we modeled Senate reform in accordance with this institution. One of the biggest advantages of the Supreme Court is that once appointed they can not be dismissed by the Prime Minister or even Parliament. In other words, it is outside the political interference of the Prime Minister.

- Harper - PMO - Prime Modus Operandi

Submitted: 8:50am, PST, 22 Feb.'10 The Hill Times

Cabinet ministers' offices regularly interfere in ATI requests, says Tory staffer, Jeff Davis, 22 Feb.'10
http://www.hilltimes.com/page/view/ati-02-22-2010 Tab 1

Stephen Harper and the Con's 'P.M.O.' (Prime Modus Operandi) for damage control is never to take the moral high ground - i.e., stand up and take responsibility, but to blame someone else when one of their strategies gives bad results. If they feel that is not working they then run around claiming that the Liberals did the same thing when they were in office. This time it must be a serious issue since they seem to be doing both, at the same time.

Harper and the Con's abuse of Access To Information is on a level never experienced in Canada, not even close, and is part of their general policies of suppression, distortion, obscuration and obstruction. In fact, Harper has implemented this strategy to a level not seen in Western Democracies in recent history. Access to Information is, by necessity, one the first casualties of an extremist, right wing ideologically driven government.

"Ms. Legault said her investigation will be examining whether or not Sec. 67.1 of the Access to Information Act was breached which is an indictable or summary offence. "

Ms. Legualt might look into possible sanctions against counseling, procuring, as well, while she's at it.

"Meanwhile, after seeing Mr. Togneri hung out to dry, the Conservative source told The Hill Times extra caution will be taken not to leave a paper trail.

'I'm a lot more careful now with any conversations I have with my ATIP officer,' the staffer said. "They're all in person now, whereas before I would sometimes send emails.' "

Therein lies the rub.

There is zero chance Harper and the Con's will change their interference with the release of information - they are simply too good at it and it is simply too effective. They will simply become more sophisticated about it.

Perhaps the Civil Service can whistle blow each time the PMO or government staffers interfere in the ATI process, whether verbally or otherwise. After all, isn't that at the heart of the Harper Whistler Blower policies. Not!

The viscous personal attack on Richard Colvin for doing his job by Harper, Peter MacKay, Gordon O'Connor, John Baird, Laurie Hawn and all the Con's, was no accident. It was designed precisely to discourage proper minded Civil Servants from stepping forward - just another part of their general strategy to suppress, distort, obscure, obstruct.

There is only one solution. Give Harper and his gang of Con's the Boot and sooner, rather than later.

Lloyd MacILquham cicblog.com/comments.html

- Mr. Harper - Canada is No Iran

Submitted: 8:56am, 21 Feb.'10 - cbc.ca
Catholic Register takes on Ignatieff, Neil Morrison, February 18, 2010
http://www.cbc.ca/politics/insidepolitics/2010/02/catholic-register-takes-on-ignatieff.html, Tab 21

It seems to me that what Michael Ignatieff asked was whether Stephen Harper intends to withdraw support for family planning. If so, it appears to be an abandonment of Canada's current position, as well as opposed to that of Britain and the G-8 generally.

I have been unable to confirm for myself (see below) that "It is astonishing and sad that Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff is advocating that Canada fund overseas abortions . . . 'sad to see Ignatieff making such a negative proposal.'" (as attributed to Toronto Archbishop Thomas Collins by the Catholic Register)

Canada is a secular society. When I ran as the Liberal candidate in '04 I made it clear that for me abortion is a matter of personal conscience. This is, of course, based, in part, on my strong belief in the necessity of separation of State and Church, basing Government polices on the realities and not ideology, and probably most important, acknowledging that there may be many, many people in Canada, and around the world, that simply don't subscribe to one particular system of religious beliefs - i.e. Canada is a tolerant, moderate, multi-faceted nation (of course, that's what separation of State and Church is all about).

We are not Iran. Canada's political system is not a facade of Democratic process with the Executive being made up of religious extremists who wield the real power and make policy.

If abortion is not made available then women, especially young women, can find themselves in the hands of illegal butchers. It is my understanding that that is the point that Ignatieff was making; that is the point that the G8 countries are making; and, this is the point that the UK Department for International Development: "Unsafe abortion accounts for 13% of all maternal deaths and the hospitalisation of a further five million women every year due to serious health complications".

Dr. Dorothy Shaw, the Canadian G8/G20 spokesperson for the Partnership for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health. She is a key advisor to the G8 on the issue of maternal health.
"Obviously access to safe abortions is part of assuring maternal health. . . ."

Ignatieff
(http://www.calgaryherald.com/news/women+health+initiative+must+include+abortion+Ignatieff/2514470/story.html)

"If you're going to invest in women, you've got to invest in the full gamut of reproductive health services," he said, winning applause from an audience of Liberal MPs and representatives of about 50 non-government aid, rights and humanitarian organizations.

"This is the last place to start playing politics here and ideology here. Women are entitled to the full gamut of reproductive health services and that includes termination of pregnancy and contraception."

At a news conference later in the day, Ignatieff cited former U.S. government policy under the Bush administration which withheld federal funds from international agencies that supported abortion.

"We don't want us to go that way," he said. "We want to make sure that women have access to all the contraceptive methods available to control their fertility because we don't want to have women dying because of botched procedures, we don't want to have women dying in misery. We want women to care for themselves better and then look after their kids better . . . let's keep the ideology out of this and move forward."

"We've had a pro-choice consensus in this area for a couple of generations and we want to hold it."

***
Dr. Dorothy Shaw, the Canadian G8/G20 spokesperson for the Partnership for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health. She is a key advisor to the G8 on the issue of maternal health.
"Obviously access to safe abortions is part of assuring maternal health. But it's a bit reckless to make this the sole focus of the conversation since it has the potential to derail the entire initiative. . . . "

***
DFID (UK Department for International Development)

http://www.dfid.gov.uk/Media-Room/News-Stories/2009/Policy-on-safe-and-unsafe-abortion/

14 October 2009
International Development Minister, Mike Foster, said:
"Every year a devastating number of women die because of unsafe abortion. If we ignore this issue, the stark reality is that millions more women will suffer, and back street practices will continue to increase the pressure for treatment on already overburdened health services.
"Better access to family planning information and contraception is of vital importance in eliminating unsafe abortion but the truth is that it is not always enough. That is why the Department for International Development will continue to support the prevention of unsafe abortion as part of broader efforts to improve sexual and reproductive health."

DFID's policy
DFID supports safe abortion on two grounds. First, it is a right. Women have the right to reproductive health choices. Second, it is necessary. 20% of pregnancies globally end in induced abortion; unsafe abortion accounts for 13% of all maternal deaths and the hospitalisation of a further five million women every year due to serious health complications. This preventable mortality and ill-health due to unsafe abortion is seriously undermining countries’ ability to achieve the fifth Millennium Development Goal (to improve maternal health) and places a high burden on already over-stretched health systems. But DFID does not support abortion as a method of family planning.
In countries where it is legal, DFID will support programmes that make safe abortion more accessible. In countries where it is illegal and mortality and morbidity is high, DFID will make the consequences of unsafe abortion more widely understood, and will consider supporting processes of legal and policy reform.

- 'Harper' = 'Hypocrite' - in the Canadian vernacular

Posted: 2/20/2010 1:52:47 PM The Globe and Mail
'An attack on Israel would be considered, an attack on Canada', Steven Chase, February 16, 2010
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/blogs/bureau-blog/an-attack-on-israel-would-be-considered-an-attack-on-canada/article1470211/

Doesn't Israel normally have a co-alition government. And, in fact, they have one now.

How can Harper have such unconditional support for Israel, when he is so ideologically opposed to co-alitions and considers them such a violation of the Democratic process.

I would use the 'H' word - hypocrite, not 'Harper' (although they are fast becoming synonymous in Canadian the vernacular).

Oh, sorry, Harper doesn't have to be consistent or even be rational and he certainly wasn't 'elected' Prime Minister for his statesman qualities or by placing the good of Canada ahead of sheer partizan politicking.

Don't tell me we're being Con'd again and Harper is just doing it to pick up some votes, that wouldn't be very statesmanlike.

Lloyd MacILquham cicblog.com/comments.html

- Harper: Prorogation - 'the devil made me do it' !

Comment on: National Post
Judging Giorno, Some call the chief of staff a disaster, but others call him disciplined, John Ivison, February 20, 2010
http://www.nationalpost.com/opinion/columnists/story.html?id=979a0ab8-79e6-4a3f-8476-cb95da3e957b&p=3

Harper always blames someone else when one of his strategies gives bad results. The latest is the Prorogation. Apparently, the new Harper excuse for Prorogation is that 'Oh, and by the way, did I mention, the devil made me do it . . . no, really . . . it's true . . . it was the devil . . . honest . . . no really . . . trust me . . . it was the D-E-V-I-L, DEVIL, Da-Da-Da-Da DEVIL . . . he'smaking me smile right now too' - he did not want to Prorogue Parliament but merely take a ten day break; Prorogation was someone else's fault and Harper was talked into it.

Harper, show some moral fiber, some back bone, stand up at take responsibility. For an action that is as serious as Prorogation, disbanding Parliament for so long, and such a gross display of contempt for Canadian Democracy, it is the Prime Minister's responsibility, sole and absolute.

Harper should be too embarrassed to even suggest that he was talked into it.

Also, what are we doing with a Prime Minister that can't understand that Canadian would get very upset about such a politically self-serving assault on our Democracy and Democratic Institutions.

Harper's vigorous defense of his action since Prorogation belies this new excuse.

Prorogation was a cold blooded, self-serving, totally politically motivated act, of a nature that we have come to expect from Harper, the Canadian people be Damned. It is totally incredulous that he would now suggest that he didn't want to do it.

Also, every one knows the real reason for Proroguing is to try to shut down investigation of the Afghan Detainee Transfer and ensuing cover-up scandal and put some distance behind it. It was either face the music now or face the music later. Harper chose later since, it couldn't be much worse.

And, perhaps in the meantime he can convince Canadians of what a great Prime Minister he is by, for example, suggesting that if were not for Harper spending countless (on because the actual amounts are redacted by the Harper government) billions on converting Canada's military to a 'fighting machine', so that he, MacKay, O'Connor, et al, could 'associate themselves' with the military and play soldier, the World would have fallen short in their assistance of Haiti after the earthquake. Harper made this revelation in Haiti the other day - "To do soft power, you need hard power", wow, what a Zen Master. He chose Haiti to do this, of course, so the Canadian Media and Opposition Parties could not confront him with the error in his thinking.

This, of course, is crass politicizing of a terrible tragedy to which all Canadians and people in many other countries rose to provide assistance according to their abilities. Perhaps, Harper is doing this because he is looking to run Haiti, after he and the Con's get the boot from Canada. I wouldn't wish that on even Canada's worst enemy (of course, before Harper, Canada didn't have any worst enemies and we actually quite well respected in the World, but now . . .)

Harper and the Con's have tried to convince Canadians that the reason for Proroguing Parliament and for so long, is to allow Harper and the Con's to do the serious work of Government, without the disruptions of Parliament. They need the time to 're-calibrate' and especially to seek the input from Canadians on their Throne speech and Budget.

Harper says Ottawa is doing "important work to prepare the economic agenda," without the distraction of non-confidence votes and election speculation. - http://www.bnn.ca/news/14958.html)

Harper also has suggested that non-confidence motions cause disruption in the stock market. The Prime Minster is not to give advise on the stock markets. One can only wonder why Harper is taking such an active interest in the market. Isn't he the one that feesl trunoil makes for "good buying opportunities". See my previous discussion on this issues: 10 January, 2010, - Stephen Harper is the Bizzaro World (Opposite) Twin of "Open Democracy"

'On CBC's Power & Politics with Evan Solomon yesterday, [Flanagan, Harper’s former chief of staff and mentor] said that everyone knows the only reason Mr. Harper prorogued was to “shut down the Afghan inquiry."'
http://m.theglobeandmail.com/blogs/bureau-blog/stephen-harper-disinclined-to-let-games-begin-in-the-house/article1428075/?service=mobile

Apparently, Harper has sent out E-mails to all the Con PM's asking for suggestions for the Throne speech.

Harper, the Opposition Parties, which represent 2/3 of Canadians, I am sure have some suggestions. Also, Ed Clark and the Canadian Council of (150) Chief Executives appear to have some serious suggestions as well. Oh, sorry, I forgot, you don't like them, they have legitimate positions that don't agree with yours (different views in a tolerant, multi-faceted, complex society - now there's a reason not to consult with them) and the moral fiber and backbone to stand up and be counted - I can see how Harper would be turned off by that (character foil, and all that).

Lloyd MacILquham cicblog.com/comments.html

- Harper Is No J.A. MacDonald

Posted: 2/19/2010 11:08:25 AM The Globe and Mail
Harper may be iron-fisted. And so what if he is?, Bob Plamondon, 19 Feb.'10
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/opinions/harper-may-be-iron-fisted-and-so-what-if-he-is/article1473243/ Tab 6

Bob Plamondon: "Stephen Harper is an autocrat who keeps a Vise-Grip on power, bullies his opponents and runs roughshod over democratic traditions. And how different is this from his predecessors? Not much."

There is a very big and very important difference between Harper and the Con's and Canada's previous Prime Ministers

All the previous PM's had the interests of Canada, all Canadians and the future of this nation, at heart. They were intent on nation building

Harper has dedicated his career in public life to tearing asunder Confederation

The only similarity in ideology and agenda between MacDonald, Diefenbaker, Stanfield, Clark and Mulrouney and Harper is that they all had the word "Conservative" in the name of their Party. The similarities end there. The Con Party is not the PC Party. The PC were a moderate right of centre Party. Harper and the Con's are extremist right wing ideologues

A very good illustration of this is that J.A. MacDonald joined forces with the Clear Grits (for runners of the Liberal Party) to unit the colonies and form Confederation. That's, of course, why Canadian today are proud of MacDonald. It is inconceivable that Harper might join with the Liberals, or anyone else, to solve Canada's current problems, strengthen the union and make this great nation of our even greater

This is despite that the 'Mandate' given by the people of Canada is do to precisely that - join with the Opposition and work together. Harper has, in fact, betrayed the trust given to him for the sake of obtaining and wielding bald power to achieve goals that are opposed to the good of Canada and all Canadians

We must consider the impact of all the Harper Policies on our Nation and the Legacy we leave to our children and our children's children to prevent Harper from tearing asunder what has been built thru the blood sweat and tears of out forefathers, maintain what we have achieved in the past, and perhaps improve on it, if possible, and leave our children with the appreciation of us having lived here and not a bitter resentment that we were ever given a turn at the helm

But then, Plamondon, you must know all this

Lloyd MacILquham cicblog.com/comments.html

- Harper & the Con's fit the profile of a third world dictatorship

Excerpt Posted 2/18/2010 10:56:47 AM - The Globe and Mail
Ignatieff uses the pause , Globe and Mail, 17 Feb.'10
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/opinions/editorials/ignatieff-uses-the-pause/article1470659/ Tab 9

Harper at all times has chosen what furthers his own and the Con's agenda, Canada be damned. Whether it is good for Canada is not a consideration.

There are many, many examples of this but one is Harper's declaring everything as non-confidence votes to force the Opposition parties to accept his policies, there is no consideration by Harper of whether it is for the good of all Canadians and no consideration by Harper for the 2/3 rds Canadians that voted against him.

Harper and the Con's being extreme right wing ideologues makes this insidious. Canada is gradually, bit-by-bit, being morphed into a right wing extremist country. Further is that it is coming to light that Harper also bases his policies on his personal religious beliefs, thus blurring the separation of Church and State, transforming Canada into a non-secular, religious state (e.g. Iran) despite that at least 2/3rds of all Canadians are being marginalized. The irony is that despite the religious nature, Harper is being very dishonest about it.

The problem is that Harper and the Con's base everything on their ideology. It is right wing and extreme compared to the Canadian tradition of being an open, tolerant, multicultural, diverse, secular, Rule of Law based, Charter enshrined rights, moderate Democratic society. Rather, Harper and the Con's fit the profile of a third world dictatorship.

Given the complexity of any developed, commerce based, diverse modern society, like Canada, making policies decisions based on ideology can never be in the best interest of Canadians and will always favour one group and marginalize another group, not because it is necessary or in the best interest of all Canadians as a whole, but because they subscribe, or don't subscribe, to the ideology. The more extreme the ideology the smaller the group that are favoured and the larger the group that are marginalized. Currently, it would appear that it is approx 1/3 favoured and 2/3 marginalized, with regional variations.

Polices and decisions ought to be based on what is best for Canadians as a nation, based not on whether it is in line with some ideology, but on a rational basis, given the current context, both domestically and internationally. What is rationally based can debated in Parliament, discussed in they media, including recently developed, technology based media. But, it is logical that Canadians would request input from those who are outstanding in the particular matter at issue.

For example, Harper reduced the GST by two points based on ideology and crass grab at power by appealing to voters on an emotional bases. He did this without considering the opinions of Economists. Ian Brodie, Harper's adviser at the time, has come out and admitted that Harper implemented the GST reduction contrary to good economic advise. Harper is now ignoring the opinions of the Ed Clark and the Canadian Council of (150) Chief Executives,". . . almost every single person said raise my taxes. Get this deficit done" (referring to increasing the GST back to what it was) in preparing the budget.

In fact, as everyone knows, Harper and the Con's have attacked Clark on a personal basis for daring to stand up and state his opinion. This is not right (morally, that is).

This could be done very easily and without much fuss by appointing people outstanding in various areas important to Canadian society to the Senate, as opposed to making political appointments. The Senate could then set up standing committees to review and investigate on an ongoing basis, taking into account the circumstances at the time and the best interests of all Canadians as a whole.

This, is completely in line with the intention of the purpose of the Senate of "Sober Second Thought". There is a very good reason that when the Senate was established appointments for life were included - to distance them from political interference of the day. Harper's intentions are to destroy this. One can only think that the reason is that considering things rationally and for the good of all Canadians is diametrically opposed to extreme (right wing) ideologically based policies that favour the few.

A very good analogy of this proposed reform and one that is extremely successful and well respected is The Supreme Court of Canada (SCC). The SCC is the exemplification of rationally based decisions. We would be in good stead if we modeled Senate reform in accordance with this institution. One of the biggest advantages of the Supreme Court is that once appointed they can not be dismissed by the Prime Minister or even Parliament. In other words, it is outside the political interference of the Prime Minister.

Harper and his Con's, of course, periodically call for the Supreme Court to be subject to Parliament and given the the Supreme Court is a product of legislation, perhaps they could, if Harper had a majority (that's something to think about).

Again, one can only think that the reason is that considering things rationally and for the good of all Canadians is diametrically opposed to extreme (right wing) ideologically based policies that favour the few.

Iggy would be well advised to take this into consideration when he is deciding "what 21st-century Liberalism stands for" and be very wary of becoming another ideology based Party. On the other hand, at least it wouldn't be so extreme and much more inclusive.

Lloyd MacILquham cicblog.com/comments.html

Harper-avelli, what a "Prince"

Submitted: 2/17/2010 11:02:17 The Globe and Mail

Top adviser leaves Bev Oda's office, Steven Chase
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/blogs/bureau-blog/political-adviser-leaves-bev-odas-office/article1470147/ Tab 8

Harper and the Con's using threats of withdrawing government funding to otherwise legitimate and qualifying organizations against anyone that they think might dare to stand up for something that they don't like or might be perceived as being against them.

That's easy to believe, especially given Harper track record.

This goes hand in hand, of course, with the viscous personal attacks we have seen, even just lately against Richard Colvin and most recently Ed Clark.

The only thing that is hard to understand is why Harper and his gang of Con's are running this, otherwise, great nation of ours.

Oh, and by the way, did I mention that, there is absolutely no question that Canadians have the right (moral right that is) to know why Keith Fountain has "moved on", especially given the surrounding circumstances.

2/17/2010 12:47:47 PM
Harper-avelli, what a "Prince"

These tactics of Harper and the Con's are, of course, typical of right wing extremist groups. I have done many Refugee Claims involving third world governments and Harper's actions fit the scenario to a 'T'.

Given the incredible deficits and Harper's refusal to do anything about it, except (God help us) to wait 6 years while the Canadian economy grows out of it; and, given Harper's do nothing approach to global warming and other matters of global proportions and urgency; and, given Harper's utter disdain for Canadian Democracy; and, given Harper's expressed life goal to tear Canada asunder,

it seems Harper plan is to turn Canada into a third world country -

perhaps so he will feel more at home, politically speaking, with his Harper-avellian methods.

It would be a lot better for Canada if we simply helped find an existing third world country with which Harper can realize his potential.

PS: does this mean Harper won't be appointing me to the Senate.

Lloyd MacILquham cicblog.com/comments.html

- Harper and the Cons - Problem Isolated !

Submitted: 9:40am, PST, 16 Feb.'10 - The Ottawa Citizen
Code of conduct sought for ‘amoral’ political aides, Ministerial staffers should not be allowed to give orders to public servants: experts, Kathryn May, February 16, 2010
http://www.ottawacitizen.com/news/Code+conduct+sought+amoral+political+aides/2568225/story.html#Comments

Harper and his Con Ministers always blame someone else when something happens.

Harper never stands up and takes responsibility. A great example is, of course, the Afghan Detainee Transfer Scandal and Ensuing Cover-Up.

Paul Martin, at least stood tall, accepted responsibility for the Sponsorship Scandal and called a Public Inquiry. He did it because it was the proper and right (morally right) thing to do. Everybody knew it wasn't the politically expedient.

And, the political repercussions for Canada have been severe - it allowed Harper and the Con's to gain power, the damage Harper has caused and is causing will take many years for Canada to recover.

This issue of Harper and his Con Ministers' political staffers interfering with civil servants carrying out their legal duties is only one problem, albeit very serious.

It is not the political power that is the problem it is the people, Harper and the Cons, to whom we entrusted power, wielding it solely for political purposes.

We can see this with Harper's abuse of the Prorogation power as well. This power has been in the hands of every Prime Minister of Canada since Confederation, including PM who had very large majorities, like Brian Mulroney and Jean Chrétien.

It is only with Harper that we have this crisis in Canadian Democracy and call to bring in rules to limit the arbitrary and self-serving abuse of power by the PM.

It is not the rules that need changing it is the leadership.

The big difference with Harper and the Con's compared to previous governments is that previous PM's had the interests of Canada, all Canadians and the future of this nation, at heart.

Harper has dedicated his career in public life to tearing asunder Confederation. Soon Harper will be saying that the Federal Government is dysfunctional and disband Confederation.

Harper is only concerned with power, obtaining it, consolidating it and maintaining it, the Good of Canada be damned.

Lloyd MacILquham cicblog.com/comments.html

- Harper Leadership Index ??? - It's Time For Nanos to Recalibrate

2/15/2010 12:52:50 PM The Globe and Mail
Ignatieff wades into PMO versus banker fight. It's no way to run a country, Liberal Leader says, when politicians can't seek advice from experts, Jane Taber, 15 Feb.'10
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/ignatieff-wades-into-pmo-versus-banker-fight/article1468522/Tab 24

The Nanos 'Leadership Index' is Very Misleading to say the least.

Harper's numbers are entirely explained by assuming a core of die-hard supporters of around 33%. How about some Demographics Nanos - that would be interesting.

And, these days with Harper's true extreme right wing 'colours' starting to bulge out over the Hype, they have to be die-hard, indeed, to still support him, despite the damage to Canadian Democracy.

The actual results of the Poll results Nanos is basing his 'Leadeship Index' (see:
nanosresearch.com/library/polls/POLNAT-W10-T411E.pdf
are as follows:

The Best PM
Stephen Harper: 32.0% (-2.8)
- within the 33% point - considering margin of error (3.1 percentage points, plus or minus, 19 times out of 20) - 1/3 of Canadians like him as PM??? what's he doing running this country

The most trustworthy leader
Stephen Harper: 25.0% (-4.3)
- definitely down from the 33% point -even considering margin of error- and rightfully so, give Harper's abuse of his Office and attack on Canadian Democracy

The most competent leader
Stephen Harper: 33.6% (-1.7)
- within the 33% point - considering margin of error - there's that die-hard 33% manifesting itself!

The leader with the best vision for Canada#s future
Stephen Harper: 26.8% (-3.2)
- definitely down from the 33% point - even considering margin of error- and rightfully so - yeh, Harper's vision for most of his public life is to tear Canada asunder, apparently some people like that, or don't understand what Harper is really all about

A break down by Province would be very interesting (although I suspect that the result can be easily predicted) and perhaps Nanos would be courteous enough to provide that for us.

These number are actually down from the last time (and Harper index is down 10%) as one would expect (at least there are some die-hards that are taking a serious second thought at what Harper is doing).

To have any meaning whatsoever, any "Leadership Index' for Harper ought to be how many points away from the 33% point.

All you non-Haperites that don't take the 33% core of die-hard support for Harper seriously do so at your own peril.

Lloyd MacILquham cicblog.com/comments.html

Also Posted to: Nanos On The Numbers
Mon Feb 15 13:13:29 EST 2010
Nanos Leadership Index: Harper still strong (Nanos Poll Completed February 8th, 2010)

- Mr. Harper, Tear Down Your Wall !

2/15/2010 10:55:59 AM
Ignatieff wades into PMO versus banker fight. It's no way to run a country, Liberal Leader says, when politicians can't seek advice from experts, Jane Taber, 15 Feb.'10
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/ignatieff-wades-into-pmo-versus-banker-fight/article1468522/Tab 12

TD Bank CEO Ed Clark, discussing a recent meeting with Harper who was obviously working under the under the guise of listening to what Canadian have to say in preparing their budget.
"He doesn't listen, but you get to chat with him"

Ed Clark also stated that at a recent meeting of the Canadian Council of (150) Chief Executives,". . . almost every single person said raise my taxes. Get this deficit done,". He was apparently referring to the GST - that's right, the one that Harper and his Con's went around saying how great that was and how it single handedly saved us from the ravages of the recession. Oh, it's also the one that Ian Brodie, Harper's adviser at the time, has come out and admitted that Harper implemented the GST reduction contrary to good economic advise. I guess Harper wasn't listening to Ed Clark or the Canadian Council of Chief Executives then either.

When it comes to the Budget, Harper and the Con;'s are obviously not listening to anyone, unless they already agree with Harper, of course.
Ignatieff is right (morally right that is), "Honest to goodness we can't run a country like this", especially if only 1/3 of Canadians voted for you.

It is a black mark on Canadian Democracy when Parliament has such little trust in the sitting Prime Minister and his party that legislation to limit the PM's powers would have to be brought in. We as a Nation have been able to get by without such legislative restriction on the sitting Prime Minister up till now. What is so different now from say Brian Mulroney and Jean Chrétien who had large majorities and could easily have abused their power but didn't.

The previous PM's had the interests of Canada, all Canadians and the future of this nation, at heart. Harper has dedicated his career in public life to tearing asunder Confederation. Soon Harper will be saying that the Federal Government is dysfunctional and disband Confederation.

It would appear that the suitable remedy, everything considered, would be (along with the mea culpa and carrying out the Will of Parliament) Parliament requiring clear and concise promise from Harper that he will seek the approval of Parliament in future to any such major decisions, that are currently under the 'rule of custom of the office of PM' , as Prorogation of Parliament.

Given Harper's track record of doing everything in the extreme and for political, partizan considerations only, the good of Canada be Damned, the appointment and discharge of Parliamentary Officials and heads of bodies that are the 'prerogative' of the PM be approved by Parliament, along with their proper operation, should be covered by this requirement as well.

So too Harper ought to seek the approval of Parliament when it comes to cutting funding for various groups and those required to testify in an effort to shed light on Harper and the Con's dark corners - I should say carryings on

One need only consider the following to conclude that the above restrictions on harper and teh Con's actions is just and fair: Canada's parliamentary budget officer Kevin Page, Linda Keen, the head of the Nuclear Safety Commission, RCMP's Public Complaints Commission and the Military Police Complaints Commission, cut off public funding for the ecumenical charitable group KAIROS, lashed out at public servants - like Richard Colvin, et cetera, et cetera, et cetera.

Lloyd MacILquham cicblog.com/comments.html

- Harper - uncontrolled and unfettered abuse of power of a dictatorial nature

Submitted: 9:56am PST, 13 Feb.'10 - CBC
Ahoy, procedural geeks! Reading between the lines of the Liberal response to Gordon O'Connor, Kady O'Malley, February 12, 2010
http://www.cbc.ca/politics/insidepolitics/2010/02/ahoy-procedural-geeks-reading-between-the-lines-of-the-liberal-response-to-gordon-oconnor.html 30 Posts

"Then again, can anyone really imagine the Liberals, at least, demonstrating sufficient collective spine to actually force the government to recognize the supremacy of Parliament before allowing the finance minister to deliver his speech?"

Come now Katty.

Can anyone really imagine that you have any basis for making such a accusation.

You're not trying to be manipulative are you.

Why not come right out and demand that Parliament make Harper and the Con's subject themselves to the Will of Parliament, formally stand up in the Commons and admit guilt and accept whatever punishment Parliament may, in its wisdom, determine just and fair.

Parliament could also (Rule of Law, Supremacy of Parliament, etc) introduce a Bill placing restrictions on the PM regarding Prorogation.

However, it is a black mark on Canadian Democracy when Parliament has such little trust in the sitting Prime Minister and his party that such legislation would have to be brought in. We as a Nation have been able to get by without such legislative restriction on the sitting Prime Minister up till now. What is so different now from say Brian Mulroney and Jean Chrétien who had large majorities and could easily have abused their power but didn't.

The previous PM's had the interests of Canada, all Canadians and the future of this nation, at heart. Harper has dedicated his career in public life to tearing asunder Confederation. Soon Harper will be saying that the Federal Government is dysfunctional and disband Confederation.

Much of the actions by the Prime Minister are based on 'Customary law' as opposed to legislative law. I have had numerous arguments with people who suggest that Customary law is just as binding as Legislative Law. It's not and this is a prime example of the problems with Customary Law. It works well as long as the people in office ultimately have the good of the Nation before them. The basic assumption is anyone who has spent much of their public life trying to tear asunder Confederation will not become Prime Minister. This, of course, is not the present case.

Similar reasoning applies to Harper request to the Governor General last year as well. The GG ought to have allowed the non-Confidence vote last year and then entertained all sides' arguments for what to do next. The Office of GG is subject to the Will of Parliament and not the Whim of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister's power to select the GG does not mean that it answers simply to the Prime Minister. The GG's Office was not designed to be a figure head. The Governor General's function is to be a last resort to such abuse of power by the Prime Minister. When this fails we end up in the position we have today - uncontrolled and unfettered abuse of power by the PM of a dictatorial nature.

It would appear that the suitable remedy, everything considered, would be (along with the mea culpa and carrying out the Will of Parliament) Parliament requiring clear and concise promise from Harper that he will seek the approval of Parliament in future to any such major decisions, that are currently under the 'rule of custom of the office of PM' , as Prorogation of Parliament.

Given Harper's track record of doing everything in the extreme and for political, partizan considerations only, the good of Canada be Damned, the appointment and discharge of Parliamentary Officials and heads of bodies that are the 'prerogative' of the PM be approved by Parliament, along with their proper operation, should be covered by this requirement as well.

So too Harper ought to seek the approval of Parliament when it comes to cutting funding for various groups and those required to testify in an effort to shed light on Harper and the Con's dark corners - I should say carryings on

One need only consiered the following to conclude that the above restrictions on harper and teh Con's actions is just and fair: Canada's parliamentary budget officer Kevin Page, Linda Keen, the head of the Nuclear Safety Commission, RCMP's Public Complaints Commission and the Military Police Complaints Commission, cut off public funding for the ecumenical charitable group KAIROS, lashed out at public servants - like Richard Colvin, et cetera, et cetera, et cetera.

Lloyd MacILquham cicblog.com/comments.html

- Harper Gang - Escaped Con Alert !!!

Submitted: 8:55am, PST, 13 Feb.'10 - CBC

From the desk of a clearly very, very busy John Baird …, Kady O'Malley , 12 Feb.'10
http://www.cbc.ca/politics/insidepolitics/2010/02/from-the-desk-of-a-clearly-very-very-busy-john-baird.html 36 comments

Baird, if you can't stand the heat then stay out of the kitchen.

Sounds like we're being Con'd again.

Baird's excuse something like an escaped con saying to the judge, "but I spent the time under self imposed house arrest, so that's ok."

If you are unable to do the normal constituency work and conform to the Will of Parliament, then get out of politics. Do Canada a favour and, along with the rest of the Harper gang, get out anyway. You and your Con buddies destroyed Ontario and now you are doing it to Canada.

Baird explains that he has been busy "public events and announcements". Don't tell me, Baird's excuse for suppressing Canadian Democracy and overt contempt for the Will of Parliament is that he can, what, take personal credit for the Billions being spent on the economic stimulus, take credit for the Olympics, design a Budget based on the input from Canadians (Baird didn't even bother trying that excuse), suggest that he single handedly made the Canadian banks what they are today - oh, sorry, that' Harper and Flaherty, mea culpa, mea culpa!

I know, its the over-time designing defamatory E-mails attacking anyone who dares to stand up to him, Harper and the Con's. That would certainly explain the extra-ordinarily busy schedule.

The Con's are certainly not spending anytime making changes to their Budget based on input from Canadians. Just ask TD CEO Ed Clark or all the opposition members.

Baird, if you want to try to rectify matters try:

Calling an Inquiry into the Afghan Detainee Transfers and ensuing cover-up; and, obeying the Parliamentary Order-to-Produce, are necessary; as well as, a mea culpa and conforming to any disciplinary measures as determined just by Parliament.

Harper, Baird and all the Con's government is subject to the Will of Parliament.

Harper prorogued parliament in an attempt to avoid taking responsibility for the Afghan Detainee Transfers and ensuing cover-up. One of the intended effects was to dissolve the Committee investigating this issue. And, Harper is refusing to obey the Parliament Order-to-Produce demanding that the Administration hand over confidential records on the Afghan Detainee Transfers.
Harper, Baird and the Con government has attacked and shown amazing contempt for our Democratic Way of Government, the Rule of Law, and have ruthlessly abused the office of PM.

Lloyd MacILquham cicblog.com/comments.html

- Harper Panned by Canadian Banks - Is that Ironic or What

Posted: 2/12/2010 1:00:12 PM - The Globe and Mail
Ignatieff demands Harper apologize for criticism of CEO's take on raising taxes, Bill Curry and Tara Perkins, 12 Feb.'10
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/td-chief-caught-in-deficit-crossfire/article1465325/ Tab 35

Hypocrite thy name is Harper

TD Bank CEO Ed Clark:
Apparently at the conference last week in Florida, Clark pointed out
"The Canadian population is extremely unhappy to see these deficits".

Also that at a recent meeting of the Canadian Council of Chief Executives,
". . . almost every single person said raise my taxes. Get this deficit done,"

Discussing a recent meeting with Harper under the guise of listening to what Canadian have to say in preparing their budget.
"He doesn't listen, but you get to chat with him"

So much for the highly touted consultations with Canadian.

Harper is not seeking any input from Opposition Parties, either.

So, just what is Harper basing the budget on - that just leaves Harper's right wing extremist ideology.

Harper may feel, and he is correct, that Canada's banks are the best in the world. But, obviously Canada's Banks do not feel Harper is the best PM or the Con's are the best government.

Harper has been going around saying how great the Canadian Banks are and trying to take credit for it on the International stage.

Is that Ironic or what!

Rather than taking what the Banks have to say seriously, i.e. the 'rational approach', Harper is viciously attacking 'the messenger' on a personal level, a-la-Colvin, et al.

These types of attacks are indicative of someone who knows they have no rational basis but refuses to admit it. We have seen this many times before with Harper and the Con's, of course. This attack was not intended to be for the benefit of all Canadians, but to rouse his core of die-hard supporters. The next level of 'alert' is mobilizing them with accusations of a 'coalition with socialists and separatists'.

Even the Conservative Party in England takes note of what Martin and the Liberals achieved in balancing the budget in the mid '90's that the Progressive Con's had straddled us with.

If anyone wants to know the difference between the old Progressive Conservative Party and the Con Party now, just compare deficits - 30b to 60b and counting. When you get that big, it has to be ideological.

The PC wanted power but had the interests of Canada, all Canadians and the future of this nation, at heart. Harper has dedicated his career in public life to tearing asunder Confederation and so doesn't care as long as he can maintain power and achieve his ends.

We should all take that seriously.

Lloyd MacILquham cicblog.com/comments.html

- Hypocrite thy name is Harper

Submitted: 10:31am PST, 11 Feb'10 - The Toronto Star
Not Posted - you tell me
PM's office attacks top banker in deficit spat, `Bay St. banker' lashed after urging Ottawa cut deficit with higher taxes, Les Whittington & Susan Delacourt, 11 Feb.'10
http://www.thestar.com/business/article/763673--pm-s-office-attacks-top-banker-in-deficit-spat?bn=1#article Tab 15

(Even Shakespeare had something to say about the likes of Harper.)

"[ Harper ] doesn't listen, but you get to chat with him,"
So much for the highly touted consultations with Canadian. Harper is not seeking any input from Opposition Parties, either. So, just what is Harper basing the budget on - that just leaves Harper's right wing extremist ideology. God save Canada.

"lectured Canadians from sunny Florida on our need to pay higher taxes," - Wasn't it Harper that released the Financial Update from China - Hypocrite thy name is Harper

"This government will not entertain raising taxes on hard-working Canadians or cutting transfers to provinces."
Oh, yah ! just watch them. To reduce the deficit Harper and the Con's will severely slash funding to various programs. They will also increase charges to various services, etc., which in reality amount to 'hidden' tax increases. If anyone wants to get more details on right wing ideology behind Harper's economic strategy check out the following coven of extreme right wing ideologues:
Fraser Institute - Mike Harris and Preston Manning, A Canada Strong and Free, Date Published: April 1, 2005. Reductions in payments to the Provinces of one form or another will be implemented. Whether you call it a transfer payment or not, the result is the same. "That which we call a Con by any other name would smell as much".

'Fear of reprisals from the Harper government has made some people reluctant to take part in Liberal hearings on Parliament Hill these past few weeks, Ignatieff said Wednesday.
. . .
The Liberal leader hinted, however, that some people were afraid of possible damage to their business or livelihood.'

Yah gotta love that Harper (if you're a right wing extremist, anyway).

It is outrageous that there would be people in Canada that are afraid to speak their opinion due to reprisals from the Harper and the Con's government.

What an incredible abuse of power.

This isn't some totalitarian dictatorship, . . . is it? This isn't some totalitarian dictatorship, . . . is it? Am I missing something?

Lloyd MacILquham cicblog.com/comments.html

- Harper is Outed !!!

Posted, 2/10/2010 10:50:30 AM to The Globe and Mail
Tories' hard line on criticism of Israel
could spark backlash, MP says, Campbell Clark, 9 Feb.'10
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/tories-hard-line-on-criticism-of-israel-could-spark-backlash-mp-says/article1460865/ Tab 28

Harper basing Canada's policies on his religious beliefs but doesn't have the honesty, or integrity, to come out and say it,

is that Ironical or What!

Am I reading this right (morally that is) - see Thomas Darcy McGee (Tab 20).

Can it possibly be true that Harper, and the Con's, run our country based on his personal, narrow, restrictive religious beliefs as opposed to what is in the best interest of all Canadians.

What about Separation of the State and Church.

We are a secular society and not a religious based totalitarianism like Iran.

This, of course, explains a lot about Harper the Con's and their policies. Harper has his personal agenda and Canada be damned (literally - at least for those that oppose him).

For example, and this is certainly not the only example, now I understand when Van Loan said that “The professor has a different philosophy than us,” in reply to report released by Graham Stewart, Prof Michael Jackson, et al, in late September, "A Flawed Compass", reagdingHarper and teh Con's Tough on Crime agenda.

The authors of the Report, Graham Stewart and Prof Michael Jackson (Van Loans's 'Profesor'), were basing their Report on rational scientific methods, empirical data and pragmatic anaysis - i.e. rational thought. Van Loan's 'philosophy' is manifestly opposite, deliberately devoid of logic, rationality and fact based policy. The revelation that Harper is basing Canada's policies on his personal, narrow, restrictive religious beliefs certainly goes a long way to explain this.

Lloyd MacILquham cicblog.com/comments.html

- Mr. Harper, Tear Down Your Propaganda Machine

Posted to The Globe and Mail - 2/9/2010 12:48:07 PM
Tories' hard line on criticism of Israel
could spark backlash, MP says, Campbell Clark, 9 Feb.'10
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/tories-hard-line-on-criticism-of-israel-could-spark-backlash-mp-says/article1460865/ Tab 19

Harper and the Con's have developed the biggest propaganda machine seen in Western democracies in
recent history that they have no hesitation in using no matter how reprehensible and morally and
secularly dishonest, approaching Canadians on an emotional, fogged level, with a total disregard for the truth.

Harper and the Con's do and say everything for political gain only. Truth, integrity, decency, fairness have no place with them . They are only concerned with grabbing onto power and maintaining it, at any cost, without a care for Canada.

The Harper, and the Con’s generally, style politics is of distortion, cover-up, duplicity, deception, obscuration and obfuscation, suppression of truth and, slandering, mud slinging and character assassination in lieu of serious and sober response to important issues. Their attitude to Science and Scientific research are in the dank ages and Crime reminiscent of the irrationality surrounding witch-hunts and the Inquisition.

Jason Kenny saying that Canada had '“defunded organizations, most recently like Kairos, who are taking a leadership role” in boycott campaigns against Israel' is just one example.

The fact that they backtracked does not mean that what Kenny said was a 'slip-up'.

Allegations made by Harper and the Con's to a particular group then later spinning it away to Canadians as a whole are no accident. What's the point of have the greatest propaganda machine in recent history if you don't use it.

They are a deliberate and well thought out strategies to hide their true nature to Canadians but to show particular groups that they haven't lost their true right wing extremism.

For another example, look at the speech by Jim Prentice in Calgary recently where he slammed Quebec for its action on the Global Warming front. Also, there is the well know speech by Harper a while ago to the Party faithful, that was 'leaked'. These are no accidents.

The anti-semitism insinuations of the 10%'er against one of Canada most long standing and respected Parliamentarians, Irwin Cotler, resulting in Parliament's Speaker of the House of Commons ruling that it "constitutes interference with his ability to perform his parliamentary functions in that its content is damaging to his reputation and credibility" is, of course, another example.

After being chastised by the Speaker, did Harper and the Con's do the decent thing and apologies. No, they tried to say that what they said was true and the other Parties do it. 'Oh what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive'.

Instead of bald accusations and defamations perhaps the Con's could approach the Canadian people with some honesty, openness and integrity for a change.

Lloyd MacILquham cicblog.com/comments.html

- Harper - to Con or not to Con - Us Into an Election

Submitted: 02/08/10 at 12:02 pm - The Hill Times
Liberals not ready to defeat Tories in spring , Harris MacLeod, 8 Feb.'10
http://www.thehilltimes.ca/page/view/spring-02-08-2010

. . . seems to have left out the euphoric love-in effect for Harper and the Con's coming off the Winter Olympics. This factor should not be overlooked and by that time the Afghan Detainee Transfer Scandal and ensuing cover-up may very well refer to 'bygone days'.

Another factor, which may work against an election is the current downward trend in Harper and the Con's in the Polls. However, it may very well be that the fading into the pages of history of the Afghan Scandal and the Olympics will cause an upturn, and it probably will.

But keep in mind, and this is fundamental to me anyway, Harper and the Con's appear to have a 33 - 35% core of die-hard supporters, Harper and the Con's need only be targeted in their approach to wooing and turning some of the demographic and social-economic 'blocks' and anyone who thinks they do not have such a strategy and are not successful in this will, likely, be in for a surprise. I won't go into the actual blocks and where they stand. But keep in mind that it is quite possible to get a majority with only 38% of the vote.

Also, the 33% core die-hard supporters means that in any election Harper and the Con's are not likely to finish behind any other Party, no matter who starts it. Also, given the seemingly unlimited funds from these supporters and the very limited funds for their 'enemy', an election will not harm the Con Party finances but may very well devastate those of the Liberals, itself a 'winning strategy'.

So Harper has nothing to loose and everything to gain. And, hey, if he can con people into thinking it was the Liberals who brought on the election maybe he will get that majority.

Combine this with a perception that Ignatieff and the Liberals are weak (and if the Liberals don't think this is so, they just have to go out and talk to people) and Harper will, in the New Year, start changing his tune to "Oh, and by the way, did I mention that Canadians do want an election" and perhaps poison the budget to force an election - yah, like he's ever done that before.

7 Jan.'10
Lloyd MacILquham cicblog.com/comments.html

- Harper, How about Some Honesty

Submitted : 8:14am, PST, 7 Feb.'10, CBC
G7 Iqaluit meeting ends, CBC, 6 Feb.'10
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2010/02/06/g7-iqaluit-finance-banks.htmlTab 42

How about some honesty from Flaherty, Harper and the Con's. Everyone knows that Harper and the Con's do everything for the political optics only and without regard to the best interest of Canada. This is no different.

"Flaherty has said that the robust Canadian banking system does not need the fixes proposed by other countries."

Thanks to the previous Liberal government and Jean Chrétien - funny that Flaherty didn't give credit where credit was due.

Another factor, as "A Child of the Canadian Shield" pointed out, Harper, Flaherty and the Con's simply did not have enough time to dismantle Federal Regulations of Banking and abdicate to the Provinces - so when they do this for things like taxes, transfer payments, child care, et cetera, et cetera, et cetera, and the environment, keep this in mind. But, just give them some more time!

Why no discussion on the real problems facing Western countries right now like potential defaulting on debt payments by Greece, Spain, Portugal and Ireland, and the risk these financial problems will cause runs on the markets like last year and a new one, increases interest rates due to increased cost of borrowing on the International markets.

There is a significant chance of a second wave to the recession, one that Canada will simply not be able to avoid. And, like the first one, Harper, Flaherty and the Con's will deny any problem and tout "steady as she goes" until forced to action by the Opposition.

The problem is that Harper and the Con's polices have stripped Canada of its defenses and left us totally exposed to this. A prime indicator is their current Con that "Canada will grow out of deficit" - i.e. Harper do nothing, wrap everything in hype, when it all collapses go back to Alberta.

The only things that is holding us together is our banking system, which fortunately they haven't yet destroyed.

Lloyd MacILquham cicblog.com/comments.html

- Harper was allowed into China. Wow! That's great news

Posted: 2/7/2010 10:04:07 AM Globe and Mail
Prorogation a curve bender, not a game changer,
Bruce Anderson, 7 Feb.'10
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/blogs/bruce-anderson/prorogation-a-curve-bender-not-a-game-changer/article1458829/Tab 7

Harper's Prorogation is a serious assault on Canadian Democracy and demonstrates a deep seated contempt of Canadian Federalism. No amount of spin will render it into a harmless 'curve ball'.

In Proroguing Parliament Harper has also sent a deliberate messages to the Con core supporters that although Harper and the Con's pay lip service to moderation and the greater good of Canada "we are still the same old right wing extremist ideologues capable of ruthlessly attacking our 'enemy', building the Alberta 'firewall', dismantling Canada bit by bit, we just need a majority, so be patient".

"In recent months he's pursued our economic interests with successful visits to India, and China, and some dogged diplomacy with the United States resulted in a notable win on the Buy American policy file."

Harper was allowed into China. Wow! That's great news.

Anderson, you fail to point out that the Liberal government had obtained Approved Destination Status in Jan.'05 and it was Harper himself with his in-your-face, 'Insult Diplomacy' that caused the Chinese to drop it.(see: David Emerson on the Industry Canada Website, dated 21 Jan.'05, where he announced "Canada Granted Approved Destination Status by Chinese Government" (ic.gc.ca/eic/site/ic1.nsf/eng/02331.html)

Any Liberal PM would have achieved ten times as much as Harper in India and China, and in the past have.

One need only look at Harper's 'in-your-face' 'Insult Diplomacy' that delayed implementation of the Approved Destination Status by China for 4 years and compelled its President to publicly, while in the International spotlight, rebuke Harper.

As far as the Agreement just made with the US. Anderson you seem to be the only person, except the Con-Core that support Harper not matter what, that suggests it is a good deal for Canada. The general consensus is that Canada is by far the loser on that one, just like the softwood lumber Agreement.

Lloyd MacILquham cicblog.com/comments.htm

- Harper and the Con's True Colours - Right Wing Extremists

Comments were closed:
Tory déjà vu: It's Quebec vs. Alberta, Hébert, 5 Feb.'10
http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/article/760875--hebert-tory-d-eacute-j-agrave-vu-it-s-quebec-vs-alberta#article

Jim Prentice in his Calgary speech was simply catering to the Con Core supporters. It has nothing to do with the truth or in the best interest of the country. It is simply Quebec bashing.

This is not the first time that Harper and the Con's have had one message to give to their core supporters in Alberta and another to everyone else in other regions.

In fact such things as introducing legislation last year to strip Political Parties of Federal subsidies is a prime example. Proroguing Parliament this time is another.

Everyone says what a great tactician Harper is. Yet they are quick to suggest that he made mistakes by taking these actions. On the contrary these actions are deliberate messages to the Con core supporters that although Harper and the Con's pay lip service to moderation and the greater good of Canada "we are still the same old right wing extremist ideologues capable of ruthlessly attacking our 'enemy', building the Alberta 'firewall', dismantling Canada bit by bit, we just need a majority, so be patient".

Some suggest that whenever Harper gets ahead of the Opposition in the Polls and closing in on majority territory he does something to shoot himself in the foot. This is no character flaw. It is a cold calculating step to demonstrate to the Con Core they are still the same old gang, knowing they will drop in the Polls, but also knowing that their support will not drop below around 33%, because of the Con Core, and knowing they are not going to loss power because the Opposition is divided.

Keep in mind that one of Harper and the Con's chief objectives is to tear Federalism asunder and abandon the legislative fields to the Provinces. This is especially true for the Environment where Harper is so afraid to take an real action he is paralyzed into doing nothing. In actuality Harper and the Con's are very happy to have Quebec do its own thing. It lets them off the hook.

Lloyd MacILquham cicblog.com/comments.html

- Con'd again by Harper

CBC
submitted: 5:32pm, PST, 5 Feb.'10
'Buy American' deal exempts Canadian firms, 'Too little, too late,' say Liberals,February 5, 2010
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2010/02/05/ott-buy-american-deal.html#socialcomments

"Because Mr. Obama cannot rely on Congress to pass legislation exempting Canada from Buy American provisions, the complicated deal will rely on the President using his executive power to treat sectors of the Canadian economy as American, by claiming supply chains are so integrated they cannot be separated." ( National Post, 28 Jan.'10)

This sounds a lot like GW Bush's treating oil as part of the American reserves.

Anyone get the idea that Harper has 'negotiated away' a significant part of Canadian sovereignty.

Also, the 'Agreement' seems on a par with the 'Agreement' Harper so loudly touted regarding the softwood lumber issue - exceedingly in favour of the Americans.

Everyone knows that Harper does everything for the political optics only and without regard to the best interest of Canada. These 'agreements' are no exception. Anyone can 'negotiate' a deal if they make it so one sided in favour of the other side. Harper is literally selling out Canadian sovereignty for his own self-serving interests.

Van Loan today went out of his way to avoid the question about whether this Agreement is too little too late for Canadians to benefit from the US Stimulus Package ending on 17 Feb.'10, and instead went into some vague and nebulous 'future benefits'.

One need only look at Harper's connections with the US, especially the Conservative elements, to see what he is doing - selling off Canada to the US, to the benefit of his US friends. Perhaps he wants to be Governor of Alberta when Canada falls apart and Alberta joins the US.

Everyone agrees that any benefit to Canadians out of work is something that must be considered.

But, for God's sake lets get someone in office that has not spent the major part of his public life dedicated to tearing asunder Canadian Federalism. We will then at least have a chance at a better deal.

Lloyd MacIlquham cicblog.com/comments.html

The Globe and Mail
posted: 2/6/2010 11:52:15 AM
Ottawa hails Buy American deal, Jane Taber, Friday, February 5
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/blogs/bureau-blog/ottawa-hails-buy-american-deal/article1457313/

The Globe and Mail
posted: 2/5/2010 8:48:02 PM
'Too little, too late' on trade: Ignatieff,
Jane Taber, Friday, February 5, 2010 1:28 PM
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/blogs/bureau-blog/too-little-too-late-on-trade-ignatieff/article1457714/

CTV
Submitted: 11:33am,PST, 5 Feb.'10, but not posted???
U.S., Canada make it official on Buy American, CTV.ca News Staff, Feb. 5 2010 http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20100204/buy_american_100205/20100205?hub=Canada#commentSection

Toronto Star
We have secured access to U.S. market, PM says,Les Whittington, Friday, February 6
http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/article/761540--we-have-secured-access-to-u-s-market-pm-says

- Harper Is Not Above the Rule of Law

Posted: 2/4/2010 10:57:38 AM
Harper sets a trap for the opposition, Steven Chase, 4 Feb.'10
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/prorogation/harper-sets-a-trap-for-the-opposition/article1455530/ Tab 57

The damage to our Democracy has been done.

For Harper to suggest that all that need be done is tack on a couple extra weeks of sitting of Parliament is an insult to the intelligence and integrity of all Canadians.

There is no guarantee that Harper will not do this, or some other such act of contempt, again next time he is being made accountable.

Harper and the Con's must clearly demonstrate that they are Accountable to the Will of Parliament.

Harper prorogued parliament in an attempt to avoid taking responsibility for the Afghan Detainee Transfers and ensuing cover-up. One of the intended effects was to dissolve the Committee investigating this issue. And, Harper is refusing to obey the Parliament Order-to-Produce demanding that the Administration hand over confidential records on the Afghan Detainee Transfers.

Harper has attacked and shown amazing contempt for our Democratic Way of Government, the Rule of Law, and he has ruthlessly abused the office of PM.

Harper has made it very clear that he feels he is above the Will of Parliament.

Calling an Inquiry into the Afghan Detainee Transfers and ensuing cover-up; and, obeying the Parliamentary Order-to-Produce, are necessary; as well as, a mea culpa and conforming to any disciplinary measures as determined just by Parliament.

It is outrageous and an insult to all Canadians, even those core supporters of Harper that are the reason he is in a position to do this, that Parliament would have to pass legislation curtailing the Prime Minister and the government of the day from exercising its power arbitrarily.

Brian Mulroney and Jean Chrétien had large majorities, yet this contempt for Parliament was not an issue. We all must take a serious look and ask ourselves why. The previous PM's had the interests of Canada, all Canadians and the future of this nation, at heart. Harper has dedicated his career in public life to tearing asunder Confederation. Soon Harper will be saying that the Federal Government is dysfunctional and disband Confederation.

Lloyd MacIlquham cicblog.com/comments.html

- the Harper Policies - It's Time For Review

Posted: 1/29/2010 12:26:30 PM
Liberal MP calls for debate on increasing GST, Bill Curry,Jan. 29, 2010
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/liberal-mp-calls-for-debate-on-increasing-gst/article1448582/ Tab 11

It is high time we took a long hard look the impact of all, not just GST, the Harper Policies on our Nation now and the Legacy we leave to our children and our children's children to prevent Harper and his Con's from tearing asunder what has been built thru the blood sweat and tears of out forefathers, maintain what we have achieved in the past, and perhaps improve on it, if possible, and leave our children with the appreciation of us having lived here and not a bitter resentment that we were ever given a turn at the helm.

Canada has dropped to 43rd in the 2010 Environmental Performance Index from the Liberal legacy high point. This is outrageous, an embarrassment and a blight on Canada's International Reputation.

Reducing the GST 2 points was bad economically and was done by Harper and the Con's for political reasons.

Then, there's the Afghan Detainee Transfer Scandal, ensuing cover-up and shutting down our democratic Institutions by Harper and his Con's.

All Canadians should demand a review.

It seems that Carl Sonnen did not consult with Ian Brodie, Harper's adviser at the time, who has come out and admitted that Harper implemented the GST reduction contrary to good economic advise - “Despite economic evidence to the contrary, in my view the GST cut worked … It worked in the sense that it helped us to win.”

Also, it should be pointed out that when England reduced their VAT (equivalent to out GST), they did it on a temporary basis, for one year, and not permanently contributing to a gross systemic reduction in revenue contributing to our stellar deficits.

Carl Sonnen seems to have a history of being supportive of Harper's policies on other issues as well as can be seen in the C.D. Howe Institute Commentary, Oct 2002, 'The Kyoto Protocol: Canada’s Risky Rush to Judgment'. This publication, surprise, surprise, suggests that implementing the Kyoto Protocol by the Chrétien government "could lead to serious economic damage".

I turned this up in a two minute search on Google. You try it and see what else there may be.

In 20 years when our children and our children's children are asking just how is that our nation is collapsing from debt and in 50 years, when world civilization is being destroyed by Global Warming, the 'Web Archaeologists" will be able to "drill down" (to borough a military phrase) and shine a light on the dark corners of the Harper government and all those that promote it, Harper and the Con agenda.

When are the next round of Senate appointments by Harper - oh, it was today, is Sonnen's name on the list . . . I guess Harper, in his infinite strategic wisdom, thinks he is more useful as is, but perhaps next time.

Lloyd MacIlquham cicblog.com/comments.html

- We're Being Con'd Again - Flanagan is offering faulty logic

Submitted 9:57am, PST, 27 Jan.'10
Cash, votes and the rise of toxic politics, Hébert, 27 Jan.'10
http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/article/756378--h-eacute-bert-cash-votes-and-the-rise-of-toxic-politics

Everyone knows that the source of "la guerre" is Harper and the Con's. The only Party that has and can afford a full time war room, is Harper and the Con's. In fact, Harper and the Con's have built a propaganda machine the likes of which has not been seen in Western Democracies in recent times.

The Con's have a large war chest because they have a diehard core of supporters of around 33% that, if the Parties were required to report the source of contributions under $200, I am confident would show centred in Alberta. Now there's an election financing reform that might be considered.

Every one knows that the Liberal Party is struggling with finances even with receiving the vote-allowance - yes even the media reporters know this. Also, they received considerably less votes than Harper and the Con's and so receive considerably less of the vote-allowance than the Con's.

One can only wonder why Flanagan is publishing such a paper at this time. Is it to demonstrate academic excellence - I suspect not. Is it to start to pave the way for Harper to re-introduce his malicious attack on the Opposition through election financing, I suspect so.

Perhaps Flanagan is publishing an extremely partizan paper in the guise of academia. Ask him.

I also suggest that Iggy and the Lib's take note.

Lloyd MacIlquham cicblog.com/comments.html

- Harper Strikes Another Blow for Freedom - from Afghanistan Detainee Transfer Scandal, that is

Submitted: 6:22pm PST, 25 Jan.'10
Colvin fears retaliation for torture testimony, January 25, 2010
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2010/01/25/afghan-detainees-colvin-legal-fees.html#socialcomments

This last in a long series of steps taken by Harper and the Con's to stifle the truth is outrageous.

It should not only offend the integrity and sense of justice of every person in Canadian but an embarrassment in front of all other countries that live by the Rule of Law - that's right including even that core of Harper supporters that seems to be the only reason Harper and the Cons are running this fair nation of ours.

Given the importance to getting at the truth and the likely cogency of the evidence, based Mr. Colvin's testimony so far, it seems this would be a candidate for Pro Bono work by a lawyer or a team of lawyers. I would be surprised if there weren't some qualified lawyer(s) out there that would be willing to so do.

Oh, by the way, did I mention, I'm a lawyer.

Lloyd MacIlquham cicblog.com/comments.html

- What Heroes These Harper Con's Be - excerpt

Posted January 24, 1:15 PM
Hundreds protest at no-prorogue rally in Waterloo, Babar Tahirkheli, 24 Jan.'10
http://wwww.examiner.com/x-35391-Waterloo-Headlines-Examiner~y2010m1d24-Hundreds-protest-at-noprorogue-rally-in-Waterloo?#comments

Harper in his defence of Prorogation stated "We are unfortunately at the same time dealing with life-and-death issues as we here in this terrible Haiti tragedy,”

First, this is a clear attempt by Harper to make Canada's response to the Haiti disaster political. Soon he will be putting massages on the sides of the Go trains in and out of Toronto (sounds familiar) saying "What Heroes These Harper Con's Be".

The fact is that Harper and the Con's are doing no more, if that, than any government of the day would do for Haiti, even with Parliament sitting. It is outrageous that Harper and the Con's would deliberately cut off 2/3 of Canadians having a say in how and to what extent our country helps Haiti. This is especially for Quebec, where Harper has explicitly disenfranchised 38% of the people - all those voting Block. This is even more outrageous since the ties between the people of Quebec and Haiti are so very close.

Lloyd MacIlquham cicblog.com/comments.html

also:

Submitted: 1/24/2010 1:49:41 PM & continued 1/24/2010 1:55:57 PM
Thousands protest prorogued Parliament , Ciara Byrne, 24 Jan. '10http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/prorogation/protesters-denounce-prorogued-parliament/article1441809/ Tab 222

- What heroes these Harper Con's Be!

In response to the following article:
Across Canada, protests urge reopening Parliament, Susan Delacourt and Bruce Campion-Smith, 23 Jan. '10
http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/article/754967--across-canada-protests-urge-reopening-parliament?bn=1

Harper in his defence of Prorogation stated "We are unfortunately at the same time dealing with life-and-death issues as we here in this terrible Haiti tragedy,”

First, this is a clear attempt by Harper to make Canada's response to the Haiti disaster political. Soon he will be putting massages on the sides of the Go trains in and out of Toronto (like he's never done anything like that before) saying "What Heroes are These Harper Con's".

The fact is that Harper and the Con's are doing no more, if that, than any government of the day would do for Haiti, even with Parliament sitting. In fact Ignatieff, rightly so, pointed out that the Haiti disaster is one reason for Parliament sitting. It is outrageous that Harper and the Con's would deliberately cut off 2/3 of Canadians having a say in how and to what extent our country helps Haiti. This is especially for Quebec, where Harper has explicitly disenfranchised 38% of the people - all those voting Block. This is even more outrageous since the ties between the people of Quebec and Haiti are so very close.

Also, there is a serious issue of rationality here. Harper Prorogued Parliament on 30 December, a full 13 days before the earthquake struck Haiti. I know Harper and the Con's do not believe in the laws of physics, cause-and-effect, or science generally, as manifested by appointing people like Stockwell Day, Vic Toews and Gary Goodyear to run this country as well as an overall lack of support for education and research (except Harper's contribution to solving Global Warm - research into sequestering the Oil Sands) and do not want to encourage or promote rational thought amongst the population, but come on.

'What fools we Canadians be' ??? - Who is that stupid to as to accept this as an explanation.

Perhaps, Harper knew in advance through divine inspiration (ok, sorry , I know that is being sarcastic, I stand corrected - I should have said perhaps Stockwell Day . . ., who then promptly reported back to Harper). Then he ought to have warned everyone.

This is the same logic Harper and the Con's used with the GST reduction and the recession. A year before the recession they reduced the GST, against the advise of just about every reasonable economist in Canada, by two points, then spent the next year saying how much that stimulated the economy and denying any kind of economic downturn or problems until he was forced to in the last stages of the '08 election. Since then he and his Con's have been going around saying just how great they were for preparing our economy for the recession by reducing the GST two points. They, of course, totally ignore the fact that they have brought Canada into systemic deficits, not the least of which cause was the reduction in GST.

“We now have to turn our mind to the broader agenda, to some of the economic challenges, including deficit reduction, ahead of us,” he said. Here's a suggestion, if trying to reduce the deficit is so difficult and time consuming, then get some help. Include those Canadians that didn't vote for you and whose money you have spent on the ones that did - i.e. consult with the Opposition Parties, Un-Prorogue Parliament (if that's a word), that is what democracy is all about.

Harper said 'opposition party members – who took part in the Saturday rallies – should be focused on making “constructive proposals.'

Unbelievable, Harper Progogues Parliament exactly to prevent the Opposition Parties from having a say, not just with regard to the Afghan Detainee transfer, but also to the Budget. Perhaps Harper might explain to what extent he has approached the Opposition for "constructive proposals".

We are unfortunately at the same time dealing with life-and-death issues as we here in this terrible Haiti tragedy,” he said at a news conference in Ottawa to announce more federal funding for the earthquake relief effort.

Lloyd MacIlquham cicblog.com/comments.html

Submitted: 1/24/2010 1:49:41 PM & continued 1/24/2010 1:55:57 PM
Thousands protest prorogued Parliament , Ciara Byrne, 24 Jan. '10http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/prorogation/protesters-denounce-prorogued-parliament/article1441809/ Tab 222

submitted: Submitted: CTV - 11:28PST, 24 Jan.'10 & continued Submitted: 11:25am, PST, 24 Jan.'10
Opposition keeps heat on during parliamentary freeze, CTV.ca News Staff, 24 Jan. 2010
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20100124/Ottawa_Monday_100124/20100124?hub=TopStoriesV2

-Second Coming of Stockwell Day ??? God Save Canada

The second coming of Stockwell Day, Jane Taber, 22 Jan.'10
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/blogs/bureau-blog/the-second-coming-of-stockwell-day/article1441516/

If you want to know why Stockwell day lost the election in 2000, other than simply being an extremist right wing ideologue, who was leading a right wing extremist Party representing a small fraction of this country. Here are some comments to consider . . .

Maybe Parliament could introduce a motion to change "Stockwell Day's" name to "Doris Day".
What, already been suggested? by Rick Mercer? Brilliant!
Ahhh ... yes, I see, through the miracle of Internet I can go back in history and get:

"Rick Mercer gets minimum signatures for referendum to have Stockwell Day change name to Doris!"
http://web.ncf.ca/pat/pdqlib/humor.html

. . .

what's this ... coming up on my Google search of "Stockwell Day " +"Doris Day" ...

"During the 2000 election campaign Day made the following comments and voiced the following beliefs:
...

- Day espoused his belief that evolution doesn't exist and that people do really come from Adam and Eve.

- Day believed that an "Asian Invasion" was taking place at Canadian universities and that we shouldn't allow asians to study in Canada.

- He made a variety of other quotes displaying his anti-immigration beliefs, anti-native rights, anti-women's rights and anti-Quebec."
(http://www.lilithgallery.com/articles/canada/The_Prank_That_Destroyed_StockwellDay.html
"The Prank That Destroyed Stockwell Day, By Charles Moffat")

Am I ready this right! Did Day actually say these things?

Perhaps the media could through some light in this dark place.

And Day is running this country as International Trade Minister - sorry, Treasury Board president ???What would aliens say if they came and hovered over Ottawa.

All I can say is, God save Canada! Wait, God helps those that help themselves. We can not rely on divine intervention.

We must take the bull - graven image for all you traditionalists - by the horns, give Harper, MacKay, O'Connor, Baird, Prentice, Van Loan, Nicholson, Toews, . . . oh, and did I mention Day, the boot.

Lloyd MacIlquham cicblog.com/comments.html

- Harper's Extreme Right Wing Agenda

posted 8:00am, PST, 22 Jan.'10
Ottawa warns provinces will be cutting back, too, 22 Jan.'10
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/ottawa-warns-provinces-will-be-cutting-back-too/article1439826/ Tab 26

"Mr. Harper said yesterday Ottawa doesn't plan significant cuts to transfers "

How many times has Harper promised one thing to gain and clutch onto power only to do the exact opposite once he has the opportunity to us it. The very fact that he would mention it means its on the radar.

"The squeeze at both levels of government will come to a head in 2013 when Ottawa must renegotiate a new health transfer accord with the provinces, which face soaring medical care costs."

Reducing health care payments is a reduction in transfer payments. It also falls in line with the basic objective of Harper and all the extreme right wing to eliminate Canada's health care system and abandon the field to the Provinces to implement privatized health care.

Harper's agenda is to dismantle Canada as a coherent nation abandoning its responsibilities leaving the Provinces to fill the void. Hand-in-hand with this is deserting the tax field and leaving it to the Provinces.

Anyone who is not convinced that this is a very deliberate and well thought out agenda might look back over Harper's public life and what he has professed, not the least of which is the Firewall Letter.

Harper's base is in Alberta. They make up the die-hardest of his supporters, and perhaps the source of the lion's share of the Con's funding. Harper, from the start has done everything to increase Alberta' autonomy and protect its oil industry, and Canada be [censored - see above] - this is nowhere more apparent than Harper's policies on Global Warming. Natural Resources Department assessment indicates that the projected increase to economic growth from the oil industry is $885 billion between 2000 and 2020, including growth of $634 billion in Alberta. Just imagine how much the benefit would remain in Alberta if there were no Federal taxes. Then there is the transfer payments, which would be hugely increased, that would be done away with. You do the math.

****

If anyone wants to get more details on right wing ideology behind Harper's economic strategy check out the following coven of extreme right wing ideologues:

Fraser Institute - Mike Harris and Preston Manning

A Canada Strong and Free, Date Published: April 1, 2005

If these names sound familiar but you can't quite place them.

Mike Harris, extreme right wing conservative who as Primeir, along with Flaherty, Baird, Clement, Van Loan, as Ministers destroyed Ontario both on a social and on an economic level in the '90's and early 2000's

Preston Manning that is the right wing extremist that started, and was leader of, the Reform Party, mentor to Stephen Harper, co-author of numerous right wing papers

" Harris and Manning propose eliminating the federal role in health care management and financing ..."

Sounds like elimination of Canada's health care system and replacing it by private providers could he.

"smaller governments . . . the size of government itself is constrained and the functions of government are decentralized and localized as much as possible. "

Sounds like dismantling the Federal Government, abdicating Federal responsibility, abandoning its presence in governing our great nation in favour of separate Provinces.

Lloyd MacIlquham cicblog.com/comments.html

- Harper has dragged us into a Post-Modern Dark Age!

Submitted: 1/19/2010 1:22:17 PM
Poll finds strong support for boosting heath, medical research funding, André Picard, 18 Jan.'10
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/poll-finds-strong-support-for-boosting-heath-medical-research-funding/article1434464/#comments Tab 2

This country is being run be right wing conservative extremists, where Harper, our Prime Minister, feels that the best person to run the Ministry of Science and Technology, Gary Goodyear, is someone who, it has come to light, has trouble separating religion from science and the state.

It is no accident by Harper that Goodyear is the Ministry of Science and Technology. And, it is no accident that Harper has such close ties with extreme right wing Conservatives in the US and has such a close connection to Bush and Bush's policies.

“trailing most industrialized nations” - Harper and his Con's have dragged us into a into a Post-Modern Dark Age!

It is easy to see why Harper and the Con's are anti-Science. Science deals with bringing to light, truth and reality - two principles that are manifestly abhorrent to Harper and the Con's. The Harper method is to approach people emotionally, to hide the truth, cover-up, obscure and obstruct. To this end Harper and the Con's have built, and employ, a propaganda machine the likes of which has not been seen in Western Democracies in recent times.

These methods are diametrically opposed to the Scientific method and can not survive the light of rationalism. The last thing Harper wants is to have people who approach politics on a rational basis. Science, mathematics and other such disciplines have spent 500 years pulling us out of the Dark Ages into a Golden Era of Rationality. One of the last endeavors of Western society to remain in the Dark Ages is politics. Harper and the Con's know this.

Will Harper increase funding to Medical, and Scientific generally, research - You do the Math.

Oh, my apologies, I forgot, Harper and the Con's are promoting sequestration as the Con's solution to Global Warming. And here I am suggestion that Harper spews nothing but emotional, non-rationally based, political propaganda designed only to grab, hold onto and monger power.

Lloyd MacIlquham cicblog.com/comments.html

- Harper dares not face the Opposition.

Rope a Dope? Harper Slipping in Polls as Canadians React to Proroguing – Ignatieff on the War Path – January 16, 2010,
http://cornwallfreenews.com/2010/01/rope-a-dope-harper-slipping-in-polls-as-canadians-react-to-proroguing-ignatieff-on-the-war-path-january-16-2010

Harper is only concerned with power, grabbing it, holding on to it and mongering it, Canada be damned. His contempt for Canada and its Democratic Institutions is well established and of a nature and degree that all Canadians ought to take serious note.

Harper’s aim is to minimalize Canada, dismantle our great nation to the great detriment of all Canadians and to favour a few.

Soon Harper will claim 'Canada is dysfunctional', prorogue Canada and defer entirely to the Provinces.

This dedication to power is why he hasn't got the 'right stuff' (morally right that is) to stand up to the Opposition.

Harper's base is in Alberta. They make up the die-hardest of his supporters, and perhaps the source of the lion's share of the Con's funding. Harper, from the start has done everything to increase Alberta' autonomy and protect its oil industry, and Canada be [censored - see above] - this is nowhere more apparent than Harper's policies on Global Warming. Natural Resources Department assessment indicates that the projected increase to economic growth from the oil industry is $885 billion between 2000 and 2020, including growth of $634 billion in Alberta. Just imagine how much the benefit would remain in Alberta if there were no Federal taxes. Then there is the transfer payments, which would be hugely increased, that would be done away with. You do the math.

Harper knows that as long as he has this core of support, the Con's will be able to hold onto power. Further, he need only Con a relatively small segment of the regular population to get a majority - in that case, all I can say is, 'God save Canada'.

As long as he has this significant core-support and the regular population is divided amongst the other Parties, Harper knows he can display this contempt for Canada, our Democratic Institutions and, frankly, anyone who dares to stand up to him.

Harper's Prorogation is, of course outrageous, and there is no doubt it was done to try to quell the backlash of the Afghan Detainee Transfer scandal and ensuing cover-up.

Paul Martin stood tall, took responsibility, showed leadership, putting the grasping onto, maintaining and grubbing of power, second to the good of the country, and called for an Inquiry into the Sponsorship Scandal. One might say that, yes, but, Martin knew that he, personally, had nothing to worry about when the truth started to emerge, whereas you can't say that about Harper.

There are other examples of Harper avoiding to face the Opposition for example - his economic update announce he made while in China so that he could avoid facing the Opposition. Also, while in Trinidad, Harper viciously lashed out at Ignatieff, the Liberals and all the Opposition, with slanderous allegations of a deceitful nature.

Lloyd MacIlquham cicblog.com/comments.html

- Transfer Payments - Ha, Next Harper Prorogue Canada and Defer to the Provinces

Ghiz raises issue of equalization cuts in meeting with Shea, Wayne Thibodeau, 15/01/10
http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/index.cfm?sid=318615&sc=98
Posted 15/01/2010 at 2:42 PM

I suggest that Harper's true agenda is to eliminate equalization payments.

Why, you ask.

Equalization payments are one of the biggest 'glue's' that keep all the Provinces together as one nation. It represents all Canadians getting together to help those that need help and protect those that need protection.

Harper's agenda is to dismantle Canada as a coherent nation abandoning its responsibilities leaving the Provinces to fill the void. Hand-in-hand with this is deserting the tax field and leaving it to the Provinces.

We have seen this agenda in 'action' a number of areas already Global Warming not the least. It is no accident that Harper's approach to Global Warming abdicates responsibility and leaves it to the Provinces to take the necessary action.

Anyone who is not convinced that this is a very deliberate and well thought out agenda might look back over Harper's public life and what he has professed, not the least of which is the Firewall Letter.

It's funny how Harper attacks Ignatieff for having spent so much of his public life outside Canada, where Harper,himself, has dedicated much more of his to dissolving Canada. I might laugh, if it weren't so important, not only to us but also to our children and our children's children.

They are the ones that will be required shoulder a withering economic burden in a hollowed-out shell of a nation whose social fabric has been torn asunder. Who amongst us will be able to take a step back, look the next generation in the eye, so to speak, be proud to say "This is Canada, this our nation, it's your turn now".

Who amongst us can say, "We have stood on guard for this great nation of ours and what it stands for. We have maintained and preserved what our forefathers achieved in the past, and perhaps improved on it."

Who can feel confident that we are leaving our children with the appreciation of us having lived here and not a bitter resentment that we were ever given a turn at the helm.

Whereas, for Harper, it's 'Canada be Damned' ['Damned' was censored by the newspaper - 'public be damned' is a very famous quote and has come to refer to outrageous arrogance of public figures who have their own self interest at heart to the detriment of the people generally. In this context the appropriateness ought to outweigh any offense to people's sensibilities, I am sure people are much more concerned about what Harper is doing to our nation]. In fact he has deeply ingrained contempt for Canada as a nation and our Parliamentary institutions.

Soon Harper will claim 'Canada is dysfunctional', prorogue Canada and defer entirely to the Provinces.

Harper's base is in Alberta. They make up the die-hardest of his supporters, and perhaps the source of the lion's share of the Con's funding. Harper, from the start has done everything to increase Alberta' autonomy and protect its oil industry, and Canada be [censored - see above] - this is nowhere more apparent than Harper's policies on Global Warming. Natural Resources Department assessment indicates that the projected increase to economic growth from the oil industry is $885 billion between 2000 and 2020, including growth of $634 billion in Alberta. Just imagine how much the benefit would remain in Alberta if there were no Federal taxes. Then there is the transfer payments, which would be hugely increased, that would be done away with. You do the math.

Lloyd MacIlquham cicblog.com/comments.html

- Harper is Constitutionally Challenged - Part 2

Submitted: 11:28am, 11 Jan.'10
PM creates 'dictatorial environment' by shutting down Parliament, Tim Naumetz, 11 Jan.'10
http://www.thehilltimes.ca/page/view/dictatorial-01-11-2010

Mr. Tinsley. "For one, like myself, who believes that fundamental to our legal structure is the supremacy of Parliament"

"Supremacy of Parliament", the Constitution (which includes the Charter) and independence of the Supreme Court of Canada, is equivalent to "rule of law". Rule by the unfettered discretion of one person is "dictatorship".

In our Democratic System, these Institutions, by requiring that the Administrative branch operate by the rule of law, rein in the unfettered discretion of the PM.

One might suggest that a minority Parliament combined with a weak opposition, not willing to go to the m at, so to speak, effects an imbalance and the PM becomes less fettered.
However, this is faulty analysis since, with a majority government the opposition is even 'weaker' and there is no chance of an election, unless the PM so chooses.

The power to do what Harper is doing (attacking our Democratic Institutions) has always been there, especially for PM's that have a majority, or even a large majority. So, why is Harper doing this, whereas Mulroney and Chrétien didn't.

One need only consider that the previous PM's had the interests of Canada, all Canadians and the future of this nation, at heart.

Whereas, Harper, in word, doesn't. In fact he has deeply ingrained contempt for Canada as a nation and our Parliamentary institutions.

Certainly Harper's agenda to dismantle Canada as a nation is one reason. Soon Harper will claim Canada is dysfunctional and defer entirely to the Provinces. Harper's very deep roots with the extreme right conservative movement in the US is another - for one, unless it is a republic, structured in the same fashion as the good ol' U.S.of A., then he has contempt for it. But, more important is the Oil, both for the USA and Alberta.

Harper's base is in Alberta. They make up the die-hardest of his supporters, and perhaps the source of the lion's share of the Con's funding. Harper, from the start has done everything to increase Alberta' autonomy and protect its oil industry, and Canada be damned - this is nowhere more apparent than Harper's policies on Global Warming. Natural Resources Department assessment indicates that the projected increase to economic growth from the oil industry is $885 billion between 2000 and 2020, including growth of $634 billion in Alberta. Just imagine how much the benefit would remain in Alberta if there were no Federal taxes. Then there is the transfer payments, which would be hugely increased, that would be done away with. You do the math.

Lloyd MacIlquham cicblog.com/comments.html

- Harper is Constitutionally Challenged

Posted 10:29am, 11 Jan.'10
Tories to start legislative agenda, again, Former clerk says the Prime Minister didn't have to shut down Parliament for two months to get a majority on Senate committees, Harris MacLeod, January 11, 2010
http://www.thehilltimes.ca/page/view/legislation-01-11-2010 Tab 1

Of course, Harper answers to the will of Parliament. So, we can turn to Parliament to protect us against dictatorial rule. And, then there is the Senate as well, with its sober second thought.

Surely it will limit Harper and prevent him from implementing any right wing extremist ideologically based policies, especially those that lead to a de facto dictatorship.

Harper himself told us that before he got elected.

How could a dictator take over with Parliament and the Senate. Unless, of course, you dissolve Parliament when it goes to exercise its Will, call-to-arms a small but significant group of die-hard supporters, and abolish the Senate, or at least attack and hamstring it to the extent that it can’t protect itself, let alone Canada, all Canadians and our way of life.

No Prime Minister would do such a thing. Would they?

Lloyd MacIlquham cicblog.com/comments.html
25 Jun.'09

Senator Colin Kenny,

Could you make public the basis of a SCC challenge to the two Bills that are to be proposes (according to, Alberta Conservative Senator Bert Brown), one on limiting Senators' terms to eight years, and the other to put in place a process for electing Senators.

I can see that limiting the Senate terms to 8 years might very well be a violation of our Constitution, since, it violates the indefinite term, put in place to eliminate partisanship. It may even be argued that the two together do the same. However, if the PM has absolute discretion to choose Senators, why can't he choose ones that have been elected.

Lloyd MacIlquham cicblog.com/comments.html

- Stephen Harper is the Bizzaro World (Opposite) Twin of "Open Democracy"

You wrote:

the further question posed: How did a Party so politically and media sophisticated devolve into the current Liberal Party and what, if any, relationship is there between the concurrent Conservative rise and Liberal decline?

I won't mention any names but . . . . . . ah ah aaaa "Dion" chooo, sorry sneezed.

Probably one of the worst repercussions of the sponsorship scandal was allowing Harper to get a foot hold. It is hard to imagine that Canadians would vote for such a right wing extremist ideologue, morphed dictator, as Harper except for something as catastrophic (politically) as that. The way Martin handled it, although was the morally right thing to do, had Canada's best interests at heart and despite being predictably bad for the Liberals, it was politically a disaster (Harper has, obviously, learned from this political mistake, i.e. - don't convoke an Inquiry).

Of course, once Harper and the Con's obtained power, every 'red neck' and their right wing extremist brother (figuratively, that is) jumped on the band wagon. For the next 6 months there were all these so called experts coming out and saying how great Harper was (barf me out!).

The Chicago School has a very well developed strategy (Naomi Klein, "The Shock Doctrine"*) of right wing conservative extremism being able to capitalize on disasters - basically, people are more willing to accept them since they give the appearance of "action" - sound familiar, for a year or two Baird, et al, ran around saying how they were party of action.

Although Harper would never admit it, and Flanagan seems to enjoy taking the credit, it is strongly indicated that this all comes out of the South i.e. the good ol' U.S.of A.

Consider Harper's actions as well. It is no mistake that last year he went on a PR circuit to the talk shows in the US. Of course, the real question is what was he doing all the other time he was there. I don't recall ever seeing an accounting of his time. Perhaps these TV, et al, appearances were just a cover for meeting with people of the extreme right conservative persuasion he would rather the Canadian people not know about. There are other 'gaps' in his times with other meeting. For example, apparently there was about 10 -15 minutes where he and Obama were alone without any one else, including aides. Also, the infamous meeting with the Governor General last December where he met with her for a couple hours without his ever accounting for what he said.

I am not suggesting, of course, that Obama or our Governor General are right wing extremists, however one can only wonder if Harper were somehow pressing his extreme right wing agenda, in a fashion that he would rather Canadians not know about for fear of backlash.

This type of covert activity is outrageous when you consider that the only reason he has these opportunities is because he is representing all of Canadians as our Prime Minister. It is very difficult given the circumstances to imagine any circumstances that would warrant such obfuscation and lack of transparency.

It is also no accident that he is 'tying his, sorry I mean our, horse in the US stable, with respect not only to Global Warming but also just about everything. Of course, not the least important factor is the Oil and the US dominance in the Oil industry in Alberta, as well as their having a claim on it after extraction to the extent that Bush including it in the US reserves (if I recall) - thanks to Mulroney and the Free Trade Agreement, of course.

Never mind what Flanagan does when "Oh Canada, we stand on guard for thee" is sung. We should seek Flanagan's advise on the proper Etiquette and nuances how to sing the "Star Spangled Banner".

Read the following and tell me to what extent Stphen Harper and the Con's have adopted it.

The neo-conservative core

The three chief tenets of neo-conservative ideology are:

- the human condition is a choice between good and evil, and the true measure of political character is to be found in the willingness by the former (themselves) to confront the latter

- the fundamental determinant of the relationship between states rests on military power and the willingness to use it

- the Middle East and global Islam is the prime theatre for American overseas interests.

In making these tenets active, neo-conservatives:

- see international issues in morally absolutist categories; they are convinced that they alone hold the moral high ground and argue that disagreement effectively offers comfort to the enemy

- emphasise the unipolar nature of American power and are prepared to exercise the military option as the first rather than last policy choice; they repudiate the received “lessons of Vietnam”, believing they undermine American willingness to use force - and rather embrace the “lessons of Munich”, believing they establish the virtues of pre-emptive military action

- disdain conventional diplomatic agencies such as the state department and country-specific, pragmatic analysis because they dilute and confuse the ideological clarity of their policies

- eschew multilateral institutions and treaties while drawing comfort from international criticism, believing that it confirms American virtue

http://www.opendemocracy.net/democracy-americanpower/article_1998.jsp
Neo-conservatism and the American future, Stefan Halper and Jonathan Clarke, 6 July 2004

"Stefan Halper " " Stephen Harper" is it possible, . . . no, not possible, . . . yes . . . wait . . . it's confirmed . . . Stephen Harper is the Bizzaro World twin.

*****
* In "The Shock Doctrine" Naomi Klein talks about a "holy trinity" -- privatization, deregulation and cuts to social spending -- in which governments dismantle trade barriers, abandon public ownership, reduce taxes, eliminate the minimum wage, cut health and welfare spending, and privatize education. She calls the means of achieving this goal "disaster capitalism" and describes how it has resulted in a worldwide redistribution of income and wealth to the already rich at the expense of economic solvency for the middle and lower classes. (Ms. Magazine Review: The Shock Doctrine** Ronnie Steinberg, Ms Magazine, Fall 2007)

When you read this Harper's statement during the last election makes sense, and it becomes clear that it was no slip but an expression of his core neo-con beliefs and code for a re-assurance to all the neo-con's out there that he has not lost his way vis.: "I suspect some good buying opportunities are opening up with some of the panic we've seen in the Stock market in last few days". (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTgfjpZkAPQ - 23 seconds)

** Reviews of The Shock Doctrine,
http://www.naomiklein.org/shock-doctrine/reviews

President Eisenhower warned us about the military-industrial complex, but even he would be horrified by the Faustian bargain we see in today's neoliberal model of globalization. Not to be confused with the political liberalism of John Stuart Mill, neoliberalism is characterized by investigative reporter Naomi Klein as a "holy trinity" -- privatization, deregulation and cuts to social spending -- in which governments dismantle trade barriers, abandon public ownership, reduce taxes, eliminate the minimum wage, cut health and welfare spending, and privatize education. She calls the means of achieving this goal "disaster capitalism" and describes how it has resulted in a worldwide redistribution of income and wealth to the already rich at the expense of economic solvency for the middle and lower classes.

The New Road to Serfdom
Christopher Hayes, In These Times, November 9, 2007

In the early ’80s, as Margaret Thatcher attempted to hack away at England’s substantial public sector, she found a frustrating degree of public resistance. The closer she got to the bone, the more the patient wriggled and withdrew. Thatcher doggedly persisted, yet her pace wasn’t fast enough for right-wing Austrian economist Friedrich von Hayek, her idol and ideological mentor. You see, in 1981, Hayek had traveled to Gen. Augusto Pinochet’s Chile, where, under the barbed restraints of dictatorship and with the guidance of University of Chicago-trained economists, Pinochet had gouged out nearly every vestige of the public sector, privatizing everything from utilities to the Chilean state pension program. Hayek returned gushing, and wrote Thatcher, urging her to follow Chile’s aggressive model more faithfully.

War, Terror, Catastrophe: Profiting From 'Disaster Capitalism'
Paul B. Farrell, Dow Jones Business News, October 16, 2007

Hot tip: Invest in "Disaster Capitalism." This new investment sector is the core of the emerging "new economy" that generates profits by feeding off other peoples' misery: Wars, terror attacks, natural catastrophes, poverty, trade sanctions, market crashes and all kinds of economic, financial and political disasters.

In this Orwellian future, everything must be seen with new eyes: "Disasters" are "IPOs," opportunities to buy into a new "company." Corporations like Lockheed-Martin are the real "emerging nations" of the world, not some dinky countries. They generate huge profits, grow earnings. And seen through the new rose-colored glasses of "Disaster Capitalism" they are hot investment opportunities.

To more fully grasp this new economy, you must read what may be the most important book on economics in the 21st century, Naomi Klein's The Shock Doctrine: The Rise of Disaster Capitalism, whose roots trace back the ideas of three 20th century giants:

Lloyd MacIlquham cicblog.com/comments.html

- Just 'Boot' Stephen Harper and the Con's - never mind 'rebooting' Michael Ignatieff

Rebooting Michael IgnatieffHandlers hope Liberal leader's back-to-school tour will help revitalize their party's sagging fortunes, Susan Delacourt, Jan 10 2010
http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/article/748676--rebooting-michael-ignatieff?bn=1#comments
Submitted: 10:38am, PST,10 Jan.'10

Last week Ignatieff described the purpose of his University circuit as "listen and learn".

Whereas, these are admirable intellectual pursuits which I am sure student will appreciate. There are a number of reasons (some important ones set out below) I am not so sure this is going to achieve much.

Also, UofVic newspaper noted that the Liberal leader would do well to talk about the environment", which suggest another issue. To what extent have the Liberals researched exactly what are the needs and concerns of students at our various Universities.

If this UofVic 'media advisory' were news to Ignatieff, then it's going to be a long trek. 'Looking before you leap' is important as we saw last Fall when Ignatieff seemed to have missed the overwhelming feeling of Canadian about an election before he jumped into his "giving notice" campaign, to the extent that one wonders how that could be so. On the other hand, Harper seemed to have no trouble in guessing the sentiments of the vast majority on that issue.

What is more that might be gleaned from this is that the students don't want some esoteric, intellectual discussion about an Utopia in the murky future.

I suggest that they are like all Canadians, if not more so. That is, students are concerned about their futures, jobs, the withering debt they are being left with. They are also concerned about Global Warming for which they are the ones who will be left to pay.

Further, like all of us, they want a leader that will fight for them, these things, what this great nation stands for, maintain what we have achieved in the past, and perhaps improve on it, if possible, and leave them with the appreciation of us having lived here and not a bitter resentment that we were ever given a turn at the helm.

I suggest that students, like all of us, are concerned that they will not only will they have to suffer the extreme climate changes precipitated by Global Warming. But, when the Third World Countries come 'knocking' for retribution, and they will come 'knocking', law suits, based on the tobacco law suit precedents, with awards in the trillions (that's 10 to the power of 12) will be the least of their worries. It's the looking at all Canada's (assuming there is a Canada then, another acute issue) resources and how 'we did nothing to stop it' justification that is much scarier, by far. Does anyone really think they, with no water, engulfed in systemic famine, floods, catastrophic weather, will say, "Oh, but Canada's inaction was justified because it only accounts for only 2% of global warming gases". Not likely.

Then, of course, there is Harper and the Con's extreme contempt for all Canada's Democratic institutions and Harper's systematic dismantling this nation and abandoning its responsibilities leaving the Provinces to fill the void.

Also, the Afghan Detainee transfer scandal and ensuing cover-up, with its potential for the ICC (International Criminal Courts) at the Hague - there's the basis of intellectual and stimulating discussion. All I want to know is: how do you get a seat as an onlooker at the ICC, anyway. Do they sell tickets? Do you to book in advance? Are there Scalpers? Can you apply to be on the prosecution team? Pro Bono? I asked MacKay, you were Foreign Affairs Minister, to check that out for me, but I haven't heard back, yet. Any of your reading know. Thanks.

Our campuses are a centre for intellectual activity, but also, there is also the traditional centre and very visible and passionate protesting corrupt governments.

We can count on our students not to allow Harper, Baird, Prentice and all the Con's to define "urgency" as "panic","passionate advocacy" as 'irrational'.

Lloyd MacIlquham cicblog.com/comments.html

- Harper in Conext, For all the non-Canadian Readers

Harper goes prorogue, Jan 7th 2010
http://www.economist.com/opinion/displaystory.cfm?story_id=15213212

For all the non-Canadian readers, here is some context:

Proroguing Parliament is outrageous and a very dangerous precedent. As pointed out. Now anytime the PM gets his government into trouble they simply has to prorogue. This will have a neutering effect on Parliament and marginalize it to the point of being irrelevant. Without Parliament, who will be in a position to keep Harper and the Con's in check. There is no other Institution that has the right to obtain the information, present it to Canadians and actually do something about it.

It is common knowledge that Harper has the greatest contempt for all Canada's Democratic institutions and is systematically dismantling this nation and abandoning its responsibilities leaving the Provinces to fill the void. To see just exactly what he has planned we simply have to look at what he has done.

Harper caused serious disruption to Parliament and its Committees, obstructing and responding only with insults instead of any serious discussion. He then called an election contrary to the spirit of his legislation, claiming that Parliament is dysfunctional - neat trick, make it dysfunctional and then use that to justify his anti-democratic actions.

Soon Harper will claim Canada is dysfunctional and defer entirely to the Provinces.

The power to do these things has always been there, especially for PM's that have a majority, or even a large majority. So, why is Harper doing this, whereas Mulroney and Chrétien didn't. One need only consider that the previous PM's had the interests of Canada, all Canadians and the future of this nation, at heart.

Whereas, Harper's base is in Alberta. They make up the die-hardest of his supporters, and perhaps the source of the lion's share of the Con's funding. Harper, from the start has done everything to increase Alberta' autonomy and protect its oil industry, and Canada be damned - this is nowhere more apparent than Harper's policies on Global Warming. Natural Resources Department assessment indicates that the projected increase to economic growth from the oil industry is $885 billion between 2000 and 2020, including growth of $634 billion in Alberta. Just imagine how much the benefit would remain in Alberta if there were no Federal taxes. Then there is the transfer payments, which would be hugely increased, that would be done away with. You do the math.

Note that: "where much is decided at the provincial level" is 'Con[servative] code' for the above.

As far as Afghanistan Detainee Transfer Scandal, Harper may be able to Prorogue Parliament. But, he can't Prorogue the the International Criminal Courts at the Hague - those 'For whom the Gavel Falls' - must answer.

How do you get a seat as an onlooker at the Int'l Criminal Court, anyway. Do they sell tickets? Do you to book in advance? Are there Scalpers? Can you apply to be on the prosecution team? Pro Bono? I asked MacKay, you were Foreign Affairs Minister, to check that out for me, but I haven't heard back, yet. Any of your reading know. Thanks.

Lloyd MacIlquham cicblog.com/comments.html

- On 25 Jan.'10 Ignatieff and the Liberals will be there fighting for Canadians, Harper will be off somewhere fighting for more power and Canada be damned.

Submitted: 9:43am, PST, 9 Jan.'10

Look Who's (Just?) Visiting the Foyer!, January 8, 2010 ,|Kady O'Malley
http://www.cbc.ca/politics/insidepolitics/2010/01/look-whos-just-visiting-the-foyer.html

It is common knowledge that Harper has the greatest contempt for all Canada's Democratic institutions and is systematically dismantling this nation and abandoning its responsibilities leaving the Provinces to fill the void. To see just exactly what he has planned we simply have to look at what he has done.

Harper caused serious disruption to Parliament and its Committees, obstructing and responding only with insults instead of any serious discussion. He then called an election contrary to the spirit of his legislation, claiming that Parliament is dysfunctional - neat trick, make it dysfunctional and then use that to justify his anti-democratic actions.

Soon Harper will claim Canada is dysfunctional and defer entirely to the Provinces.

The power to do these things has always been there, especially for PM's that have a majority, or even a large majority. So, why is Harper doing this, whereas Mulroney and Chrétien didn't. One need only consider that the previous PM's had the interests of Canada, all Canadians and the future of this nation, at heart.

Whereas, Harper's base is in Alberta. They make up the die-hardest of his supporters, and perhaps the source of the lion's share of the Con's funding. Harper, from the start has done everything to increase Alberta' autonomy and protect its oil industry, and Canada be damned - this is nowhere more apparent than Harper's policies on Global Warming. Natural Resources Department assessment indicates that the projected increase to economic growth from the oil industry is $885 billion between 2000 and 2020, including growth of $634 billion in Alberta. Just imagine how much the benefit would remain in Alberta if there were no Federal taxes. Then there is the transfer payments, which would be hugely increased, that would be done away with. You do the math.

Canadians don't want an election, but, I suggest to you, they want a Canada, one that is strong, united, prosperous and Democratic.

And, they want a leader that will fight for them, these things, what this great nation stands for, maintain what we have achieved in the past, and perhaps improve on it, if possible, and leave our children with the appreciation of us having lived here and not a bitter resentment that we were ever given a turn at the helm.

On 25 Jan.'10 Ignatieff and the Liberals will be there fighting for Canadians, Harper will be off somewhere fighting for more power and Canada be damned.

Lloyd MacIlquham cicblog.com/comments.html

- Soon Harper Will Claim Canada is Dysfunctional and Prorogue Our Nation

submitted in 4 parts, starting 9:27 am, PST, 8 Jan.'10:
Harper prorogues, No election plans? Just watch him, Don Newman, January 7, 2010
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2010/01/07/f-vp-newman.html#socialcomments-submit

Don Newman's analysis of the current situation is very good. He seems to have left out the euphoric love-in effect for Harper and the Con's coming off the Winter Olympics. This factor should not be overlooked and by that time the Afghan Detainee Transfer Scandal and ensuing cover-up may very well refer to 'bygone days'.

Another factor, which may work against an election is the current downward trend in Harper and the Con's in the Polls. However, it may very well be that the fading into the pages of history of the Afghan Scandal and the Olympics will cause an upturn, and it probably will.

But keep in mind, and this is fundamental to me anyway, Harper and the Con's appear to have a 33 - 35% core of die-hard supporters, Harper and the Con's need only be targeted in their approach to wooing and turning some of the demographic and social-economic 'blocks' and anyone who thinks they do not have such a strategy and are not successful in this will, likely, be in for a surprise. I won't go into the actual blocks and where they stand. But keep in mind that it is quite possible to get a majority with only 38% of the vote.

Also, the 33% core die-hard supporters means that in any election Harper and the Con's are not likely to finish behind any other Party, no matter who starts it. Also, given the seemingly unlimited funds from these supporters and the very limited funds for their 'enemy', an election will not harm the Con Party finances but may very well devastate those of the Liberals, itself a 'winning strategy'.

So Harper has nothing to loose and everything to gain. And, hey, if he can con people into thinking it was the Liberals who brought on the election maybe he will get that majority.

Combine this with a perception that Ignatieff and the Liberals are weak (and if the Liberals don't think this is so, they just have to go out and talk to people) and Harper will, in the New Year, start changing his tune to "Oh, and by the way, did I mention that Canadians do want an election" and perhaps poison the budget to force an election - yah, like he's ever done that before.

Ignatieff and the Liberals seem to be oblivious to this real threat of an early Spring election with Ignatieff going on the University circuit to 'listen and learn'.

Ignatieff ought to be girding his sword, the Liberals 'gathering the Clans'.

It seems to me that Canadians want a clear alternative to Harper, not some esoteric world view. They are looking for someone that can stand toe-to-toe with Harper, not in the hazy future, but now. They are not looking for some future Utopia. They want to know that they won't lose their jobs, they won't lose their homes, they won't go bankrupt and they will leave a heritage for their children and their children's children that we all can take a step back, look at and be proud to say "This is Canada, this our nation, it's your turn now", and not leave a future for which our children's children that will be required shoulder a withering economic burden in a hollowed-out shell of a nation whose social fabric has been torn asunder.

Someone has observed that the political environment is that of a constant campaign. Anyone who is waiting to fight sometime in the future when they are 'ready' has already lost, if Dion taught us anything it's that.

Proroguing Parliament is outrageous and a very dangerous precedent. As pointed out. Now anytime the PM gets his government into trouble they simply has to prorogue. This will have a neutering effect on Parliament and marginalize it to the point of being irrelevant. Without Parliament, who will be in a position to keep Harper and the Con's in check. There is no other Institution that has the right to obtain the information, present it to Canadians and actually do something about it.

As far as Afghanistan Detainee Transfer Scandal, Harper may be able to Prorogue Parliament. But, he can't Prorogue the the International Criminal Courts at the Hague - those 'For whom the Gavel Falls' - must answer.

It is common knowledge that Harper has the greatest contempt for all Canada's Democratic institutions and is systematically dismantling this nation and abandoning its responsibilities leaving the Provinces to fill the void. To see just exactly what he has planned we simply have to look at what he has done.

Harper caused serious and intentional disruption to Parliament and its Committees, obstructing and responding only with insults instead of any serious discussion. He then called an election contrary to, in at least, the spirit of his fixed term legislation, claiming that Parliament is dysfunctional - neat trick, make it dysfunctional and then use that to justify his anti-democratic actions.

Soon Harper will claim Canada is dysfunctional and defer entirely to the Provinces.

The power to do these things has always been there, especially for PM's that have a majority, or even a large majority. So, why is Harper doing this, whereas Mulroney and Chrétien didn't. One need only consider that the previous PM's had the interests of Canada, all Canadians and the future of this nation, at heart (you may no have agreed with them, but I can't recall anyone suggesting that they did not have Canada and our nation at heart).

Whereas, Harper's base is in Alberta. They make up the die-hardest of his supporters, and perhaps the source of the lion's share of the Con's funding. Harper, from the start has done everything to increase Alberta' autonomy and protect its oil industry, and Canada be damned - this is nowhere more apparent than Harper's policies on Global Warming. Natural Resources Department assessment indicates that the projected increase to economic growth from the oil industry is $885 billion between 2000 and 2020, including growth of $634 billion in Alberta. Just imagine how much the benefit would remain in Alberta if there were no Federal taxes. Then there is the transfer payments, which would be hugely increased, that would be done away with. You do the math.

It seems to me that Canadian's must be made aware of the overall damaging effect that Harper and the Con's policies will have in the long run to Canada not only our economy, but to the country as a nation and our social fabric. It is our children and our children's children that will be required shoulder this withering burdened.

The Liberal Party, or other the opposition Parties, will not be able to do this by themself. It is something that will have to result from a general awareness, including the media both traditional and Web "[shining a] light into dark corners" of government and "assist the process of holding governments accountable” (to borrow a phrase from Harper).

This, of course, is harder than it sounds given Harper propaganda machine and the huge amounts of tax payers money, as well as Con Party money, Harper spends on media - central to the smooth running of their propaganda machine, the Harper and Con largess is tied to media that publish pro-Con materials.

I think that the way to do this is by having everyone, to a person, in Canada who feels strongly enough to stand up and be counted (I am sure I don't need a reference) do so, be encouraged to do it and be provided with the necessary information to assist. Everyone who can, including the media, who is at all concerned ought to be doing this - Canada's future and the future of our children and our children's children are at stake.

Canadians don't want an election, but, I suggest to you, they want a Canada, one that is strong, united, prosperous and Democratic.

And, they want a leader that will fight for them, these things, what this great nation stands for, maintain what we have achieved in the past, and perhaps improve on it, if possible, and leave our children with the appreciation of us having lived here and not a bitter resentment that we were ever given a turn at the helm.

Harper Proroguing Parliament. Then I can only say.

God save Canada.

Who else is left to 'Stand On Guard for Thee'.

We must bite the bullet, so to speak, have an election and give Harper and his Con's the boot.

Lloyd MacIlquham cicblog.com/comments.html

- Harper "The government will prorogue the House so that it will not be held accountable for its shameful record"

Excerpt submitted: 10:02am PST, 7 Jan.'10
Harper's new tune strikes sour note, PM trying to avoid facing Parliament, Dan Lett, 7/01/2010
http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/columnists/harpers-new-tune-strikes-sour-note-80885187.html?commentConfirmed=y#comments

"The government will prorogue the House so that it will not be held accountable for its shameful record"
(Harper, as leader of the Official Opposition, lambasting the Chrétien government's plans to prorogue Parliament back in 2003)

Wow . . . I wish I had said that - about Harper and the Afghan transferee scandal and ensuing cover-up that is - as well as many other things.

Harper and the Con's priority far outweighs any legislative agenda.

In fact, it does not include our Democratic Institutions at all. What does Harper need laws for when he exercises unbridled power through the Executive and Administration.

As far as the 'tough on crime' agenda, as Van Loan explained it, they have "a different philosophy" - yes guess what it is. If your answer is heavy on extreme right wing ideology and light on Democracy, transparency, rationality, factual underpinning, your not far off.

The 'tough on crime' agenda is no more than power mongering, like Harper's other agenda's, and Canada be damned .

We saw the same kind of propaganda politiking with the 2% GST reduction. Even Ian Brodie, Harper's adviser at the time, came out and admitted as much (“Despite economic evidence to the contrary, in my view the GST cut worked … It worked in the sense that it helped us to win.”)

Harper and the Con's use a catchy phrase that is short, resonates with no demands on in depth analysis and sticks, to describe ad hoc and superficial policies - designed for their propaganda machine the likes of which has not been seen in Western Democracies in recent times.

God Save Canada.

Lloyd MacIlquham cicblog.com/comments.html

From previous posts . . .

One big difference between Paul Martin and Harper, aside from Harper's slanderous attacks on Martin and anyone that dares to stand up to him. Martin stood tall, took responsibility, showed leadership, putting the grasping onto, maintaining and grubbing of power, second to the good of the country, and called for an Inquiry into the Sponsorship Scandal. One might say that, yes, but, Martin knew that he, personally, had nothing to worry about when the truth started to emerge.

It would be outrageous if Canadians would have to wait for action outside Canada, on the International level, to learn the truth; and, an incredible catastrophe to Canada and our reputation on the International level, if the Afghan Detainee transfer scandal went to the International Criminal Courts in the Hague.

He may be able to Prorogue Parliament. But, Harper can't Prorogue the Hague - those 'For whom the Gavel Falls' - must answer

How do you get a seat as an onlooker at the Int'l Criminal Court, anyway. Do they sell tickets? Do you to book in advance? Are there Scalpers? Can you apply to be on the prosecution team? Pro Bono? MacKay, you were Foreign Affairs Minister, would you check that out for me. Thanks.

With a 33 - 35% die-hard core of supporters, Harper and the Con's need only be targeted in their approach to wooing and turning some of these Blocks and anyone who thinks they do not have such a strategy and are not successful in this will, likely, be in for a surprise.

The counter to this is to thoroughly and vigorously, with all out efforts and at all times, expose Harper and the Con's for what they are and the damage they have already done and will do, especially if they get a majority.

It is not good enough to say, what are the Liberals doing. I would vote Liberals but their leader is weak.

This is not Harper's Canada, it is not the Liberal's Canada.

This is our Canada, each and every one of us. It is up to us to stand up and be counted. If we shirk this duty, we lose, and our children lose and our children's children will suffer.

We must all keep in mind, it is not Harper that must pay. I am sure that when he 'retires' he will go to the US and get a great paying position with some ultra-right conservative group.

We are the ones, each and every one of us to a man, woman and child, that will have to pay. But, worse, it is also our children and our children's children that will be left to pay the crippling financial debt as well as the impacts of Harper's policies regarding just about everything, not the least of which is Global Warming,

Combine this with a perception that Ignatieff and the Liberals are weak (and if the Liberals don't think this is so, they just have to go out and talk to people) and Harper will, in the New Year, start changing his turn to "Oh, and by the way, did I mention that Canadians do want an election". He may even poison the budget - yah, like he's ever done that before.

It seems to me that Canadian's must be made aware of the overall damaging effect that Harper and the Con's policies will have in the long run to Canada not only our economy, but to the country as a nation and our social fabric. It is our children and our children's children that will be required shoulder this withering burdened.

The Liberal Party, or other the opposition Parties, will not be able to do this by themself. It is something that will have to result from a general awareness, including the media both traditional and Web "[shining a] light into dark corners" of government and "assist the process of holding governments accountable” (to borrow a phrase from Harper).

This, of course, is harder than it sounds given Harper propaganda machine and the huge amounts of tax payers money, as well as Con Party money, Harper spends on media - central to the smooth running of their propaganda machine, the Harper and Con largess is tied to media that publish pro-Con materials.

I think that the way to do this is by having everyone, to a person, in Canada who feels strongly enough to stand up and be counted (I am sure I don't need a reference) do so, be encouraged to do it and be provided with the necessary information to assist. Everyone who can, including the media, who is at all concerned ought to be doing this - Canada's future and the future of our children and our children's children are at stake.

- Harper morphing to 'extreme right wing dictator'

Posted: 1/6/2010 10:54:58 AM
Harper to revive Senate reform plan, Campbell Clark, Jan. 06, 2010
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/harper-to-revive-senate-reform-plan/article1420300/Tab 30

'As for the detainee issue, the Prime Minister said “polls have been very clear … that that's not on the top of the radar of most Canadians.”'

Am I reading this right.

Wasn't it Harper who, on his 'Right Wing Extremist' high horse, stated:

"This party will not take its position based on public opinion polls. We will not take a stand based on focus groups. We will not take a stand based on phone-in shows or householder surveys or any other vagaries of public opinion"

Is this Harper reversing his approach on how to run Canada from 'extreme right wing ideologue' to 'extreme right wing dictator'.

Or, is it simply Harper Con'ing Canadians.

Harper, how about doing the right (morally right that is) thing, stand tall, take responsibility, show leadership, put the grasping onto, maintaining and grubbing of power, second to the good of our country, and call for an Inquiry into the Sponsorship Scandal.

Paul Martin and the Liberals did it. I know, I know, . . . one might say that, yes, but, Martin knew that he, personally, had nothing to worry about when the truth started to emerge.

Lloyd MacIlquham cicblog.com/comments.html

- Arma virumque cano

posted: 1/5/2010 12:56:58 PM
Prorogation versus coalition:Which causes more outrage? Gloria Galloway, January 4, 2010
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/blogs/bureau-blog/prorogation-vs-coalition-which-causes-more-outrage/article1418211/
Tab 34

It is an error in analysis to put the call-to-arms by Harper and the Con's last December on the same plane with the 'opponents of prorogation' protests on the Internet.

The former was a show of strength not a show of (anti-) support. It represented a 'mobilization of troops' in a fashion that has been repeated countless times since mankind first organized into groups and not an Internet-arm-chair exercise in Democracy.

'Arma virumque cano' (in case Flanagan might read this. I just learned that Tom, mastermind behind Harper and the Con's acquisition and maintaining power, was actually born in Ottawa. Oh, a Canadian - Not! That's Ottawa, Illinois - but then Harper probably prefers Ottawa to be in the US anyway - i.e. in the right wing, conservative heartland, USA - I wonder what Flanagan and the other right wing extremist Harper political advisers from the US do when we sing "Oh Canada, we stand on guard for thee" - anybody notice)

It is no co-incidence that Harper and the Con's employed such tactics when they were in the process of suppressing our Democratically elected Institutions last December in order to keep a grip on power.

The problem is that Harper and the Con's have 33% diehard supporters that are, for one, a source of unending funds (legally contributed, of course) and unquestioning support that Harper seems to be able to radicalize at the drop of a hat.

During the holidays someone posed the question:

How did a Party so politically and media inept that the considered calling themselves "Canadian Conservative Reform Alliance Party" (C-CRAP) evolve into the tight, well oiled Political entity with a propaganda machine the likes of which has not been seen in Western Democracies in recent times that is on the verge of eliminating our Democratic Institutions and establishing dictatorial rule by the Executive Branch of government. I would love to hear suggested explanations.

Lloyd MacIlquham cicblog.com/comments.html

- Giving Harper a majority will only bring on more of the same damage, but to a much greater extreme and much quicker

submitted: 8:07am PST, 4 Jan.'10
2010: The year of the Harper majority, By Dan Leger, Jan 4, '10,
http://thechronicleherald.ca/Columnists/1160594.html Tab 4

All those who have grave concerns about Harper, MacKay, Flaherty, Baird, O'Connor and the Con government, and that is about 2/3rd's of us, should take what Dan Leger has to say very seriously.

Personally I think there is a good chance Harper will put a poison pill or two in the budget in order to force a non-confidence vote.

This is not Harper's Canada, it is not the Liberal's Canada.

This is our Canada, each and every one of us. It is up to us to stand up and be counted. If we shirk this duty, we lose, and our children lose and our children's children will suffer.

Harper has already done an exception amount of damage not only to the country's finances but also to its International reputation, the social, economic and political fabric that holds Canada together, and the future of our children and our children's children.

Giving Harper a majority will only bring on more of the same damage, but to a much greater extreme and much quicker and everyone who dares to stand up to him will be well advised to take cover - if you think the viscous character attacks now are bad, just wait.

We must all keep in mind when reflecting on this, it is not Harper that must pay. I am sure that when he 'retires' he will go to the US and get a great paying position with some ultra-right conservative group.

We are the ones, each and every one of us to a man, woman and child, that will have to pay. But, worse, it is also our children and our children's children that will be left to pay the crippling financial debt as well as the impacts of Harper's policies regarding just about everything, not the least of which is Global Warming, but also includes their "tough on Crime"; their "2 points off the GST"; their dismantling Federalism and shirking responsibility in many areas, leaving a vacuum that the Provinces must fill; their abandonment of national childcare; their abandonment of the Arts, Sciences and education; their policies on Immigration with their roots in "old ways" of Manning, Day, Harper and the right wing extremists of the Reform Party; their 'in-your-face" international diplomacy; their contempt for our democratic institutions; their putting our men and women in uniform in harms way by their handling of the Afghan prisoner transfers in the first instance and their pursuant cover-up, etc.

There are many people who are in a position to know, who are predicting a second wave of recession, globally, much worse than the first in the next year.

The Bank of Canada has already come out and warned people that interest rates will increase in June and that our finances are not in order. Harper last time called the election on the precipice of the recession and for the first 2 - 3 weeks of the election even denied that there was an kind of financial difficulties.

Job losses from the current recession will start having a negative and domino effect on our economy in 2010 and people will start to see just to what extent Harper and the Con's have mis-managed the stimulus spending, Canada's finances and there will be the mega-deficit.

Combine this with a perception that Ignatieff and the Liberals are weak (and if the Liberals don't think this is so, they just have to go out and talk to people) and Harper will, in the New Year, start changing his tune to "Oh, and by the way, did I mention that Canadians do want an election" and perhaps poison the budget to force an election - yah, like he's ever done that before.

Lloyd MacIlquham cicblog.com/comments.html

- Harper Turning Over a New Leaf??? - Yeh, Right!

Excerpt submitted: 2:17 PST, 3 Jan.10
PM shuts down Parliament until March Tories trying to 'shut down democracy,' Liberal MP Goodale says, December 30, 2009,
http://www.cbc.ca/politics/story/2009/12/30/parliament-prorogation-harper.html#socialcomments tab 821

Harper Proroguing Parliament

Harper turning over a new leaf???

Increasing Transparency? - evidently, Everyone can plainly see why Harper, MacKay, O'Connor, Baird, Hawn and all the Con's are doing everything they can to bury the Afghan detainee transfer scandal and cover-up.

Fortunately, it's not likely to stop the call for a Judicial Inquiry. I think Louise Arbour would be an excellent choice as Commissioner for an Inquiry into the Afghan detainee transfer scandal and ensuing cover-up. What do you think.

Harper's Viscous Character Attacks? - it appears that Harper is intending to responding to criticism as well without his normal modus operandi of in-your-face, insult and vicious character attack.

Harper's only use of Parliament and its Committees is to viciously attack everyone who gets in his way, with gratuitous insults and character assassinations. By Proroguing Parliament he must be intending to give up his tried and true ways.

Harper's In-Your-Face diplomacy? - Ever since Harper took office he has been seriously criticized for his incredibly inept handling of foreign affairs.

Evidently, by Proroguing Parliament Harper seems to be trying to avoid further International diplomatic disasters for Canada. How would Canada look on the International scene when all the foreign leaders are here for the Winter Olympics and Parliament is exposing Harper and his Ministers for their participation in the Afghan Detainee Transfers and ensuing cover-up. That would certainly be more black marks to Canada's previous sparkling International reputation. Also, how could Harper look these other leaders in the eye in any discussions and be taken seriously with a background of such revelations.

Lloyd MacIlquham cicblog.com/comments.html

One big difference between Paul Martin and Harper, aside from Harper's slanderous attacks on Martin and anyone that dares to stand up to him. Martin stood tall, took responsibility, showed leadership, putting the grasping onto, maintaining and grubbing of power, second to the good of the country, and called for an Inquiry into the Sponsorship Scandal. One might say that, yes, but, Martin knew that he, personally, had nothing to worry about when the truth started to emerge.

It would be outrageous if Canadians would have to wait for action outside Canada, on the International level, to learn the truth; and, an incredible catastrophe to Canada and our reputation on the International level, if the Afghan Detainee transfer scandal went to the International Criminal Courts in the Hague.

He may be able to Prorogue Parliament. But, Harper can't Prorogue the Hague - those 'For whom the Gavel Falls' - must answer

It seems to me that anyone who strongly supports the military would demand an Inquiry in order to place the blame where it ought to lie; and, I would be very surprised if Canadians, to a person, would not stand up and support our men and women in uniform, if the truth were to be revealed.

Harper, MacKay, O'Connor, Baird, Hawn and all the Con's have risked putting our men and women in uniform in harm's way by potential exposure to possible war crimes allegations and prosecution at the International Criminal Court in the Hague and even with respect to domestic Canadian law, in regards to the transfer of Afghan detainees to the Afghan authorities; and, the ensuing cover-up and viscous character assassination of anyone who dares to stand up to them is outrageous.

How do you get a seat as an onlooker at the Int'l Criminal Court, anyway. Do they sell tickets? Do you to book in advance? Are there Scalpers? Can you apply to be on the prosecution team? Pro Bono? MacKay, you were Foreign Affairs Minister, would you check that out for me. Thanks.

Lloyd MacIlquham cicblog.com/comments.html

- Our Society is based on Rationality, It's Time We Insisted that Our Politics is as Well

Revolution implies a very rapid, radical change in polarity of a state's political structure. Since it is a radical change in polarity, the group must, by necessity, be extremist. To support its rapidity and success, force is employed, and perhaps required. Sometimes it is violent and others the mere display of violence through social disobedience and protesting seems to do the trick. 10 - 15% of the population so dedicated to the cause is sufficient, and perhaps necessary, support to sustain such revolution.

On the other hand, even in a democracy, if you double the % of people dedicated to 1/3 rd of the people, 30 - 35%, say, such change may be effected without out-and-out revolution but through patience. The end result is the same, of course, that is, the radical change in polarity of the state's political, and social, structure.

Of course, if a comparable number are equally dedicated to maintaining the old political structure then you have a civil war, in the former case; and, serious political instability as society undergoes the radical social and political upheaval, in the latter case. Who wins out is really a question of survival of the strongest.

This has, of course, been going on since humankind started organizing into groups. Our instincts have developed to equate politically strong with what is right and good. How often have we heard people say "my gut instinct is to vote for this person", or, more usually, "against that person". This begs the question, exactly what instinct they are relying upon to formulate this judgement. Of course, mud slinging and in its extreme form, attack ads, are designed precisely to play upon this. Some may say that this approach - equate politically strong with what is right and good - has served us well, and is the way it ought to be. But, one must keep in mind that this whole approach was developed and is effective in the situation where the law of the jungle dominates, where power flows from the barrel of a gun, so to speak. Where power flows from commerce, information and understanding our surrounding, all derived from knowledge based on rational thought through scientific methods, this 'physical might is right' approach not only has no place but is, obviously, counter-productive, and in fact downright destructive.

However, we, modern, scientifically advanced and dependent, developed, complex, multi-faceted, tolerant, economy based and democratic societies are in a circumstance that has never in the history of mankind been seen, or even close. Our whole way of life depends on rational thought. Our science is based on rational thought. Our economics is based on rational thought. Our educational system is based on rational thought. However, politics is still based on approaching the voter on an emotional level and irrational level - employing the socially dead-end evolutionarily principles of: our camp against your camp; we're right - you're wrong; we're good - you're bad; we're big - you're small, all relying on the basic premise: we're strong - you're week.

It is suggested that the doctrine of laïcité, or secularism (separation of church, or religion, and state) went hand in hand with the modern development of the application of scientific thought with the accompanying of mathematics to our circumstances. It freed politics from basing its decisions and policies on religious considerations and so allowed them to be based on the developing rationalism. Somewhere, somehow, this process has been thwarted and has has not yet taken effect.

Because our life style, standard of living and society as a whole, are based on rationality and diametrically opposite to the emotional, irrationality of the way we select our political leaders and those that govern us, we can only be destined for a radical change in polarity of our social and political structure. The only question is will it be rapid thus leading to revolution or civil war, or, through political instability and reversal of social attitudes. Of course, if we, the people, required that our politics be based on rationality, then our social structure will not only fall in sync but re-enforce each other, rather than, vibrate at odds and shake each other apart.

Lloyd MacIlquham cicblog.com/comments.html

- This is not Harper's Canada, This is our Canada - we are the ones that must stand up to Harper and his Con's

Winning voters' hearts and minds: it's all about managing the message, John Ibbitson, 2 Jan.'10
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/winning-voters-hearts-and-minds-its-all-about-managing-the-message/article1416775/ posted 1/2/2010 1:14:19 PM , Tab 26

"The question is whether voters are finally ready to overcome their suspicion that Mr. Harper might push the federal agenda far to the right if they entrust him with a majority government."

This statement suggests that the voters somehow get together and, en masse, make a deliberate, conscious decision to "give Harper a majority" or minority.

Obviously, this doesn't happen. At best voting goes in blocks, normally based on demographics and issues. The underlying dynamic is that there are many issues, each precipitating its own group for which it is important, which effects, not a spectrum, or unity, of voter opinion but a discrete and disconnected collection. However, there is only perhaps 5 Parties from which to choose. This, of course, explains vote splitting, and why it is that almost 2/3rds of Canadians voted against Harper and the Con's, but they are now running this country. There have been examples of where the vote may be have overwhelmingly for one party or another - e.g. Mulroney's and Chrétien's first win, but in those cases the voters hardly needed to get together to decide who to vote for.

One can muse that the media is the medium for the voters to get together to decide for whom to vote. Although the media (traditional) can, and does, manipulate voting and can make a difference, specially with the undecided who don't know who to listen to - a prime example, in my opinion, of this was in the last few days of the last election when Dion made his 'radio interview re-takes' and Duffy, and CTV, plaid it for what it was worth - it is hard to determine the extent to which it affects the outcome (would Dion and the Liberals have come out ahead if not for Duffy).

The Web offers a better medium for getting together in the fashion envisioned. However, I suggest it illustrates, and supports, the precipitation of opinion into many small blocks, on many and diverse issues,which is my point.

It is rather the other way around.

If the media, including the media both traditional and Web, can "shine a light into dark corners" of government and "assist the process of holding governments accountable” (to borrow a phrase from Harper), then the voters can go to the voting polls, informed and enlightened. You can be sure, if Harper and the Con's were not afraid of this kind of exposure they would be carrying out their affairs in a totally different fashion.

One thing you can be sure of, Harper and the Con's are fully aware of 'block' voting and have been working on this from the very start. It takes time to woo and turn such blocks, but once you do, you reap the electoral rewards and they can be quite loyal - one need only look at Harper and the Con's support in Alberta, the Block support in Quebec, the Green support, etc.. And, it is a very difficult process to reverse, especially during an election where people are skeptical of politicians who talk to them only once every 4 years and their senses are numb from being blasted from all sides. Ideologically based Parties such as the Con's, NDP, Block and Greens, can survive only because they have a diehard core of supporters, based on their ideology.

I won't go into the actual blocks and where they stand. But keep in mind that it is quite possible to get a majority with only 38% of the vote.

With a 33 - 35% die-hard core of supporters, Harper and the Con's need only be targeted in their approach to wooing and turning some of these Blocks and anyone who thinks they do not have such a strategy and are not successful in this will, likely, be in for a surprise.

The counter to this is to thoroughly and vigorously, with all out efforts and at all times, expose Harper and the Con's for what they are and the damage they have already done and will do, especially if they get a majority.

It is not good enough to say, what are the Liberals doing. I would vote Liberals but their leader is weak.

This is not Harper's Canada, it is not the Liberal's Canada.

This is our Canada, each and every one of us. It is up to us to stand up and be counted. If we shirk this duty, we lose, and our children lose and our children's children will suffer.

We must all keep in mind, it is not Harper that must pay. I am sure that when he 'retires' he will go to the US and get a great paying position with some ultra-right conservative group.

We are the ones, each and every one of us to a man, woman and child, that will have to pay. But, worse, it is also our children and our children's children that will be left to pay the crippling financial debt as well as the impacts of Harper's policies regarding just about everything, not the least of which is Global Warming, but also includes their "tough on Crime"; their "2 points off the GST"; their dismantling Federalism and shirking responsibility in many areas, leaving a vacuum that the Provinces must fill; their abandonment of national childcare; their abandonment of the Arts, Sciences and education; their policies on Immigration with their roots in "old ways" of Manning, Day, Harper and the right wing extremists of the Reform Party; their 'in-your-face" international diplomacy; their contempt for our democratic institutions; their putting our men and women in uniform in harms way by their handling of the Afghan prisoner transfers in the first instance and their pursuant cover-up, etc.

There are many people who are in a position to know, who are predicting a second wave of recession, globally, much worse than the first in the next year. The Bank of Canada has already come out and warned people that interest rates will increase in June and that our finances are not in order. Harper last time called the election on the precipice of the recession and for the first 2 - 3 weeks of the election even denied that there was an kind of financial difficulties. Job losses from the current recession will start having a negative and domino effect on our economy in 2010 and people will start to see just to what extent Harper and the Con's have mis-managed the stimulus spending, Canada's finances and there will be the mega-deficit.

Combine this with a perception that Ignatieff and the Liberals are weak (and if the Liberals don't think this is so, they just have to go out and talk to people) and Harper will, in the New Year, start changing his turn to "Oh, and by the way, did I mention that Canadians do want an election". He may even poison the budget - yah, like he's ever done that before.

Lloyd MacIlquham cicblog.com/comments.html

- Norman Spector - When You're Right, You're Right

Spector Vision, Harper plays the prorogation card, Norman Spector, Thursday, December 31, 2009,
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/blogs/spector-vision/harper-plays-the-prorogation-card/article1415744/ 12/31/2009 12:50:04 PM, Tab 6

I concur.

Norman, when you're right, your right (I am referring to morally or course, since you're are always 'Right').

Lloyd MacIlquham cicblog.com/comments.html

- The Harper Dictatorship

Stephen Harper's not-so-benign dictatorship, Michael Behiels, Citizen Special, December 31, 2009
http://www.ottawacitizen.com/news/Stephen+Harper+benign+dictatorship/2394185/story.html
submitted 9:37am PST, 31 Dec.'09 - not posted
re-submitted 3:36pm PST, 31 Dec.'09

"If the Supreme Court fails to defend the rights of Parliament and Canadians . . ."

I am not sure what you are referring to. Please explain. Is there, or will there, or could there, be such a challenge. Also, keep in mind that the Con's actually campaigned (in at least '04) on putting the Supreme Court under the direct review of Parliament. You connect the dots.

". . . , then every Canadian has the responsibility to exercise his/her full sovereignty via the ballot box."

Your article is interesting and important. However, your final conclusion seems politically naive.

We cannot wait for the next election to display our displeasure at the ballot box. If for no other reason than:
- Harper and the Con's have developed the biggest propaganda machine seen in Western democracies in recent history that they have no hesitation in using no matter how reprehensible and morally and secularly dishonest, approaching Canadians solely on an emotional level, with a total disregard for the truth.

One can only wonder to what extent, given the huge amounts of tax payers money, as well as Con Party money, Harper spends on media - central to the smooth running of their propaganda machine, the Harper and Con largess is tied to media that publish pro-Con materials.

- Harper and the Cons have approx 33 - 35% core supporters, people who will support Harper no matter what. They are not interested in logic, rationality, preservation of Canada's Democratic system (they appear to have as much contempt for Canada's democratic system, and Canada as a nation, as Harper and his Con's). Further, Harper, through his propaganda machine and grass roots connections is able to incite them to an irrational pitch. One need only observe what happened last December. I have studied many political systems throughout the world, especially the establishment, and overthrow, of oppressive, totalitarian and dictatorially regimes. One thing I have observed is that it only takes 10 - 15% of the population who are so motivated to overthrough the existing political system and replace it (if you have any contrary info please let me know). Never in Canada you say - I pray to God not.

It seems to me that Canadian's must be made aware of the overall damaging effect that Harper and the Con's policies will have in the long run to Canada not only our economy, but to the country as a nation and our social fabric. It is our children and our children's children that will be required shoulder this withering burdened.

The Liberal Party, or other the opposition Parties, will not be able to do this by themself. It is something that will have to result from a general awareness, including the media both traditional and Web "[shining a] light into dark corners" of government and "assist the process of holding governments accountable” (to borrow a phrase from Harper).

This, of course, is harder than it sounds given Harper propaganda machine and the huge amounts of tax payers money, as well as Con Party money, Harper spends on media - central to the smooth running of their propaganda machine, the Harper and Con largess is tied to media that publish pro-Con materials.

I think that the way to do this is by having everyone, to a person, in Canada who feels strongly enough to stand up and be counted (I am sure I don't need a reference) do so, be encouraged to do it and be provided with the necessary information to assist. Everyone who can, including the media, who is at all concerned ought to be doing this - Canada's future and the future of our children and our children's children are at stake.

Lloyd MacIlquham cicblog.com/comments.html

- What a 'Right-Wash' - Preston Manning, Honesty is the best policy

Preston Manning, Honesty is the best policy
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/opinions/honesty-is-the-best-policy/article1413594/
Tab 6, 12/29/2009 1:42:45 PM

"Preston Manning is president and CEO of the Manning Centre for Building Democracy"

Oh! and here I though it was the "Preston Manning" that is the right wing extremist that started, and was leader of, the Reform Party, mentor to Stephen Harper, co-author of numerous right wing papers along with Mike Harris, extreme right wing conservative who, along with Flaherty, Baird, Clement, Van Loan, destroyed Ontario both on a social and on an economic level.

If it were it would at least explain the extreme bias and distortion of Harper and 'ignorance' of the damage he has done to Canada, our reputation and trade Internationally.

One need only look at Harper's 'in-your-face' 'Insult Diplomacy' that delayed implementation of the Approved Destination Status by China for 4 years and compelled its President to publicly, while in the International spotlight, rebuke Harper.

Manning fails to point out that the Liberal government had obtained Approved Destination Status in Jan.'05 and it was Harper himself with his in-your-face, 'Insult Diplomacy' that caused the Chinese to drop it.(see: David Emerson on the Industry Canada Website, dated 21 Jan.'05, where he announced "Canada Granted Approved Destination Status by Chinese Government" (ic.gc.ca/eic/site/ic1.nsf/eng/02331.html)

And Canada may take prominence on the Global Scene in the not too distant future, if the International Criminal Court, in The Hague, decides to investigate Harper, MacKay, O'Connor and the Con government's transferring Afghan prisoners to the Afghan authorities in 2006.

One can only wonder why Preston Manning would want to have us overlook his true background, but use a title like " Manning Centre for Building Democracy".

There is no Democracy in what Harper and the Con's are doing, right down to ignoring and his contempt for Parliament and Canadian political system.

Harper doesn't have an honest bone in his body, where he developed that trait, you tell me.

I guess what Manning meant to say is 'Laundering is the Best Policy'.

Lloyd MacIlquham cicblog.com/comments.html

- Harper - 'For whom the Gavel Falls'

Spector Visions, Saturday, December 26, 2009 8:45 AM, The secret(s) of Stephen Harper’s success, Norman Spector, submitted, 12/27/2009 12:30:37 PM, Tab 29

"Mr. Harper is refusing to call a public inquiry into the detainees issue because, though it is the right thing to do, it carries a high risk of alienating his political base — which strongly supports the Canadian military. "

Harper won't call for an inquiry because he knows it is not the military that have to worry. It is Harper, MacKay, O'Connor, and all the Con's that have to worry.

Martin "did the right thing", the proper thing, the only thing, if you want to be a true leader of this great country of ours, stood up and took responsibility.

Norman you may like Harper, but Harper has no class and no sense of decency. He has the political instincts of Attila the Hun, without a stateman's bone in his body.

Harper's only interested is power, grabbing it and holding onto it, Canada be damned. This may have worked in the Dark Ages, but for a complex, modern, economy based democracy it will prove Canada's undoing - which is, as you know, one of his, and his political base's , manifest objectives.

It will be an incredible catastrophe to Canada and our reputation on the International level, if the Afghan Detainee transfer scandal went to the International Criminal Courts in the Hague.

Harper can't Prorogue the Hague. Harper - 'For whom the Gavel Falls' - will have to answer.

I would be very surprised if Canadians, to a person, would not stand up and support our men and women in uniform, if the truth were to be revealed.

However, it would be outrageous if Canadians would have to wait for action outside Canada ,on the International level, to learn the truth.
It seems to me that anyone who strongly supports the military would demand an Inquiry in order to place the blame where it ought to lie.

The only people that don't want an Inquiry are those that strongly support Harper and the Con's.

Lloyd Macilquham cicblog.com/comments.html

- Canada's Inaction to Global Warming - The Devil Made Us Do It

So much Bunkam - So little time - continued - see below.

- Canada's Defense to the 'power of ten' law suits - "the devil made them do it"

The silent majority can no longer be silent, the Pantzopoulos poll is a dire demonstration of this.

For all those out there that do not support Harper, Baird, Prentice and all the Con's stance on Global Warming, my suggestion is to make your opposition as public as possible.

Then, perhaps, when the Third World come 'knocking' for retribution, and they will come 'knocking', our children and our children's children can beseech some kind of exclusion.

I agree that one person can't do much, except, passionately advocate that everyone get together and do all they can. And we must not allow Harper, Baird, Prentice and all the Con's to define "urgency" as "panic","passionate advocacy" as 'irrational'.

"The devil made them do it" defence may even be a defence at the 'Power of Ten Law Suits' - i.e. multi-trillion (or whatever comes after that) dollar law suits at the International Courts

- the 'power of 10' referring to the amounts awarded at the International Courts (i.e they will be expressed in "ten to the power of . . . ") -

when the Third World Countries sue our descendent's for the damage inflicted by our current actions and inactions on Global Warming - using, perhaps, the precedents established by the present era Cigarette law suites (see my previous posting - above). I would think that a precondition to the applicability of such a defence would be to what extent their (our children and our children's children) forefathers (us), on an individual bases stood up and fought.

Posting on the Internet may be a good way to do it, since in 50 years, the 'Web Archaeologists" will be able to "drill down" (to borough a military phrase) to the 2009 level and expose all.

Lloyd MacIlquham cicblog.com/comments.html

- So much Bunkam from Harper - So little time for the World.

Ottawa Notebook, 'The warm front has passed' on climate change, Jane Taber, 17 Dec.'09
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/blogs/bureau-blog/the-warm-front-has-passed-on-climate-change/article1403636/ Tab 12, 13, 17

Dear Lady Jane,

So much Bunkam from Harper and Everyone that Supports Him - So little time for the World.

If Dimitri Pantzopoulos (former Conservative Party pollster) does not release the data from his poll how can any one say that "his research is solid".

I can see no reasons to throw out 200 years of development of the scientific principles of "transparency" and "skepticism" (i.e. make the data available to all so that it may be tested by his peers, this, of course, refers to all in the scientific community and not the Con Party) simply because we are dealing with probably the single most important issue, other than nuclear holocaust, the mankind has every faced as a species.

I realize that a reporter can not be expected to be well versed in transparency and objectivity, however, that is no excuse for out and out bias.

How do we know if this is just another application of the legendary Harper propaganda machine.

“My takes on the numbers is that attitudes to the environment are unlikely to rebound to previous levels even in the face of an improving economy. . ."
This is obviously subjective and not objective and clearly indicates a political statement - perhaps even an application of the basic Harper and the Con doctrine, so adeptly expressed by Tom Flanagan, 'it doesn't have to be true, it just has to be plausible' [sic].

To say that numbers will not rebound is simply another way of denying Global Warming. Clearly as the effects of Global Warming because more and more manifest, the attitude to Global Warming will rebound.

This, course, is at the heart of the problem. When this happens it will be too late by far to do anything.

The actions of the Third World Countries at Copenhagen should be a wake-up call to everyone, especially in Canada.

When their countries are under ocean water, have no potable water, are experience systemic drought and crop failure, blight, super-storms, Tsunami's, hurricanes of Biblical proportions, they will turn their attention to Canada and see that we still have water, still have crops, have the resources to endure all these things and, of course, still releasing huge amounts of global warming gasses.

Does anyone really think they will say, "Oh, but Canada's inaction was justified because it only accounts for only 2% of global warming gasses. Not likely. More likely they will demand retribution.

In a past era it would very likely lead to 'the GWW' (Global Warming Wars). However, in this modern era, one need only look at what has happened to the cigarette companies in Canada and the United State - i.e. multi-trillion (or whatever comes after that) dollar law suites at the International Courts - the 'power of 10 law suites' i.e. the amounts awarded will be expressed in 10 to the power of whatever (of course, I could be mistaken about the GWW's). The Harper position to Global Warming and their so called 'Reports' and polls are so analogous to what the cigarette companies did for so many years, its scary, or it should be scary.

This will, in and of itself, of course, cripple our children and our children's children economy and cast their futures into a new Dark Age. And who will we have to thank - Harper, Baird, Prentice, all the Con's and everyone that supports them.

Keep in mind that nature takes care of its own. Global Warming on the evolutionary scene is no more than the 'smoking gun' of mankind's extinction. The inaction and total selfishness of people like Harper is merely the manifestation of the 'evolutionary flaw' of the species. The irony is that Harper's right wing ideology of sink or swim, the strongest survive, is exactly the principle that will lead to the extinction of the human species, and his approach to Global Warming the method. God gave us brains equipped with a discerning rational faculty, let's pray we use it.

If there is a mere possibility of our actions resulting in the type of Universal Cataclysm indicated by Global Warming we must act now and in the extreme.

Lloyd MacIlquham cicblog.com/comments.html

posted 10:43m PST, 17 Dec.'09
World leaders push for climate deal, 17 Dec.'09
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/blogs/bureau-blog/the-warm-front-has-passed-on-climate-change/article1403636/ Tab 99, 101

- All those outraged by Harper's Actions Regarding the Afghan Detainee Scandal Raise Your Hand

Diplomat fires back over Afghan detainee torture, CTV.ca News Staff, Dec. 16 2009
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20091216/colvin_letter_091216/20091216?hub=TopStoriesV2#commentSection Submitted to CTV, 2:42pm, 16 Dec.'09

All those outraged by the actions* of Harper, MacKay, O'Connor, Baird, Hawn, and all the Con's, after learning about the Colvin Letter raise your hand . . .

Let's see: . . . one, two, three . . . 12,890,532 . . . 33,311,389 . . . oh come on Steve, don't be shy, you're going to have to raise your hand a bit higher . . . that's it.

There seems to be approximately 144 people in Canada who haven't put their hands up - I wonder what that could mean.

* the outrageous "actions" are referring to those of Harper, MacKay, O'Connor, Baird, Hawn and all the Con's - putting our men and women in uniform in harm's way by potential exposure to possible war crimes allegations and prosecution at the International Criminal Court in the Hague and even with respect to domestic Canadian law, in regards to the transfer of Afghan detainees to the Afghan authorities; and, the ensuing cover-up and viscous character assassination of anyone who dares to stand up to them

For a summary of the Colvin letter: "Public inquiry only possible response to damning Colvin letter",
December 16, 2009, Liberal - News Room
http://www.liberal.ca/en/newsroom/media-releases/17125_public-inquiry-only-possible-response-to-damning-colvin-letter

Full text can be found at:
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20091216/colvin_letter2_091216/20091216?hub=Canada

Lloyd MacIlquham cicblog.com/comments.html

Colvin disputes witnesses' detainee testimony, Dec. 16 2009
http://www.cbc.ca/politics/story/2009/12/16/colvin-letter.html#socialcomments submitted 2:53, 16 Dec.'09; re-submitted at submitted to CBC at: 7:36 PST, 16 Dec.'09 (without 'full text can be found at CTV')

- Put rationality into the way our country is run - Give Harper, Flaherty and all the Con's the boot

A credible budget will have to include tax increases, C. Scott Clark and Peter DeVries
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/opinions/a-credible-budget-will-have-to-include-tax-increases/article1400092/
Tab 4

It is time that we put some rationality into the way the country is run and it certainly isn't with Harper at the helm.

20 Sep.'08 I posted:

The Harper government’s strategy from the time it took office was to slash taxes to the point that there is no appreciable surplus. This, obviously, was not an accident but a well thought out strategy. For one thing it was intended to make people ‘Happy with Harper’ by reducing taxes. For another thing, their obvious strategy is that any programs promised by the Liberal or other parties, would be attacked on the grounds that taxes would have to be increased to support it.

In actuality reducing taxes to the extreme is one of the objectives that the paper by Mike Harris and Preston Manning for the Fraser Institute just before Harper was elected and is part of a far reaching, well defined, Extreme Right Wing agenda. They recommend reduced government spending [to 30% of GDP, if I recall]) – which Harper does seem to have got to yet.

By slashing taxes to such an extent Harper has weakened Canada’s ability to withstand hash economic times through social policies (enshrined in the Canadian way of life and distinguishes us from the Americans).

This of course will be very important in the next year or two.

Disjointed ‘micro-policies’ also weakens our ability to deal with large problems like the environment and the economy in a coherent, comprehensive and effective fashion. For Harper and the Con’s this is not a bad thing since they really don’t want to ‘deal with the environment’ but would rather push it off to the individual Provinces ‘À la Firewall’. They really don’t want comprehensive Federal social programs since this detracts from their Laissez-faire, sink or swin, approach to the economy (which, of sourse, one of the major factors defining them as extremist, right wing) which again can be seen in Harper’s Firewall Letter.

Harper's reducing surpluses to zero is actually a result of his sink or swim approach to our economic activity. That is, people should not turn to the Federal government for help when they are thrown into dire need due to economic downturns, they should turn to themselves. This became very clear when Flaherty told the municipal leader to stop whining when The Federation of Canadian Municipalities released a study last November warning that much of the nation's municipal infrastructure is "on the brink of failure" and will cost $123 billion to upgrade. Flaherty responded "we're not in the pothole business in the government of Canada." (see: Toronto Star, "Cities told to stop `whining'", 22 Nov.'07).

. . .

Here is one of the Harper quotes – Scary Stuff! it is something that everyone should consider when choosing how to vote:

· Whether Canada ends up as one national government or two national governments or several national governments, or some other kind of arrangement is, quite frankly, secondary in my opinion… And whether Canada ends up with one national government or two governments or ten governments, the Canadian people will require less government no matter what the constitutional status or arrangement of any future country may be.
(Speech to the Colin Brown Memorial Dinner, National Citizens Coalition, 1994 )

***

10 December, 2009
- "Debt Men - and Women - Walking"

Of course, if you think the deficit is large now just wait until the interest rates are increased by 2 points.
Interest rates will increase. Most economists in other countries are already pointing to the economic tsunami that awaits us when this happens.

This is a serious concern, more immediate than Global Warming, more far reaching than Afghan transferees being tortured.

When you look at the huge deficit Harper, Flaherty and the Con's are racking up, and you look at the "do-nothing" approach to Global Warming - one can only wonder, just what does Harper and the Con's have against our children and our children's children anyway.

When the Federal Government finances start to collapse under the weight of the debt and when the personal and company bankruptcies start to exponentiate, what will Harper have to say then - "we saved the Canadian economy", "steady as she goes", "even hand on the keel", "let the market forces prevail", "minimize Federal Government interference", "it's the Laissez faire way or the highway".

***

- 17 Oct.'09, "Best to give Harper the boot now"

Harper's strategy for the economy is to do nothing and it will grow itself out of deficit, in 5 to 6 years - wow, what a great excuse to keep Harper in power. This is like someone max'g his credit cards out on the basis that sometime in the future he will get a higher paying job and pay them off.

Lloyd MacIlquham cicblog.com/comments.html

- Canada's Top 10 New Years Resolutions

Submitted 12:15am,PST 13 Dec.'09 - not posted
Submitted 7:45am,PST 14 Dec.'09

http://www.cbc.ca/politics/insidepolitics/2009/12/summing-up-the-spin-on-that-documents-release.html#socialcomments-submit

Summing up the spin on that documents release, Janyce McGregor , 11 Dec.'09
http://www.cbc.ca/politics/insidepolitics/2009/12/summing-up-the-spin-on-that-documents-release.html#socialcomments-submit Tab 18

Canada's Top 10 New Years Resolutions.

No. 10: Compel Harper and his gang to produce the Afghan Detainee Transferee documents, in toto

No. 9: Bring an motion or private member's Bill to hold a Public Inquiry into the Afghan Detainee Transfer scandal and ensuing cover-up by Harper and his gang

No. 8: Put Harper, MacKay et al under House arrest - or did they get rid of that already??? - For contempt of Parliament for not hand over the Afghan Detainee Transferee documents and in toto (i.e. all of them and un-redacted)

No7: Give Day the boot

No. 6: Give Toews the boot

No.5: Give Van Loan the boot

No.4: Give Baird the boot

No.3: Give MacKay the boot

No. 2: Give Harper the Boot

and the Number one Canada's New years Resolution . . .

If you care about Canada

mouse here

If you are one of the 33% diehard supporters of Harper and the Con's or the other 3-4 % that support them,

mouseover here

Maybe Parliament could introduce a motion to change "Stockwell Day's" name to "Doris Day".
What, already been suggested? by Rick Mercer? Brilliant!
Ahhh ... yes, I see, through the miracle of Internet I can go back in history and get:

"Rick Mercer gets minimum signatures for referendum to have Stockwell Day change name to Doris!"
http://web.ncf.ca/pat/pdqlib/humor.html

. . .

what's this ... coming up on my Google search of "Stockwell Day " +"Doris Day" ...

"During the 2000 election campaign Day made the following comments and voiced the following beliefs:
...

- Day espoused his belief that evolution doesn't exist and that people do really come from Adam and Eve.

- Day believed that an "Asian Invasion" was taking place at Canadian universities and that we shouldn't allow asians to study in Canada.

- He made a variety of other quotes displaying his anti-immigration beliefs, anti-native rights, anti-women's rights and anti-Quebec."
(http://www.lilithgallery.com/articles/canada/The_Prank_That_Destroyed_StockwellDay.html
"The Prank That Destroyed Stockwell Day, By Charles Moffat")

Am I ready this right! Did Day actually say these things?

Perhaps the media could through some light in this dark place.

And Day is running this country as International Trade Minister??? What would aliens say if they came and hovered over Ottawa.

All I can say is, God save Canada! Wait, God helps those that help themselves. We can not rely on divine intervention.

We must take the bull - graven image for all you traditionalists - by the horns, give Harper, MacKay, O'Connor, Baird, Prentice, Van Loan, Nicholson, Toews, . . . oh, and did I mention Day, the boot.

Lloyd MacIlquham cicblog.com/comments.html

- Harper, MacKay - How do you get a seat as an onlooker at the International Criminal Court at the Hague. Do they sell tickets? How far in advance do you have to book?

See: Tories to ignore vote on releasing prisoner reports, CTV News, 11 Dec.'09 http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20091211/afghanistan_motion_091211/20091211?hub=QPeriod#commentSection

"Defence Minister Peter MacKay has argued that releasing the records 'could be helpful to the enemy' and jeopardize Canadian troops."
Oh, is Pater MacKay still Minister of Defence?

Great, that means that when Canada withdraws its troops form Afghanistan in (July?) 2011, that Parliament can expect to get the documents. It's quite a while away from now, but might be the simplest solution, going to court would take longer.

Harper, MacKay's timeline for handing over these documents is more like "when hell freezes over".

Why, you ask. Especially when their reason is the safety of the troops.

"An interesting remark by MacKay, when he 'testified' last week at the Committee, may shed some light on this dark corner - "I am proud to have associated myself with the military and the diplomats" [sic]. Sounds like a Freudian slip to me.

And compare it to what Gar Pardy, retired Canadian diplomat, had to say the other day "Harper has been going around the world lately wrapping himself in the Canadian flag, but has achieving only to sully it".

Clearly a strategy of Harper and MacKay is to identify themselves with the military. But, why. For one, they may be hoping it will save their bacon - keep in mind potential criminal investigations by the International Criminal Courts, not to mention for Canadian criminal laws. Other motives - you tell me."

see below: cicblog.com/comments.html
- Peter MacKay word unreliable - a euphemism for liar - you judge
- Harper, MacKay show the utmost contempt for Parliament.

Well, let me see if I have the logic.

MacKay has been making great efforts to identify himself with Canada's military. Hence, he is 'one of our proud men and women in uniform'. And, withholding the documents may save his bacon. Therefore, dsiclosing the documents after Canada's troops withdraw, will still jeopardize Canadian troops - it may only be a handful of troops and they may all members of the Harper Cabinet, but hey, works for me.

Ditto for Harper.

Releasing the documents 'could be helpful to the enemy'.

This hardly requires comment.

The logic jumps out at you when you keep in mind that for Harper, MacKay, O'Connor, Baird, Prentice, Van Loan, Nicholson, Toews, . . . oh, and did I mention Day, the enemy is the Official Opposition, Ignatieff, the Liberal Party; Layton and the NDP; and, yes, although Harper has disenfranchised all those voted Block, Gilles Duceppe and the Block; and, in a word, anyone else who dares to stand up to them.

Could these documents be helpful to this 'enemy' - you betcha!

To all those that say Harper, MacKay, O'Connor, or whoever else it is at the time, when they say they will respect Parliament and withdraw Canadian troops from Afghanistan in 2011 - you are, obviously, one of those 33% diehard supporters of Harper and the Con's or one of the additional 3-4% that are supporting Harper and the Con's. Canada, all Canadians as nation, our children and our children's children owes you all a great debt of gratitude.

How do you get a seat as an onlooker at the Int'l Criminal Court. Do they sell tickets? Do you to book in advance? Are there Scalpers? Can you apply to be on the prosecution team? Pro Bono? MacKay, you were Foreign Affairs Minister, would you check that out for me. Thanks.

Lloyd MacIlquham cicblog.com/comments.html

Submitted, 9:47am, PST, 13 Dec.09,
Summing up the spin on that documents release, Janyce McGregor , 11 Dec.'09
http://www.cbc.ca/politics/insidepolitics/2009/12/summing-up-the-spin-on-that-documents-release.html#socialcomments-submit Tab 13

not posted

re-submitted, 10:34pm PST (1:34 EST), 13 Dec.'09, (changing "h... freezes over" see above "hell ..." - with "... freezes over" and it was posted

****
Submitted: December 13, 2009 @ 10:10 am PST
Parliament in showdown with Harper government over Afghan documents, 11 Dec. '09, Jennifer Ditchburn, THE CANADIAN PRESS
http://www.coastreporter.net/article/GB/20091211/CP02/312119899/-1/SECHELT/opposition-passes-rare-motion-ordering-tories-to-release-afghanistan&template=cpArt

- Harper, 'Thanks For the Memories' - continued ...continued

At 10:26 am I posted my Comment. (see below)

At 10:33 am Harper-crites posted "Thanks Lloyd. I've added your blog to my bookmarks !!"

sometime after that my Comment was pulled down - vis.:

Moderator's Note: Lloyd Macilquham's comment was not consistent with our guidelines and has been removed.

(see Tab 28)

With anoher G&M Article, written by Jane Taber.
see below: - Dear Jane Taber (No. III) . . . ah ah aaaa "Lame Saber" chooo, sorry sneezed

BeenThinking posted "Lloyd MacIlquham - funny thing, just as a experiment I put thumbs up - didn't come up. A thumbs down came in it's place.

This is fishy. "

As I mentioned a few days ago with another of Jane Taber's articles I got over 220 Thumbs Down in about 20 minutes.

What happened to the Media shining light into the dark corners of the Government. The whole point of the exercise is to expose all the nasty little ugliness's that the government is hiding and expose them to the light for all to see.

If you have no stomach for it, that is not the messenger's fault. That is the fault of the ones who hide the problem in the first place. I won't mention any names . . . ah ah aaaa ... Harper, MacKay, O'Connor, Baird, Prentice, Van Loan, Nicholson, Toews and all the Con's ... chooo, sorry, sneezed .

I used to have respect for the Globe and Mail.

When I was I kid in grade school I used to get up each morning, except Sunday, of course, around 4 - 5 am, and deliver the paper and was proud to be a G&M paperboy.

Later I used to read it faithfully every day.

My mother wrote many articles for the Globe and Mail over quite a few years and wrote with the utmost integrity.

I can only say that the Globe and mail has changed much and for the worse. You be the judge.

Lloyd MacIlquham cicblog.com/comments.html

- Dear Jane Taber (No. III) . . . ah ah aaaa "Lame Saber" chooo, sorry sneezed

see below:

12/12/2009 11:52:32 AM
For all you 'Lame Sabers' out there.

If Gloria Galoway can write a political piece that actually is topical, informative and fairly even balanced, why can't Jane Taber.

. . ah ah aaaa "Lame Saber" chooo, sorry sneezed again.

(See the G&M article "Tories fire session-ending shot at Liberals")

Actually, Lady Jane has come up with some fairly reasonable pieces in the past. That just begs the question more - Why did she publish this one.

Could it be, what I suggested: "anything to try to undermine confidence in the Liberals ...Perhaps Lady Jane sees the writing on the wall and is looking for some job security in the Senate"

You be the judge.

Lloyd MacIlquham cicblog.com/comments.html

- Harper, 'Thanks For the Memories' - continued

Tories fire session-ending shot at Liberals, Gloria Galloway,Dec. 11, 2009
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/tories-fire-session-ending-shot-at-liberals/article1397744/ Tab 29

Thanks Harper, Thanks MacKay, Thanks O'Connor, Thanks Baird, Thanks Prentice, Thanks Van Loan, Thanks Nicholson, Thanks Toews - nice work guys.

Harper, Baird, Cannon fail to point out that the Liberal government had obtained Approved Destination Status in Jan.'05. Harper's 'in-your-face' 'Insult Diplomacy' delayed implementation of the Approved Destination Status by China for 4 years and compelled its President to publicly, while in the International spotlight, rebuke Harper - Bravo!
See: David Emerson on the Industry Canada Website, dated 21 Jan.'05, where he announced "Canada Granted Approved Destination Status by Chinese Government" (ic.gc.ca/eic/site/ic1.nsf/eng/02331.html)

And Canada may take prominence on the Global Scene in the not too distant future, if the International Criminal Court, in The Hague, decides to investigate Harper, MacKay, O'Connor and the Con government's transferring Afghan prisoners to the Afghan authorities in 2006. Thanks MacKay, Thanks O'Connor. Here! Here!

The bank of Canada is warning all Canadians about the amount of debt and the difficulties when it raises interest rates. What is going to happen to the Federal Government Finances, given the enormous debt and deficits brought in by Harper and Flaherty. Thanks Harper, Thanks Flaherty. Can't Wait!

What about the Harper make-over of Canada's International image - "Corrupt Petro-State" "Dirty Old Man" award - Nice - Thanks Harper, Thanks Baird, Thanks Prentice. Nice!

The attack on Colvin's credibility is, of course, outrageous. Thanks Harper, Thanks Harper, Thanks MacKay, Thanks Baird, Thanks Hawn. So, is the 10%-er slandering Irwin Cotler, Ignatieff and the Liberal Party. Thanks Toews. Clever!

Harper and the Con's "Tough on Crime" is no more than an emotional appeal to the Con's right wing voter base. Harper's approach is deliberately devoid of logic, rationality and fact based policy development. Harper and the Con's have nothing to support their position. In fact, all the evidence points to the exact opposite. This is illustrated by the Report released by Graham Stewart, Prof Michael Jackson, et al, in late September, "A Flawed Compass". The response by the Con’s: “The professor has a different philosophy than us,” Public Safety Minister Peter Van Loan (to CBC). Thanks Van Loan, Thanks Nicholson. Deep!

Although I must say that Harper's vision of the nation of Canada as a bankrupt, third-world, very loose collection of 'autonomous states' fighting amongst each other and paying little more than lip service to Canada as federation, … oh, did I mention 'tough on crime', explains Harper's attitude of do nothing about Global Warming and our children be damned - that is, why bother, why go to the effort and expense. God Save Canada!

The Harper, and the Con’s generally, style politics is of distortion, cover-up, duplicity, deception, obscuration and obfuscation, suppression of truth and, slandering, mud slinging and character assassination in lieu of serious and sober response to important issues.

Why, you ask. If Canadians were told the truth by Harper, Flaherty, Baird, Prentice, Van Loan and the Con's I would be very surprised if they still though that Canada was on the right track.

Lloyd MacIlquham cicblog.com/comments.html

- Harper, 'Thanks for the Memories'

Tories fire session-ending shot at Liberals, Gloria Galloway,Dec. 11, 2009
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/tories-fire-session-ending-shot-at-liberals/article1397744/Tab 28

Harper and the Con's have developed the biggest propaganda machine seen in Western democracies in
recent history that they have no hesitation in using no matter how reprehensible and morally and
secularly dishonest, approaching Canadians solely on an emotional level, with a total disregard for the truth.

One can only wonder to what extent, given the huge amounts of tax payers money, as well as Con Party money, Harper spends on media - central to the smooth running of their propaganda machine, the Harper and Con largess is tied to media that publish pro-Con materials.

It's pathetic commentary on the Canadian Media when Canadians have to rely on the International Media to get a truth picture and perspective of the damage that Harper, MacKay and all the Con's are doing to not only our International image, but this great nation of ours.

The Harper, and the Con’s generally, style politics is of distortion, cover-up, duplicity, deception, obscuration and obfuscation, suppression of truth and, slandering, mud slinging and character assassination in lieu of serious and sober response to important issues.

Harper and the Con's attitude to Science and Scientific research are in the dank ages and Crime reminiscent of the irrationality surrounding witch-hunts and the Inquisition.

When you look at the huge deficit Harper is racking up, and you look at the "do-nothing" approach to Global Warming - one can only wonder, just what does Harper have against our children and our children's children anyway.

It is outrageous to think of how our forefathers and mothers spent their blood, sweat and tears to build our nation over many generations and how Harper and his position on Global Warming; his transferring Afghan detainees to Afghan authorities who then torture them; his mind boggling budget deficits, which Harper and the Con's are spending as if it were their own, are destroying in a few, not so short, years. God save Canada!"

Lloyd MacIlquham cicblog.com/comments.html

- Dear Jane Taber (No. II) . . . ah ah aaaa "Lame Saber" chooo, sorry sneezed

Rumours of coup greatly exaggerated, Rae says, JANE TABER,
Dec. 12, 2009
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/rumours-of-coup-greatly-exaggerated-rae-says/article1398289/

Re - My post (at 9:20 am, below) discussing Jane Taber and my post "This is to all the 'Lame Sabers' in the Canadian Media"

Last time in about 20 minutes I got over 220 Thumbs Down.

This time I added:

"Oh, and did I mention, Jane Taber is incredibly biased towards the Con's, which explains this article - anything to try to undermine confidence in the Liberals

Perhaps Lady Jane sees the writing on the wall and is looking for some job security in the Senate."

This time in the first 30 minutes I have only 7 Thumbs Down.

Is it because it's 9:30 Saturday morning in the X'mas season and people have been partying all night. Who, knows.

I don't agree with very much Norman Spector has to say and I feel he is about as biased as you get. I must admit that I have posted some comments along those line in his Columns. Does Normal Spector get his friends to surreptitiously 'Dis' my with 'Thumbs down' votes. No, he posts a reply to my Comments for everyone to see where he stands on the issue. Of course, he may not have that many people he can codgle (?) into voting against someone without good reason.

I guess in this day of Internet, any Newspaper can easily afford to have any reporter write just about anything, no matter how trivial or nonsensical, and publish it online. Not to point any fingers
. . . ah ah aaaa "Lame Saber" chooo, sorry sneezed again.

(500 characters left - some many characters and so little time)

Lloyd MacIlquham cicblog.com/comments.html

- Dear Jane Taber . . . ah ah aaaa "Lame Saber" chooo, sorry sneezed

Rumours of coup greatly exaggerated, Rae says, JANE TABER,
Dec. 12, 2009
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/rumours-of-coup-greatly-exaggerated-rae-says/article1398289/

A few days ago I posted something to Jane Taber's article and entitled it

"This is to all the 'Lame Sabers' in the Canadian Media"

I wrote:

"One can only wonder to what extent, given the huge amounts of tax payers money, as well as Con Party money, Harper spends on media - central to the smooth running of their propaganda machine, the Harper and Con largess is tied to media that publish pro-Con materials.

It's pathetic commentary on the Canadian Media when Canadians have to rely on the International Media to get a truth picture and perspective of the damage that Harper, MacKay, O'Connor, Flaherty, Baird, and all the Con's are doing to not only our International image, but this great nation of ours."

It is outrageous to think of how our forefathers and mothers expended their blood, sweat and tears to build our nation over many generations and how Harper and his position on Global Warming, his mind boggling budget deficits, which Harper and the Con's are spending as if it were their own, are destroying in a few, not so short, years. God save Canada!"

While I was writing it I sneezed 'ah ah aaaa "Lame Saber" chooo'

Within 20 minutes I had received over 225 'Downs' and one Up - (Thanks Mom)

I wanted to see what was going on so I posted essentially the same thing again. In the next hour or so it had received 6 Down, (and 2 Up - Mom, you can't vote twice, even if you are in heaven). Then it was pulled down.

I speculated that it was not likely Liberals, NDP or Con's.

That doesn't leave much else.

The reason I am posting this

. . . ah ah aaaa "Lame Saber" chooo, sorry sneezed again.

You be the judge.

Oh, and did I mention, Jane Taber is incredibly biased towards the Con's, which explains this article - anything to try to undermine confidence in the Liberals

Perhaps Lady Jane sees the writing on the wall and is looking for some job security in the Senate.

I wonder if this will get pulled down. Let's see.

Lloyd MacIlquham cicblog.com/comments.html

- Harper, MacKay show the utmost contempt for Parliament.

MPs join forces to order release of Afghan records, Steven Chase and John Ibbitson, 11 Dec.'09
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/mps-join-forces-to-order-release-of-afghan-records/article1396446/ Tab 37

Harper, MacKay, Baird and all the Con's have shown, and are showing, the utmost contempt for Parliament.

Harper has been engaging in a concerted fight to completely sidestep Parliament. Some may argue the Opposition have allowed it. But, when you see the results of Ignatieff in the Summer standing up and saying "no more", you can not put the blame on him or the Liberals. It is all those who supported Harper, the Con's and still support them and their running this country, we can turn to to blame.

This is a classic battle between the Administrative Arm and the Democratic Arm of Canadian Government. This type of fight has, of course, occurred hroughout the history of civilization. When the administrative branch wins we call it 'dictatorship', 'totalitarianism', 'oligarchy', etc.

When the democratic arm wins we call it 'rule by the people, for the people'; 'rule by the will of the people'; 'freedom'; oh, and did I mention, 'Democracy'.

One indicator that betrays the intentions of those in the Administrative arm, is the extent to which they try to woo the military arm, the extent to which they try to associate themselves with the military, the extent to which they go around wrapping themselves in the flag and, of course the other side of the coin, the extent to which they accuse their 'enemy' of not supporting the military, attacking the military.

Another indicator is the fashion in which they approach their supporters, with emotionalism as opposed to rationalism. When their position of power is threatened they incite their diehard supporters to a frenzy. One must keep in mind that if only 10 - 15% of the population is animated to overthrow a political system, it's gone.

Never in Canada, you say. All I can say is, I hope to God, you're right and I'm wrong.

Perhaps the Opposition can bring a motion, private member's bill, establishing a Public Inquiry into the Afghan detainee transfer and cover-up. I would.

Lloyd MacIlquham cicblog.com/comments.html

also:

submitted 11:25am PST
Lives at risk if Afghan info release: Day, CBC News, December 11, 2009
http://www.cbc.ca/politics/story/2009/12/11/day-documents.html

- "Debt Men - and Women - Walking" - How is China's exports rising good news for Canada

Fresh data fuel hopes for global recovery, Martin Crutsinger, The Associated Press, Dec. 11, 2009
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/fresh-data-fuel-hopes-for-global-recovery/article1396875/ Tab 3

With interest rates about to jump in the US in January and in Canada a few months later. And with individuals' debt, company debts, all levels of Government debts at the highest level, by far.

The fact that retail sales has increased during what is traditionally the big retail season, compared to the worst X'mas season imaginable last year can hardly be conclusive evidence of a recovering economy either in the US or Canada.

Also the key here is that China's exports are increasing. How is that good news for Canada's economics.

Interest rates will increase. Most economists in other countries are already pointing to the economic tsunami that awaits us when this happens.

This is a serious concern, more immediate than Global Warming, more far reaching than Afghan transferees being tortured.

When you look at the huge deficit Harper, Flaherty and the Con's are racking up, and you look at the "do-nothing" approach to Global Warming - one can only wonder, just what does Harper and the Con's have against our children and our children's children anyway.
When the Federal Government finances start to collapse under the weight of the debt and when the personal and company bankruptcies start to exponentiate, what will Harper have to say then - "we saved the Canadian economy", "steady as she goes", "even hand on the keel", "let the market forces prevail", "minimize Federal Government interference", "it's the Laissez faire way or the highway".

It will be interesting to see who Harper blames - I've noticed that Harper and his Con's always seem to have someone else to blame for their mistakes.

If Canadians were told the truth by Harper, Flaherty, Baird, Prentice, Van Loan and the Con's I would be very surprised if they still though that Canada was on the right track.

Lloyd MacIlquham cicblog.com/comments.html

- "Debt Men - and Women - Walking" - just what does Harper and the Con's have against our children and our children's children anyway

Submitted: 6:30pm PST, 10 Dec.'09
Bank of Canada warns of debt peril, December 10, 2009
http://www.cbc.ca/money/story/2009/12/10/carney-financial-system-review.html

Sounds like we're "Debt Men - and Women - Walking"

Harper, Flaherty, Baird, Van Loan, Prentice and all the Con's have been going around spending tens of millions of dollars to get the Canadian people to identify the stimulus spending with Harper and the Con's, while Canada racks up the largest deficit by far, ever, Canada be damned.

Of course, if you think the deficit is large now just wait until the interest rates are increased by 2 points.

Interest rates will increase. Most economists in other countries are already pointing to the economic tsunami that awaits us when this happens.

This is a serious concern, more immediate than Global Warming, more far reaching than Afghan transferees being tortured.

When you look at the huge deficit Harper, Flaherty and the Con's are racking up, and you look at the "do-nothing" approach to Global Warming - one can only wonder, just what does Harper and the Con's have against our children and our children's children anyway.

I hope Harper, Flaherty and the other Con's are still around so that we may "stick their noses in it" - figuratively, of course. Actually, I would prefer that they get the boot right now and we put someone in Office that will actually do something to save us.

Keep in mind that because of the good work of the previous Liberal government, the Federal Government finances were in very good shape and Canadian Banks even better. Harper and Flaherty have destroyed the Federal Finances and have run around the world taking credit for the strong position of our Banks.

When the Federal Government finances start to collapse under the weight of the debt and when the personal and company bankruptcies start to exponentiate, what will Harper have to say then - "we saved the Canadian economy", "steady as she goes", "even hand on the keel", "let the market forces prevail", "minimize Federal Government interference", "it's the Laissez faire way or the highway".

It will be interesting to see who Harper blames - I've noticed that Harper and his Con's always seem to have someone else to blame for their mistakes.

Apparently many people are satisfied with the direction Canada is taking right now. The problem is that we are not being made aware of what lies ahead. It is the Federal government 's responsibility to be truthful with us and inform us, and in timely fashion, so that we, all as a nation, and individually, may properly prepare. Harper's approach is the exact opposite - hide information, distorting the truth, obstruct, attack the character of anyone who dares to stand up against them. Ignorance is bliss, but it is not forward looking.

It should be clear to all that interest rates can not stay this low for ever.

Lloyd MacIlquham cicblog.com/comments.html

- Peter MacKay word unreliable - a euphemism for liar - you judge

Excerpt posted to: Ottawa Notebook, Torture weighs on Tories,
Jane Taber, December 10, 2009
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/blogs/bureau-blog/torture-weighs-on-tories/article1395447/ Tab 7

Peter MacKay word unreliable - a euphemism for liar - you judge

Polls shows 61% of Canadians accept Mr. Colvin’s testimony over MacKay's, Harper, Hawn's refutation.

Surprise, Surprise, - not.

This is simply a manifestation of the 33%, or so, diehard supporters of Harper and the Con's, who, obviously, will support them, blindly and no matter what they say or do, to the bitter end. However, this is important to note and everyone in Canada should keep this in mind. One need only look at how Harper, Baird, Van Loan and all the Con's were able to rouse them with their call-to-arms a year ago.

My take on listening to people yesterday was that what Peter MacKay has to say is unreliable, whether that is a euphemism for liar, you judge.

I watched MacKay 'testify' at the Parliamentary Committee yesterday and the most striking thing to me was how closely it resembled the hallmarks of the guilty.

MacKay's viscous attack on Ujjal Dosanjh when he asked a question was totally predictable (see my posts yesterday) and typical of a person who is guilty and everyone knows he is guilty. In open court, very seldom do the guilty breakdown and admit their guilt, but to the jury watching their guilt becomes clear. Harper and MacKay don't want a public Inquiry, what could the reason possibly be.

Mr. Dosanjh accused Mr. MacKay of refusing to recognize that circumstantial evidence is enough, in international law, to stop a country from handing detainees to another, and accused him of thwarting the two ongoing investigations.

"There was substantial knowledge of torture in Afghan jails," Mr. Dosanjh said. "Every kid on the ground knew that. All the reports said that. Sir, you continued to transfer prisoners to torture in the name of Canada."

Mr. MacKay responded with controlled anger.

"I will respond to these outrageous allegations that I or any minister of the government would knowingly participate or collude in sending anyone off to torture. That is an outrageous, false and inflammatory accusation from somebody who has served in government and should know better." Pressure on MacKay cranks up after abuse confirmation, By STEPHEN MAHER Ottawa Bureau, 10 Dec. '09
http://thechronicleherald.ca/Front/1156858.html

and,
Liberal defence critic Ujjal Dosanjh went after MacKay hard in the committee, saying "ignorance of facts is no defence and I ask you to step down and relieve yourself of responsibility."

Dosanjh said there was "lots of evidence that there has been substantial risk of torture."

MacKay called Dosanjh's attack an "outrageous, inflammatory, insulting allegation."

http://news.sympatico.ctv.ca/World/ContentPosting?newsitemid=CTVNews%2F20091209%2Fmackay_afghanistan_091209&feedname=CTV-TOPSTORIES_V3&show=False&number=0&showbyline=True&subtitle=&detect=&abc=abc&date=True

MacKay saying that he did not 'willfully', or 'turn an blind eye', allow Canadian troops to transfer Afghan detainees to Afghan authorities to be tortured, is an obviously tactic of the guilty. MacKay is a lawyer, not only that, he was a Crown Attorney (if I recall). He knows all these things and he ought to know that Canadians wouldn't get taken in. Why then, say it. Clearly for his 33% die-hard supporters. The threshold for transferring detainee to torture is far less than that.

The chances of MacKay not knowing this is remote. The chances of MacKay admitting this is remote.

"The jurisprudence from the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia and, most importantly, a recent decision from the International Criminal Court itself, has ruled that even if it is established that military and civilian commanders did not have actual knowledge, that is no defence to a charge of complicity in a war crime.
The standard that has been established is that persons in command must take all reasonable steps to acquire such knowledge and then to take all further necessary and reasonable steps to prevent the continuation of the war crime or to punish the perpetrators."
Errol Mendes "Ignorance is no defence when the subject is torture, Law puts onus on leaders to make every effort to learn about and prevent war crimes
Errol Mendes was a visiting professional at the International Criminal Court at The Hague this year. His book Peace and Justice at the International Criminal Court, A Court of Last Resort will be published early next year.
25 Nov.'09
http://www.thestar.com/comment/article/730337

Another interesting remark by MacKay - vis."I am proud to have associated myself with the military and the diplomats" [sic]. Sounds like a Freudian slip to me. And compare it to what Gar Pardy, retired Canadian diplomat, had to say the other day "Harper has been going around the world lately wrapping himself in the Canadian flag, but has achieving only to sully it". Clearly a strategy of Harper and MacKay is to identify themselves with the military. But, why. For one, they may be hoping it will save their bacon - keep in mind potential criminal investigations by the International Criminal Courts, not to mention for Canadian criminal laws. Other motives - you tell me.

Lloyd MacIlquham cicblog.com/comments.html

Excerpts Also Submitted to:

Natynczyk in the dark on Afghan prisoner's history, Steven Chase and Campbell Clark, 10 Dec.'09Tab 9

Opposition demands MacKay resign over detainees, CTV.ca News Staff, 10 Dec.'09

submitted: 11:35am, PST, 11 Dec.'09
Most Canadians believe Afghan detainees tortured: poll, December 10, 2009
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2009/12/09/ekos-poll009.html

- Peter MacKay, Do The Honourable Thing - Come Clean and Resign

Natynczyk makes major reversal on detainee story, CTV.ca News Staff, Dec. 9 2009
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20091209/mackay_oconnor_091209/20091209?hub=TopStoriesV2#commentSection submitted: 11:48 am, PST, to CTV

Harper and MacKay have a self-image of being warriors.

However, the hallmark of a warrior is honesty, integrity and honour.

MacKay the way of the warrior would be to stand in front of the Commons Committee today and do the honourable thing - "seppuku "the modern figurative meaning being "spill you guts". Take responsibility for your actions, as be a real warrior.

If anyone wants to see what a true warrior handles themselves take a look at what Gen. Walter Natynczyk did today. He stood up and explained for all Canadians to hear that he had said something that wasn't true yesterday - vis.: the Afghan passed to Afghan authorities and mistreated (e.g. torture) had not been detained and that he learned last night that that wasn't true.

Natynczyk did the honourable thing, given the context.

MacKay is obviously going to say that he was not aware of any Afghan detainees transferred to Afghan authorities and has said there was no evidence of such.

What MacKay fails to point out that it was his and O'Connor's and Harper 'sand all the Con government's job to investigate and determine that no such thing was, in fact, occurring and ensure that no such thing would occur. This is especially true when Harper decided to up the activities of our troops in Afghanistan to out and out combat in 2006.

Harper has been going around the world lately wrapping himself in the Canadian flag, but achieving only to sully it (Gar Pardy, retired Canadian diplomat speaking on: active diplomats may not be wiling to stand up to Harper and MacKay after seeing the insult as and character assassination Colvin suffered and in the Canadian media where he couldn't defend his honour).

Lloyd MacIlquham cicblog.com/comments.html

- MacKay Do The Honourable Thing - "seppuku " - figuratively - i.e. "spill your guts and resign"

Submitted, 10:07 am PST, to:
Canadians had detained abused suspect: general, December 9, 2009, CBC News
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2009/12/09/natynczyk-detainee.html#socialcomments Tab 79

Harper and MacKay think they are warriors.

However, the hallmark of a warrior is honesty, integrity and honour.

MacKay, the way of the warrior would be to stand in front of the Committee today and do the honourable thing - "seppuku " - figuratively - i.e. "spill your guts and resign". Take responsibility for your actions. Be a true warrior.

If anyone wants to see how a true warrior handles themselves take a look at Gen. Walter Natynczyk today. He stood up for all Canadians to hear that he had said something that wasn't true yesterday - the Afghan passed to Afghan authorities and mistreated had not been detained and that he learned last night that that wasn't true.

Natynczyk did the honourable thing.

MacKay is obviously going to say that he was not aware of any Afghan detainees transferred to Afghan authorities and has said there was no evidence of such.

MacKay's and Harper's job was to investigate and determine that no such thing was, in fact, occurring and ensure that no such thing would occur - especially true because Harper decided to up the activities of our troops in Afghanistan to out and out combat in 2006.

MacKay and Harper, rather than approach this issue in 2006 - 2007 in a reasonable fashion, respond in a meaningful fashion to the, quite legitimate, inquiries of Afghan detainee transfers, they denied everything, hid information, obstructed and distorted and insulted and attacked the credibility of whomever crossed their path and all that dare to stand up to them - and they are still doing this - and Canada be damned.

Harper has been going around the world lately wrapping himself in the Canadian flag, but has achieving only to sully it (Gar Pardy, retired Canadian diplomat).

Lloyd MacIlquham cicblog.com/comments.html

- What Will MacKay Say to the Parliamentary Committee Today

Ottawa Notebook, Peter MacKay reaches for the eggnog, December 9, 2009, Jane Taber
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/blogs/bureau-blog/peter-mackay-reaches-for-the-eggnog/article1393826/ Tab 7

If anyone wants to predict what MacKay might say today?

With the possibility of War Crimes and Crimes against Humanity allegations by the International Criminal Court (not to mention domestic Canadian Criminal law) staring him in the face.

MacKay is likely to respond to any questions by Opposition MP's in the same way that got him into this trouble in the first place, and the way he has been responding ever since then - hostility, aggression, insults, character assassination, accusations, avoidance, obscuration, obstruction, hiding behind "national security classification" ( I wonder how far that goes at The Hague) and generally, contempt for Parliament and those who are doing the job we Canadians sent them there for, or at 2/3rds of Canadians, anyway.

If I were one of men or women in uniform I would be demanding that the truth be revealed and immediately. MacKay and Harper's aggressive, in-your-face actions in 2006 may very well have placed our troops in harm's way, vis-a-vis Int'l Human Rights and War Crimes Laws, and even Canadian Criminal Laws, and Afghan detainee transfers, after Harper up'd Canada's participation to direct fighting when the came into power in 2006. If Canadians have to wait until the truth be revealed at the International Criminal Court, in the Hague, in the spotlight for all nations to see, they may be in a very bad mood about it all. If we bring the truth to light domestically, through a Public Inquiry Canadians may very well be more disposed to understanding just how difficult it is to answer the call of duty in the context of present day International laws and fighting on foreign soil, supporting our troops and turn towards Harper, MacKay and O'Connor and all Con's for justice.

- MacKay's, Harper's and all the Con's demonstrated contempt for Parliament.

- MacKay, Harper, Baird, and the other Con's approach to any criticism is to insult and attack the character of those that are criticizing, as opposed to dealing with the issue in a rational, civil fashion, as was and is their duty as Parliamentarians and those running the our Government.

- MacKay, Harper, Baird, and the other Con's have been doing this all along. They have no interest in the truth, doing what's right (morally, that is) or properly addressing the issues of the day. They only are concerned with grabbing onto power and maintaining it, at any cost, and Canada be damned.

- MacKay, Harper, Baird, and the other Con's actions are coming back to haunt them. Rather than approach this issue in 2006 - 2007 in a reasonable fashion as was, and is, their duty as the government and respond in a meaningful, useful fashion to the, quite legitimate, criticism of Afghan detainee transfers, they denied everything, hid information, obstructed and distorted and insulted and attacked the credibility of whomever crossed their path - sounds like what they are doing now with Colvin and all other that dare to stand up to them. They didn't have to take that approach but that is what they are all about, as I said, Canada be damned.

- If I were one of men or women in uniform I would be demanding that the truth be revealed and immediately. MacKay and Harper's aggressive, in-your-face actions in 2006 may very well have placed our troops in harm's way, vis-a-vis Int'l Human Rights and War Crimes Laws, and even Canadian Criminal Laws, and Afghan detainee transfers, after Harper up'd Canada's participation to direct fighting when the came into power in 2006. If Canadians have to wait until the truth be revealed at the International Criminal Court, in the Hague, in the spotlight for all nations to see, they may be in a very bad mood about it all. If we bring the truth to light domestically, through a Public Inquiry Canadians may very well be more disposed to understanding just how difficult it is to answer the call of duty in the context of present day International laws and fighting on foreign soil, supporting our troops and turn towards Harper, MacKay and O'Connor and all Con's for justice.

The problem is that this is on the record for all to see and now they are even more desperate since not only do they have they original issue staring them in the face again, they have their original denials, attacks, cover-up as well.

Lloyd MacIlquham cicblog.com/comments.htm

- Global Warming - We can't afford to label "urgency" as "panic","passionate advocacy" as 'irrational'

- Global Warming - If There Is More Than a Mere Possibility We Must Act Now (see below) ... continued ...

(unfortuantely posting comments was closed when I read Jerky's comment)

Jerky wrote: "I not sure I understand your panic but man I'll defend to the death your right to be irrational "

We can't afford to label "urgency" as "panic". Nor can we afford to label "passionate advocacy" as 'irrational'.

It may not be urgent for you but that is the exact point. We must take urgent action, not for ourselves, but for our children. It may be irrational to you to have to pay out money now for something that won't affect you, but we made the problem, we are in the position to do something about it before it is too late. Saying that is economically expensive is a mere shirking of our responsibilities.

I agree that one person can't do much, except, passionately advocate that everyone get together and do all they can. Harper motives are manifestly clear and they are not for the good of Canadians, current or future generations. I agree with Goalie, Harper 'fudges the truth" and "slanders" all that would dare to stand up to him. I can only say, give Harper and the Con's the boot.

Lloyd MacIlquham cicblog.com/comments.html

- Global Warming - If There Is More Than a Mere Possibility We Must Act Now

Travers: O Canada, the world's 'dirty old man', A privileged generation chose to roll the dice on its children's future, James Travers National Affairs Columnist, Dec 8 2009
http://www.thestar.com/news/sciencetech/environment/copenhagensummit/article/735644--travers-o-canada-the-world-s-dirty-old-man#article

If there is anything more than a mere possibility of suffering the predicted catastrophic consequences of heretofore never seen proportions, both in terms of human suffering and in terms of economic loss,
of the effects of Global Warming,

Then, we, each and every person in Canada, both individually and as a nation, must stand up to Harper, Baird, Prentice and anyone who supports the them, tell them to crawl back to wherever the came from, roll up our sleeves and manifest the political and moral Will to take the action that so urgently must be taken and before it is too late.

The concept of Global Warming will only be a 100% certainty when it actually occurs and then like the Flat Earth Society, there will still be residual Con's denying it.

The standard of proof for action can not be 100% certainty. And Harper and the Con's insisting on this is merely obscuration, obstruction in order to avoid having to do anything about it. The reasons are purely political, as is everything Harper and the Con's do, and Canada and our children and our children's children, be damned.

Dumping Global Warming on our children and our children's children is economic suicide and societal genocide. The big problem, of course, and this is a huge difference that every Canadian ought to think about when listened to Harper Con's like this one, is:

It is not us, personally, that will suffer but someone else. Unfortunately, those someone else will be, as I said and it is worth repeats, our children and our children's children.

"Corrupt Petro-State" award or the "Dirty Old Man" award - Nice - Thanks Harper, Thanks Baird, Thanks Prentice.

*****

I can only hope that in 50 years there will be a Canada as we know it and when they look back, they don't simply blame all of us, as a whole, for the damage done by Global Warming, but put the blame where it ought to lie - with Harper, Baird, Prentice all the Con's and all those Canadians that support Harper and the Con's. Perhaps all these articles and posting will still be circulating on the Internet so that they can see for themselves just exactly who it was that doomed them and for their own selfish reasons.

Global Warming - Nice legacy - Thanks Harper, Thanks Baird, Thanks Prentice (whose lack of visibility is so stark, and shocking given the current events, I had to look up who the current Minister of Environment was).

Of course, Canada's problem here, other than Harper general obstructionist, right wing extremist, approach, is Harper declaring that Canada's efforts in protecting out children's heritage is tied to the Americans.

Although I must say that Harper's vision of the nation of Canada as a bankrupt, third-world, very loose collection of 'autonomous states' fighting amongst each other and paying little more than lip service to Canada as federation, … oh, did I mention 'tough on crime', explains Harper's attitude of do nothing about Global Warming and our children be damned - that is, why bother, why go to the effort and expense.

- The Harper Legacy - "Corrupt Petro-State"; "Dirty Old Man Canada"

Bye-bye binding climate deal, Norman Spector, December 8, 2009
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/blogs/spector-vision/bye-bye-binding-climate-deal/article1392391/ Tab 4,

How about the "Corrupt Petro-State" award or the "Dirty Old Man" award

Thank Harper, Thanks Baird, Thanks Prentice (whose lack of visibility is so stark, and shocking given the current events, I had to look up who the current Minister of Environment was).

Of course, Canada's problem here, other than Harper general obstructionist, right wing extremist, approach, is Harper declaring that Canada's efforts in protecting out children's heritage is tied to the Americans.

Although I must say that Harper's vision of the nation of Canada as a bankrupt, third-world, very loose collection of 'autonomous states' fighting amongst each other and paying little more than lip service to Canada as federation, … oh, did I mention 'tough on crime', explains Harper's attitude of do nothing about Global Warming and our children be damned - that is, why bother, why go to the effort and expense.

Lloyd MacIlquham cicblog.com/comments.html

Reply at Tab 5:

'Johnny Test'??? wrote:"Lloyd Macilquham . . . That's because we do 85% of our trade with them. Dumping a tough target on our companies while American ones get a free ride is economic suicide."

'Johnny Test', or, whomever you are.

Dumping Global Warming on our children and our children's children is economic suicide.

The only difference, and this is a huge difference that every Canadian ought to think about when listened to Harper Con's like this one.

It is not us, personally, that will suffer but someone else.

Unfortunately, those someone else's will be, as I said and it is worth repeats, our children and our children's children.

I can only hope that in 50 years there will be a Canada as we know it and when they look back, they don't simply blame all of us, as a whole, for the damage done by Global Warming, but put the blame where it ought to lie - with Harper, Baird, Prentice all the Con's and all those Canadians that support Harper and the Con's.

However, I can see why Con supporters might not use their real names when posting comments that support Harper's 'Do-Nnothing' stance on Global Warming - all these Postings may still be circulating on the Internet in 50 years - nice legacy.

I can understand Norman Spector taking the position he does, after all he was a Mulroney adviser (if I'm not mistaken) - nuff said. On the other hand he at least has the conviction of his beliefs to put his name to his opinions. I don't agree with him very often, but I respect that about Spector - i.e. despite having some really bizarre, extremely partizan right wing, opinions over the years, he stands up to be counted and puts his name to them.

12/7/2009 1:29:39 PM
This is to all the 'Lame Sabers' in the Canadian Media … continued see below (Tab 7)

227 votes against my first posting "This is to all the 'Lame Sabers' in the Canadian Media" and in the span of 30 minutes (and one in favour - thanks Mom) (see tab 5)

1 (one) vote against my second posting "This is to all the 'Lame Sabers' in the Canadian Media … continued" and in the span of 30 minutes (and two in favour - Mom your not allowed to vote twice, even from heaven) . (see tab 5)

What is just as interesting is that my second post "This is to all the 'Lame Sabers' in the Canadian Media … continued" was in the same vein as my first post.

Con supporters don't normally gang up so fast and if there were 227 of them waiting in the wings, so to speak, to pounce when some unsuspecting blogger posted their comment, in good faith at that, you would think that they would pounce on my second post as well and just as quickly. Also, you would think that they wouldn't let my comments stand and so would be trashing me with reply postings.

Then who is pouncing in such great numbers to my post and who has the ability to do it so quickly. And who would vote against my comments and not post replies and running the risk of being found out. It couldn't be the Liberals and I would be surprised if were the NDP and I've covered the Con's - also they may hide their identity but everyone can tell a Con when the read one.

Who does that leave? I won't mention any names, ah ah aaaa "Lame Saber" chooo - sorry sneezed again.

Anyone with a suggestion please Post it.

PS - But I have to say I am surprised Jane Taber has let my Comments stand - perhaps getting 227 votes against so quickly was a good thing - perhaps Taber wants everyone to see how Canadians have dissed my comments and so quickly.

Lloyd MacIlquham cicblog.com/comments.html

- This is to all the 'Lame Sabers' in the Canadian Media. … continued

"This is to all the 'Lame Sabers' in the Canadian Media" ... continued see below

197 votes against my first posting "This is to all the 'Lame Sabers' in the Canadian Media" and in the span of 20 minutes.

Wow, I must have said something right (morally right that is).

Please let me know what it was.

Lloyd MacIlquham cicblog.com/comments.html

- This is to all the 'Lame Sabers' in the Canadian Media. … continued

12/7/2009 12:57:59 PM
This is to all the 'Lame Sabers' in the Canadian Media. … continued (see below)

It is no wonder that Global Warming activists in Canada feel compelled to climb to the top of the Parliamentary Building to cry out their message.

They have to do something exceptionally astounding in order to catch the attention of the International Media so they will print their concerns so Canadians can read it, undistorted. We certainly can't rely on the Canadian Media for this. Who cares about how good Harper is at spin.

I won't mention any names, ah ah aaaa "Lame Saber" chooo - sorry sneezed again.

It's pathetic commentary on the Canadian Media when Canadians have to rely on the International Media to get a truth picture and perspective of the damage that Harper, MacKay, O'Connor, Flaherty, Baird, and all the Con's are doing to not only our International image, but this great nation of ours.

It is outrageous to think of how our forefathers and mothers expended their blood, sweat and tears to build our nation over many generations and how Harper and his position on Global Warming, his mind boggling budget deficits, which Harper and the Con's are spending as if it were their own, are destroying in a few, not so short, years.

God save Canada!

Or, should I say God helps those who help themselves - let's take Canada's destiny into our own hands, and give Harper, MacKay, Baird, O'Connor, Toews, Van Loan and all the Con's the boot.

(PS - wow over 500 character left for this post - so many characters and so little time - but it might not matter, I'll be lucky if Jane Taber doesn't pull this one down)

Lloyd MacIlquham cicblog.com/comments.html

Ottawa Notebook, Eco-activists storm the Hill
Jane Taber , December 7, 2009
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/blogs/bureau-blog/eco-activists-storm-the-hill/article1391264/ Tab 4

This is to all the 'Lame Sabers' in the Canadian Media.

"Dirty Canada" "Corrupt Petro-State"

This is what the International Press is reporting these days about Canada.

And if the proverbial S... hits the International fan regarding the transfer of Afghan prisoners to Afghan authorities, and especially if the International Criminal Court, in The Hague, decides to investigate Harper, MacKay, O'Connor and the Con government's transferring Afghan prisoners to the Afghan authorities in 2006, they will likely have a lot worse things to say about Canada. And, we have nobody but ourselves, or at least those who support Harper, to blame.

What does the Canadian Press say regarding all this negative press against Canada's previously stellar International reputation. They blame Ignatieff and expound the wonders of Harper's 'mastery' of spin.

I won't mention any names, ah ah aaaa "Lame Saber" chooo - sorry I sneezed.

One can only wonder to what extent, given the huge amounts of tax payers money, as well as Con Party money, Harper spends on media - central to the smooth running of their propaganda machine, the Harper and Con largess is tied to media that publish pro-Con materials.

It is no wonder that Global Warming activists in Canada feel compelled to climb to the top of the Parliamentary Building to give their message. They have to do something exceptionally astounding in order to catch the attention of the International so they will print their concerns so Candians can read it. Who cares about how good Harper is at spin.

It's pathetic commentary on the Canadian Media when Canadians have to rely on the International Media to get a truth picture and perspective of the damage that Harper, MacKay, O'Connor, Flaherty, Baird, and all the Con's are doing to not only our International image, but this great nation of ours.

It is outrageous to think of how our forefathers and mothers expended their blood, sweat and tears to build our nation over many generations and how Harper and his position on Global Warming, his mind boggling budget deficits, which Harper and the Con's are spending as if it were their own, are destroying in a few, not so short, years. God save Canada!

Lloyd MacIlquham cicblog.com/comments.html

- Canada considered a "corrupt petro-state” by the International community? - Thanks Harper - good work.

'Dirty' image puts Canada in climate doghouse at Copenhagen, Eric Reguly and Nathan Vanderklippe, Dec. 07, 2009
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/climate-change/dirty-image-puts-canada-in-climate-doghouse-at-copenhagen/article1390657/ Tab 61

When Harper became Prime Minister one of the first announcements he made was to declare Canada an "Energy Super-Power".

One may dispute whether that was true at the time or not.

But, after just about 4 years as Prime Minister, Harper has changed the perception of Canada on the International stage from "Energy Superpower" to "corrupt petro-state.”

Thanks Harper, or rather should I say, thanks to everyone who supports Harper and keep him in power.

If our previous stellar International reputation is tarnished we only have ourselves to blame, or at least those who support Harper and his gang of Con's.

God save Canada!

Or, should I say God helps those who help themselves - let's take Canada's destiny into our own hands, and give Harper, MacKay, Baird, O'Connor, Toews, Van Loan and all the Con's the boot.

Lloyd MacIlquham cicblog.com/comments.html

- And Flaherty pushes bigger global role - God Save Canada!

Flaherty pushes bigger global role, Kevin Carmichael, Dec. 07, 2009
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/flaherty-pushes-bigger-global-role/article1390617/ Tab 2

Harper, Flaherty, MacKay, Baird and all the Con's have already given Canada quite a reputation on the International stage, a 'bigger' negative, aggressionist and obstructionist role globally.

One need only read the current headlines in the Global media regarding Harper's obstructionist "Take No Action" stance on Global Warming and that the Tar Sands are quickly becoming the symbol of "Dirty Canada". Oh, sorry, he is following Obama. Well, Harper, take a look at what Obama, the US and other country in the World, that take their moral and legal obligations seriously, have to say about your position and the Tar Sands.

One need only look at Harper's 'in-your-face' 'Insult Diplomacy' that delayed implementation of the Approved Destination Status by China for 4 years and compelled its President to publicly, while in the International spotlight, rebuke Harper - thanks, Harper.

And Canada may take prominence on the Global Scene in the not too distant future, if the International Criminal Court, in The Hague, decides to investigate Harper, MacKay, O'Connor and the Con government's transferring Afghan prisoners to the Afghan authorities in 2006.

Canadians put Harper in the position to do this, some might say with predictable results, and Canadians allowed Harper, MacKay, O'Connor and the Con's to respond to legitimate and important questions by the Opposition in 2006 with in-your-face attitude, insults and viscous personal attacks, rather than take appropriate steps to ensure there is no question of violating International Human Rights and War Crime Laws, give real and pertinent answers. So, if our previous stellar International reputation is tarnished we only have ourselves to blame, or at least those who support Harper and his gang of Con's.

And Flaherty wants to take a bigger global role - God save Canada!

If Harper and the other Con's really were concerned about Canada's image and role Globally, they would resign.

Lloyd MacIlquham cicblog.com/comments.html

- It is time to Stand Up, Be Counted, Expose Harper for What He Is

To James Tarvers and all te Reproters in Canada:

It is easy to point to Ignatieff and say he has dropped the ball.

But what about all those people who voted against Harper and want him out of power, yes even those Liberals amongst them.

It is time every one in Canada who wants to re-establish Democracy to stand up and let themselves be counted. With the support of the people I have no doubt that Ignatieff will rise to the occasion.

The media is not off the hook either. Aside from it being their country too; as Harper himself said the media ought to be "[shining a] light into dark corners" of government and "assist the process of holding governments accountable”.

Instead, the media would rather criticize Ignatieff. One can only wonder to what extent, given the huge amounts of tax payers money, as well as Con Party money, Harper spends on media - central to the smooth running of their propaganda machine, the Harper and Con largess is tied to media that publish pro-Con materials.

Harper and the Con's have developed the biggest propaganda machine seen in Western democracies in
recent history that they have no hesitation in using no matter how reprehensible and morally and
secularly dishonest, approaching Canadians on an emotional level, with a total disregard for the truth.

The Harper, and the Con’s generally, style politics is of distortion, cover-up, duplicity, deception, obscuration and obfuscation, suppression of truth and, slandering, mud slinging and character assassination in lieu of serious and sober response to important issues. Their attitude to Science and Scientific research are in the dank ages and Crime reminiscent of the irrationality surrounding witch-hunts and the Inquisition.

Lloyd MacIlquham cicblog.com/comments.html

See: Travers: Harper writes the rules, wins the game, James Travers, 5 Dec.'06
http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/article/734849#article

- To The Chinese Leadership, Harper is a mere boy scout - they don't need Harper to Cowtow

Harper’s not for kowtowing, Norman Spector , 4 Dec.'09
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/blogs/spector-vision/harpers-not-for-kowtowing/article1388431/
Tab 19
- Norman, To The Chinese Leadership, Harper's a mere boy scout. The Chines Officials don't need Harper to Cowtow, but like any child he does need a scolding now and then to keep him in line.

You reap what you sow.

The problem is that Harper sowed this discord and we Canadians are reaping the world stage rebuke and damage of trade relations.

Harper's reply is equally embarrassing and typically Harper - try to deflect, no matter how much Bunk you proffer. It is not likely to cause Hu Jing Tao to start tripping over himself from losing face.

Perhaps Harper can list the number of time the Can. Government has approached China to invite them to come to Canada.

You can be sure that Hu Jing Tao's rebuke was very carefully and deliberately designed to send a message, not to Harper - I can't see the Chinese caring very much what Harper, personally, thinks - but to the Canadian people. The timing of the rebuke was also very carefully chosen at a time when all Canadians would hear it directly and openly.

The clear message - Harper you may boast that Canada is an Oil Superpower and you may tout Canada as a source of raw materials. But, Harper you are such small potatoes that we have no reservation of humiliating you while the International light is shining on us. Other countries have Oil and raw materials, who don't take an 'in-your-face' approach and don't insult us to our faces on the International stage. Our culture is 5000 years old, we have just spent 100's of years of suffering and in poverty. We can wait a couple more years for you and your kind to get the boot from Canadians and then re-instate warm, cordial relations as friends and co-horts on the International Stage.

Harper also fails to point out that the Liberal government had obtained Approved Destination Status in Jan.'05 and it was Harper himself with his in-your-face, 'Insult Diplomacy' that caused the Chinese to drop it.(see: David Emerson on the Industry Canada Website, dated 21 Jan.'05, where he announced "Canada Granted Approved Destination Status by Chinese Government" (ic.gc.ca/eic/site/ic1.nsf/eng/02331.html)

Lloyd MacIlquham cicblog.com/comments.html

Posted on December 13, 2009 @ 10:21 am PST
MP touts Asia trip’s accomplishments, December 11,2009 , David Burke/Whistler Question
http://www.coastreporter.net/article/20091211/SECHELT0101/312119974/-1/sechelt01/mp-touts-asia-trip-s-accomplishments

- Honk Kong gets Canada's beef. Canadians get Harper's bull

Canadian beef exporters regain access to Hong Kong, The Canadian Press,Dec. 06, 2009
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/canadian-beef-exporters-regain-access-to-hong-kong/article1390312/ Tab 12

Canada's beef exporters may benefit from this announcement.

But was it really necessary for Harper to go to Hong Kong to get this 'concession'. Especially when you consider that nobody in Hong Kong knows him or cares who he is.

Harper has reduced the Office of Prime Minister of Canada on the Asian stage to that of being a member of Da Shan's entourage.

In China Harper went strutting around like he single handedly got the Approved Destination Status concession from China. He failed to mention that Canada is one of the last countries in the world to be granted this status by China.

He also fails to point out that the Liberal government had obtained Approved Destination Status in January, 2005 and it was Harper himself with his in-your-face, 'Insult Diplomacy' that caused the Chinese to drop it. See the statement by David Emerson on the Industry Canada Website, dated 21 Jan.'05, where he announced "Canada Granted Approved Destination Status by Chinese Government"
( http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/ic1.nsf/eng/02331.html)

Perhaps the real reason Harper went to Hong Kong is to delay having to return to Canada and 'face the music' regarding the Afghan Detainee scandal, the HST undoing of the 2 point reduction on GST, etc.. Evidently Harper is also trying to identify himself with Canada's military, perhaps to deflect the accusations that his actions in 2006 placed our troops in harm's way, vis-a-vis Int'l Human Rights and War Crimes Laws and Afghan detainee transfers, after Harper up'd Canada's participation to direct fighting when the came into power in 2006.

Now Hong Kong doesn't need to ask "Where's the Beef"; and,

Canadians don't have to ask "Where's the bull".

Lloyd MacIlquham cicblog.com/comments.html

- Canadians should be more concerned about the abuse by Harper and the Con's on Canadians and our Economy.

Harper says trade won't stifle human rights talk
Last Updated: Friday, December 4, 2009
http://www.cbc.ca/politics/story/2009/12/04/china-harper-speech.html#socialcommentsTab 63

This can be seen in the current scandals including Harper placing our troops in harm's way, vis-a-vis Int'l Human Rights and War Crimes Laws and Afghan detainee transfers after Harper up'd Canada's participation to direct fighting when the came into power in 2006.

And, for example: If you go to the Gov't site at Industry Canada you can read:

BEIJING, CHINA, JANUARY 21, 2005:
CANADA GRANTED APPROVED DESTINATION STATUS BY CHINESE GOVERNMENT - THE HONOURABLE DAVID L. EMERSON, MINISTER OF INDUSTRY, TODAY ANNOUNCED THAT THE GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA HAS AGREED TO RECOGNIZE CANADA AS AN OFFICIALLY APPROVED TRAVEL DESTINATION. ic.gc.ca/eic/site/ic1.nsf/eng/02331.html

The Approved Destination Status was never implemented in Jan.'05, when it was first announced by China as a direct result of the Liberal Government's efforts, because Harper and his Con's came into power, insulted the Chinese openly on the International Status in the Harper in-your-face diplomacy, and the implementation died 'on the cutting room floor' so to speak.

And who can forget Harper reducing the GST by 2 points despite the overwhelming evidence that it was the exact wrong thing to do.

Lloyd MacIlquham cicblog.com/comments.html

also posted to: Harper stands firm on human rights, PM softens his tone but not his message in speech to Canadian business elite in China, Bill Schiller, Dec 5 2009
http://www.thestar.com/news/world/china/article/734787--harper-stands-firm-on-human-rights?bn=1#article tab 1

- Con'd again by Harper - Approved Destination Status

Scoring in China – without prostituting ourselves, John Ibbitson, December 4, 2009
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/scoring-in-china-without-prostituting-ourselves/article1389642/Tab 27

If you go to the Canadian Government Website at Industry Canada you can read the headlines:

BEIJING, CHINA, JANUARY 21, 2005

CANADA GRANTED APPROVED DESTINATION STATUS BY CHINESE GOVERNMENT

THE HONOURABLE DAVID L. EMERSON, MINISTER OF INDUSTRY, TODAY ANNOUNCED THAT THE GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA HAS AGREED TO RECOGNIZE CANADA AS AN OFFICIALLY APPROVED TRAVEL DESTINATION.

http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/ic1.nsf/eng/02331.html

If Canada was awarded Approved Destination Status under the Liberal Government in January, 2005, 'then what happened'.

Oh, sorry I meant to say 'then Harper happened'.

The Approved Destination Status was never implemented because Harper and his Con's came into power, insulted the Chinese openly on the International Status in the Harper in-your-face, my way or the highway diplomacy, and the implementation died 'on the cutting room floor' so to speak.

Instead of gloating about his self professed great achievement in Beijing this week perhaps Harper could explain why it is that Canadians and the Canadian Economy was required to wait an additional almost 4 years to start to reap the benefits of what the Liberal Party while in government sowed.

The fact of the matter is that Harper had to go to Beijing this Fall humble himself and accept his public humiliation in order for the Beijing Government to bring the Approved Destination Status back on track.

Why, obviously, if British Columbia held the Winter Olympics without Chinese being able to attend, it would be a political disaster for Harper and the Con's, especially in BC and especially after bring in the HST.

Of course, now Harper will claim that he owns the Approved Destination Status file and it was due only to his efforts that we have it.

Con'd by Harper once again! God save Canada!

Lloyd MacIlquham cicblog.com/comments.html

Also submitted to: Don Martin: Harper wins another round, December 05, 2009
http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/fullcomment/archive/2009/12/04/don-martin-china.aspx?CommentPosted=true#commentmessage

Canada 'scratching the surface' with China: Harper, December 4, 2009, Sean Kilpatrick / the Canadian Press
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20091205/harper_china_091205/20091205?hub=TopStoriesV2

Tab 1

- Con'd again by Harper, Flaherty, Baird, and the Gang

Posted to: Canada pumps out the jobs, Jeremy Torobin and Michael Babad, Dec. 04, 2009
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/canada-pumps-out-the-jobs/article1388321/#articleTab 18

If you actually read the Stats can Report
Labour Force Survey, November 2009
http://www.statcan.gc.ca/daily-quotidien/091204/dq091204a-eng.htm

You get:

- Full-time and Part-time employment increase of 79,000

- Services sector, especially education, up 73,000 of the 79,000

- Education up 38,000

- Full -time jobs up 39,000

- Part-time jobs up 40,000

- net employment down 321,000 since last Oct.'08

- Ontario - unemployment at 9.3%, was unchanged in November

- Between October 2008 and March 2009, employment fell in almost all industries, especially in manufacturing and construction.

- Since March 2009, however, employment has slowed its decline in manufacturing,

- Since March 2009 it has picked up in construction and in a number of service industries

These figures suggest that:

- the increase in Full-time jobs was mostly in education.

This is not tied into the performance of the economy

and,

- the increase in part-time jobs mainly in other services - e.g., retail sales.

Considering retailers are gearing up for the Christmas Season this is not at all surprising, especially since it is being, effectively (although it is month over month, if there was a huge drop last Fall which has not significantly been recouped over the months since - and the net employment down 321,000 since last Oct.'08 so indicates - then it is effectively compared to the period of the big drop) compared to last Christmas Season, which, although I don't have the numbers in front of me, having lived through it - and survived to a degree - I suggest that it would not be very difficult to have an increase of part time employment in the retail sector in November. Then question then becomes what happens in February.

- Manufacturing has slowed its decline

manufacturing is a true indicator of how the economy is actually doing and not only is it not increasing it is still decreases albeit not as quickly - thank God for that.

This indicates that exports are not increasing and consumer spending is not increasing. It also indicates that manufacturers do not expect a huge increase in consumer spending for the Christmas season - otherwise they would have been gearing up.

- The job increases were definitely not in Construction which indicates that the Opposition claims that very little of the Multi-Billions Stimulus Spending has taken place are correct and that is just one more example of being Con'd by Harper, Flaherty, Baird, and the rest of the gang.

Another inference that can be made is that the Ontario economy is still in very bad shape and the Ontario budget will probably reflect the added spending in the public sector.

Lloyd MacIlquham cicblog.com/comments.html

posted also to:
Canada gained surprising 79,000 jobs in November, December 4, 2009
http://www.cbc.ca/money/story/2009/12/04/unemployment-november.html#socialcomments-submitTab 85

- Harper may be able to Con Canadians but apparently not the Chinese

John Ibbitson on the rebuke, Dec. 03, 2009
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/john-ibbitson-on-the-rebuke/article1386865/ Tab 3

Harper may be able to Con Canadians but apparently not the Chinese.

You reap what you sow.

The problem is that Harper, MacKay, Bernier and the Con's sowed this discord and we Canadians are reaping the world stage rebuke and damage of trade relations.

Harper's reply is equally embarrassing and typically Harper - try to deflect, no matter how much Bunk you proffer. It is not likely to cause Hu Jing Tao to start tripping over himself from losing face.

Perhaps Harper can list the number of time the Canadian Government has approached China to invite them to come to Canada. I would suspect 'Zero'. If the Chinese approached the Harper Government to come to Canada then it certainly was rebuked by Harper.

You can be sure that Hu Jing Tao's rebuke was very carefully and deliberately designed to send a message, not to Harper - I can't see the Chinese caring very much what Harper, personally, thinks - but to the Canadian people. The timing of the rebuke was also very carefully chosen at a time when all Canadians would hear it directly and openly.

The clear message - Harper you may boast that Canada is an Oil Superpower and you may tout Canada as a source of raw materials. But, Harper you are such small potatoes that we have no reservation of humiliating you while the International light is shining on us. Other countries have Oil and raw materials, who don't take an 'in-your-face' approach and don't insult us to our faces on the International stage. Our culture is 5000 years old, we have just spent 100's of years of suffering and in poverty. We can wait a couple more years for you and your kind to get the boot from Canadians and then re-instate warm, cordial relations as friends and co-horts on the International Stage.

Harper attitude towards the Chinese has put Canada at a huge disadvantage as far as trade with China. Harper's 'hard ball' approach compared to the Chinese amounts to little more than 'boy scout'.

Lloyd MacIlquham cicblog.com/comments.html

see also:

China publicly scolds Harper for taking too long to visit, Dec. 02, 2009
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/china-publicly-scolds-harper-for-taking-too-long-to-visit/article1386656/ Tab 49

A chronology of Canada-China relations
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/a-chronology-of-canada-china-relations/article1387009/
Tab1

Canadian, Chinese leaders should meet more often: Harper,
http://www.cbc.ca/world/story/2009/12/03/china-harper-visit.html#socialcomments Tab74

- Harper Put Our Men and Women in Uniform in Harm's Way

John Baird won't let truth blunt a good barb, Jane Taber, December 1, 2009
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/blogs/bureau-blog/john-baird-wont-let-truth-blunt-a-good-barb/article1384665/?cid=art-rail-bureaublog Tab 16

If I were one of our men and women in uniform I would be demanding an explanation from Harper, MacKay, O'Connor and all Con's and demanding a Public Inquiry to get at the truth.

Harper was the one who up'ed the action of our troops in Afghanistan to out and out combat when they took over in '06.

Harper had a pressing and urgent obligation to take every step to ensure it was done in a fashion that accorded to International Law. Turning a blind eye, willfully or negligently ignoring, is not only a violation of the sacred trust placed in him when Harper took the Oath of Office, it was foreseeable that it could place our troops in the the very tenuous position of allegations of violating serious International Laws.

People in Canada can understand with this out and out fighting in Afghanistan things were happening much, much faster and made it more difficult to get a complete handle on, and sympathize for our generals and troops.

But that was all the more reason that Harper, MacKay, O'Connor and the other Con's ought to have looked into the matter thoroughly. Instead of address these real issues, and in a timely and effective fashion, as these issues were raised in Parliament they responded by insults, accusing anyone who sought answers of being "Taliban sympathizers", obstructing, stone-walling, distorting, refusing to act and Canada be damned.

It is reprehensible that Harper and MacKay and the other Con's would accuse the Opposition of such.

When Harper accused Ignatieff, the Liberals, and anyone that would dare stand up to him on this, of "throwing the most serious of allegations at our men and women in uniform based on the most flimsy of evidence" everyone in Canada should take note, demand he retract it and demand that a Public Inquiry be held.

Given the slanderous and deceitful nature of the comment I am not all surprise that Harper would make it while outside Canada, instead of to Ignatieff's face.

Lloyd MacIlquham cicblog.com/comments.html

- Con'd Again By Harper and his China Economic Update

Unconventional rollout for budget report shows chutzpah, John Ibbitson , December 2, 2009
John Ibbitson
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/blogs/bureau-blog/unconventional-rollout-for-budget-report-shows-chutzpah/article1385214/ Tab 4

Harper says his schedule didn't allow him to release the economic update in December in Canada as so he is doing it in China, of all places.

Given China's economy is the strongest (albeit not the largest, yet) in the World right now and give that they are well out of any recession why do we have to have our Prime Minster go to China to air our problems, surely drawing attention to it can only have a negative impact on the image of Canada on the Chinese.

We should be putting our best foot forward. But then if that was our strategy we wouldn't be having Harper go there.

Yet Harper will be returning to Ottawa on 9 Dec.'09 and given that the announcement can only be max one hour with questions, why is it he is too busy.

We're being Con'd.

Harper was quite able to leave the UN to appear at a local Tim Horton's but he doesn't have the respect for Canadians to "tell us to our faces" what he has to say. Further Flaherty was schedule to give the update Wednesday afternoon.

Clearly there can only one reason for Harper making the announcement 10,000 kl (or so)from Canada - what he has to say is Bunk, he knows it, the Opposition knows it and anyone in Canada who is paying attention should know it, and he does not want to have to face the Opposition. He is hoping that it will all blow over by the time he returns.

We saw this the other day when he personally insulted the Opposition while in Trinidad when Harper accused Ignatieff, the Liberals, the NDP, the Block and anyone that would dare stand up to him on this, of "throwing the most serious of allegations at our men and women in uniform based on the most flimsy of evidence".

Given the slanderous and deceitful nature of his comments I am not all surprise that Harper would make them while outside Canada, instead of to Ignatieff and all the Opposition faces.

Harper is the Prime Minister of Canada and he has a duty to conduct the affairs of the nation while in Canada where he can be brought to the test and made to account for what he does.

Harper waiting until he is out of the country to make import announcements for the nation; MacKay hiding behind Parliamentary privilege - these are the guys running our country.

Lloyd MacIlquham cicblog.com/comments.html

- - If Harper had done his job in 2006 Re Afghan Prisoner Transfers - we wouldn't be in this mess.

Redactions hamper Afghan detainee probe, Paul Koring, Dec. 01, 2009
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/redactions-hamper-afghan-detainee-probe/article1383375/
Tab 39

Paul Koring - Very good article - well written, informative and to the point.

One suggestion. Perhaps you can post pic's of some of these heavily redacted documents the G&M has so everyone can see for themself exactly what you are referring to.

The real reason for the extreme redaction, aside from a serious cover-up by Harper is, of course, the possibility of prosecution in the International Criminal Court, in The Hague, if not domestically.

These are very serious allegations and hopefully the Opposition, the media and the people of Canada will not let it ride. We have a right to know.
No one is accusing Canadians soldiers of torture.

Harper was the one who up'ed the action of our troops in Afghanistan to out and out combat when they took over in '06.

Harper had a pressing and urgent obligation to take every step to ensure it was done in a fashion that accorded to International Law. Turning a blind eye, willfully or negligently ignoring, is not only a violation of the sacred trust placed in them when Harper took the Oath of Office, it was foreseeable that it could placed our troops in the the very tenuous position of allegations of violating serious International Laws.

People in Canada can understand with this out and out fighting in Afghanistan things were happening much, much faster and made it more difficult to get a complete handle on, and sympathize for our generals and troops.

But that was all the more reason that Harper, MacKay, O'Connor and the other Con's ought to have looked into the matter thoroughly. Instead of address these real issues, and in a timely and effective fashion, as they were raised in Parliament they responded by insults, accusing anyone who sought answers of being "Taliban sympathizers", obstructing, stone-walling, distorting, refusing to act and Canada be damned.

It is reprehensible that Harper and MacKay and the other Con's would accuse the Opposition of such - have they no shame.

If they had done their job we wouldn't be in this mess and O'Connor would probably still be Minister of Defense.

When Harper accused Ignatieff, the Liberals, the NDP, the Block and anyone that would dare stand up to him on this, of "throwing the most serious of allegations at our men and women in uniform based on the most flimsy of evidence" everyone in Canada should take note, demand he retract it and demand that a Public Inquiry be held.

Given the slanderous and deceitful nature of the comment I am not all surprise that Harper would make it while outside Canada, instead of to Ignatieff's face.

When MacKay tells Michael Ignatieff, who is doing his job as leader of the Opposition as is Layton and Duceppe, to be "very wary about taking his foreign affairs advice from former NDP premiers." What exactly does he mean. Sounds like some kind of threat, while hiding behind Parliamentary privilege.

Harper waiting until he is out of the country; MacKay hiding behind Parliamentary privilege - these are the guys running our country.

Lloyd MacIlquham cicblog.com/comments.html

-bold, totally unsubstantiated and hugely exaggerated claim - totally in line with the way Harper and the Con's approach everything.

Continued:

This is totally in line with the way Harper and the Con's approach everything.

You wrote "every economist that thought the GST was the wrong tax to cut, I can come up with 10 that believes the GST was the right tax to cut." The fact is that even Ian Brodie, Harper's adviser at the time, can out and admitted that the 2% reduction in GST was politically motivated and contrary to the economic evidence".

For someone who won't even tell us your name, I find it not surprising that you would make bold, totally unsubstantiated and hugely exaggerated claim - totally in line with the way Harper and the Con's approach everything.

Also, I feel very comfortable suggesting that the 64% who voted against Harper don't want him running our country.

Lloyd MacIlquham cicblog.com/comments.html

- The GST was the wrong tax to cut, as almost every qualified economist in the country has underscored.

Reply to: Mary Ewen
elaboration...

Even Harper's advisor at the time, Ian Brodie, has admitted as much. “Despite economic evidence to the contrary, in my view the GST cut worked … It worked in the sense that it helped us to win.”;

I find it veryu difficult to believe that there are very many serous minded Canadians whho voted for Harper because of his promise to reduce the GST. Harper received approx 376% of the vote. His core support is approx 33 - 35% od f people who would vote for Harper no matter what his platform is. Approx. 66% of voters voted against Harper.

The greatest and longest lasting damage of the sponsorship scandle was giving Harper and his Con's a foothold on our government. It is something that we, our children and their children will be paying for for many years to come.

Reducing the GST by 2% is generally considered, from what I can see, read and experience, as being essentially useless in stimulating the Canadian economy and removes from the Federal coffers $12 billion a year in revenues. It was, manifestly, introduced by Harper and the Con’s for its optics.

The greatest and longest lasting damage of the sponsorship scandal was giving Harper and his Con's a foothold on our government. It is something that we, our children and their children will be paying for for many years to come.

Lloyd MacIlquham cicblog.com/comments.html

- He who disregards truth and reality inevitably contradicts himself (Confucius said ???) - Con'd Again by Harper, Flaherty, Baird, Van Loan, Kenny, et al. this time on their version of the HST.

History traps Ignatieff on HST issue, Chantal Hébert, 30 Nov.'09
http://www.thestar.com/news/ontario/hst/article/732432--history-traps-ignatieff-on-hst-issue#article

Two years ago, when Harper reduced the GST by 2 points, not only did Harper, Flaherty, Baird, Van Loan, Kenny, and the other Con's say it was good for the economy but since then Harper and his Con's have been saying that this was their great contribution to preparation for the recession and singly saved us from the fate of the US.

Now they are saying that the HST, which will increase the tax by 1.5 points, is the best thing that could happen to our economy.

What Bunk!

We've been Con'd Again by Harper, Flaherty, Baird, Van Loan, Kenny, et al. this time on their version of the HST.

These two positions simply don't add up and manifestly contradict each other.

The problem is that Harper does everything for political reasons and not what is, in reality, best for Canada, Canadians and our future.

He who disregards truth and reality inevitably contradicts himself (Confucius said ???)

Lloyd MacIlquham cicblog.com/comments.html

- Ignatieff and the Liberal may want to consider an equitable and compassionate approach to the HST.

submitted to: History traps Ignatieff on HST issue, Chantal Hébert, 30 Nov.'09
http://www.thestar.com/news/ontario/hst/article/732432--history-traps-ignatieff-on-hst-issue#article

If the HST were to apply only to the extent that the current value added taxes in BC and Ontario apply and thus not represent an increase in taxes to those living in these Provinces; and, instead of bribing the Ontario government and BC governments with our hard earned tax dollars, increased rebates were put in place at the Federal and/or Provincial level (that way Ontario and BC Governments can take credit) for those whose economic hardship is impacted by the payment of HST.

Then, perhaps these Provinces can reap any benefit to business while at the same time mitigating the hardship both to those living in these Provinces as well as Canadian.

The problem with the HST is the manner in which the Harper government is implementing it. It will increase valued added taxes paid by those living in Ontario and BC by approximately 1.5 points, because the number of goods and services taxed will increase. This is being done in the middle of a recessions and despite Harper, Flaherty insisting they are not and will not increase taxes. Harper and Fleherty have agreed to bribe the BC and Ontario governments with almost 6 billion of our tax dollars and one can only wonder if that is not the real motivator behind Gordon Campbell's recent statement about "taking it to the bank".

Lloyd MacIlquham cicblog.com/comments.html

- Gordon, if you believe Harper on the HST then all I can say is that you've been Con'd.

Liberals in bind over HST motion, Bill Curry, Saturday, Nov. 28
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/liberals-in-bind-over-hst-motion/article1380336/ Tab 15

Apparently Gordon Campbell told CTV "If you have an agreement with the federal government, even if it's a minority federal government, you should be able to take that to the bank,".

What a bunch of bunk - in the political arena this is 'kid's stuff'. Everyone knows that the HST, especially when it entails a gratuitous payment to the Provinces must be approved by Parliament. If Campbell doesn't know this then what in the world is he doing leading the government of BC. He should be too embarrassed to utter such a comment.

If it is true and Campbell really thinks that there was a binding agreement between the Province and the Federal Government he should resign and get someone in there that has some kind of inkling as to how governments in Canada work.

On the other hand if Harper and the Cons promised him 1.6 Billion dollars, then let Harper give it him out of his own pocket, or that of the Con Party, and not the tax payers of Canada.

Gordon, if you believe this then all I can say is that you've been Con'd.

Lloyd MacIlquham cicblog.com/comments.html

- Ignatieff and the Liberal may want to consider such an equitable and compassionate approach to the HST.

Liberals in bind over HST motion, Bill Curry, Saturday, Nov. 28
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/liberals-in-bind-over-hst-motion/article1380336/ Tab 14

The problem with the HST is the manner in which the Harper government is implementing it. It will increase valued added taxes paid by those living in Ontario and BC by approximately 1.5 points, because the number of goods and services taxed will increase. This is being done in the middle of a recessions and despite Harper, Flaherty insisting they are not and will not increase taxes. Harper and Fleherty have agreed to bribe the BC and Ontario governments with almost 6 billion of our tax dollars and one can only wonder if that is not the real motivator behind Gordon Campbell's recent statement about "taking it to the bank".

Also, there has been no clear explanation as to why Harper would pay this money to BC and Ontario, other than a bribe to implement the Harper version of the HST. What about all the other Provinces. Given the huge deficits that the Federal Government is already experiencing - estimated at well over 60 billion this year, how in the world can Harper, Flaherty and the Con's justify gratuitously promising such huge amounts, other than using tax payers money to buy vote for the Cons.

Harper ordering Flaherty and the other Con's not to comment and saying that it will die if this motion is not voted for and they will not bring it forward again is very substancial support for the fact that they are now trying to back away from these actions taken. Clearly, Harper realizes how bad this HST implementation is but does not have the courage or decency to admit it is bad and simply kill it. He is correct that it should die and a serious look at implementing an HST that is not so hurtful to people living in these Provinces or the Federal budget.

If the HST were to apply only to the extent that the current value added taxes in BC and Ontario apply and thus not represent an increase in taxes to those living in these Provinces; and, instead of bribing the Ontario government and BC governments with our hard earned tax dollars, increased rebates were put in place at the Federal and/or Provincial level (that way Ontario and BC Governments can take credit) for those whose economic hardship is impacted by the payment of HST. Then, perhaps these Provinces can reap any benefit to business while at the same time mitigating the hardship both to those living in these Provinces as well as Canadian.

Ignatieff and the Liberal may want to consider such an equitable and compassionate approach to the HST.

We certainly can't expect Harper to take such an approach. Harper and the Con's consider only what they think will help them to grab onto power and maintain it, Canada and all those living in Canada be damned.

Lloyd MacIlquham cicblog.com/comments.html

- Spector attacks Ignatieff for McGuinty's defence to the G&M attack on Ignatieff - Shame on You Norman

continued from last Post

Norman Spector wrote:11/28/2009 2:17:44 PM
Lloyd Macilquham

If Mr. Ignatieff is sincere about keeping global warming within two degrees, scientists estimate that it will require a reduction of between 25 and 40 percent relative to 1990 levels. I rather doubt that he intends to campaign on that level of reductions.

Lloyd MacIlquham replied:11/28/2009 2:48:43 PM

Norman Spector,

Thanks for the reply.

Now I feel bad about musing if you get paid by Harper and the Cons.

However, I would like to know if the money you receive from the Globe and Mail for writing your column is declared by the Con Party as a political contribution. If not, then, perhaps, a contribution 'in kind' by you.

I have every confidence that Michael Ignatieff will do the right (morally right, that is) thing regarding Canada, all Canadians, our economy, our position in the world and towards making a better future for us, or children and contributing positively to a better Canada and a better world. Certainly if I have anything to do with it he will.

I can't say the same for Harper.

Nor have I ever heard anyone that would make such a statement, whether they are simply incredibly biased, politically motivated, or it is simply the ravelings of a lunatic.

Harper and the Con's have spent the last four and more years deliberately poisoning the waters. I am sure that Ignatieff and the Liberals will take the appropriate steps to purge the waters and rid us of this plague.

Harper and the Con's have developed the biggest propaganda machine seen in Western democracies in recent history that they have no hesitation in using no matter how reprehensible and morally and secularly dishonest, approaching Canadians on an emotional level, with a total disregard for the truth.

Harper and the Con's are only concerned with grabbing onto power and maintaining it, at any cost, and Canada be damned.

The Harper, and the Con’s generally, style politics is of distortion, cover-up, deception, suppression of truth, slandering, mud slinging, vicious personal attacks and character assassination in lieu of serious and sober response to important issues. Their attitude to Science and Scientific research are in the dank ages and Crime reminiscent of the irrationality surrounding witch-hunts and the Inquisition.

Lloyd MacIlquham cicblog.com/comments.html

- Spector attacks Ignatieff for McGuinty's defence to the G&M attack on Ignatieff - Shame on You Norman

Dear Prime Minister, Norman Spector, November 27, 2009
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/blogs/spector-vision/dear-prime-minister/article1379729/ Tab 9

Norman Spector has once again demonstrated his extreme bias towards Harper and the Con's. One wonders whether he gets paid by Harper for his writing efforts. I can't imagine the Globe and Mail paying for this, well actually I can, they have gone to extremes to find someone like Spector.

It also shows the kind of distortion and deliberate muddying of the waters, without any consideration for the truth, for which Harper and the Con's are so famous.

Ignatieff's position as set out in Quebec City the other day is to keep Global Warming within two degrees. It is Global Warming that is the problem and it is about time someone took the rational approach and laid out the basic strategy to do what it takes to reduce Warming. To achieve this end he stated that ...

We will set 1990 - not 2006 - as the base line and set differentiated targets for developing countries.

The government would create a binding and verifiable cap-and-trade system - with hard caps leading to absolute reductions - that is fair to all regions and industries, and compatible with other systems for international carbon trading.

A Liberal government would set an ambitious target of quadrupling Canada’s production of renewable energy by Canada’s 150th birthday in 2017, and promote energy efficiency through new transit systems, high-speed rail, and ”smart” electrical grids.

Mr. Ignatieff also proposed a single Clean Energy Act that would adopt the toughest vehicle emissions standards in North America and outlined strategies to protect our air, water, forests and Arctic.

See:
http://www.liberal.ca/en/newsroom/media-releases/16979_michael-ignatieff-presents-liberal-environment-climate-change-and-clean-energy-jobs-plan;
and,
http://www.scribd.com/doc/23201281/Highlights-of-a-Liberal-plan-for-the-environment-climate-change-and-clean-energy-jobs

At the time the Globe and Mail attacked Ignatieff for being vague about the 1990 base line. Everybody knows why Ignatieff would choose the 1990 base-line - it is the objective standard that has been used since Kyoto; and, why Harper and the Con's chose a 2006 baseline - to obscure and muddy the waters in an effort to blur the fact that Harper doesn't want to do anything about Global Warming in case it offended the Con's and their supporters, Canada and the World be damned.

McGuinty explains that without having access to the relevant information that is only available to the Government, how can you come up with hard numbers. And, we can be certain that Harper and the Con's will not be releasing any such information.

McGuinty points out one of those "dark corners" of out current Government and what does Spector do, Shine light on it as his fearless leader "Harper" has declared. No, Spector attacks Ignatieff for McGuinty's defence to the G&M attack on Ignatieff.

Great job Spector! Just want Canada needs Globe and Mail!

Lloyd MacIlquham cicblog.com/comments.html

- Harper and the Cons' Tangled Web of Deceipt

Tories will challenge Ignatieff on HST, John Ibbitson, Nov. 27, 2009
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/tories-will-challenge-ignatieff-with-hst-ultimatum/article1379397/ Tab 44

Wow, a prime example of "Oh what a tangled web we weave, When first we practice to deceive" (Sir Walter Scott, Marmion, 1808).

If I recall, I thought Harper said everything would be a Non-Confidence vote. The interesting thing is that he is explicitly stating it isn't. Given the financial impact I am not so sure.

So, the question is why is he doing this.

It can only be that he knows it represents a tax increase and despite trying to hang it on the provincial governments of BC and Ontario it is likely very few people are deceived by him on this. Harper has already given Flaherty instructions not to discuss the HST. So, basically Harper realizing his mistake in bringing on the HST is trying to blame Ignatieff for the failure to implement it.

Harper was pressing for the HST because of the damage to Canada' finances caused by reducing the GST by two points. As projections show the HST represents approximately 1.5 points increase in value added taxes, thus making up ¾'s at least. Harper reduced the GST by 2 points, despite the overwhelming number of people in our society whose job it is to know about these things saying it was the wrong thing to do, for purely political gain for himself and the Con's, and Canada be damned. Even Harper's assistant at the time has admitted as much.

When is Harper, Fleherty, Mackay and the other Con's going stop the manipulating, deceiving, distorting, obscuring, obstructing, viciously attacking, defaming and the character assassinations, all at the expense of the good of Canada and all Canadian. Don't hold your breath - I'm sure they wouldn't know how, even if they wanted to.

The biggest things is that these are the guys running our country, and we let them. I hope Ignatieff and the Liberals vote this 'Bill' down in no uncertain terms and let Harper know just were the people of Ontario and BC stand.

Lloyd MacIlquham cicblog.com/comments.html

- Jason Kenny, if there is a fog it is from Harper, Toews, Baird, MacKay, Flaherty, you and all the Con's and hopefully it is starting to lift.

Speaker rules flyers may have damaged MP's reputation, Mike De Souza, November 26, 2009
http://www.canada.com/news/Speaker+rules+flyers+have+damaged+reputation/2273061/story.html#PostComment

If I were Cotler I would be talking to my lawyer right now about launching a libel suit against Harper, Vic Toews, the Con Party or whomever it is that is responsible. Presumably these 10%-ers are not covered by Parliamentary privilege.

After being chastised by the Speaker of the House of Commons, do they do the decent thing and apologies. No, they try to say that what they said was true and the other Parties do it. Perhaps Jason Kenny could show us all one of these other pamphlets from the Opposition that compares to the

Comments

03 March, 2010

Harper - It's Re-Cycling Time

02 March, 2010

- Harper No Class Act

01 March, 2010

- Harper should get a Game Misconduct from Parliament

- Harper's ' Own the Parliament ' Strategy

28 February, 2010

- Harper v. Ignatieff = Bad v. Good

26 February, 2010

- Harper Appointments - You Aint Seen Nothin Yet

25 February, 2010

Harper + Bernier = Con'd Again !

22 February, 2010

- Get Rid of Harper and Stop This Extreme Abuse

- Harper and His Con's Are Not the PC's of Old

- Harper - PMO - Prime Modus Operandi

21 February, 2010

- Mr. Harper - Canada is No Iran

20 February, 2010

- 'Harper' = 'Hypocrite' - in the Canadian vernacular

- Harper: Prorogation - 'the devil made me do it' !

19 February, 2010

- Harper Is No J.A. MacDonald

18 February, 2010

- Harper & the Con's fit the profile of a third world dictatorship

17 February, 2010

Harper-avelli, what a "Prince"

16 February, 2010

- Harper and the Cons - Problem Isolated !

15 February, 2010

- Harper Leadership Index ??? - It's Time For Nanos to Recalibrate

- Mr. Harper, Tear Down Your Wall !

13 February, 2010

- Harper - uncontrolled and unfettered abuse of power of a dictatorial nature

- Harper Gang - Escaped Con Alert !!!

12 February, 2010

- Harper Panned by Canadian Banks - Is that Ironic or What

11 February, 2010

- Hypocrite thy name is Harper

10 February, 2010

- Harper is Outed !!!

09 February, 2010

- Mr. Harper, Tear Down Your Propaganda Machine

08 February, 2010

- Harper - to Con or not to Con - Us Into an Election

07 February, 2010

- Harper, How about Some Honesty

- Harper was allowed into China. Wow! That's great news

06 February, 2010

- Harper and the Con's True Colours - Right Wing Extremists

05 February, 2010

- Con'd again by Harper

04 February, 2010

- Harper Is Not Above the Rule of Law

29 January, 2010

- the Harper Policies - It's Time For Review

27 January, 2010

- We're Being Con'd Again - Flanagan is offering faulty logic

25 January, 2010

- Harper Strikes Another Blow for Freedom - from Afghanistan Detainee Transfer Scandal, that is

24 January, 2010

- What Heroes These Harper Con's Be - excerpt

- What heroes these Harper Con's Be!

23 January, 2010

-Second Coming of Stockwell Day ??? God Save Canada

22 January, 2010

- Harper's Extreme Right Wing Agenda

19 January, 2010

- Harper has dragged us into a Post-Modern Dark Age!

16 January, 2010

- Harper dares not face the Opposition.

15 January, 2010

- Transfer Payments - Ha, Next Harper Prorogue Canada and Defer to the Provinces

11 January, 2010

- Harper is Constitutionally Challenged - Part 2

- Harper is Constitutionally Challenged

10 January, 2010

- Stephen Harper is the Bizzaro World (Opposite) Twin of "Open Democracy"