If only we had seen this a week ago...

I was watching CNN today(well, not really watching, nobody WATCHES CNN, but I digress) and this ad came on. Democrats are pushing the Honest Leadership Act in Congress. What is this, you ask? It's the American version of the Stephen Harper's Accountability Act. But, hold on a second. Democrats and Liberals are the same in terms of values, as the Republicans and Conservatives are the same in values. (I'm generalizing, please bear with me) What does this mean? It means that, yet again, there is proof that corruption, fraud, bureacracy, are not partisan issues. The Americans ousted the Democrats in 1994 when they felt the government was corrupt. Today, they're tired of the constant scandal and abuse of power. The November 2006 Congressional election will see more Democrats in power, and they'll be touting the success of the "Honest Leadership Act". I only wish Canadians had of seen this a week ago. Perhaps one or two would have realized that Canada is no better with change, no better with a minority Conservative government. Money follows power. It's inevitable that things happen. Let's look to our neighbours to the south, and not let history repeat itself. Vote for your values, not campaign promise to clean up government. Just a little thought.
Laura,
Bowmanville, ON

E-Day is Here!

January 23rd, 2006

Well, here we are... January 23rd- Election Day in Canada. There's something different in the air this time around; a wind of change, if you will. After thirteen long years of Liberal rule, the "natural governing" party of Canada is about to be sent to the benches of the Opposition.

I say it's about time- After constant scandal and flip-flop, the people have clearly had enough, and in just 4 1/2 short hours, will be able to voice their dissent with the Liberal Party of Canada.

It truly is time for change in this country, and the Conservative Party is the ONLY party that can cause this change to occur. How can a Liberal government clean up a scandal that it created? Simply put, it cannot, and will not. I have no kind words for the Liberal party. They ran a terrible campaign, and the results of the vote will reflect that.

Posting in this blog has created some tension between the members of the various parties, who, under normal circumstances would be friends. I can only hope that partisan politics aside, people can realize that this truly was a battle of the minds. Intelligent, articulate points were raised at all times, and yes, the debate did get a tad heated at times, but that is what this country is all about- debate and the ability to voice concerns. I commend all members of the blog for their involvement, but do have one question for Laura: How, in your position with Elections Canada, a position "trusted to by the Canadian Electorate?" You were never elected to that position, correct? Therefore, the Canadian Electorate does not put it's faith in you- it does, however, expect you to do your job in a non-partisan professional way.

My final blog for this campaign can be expected late Tuesday morning, with what we can only hope will bring "Prime Minister Elect Harper," and "Leader of the Official Opposition Gilles Duceppe."

It's almost over

I'm mentally exhausted and almost want to forget about it all. I've been working in the campaign office, making calls, canvassing and taking part in the democratic process. Tomorrow, I'm a Registration Officer, entrusted by the Canadian electors. What have we learned from it
all? We need to stop treating Canadians like they're gullible idiots who can only make a decision based on what they see on t.v. I hate
negative ads, regardless of the party who endorses them. Soundbites should not make or break an election. I want to wish my fellow bloggers an extended hand of congratulations for a well-fought campaign. I wish you the best of luck in whatever campaign you are helping with, or even if you just have a vested interest in the process. Let's hope that friendships can be mended
as of Tuesday. Here's to a prosperous (and youth-friendly) Canadian future. (And, no, that wasn't an ivitation for Conservative soundbites and propaganda in a rebuttal.)
Laura H,
Bowmanville,
ON

Eight Days and Counting...

January 15th, 2006

It's nearly E-Day... Exciting times to be alive, and working in the war rooms of the Campaign. This campaign has solidified two things for me; one, my life will lead me into a career as a politician at the federal level. Two, I will NEVER vote Liberal in my life.

Work on the campaign trail is tiring, yet exhillarating at the same time. You gain an extensive knowledge of how to run a campaign, meet new people who share your beliefs, and you solidify where you stand and the values in which you believe in, and support. For me, those values are Conservative.

The Liberal government has not worked for me in the thirteen years it has held power. As friends of the party benefitted, the average income of the Canadian family didn't change. As the lower class struggled to put food on its table, David Dingwall charged taxpayers for a package of gum. As the average Canadian worked to earn a living, friends of the Liberal party recieved government contracts for no work being done. All of this, and the people continued to give Chrètien and now Martin, mandates to govern.

People, however, aren't stupid, and the electorate is no different. Attack ads, policy written on the back of napkins, and continual jargon and flip-flops have shown the people where the Liberal party really stands, and people aren't pleased with what they see.

To the Liberal Party of Canada? Thanks for thirteen years of nothing. Catch ya next time...

Young Liberals- New Low

January 14th, 2006

My oh my, have the Liberals sunk to yet another new low? I somehow recieved a newsletter from the Young Liberals of Canada, which, I would never subscribe to. Anyways, at the bottom of this garbage, was the comment:











Now, this comment is degrading on many levels; For one, my vote is MY choice, and exactly that; by telling me that the party I choose to vote for, should it not be the Liberal Party, does not represent my values. Why would I vote for a party that doesn't represent my values? Secondly, the Liberal Party is NOT the only party that has values. In fact, I would argue that the Liberals hold no values, unless flip-flops, entitlement for the few, and corruption are Canadian values. The party I choose to vote for can form the government- hence why I would cast a vote for them to do exactly that.

The Liberal Party of Canada-
Not My Values, Not My Choice. EVER

Get the Facts Right Laura...

January 12th, 2006

Responding to your comment regarding the Notwithstanding Clause: I think you're delirious Laura.

I elect people to make the laws; judges are not elected, and therefore do not make the decisions for me. Making people more accountable is limiting power? Not allowing ANY party to steal from the taxpayers in the way that the Liberal party did takes power away? A government that's not accountable is what we have, and the Conservatives have a STRONG plan to stop this, and you say it takes power away.

In fact, more power is given to independent investigators to hold the governing party accountable. It's interesting how these things work, if you actually sit down and read them as opposed to giving the typical Liberal response, of jargon and flip-flops.

Heaven forbid a political party realizes that the US is not a country we can treat like garbage and ignore. It's funny how you defend the plan to remove the NWC so vehementley, and then retract and tell us it won't ever be done.

I have lost all respect for ANY Liberal- despicable ads (AKA Televised Lies), desperation, and now your comments Laura. It's about accountability- how will that effect what MPs do in a negative way? I eagerly await your response...

It Must Be Tough to Be a Liberal...

January 11th, 2006

Well, where have the Liberal's gone? Usually, the Liberal bloggers on this particular blog are raring for a fight, yet lately, the fight has left them, and the sense of defeat has overcome the Liberal campaign. I would like, if I may, to give some facts that may interest our Liberal readers:

• Paul Martin may try to promote his "written-on-a-napkin" plan to eliminate the notwithstanding clause. What he failed to mention was that just last year he threatened to use the notwithstanding clause if certain rights of churches were taken away by the courts.
• Paul Martin may try to accuse the Conservative Party of having lobbyists working on the campaign. What he won't say is that David Herle, a partner in The Gandalf Group, is also the co-chair of the Liberal campaign. Herle had a contract with the Finance Department during the same time of the income trust consultation and decision making period.

It's funny how these things work, isn't it? I'd love to hear the Liberals try and rebutt these points- the thing is, they can't. It's clear, especially after the despicable attack ads the now desperate Liberals have released. Soldiers with guns in cities? Well, I must say that for the Liberals, this is a new low. We knew they'd get dirty, and here are the results that Canadians predicted. We have John Duffy, getting angry over journalists questioning the ad on the military in cities, we have Susan Murray on "Politics with Don Newman" saying that the notion of the sinking Liberal campaign is "bullshit."

I'm damn proud to be a Canadian, and just as proud to be a Conservative- a party that is taking the high road. This governing party is sinking, and it's sinking fast. I wish I could say the Titanic was as bad of a disaster as this campaign, but that would paint the Liberals in a good light.

Paul Martin once called the GST a "regressive, and un-fair tax on living." My, isn't it astounding how the times change? Now, it's wrong to cut the GST! The flip-flops continue...

I must admit, I have a small inkling of sympathy for the Liberals- it must be frustrating to have to suffer through a sinking campaign that looks to send them to the Opposition benches. Candidates try, but they cannot distance themselves from the floundering national campaign, a desperate leader, and a sense of defeat. After twelve years of lies, flip-flops, broken promises, and scandal, it's about time. I am a Conservative- I bleed blue, and will until the day I die. The Liberals do not represent my beliefs- I don't stand for thievery and lies. I am a responsible citizen, I will pay my taxes, and play by the rules, and the party I choose does the same. For me, the choice is Bev Oda, Stephen Harper, and the Conservative Team; not Doug Moffatt, Paul Martin and the arrogant, corrupt Liberal cronies.

Standing Up for Canada,

Josh Terry

Get the Big Red Machine to a Mechanic... It's got a flat tire

January 10th, 2006

Ah, such is life... The Liberals are in a downward spiral, and I couldn't be happier. Between scandals, flip-flops, and now an instant constitutional ammendment, what can we take away from Paul Martin's campaign? One thing- he is desperate for power, on any terms, at any time.

The Conservatives are set to form the government- is this set in stone? No. Is it something that Canada needs, after twelve years of lies and scandal? Yes. If I may, I'd like to point out that the sole purpose of a debate is to defend the plans already released, and the policy of the governing party- not to introduce a blatant attempt to re-gain a government. Something that won't happen. Canada, open your eyes, and on January 24th, wake up to a fresh new beginning.

Couldn't have said it better myself...

January 9th, 2006

Well, Kyle, you took the words right from my mouth. Is it safe to say that you are a Conservative supporter, or am I misinformed and we in fact have an NDP supporter? Either way, you aren't a Liberal, and it's refreshing to see on this blog. Let me say welcome on behalf of those who can see the holes in Liberal policy and ideals.

Liberal desperation is at a new low, and I personally find it hilarious. I think tonights debate came with an un-precedented event: the invention of constitutional policy on the spot. It's funny how power can do funny things to people...

Paul Martin did nothing tonight- he didn't defend his record, he didn't bring forward a viable, feasable plan for this country, and he showed that his job should be the Leader of Her Majesty's Loyal Opposition (and that's stretching it...). Stephen Harper, on the other hand, came across with a positive, viable message for this country, and in fact appeared more "Prime Ministerial" than ever before. Paul Martin floundered, was desperate, and could not deliver the message he so desperately needed to get to the changing electorate. One thing is clear though: at least I know where to turn if I want an "Insta-Constitution."

Where are the Answers?

January 9th, 2006

As I watch the debate, I have to wonder... Where are the Liberal answers? Paul Martin consistently answers the questions with "Mr. Harper and I have different values..." Well, that's all fine and good, but when we clearly know where Mr. Harper stands, it's hard to decipher where Mr. Martin stands. What do we get from Mr. Martin? "Stephen Harper will do this... Stephen Harper has a plan to eliminate... Bla Bla Bla." Answer on the issues, not on where Harper stands.

Paul Martin is floundering. He cannot cling to power much longer, and I will be glad to see his ass dumped from his chair in the PMO. It's not what you know in politics anymore, it's who you know. After all... "Who do you know in the PMO?" I hope you enjoy your new job as Leader of the Opposition Paul, it's going to be great to see you on the other side... Keep Belinda company.

Liberal Education Plan: NOT helping me...

January 8th, 2006

I highly doubt that $6000 is going to help me go to University at all... I can expect to have about $70,000 in Student Loan debt following my graduation from University, after completing a five year program. How does knocking that debt down to $64,000 help me at all? Secondly, it breaks their promise made in the 2004 Election: "The Liberal Party's post-secondary education platform, unveiled today, ignored a key education promise made during the 2004 federal election. Prime Minister Paul Martin promised to increase transfer payments for post-secondary education by $4 billion. Until Martin addresses this core funding to universities and colleges, the Liberal plan is incomplete."

The Canadian Federation of Students Chairperson, Mr. George Soule corroborates this, when he comments: "Students are still worse off under the Liberal plan today than they were when the Liberals formed the government in 1993. By not restoring billions of dollars in core funding that was cut during the 1990s, the Liberal Party's strategy falls short."

Tuition fees are STILL on the rise, and there is nothing within the Liberal plan to freeze/reduce them. Instead, they plan to pay $6,000 to each student; which, by the way, how is this going to be done? Will I get a cheque, or will my parents get a tax credit? Probably neither, because somehow, this looks like another empty promise on the part of Paul Martin and the Liberals.

How can students, and their voting parents trust a government that stole two-hundred and fifty million dollars; a government that is being investigated by the RCMP on TWO different fiscal issues, one of which is insider trading; a government that promised to cut the GST in 1993, and twelve years later, it still exists? Look at the record: you couldn't trust them then, and you can't trust them now. If you truly belive they will follow through on a plan that falls into provincial jurisdiction, you're insane.

A homerun for students..some talking points

Here's what I know so far. It sounds like a good situation for students.:

Liberal government will:
increase access to post-secondary education through a new 50/50 Plan under which the government will pay for half of an undergraduate student’s first year tuition, and half of a student’s graduating year tuition;
introduce the Lester Pearson Scholarships to be awarded to 25 deserving Canadian students to study abroad and 50 international students to study in Canada each year;
work to increase participation in apprenticeships by making employment insurance more accessible and setting a benchmark for the number of apprenticeship graduates; and
create a working income tax benefit to help Canadians in getting off social assistance and finding a job.

NDP: More federal assitance and student loans.
Depends on income.

Conservatives:Harper also announced that a new Conservative government will provide assistance to students for the cost of books and make improvements to the Canada Student Loan program. “Education and training remains the single most effective investment in the future prosperity of Canadians” said Harper.

Providing students or their parents with a tax credit of up to $500 to help cover the costs of textbooks;
Working with the provinces to increase family income thresholds for student loan eligibility;
Exempting the first $10,000 of student scholarship or bursary income from taxation;

Also somewhat dependent on financial need

Just some talking points to help our young voters out there.

Corruption: A Liberal Issue Part II

January 5th, 2005

Well then, as I was saying... Corruption, this election, is a Liberal issue. They are the ones that stole two-hundred and fifty million dollars, they are the ones that are being investigated by the RCMP for insider trading, they are the ones that allowed David Dingwall to charge taxpayers for a pack of gum, they are the ones who spent six billion on a gun registry that doesn't work, and they are the ones who wasted the cash on the HRDC boondoggle. Are we noticing a trend yet?

Who must defend and prove that these were "needed?" (Which we all know is a blatant lie) The Liberals! Therefore, for which party is corruption an issue? The Liberals! Why did it take the death of an innocent girl on Boxing Day for Paul Martin to get tough on crime, when the violence had occured for a previous ELEVEN months. Only now, after the fifty-sixth death in Toronto because of Guns did Paul Martin promise to enforce tougher sentences? Is he running as a Conservative? Maybe next week he'll run for the NDP.

Laura, you're wrong. Corruption is a Liberal issue; its been demonstrated time and time again this election, and for the past twelve years. As a side note, I would like to know when Doug Moffatt is going to answer questions about his corrupt party, as opposed to his constant reply "I wasn't there." Too bad, you chose to run for the Liberals, now step up and answer, instead of shying away from the issues.

Corruption: A Liberal Issue

January 3rd, 2006

Well, as you can guess from the title, I disagree with the post that Laura made. Not in it's entirety, I will be focusing on the Canadian aspect of things.

For twelve years, we have had the same government in power- the same party, many of the same MP's, and people with the same ideals. This, in my opinion, constitutes "absolute power," and we all know the old saying "Absolute power corrupts absolutely." Well, in Canada, that saying has been proven in practice, because of the Liberal party.

I'm not saying every party is perfect, and only the Liberals are corrupt- we all know that Tories, the NDP, the Parti Quebecois (Provincial wing of the BQ), have all had scandals attached to them when they were in power at one time or another.

Herein lies the issue- twelve years of corruption, of scandal, and of lies are twelve years too long, in my opinion. We don't know if the Conservatives are corrupt- they haven't been in for twelve years. A new leader, a new vision, a new Canada. If I wasn't on my way out, I'd add more. Expect Part 2 later this evening.

Corruption: Not a partisan issue

Some money for thought.( Some of the facts were taken from CNN, not necessarily what I believe) In the States, citizens are frustrated at the apparent corruption in their government today. Currently, the Republicans control the Congress and the White House. Years ago when the American public believed there was a significant amount of corruption occuring in their government, they voted out of the power the incumbent Democratic Congress. In Nov 2006, it is likely the House will be a Democratic majority, not because Democrats are not corrupt, but because the citizens tend to vote out incumbents and vote in new, fresh politicians when they are frustrated with their government. Bottom line: It doesn't matter which party is in power, Democrats, Republicans, Liberals, or Conservatives, because money will follow power. Do you think Canada would have had clean government if the Bloc, Conservatives or NDP had of been in charge? Not likely. Corruption is a non-partisan issue. We need to elect good politicians and forget about party lines.
Laura,
Bowmanville, ON

My Response to Doug Moffatt

January 1st, 2006

I have responded to Mr. Moffatt's e-mail, in hopes that he will adress my issues. Here it is, word for word:

Mr. Moffatt:

Thank you for taking the time to address my concerns, and perhaps you have taken out of context my questions and concerns. I was in no way shape or form attacking, or doubting your credentials as a respectable member of this community. I was, however, hoping to hear your opinion on the scandals within the Liberal party, and how your party, if again elected hopes to repair the damage that was done. If, in any way, you took my comments as a personal attack on your character, than I apologize, and these were not intentional.

My view is that, as a young person, it is difficult to place trust in a government in which all the news regarding them has been about scandals and corruption. I feel that more needs to be done to ensure accountability on the part of ANY governing party, at any time.

Once again, I appreciate you taking the time to speak with me regarding these issues; it speaks quite a bit to any candidates character that is willing to listen to the concerns of those who are not even of voting age. Once again, I look forward to hearing from you on these matters.

Rude, Ignorant, and running in Durham

January 1st, 2006

Well, I guess Doug Moffat doesn't want to be elected. At least, that's the opinion I get, from the way he responds to the concerns of people who are asking questions, and addressing the issues. I recently e-mailed Mr. Moffat, and asked him how he would be able to represent Durham as a member of a party that is clearly corrupt, and rotting. Here is his response, word for word. I find it extremely rude, and condescending, and will be responding as such very shortly.

"I have not been part of the "Rot" as you choose to call it. I have been an elected and responsible Canadian all my life as Former Teacher, Former M.P.P. and as a Mayor and Regional Councillor I have always conducted myself in an honourable and trustworthy fashion and gained the respect of my colleagues. I shall continue to do the same. I am currently Chair of Durham Regional Police and am in a position of trust and responsiblility. You can choose to believe what you wish."

I will also include my message to Mr. Moffat, word for word. Beforehand, let me say that he did not address any one of the issues that I addressed in my message. Instead, he clearly appears upset, trying to defend his personal record. I didn't ask for his personal record, I wanted his comments on the record of his party- corruption, scandal, and slander. I got nothing but a man tooting his own horn, trying desperately to gain power, to help the Liberals cling to it no matter what. As I said, this is not done, in my opinion. Until I am satisfied with the response I recieve, he will continue to be pressed on the issues. It really isn't hard to answer a question about scandal, rot, and corruption, yet, as a typical Liberal, he has ignored the issue. In fact, he didn't even place his name at the bottom of his message. Before, I was campaigning to help Bev Oda win; now, I'm out to ensure that Doug Moffat is defeated by any means necessary. Liberal arrogance is once again demonstrated, quite blantantly.

"Mr. Moffat:

As a young member of the riding in which you hope to represent, I would like> to present some concerns and issues that I have with your party, in hopes> that you can rest my mind. I don't want to hear the typical response about the economy and the Liberal "record"- that doesn't interest me. I would like to hear your opinion and thoughts on the scandals and corruption that have rotted your party for the past twelve years. The sponsorship scandal is perhaps the most prevalent, and blatant misuse of public funds in Canadian History. Your party, with your current leader as the Minister of Finance, stole two-hundred and fifty million dollars from taxpayers. This includes my parents, who work hard for their money, and it is then misused in such a despicable way to support the Liberal Party and it's cronies. I do not believe that the Liberals can fix this if they were to be re-elected on the 23rd, and have seen no proof to show otherwise.
More recently, we have a Liberal attacking and slandering NDP Candidate Olivia Chow. How can you expect Canadians to support a party that has no qualms with attacking minorities? Your Conservative opponent is in fact of ethnic decent! Can we expect the same attacks from the party to fall onto Bev Oda? I should hope not, but wouldn't put it past the party.
Lastly, we have another Liberal Finance minister in hot water, with a criminal probe being conducted by the RCMP into insider trading. How can Canadians trust the Liberal Party when this is happening, on top of other scandals and lies? It's far too much to stomach, and as a young person, it shatters faith in the electoral system.
Therefore, I simply ask: with these examples, how can you, as a member of this corrupt party make a difference? How can we trust somebody like yourself who is a former MPP for the NDP, who has clearly changed his beliefs for reasons unbeknownst to the electorate? I eagerly await a response."

Now, after reading both Moffat's response, and my letter, can anyone find where he addressed any of my concerns? I didn't think so. Rude, ignorant and running in Durham- The new title for Doug Moffat.