The risk called democracy
Day Twenty-sevenHere’s an instructive tale.
In the world’s greatest economy, bankers screwed up, government policies failed and millions of middle class people ended up suffering as a result. In an attempt to keep the economy from tanking further, the government decided to use taxpayers’ money to bail out the banks.
The administration came to that conclusion in, basically, one day. The law was just three pages long, but would cost $700,000,000,000. It was historic.
The people heard about it, wondered why the bankers would be saved when their own houses were being lost, and complained to their federal politicians. Actually, they buried them in emails and faxes and phone calls. They pointed out the inherent unfairness of the law and the huge gamble it represented. They called into question the wisdom of leaders who were so ready to use other people’s money to solve a problem they had themselves created, which would leave both Washington and Wall Street intact.
Bowled over by their constituents, a majority of the politicians voted against the bill, and it failed. As a result, leaders quickly made it better, tougher, more comprehensive and protective. The three-page law became 440 pages. And then it passed, but still with a vociferous opposition.
Is this an example, however imperfect, of democracy in action? Did the voters of America have a voice? Were they heard? Is this hopeful?
Not if you’re Stephen Harper, it ain’t.
Our current prime minister told voters in New Brunswick today that any Parliament he does not control after the coming election would be “dysfunctional.” That means, he warned, a minority government would be disastrous for the economy.
“Don’t go out and vote just to have an opposition,” he lectured. “Because I think if people start voting just for an opposition, we have the risk you have in the United States.”
Indeed. That risk is called democracy.
Just imagine if there’s an absolute Conservative majority government after October 14th, and if a financial or economic crisis befalls Canada. Imagine if the PMO came up with a fix which was unpalatable to you, but saved special interests. It might mean freezing bank accounts for a few months to prevent a run. Perhaps taxing RRSPs. Maybe suspending trade in stocks for a while. Or an emergency austerity program cutting social program spending. Or maybe a public bailout of CIBC or the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, adding sharply to the deficit and guaranteeing future family tax increases.
If Stephen Harper had a majority, who would stop him? Opposition MPs would be outnumbered. The Conservative caucus would be docile and pliant. The all-powerful prime minister’s office would suddenly wield far more power over this country than the American president does over his - where Congressmen and women sometimes do what their constituents ask.
Before you tell me a scenario like this is far-fetched, that Canada is not America, that we have no crisis here and sweaterman will never be faced with such choices, consider this:
• The Bank of Canada has quietly injected $20 billion into the credit markets to ensure the system does not collapse. If it did, there would be no more car loans, for example. And precious few people building cars.
• The Toronto Stock market lost 11% of its value this week, equivalent to $150 billion. And there’s more to come. The magnitude of this drop is reminiscent of pre-Depression days.
• Oil has collapsed in value from $150 a barrel to $93 in just a few months. Commodity prices are plunging because of a global drop in demand as the USA implodes. In case you forgot, Canada is a commodity-rich country which has just allowed 400,000 manufacturing jobs to be erased and factories full of machines to leave for China. That was smart.
• Real estate values are tumbling everywhere, with Toronto being the latest to see absolute price declines. I sat in a government relations meeting in my riding this week and heard confidential numbers that housing starts across the region – Canada’s most populous – have crashed by half.
• In the past few days two of the leading experts on housing markets – one Canadian, one American – have warned bluntly that there will be a mortgage meltdown in Canada. It will be the direct result of tens of thousands of people buying houses without money – the inevitable residue of the Harper disaster called zero down and 40-year mortgages. This is Canada’s own subprime.
Sadly, we are much further out on the edge of trouble than Canadians appreciate, and certainly more at risk than we’re being told. There’s no protective bubble over this country. Nor do we have a superior system. It’s delusional to believe we will not be living out the drama we’ve all been watching on CNN.
And while we can’t much change the events that may take place, affecting us all, we can do one thing. We can prepare. We can keep democracy alive.
We can elect men and women who have pledged accountability to the people. We can ensure that Parliament does not become the rubber stamp for one man’s clouded and questionable judgment. We can make sure if a storm hits, new laws and strong measures will receive full debate, proper consideration and reflect the will of the voters.
I have worked with Stephen Harper and his crowd long enough to know their game. They speak disparagingly of the voter. They talk about ‘retail politics’ and the gullibility of people – about how they can be manipulated by simple messages. They see public service as marketing and have utter disdain for the democratic process.
When Garth Turner was too noisily independent and questioned the boss, out he went. When Bill Casey stood up for his constituents, he was punted. When Michael Chong opposed nation status for Quebec on principle, he was shunned. And yet when federal minister Gerry Ritz jokes about dead, poisoned Canadians, he’s defended. In this very election, my Conservative opponent was appointed over the wishes of local party members. If elected, she will answer to one person only.
In a few days we get to vote. To send a message. What will yours be?
posted by Garth Turner on 10.03.08 @ 10:51 pm
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Garth and the Brain
Dear readers, please be aware of the reality that CTV Globemedia, the Globe and Mail and CHUM an organization of 35 radio stations across Canada are owned by Thompson Reuters which is family run and owned by the Woodbridges.
Please be aware as well, that Can West Global is also run by the Asper family from Israel, Zionists who also support the privatization of the CBC for greater market share. Both Woodbridge and CanWest own well over 60% of Canada’s mainstream media and daily newspapers. Who owns the remaining 40%? CBC clocks in at 23%. Quebecor, operating under Chapter 11, runs all the Suns except the Vancouver Sun (Can West), and the Toronto star. As well, Canada has weekly’s in rural areas.
If Quebecor/Osprey disappears quietly into that good night and CBC is privatized, we are looking at just two families, Woodbridge/Asper owning and controlling 85% of Canada’s mainstream media and if they take over Quebecor, these same two families would own virtually all mainstream media in Canada except for the Toronto Star.
Scary huh?
If the alliance between the Asper/Woodbridge families continue, after reaching their goal to achieve close to full market share of Canada’s mainstream media, they would effectively control the media message in Canada, putting themselves into the position of kingmakers that change CRTC regs to their satisfaction.
Folks… we could kiss goodbye objective news coverage on any and all future elections and election issues in this still fine nation.
Its spelled PROPAGANDA!
One thing that would be predictable at that point would be that the quality of news in general in Canada would also take a big hit as is almost always the case when media becomes this concentrated.
Keep in mind how serious the allegations truly are of polls that have been cooked 4 weeks ago in the province of Ontario grossly in favor of Conservative support over Nano’s polls which should be considered as unbiased and accurate. Cooked poll numbers and the opinion pieces that follow is a method of Propaganda that is as old as print itself. (All three contract pollsters Strategic Council, Angus Reid and Decima/Harris are under contract and controlled by Asper/Woodbridge) This election has seen a major share of propaganda to this respect.
Keep in mind that its not the first time Ontario polls have been juiced to try to create this effect. All three pollsters under contract to Asper/Woodbridge controlled media entities predicted a John H. Tory majority when in reality, a McGuinty majority was the outcome.
Folks… its spelled PROPAGANDA!
And keep in mind what seriously could happen if a majority Harper government is elected. If Harper truly does form a majority government, I’d say that Canadians would have a tremendous fight on their hands to keep the CBC and that would mean major pressure on elected Conservative MP’s to defect and/or possibly even a general strike… but this is, well, future speculation at this point. My point is that it is plausible that Canada could be headed there if Harper gets the majority he seeks.
Be well aware of these extremely important facts as the election moves on into the final two weeks.
Folks, its called propaganda, its coming through 60% of our mainstream media, and its all for greed and increased market share of two family owned (Asper/Woodbridge) media entities and Harper is their puppet.
Be well aware, Ontario… and if I was you all, knowing this information I’m telling you to be true, I’d be seeing red… if you all know what I mean.By brain on 10.02.08 3:22 pm
Please be aware as well, that Can West Global is also run by the Asper family from Israel, Zionists who also support the privatization of the CBC for greater market share. Both Woodbridge and CanWest own well over 60% of Canada’s mainstream media and daily newspapers. Who owns the remaining 40%? CBC clocks in at 23%. Quebecor, operating under Chapter 11, runs all the Suns except the Vancouver Sun (Can West), and the Toronto star. As well, Canada has weekly’s in rural areas.
If Quebecor/Osprey disappears quietly into that good night and CBC is privatized, we are looking at just two families, Woodbridge/Asper owning and controlling 85% of Canada’s mainstream media and if they take over Quebecor, these same two families would own virtually all mainstream media in Canada except for the Toronto Star.
Scary huh?
If the alliance between the Asper/Woodbridge families continue, after reaching their goal to achieve close to full market share of Canada’s mainstream media, they would effectively control the media message in Canada, putting themselves into the position of kingmakers that change CRTC regs to their satisfaction.
Folks… we could kiss goodbye objective news coverage on any and all future elections and election issues in this still fine nation.
Its spelled PROPAGANDA!
One thing that would be predictable at that point would be that the quality of news in general in Canada would also take a big hit as is almost always the case when media becomes this concentrated.
Keep in mind how serious the allegations truly are of polls that have been cooked 4 weeks ago in the province of Ontario grossly in favor of Conservative support over Nano’s polls which should be considered as unbiased and accurate. Cooked poll numbers and the opinion pieces that follow is a method of Propaganda that is as old as print itself. (All three contract pollsters Strategic Council, Angus Reid and Decima/Harris are under contract and controlled by Asper/Woodbridge) This election has seen a major share of propaganda to this respect.
Keep in mind that its not the first time Ontario polls have been juiced to try to create this effect. All three pollsters under contract to Asper/Woodbridge controlled media entities predicted a John H. Tory majority when in reality, a McGuinty majority was the outcome.
Folks… its spelled PROPAGANDA!
And keep in mind what seriously could happen if a majority Harper government is elected. If Harper truly does form a majority government, I’d say that Canadians would have a tremendous fight on their hands to keep the CBC and that would mean major pressure on elected Conservative MP’s to defect and/or possibly even a general strike… but this is, well, future speculation at this point. My point is that it is plausible that Canada could be headed there if Harper gets the majority he seeks.
Be well aware of these extremely important facts as the election moves on into the final two weeks.
Folks, its called propaganda, its coming through 60% of our mainstream media, and its all for greed and increased market share of two family owned (Asper/Woodbridge) media entities and Harper is their puppet.
Be well aware, Ontario… and if I was you all, knowing this information I’m telling you to be true, I’d be seeing red… if you all know what I mean.By brain on 10.02.08 3:22 pm
post it on the blog
From: low6050@telus.netTo: mattrlow@hotmail.comSubject: Re: Your ridingDate: Fri, 3 Oct 2008 08:57:58 -0700
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Yes, it was a bit dull but I think the four opposition leaders nailed Steve on the important issues. Whether that will resonate with voters.......???? I thought Elizabeth May did exceptionally well.
In a nutshell:
I see the NDP as caring about the social issues: environment, poor and downtrodden, healthcare, and childcare but basically wanting to annihilate the corporate world to pay for their programs. That won't fly. They can't gut the Canadian economy.
The Cons under Steve are all about the corporate world and as Steve wanted to do a few years back, put a "firewall" around Alberta's resources.....and all that at the expense of the social programs. He cares not a whit for the arts sector, has done nothing for either healthcare or childcare. The small targeted handouts for the last two were just pathetic in the scheme of things.
The Green Party is just too marginal to make a difference for most Canadians. The fact that Liz came out and said that she'd legalize marihuana and tax it like alcohol and cigarettes, will not appeal to mainstream voters (even if it is the right idea).
The Bloc is a non-starter outside Quebec. Too bad as I thought Gilles had a great haircut!
Therefore, I feel that the Liberals are the most central party caring for both the corporate world and the social issues (The Green Shift). Balance is what it's all about and what it's always been about. Go, Stephane! Go!! He isn't the most charismatic fellow but he's on the right track. The head of the TD bank, Don Drummond, said Dion's plan is economically sound and Suzuki thinks so, too. None of the others leaders has had that support.
There's my rant for today.
Kisses and hugs
Card-packing Liberal
xoxo
(No, I don't have a brown shirt.......yet)
----- Original Message -----
From: matt low
To: The Lows
Sent: Friday, October 03, 2008 8:13 AM
Subject: RE: Your riding
the more info the better. Thanks. How 'bout those debaters?!
From: low6050@telus.netTo: mattrlow@hotmail.com; lsulek@fasken.caSubject: Your ridingDate: Fri, 3 Oct 2008 08:02:24 -0700
Here's an interesting site:
http://www.voteforenvironment.ca/node/111
They say to stop Stephen Harper you should vote for Hedy Fry, the Liberal incumbent.
You can never have TOO much information, can you?
Kisses
Political Poose
xoxo
From: low6050@telus.netTo: mattrlow@hotmail.comSubject: Re: Your ridingDate: Fri, 3 Oct 2008 08:57:58 -0700
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Yes, it was a bit dull but I think the four opposition leaders nailed Steve on the important issues. Whether that will resonate with voters.......???? I thought Elizabeth May did exceptionally well.
In a nutshell:
I see the NDP as caring about the social issues: environment, poor and downtrodden, healthcare, and childcare but basically wanting to annihilate the corporate world to pay for their programs. That won't fly. They can't gut the Canadian economy.
The Cons under Steve are all about the corporate world and as Steve wanted to do a few years back, put a "firewall" around Alberta's resources.....and all that at the expense of the social programs. He cares not a whit for the arts sector, has done nothing for either healthcare or childcare. The small targeted handouts for the last two were just pathetic in the scheme of things.
The Green Party is just too marginal to make a difference for most Canadians. The fact that Liz came out and said that she'd legalize marihuana and tax it like alcohol and cigarettes, will not appeal to mainstream voters (even if it is the right idea).
The Bloc is a non-starter outside Quebec. Too bad as I thought Gilles had a great haircut!
Therefore, I feel that the Liberals are the most central party caring for both the corporate world and the social issues (The Green Shift). Balance is what it's all about and what it's always been about. Go, Stephane! Go!! He isn't the most charismatic fellow but he's on the right track. The head of the TD bank, Don Drummond, said Dion's plan is economically sound and Suzuki thinks so, too. None of the others leaders has had that support.
There's my rant for today.
Kisses and hugs
Card-packing Liberal
xoxo
(No, I don't have a brown shirt.......yet)
----- Original Message -----
From: matt low
To: The Lows
Sent: Friday, October 03, 2008 8:13 AM
Subject: RE: Your riding
the more info the better. Thanks. How 'bout those debaters?!
From: low6050@telus.netTo: mattrlow@hotmail.com; lsulek@fasken.caSubject: Your ridingDate: Fri, 3 Oct 2008 08:02:24 -0700
Here's an interesting site:
http://www.voteforenvironment.ca/node/111
They say to stop Stephen Harper you should vote for Hedy Fry, the Liberal incumbent.
You can never have TOO much information, can you?
Kisses
Political Poose
xoxo
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
That's right Ice-man, she is dangerous...
Good to see Poose carving out her rightful niche on the wide world web. Hell, I'm impressed. What started out as early morning tete a tetes in the kitchen with CNN blaring in the background has morphed into a fairly sophisticated blog. What's next? A beer hall putchz? A Nader style run at Gordon Campbell? As recent inductee into the Rock n' Roll hall of fame Leonard Cohen once said: "First we take Manhattan, then we take Berlin." Or in Poose's case, first we feed Tubby, then we kick Stephen Harper's ass.
One suggeestion Poose: you should send your blog URL to friends/family so they can post comments. A blog with one voice is no fun: as lovely and pure as yours is.
Towric
One suggeestion Poose: you should send your blog URL to friends/family so they can post comments. A blog with one voice is no fun: as lovely and pure as yours is.
Towric
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
A rant to Garth's blog:
I apologize if I am restating the view of others but I have noticed the following: Jim Flaherty, as Ontario’s finance minister, left Ontario with a HUGE deficit and made his way onto the federal scene, where he inherited a HUGE surplus, thanks to the Liberals under Martin and Chretien. He told us in October that our economy was as solid as the Canadian shield. Then we have Steve coming to us just before the Christmas break, saying that our economy was looking a bit shaky…..and then we find out that Flaherty - yes, the one who inherited the BIG federal surplus - has now spent that same surplus and we now have NOTHING in reserve. I believe it went to buy votes…….DEFINITELY NOT MINE!!!
I apologize if I am restating the view of others but I have noticed the following: Jim Flaherty, as Ontario’s finance minister, left Ontario with a HUGE deficit and made his way onto the federal scene, where he inherited a HUGE surplus, thanks to the Liberals under Martin and Chretien. He told us in October that our economy was as solid as the Canadian shield. Then we have Steve coming to us just before the Christmas break, saying that our economy was looking a bit shaky…..and then we find out that Flaherty - yes, the one who inherited the BIG federal surplus - has now spent that same surplus and we now have NOTHING in reserve. I believe it went to buy votes…….DEFINITELY NOT MINE!!!
Friday, March 7, 2008
8 March 2008
Well, it's been a long week. I've caught a flu bug and have been hacking and wheezing for several days now. Thanks, Ray! Hopefully I'm nearing the end of it. And on the heels of a sprained ankle, it has been a long time since I had a routine.
Watching things in Ottawa, and there's so many scandals: Nafta-gate, Cadman, Soudis. I can smell the Cons rotting all the way out here on the West coast. I guess the Libs are just waiting for the momentum that will accompany three and perhaps four by-election wins coming up on the 17th of March: Joan Beatty, Martha Hall Findlay, Bob Rae and our own Joyce Murray here in Vancouver Quadra. So that's only a little over a week away. Then off to the polls we'll go!
And we're also watching the Democratic race down south. BO is about 100 delegates ahead of HC, and I think that the up-coming primaries/caucuses will widen that gap. Go, Barack! HC is now whining about the delegates in Florida and Michigan not being seated at the convention this summer due to the fact that they moved up their respective primaries and were disqualified. The two states were told ahead of time that this would happen. Nobody said anything. The Democratic candidates were told by the party not to bother campaigning as those 2 states were not going to count. Hillary let her name stand anyway......and walked away the "winner". Barack's name wasn't even on the ballot. I wonder why she wants those delegates counted now, when she's losing the race. Apparently the powers that be have indicated that there could be a re-vote and it's just a problem of money. We'll see. Tomorrow (Saturday 8 March) there is a caucus in Wyoming and then next week (Tuesday 11 March) there is a primary in Mississippi which is slated to go for Obama.
And Garth is talking doom and gloom on the economic front:
http://www.garth.ca/weblog/2008/03/06/the-threat/
I'm just happy that the kids are all renting, at least for the present time. Must phone them and remind them to turn their clocks ahead one hour this Saturday night, Daylight Savings Time.
Watching things in Ottawa, and there's so many scandals: Nafta-gate, Cadman, Soudis. I can smell the Cons rotting all the way out here on the West coast. I guess the Libs are just waiting for the momentum that will accompany three and perhaps four by-election wins coming up on the 17th of March: Joan Beatty, Martha Hall Findlay, Bob Rae and our own Joyce Murray here in Vancouver Quadra. So that's only a little over a week away. Then off to the polls we'll go!
And we're also watching the Democratic race down south. BO is about 100 delegates ahead of HC, and I think that the up-coming primaries/caucuses will widen that gap. Go, Barack! HC is now whining about the delegates in Florida and Michigan not being seated at the convention this summer due to the fact that they moved up their respective primaries and were disqualified. The two states were told ahead of time that this would happen. Nobody said anything. The Democratic candidates were told by the party not to bother campaigning as those 2 states were not going to count. Hillary let her name stand anyway......and walked away the "winner". Barack's name wasn't even on the ballot. I wonder why she wants those delegates counted now, when she's losing the race. Apparently the powers that be have indicated that there could be a re-vote and it's just a problem of money. We'll see. Tomorrow (Saturday 8 March) there is a caucus in Wyoming and then next week (Tuesday 11 March) there is a primary in Mississippi which is slated to go for Obama.
And Garth is talking doom and gloom on the economic front:
http://www.garth.ca/weblog/2008/03/06/the-threat/
I'm just happy that the kids are all renting, at least for the present time. Must phone them and remind them to turn their clocks ahead one hour this Saturday night, Daylight Savings Time.
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