Markie Mark: Question

[xpanda]

First, Hello to a fellow Ontarian!

I'm wondering what your thoughts are on the current drama in Parliament? If the gov't falls, do you think the Conservatives have a chance in Ontario? I can't get past Stephen Harper myself ... he worries me. But the Liberals don't deserve our votes on merit. What do you think?

 

[MarkieMark+]

I do not think it is a question of IF the governmant falls, but when. Paul Martin has answered that question and the vote of non-confidence will happen on May 19. We WILL be going to the polls this summer.

I think Ontario has proped up the Liberal Party for far too long now and we are ready for a change, however, if the Conservatives make this a single issue election (Sponsorship Program), they will lose. During the Mulroney years Ontario had quite a few PC seats but I think alot of Ontarions feel the same way as you about Harper. He is, for the most part, an unknown quantity on the national scene and that scares most Canadians into accepting the status quo. I do like his view on taxes though.

The Liberals have been in power way too long and the type of corruption that is being uncovered with the Sponsorship Program was inevitable. Time for a change and the Conservatives are the only realistic alternative.

MM

 

[xpanda]

I can't help but think that had the Conservatives known about the sponsorship scandal in time that Harper never would have been the guy. His appointment is just to keep the base in the West happy. Had they elected Stronach or even Harris (he may have run, who knows), I could seriously consider voting for them, even though I disagree intensely on a few issues (all social).

But Harper ... it's not so much for me that he's unknown, but that he comes from a die-hard Reform/Alliance background (I attended a Reform Party rally in Lethbridge in '91 and I'll never forget how much I felt like I was in Republican territory). He's also coached heavily by one of our only neoconservatives. And that Wall Street Journal letter was piss-poor, IMO.

I think he's unprofessional. I'm sure you heard those terribly offside remarks he made the other day about Martin holding off for a week only so those two Conservatives with cancer could get sicker. I mean, jesus, that is seriously slimy politics. He needs to remember which side of the border he's on. And that's my big worry with him.

But, yes, it's tough to check the box next to Liberal after the crap they've pulled. I might just say 'screw it' and throw a vote to the Green party.

 

[MarkieMark+]

You are right, xpanda. Harper is crass, unprofessional and a little extreme but the ARROGANCE of the Liberal Party has to be dealt with by the voters.

I think Harris would have been a good choice as leader for the Conservatives but Stronach would have been very scarey if the Conservative were actually to form the next Government.

MM

 

[xpanda]

Obviously this isn't something we could have known in advance, but Stronach has been pulling some pretty interesting political acts for a total novice. She has surrounded herself in private staff, for one thing, and is aligning herself nicely with members who would be good caucus support for her down the road. It's too bad she's got Stockwell Day sitting to her left in Parliament ... hopefully she'll ignore any advice he gives on PR. (Remember his waterskiing photo op ... funneee)

She will run for PM one day, I'm certain of that.

Had Harris been elected, Ontarians would easily support the Conservatives.

It will be interesting, for sure. But I'm quietly hoping that Stephen Harper's bullsh*t comes back to haunt him. Let the Conservatives lose this election, replace Harper, then the voting public can right the wrongs in Ottawa. I can't hope we give the reins to him just to spite the Liberals. Now, a Conservative minority I could get into ...

 

[MarkieMark+]

Man, I miss Stockwell Day! He was always good for a laugh. A Conservative minority would just mean ANOTHER election in 18 months time, and NOBODY wants that.

LOVE THE AVATAR!

MM

 

[docmercer--banned]

Do you kiddies need me to pick ya up some Molson's beer?

 

[xpanda]

Two days ago, the biggest crime in Canadian history ...

http://www.pulse24.com/News/Top_Story/20050511-001/page.asp

They say that if you drink 12 beers a day, that enough was spilled to last you 84 years. So so so sad ..... flags should have been lowered, truly.

 

[xpanda]

LOVE THE AVATAR!

MM

Thanks! I had that old one for the past two years ... thought it was time to mix it up a little. I kinda like it, too.