[mtbr]

bootlegga wrote:

RUEZ wrote:

bootlegga wrote:

How do you think the Bloc/NDP is similar to the Conservatives? Harper had no problem using their support to bring down Martin in 2005...so I think it's your argument that is flawed, not mine.

There is no similarity between the Bloc/NDP and the Conservatives. Co-operating in parliament is different then forming a coalition, which in essence is a temporary union of those parties under one leader.

Oh, so it's only okay when the Conservatives want a coalition, right?

Quote:

The Conservatives have alleged that the moves by the opposition parties to offer themselves up to the Governor-General as a viable alternative, should the government fall, are undemocratic. However, the Liberals retaliated by saying that Mr. Harper, Mr. Layton and Mr. Duceppe presented precisely the same proposal to former Governor-General, Adrienne Clarkson, in 2005.

http://www.canadaka.net/link.php?id=39427

why don't you go read that letter instead of posting BS accusations from the left?

[Jabrwock]

mtbr wrote:

why don't you go read that letter instead of posting BS accusations from the left?

Are you reading the same one I'm reading? I posted the relevant paragraph above. It basically tells the GG, "we the opposition parties are in discussion, and if the Liberals don't have the confidence of Parliament, there are alternatives to calling an election, even if Dion asks for one".

Implying that the "parties in discussion" could form a government instead.

This happened before. A minority lost confidence so fast, the GG handed power over to a coalition instead of agreeing to a new election. They didn't last either, but they lasted longer than the previous minority had...

[mtbr]

Jabrwock wrote:

mtbr wrote:

why don't you go read that letter instead of posting BS accusations from the left?

Are you reading the same one I'm reading? I posted the relevant paragraph above. It basically tells the GG, "we the opposition parties are in discussion, and if the Liberals don't have the confidence of Parliament, there are alternatives to calling an election, even if Dion asks for one".

Implying that the "parties in discussion" could form a government instead.

This happened before. A minority lost confidence so fast, the GG handed power over to a coalition instead of agreeing to a new election. They didn't last either, but they lasted longer than the previous minority had...

Not one word of a coalition in that letter, they actually said the Conservatives would form the minority government and each issue would be voted on separately by the opposition parties. They did not agree to a hand and hand coalition with a specific time frame as the new CCC is doing. They gave no guarantees .

[Scape]

PM is no stranger to opposition coalition plans

Quote:

Harper said the Liberals appeared to be unduly provocative for a minority government and it looked like what they really wanted was an election.

Fast forward to the fiscal update presented on Thursday by Finance Minister Jim Flaherty and I have to assume that Harper knew that stripping public financing from political parties in a way that would have bankrupted the Liberals and taking away the right to strike from public servants would certainly qualify as "controversial provisions."

As they say, that was then, this is now.

RallyforCanada.ca

Quote:

Do we really want the Bloc Quebecois dictating the terms of the next government? Do we want the NDP at the economic helm as people stand on the verge of losing their jobs across Canada?

You know, they really could have done something with this fiscal update instead of opening Pandora's box. Just a thought...

[Jabrwock]

mtbr wrote:

Not one word of a coalition in that letter, they actually said the Conservatives would form the minority government and each issue would be voted on separately by the opposition parties. They did not agree to a hand and hand coalition with a specific time frame as the new CCC is doing. They gave no guarantees .

So? This is no different, just slightly more formal. If the Liberals did anything that pissed off the NDP/Bloc, they have nothing stopping them from breaking the coalition. In fact, I'm willing to BET that the agreement puts restrictions on what all legislation can be introduced in those 30 months, and what options there are for the NDP & Bloc should the Libs try to bully them.

Scrape wrote:

You know, they really could have done something with this fiscal update instead of opening Pandora's box. Just a thought...

My thoughts exactly. They're amazed that they can't bully the Opposition any more. I've never seen them backpedal on legislation this fast before.

[hurley_108]

Scape wrote:

RallyforCanada.ca

I have to laugh at how their Edmonton protest is at the constituency office of the lone non-Conservative MP, whereas most of the other protests are at neutral locations like city halls and provincial legislatures. But then again, this is all in defence of a bully so why should they be above his tactics?

[mtbr]

hurley_108 wrote:

Scape wrote:

RallyforCanada.ca

I have to laugh at how their Edmonton protest is at the constituency office of the lone non-Conservative MP, whereas most of the other protests are at neutral locations like city halls and provincial legislatures. But then again, this is all in defence of a bully so why should they be above his tactics?

why wouldn't it be at an office of the CCC if it was available?

it's the only one in Alberta.

[Jabrwock]

mtbr wrote:

why wouldn't it be at an office of the CCC if it was available?

it's the only one in Alberta.

I wasn't surprised at that at all. Afterall, why would you protest at the Conservative MP's office?

What was funny was their accusations about how it's all wrong because they're cooperating with the Bloc, as if the Cons haven't been currying the Bloc's favour the last few years in order to stave off an election...

[poquas]

I voted Conservative. My choice won, and I was happy with the results. The people running the party aren’t ready for a majority government yet, and Harper only proved the point.

The proposed coalition is a legitimate option in our form of government, and I doubt they’ll be any worse (or better) than what’s there. The opposition represents more votes than the Conservatives and while I find the Bloc being involved distasteful, they have a right to be there, and are entitled to be involved.

For the hard right, they’ll have to suck it up because morons called the shots last week. In fact by releasing a private conversation on tape, just proves it over again. For the pinko left, they aren’t going to be represented or very useful. Much like the Bloc.

I’m going to get comfortable and watch the fireworks for awhile.

[Scape]

Good post poquas.

[Jabrwock]

poquas wrote:

I’m going to get comfortable and watch the fireworks for awhile.

Unless Harper prorogue's parliament. Then we're stuck waiting until Jan 27...

[Arrowhead]

This is GREAT! Anyone but Harper!

[poquas]

Jabrwock wrote:

poquas wrote:

I’m going to get comfortable and watch the fireworks for awhile.

Unless Harper prorogue's parliament. Then we're stuck waiting until Jan 27...

It looks like that’s the only way he could stop it now based on the latest newscasts. Of course if he does, that will again prove how stupid a decision he and his handlers can make.

He’s considered by most as pretty arrogant person. That would seal the opinion in anyone’s mind that might have given him the benefit of the doubt and of course only postpones the inevitable.

The only smart move he has now is a grand gesture of contrition (which I sincerely doubt he is capable of), or to stand back and hope the coalition fails.

[DrCaleb]

Arrowhead wrote:

This is GREAT! Anyone but Harper!

Like Dion? Iggy? Duceppe?

Think before you write, mmmkay?

[Jabrwock]

poquas wrote:

The only smart move he has now is a grand gesture of contrition (which I sincerely doubt he is capable of), or to stand back and hope the coalition fails.

I think he may be hoping it will by the 27th, or that he can at least bribe (er I mean persuade) the Bloc to support him then. After all, if he prorogues he's got 2 months to find out how to persuade them, instead of a week.