tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35117130.post7464860569855749141..comments2024-03-28T19:18:40.387-04:00Comments on Northern Reflections: Playing for TimeOwen Grayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06464860078574618579noreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35117130.post-81834190359098664702010-01-15T12:13:13.424-05:002010-01-15T12:13:13.424-05:00When I first began writing this blog, the Liberal ...When I first began writing this blog, the Liberal leadership convention was going on in Montreal. I wrote, at the time, that Bob Rae was the best of the four leading candidates.<br /><br />I understood why they chose Dion. The man had no skeletons in his closet. Rae, unfortunately, was not seen as a dyed in the wool Liberal. But he was the best politician of the lot -- and he understood both government and opposition.<br /><br />I didn't expect the Liberals to take my advice. But I stand by my original opinion.Owen Grayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06464860078574618579noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35117130.post-51940792229769707102010-01-15T10:47:09.054-05:002010-01-15T10:47:09.054-05:00Good post, as always.
I've never been a fan o...Good post, as always.<br /><br />I've never been a fan of Iggy. He looks good on paper but doesn't "show" well.<br /><br />I'm a Bob Rae fan, but it probably would be suicide in Quebec - and maybe the NDP days would cling too strongly for others as well.ChrisJhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13139508470517226199noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35117130.post-89520555778778700412010-01-12T08:10:34.365-05:002010-01-12T08:10:34.365-05:00As a former Quebecer, who grew up in Montreal and ...As a former Quebecer, who grew up in Montreal and worked for several years in the Eastern Townships, I can appreciate your comments about the province's politics.<br /><br />Unfortunately, there is no Pierre Trudeau, with his formidable communications skills in both languages, to carry the province.<br /><br />It seems to me that the opposition parties are going to have to cooperate, despite the hateful things which Mr. Harper will say.Owen Grayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06464860078574618579noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35117130.post-73787236290275993922010-01-12T07:28:21.169-05:002010-01-12T07:28:21.169-05:00Actually, Dylan, when You talk to Quebecers (I rea...Actually, Dylan, when You talk to Quebecers (I really mean Montrealers; its' where I live and work), getting both French & English to vote Liberal these days would be a challenge. Would be much easier if Iggy goes and a new leader selected (NOt Bob RAe; suicidal).<br /><br />Most that I talk to would hold their noses and vote for either Steve or the Bloc. <br /><br />Folks are more scared of Iggy and can't bring themselves to believe that if Steve were unleashed with a majority, that he would turn this sharp right. Others seem to think, best to suck up whatever Steve does for 4 years and give the Liberals time to recalibrate.<br /><br />My problem with the latter is Steve has proven to me that he wants more than a majority; he wants a totalitarian regime, and his comments as of late reflect this.<br /><br />Today's right slanted media is doing its damndest to spoon feed Canadians that A Bush - Era totalitarian regime under Steve is best for Canada.<br /><br />My question is, how do we get louder than the corporate media? How do we get Canadians to hear us that no matter; Iggy would never be that sharply to the right as Steve.<br /><br />The Bloc won in French Quebec with an anyone but Harper campaign which the premier Charest endorsed. Doesn't seem to work with Anglos though.<br /><br />Short of a new Liberal leader with ideas and a platform as well as someone who can effectively counter act Steve's schoolyard bully tactics (again, NOT Bob Rae), I don't know how we can convince them otherwise.<br /><br />Any ideas?ckhttp://sistersagesmusings.canoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35117130.post-66697809105779011752010-01-11T13:11:45.777-05:002010-01-11T13:11:45.777-05:00It really is a matter of faith, isn't it? Noth...It really is a matter of faith, isn't it? Nothing happens unless -- and until -- we believe that we, and the people we elect, can change a situation.<br /><br />And yes, Dylan, if leaders can inspire that faith, words like "recalibration" are exposed for the weasel words they are.Owen Grayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06464860078574618579noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35117130.post-90449606420153837312010-01-11T12:30:00.988-05:002010-01-11T12:30:00.988-05:00very well said! I might also add they need to give...very well said! I might also add they need to give us something to believe in, something to hope for and something to be able to proudly say yes I am Canadian...for Mr. Harper has taken that all away.Colette Ameliahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03442660605798634154noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35117130.post-85294633453438161172010-01-11T11:28:17.288-05:002010-01-11T11:28:17.288-05:00Owen, great post.
You're absolutely right, Ca...Owen, great post.<br /><br />You're absolutely right, Canadians (particularly those in Ontario and Quebec) don't need a lot of convincing to vote Liberal - they just need sound, responsible policy. Iggy needs to convey that message during this break. <br /><br />Weak CPC MPs (like Riatt, Braid, Woodworth and other backbenchers) who won their seats by a hair last election could be in for a real surprise when the hammer drops. Being an incumbent could backfire on them as people ask for answers and all they get is head nodding and buzz-words like "recalibration" and "leadership."Dhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16984468805919067190noreply@blogger.com