NationStates Jolt Archive

http://www.cbc.ca/story/canada/national/2005/05/18/stronach-sexism050518.html

Article cited reprinted below, bolds mine for editorial purposes. Also, stay tuned for second article.

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Sexism cited in reaction to Stronach move
Last Updated Wed, 18 May 2005 11:12:28 EDT
CBC News
EDMONTON - A political scientist who has studied the media's treatment of Belinda Stronach calls some of the reaction to the Conservative MP's defection to the Liberals "offensive and sexist."

Linda Trimble of the University of Alberta zeroed in on the comments of two provincial legislature members among Stronach's former Conservative allies.

After Prime Minister Paul Martin announced Tuesday that Stronach was switching parties and joining his cabinet, veteran Ontario Conservative Bob Runciman called her "a dipstick – an attractive one, but still a dipstick."

Alberta Conservative Tony Abbott jumped into the debate by saying Stronach had "whored herself out for power."

Trimble said the comments are the latest in a series of political lows, starting when Stronach made her bid for the leadership of the Conservative party in early 2004.

"The overall suggestion was that she was this bikini-clad blonde fronting for these backroom boys seeking power," the political scientist said of how the national media covered the wealthy businesswoman-turned-politician.

Trimble said the candidate's aspirations were often ridiculed, her qualifications trivialized, and her youth and looks the subject of vulgar and excessive obsession.

She found it troubling but not surprising that some of the same themes were reflected in Conservative reaction to the 39-year-old MP jumping ship.

"When she's being called a whore and a dipstick – well, that's intensely personal, and it goes to her integrity. Those are not the kinds of comments made when male politicians cross the floor."

Trimble said the worst of the Conservative comments following Stronach's defection will do little to shore up support for the party as it seeks power on the national stage.

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And now for more 2005 Budget news -

http://www.cbc.ca/story/canada/national/2005/05/17/harper-stronach050517.html

Looks like maybe Mr. Harper is smartening up. Maybe. I assume his handlers are making him aware that his latest attempt to derail the seated gov aren't playing out the way they thought it would with those pesky voters. We'll just have to see, folks.

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OTTAWA - The Conservatives will vote in support of the federal budget, Tory Leader Stephen Harper announced hours after high-profile MP Belinda Stronach defected to the Liberals.

Harper said his party will still try to topple the Liberals on a second vote on Thursday – a budget amendment that directs $4.6 billion to housing and the environment.

"It's our intention to support Bill C-43, the original budget," Harper said on Tuesday night. "We'll oppose Bill C-48, which was the deal with the NDP, which is complete irresponsible fiscal policy."

The budget amendment, which also delays a series of corporate tax cuts, was the price that the NDP wrung from the Liberals in return for support on the budget.

Harper's abrupt reversal came after Stronach crossed the floor earlier in the day and joined Paul Martin's Liberal minority government.

The defection shifted the razor-thin margin of seats that the Conservatives and their ally, the Bloc Québécois, were counting on to oust the Liberals on a budget confidence vote.

It gives the Liberal-NDP coalition on the budget a total of 151 votes, not including Speaker Peter Milliken, a Liberal MP who votes only in the case of a tie. The Conservatives and Bloc have a total of 152 votes.

The only one of three Independent MPs to declare her vote has said she'd side with the Liberals.

Stronach's personal leadership ambitions, not any concern for the good of the country, led her to defect, Harper said earlier in the day.

Meeting with reporters less than an hour after Prime Minister Paul Martin announced Stronach was joining his cabinet, Harper acknowledged that losing the MP could foil his bid to bring down the Liberal government on Thursday.

"I could see this coming," Harper said, adding that he felt "a sense of relief" that Stronach had left before the beginning of a general election campaign and not during one.

"There's no grand principle involved in this decision, just ambition," Harper said.

He said he recently told his wife that he "thought it had become obvious to Belinda that her leadership ambitions would not be reached in this party regardless of whether or not we won the next election."

Harper added that as a result of expressing that belief to Stronach, "I expected to have problems."

But he said it is Stronach who will now have problems – when she faces the voters in her riding of Newmarket-Aurora.

"This will ultimately negatively affect Belinda Stronach's chances of being re-elected," he said.
Harper said Stronach had given no sign of disagreeing with her caucus colleagues on the Conservatives' decision to try to bring down the government this week.

And he said her decision does not affect his belief that defeating Martin's team is the right thing to do.

"The governing party is corrupt," he said, repeating an argument he has been making for weeks.

"It is in the process of ruining the nation's finances with the biggest vote-buying spree in Canadian history ... and it's doing tremendous damage to the cause of federalism in Quebec."

Harper said Stronach's fellow MPs "are feeling quite devastated, quite betrayed by this" – especially Peter MacKay, who has been romantically involved with Stronach for about six months.

"I think Peter's taken this pretty badly, as you can imagine."

The Conservative leader dismissed Stronach's suggestion that he is not sensitive to the needs of all parts of the country, singling out her home province of Ontario as a region he doesn't understand.

"Everyone knows that I was born in Toronto," he said. "I lived in Toronto for the first 19 years of my life, I still have relatives all across the province and I don't think that's the real issue here."

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There only politicians, people should expect these things

Le Bump.








Bonjour!

Encore un bump pour mes amis Canadiens.

Bump!

Fiche-moi la paix!

Fiche-moi la paix!

I like Doonesbury, too.

There only politicians, people should expect these things

Expect them maybe, but not accept them.

http://www.cbc.ca/gfx/pix/stronach_martin_cp_7661338.jpg

notice the colourful sash thingy
liberals are doing good on her already.
...thats kinda creepy...

http://www.cbc.ca/gfx/pix/stronach_martin_cp_7661338.jpg

notice the colourful sash thingy
liberals are doing good on her already.
...thats kinda creepy...

MWAHAHA

I think you have to ask what would happen if the tables were turned and Stronach was defecting to the Conservatives. I bet Harper would take anyone who wanted to join, if it meant getting enough votes to get his precious corporate tax cuts.

I think you have to ask what would happen if the tables were turned and Stronach was defecting to the Conservatives. I bet Harper would take anyone who wanted to join, if it meant getting enough votes to get his precious corporate tax cuts.
Im sure Martins thanking whatever god he bows to right now too though. Cretien was threatened with extrodician (is that a word) from the previous pope. Most religious kids are conservatives. He can use all the help he can get.

If Harper tried amalgamating the Conservatives with the Bloc it wouldn't make me bat a lash.

He carries an undeniable stench of desperation with him these days, our Mr. Harper does. Either desperation, or frustration with the people he claims to wish to lord it ove- uh, I mean, govern...

http://www.cbc.ca/story/canada/national/2005/05/18/stronach-sexism050518.html

Article cited reprinted below, bolds mine for editorial purposes. Also, stay tuned for second article.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------


Sexism cited in reaction to Stronach move
Last Updated Wed, 18 May 2005 11:12:28 EDT
CBC News
EDMONTON - A political scientist who has studied the media's treatment of Belinda Stronach calls some of the reaction to the Conservative MP's defection to the Liberals "offensive and sexist."

Linda Trimble of the University of Alberta zeroed in on the comments of two provincial legislature members among Stronach's former Conservative allies.

After Prime Minister Paul Martin announced Tuesday that Stronach was switching parties and joining his cabinet, veteran Ontario Conservative Bob Runciman called her "a dipstick – an attractive one, but still a dipstick."

Alberta Conservative Tony Abbott jumped into the debate by saying Stronach had "whored herself out for power."

Trimble said the comments are the latest in a series of political lows, starting when Stronach made her bid for the leadership of the Conservative party in early 2004.

"The overall suggestion was that she was this bikini-clad blonde fronting for these backroom boys seeking power," the political scientist said of how the national media covered the wealthy businesswoman-turned-politician.

Trimble said the candidate's aspirations were often ridiculed, her qualifications trivialized, and her youth and looks the subject of vulgar and excessive obsession.

She found it troubling but not surprising that some of the same themes were reflected in Conservative reaction to the 39-year-old MP jumping ship.

"When she's being called a whore and a dipstick – well, that's intensely personal, and it goes to her integrity. Those are not the kinds of comments made when male politicians cross the floor."

Trimble said the worst of the Conservative comments following Stronach's defection will do little to shore up support for the party as it seeks power on the national stage.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

And now for more 2005 Budget news -

http://www.cbc.ca/story/canada/national/2005/05/17/harper-stronach050517.html

Looks like maybe Mr. Harper is smartening up. Maybe. I assume his handlers are making him aware that his latest attempt to derail the seated gov aren't playing out the way they thought it would with those pesky voters. We'll just have to see, folks.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

OTTAWA - The Conservatives will vote in support of the federal budget, Tory Leader Stephen Harper announced hours after high-profile MP Belinda Stronach defected to the Liberals.

Harper said his party will still try to topple the Liberals on a second vote on Thursday – a budget amendment that directs $4.6 billion to housing and the environment.

"It's our intention to support Bill C-43, the original budget," Harper said on Tuesday night. "We'll oppose Bill C-48, which was the deal with the NDP, which is complete irresponsible fiscal policy."

The budget amendment, which also delays a series of corporate tax cuts, was the price that the NDP wrung from the Liberals in return for support on the budget.

Harper's abrupt reversal came after Stronach crossed the floor earlier in the day and joined Paul Martin's Liberal minority government.

The defection shifted the razor-thin margin of seats that the Conservatives and their ally, the Bloc Québécois, were counting on to oust the Liberals on a budget confidence vote.

It gives the Liberal-NDP coalition on the budget a total of 151 votes, not including Speaker Peter Milliken, a Liberal MP who votes only in the case of a tie. The Conservatives and Bloc have a total of 152 votes.

The only one of three Independent MPs to declare her vote has said she'd side with the Liberals.

Stronach's personal leadership ambitions, not any concern for the good of the country, led her to defect, Harper said earlier in the day.

Meeting with reporters less than an hour after Prime Minister Paul Martin announced Stronach was joining his cabinet, Harper acknowledged that losing the MP could foil his bid to bring down the Liberal government on Thursday.

"I could see this coming," Harper said, adding that he felt "a sense of relief" that Stronach had left before the beginning of a general election campaign and not during one.

"There's no grand principle involved in this decision, just ambition," Harper said.

He said he recently told his wife that he "thought it had become obvious to Belinda that her leadership ambitions would not be reached in this party regardless of whether or not we won the next election."

Harper added that as a result of expressing that belief to Stronach, "I expected to have problems."

But he said it is Stronach who will now have problems – when she faces the voters in her riding of Newmarket-Aurora.

"This will ultimately negatively affect Belinda Stronach's chances of being re-elected," he said.
Harper said Stronach had given no sign of disagreeing with her caucus colleagues on the Conservatives' decision to try to bring down the government this week.

And he said her decision does not affect his belief that defeating Martin's team is the right thing to do.

"The governing party is corrupt," he said, repeating an argument he has been making for weeks.

"It is in the process of ruining the nation's finances with the biggest vote-buying spree in Canadian history ... and it's doing tremendous damage to the cause of federalism in Quebec."

Harper said Stronach's fellow MPs "are feeling quite devastated, quite betrayed by this" – especially Peter MacKay, who has been romantically involved with Stronach for about six months.

"I think Peter's taken this pretty badly, as you can imagine."

The Conservative leader dismissed Stronach's suggestion that he is not sensitive to the needs of all parts of the country, singling out her home province of Ontario as a region he doesn't understand.

"Everyone knows that I was born in Toronto," he said. "I lived in Toronto for the first 19 years of my life, I still have relatives all across the province and I don't think that's the real issue here."

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Sorry, I stopped reading after "Canadia Political scientist".

Sorry, I stopped reading after "Canadia Political scientist".
You read more than me. I just looked at the pretty pictures.

Im sure Martins thanking whatever god he bows to right now too though. Cretien was threatened with extrodician (is that a word) from the previous pope. Most religious kids are conservatives. He can use all the help he can get.

not 'extradition', 'excommunication'. And Mr. Martin is also a Catholic, so presumably he's under the same gun from those quarters.

And although most religious kids are conservative, most kids aren't religious, and at least half of 'em'll grow out of proscribed religious conservatism by the time they're in college, anyway.

And what of the religious who are not conservative? No-one ever takes us into account. Who says you've got to be a dick to have a spiritual side?

Oh Steven Harper...he so crazy. I mean, Conservatives in bed with Quebec nationalists in order to oust the Liberal government? That's desperation for you. On another note, I love how Harper is repeating the "corrupt" line over and over again. Does anyone remember the Convervative corruption that has occurred while they were in power? How short our memories are...

not 'extradition', 'excommunication'.
*bows head in shame*
I hate words. I mix them up.

And although most religious kids are conservative, most kids aren't religious, and at least half of 'em'll grow out of proscribed religious conservatism by the time they're in college, anyway.
...you do realize that by 'kids' i mean 'people' [and most 'people' that vote are religious].

And what of the religious who are not conservative? No-one ever takes us into account. Who says you've got to be a dick to have a spiritual side?
...i never said that....

Oh Steven Harper...he so crazy. I mean, Conservatives in bed with Quebec nationalists in order to oust the Liberal government? That's desperation for you. On another note, I love how Harper is repeating the "corrupt" line over and over again. Does anyone remember the Convervative corruption that has occurred while they were in power? How short our memories are...
Is this refering to me?
Just because I didnt read this post doestn mean I dont know whats going on. I happen to be appart quite a few political communities. :(

ALL of the above?

The part I edited out ("Thanks, why bother posting if you're not contributing anything?") referred to the people who just said "lol didn't read it har har" or something like that. The part about our short memories isn't directed at anyone - I just find it ironic that Harper is drilling the corruption line into the public and many people are agreeing with it.

I just find it ironic that Harper is drilling the corruption line into the public and many people are agreeing with it.
Ooooh your a geinous! :D never thought of it that way.

Im sure Martins thanking whatever god he bows to right now too though. Cretien was threatened with extrodician (is that a word) from the previous pope. Most religious kids are conservatives. He can use all the help he can get.
If I'm not mistaken, Martin is christian, I think catholic, but I may be mistaken. I know there was some upset about gay marriage conflicting with his church's belief system.

anyone with any morals would just leave the party and sit as a independant. Not sit in a week before on a conservative big wig pow wow. :rolleyes:

she is a whore

anyone with any morals would just leave the party and sit as a independant. Not sit in a week before on a conservative big wig pow wow. :rolleyes:

she is a whore
If you listened to her speaches on tolerance, diversity, pro choice et c and then listen to what Harper was saying, it is clear that she did not fit in that party. She deserted to a party that fit her political ideas better.

Also, it really is quite offensive to call her a whore for her decision. If it had been a man who deserted, you wouldnt' be saying that he sells his body for sex, now would you?

Also, I wish the poll had an all of the above option.

If I'm not mistaken, Martin is christian, I think catholic, but I may be mistaken. I know there was some upset about gay marriage conflicting with his church's belief system.
:S
I only said 'whatever god he believes in' as a rant kind of thing. goes better with the flow of stuff. Should I edit it so that people will stop 'filling me in'?

If you listened to her speaches on tolerance, diversity, pro choice et c and then listen to what Harper was saying, it is clear that she did not fit in that party. She deserted to a party that fit her political ideas better.

Also, it really is quite offensive to call her a whore for her decision. If it had been a man who deserted, you wouldnt' be saying that he sells his body for sex, now would you?

Also, I wish the poll had an all of the above option.


Of course I would have called a man a whore who did this, because someone who does this is a whore for power, doesnt matter what sex the person is. geez pull your PC head outta of your

anyone with any morals would just leave the party and sit as a independant. Not sit in a week before on a conservative big wig pow wow. :rolleyes:

she is a whore

I am extraordinarily upset with the use of such pejorative, mysoginist terms as 'whore' in connection with Ms. Stronach's decision.

Jay, you've singlehandedly managed to drag this discussion into the gutter. I am grossly offended, and I will seek the advice of the Mods.

Have to agree with Dobbs here. It's not anything to do with being "PC" it's about not using misogynistic, petty terms to describe fellow human beings.

Of course I would have called a man a whore who did this, because someone who does this is a whore for power, doesnt matter what sex the person is. geez pull your PC head outta of your
Wow. This isn't a matter of being PC, this is a matter of being polite. And usually when men do things like this it either results in a slight disappointed head shaking or at worst, some minor credibility damage, not personal attacks and name calling.

And really, if you heard what she talked about compared to what Harper would talk about, you could see that she was clearly in the wrong party, or at least that the leadership was wrong for her views. But instead, you sit here, judge her without knowing a damn thing and then flame me for calling you on it.

Wow. This isn't a matter of being PC, this is a matter of being polite. And usually when men do things like this it either results in a slight disappointed head shaking or at worst, some minor credibility damage, not personal attacks and name calling.

And really, if you heard what she talked about compared to what Harper would talk about, you could see that she was clearly in the wrong party, or at least that the leadership was wrong for her views. But instead, you sit here, judge her without knowing a damn thing and then flame me for calling you on it.


umm then sit as independant and DONT SIT IN ON IMPORTANT PARTY MEETINGS A WEEK BEFORE! WTF!!

thats the very defination of a bloody power whore :(

I am extraordinarily upset with the use of such pejorative, mysoginist terms as 'whore' in connection with Ms. Stronach's decision.

Jay, you've singlehandedly managed to drag this discussion into the gutter. I am grossly offended, and I will seek the advice of the Mods.

dobbs your trolling, its pretty easy to tell i am talking about a whore the sense of whoring oneself for power, as compared to a street whore selling ass for cash :rolleyes:

umm then sit as independant and DONT SIT IN ON IMPORTANT PARTY MEETINGS A WEEK BEFORE! WTF!!

thats the very defination of a bloody power whore :(
Why should she join as an independant? Perhaps she deceided that she was indeed more a liberal than a conservative, and enough of a liberal to join the party that best captured her views?

And really, what makes you think that she had made a decision a week before announcing her change? Perhaps she was leaning one way or the other, but undecided.

Yet you just sit here and judge her and think the worst of her and use petty language to describe her instead of seeing that perhaps she could have other reasons for doing what she did.

First off, the Conservatives are not "in bed" with the bloq, just because both parties seem to point out the obvious fact this government, is, has been, and will continue to be corrupt, while trying to remove this government, does not make them "bedfellows". It's called parliamentary democracy. The house votes, majority rules. But I guess this only counts when things go the Liberals way. When Mulroney was found to be corrupt and drunk with power, he (more accurately, the conservative Government) got smoked the following election; mainly because conservative minded voters saw this and switched to Liberal to show this kind of activity should not be tolerated. It's seems so odd to me that left leaners have trouble being rational sometimes, that is, to say "Geeze, sure was wrong on that one". But instead are easily persuaded by catch phrases and/or commercials and out and out lies. I think it's just that people are in fact getting dumber (extreme right and left) that can't take time to listen to the real issues and whatever policies each party brings to the table (just paint with a general brush, it’s so much easier...and never, ever admit your idea might not be right, even when faced with overwhelming evidence...if such a case occurs, yell racist, bigot or sexist loudly until the whole point is forgotten.)
Moreover, I'm not voting conservative because some guy on the radio said Harper will eat my kids. That counts as my electoral "research" and that's all I need to know. I won't even entertain the idea of watching a parliamentary session or getting any more informed.
Well, actually that's not true; maybe Green day will give me some more political insight.

dobbs your trolling, its pretty easy to tell i am talking about a whore the sense of whoring oneself for power, as compared to a street whore selling ass for cash :rolleyes:
How is he trolling?

And the fact that you are applying a term that is used primarily for women who sell their bodies to describe this woman is putting her down.

First off, the Conservatives are not "in bed" with the bloq, just because both parties seem to point out the obvious fact this government, is, has been, and will continue to be corrupt, while trying to remove this government, does not make them "bedfellows". It's called parliamentary democracy. The house votes, majority rules. But I guess this only counts when things go the Liberals way. When Mulroney was found to be corrupt and drunk with power, he (more accurately, the conservative Government) got smoked the following election; mainly because conservative minded voters saw this and switched to Liberal to show this kind of activity should not be tolerated. It's seems so odd to me that left leaners have trouble being rational sometimes, that is, to say "Geeze, sure was wrong on that one". But instead are easily persuaded by catch phrases and/or commercials and out and out lies. I think it's just that people are in fact getting dumber (extreme right and left) that can't take time to listen to the real issues and whatever policies each party brings to the table (just paint with a general brush, it’s so much easier...and never, ever admit your idea might not be right, even when faced with overwhelming evidence...if such a case occurs, yell racist, bigot or sexist loudly until the whole point is forgotten.)
Moreover, I'm not voting conservative because some guy on the radio said Harper will eat my kids. That counts as my electoral "research" and that's all I need to know. I won't even entertain the idea of watching a parliamentary session or getting any more informed.
Well, actually that's not true; maybe Green day will give me some more political insight.

Whoo! This here's a doozy! But seriously, you don't find it odd that Conservatives are allying with people who want to separate Quebec from the rest of the country? Seems a little over the top to me. I'm not defending any corruption that may be occurring in the Liberal party, and I agree with you that people may be getting dumber and are easily persuaded by flashy slogans and so forth. I can't vote yet, but I probably would not vote for a Conservative government. Perhaps this is simply due to my youthful exuberence, but I think that housing and environmental programs should take precedence over tax cuts for corporations. But by your logic, should people who agree with social reforms switch to a party that opposes their ideals because the current party has become embroiled in a scandal? If anything, they should probably go to the NDP. And besides, I doubt Green Day is very interested in Canadian politics. We don't have anyone that's nearly as flashy up here.

I am not trolling, or flamebating. I am simply posting news, expressing opinions, and responding to other posters here, in this place.

I am still more than somewhat in shock as to the outright mysoginy being promulgated by a certain individual on this thread, but I've appealed to the Mods for advice on the matter, rather than rise to the bait or lower the tone of this thread.

If this is the sort of behaviour we, as Canadians, can expect from the grassroots level of the so-called 'Conservatives', then I'll make it my life's work to forestall the day that any 'Conservative' holds the helm in the PMO.

Calling Ms. Stronach a 'whore', esp. in light of the article that lead off this thread, is simply despicable. Not funny, not descriptive, not anything other than mean-spirited, offensive, and derogutory - and not just to Ms. Stronach, but to all women.

Control my anger. Control my anger. Must remember to control my anger.

Admittedly, it would feel oh so good to haul off and figuratively pop Jay a good hard one right smack dab in the face, but...

...I have no desire to be warned, banned or deleted.

My opinion had changed on this topic somewhat from yesterday's "Kudos Stronach!"

I think Belinda Stronach is an opportunist in a manner of speaking, but maybe not in the traditional sense. Its definately pretty weird that she sat in a Conservatice Caucuus meeting the week before, whikle in negotiations with the PM. That's a litttle low.

But the fact is Belinda Stronach has never been fiercly partisan. She's sort of a political mercenary, going around doing things where she thinks she can make the most impact. She believed to strong parties were necessary, so she helped with the Tory-Alliance merger. I believe she was a liberal before that, etc. I heard an interview with her yesterday on CBC where she said that she has principles, not a fierce loyalty to one political party or another. That is a little unusual, yeah. There's no doubt that she can make more of an impact in Martin's cabinet than as and opposition backbencher shunned sideways by Harper.

Stronach thinks she is gifted, and worthy of responsibility. She want's to make a contribution, and she isn't very partient. She dissagrees with the direction the Tories have taken, and was offered a unique position. I think her switch makes sense.

She's a businesswoman. She knows enough that when divisiveness in politics begin to impact the nation's economy, those divisions need to be shelved.

Opportunist? Undoubtedly. But so was David Kilgour. So was Lucien Bouchard. So was Peter McKay.

And nobody ever called them 'whores'. Not publicly. Not as a matter of public record. And therein lies a massive double-standard.

And it is about sexism. Very plainly.



Shame on the Tories.

I don't have time to analyze this.

iLock pending Moderator review.

--The Modified Democratic States of Cogitation

Creeping like a thief in the night, Dobbs sneaks up to thread and reinflates it.

"This'll have to do 'til morning", Dobbs mutters.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/viewpoint/yourspace/belinda_defects.html

Okay, I'm posting this link so those who might be interested can get a good snapshot of Canadian political opinion. I'm finding it kinda weird seeing so many other people saying the same things I've been saying, and saying it so well.

Kinda spooky-like.

But the voices from the political right are sounding increasingly strident yet tinny at the same time. The center and left are sounding immovable but confident. Tomorrow, budget day in the Commons, will no doubt be a long day indeed.

Cogitation - you dont have time?... I hope the reason you dont have time is because your mod duties are needed else where -


Anyways - i think it would be nice if more MPs did this - or better yet didnt vote along party lines all the time - we dont really vote for the person - we vote for the party - this creates problems, specailly when party leaders take very hard lines on issues

Wow. You Canadians have a Tony Abbott too!

http://www.assembly.ab.ca/adr/adr_template.aspx?type=mla_bio&rnumber=51

http://www.tonyabbott.com.au/about/

Personally, I think our Tony Abbott is the looker of the two. He apparently knocked some bird up when he was younger and there were rumours recently that his illegitimate son was working as a sound guy for the ABC. It seemed that Tony was living the Catholic politician's dream - allegations of an abortion that never happened, a bastard child he'd never met, and all while Parliament was revisiting the abortion issue again. The media tried a botched reunion, but it turns out that Abbott and the sound guy weren't related.

I never knew Australia and Canada had so much in common. I really feel a kinship with you folks now!

Creeping like a thief in the night, Dobbs sneaks up to thread and reinflates it.

"This'll have to do 'til morning", Dobbs mutters.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/viewpoint/yourspace/belinda_defects.html

Okay, I'm posting this link so those who might be interested can get a good snapshot of Canadian political opinion. I'm finding it kinda weird seeing so many other people saying the same things I've been saying, and saying it so well.

Kinda spooky-like.

But the voices from the political right are sounding increasingly strident yet tinny at the same time. The center and left are sounding immovable but confident. Tomorrow, budget day in the Commons, will no doubt be a long day indeed.

I wonder if she could have waited a week or abstained from the vote, oh wait she wanted power, and whatever sex a scumbag is that does this = a power grabbing whore.

I mean going off about how this aint true doesnt make it so. She did this for power, because she wasnt going anywhere within the cons

the conservatives wasted their best chance in a long time to overthrow the liberals by not calling an election a month ago

the conservatives wasted their best chance in a long time to overthrow the liberals by not calling an election a month ago

???? how could they have done that? One has to have a vote of confendance(sp??) to force a vote.

The "dipstick", "whore" and "prostituting" comments were indeed sexist and misogynist.

When Scott Brison crossed the floor, he was called a "traitor" -- a much more appropriate word (from the Conservative perspective) for both his and Stronach's actions.

What bugs me is the amount of sympathy Peter McKay is getting from the media. Mr. McKay is fully aware of political maneuvering and 'back-stabbing'. After all, that's precisely what he did to David Orchard after signing an agreement not to join the PC party with the Alliance party. And no one called him a 'political whore'. Perhaps Orchard would have garned more outraged sympathy for his position if he had been sleeping with McKay.

The "dipstick", "whore" and "prostituting" comments were indeed sexist and misogynist.

When Scott Brison crossed the floor, he was called a "traitor" -- a much more appropriate word (from the Conservative perspective) for both his and Stronach's actions.

What bugs me is the amount of sympathy Peter McKay is getting from the media. Mr. McKay is fully aware of political maneuvering and 'back-stabbing'. After all, that's precisely what he did to David Orchard after signing an agreement not to join the PC party with the Alliance party. And no one called him a 'political whore'. Perhaps Orchard would have garned more outraged sympathy for his position if he had been sleeping with McKay.

well this new position was not even hinted at by stronach only a few hours before the act was done. Id be pissed off myself if someone did that to me.

I mean its not survivor these people are playing here, one has to have a few morals.

Again to peops like dobbs why didnt she just abstain from the vote? That would have been a strong statement to make. People would have taken notice...
She crossed over to get a post in the government. If she actually survives the next vote, I bet she might dump out anne mcellan for her position.

I think that anyone (Canadian or otherwise) who changes their political party in situations where there's such a tight division is doing so for their own political advantage - not out of any sense of morality or high minded ideals.

Senator Jim Jeffords springs to mind, and that's what it looks like Stronach did.

While the use of certain off color words was uncalled for, a more eloquent slagging would certainly be in order.

I find people who change parties at moments like those to be morally reprehensible.

I think that anyone (Canadian or otherwise) who changes their political party in situations where there's such a tight division is doing so for their own political advantage - not out of any sense of morality or high minded ideals.

Senator Jim Jeffords springs to mind, and that's what it looks like Stronach did.

While the use of certain off color words was uncalled for, a more eloquent slagging would certainly be in order.

I find people who change parties at moments like those to be morally reprehensible.

well exactally, its weird how liberal supporters think its some type of great courage. I would think anyone who did this, whatever party that person belongs to is scum

whispering legs - but why?

Secondly why is that a problem - why stay with a decision that you didnt make and dont agree with - when you have a chance to make a move that both is more inline with what you want to happen, and may benifit you in the future

I think she was probably chased away from her party - sounds like many of the member of her party didn't respect her even before this

I think she was probably chased away from her party - sounds like many of the member of her party didn't respect her even before this
They didn't. She was in the running for party leadership last time if I'm not mistaken, however, she's a moderate in a party that has deceided to become extreme. If the conservatives ever hope to get anywhere, they'll have to encourage more people like her (moderates) to join them, not scare them away and replace then with extremists.

well this new position was not even hinted at by stronach only a few hours before the act was done. Id be pissed off myself if someone did that to me.

I mean its not survivor these people are playing here, one has to have a few morals.


Again, I have no problem with Conservatives considering Stronach to be a 'traitor'. But I reiterate that it is inappropriate to call her a 'dipstick' or 'whore'.

Entirely different language. Traitor addresses her actions. Dipstick and whore are deliberately demeaning and insulting. She is not a whore or prostitute; she has not accepted money in exchange for sex. Dipstick implies she is stupid; but if she is so stupid, why was she Harper's Trade Critic? Why did she run second in the Conservative leadership convention?

It's okay to call a spade a spade. It's not okay to call a spade an orange - or a hooker.

Again, I have no problem with Conservatives considering Stronach to be a 'traitor'. But I reiterate that it is inappropriate to call her a 'dipstick' or 'whore'.

Entirely different language. Traitor addresses her actions. Dipstick and whore are deliberately demeaning and insulting. She is not a whore or prostitute; she has not accepted money in exchange for sex. Dipstick implies she is stupid; but if she is so stupid, why was she Harper's Trade Critic? Why did she run second in the Conservative leadership convention.

It's okay to call a spade a spade. It's not okay to call a spade an orange.
Exactly.

a prisoner is a criminal who failed,a politcian is a criminal who suceeded...
Obviously Belinda stronach is a person who has manipulated and slithered her way threw. shes scum and should be marginilised!

a prisoner is a criminal who failed,a politcian is a criminal who suceeded...
Obviously Belinda stronach is a person who has manipulated and slithered her way threw. shes scum and should be marginilised!

In her current riding she will not win another election. They will have to move her to deep TO or something...

What bugs me is the amount of sympathy Peter McKay is getting from the media. Mr. McKay is fully aware of political maneuvering and 'back-stabbing'. After all, that's precisely what he did to David Orchard after signing an agreement not to join the PC party with the Alliance party. And no one called him a 'political whore'. Perhaps Orchard would have garned more outraged sympathy for his position if he had been sleeping with McKay.

Hear hear. McKay is the ultimate backstabber. He made two promises to Orchard, and broke them both within two weeks. The way the media is playing up this broken heart angle makes me wonder if they would do the same if the shoe was on the other foot.

Hear hear. McKay is the ultimate backstabber. He made two promises to Orchard, and broke them both within two weeks. The way the media is playing up this broken heart angle makes me wonder if they would do the same if the shoe was on the other foot.


yikes, did he walk over to the other side right before a critical vote to get a plum job with the baddies? :rolleyes:

again poeple in to are wacko

yikes, did he walk over to the other side right before a critical vote to get a plum job with the baddies?

He did exactly that. After promising that he wouldn't, he arranged a merger (read: takeover) of his party with the Alliance in exchange for a post as Deputy Leader.

In her current riding she will not win another election. They will have to move her to deep TO or something...
Are you kidding me? It seems that people in her riding voted conservative because she was running, not because they liked the conservatives.

Do you even know anyone from there? Or do you just assume things because of how things are in Alberta?

a prisoner is a criminal who failed,a politcian is a criminal who suceeded...
Obviously Belinda stronach is a person who has manipulated and slithered her way threw. shes scum and should be marginilised!
And of course, when someone does something you do not approve of, it is perfectly acceptable to sink to their level and badmouth them because you can't think of anything else to insult them on.

a prisoner is a criminal who failed,a politcian is a criminal who suceeded...
Obviously Belinda stronach is a person who has manipulated and slithered her way threw. shes scum and should be marginilised!she is a backstabing scum...and should be marginalized...

but in politics you can be a backstabing scum and be rewarded with a lifetime senator job... an Ambasadorship...or a cabinet minister position.