OT- Bush's approval rate

[CharlesTD]

Isn't me! I'm just glad there's at least one other conservative/Republican leaning person in Ottawa!

I would vote for Harper in a heartbeat. I am an out and out PC supporter the only thing I do not support is his stand on gay marriage that one pisses me off.

 

[CharlesTD]

Politics has no place on the Disboards, even "off-topic". Yes, on any given political topic you’re going to get some people who agree with you, but you’re also going to tick some other people off. The Disboards are for Disney World and the magic of Disney vacations and memories, not arguments about what political leaders you don’t like or who you want impeached. Go to some political boards to discuss that.

But since "Figment's Friends" has thrown down the political gauntlet:

Oh, heaven forbid, President Bush currently has an average approval rating of 41%! Whatever shall we do! Time to school some naive Canadians. The federal Liberal government in Canada has ruled Canada for 12 years, and here are their levels of support (% of the vote for the Liberal Party) in each election since they came to power:

1993 – 41%
1997 – 38%
2000 – 41%
2004 – 37%

In Canada, you don’t even need 40% of the vote to win, and after that you can do whatever you want (the Prime Minister can appoint senators and justices of the Supreme Court at his whim and there are no real checks on the power of the Prime Minister, unlike a President who must deal with a separately elected House of Representatives and Senate). Not only did George Bush win a solid 51% of the vote in 2004 (a percentage no Canadian political party has attained in decades, not even Brian Mulroney in 1984 who got 49% of the vote), but President Bush did it based on turnout of 62% of eligible voters, higher than the 60% of eligible voters who voted in the last Canadian federal election.

Second, you Bush-haters can celebrate all you want about his poll approval ratings, but it means nothing. What really counts is that Bush was sworn in as President in 2000, then smashed the Democrats again in 2004. President Bush beat your precious Al Gore and John Kerry. You can say “nah-nah-nah he’s at 41%”, but he still beat you twice and he’s still in power. Not to mention that the Republicans lead by 55 to 44 seats in the Senate (there is one independent), and they lead by 30 seats in the House of Representatives and they control most of the governorships and state legislatures.

Why do some people dislike President Bush so much? Because he would not endorse the Kyoto Accord? Well, the Kyoto Accord is a document from the Land of Pretend, where the signatories all pretend how noble they are to have signed the document, but nobody is really doing anything about global warming because they know it costs too much. Canada is a proud signatory of Kyoto, but other than run a national advertising campaign about how great it is, the Canadian government has done nothing to implement Kyoto.

If you dislike Bush because he is an evangelical Christian, well then you are just a bigot.

But as much as anything else, the Bush-haters dislike President Bush because he has been straightforward enough to pop the bubble of fantasy that some people have about the world and how it works. For example, Canadians, in particular, love the United Nations, and think it is the be-all and end-all of how government should work. Silly Canadians.

As for the hopes of some on this thread that the Democrats will take back congress in 2006, that is wishful thinking. Of course, for Bush-haters, the only thing they have is wishing, and that’s why they’re so frustrated with President Bush. Bush-haters are sore losers. And the great thing is that the Bush-haters get to stew in it for another three years! As for the person who posted that their skin crawls whenever they hear President Bush speak, I hope your skin crawls for every second of the coming three years he’s in power.

To the Canadian who initiated this thread, you may still find comfort living in Canada, the Land of Pretend, where you can continue to pretend that Paul Martin “fixed health care for a generation”, pretend that the government will actually do anything about Kyoto, and pretend that the ineffectual United Nations is the highest moral authority.

So President Bush is at 41% approval. Whippee!!! Go have a party if you want, cause it doesn’t make any difference.

Hmm an American in Canadian clothing me thinks. If you dislike what goes on up here then by all means head back to the US or some other place just as Americans that don't care for what happens there can leave. Bush is anything but straightforeward something comes to mind let me think what is it oh ya the war in Iraq and the WMD's. What president has his administration tout they are there all while knowing they weren't or doesn't know his advisors etc are lying to him either way that is pretty sad.

 

[tone.def]

I would vote for Harper in a heartbeat. I am an out and out PC supporter the only thing I do not support is his stand on gay marriage that one pisses me off.

Update - Harper is not PC, he was Reform, then Alliance, then Conservative. There is still a wing of the PC party functioning, the wing who DISAPPROVES of Harper and the merger...

 

[tone.def]

Hmm an American in Canadian clothing me thinks.

Or it's slaphhitey who's tired of being Bush-bashed.
Or DisFan2 who had to jump in and say it wasn't him so quickly...

If you dislike what goes on up here then by all means head back to the US or some other place just as Americans that don't care for what happens there can leave. Bush is anything but straightforeward something comes to mind let me think what is it oh ya the war in Iraq and the WMD's. What president has his administration tout they are there all while knowing they weren't or doesn't know his advisors etc are lying to him either way that is pretty sad.

 

[CharlesTD]

Update - Harper is not PC, he was Reform, then Alliance, then Conservative. There is still a wing of the PC party functioning, the wing who DISAPPROVES of Harper and the merger...

Well then turf Harper for a real conservative leader I say. They called last week asking if I would support the campaign by subscribing via donations. I told them I would support the party but not monetarily I would support them with my vote and only when they take the anti gay marriage bill off the table. I would love to see the PC party split from the Reform it was a terrible idea to begin with.

 

[jersey shark]

WDW1979 makes a very good point:

--politics really don't belong on this board---

I find it very interesting how anti-Bush Canadians seem to be, is this related in part to the media? (the stuff you're fed on the CBC -with no real balancing viewpoint).

 

[basas]

I can't see the difference, can you see the difference? If we are so different there is no way the liberals and Martin would still be in. At least in the U.S. the west coast has a say, it's not decided before it gets to the central time zone.

Eventually those liberals in Southern Ontario will wake-up and see the light of day. I am a strong supporter of Bush, and can't wait to see the day Canada can get rid of a Liberal, left-wing government. It's time for change, and the Conservatives are the party to do it.

Stop searching for old posts MuggMann!

 

[basas]

WDW1979 makes a very good point:

--politics really don't belong on this board---

I find it very interesting how anti-Bush Canadians seem to be, is this related in part to the media? (the stuff you're fed on the CBC -with no real balancing viewpoint).

Not all Canadians are as anti-Bush as might appear by the responses on this thread. I know many Canadian supporters (although maybe not in Southern Ontario!). The Canadian media is far to the left of center. But don't group all Canadians as 'anti-Bush' because there are many who support him, and aren't trying to suck-up to Socialist Europe.

Stop searching for old posts MuggMann!

 

[PhotobearSam]

I wish we held our own leaders to our high standards...

We have a government in power in this country that has STOLEN millions from us that we could all use to go to Disney but we don't give them the boot...Can you say SPONSORSHIP?

Let's not point fingers unless we want to be pointed to.

 

[Yzma and Kronk]

I wish we held our own leaders to our high standards...

We have a government in power in this country that has STOLEN millions from us that we could all use to go to Disney but we don't give them the boot...Can you say SPONSORSHIP?

Let's not point fingers unless we want to be pointed to.

ITA.

This whole thread got my blood pressure up and I had to take a few days before posting. I get so tired of hearing Canadians bashing GWB, when we should really take a look in our own back yard.

Well said, WDW1979!

I probably would have agreed with some of the posters on this thread until I actually lived it the last four years in the US. What I learned is most of what the media reports is a load of left-winged garbage. Especially what Canadian media reports about US politics. Macleans was the worst with terrible biased reporting. The "We Hope You Lose, Eh?" cover about 1 month prior to the election was so wrong on so many levels, I cannot begin to explain.

With regard to Bush being in power, think what you may about the way Bush speaks, talks, etc. but blame the media for the portrayal of the dumb southerner. I don't think you can become the President if you are at all the names referred to in this thread.

The bottom line for me was when it was pointed out during the election that OBL and the Islamic insurgents in Iraq were pulling for a Kerry win. All the other issues aside, these people are determined to kill Westerners - Canadians included. They know that George Bush has the determination and the resolve to seek them out and kill them. I wanted a President who will protect us (North American's) from the serious threat these people pose. If you don't agree, that's your opinion, but I don't want to see another and perhaps greater 9/11. If it takes a hard-nosed Texan as a president then so be it.

The election is over, has been over. Bush was elected for a second term. Let's all accept that and how about a little support for their elected leader than spending so much time and energy picking it apart at every chance (guided by a biased media...)
Let's just hope that if/when Canada get's their turn with regard to the Islamic terrorists - London, Spain, New York, etc. the Bush administration will be right there to support us. Bad-mouthing the help may not be a good idea.

Anyway, with regard to the OP, DISFAN2's approval stat's are correct. Therefore, leave it to the media to continually report a non-story!

 

[basas]

Nicely said^

I just hope Martin doesn't get elected, turn around and start making decisions that will end up being very dangerous to Canada’s future. (Of course, this has already started to some extent). I truly believe Canada can only be saved by ending the Liberal term in the next election...hopefully Ontario will eventually wake-up, and help Canada gain itself back.

Stop searching for old posts MuggMann!

 

[tone.def]

WDW1979 makes a very good point:

--politics really don't belong on this board---

I find it very interesting how anti-Bush Canadians seem to be, is this related in part to the media? (the stuff you're fed on the CBC -with no real balancing viewpoint).

I beg your pardon?

I work in news at CBC. We're way more balanced than any other news outlet you can subscribe too - it's the mandate, unlike private broadcasters who's mandate is to "entertain". Have you watched Fox lately?

 

[jersey shark]

Y & K and Basas last few posts are very reassuring ...

I too couldn't believe my eyes when I saw Canada's version of Time magazine with the anti-Bush "We hope you lose, eh?) cover around election time.

The way I see it (maybe through rose-colored glasses)..is that Canada is such a beautiful country, with generally friendly people and very similar in many ways to the US...you'd think this would carry over to politics and we'd be best buddies (my vote would say the UK is our best friend at this point, then probably Australia).

For example, I don't know how Cdns felt about this, but back at Reagan's funeral when only 4 guests were invited to speak -and one of the chosen was Brian Mulroney, I was never more proud of Canada - it seemed to me "that's the way it should be" two friendly neighbors standing side by side...supporting each other , helping each other out.

...maybe Y&K is right on the money with a gloomy consideration....what if Canada was the target of a massive terrorist attack- how quick would the change in sentiment come, how much more would the US and the assistance it would lend (and you know it would be there in a BIG way) be appreciated?

 

[CharlesTD]

Don't get me wrong I can't stand Martin and the Liberals or his predecessor and think they have done nothing but embarass Canada politically but as for Bush he stands on a whole nevel of sinicism. To out and out lie to your nation about a reason to go to war IMHO is far worse than a sponsorship scandal. Atleast a sponsorship scandal isn't killing our soldiers in a war that shouldn't be IMHO. If our Conservative party gets elected and they send troops To Iraq I will be seriously pissed.

 

[damo]

Oh grow up you guys. No one has to like anybody's administration. That is what our government is all about. Opposition is a necessity. More than half the US population doesn't approve of Bush and more than half the Canadian population doesn't approve of Martin. What is the big deal? So now, all of a sudden, we aren't allowed to disapprove of the government?

Canada assists the US when they are in a crisis and I would expect the US to do the same for Canada. That doesn't mean that I have to like George Bush and that doesn't mean that Americans have to like Paul Martin.

Canada and the US are like family. Leaders will come and leaders will go. Some will be liked and some will not. That should have no effect on the family ties and the willingness to help each other out. Chirac did not hesitate to offer help to the US for the huricane crisis and we all know that he is not an American favourite.

Oh, and by the way, Dalton McGuinty makes my skin crawl too!

 

[Yzma and Kronk]

Oh grow up you guys. No one has to like anybody's administration. That is what our government is all about. Opposition is a necessity. More than half the US population doesn't approve of Bush and more than half the Canadian population doesn't approve of Martin. What is the big deal? So now, all of a sudden, we aren't allowed to disapprove of the government?

If the above quote is referring to my post........I may not have made my point clear. Of course, opposition is a necessity. However, opposition and bashing are two different things.

I am so sick and tired of the constant Bush bashing, especially by Canadians who no matter how they get their information are generally led by a biased media to help them form their opinions. I was one of these until inspired by my new surrounding to examine the other side.

I don't want to get into a DB style political discussion - BUT WMD - give me a break. He had them, he was able to be one step ahead of the useless UN, the US found them (or to be really clear - components of them) but the definition of what constitutes a WMD became very unclear - mostly because the media was backing Kerry at the time and didn't want anything resembling WMD's to be reported, which would have been a big boost for the Bush side. Check into Syria - that's where I think they went.
The Democrats always said Bush lied, well you cannot point fingers at anyone and call it a lie unless you know the absolute truth. So the Democrats knew for absolute certainty that there were no WMD's - I doubt it. Just keep on the Bush bashing train!!

Anyway, back to OP - again a non-story given that previous president's didn't fair so well in approval ratings during their terms either. The point of the news story was again to stir it up and start a whole new round of Bush bashing.

 

[CharlesTD]

If the above quote is referring to my post........I may not have made my point clear. Of course, opposition is a necessity. However, opposition and bashing are two different things.

I am so sick and tired of the constant Bush bashing, especially by Canadians who no matter how they get their information are generally led by a biased media to help them form their opinions. I was one of these until inspired by my new surrounding to examine the other side.

I don't want to get into a DB style political discussion - BUT WMD - give me a break. He had them, he was able to be one step ahead of the useless UN, the US found them (or to be really clear - components of them) but the definition of what constitutes a WMD became very unclear - mostly because the media was backing Kerry at the time and didn't want anything resembling WMD's to be reported, which would have been a big boost for the Bush side. Check into Syria - that's where I think they went.
The Democrats always said Bush lied, well you cannot point fingers at anyone and call it a lie unless you know the absolute truth. So the Democrats knew for absolute certainty that there were no WMD's - I doubt it. Just keep on the Bush bashing train!!

Anyway, back to OP - again a non-story given that previous president's didn't fair so well in approval ratings during their terms either. The point of the news story was again to stir it up and start a whole new round of Bush bashing.

OK so they found components and the US media both pro and non pro bush outlets stated as far as I remember that hte ammounts recovered/discovered were not nearly enough to create teh weapons that were supposedly in his arsenal. No Syria that is another spin on it from both pro and non pro Bush media and it is his IN for marching his troops into there next if he so pleases which seems to me why they are getting so close to the area. Hey I am an equal opprotunity political party basher not just Bush but Martin and Harper etc I form my own opinions based on teh info I get from both sides no just one or the other and the truth lies someplace in the middle of what they report.

 

[Yzma and Kronk]

Hey I am an equal opprotunity political party basher not just Bush but Martin and Harper etc I form my own opinions based on teh info I get from both sides no just one or the other and the truth lies someplace in the middle of what they report.

And this is exactly why I like discussing OT topics on the Canadian Board rather than elsewhere. Thanks Charles!

 

[damo]

I feel that Canadians listen to more than just the CBC to get their information. We are fortunate to be able to get all of the American media, including CNN, Fox News as well as ABC, CBS and NBC. We also have access to the BBC. Our radio stations include many American ones. Canadians are inundated with information from outside of our own country. The majority of Canadians form their opinions from a collaboration of this information.

Canadians who are anti-Bush actually agree with the majority of Americans. Doesn't this make us more pro-American than the Bush supporters???

 

[Yzma and Kronk]

Canadians who are anti-Bush actually agree with the majority of Americans. Doesn't this make us more pro-American than the Bush supporters???

But I don't agree that the majority of Americans are anti-Bush.........