OT: Voter "Exit Poll"

[Azure]

I don't like the conservatives already! They promised to lower our taxes but no...

 

[tone.def]

How many people think the Conservatives would have won more seats if Peter McKay would have been the leader???

I would have campaigned for him...

I think we'd have a very different country if that was the case!!!

 

[jinglesmountjoy]

I don't like the conservatives already! They promised to lower our taxes but no...

Are you going to finish that thought?

Also, there was a book published about Stephen Harper, 'Stephen Harper And The Future Of Canada', written by William Johnson and published last April. Johnson has been on the radio of late and appears to be fairly unbiased based on his opinions that don't seem to favour any one party. He made some very valid points. In 1993, as a member of the Alliance party, Harper stated that his party would have our deficit down to $0 in three years, you may remember it... '0 in 3' policy. At that time he was dismissed because nobody wanted our social/heath programs 'slashed and burned'.

Fast forward a few years later (1995) and the Liberals took the same '0 in 3' policy and reduced our deficit to 0 in three years...while cutting $3 billion more than Harper proposed in 1993.

'He shows that Harper is a sophisticated political operative, far more complex and intellectual than the right-wing Republican image that has been created for him.

This is a serious, objective political biography, short on gossip but long on clear discussion of Harper’s political views – and how he got them. Johnson’s message? Don’t underestimate this man'.

Who's upset about the Elections Canada 'scandal'? Non-citizens voting?? One U of T student actually went in to see if he could get a ballot to vote and was given one without question...he was American!! He spoiled the ballot and said he was just making a point. This should get really interesting.

What a great thread!!!!!!!!

 

[Yzma and Kronk]

Excellent - a somewhat headed political thread.......on the Canadian Board!!

I voted conservative.

However, I admit I'm one that didn't really investigate all the parties platforms.

Having just spent the last four years in the Southern US - y'all can see where I lead towards......


One question - did anyone see the numbers of the percentage of people who voted??

 

[CharlesTD]

The Liberals lowered personal income tax and the conservatives are going to raise it back to where it was or possibly higher white cutting the GST oh boy a cut in the GST will do squat for you. As Harper said though it will save a family about 500 dollars on a new car. Sou our income tax will cost us thousands and the tax cut will save us pennies LOL. I can't wait till he tries to push through on teh same sex marriage and the privatization with healthcare if he even dares try it with a minority government. Did anyone notice how our dollar dropped directly after they were elected it is regaining now but that is something we should look at in the coming months if we start to get to cozy to the US IMHO. Nothing against the US but it could turn around to bite us in teh rear end.

 

[mejaie]

Lets see the gun registry that is working so well in Toronto was supposed to cost 5 million. In the end which has not ended yet, it would be like planning to spend 5,000 on a trip to Disney and then getting a bill for 1,000,000.

1 billion lost in HRDC????

Another couple of hundred million in sponsorship.

And these are the ones we know about.

Having NDP governments here in Manitoba no thanks, one little tidbit if you are in construction and want to work on the floodway expansion project you MUST join a union. So much for freedom of choice.

And people think Harper is scary!


When there is that kind of mismanagement it is a duty as a citizen to throw them out on their ear and let them know they cannot get away with it. For those who bring up Mulroney, he did get thrown out by a guy who said he would scrap the GST, guess he forgot to tell all the businesses in the country.


Finally why can't there be more free votes, it works here on the boards.


Disclaimer:
The expressions and beliefs expressed in this note do not represent the thoughts of everyone,(see Jean Chretien). Nor do they represent the thoughts of my Grade Six teacher , they are meant for entertainment, and getting things off ones chest. There may be side effects with these comments including dry mouth, itchy feet and a strong desire to fly south at a moments notice, and pose for pictures with people dressed in animal costumes ( I know they are not really people in there they are the real thing). Please use as directed.

 

[jinglesmountjoy]

The Liberals lowered personal income tax and the conservatives are going to raise it back to where it was or possibly higher...

...I can't wait till he tries to push through on teh same sex marriage and the privatization with healthcare if he even dares try it with a minority government...

Did anyone notice how our dollar dropped directly after they were elected it is regaining now but that is something we should look at in the coming months if we start to get to cozy to the US IMHO. Nothing against the US but it could turn around to bite us in teh rear end.

CharlesTD...so we meet again...

When did Harper say he would increase personal income tax? In fact, if I'm not mistaken (and I may very well be), I thought he planned making our income taxes slightly lower.

He has stated, on the record, that he will not re-visit the same-sex issue. If a private members bill is introduced however, then he'll have no choice but to call a free vote. But even if it does, is that such a bad thing? I mean, isn't that what democracy is? A free vote, meaning every member of pariliament gets to vote with their hearts and not with their party. Let's assume then, that all Conservative MPs vote against same-sex (highly unlikely though). Since the Liberals seem to be so heavily in favour of same-sex marriage, I'm sure they'll all vote for it. Ditto for the NDP and the Bloc. There you go...private members bill is shot down. Incidentally, the issue has never been over the legal union of two same-sex partners...it's the use of the word 'marriage' that has all the religions upset. BTW I happen to support same-sex 'marriage' and I am currently a Conservative supporter.

Lastly, the slight drop of the loonie or any currency for that matter is perfectly normal when governments change hands. If it didn't drop, I would have been surprised.

 

[declansdad]

He has stated, on the record, that he will not re-visit the same-sex issue. If a private members bill is introduced however, then he'll have no choice but to call a free vote. But even if it does, is that such a bad thing? I mean, isn't that what democracy is? A free vote, meaning every member of pariliament gets to vote with their hearts and not with their party.

I think free votes would be great if they were actually free. The purpose of a free vote is to allow a MP to vote in a manner that would represent the wishes of their constituents. The problem arises when, as you stated, the mp votes with their hearts. That would mean they are voting based on their own personal beliefs not necessarily those of their constituents.

You are bang on with regards to the loonie. It dropped after the last election as well. While I like the value to be high when I am planning on going to WDW, a lower valued loonie is actually better for our export-based economy.

 

[CharlesTD]

CharlesTD...so we meet again...

When did Harper say he would increase personal income tax? In fact, if I'm not mistaken (and I may very well be), I thought he planned making our income taxes slightly lower.

He has stated, on the record, that he will not re-visit the same-sex issue. If a private members bill is introduced however, then he'll have no choice but to call a free vote. But even if it does, is that such a bad thing? I mean, isn't that what democracy is? A free vote, meaning every member of pariliament gets to vote with their hearts and not with their party. Let's assume then, that all Conservative MPs vote against same-sex (highly unlikely though). Since the Liberals seem to be so heavily in favour of same-sex marriage, I'm sure they'll all vote for it. Ditto for the NDP and the Bloc. There you go...private members bill is shot down. Incidentally, the issue has never been over the legal union of two same-sex partners...it's the use of the word 'marriage' that has all the religions upset. BTW I happen to support same-sex 'marriage' and I am currently a Conservative supporter.

Lastly, the slight drop of the loonie or any currency for that matter is perfectly normal when governments change hands. If it didn't drop, I would have been surprised.

I was informed when I called the conservative national HQ in my quest to find info on their platform that at that time the plan was to increase personal income tax and decrease the GST now that may have changed since I spoke with them they are afterall polaticians LOL. as for same sex marriage I feel it should be called marriage religion aside why should they get to decide the name of it not cool IMHO as you can tell I am not a religious person I prefer evolution to religion. I also concur that with his minority a free vote would not pass as there are many that want it to remain as is and not to change it.

 

[Azure]

I as a high school student we had the "fake votes" and I voted for Liberals! I don't like Steven Harper because he's against abortion and thats not right.

 

[digskat]

I would be more than happy to give my opinion on Harris. He is a scumbag! He claimed to balance the budget, only problem was, the money he used to try to show a balanced budget, was income on the sale of provincial assets. His 'common sense revolution' crushed the middle class, tossed the lower class into the streets, and lined the pockets of his wealthy friends. Cuts to provincial labs aided he tragedy in Walkerton. Elimination of provincial meat inspectors.....caused Aylmer meat scandal. Change in requirements and cuts in funding, put healthcare in jeopardy. Battles with teachers and ridiculous budget cuts (while upping tax cuts for private school families) closed schools.
The treatment of the less fortunate, cuts to welfare and mothers' allowance, comments like Tsubouchi's " Let them eat dented cans of tuna!" when questioned about the poor feeding their families, closing of support services for mentally ill, hiring freezes for police, closing of group homes for young offenders, private 'super jails' with little to no clinical programming........this lead to the violence, not just in Toronto, but in several Ontario cities. Harris slashed services, 'cut' taxes, raised the PST to feed his friends (see a 38.5% pay raise for MPPs, and tax breaks for pro teams), but worse, he put Ontarians at risk. The affects of Walkerton will be felt for ever in that community, and the affects of Harris will be felt for a generation in Ontario. Because of this, I can't consider voting Tory blue.

 

[jinglesmountjoy]

I would be more than happy to give my opinion on Harris. He is a scumbag! He claimed to balance the budget, only problem was, the money he used to try to show a balanced budget, was income on the sale of provincial assets. His 'common sense revolution' crushed the middle class, tossed the lower class into the streets, and lined the pockets of his wealthy friends. Cuts to provincial labs aided he tragedy in Walkerton. Elimination of provincial meat inspectors.....caused Aylmer meat scandal. Change in requirements and cuts in funding, put healthcare in jeopardy. Battles with teachers and ridiculous budget cuts (while upping tax cuts for private school families) closed schools.
The treatment of the less fortunate, cuts to welfare and mothers' allowance, comments like Tsubouchi's " Let them eat dented cans of tuna!" when questioned about the poor feeding their families, closing of support services for mentally ill, hiring freezes for police, closing of group homes for young offenders, private 'super jails' with little to no clinical programming........this lead to the violence, not just in Toronto, but in several Ontario cities. Harris slashed services, 'cut' taxes, raised the PST to feed his friends (see a 38.5% pay raise for MPPs, and tax breaks for pro teams), but worse, he put Ontarians at risk. The affects of Walkerton will be felt for ever in that community, and the affects of Harris will be felt for a generation in Ontario. Because of this, I can't consider voting Tory blue.

You'll never be able to vote Tory Blue...the party no longer exists.

 

[jinglesmountjoy]

I as a high school student we had the "fake votes" and I voted for Liberals! I don't like Steven Harper because he's against abortion and thats not right.

When did Stephen Harper EVER say he was against abortion. As far as he is concerned...the issue is settled...pro choice.

 

[jinglesmountjoy]

I think free votes would be great if they were actually free. The purpose of a free vote is to allow a MP to vote in a manner that would represent the wishes of their constituents. The problem arises when, as you stated, the mp votes with their hearts. That would mean they are voting based on their own personal beliefs not necessarily those of their constituents.

You are bang on with regards to the loonie. It dropped after the last election as well. While I like the value to be high when I am planning on going to WDW, a lower valued loonie is actually better for our export-based economy.

If I'm not mistaken, all house of commons voting records are public domain. Do you really think an MP would go against his/her constituants wishes, knowing we will know his/her vote? With an issue as big as abortion or same-sex marriage, you'll know what your MP voted before they've had a chance to get out of their seat after the vote.

 

[tone.def]

You'll never be able to vote Tory Blue...the party no longer exists.

Provincially, we still have the Progressive Conservative part in Ontario. Last I checked, they haven't dropped "progressive" yet!

Federally, that's another story...

 

[digskat]

CPC/PC both Conservatives...........CPC even had Jim 'lets make homelessness illegal' Flaherty, Harris' most right-wing, rightwing on board. Flaherty pushed for bigger tax cuts for parents who could put kids in private school, while he supported cut after cut for the private system. Flaherty lost his bid for the Ontario PC leadership, because he was too right-wing.

They also boasted "Two tier" Tony Clement, the former Minister of Environment, Minister of Housing, and Minister of Health under Harris. Clement was removed from his first post just shortly before Walkerton (less than 1 year into the position), and disgraced from post #2, after tenant groups released data, showing rising evictions, high rates of rent increase, and a severe shortage in geared-to-income housing. He was named MoH the same day he was turfed from Housing, and Clement promptly led Ontario's healthcare to near ruin, with budget cut after budget cut, and damage to the system was shown both in the SARS epidemic and Walkerton. Clement was shocked to find out nurses had to take 2-3 part time jobs, because he decimated the profession, and was more shocked he had to actually reresent his riding. Clement tried something different this time, he got the boot in Brampton West in the 2003 Provincial Election, lost in Brampton West in the 2004 Federal Election, so he ran this time in Parry Sound-Muskoka

These two men are expected to be Cabinet Members under Harper, with "two teir" Tony the probable Minister of Health. Blue Cross must be laughing their way to the bank, because that is the future of our Healthcare.

 

[DisFan2]

Conservative.

And on the 24th, the sun still came up.
No soldiers in the streets.
Same-sex marriage still legal.
In Canada.
We're not making this up.

 

[declansdad]

If I'm not mistaken, all house of commons voting records are public domain. Do you really think an MP would go against his/her constituants wishes, knowing we will know his/her vote? With an issue as big as abortion or same-sex marriage, you'll know what your MP voted before they've had a chance to get out of their seat after the vote.

I realize that voting records are public domain. However, a number of times in the past we have heard through the media mp state that they would not support the same-sex marriage bill for example, because it went against their beliefs. I have yet to be asked by my mp how I feel about it.

 

[KatieKateKate]

Oh that Harper is a SCARY man!

Someone actually compared his photo to Kalra Homolka's and they have many similar facial size and shapes... like the eyes and the forehead... ever since I saw that, looking at him on TV or on the newspaper gives me the irks, I see her.

Regardless, I'm more of a socialist so I could never vote that way. I think the feminist movement in the country (who has been dormant as thay've been lulled into security by our lovely Liberals) will finally have a reason to resurge and reignite and we'll have Harper to thank for that as we march towards parliament on whatever right of ours he will try to abolish.

I find it very interesting that someone can "win" an election with 64% of the country NOT voting for you... However, by a slim margin, the Conservative did get the % of the popular vote, but only by a couple percentage points...

 

[DisFan2]

I find it very interesting that someone can "win" an election with 64% of the country NOT voting for you... However, by a slim margin, the Conservative did get the % of the popular vote, but only by a couple percentage points...

Sort of like last time? Except it was the Liberals then.