Saturday 26 March 2011

Federal Election 2011


Someone did their research! Here is a good Globe article:
1. Ottawa's irrelevant
2. Ottawa is old, while, male
3. Parliament ignores the big cities
4. Nothing gets done
5. Hyperpartisanship turns people off

I don't agree Ottawa is 'turning me off'.
Harper is turning me off.
"Now is not the time for political instability!" he said. He blames the opposition parties for not accepting his way or the highway.
He blames them and threatens political instability in a country where we are doing much better than others facing incredibly difficult economic situations.

I agree that the reasons this minority government did NOT permit amendments seem puerile to me. In his bid for a majority, Harper risks pissing off the electorate, while generating a budget that insults seniors, parents of young kids who cannot afford art classes (which should be done in schools), those in a caregiving role who spend far more that this measly $300 tax credit will buy. See: Budget highlights: Small measures for many wrote CBC.ca/news for more details. He refused to accept what other elected MPs have said are our priorities for which we have elected them. He says that the only way to do work is to elect a 'stable national government', in his latest press conference. I think he's pretty unstable myself. They are supposed to work together to achieve a better society, to look after its citizens, and respond to the needs and desires of the electorate. His bid for a majority is going to cost us millions of dollars. This former Alliance candidate from out west, is bringing his extreme notions to the big provinces. This isn't working for him.


Election Costs

Elections Canada recorded a little more than $325 million in election expenses in 2008, an estimated $288 million of which was spent on the general election of that year.
National Post

On the eve of a potential election call, the Tories hold 143 seats in the House, just 11 shy of a majority. Could they secure one if the writ were dropped tomorrow? 


Crime
The Tories keep sending out those darned fliers, asking if we want them to be 'tough on criminals', while crowding penitentiaries and undermining any progress in reducing crime, and rehabilitating criminals. Having volunteered in a minimum security prison, facilitating a Creative Writing class, I've seen what can make criminals turn around, rather than spending big bucks on increasing prison capacity and putting more in jail. Our prison system is working hard to make a difference. Stuffing people in overcrowded prisons is causing chaos and undermining this work.

I understand that someone has to pay for government services, and while there are those who continually complain about taxes, then complain when they don't get services, well, this is truly disingenuous. I agree that 'Ottawa', and they (the media) mean the federal government by this, has few women in power!  But who can afford to spend time away from family, if you are a mother? Children suffer without parents in their lives. Ask any military family or military kid.

Healthcare

There are those who complain about healthcare, but anyone who has suffered in the US by insurance companies who refuse to pay, demand co-pays, or is living in poverty due to health issues, will appreciate what we have. 

'Death panels' by any other name This is an article about the woman who didn't qualify for Herceptin treatments as she didn't fit the profile. When on considers the $40,000 per year the drug costs, someone has to be the watchdog for our taxes.

"The average Ontarian pays $3,799.62 annually for health care, according to the Fraser Institute."
One guy wrote: 'For the left wing wankers always complaining about the rich they really have no clue how much they are subsidized by those in the top 30% of income brackets. In fact, the top 10% pay 53% of all income taxes. The top 30% of income earners in 2007 paid 65.9 % of all taxes.'

Politics: Globe & Mail

1 comment:

Red said...

AMEN!
I totally agree with you!
It's really sad that Harper will not consider discussion,questions or any other discourse. As you say , "My way or the highway."
Now you've got me going. I wonder how much space there is for comments!