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Topic: Stronach part two - Electric Bugaloo
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Blueiris46
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Babbler # 6816
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posted 17 May 2005 05:29 PM
Oops, last post that I now can't edit, I meant that bringing down the gov't and holding an election at this time would be rash, considering they have so much to lose, not her crossing the floor.Belinda is far above her learning curve. I seem to remember she didn't get through highschool. Or, at least had difficulty doing so. Which is fine, but it can't be denied she is there for what she is, not who she is. She may end up growing into it in a few years, however, who knows. It may not matter anymore anyway, because policy is so narrowed that ability is less of an issue in managing. I think people who cross the floor should have to sit as independents. Otherwise, it is a betrayal to the people who voted for her. Imagine if the candidate I just voted for went over to the BC Liberals. I'd be enraged.
From: TOP OF THE MORNING | Registered: Sep 2004
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gopi
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Babbler # 6163
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posted 17 May 2005 05:37 PM
From the previous thread: quote: I expect Peter to follow.
As recently as yesterday he was spitting venom about the Liberal party - he would induce whiplash with his back-pedalling if he crossed the floor (which, frankly, I doubt he will do).
From: transient | Registered: Jun 2004
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Hawkins
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Babbler # 3306
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posted 17 May 2005 05:45 PM
So, the Liberals have become the Progressive Conservatives now in all but name?Joe Clark is kicking himself he didn't hold on for a cabinet position, little did he know his party was going to form the next government in all but name! Though I like to see the budget pass, I don't like the idea of more big business in the government's cabinet. I have a sinking feeling that Canadian politics is being dragged further in the direction of big business and there is little that anyone can or will do to stop it. This whole thing makes me uneasy about the long term future, but it is good it is a step in the right direction for the budget vote. And it is great that the NDP got its moment to shine and is far removed from the implosion that follows, politically. Though this may be hugely tainted by partisanship: I think the NDP is the big winner - or the big player of all of this. They got the ball rolling and now its knocking the conservatives over. Duceppe is probably calling Harper and telling him to stop F'ing up.
From: Burlington Ont | Registered: Nov 2002
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Mush
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Babbler # 3934
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posted 17 May 2005 05:51 PM
quote: Originally posted by Hawkins: SThough I like to see the budget pass, I don't like the idea of more big business in the government's cabinet. ...[a]nd it is great that the NDP got its moment to shine and is far removed from the implosion that follows, politically. Though this may be hugely tainted by partisanship: I think the NDP is the big winner - or the big player of all of this. They got the ball rolling and now its knocking the conservatives over.
My feelings EXACTLY.
From: Mrs. Fabro's Tiny Town | Registered: Mar 2003
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Tommy_Paine
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Babbler # 214
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posted 17 May 2005 05:54 PM
I just woke up...saw the Stronach thread and thought....big deal, Frank Stronach..... clicked on the Vandenelson thread, and under that story saw the next story about BELINDA Stronach, read it and just sorta thought:Holy shit. ....nice way to wake up....
From: The Alley, Behind Montgomery's Tavern | Registered: Apr 2001
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quelar
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Babbler # 2739
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posted 17 May 2005 05:55 PM
quote: I seem to remember she didn't get through highschool. Or, at least had difficulty doing so...
To be fair she didn't get through university. She dropped out of York, not High School. We should at least credit her for not-finishing the right level of school.
From: In Dig Nation | Registered: Jun 2002
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KingMob
recent-rabble-rouser
Babbler # 6150
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posted 17 May 2005 06:00 PM
Oh man, when I saw this on the news when I woke up (@ noon) I fell right out of my bed. Though it's no as if she dosn't fit in there. And can someone explain to me why this makes me so giddy, I'm an NDP voter for christ sake!Oh and for those of you who need your loony fix check out this thread in freeper land: http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1404841/posts got to go down a few pages before anyone really has any idea who she is though. [ 17 May 2005: Message edited by: KingMob ]
From: Syntho-Womb 5, Planet Scumdogia. | Registered: Jun 2004
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Mush
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 3934
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posted 17 May 2005 06:05 PM
quote: Originally posted by KingMob:
got to go down a few pages before anyone really has any idea who she is though. ]
Wow..that's the first time I've ever looked at that site. I understand the political differences between that one and this, but, um...how can I say this nicely...they certainly don't seem to be all that well-informed. Thanks for the link. I'm good now. No more.
From: Mrs. Fabro's Tiny Town | Registered: Mar 2003
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'lance
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 1064
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posted 17 May 2005 06:07 PM
quote: Einstein would have amounted to something if he had only done better at high school.
Einstein did brilliantly in school, except in French. quote: Although some Einstein biographers have disputed the widely held belief that Einstein was a poor student, the papers at Princeton lay this to rest, once and for all. According to Dr. Stachel, those who saw Einstein's academic records may have been misled by a reversal in the grading system of his school in Aargau, Switzerland. Those records show that, for two successive terms, when Einstein was 16, his mark in arithmetic and algebra was 1 on a scale of 6, in which 1 was the highest grade. For the next term his mark was 6, which would have been the lowest grade,except that the grading scale had been reversed by school officials.
From: that enchanted place on the top of the Forest | Registered: Jul 2001
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April
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Babbler # 7882
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posted 17 May 2005 06:23 PM
OTTAWA (CP) - They started off as a political golden couple, but wound up a wincing example of why you shouldn't date someone from work. "Never dip your pen in the company ink," as one Conservative insider put it. With news reverberating around Parliament Hill of Belinda Stronach's blockbuster bolt from the Tories to the Liberals, the indelicate question was unavoidable: "What about Peter MacKay?" Stronach's well-publicized romance with the Conservative deputy leader could hardly have come to a more stunning end. Sources confirmed the pair are taking a "break" from the photogenic relationship first made public in January. "Suffice it to say, I'm very happy and quite smitten," MacKay beamed at the time. Tory insiders now say he was one of the last to know of Stronach's planned defection. MacKay got the news early Tuesday and had the unhappy task of notifying Conservative Leader Stephen Harper. SOURCE.
From: Montreal | Registered: Jan 2005
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quelar
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Babbler # 2739
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posted 17 May 2005 06:26 PM
You missed the best part quote: Some MPs couldn't resist a giggle at MacKay's expense. Stronach's departure is a blow to him personally and to the Conservatives as they strive to appear election-ready. The spurned MP appears to be "unlucky at love and unlucky at politics," said New Democrat Judy Wasylycia-Leis.
Nice one Judy....kick him when he's down. hehehehehe
From: In Dig Nation | Registered: Jun 2002
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Yukoner
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Babbler # 5787
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posted 17 May 2005 06:39 PM
I dunno which picture is funnier:Bunny eyes " I hope I don't have to stand up and give a speech with this bulge in my drawers" -or-
"The kiss of death"
From: Um, The Yukon. | Registered: May 2004
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Blueiris46
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Babbler # 6816
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posted 17 May 2005 06:41 PM
Hey Scooter, I'm sorry.I'm well aware that many get through university more with the sweat of their brow, rather than real intelligence (or daddy's money like you know who in Washington) and many really bright and creative people don't finish high school for a variety of reasons including school structure and family stability. My apologies. My point is that she isn't really qualified and it seems quite apparent that it the case, at this time. [ 17 May 2005: Message edited by: Blueiris46 ]
From: TOP OF THE MORNING | Registered: Sep 2004
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Tommy_Paine
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Babbler # 214
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posted 17 May 2005 06:54 PM
A HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA A HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HAA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HAA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HAA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HAA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HAA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HAA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HAA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HAA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HAA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HAA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA *COUGH* snicker snork snicker... HA HA HA HA HA HA (ad infinitum)
From: The Alley, Behind Montgomery's Tavern | Registered: Apr 2001
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BigCinme
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Babbler # 9054
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posted 17 May 2005 07:16 PM
The move by Belinda was a shock, and has been played very well by Martin, Belinda and the media. I have to agree with some others that suggest it was a move of oportunity for both Belinda and the Liberals, and it will be difficult for the CPC to overcome this setback. I find it very hard to understand how MP's can flip flop to other parties, especially when you have only been with the party for 2 years and had an direct involment in creating it from Alliance and PC. It will be interesting to see if she still has the support ot the voters in her riding. I know i would not support her or the Liberals. I would not be able to support a party that buys its members so easily, it is the root of why we have scandals like adscam and why no one trusts any of the politicians. My question to Belinda, if I was the media would not be why she left, but why didn't she voice her concerns to the party and try to make changes from within, thats what strong leaders do, make changes. I have a feeling that the second budget vote will not pass on Thursday, Martin has promised too much money and I bet 1 or 2 Liberals will not be at the vote. I have to give them credit, the Liberals are capable of spinning Feces to Gold and vice/versa
From: West | Registered: Apr 2005
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Leuca
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Babbler # 6495
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posted 17 May 2005 07:22 PM
Belinda has made a big mistake. She's getting really bad advice. Her leaving puts an election in the short term in question, but not out of the question. The Conservative party will still be the next government after the election, very likely a majority. Belinda's leaving doesn't change that. It will be good for Canada, despite what Belinda herself believes.
From: Toronto | Registered: Jul 2004
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Albireo
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Babbler # 3052
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posted 17 May 2005 07:34 PM
Stronach now on As It Happens, CBC Radio One. (EDT).Quote: "I've been uncomfortable with the leader for some time". A tough interview... you voted non-confidence in the gov't last week; now you are joining it. What gives? Some quotes from Belinda condemning the budget a week or 2 ago. Why is she now supporting it? Tough questions, and much dodging.
From: --> . <-- | Registered: Sep 2002
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'lance
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Babbler # 1064
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posted 17 May 2005 07:35 PM
quote: The Conservative party will still be the next government after the election, very likely a majority.
The Conservative party will never form a majority government, at least not as long as Quebec remains part of Canada. It's numerically impossible. [ 17 May 2005: Message edited by: 'lance ]
From: that enchanted place on the top of the Forest | Registered: Jul 2001
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Albireo
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Babbler # 3052
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posted 17 May 2005 07:35 PM
Stronach had dinner with Martin last night. Wanted to look him in the eye and ask him (among other things) if he was serious about democratic renewal. I wonder what that means... does Belinda support PR?~~~~~ "Uncomfortable with the direction of the leader". Could not be drawn out by the interviewer about MacKay. "Great respect for Peter". Many talking points, repeated over and over, and not very articulately. [ 17 May 2005: Message edited by: Albireo ]
From: --> . <-- | Registered: Sep 2002
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Rufus Polson
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Babbler # 3308
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posted 17 May 2005 07:37 PM
quote: Originally posted by Jacob Two-Two: How exactly is she even qualified to be an MP, let alone a serious candidate for the leader of a major party, and then suddenly cabinet minister for the Natural Ruling Party of Canada?
I think it ha$ $omething to do with million$ of dollar$. Which is nothing new. Aside: Sorry, 'lance. Must have missed your post. For that matter, I had to do some other stuff in the middle of writing mine; at the speed stuff's been going, yours could have come through after I started.
From: Caithnard College | Registered: Nov 2002
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Tommy_Paine
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Babbler # 214
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posted 17 May 2005 08:25 PM
(pant) (pant) but you know....snork....you know what would have been funnier? (giggle)NOTHING!!!!! A ha ha ha ha ha etc.
From: The Alley, Behind Montgomery's Tavern | Registered: Apr 2001
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mary123
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 6125
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posted 17 May 2005 09:29 PM
Megan Follows can play Belinda in the CBC drama "The Journey From Stronach CEO to Peter Mackay to the Liberal Cabinet - a love story in 3 parts." Megan Follows
La Belinda
[ 17 May 2005: Message edited by: mary123 ]
From: ~~Canada - still God's greatest creation on the face of the earth~~ | Registered: Jun 2004
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miles
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Babbler # 7209
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posted 17 May 2005 09:29 PM
I think it was an astute move by the PM to entice Belinda to cross the floor for a Cabinet position. and i understand her problems with the cons. but i really do not see what she gets out of this long-termyes she is a minister today but after Harper lost the election she would have been a front runner for leader. now she has to build a team, grass roots organization and that little thing called support of the liberals for leadership asperations. Also the timing is confusing it would have made more political sense to cross the floor right before the vote last week that was a vote on a motion or a non-confidence vote or a proceedural altercation. really why today. the big winner is the PM who now controls the media cycle for the next 48 hours and the stories wil be on harpers ruined cons party, Belinda and the budget vote rather than on the budget vote and the PMs weakness in governing
From: vaughan | Registered: Oct 2004
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Blueiris46
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Babbler # 6816
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posted 17 May 2005 09:55 PM
Maybe, Peter dumped her first and did it in a nasty way. hmm.Anyway, right now I'm leaning towards the probability that the extreme of the party were going to run head on into a foolhardy election, drooling with the possibility of being in power and chopping up Canada, and internal polls told her team that they would have a good shot at losing and her dad told her to cut her losses. Or, the real power brokers in Toronto, alarmed at the thought of Quebec separating and the Canadian money markets crashing, did what it took to stop the election. I read a while ago that Davis, and some others got together for a series of meetings and my impression was, although who really knows, is that they are more nation oriented than this neo-con movement which wants us to merge with the US. I think it was to oust Harris. Her dad was very close to the Harris gov't. But, those things change. It is possible another scandal only this time with the Conservatives is about to blow and the liberals gave her dad a heads up and got her out of there. Or, maybe it's as simple as she really, really wants to be a minister and she is used to going right to the top and so given an offer by the clever libs, she took it. After all, those Liberals are really one heck of a machine.
From: TOP OF THE MORNING | Registered: Sep 2004
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fossilnut
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Babbler # 8972
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posted 17 May 2005 09:59 PM
Or how about it's simply women have brains too and can make decisions as smart or dumb as a man can? quote: Or, the real power brokers in Toronto, alarmed at the thought of Quebec separating and the Canadian money markets crashing, did what it took to stop the election
How exactly does that work? Is Belinda a cyborg and they press some buttons? Could you elaborate on the mechanics of this mind control. [ 17 May 2005: Message edited by: fossilnut ]
From: calgary | Registered: Apr 2005
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Screaming Lord Byron
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Babbler # 4717
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posted 17 May 2005 10:15 PM
quote: Originally posted by Doug:
And Peter MacKay's internal polling wasn't good enough to stop her. (So sorry, I just had to go there!)
I may never have sex again.
From: Calgary | Registered: Dec 2003
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radiorahim
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posted 17 May 2005 10:43 PM
I saw Belinda Stronach on "The National" tonight being interviewed by Peter Mansbridge.Without a script, she really is very inarticulate...not that she's all that articulate with a script. And Mansbridge was really not being all that tough. Anyway, she's now in charge of looking after students burried under a mountain of debt...and the unemployed.
From: a Micro$oft-free computer | Registered: Jun 2002
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James
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 5341
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posted 17 May 2005 11:53 PM
Grant, first of all, you are taking that on the strength of what the constituency office workers said to the media. They are supposed to be apolitical, but without doubt in a riding like Araura, they have strong EDA/Reform ties. And given the level of secrecy required in this, what choice was there ? at most, it would have been feasible to advise the constituency office perhaps 10 minutes ahead of time. As it was, the Riding President says he got a call from party headquarters about 10 minutes in advance. I'd bet his first call was to the Const. Office. So, what is the diferrence ? But, I am noticing that there is a split here, between on one hand, those who have as a priority to discredit and destroy the CPC and the pequistes, (count me among them) and those who see other interests as having higher immediate priorities. For me, preserving this country comes first.
From: Windsor; ON | Registered: Mar 2004
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siren
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Babbler # 7470
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posted 18 May 2005 12:03 AM
quote: Originally posted by James: Anybody else getting the "gut feeling" that MSM is starting to "turn" on this story ? To me, they all seemed first 'shocked', then 'entertained', and now, somewhat 'pissed', probably at the thought of being deprived of their precious election.
That was certainly my take between listening to CBC radio between noon and 2:00 p.m. and then watching The National tonight. The crew of pundits they assembled to discuss the move were very harsh on Stronach. Must have gone out of their way to have that partisan hack Faron Ellis drive up from Lethbridge to sit in on their Calgary studio.
And I thought Mansbridge was pretty tough on Stronach. Not unreasonably, but many in the media seem to have really had enough of the Liberals. On the plus side, I though Ellis might just burst into tears of indignation and Coyne was surely close to shouting some indignant phrase or another.
From: Of course we could have world peace! But where would be the profit in that? | Registered: Nov 2004
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Captain Obvious
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posted 18 May 2005 12:07 AM
quote: Originally posted by radiorahim: I saw Belinda Stronach on "The National" tonight being interviewed by Peter Mansbridge.Without a script, she really is very inarticulate...not that she's all that articulate with a script. And Mansbridge was really not being all that tough. Anyway, she's now in charge of looking after students burried under a mountain of debt...and the unemployed.
No kidding. I watched the Newman interview and I counted 8 different times where she said she wasn't comfortable with the Conservative ties to the Bloc, and 14 times where she said "national unity," "national interest" or "In Canada's best interest" etc. In the latter case, I started counting about 3 minutes in, so I probably missed some. You think the Libs told her to stay on message or something? *grin* Plus, we get a pretty good idea exactly how the libs are going to portray themselves and the Cons next election, whenever that is. (Not like it wasn't pretty obvious anyway. But what do you expect from Capt. Obvious? *wink*)
From: Toronto | Registered: Apr 2005
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Cueball
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Babbler # 4790
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posted 18 May 2005 12:11 AM
quote: Originally posted by Grant I R:
Uuuuhhhh no, but I'm a little tired of people pretending that somehow principle is involved in all of this. Someone who actually had some principles would have given her staff a heads up. She didn't.
Did someone mention "principles" in relationship to Belinda Stronach. I really didn't see that. Wow! That is incredibly naive.
Belinda became a tory so that she could have her very own party to run, not to be part of. Now that it seems someone else is going to run that party she is bored and want sto try something else, like being a cabinet minister, or something. I am sure she will get tired of that soon enough, and move to the states or something and hang out with powerful people there. Perhaps Bush will give her her own country or something.
From: Out from under the bridge and out for a stroll | Registered: Dec 2003
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James
rabble-rouser
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posted 18 May 2005 12:24 AM
Sleep well, Grant. I know I'll sleep more soundly tonight than I did last.btw, one of your posts today forced me to an image that I never had before. A farmer out fencing, with a cell phone. Of course it makes sense. If I were farming I would carry one. But I just never had envisioned it. I haven't been too much involved on the family farm in the last 15 years. My dad, who is still at it is decidedly non-wireless. So, it was an iluminating image for me. Kind of an "of course" moment. I ramble too much.
From: Windsor; ON | Registered: Mar 2004
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Contrarian
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posted 18 May 2005 02:04 AM
Yeah, Andrew Coyne was ready to spit; but Hugh Segal was much more the calm, cynical old hand who's seen it all before. When Peter introduced Ellis as author of a book on the Reform party I wondered if he was an admirer of it; probably, based on his performance. I think Ezra Levant and his buddies on the web said he got cut off by some politically correct host; I wonder what Ezra said? He's an outrageous twerp, but he talks really fast and could probably get a lot in before you could hit the trapdoor button.. [ 18 May 2005: Message edited by: Contrarian ]
From: pretty far west | Registered: Jul 2004
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James
rabble-rouser
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posted 18 May 2005 02:12 AM
quote: Why are so many babblers happy about this defection?
Because, ultimately, some things count for more than Jack and the NDP.
From: Windsor; ON | Registered: Mar 2004
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Bernard W
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posted 18 May 2005 02:21 AM
That Belinda is given a cabinet post gives a good assessment of the collection of dimwits that make the Liberal front bench.With her crossing the floor the average IQ of both the Liberals and CPC caucuses has gone up.
From: Algonquin Park, Ontario | Registered: May 2004
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James
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posted 18 May 2005 02:43 AM
quote: Originally posted by mary123: And you may want to check this one as well son.
You refer me to a thread that I have contributed to ? You think that there are threads here that I'm unaware of ? Find youself a dealer of purer drugs, child.
From: Windsor; ON | Registered: Mar 2004
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mary123
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posted 18 May 2005 02:47 AM
So, Jameswhocancounto3, if MacKay were found dead by his own hand tomorrow, would you still feel so smugly justified? Believe me, that is the sort of thing that can easily happen in these situations.By you making fun of poor Peter in this fashion fer shame James! [ 18 May 2005: Message edited by: mary123 ]
From: ~~Canada - still God's greatest creation on the face of the earth~~ | Registered: Jun 2004
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Aric H
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posted 18 May 2005 03:32 AM
quote: Originally posted by James: Anybody else getting the "gut feeling" that MSM is starting to "turn" on this story ? To me, they all seemed first 'shocked', then 'entertained', and now, somewhat 'pissed', probably at the thought of being deprived of their precious election.
What does MSM stand for? Something to do with the media I suspect. It is true that since political election campaigns are better than sex for some in the news business that some of them could be upset if there is not an election.
From: Canada | Registered: May 2004
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siren
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Babbler # 7470
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posted 18 May 2005 04:14 AM
quote: Originally posted by Aric H: Here is something I found on lifesite.net which I sometimes read to see what stories are being written there. It's obvious that some social conservatives don't want moderates in the party. She's referred to as "Pro gay-marriage Belinda Stronach."http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2005/may/05051702.html
Wow, the title of the piece says most of it. This is further ammunition for those who want to say that Stronach did not abandon the Conservative party so much as the party abandoned her adn the other moderate conservatives. quote: Pro-Gay Marriage Belinda Stronach Betrays Conservatives and Joins Liberal PartyOTTAWA, May 17, 2005 (LifeSiteNews.com) - Belinda Stronach, the pro-abortion, pro-gay marriage, Conservative MP, who was placed in high ranks in the Conservative Party by insiders who mistakenly assumed she would attract new blood to the Party, has left the Conservatives for the Liberal Party. Stonach, who was a thorn in the side of social conservatives leaves at a crucial time just prior to Thursday's confidence vote on the budget which could bring down the government. Pro-life and pro-family leaders have warned repeatedly that the Conservative Party should not rely on hard-left social liberals within their ranks. Jim Hughes, President of Campaign Life Coalition commented on Stronach's departure saying, "She's closer to her ideology now." He added, "It was a questionable move by the Conservatives to place her front and centre so that she could cause this kind of damage."
I fervently hope that this type of web site, of thought, of religious/political positioning represents a very small minority in Canada and a minority that will remain small. This attitude is just not workable in a multicultural society. Well, if that multicultural society wishes to remain peaceful . . .
From: Of course we could have world peace! But where would be the profit in that? | Registered: Nov 2004
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Cueball
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Babbler # 4790
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posted 18 May 2005 04:16 AM
quote: Originally posted by mary123: So, Jameswhocancounto3, if MacKay were found dead by his own hand tomorrow, would you still feel so smugly justified? Believe me, that is the sort of thing that can easily happen in these situations.By you making fun of poor Peter in this fashion fer shame James! [ 18 May 2005: Message edited by: mary123 ]
Yup happens every day. Everytime a girl dumps me I pull out the knife, go to the mirror and think... perhaps I should have shaved more often. It is pretty rare that people knock themselves off because of getting dumped and if McKay is of that type he shouldn't be in politics. He himself was so faithful that he signed over his party to the ultra right, even though he swore up and down he would not. This kind of betrayal is exactly the kind of thing he deserves for selling the Progressive Conservative party to the CA. Perfect. No honour among thieves, couldn't be more aptly applied. If he kills himself he is a stupider schmuck than I thought, and come to think of it, if he is that kind of cloying wimp, then Belinda was right to dump him. People can't spend there lives taking care of the emotionally needy.
From: Out from under the bridge and out for a stroll | Registered: Dec 2003
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up
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 9143
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posted 18 May 2005 06:07 AM
It is most likely she sincerely believes the cons aligning with the Bloc is bad for the country.And the suggestion that she was bought with a cabinet post is ridiculous. Had she chosen to run for the Liberals instead of the Cons, she would have been given a cabinet post. Look at the Liberal front bench. How many are better qualified to run a department with that kind of budget? The lawyers and law proffesors that are somehow qualified now? [ 18 May 2005: Message edited by: up ]
From: other | Registered: May 2005
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DrConway
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 490
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posted 18 May 2005 06:33 AM
Belinda Stronach's very opportunistic move just flabbergasted me this morning when I read it in the paper. Ok, crossing the floor, fine, but being bribed with a cabinet post ASAP? Wow. That takes some balls, Paulie Pockets. Then again I guess it takes a magnate to know one. The Tories saying they'll vote for the budget now is an even more cynically opportunistic move, since now they don't have the numbers to blow PM the PM out of the water, so they're playing kissy-face hoping his right-wing sympathies will come to the fore and cause him to shelve the social spending and the delay in the tax cuts. Legislative gridlock and mounting cynicism in this nation, thy name is the Conliberals.
From: You shall not side with the great against the powerless. | Registered: May 2001
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Vansterdam Kid
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 5474
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posted 18 May 2005 07:28 AM
Rick Bell's take on it....Intrestingly take including: quote: What's with all the shock and awe? The Conservatives wanted her to spice up their party. The Liberals now need her to save their butts. As always, Belinda plays her cards with an eye to the best hand on the table. [and] Sizzle over substance, image over ideas.
Some parts of the article are a little dismissive of her, and while she isn't a genius she does seem suprisingly frank. That being said I agree with it in many ways, statements like "baking a bigger economic pie", are ridiculously quaint.
From: bleh.... | Registered: Apr 2004
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Reality. Bites.
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 6718
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posted 18 May 2005 08:46 AM
quote: Originally posted by kurichina: What if she also felt that she couldn't win her seat again as a Conservative? I would think her chances of rewinning the seat would've been her first consideration. Maybe (I'm hoping) this is just a sign of how tainted the Cons are in Ontario.
She may have been able to retain her seat as a Conservative, but it's a slam-dunk as a Liberal.
From: Gone for good | Registered: Aug 2004
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No Yards
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 4169
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posted 18 May 2005 09:32 AM
I don't recall that part, but CBC did go to extraordinary lengths to vilify Stronach. Their "At Issue Panel" consisted of Huge Segal, Andrew Cyone, some Preston Manning biographer from Deep South Alberta, and Chantal Hebert. Couldn't they find anyone but right wingers that were willing to come on their panel? Maybe no left leaning pundits could commit to not bursting out laughing at the conservative school yard outrage antics? Hebert was the only potential unbiased voice in that panel, but since she has some kind of schoolgirl crush on Harper, was "outraged" at seeing poor Stephen betrayed. She was however able to rise about the hypocrytical outrage to admit that the move was not good for the Cons, unlike the other three that seemed to be saying they hated Stronach for doing something they claimed was good for the party. Funny how Conservatives can be so outraged over someone doing something that they say will lead to Canadians moving over to them in droves.
From: Defending traditional marriage since June 28, 2005 | Registered: Jun 2003
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sub lite
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 8918
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posted 18 May 2005 10:04 AM
quote: Originally posted by RP.: It wasn't he that said the exact words I was thinking of, whatever he may have been thinking of.
In this CBC article, it's attributed to Tony Abbott. From the same article: quote: "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.
So sad. I don't think it would have been the same sort of reaction had Belinda been a man. Note: Can we start a new thread soon? My dialup connection is going haywire with this one.
From: Australia via the Canadian Wet Coast | Registered: Apr 2005
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Briguy
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 1885
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posted 18 May 2005 10:41 AM
quote: the big winner is the PM who now controls the media cycle for the next 48 hours and the stories wil be on harpers ruined cons party, Belinda and the budget vote rather than on the budget vote and the PMs weakness in governing
If the PM actually had control of this, and wasn't being his normal reactionary self, he would forbid Belind@ from giving interviews. She gives bad interview. I think she (or more likely Peterson) approached PMPM with the Cabinet position suggestion ready to go. Maybe PM 'negotiated' with her after she originally suggested that she would defect for his own job. He may even think that he won the negotiation.
From: No one is arguing that we should run the space program based on Physics 101. | Registered: Nov 2001
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Américain Égalitaire
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 7911
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posted 18 May 2005 10:43 AM
Haven't seen this posted yet, so here it is. Star: Scolding Was the Final Straw
quote: The end began with a shouting match in Conservative Leader Stephen Harper's oak-panelled Parliament Hill office.Harper hauled in Newmarket-Aurora MP Belinda Stronach to his inner sanctum last Thursday to, sources say, "read her the riot act." "You'll never have a future in this party — you're too ambitious," he told her. "If we lose the confidence vote I will hold you personally responsible," Harper screamed, furious, insiders say, that she had expressed support for some elements of the Liberal budget. While history might ultimately show him to be right on all three counts, the confrontation was the culmination of a feud that has been simmering since Stronach, 39, finished second to him in the March 2004 Conservative leadership contest. "There was no outreach for a year after the leadership contest. There's an old saying in politics: Keep your friends close and your enemies closer. I don't know if Harper read that chapter," one senior Ontario Conservative strategist said yesterday. The already-tense relations between Stronach and Harper have deteriorated since Christmas and the bad blood has periodically spilled out publicly. In March, Stronach was furious at leaks surrounding the financial details of her leadership bid that were seen as a retaliation from Harper's people, who in turn were incensed by what they felt were Stronach-led attempts to disrupt the party's policy convention. More recently, Stronach, received a dressing-down from fellow caucus members after telling an interviewer that her party should reconsider forcing an early election.
I guess the cons forgot that she had options. Or perhaps they didn't think she had the guts to play it her way. [ 18 May 2005: Message edited by: Américain Égalitaire ]
From: Chardon, Ohio USA | Registered: Jan 2005
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writer
editor emeritus
Babbler # 2513
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posted 18 May 2005 11:47 AM
When RP mentioned the thin beard, I remembered the clip. I don't think there's any shortage of Conservatives with the word "whore" on the tips of their tongues. See how easy it slips out of their mouths? Not smart. Drayton Valley-Calmar TONY Abbott [ 18 May 2005: Message edited by: writer ]
From: tentative | Registered: Apr 2002
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Reality. Bites.
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 6718
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posted 18 May 2005 12:01 PM
quote: Originally posted by Américain Égalitaire: I guess the cons forgot that she had options. Or perhaps they didn't think she had the guts to play it her way.
In the Globe it said http://tinyurl.com/8dr6z quote: The private joke among some Tories was that she had been summoned to "see the principal."A Tory insider says that Ms. Stronach also found out -- it is not clear whether she was actually told at this meeting -- that she was being frozen out of appearances in any election ads
And just to make this a foody thread: quote: For two hours they talked about public policy and the direction of the country. They dined on veal medallions, toasted pecans, spring turbot, home pickled onions and young cucumbers. For dessert they had chocolate semifreddo, mango terrine, Valrhona chocolate mousse and brandy snap. It was all washed down with a respectable sauvignon blanc and a cabernet merlot.
John Ibbitson's column (print or paying online only) gave this interesting piece of info on the impact of her defection: quote: A poll conducted in the first week of May for the consulting firm Strategic Counsel showed that, with Mr. Harper as leader, the Conservatives trailed the Liberals in Ontario 25% to 38%. But with Ms. Stronach as leader, the two parties were tied.That's how much an asset Ms. Stronach was in Ontario. That is what the Conservatives have lost. The Conservatives must pick up 10 Ontario seats if they are to form a government. Mr. Harper is in a lot of trouble.
My understanding is that in an upscale hair salon in Yorkville today Peter Kent is being fitted with a blonde wig.
From: Gone for good | Registered: Aug 2004
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fossilnut
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 8972
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posted 18 May 2005 12:06 PM
quote: "She basically whored herself out for power."
That was a statement by one of the Alberta provincial cabinet ministers. Freedom of speech is alive and well in Alberta. Elsewhere everyone seems afraid to say 'boo' in case the thought police jump on them. The odd thing is many in the Alberta provincial government aren't too eager to have Harper as PM. There's a bit of split between the 'suits' (Harper, Stockwell Day, etc.) and the old grassroot boys (farmers, oilpatch, etc.). Harper is seen by some as bit too much of the politician and not enough of the street fighter. They'll all suport Harper publically but that support becomes thin once a couple beers are popped on the porch.
From: calgary | Registered: Apr 2005
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Reality. Bites.
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 6718
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posted 18 May 2005 12:12 PM
Freedom of speech and not being afraid of the "thought police" is indeed a wonderful thing to be cherished.Were it not for the courage of Alberta politicians fearlessly sharing their innermost thoughts with Canadians, we might have actually elected them! Fortunately, the Darryl Stinsons, Stephen Harpers, Stockwell Days, Ralph Kleins, Jason Kenneys and dozens of others just can't help showing us at every turn what a bunch of sexist, racist, homophobic creeps they really are. And then their apologists wonder why we won't elect them. The reason we won't elect a Conservative government is really pretty simple. Canadians aren't stupid. Conservatives are. Unbelievably so.
From: Gone for good | Registered: Aug 2004
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Contrarian
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 6477
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posted 18 May 2005 01:31 PM
CBC Alberta comment on sexist remarks quote: ...Linda Trimble, a political scientist at the University of Alberta, says it's unlikely such comments would have been made against a male politician."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 politicians cross the floor."... ...While Stronach has been called a political opportunist, Trimble says it's important to remember, that the MP has chosen to join a party in desperate political trouble. She also says the tasteless comments will do little to bolster the Conservative party's image...
[ 18 May 2005: Message edited by: Contrarian ]
From: pretty far west | Registered: Jul 2004
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up
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 9143
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posted 18 May 2005 01:47 PM
quote:
quote:"She basically whored herself out for power." That was a statement by one of the Alberta provincial cabinet ministers. Freedom of speech is alive and well in Alberta. Elsewhere everyone seems afraid to say 'boo' in case the thought police jump on them. quote:
Why trash Alberta when most of the posters above said the same thing? quote: Belinda Stronach's very opportunistic move just flabbergasted me this morning when I read it in the paper.Ok, crossing the floor, fine, but being bribed with a cabinet post ASAP? Wow. That takes some balls, Paulie Pockets. Then again I guess it takes a magnate to know one.
This is so unfair. Look at this page and tell me she is any less qualified to run a department. She is better qualified then most of the people on the front bench of government, and more qualified then most the NDP could offer if they filled the front bench. call her a bitch or something, just don't call her stupid, and don't pretend she isn't qualified to run a department.
From: other | Registered: May 2005
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Rob8305
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 6298
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posted 18 May 2005 08:30 PM
I loathe these right wing Albertans with a passion. They are worse than republicans!No Yards, I agree with your post above about the CBC and the National's "At Issue" Panel. There was no balance there at all. It was a bunch of right wing nuts and perhaps a closet Quebec separatist. And Andrew Coyne and that Alberta redneck professor especially made me very ill. I kept telling myself though that this is the reaction of people who have been dealt a death blow and it's just sour grapes. That's what got me through it. What do you think? Is Peter Mansbridge a CPC supporter too? Hard to tell. He did make that comment about "rose colored glasses" which was interesting.
From: Montrose | Registered: Jun 2004
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mary123
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 6125
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posted 18 May 2005 08:35 PM
The Conservative frat boys are mad at Ms. Stronach. quote: As astounding as the tone of the news coverage has been, it’s got nothing on the adolescent woman-hating quotes coming from Harper and the boys -- and you’ll note it was all boys belittling Belinda.A pissed off Harper told a news conference: "I told my wife only a few days ago that I 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." Translation: Harper’s (nameless) wife is a good little helpmate standing behind her man and supporting his career not like that driven hussy Stronach. "There’s no grand principle involved in this decision, just ambition," Harper said. Imagine that: an ambitious politician -- who’d a thunk it? Is Harper saying he isn’t ambitious? Or is he saying it’s okay for men to be ambitious but not women? I’m guessing it’s the latter because Stronach’s femininity is clearly on trial here.
Why Canadians would vote for these unevolved types is beyond me. Most Canadians are more evolved than the CPC. Although I am not a fan of Ms. Stronach she did show a self preservation instinct that I can respect. [ 18 May 2005: Message edited by: mary123 ]
From: ~~Canada - still God's greatest creation on the face of the earth~~ | Registered: Jun 2004
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arborman
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 4372
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posted 18 May 2005 08:42 PM
From the article linked in the above post:""I've never really noticed complexity to be Belinda's strong point," Harper said. Really Stephen? She out-maneuvered you: what does that suggest about your grasp of complex issues?" Chuckle.
From: I'm a solipsist - isn't everyone? | Registered: Aug 2003
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johnpauljones
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 7554
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posted 18 May 2005 08:47 PM
quote: Originally posted by mary123: Although I am not a fan of Ms. Stronach she did show a self preservation instinct that I can respect.
Belinda joined a racist and homophobic party, she ran for the leadership of a racist and homophobic party, she was elected as an mp of a racist and homophobic party. now she leaves the racist and homophobic party. Well she played in the same sandbox of the racists and homophobes for too long for me to believe she suddenly has a change of heart. I know she says she is in favour of ssm but really i think she is a racist and homophobe at heart [ 18 May 2005: Message edited by: johnpauljones ]
From: City of Toronto | Registered: Nov 2004
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Aric H
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 5815
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posted 18 May 2005 08:54 PM
quote: Originally posted by mary123: The Conservative frat boys are mad at Ms. Stronach.Why Canadians would vote for these unevolved types is beyond me. Most Canadians are more evolved than the CPC. Although I am not a fan of Ms. Stronach she did show a self preservation instinct that I can respect.
I agree that some of the comments about Belinda's physical appearance/attractiveness/being blonde etc. are sexist and are out of line. People should be commenting on whether they agree or disagree with her decision. These comments have nothing to do with that. As I posted last night, Libby Davies and Eleni Bakopanos said the comments were sexist on Prime Time Politics yesterday. [ 18 May 2005: Message edited by: Aric H ]
From: Canada | Registered: May 2004
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Reality. Bites.
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 6718
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posted 18 May 2005 09:01 PM
quote: Originally posted by mary123: Most Canadians are more evolved than the CPC.
So are most amoeba
From: Gone for good | Registered: Aug 2004
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Hailey
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 6438
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posted 18 May 2005 09:41 PM
The gentleman responsible for saying that Belinda was "whoring herself" was Tony Abbott. According to his own reports this morning he went home and regretted his choice of words. He was, however, confronted by Mr. Rick Miller in the Legislature today suggesting that speaking about women that way makes good candidates who are female disinclined to enter politics. He was quite chastized for it. For a reason I don't understand the speaker would not allow Mr. Abbott to respond to the remarks. After the conclusion of their time in the legislature evidently Mr. Abbott caught up with him in the back hallways and rushed towards him in a menacing manner. The verbal words he chose were not stated. Evidently his manner was so menacing security had to intervene and step inbetween. Rick Miller in an interview said he felt "threatened" but didn't give a full recollection of the events and an investigation is being conducted. Mr. Abbott had no comment that was available but he is calling to apologize which I think is a good indication that he feels that he erred. The speaker, Ken Kowalski, in my view minimized this experience indicating that often times things get over the top which I can understand to some extent but then also added "and it's spring". How ridiculous a comment is that? Anyone that wishes to see Mr. Kowalski held accountable for his use of the word whore and his subsequent outburst of suspected aggression should write to Mr. Kowalski, the speakder of the house, at [email protected]
From: candyland | Registered: Jul 2004
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khrisse-boy
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 3632
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posted 24 May 2005 09:01 AM
quote: Originally posted by johnpauljones:
Belinda joined a racist and homophobic party, she ran for the leadership of a racist and homophobic party, she was elected as an mp of a racist and homophobic party. now she leaves the racist and homophobic party. Well she played in the same sandbox of the racists and homophobes for too long for me to believe she suddenly has a change of heart. I know she says she is in favour of ssm but really i think she is a racist and homophobe at heart [ 18 May 2005: Message edited by: johnpauljones ]
Lordy, lordy, what shenanigans!
JPJ, I'd argue that she left an explicitly racist and homophobic party for one that tries their racism and homophobia. So much has already been said about this, I don't have much to add. I'm glad this Parliament has survived by the skin of its arse, because I want that budget passed and I want same-sex marriage legislated into law. We've been waiting far too long for equal marriage, and the budget is more progressive than anything we've seen in a long time, and that's what I want this Parliament to achieve before it goes to hell. I'm not sure what to make of Belinda. It's entirely possible in my mind that she left because after losing the leadership and trying to make a go of it she's uncomfortable with the attitudes of the CPC (I have no doubt she's a social liberal, plus being a woman in that party can't be easy, unless you're Deb Grey and can scare them into submission) and made a principled decision to join a party that was a better fit. It's also possible that she left because she knew she'd not go much further in the CPC while Harper was leader and Martin was offering her a Cabinet post. I suspect the most likely reason is some combination of the two. I'm dismayed that she and Scott Brison seem to fit so comfortably into the Liberal Cabinet. Yes, they're socially progressive, but I've always felt that the artificial distinction people make between social and fiscal policy was kinda bogus... to me, if you don't have a commitment to the redistribution of wealth and to making the economy work for everyone and not just rich people, your half-hearted commitment to reducing inequality due to social factors doesn't amount to a hill of beans. I'm dismayed that Belinda, a corporate drone if ever there was one, is now in charge of managing EI and my gargantuan student debt. I'm also not impressed by her as a person. While I have no doubts as to her basic intelligence, she doesn't seem particularly well cut-out for public life. As others have noted, she's an inarticulate public speaker without a script and not very good at interviews. I will watch with interest to see how she performs in Question Period. I will also watch with interest to see how her future in the Liberal party unfolds. I don't think she will ever be leader of the Libs, which is just fine by me, though I would love to see a woman at the helm. I think the NDP has really come out as the big winner in all of this (at least in English Canada). They really proved their worth by using the minority Parliament to get some good things done.
From: Ottawa, ON | Registered: Jan 2003
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