Comments on: The Straight Goods: Part One http://www.matthewgood.org/2007/07/the-straight-goods-part-one/ Mon, 01 Dec 2008 16:14:49 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6.2 By: Derekc http://www.matthewgood.org/2007/07/the-straight-goods-part-one/#comment-19595 Derekc Mon, 16 Jul 2007 01:23:29 +0000 http://www.matthewgood.org/2007/07/the-straight-goods-part-one/#comment-19595 [quote comment="19356"][quote comment="19336"]The only time individual mp's actually hold any reasonable amount of power is in the event of a minority government like we have now. The problem is, no meaningful legislation gets passed and mp's are frequently bribed..[/quote] MPs are frequently bribed? That's a hell of a statement to just throw out there. i'm not a big fan of the effectiveness of those we elect, but I don't think the majority are in the graft business. A few perhaps.[/quote] I don't neccessarily mean monetary bribes. You think Belinda Stronach crossed the floor over a change of heart? That cabinet position she was offered was effectively a bribe. [quote comment="19356"][quote comment="19336"]The only time individual mp’s actually hold any reasonable amount of power is in the event of a minority government like we have now. The problem is, no meaningful legislation gets passed and mp’s are frequently bribed..[/quote]

MPs are frequently bribed? That’s a hell of a statement to just throw out there. i’m not a big fan of the effectiveness of those we elect, but I don’t think the majority are in the graft business. A few perhaps.[/quote]
I don’t neccessarily mean monetary bribes. You think Belinda Stronach crossed the floor over a change of heart? That cabinet position she was offered was effectively a bribe.

]]> By: Derekc http://www.matthewgood.org/2007/07/the-straight-goods-part-one/#comment-19594 Derekc Mon, 16 Jul 2007 01:21:04 +0000 http://www.matthewgood.org/2007/07/the-straight-goods-part-one/#comment-19594 [quote comment="19343"][quote comment="19336"]there are drawbacks and positives to both methods of government, but you seem to quick to only point out one side of the story. The fact is, all the debate in the house is meaningless as everybody's mind is made up, and even if somebody managed to change another's mind during question period, they would still be forced to vote with the party. Essentially, our legislative branch of government is ran by a dozen or so people, yet we pay in excess of 300 to get the same results. The only time individual mp's actually hold any reasonable amount of power is in the event of a minority government like we have now. The problem is, no meaningful legislation gets passed and mp's are frequently bribed. At least in the US system, the legislature is more than a mere extension of the executive.[/quote] Again, not at all an entry about systems of government, just how Bush would probably be long gone if he were forced to actually endure question period on a daily basis. I don't see how that's so hard to comprehend.[/quote] this is true, I'm sorry to take it off topic. Bush isn't the greatest public speaker, but I think he'd do better than you expect, but still, nowhere as good as many say he should (myself included) do. [quote comment="19343"][quote comment="19336"]there are drawbacks and positives to both methods of government, but you seem to quick to only point out one side of the story. The fact is, all the debate in the house is meaningless as everybody’s mind is made up, and even if somebody managed to change another’s mind during question period, they would still be forced to vote with the party. Essentially, our legislative branch of government is ran by a dozen or so people, yet we pay in excess of 300 to get the same results. The only time individual mp’s actually hold any reasonable amount of power is in the event of a minority government like we have now. The problem is, no meaningful legislation gets passed and mp’s are frequently bribed. At least in the US system, the legislature is more than a mere extension of the executive.[/quote]

Again, not at all an entry about systems of government, just how Bush would probably be long gone if he were forced to actually endure question period on a daily basis. I don’t see how that’s so hard to comprehend.[/quote]
this is true, I’m sorry to take it off topic. Bush isn’t the greatest public speaker, but I think he’d do better than you expect, but still, nowhere as good as many say he should (myself included) do.

]]> By: LeonardASchneider http://www.matthewgood.org/2007/07/the-straight-goods-part-one/#comment-19543 LeonardASchneider Sun, 15 Jul 2007 07:17:13 +0000 http://www.matthewgood.org/2007/07/the-straight-goods-part-one/#comment-19543 [quote comment="19469"]Im sorry Matt, did I read that right. You WANT Al Gore to run again? Are you insane? That man is nothing more than a hypocritical opertunistic alarmist. http://www.usatoday.com/news/opinion/editorials/2006-08-09-gore-green_x.htm I get rather tired when I see him parading around telling us to consume less etc etc when he himself does nothing of the sort himself. I'm not against any of that, but when the man preaching is not practicing what he is preaching, then makes me wonder. Politician wise, I dont know too much myself. However, I dont think I would want him running the USA due to the fact that he is a flaming hypocrite, a serious problem of character. One other thing Matt. You again, take another jab at George Bush. Did you ever get a chance to watch him in the Presidential debates? The townhouse meetings? He can hold is own if I remember correctly; he sure as hell did a better job that John Kerry did...[/quote] LOL [quote comment="19469"]Im sorry Matt, did I read that right. You WANT Al Gore to run again? Are you insane? That man is nothing more than a hypocritical opertunistic alarmist. http://www.usatoday.com/news/opinion/editorials/2006-08-09-gore-green_x.htm

I get rather tired when I see him parading around telling us to consume less etc etc when he himself does nothing of the sort himself. I’m not against any of that, but when the man preaching is not practicing what he is preaching, then makes me wonder. Politician wise, I dont know too much myself. However, I dont think I would want him running the USA due to the fact that he is a flaming hypocrite, a serious problem of character.

One other thing Matt. You again, take another jab at George Bush. Did you ever get a chance to watch him in the Presidential debates? The townhouse meetings? He can hold is own if I remember correctly; he sure as hell did a better job that John Kerry did…[/quote]

LOL

]]> By: kanji http://www.matthewgood.org/2007/07/the-straight-goods-part-one/#comment-19469 kanji Sat, 14 Jul 2007 06:05:12 +0000 http://www.matthewgood.org/2007/07/the-straight-goods-part-one/#comment-19469 Im sorry Matt, did I read that right. You WANT Al Gore to run again? Are you insane? That man is nothing more than a hypocritical opertunistic alarmist. http://www.usatoday.com/news/opinion/editorials/2006-08-09-gore-green_x.htm I get rather tired when I see him parading around telling us to consume less etc etc when he himself does nothing of the sort himself. I'm not against any of that, but when the man preaching is not practicing what he is preaching, then makes me wonder. Politician wise, I dont know too much myself. However, I dont think I would want him running the USA due to the fact that he is a flaming hypocrite, a serious problem of character. One other thing Matt. You again, take another jab at George Bush. Did you ever get a chance to watch him in the Presidential debates? The townhouse meetings? He can hold is own if I remember correctly; he sure as hell did a better job that John Kerry did... Im sorry Matt, did I read that right. You WANT Al Gore to run again? Are you insane? That man is nothing more than a hypocritical opertunistic alarmist. http://www.usatoday.com/news/opinion/editorials/2006-08-09-gore-green_x.htm

I get rather tired when I see him parading around telling us to consume less etc etc when he himself does nothing of the sort himself. I’m not against any of that, but when the man preaching is not practicing what he is preaching, then makes me wonder. Politician wise, I dont know too much myself. However, I dont think I would want him running the USA due to the fact that he is a flaming hypocrite, a serious problem of character.

One other thing Matt. You again, take another jab at George Bush. Did you ever get a chance to watch him in the Presidential debates? The townhouse meetings? He can hold is own if I remember correctly; he sure as hell did a better job that John Kerry did…

]]> By: rkostynu http://www.matthewgood.org/2007/07/the-straight-goods-part-one/#comment-19385 rkostynu Fri, 13 Jul 2007 17:03:04 +0000 http://www.matthewgood.org/2007/07/the-straight-goods-part-one/#comment-19385 lol, to the dust ups in the House ... I happened to be in Ottawa years back during the CF18 / Quebec / Winnipeg service contract fiasco during the Mulroney years. The day I was there, question period was quite entertaining... two MPs got tossed out of the house for comments about other members, ( if memory serves someone was called an ignorant frog and another an asshole)...it was so out of control the Speaker adjourned the house with 15 mins. left in question period. I was waiting for an MP to take off a shoe and start pounding the desk or toss it across the floor...not exactly productive government but definitely spirited entertainment. Your right about Bush, in that scenario he wouldn't have lasted past the first Liberal question/accusation that day never mind the zoo that ensued after it. Like or hate Mulroney he could fire and bullshit on a dime with the best of them. lol, to the dust ups in the House … I happened to be in Ottawa years back during the CF18 / Quebec / Winnipeg service contract fiasco during the Mulroney years. The day I was there, question period was quite entertaining… two MPs got tossed out of the house for comments about other members, ( if memory serves someone was called an ignorant frog and another an asshole)…it was so out of control the Speaker adjourned the house with 15 mins. left in question period. I was waiting for an MP to take off a shoe and start pounding the desk or toss it across the floor…not exactly productive government but definitely spirited entertainment.

Your right about Bush, in that scenario he wouldn’t have lasted past the first Liberal question/accusation that day never mind the zoo that ensued after it. Like or hate Mulroney he could fire and bullshit on a dime with the best of them.

]]> By: ShaneK http://www.matthewgood.org/2007/07/the-straight-goods-part-one/#comment-19356 ShaneK Fri, 13 Jul 2007 05:00:15 +0000 http://www.matthewgood.org/2007/07/the-straight-goods-part-one/#comment-19356 [quote comment="19336"]The only time individual mp's actually hold any reasonable amount of power is in the event of a minority government like we have now. The problem is, no meaningful legislation gets passed and mp's are frequently bribed..[/quote] MPs are frequently bribed? That's a hell of a statement to just throw out there. i'm not a big fan of the effectiveness of those we elect, but I don't think the majority are in the graft business. A few perhaps. [quote comment="19336"]The only time individual mp’s actually hold any reasonable amount of power is in the event of a minority government like we have now. The problem is, no meaningful legislation gets passed and mp’s are frequently bribed..[/quote]

MPs are frequently bribed? That’s a hell of a statement to just throw out there. i’m not a big fan of the effectiveness of those we elect, but I don’t think the majority are in the graft business. A few perhaps.

]]> By: ErikH http://www.matthewgood.org/2007/07/the-straight-goods-part-one/#comment-19349 ErikH Fri, 13 Jul 2007 03:04:35 +0000 http://www.matthewgood.org/2007/07/the-straight-goods-part-one/#comment-19349 [quote comment="19343"][quote comment="19336"]there are drawbacks and positives to both methods of government, but you seem to quick to only point out one side of the story. The fact is, all the debate in the house is meaningless as everybody's mind is made up, and even if somebody managed to change another's mind during question period, they would still be forced to vote with the party. Essentially, our legislative branch of government is ran by a dozen or so people, yet we pay in excess of 300 to get the same results. The only time individual mp's actually hold any reasonable amount of power is in the event of a minority government like we have now. The problem is, no meaningful legislation gets passed and mp's are frequently bribed. At least in the US system, the legislature is more than a mere extension of the executive.[/quote] Again, not at all an entry about systems of government, just how Bush would probably be long gone if he were forced to actually endure question period on a daily basis. I don't see how that's so hard to comprehend.[/quote] Not only that it's not a statement on these two systems but there are free votes in Parliament, not often, but it occurs. [quote comment="19343"][quote comment="19336"]there are drawbacks and positives to both methods of government, but you seem to quick to only point out one side of the story. The fact is, all the debate in the house is meaningless as everybody’s mind is made up, and even if somebody managed to change another’s mind during question period, they would still be forced to vote with the party. Essentially, our legislative branch of government is ran by a dozen or so people, yet we pay in excess of 300 to get the same results. The only time individual mp’s actually hold any reasonable amount of power is in the event of a minority government like we have now. The problem is, no meaningful legislation gets passed and mp’s are frequently bribed. At least in the US system, the legislature is more than a mere extension of the executive.[/quote]

Again, not at all an entry about systems of government, just how Bush would probably be long gone if he were forced to actually endure question period on a daily basis. I don’t see how that’s so hard to comprehend.[/quote]

Not only that it’s not a statement on these two systems but there are free votes in Parliament, not often, but it occurs.

]]> By: Shane http://www.matthewgood.org/2007/07/the-straight-goods-part-one/#comment-19347 Shane Fri, 13 Jul 2007 02:24:40 +0000 http://www.matthewgood.org/2007/07/the-straight-goods-part-one/#comment-19347 For everyone who is reading too much into this, this is the Coles notes version: A thousand monkeys with typewriters will write Shakespeare before Bush will answer a question harder than "would you like paper or plastic?" For everyone who is reading too much into this, this is the Coles notes version:

A thousand monkeys with typewriters will write Shakespeare before Bush will answer a question harder than “would you like paper or plastic?”

]]> By: julz http://www.matthewgood.org/2007/07/the-straight-goods-part-one/#comment-19346 julz Fri, 13 Jul 2007 02:09:51 +0000 http://www.matthewgood.org/2007/07/the-straight-goods-part-one/#comment-19346 At least the House makes for fantastic TV if you're really bored...then again, Bush sometimes does too. At least the House makes for fantastic TV if you’re really bored…then again, Bush sometimes does too.

]]> By: dragolath http://www.matthewgood.org/2007/07/the-straight-goods-part-one/#comment-19342 dragolath Fri, 13 Jul 2007 01:54:52 +0000 http://www.matthewgood.org/2007/07/the-straight-goods-part-one/#comment-19342 Bush is only in that chair because he can throw God in all his sentences, when in fact, we all know he very well might be the only possible anti-christ there ever has been or will be. Bush is only in that chair because he can throw God in all his sentences, when in fact, we all know he very well might be the only possible anti-christ there ever has been or will be.

]]> By: misinformation http://www.matthewgood.org/2007/07/the-straight-goods-part-one/#comment-19341 misinformation Fri, 13 Jul 2007 01:50:55 +0000 http://www.matthewgood.org/2007/07/the-straight-goods-part-one/#comment-19341 As difficult as it may be sometimes, the Prime Minister of Canada is thanking his lucky stars he only has to answer for himself within the friendly, fortified confines of the House of Commonwealth. As difficult as it may be sometimes, the Prime Minister of Canada is thanking his lucky stars he only has to answer for himself within the friendly, fortified confines of the House of Commonwealth.

]]> By: Shane http://www.matthewgood.org/2007/07/the-straight-goods-part-one/#comment-19340 Shane Fri, 13 Jul 2007 01:41:37 +0000 http://www.matthewgood.org/2007/07/the-straight-goods-part-one/#comment-19340 [quote comment="19333"]I saw a comedian on TV last night. He was talking about how he wasn't a big Bush basher, but he had a friend that was. His friend was saying that Bush was like Hitler and had a lot in common with him, the comedian came back "no way, Hitler was a much better public speaker"............... ba-dom dom ................thank you, thank you very much. I'll be here all week, try the veal, and don't forget to tip your waitress.[/quote] Ahahahahah you were watching <i>Last Comic Standing</i> too? That was the first thing that came to mind when I read this entry myself. [quote comment="19333"]I saw a comedian on TV last night. He was talking about how he wasn’t a big Bush basher, but he had a friend that was. His friend was saying that Bush was like Hitler and had a lot in common with him, the comedian came back “no way, Hitler was a much better public speaker”……………

ba-dom dom …………….thank you, thank you very much. I’ll be here all week, try the veal, and don’t forget to tip your waitress.[/quote]
Ahahahahah you were watching Last Comic Standing too? That was the first thing that came to mind when I read this entry myself.

]]> By: RaisedLoser http://www.matthewgood.org/2007/07/the-straight-goods-part-one/#comment-19339 RaisedLoser Fri, 13 Jul 2007 01:33:28 +0000 http://www.matthewgood.org/2007/07/the-straight-goods-part-one/#comment-19339 He may not be quick on his feet, or with his wits. There is one thing that got Bush to be President(Other than fixing an election and being the idiot son of an arse), and that is his delivery. You could tell him that ice cream is ten cents off a cone and 35% of the US population would be lining up for seconds. Dont get me wrong Im not defending his actions in any way but if he can convince even ten people let alone almost 50 million(by a margin of error of course) that the war in Iraq is a good thing. That in itself is impressive enough for a senile retard who can barely eat a pretzel He may not be quick on his feet, or with his wits. There is one thing that got Bush to be President(Other than fixing an election and being the idiot son of an arse), and that is his delivery. You could tell him that ice cream is ten cents off a cone and 35% of the US population would be lining up for seconds. Dont get me wrong Im not defending his actions in any way but if he can convince even ten people let alone almost 50 million(by a margin of error of course) that the war in Iraq is a good thing. That in itself is impressive enough for a senile retard who can barely eat a pretzel

]]> By: Stephen K http://www.matthewgood.org/2007/07/the-straight-goods-part-one/#comment-19338 Stephen K Fri, 13 Jul 2007 01:17:04 +0000 http://www.matthewgood.org/2007/07/the-straight-goods-part-one/#comment-19338 Apologies for the atrocious grammar in the above comment. Apologies for the atrocious grammar in the above comment.

]]> By: Stephen K http://www.matthewgood.org/2007/07/the-straight-goods-part-one/#comment-19337 Stephen K Fri, 13 Jul 2007 01:13:56 +0000 http://www.matthewgood.org/2007/07/the-straight-goods-part-one/#comment-19337 I, probably like you, is someone who does not like Stephen Harper because of his ideology and policies. I have to agree with you about the parliamentary system though. At least we have an opportunity to call him to the carpet in Question Period. To often, QP is abused and becomes a forum for partisan shots. It's basically a circus. It's a good idea, though. I, probably like you, is someone who does not like Stephen Harper because of his ideology and policies. I have to agree with you about the parliamentary system though. At least we have an opportunity to call him to the carpet in Question Period. To often, QP is abused and becomes a forum for partisan shots. It’s basically a circus. It’s a good idea, though.

]]> By: Derekc http://www.matthewgood.org/2007/07/the-straight-goods-part-one/#comment-19336 Derekc Fri, 13 Jul 2007 01:09:58 +0000 http://www.matthewgood.org/2007/07/the-straight-goods-part-one/#comment-19336 there are drawbacks and positives to both methods of government, but you seem to quick to only point out one side of the story. The fact is, all the debate in the house is meaningless as everybody's mind is made up, and even if somebody managed to change another's mind during question period, they would still be forced to vote with the party. Essentially, our legislative branch of government is ran by a dozen or so people, yet we pay in excess of 300 to get the same results. The only time individual mp's actually hold any reasonable amount of power is in the event of a minority government like we have now. The problem is, no meaningful legislation gets passed and mp's are frequently bribed. At least in the US system, the legislature is more than a mere extension of the executive. there are drawbacks and positives to both methods of government, but you seem to quick to only point out one side of the story. The fact is, all the debate in the house is meaningless as everybody’s mind is made up, and even if somebody managed to change another’s mind during question period, they would still be forced to vote with the party. Essentially, our legislative branch of government is ran by a dozen or so people, yet we pay in excess of 300 to get the same results. The only time individual mp’s actually hold any reasonable amount of power is in the event of a minority government like we have now. The problem is, no meaningful legislation gets passed and mp’s are frequently bribed. At least in the US system, the legislature is more than a mere extension of the executive.

]]> By: billybadass http://www.matthewgood.org/2007/07/the-straight-goods-part-one/#comment-19333 billybadass Fri, 13 Jul 2007 00:49:47 +0000 http://www.matthewgood.org/2007/07/the-straight-goods-part-one/#comment-19333 I saw a comedian on TV last night. He was talking about how he wasn't a big Bush basher, but he had a friend that was. His friend was saying that Bush was like Hitler and had a lot in common with him, the comedian came back "no way, Hitler was a much better public speaker"............... ba-dom dom ................thank you, thank you very much. I'll be here all week, try the veal, and don't forget to tip your waitress. I saw a comedian on TV last night. He was talking about how he wasn’t a big Bush basher, but he had a friend that was. His friend was saying that Bush was like Hitler and had a lot in common with him, the comedian came back “no way, Hitler was a much better public speaker”…………… ba-dom dom …………….thank you, thank you very much. I’ll be here all week, try the veal, and don’t forget to tip your waitress.

]]> By: Grzybov http://www.matthewgood.org/2007/07/the-straight-goods-part-one/#comment-19332 Grzybov Fri, 13 Jul 2007 00:46:35 +0000 http://www.matthewgood.org/2007/07/the-straight-goods-part-one/#comment-19332 The "Most Powerful Person in the Western World" has now been reduced to that creepy Uncle that you can't take out of the house exempt for family renunions and Christmases. It is sadly true. The “Most Powerful Person in the Western World” has now been reduced to that creepy Uncle that you can’t take out of the house exempt for family renunions and Christmases.

It is sadly true.

]]> By: Grzybov http://www.matthewgood.org/2007/07/the-straight-goods-part-one/#comment-19328 Grzybov Fri, 13 Jul 2007 00:20:23 +0000 http://www.matthewgood.org/2007/07/the-straight-goods-part-one/#comment-19328 Good points. I agree that our version of democracy that forces the executive branch to have to answer to the legislative branch, or Responsible Government, is more evolved than the separation used by our neighbours to the south, despite being an older system. I guess the US's rush to totally distance itself from the English system had something to do with that. In hindsight though, they should have kept that. Two things do bother me about our Constitutional Monarchy however. One is the fact that MP's must tow the party line when casting their vote. The populus elects a man or woman to act as their representative for their specific geographical region, however that seems to get totally thrown out the window when the cabinet instructs the majority of the party how they will vote. We do not vote for a PM, we vote for an MP. This seems to dampen our democratic process I think. One good part about the US system is that Republicans and Democrats are free (technically, perhaps not always in practice) to vote however they choose. Now that's not to say every US representative or senator polls his constituency every time there's a vote. But on certain issues I may not agree with our government's vote on a certain issue even though I voted for the MP of that party... but because of our system, that's too damn bad. The second thing about our system I think needs a change is our senate. The House of Sober Rubber Stamping. If we are to have a true bicameral parliament, don't both houses need to think for themselves? Like our judiciary, they are not elected. But are the Canadian voters really that unintelligent that we need an appointed body to double-check everything? I wonder if there is a down-side to electing our Senators. I honestly don't know if that is the answer, but there has to be something better than what we have. Some kind of hybrid perhaps??? At the end of the day, I think our system does work decently in practice but is terrible on paper. While the US system may be good in theory but is a car accident in practice. ......But I totally agree, who doesn't love to watch a good ol' fashion donnybrook between middle-aged men and women screaming at each other in different languages?!?!? Good points. I agree that our version of democracy that forces the executive branch to have to answer to the legislative branch, or Responsible Government, is more evolved than the separation used by our neighbours to the south, despite being an older system. I guess the US’s rush to totally distance itself from the English system had something to do with that. In hindsight though, they should have kept that.

Two things do bother me about our Constitutional Monarchy however. One is the fact that MP’s must tow the party line when casting their vote. The populus elects a man or woman to act as their representative for their specific geographical region, however that seems to get totally thrown out the window when the cabinet instructs the majority of the party how they will vote. We do not vote for a PM, we vote for an MP. This seems to dampen our democratic process I think. One good part about the US system is that Republicans and Democrats are free (technically, perhaps not always in practice) to vote however they choose. Now that’s not to say every US representative or senator polls his constituency every time there’s a vote. But on certain issues I may not agree with our government’s vote on a certain issue even though I voted for the MP of that party… but because of our system, that’s too damn bad.

The second thing about our system I think needs a change is our senate. The House of Sober Rubber Stamping. If we are to have a true bicameral parliament, don’t both houses need to think for themselves? Like our judiciary, they are not elected. But are the Canadian voters really that unintelligent that we need an appointed body to double-check everything? I wonder if there is a down-side to electing our Senators. I honestly don’t know if that is the answer, but there has to be something better than what we have. Some kind of hybrid perhaps???

At the end of the day, I think our system does work decently in practice but is terrible on paper. While the US system may be good in theory but is a car accident in practice.

……But I totally agree, who doesn’t love to watch a good ol’ fashion donnybrook between middle-aged men and women screaming at each other in different languages?!?!?

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