Perhaps, if you don’t count the further americanization of a country that is entirely not America. We’re already so far down the ass pocket of the US that the last thing we need is a majority government that will no doubt continue down that road and further align us with the most hated country on the planet.
In my mind at least, that is a bad thing.[/quote]

Because pissing off the states and being confrontational with them is a much better way of doing things. I cant stand some Canadians sometimes who take the US for granted. Honestly, if we were to be attacked or bombed or in some kind of help, who would be the first country we go crying to? The US. We need to maintain a good relationship with them as it is very important of our countries well being. We are honestly just like Americans, save a few minor differences. Ive always been amazed at how, as Canadians, we seem to identify ourselves by being “not american” or by hating the US.

I am also curious as to what you mean by “further americanization” of Canada…

He lacks the charisma and presence to take on Harper at this time.[/quote]
This. Yup. ‘Zactly my thoughts.

I think he’s got some good ideas and potentially could do a good job. And I’d choose him any day of the week over Harper (and there’s got to be others like me, in which case, maybe dude’s got a shot). But he’s not wowing anyone, and that’s what he needs to do to win over middle-of-the-road voters. Plus, his Green Shift is reeeeeeally misunderstood and is interpreted in the mainstream media and the minds of the general public as “oh no increased taxes!!!” and “I’ll pay more at the pump!!!”, and that’s just not helping.

(How many people actually RESEARCH a candidate’s stance on issues? Very, very few, I’d say. It’s mostly media soundbites, summaries in the paper and, let’s face it, surface impressions. The media plays a huge role, like it or not. I don’t believe in newspapers endorsing candidates in their editorials, but our local paper does, and, wouldn’t you know it, that’s usually the candidate who wins… whether at the civil, provincial or federal level.)

They were combat engineers, they set the conditions for friendlies and enemies. Their work is arguably more dangerous than the infantry (which is their secondary role and makes up about 50% of their training).

Tania - you like Dion that’s clear. But you assume all of Canada is informed of his credentials. They’re not, and that is his and his parties responsibility and it is for that reason specifically - not his resume - that he is behind in the polls.

He lacks the charisma and presence to take on Harper at this time.

Perhaps, if you don’t count the further americanization of a country that is entirely not America. We’re already so far down the ass pocket of the US that the last thing we need is a majority government that will no doubt continue down that road and further align us with the most hated country on the planet.
In my mind at least, that is a bad thing.

I’ll be moving my accounts.[/quote]

Done and done. Months ago. Credit Union all the way.

I’ll be moving my accounts.

I don’t think it’ll be ALL doom and gloom under a Conservative majority, just like. Mostly.

Could a snap Canadian election be forecasting an Obama victory? If Harper believes Obama will be the next President, wouldn’t he want to take advantage of present fertile ground? As Matt says, “it makes sense” to call an election early because the political landscape is void of a popular opponent.

Some highlights of her “ideas” were to install antiaircraft guns above my place of work… Last election she was shipped to a “conference” all campaign such that she was unable to be reached by the media she so often makes a fool of herself in front of with her ridiculous claims (lies mostly) on human dignity, marriage, the economy, etc. I would rather her not drift into obscurity this year in the hopes that she loses… Please…

This is what we have to live with day in day out.. bombarded by mail campaigns that litter our streets with propaganda papers, none of which have been sent out by any other party.. today I received 3 “news letters” in the mail.. I see no stop with the election forth coming.

-Dan

I’ve had the immense pleasure of meeting Stephane Dion a couple of times and he is exactly the type of leader this country needs. He doesn’t make rash decisions, surrounds himself by people who will provide advice and he is a thinker, not a reactor.

To say he’s not a leader is more a comparison to Harper as a leader and I’d pick Dion hands down anyday.

A conservative majority will only be possible if people keep their minds closed of the man who brought us the Clarity Act.

I find it a bit disconcerting that you’d make a statement about Dion like that without providing substance as to the reasons why.

My parents, lifelong NDPers, will be voting Liberal in the next election because of Dion. You look beyond the accent, look beyond the conservative commercials, see the man when he’s under pressure, you wouldn’t be making blanket statements like that.

Having watched the Apology in a gym full of survivors, there was applause when Dion made some remarks as he came across as sincere. Dion believes in a just society. As should all Canadians.

As a side note… those “Stephen Harper is sooooo awesome!” ads that have been running DRIVE. ME. NUTS, especially the woman who says “I like the fact that he’s a family man with small children!” Yeah. Glad to see you have your voting priorities straight, lady.

Next up - the 100 lives lost milestone. That will create some headlines and more unproductive head shaking and hand wringing.

Unless we can develop an effective strategy to defeat the Taliban soon - bring our boys home.

Elections - If Dion seriously wants to be PM, why doesn’t he bide his time, allow the Conservatives to carry on while the Libs get their shit together? He’s going to get pounded in and October election. Maybe he figures it’s his only chance. Politicians…

I’m so pissed off today - that’s my rant.