Random Thoughts: Budget, Coalition, Human Rights Commission, Tory, Coyne, Phelps, Auto Industry, Miller, Economy, Middle East and the Leafs
I am so proud of the representation we have in Newmarket right now at all levels. Lois Brown is doing a terrific job and is a tireless worker. Frank Klees as usual is one of the most responsive MPPs in Queens Park. Mayor Tony Van Bynen and Newmarket council are also doing a phenomenal job.
Update: I have just been informed that Lois Brown has brought 3.2 million to the riding of Newmarket Aurora as part of the budget infrastructure package.
Is bi-partisanship ever possible??? When you look South of the border, Barack Obama promised that there were no red states; no blues states; just the United States. He said that his administration would move past the old right left divide. He said he would do things different in Washington. Initially he got off to a good start appointing some Republicans into his cabinet and attempting to reach out to his opponent John McCain. As we saw yesterday there are some limits. The stimulus package (like in Canada) is not universally popular. Republicans who were battered in the last election are now trying to rebuild and find themselves again. In many ways what is in it for them to demonstrate near universal support for Barack Obama and his policies? Following the resignation of Republican Senator Judd Gregg as Commerce Secretary one wonders if there will ever be such a thing as bi-partisanship among politicians. Perhaps it is just not in the culture. I don’t necessarily blame the Republican party here. During the era of cooperation, Democrats attempted to take control of drawing out the different districts for future elections for their own partisan advantage. As is always the case with the US Congress and Senate, an initial budget document was loaded with pork and earmarks ballooning an already massive and irresponsible deficit. Personally I would love to see someone like Ron Paul named to the Commerce Secretary post so that his views can be taken more seriously in Washington. Despite my preference though, I fear that we are going to go back to the same old politics with or without Obama in the White House. Partisanship is important in the Ottawa and Washington bubble. Unfortunately it turns off the average Joe Voter however.
As I watch the constant layoffs and bad economic news (Personal bankruptcies up 50 percent in December, new trade deficit, auto sales, housing stats, employment numbers, retail sales, consumer confidence, earnings reports, reduced government revenues at all levels, credit card debt skyrocketing, lack of savings and retirement preparation, high levels of student debt etc.) I cannot help but wonder if this is simply going to be a quick recession cycle. Are we heading for depression? Is this something much more? Ron Paul constantly points out that a country fails when it overextends themselves militarily and their currency becomes worthless. Is that where America is heading? We saw the UK collapse and later the Soviet Union. Is it now America’s turn? What is China planning right now? It is outright scary how much American currency they currently hold. Is America still the world’s only superpower? If so, for how much longer? What does that mean for Canada and other Western nations?
Is the G7 still relevant? It doesn’t even represent the 7 largest economies. I think the G20 would be a better vehicle to coordinate international efforts on this international financial crisis.
Would the coalition have been better for Conservatives in the long run? After reading Andrew Coyne and after seeing a budget that will add at least 85 billion in new debt for future generations; I cannot help but think we might have been better off if we did not prorogue the parliament. Imagine Prime Minister Stephane Dion held hostage by the socialist NDP (buy Canada policy) and the separatists attempting to govern during this recession and possible depression. The public would have been outraged as they were when the coalition was initially proposed. Barack Obama, Dalton McGuinty and Stephen Harper are all going to find it difficult maintaining their popularity during these economic times. I would have preferred the coalition wear the bad economic news but because we survived; it is now our baggage. While most Conservatives I talk to agree with Mr. Coyne; others are celebrating the fact that the coalition was killed and we stayed in power. To those supporters I ask are we really still in power? The recent budget was written simply to appease Michael Ignatieff. Going forward we really have two choices; implement a Liberal agenda or face the people in an election. I prefer an election over doing Liberal bidding. The sooner the better because there isn’t much reason to believe we are going up in the polls anytime soon.
Reading Coyne’s article; I cannot help but be depressed but reminded about why I got involved in politics in the first place. Citizen based referendums, an elected senate, recalling politicians who do not keep their promises, free votes for individual MPs, balanced budgets, reduced spending/smaller government, no corporate handouts, flat tax, respect for the grassroots, changes to EI, CPP, privatizing the CBC, strengthened military and reforming equalization were ideas that inspired me to get involved. Will those ideas ever come back?
Finally some progress on the Human Rights Commission it seems. A resolution passed overwhelmingly in Winnipeg at the Conservative convention. After the recent budget, taking action on this file might be away to do something significant for the supporters, donors, volunteers and voters who elected 143 Conservative MPs.
I do not want to see Maxime Bernier leave the federal Conservatives to become leader of the ADQ. I would love to see former ADQ leader Mario Dumont join the federal Conservatives though. I wish Andre Arthur joined us officially. General Hillier would also make a terrific Conservative and it would be nice to have someone to counter Danny Williams in that province.
John Tory is finally running in a by-election and most expect he will get back into the legislature. He has had a rough ride among some of his own supporters, but quite frankly there is a good chance he will be Premier in 2011. If the economy is hurting Harper in the polls, than it cannot be good for the current Ontario Premier either. We cannot afford any mistakes however and the PC Party has to do more to get its platform out there and have an impact in the legislature. Niagara Falls should be an interesting convention on Feb 21, 22.
This has virtually nothing to do with politics, but how ridiculous is it that police are going to file charges against Michael Phelps for a picture taken in the past? Today I wish Marc Emery a very happy birthday. I must say I agree with a recent letter written by the Toronto Star. Legalizing and taxing marijuana would be a good way to get some extra government revenues and reduce this massive deficit. Prohibition was eliminated in the 30s as an economic stimulus. Perhaps that is part of the solution during these economic times. Can’t think of a better way to help our farmers. Wonder if we are missing a good ethanol source that will not raise food prices. In the words of Ron Paul, the best way to get rid of drug crime is to get rid of drug laws. Don’t Conservatives stand for individual freedoms?
How did David Miller get elected and re-elected? Anyone surprised he raised taxes again? The socialist has got to go. Sadly I would be happy to work alongside Warren Kinsella or any Liberal to get a different mayor – any different mayor. Smitherman are you still interested??? Pinball Clemons???
Does anyone take Jack Layton seriously anymore? The NDP might have been the biggest casualty over the past two months federally. Provincially the decision to delay legislation designed to end the York University strike was also a disaster for them.
Is the TTC ever coming to York Region? More GO Trains to Newmarket? A link between the airport and Union Station? Public transportation in Toronto sucks compared to most major cities. Was this addressed in the federal budget or the Toronto budget? How about the upcoming Ontario budget?
I am hoping Tzipi Livni can form some kind of coalition following the Israeli elections. Any government coalition that requires the support of Avigdor Lieberman will almost certainly clash with the Obama administration and their desire to move the peace process forward. Given the results though, I think we are looking at a far right coalition that will feature Benjamin Netanyahu as Prime Minister backed by the support of Lieberman and the various settler and orthodox religious parties. There is talk that Livni and Netanyahu might form a centrist coalition with Labor’s Barak. At this point that might be the best hope for the region. Speaking of elections, one is currently underway in Iran. Will this mean the end of Ahmadinejad? Will that make talks with Iran more practical as far as Obama is concerned?
So the countdown begins for the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. When it is all said and done how much will it cost?
Hopefully the new power sharing agreement in Zimbabwe will improve the lives of ordinary citizens there.
Anyone got any tips on how I can quit smoking cigarettes? I have failed quitting on every single new years since 2000.
I just bought a new Nissan Infinity and absolutely love it. I would recommend it to anyone considering purchasing one. The auto bailout will not work until the big three reduce their labour costs and management starts producing and marketing cars that people actually want. GM dropped the ball big time when they cancelled the EV-1. How would they being doing today if they were the first to have an electric car on the market? Many people ask me why I didn’t buy North American. The reality is that Canadian jobs are no longer just provided by Chrysler, GM and Ford. Close to my riding is a massive Honda plant that employs many people. I pass by the site where they are building their new headquarters on the 404 to work every day. Toyota has a big plant coming to Woodstock. It is time we start treating Canadian workers at the Japanese plants with the same concern we have for the big three.
Am I the only one excited about the trade deadline this year now that Brian Burke is the GM of the Toronto Maple Leafs? The trade deadline is one of my favorite days of the year. March 4 will be interesting for Leaf fans.
Am I the only one who hates Valentines Day? I feel so left out when I am single and so broke if I am in a relationship. I do like Family Day though, perhaps the only legislation that Dalton McGuinty has passed that I agree with.
Sorry for the all over the place views. It has been awhile since I last did a blog update.
Thanks for reading...
Darryl
