Bernie

A member since December 01, 2006 11:42

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Comment History

LP 35, CP 33, NDP 17, BQ 8, GP 7 - Harper leads as best PM (New Nanos Poll) (2008-08-29)

• This is the first thing to grab my attention after returning from a 30 year delay for a vacatiuon. I will be happy to anticipate Canadian voters who will be ...
• I hope he gets tha cold shoulder while touring the Arctic!
• I agree. As your first paragraphs explains has he lost his marbles?
• The CBC is independent and fair. All the others are conservative.
• I agree. The devisiveness is the work of the political parties. They are more interested in fighting each other than doing what they were elected to do, th...
• larryl: Most of the time and much of what you say I agree with. However I don't accept the conspiracy theory. To be facicous I don't think politicia...
• right on, waynorth
• Nik; The Saturday Toronto Star states the latest Angus Reid Poll shows the Conservatives have an eight point lead over the Liberals, 36% to 28 %. I am su...
• I thought it was the same type of polling that Nik does. Thank you the response. That would explain it.

Both Harper and Dion face greater risks than their rhetoric suggests (Nanos Sun Column) (2008-07-21)

• There is too much emphasis placed on the personality of the lead actors. If we put our trust in person of the leader we will be disappointed. All p...
• You may be right, but, if I were Dion, I would much rather not wait to see what Harper does, nor worry about the polls. Stand out there in front of everbody...
• Tom, a voice of sense and reason As I see it, you have two overriding beliefs. One is the the majority of Canadians are centrists and are reasonably toler...
• Hi Tom: I don't recall hearing that we were headed for an ice age. If so I don't think it was predicted by scientists. Or Maybe a few pseudo sc...
• Tom: I agree. Too often politicians take important issues and turn them into political football. It's especially true when the ruling party perceives itsel...
• Tom, I don't like butting in into other peoples discussions, but I have to say i agree with your observations exactly. The points you raise are about pol...
• This is how I see it. It's about a far bigger picture. Khadr is only a small piece of it and if his name was Smith or Jones I would feel the same wa...
• I will try to say something about the circumstances surrounding the Kadr affair. From all indications his father was an agressive, dominating tyrant. Can y...
• Greenfish 66. I agree.
• Tom 100% agreement. The only point to remember re the Kadr case is this. There is a war. (they are not over there playing tiddlie-winks). In the war a ...
• Tom, exactly. Finally we see that someone with some degree of authority agreeing to do the right thing. Unfortunately there were not enough people...
• larryl. The accusations I'm aware of and am used to . Most let others express their point of view and repl;y without such negativity but just express the...
• Hi Tom. That's another 'trick' they use . They make new words to offset the negativeness of the actions they undertake. Those words make their unethical ...
• Yes I'm aware of "the Calgary School"., A right wing think-tank. You know what a think-tank is? To quote Naomi Klein, it's where you are told what to thin...
• Exactly Tom. Martin committed us to Afghanistan to placate George Bush. Any other stated reason is pure fiction.
• Tom The Fraser Institute is extreme right wing. They periodically come out with reports. These reports would provide an evening of entertainment for my lef...

Who Canadians trust on the issues (New Nanos National Poll) (2008-07-07)

• Niik. "What do you think?" I think you word the question wrong. Since I don't trust any of the parties in any of those categories to do wh...
• Nik; I notice that there are about 250 posts on this topic (there was over 700 on another). I wonder what percentage of them was on the respective topic. ...
• larryl When Lyin Brian lied, I had a feeling he did it apologetically, and with a smile an a twinkle in his eye. Deceivin Stephen does it with a sneer, a...
• Hi Tom. I think you probably know now that on many of the general issues I agree with you. They are about a half dozen specific things where we have difff...
• Yes Tom the religious side of the argument has been going on for hundreds of years. I don't agree that they could be described as eloquent. On second thoug...
• Hi again, Tom. I said I would comment further but this is a continuation to the previous. I've just read larryl's post and you reply. I believe you ar...
• I hear you, Tom. and right on. Politicians should have that last statement pou8nted on a plaque and always in front of them on their desk. If they con...
• larryl, that's a good description of our present form of government. I'm usualy talking about the way it should be; in my humble opinion. I'd like to see...
• larryl, that's a good description of our present form of government. I'm usualy talking about the way it should be; in my humble opinion. I'd like to see...
• larryl, that's a good description of our present form of government. I'm usualy talking about the way it should be; in my humble opinion. I'd like to see...
• larryl, that's a good description of our present form of government. I'm usualy talking about the way it should be; in my humble opinion. I'd like to see...
• larryl, that's a good description of our present form of government. I'm usualy talking about the way it should be; in my humble opinion. I'd like to see...
• sorry folks, something went crazy with my computer just as I was sending the previous post
• Yes , I agree.
• Yes, I realize it is a touigh situation. But we are capable to facing up to and dealing with tough decisions. My belief is that we do not have the right to...

Democracy Online - Pushing the limits or creating a new frontier (Video Blog Post) (2008-07-04)

• Nik I agree with your comments. While the internet may not have had a large impact on the democratic process yet, I believe the results of the impact will b...
• jgallinger. While I appreciate your argument I cannot accept it. It's not because I have a previously held opinion and am unwilling to change. It's because...
• Made IN Canada Only Yes, I agree politicians, whether they be municipal, provincial or fereral, monitor the mood of voters. They now use the internet as w...

Liberal Green Shift - High Risk and Potentially High Reward (Video Blog Post) (2008-06-23)

• Before I comment on the different aspects of the "Green Shift" that Nik elicited I will make an initial reaction to it. BTW, I dislike policians placing nam...
• Finally getting back to my previous post. Nik stated that, "Polling shows that Canadians are concerned about the environment but that when a price tag is ...
• Tom! A tripple AAA for your post. While I don't adhere to the Malthusian theory, I do believe we must excerise common sense There is a limit to what to wha...
• larryl Time prohibits further comment on your post. Suffice to say, I am in 100% agreement.

The Bernier Resignation - Is it more than political "eye candy"? (Video Blog Post) (2008-05-30)

• I am not familiar with the expression "eye candy" but from the context I can guess the meaning. My reaction to this latest episode of bad...

The Economy - Political Opportunity and Minefield (2008-05-26)

• "There is likely an opportunity to engage voters in a dialogue on the future of the Canadian economy, how jobs can be created and how our economy can be stro...
• Hi Tom! I don't necessarily disagree with your message, but maybe with the words you use to send that message. I guess, in the narrow specific sense when...
• rsharp. I tend to agree. The two party system is a hindrance to democracy. I don't suppose we can ever get a perfect democratic system. I want a system tha...

Leadership Tracking - Harper personal image untouched by controversy (Analysis with video) (2008-05-09)

• Who gives a rodents rear end about "personal image" or "leader" I'd vote for a tasmanian devil if he presented me with a good policy platform Stalin, Hit...
• georgine The Conservatives didn't bribe Cadman! hee hee O J Simpson didn't kill two people! Some people will believe anything. They will do anythin...

The House Returns - Ethics, Accountability and the Big Picture (Nanos Sun Column) (2008-04-28)

• A slowdown in the economy is always an albatross around the neck of a ruling party. While our economy has not had a hit yet, there are obvious signs that we ...

Federal Tories and Grits Tied - Are NDP voters in Ontario strategically parking with the Grits? (Nanos Poll completed April 9) (2008-04-11)

• Frankly, I was surprised by these numbers. Some of the polls were showing Harper in the lead by 10%, even a point or two in Ontario The attacks on McGuinty...
• vandaphil, Yours is a thought-provoking post. At least it got me thinking about the issues you brought up. My thoughts are different from yours. I oft...
• (continuation) "the Ontario Liberal leaning media, re: CBC etc" The media is conservative. There is no Liberal ...
• Vandaphil Re CBC that is not a fact. I'll grant you it's the conventional wisdom. When people says something loud enough and often enough it's considere...
• vandaphil Re biases: Of course I don't have a party I agree with 100%. There are many and some who post here who do or appear to. In fact there is no...
• hi vandaphil By what authority have you the right to diagnoze my mental state? Do you normally go around telling people that there's something wromg with ...
• hi vandaphil By what authority have you the right to diagnoze my mental state? Do you normally go around telling people that there's something wromg with ...

Last week should have been a good week for the PM - he was sideswiped (Video Blog Post) (2008-04-07)

• To answer your questions I'll start with Blackburn. I don't know who he is or what he said. From the context he must have said something re opening the con...

The Federal Tories - Poking Ontario with a sharp stick (Sun Media Column) (2008-03-31)

• Interesting reflections on the Harper/McGuinty! The first thought that comes to mind is how someone who has risen to the position of PM engage in such petti...
• I plan to vote Green But if the choice is between Harper or Dion. I'd choose Dion, no question. Harper is no better than Bush or maybe Mugabe. Only sheep...
• A good response Have you noticed that, not all, some some Conservatives especially the right wing types, do two things quite often. One, if you don't com...
• RonaldODowd Hear! Hear! Isn't it astounding how supposedly adult, mature persons can act so childishly in view of the whole nation. Do they think they...

Afghanistan Vote and the Issue Environment (Video Blog Post) (2008-03-14)

• I will be as clear and precise as I can. I will never support a Canadian political party that is favour of having a military operation in Afghanistan. We h...
• Yes, I agree Tom. I find some difference which may not be significant. Martin was in a good position and had support yet he was slow to make a decision. t...
• Except for "withdrawl of troops from Afghanistan" I disagree with evry statement you made.
• Hi Mike, I agree except, " But withdrawing them in February 09 really was not an option; " Without sounding like the Mulroney/Turner debate, "yes , sir ,...
• A nice way of putting it, Tom. :-) There is a difference, tho, re Martin and Dion. Martin had the support of hacks and backrooom boys. Making a decision s...
• "Maybe but it would have played havoc with our international reputation." I don't think so, Mike. The other 166 nations know NATO for what it is; a tool ...
• "It was totally unjustified and done in the heady aftermath of 911 when the whole country went a bit mad for a while." I forget the name of the document ...
• Exactly! Non-aligned NAFTA is just a baby version of those other institutions developed to give monopolistic advantages to giant US corporations. The Worl...
• Hi writching I was hoping that the LIberals would win all four. Mostly because I want every obstacle possible placed in the path of Harper. However the ...
• Hi Tom "handup and not a hand out" is what all parties believe. No party wants it otherwise. That is just a phrase constructed by Rad-Cons to demonize op...
• Tom, I am not sure that are getting what I'm trying to say I think if I was talking face to face I would do a better job of getting through If I could write ...
• "Human incentive must not be tampered with, in my opinion." And I agree. but is there a greater disincentive than poverty to a better lifestyle? However it ...
• "I think that 7 out 10 Canadians will find this question a no brainer and vote Harper." I think 7 out of 10 will not. First neither Harper nor ...
• The present US government is a tool of the Corporate World.. Canadians corporations are a tool of the US corporations. Harper is a tool of Canadian corporati...
• The present US government is a tool of the Corporate World.. Canadians corporations are a tool of the US corporations. Harper is a tool of Canadian corporati...
• An excellent post 'and never the twain shall meet' I blame the "state indoctrination system" ( aka depts of education) They fail in instilling critical th...
• Hi Tom Another good post. I can't answer it fully at this time. I'll just deal with one issue " their rightful inheritance" as best, as simple as I can. ...

What will be the impact of the Cadman affair? (Video Blog Post) (2008-03-09)

• I think the RCMP will investigate but I don't think they will take any further action. There doesn't seem to be any proof that would stand up in court. There...
• maybe it is because she is unscrupulous honest like her husband. Some, but not many, politicians are.
• "unscrupulously honest" Did I say that! hee hee. Some Harper Conservative gremlin intercepted my message during transmission and inserted "un" before scru...
• I read Tim's post before yours. The explanation for "unscrupulously honest" is there. I don't think they offer him a seat. they knew he was dying. So they...
• I am in full agreement with you. I think the NAFTA-gate is quite serious. One has to dig deep and unpeel the multi-layers of political chicanery to get ...
• Tom, these current politicians are not doing much to alleviate your cyncism. Nor are they encouraging youth to get involved in politics and there no incentiv...
• You are right, Parnell. Anyone who looks at the numbers can easily see that conservative governments are greater spenders that other parties over the last ...

Election fraught with risks - Nanos Ballot - Lib 33, Con 31, NDP 19, BQ 10, GP 8 (2008-02-08)

• The numbers are what I expected they would be. There is no outstanding issue to cause a political change. As it stands there is no hope of a majority for eit...
• Gordo05 I guess everyone is waiting for a new topic. I had thought that they were waiting for the budget but since that has past there is still no new pos...
• Gordo05 I guess everyone is waiting for a new topic. I had thought that they were waiting for the budget but since that has past there is still no new pos...
• Hi Blossom Another great post. You made some insightful comments. However I have different opinions re Liberals and elections. I want an election not fo...
• Blossom Political wisdom seems to be an ozymoron. They are so sure that they are wise when say or do "smart" things to promote themselves or their parties...
• Blossom I just read your post and the one to Nik I'll reply to the latter first When you mentioned Mr Adler's name I had no idea who you were talking...
• Hi Blossom I don't get 940AM. In this area I listen to 970AM . That's NPR, National Public Radio from the US, the same as PBS. But most odten I listen t...
• Blossom. I'm so happy you did this. Isn't funny how we kept on in the other thread where it was so narrow that now it's approaching one word per line. I gue...

Too many election risks (2008-01-22)

• Nik, that seems to be an accurate observation of the situation as it exists today. However I have a strong feeling that there will be an election. I'm su...
• Hi wlloydm I checked it out but I'm not surprised. It's typical of Faustian Manley. he has no more integrity than when was high up in the Liberal party. I...
• Gordo05 An excellent post. I'm in full agreement. Now having read the next posts I see you answered exactly as I would have. I have been accused of hating...
• Exactly. I guess they all do it to some extrent. But Harper seems to do it more often and in situations whereby he would be better served if he would just ...
• Gordo05 I agree. It looks like Dion will not defeat Harper over the Afghan issue. My telling him that I will not vote for him unless he votes to take us ...
• Gordo05! I saw yestery's cartoon in the G and M. There was also a very funny one in the Toronto Star. I guess the Conservatives will will...
• Hi Blossom; Thank you for the kind words appreciated, tho not deserved I see you are still as passsionate about politics. I must admit occupyi...
• Gordo05 If I knew the answer to that I'd sell such info to the Conservatives and become rich :-). There is such a large immigrant population here as ther...
• Hi Blossom As you know I agree with you ninety percent of the time (or higher). However I have one difference; that is re Afghanistan. ...
• gordo05 Yes, It was a rant. That's an accurate description. Whether it was positive or negative , is in the eyes of the beholder. Oil was principally on ...
• Hi Blossom Having read your comments I was wondering whether your were responding to Gordo05 or me. Sometimes it's easy to use the wrong name I know yo...
• Hi Blossom Yes, you are absolutely right., when we know who we are talking to we don't write as diplomaticly. Friends can express themselves more freely. ...

Federal Political Year in Review - Challenges and Opportunities for 2008 (2007-12-27)

• Nik, that's a good summary and analysis of the political scene for the past year. Who's knows what 2008 will bring us! Harper performance as PM will not in...
• With those predictions, parnel, you reveal yourself to be a brave man. However, I would not bet my two cents against you. If nothing unforesee...
• Thank you Blossom. I hope you had a good Christmas and I wish that 2008 will be the best ever for you and yours. You mistook what I said re Duceppe...
• Exactly, Doug. That's something that should have been said here a long time ago. Debate or discussion is one thing but BS verbiage has no positive value. ...

Canadians are remarkably optimistic (Nanos Mood of Canada Poll) (2007-12-12)

• I hope their optimism is justified. In the longer term I would be optimistic too but for the shorter term I think not. By nature I am very optimistic. I ha...
• Nik. About six weeks ago your poll showed remarkable optimism among Canadians. Do you think that same optimism exists now vis a vis the downturn in ...

New Nanos Poll - Canadians moving away from all party leaders (2007-12-03)

• Hi Tom "The only trouble is not keeping up the routine of regular bathing and changing into clean clothes on a daily basis ..." So you are saying politic...
• All media is conservative. They are by nature or they would have a very difficult time surviving. Acknowledging that they do a poor job, they do criticize ...
• Tom, you may be right, but I look at it differently. I don't think the Liberal party is headed for disaster. I think they have reached bottom and are about ...
• Hi Blossom It's good to see you back. I see you are still as passionate about the Liberals as holinm is about the Conservatives. However, unlike holinm, yo...
• Good morning, Blossom. I just read in another of your posts you said "It seems that we are always returning to the exterior packaging, and forget to loo...
• Hi Tom My thinking is at variance with yours on some points that you mentioned in your post. I think all human life is invioable. We have NOT the right t...
• Tom, I agree completely with your whole first paragraph. But that's not an argument against circumstantial evidence. That's against the system ,the police, ...
• Tom , I'll try to finish replying to your comments of a couple of days ago. I think you know by now that I have very little faith in our politicians and e...
• Hi Tom, Yes, we all have different opinions and it's a good thing. It would be very boring otherwise. "Bernie, you are as entitled to your opinions as I am...
• I agree Zena, When I see Harper answer questions during Question Period sometimes it's absolutely false what he says. Another thing that angers me is whe...
• Hi Blossom, I agree with you. It's dispicable the way the US and Canada are acting on this. Canada is taking a big hit on this in the eyes of the rest of ...

Latest Nanos Poll - Federal Deadlock - Tories 35, Grits 34, NDP 17, Bloc 9, Green 6 (2007-11-14)

• The polls appear very consistant. One poll I saw 3 or 4 days ago gave the Conservatives and the Liberals tied at 32%, but it showed the Green one ...
• Mccuaig I completely agree with you. In comparison with yours, my weak expressions are insignificant. I particularly agree with your references to the NC...
• Doug, you make some good comments on the present political situation in Canada and also some good general political observations. I have some minor ...
• I agree Doug, especially with regards to the relationship between NL and Ottawa. My understanding is that this was not just a run of the mill election prom...

Canadians Support PM/Dalai Lama Meeting - Tibetan Rights Trump Trade with China (SES Research Survey) (2007-10-26)

• Yes, Harper sjhould meet with the Delai Lama. He should meet with any civilized person who wishes to meet with him. If we can't maintain our way of life fo...

Speech from the Throne - Tories Continue "Leadership" Narrative (2007-10-17)

• I didn't see the Throne Speech last evening nor have read it yet this morning, but from what others have said about it I would vote against it if I were Dion...
• Hi kschell "Bernie, perhaps you should read it before you comment" No it's not necessary as I explained I was responding on what others said about it. Si...
• Nik, I meant to write further on the throne speech but after wacthing yesterday's charade I'll just comment on that. I was totally perplexed by the actions o...
• calmecam, I have been following the posts and find myself agreeing with you with nearly everything you say. (and also that of Parnel) It's unfortunate that ...

Canadians want limits on accommodating minorities - SES Research/Policy Options Survey (2007-09-25)

• By definition the term "reasonable accommodation" has its limitations. Having no accommodation would not be reasonable, nor would total accommodation. I wou...
• wilson! This is excellent. I wish I had said that way.
• Bernard I emphatically disagree.
• Bernard "I hope it's not the line "Canadians are peace loving tolerant people and we want to keep it that way." :-)" As you already know, of course not....
• Blossom, I agree. The only area where we ought not to be tolerant is where harm is being done either to an individual or to society. Do what the Romans ...
• Tom, this is a broad topic and it's hard to discuss as is. When it's broken down into individual units, things to comment on re they are tolerant or not woul...
• Blossom, a very good morning to you. I do nearly all my computer work in the AM Again I didn't explain myself clearly. Of course I didn't mean harm in the ...
• Bernard, I detect a lot of negative bias in Mr Winn, if not outright bigotry. I've read several books on Islam. Books by S Huntington, B lewis, M Chaudry, G...
• Hi Blossom, Thanks your correcting me about how the Commission started. It may have been some opposition party member I heard who blamed it on Charest. And a...
• hi parnel. I agree we don't put much emphasis on nationalism. I don't know if that's good or bad. Nationalism taken too far is the chief cause of war. Some...
• Hi Blosom, No, you are not the only. I lose posts too. I can't always blame my computer. sometimes it my big clumsy fingers hitting the wrong key or clic...
• Hi doral and blossom. Forgive me for butting in but this is so interesting I couldn't resist. I may sound self-contradictory here. I am for separation ...
• Hi Blossom We agree on most things and where there are differences we can 'accomodate' the other's point of view. Iv'e been listening to the debates too. ...
• Hi Tom Thanks for the explanation of how things are in BC re the education setup.It seems to be working well for the most part. John Tory leader of the PC...
• Hi doralh It's obvious we have a different philosophy. Yes, your post was a rant. I'm not saying that in a negative way. We'd be better off if there was mor...

Duceppe Provokes Election Showdown (2007-09-22)

• Yes, this is a surprising development. Then again on the other hand not much suprises me. When the decision making resides in the leader of the party and not...

Reading the entrails of the Quebec By-elections (2007-09-16)

• Needless to say, the Liberals and the Bloc were very disappointed about yesterday's results. The Conservatives and NDP are elated. The results were not entir...

Green Party of Canada - Likely the Political Wildcard in the Next Election (2007-08-30)

• More good commentary, Nik,. I agree. Of course, May should be allowed in the debates. She is spokeperson for a large group across the country They should h...
• Hi Tom It seems you write from the viewpoint of 'how things are', whereas I from "the way it should be" Tho, we both crossover sometimes. There are some go...
• An excellent point. And I completely agree.

Jack Layton & the NDP - The Minority Challenge (2007-08-27)

• Nik, I agree with the sentiments expressed in your piece. The NDP under Jack Layton has had an excellent opportunity to advance the cause over the last two ...
• Then the statisrics are not true. Check again the spending of the Mulronet government and the Harris government in Ontario. Free spending Conservative govern...
• Exactly Tom, That's what I was trying to say in my own crude way. The NDP has to define itself, stick to that definition and spread their gospel for all its...
• Hi Blossom, Yes 'meritorious' makes sense. Only convoluted English would distort the meaning. (dictionaries be damned) It should mean "give merit to". I my...
• Unless you provide substantive proof to the contrary, I stand by my original assertion that Harris ran bigger deficits than Rae and the Mulroney ran bigger d...
• A fair response. Yes, I made the first assertion so the onus is on me. I'll see if I can get the info from Stats Canada or from back issues of the Toronto ne...
• Hey, you beat me to it. Those numbers surprised me, except for the last two or three years. I knew things had turned around in the economy by then. I gue...
• Sorry, since it relates to my post, I feel I must respond. Unless you are talking about the few extreme left you are greatly inaccurate. The responsible lef...
• Thanks for the encouragement, Blossom. You write so much better than I. In the furure I should throw the thought out there and let you do the write-up abou...
• kschell: I agree with a lot of what you say. I think the main reason that one of a particular political color gets angry and see the other poitical party ...
• Hi Blosom How do I answer that. First MMP! I have not received anything about it. There is going to be a referendum on it here in Ontario. I am going to ...

New SES Research Poll - Federal Tories and Grits Close - Harper Best PM Advantage Weakens (2007-08-14)

• The cabinet shuffle will not alter voters perceptions to any appreciable degree. They are the same personalities. Many voters can't tell who is in what mini...
• You make an absolutely false comment. Ontario does not always vote Liberal. Provincially They have voted conservative far more than any other party Once th...
• Blossom, I agree with except in one area. That is in our perception of Peter McKay. Most in Atlantic Canada (outside his own riding) see him as a lying, dece...
• I agree Tom, Your living analogy is spot on. There's nothing I could add to your comments.
• Firstly, You did not specify federal or provincial so I said both to cover all bases. What I said is true Federally as well Second if voters vote for the ...
• "This defines the blind loyalty that exists in Ontario for the Liberals, particularly in the GTA .." I would never suggest that Saskatchewans have blind l...
• Tom, I couldn't agree more. Of course the corporations who sell those China-made products here play the game of blaming the Chinese when the products are fou...

New ailment strikes leaders - Nik's Sun Media Column July 31, 2007 (2007-08-01)

• Nik: I have a different perspective, not so much with what you say but with the topic itself. Have you done polls to see what significance voters give to ...
• Hi Tom. High rate of agreement there. "cult of personality" If you read my reply to Blossom you will see what I meant there. I didn't mean that it's not...
• Blosom, my reply to you two days ago has not shown up in this forum so I guess it's flying around in cyberspace somewhere. I'll try again. I didn't contac...
• Tom, just a short note, re the Arctic. I think this is just another charade to gather a few more votes. I don't believe for an second that our sovereingt...
• Hi Blossom I know how you feel. I have done the same. It's especially annoying to me because I type so slowly. Also I sometimes hit post without preview and...
• Hi Tom Yes, the Northwest Passage is a serious issue. It's inside our jurisdiction and it shouldn't be questioned. Does the US seriously contend that? I ...
• Hi Tom, I had forgotten about Wilkins comment. However I think it's bluff. I don't believ the international community would agree with him. On the other h...
• Blossom, they were also barred from going anywhere near where the SPP meeting is to take place. That's where the corporations decide how our society is to b...
• Blossom, I will start with the questions for Dion. I was happy to hear that you would be attending. That should be interesting. Ask him when is he going to...
• Hi Tom. I agree the cancelling of the Arrow was a gigantic boo boo.Anfd he made a couple of more. Also his "single-handed" running of the country was a pers...
• Blossom Dallaire shows such great common sense. He did everything possible to stop the genocide in Ruanda, but no one would listen What he saw and the wor...
• Blossom, You should be writing a column. There is a need for good columnists There's so much that needs to be said and there are not enough good people peop...
• Tom I need much more time to do justice in replying to your comments. . "...a vibrant .economy should allow the "trickle down" effect for the benefit of ...
• Tom, I had not finished the previous post when I hit 'post comment' by mistake then I had to run. Now I'm back again I'll continue. The child poverty rates ...
• Hi, I agree about Wilkins, but he could be a little diplomatic sometimes, when he felt the need. But the previous ambassador Paul Cellucci was the most und...
• Blossom, you have many posts that I need to respond to. However, not at this time, I may be away for a day or two. I can only answer the last one. But I'...
• Blossom How can I reply to that? I can't type that fast. I can't even think that fast :-). Where do I begin? When I die I'll ask you to do my eulogy based ...
• Blossom I did watch "the three Amigos" conference. To me it had the about the same degree of seriousness as The Three Amigos movie. What they said, (the ...
• Hi Blossom Just another short reply to your long comments and as usual I agree with you. I am for free trade too and if it's really free it's also fair. ...

Summer will be serious for PM - Nik's Sun Media Column July 16, 2007 (2007-07-16)

• Hi Nik, What do you mean, "What do you think?" What do I think about your writing a column for Sun Media, or about the current political scene re Harper and...
• Nik, further to yesterday's comments. The two brushfires your mentioned. Yes I agree these appear to be the two biggest concerns for Harper right now. Ho...
• Blossom. We should try to have an enjoyable and peaceful summer. I suspect it may become quite hectic in the fall, especially if an election is called I...
• Hi Tom: I've followed your and Blossom's conversation with interest and I could not resist jumping in. I agree with both of you, not only to content but als...
• Tom, my worst fear has come to be. Dick Cheney as US president, albeit for a short time today. Whlie George was asleep undergoing a colonoscopy the Dick wa...
• An excellent written piece and well thought out. Whichever party uses truth, honesty and comes clean with the voters will win out. I don't think Harper can c...
• Sorry Blossom , the previous post was meant for Smithy. I clicked on the wrong place. I agree with your comments to Smitty, too.

Conservative NASCAR Sponsorship – Likely more risk than political payoff (2007-06-21)

• I just read the article in the Star. I am not familiar with Susan Delacourt but I find the piece a fair discussion of the issue. I agree with Nik's reported...
• I agree Pressman. If they want to win a majority they ought not to antagonize voters in Atlantic Canada and Sask. They ought not to break promises and sign...
• Hi Blossom "Bijou, was a popular name for dogs; for dogs that barked a lot!" A great name for some politicians I know! :-)
• Hi Blossom I agree with the comments you made about the PM. He doesn't seem to have the political astuteness that I thought he might have when he was first ...
• Blossom, as you know I am a harsh critic of the media. You know how they like to claim that they are a mirror of society, that they are the peoples bulwark ...
• Hi Hope I used to want majority governments in my younger idealistic years. I longed for efficiency, but, with experience, I've seen what havoc "efficiency...
• Hi Blossom I'm afraid I can't do justice to your comments. I am such a poor typist. It would take me all day. I think you could crack off a book in a sh...
• Hi Tom I agree with you . I get a chuckle when I hear or read right wing or conservative commentators say a newpaper, radio or TV is left leaning. "left wi...
• Iceman_Aragorn None of us take seriously the rantings of idiots. We are aware they exist everywhere even at least one in BC. Every race and every place has...
• Hi Blossom It is obvious that you put serious thought to how we are governed and others issues. I wish everyone did. If we al did and kept our representat...

Bill Casey and Tory Political Brushfires (2007-06-10)

• I don't know Mr. Casey that well but I believe him. He demostrated the integrity that I would like to see in all politicians. A politicians should dispense ...
• Hi Blossom "I wish we had more heroes, and less despots." Yes, I agree, but we have to remember that hero-worship can lead us down the wrong path too. Y...
• Hi drgmobile I'm afraid I see things in a different light. maybe not from you but from Coyne and Ivison's point of view. I don't know much about Ivison but...
• Hi Blossom I agree with your definition of heros and in the context you use, role models, really I don't mind paying taxes, it's how the government spen...
• Exactly! The crux of the matter. Newfounfland has a long slow burn over Ottawa's not living up its terms of union when NL joined Canada. With justification t...
• But he was correct in what he said.
• Right on, Mike. I don't care too much which party is in power as long as most of their policies are in the public interest. But this Rad-Con group is taki...
• That's not the only promise. But let's deal with that one first. If you are relying on the promise of the government, especially this government, your securi...
• Ken, a good analogy "Captain of the HMS Harper" However rough the voyage has been previous captains have got us through the storms, somehow. Now the "n...

SES National Ballot Tracking (as of May 1) - Liberal-Conservative Dead Heat - Greens Up (2007-05-08)

• It sure looks like Harper will not be calling an election soon; until or unless some unforseen significant event or issue arises. All polls are short ter...
• You may be right. Or is it that you don't believe any poll that doesn't show support for the Conservatives?
• SS1, I don't know much about the Regional Government Scheme. I've never got involved in any discussion about it. Without that knowledge, just on theory, I'd...
• Hi SS1 I thought regional governments were only in the rural areas where several neighbouring communities pooled their services etc. I live in Toronto. I ...
• SwathingScientist1 It's been the same with me. I cannot recall ever been called. I recent years it would not have made any difference. We've adopted a polic...

New SES Research Poll - Canada's Mission in Afghanistan - Obstacle to Harper Majority (2007-05-06)

• The way politicians communicate their message about the issues, namely foreign and domestic may determine whether those priorities take precedence. Judging ...
• Smitty, you compressed the central into a nutshell, and you are exactly right.
• "Let me get this straight" No, Beach Boy: !!! You got it wrong on all three counts. That we have our opinion because of party affiliation.; that the medi...
• James, you shouldn't imply that those who oppose our bieng in Afghanistan do not understand the "mission". It's because we understand it so well that we op...
• Well said, SwathingScientist1. One can accumulate quite a lot of wisdom in 7 decades. It's wise to pass it on to those who would listen.
• To try to compare our being in Afghanistan with the World War 1 and/or 2 is ridiculous. There is absolutely no basis for comparison.. It's leadership t...
• Most of your comments about the media we can agree on. You must have read my previous comments on how I view the media. I don't watch much TV. I never watch ...
• Yes, the Taliban are criminals. What do we do in civilized societies with a criminal? Does one member of our society go and kill him with a big stick? No, ...
• I also believe we should allow people (as many as feasible) whether they have any education or financial resources, for humanity sake, if they are in dire st...
• NNL. I certainly agree with those comments and you've expressed them better than I could.
• Candace, we are in Afghanistan because Geaorge Bush wanted us to go in, Martin was too chicken to say no. NATO is an adjunct of the US. It should have di...
• I'm not too fast, Tom, in fact I'm rather slow. :-) And you are right, it depends on what side of the fence you are on. I choose to be on the right side....
• I must say I don't see any of the negative things that I hear others talk about re immigrants or immigration. I am just not aware of it. It's not that I'...
• "I have absolutely no idea where you come up with your arguments" Candace, I was about to ask you the same thing. You seem to think that I said Georg...
• Top o' the mornin' to ya. I find myself agreeing with you, even when I have a different perspective. I guess because of different experiences. Yes, Castro'...
• "...greater numbers are accommodated in the government sponsored refugee catagory where they are given welfare at a higher dollar figure than Canadian pen...
• "WOW----Bernie, your last paragraph would open up a hornets nest." Ha Ha Yes, that would be a real mess wouldn't it. Well it was just a rhetorical or spec...
• Blossom, did you buy your computer at Wal-mart's? Just kidding. We avoid them like the plague. They have too much money. Money gives power and they use t...
• Yes, Wal-Mart like most big companies can get away with a lot of things. Our governments should be more pro-active and see that these companies don't impose ...
• Thank you, Blossom. I think we both agree on how we should treat other human beings. I think we should treat them with respect. Unless or until they give u...
• Hi startrooper, Sorry I didn't get back to you before. I was unable to log in to nikonthenumbers for a couple of weeks. I certainly agree with you and yo...
• Hi Blossom. I am happy to be back. I couldn't login for a couple of weeks. Everything is OK now. And I see there is a new topic. I will be busy for a littl...

New SES Research Poll - BQ supporters would Tilt to Tories and NDP (2007-04-17)

• I don't feel qualidied to make a credible comment on Quebec politics and even more so on such a hypothetical question. From the little I do know, I feel th...
• I totally agree. What Harper says now has no bearing on what he believes. That's just an attempt to get a majority. His true beliefs are those revealed as h...
• Hi Tom There were three excellent articles on the Opinion page of the Toronto Star today.. Hope you have access to them. One by Gordon Laxer an economist f...
• Hi Blossom I was here biding my time, twiddling my thumbs, waiting for Nik to give us a new topic. I agree with everything you said. Yes, Harper is alread...
• Unfortunately Blosssom, as individuals we don't have much impact except in rare cases. But we have to keep trying. There are a lot of others who feel like w...

SES Research Poll - Comfort with Harper Majority - Support/Opposition to Election Call (2007-04-12)

• Ans. # 1. I support. Ans, # 2. yes. Two reasons why I want an election. One is to see exactly where Canadians stand. An election is the only poll I b... </