McGuinty Proroguing? That's an OUTRAGE!!!

In a blatantly undemocratic and partisan move, Dalton McGuinty says he will prorogue the Ontario Legislature sometime between now and the end of the Vancouver Olympics.

It's an outrage I tell you, an OUTRAGE!!! The people of Ontario should go out and protest in the streets! He's obviously just trying to change the channel, with all major the problems he's facing... you know, the wasted $1,000,000,000 at eHealth, the brewing scandal with the Samsung contract, his Ministers jumping ship left and right, etc.? Yea, that's gotta be it... I smell a major cover-up! What a disgusting abuse of power!

Oh, did I say "undemocratic" and "partisan" move? Actually, scratch all that... what I meant to say was that he's using his perfectly legal right via his democratically endowed powers as Premier to reset the agenda, and begin a fresh new Session at Queen's Park.

Yea, there's nothing to see here... move on.

Did the McGuinty Government quietly restore teacher's union right to strike?

I'm asking a serious question, because I can't make out what exactly they've done here in a small sub-section of the recently passed Bill 212, the "Good Government Act, 2009". Any guidance by any of you legal-beagles would be appreciated.

Anyway, I was looking over the text of Bill 212, in the context of the changes related to the Municipal Elections Act. Anyway, while looking over the text, I found this section that intrigued me... and I'm not entirely sure of what it means, or of what potential consequences there are for parents here in Ontario.

Bill 212 - Good Government Act, 2009

SCHEDULE 20 - MINISTRY OF LABOUR

Repeals and Revocation
5. (1) The following are repealed:

1. Back to School Act, 1998 .

2. Back to School Act (Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board), 2000 .

3. Back to School Act (Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board), 2002 .

4. Back to School Act (Toronto and Windsor), 2001 .

5. Back to School (Toronto Catholic Elementary) and Education and Provincial Schools Negotiations Amendment Act, 2003 .

6. City of Toronto Labour Disputes Resolution Act, 2002 .

7. Sections 3, 7, 8 and 9 of the Fairness for Parents and Employees Act (Teachers' Withdrawal of Services), 1997 .

5. (2) Ontario Regulation 13/98 (Application Deadline), made under the Fairness for Parents and Employees Act (Teachers' Withdrawal of Services), 1997, is revoked.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but those are pretty much ALL the Acts invoked to deal with the striking unions during the Harris era, right?

Now I know that Omnibus bills like Bill 212 are passed on a regular basis, in order to help expedite the clean up and streamlining of existing legislation. But I'm somewhat curious as to why the McGuinty government has gone and done this now... and what are the consequences of repealing these Acts now. Aren't we heading into a period of labour negotiations with these groups fairly soon?

Here's my theory... the Teachers Unions know that they've got a sweet deal under McGuinty's Liberals, and they don't want to harm them in the polls right now and put that sweet deal at risk. At the same time, the McGuinty Liberals know they've also got a sweet deal with the Teachers Unions, and they don't want to put that at risk either. So, I'm sure there's a little "wink-wink, nudge-nudge" stuff going on in the background, and there won't be any labour unrest with them this year, and the government will give in to the union's significantly reduced demands pretty much without question... though it will still be a deal that's far to rich in these tough economic times, mind you.

Therefore, it's my opinion that these moves (which assumes I'm reading it correctly, which I'll admit may well be off) aren't for this current set of negotiations, but for the next set... WHICH WILL OCCUR AFTER THE 2011 ONTARIO ELECTION.

You know, THAT 2011 Election... THE ONE THE LIBERALS FEAR THAT THEY'RE GOING TO LOSE. Call me cynical, but I'm betting that this is a "Let's screw Tim Hudak post-2011, just in case he wins" move by the McGuinty Liberals.

As I said, this is all assuming that I've interpreted the removal of these other Acts correctly... and assuming that they're still in force, thereby limiting the Teacher's ability to strike. Again, a more learned person's perspective on this would be appreciated, but I just wanted to throw it out there so that SOMEONE who can figure it out will give it a look. Please tell me if I've got it all wrong... I'd actually be relieved to know that.

Newsboys "Born Again" hits stores June 8th!

WARNING - Blatantly religious post follows:

WOO HOO!!! Newsboys first album with new frontman Michael Tait, of dcTalk fame, hits store shelves on June 8th! They've realeased the title track for the album, entitled "Born Again"... give it a look and a listen below!



It looks like they're putting together an incredible works project too with the launch of this album... good on them! They filmed this new video on the Baja penninsula, an area hugely impoverished, and are seeking to put together a team to go down there and undertake a building project. Here's hoping this turns into a longer term effort that keeps working to spread the Gospel of the Lord Jesus to this needy region of the world... that's right on our doorstep.

It's very clearly got major influences from Michael, who's sound is the one I loved most from the good old dcTalk days. (Toby Mac's solo stuff is okay, but Kevin Max is just loony tunes, I never even bother with his far out there sounds) Yet it still retains something of the classic Newsboys influence, with their solid artistry and sound. With another new guy doing the bassline, it's obviously lost something, as I just LOVED Phil Joel's artistry on that front... though I wasn't a big fan of the hair! ;-) But there's still that same classic guitar work, and incredible drum talent that have helped solidify the Newsboys as a CCM icon for decades.

Looking forward to hearing more as June 8th approaches. I've loved Newsboys for years, and loved dcTalk when they were together, and stuck with Michael Tait during the Tait Band years... I'm looking forward to hearing what this merging of the classic and iconinc styles will end up sounding like!

Someone trying to bury issues in Carleton's CUSA elections?

Some interesting, and somewhat disturbing, things going on in Carleton's CUSA Elections. Nick Bergamini, a candidate for CSUA President, was accused of operating a website that redirects to a CBC report on the fiasco that ensued with the CUSA in 2008.

If you recall, members of the CUSA voted almost unanimously to cut funding for cystic fibrosis research and treatment. Why? Because, in their words, cystic fibrosis "has been recently revealed to only affect white people, and primarily men".

Anyway, the CUSA Elections Office has charged anti-CFS candidate Nick Bergamini with an "Election Offence"... because, get this, and I quote, "The article [to which this third-party website redirects to] is supportive of your campaign". ARE YOU KIDDING ME?

No, they're not kidding... read the letter for yourself...

Nicholas Bergamini

The Chief Electoral Officer has been alerted to the domain name “Cusaonline.ca” which
links to a CBC Article dated November 25, 2009 entitled “Students drop Shinerama
fundraiser for illness targeting Caucasians” in which you are named and quoted.

This article has obviously been posted in an effort to reach students that mistakenly type in cusaonline.ca instead of going to the cusaonline.com website. The article is supportive of your campaign and as such the Chief Electoral Officer deems it as a form of campaigning.

Even if you did not personally post the article or purchase the domain name, you are
responsible for ensuring your election campaign is done in a fair and respectful manner. Under the CUSA Electoral Code, as a candidate, you are responsible for your workers' actions concerning your campaign.

So let me get this straight... someone registers a domain name, forwards it to a CBC article that quotes Nick, and sheds him in a postive and rational light, AND HE GETS IN TROUBLE FOR IT?!?!?! If you're wondering why I tagged this article with "loony lefties", wonder no more.

It's OUTRAGEOUS for the CUSA Elections Office to hold a candidate responsible for actions over which they have absolutely no control. I mean, think about it... are they going to charge Nick responsible for THIS BLOG POST HERE? I've never met Nick, never even heard his name prior to today... but with this fiasco, I've already added him to my "Friends" list on Facebook!

Once again, there seem to be forces at work seeking to rig the outcome of the Carleton CUSA Elections. AND IT'S NOT THE FIRST TIME. The winner of last years Presidental Election was actually denied his victory after the fact, and a second Presidential candiadacy was also rejected, leaving only the pro-CFS "establishment" candidate standing. Things that make you go humm... humm?

So I suppose there's a serious question we should be asking here, and I know I'm going to be doing some more digging on this front... just who was it that filed this allegation with the CUSA Elections Office? Was it someone from rival Alex Sirois' camp? Using the CUSA Election Office's standards for "evidence", I think we can safely assume that it was indeed someone from his camp.

Which then raises an even bigger question... just what is it someone's trying to hide? Are there members of the Sirois slate that were involved in the idiotic Cystic Fibrosis decision, and are now seeking to cover up their involvement? Well you guys just broke the Golden Rule of political scandal... "It's never the break in, it's always the COVER UP."

Of course, I guess I should give my apologies to Nick right now... as I'm sure he'll be getting another "Election Violation" notice for my blog post today.

Ignatieff's abortion plank changes the channel, and earns him more critisim

We all are aware of Iggy's crass partisan move(*) this week, a move that was intended to smear Prime Minister Harper and paint him into a box on the divisive issue of abortion.

Well, it looks like this one's really gotten away from him and blown up in his face, first with one of his own MP's rebuking him, and now with several Catholic leaders publicly condemning him for playing politics with the important issue of women's and children's health abroad.

And they don't mince their words either...

Calgary Bishop Fred Henry yesterday called Mr. Ignatieff's proposal "pathetic," while on Thursday Archbishop Thomas Collins of Toronto labelled the Liberal leader's position on abortion and the developing world "sad."

"In light of the many positive contributions that Canada can make to the improvement of maternal and child health, it is astonishing that the leader of the Opposition has issued an official statement advocating contraception and abortion as fundamental elements in addressing this important issue," said Archbishop Collins. "Even those who think that abortion should be allowed do not, however, propose it as a positive contribution to the good of society."

Bishop Henry was even more blunt.

"I thought it was pathetic for a political leader to suggest that abortion is somehow tied to the health of women and children," said Bishop Henry. "It was a particularly crass remark in light of all the orphaned children we now see in Haiti. It was absolutely incredible that he would say that and he is alienating religious people with these comments. This will not win him votes."

Opening up this "Pandora's Box" has also had the effect of forcing him off message for the last few days, because instead of being able to answer questions about other Liberal issues while on the road, he keeps getting hammered with questions from the media about abortion, and about the fallout he's getting over it. He's been forced to react for two days now, instead of being able to put forward the ideas being generated from the various round tables the Liberals are hosting in various cities.

Rule number one... when your opponent is on the ropes, and you have control of the agenda, you DON'T do anything to change the channel. And that's what Ignatieff has gone and done with this one. In trying to score a political cheap shot on Harper, he cleanly missed, and has ended up taking a few blows himself. What's more, is that he's gone and changed the channel for Harper... without Harper even having to say a word on the issue. His caucus has been smart and not put their foot in their mouth, and left Iggy on the stage all by himself on this one... where he's started a fire that he can't seem to put out.

And on that note, I'll say this... thanks for the helping hand Iggy! Oh, don't worry... we'll be surely making use of your remarks in some of those ridings where we were losing support, and where you were starting to make headway. As this one will fire up some of our base that was starting to become apathetic, you just reminded many Canadians of faith why they DON'T want you to become Prime Minister... with an issue that we could never talk about. But you did that for us, so thanks again!


* So much for not using "the politics of division" there guys... wasn't that supposed to be one of you hallmarks Iggy?

A prophetic photo from the "CC Archives"

Was looking for info from an old post of mine, and came across this prophetic pic from October 2007...
Yep, looks like we called that one pretty accurately... although at least Ignatieff waited long enough to let him have one kick at the can. Anyone remember playing "CLUE" when they were a kid?

"The murderer was Professor Iffy, with the knife, in the House of Commons... I WAS RIGHT, I WIN!!!"

JACK JUMPING SHIP?!?!?UPDATE - It's prostate cancer, get well soon Jack!

WOHA... The National Post is reporting via Twitter that, NDP Leader Jack Layton to "make an announcement about his personal status and his immediate future as NDP leader".

THIS COULD BE HUGE, stay tuned, press conference at 2PM EST

UPDATE: Rumour is via Kady O'Malley that he's just announcing a temporary stepping down for health reasons.

UPDATE II: Consensus seems to be growing that he's going in for back surgery... which means there's NO WAY we're going into a Spring election, as the NDP will be more than reluctant to jump into the fray without their leader. Which is likely why he's doing it now... perhaps he's got some good intel that says Iggy won't change his mind about forcing an election, and therefore Jack wants to get it done now to be ready for a Fall or 2011 campaign.

UPDATE III: Layton announced that it's prostate cancer, and that he will be remain as Toronto-Danforth's MP, and Leader of the NDP, during his treatment. All Canadians wish him well, and I know I will pray for a speedy recovery.

Those "Non-Partisan" rallies? Organizers get BUSTED

Sorry to all of the genuine "non-partisans" who participated in last month's anti-prorogue rallies... but it looks like you've been sold a very partisan bill of goods.


Someone has done a very thorough investigation into the partisan political links of rally organizers, and has come up with the hard evidence that most of us BTers have suspected all along... that the VAST majority of these rallies were in fact organized by hard-core Liberal and NDP partisans, with a not so "hidden agenda" of attacking the Harper government.

That's right folks... these rallies weren't about "democracy" or "non-partisanship". Turns out that they were nothing more than a partisanly organized political stunt to score points. AND THEY DELIBERATELY USED YOU MANY OF YOU TO DO IT.

Humm, Liberals and Dippers, working together in an effort to attack the Conservatives. Is this just another pre-cursor to what Mr. Harper warned us about... are they trying to revive the coalition?

h/t to Alberta Ardvark

Left trying to frep the CTV poll

Heads up everyone, the anti-Prorogue folks are telling all their supporters to frep the CTV poll about Harper's decision to extend the sitting days for Parliament. Let's make sure we keep things honest and even, eh?

Now there's irony for you... these folks get mad at Harper for cutting the number of days Parliament sits short... then they get mad at him for trying to make up for some of those lost days. Just proves that these characters are just "Harper Haters", despite their efforts to appear "non-partisan" and "pro-democracy".

Oh, and don't forget to join the group... Vote for Rod!

Ignatieff DEMANDS funding for murdering foreign babies

As a staunchly pro-life individual, there's really no other way I can "spin" Ignatieff's demands. Who knew the Liberals would sink so low as to advocate the murder of innocents to further their own "political ideology"... which is, ironically, exactly what he was accusing Harper of considering.

Include abortion in maternal-health pledge,
Michael Ignatieff tells PM
Jane Taber - Tuesday, February 2, 2010 3:57 PM

Michael Ignatieff warned Stephen Harper today not to play “ideological games” with women’s health, suggesting the Prime Minister’s new commitment should extend to abortion programs.

“Let’s keep the ideology out of this and move forward,” said the Liberal leader at an afternoon press conference.

On an interesting note, Mr. Ignatieff better watch where he steps on this file... as some members of his own Party will break ranks with him if it comes down to a vote, that much is sure.


UPDATE: One commenter had a very good point, mentioning how Iggy never actually uses the "A" word in his statement. Notice that? Looks like he's trying to take a political shot at Harper, while keeping his hands clean.

Which got me to thinking that once again, Iggy may end up with egg on his face with this stunt. By opening this Pandora's Box within his own ranks, some Liberal MP's are already distancing themselves from Ignatieff on this file.

Mr. Harper now has the golden opportunity of coming out with a stellar overall health aid package... one that addresses some of the more immediate needs of children and mothers around the world like food, water, medicine, and access to health care workers. With the massive scope of issues there are to deal with, all Harper has to do is address urgent and real needs, and avoid reproductive issues altogether. How can the Liberals oppose that?

Of course, that will hopefully leave the media to question why Iffy tried to play the old abortion "fear" card to score cheap points. Hopefully, they'll rightly take him to task for trying to play politics and score points with such a serious international health issue. (if they even bother, mind you... though I'm not holding my breath)

Yep, it looks like Iggy tried moving his rook, and left his Queen WIDE OPEN for Prime Minister "Chessmaster".

UPDATE II: My level of respect for Liberal MP Paul Szabo just went up a few notches...

LifeSiteNews.com (LSN) contacted several pro-life Liberal members for their comments. Liberal MP Paul Szabo says he was caught off guard by the announcement, noting that the subject was not even raised during the caucus meeting

“The full day was on CIDA issues,” he said. “I sat there all day long, the subject wasn’t discussed.”

Disputing Ignatieff’s claim of consensus, Szabo said, “I am a pro-life MP and there are many of my colleagues in the Liberal caucus who will protect the unborn in their decisions as Parliamentarians, and should matters come before the House they will continue to act accordingly.”

Szabo said it was “opportunistic” of the Women’s Caucus of the Liberals to use something as important as maternal health to push their pro-abortion agenda.

“I don’t think this is Liberal Party position,” he concluded, “it was never discussed with the caucus and the caucus never had an opportunity to express its views.”

A memo to the Conservative National Council... our candidate in Missassauga South better be pro-life, cause if you're planning to take this guy out in the next election, I might personally back Szabo. Just food for thought.

"National Childcare is Liberal's top priority"

Who said it? Well first it was Chretien (1993). Then it was Chretien again (1997). Then, well, it was Chretien one last time (2000). Then next time it was Martin (2004). Then Martin again, with the help of Scott "Beer and Popcorn" Reid (2005). Then of course, last time around, it was Dion (2008).

Are you sensing a theme here?

Now, it's Iggy's turn to take the pledge. Not necessarily to deliver, mind you, but to at least say the words.

You'd think the left would get it by now. "Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me."

So what about "Fool me six times, and... well, I guess I'll vote for you again anyways"?

Why the current polls don't concern me

It's really funny watching all the media speculation right now about how there's a "seismic" shift in voter intentions, and that Mr. Harper and the Conservatives have lost "the Big Mo".

Do I look concerned? Not in the least. Iffy's already said he's not going to pull the trigger, and Liberal MP's across the country have been repeating the talking points... "Now's not the time." And besides all that, I turn your attention to some historical figures...

2009.06.09 - EKOS
BQ - 9.2
CPC - 30.3
GRN - 10.4
LIB - 35.0
NDP - 15.1

2009.06.01 - Nanos Research
BQ - 8.0
CPC - 31.8
GRN - 7.4
LIB - 37.2
NDP - 15.7

2009.05.29 - Angus Reid Strategies
BQ - 9
CPC - 31
GRN - 7
LIB - 33
NDP - 17

2009.05.10 - Strategic Counsel
BQ - 9
CPC - 30
GRN - 11
LIB - 35
NDP - 16

2009.05.03 - Harris-Decima
BQ - 9
CPC - 29
GRN - 11
LIB - 34
NDP - 15

2009.04.30 - Nanos Research
BQ - 9
CPC - 33
GRN - 7
LIB - 36
NDP - 15

2009.03.23 - Leger Marketing
BQ - 9
CPC - 34
GRN - 6
LIB - 35
NDP - 14

Polls... they ebb and they flow, come and they go. Right now, it's still all about the prorogue. Soon, everyone's attention will turn to the Olympics. Then, it will be all about the Throne Speech and the Budget. And you know what Canadians are going to shrug and say?

"I think I liked them better when they were prorogued."

UPDATE: Of course, the Q4 Party fund raising numbers also put a smile on my face. Yea, we pulled in two and a half times what they did... AGAIN.

"Liberals, NDP 'testing the ground' on..."

...a new coalition? Who knows, perhaps this is just the first baby-step towards that ultimate goal of the left.

Liberals, NDP 'testing the ground' on joint anti-prorogation legislation
Jane Taber - Monday, February 1, 2010 1:13 PM

1. Plotting prorogation strategy. Liberal House Leader Ralph Goodale and his NDP counterpart Libby Davies met for more than an hour last week. They were trying to determine if they could put together a joint strategy on limiting the Prime Minister’s powers of prorogation.

The meeting was characterized as at the “discussion” phase with no decisions taken. Indeed, whether the parties will be able to agree on a joint proposal to take to the House when it returns in March is not yet clear.

“The idea of a joint bill was not discussed,” a senior Liberal official says. “So in short, [we were] testing the ground to see if they would support us – and the feeling is they might, at least for some elements.”

McGuinty's chickens coming home to roost?

Unions to McGuinty: "It's time to pay the piper"

The various unions that delivered Queen's Park to the Liberals in the last two elections (in part via some ethically questionable arms-length third party attack ads) have delivered an ultimatum to the McGuinty Liberals... they're cashing in their chips for their upcoming contract negotiations, and making it clear to him that if he doesn't pay up, the Liberals might not be able to count on union support come the 2011 elections.

The unions are demanding, can you believe it, WAGE INCREASES during these tough economic times. And while tens of thousands of people are losing their jobs, they're also demanding that none of their public sector members face job losses. For example, the first set of major negotiations between Ontario's colleges and OPSEU... WHERE THE UNION REJECTED A 5.9% WAGE INCREASE!!! At a time when folks in the private sector are taking WAGE CUTS to keep their jobs, the union is still demanding wage increases? ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!?!? And this is just the beginning... there are a number of major negotiations to take place this year.

Well this oughta be fun to watch. My guess? Mr. McGuinty will fold like a cheap suit, and give the unions pretty much everything they ask for... after making a "show" of standing up to them, of course. They'll let one or two of the unions strike for a few weeks, and then make a big show of reaching a deal... a deal which will spend a whole lot more money than we have, and keep us in deficit for years to come.

I mean, just look at the recent Samsung deal... at least the media has clued in, and things are starting to get ugly for the McGuinty Liberals on that front, with even his own caucus starting to revolt. I'm guessing some of them are starting to fear losing their seats come next year.

With these upcoming union negotiations, they should be worried... if they cave and give in to the unions, and run up the deficit like there's no tomorrow, there's going to be a whole lot of angry people in this province.

PETA gets what they deserve

Those friendly Newfoundlanders... always willing to share a pie, even with folks who are seeking to kill their livelihoods.



Well deserved after their stunt the other day.

And the King of Prorougation is... Bob Rae?

Whodathunkit... turns out that the guy who's most prorogued a parliamentary body in Canada is none other than one of Mr. Harper's loudest prorogue critics... Bob "NDP Ontario Prorouge King" Rae.

The columnist who blew the lid on that hypoGrit, Christina Blizzard, also penned another gem yesterday, following up on some of the blowback she received from the left for that article, and bringing forward a suggestion for Mr. Harper that I'm all in favour of... CALLING THE LIBERALS ON THEIR BLUFF.

Apple "iPad"... I WANT ONE

Apple CEO Steve Jobs launched the "iPad" today, basically a cross between an iPod Touch, a MacBook, and a Tablet computer.

I WANT ONE... and I'm not normally much of a latest-and-greatest kinda guy... nor an Apple guy.

Liberals and NDP takeover Prorogue rallies

So much for "non-partisan"... the Liberal Party and the NDP managed to takeover much of the agenda of KW's "Rally for Democracy" today, turning it into not much more than a "We Hate Harper" rally. And yes, I was there to see it all for myself.

Why don't we lead off with this little gem...
Yes, that's right, once again we see the left equates our Right Honourable Prime Minister with a mass-murdering Anti-Semite. And they think we're NUTS? And for the record, I didn't see ANYONE even trying to get that offensive sign taken down.

What's that? Accusing our troops of "War Crimes" again? Have you guys been talking to John MacCallum or something?


Notice the logo on her touque? That's right, we've got a Greenie!
An interesting and inadvertent little "poll" they conducted for me with this sign. In the hour or so I was there? Around 15-20 horns honked... TOTAL. And how many hundreds of cars do you figure pass through uptown Waterloo on a given Saturday?

Another "FASCISTS" slur... at least he's somewhat original with his baseless attack.


And we see the Dippers out in full force... there were a dozen or so of these signs floating around the crowd.


While the organizers did a half decent job of at least putting a venere of non-partisanship on the surface of things, it wasn't very thick, and didn't hold for very long. The various speakers were doing their best to attack all things Harper, on just about every issue. Basically, things turned into a partisan "Anyone But Harper" rally... with keynote speakers being none other than former MP's Karen Redman and Andrew Telegdi, of course!!! You'd almost think they were running for their old jobs again... oh wait, THEY ARE!!! Leave it to a Liberal to turn a "non-partisan" rally into a "VOTE FOR ME!!!" pitch. These two never miss an opportunity to get their faces in the media, they're lobbying HARD to get back into Parliament... so of COURSE they're going to jump on the chance to publicly bash the Government! They got their troops well organized for this event, it was interesting to be a "fly on the wall" and watch their interactions with the "grassroots" at the rally. Let's just say there were a LARGE number of card carrying members there.

Then we have the NDP... we had the "official" NDP signs in the crowd, and of course, we had the unions...
Here's your local NDP EDA showing up, banner in hand.

Get'em while they're young... what was it Comrade Lennin said about that? Oh yea, "Give us the child for 8 years and it will be a Bolshevik forever."

The good old UFCW, showed up of course.

And the Postal Workers... all loud and proud lefty-union types. I'm thinking they never were Harper fans in the first place...

The CAW and CUPE also showed up over at the Guelph rally, since we're talking about union involvement. The rally there was fairly small, and all the regulars from in town you'd expect to see were there... but I'd say there was no more than 120 there, which is pretty small considering the massive Liberal, NDP and Green base that you have in that lefty town.



Of course, there was one minor incident in KW where someone was trying to shout down one of the speakers, for something clearly inaccurate that they'd said about Trudeau... the speaker had said something about Trudeau having "respect for Parliament", what a LAUGH that was!!! Anyway, the organizers had him SHUT DOWN PRONTO, a couple of them went up to him right away and tried to get things diffused quickly. Cause you know, when you're at a "Rally for Democracy", you wouldn't want things to go off the pre-approved script or anything. Wanted to get a photo of the situation and some more info, but the gentleman didn't want that, so I'm respecting his wishes.

The organizers had also invited an independent candidate to give a few remarks... remember what I said about a "vener" of non-partisanship? Well his little talk, although intended to make things look non-partisan, actually blew the lid off that little sham. He's standing there making so very accurate remarks about the state of our democracy, taking to task not only the current Harper government, but also PREVIOUS Liberal governments... he took Trudeau to task once or twice as well. Anyway, the best way to describe the crowds reaction to him was... well, subdued. Polite applause here and there when he said something they really couldn't object to, and of course loud applause and cheering when he took a shot at Mr. Harper... but the rest of the time, when he was discussing some of the real issues related to our Parliamentary system, well... you could hear crickets. Guess he didn't know he was supposed to stick to the "All anti-Harper, All the Time" script. While I didn't agree with a lot of things he said, he was BY FAR the most honest and genuine of all the speakers there today. But by being genuinely "non-partisan", he helped expose the partisans for who they really were, and shredded any semblance of credibility the organizers of today's event had. And for that, I tip my hat to you sir! If anyone can get me his name, I'd appreciate it.

On top of the local parties and union support, you have the two Universities, Waterloo and Laurier, just a couple blocks up the road. Kinda makes it easy to boost your numbers when they're around. Overall I'd say there were about 300 some odd people there, but considering that they had weeks to get the word out, the combined resources of three political parties (Liberals, NDP, Greens) from three cities good sized cities (Kitchener, Waterloo and Cambridge, all 120,000+ EACH), along with the support of at least two unions, plus the student body of two major universities just blocks away, with GORGEOUS sunny weather at +1 degrees, I'd have to say that turnout wasn't all that good.

Compare today's rally with last year's anti-Coalition rally in KW... in a matter of days, they managed to pull out well over 120 people in -20 degree weather!!! Comparing apples to apples, today's rally was pretty much A FLOP.

So there you have it, that was my "non-partisan" take on the KW "Rally for Democracy". Hey, if those Libs, Greenies and Dippers can claim that they were being "non-partisan" today, why can't I?

Of course, I stand by my statement from the other week... it was a big mistake for the Liberals to fan the flames of this one. When they support our Throne Speech and Budget in March, a good number of the folks who attended today's rally are going to find a new scapegoat for their anger.

Happy Anniversary PM SH!!! FOUR MORE YEARS!!!

Today is an historic day, as we celebrate Harper's FOURTH Anniversary of his 2006 election win.

I'd like to stop for a brief moment today and THANK Mr. Harper and the Conservative government for all their hard work on behalf of ALL Canadians, and not just the privileged Liberal connected few. I know for certain that we're all better off with Harper.

So here's my toast for the day... FOUR MORE YEARS!!!

What does one do after helping to bankrupt a radio station?

Why not help to bankrupt an entire nation? Air America, the radio station that now US Senator Al Franken helped to found, has filed for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy... which means immediate liquidation of all assets.

Rumour is that he's taken the lessons learned from his stint there to the US Senate, seeking to apply them to Obama's Healthcare reform package...