Following the Leader

Liberals everywhere are trying to distance themselves from the sinking ship that is Dion, but for those who like him... sing along!

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• Stéphane
• Dion
• Liberal
• Leader
• Intergovernmental
• Minister
• Environment
• Sponsorship
• Scandal
• Weak
• Flip
• Flop
• Toronto
• Tories

[fudd117ca]

Dion is at least honest

[TorontoTories]

Honest? Like telling Albertans that an elected senate would hurt them, honest? Or saying that the Liberals have a good record on the environment, honest? Mr. Dion is back and forth and every issue there is, so let's figure out where he stands first because we start questioning his honesty.

[nickgibson1]

Partisanship certainly has its place in politics. It is very useful in many instances, however hard line partisanship which all MP's have been guilty of (some more than others) is counterproductive. And certainly, there are many great minds sitting in the House of Commons. Surely they can tone down the partisanship a bit...

Except of course for Question Period, thats just entertaining...lol ;)

[nickgibson1]

I enjoy constructive debates dude...I have learned a lot from you. I am glad that you have not attempted to attack my integrity as others on youtube have done in the past when I have had other discussions. Because of that, we were able to produce a very constructive debate, it really made me think and consider what I really believe...

Cheers! ;)

[nickgibson1]

Basically, both sides have to be willing partners. I am not saying that the feds are the good guys and the provinces are the bad guys (or vice versa) but they both have their faults but have to get down to the bargaining table with a compromising attitude in mind if they wish to resolve this particular issue in the best interests of Canadians.

[nickgibson1]

Im aware of the endless struggles between the feds and the provinces.For my response I quote the late P.E. Trudeau (basically what I would have said anyways): "The premiers will always be unreconciled, they'll always be asking for more and the job of the PM of Canada is to say,yes to this,if you want to take out the notwithstanding clause from the Charter,well I'll [look into it]...and its bargaining between them, but not just giving them what they want because they said they arent reconciled."

[nickgibson1]

Term limits is certainly something that should be looked at as well. Life appointments (ie until 75) are okay but there should be some sort of regular reassessment period. Whether that is an election or an auditor general's report, etc that would be something to consider. Certainly if elections were moved forward, I do believe that terms should exceed 4 years.

Another thought could be some sort of impeachment mechanism.Some relevant criteria can be drafted and used to keep senators accountable.

[nickgibson1]

The committees would be critiquing the qualifications of the candidate. Im not quite sure how refusing to 'rat each other out' is relevant when they are critiquing qualifications and judgment.

[nickgibson1]

People can pressure them to resign. However, (as I think you have implied) it is very difficult to do so. Mr Thompson is certainly an example that should be used in moving forward to prevent such flagrant wastes of tax dollars.

I think you have to be careful when you equate elections=democracy. Democracy does not have to mean voting. The interests of the people have to be considered and voting is an effective way to do that, however I think is not in this particular situation.

[nickgibson1]

Well public resentment was a factor in the failure of the Meech Lake and Charlottetown Accord, but certainly there were some other very important issues/circumstances you have neglected (but thats not our discussion). Again, I am not convinced that political efficacy will be improved by simply adding the voting component to the Senate. I dont think that voting is a terrible idea, I just dont think it achieves what you expect it to.

[nickgibson1]

Another very real problem with respect to moving to a more similar system as the Americans is the problem of gridlock. Gridlock is a huge problem in American politics as you certainly know and I would not like it to migrate North.

[nickgibson1]

They generally will not block decisions that come from the House of Commons mostly because the Bill has gone through extensive review already and is unlikely to be radically problematic. However, the Senate regularly tweaks bills that are passed through to them, they also have a bit more time on their hands in which to seek public opinion on the ground and seek expert witnesses, etc.