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[Memles]

Paul Martin to Address the Nation on the Sponsorship Scandal - The Globe and Mail

He will appear in a live, televised evening address Thursday at 7:45 p.m. EDT, a move that is being seen as extraordinary.

"He will not prorogue the House, nor dissolve Parliament."

Well, it won't be OVERLY interesting, then.

She would not say whether Mr. Martin would urge Canadians to wait until Mr. Justice John Gomery comes out with his report on the sponsorship inquiry, as his MPs have been doing during weeks of oppositon attacks.

Well no shit. That's the party line! That's what they always say!

I'm going to be writing an Exam at the time, but it should be interesting how this plays. If he says nothing of substance, I can see some serious, serious backlash against him.

Oh, and some possible Anti-Canada comments to make on this, folks! Free of charge.

"They have TV in Canada?"
"LOL Did they sponsor Igloos?"
"Responsible Government? What the fuck is that?"

 

[fennec fox]

Will he have Canadian bacon sandwiches and all dressed potato chips for dinner beforehand?

 

[Alucard]

It'll give me an excuse to not study for my history final tomorrow...even moreso than now!

EDIT: Nevermind. It's on Thursday? I'll also be in an exam. Bourns.

 

[bishoptl]

Xbots, Psyborgs, Nintendrones -

Kobe apologists, Jordan whores, LeBron haters -

This is how the big boys run damage control. You are all rank amateurs in comparison. I won't bother to watch, simply because I don't see the point in setting aside time for someone to lie to me. Maybe with the sound off, so I can watch Martin sweat. :lol

Let the Gomery inquiry finish running the course, then watch the Bloc and Conservatives force a non-confidence vote to cut the Liberals out at the knees. Couldn't happen to a better bunch - the only thing that would make it better would be Chretien up on criminal charges. Oh, I can dream.

 

[dem]

Couldn't happen to a better bunch - the only thing that would make it better would be Chretien up on criminal charges. Oh, I can dream.

 

[Boogie]

*cues BigJonsson to come in and provide us with some Martin cheerleading*

 

[ManDudeChild]

Xbots, Psyborgs, Nintendrones -

Kobe apologists, Jordan whores, LeBron haters -

This is how the big boys run damage control. You are all rank amateurs in comparison. I won't bother to watch, simply because I don't see the point in setting aside time for someone to lie to me. Maybe with the sound off, so I can watch Martin sweat. :lol

Let the Gomery inquiry finish running the course, then watch the Bloc and Conservatives force a non-confidence vote to cut the Liberals out at the knees. Couldn't happen to a better bunch - the only thing that would make it better would be Chretien up on criminal charges. Oh, I can dream.

I don't think any sane Canadian is happy with the Liberals, but I wouldn't want to see Harper running the show. It's a lose lose situation for us I think.

 

[OpinionatedCyborg]

Oh, Uncle Jean, what won't you do? You could be slicing me into itty bitty pieces, and the second you chortled some wise crack I'd be laughing alongside you.

 

[TheOMan]

Will he have Canadian bacon sandwiches and all dressed potato chips for dinner beforehand?

What the?? They don't have All Dressed chips in the States?? First poutine and now this...such a shame.

Xbots, Psyborgs, Nintendrones -

Kobe apologists, Jordan whores, LeBron haters -

This is how the big boys run damage control. You are all rank amateurs in comparison. I won't bother to watch, simply because I don't see the point in setting aside time for someone to lie to me. Maybe with the sound off, so I can watch Martin sweat.

Let the Gomery inquiry finish running the course, then watch the Bloc and Conservatives force a non-confidence vote to cut the Liberals out at the knees. Couldn't happen to a better bunch - the only thing that would make it better would be Chretien up on criminal charges. Oh, I can dream.

:lol I'll be watching, I want to hear what Mr. Martin is going to say about this mess. If he's lying I *have* to see him continue this web of deception. If he's not and he was in the dark seeing/hearing him squirm about his incompetence should be entertaining as well.

However, who would you rather have in power Bishop? Jack Layton...kind of charismatic but his party sucks. Stephen Harper couldn't lead the country out of a wet paper bag and strikes me as being almost as smart as a box of hair :/. Which (realistically) leaves Mr. Martin (or whoever takes over for him) and his money burning party who if re-elected will undoubtedly laugh all the way to bank while smoking cigars made out of my hard earned money.

*sigh* All of our choices are absolutely terrible.

 

[BigJonsson]

*cues BigJonsson to come in and provide us with some Martin cheerleading*

Martin will save the party

I have faith!!

And going by polls, Canadians do not want an election anytime soon and still believe Paul Martin to be a better PM then Harper would be

 

[BigJonsson]

Ken Dryden needs to be PM!!!

 

[explodet]

Martin could always take a page from the Americans.

My fellow Canadians,

Blah blah freedom, blah tyrrany blah blah blah, yak yak terrorism blah, liberty liberty liberty.

Good night, and God Bless Canada.

 

[Late Stage Marxist]

FREE TIM HORTON'S COFFEE FOR ALL!!

 

[Boogie]

Martin could always take a page from the Americans.

My fellow Canadians,

Blah blah freedom, blah tyrrany blah blah blah, yak yak terrorism blah, liberty liberty liberty.

Good night, and God Bless Canada.

Actually, Martin's version of that goes like this:

CONSERVATIVE HIDDEN AGENDA!!! THAT HARPER'S SO SCARY!!!!!! PLEASE DON'T VOTE CONSERVATIVE!!!!!!!

 

[explodet]

I personally don't think the Conservatives' agenda is all that hidden, personally. They want more seats in Parliament. Duh.

I feel sorry for those in BC - first the provincial election coming up, then a federal election soon after? Ouch.

The strange bedfellows of the Bloc and the Conservatives makes sense in the short term - the Bloc could clean up in Quebec thanks to the scandal and the Liberals are on the ropes in the rest of Canada. But will these guys get along after the election? If the Conservatives don't get a majorty, things could get heated between the two.

 

[FightyF]

Greetings Canadians...

 

[Memles]

The only viable coalition government possible on an ideological standpoint is that of the NDP and the Liberals, and Layton's a real dick so even that wouldn't work logistically.

The Liberals have their problems, but I think this is an issue that I don't even give a shit about. Maybe it's that I don't really pay taxes yet, but I really can't say the sponsorship scandal is putting sand in my underpants. It's damning to their reputation, but I don't feel personally offended in any way. I didn't vote Liberal last time, so I wouldn't vote Liberal this time. I do think, however, that they should wait for the end of the inquiry, simply to get the Same Sex Marriage bill passed so it can get through. Seeing important social legislation held back by something as fiscal as the sponsorship scandal would be pure bullshit.

 

[Azih]

I don't think any sane Canadian is happy with the Liberals, but I wouldn't want to see Harper running the show. It's a lose lose situation for us I think.

N
D
P!


And Layton was freaky in the last elections but he's been pretty sane in this Parliment.


I don't think the gay marriage bill is going to go through at all. Martin needs to keep his troops loyal and the gay marriage haters are the most likely to jump to the Conservatives.

 

[Memles]

I don't think the gay marriage bill is going to go through at all. Martin needs to keep his troops loyal and the gay marriage haters are the most likely to jump to the Conservatives.

Bloc/NDP support behind it, plus a majority of Liberals, can push it through. It's no guarantee, but to see it never even reach that step would be a sad state of affairs.

Layton has just been very dickish since the budget came back more to the right than to the left, I've found.

 

[Azih]

Bloc/NDP support behind it, plus a majority of Liberals, can push it through. It's no guarantee, but to see it never even reach that step would be a sad state of affairs.

Oh Martin can push it through, it's just that when he does, he'll for sure have gay marriage bashes from his party jump to the Conservatives in the looming election. There's more political safety for him to waffle on the bill keep his unruly right flank from bolting and use it as a campaign issue against social conservatives again.

Layton has just been very dickish since the budget came back more to the right than to the left, I've found.

Well that is what he's supposed to do. Plus he can't really support a Kyoto plan that doesn't actually meet Kyoto targets :lol

 

[ManDudeChild]

N
D
P!


And Layton was freaky in the last elections but he's been pretty sane in this Parliment.


I don't think the gay marriage bill is going to go through at all. Martin needs to keep his troops loyal and the gay marriage haters are the most likely to jump to the Conservatives.

Well I agree that Layton's grandstanding has gone way down (really was annoying during the last election), but what I meant was that it would be quite unlikely that the NDP would be able to make much way against the Conservatives. I mean, at least to me, it comes down to vote to win or vote on principle. My views fall in line with the NDP to an extent (certainly more than Conservative), but ... well I think you see what I'm saying. It really is a pity the Liberals aren't a good choice anymore.

 

[Azih]

I know, I live in the freaking 905 area and the only time my vote has counted is when I've voted strategically and not the way I wanted. Really hurt when I did that. Especially since Liberal backbenchers are the most utterly useless creatures. Hell Liberal cabinet ministers are horrible too. Except for Bill Graham and Ken Dryden possibly.

Then again I'm living in Carolyn Parrish's riding now and hot damn if she runs as an Independent then she has my vote locked down.

 

[Memles]

Well I agree that Layton's grandstanding has gone way down (really was annoying during the last election), but what I meant was that it would be quite unlikely that the NDP would be able to make much way against the Conservatives. I mean, at least to me, it comes down to vote to win or vote on principle. My views fall in line with the NDP to an extent (certainly more than Conservative), but ... well I think you see what I'm saying. It really is a pity the Liberals aren't a good choice anymore.

That you're too much of a pussy to speak out for what you truly believe in?

I'm not saying Layton isn't right, Azih...I'm just saying he ALWAYS comes off as a guy who stands around and complains, rather than a person representing a viable political alternative. And, really...I don't see a huge liberal exodus due to Same Sex Marriage. And, even so, they can just clone Dryden and replace them.

 

[Azih]

Layton does need to work on his campaign skills a fair bit. It was his first showing last time though and he did... ok all things considering.

Edit: And Also Proportional representation!! Death to Strategic voting!

 

[Warm Machine]

NDP!?!

They want to make capital gains taxed the same as regular income! That may not sound too bad if you aren't in the position but it is a very serious and punishing move for the regular canadian.

Right now we have a 22% capital gains income tax. They want to change it to the top tier 40%

That is if you sell a house, a business, or stock you get rear ended hard by their plan.

I'm all for keeping the current government. The Conservatives are too crazy for my liking and the NDP likes to suck union dick and have taxpayers bear the brunt of everything via government over spending. NDP crippled BC when they were in power, the Liberals have thankfully tightened the ropes and got us back on our feet.

 

[Memles]

Layton does need to work on his campaign skills a fair bit. It was his first showing last time though and he did... ok all things considering.

Edit: And Also Proportional representation!! Death to Strategic voting!

If we get an election this summer, my vote for the NDP might mean something. We've got a Liberal Cabinet Minister right now...if the folks want to boot him out, they'd probably rather turn to the NDP.

NDP!?!

They want to make capital gains taxed the same as regular income! That may not sound too bad if you aren't in the position but it is a very serious and punishing move for the regular canadian.

Right now we have a 22% capital gains income tax. They want to change it to the top tier 40%

That is if you sell a house, a business, or stock you get rear ended hard by their plan.

I'm all for keeping the current government. The Conservatives are too crazy for my liking and the NDP likes to suck union dick and have taxpayers bear the brunt of everything via government over spending. NDP crippled BC when they were in power, the Liberals have thankfully tightened the ropes and got us back on our feet.

I don't give a shit about taxes and house sales and money! I'm a young student, who is socially left-wing and sees the NDP as the only party who is saying ANYTHING about the problem of skyrocketing tuition.

Fuck fiscal politics.

 

[Azih]

Liberals just might get pushed out of TO at the hands of the NDP in an early election. Dalton McGuinty actually landing punches against Martin and Toronto area federal Liberals are brushing it off (idjits). Plus David Miller is doing a pretty good job as a lefty mayor.

Edit: Hah, I got reamed with skyrocketing tuition and the scary thing is I got out just as it's getting WORSE.

 

[Doom_Bringer]

Canadian Politics = zzz

 

[Memles]

Liberals just might get pushed out of TO at the hands of the NDP in an early election. Dalton McGuinty actually landing punches against Martin and Toronto area federal Liberals are brushing it off (idjits). Plus David Miller is doing a pretty good job as a lefty mayor.

Edit: Hah, I got reamed with skyrocketing tuition and the scary thing is I got out just as it's getting WORSE.

Nova Scotia is facing a little "Capped Increases" where they can only increase a certain amount each year, so I won't be screwed over too badly, but this is not an issue that will stop. It will continue to plague us all.

NDP might see an Urban Resurgence in Ontario, but the Conservatives would take out the rest.

 

[Fatghost]

I don't think any sane Canadian is happy with the Liberals, but I wouldn't want to see Harper running the show. It's a lose lose situation for us I think.

Harper would do a great job as PM. He'd stop wasting our time with stupid useless shit like gay marriage and holding meetings with Bono and instead focus on important stuff like cutting taxes and fixing health care.

 

[Azih]

NDP might see an Urban Resurgence in Ontario, but the Conservatives would take out the rest.

Sadly true, the union support is scattered and not concentrated enough to win seats in most cases.

 

[Azih]

cutting taxes and fixing health care.

Talk about your oxymorons.

 

[Socreges]

Actually, Martin's version of that goes like this:

CONSERVATIVE HIDDEN AGENDA!!! THAT HARPER'S SO SCARY!!!!!! PLEASE DON'T VOTE CONSERVATIVE!!!!!!!

...

Canadian Politics = zzz

I'm afraid that's a good thing. This has been the most eventful year in a while and that has been bad.

Sure, we don't have a patently ridiculous leadership, a divided country, a terribly sensationalized media, or a demonstrably incompetent electorate.... but that's OK.

 

[videogamer]

Harper would do a great job as PM. He'd stop wasting our time with stupid useless shit like gay marriage and holding meetings with Bono and instead focus on important stuff like cutting taxes and fixing health care.

Why is gay marriage "stupid useless shit"?

 

[Memles]

Harper would do a great job as PM. He'd stop wasting our time with stupid useless shit like gay marriage and holding meetings with Bono and instead focus on important stuff like cutting taxes and fixing health care.

Harper...fixing Health Care...

Okay, that just isn't making sense to me. Is it ironic? Humorous? Outlandishly outrageous? I personally think that helping Bono help the poorest people in the world is more important than tax cuts that much of the population won't even see.

 

[Boogie]

I'm glad I'm not in the predicament all of you seem to be in as far as trying to justify how my vote goes :lol

 

[Boogie]

...

C'mon, Socreges, you're an articulate guy, spit out what's on your mind. I won't be offended :lol

 

[Fatghost]

Why is gay marriage "stupid useless shit"?

It's a non issue. Let the provinces deal with it. Marriage isn't a federal responsibility and it's a smoke screen issue so the government can't focus on important things like lowering my taxes and making it possible to see a fucking doctor without waiting a whole day.

 

[OpinionatedCyborg]

I'm glad I'm not in the predicament all of you seem to be in as far as trying to justify how my vote goes :lol

If an election's called tomorrow, I'm fucking starting the Canadian Totalitarian Party so Canadians will never be faced with these horrible choices again. Sure, life will suck, and sure, you'll never be able to vote me out, but at least you won't have to deal with each political party abusing your trust by growing corrupt and incompetent over time.

 

[Azih]

What justifications mang? This is what they call discussion.

 

[OpinionatedCyborg]

It's a non issue. Let the provinces deal with it. Marriage isn't a federal responsibility and it's a smoke screen issue so the government can't focus on important things like lowering my taxes and making it possible to see a fucking doctor without waiting a whole day.

The Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the supreme court of Canada aren't too happy with you right now

 

[Fatghost]

Harper...fixing Health Care...

Okay, that just isn't making sense to me. Is it ironic? Humorous? Outlandishly outrageous? I personally think that helping Bono help the poorest people in the world is more important than tax cuts that much of the population won't even see.

Fuck the third world. I want my tax cuts.

 

[videogamer]

It's a non issue. Let the provinces deal with it. Marriage isn't a federal responsibility and it's a smoke screen issue so the government can't focus on important things like lowering my taxes and making it possible to see a fucking doctor without waiting a whole day.

Yes, the provinces are dealing with it, but others are not. But more importantly, when a federal government passes legislation for gay marriages (not just a court), it can become the example cited over the world. Canada can join the likes of the Netherlands and Belgium in becoming shining beacons on a hill.

Also, I do not know if federal marriage would give additional benefits to homosexuals in Canada like it would in the US.

 

[Boogie]

What justifications mang? This is what they call discussion.

Talking to me? What's "mang"?

I just mean that for the past year, EVERYONE in a Canadian political thread seems to say "hmm, I really don't want to vote for the liberals anymore, because they suck and have abused our trust. Hmm, but voting Conservative is out of the question, don't trust them. I guess NDP, although they're really wacky too and Layton is a nutbar. Oh, how I wish we had better choices."

Whereas myself, I genuinely like and support the Conservatives, therefore, no hand-wringing on my part.

That's all I meant.

 

[Fatghost]

Yes, the provinces are dealing with it, but others are not. But more importantly, when a federal government passes legislation for gay marriages (not just a court), it can become the example cited over the world. Canada can join the likes of the Netherlands and Belgium in becoming shining beacons on a hill.

Also, I do not know if federal marriage would give additional benefits to homosexuals in Canada like it would in the US.

I'm sorry, I just don't care enough about those things. I don't care if Canada is a shining beacon to the world on this issue. I really don't care if it passes or not. I do get pissed off though that Martin is pushing this as one of his major issues when he could be doing important things like reducing the debt, lowering taxes, and FIXING health care.

Harper would actually focus on those important issues.

 

[OpinionatedCyborg]

Fatghost, you lose sight of the fact that Harper's a politician, and therefore a lying piece of shit. But go ahead and continue to live in your fantasy world filled with enchanted computers, whimsical fairies, and honest politicians.

 

[Fatghost]

Fatghost, you lose sight of the fact that Harper's a politician, and therefore a lying piece of shit. But go ahead and continue to live in your fantasy world filled with enchanted computers, whimsical fairies, and honest politicians.

You don't think he'll lower taxes?

 

[Memles]

You don't think he'll lower taxes?

How do you expect him to be able to lower taxes, "fix" health care, fund the military, and reduce the debt? That is a shitload of spending, combined with something that lowers the amount of money they get.

There is no way Harper could ever do all that; they won't be able too get a majority anyways and a long-term coalition with the Bloc is impossible. For that reason, they could never actually enact all of Harper's plans.

 

[Fatghost]

How do you expect him to be able to lower taxes, "fix" health care, fund the military, and reduce the debt? That is a shitload of spending, combined with something that lowers the amount of money they get.

There is no way Harper could ever do all that; they won't be able too get a majority anyways and a long-term coalition with the Bloc is impossible. For that reason, they could never actually enact all of Harper's plans.

Well, the most important thing is to lower taxes. But there is lots of money being spent on shit like Kyoto that could be moved to better things. But lower taxes is what counts. I'm in the highest bracket and it's fucking killing me, even when I run most things though my business. I spend way to fucking much at tax time and I definately am not getting enough value for my money.

 

[Boogie]

Highest bracket huh? And how high is that? ;P