Iggy skips out of economic conference to go back to Harvard?
“If I am not elected, I imagine that I will ask Harvard to let me back” — Michael Ignatieff to the Harvard Crimson published November 30th, 2005
Given Michael Ignatieff’s recent troubles in the polls it appears that he is retreating to his safety zone.
Here is the October 15th media advisory from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce listing Michael Ignatieff among the distinguished speakers to discuss “Canada’s competitive edge and economic prosperity” on October 21st. Michael Ignatieff is scheduled for the 8:10am timeslot where the Liberal leader is scheduled to discuss, “Canada on the world stage: keys to success”.
But here is today’s updated schedule for the same event:
Bob Rae is now listed in the 8:10am timeslot and Michael Ignatieff is off the schedule. Why would the Liberal leader skip out on a discussion about Canada’s future economic prosperity? The economy is the #1 issue to Canadians and Mr. Ignatieff has been trying to outline an economic agenda so that the Liberals can compete with the Conservatives in the next election, or at least outline their agenda before the next budget. So, did the Liberal leader have a better offer?
It appears that he did.
Michael Ignatieff is scheduled to speak on a panel at Harvard to some friends at the Carr Center for Human Rights Policy on Wednesday October 21st. Ignatieff is scheduled to speak on a panel titled “Why Human Rights Matter: Human Rights as Public Service”.
UPDATE: Now, we learn from David Akin that “OLO calls to say organizers jumped the gun Iggy staying in ottawa”
How did “organizers [jump] the gun” when Ignatieff was scheduled to speak at a conference, but then days later he is removed and replaced by Bob Rae? It appears that the schedule change could have been deliberate to fit Iggy’s opportunity to return to Harvard to give a talk to his fellow Crimsons.
This incident is reminiscent of Michael Ignatieff’s jaunt to the UK to deliver the Isaiah Berlin lecture in the summer while some Canadians wondered why he wasn’t politicking at home.
Stephen Harper skipped out on a crazy Muammar Gaddafi speech at the U.N. to return to Canada to discuss the economy and he got an earful from concerned Liberals. Until just minutes ago, Michael Ignatieff appeared to be skipping out on a Canadian economic discussion to fly to the US to speak on a human rights panel.
Stephen Taylor is a scientist, political analyst and a blogger. Taylor writes here regularly and is the founder of bloggingtories.ca. Taylor has contributed to Macleans, CTV, talk radio and has been a featured speaker on new media at numerous events including the Western Standard Cruise and the Forum for Public Policy. In December 2008, Taylor organized Rally for Canada, a series of rallies held coast-to-coast to protest the proposed coalition government.
October 19th, 2009 at 11:33 am
Nice catch, LOL!
October 19th, 2009 at 11:52 am
OLO organizers jumped the gun? They cancelled Canada because Iffy was already engaged at Harvard…..now Harvard is off, is Canada on?
So who is speaking at 8:10, Rae or Iffy……?
Good gawd, this guy wants to be PM,
but only if he isn't otherwise engaged.
October 19th, 2009 at 12:10 pm
Stephen,
Any idea who the “special guest” in the final time slot will be?
October 19th, 2009 at 12:17 pm
ROTFLMAO-Great catch Stephen.
Iggy is worse than even the hapless Dion, not a leader too and just visiting.
What a joke the Liberal Party has become, sinking ever further toward third or even fourth party status.
October 19th, 2009 at 12:37 pm
Some corrections: Did you mean Ahmadinejad? Mr. Berlin's given name is Isaiah, like the prophet.
October 19th, 2009 at 12:53 pm
Yes, Canada skipped Ahmadinejad's speech. The PM also didn't hang out in NYC for Gaddafi's speech.
It was Cannon and Kent that walked out of A-jad's speech.
October 19th, 2009 at 1:22 pm
It doesn't appear that the Liberals know what they're doing, or who's leading them. Is it a tandem Rae/Ignatieff tag team leadership?
October 19th, 2009 at 1:42 pm
Stephen, you were correct to change the page but the stimulus stench is carrying forward in a much bigger way than you could ever imagine. NEXT step will be to see hiw crooked these guys really are as there ar enow questions arising about the funds themselves.
It was fun to see Baird foaming at the mouth as he lied with his usual big mouth bluster that has worn ever so thin.
October 19th, 2009 at 1:47 pm
I cannot resist posting this here as its too good to be true:
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTV...
The Canadian Press
Date: Monday Oct. 19, 2009 2:54 PM ET
OTTAWA — The Harper government is plastering signs promoting its economic action plan on federal buildings that are receiving what Liberals say is routine maintenance.
Liberal MP Wayne Easter says a huge “propaganda” sign has been posted outside an RCMP building in Charlottetown, where “internal door hardware” — otherwise known as door knobs — are being installed.
“That seems to me like it should be regular maintenance,” Easter told a news conference Monday.
“Do you think this is stimulus, putting a door knob in an RCMP building in this country? (Prime Minister) Stephen Harper calls this stimulus?” he said, holding up a door knob for emphasis.
“For every (time) he screws a light bulb in a building, he'll probably have a sign out in front of it and it's your money.”
October 19th, 2009 at 1:48 pm
wilson, I think your host will be further embarrassed by this so called revelation. Stay tuned. This nonsense just adds to the destruction of the so called reformatory lead in the polls
October 19th, 2009 at 2:02 pm
Maybe the 8:10 slot will be filled with the Bobbsy-Iggy Twins, like Cat suggests, connected at the hip — 'like the LPC can't decide who runs their friggin' outfit.
Of course, when you're an entitled political party, “the natural ruling party,” you don't have to demonstrate any gravitas or enter into anything in a serious way, because no matter what you do, you're IN. 'Only problem with this scenario is that it's SO '90s, SO early 21st century, SO not now.
Boys, boys: Iggy and Bobby, times have changed. You're not a shoe-in, Canadians are laughing at you, not with you, even your allies in the media are twittering nervously and distancing themselves from your party.
Now's not the time to look indecisive — but, wait, that's already happened.
And, what else is new?
October 19th, 2009 at 2:27 pm
Wayne Easter, now there's a door knob.
October 19th, 2009 at 2:29 pm
Settle down Parsmell, lest you have a “jammer”.
October 19th, 2009 at 2:31 pm
Maybe they're going to send in Dion as the pinch hitting comic relief?
October 19th, 2009 at 2:41 pm
Wow, the intelligence of that response just floored me. !!!
IQ level………impaired
October 19th, 2009 at 3:04 pm
Apparently batb, the partisan between the LPOC and the national media keeps on ticking; they are as 'thick as thieves' still stuck in the 90s, holding on to each other to dear life; afraid that one day their little coziness will be exposed (as if we don't know already).
October 19th, 2009 at 3:12 pm
Wow, talk about projection yet again on the part of the toxic troll.
You shouldn't drink so much Parsmell.
Is your wine fridge empty now?
Back on topic here, Iggy and the Lieberals have just provided us with another gem of an ad.
The gift that keeps on giving, it's a beautiful thing.
October 19th, 2009 at 3:13 pm
So who is speaking at 8:10, Rae or Iffy……?-
Doesn't matter who, as long as he or she is liberal-maybe Jane Taber or Tom Clark, Jack Layton, remember he is part of the liberal-bloc-NDP coalition.
October 19th, 2009 at 3:14 pm
No personal insults please
October 19th, 2009 at 3:16 pm
Sorry Steve, but that Terri brings out the worst in people.
October 19th, 2009 at 3:16 pm
You would know?
Is that you Warren?
October 19th, 2009 at 3:18 pm
Gawd, that's right!
Mulair or Martha , take your pick…
October 19th, 2009 at 3:20 pm
Maybe it's a sign of things to come?
#1 and #2 didn't do so well, perhaps #3's the charm.
October 19th, 2009 at 3:22 pm
We're all trying to get along
October 19th, 2009 at 3:26 pm
Jen, just a reminder. It was the dippers who supported Harpo in the last vote and it is harpo who tabled a dipper type budget with structural deficits.
October 19th, 2009 at 3:27 pm
Stephen, It's about time someone shut him down.
October 19th, 2009 at 3:33 pm
People say the same about you
October 19th, 2009 at 3:35 pm
Only because I'm a liberal and they are jealous….LOL
October 19th, 2009 at 3:37 pm
Jealousy is usually covetous and I'm not sure what about the Liberal position that anyone might covet these days.
October 19th, 2009 at 3:40 pm
I hope that LPOC will be bring with them many many many cheques in large print stating that they have the $40million- the $54Billion EI money which they took. How about $161million paul martin took for his (partisan) CSL.
We can send them a truck and caculator and a expert to check ''real money' from 'fake' to collect the millions and millions of dollars which the liberals still owe us.
October 19th, 2009 at 3:41 pm
Well the Tories are trying to lower the barrier on corruption but not on fiscal responsibility. It is becoming more and more evident a massive cleanup of Tory fiscal nonsense is needed and the Libs know how to do that well.
October 19th, 2009 at 3:43 pm
“jealous” of you?……………………………………………..LMAO
Have you ever thought of doing your routine at a comedy club?
October 19th, 2009 at 3:44 pm
Jen, has Harpo replaced that EI money as the SC stated they should? Has CSL ever been charged for supposedly taking that money and of course fully realizing that Mulroney is frequent guest of the Demarais family.
Too bad a brain would cripple your sense of logic.
October 19th, 2009 at 3:45 pm
Terry, last chance… No personal insults
October 19th, 2009 at 3:45 pm
Your lines would get tomatoes thrown at me and a subpoena for spreading hate in public.
October 19th, 2009 at 3:51 pm
Are you speaking to me or harpo or Baird or whomever………!!!! There are a lot worse insults in Handard after today's session in the HOC.
October 19th, 2009 at 3:51 pm
Call the media; they will gladly help you instantly-as long as you are liberal.
October 19th, 2009 at 3:56 pm
Like Shawinagate and the firing the BDBoC president for not authorizing a loan to Chretiens buddy, like the missing money from the HRDC Scandal that started with Pettigrew and finished with Stewart, like the Gun Registry which went from $2 million to well over a Billion dollars, like ADSCAM of which $41 million has not been accounted for, like the $162 Million Taxpayer Dollars that went to Paul Martin's CSL while he was Finance Minister, cleaning up like that?
Like canceling the helicopter purchase where the taxpayers got stuck with a $500 Million Dollar cancellation penalty? Stuff like that, or what about the useless submarines, what a waste.
Oh ya, the Liberals are sure trustworthy, not.
October 19th, 2009 at 4:04 pm
The CSL deal should be subjected to a forensic audit and a judicial inquiry, funny thing is that the amount of taxpayer dollars that went to CSL is interestingly close to what former PMPM paid for the company when he purchased it.
October 19th, 2009 at 4:05 pm
Stephen Taylor,
Terry1, aka Parnel will simply change his id and creat a new account.
BTW great catch.
Perhaps Iffy was given time to reconnect as no one is listening to his speeches anymore, on Lib blogs they virtually ignored his speeches for novelty cheque gate.
Iffy is a brilliant person and probably discovered the Liberal Party can't give him the PM job.
Plan B is a graceful exit, fix the finances and resign at the thinkers conference.
Maybe the PM can give him a job in Foreign Affairs.
October 19th, 2009 at 4:05 pm
I'll ask you to stop short of unproven allegations of criminality on any topic. Thanks
October 19th, 2009 at 4:06 pm
I can ban via IP address or IP range
October 19th, 2009 at 4:06 pm
Hey Terry, chill out, you're going to drop a valve if you don't.
October 19th, 2009 at 4:09 pm
So your saying that you have no problem with plagiarism?
Oh, my bad, you're a Liberal.
Is Liberal considered a personal insult? Sorry
October 19th, 2009 at 4:10 pm
I'll let that one pass
October 19th, 2009 at 4:11 pm
I think it would be a mistake to banish Terry1 aka Parnel.
I get a great deal of humour from his posts about the “plan” going well, polls will turn, and the CPC are running scared.
It is good for us to try to accept him for all his wonderful Narnia stories and theories.
One day the Maple Leafs will win the Stanely Cup and one day the Liberal Party will be worthy of listening too, today is not the day.
October 19th, 2009 at 4:12 pm
No problem Stephen.
October 19th, 2009 at 4:13 pm
Bob Rae is the best orator in the HOC makes sense he should speak more than Iffy.
October 19th, 2009 at 4:17 pm
Yes I know but he will use an proxy than, persistant little gnat.
I actually feel sorry for him, the current state at LPHQ can't be comforting.
I am curious if his IP is Ontario or Victoria, BC.
October 19th, 2009 at 4:18 pm
Don't forget Bruce, 80% of the national debt was created by Trudeau. I notice that PPG, PP QP will not mention it.
October 19th, 2009 at 4:23 pm
So Iffy was going to try to pull a fast one. Thinking that he could skip the country to reacquaint himself with his buddies at Harvard. Caught red handed he tries to wiggle his way out but Taylor on the job as usual exposes Iffy for what he is…an American wantabe.
The Canadian conference won't miss much because the Igster simply wants to talk jingoistically about the past and has really nothing substantive to say about the future of the Canadian economy. Canadians know it and that is why Harper outpolls him on who is best to leader the economic recovery. Sorry Iffy your charade has been exposed.
October 19th, 2009 at 4:25 pm
I'll never tell. My commenters are afforded their privacy
October 19th, 2009 at 4:31 pm
Jen, I remember Trudeau saying on national TV when asked how he was going to pay for all of his overly ambitious program spending he said, “that's easy, I'll just print more money”. We know how that worked out, Prime Rates of 17-18%.
October 19th, 2009 at 4:40 pm
Canadian nonsense, Nah you did that about a dozen times on another blog. That's tory style CS stuff. Besides you should be sucking up to your local MP because he wants nothing to do with you as you well know.
October 19th, 2009 at 4:43 pm
His IP would be Ontario, Kingston area. No matter, he's allowed a lot of leeway on this blog. Perhaps Stephen feels sorry for him.
October 19th, 2009 at 4:50 pm
How would you have any clue as to the morale at LPHQ………a loser like you only speculates and tries to create lies and innuendos. And, to boot you actually think people listen to you………and you know what they call you in Oakville. You sure live up to it here.
October 19th, 2009 at 4:52 pm
Waht a sicko comment.
October 19th, 2009 at 4:54 pm
Terry, the Dippers supported the government because the Liberals decided it was their turn to vote against. Neither of them would dare force an election, it would be suicide.
What seems to have escaped the minds of Libs and Dipps and their trumpeters is the fact we are dealing with a global recession , the economy and how deal with it is the prime concern for this government. The Dipps will have a long run to catch up with the Liberals supporting the government. Actually the Iggy Libs have said they will no longer carte blanche vote against the government.
Iggy is busy canceling out these days, China, Harvard……….Why does he feel the need to remain in Ottawa?
October 19th, 2009 at 4:56 pm
mervin, considering the fact you said polls were meaningless on another blog when harpocrite was behind you are sure in love with them now……………..I call that reformatory hypocrisy and you are a full member.
October 19th, 2009 at 5:03 pm
The funny thing is that if an undecided voter were to come along, Terry's troll antics would not be doing the Lib Party any favours. I'd say never ban him, he's too valuable for the Team Blue!
October 19th, 2009 at 5:27 pm
Mervin, there you go with your hallucinations once again. It was Harpo who was caught lying and waffling. Our host is just trying to turn the page because his buddy WK out foxed him on the check and other pending scandals.
October 19th, 2009 at 5:29 pm
Liz J hysterical, someone needs to keep you people in line. After all you only tell the reformatory version of the truth. Stephen, while a rabid Tory partisan, is also aware there are other POV.
October 19th, 2009 at 5:31 pm
Iggy feels the need to be in Ottawa because he wants to knock Harpo off his arrogant throne and the legs are starting to get wobbly.
October 19th, 2009 at 5:34 pm
Wherry wary, my opinions here fit well with anyone who is against Harpo. The undecideds are mostly on the left. As for trolls have you ever followed Canadian nonsense or Bruce here?. People would vote communist if they were the guideline for reformatory voters.
October 19th, 2009 at 5:38 pm
Would that be your legs or Iggy's?
October 19th, 2009 at 5:41 pm
Here's comments from QP today in the G&M. These are much more aggressive than usual which goes to show you that the electorate may be awake suddenly. The pros vs cons were about 3 to 1.
10/19/2009 5:10:40 PM
Apropos pic of Mr Baird,a great stand in for Mr Harper and this inept,lying,opaque government.The Cons spend most of their time in the H.O.C hurling insults and pontificating.What they should be doing is answering the questions posed to them. 99 50Report Abuse
ruthmatthews 10/19/2009 5:11:52 PM
WOW, all our taxpayers money being squandered by the Tories, living it up not only with travelling to Israel several times by some cabinet ministers to make sure they keep the Jewish support here to maintain themselves in the polls, but eating out at posh restaurants, treating all their friends like big shots, encouraging Mike Duffy with his publicity stunts, and now just plain squandering our precious dollars. We are so far in debt already and people are losing their homes by the dozens every week, regardless of what the real estate people, the banks and the media try to tell us, as if we cannot understand that if people are unemployed, they cannot spend, they cannot borrow, they cannot eat out or go on holiday, etc. etc. and all those suppliers will be suffering also. We also know that until the U.S. picks up – and according to current news, day in and day out, their debt is mounting and their economy is definitely sinking as a result of that- Canada cannot therefore rebound because the majority of our trade is with the U.S. DO THEY THINK WE ARE STUPID OR WHAT? 75 33Report Abuse
Northcrunk 10/19/2009 5:15:25 PM
“Would any of these three blind mice like to explain whether they suggest we are dealing with extreme negligence and incompetence by officials or are they misleading Canadians?”
lol that was a great line but seriously where is Harper during question period most days? he is hardly ever in parliament. I think someone needs to tell him that he is not the president of the USA and needs to show up to parliament to awnser the opposition. Minister potato head (john baird) can shout all he wants but he offers no real defence of their actions. Question period seems to get no awnsers from the government anymore, just the government taking every opportunity to blame its shorcomings on the opposition. With this kind of poisoned enviroment the government will not last long, Jane has Tim Powers been sobbing in his office lately? Because he looks like he is going to cry when he is grilled by Tom Clark on power play. 66 14Report Abuse
bluebeach 10/19/2009 5:21:17 PM
I watch Question Every Day it is broadcast, and it is embarassing to see the behaviour of the CON's, why can't they just answer the questions.
They are making a joke out of Parliment
81 19Report Abuse
okanaganpakman 10/19/2009 5:33:21 PM
we shouldn't expect Harper to respect the voice of the people, Parliament….after all…this is the man who published a manual on how to sabotage our democracy and spends tax-dollars for self aggrandizement.
unethical, immoral, sick and disgusting 61 15Report Abuse
Fred Robster 10/19/2009 5:34:54 PM
“…I only wish he would bring that type of enthusiasm to support the men and women of the Canadian Forces.”
This is the kind of crap the Bush regime played. They'd produce some piece of B.S., and if anyone questioned it, they'd say “That's very un-American of you.”
Nice tap-dance McKay, but you didn't answer the question… just like the rest of your dodgy, lying, two-faced government. 59 11Report Abuse
fanese 10/19/2009 5:35:32 PM
Why is that this guy has a pitt bull look alike…eh? 34 11Report Abuse
MW in Ontario 10/19/2009 5:41:43 PM
CPC lies yet again. Baird said in the HoC that he had photos of Liberals with cheques like the CPC were using. Tom Clark CTV said he saw the pictures and said not one had a Liberal logo or a signature of the MP.
October 19th, 2009 at 5:41 pm
That would be “cheque” Parnell.
October 19th, 2009 at 6:01 pm
You look so cute in those rose colored glasses Terry. It's really quite amazing how well you are able to still stnad and fight for a losing cause.
October 19th, 2009 at 6:01 pm
Rossi has been VERY quiet about the financials for the third quarter.
Denis gave Iffy the bird and called out his “rosedale gang” advisors.
Bob Rae demanded Martin Cauchon be allowed to back (room) after the Iffy made his decision public.
Cauchon gave Iffy the bird and told MI to stuff it, my old riding or else.
The majority of Lib bloggers are ignoring Iffy's speeches.
The Liberal Partyis polling the worst in over 100 years, you can't blame Dion this time or TV ads. You said they would backfire.
The trainwreck, Liberal MP's talking to the Media on a regular basis was repeated to weaken Dion. It is now being done again. Fife, Clark, Perschilli, etc have reported and stated it was Bob's supporters and lately even Iffy supporters have started to complain.
Terry, Parnel
as a devoted Liberal pretending everything is fine in Narnia is not honest. If it helps you sleep at night to pretend this latest faux scandal has legs, so be it.
Sweet dreams and hope you have a restful nite.
October 19th, 2009 at 6:03 pm
3Q financials statements will be out
October 19th, 2009 at 6:08 pm
Exactly! If he was at a party, he would be the guy that people excuse themselves from to go and get fresh air and pound their head for oxygen renewal.
The HoC, is worse and during an interview? Well he is not an orator at all, he preaches and rants. Gawd, how did Ontario, let HIM happen?
October 19th, 2009 at 6:09 pm
Evryone asks about the Libs funding for Q3 but I also note the reformatories are very quiet.
October 19th, 2009 at 6:11 pm
Ya and if you are the Conservative leader and PM, they report on your bathroom breaks!
I hear you Jen.
October 19th, 2009 at 6:21 pm
I believe Stephen has asked that you guys post the links, rather than drag this stuff to his site. Show some restraint terry1 and the occasional moment of respect would be nice as well.
Further, comments at that type of partisan site are rarely of interest to the MOSTLY intelligent posters that visit BT. With the very ODD exception of course…..It's bound to occur but at least they allowed to comment and aren't deleted like most opposing views Liberal Blogs.
October 19th, 2009 at 6:23 pm
Last year the CPC raised more than all other parties combined, why would they brag about it?
Vanity belongs to the party of 77 seats.
The Liberals hired Rossi who pre-announced the “good” numbers. I said those Big Fish were already tapped out after the convention, big dinners $ 500 per plate etc.
The amount of contributors was 15k Q1, Q2 19k vs Q1-Q2 35k for the CPC. The Liberals have only increased their contributors by 2k vs 2008!
You were unable to provide simple, basic information available on Elections Canada or a phone call to your party to back up your improvements.
Nov 2, 2009 the records will be online.
October 19th, 2009 at 6:23 pm
By the way who was Trudeau's Finance Minister during the spending spree.. Why none other than Jean Chretien. It was only appropriate he was forced to clean up his own mess.
October 19th, 2009 at 6:26 pm
There will be no substance. Just a lot of Liberal propaganda outlining the way we were. More Narnia.
October 19th, 2009 at 6:27 pm
You seem preoccupied about the Oakville riding. You keep reminding everyone you know “me” and you have friends in Oakville and the Terence Young is in danger from losing his seat.
I have been waiting for your to back up your posts with evidence. Like the Liberal party always coming up short and flacid.
Best of luck get some rest tonite, it has been another bad day for the LPC. Perhaps tomorrow will be better.
October 19th, 2009 at 6:29 pm
Parnel/terry1 or whateve other name you go by today polls are important for their trends. Unfortunagely for you guys the trends are going down the toilet. Try harder, say something meaningful. Maybe then Canadians will start listening.
October 19th, 2009 at 6:30 pm
Mervin, those prairie winds must be harsh tonight.
October 19th, 2009 at 6:35 pm
I don't kiss and tell………but I do know who you are and you know I do as well……..the crackpot title isn't new and the fact no one in your own riding will talk to you is well known also. I'll leave it at that and let you ramble on in your incoherent state.
I rest well every night and so do most Liberals especially after this past several days. Today was a bad one for your favorite party. But you are also a flip flopper and were very Liberal about two years back. How many sites have you been kicked off now?
Flip flop flip flop……..Terence Young is not in and will never be when you call or write. You should stick to fighting the power plant with more insane letters to the TO Star.
October 19th, 2009 at 6:38 pm
Mervin'hollinm/hollingsworthm…or whatever name you are going by today. I know what you said about polls when you were on the short side….flip flop flip flop flip flop. You can't even keep your own stories straight.
October 19th, 2009 at 6:39 pm
Bob Rae compared to Iffy? Rae would have never let the CPC regroup and survive to introduce EAP.
Iffy decided to write a book and Rae would have tried to “sell” the coalition and risked it. Iffy was advised to wait and let Harper wear the “global recession” and June the VOTERS would be demanding and election.
Someone is not being —–>honest <—— with Prince Caspian. He is getting very bad advice. I don't understand his wife worked in PR how can she be unaware as well.
October 19th, 2009 at 6:53 pm
John Nunziata was kicked out by JC more than two years ago for his GST stance. I remember time passes differently in Narnia.
You may have missed a few things. I am glad these last couple of —>days<— have been good for you.
Cherish them, they are coming few and farther apart.
October 19th, 2009 at 7:17 pm
Unfortunately for all of us Chretien created more messes as he tried to clean up his and Trudeau's damage.
October 19th, 2009 at 7:30 pm
Yeah, Terry – If I wanted to read Hansard I know where to find it.
Any chance we can ask the LPOC war room for a newer model troll?
One that has a beat and is easy to dance to….'cause Terry's slipped his no.1 spot to somewhere off the charts. Very high school….been there, done that.
October 19th, 2009 at 7:32 pm
Wobbly? Libranos are polling the lowest in 100 years. Lower han Dion and Turner.
October 19th, 2009 at 7:37 pm
The why are all you reformatories worked up into such a furor…….is it because you finally realize your beloved Tory crooks have been outed and are front page on almost every newspaper. Let's see how the polls look in about a week or two……….you will be less arrogant, if that's possible.
October 19th, 2009 at 7:46 pm
What will be front page are the charges laid based on Corbeil's evidence. The plea bargain is complete. Even you will be surprised.
October 19th, 2009 at 8:02 pm
Warren T,
Adscam is only still in the minds of you desperate and ignorant Tories. It is long past its best before date and the newspapers have lost serious interest in yesterday's news. The current government, however, ran on cleaning up that kind of stuff, have been much much less transparent and, as it now appears much less honest than the previous government. Because, and to remind you simpletons, not one Liberal MP was or ever will be accused, other than by the Tory lynch mobs. On the other hand the current debacle the reformatories face has all come out of the PMO directly, one of the joys of attempting top down censorship in a democracy with an educated press corps.
You just don't get it. Mulroney was sleazy and Harpo is on his way to outdoing him. I wonder how much he'll take from the hundreds of lobbyists now swarming around the easy prey to build his Calgary mansion.
The smart money is already betting that the current smoke will end up being a five alarm scandal. History teaches us that stuff.
October 19th, 2009 at 9:16 pm
Wanna stay on or near topic there buddy.
We have all gathered here to discuss Iffy and his desire to be PM,
IF he is not otherwise engaged with a lecture at Harvard.
But I always enjoy a good ADSCAM story, if you want to share.
October 19th, 2009 at 9:19 pm
Gee, then why are the Coalition of Losers so unhappy?
They got what they wanted,
they take turns keeping PMSH in government.
October 19th, 2009 at 9:29 pm
I included your excellent catch and did a slight twist, Gilligan has been officially replaced. You are now the Real ASSKicker in Canadian Politics! (My personal opinion)
October 19th, 2009 at 9:31 pm
22% after the NEP ,
and then the first Food Bank in Canada was created, in Edmonton.
Gerard Kennedy should remember that event well.
It was a rough 13 years for Western Canada.
October 19th, 2009 at 9:43 pm
Why is Terry 1 the main event here?
So has anyone found out if Iffy or Rae is speaking, now that going to Harvard had such bad optics, it was cancelled?
October 19th, 2009 at 10:26 pm
I would like to ask Stephen the same question, why is Terry -1 allowed to steer so far off topic on every thread they are on? There should be no problem allowing comments from all POV, however, when they turn into rambling insults being made only to deflect from the threads topic, then perhaps it should be taken past the warning stage.
October 20th, 2009 at 12:47 am
Platy, when you take the sum of Bruce, Wilson Canadian nonsense and some others they don't add up to one kernel of debate but a ton of insults and plain idolatry of the Tory God.
They only want anti Liberal or anti Iggy love ins.
The host is still writhing from the ass kicking he got from fellow blogger Kinsella and was looking desperately to change the subject.
The check issue has once more shown the reformatories they are crooked, and unethical. They had clearly promised a different type of truly accountable government. Instead we have a bunch of self serving characters who will do anything, legal or otherwise to stay in power.
They are a complete failure fiscally and again this gang of false idolizers can't see that.
October 20th, 2009 at 12:54 am
Cat its good to know you can read because its obvious you can't judge your politicians very well. the very fact you follow Harpo's misadventure blindly makes me wonder about your skills. Having a dance partner like canadian nonsense furthers my apprehension about your skill sets and judgement.
The LPOC has an absolutely perfect “troll” in Kinsella who is now keeping the Reformatory war room up all night looking over their shoulder. If our host could keep up it would be more fun but then an apprenticeship is always needed. Stephen does try to keep his tory perspective but goes too far in hiding the defects only making them more obvious and you suckers fall for it.
October 20th, 2009 at 12:55 am
wilson, sorry to spoil your love in and keep some modicum of truth flowing here. you people love to bask in your own lies and attack ad style debate. That's sad.
October 20th, 2009 at 1:07 am
bec I post freely on several liblogs just as I do here w/o censorship AND AM CRITICAL OF SOMETHINGS LIBS DO . Just look around at some of the so called progressive blogs and you will see major censorship. Janke's junk blog is an exception becasue he's the worst of the “blind leading the blind” type of blogger .
I applaud Stephen for allowing more open debate here although it's hard to see through all the tory blindness to get reality here. Some posters have stopped commenting here becasue they were regularly challenged on their “facts”. They still read it voraciously though.
The post above you referred to would have been difficult to show a link only. The host is free to shorten any post he sees fit and I always post links when practical.
But thanks for trying to deflect the true debate off course once again and showing your bias w/o supporting facts.
October 20th, 2009 at 1:12 am
Jan, Rae also plays the piano and apparently you like that talent in a politician. You sure don't appear to dislike the fiscal incompetence of ever growing structural deficits and stealing money from the public. Your hero can lie and play the piano at the same time
October 20th, 2009 at 1:15 am
And one day you will lose your title of chief crackpot in Oakville reformatory circles. Your name came up again with knowing guffaws just a couple of days ago. How are the letters, blaming the federal libs, for the Oakville power plant going? The developers are quaking in their boots…..NOT.
October 20th, 2009 at 1:33 am
Just a follow to a subject you were all sticking your chests out about just over a week or so ago. You were all thinking the Lib ship was sinking fast and that 3 Lib MP's were about to go brain dead and join the reformatories.
Funny thing happened to that tory war room rumour…….check mate had started its road to showing how out of touch the reform war room was and is and easily drowned out that misleading rumour. The rumour culprit, a tory assistant to a cabinet minister, was even caught.
Often times dirty politics get caught in a vortex and I would say the tory war room has that sinking feeling these days. Where there is smoke there is usually fire and a major reformatory scandal is lurking around the corner.
October 20th, 2009 at 2:52 am
Cat, speaking of hansard…here's a wonderful piece that is there for the ages:
“Here is what the Prime Minister said,” the Minister continued. “‘Listen. We are the government. I don’t see why we can’t try to get credit for what we do. I hope we do so. There is nothing to be ashamed in that.’ Do members know who said that? It was Prime Minister Jean Chrétien.”
The Conservatives behind Mr. Baird did not boo. They howled delightedly. Indeed, several stood to applaud.
So it was spoken and now so it is written in the record of Parliament, forever cast in proverbial stone. Nearly four years ago, Stephen Harper’s Conservatives came to power on one promise: that he and they were nothing like Jean Chrétien and his Liberals, that he and they were different, better. And here, nearly four years later, was John Baird, one of Mr. Harper’s most trusted ministers, wrapping himself in ideals of a man who represented everything the Prime Minister once despised, making Mr. Chrétien’s words his own.
So much for all that then.
Thanks for reminding me to look for stuff going in there.
October 20th, 2009 at 2:58 am
Bec, per your request here's a link for you to look at:
http://js-kit.com/blob/MSiE_t6cr5Txritt_12v8v.jpg
October 20th, 2009 at 4:14 am
Terry, Parnel
You like to pretend you have friends, you like to pretend you know people but every single time you are asked to prove or back up your claims you fold like a cheap suit.
Sadly, the pattern seems to repeated in the Liberal Party after Chretien left.
Don't panic the leadership of the Liberal Party will be resolved shortly. Bob Rae is too skilled to let MI keep messing up.
October 20th, 2009 at 4:45 am
When it comes to front page news in our “news” papers, most know the front page news is all about the media's political agenda and not about the good news and what's really important to the people. We're lucky if we find the real facts by page 4.
As for polls, up or down, whatever, they merely reflect trends and right now the Iggy Libs are trending down and down. Next week he may pull off a miracle but he really should refuse any help from his “friends” in the LPC and be his own person. If he can't sell himself with some good policies and ideas he's toast.
October 20th, 2009 at 5:24 am
Quesion is hollinm ” why hasn't TOM CLARK, TABER, OLIVER, CBC, CTV, G/M, T/S, PPG say anything about it instead of looking like fools. Blaming Mulroney for their beloved Trudeau creation of the debt which he left Mulroney is a sign that these entities in the media are liberals' very own personal secretaries to clean up after them. I guess the media is still stuck in the 90s.
And since Tom likes to read the BOSTON GLOBE and NYtimes-maybe we should send them ” the story of “TRUDEAU'S 'HUGE DEBT TO CANADA.”
October 20th, 2009 at 5:38 am
Why is Terry 1 the main event here?-
'he has been converted' that's why he wants to make his presence known as often as possible. Welcome Terry, nice to know you have been converted.
October 20th, 2009 at 5:38 am
It could also be the bad polling as much as anything else that made Iggy decide to skip out on the Harvard gig. He seems to have realized he really has his work cut out for him right here with his butt in the Opposition seat, he would do well to stay focused on that.
Trying to steal some thunder by trekking off to places like China or anywhere else wouldn't net him any credit here where people are more concerned with the economy and jobs than watching an Opposition leader grandstanding out of the country. He or his “handlers” appear to have made that deduction.
October 20th, 2009 at 6:00 am
Liz J, hysterical, at least you realize how Harpo has scored some good ratings and that it's not about his performance. And, if you really knew how the media works you would also know the opposition leader is never going to get good press because his job is not what journalists like to write about.
Iggy will sell himself with his own persona and he has done a good job of that in person. His fund raising has been extraordinary and he is very well received wherever he goes. The fact Harpo and his thugs used some drive by smears to try and smoke him out is becoming irrelevant as the they get some of their dirt thrown back at them.
October 20th, 2009 at 6:04 am
Jan, you are a typical Alberta reformatort who hasn't changed the music for 25 years. Look around you. Things have changed and the Alberta tories are now in danger of going to history's dustbin with the election of a more openly centrist leader for Wild Rose; they will embarrass harpo.
The MSM has jumped all over the liberals when needed but the harpercrites really ask for the attention and now are really getting some.
October 20th, 2009 at 6:05 am
Jen, Is that the best wakeup joke you could muster up? I have converted though. I used to dislike Harpo's philosophy now I dislike everything about him.
October 20th, 2009 at 6:20 am
Ivison hits the nail on the head:
http://www.nationalpost.com/todays-paper/story….
“All those Conservative supporters who voted to kick out the Liberals nearly four years ago in protest at the sponsorship scandal must now feel like the joke is on them.”
Even the Conservative papers are now onto the dishonesty of this gvernment.
October 20th, 2009 at 7:28 am
Ignatieff is just being Ignatieff, he is not a leader, he is obviously more comfortable at Harvard than in the House. And I am sure that his choosing Harvard over Ottawa will not surprise anyone in Canada.
October 20th, 2009 at 7:30 am
Ivison is a tad off base to be equating the Sponsorship/Adscam with anything this Conservative government has done. This BS about the fake cheques is another non-starter in the realm of scandals. It's nothing anyone is getting excited about beyond the Opposition. What is being talked about is the fact the Liberals and Dippers think we all fell off a turnip wagon and are incapable of figuring out where the money is coming from.
October 20th, 2009 at 7:47 am
Of course Oliver was a personal friend of Trudeau. They went canoeing together. So Trudeau is a big hero for Oliver. He isn't going to say anything against his friend.
The rest of them continue to live in a bygone era. Everybody hoping for the reincarnation of Trudeau and Trudeau mania. Of course they live in the Ottawa bubble but virtually half if not three quarters of the country despise the name Trudeau. He single handledly repatriated the constitution without Quebec signing on, introduced the Charter which has the minorities running the majority etc etc.
Libs continue to say it was Mulroney's deficit and blame Mulroney for the sad state of the country back in the 80's which we know is not true. So there will not be much support for the Conservatives among the media elite in this country.
After all without the daily media releases from a Liberal government to write their stories and Harper unwilling to play their game of gotcha journalism they have to dig and scratch for their fluff stories. It will not change in the near term I am afraid.
October 20th, 2009 at 9:06 am
The lib scandals stated off with little bits of arrogance and grew from there……….harpo is starting to look like Pinocchio!!!
October 20th, 2009 at 9:07 am
Mervin, I think you must visit Deifenbaker's grave every day looking for guidance.
October 20th, 2009 at 9:14 am
Yada YADA YADA
October 20th, 2009 at 9:18 am
JUST TO MAKE ALL YOUR DAYS BRIGHTER;
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/je...
“Former prime minister Jean Chrétien has been awarded the Order of Merit by the Queen in a ceremony at Buckingham Palace.
The 75-year-old is only the fourth Canadian to be presented with the order.
The others were neurosurgeon Wilder Penfield and former prime ministers William Lyon Mackenzie King and Lester B. Pearson.”
I wish to heartily congratulate him on this very high honor.
The award, called a “gift from the sovereign,” is given to those who show “exceptional distinction” in the arts, learning, sciences and public service.
Only 24 living members can hold the order. It places Mr. Chrétien's name alongside figures like Mother Teresa and Nelson Mandela.
October 20th, 2009 at 9:26 am
Some in the MSM are worried if the Polls continue to drop for the Liberals they might lose their anon Lib sources.
Those anon. Lib sources who are very unhapppy may be crossing the floor and if they join the government they quickly learn the benefits of playing on a winning team.
I am not sure the CPC want any Liberal MP's to cross the floor. Bad optics for all.
October 20th, 2009 at 9:34 am
I am not sure this is all his fault. His handlers/advisors have been giving the wrong advice, double booking and muzzling the “great thinker”.
The refusal by MI to present any REAL detailed alternatives with costing (EI excluded) is very problematic.
The strategists for the Liberals in the last four years have introduced two ideas now , The Green Shift and 360 EI, both widely viewed in a negative light.
I don't understand the wisdom of attacking the improper use of props with the use of props. Oversized cheques vs Door knobs.
The opposition are failing to introduce alternatives instead they are consumed with 100% negative talking points.
I don't think the Rosedale Gang are competent and Denis Coderre may have been correct with their decision making skills.
October 20th, 2009 at 9:35 am
Stephen – your blog has sunk into a platform for hateful name calling and blather with the person called Terry 1 or Parnell or then there was a Gail. No sensible discussions are possible. Your posts are excellent – but the comments section is unreadable , coarse language name calling and insult hurling to the point that discourse is impossible. I'm sure this is a deliberate attempt to sabotage your blog and a few others where these (or this) person trolls. Very sad.
October 20th, 2009 at 9:51 am
Parnel……how did you know?
October 20th, 2009 at 9:52 am
Richard,
thanks I did not understand his concern about a power plant. I have read the local community paper but have not given it any second thought as I don't suffer from NIBMY.
October 20th, 2009 at 9:59 am
Observant, how can you say he's a failed politician. He hasn't even led the party through one election and if you'd jog your reformatory memory HARPERCRITE lost his first one. You obviously have no clue how polls move or you are just being silly. If they can give the piano man 5 points for having his picture in the papers than you must understand how fickle voters really are. Attack ads that will be reciprocated in due time will even out the negative stuff. Stay tuned.
October 20th, 2009 at 10:00 am
Off by a hundred counties!! No bingo for you
October 20th, 2009 at 10:01 am
Another stupid reply…how do mange to dream up this nutbar stuff………….no libs will cross over. That's a fact.
October 20th, 2009 at 10:03 am
John G,
The host Stephen Taylor has an impressive site and will make the appropriate decision. I don't read 90% of Terry Parnel posts, a quick scan only as they are imported from Lib blogs and edited for his talking points.
John G,
I also have empathy for people who are having difficulty with reality and use the internet to communicate with complete strangers.
Charity begins at home. Terry is entitled to his free speech as we should be wary of bloggers who refuse or censor their blogs.
This has been a very bad time for the Liberals, they might already be replacing their leader again.
October 20th, 2009 at 10:05 am
Canadian nonsense, you haven't a clue about Iggy's schedule or his advisors; your own party won't even talk to you let alone the libs. You've tried that make believe stuff before on another blog they kicked you off. Quit spreading your fantasies, lies and innuendos.
October 20th, 2009 at 10:05 am
I bet you move your head like him also!!!!
October 20th, 2009 at 10:06 am
Garbage once again.
October 20th, 2009 at 10:09 am
You know that I know who you are and what your reputation is in Oakville. Stephen didn't like the word crackpot used to describe you but I digress. Tell us you also never wrote a letter to the Star blaming federal Liberals for the power plant bout to be built there. I am about to get some more surprises for you. Someone who knows you has read your stuff here and confirms my knowledge.
October 20th, 2009 at 10:20 am
Post the link or the public letter in the Star. (30x you have made a claim without a shred of proof)
It won't be difficult to prove writing style comparisons, language, grammar etc.
Terry as always when anyone challenges you for any proof you refuse.
October 20th, 2009 at 10:34 am
It's not the idea of proof; I just won't expose you because that's not right. But people do need to know your “abilities” let us say. You know that I know who you are or you would not be so defensive.
If you would stop such drivel you might get a break. You know how you got turfed off that other blog for good after several attempts to hide your persona.
October 20th, 2009 at 10:48 am
Jan, Give your head a shake. The party and its member decided was no need for a full competitive convention so it was a decision shared by many.
I'm older than you think but didn't live in Ontario during Rae days. I had the joy of living through PQ days in Quebec where spending on social stupidity was even worse. Alberta has and still pi$$es more money away than any other province in confederation. They are drunken spenders and their federal cousins have learned well from them except they don't have the tax base to continue the waste.
October 20th, 2009 at 10:52 am
The Rosedale gang is the gang that can't shoot straight. Total ly incompetent. Imagine recruiting a leader and managing him into bankruptcy. How is Iggy going to pay his debts. He is broke. Coderre could spot a sinking ship and lives to campaign again.
October 20th, 2009 at 11:47 am
Terry you belong in the Liberal Party because like them when you are asked for ACTUAL PROOF you back down over and over again.
Like the novelty cheque chasing MP's who won't repeat their accusation outside the HOC.
Reminds me of the last elected Liberal Prime Minister.
“A proof is a proof. What kind of a proof? It's a proof. A proof is a proof. And when you have a good proof, it's because it's proven.” – Jean Chretien
Terry unless you are willing to provide links to public information to back up your claims your “Liberal proof” just won't cut it.
October 20th, 2009 at 1:03 pm
Another stupid answer from you. No smart parliamentarian will repeat accusations outside the HOC. That's more of your dumber than dumb thinking. In fact Baird was asked to do the same thing some weeks back and he declined. You post unbelievable garbage.
October 20th, 2009 at 1:23 pm
warren t…. what kind of nonsense are you spewing? Iggy is not broke, far from it and neither is the party. Geez, stop being like the nonsense guy here and post facts.
October 20th, 2009 at 1:29 pm
Lorrainemarie: I couldn't agree with you more. This blog is — or was — one of the best on the Blogging Tories roll. Heck, Stephen was one of the founders of Blogging Tories. A few trolls have completely sabotaged it and made it, as you point out, almost unreadable.
I would not find it excessive, non-inclusive, or undemocratic to ban parnel and/or whoever posts from his/her computer. Enough is enough. Banning parnel/terry1/whomever is called “logical consequences.” Already, this blog has lost some of its more articulate commenters, and I find it disheartening coming here. So, as per usual in this Deranged Dominion, the bully wins. So much for” zero tolerance” …
October 20th, 2009 at 1:38 pm
Lorraine,
You are probably correct that this is a determined attempt to sabotage the comments section of Stephen's blog. It has made it impossible to have a real give and take of ideas. Stephen, Please do something to stop the endless insults.
October 20th, 2009 at 1:49 pm
Terry Parnel,
You just made the point inside the HOC they are protected from a legal penalty. Just as you decline to back up anything but general attacks and smears. The only defence is the truth.
You failed to present the truth instead you posted a “Liberal proof” again.
October 20th, 2009 at 2:03 pm
Get lost with your completely illogical nonsense
October 20th, 2009 at 2:05 pm
Batb , you should look at what you bring to the debate other than liberal bashing as does a few of your fellow co conspirators.
That is not debate.
October 21st, 2009 at 6:37 am
No kidding! why not send these 'FINDINGS' to the NYtimes or Boston Globe, I am sure the national media in canada will be thrill to hear that we are spreading the news; just helping the media here since they are too busy doing a lot of work for the LPOC.
October 21st, 2009 at 6:56 am
That is why we have to tell the world the 'secrets of Trudeau and liberal party of canada' and the media cover-up throughout the years while blaming others for the LPOC very own cause to problems we face today.
The media cannot go on forever protecting the liberals; the media will soon be exposed to world for their neglect and coverup.
October 21st, 2009 at 10:01 am
John g,
I just recieved your post (12 hours late) yikes! I agree with all your comments including our hosts decision on bad behaviour.
We are all guests on his blog.
October 21st, 2009 at 1:37 pm
No kidding! why not send these 'FINDINGS' to the NYtimes or Boston Globe, I am sure the national media in canada will be thrill to hear that we are spreading the news; just helping the media here since they are too busy doing a lot of work for the LPOC.
October 21st, 2009 at 1:56 pm
That is why we have to tell the world the 'secrets of Trudeau and liberal party of canada' and the media cover-up throughout the years while blaming others for the LPOC very own cause to problems we face today.
The media cannot go on forever protecting the liberals; the media will soon be exposed to world for their neglect and coverup.
October 21st, 2009 at 5:01 pm
John g,
I just recieved your post (12 hours late) yikes! I agree with all your comments including our hosts decision on bad behaviour.
We are all guests on his blog.