The federal government has released their budget today and surprise surprise, the libs and the ndp aren't backing it. But don't fret as the libs have already stated their intention to abstain from the vote, thus avoiding an election on the premise that Canadians do not want an election right now. Translation-the numbers aren't there to ensure the libs a victory.
Category: Politics
Budget Day
News, In real life, On the web, Politics, Canadian Politics 07:05:12 pm, by zerodivision 2 feedbacks »Mmmm, prorogueies
In real life, On the web, Politics, Canadian Politics 12:00:48 pm, by zerodivision Leave a comment.Stephen Harper is looking to repeat his performance of last year, or so say the speculators. Last year, it was the threat of an election that had him flee like a scared puppy, this year, it is most likely due to some alleged knowledge of detainee abuse, and the fact that the cons could appoint some more senators, finally giving them the majority in the senate. If parliament is prorogued, they won't return until March and any bills tabled currently will be killed, which is good news for those opposed to HST.
Western Hypocrites
News, In real life, On the web, Politics 11:07:02 am, by zerodivision 3 feedbacks »West condemns Iran protest crackdown
Western countries condemned the crackdown on anti-government Iranian protesters during the religious ceremony of Ashura on Sunday. Tehran accuses foreigners of orchestrating and backing the unrest.
Western countries were quick to criticize the reports of the Sunday protests, with the White House strongly condemning the "violent and unjust suppression" of civilians and pronouncing its support for the riots.
"Hope and history are on the side of those who peacefully seek their universal rights, and so is the United States."
Canada followed suit and urged the restoration of human rights in the country, which has witnessed sporadic anti-government protests since the June 12 presidential election.
"The government of Canada condemns the use of brutal violence by the Iranian security forces and once again calls upon Iran to meet its human rights obligations," Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Lawrence Cannon said in a statement issued late Sunday, AFP reported.
Western countries can condemn others but have no problem being violent with their own citizens. Watch the news on any of the protests that happen on western soil; G20, WTO, SPP etc. The hypocrisy of the western world is astounding. While they call for a restoration of human rights, they have no qualms about crushing our own. With the upcoming olympics, lets see just how much they care for freedom. The security forces that will be present will be a reminder that dissent will be met with violence.
Natives will fight HST
News, In real life, On the web, Ontario, Politics, Canadian Politics 02:05:23 pm, by zerodivision 3 feedbacks »Natives in both Ontario and B.C plan to fight the HST that will take effect on July 1, 2010. The conflict looms because of a broken relationship between the governments and the Native peoples. Ontario Native Chiefs say they will launch a campaign against the HST that will include road blockades, traffic disruptions and possible legal action against the government of Canada. BC first nations are also considering different courses of action on their turf. First Nations leaders say that the government did not consult them, which they feel is an attack on their sovereignty because the government has a legal requirement to consult the First Nations on matters that impact their rights to title, something they feel this tax does.
Little trouble in Big China
News, In real life, On the web, Politics 11:58:41 pm, by zerodivision Leave a comment.Stephen Harper rebuked by China's Premier, according to the media. The way they were covering this, you'd think the Premier actually said something that would cause irreparable harm , something that was probably mistranslated anyhow. What people should care about is the about face Harper has made since coming into power.
Australia ditches cap and trade
News, In real life, On the web, Politics 08:48:51 pm, by zerodivision 3 feedbacks »Hide the decline
News, In real life, On the web, Politics, Health 05:08:32 pm, by zerodivision 6 feedbacks »I really didn't find the video to be that witty but the premise is what got me. This whole global warming business, now called climate change for some reason, stinks bad. The reason behind this video, and the hoopla (or lack thereof in mainstream media)surrounding it is the apparent leak of supposedly hacked emails showing scientists "cooking the books" in terms of climate change. If this is true, then these people have been caught in their own lies and manipulation and it only strengthens the case against their junk science.
H1N1 Hysteria
News, In real life, On the web, Local, Ontario, Politics, Health, Canadian Politics 03:40:03 pm, by zerodivision Leave a comment.The past two weeks have been rather interesting, not only in my city, but across Canada. What makes it interesting is the hysteria and almost comical nature surrounding the h1n1 vaccination program, or lack thereof. Just reading the news online has led me to wonder how they could screw something like this up, especially after hyping it up and saying they were on it and they had enough vaccines for everyone in Canada. Well since the program started last week, there has been nothing but line ups, and of course the shortage of the damn vaccine itself. Yup, people are drudging out in the cold weather to wait in line for hours to get a shot. A lineup that could potentially increase their chances of catching the very virus they are there to supposedly protect against. The government has dropped the ball big time, and had this been a "real" pandemic many, many people could die.
A Tale of two Liberals
News, In real life, On the web, Ontario, Politics, Canadian Politics 10:59:45 pm, by zerodivision 2 feedbacks »...two Liberal governments that is, one in Ontario, the other in BC. The stuff coming out of these governments lead me two wonder if there are actually any sane people in politics. First I'll start with Ontario and the infamous Dalton "The Dad" McGuinty Liberal government and their hand in today's announcement that auto insurance will be rising yet again. Increases could be as much as 14% in places like Toronto;yet Dalton has the balls to say to the public that car insurance is actually cheaper today then it was six years ago when he took office. WTF is this clown smoking? The reasoning behind this latest round of increases is chalked upped to the increasing physiotherapy and rehabilitation costs facing people injured in car accidents, or so say the insurance companies. Ask most people what they think of insurance companies and most will say that it is a scam, and it very well is. Yet the government is happy to go along with this scam and shaft the very people they are supposed to represent. And me living in Ontario, I do not feel represented at all and will be glad the day comes when Dalton's gang of thieves get the ole heave hoe.
Jack the Dipper
News, In real life, On the web, Politics, Canadian Politics 03:47:40 pm, by zerodivision 2 feedbacks »Jack Layton propping up Harper? Word on the street is that is exactly what he will be doing by supporting the Tories and their extension to EI benefits to long tenured workers. A move that would squash any hopes that Ignatieff may have of a fall election. If this comes to light, then Harper has made quite the save, by throwing in something he knew the dippers wouldn't reject, I mean how could they? Most Canadians don't want an election and by going against the Conservatives, Layton would for sure be dealt a fatal blow as he must know that his party has nothing to gain; yet he himself has everything to lose. Now is not the best time for an election. Whether he honestly believes that as most of us do, or he is more concerned about himself, I don't know but I would assume that all politicians are looking out for their own interests first.
Windsor's Jobless rate continues to climb
News, In real life, On the web, Canadian Labour, Local, Ontario, Politics, Canadian Politics 04:00:51 pm, by zerodivision 4 feedbacks »
Windsor is stuck in a trend that no one would ever want to be in and that trend is the unemployment rate, which now sits at 14.4%. This once booming town now holds the distinction of having the highest unemployment rate in Canada. There were more than 25,000 local residents out of Work in the Windsor area at the beginning of the summer, however with the Chrysler Windsor Assembly Plant reopening at the end of June, 3500 workers are now back on the job and with news that the midnight shift will remain at least until next summer, it may mean that the local economy may now begin to recover. Lets keep our fingers crossed.
It goes on, and on, and on
In real life, On the web, Canadian Labour, Local, Ontario, Politics, Canadian Politics 05:42:47 pm, by zerodivision Leave a comment.The strike by the municipal workers in Windsor that is. 12 weeks now without garbage collection, parking tickets, daycare etc. I've been able to go about my life without being affected by this to be honest. I don't have a habit of strolling through back alleyways to see the mountains of garbage that are piled up, but I see them in pictures nonetheless in the local news rag and on the many blogs I happen to come across. There doesn't seem to be any talks scheduled that I know of and so we continue to live in a garbage town.
I can has elecshun?
News, In real life, On the web, Politics 08:43:07 pm, by zerodivision 2 feedbacks »
It looks like the bulls may soon be on parade yet again. Count Michael "Iggy" Ignatieff and the non Conservative Conservative Stephen Harper are talking smack like they are in some kind of pre-fight press conference a la Mike Tyson/Lennox Lewis. Ok ok, maybe not with all the expletives and hysteria but nonetheless it's entertaining in it's own right. Harper says that if the Liberals want to "fight" an election, the Cons are ready. The issue? None other than Employment Insurance, or perhaps its because Iggy is doing well in the polls, hmm, talk about timing eh. Just what we need, another election, this dysfunctional parliament should have it's own variety show because the comedy is top notch, however, I do not believe that we need to go to the polls again.
UAW vs GM
News, In real life, On the web, Canadian Labour, Politics 04:28:43 pm, by zerodivision Leave a comment.The UAW is fighting for it's members future in North America as GM plans to outsource and shut down plants in its bid to restructure. GM wants to outsource production to Mexico and Asia and it has caused a stir within the UAW who believes that
"This is really about the shape of GM in the US and its foot print in North America in the future," a senior UAW official who asked not to be identified told AFP
The UAW strongly objects to GM's plans because it basically means that GM's manufacturing will shift from North America to places like China, Mexico, Korea and Japan. The UAW also believes that if GM will be given government money, that they should keep plants open in North America.
So I've come back to post here on my blog after going through a bit of depression over the past month and a half. What do I come back to? None other than Ignatieff spouting off about how it might be necessary to raise taxes to fight the deficit. Well, considering I live in Ontario, which has been losing jobs at an alarming rate, I don't think we want more taxes. I don't think the guy who got laid off at the GM plant wants to pay higher taxes, and I know I don't either.
Royal Canadian Mental Police
News, In real life, Politics 01:22:13 pm, by zerodivision Leave a comment.The circus of lies just keeps getting more ridiculous and I just cannot fathom how the hell these 4 idiots can get off scott free when obviously there is more to the story then what they claim. It's been shown that their version of events is wrong, it's been shown that one of the officers has prior issues such as an alleged DUI that resulted in the death of another, plus his involvement in the death of Dziekanski and now it has come to light that this same man who ordered Dziekanski to be tazed isn't even certified to use it. The bullshit just keeps thickening...
So some reporter asked Gary Goodyear about his stance on evolution and suddenly a persons own beliefs is public domain. As everyone has heard, the science minister basically flip flopped on the question by first saying
Green Corridor Presents: A Speaking Engagement with Elizabeth May
In real life, Local, Ontario, Politics 09:35:10 pm, by zerodivision 2 feedbacks »Tonight, here in Windsor, Elizabeth May paid a visit to talk about the green future of technology and the economy. The Green Corridor class at the University of Windsor invited May to speak. I was originally not sure if I was going to attend because my grandmother had passed away this morning and I only found out about that a few hours before May's lecture was to begin. But I did end up attending and overall it was an interesting lecture. She even made some funny jokes, mostly about Stephen Harper of course but sometimes partisanship can be entertaining!
Jewish and Palestinian protesters clash in Windsor
News, In real life, On the web, Local, Ontario, Politics 10:30:10 pm, by zerodivision Leave a comment.Violence erupted in downtown Windsor Sunday as angry Jewish and Palestinian protesters clashed on Riverside Drive. Some shoving occurred with some punches being thrown and some even used flag poles as weapons. If that weren't enough, children even started swearing and uttering death threats. This ridiculousness started because CUPE Ontario held a meeting here in Windsor to debate a controversial resolution to boycott some Israeli universities because of the conflict in Gaza.
Obama Overkill
News, In real life, On the web, Ontario, Politics 03:14:40 pm, by zerodivision 2 feedbacks »President Obama comes to Canada, as if anyone hasn't heard the news, I mean after all its only been mentioned a billion times on the CBC and CTV and now one more for good measure on my blog. Its rather funny how Canadians were getting so geeked over this visit, a whole 6 hour visit at that. I can just imagine how insignificant Harper felt standing next to a political giant such as Obama, I mean Christ, err Obama. I am glad Obama got elected but the Obama overkill is starting to take its toll.
The Coalition, What Coalition?
News, In real life, On the web, Politics 12:01:29 pm, by zerodivision 2 feedbacks »why the one between Michael Ignatieff and Stephen Harper that is, at least according to Jack Layton. Not even 24 hours after the budget was read, the back stabbing and accusations are starting to fly after the apparent death of the LIBNDPBLOC coalition. Michael Ignatieff has offered to support the budget which will keep the Conservatives in power. Of course this comes at a small price, a sort of probation if you will in which Harper must provide reports to the Liberals.
Well what can I say, this is my first time ever watching a budget address on television, hell this is the first time I've actually cared about a budget really. I was kind of disappointed, not because of what was presented, rather because of what was not, and that was the changes to EI that I thought should be there. Of all my years of working, since I was 16, I have never collected EI, not because I didn't need it, but because I didn't qualify. Imagine that, having to "qualify" to collect your own money. Ever since that attempt, I haven't even bothered with it. I know I am not alone in my discontent and by now I am sure that Liberals, Conservatives and anyone else who bothered to tune in has already blogged about the budgets lack of EI reform.
Opposition Threatens Tories Over Tax Cuts
Welcome, News, In real life, On the web, Politics 02:55:32 pm, by zerodivision 3 feedbacks »The opposition is at it yet again, this time making threats over the upcoming budget for containing tax cuts to the middle class.
"Opposition parties are threatening to vote down this week's much-anticipated Conservative budget because it contains a potentially contentious proposal to permanently slash taxes for middle-class Canadians." (CTV)
I suppose in the minds of Liberals and the like, letting Canadians keep some of their hard earned money is somehow a bad thing. They would rather have you taxed even more so as to help pay for whatever promises they will never keep aka steal your money. It is stuff like this which makes it rather difficult for me to stay true to my original stance in this blog and that is to choose neither sides and remain as neutral as can be. I would have never imagined myself standing up for the Conservatives, ever, as I grew up in the 80's during the reign of Brian Mulroney and was generally pissed off at what he stood for.
Duceppe says his party is ready for an election, or a coalition, but he prefers the coalition and thinks it is the better option to help us through the current economic situation.
We have to get prepared for an election if an election happens
said Duceppe reminding everyone that he is the leader of a party that will never have any real power,hence the preference for a coalition government; kind of like Jack Layton.
Canadian Jewish Women Freed After Protest
News, In real life, Ontario, Politics 12:13:05 pm, by zerodivision 1 feedback »Eight Jewish Canadian women who were arrested while holding a protest inside the Israeli consulate have been released. They were arrested and handcuffed after staging a sit-in protest inside the consulate at 180 Bloor St. W. against the ongoing Israeli assault on Gaza. The group was made up of Israeli peace activists, film makers, the president of Science for Peace and a variety of students and others.
Sid Ryan Should STFU
News, In real life, On the web, Canadian Labour, Ontario, Politics 12:26:38 am, by zerodivision 6 feedbacks »Yes he should as he has once again opened his big mouth and has called for a ban on Israeli academics from teaching in Ontario universities unless they openly renounce the current military operation occurring in the Gaza strip. Sources say that the Ontario division of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE)will be introducing the proposal at a meeting in the near future.
Geez, it's been a while since I posted,the holidays were busy for me and the fact that I really didn't feel like posting resulted in a slow couple of weeks here. Anyhow, the final weeks of 2008 were rather interesting in the world. Israel and Hamas are attacking each other yet again, Canada continues to have deaths in the "stan", auto bailouts were approved, the recession is still on, gas prices are like at prices from 5 years ago, and Canada is kicking ass at the junior hockey championships.
Hopefully 2009 will be a better year for the world, but I highly doubt it as I am a pessimist and cynical guy. I spent New Years Eve alone at home playing guitar hero Aeromsmith and ate Burger King for dinner so yeah, I guess my year went out with a fizzle rather than a bang but oh well, I hate NYE AND NY day anyhow, fuck it.
Olivia Chow's Website Hacked? No, It's Called Voting, Silly
News, Fun, In real life, On the web, Politics 03:59:00 pm, by zerodivision 4 feedbacks »NDP Olivia Chow has posted a press release on her site claiming that her site had been hacked during a recent poll asking if people rejected Harper’s economic plans. The poll showed a 60/40 yes-no split up until 11:30 PM last night when suddenly the numbers started to change when hundreds of votes for the "no" side began to occur. Apparently when the poll first was posted, it attracted an average of 10 votes per day, mostly in favour of Olivia's "yes" position, but at the time the results started to change, an average of 200-300 votes per hour where being noticed, all in favour of "no".

Bob Rae has officially dropped out of the Liberal leadership race paving the way for the last man standing, Michael Ignatieff. In what has been an interesting last 2 weeks, we have seen a coalition come together with a lame duck leader only to have the leader resign in disgrace as he couldn't live up to the standards of actually being a leader. With the fall of Dion, it was a scramble to find someone to lead the ailing Liberal party. Would it be Rae, Ignatieff, or Dominic LeBlanc? LeBlanc dropped out on December 8 and until today, Bob Rae was pushing his candidacy but he to has since dropped out. Rae realized that Ignatieff had more support from the party than he and upon hearing that the national executives decision to consult only select members of the party instead of the party as a whole to chose an interim leader cemented his decision.
You know this country is whack when even the Greens tip their hat for the coalition. Don't get confused by the title on the Greens web site, they are in fact jumping on the coalition bandwagon, basically killing any credibility Elizabeth May had left. Being a leftist party (I know, some of em hate being labelled that)I guess it was no surprise that they would show their approval, but when you actually think about it, they are going against their own principals.
Liberal leader Stephane Dion will be the prime minister if an unprecedented coalition government is formed after defeating the conservatives. In what appears to be political posturing and back room deals, the people behind the coalition believe that Dion is the best man for the job, even though he was the leader of a party that lost an unheard of amount of seats. Politics makes for strange bedfellows as this saga continues to unfold. This coalition wouldn't even be possible say for an separatist party that has no interest in actually having a role in this coalition, hence the Lib-NDP coalition title. They are there simply to prop up the 2 other parties who are so desperate for power, they would do anything to gain it, even allow the Bloc to hold veto power over them. Making deals with a party that wants nothing other than to divide the country.
Another Week, Another Ban
News, In real life, On the web, Ontario, Politics 09:20:34 pm, by zerodivision Leave a comment.
Ontario may soon see yet another ban, this time on the sale of individually wrapped flavoured cigarillos. Apparently, these products look like candy and attract kids and the anti-smoking nuts want to see this "candy" come in boxes of 20 and have the "candy" flavours completely eliminated.
McGuinty Going After Young Drivers
News, In real life, On the web, Ontario, Politics 10:59:23 am, by zerodivision 10 feedbacks »"Bantario" Premier Dalton "Ban Hammer" McGuinty is at it yet again folks, this time he is attacking young drivers. The hysterical control freak is introducing legislation of a zero tolerance kind aimed at teen drivers from the ages 21 and under(umm, from ages 18+, I believe we call them adults, no?). This legislation will require that these drivers have a 0% blood alcohol content, they will only be allowed to have one teen passenger in the car,unless they are siblings and or parents, and if they are caught speeding, they will be taken off the road, whatever that means. I am assuming that means a suspension...
That is what we paid to elect some assholes. Seriously, this election shouldn't have happened and yet it did, and not much has changed except for the Liberal party losing seats. Good for them, I have never felt an ounce of support for them in my teenage to adult years anyhow. Dion will be gone, this is my prediction. But the 2 most obvious choices to replace him might have some competition as I've read scarce reports or hearsay that Dalton McGuinty would be the best choice to replace Dion. Are you kidding me? Now Dion was part of the glory days of the Chretien and Martin era, those old days are now gone and it is time for some fresh, less stinking faces and it seems, in liberal circles, that Dalton is the best choice.
The cons win again which means more or less the same as what we had. Way to go Canada, the boogeyman gets in again and nothing will get done. Should we expect to go to the polls again in two years time and do this all over? Such a waste of time and tax payers money. I figured the conservatives would be penalized for calling the election but then again, my claim that many Canadians are stupid holds true.
The Tory Platform
News, On the web, Canadian Labour, Politics 06:54:10 pm, by zerodivision 2 feedbacks »Stephen Harper finally decided to unveil his party's platform and it is a modest one at that compared to the lavish ones of the NDP and the Liberals. The $8.7 Billion platform includes such things as a $200 million investment over four years to the struggling automotive industry and $200 million over four years to the aerospace industry. It also reaffirms Harper's intention of cutting in half the diesel tax over four years, a $566 million initiative.
Seems Stephen Harper is ignoring the cry-baby Dalton McGuinty. Dalton sent out a letter to Ontarian federal candidates and to the party leaders, asking them where they stand on his "fairness campaign" and Harper was the only major party leader not to respond. Interestingly enough, Elizabeth May also did not respond, but some of her Ontario candidates did.
So Lib leader Stephane Dion promises 70 billion for infrastructure while the other leaders also announce a substantial amount of money for various things. But this $70B got me to thinking, where is this money going to come from? Raise the GST again? Unpopular carbon tax revenue? Why not announce say, 500 trillion dollars Dion because it looks like you are joking. But of course you're not, the Liberals love to spend money incessantly off the backs of Canadians.
Harper and Dion get the Gas Face
News, In real life, On the web, Politics 10:22:37 pm, by zerodivision Leave a comment.Must truly be election time folks, it seems the leaders suddenly have woken up and realized that gas companies are gouging consumers. You know, all this time Canadians have been complaining, nothing has really been addressed, until now. They want your votes after all, nothing more, but we already know this. Yet this very issue will tug at the heart strings of many, and they will prove their "Canadian stupidity" and run off to cast their vote.
The Greens are in, the debate that is. After reversing it's decision to let Elizabeth May in the debate, people are starting to feel the pulse that was thought to be the corpse of democracy. Jack Layton and Stephen Harper have eaten some humble pie and have backed down from earlier threats of not attending the debates if she were there.
Now talk about a democracy of hypocrisy, the Green party leader, Elizabeth May will not be allowed to participate in the leaders debate, all because the tv networks are leftist Pansy's. They believed the hype that was put forth by the other party leaders and thus, May is out. Not that i care much for the Greens, but what kind of democracy is it when the television studios are calling the shots on who will be heard?
Premiers sign labour, trade accord
News, Canadian Labour, Politics 05:25:11 pm, by zerodivision Leave a comment.All 13 Provinces have signed an agreement which will allow skilled workers such as nurses, doctors, welders,tool and die technicians etc, to work in any province. In the past, workers had to receive additional licenses to work in other provinces.





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