tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2761538946854485154.post1328499078858238302..comments2024-03-11T03:02:29.875-06:00Comments on Simple Massing Priest: Liberals, Media declare Class War on single momMalcolm+http://www.blogger.com/profile/08469936715413110334noreply@blogger.comBlogger62125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2761538946854485154.post-26779949420305191282011-05-17T01:27:53.903-06:002011-05-17T01:27:53.903-06:00Well Aaron ,they did choose the Orange Cruch over ...Well Aaron ,they did choose the Orange Cruch over the Libervablocs on offer. We shall see if the NDP are able to consolidate in four years time - but it is foolish to write off the possibility so far in advance.Malcolm+https://www.blogger.com/profile/08469936715413110334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2761538946854485154.post-15580982596168438322011-05-16T14:54:54.979-06:002011-05-16T14:54:54.979-06:00You make valid points, but I must call one out.
&...You make valid points, but I must call one out.<br /><br />"But the voters of Berthier - Maskinongé, like nearly 43 percent of Quebec voters, liked the change that Jack Layton was offering."<br /><br />That statement is incorrect. The voters of Quebec did not elect 59 pylons because they liked NDP policies. It was much more a protest against the established parties and the NDP became the benefactor of the anti-establishment vote. This swell of support will not likely be repeated in the next federal election.Aaronnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2761538946854485154.post-49087767379701583852011-05-16T11:30:29.853-06:002011-05-16T11:30:29.853-06:00Hi Malcolm,
I 'tuned' in to get your take...Hi Malcolm,<br /><br />I 'tuned' in to get your take on the Church of Ireland vote to 'subscribe' to the Covenant and found this instead. Wow! Hadn't heard anything about this on this side of the pond ... well done for sticking up for this woman. The bottom line is that she was elected. Her opponents don't have to like it, but their vindictive attacks reflect on them, not her.<br /><br />And to the person who thinks that a priest shouldn't comment on politics, might I point out that a collar isn't a gag?Paddyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10112119118958158131noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2761538946854485154.post-52709563411689774382011-05-08T02:05:41.608-06:002011-05-08T02:05:41.608-06:00That was, of course, supposed to be "class-ba...That was, of course, supposed to be "class-baiting" rather than "race-baiting."Malcolm+https://www.blogger.com/profile/08469936715413110334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2761538946854485154.post-81507461545036489072011-05-07T21:54:14.014-06:002011-05-07T21:54:14.014-06:00@Chris - with respect, you're making it up. Y...@Chris - with respect, you're making it up. You have no idea what her level of commitment is, and you are drawing all sorts of inferences that simply are unsustainable.<br /><br />What we have is a young, working class single mother who has been treated no better than a criminal for the vile sin of agreeing to be her party's sacrifical lamb in what was believed to be an unwinnable constituency. For this scandalous act (and for the ill fortune of winning) she has been subjected to a full on media assault.<br /><br />In the context, it is hardly surprising that she has retreated from the bright lights to steel herself for what lies ahead. She has now issued one public statement, granted one media interview and participated in one mass communication with her constituents. She has committed to improve her facility in French and to do her best to represent the people of Berthier - Maskinongé, and to bring to Ottawa the perspective of ordinary families like hers and theirs.<br /><br />The New Democratic Party is working with all the new caucus members to hire Parliamentary and constituency staff. In light of events, I expect there will be a particular effort to ensure that the offices of the Honourable Member for Berthier - Maskinongé will be particularly well staffed.<br /><br />This young woman did not deserve the hate-mongering race-baiting and misogyny to which she has been subjected.Malcolm+https://www.blogger.com/profile/08469936715413110334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2761538946854485154.post-89634275825752553292011-05-07T21:04:17.788-06:002011-05-07T21:04:17.788-06:00It's incredibly difficult to get facebook to r...It's incredibly difficult to get facebook to remove bogus pages. Identity theft on facebook is rife. For example, it took a very large number of reports to facebook for a bogus page for Swedish musician Dan Swano to be removed. I have no doubt that there a ton of fakes out there.<br /><br />BTW, I agree with this article 100%. Class warfare indeedAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2761538946854485154.post-5573508251841014742011-05-07T20:20:16.608-06:002011-05-07T20:20:16.608-06:00"Ruth Ellen Brosseau is the target of this su..."Ruth Ellen Brosseau is the target of this sustained media assault because the idea of a working class woman as a Member of Parliament offends their bourgeois sensibilities."<br /><br />I'm afraid that's not true at all. In addition to voting the way the caucus tells her, Brosseau has a wide range of responsibilities to her constituents. Most of these involve helping them surmount Ottawa bureaucracy, but it's nonetheless an important service. <br /><br />The problem is that Brosseau's shown no interest in performing any services for her constituents. How could she do anything to help them? She doesn't live there and doesn't speak the language.Christopher Leapockhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09565968428887066332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2761538946854485154.post-90207957624222880912011-05-06T23:28:46.810-06:002011-05-06T23:28:46.810-06:00Well put. Our MP's should be a true cross sec...Well put. Our MP's should be a true cross section of society, not just monied interests, and those with a perverbial axe to grind. This new MP has gone from working two jobs, and likely struggling, to making good money, at a vitally important job. Could it be that a working person actually got a break?<br /><br />Bravo to Ruth Ellen....she will do just fine!scornednoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2761538946854485154.post-36256463723481306892011-05-06T15:11:39.982-06:002011-05-06T15:11:39.982-06:00The last thing in the world I would EVER want to s...The last thing in the world I would EVER want to see is a House of Commons full of nothing but those schooled in political science. Strikes me that Conservatives in particular should be pleased to see an MP who has been involved in managing a business.<br /><br />As to her ability to speak French, I can think of at least a few current and recent politicians who seemed to speak neither official language. Yes, it is more than a trifle odd to have an MP from a francophone riding with only limited French. But then, I didn't elect her.Malcolm+https://www.blogger.com/profile/08469936715413110334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2761538946854485154.post-72998639754681572732011-05-06T12:32:10.924-06:002011-05-06T12:32:10.924-06:00We are unable to get a government job if we are no...We are unable to get a government job if we are not fluent in French, yet Ruth can be elected in a French riding and not be fluent in French!<br />My other concern is her lack of experieince...no schooling with regards to politics at all. Advertising is a far cry from politics and so is managing a pub. She is there to stay so lets see what she is capable of...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2761538946854485154.post-42735369294590961842011-05-06T11:52:48.802-06:002011-05-06T11:52:48.802-06:00@Anonymous the second last - Good Point. Very few...@Anonymous the second last - Good Point. Very few people first elected to Parliament have experience as Members of Parliament - thougb a few have transferrable skills from other elected offices. But at the end of the day, like any other job, at some point they started as people with no direct experience.<br /><br />@Anonymous that most recent - You are confusing a number of things, I think. I don't think I accused the media in sharing in every bit of Liberal fingerpointing, but much of the media has happily joined in this pile-up on Madam Brosseau.<br /><br />I have not sen a single report suggesting that the former BQ MP has been involved in any of the games regarding the nomination forms. He (unlike the Liberal candidate) seems to have grasped Michael Ignatieff's observation that the only thing people respect less than a loser is a sore loser.<br /><br />I do think that double standards based on sex and class are real issues - and this case is a perfect example of a person being treated unfairly based on sex and (especially) class - even as compared to the other NDP accidental MPs.<br /><br />Finally, I'd love nothing more than to deal with more substantive issues. As, apparently, would intelligent Tories like Geoff Norquay. So lets. Lets see an end to the disgraceful treatment of this woman whose only sin was allowing her name to be placed on a ballot.Malcolm+https://www.blogger.com/profile/08469936715413110334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2761538946854485154.post-45668809296696616742011-05-06T11:36:32.587-06:002011-05-06T11:36:32.587-06:00My understanding us that it was the Bloc candidate...My understanding us that it was the Bloc candidate who raised questions about the validity if her nomination, not the "liberal" media. A second issue that I take with your piece is the notion that a united "liberal" media is orchestrating a sustained effort to blame the Luberals' election disaster on Conservative attack ads. This strikes me as false for two reasons. One, no major newspaper endorsed the Liberals (one endorsed the NDP) and two, almost all the commentary in the media scoffs at the notion floated by Liberal talking heads that the Liberals failed because of unscrupulous Tory attack ads. Which is to say the media has taken a position exactly contrary to what you claim is the position they have taken. I appreciate a good polemic, but proclaiming the opposite of what is really occurring is extraordinarily disingenuous and strips you of any credibility. Indeed, even Liberal stalwarts are publically acknowledging that they failed badly because they lost touch with the electorate. Read Simpson's columns on the matter. If he isn't a liberal ally, I don't know who is. Finally, the issue of Tory stack ads, while only tangential to the continued decline of Liberal fortunes, is not irrelevant. The Tories are formidable fund raisers. When they start a vicious attack on Jack months and months before the next election - they will, they can afford to - tell me then that it isn't devastating. The NDP and it's stalwarts need to focus on issues. Your column and it's hysterical obsession with the evil Liberals misses the point that moat of the electorate doesn't go for the political hate-ons that hard core types like you engage in. They see the foam flecked fulminations of NDP attack dogs against Liberals - more pointed in some respects than attacks against Conservatives - and they get turned off. Talk of class warfare - especially when it is supported by out and out falsehoods - will only rally the most zealous partisans. Everyone else will think it's just silly. The NDP doesn't need to be seen as silly. Issues. Issues. Issues.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2761538946854485154.post-91247972090110568422011-05-06T10:33:35.106-06:002011-05-06T10:33:35.106-06:00I have a question to all you know everythings out ...I have a question to all you know everythings out there, what is it exactly that you think makes a candidate expierienced or not? cause this seems to be the real question. Honestly all the people who are complaining about the inexperienced candidates that were selected in all honesty they are not any less expierenced for the most part then the other party candidates that they ran against. Do you think every liberal and conservative candidate has spent time in government? the simple answer is damn no. The ndp are a fully fledged party and anyone who comes into politics through the ndp will end up being for the most part just as expierenced as the other party candidates because they have gained the experience of the years in working with the party on actual parlimentary politics.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2761538946854485154.post-12636448032141256482011-05-06T07:23:31.110-06:002011-05-06T07:23:31.110-06:00@Brent - I do recall a lot of criticism that Joann...@Brent - I do recall a lot of criticism that Joanne Zazalenchuk was less qualified that Roy Romanow - a perfectly defensible value judgement. I recall some criticism of her that I would agree was inappropriate and sexist. I don't recall the kind of sustained assault we've seen over the past week, nor anyone claiming that she had no legitimacy as an MLA. And I do recall NDP figures speaking out against (at least some of) the over the top and sexist criticisms.<br /><br />Of course, we didn't have the interweb to collate all the comments back in those days.<br /><br />@Schmutzie - tx<br /><br />@Deirdre - ;-)Malcolm+https://www.blogger.com/profile/08469936715413110334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2761538946854485154.post-65614438239474485022011-05-06T06:36:15.022-06:002011-05-06T06:36:15.022-06:00Liberals are entitled to rule us. They do not need...Liberals are entitled to rule us. They do not need to supply a reason. If voters rebel against Liberal entitlement, Liberals will publicly bully and humiliate a symbol of that democratic spirit. To the media elite, history is the story of power struggles within of they elites that they eat, drink and sleep with. They will not eat, drink and sleep so well with those elites gone and therefore they, too will bully and humiliate a symbol of that democratic spirit.Deirdrehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00525491149267374039noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2761538946854485154.post-74712735861680423912011-05-06T00:14:15.314-06:002011-05-06T00:14:15.314-06:00I just wanted to let you know that this weblog is ...I just wanted to let you know that this weblog is being featured in Five Star Friday - http://www.schmutzie.com/fivestarfriday/2011/5/5/five-star-fridays-148th-edition-is-brought-to-you-by-william.htmlElan Morganhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03023867307505601913noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2761538946854485154.post-20361169818932092482011-05-05T23:44:24.453-06:002011-05-05T23:44:24.453-06:00Short memory you have there Malcolm. Remember the ...Short memory you have there Malcolm. Remember the outcry when that gas station attendant beat Romanow in his own provincial riding in 81? Oh, the NDP hand-wringing that went on then. And because it was 81, there was even more sexism apparent.<br /><br />But that doesn't count apparently, because Joanne Zazalenchuk was also a Conservative.<br /><br />(note: I'm a progressive who hovers on the boundaries of the left wing liberals or the the right wing NDP)Brentnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2761538946854485154.post-48305117435458624532011-05-05T22:21:40.798-06:002011-05-05T22:21:40.798-06:00Two things seem to have people's goat.
First...Two things seem to have people's goat. <br /><br />First, she did not live in her riding. Well, that is nothing new. That has happened and will continue to happen for years. Cretien ran in Beausejour, New Brunswick after he was elected leader of the Liberals. I know it is common for a sitting MP to surrender his or her seat in order to let their leader run in a by-election, but I could not help but think at the time why he would choose a riding from NB instead of one from his native Quebec. Oh well, if Jean Cretien can live so far away from the riding he represented then so can anyone else. <br /><br />Second, she went to Vegas during part of the election. Well, that obviously was not an issue for the 20,000 people who voted for her. It never mattered to the people of Manitoba either when in 1870; the person they elected to the House of Commons was hiding out in Montana the entire time avoiding a warrant on the charge of murder; that person being Louis Riel. <br /><br />The question about possible forged documents... Elections Canada declared her election legit so go suck on lemons you sore losers. <br /><br />Nevertheless, most importantly Malcolm, you hit the nail on the head. Criticism is one thing but the bullying she is receiving... now that is just plain nasty. However she is in good company. Grace McInnis, I am sure went through even worse than what Madam Brosseau will receive.Don Hansennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2761538946854485154.post-52091891981080833972011-05-05T21:00:39.953-06:002011-05-05T21:00:39.953-06:00I believe this defamation of a young woman is poin...I believe this defamation of a young woman is pointless and absurd....and the people did vote for her, of their own free will. Perhaps more valuable attention could be paid to actually running the country, establishing jobs, and working on the fiscal situation. Maybe she will turn into a shining star, who knows?Judyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05863847546654823638noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2761538946854485154.post-46224745669585459322011-05-05T20:28:30.026-06:002011-05-05T20:28:30.026-06:00Gnome, it must be very sad for you to see your onc...Gnome, it must be very sad for you to see your once proud party laid low. But that's still no excuse to bully a young woman who has done nothing wrong.Malcolm+https://www.blogger.com/profile/08469936715413110334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2761538946854485154.post-22735360765193608182011-05-05T20:15:59.403-06:002011-05-05T20:15:59.403-06:00Elections Canada rules overnight-sensation NDP can...Elections Canada rules overnight-sensation NDP candidate valid<br /><br />HillTimes Online<br /><br />http://www.hilltimes.com/dailyupdate/view/elections_canada_rules_overnightsensation_ndp_candidate_valid_05-05-2011<br /><br />PARLIAMENT HILL—Elections Canada has ruled the election of an overnight-sensation NDP candidate east of Montreal is valid, and the Conservative candidate who wants it overturned will have to go to court if she wants to challenge it.<br /><br />I get by with a little help from my friends!susansmithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02573558646874765432noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2761538946854485154.post-46697163851065731762011-05-05T19:41:22.188-06:002011-05-05T19:41:22.188-06:00So other than the couple claiming to have not sign...So other than the couple claiming to have not signed a petition, 2 further residents claimed to have been under the impression that they were signing a healthcare petition. Here's a thought - maybe the canvassers were explaining the NDP's platform which includes hiring more doctors and the residents just misunderstood what it was? That's a ton more logical than to suggest a party that got 5,000 votes in 2008 had to resort to trickery to get their candidate on the ballot. So take the sour grapes couple, the 2 who misunderstood and the 4 or so who may not live in the riding. That leaves 120 valid signatures. Candidate valid, election over.GoatmealCrisphttp://twitter.com/GoatmealCrispnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2761538946854485154.post-16245616796789723552011-05-05T18:33:10.413-06:002011-05-05T18:33:10.413-06:00@GoatMealCrisp, "I'd rather have a bunch ...@GoatMealCrisp, "I'd rather have a bunch of new MPs who are young and dedicated than old, cynical career politicians" - that's hilarious, considering she went to Las Vegas instead of campaigning. <br />People voted for the NDP, not her - the party screwed the riding by putting in an unqualified, unprofessional candidate.Gnomenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2761538946854485154.post-30677123717129894032011-05-05T17:53:40.308-06:002011-05-05T17:53:40.308-06:00@new objective - I'll go back and correct the ...@new objective - I'll go back and correct the name - curious that I got it right about half the time and wrong half the time. I'll also correct the age. Original reports described her as 30 something. I agree with the rest of your points.<br /><br />@Adam - the "worth" of MPs is a dubious thing. Effective MPs who work hard and see to their casebook and get to know their issues are worth every bit of the parliamentary stipend. It's unfortunate not all MPs even aspire to that. Certainly the NDP's "accidental MPs" will have a steep learning curve to get there. Hopefully the treatment of Madam Brosseau will be a salutory lesson for all of them.Malcolm+https://www.blogger.com/profile/08469936715413110334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2761538946854485154.post-66291096144841386372011-05-05T17:27:35.042-06:002011-05-05T17:27:35.042-06:00How much skill and knowledge does it really take t...How much skill and knowledge does it really take to be an MP? I've met a number of MP's, and many of the backbenchers are not exactly shining stars of wisdom...come on, most of them just sit in the house once in a while and follow their leaders. Children in grade one can do that. Of course, that being the case, they are way overpaid.Adam Fulsomhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15874436598448037233noreply@blogger.com