[The Darkest Canuck]

any Mike Harris supporters up in here? yeah, i know there is, probably some Ralph supporters too...but is anyone here brave/stupid enough to admit it? probably not...

[skippy the wonder dog]

Hey there, Darkest Canuck, would you mind going off to support some other party, maybe? Please?

No, j-monster, Layton isn't begging. But you might want to look at some of the raving nitwits on the CPC's right flank before you make fun of the left's.

[The Darkest Canuck]

no, the NDP is the only part for me, the Green Party is too left (not to mention they take votes away from the NDP), Liberals are too slimey, Conservatives are way too far to the right, and the Bloq quite obviously don't run any candidates in my neck of the woods...

[skippy the wonder dog]

Now...

I can respect people who support parties like the NDP or Green (let's leave the corrupt Liberals out of this right now) instead of Conservative because they believe in their policies....

There will be no substantial policy discussion. Mr. Harper is to stick to his angry schtick, to eliminate any risk that he will win.

* democratic accountability through free votes in the House

Well, that sounds great, but there are two major problems:
- makes party platform meaningless, as any private member can introduce a bill on, say, abortion that will then go to a free vote
- leads to larger government and increasing opportunity for corruption, as MPs curry influence and lobbyists and hire larger staffs to support them.
For an example of how poorly free voting can work, you need look no further than the American system, in which pork is even more rampant than here.

* debt repayment plan

Well, everybody's got one of those.

* tax fairness for all families whether single or dual-income

This is sound and fair, but I'd like to know what programs will be cut to provide for the tax cut I'll receive as a sole breadwinner. That ain't in the policy document.

[b]* commitments to improve the environment via clean air, water and alternative energy initiatives

Again, everybody's got one of those. It's the specifics that matter. Specifically, core CPC support includes global warming denialists, and that should be cause for concern.

* stable health care funding to provinces and allow full flexibility of delivery to ensure all Canadians have timely access for their health care needs

Define "flexibility." I may be a committed lefty, but I'm happy to entertain any system that will work. I get concerned, though, when Ralph Klein sponsors a conference on health care and one of the core lessons that emerges is that privatization is not a good path to follow - and then Ralph decides to carry on anyway. Whether it will work should always come first. Does it?

* will NOT support changing legislation on abortion

But its members may, via a free vote on a private member's bill, under this same policy document.

* respecting the traditional definition of marriage while granting civil unions and full equal rights to gay couples (equivalent legislation to most liberal European societies)

Which is all very nice, if we think that the courts will find that constitutional. This battle is already lost, and the CPC is simply trying to win support with an empty promise.

* allow parents to determine care needs of their children

Meaning, will provide same tax break to families regardless of whether their children are in day care or not, and then call this a child care plan. The question then is, what is the objective of the CPC child care plan. The answer, quite bluntly, is that it is nothing but a tax cut disguised as a child care plan. And now I ask, what programs will be cut to compensate for said tax cut?

* supports gender equality

I'm going to avoid the temptation to point to the rhetoric surrounding Stronach's departure (whore, bimbo, etc.), and simply ask: what party doesn't?

* clear policies to support seniors, a growing component of our population

Translation: promise made to an identifiable conservative demographic.

* change criminal justice system to prevent crime and emphasize the rights and needs of victims

Translation: stiffer sentencing, justice system based on punishment vice rehabilitation. There's nothing wrong with stiffer sentencing (I'm in favor), but it costs money. Which programs will be cut to allow for stiffer sentencing, while still providing tax cuts?

* support of bilingualism and multiculturalism

Again, what party doesn't? This is only in the platform to dispel the ghosts of Reform, with its opposition to bilingualism and unfortunate statements re immigration and multiculturalism.

* fair immigration policies, including process for skilled immigrants to obtain equivalency for their international skills, training and experience

That one, I have to grant, I don't have a problem with. But the Liberals are proposing a similar equivalency program, so....

Doesn't sound too scary, does it?

Nope, and it will win a lot of support if Harper ever gets around to talking about it. I agree, he'd be doing a lot better if he started doing that.

But as usual, this document is significant for what it doesn't tell you, as much as for what it does tell you. For example, how the CPC plans to cut taxes and beef up the military at the same time, while balancing the budget. Something has to give, and they aren't telling us what it is.

[skippy the wonder dog]

Holy shit, what a long post. And no, j-monster, I'm not going to argue the points with you, so everyone can relax and step away from the "ignore" button.

[j-monster]

Holy shit, what a long post. And no, j-monster, I'm not going to argue the points with you, so everyone can relax and step away from the "ignore" button.

So you make a long post disputing my points, and then you say you don't want to argue anymore? I can think of two reasons you'd do this:

1. You want to execute a "hit-and-run" style attack on my views.
2. You know we have very fundamental disagreements on politics, and in the interest of civility you don't wish to engage in a debate which may turn ugly.

In the interests of civility and fairness to you, and because I think I'm starting to get a read on your style, I believe the second reason applies to you.

Besides, there is no point in me arguing with you on this given your clear support of the NDP. It is the indifferent and apathetic, the undecideds and the Liberal apologists I need to convince. I know I will respectfully voice my opinions to those people when and where appropriate. Will my party of choice do the same?

Finally, for what it's worth, I see where another blogger has compiled a Canadian blog ranking, and you have cracked the top 40. Your blog is fairly new if I remember correctly, so you should be congratulated for gaining such a following and reputation in such short order.

Even though you are a raving moonbat lefty... HA! Just kidding, skip! :thumb:

[skippy the wonder dog]

Thanks, j-monster. When the revolution comes and we put all the capitalist pigs up against the wall, I'll put in a good word for you. Maybe I can get them to use soft bullets.

Sole point is, there are plenty reasons for people not to like that platform, if they're so inclined. But nothing can say these things are right or wrong. You get the results people vote for.

And on review, there's only a few points in that list that I actually disagree with (CPC position on child care being one) ... my concern is more with what gets undone to implement it.