Canadian Election Tread (part deux)

[Ben Kenobi]

It works for the NDP because there's already a strong centre-left party to keep an eye on things while they push for more radical social change.

The right would simply be ignored if it tried to move itself to that model...

There are parties to the right of the Conservative party that could continue to play that role.

I see no reason why the system of Centre Left, Centre Right can't work on both sides of the spectrum.

[Ben Kenobi]

When will the former supporters of Reform/CA learn that?

Their duty is not to the party, but to their constituency.

If their constituency clamours to revise the laws, then their representative ought to serve them in this capacity.

I see no reason why this woman should apologise for serving her constituents over her loyalty to the party. Unlike the NDP and Liberals, people can disagree with abortion, and still remain a member of the Conservative party.

[notyoueither]

Originally posted by KrazyHorse


Yup. So somebody might want to tell the Conservatives that they should be more careful in who they give their seal of approval to...

It's a democracy. Isn't it wonderful?

[KrazyHorse]

You've obviously missed the point of this discussion. NYE was pointing out that the Conservatives are talking themselves into a corner where they will be the NDP of the right.

So if the Conservatives want to attack the centre they really need to understand the value of expressing the values of the centre instead of frightening the centre off with inflammatory talk...

[KrazyHorse]

Originally posted by notyoueither


It's a democracy. Isn't it wonderful?

It sure is. But the Conservatives really need to learn how to play the game...

[notyoueither]

Originally posted by Ben Kenobi
Their duty is not to the party, but to their constituency.

If their constituency clamours to revise the laws, then their representative ought to serve them in this capacity.

I see no reason why this woman should apologise for serving her constituents over her loyalty to the party. Unlike the NDP and Liberals, people can disagree with abortion, and still remain a member of the Conservative party.

Oh really? I dare say that any pol from around Ottawa who had to live or die on what that twit just said would most likely die. However, she is riding on the coat tails of a party, so she might well get elected again even though her views are more likely to belong in a museum rather than a government.

We don't have reponsible MPs yet. We have to get into to power to help move things that way. Duh!

[Ben Kenobi]

they will be the NDP of the right.

Hardly. They are Centre-Right. The NDP of the right is the Christian Heritage Party.

[notyoueither]

Originally posted by KrazyHorse


It sure is. But the Conservatives really need to learn how to play the game...

As evidenced by Ben, some think we can be democratic and have a hope of changing the rules of the game.

Hense, Reform.

[KrazyHorse]

Reread NYE's comment and my own and then you will hopefully understand.

Oh, and the Christian Heritage party being the NDP of the right is a real joke given their poll numbers. The NDP is a solid 3rd party. Those jokers are fringe all the way.

[notyoueither]

Originally posted by Ben Kenobi


Hardly. They are Centre-Right. The NDP of the right is the Christian Heritage Party.

[notyoueither]

Originally posted by KrazyHorse
Reread NYE's comment and my own and then you will hopefully understand.

Oh, and the Christian Heritage party being the NDP of the right is a real joke given their poll numbers. The NDP is a solid 3rd party. Those jokers are fringe all the way.

Actually, you might be surprised but what might happen if proportional representation ever makes it.

[KrazyHorse]

Originally posted by notyoueither


As evidenced by Ben, some think we can be democratic and have a hope of changing the rules of the game.

Hense, Reform.

In other words, a party can hope to include people in its caucus that the majority of Canadians view as extremists and still manage to form a government? That wouldn't be democracy as far as I'm concerned. There's a reason the Liberals wouldn't take on Svend Robinson as a candidate. The Conservatives have tried to include the far right in their party. Why should a centrist vote for a party like that?

[Ben Kenobi]

I dare say that any pol from around Ottawa who had to live or die on what that twit just said would most likely die.

True. Diefenbaker lamented many of his election defeats in Saskatchewan over irregular statements made by MPs back east.

However, I would still contest the statement that the Conservative Party will die for opposing Svend's Bill, even in Ottawa. This is why Harper has not kicked that candidate out of the party. It's a reasonable position to take.

[Ben Kenobi]

The Conservatives have tried to include the far right in their party. Why should a centrist vote for a party like that?

The Liberals have done the same with NDP candidates.

Why should a centrist vote for them?

[KrazyHorse]

It won't die in the West. It sure as hell is going to pay a price in Ontario though.