For years now I have been urging Prime Minister Stephen Harper to sound less like a Red Tory and more like a true conservative.
Whenever I do this, partisan Tories inevitably barrage me with personal slurs and criticisms.
Typical reaction: “Gerry you knucklehead. No one likes your ridiculous radical, right-wing, redneck opinions. You’re too stupid to realize that Harper has to shed his former principles and adopt the guise of a moderate, otherwise we will lose power.”
OK fine.
So you would think these same partisans would have been horrified to hear that famous “behind closed doors speech” where the Prime Minister sounded an awful lot like his old National Citizens Coalition persona blasting as he did “left wing fringe groups”, “socialists” and “separatists.”
Yet such was not the case.
In fact, they heaped praise on the Prime Minister for his right wing sounding rhetoric and even congratulated him for “tricking” the Liberals into leaking a video of the speech to the media as this ensured maximum coverage possible.
So maybe my advice wasn't so bad after all?
Anyway, I just hope the Prime Minister continues to talk like a conservative and that he starts acting more like one too.
That would help the party, the conservative movement and most importantly the country.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Jack and Stephen sitting in a tree..
So it looks like the embryonic Liberal-Socialist-Separatist Coalition is about to suffer a premature death.
That's because the "Socialist" part of the troika, the NDP, seems ready to support the Conservatives thus ensuring the government survives.
This is quite surprising.
Who would have ever thought NDP leader Jack "Remember Me?" Layton and his gang of progressive, "we would rather bike than drive", oh so politically correct, defenders of the proletariat MPs would prop up the left-wing fringe hating, hidden agenda harbouring, Bush-war-supporting, tar -sands-loving, Stephen Harper.
What a world!
I suppose we can next expect to see Hugo Chavez join the "Sarah Palin for President" Facebook page or perhaps Michael Moore's next documentary will be a homage to Ronald Reagan.
Ideology sure aint what it used to be.
That's because the "Socialist" part of the troika, the NDP, seems ready to support the Conservatives thus ensuring the government survives.
This is quite surprising.
Who would have ever thought NDP leader Jack "Remember Me?" Layton and his gang of progressive, "we would rather bike than drive", oh so politically correct, defenders of the proletariat MPs would prop up the left-wing fringe hating, hidden agenda harbouring, Bush-war-supporting, tar -sands-loving, Stephen Harper.
What a world!
I suppose we can next expect to see Hugo Chavez join the "Sarah Palin for President" Facebook page or perhaps Michael Moore's next documentary will be a homage to Ronald Reagan.
Ideology sure aint what it used to be.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Pork Power
Parliament is back in session today, meaning our hard-working politicians are once again performing the important parliamentary task of hurling insults at each other during Question Period.
But this session will be unlike any other.
Why?
Because I have it on good authority that a new Parliamentary Coalition of 74 MPs is about to be formed, called the “Parliamentary Coalition of 74 MPs.”
This new coalition will be an alliance of MPs representing all ideological stripes, political persuasions, religious beliefs and hair colors.
In fact, the only thing these politicians will have in common is the shared desire to leap into the MP pension trough.
You see there are 74 MPs who have not yet qualified for the “gold-plated” parliamentary pension plan, a pension plan which could only exist in the fantasy world, otherwise known as government.
In the real world, your typical citizen must work 40 or 50 years to qualify for a pension so small it will barely pay for shuffle board lessons.
MPs, on the other hand, qualify for a pension after only six years of “work”. And what’s more, retired MPs can start collecting wheelbarrows full of pension money the day they hit age 55.
It’s a sweet deal.
Unfortunately, however, 74 MPs currently in the House of Commons have not yet served the full six years, meaning if an election is held this fall, and they lose, that’s it, no pension!
They will have to make due with a paltry severance package worth about $35,000.
Faced with this stark reality the “Parliamentary Coalition of 74 MPs” will band together to thwart any attempt to dissolve the House.
“Hey, hey, ho, ho, we won’t go til we get our dough” will likely be the Coalition’s slogan.
But this session will be unlike any other.
Why?
Because I have it on good authority that a new Parliamentary Coalition of 74 MPs is about to be formed, called the “Parliamentary Coalition of 74 MPs.”
This new coalition will be an alliance of MPs representing all ideological stripes, political persuasions, religious beliefs and hair colors.
In fact, the only thing these politicians will have in common is the shared desire to leap into the MP pension trough.
You see there are 74 MPs who have not yet qualified for the “gold-plated” parliamentary pension plan, a pension plan which could only exist in the fantasy world, otherwise known as government.
In the real world, your typical citizen must work 40 or 50 years to qualify for a pension so small it will barely pay for shuffle board lessons.
MPs, on the other hand, qualify for a pension after only six years of “work”. And what’s more, retired MPs can start collecting wheelbarrows full of pension money the day they hit age 55.
It’s a sweet deal.
Unfortunately, however, 74 MPs currently in the House of Commons have not yet served the full six years, meaning if an election is held this fall, and they lose, that’s it, no pension!
They will have to make due with a paltry severance package worth about $35,000.
Faced with this stark reality the “Parliamentary Coalition of 74 MPs” will band together to thwart any attempt to dissolve the House.
“Hey, hey, ho, ho, we won’t go til we get our dough” will likely be the Coalition’s slogan.
Who knows we may never have an election again.
For more on the MP pension payouts check out this Canadian Taxpayers Federation report.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
What's a majority?
According to news reports this is the anniversary of a former prime minister named Brian Mulroney winning something called a "majority government".
What exactly is this strange term "majority government?"
No one really knows for sure as the mysterious phrase's meaning has been lost in the mists of time.
But political historians point to existing archaeological evidence which suggests that at one time these "majority governments" were actually quite common, though certainly one no alive can remember seeing one in action.
Radical theories have emerged of late suggesting the words refer to a government which won a majority of seats in the House of Commons, which meant it could enjoy a lifespan of longer than three months.
Most experts, however, argue it's positively preposterous to suggest any government could possibly survive for such an incredibly long period of time.
A more likely explanation, they say, is that the word "majority" is simply a linguistic corruption of the word "margarita" a cocktail many politicians probably imbibed after an electoral victory.
Anyway, that's enough history.
After all, we have an election this week, which promises to be even more exciting than the one we had last week.
What exactly is this strange term "majority government?"
No one really knows for sure as the mysterious phrase's meaning has been lost in the mists of time.
But political historians point to existing archaeological evidence which suggests that at one time these "majority governments" were actually quite common, though certainly one no alive can remember seeing one in action.
Radical theories have emerged of late suggesting the words refer to a government which won a majority of seats in the House of Commons, which meant it could enjoy a lifespan of longer than three months.
Most experts, however, argue it's positively preposterous to suggest any government could possibly survive for such an incredibly long period of time.
A more likely explanation, they say, is that the word "majority" is simply a linguistic corruption of the word "margarita" a cocktail many politicians probably imbibed after an electoral victory.
Anyway, that's enough history.
After all, we have an election this week, which promises to be even more exciting than the one we had last week.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Media Alert
I am scheduled to be on the Roy Green Show today at 4:00 PM EST to discuss election politics.
King "Deficit" Kong
Remember how we all cringed back in December when the Stephane Dion-led Socialist-Separatist Coalition talked about racking up an insane $30 billion deficit?
Fortunately, of course, the Conservatives managed to maintain their grip on power, meaning the deficit ended up being a more manageable $20 billion ... oops no it was actually $30 billion ... sorry make that $50 billion ....wait, the figure is really $56 billion ...at last count.
And here's more good news.
Canada's Finance Minister, Jim "The Drunken Sailor" Flaherty, has promised to balance the budget "roughly around the time Mankind starts to colonize Mars."
How will the budget get balanced?
Well, both the Liberals and Conservatives agree the deficit will just "magically disappear somehow."
Me I don't believe it.
I think the deficit will keep getting bigger and bigger and stronger and stronger, until one day it will break free of its chains and escape.
Then, after a murderous rampage through city streets, the deficit will climb atop the CN Tower, where it will be shot down by fighter planes.
Hey, if politicians can fantasize about how they will kill the deficit, why can't I?
Fortunately, of course, the Conservatives managed to maintain their grip on power, meaning the deficit ended up being a more manageable $20 billion ... oops no it was actually $30 billion ... sorry make that $50 billion ....wait, the figure is really $56 billion ...at last count.
And here's more good news.
Canada's Finance Minister, Jim "The Drunken Sailor" Flaherty, has promised to balance the budget "roughly around the time Mankind starts to colonize Mars."
How will the budget get balanced?
Well, both the Liberals and Conservatives agree the deficit will just "magically disappear somehow."
Me I don't believe it.
I think the deficit will keep getting bigger and bigger and stronger and stronger, until one day it will break free of its chains and escape.
Then, after a murderous rampage through city streets, the deficit will climb atop the CN Tower, where it will be shot down by fighter planes.
Hey, if politicians can fantasize about how they will kill the deficit, why can't I?
Friday, September 11, 2009
Media Alert II
I am scheduled to be on CBC Newsworld this afternoon at approximately 5:30 PM EST to talk about my c2c Journal column.
Update: make that 5:15 PM EST.
Update: make that 5:15 PM EST.
Media Alert
I am scheduled to appear on the Afternoon News with Tom Young, at approximately 11:10 AM EST to talk about my c2c Journal article.
Setting things right
Yesterday's news about the ever-increasing Conservative deficits makes a piece I wrote for the c2c Journal pretty timely.
It's about how those of us who call ourselves conservatives can set things right.
It's about how those of us who call ourselves conservatives can set things right.
A horrible day
It's hard to believe anyone would ever want to deliberately kill thousands of regular people, leading regular lives.
Yet that's what happened eight years ago today -- 9/11.
I wish I could block the memory of that day from my memory, yet the horrific images still haunt me.
And perhaps that's how it should be.
We should always remember that there are evil forces in the world who would do us harm.
Anyway, I just hope President Barack Obama doesn't mark 9/11 by issuing an apology to Osama Bin Laden
Yet that's what happened eight years ago today -- 9/11.
I wish I could block the memory of that day from my memory, yet the horrific images still haunt me.
And perhaps that's how it should be.
We should always remember that there are evil forces in the world who would do us harm.
Anyway, I just hope President Barack Obama doesn't mark 9/11 by issuing an apology to Osama Bin Laden
Thursday, September 10, 2009
What the secret speech really is about
The media has pounced on Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s “secret” speech declaring it evidence that the Tories have some sort of “hidden agenda.”
But, as usual, they got it wrong.
That speech had one purpose and only one purpose: to mobilize conservatives unhappy with the government’s left-wing tilt.
What he is saying in that speech is this: "You may not like some of the stuff I have been doing lately but the only alternative to me is the scary and dangerous “Socialist- Separatist- Coalition” party.
Strategically it's a good idea because no two words will push a conservative’s hot buttons like “socialist” and “separatist.” Put them together and you have dynamite.
The drawback of this scheme, of course, is that by embracing such ideologically-tinted language, the Prime Minister is undermining his “Don't be afraid I’m really a Liberal” strategy of the past five years.
Hence the need to deliver this message in secret.
Of course, in this day and age where everybody has a camera in their hip pocket, there is no such thing as a secret speech.
That’s why rather than delivering the “Socialist-Separatists are threatening Armageddon” message himself, he should rely on friendly Third Parties to do to the deed.
This is the kind of thing the National Citizens Coalition used to do so well.
The only other alternative is for Harper to speak like a conservative in public as well as private.
But, as usual, they got it wrong.
That speech had one purpose and only one purpose: to mobilize conservatives unhappy with the government’s left-wing tilt.
What he is saying in that speech is this: "You may not like some of the stuff I have been doing lately but the only alternative to me is the scary and dangerous “Socialist- Separatist- Coalition” party.
Strategically it's a good idea because no two words will push a conservative’s hot buttons like “socialist” and “separatist.” Put them together and you have dynamite.
The drawback of this scheme, of course, is that by embracing such ideologically-tinted language, the Prime Minister is undermining his “Don't be afraid I’m really a Liberal” strategy of the past five years.
Hence the need to deliver this message in secret.
Of course, in this day and age where everybody has a camera in their hip pocket, there is no such thing as a secret speech.
That’s why rather than delivering the “Socialist-Separatists are threatening Armageddon” message himself, he should rely on friendly Third Parties to do to the deed.
This is the kind of thing the National Citizens Coalition used to do so well.
The only other alternative is for Harper to speak like a conservative in public as well as private.
Liberal slogan gets it right
Check out my latest Sun Media column. I examine what is surely Prime Minister Stephen Harper's greatest asset: Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff.
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
Tim Horton's vs Starbucks
Jeff Jedras aka "A BCer in Toronto" makes a good point about the Conservative Party's communication strategy with its emphasis on populist class warfare.
Writes Jedras: "The Conservatives seem to be against internationalism, against success, against education."
I think he's right, that does seem to be the Tory message: pander to Tim Horton's drinkers; alienate Starbucks patrons.
Simply put, that's a poor strategy.
Now don't get me wrong, I have nothing against "wedge style" politics, but I believe it should be done on an ideological not class basis.
For conservatives that means polarizing voters on issues like tax cuts, smaller government and individual freedom. And yes, some Starbucks drinkers could be won over with such an approach.
Instead the Tories are focused on a populist style approach, reminiscent of what the NDP does with its own version of class war rhetoric.
And populism is not conservatism. See a column I wrote on this topic not too long ago.
Writes Jedras: "The Conservatives seem to be against internationalism, against success, against education."
I think he's right, that does seem to be the Tory message: pander to Tim Horton's drinkers; alienate Starbucks patrons.
Simply put, that's a poor strategy.
Now don't get me wrong, I have nothing against "wedge style" politics, but I believe it should be done on an ideological not class basis.
For conservatives that means polarizing voters on issues like tax cuts, smaller government and individual freedom. And yes, some Starbucks drinkers could be won over with such an approach.
Instead the Tories are focused on a populist style approach, reminiscent of what the NDP does with its own version of class war rhetoric.
And populism is not conservatism. See a column I wrote on this topic not too long ago.
Sunday, September 06, 2009
Liberals go bland
Wow, just checked out the new Liberal TV ads which will air this week.
What can I say except: Yuck!
Did Warren - "I am an Ass Kicking, Prince of Darkness"- Kinsella really give these bland, boring videos the OK?
If he did, he must be slipping.
These ads are what you would expect the candidate running for high school president to produce, not a guy looking to knock off the Prime Minister.
What's wrong with them?
Well strategically speaking they make no sense. These kind of positive, hokey ads only work if your guy is way out in front. If that's the case then you can afford to take the high road and make cutesy ads, with smiling candidates emitting vague platitudes in a bucolic setting.
These sort of ads also work if your candidate has slightly more charisma than a wet sponge -- which Ignatieff does not.
The fact is, according to the polls, Ignatieff faces a tough uphill fight. Canadians just aren't warming up to the guy.
Now that wouldn't matter if the Liberals could offer voters an exciting policy agenda. But let's face it, when it comes to policy the Liberals have nothing to offer Canadians that's any different from what the Tories are doing.
Basically both parties stand for bigger government and more spending.
Under such circumstances, the Liberals only have one choice when it comes to ads:go negative.
To be blunt, it's much easier for the Liberals to make voters dislike Harper than it is for them to make voters like Ignatieff.
This is not rocket science.
What can I say except: Yuck!
Did Warren - "I am an Ass Kicking, Prince of Darkness"- Kinsella really give these bland, boring videos the OK?
If he did, he must be slipping.
These ads are what you would expect the candidate running for high school president to produce, not a guy looking to knock off the Prime Minister.
What's wrong with them?
Well strategically speaking they make no sense. These kind of positive, hokey ads only work if your guy is way out in front. If that's the case then you can afford to take the high road and make cutesy ads, with smiling candidates emitting vague platitudes in a bucolic setting.
These sort of ads also work if your candidate has slightly more charisma than a wet sponge -- which Ignatieff does not.
The fact is, according to the polls, Ignatieff faces a tough uphill fight. Canadians just aren't warming up to the guy.
Now that wouldn't matter if the Liberals could offer voters an exciting policy agenda. But let's face it, when it comes to policy the Liberals have nothing to offer Canadians that's any different from what the Tories are doing.
Basically both parties stand for bigger government and more spending.
Under such circumstances, the Liberals only have one choice when it comes to ads:go negative.
To be blunt, it's much easier for the Liberals to make voters dislike Harper than it is for them to make voters like Ignatieff.
This is not rocket science.
Friday, September 04, 2009
Why Ignatieff should pull the plug
Pundits are saying Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff would be making a big mistake if he forced an election this fall.
I disagree.
In fact, here are five reasons Michael Ignatieff should pull the plug:
* If Canada has 10 elections before 2010, the next one is free.
* Running in the fall will provide the Liberal leader with great anecdotes for his lectures when he returns to University teaching in the winter.
* Improving economy means all the Liberal MPs sure to be defeated will have an easier time finding a job.
* May distract Warren Kinsella enough to keep him suing anybody.
* A federal election in November will help prepare Canadians for the next federal election in December.
I disagree.
In fact, here are five reasons Michael Ignatieff should pull the plug:
* If Canada has 10 elections before 2010, the next one is free.
* Running in the fall will provide the Liberal leader with great anecdotes for his lectures when he returns to University teaching in the winter.
* Improving economy means all the Liberal MPs sure to be defeated will have an easier time finding a job.
* May distract Warren Kinsella enough to keep him suing anybody.
* A federal election in November will help prepare Canadians for the next federal election in December.
Thursday, September 03, 2009
Adamson goes to Whole Foods
Rondi Adamson has an interesting column in today's National Post which looks at capitalism, Whole Foods and the mystery that is ideology.
Media Alert
I will be a guest on the Michael Coren Show tonight on CTS.
Topic: A bunch of stuff, mainly associated with federal politics.
Topic: A bunch of stuff, mainly associated with federal politics.
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
Media Alert
My interview on the Gary Doyle Show scheduled for yesterday got bumped to today at 1:30 PM.
Also, even though I was on the road all day yesterday I managed to squeeze in two interviews, one on the Charles Adler Show and one on The Afternoon News with Tom Young.
The topic: What are the Liberals thinking?, which just happened to be the topic of my Sun Media column yesterday.
Also, even though I was on the road all day yesterday I managed to squeeze in two interviews, one on the Charles Adler Show and one on The Afternoon News with Tom Young.
The topic: What are the Liberals thinking?, which just happened to be the topic of my Sun Media column yesterday.
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
Media Alert
I am scheduled to be a guest on the Gary Doyle Show (570 News Kitchener) this afternoon at 1:30 PM EST to talk about Senate reform.
Our never-ending election saga
Here's my latest Sun Media column, I examine the Liberal Party and its desire to lose an election.
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