Author
|
Topic: Maria Minna has failed Beaches-East York's progressive voters
|
Robo
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 4168
|
posted 18 June 2008 07:36 PM
We were invited by Robert MacBain in a thread that is now closed to comment on Maria Minna's policies and positions, rather than use personal attacks. Okey-dokey.Ending Kyoto: Maria Minna abstained on the Oct 24/07 vote on the Throne Speech allowing the Harper government to end Canada's involvement in the Kyoto Accord. Helping the Manufacturing Sector: On Nov 14/07, Maria Minna abstained on a vote that would have provided assistance to Canada's manufacturing and forestry sectors, allowing the Harper government to continue to ignore the job losses there. Infringing Personal Security: Maria Minna abstained on a Feb 6/08 vote that allowed the Harper government to reinstate so-called "security certificates" widely opposed by human rights advocates. Afghanistan: Maria Minna voted with Harper's government on Mar 13/08 to extend Canada's military role in Afghanistan to 2011. Liberal Backbencher's Own Bill: A Liberal backbencher had crowed about his bill being passed to allow parents a $5000 tax deduction for parents saving for their children's education. On Mar 13/08, Maria Minna abstained when the Harper government introduced legislation to repeal the backbencher's bill, killing the short-lived accomplishment of her caucus-mate. Maria Minna talks about being a "progressive" voice in the Liberal caucus at election time. In the House of Commons, she has failed to stand up to vote against the Harper agenda time after time. Marilyn Churley would have stood up aginst every one of those votes, as every New Democrat present did. Instead, Maria Minna is content to let the Harper government continue to implement its agenda. Actual progressives in Beaches-Each York deserve better than Maria Minna. To quote Robert MacBain in that other thread: "End of story". [ 19 June 2008: Message edited by: Robo ] [ 04 October 2008: Message edited by: Robo ]
From: East York | Registered: Jun 2003
| IP: Logged
|
|
|
Briguy
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 1885
|
posted 19 June 2008 03:51 AM
Who elected him leader?Besides, MPs aren't sheep. They can ignore their leader when his strategy is one of self-defeat. Or worse, one that denies a huge chunk of voters their 'voice' (as unwise as those voters are, voting for a Liberal as a supposed 'progressive') in parliament. I've got to get into the business of making yellow ties. There's a fortune to be made. [ 19 June 2008: Message edited by: Briguy ]
From: No one is arguing that we should run the space program based on Physics 101. | Registered: Nov 2001
| IP: Logged
|
|
|
|
|
farnival
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 6452
|
posted 19 June 2008 06:35 AM
canvassing for Marilyn a few months ago, i used the line at the door that she wanted to provide better representation than the current Liberal MP, as every time they are asked to stand up and vote, they sit down. it got alot of chuckles and nods.i would also point out that MP Minna didn't once in three years stand up for her constituents and oppose the Portland Energy Centre or come to a single public meeting on the issue, whose pollution track will directly affect the air quality in her riding. did i mention that the provincial Liberals exempted it from a full Environmental Assessment? yup. i think the question that should be asked is...."Maria who?" [ 19 June 2008: Message edited by: farnival ]
From: where private gain trumps public interest, and apparently that's just dandy. | Registered: Jul 2004
| IP: Logged
|
|
|
|
JimmyRiddle
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 13084
|
posted 19 June 2008 10:04 AM
Minna in her own words:"It is clear that Harper wants to change our culture to a more far-right Republican state. The changes he has already made to our social programs and institutions are a major step in that wrong-headed direction. As your Member of Parliament, I will do everything in my power to stop this man from destroying our country." – Maria Minna letter to constituents, “My View”, April 1, 2007. Thanks for coming out Maria.
From: Soap box | Registered: Aug 2006
| IP: Logged
|
|
Erstwhile
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 4845
|
posted 19 June 2008 11:18 AM
"It is clear that Harper wants to change our culture to a more far-right Republican state, when we Liberals know that we have taken the state just far-right enough. Although he continues the good work that my old bosses Chretien and Martin did in attempting to render the Canadian state impotent, well, gosh, going any further down the path we set this country on is just wrong-headed, darn it all.As your Member of Parliament, I will do everything that the Liberal Party apparatus lets me do to stop this man from destroying our country, other than actually taking steps to stop this man from destroying our country. Also, vote Liberal. We own your votes, remember? Love, Maria."
From: Deepest Darkest Saskabush | Registered: Jan 2004
| IP: Logged
|
|
Sean in Ottawa
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 4173
|
posted 19 June 2008 08:07 PM
I don't like this thread as it is clearly an attempt to annoy and bait a fellow babbler by going after his spouse. This is not debate and its disgusting.This thread mostly tries to tag her with the blame for the strategy of her entire party and its leader. What has she done that is any worse than the rest of her caucus? Do we have a thread for every Liberal? No, just the one whose spouse happens to be here. Would we accept going after a female babbler about her husband? I don't even want to consider the implications of this. I am not a Liberal. I am not a supporter of hers but this is a tasteless crappy thread that ought to be shut down since it was not created in the spirit of debate at all. I thought that this sort of thing was called trolling.
From: Ottawa | Registered: Jun 2003
| IP: Logged
|
|
Malcolm
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 5168
|
posted 19 June 2008 08:34 PM
Oh boo-hoo.Maria Minna is a public figure - a Member of the Canadian Parliament no less. If she doesn't want to be held accountable, let her resign. After all, it's not like she's doing anything to earn her paycheque anyway.
From: Regina, SK | Registered: Mar 2004
| IP: Logged
|
|
|
Michelle
Moderator
Babbler # 560
|
posted 20 June 2008 03:52 AM
quote: Originally posted by Sean in Ottawa: I don't like this thread as it is clearly an attempt to annoy and bait a fellow babbler by going after his spouse. This is not debate and its disgusting.
Robert MacBain INVITED babblers to comment on Minna's policies and positions in another thread. In this thread, they are doing so. This is fair comment.
From: I've got a fever, and the only prescription is more cowbell. | Registered: May 2001
| IP: Logged
|
|
madmax
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 15139
|
posted 20 June 2008 04:01 AM
I was going to agree with Sean in Ottawa, until it became apparent that the babbler he defends used babble to have a discussion about his wife.There is nothing harmful in this thread. And yes there is nothing specific that Maria Minna is doing that the entire Liberal party isn't engaged in. She either agrees with the Liberal strategy or she doesn't. If she disagrees with her party and she cannot stand up for herself or for her constituents, how can she stand up against Harper and the CPC? I would have to say, that if a spouse started a political thread here about their significant other all threads about such a person are fair game. On a side note, has any Liberal MP had the courage to speak out?
From: Ontario | Registered: Apr 2008
| IP: Logged
|
|
|
Robert MacBain
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 10579
|
posted 20 June 2008 05:20 AM
Michelle mistakenly says: “Robert MacBain INVITED babblers to comment on Minna's policies and positions in another thread.”My exact words on that other thread were: “Almost six years after her [Maria Minna’s] name was cleared [of false charges about having voted illegally in a municipal by-election], posters like Malcolm French and Robo libel her at will secure in the belief that they will not have to defend themselves in a court of law. “Argue against her policies or the positions that she takes if you want. But, why persist with the false personal attacks?” That was most definitely NOT an invitation to start a thread on Maria Minna's policies or positions. It was a request to Malcolm French and Robo to stop libeling her at will. Madmax mistakenly says: “I would have to say, that if a spouse started a political thread here about their significant other all threads about such a person are fair game.” Again, I did most definitely did NOT start a thread on Maria Minna. What I did do, on June 4, 2008, was point out that the reason she did not vote on an NDP motion on Bill C-50 was because she was in Toronto receiving an award. That eight-line posting on my part opened the door for Malcolm French and Robo to bring up the false allegations that she voted illegally in a municipal by-election in 2000. Despite evidence that I posted showing that she did nothing wrong, Malcolm French and Robo persisted in their false claim that she voted illegally. Malcolm French described Maria Minna as an “inept and useless” Toronto MP. To which I responded by saying: “Argue against her policies or the positions that she takes if you want. But, why persist with the false personal attacks?” If supporters of NDP candidate Marilyn Churley want to start a thread saying: “Maria Minna has failed Beaches-East York’s progressive voters”, that is their prerogative. However, drop the crap about my having invited you to do so.
From: Toronto | Registered: Oct 2005
| IP: Logged
|
|
|
|
Robert MacBain
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 10579
|
posted 20 June 2008 06:35 AM
Krago says: “Actually, you didn't post any evidence showing that she did nothing wrong. Could you please post a copy of the Ethics Commissioner's report on this matter, or at least a link to it on-line?” I stated on babble on June 15, 2008: “The Office of the Ethics Counsellor conducted an extensive review of the law and interviewed representatives of the body responsible for preparing the voters list and other officials involved in the election process. “The Office of the Ethics Counsellor concluded that ‘Maria Minna was entitled and eligible to vote in the City of Toronto Ward 31 by-election of December, 2001. “’Since she only voted once in the municipality, the provisions of the Municipal Elections Act of Ontario were respected.’ “That’s not my opinion. That’s the opinion of the federal Office of the Ethics Counsellor. “It was upon that opinion and interviews with representatives of the Office of the Ethics Counsellor that reporters wrote stories which prompted such headlines as: “National Post – ‘Liberal MP cleared in municipal vote controversy.’ “Toronto Star – ‘Ethics watchdog exonerates Minna of voting illegally.’ “Globe and Mail – ‘Liberal MP’s vote proper, official rules.’ “That opinion was supported by the lawyers upon whom Maria Minna spent more than $20,000 in the process of clearing her good name.”
From: Toronto | Registered: Oct 2005
| IP: Logged
|
|
|
|
|
|
madmax
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 15139
|
posted 20 June 2008 07:40 AM
Maybe the thread should be cut. I see lots of spinning going on.It appears that there are TWO campaigns going on here. I don't believe it elevates either. As for attendance at a vote. One has to decide whether receiving/giving an award is more "important" then participating in an "important" vote. She made the choice, similar to many Liberals, that Parliment is not the place to be on "important" matters.
From: Ontario | Registered: Apr 2008
| IP: Logged
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
farnival
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 6452
|
posted 20 June 2008 08:34 AM
quote: Originally posted by Robert MacBain: Catchfire, the fact that Robo lists his address as East York and Farnival is one of Marilyn Churley's canvassers is no accident.This thread is an inappropriate extension of the Marilyn Churley election campaign.
well robert, i would disagree with that. I think MP Minna has failed BEY's voters, that's why i posted here and why i went to canvass for Churley. It definately was no accident. and the response i got to my "she sits down every time she's asked to stand up and vote for something" or variations on that them, drew almost a unanimous agreement and lots of dissapointed head shaking. i'm not saying they were supportive of marilyn per se, but they weren't too impressed with their "sitting" MP. Maria's people harrassed us openly at Stan Wadlow park last year on Canada day and i had no less than 3 young folks volunteering at her table come up to me and tell me i couldn't "sell" canada flags and blow bubbles for kids. when i went over to the older person who sent the kids and informed them that i was representing Layton, who was invited to the park, a federal MP, and was giving away the flags, his response was "oh". Maria didn't once come to any meetings about the Portlands Energy Centre, which is now up and running thanks to serious monkeying with the the environmentlal legislation by the provincial Liberals, and whose known inevitable pollution will directly affect BEY constituants, and was opposed by those same folks en masse, who did come to the meetings. It was Churley who started the group that shut down the Ashbridges incinerator, the garbage incinerator, and campaigned tirelessly against the PEC, along with BEY MPP Michael Prue, Councillors Davis, Bussin, and Fletcher, as well as now MPP Tabuns, and MP Layton too. it was Çhurley, Layton and Fletcher who got the Gardiner torn down and the Canada Metal land remediated to allow the extension of the Martin Goodman Trail out to the Beaches. that is why i volunteer for all of them. If MP Minna was as active as they are for the health of the community, i'd volunteer for her too. so exactly what is it that MP Minna is noted for accomplishing, if you think this is just an attempt to bash her? list some of them, please. I for one am interested, cuz i ain't seen nothin' yet. [ 20 June 2008: Message edited by: farnival ]
From: where private gain trumps public interest, and apparently that's just dandy. | Registered: Jul 2004
| IP: Logged
|
|
|
|
Robert MacBain
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 10579
|
posted 20 June 2008 08:55 AM
OK, It’s Me D, how about if I just start a thread on Marilyn Churley having made the right decision when she announced that she was retiring last year after 20 years in politics?Supporters of Tony Ianno could start a thread questioning the level of support Olivia Chow’s constituency office gives to the people of Trinity-Spadina. And Gerard Kennedy’s supporters could start a thread on what a great candidate Peggy Nash would be as leader of the ONDP. Threads like that, and the one that we are on, do not belong on babble.
From: Toronto | Registered: Oct 2005
| IP: Logged
|
|
|
Robert MacBain
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 10579
|
posted 20 June 2008 09:07 AM
A political discussion is one thing, Michelle.Having Marilyn Churley's supporters use babble to undermine support for Maria Minna is something else again. This is a Beaches-East York issue that should be confined to the usual political brochures, flyers and websites. No one candidate should have a thread on babble with the specific purpose of taking political shots at an incumbent.
From: Toronto | Registered: Oct 2005
| IP: Logged
|
|
Briguy
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 1885
|
posted 20 June 2008 09:30 AM
quote: Originally posted by Robert MacBain: OK, It’s Me D, how about if I just start a thread on Marilyn Churley having made the right decision when she announced that she was retiring last year after 20 years in politics?Supporters of Tony Ianno could start a thread questioning the level of support Olivia Chow’s constituency office gives to the people of Trinity-Spadina. And Gerard Kennedy’s supporters could start a thread on what a great candidate Peggy Nash would be as leader of the ONDP. Threads like that, and the one that we are on, do not belong on babble.
I would welcome any of those threads, and they certainly are legitimate topics of discussion. I think I'll start a couple right now, for my local MPs. Fun!
From: No one is arguing that we should run the space program based on Physics 101. | Registered: Nov 2001
| IP: Logged
|
|
farnival
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 6452
|
posted 20 June 2008 09:33 AM
quote: Originally posted by Robert MacBain: A political discussion is one thing, Michelle.Having Marilyn Churley's supporters use babble to undermine support for Maria Minna is something else again. This is a Beaches-East York issue that should be confined to the usual political brochures, flyers and websites. No one candidate should have a thread on babble with the specific purpose of taking political shots at an incumbent.
robert, MP Minna is quite capable of undermining support for herself quite nicely by being a do-nothing MP. babble is a place where there are political discussion forums, precisely to discuss the conduct of elected persons or those running to be elected. It is exacly one of "the usual...websites". and Marilyn didn't "retire" after 20 years. she stepped down to run against MP Minna precisely because of the poor representation lots of people feel MP Minna is responsible for. that is exactly what the political processes purpose is. sounds to me like you aren't comfortable or confident in discussing anything about MP Minna that is negative, which to me is everything. that's politics and this is a political discussion forum. wheird.
From: where private gain trumps public interest, and apparently that's just dandy. | Registered: Jul 2004
| IP: Logged
|
|
Michelle
Moderator
Babbler # 560
|
posted 20 June 2008 09:37 AM
quote: Originally posted by Robert MacBain: A political discussion is one thing, Michelle.Having Marilyn Churley's supporters use babble to undermine support for Maria Minna is something else again.
Ha. That's pretty funny. Are you even familiar wtih babble at all? We've been discussing political candidates in various ridings for, oh, seven years or so now. People from ALL campaigns are welcome on babble to engage in political discussion. And as a prime campaigner for Maria Minna who posts on babble whenever her name comes up, you should be the last person to get all in a huff over political activists talking about their campaigns on babble.
From: I've got a fever, and the only prescription is more cowbell. | Registered: May 2001
| IP: Logged
|
|
|
Sean in Ottawa
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 4173
|
posted 20 June 2008 10:08 AM
And no, the tolerance of threads here designed for the primary purpose of aggravating another Babbler is actually rare here- rarely attempted and rarely tolerated- if ever before. If you want this place to be an open forum for divergent points of view where real debate can happen this is not how to do it.In spite of all the piling on this is not to do so much with Mina but a member of our community- if you want this place to be an elitist politically correct place unwelcome to divergent opinions then you are going about it the right way by both encouraging and participating in this space being used to attack a member of the community here. this is little different than the distinction between attacking Conservatives in general of someone like Heywood Floyd personally. And there is no excuse just because he has defended his wife before- that is different than instigating a personalized attack. This type of thread contributes to this being an unfriendly place at times. Do we want the precedent where people can look at the parties we don't like and try to bring our venom as close to home as possible to them? How would people like it here if people started attacks on the NDP campaigns with the closest connections to Babble rather than keeping it a political debate-- opening threads clearly design to be a finger in the eye of another person here? Once you let this happen then how do you stop it without being partisan about it? The behavior and practice of opening a thread expressly to get back at or annoy a babbler is okay or it isn't -- it is not more okay if the target is a Liberal-- even if that is a party that disgusts many here.
From: Ottawa | Registered: Jun 2003
| IP: Logged
|
|
farnival
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 6452
|
posted 20 June 2008 10:19 AM
quote: Originally posted by Robo: We were invited by Robert MacBain in a thread that is now closed to comment on Maria Minna's policies and positions, rather than use personal attacks. Okey-dokey...
um, sean, i didn't read the other thread. i didn't need to. i saw the title, read the opening post above, and proceeded to post in what is a common type of babble discussion.
i didn't even know that MP Minna is Robert's wife until you pointed it out. i think you are more than a little off the mark here. and Robert hasn't posted a list of her achievemnents or accomplishments in the riding yet, because as far as i can tell the only thing she is really good at is getting out her supporters on election day, which is commendable, but doesn't really do much for the air quality in the area, does it?
From: where private gain trumps public interest, and apparently that's just dandy. | Registered: Jul 2004
| IP: Logged
|
|
|
|
Sean in Ottawa
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 4173
|
posted 20 June 2008 10:30 AM
quote: Originally posted by Robo: We were invited by Robert MacBain in a thread that is now closed to comment on Maria Minna's policies and positions, rather than use personal attacks. Okey-dokey.... To quote Robert MacBain in that other thread: "End of story". [ 19 June 2008: Message edited by: Robo ]
This is the start and the end of the opening post-- about Robert MacBain- that's the difference.
From: Ottawa | Registered: Jun 2003
| IP: Logged
|
|
Krago
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 3064
|
posted 20 June 2008 10:37 AM
quote: Originally posted by Robert MacBain: Krago says: “Actually, you didn't post any evidence showing that she did nothing wrong. Could you please post a copy of the Ethics Commissioner's report on this matter, or at least a link to it on-line?” I stated on babble on June 15, 2008: “The Office of the Ethics Counsellor ... etc. etc. ... in the process of clearing her good name.”
You still haven't posted any evidence. Is the report of the Ethics Counsellor a public document? Is it available on-line or in an electronic format?
From: The Royal City | Registered: Sep 2002
| IP: Logged
|
|
|
It's Me D
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 15152
|
posted 20 June 2008 10:51 AM
Since as I have said before I have no interest at all in the MP in question or the local riding-level politics being discussed my interest in this thread has been exclusively the question of what is appropriate on babble and how Michelle and the other moderators are supposed to adjudicate this. quote: This is the start and the end of the opening post-- about Robert MacBain- that's the difference.
Now that is a good point; and reading that first post again I think you are right. However as this is the reason the thread could be considered inappropriate there is no reason why Robo couldn't open a thread to discuss his displeasure with his local MP and simply not mention Robert. That would be fine yes? I think perhaps Sean is right that the moderators should shut this discussion. Robo is free to make another thread without referencing Robert. I'd suggest editing the OP, but we are too far in now for that.
From: Parrsboro, NS | Registered: Apr 2008
| IP: Logged
|
|
Robert MacBain
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 10579
|
posted 20 June 2008 11:21 AM
As much as I appreciate the supportive interventions of Sean in Ottawa, I think he missed the point completely.Robo didn’t start this thread to aggravate me. He started it in an effort to undermine the incumbent Liberal MP in his (or perhaps the immediately-adjacent) riding. And, given that I am her husband and spokesman, he offered the false claim that I had invited him to do so. I would have no problem with a news release that said: “Maria Minna has failed Beaches-East York’s progressive voters,” NDP candidate Marilyn Churley said today. That’s fair game. What I do object to is a thread on babble with the title “Maria Minna has failed Beaches-East York’s progressive voters” followed by posts by Churley supporters like Farnival who said “canvassing for Marilyn a few months ago, i used the line at the door that she wanted to provide better representation than the current Liberal MP.” Give me a break. This isn’t a “political discussion”. This is Churley’s supporters campaigning on her behalf on babble. It is flat-out electioneering and it is wrong.
From: Toronto | Registered: Oct 2005
| IP: Logged
|
|
|
farnival
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 6452
|
posted 20 June 2008 11:51 AM
quote: Originally posted by Robert MacBain:
...He started it in an effort to undermine the incumbent Liberal MP in his (or perhaps the immediately-adjacent) riding....
and your point is? if the incumbent Liberal MP had a voting record that was in any way defenseable, or matched her public quotes, then she wouldn't be able to be undermined by...the horror!...babblers!
why does being a supporter of a particular candidate disqualify me from commenting on a sitting MP that does diddly in my opinon to benefit the riding she was elected to represent? if that's the case you, as her spokesman, are disqualified too. ooooh, the power we wield! it's clearly gone to my head. i must lay down now and drink some water. you really don't seem to have the slightest grasp of what this forum is for or about.
From: where private gain trumps public interest, and apparently that's just dandy. | Registered: Jul 2004
| IP: Logged
|
|
Scott Piatkowski
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 1299
|
posted 20 June 2008 11:54 AM
quote: Originally posted by Robert MacBain: And, given that I am her husband and spokesman, he offered the false claim that I had invited him to do so.
Really? In the other thread quote: Originally posted by Robert MacBain:
Argue against her policies or the positions that she takes if you want.
That's exactly what he has done. And you invited him to do so. quote: This isn’t a “political discussion”.This is Churley’s supporters campaigning on her behalf on babble. It is flat-out electioneering and it is wrong.
Whereas, what you're doing on babble (frequently attacking Marilyn Churley, I might add) is what?
From: Kitchener-Waterloo | Registered: Sep 2001
| IP: Logged
|
|
kropotkin1951
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 2732
|
posted 20 June 2008 12:00 PM
He just wants to extend Jeff Houses call to ban all socialist posters to include all NDP posters as well. We can't have debate in a democracy the people might learn something. Attacking a sitting MP for their record this is such an outrageous act it should be banned from all public discourse. Just say no to criticism of MP's and get back to Picking Maria. The Problem with Maria [ 20 June 2008: Message edited by: kropotkin1951 ]
From: North of Manifest Destiny | Registered: Jun 2002
| IP: Logged
|
|
Robert MacBain
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 10579
|
posted 20 June 2008 12:16 PM
To Scott Piatkowski:1.) My postings about Maria Minna are ALWAYS in response to statements made about her by others on babble. I have never been the first to post anything about her. 2.) I invite you to give me two examples of me “frequently attacking Marilyn Churley”.
From: Toronto | Registered: Oct 2005
| IP: Logged
|
|
Michelle
Moderator
Babbler # 560
|
posted 20 June 2008 12:20 PM
Okay, here's the deal.People are allowed to discuss politicians and whether they're doing a good job or not. Even if one of those politicians' spouses happen to post on babble. Even if babblers are working for that person's opponent in a campaign. That's just the way it is and that's the way it has always been on babble. If this thread had been started simply to say, "Hey Robert, your wife sucks, nyah nyah," then yeah, I would have a problem with that. But this thread was started with substantive comments, and while Robert did not ask directly for a new thread to be started about his wife's performance in office, he did state in another thread that he would prefer that people discuss her performance to personally attacking her. So, Robo started a thread about her performance, acknowledging Robert's request in the opening post. This board is packed full of people who are active in probably every political party in Canada. Everyone here is constantly talking about political campaigns they're involved with, their opponents, politicians, etc. They always have. That is not going to change, so you're just going to have to live with it. If you have a problem with this, take it to rabble reactions. But it's time to stop derailing this thread with metadiscussions about whether babblers are allowed to criticize politicians or to be partisan on here. The answer is, yes, of course they are.
From: I've got a fever, and the only prescription is more cowbell. | Registered: May 2001
| IP: Logged
|
|
|
|
farnival
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 6452
|
posted 20 June 2008 06:28 PM
quote: Originally posted by Robert MacBain: The moderator has ruled in favor of singling out one Liberal MP out of about 95 to account for the strategy adopted by her Leader on a series of votes.The fact that the questions are being raised by supporters of her opponent in Beaches-East York has been ruled irrelevant. In that case, continue the "political discussion" without me.
well robert, that would be me, so far after 19 posters aside from yourself that have weighed in here, i'm the only one that has identified myself specifically as a supporter. note that singular modification. supporter. not supporters. and the questions i asked, because generally the others made quite definitive statements, were, what exactly does MP Minna list as her accomplishments in the riding? and you have, as her self identified spokesperson, not said a single word in that regard. is that because i'm right? she hasn't done anything of note, nor can she reconcile her voting record with her public statements? i'll be over here while you compile your notes.
From: where private gain trumps public interest, and apparently that's just dandy. | Registered: Jul 2004
| IP: Logged
|
|
Malcolm
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 5168
|
posted 20 June 2008 08:32 PM
quote: Originally posted by Robert MacBain: A political discussion is one thing, Michelle.Having Marilyn Churley's supporters use babble to undermine support for Maria Minna is something else again. This is a Beaches-East York issue that should be confined to the usual political brochures, flyers and websites. No one candidate should have a thread on babble with the specific purpose of taking political shots at an incumbent.
This gets more ridiculous by the post. Yes, Robert. It is a political site. And yes, Robert. Your wife is a politician. In a previous thread listing extensive horde of disgraced Liberative abstainers, Maria Minna was one of the herd. You chose to single her out to defend her. Not the whole gang of lazy Liberative abstainers. Just the one. She's a politician. She's fair game on a political site. That's how political sites work, you see. That's how free speech works, you see. One of those values that Liberatives pretend to believe in. If Maria (or Karen Redman, or Ujjal Dossanjh, or Bob Rae, or Scott Brison or anyone of the lazy abstainers) do not care to be the subject of public discussion, if they do not wish to be held accountable for their inaction by Canadian citizens, they have an option. They are free to resign. And they should have a care not to let the Commons doorknob hit them in the arse on the way out.
From: Regina, SK | Registered: Mar 2004
| IP: Logged
|
|
Robo
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 4168
|
posted 23 June 2008 04:43 PM
quote: Originally posted by Robert MacBain:
And, given that I am her husband and spokesman, ...... This isn’t a “political discussion”. This is Churley’s supporters campaigning on her behalf on babble. It is flat-out electioneering and it is wrong.
I see. So the person who self-identifies as the "spokesman" for a Liberal MP think he should be allowed to post what he sees fit to defend that MP with impunity. But supporters of Marilyn Churley (yes, I canvassed for Marilyn as a provincial member, but didn't do so in the last federal campaign since I was occupied elsewhere) that write posts here pointing out the hypocrisy on Maria Minna campaigning like a progressive at election time but failing to actually cast votes in the House when it mattered are "flat-out electioneering". As many pointed out above, since when is advocating on behalf of a candidate of choice not one of the many things that is done on Babble on a quite regular basis? More to the point, under what definition of "electioneering" are your comments calling posts in the previously-referenced thread about how unfair it was for people to post that Maria Minna was absent from a vote not electioneering, but my comments are electioneering? And while we're at it, Krago has twice asked you to provide links to the report of the Ethics Commissioner that you claim absolve Maria Minna of wrongdoing. I have not been able to find it on-line to read for myself. Are you willing to respond to his polite questions and provide the link so readers can judge for themselves, rather than relying on the opinion of a self-declared "spokesman" for the MP in question? [ 23 June 2008: Message edited by: Robo ]
From: East York | Registered: Jun 2003
| IP: Logged
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|