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Topic: McQuaig - Political animal can't hide its spots
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Ross J. Peterson
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 11657
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posted 10 January 2006 07:24 AM
McQuaig political optomist discouragedWRITING If the “firewall letter” had been published during this campaign, Harper would almost certainly be heading for a crushing defeat, instead of perhaps poised to become prime minister. I bet most Canadians don't know about the letter, or have forgotten what's in it. After all, people don't have time to go looking up what Harper wrote years ago. Linda McQuaig disappoints me writing these opinions about how people vote. SHE credits the notion of the informed-uninformed voter as if people switch their votes based on the 'information' the media offers them daily, forgetting each 'bit' based on the latest broadcast news.
Unfortunately, campaign strategists for the NDP fall into the same trap. I thought Linda McQuaig felt more strongly about grassroots alliances and social movements. Besides, isn't it a matter of showing how Harperite pro-US strategies and the Iraq invasion will drag the majority of Canadian residents down to the level of pawns for a game of global geopolitics for the rich and powerful. McQuaig is right about Harper. But wrong about the knee-jerk reactions of voters, whether to honest reporting or to the exposure of corruption. The one thing I think voters retained in their heads from media reports that were direct is that Martin and the Liberals are crooks when it comes to financing their own party.
From: writer-editor-translator: 'a sus ordenes' | Registered: Jan 2006
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Ross J. Peterson
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 11657
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posted 11 January 2006 06:28 PM
A poem I posted in the right brain babble section, in the writer's circle gives my thoughts on voters, motivations vis à vis corruption, punishing the party in power and the like.Lower Canadian Blues At the grassroots in terms of groups, last night in Montreal in front of Radio Canada / CBC there were over 1000 protesters through which the candidates had to go for the televised debate.
Frankly, the hot button, single issue campaigning and the sound bite do fit into that very superficial image of the Harperite tiger changing his spots. But I do bow before the Ontario experience with Harris. If you think he's changed, then who am I to say NOT. But on this score I agree with McQuaig. SEE the political doggerel I wrote (actually it rivals T. S. E. and Pound) http://www.rabble.ca/babble/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic&f=17&t=000368
From: writer-editor-translator: 'a sus ordenes' | Registered: Jan 2006
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The Evil Twin
rabble-rouser
Babbler # 11561
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posted 11 January 2006 07:28 PM
Re:"Actually, I think she is right about voters. I've heard people say that Harper has changed from his NCC and Reform days. They really do believe that Harper has erased his spots and abandoned all the rabid right wing stuff. The media campaign is working."Sadly, I have found this to be true in my own personal experiences the last week or so. Talking to people who are generally apolitical (but have a progressive outlook), they seem to honestly believe that the CPC is a sort of "liberal-lite" party. I think the average apolitical person (burdened by work, taxes, debt, kids, mortagages, etc) has neither the time nor inclination to "go under the hood" and examine the real bigotry in this party. They are all too willing to accept at face value the party's claim to be moderate. Unfortunately, by the time they find out the party's real agenda, it'll be too late. And THAT is scary.
From: Toronto | Registered: Jan 2006
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