Add a caption

Burma: How can this even happen?

I've always prided myself on being "up" on world news. I've always tried to be aware of the what's, how's, why's, and where's of all the important things that have gone on in the world, so that I can live my life as knowledgable as possible. I've never claimed to know everything, but there's one thing that always confused me.

How can a think like Burma/Myanmar happen?

What I mean is how can a nation hold an election that results in a majority government for a specific party, completely disregard the results and lock up the party's leader for the last 19 years, and still be allowed to exist as a nation?

Maybe I'm missing something, but in the year 2009 how can it be possible that a country can keep the legitimate leader of a country locked up for nearly two decades and the world does nothing?

I'm never one to support unilateral occupation, but the US invaded Iraq on the suspicion of doing something wrong, yet Burma blatantly flaunts the fact that they are keeping the Prime Minister-elect of the country under house arrest, yet nothing is done. The UN does nothing, the US does nothing, the world does nothing.

Why?

I must be seriously missing something, because if Stephen Harper held an election where the Liberal Party won a majority government and he opted, rather than hand over power, to lock Michael Ignatieff in at Stornoway and arrest every Liberal MP, then Canada would likely erupt in revolution.

Can somebody please explain to me how this general gets away with doing what he's doing, and nobody does anything about it?

Seriously!

NS Liberal Party: The middle ground

I've tried, during this campaign, to view the options as unbiased as possible. After all, as mentioned in a previous post, I have respect for the NDP and their agenda, and consider one of their MLA's a personal friend. However, I made the choice to join the Liberal Party of Canada (and, by virtue of that, Nova Scotia) in 2006 and have not felt the urge to turn back since.

So, after having heard the rhetoric, read the platforms (the PC haven't released one yet as of this post, but they've let us know the just of what they'd do) and talked to several of the candidates around the HRM, I've come to the conclusion that the Liberal Party of Nova Scotia is indeed the party that presents the best choice for Nova Scotians. Now, granted it's not exactly earth-shattering that a Liberal blogger would endorse the Liberal Party, but consider that, despite my affiliation, I'm prepared to give people the benefit of the doubt in most cases. I'll temper my endorsement, in fact, by stating that the NDP likely won't do a horrible job, should they win government.

I say "should" rather than "when" because, despite my endorsement at the beginning of this thing, I still see this as a 3-way race. MacDonald hasn't done much to justify that, mind, but stranger things have happened before. My feeling is that, if he can convince Nova Scotians enough that the NDP bogeyman is too risky, he can bring enough wanderers back to the Tory camp to scratch out a bare minority government. It's unlikely, but possible.

On the other hand, Darrell Dexter and the NDP have the momentum here and so they seem most likely to hit the finish line in first place at this point. They've been pretty low-key so far, keeping their head down and riding the wave of PC resentment. It's worked for them so far, but it also leaves them open to being outdone.

So, what we have here are two parties whose main platform is built around, "We aren't the other guy." and I think this is a great advantage for Stephen McNeil and the Liberals. They've stayed mostly out of the back-and-forth and actually made their campaign about ideas and issues, rather than finger-pointing. They've made a point of running a positive campaign, refraining from any attack ads and haven't been afraid to put forward ideas that are new, different and, possibly, open to criticism. Instead of the "Risky NDP/Risky PC" games from the "frontrunners", Liberal ads focus on McNeil's smiling face and an actual plan for the province. That's why I believe the Liberal Party will become the Official Opposition after the smoke clears, perhaps even coming up the middle to manage a minority government; they've been the only party who has stood on its own, instead of basing itself around what the others are not. While the NDP and PC are playing games, the Liberals are talking about ideas. That's not to say that maybe there's some merit to the concerns about the NDP taking charge during these hard economic times (remember Ontario? [sorry, Bob!]).

To put it in one line: the Liberal Party is an option for those who are tired of the PC, but don't trust the NDP.

Round 1 to McNeil

The general consensus from last night's provincial leader's debate seems to be that Stephen McNeil was the winner by virtue of the fact that he exceeded all expectations, as well as the fact that he chose to articulate policy rather than get into attacks on his opponents. He was clear, concise and explained what he would do and how. If I have one complaint it's that he was far too wooden; he needed to move his arms more, smile and show some personality.

Dexter did well enough as well, coming across as Premier-esque, although he stumbled several times and made a few cheap shots. Dexter isn't the best talker, which isn't a horrible thing but it definitely is a liability during a debate. As I've said before, I like Dexter and I like many of the NDP's ideas and intentions, but I don't feel the NDP are a realistic party to be in government. They do well in the role of the "social conscience" of the Liberal or Conservative government currently in power wherever they are, but in government they are destined to fail.

MacDonald did very poorly. Rather than give us a reason why we should re-elect the PC's, he just kept up the "NDP=bad" rhetoric. After the twentieth time, it got tiring. It had me thinking, "Okay, fine; the NDP suck. But what is YOUR plan?" He looked nervous, and the poll released earlier that day showing the NDP with a 8 point lead on the PC's probably didn't help matters. MacDonald was given a chance to show us why we should trust him for another 4 years and he didn't do that. In fact, if anything, he gave us more reasons why we shouldn't.

There's one more debate coming up and it'll be MacDonald's last chance to show us why he deserves another shot, Dexter's last chance to explain to us why an NDP Government isn't going to be the bogeyman that everybody paints them as, and McNeil's last chance to show us that there is, indeed, a 3rd choice.

McNeil and the Liberals have the most room for movement and they know it.

I currently predict an NDP Government (likely still a minority) with a Liberal Official Opposition and the PC's in 3rd party status.

Check around the 'net and you'll see most people agree with me.

Happy Birthday, Your Majesty

I'm in the process of moving, plus doing some soul-searching lately, however I'm still here.

I'll issue a longer post soon on my continuing thoughts on the NS Election, but I did want to take this opportunity to wish all Canadians a Happy Victoria Day and wish a very happy birthday to Her Majesty, the Queen (even though it's not really her birthday)! I hope all Canadians, especially monarchists like myself, take the opportunity to recognize the positive effects our Monarchy has had for Canada. It was Queen Victoria I who officially recognized the Confederation of our country in 1867 and so we must remain grateful to her and to all of her successors for representing our country with honour, with dignity and with respect.

And as we count down the days to our nation's 142nd Dominion Day (or Canada Day, as its known to most, and Moving Day as it's known in Quebec *chuckle*) on July 1st, we should remember how lucky we are to have a Queen like Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.

Long May She Reign!

Be back soon.

Dartmouth North and my personal struggle

This election is about who can provide the best vision for Nova Scotia to help us get through tough economic times, i.e. do we stay the course with the government we currently have, or do we roll the dice with another party and see if they can do better? This election is also about whether Nova Scotians are truly prepared to give the reins of command over to the NDP, a party that has never formed a provincial government east of Ontario, or whether it sticks with the Liberal/Conservative option that the majority of Canada's provinces, and Canada itself, uses.

Beyond those two major things to consider, or actually in addition to it, the people in each riding, as usual, have to consider whether to stick with its representative on polling day or un-elect them and give the seat to somebody else. With that having been said, there are a lot of races during the 2008 Nova Scotia election that many consider "ones to watch". People are particularly interested in those whose PC incumbent isn't running again, such as Colchester-Musquodoboit Valley or Truro-Bible Hill. Will they elect another PC incumbent, or will they give the NDP or Liberal Party a chance to hold the seat? Then there's the riding of Cumberland North where the incumbent was ejected from the party due to scandal and is running as an Independent. Will he win re-election on his personal popularity, or will they elect a party member to replace him? Many are also interested in Halifax Clayton Park which remains the only non-NDP riding in the Halifax/Dartmouth area. Will the Liberals hold on, or will the NDP finally sweep the area?

A riding that many may not think would be one to watch is my own riding of Dartmouth North. A riding that is comprised of the large industrial park in Burnside, many middle-income homes by the Albro Lake beach and MicMac Mall, a few upper middle income areas, and a large, LARGE amount of lower-income rentals. In fact, I would venture to say that the biggest stand-out for Dartmouth North is the latter. The riding has, for the past 11 years, been represented by the NDP, currently in the form of Trevor Zinck.



Trevor is, without a doubt, a fantastic guy. I met him for the first time when he was the Assistant Manager for the Shopper's Drug Mart on Wyse Road. At the time, I was NDP and he and I both served on the Dartmouth North NDP Riding Association Executive. His passion for social justice and the needs of the community were undeniable. He served on the District 9 Citizen's Association and volunteered at the local food bank, where I was, at the time, an occasional visitor due to money troubles. When the MLA at the time retired, Trevor sought and won the nomination to run in the next election for the NDP and, in the 2006 election, he easily won the seat. Since then, he's been a phenomenal MLA, but more than that. When I needed his help or guidance, he never hesitated to return my calls or stop by for a chat. When I was down and out, he'd offer whatever help, tangible or otherwise, that he could muster. When my daughter's toys got stolen by a rotten landlord and we held a car wash to raise money for her to buy new ones, Trevor attended with two cars for us to wash. I consider Trevor to be a personal friend of mine and I'm sure he'd support that belief. I always told Trevor that he'd make a great Minister of Community Services (the NS department that handles EI and social assistance) given his strong passion for helping out the most vulnerable.

Since 2006, though, I've left the NDP and found a new home with the Liberal Party of Canada. The reasons are many and quite detailed, but centre on the fact that the NDP has shown, in many cases, to no longer stand for the things that I believe in. Over the years, I've unquestioningly fought for NDP principles, even when I had personal reservations. I've done what I felt was right, while feeling that I was fighting for a lost cause. The last straw for me was when Jack Layton chose to bring down the Martin Government and actively help Stephen Harper win power. A man who claims to fight for social justice helped to elect one of the most right-wing governments in Canadian history. At first, I joined the Liberal Party out of protest, but then I found myself feeling like I was finally part of a cause that I could support. The Liberal Party has allowed me to fight for social justice combined with a strong desire for economic accountability. Also, from a very personal standpoint, the Liberal Party is the party that fights the strongest for the causes of Jewish people and the defense of the State of Israel. On Passover, Michael Ignatieff issued a personal message on the Liberal website; the NDP, not so much. That spoke volumes to me.

But I digress...

Dartmouth North has been well-served provincially by the NDP for over a decade, and a large portion of it, the municipal district 9 (Albro Lake-Harbourview), has been equally well-served for several years by the local Councillor, Jim Smith.



Jim is, like Trevor, a strong believer in social justice and doing what he can to help out the less fortunate. He was elected to City Council in 2000 and re-elected twice, both times on his record of standing up for District 9's causes. I first met Jim, interestingly enough, at the same time that I met Trevor, as Trevor, Jim and I all served on the Dartmouth North NDP Executive (Jim and Trevor as Vice Presidents and I as a Member at Large). Just like Trevor, I was always struck by the attention that Jim gives to the residents of the area, especially given their unique needs as predominately low-income renters. When Council approved a fare increase for the public transit system in Halifax, Jim was one of the few Councillors who voted against it; he did so on the grounds that low-income Haligonians like those in his district already find it hard sometimes to come up with bus fare and a further increase would exaserbate that. In every way, he is a true man of the people. When I was down and out, just like Trevor, Jim always returned my calls and helped out where needed. He was always available, both in person and on the phone, to chat with about whatever I needed. And, just like Trevor, I consider Jim a personal friend and an invaluable representive for the area.

Around the same time as me, I suppose, Jim also left the NDP and joined the Liberal Party. I'm sure there's a story there, but I haven't heard it. What I do know, though, is that in the Nova Scotia election of 2009, Trevor Zinck's Liberal opponent in Dartmouth North is Councillor Jim Smith.

Two awesome representatives, both personal friends, are running in Dartmouth North and, beyond me, there are many who appreciate what both men have done for the area. This is definitely a race to watch. The advantage still goes to Trevor as the incumbent, but I believe Jim stands a good shot. And, despite my Liberal affiliation, I would be proud to live in a riding representated by either Trevor or Jim and the riding would be lucky to have either.

More than a blip on the radar

So, with the NS election nearly done its first week, we're seeing the Conservatives already trying to mud-sling by suggesting that the Liberal Party is a non-entity. The funny part is that the PC Government started this camapaign in last place, or counting the MOE on the latest poll, in a tie with the Liberal Party. In as unbiased a way as possible, I've assessed the election so far and declare that it is, in fact, the PC's that are the non-entity. While Rodney was jumping on trampolines, Stephen McNeil and the Liberal Party have been outlining their agenda on business taxation, renewable energy and will be releasing their plan on healthcare shortly.

Then, we have the NDP. Their big plan for healthcare reform in the province is to hire an advisor to come up with a plan for healthcare reform. Seriously. To quote the Liberal leader:

That’s not what Nova Scotians are looking for when it comes to health care," Mr.
McNeil told reporters Thursday. "They’re looking to access health care professionals."

Now, don't get me wrong; the NDP's platform isn't awful. In fact, most of it is pretty good and their intentions are good, I suppose. In the end, I hope for a Liberal Government with an NDP Opposition, but I'd settle for the opposite if I had to.

I just hope Nova Scotians recognize the uselessness of the MacDonald Government and firmly boot the fiddle-playing Premier down to 3rd Party status.

All in all, a good first week for the Liberals. And that is for ding dang!

And they're off!

So, as many have heard the Nova Scotia election was officially called today as Lieutenant-Governor, Mayann Francis, dissolved the Nova Scotia Legislature. We will cast our ballots on June 9th after a 35-day campaign.

I, for one, am quite excited about the upcoming campaign. It promises to be very interesting campaign that will focus heavily on which party is best able to guide Nova Scotia through the economic duldrums faced by the province, the country and, indeed, the world.

What I find particularly interesting is that, in the midst of this economic uncertainty, polls are showing that a plurality of Nova Scotians are prepared to put their faith in the Nova Scotia New Democratic Party - the NDP being a party that history hasn't shown is the best one to lead provinces through recessions (sorry, Bob). The PC Government has been watching their fortunes flailing and have been conducting a smear campaign against Darrell Dexter's NDP for a number of weeks now. The Liberals, meanwhile, seem to have been just trying to get in a word edgewise.

As a Liberal, it's something of a disappointment to see the Liberal Party with no chance, short of a miracle, of winning Government during this election. It disappoints me still more that the NDP here is actually taken seriously as a potential governing party, let alone on the very threshold of winning Government. Nova Scotia remains the sole Atlantic Canadian province where the NDP is taken seriously, with New Brunswick and Newfoundland & Labrador electing their one and only NDP Member each during their last elections and PEI with a better chance of electing a Communist to their Legislative Assembly than a New Democrat. Yet here in the Bluenose Province, the NDP is a serious contender. Go figure.

Not that some of their ideas aren't good. I've always supported the idea of public auto insurance and, when I was down and out, it was the NDP MLA in my riding who helped me with my welfare application and working my way through their hoops to recieve benefits. I'm not opposed to their ideas, but I feel their place is as a social conscience and not a government.

So, happy Election Day!

New Leader, New Logo, New Era!

I like the snazzy new logo, and I definitely like the "new" leader, and Canada's next Prime Minister: Michael Ignatieff.

As I mentioned in my first post, I had definite issues with Ignatieff when he first ran for leader. Heck, I thought he was a huge threat to every Liberal value that I believed in and I hoped against hope that he wouldn't win.

Now, I am behind him in a big way and would gladly go on the hustings, helping to elect his brand in my riding during the next election. I only wish I could have been in Vancouver to hear his speech in person, as it was simply awe-inspiring via YouTube. Go Michael Go!

On another note, it occurs to me that my current NS election predictions place the NDP in a majority government. At this point, I am actually prepared to go that route, but we'll see how things turn out.

More more predictions

Kings-Hants

Hants East
PC: unknown
Liberal: unknown
NDP: John MacDonell - incumbent
Grn: unknown

Prediction: NDP hold


Hants West
PC: Chuck Porter - incumbent
Liberal: Paula Lunn
NDP: Barbara Gallagher
Grn: unknown

Prediction: NDP pickup


Kings North
PC: Mark Parent- incumbent
Liberal: Shirley Fisher
NDP: Jim Morton
Grn: Anna-Maria Gallante-Ward

Prediction: PC Hold


Kings South
PC: David Morse - incumbent
Liberal: Paula Howatt
NDP: Ramona Jennex
Grn: unknown

Prediction: NDP pickup


Kings West
PC: Chris Palmer
Liberal: Leo Glavine - incumbent
NDP: unknown
Grn: unknown

Prediction: Liberal hold


South Shore and the Valley


Chester-St. Margaret's
PC: Judy Streatch - incumbent
Liberal: unknown
NDP: Denise Peterson-Rafuse
Grn: unknown

Prediction: NDP pickup


Lunenburg
PC: unknown
Liberal: Rick Welsford
NDP: Pam Birdsall
Grn: unknown

Prediction: PC hold


Lunenburg West
PC: Carolyn Bolivar-Getson - incumbent
Liberal: Mark Furey
NDP: Gary Ramey
Grn: unknown

Prediction: NDP pickup


Queens
PC: unknown
Liberal: Wayne Henley
NDP: Vicki Conrad - incumbent
Grn: unknown

Prediction: NDP hold



Shelburne
PC: Eddie Nickerson
Liberal: Darian Huskilson
NDP: Sterling Belliveau - incumbent
Grn: unknown

Prediction: NDP hold


Argyle
PC: Chris d'Entremont - incumbent
Liberal: unknown
NDP: Melvin Huskins
Grn: unknown

Prediction: PC Hold


Yarmouth
PC: Richard Hurlburt - incumbent
Liberal: unknown
NDP: unknown
Grn: unknown

Prediction: PC Hold


Annapolis
PC: unknown
Liberal: Stephen McNeil - incumbent
NDP: unknown
Grn: unknown

Prediction: Liberal hold


Clare
PC: unknown
Liberal: Wayne Gaudet - incumbent
NDP: unknown
Grn: unknown

Prediction: Liberal hold


Digby-Annapolis
PC: unknown
Liberal: Harold Theriault Jr. - incumbent
NDP: unknown
Grn: unknown

Prediction: Liberal hold