Our crappy $$ and a good US economy has more to do with that than their management.
Granted this may have been a bit of the case when the dollar was low (boosting exports), but that certainly isn't the case now. Remember the US plunged into recession in 2001 (not because of the terrorist attacks), whereas we didn't.
Personally, I think both the Liberals have done a better job fiscally than their conservative counterparts. Ditto for the Democrats vs. the Republicans. Republicans make massive tax cut (mainly for wealthy that will do little to stimulate the economy) while increasing spending (Iraq, homeland security), creating a massive structural deficit (they were in a surplus situation prior to that), whereby they STILL have no plan how to correct it. This isn't one of those temporary deficits caused by a slowdown in the economy, it's one created through sheer dumbassery.
but it wasn't that long ago that the Liberals had our dollar somewhere on par with the Mexican peso
Except this isn't controlled by the government. It's a floating currency. And a weak dollar isn't necessarily a bad thing (unless maybe you're a traveller).
but it wasn't that long ago that the Liberals had our dollar somewhere on par with the Mexican peso
Except this isn't controlled by the government. It's a floating currency. And a weak dollar isn't necessarily a bad thing (unless maybe you're a traveller).
The gov't monetary policy (interest rates/budgets) as well as their economic policy drives the value of our $.
And it spent most of the time the Liberals were in power in the toilet.
The recent rise in the dollar is due to one thing Oil. Look at the correlation of Oil prices to the dollar. What are the conservatives going to do over spend and run deficits. Hmm not sure that will help the dollar at all.
The gov't monetary policy (interest rates/budgets) as well as their economic policy drives the value of our $.
First of all you're confusing 2 different things. The gov't is responsible for fiscal policy (ie. the gov'ts taxation/spending initiatives via the budget). Â
The Bank of Canada is responsible for monetary policy (ie. interest rate decisions) and operates independantly of the government (for good reason).
And as far as both of these things "driving" the value of our dollar, you're somewhat right, although really the dollar is simply like any other commodity and is based on supply/demand. Â The Cdn dollar was long undervalued because investors preferred parking their money in USD funds because it was viewed as "safe" (hence why the USD was long inflated)... Â There has since been a correction that has led to the depreciation of the USD and appreciation of the Cdn dollar.
A low Canadian dollar is essential to our economy.
With a population of 30 million we produce much more than our population could possibley consume. Luckily for us we have a monster consumer right next door, and their consumption of Canadian goods is sensitive to swings in the Canadian dollar. Right here in KW the largest employer is Toyota - and from what I hear they make alrigth money - something like $30/hr - The United States is Cambridge Toyota's best customer a low Canadian dollar plays an important role in keeping factories in Canada vs Mexico (see Volkswagen). Before you jump all over me I recognize that our skilled labour force also plays a role in Toyota's decision.
To reply to my arguments regarding moral ground, I am speaking directly about the current government.
Although in Canada the PM has extraordinary power, that power is limited by cabinent solidarity. When corruption occurs involving Federal coffers is not acceptable, in a Westminster style of government, for the Finance Minister to claim ignorance. I think we all are aware who Chretien's Finance Minister was. Paul Martin has had no problem accepting the Gomery findings and passing the buck to Chretien - unfortunately Cabinent Solidarity and Ministerial Responisibility have been grossly overlooked.
I agree that corruption was rampant during the Mulroney years. However, to the best of my knowledge, Stephen Harper was writing his Masters Thesis during this time period - not sitting in the Mulroney Cabinent as a Minister.
My point is don't hold out the Conservatives as shining examples of moral high ground. It doesn't matter which party you choose, someone is going to take advantage of the public trough. The conservatives have been waiting a long time to get into power. As someone else pointed out, they were only too eager to force the election and waste our money. It has started already...
My point is don't hold out the Conservatives as shining examples of moral high ground. It doesn't matter which party you choose, someone is going to take advantage of the public trough. The conservatives have been waiting a long time to get into power. As someone else pointed out, they were only too eager to force the election and waste our money. It has started already...
I guess what your saying is forgive and forget. I can't. Every government will waste money, the current one is just very good at it. Time for a change!
I disagree Moose. The opposition party voting to force an election is not a "waste of money" - That is called DEMOCRACY. As a democratic country we must accept the inherent costs of elections.
Most, including Mr. Martin, place the blame of the forced election on the NDP who had formed an ad hoc coalition with the Liberals. The Conservatives (being the opposition) role in parliament is to hold the leading party accountable.
Unfortunately the only way to prove that Steven Harper will be the worst Prime Minister this country has ever seen will be the next few years.
I can guarantee a few things..
1. Our economy will tank in the next few years.
2. Our once progressive country will revert back to one similar to the US.
3. The Conservatives (but really just the Reform Party) will lose at least 5 members due to Harper's inability to lead.
4. Our relationship with the US will improve....and I don't think that is really a good thing.
Harper will be a mini-Bush. Bush's government cannot be defended in any reasonable form and neither will Harper's.
For the record, I am not a Liberal supporter. However, I would rather them in power than the Reform Party Conservatives. They are far too right wing for me. I sit on the left.
A few other points, why is Paul Martin being blamed for the gun fighting on the streets of TO? I don't recall any other Federal Leader for gang violence in one city. Clinton, Bush Jr, Bush Sr, Thatcher, Blair...ect ect..
Yes they are federal laws that will be enforced on the offenders but the violence isn't any Federal Governement's fault. It is society's. And yes, society may be a reflection of a federal government but a reflection that occurs over the course of time, not ten years but more. This violence has been generating over the last 40 years due to improper parenting, a greater divide between the rich and the poor, a society that loves violence and many other reasons. Not one Federal Leader.
I think that Mike Harris is to blame(at least partly for the recent violence in To) After the Tories took power Provincally, they cut the funding to all the socail (yet somewhat expensive) programs that Bob Rae's NDP set up.
But I'm voting NDP. A "left" vote, with supporting the Liberals.
As for the Federal Election tomorrow, my money is on a Conservative Minority. So, we'll do this all again in 2008.
Mike Harris? Get serious! Why is it whenever anything goes wrong in Toronto, or in Ontario, or even in the whole damn country, the first thing out of Liberals mouths is to blame Mike Harris.
Mike Harris did what no other politician in history has done...during his campaign he told you what he was going to do...AND HE DID IT!! Now everyone wants to stab him in the back because of it? Blame him for everything that ever happened?? Just remember, he won TWO majority governments, he was doing something right. I really wish he would decide to federal, the man would have my vote in a second.
Although I didn't agree with everything he did, but he never once lied to any of us in Ontario, not once, during his reign. Can you say same thing about the Federal Liberals or Democrats? Remember when the NDP was in power in Ontario? Remember Bob Rae? Obviously not, but everyone remembers Mike and are willing to place full blame for the world's problems on him.
Grow up! Stop blaming the one man who only did what he said he was going to do.
Mike Harris? Get serious! Why is it whenever anything goes wrong in Toronto, or in Ontario, or even in the whole damn country, the first thing out of Liberals mouths is to blame Mike Harris.
Mike Harris did what no other politician in history has done...during his campaign he told you what he was going to do...AND HE DID IT!! Now everyone wants to stab him in the back because of it? Blame him for everything that ever happened?? Just remember, he won TWO majority governments, he was doing something right. I really wish he would decide to federal, the man would have my vote in a second.
Although I didn't agree with everything he did, but he never once lied to any of us in Ontario, not once, during his reign. Can you say same thing about the Federal Liberals or Democrats? Remember when the NDP was in power in Ontario? Remember Bob Rae? Obviously not, but everyone remembers Mike and are willing to place full blame for the world's problems on him.
Grow up! Stop blaming the one man who only did what he said he was going to do.
Your right. He said he would cut spending on "unneeded" government programs, and he did. Harris and Ernie Eves did balance the Provincial budget. Thats good. But cutting out Afterschool programs for troubled youth. Thats bad.
And I did say that the Harris goverment was PARTLY to blame. There are many other factors as well.
JohnnieH
note: This is just my opinion. MINE. I know politics is a touchy subject, but we don't need to insult each other. We're all friends here, right?
First of all Mike Harris was one of the few Political leaders to actually do what they said they were going to do. Mike Harris constructed the Common Sense Revolution, presented to the public and then did everything he said he would do. Even liberal academics recognize this. Having said that, Mr. Harris was elected on a platform and he delivered it; and was re-elected with a second term majority. So whether you agree with his choices, remember he was popularly elected TWICE to do so.
Flint Bones, I would be curious to know how you can make such guarantees?
Johhny, you're right...we are all friends here, and that politics can quickly change the best friendships ugly. If you felt I have insulted you, I apologize. After rereading my previous post, I can see how I may have come off as targetting you. It was not the intended meaning.
I have heard an awful lot of Mike Harris comparison to Stephen Harper lately, and I will be the first one to say that Mr. Harper could only aspire to be as good a policitian as Mr. Harris was in his day. I guess I have heard alot of bad mouth talk lately and felt I had to at least air my point of view.
What burns my butt the most are all these people in Ontario who are blaming Mike Harris for everything gone wrong in this province of late, yet they voted for him...TWICE!! Alot of these people today badmouthing him actually voted for him, both times.
But again I degress. This thread is about the FEDERAL election. I for one have always been, and most likely always will be, a CONSERVATIVE. I vote this way because it is the party platform I think is best for the country, and I seem to agree with most, if not all, of their issues. I do not vote or have any interest for the leader of this party...if I had the chance, believe me, it would NOT be Stephen Harper getting my vote. But regardless of the leader I feel I must vote with my conscience for the party I feel will do the best job.
To All: When you're in the voting booth (that cardboard thing) please vote for what you believe in. Not what the slandering ads try to make you beleive.
So whether you agree with his choices, remember he was popularly elected TWICE to do so.
So was George Bush, so as a country the majority of people voted for an idiot, TWICE, and don't know what they're doing..I fail to see a valid point? I guess it's easy to see why this year the conservatives will win. I can't wait to hear the discussion after a few years under a conservative government, time will tell the story and I don't see a happy ending.
So whether you agree with his choices, remember he was popularly elected TWICE to do so.
So was George Bush, so as a country the majority of people voted for an idiot, TWICE, and don't know what they're doing..I fail to see a valid point?
I think the point is that voters are fickle and ill-informed. They often don't know what they're really voting for, and they often blame the politicians even when the politician performs exactly as advertised. If Harper is elected and does what he says, many here won't like it, but that's democracy, and he would be fulfilling his mandate. Wouldn't it be worse if someone got in and didn't do what they were elected to do? If you really believe in democracy, you have to support the fact that sometimes your country will be run badly or against your beliefs or with policies you disagree with (that's how I've felt for years).Â
If Harper is elected and does what he says, many here won't like it, but that's democracy, and he would be fulfilling his mandate. Wouldn't it be worse if someone got in and didn't do what they were elected to do? If you really believe in democracy, you have to support the fact that sometimes your country will be run badly or against your beliefs or with policies you disagree with (that's how I've felt for years).
Very good point Trevor! I don't agree with the Conservative platform, that said if they are elected and do everything they say then they will have done their job, what more can we ask for really.....and this gives us a chance down the road to say 'I told you so......'
If you really believe in democracy, you have to support the fact that sometimes your country will be run badly or against your beliefs or with policies you disagree with (that's how I've felt for years).
That doesn't mean we have to like it or bow down and accept it. Unfortunately, we do not have a good electoral system in Canada. I doubt Steven Harper would win on a straight election not this Republic bull we have now.
That doesn't mean we have to like it or bow down and accept it.
No, however a lot of the complaints seem to be "I don't like that they did X". If they are voted in to do X, than they did a good job, even if they went against what those who voted against them wanted. While we can dislike their policies, you can't fault them for doing there job correctly. In that instance the blame is more fairly placed on the voters.
I doubt Steven Harper would win on a straight election not this Republic bull we have now.
First, the US votes for the President/congress separately. They are a republic, we are not (we are a constitutional monarchy/parliamentary democracy). We don't vote for Harper, we vote for local representatives (so there really isn't any popular vote to verify your hypothesis). Canada's PM does not have the same political power as the US President, and I far prefer our style of government to theirs. I know our system of government isn't perfect, but I haven't heard alternative styles which seem better so far. To be fair, I haven't looked very deeply into electoral reform, and that would definitely be a different thread (which Tom will probably start ).
The head of the Canadian Psychological Association says the results of Monday's federal election will likely further impact moods, especially those of the losers.
Comments
Granted this may have been a bit of the case when the dollar was low (boosting exports), but that certainly isn't the case now. Remember the US plunged into recession in 2001 (not because of the terrorist attacks), whereas we didn't.
Personally, I think both the Liberals have done a better job fiscally than their conservative counterparts. Ditto for the Democrats vs. the Republicans. Republicans make massive tax cut (mainly for wealthy that will do little to stimulate the economy) while increasing spending (Iraq, homeland security), creating a massive structural deficit (they were in a surplus situation prior to that), whereby they STILL have no plan how to correct it. This isn't one of those temporary deficits caused by a slowdown in the economy, it's one created through sheer dumbassery.
Right now it is doing good....but it wasn't that long ago that the Liberals had our dollar somewhere on par with the Mexican peso.
Don't ya just love politics......
Except this isn't controlled by the government. It's a floating currency. And a weak dollar isn't necessarily a bad thing (unless maybe you're a traveller).
The gov't monetary policy (interest rates/budgets) as well as their economic policy drives the value of our $.
And it spent most of the time the Liberals were in power in the toilet.
First of all you're confusing 2 different things. The gov't is responsible for fiscal policy (ie. the gov'ts taxation/spending initiatives via the budget). Â
The Bank of Canada is responsible for monetary policy (ie. interest rate decisions) and operates independantly of the government (for good reason).
And as far as both of these things "driving" the value of our dollar, you're somewhat right, although really the dollar is simply like any other commodity and is based on supply/demand. Â The Cdn dollar was long undervalued because investors preferred parking their money in USD funds because it was viewed as "safe" (hence why the USD was long inflated)... Â There has since been a correction that has led to the depreciation of the USD and appreciation of the Cdn dollar.
With a population of 30 million we produce much more than our population could possibley consume. Luckily for us we have a monster consumer right next door, and their consumption of Canadian goods is sensitive to swings in the Canadian dollar. Right here in KW the largest employer is Toyota - and from what I hear they make alrigth money - something like $30/hr - The United States is Cambridge Toyota's best customer a low Canadian dollar plays an important role in keeping factories in Canada vs Mexico (see Volkswagen). Before you jump all over me I recognize that our skilled labour force also plays a role in Toyota's decision.
Although in Canada the PM has extraordinary power, that power is limited by cabinent solidarity. When corruption occurs involving Federal coffers is not acceptable, in a Westminster style of government, for the Finance Minister to claim ignorance. I think we all are aware who Chretien's Finance Minister was. Paul Martin has had no problem accepting the Gomery findings and passing the buck to Chretien - unfortunately Cabinent Solidarity and Ministerial Responisibility have been grossly overlooked.
I agree that corruption was rampant during the Mulroney years. However, to the best of my knowledge, Stephen Harper was writing his Masters Thesis during this time period - not sitting in the Mulroney Cabinent as a Minister.
I guess what your saying is forgive and forget. I can't. Every government will waste money, the current one is just very good at it. Time for a change!
Most, including Mr. Martin, place the blame of the forced election on the NDP who had formed an ad hoc coalition with the Liberals. The Conservatives (being the opposition) role in parliament is to hold the leading party accountable.
I can guarantee a few things..
1. Our economy will tank in the next few years.
2. Our once progressive country will revert back to one similar to the US.
3. The Conservatives (but really just the Reform Party) will lose at least 5 members due to Harper's inability to lead.
4. Our relationship with the US will improve....and I don't think that is really a good thing.
Harper will be a mini-Bush. Bush's government cannot be defended in any reasonable form and neither will Harper's.
For the record, I am not a Liberal supporter. However, I would rather them in power than the Reform Party Conservatives. They are far too right wing for me. I sit on the left.
A few other points, why is Paul Martin being blamed for the gun fighting on the streets of TO? I don't recall any other Federal Leader for gang violence in one city. Clinton, Bush Jr, Bush Sr, Thatcher, Blair...ect ect..
Yes they are federal laws that will be enforced on the offenders but the violence isn't any Federal Governement's fault. It is society's. And yes, society may be a reflection of a federal government but a reflection that occurs over the course of time, not ten years but more. This violence has been generating over the last 40 years due to improper parenting, a greater divide between the rich and the poor, a society that loves violence and many other reasons. Not one Federal Leader.
But I'm voting NDP. A "left" vote, with supporting the Liberals.
As for the Federal Election tomorrow, my money is on a Conservative Minority. So, we'll do this all again in 2008.
See you then
JohnnieH
Mike Harris did what no other politician in history has done...during his campaign he told you what he was going to do...AND HE DID IT!! Now everyone wants to stab him in the back because of it? Blame him for everything that ever happened?? Just remember, he won TWO majority governments, he was doing something right. I really wish he would decide to federal, the man would have my vote in a second.
Although I didn't agree with everything he did, but he never once lied to any of us in Ontario, not once, during his reign. Can you say same thing about the Federal Liberals or Democrats? Remember when the NDP was in power in Ontario? Remember Bob Rae? Obviously not, but everyone remembers Mike and are willing to place full blame for the world's problems on him.
Grow up! Stop blaming the one man who only did what he said he was going to do.
Your right. He said he would cut spending on "unneeded" government programs, and he did. Harris and Ernie Eves did balance the Provincial budget. Thats good. But cutting out Afterschool programs for troubled youth. Thats bad.
And I did say that the Harris goverment was PARTLY to blame. There are many other factors as well.
JohnnieH
note: This is just my opinion. MINE. I know politics is a touchy subject, but we don't need to insult each other. We're all friends here, right?
Flint Bones, I would be curious to know how you can make such guarantees?
I have heard an awful lot of Mike Harris comparison to Stephen Harper lately, and I will be the first one to say that Mr. Harper could only aspire to be as good a policitian as Mr. Harris was in his day. I guess I have heard alot of bad mouth talk lately and felt I had to at least air my point of view.
What burns my butt the most are all these people in Ontario who are blaming Mike Harris for everything gone wrong in this province of late, yet they voted for him...TWICE!! Alot of these people today badmouthing him actually voted for him, both times.
But again I degress. This thread is about the FEDERAL election. I for one have always been, and most likely always will be, a CONSERVATIVE. I vote this way because it is the party platform I think is best for the country, and I seem to agree with most, if not all, of their issues. I do not vote or have any interest for the leader of this party...if I had the chance, believe me, it would NOT be Stephen Harper getting my vote. But regardless of the leader I feel I must vote with my conscience for the party I feel will do the best job.
And at least I will be voting!!
To All: When you're in the voting booth (that cardboard thing) please vote for what you believe in. Not what the slandering ads try to make you beleive.
JohnnieH
I make guarantees like politicians make promises. If I am wrong I'll blame someone else.
I guarantee in 4 years the present government will have made many mistakes.
This is a cycle, the Liberals have to go, maybe in 4 years so will the Conservatives.
You as a Canadian must hold your government accountable for their actions, otherwise don't talk!
So was George Bush, so as a country the majority of people voted for an idiot, TWICE, and don't know what they're doing..I fail to see a valid point? I guess it's easy to see why this year the conservatives will win. I can't wait to hear the discussion after a few years under a conservative government, time will tell the story and I don't see a happy ending.
I think the point is that voters are fickle and ill-informed. They often don't know what they're really voting for, and they often blame the politicians even when the politician performs exactly as advertised. If Harper is elected and does what he says, many here won't like it, but that's democracy, and he would be fulfilling his mandate. Wouldn't it be worse if someone got in and didn't do what they were elected to do? If you really believe in democracy, you have to support the fact that sometimes your country will be run badly or against your beliefs or with policies you disagree with (that's how I've felt for years).Â
God keep our land glorious and free!
Very good point Trevor! I don't agree with the Conservative platform, that said if they are elected and do everything they say then they will have done their job, what more can we ask for really.....and this gives us a chance down the road to say 'I told you so......'
That doesn't mean we have to like it or bow down and accept it. Unfortunately, we do not have a good electoral system in Canada. I doubt Steven Harper would win on a straight election not this Republic bull we have now.
First, the US votes for the President/congress separately. They are a republic, we are not (we are a constitutional monarchy/parliamentary democracy). We don't vote for Harper, we vote for local representatives (so there really isn't any popular vote to verify your hypothesis). Canada's PM does not have the same political power as the US President, and I far prefer our style of government to theirs. I know our system of government isn't perfect, but I haven't heard alternative styles which seem better so far. To be fair, I haven't looked very deeply into electoral reform, and that would definitely be a different thread (which Tom will probably start
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20060123/depressing_day_060123/20060123?hub=TopStories
Hobbes
What a brilliant and insightful article: