[Canada] Canadian Politics Redux

[Jacob]

Yep.  The guy is definitely not the person for the job.

Any particular things you can point to? I haven't been following things too closely recently.

[Neil]

Yeah, it helps that Quebec has made itself politically irrelevant through support for fringe parties.

[Grey Fox]

Quebec?

It's Ontario's fault. There's one thing to be said for bailing on the Libs but going for Harpermacoute is treason.

[crazy canuck]

Yep.  The guy is definitely not the person for the job.

Any particular things you can point to? I haven't been following things too closely recently.

You really only need to hear him speak for a while to understand.  But beyond that his biggest problem is there is no particular thing you can identify as to what he believes.

There have been a few stories on the point in the media.  Interestingly when searching for one I had in mind I came across this challenge by fellow Leadership hopeful Garneau published in the Macleans on line site.

For weeks now I have said Justin Trudeau owes it to Canadians and to members of the Liberal Party to tell us what he stands for and what qualifies him to be leader of the party and the country – now, not after this race is over. If he truly has the qualities to be leader, he should have the courage of his convictions to display them in a one-on-one debate with me...

The current format of Liberal Party leadership debates has so far provided limited opportunity for the nine candidates to offer a full picture of their contrasting views. There have been only fleeting moments for substantive debate and discussion of the issues and qualities of those involved. To date, Justin and I have had only three minutes to debate one-on-one. That is not good enough.

I have heard Garneau speak a few times.  Imo a much better candidate for leading the Liberals back to political relevance.

[Neil]

Which of course Trudeau ducked.  Garneau knows what he's doing, but if Trudeau can't stand up to him, what chance does he have against Harper?  Does he think that bursting into tears and telling us that his dad was famous will help?

[crazy canuck]

Somewhat related to politics because of the political movements this guy has been involved with, what does Languish say about the backlash against Professor Flanigan's comments about viewing child porn.


Putting aside whether you would disagree with what he said - I am assuming most would - is there nobody left who would defend academic freedom and his ability to make these arguments and particularly in an academic setting?

[Grey Fox]

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/27/magazine/how-much-can-restitution-help-victims-of-child-pornography.html?pagewanted=all

On that subject, an interesting outlook at the damage sharing of it does.

[Barrister]

Somewhat related to politics because of the political movements this guy has been involved with, what does Languish say about the backlash against Professor Flanigan's comments about viewing child porn.


Putting aside whether you would disagree with what he said - I am assuming most would - is there nobody left who would defend academic freedom and his ability to make these arguments and particularly in an academic setting?

I think the backlash is overdone.

His comments were not as a result of his writings, which are something you'd expect to be carefully thought out.  No, it was a response to a question from the audience.  Everyone has at one time said something silly in an "off the cuff" comment.

His comment doesn't really make sense.  There some kernels in there that could be developed into an argument, but of course that will never happen.

[crazy canuck]

And just when I thought the Liberals might have a chance at regaining respectability Garneau throws in the towel and puts his support behind.... wait for it.... Trudeau.  Back to the "I'll do anything for power" stance that has put the Liberals into their current low state in the first place.

[Barrister]

To be fair to Garneau it does seem clear it's going to be a coronation.

Of course a coronation does the Liberals no favours...

[Jacob]

You figure a long, hard fought leadership election is better for the Liberals?

[Barrister]

You figure a long, hard fought leadership election is better for the Liberals?

Yes.  It generates excitement, and more importantly, news coverage.

[Neil]

You figure a long, hard fought leadership election is better for the Liberals?

How could it not be? 

[Josephus]

Kinda like what it did for the Republicans.

No, wait...that didn't work for them, did it?

[crazy canuck]

You figure a long, hard fought leadership election is better for the Liberals?

Absolutely.  They needed to generate interest and bring in new members.  A coronation fails to do any of that.  Also it looks terrible for the Liberals to have the most credible and vocal opponent of the coronation throw in the towel and support the guy who only has his last name going for him - something Garneau used to say anyway.