An idea to resolve the leadership dilemna

Assuming that Dion resigns this week, this is what I propose, which is an amalgamation of ideas.

Since the constitution would only allow the caucus an emergency vote should Dion resign without a convention, I propose the following:Let the caucus decide, but only upon the "guidance" of the membership. Allow a riding vote or a one member one vote scenario, but the caucus would have to follow the vote of the members. It is a work around that allows the best of both worlds. It gets around the constitution, but allows members a say. Non?

Therefore, if Rae or Iggy gets the most membership votes, then the caucus would have to vote for that candidate. Now if it were a riding vote, then that MP would have to vote for the candidate that won that riding, regardless of their affiliation.I think it works, quite exited actually about this idea. If everyone is in agreement then we should promote the hell out of this idea and make the executive listen!

The vote by the members would be non-binding, but the MPs would have to agree ahead of it to follow the result when they vote for a new leader. Is there any reason why anyone would oppose this idea?

Sunday Poll

What scenario do you see playing out once parliament resumes?
	Coalition with Dion as leader
	Coalition with new interim Liberal leader
	Coalition or snap election with either Rae or Iggy as permanent leader
	No coalition with Dion still in place till convention
	No coalitiion with new interim leader in place till convention
pollcode.com free polls

recent polls add to the confusion

Is it just me, or is everyone else confused about what's is really going on here?

Ok, so Ipsos keeps saying that the sky is falling for the Libs?

Then SES says that there is still hope, but as long as Dion is not the leader?

Betcha the Sun will not have this latest poll on the front page like they had this morning.

I think Eddie Vedder sums it up nicely on his new album "society... crazy indeed".

In any event, can we all agree not to freak out the next time Ipsos releases another poll that seems to be going against the norm?

It's time

I believe it is time for the Liberals to vote against the Cons whenever the next confidence vote comes. I did not believe that the last couple of opportunities were the right time, as the party needed time to overcome its recent difficulties and how could you oppose tax cuts? However, the party has weathered the storm, but it can no longer continue on this course. The next time a confidence vote comes up on an policy that the Liberals clearly disagree with, then it must vote against the Cons. The damage to the Libs credibility will be irreversible and it will look like the party has no principles. Time will not heal this wound if the Liberals abstain again. The party must have confidence in their leader to fight an election, because if the party does not have confidence in its leader then why should they expect Canadians to have confidence to vote for them.

The Liberals have a lot to offer Canadians:

1. Values consistent with the majority of Canadians
2. A solid group of candidates
3. A long history of good government for Canadians
4. A leader with integrity

The Cons on the other hand:

1. Do not hold values with the majority of Canadians
2. A team that consists of the likes of Baird, Van Loan, Day, Flaherty, Mackay, Ambrose, Kenney
3. A mediocre record in government
4. A school yard bully for a leader

If the party wants to show that it is ready to lead again, then it must defeat the government at the next opportunity. Furthermore, the party needs to solidly get behind its leader, be disciplined and have a clear set of policies and then let the voters decide. Fear of losing cannot be a reason not to defeat this government. How can you ask Canadians to believe in you when you will not stand up for your principles?

Finally, a Conservative majority will put this country on the wrong track socially, environmentally and fiscally. It is the responsibility of the Liberal Party as the only viable nationally governing alternative to make sure that this does not happen. It cannot accomplish this if it does not have confidence to take on Harper and his gang of thugs.

What the Cons accomplished this week

This is what the Cons accomplished this week:

1. Demonstrating their hypocrisy on accountability
2. Demonstrating their hypocrisy on grassroots politics
3. Demonstrating their true right wing agenda
4. Demonstrating that they put their desire of a majority ahead of what's good for the country

On a side note, I think it is disgusting that Tim Powers on Duffy would equate this death penalty issue with the Liberals being soft on crime. One has nothing to do with the other. Especially, when this has been a policy of Canadian government's for 40 years! Once again Stockwell Day is the Liberals greatest assets.

Secondly, it is a bit rich that the Cons are dissing Dion for musing about raising the GST (because it was bad policy to lower it, although it was stupid of Dion to mention it), when it was the Cons that brought in the GST!

Oh ya, the Cons are putting out another misleading, childish attack ad. Yawn...

Still in denial?

Records Temps in T.O.

California Wildfires

CO2 emissions rising faster than expected

Even my Dad doesn't like Harper

Was just talking to my my Dad and was shocked by what he said. Even he thinks Harper is a jerk and my Dad is as Conservative as they come. I can sleep easy tonight. Goodnight.

Dryden is a leader

According to Susan Delacourt, Dryden's speech in caucas had a major influence on keeping the Libs from defeating the gov't this week.

"It's not about you," Dryden bluntly told Dion. In other words, there was more than one person's future at stake in this whole parliamentary game of brinksmanship. At least a couple of people in the room were impressed with Dryden's candour. (He still was the best choice for leader)

Dion's Communication Skills

On Duffy yesterday Nanos, Weston and some communication's expert basically made the point, brought on by Weston's column earlier in the week, that Dion's English is what is limiting his effectiveness as a leader. I read Weston's column and I thought it was a little crass, but the main premise was correct. On Duffy's panel they pointed out that he uses too many complicated words and phrases that do not come off to well. Furthermore, Dion's speaking style is too wooden and fails to inspire, which is the most basic of skills for a politician. In addition, his speeches are too long, which make them harder to rehurse. Duceppe and Chretien have obvious problems in English, but they simplified their approach and speak from the heart which has proven to be effective. In the age of the sound bite as the panel described, being able to communicate effectively is key. Duh.



To me Dion's pronunciation, besides the odd slip, is not bad, but I believe that he speaks too deliberately, probably too cognisant of making a slip. I think he needs to simplify his message, speak more passionately, stop worrying about making a slip and less from a script. If you remember back to the leadership debates that was the style that he used and that was what won over delegates. Since he became leader he has tried to come off too prime ministerial, but I think he needs to start acting like an Opposition Leader and speak more from the heart. If his advisors and himself do not fix this basic problem, then there is no point trying to act prime ministerial, because he will never become one.



A note to any Cons that want to respond to this post, spare me the childish cookie cutter remarks. Thanks.

Garneau to run for the Libs afterall!

Some positive news for a change!

Maybe it is not all doom and gloom afterall?