Jack Layton's Book

I just finished chapter one and for those who have said here before that Jack Layton doesn't say much about NAFTA/FTA and you would like to know where he stands on these issues. Then this book will help you see where he stands on these issues. I'm not sure why he doesn't talk about them as much in the media, but he does touch on it in his book.

Kevin

I have a feeling he doesn't broach the subject because: 1) It's not on the forefront of the Voters minds right now 2) His opponents would jump all over him for being anti-american (facts don't wash during an election campaign when your opponents use the 'liar liar plants for hire' defense) 3) The black helicopter brigade would feed the media photoshopped pictures of him in a field of sheep wearing a kilt and buying viagra from Saddam Hussein.

Those are good points Doc. You know the more I read Jack Layton's innovative ideas for Canada. The more I see a little of myself. All of his ideas hit home with me. His environment ideas especially.

Jack Layton's ideas for environmental issues seem to come off as far fetched to some people I talk too. But the reality is his following allot of ideas that have already been implemented in other countrices like Europe and Japan. His ideas are proven in these countries. I never realized how far off Paul Martin was from dealing with environmental issues until I started to read what Jack Layton had to say in this book. I hope for a manority government where just maybe the NDP can get some of these ideas implemented.

Kevin

One thing I learned last week on Global (Yes Global!!) was the lack of Green party status in an environmental country like Canada, when they are actually in Opposition in ~19 other countries around the world, and in power in 7 others. The first campaign sign I saw this election run on Tuesday was Green Party. I wonder what side of the political spectrum they fall on . . .

That is interesting Dr.Caleb. I hear though that the Green Party is also foreseeing getting more support in this upcoming election then they ever had. They just may get a seat for the first time in history.

I also heard today that the Green Party is protesting cause the Green Party leader wasn't included in the debates in June. I wonder why they would exclude him from the debates? I understand they don't presently have a seat in the house of commons, but this election coming up is about who's getting seats and not who has them. So wouldn't they be eligible to take part in this debate? I would think so.

Kevin

I heard comment on Global that the Green Party wasn't invited - that it was limited to the 4 'major' parties, which I assume means the Bloc too.

I've never really considered the Bloc as 'major' as I have no opportunity to vote for them.

Yah Doc, it makes no sense to me why the bloc would be in the debate and the GP counted out. I guess they go by who has seats in the house of commons. But like I said already isn't this election about who's getting what seats? Which is why the GP should be in the debate.

I should also say I wouldn't mind seeing one on one with Layton & Martin and then Layton & Harper. That would make for an interesting debate.

Kevin

I'm very upset the Greens are not going to be included in the debates. With all due respect for the Bloc I can't for the life of me understand how they can even be considered as a federal party when they don't run people all across Canada? With that in mind did I mention I'm very upset the Greens are not going to be included in the debates? I think we should get on CBC's back about this.

<a href='http://www.greenparty.ca/index.php?module=article&view=120'>Here</a> is a link to the action item on the Green Parties webiste. I was researching candidates in my area. The Liberal and Conservatives say they've lived in the area for 20 years or so, but my family have been here since 1885, and I don't know their names. The NDP is not running a candidate, and to my suprise, I've heard of the Green Party's candidate.

Thanks Dr. Caleb for the link, I did some more letter writing. I saw Jack Layton on the CBC Newshour tonight and he did a very good job. I truly belive he cares about Canada and Canadians. He belives in the NDP policies and is very comfortable selling them. The media has tried very hard not to like him, but I think they'll end up liking him in spite of themselves. The CBC for sure wants to keep making a big deal out of what he said about Paul Martin being responsible for killing street people. Well I heard Layton's statement when he made it and I never gasped in shock or was one bit offended by what he actually said. Infact, Mansbridge was going over the top more with his statements and accusations than Layton was being accused of doing. (Hope that makes sense?)