Opposition MPs Have Power To Override Harper

Written By: 4Canada
Date: 2006-05-06 17:12:00
<a href="/article/81252320-opposition-mps-have-power-to-override-harper">Article Link</a>

Sheehan's son Casey, a U.S. soldier, was killed in Iraq. She's been politely dogging President George W. Bush ever since and has become one of the most effective critics of his current war. To no one's surprise, the Harper Conservatives refused Sheehan's — and Layton's — request. Harper is busy making nice with Bush. As well, he supported Bush's invasion of Iraq. So, his government's answer was foreordained. But what everyone — including Layton — seems to forget is that Harper doesn't control Parliament. His Conservatives hold only a minority of seats in both the Commons and the Senate. If the majority of parliamentarians want to pass an amendment to the immigration act that would allow U.S. deserters to stay here, they could do so — with or without the Prime Minister's consent. They might have to jump through some procedural hoops. But they have the votes if they want to use them. <a href='http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=thestar/Layout/Article_Type1&c=Article&cid=1146865814564&call_pageid=970599109774&col=Columnist969907626796'>Toronto Star</a> [Proofreader's note: this article was edited for spelling and typos on May 7, 2006]

>>>"If I were prime minister, we would not be involved in Iraq. I would encourage the Americans and hope they're successful, but our government would not be there." Conservative Leader Stephen Harper, Dec. 13, 2005 at a press conference in Trenton, Ont. 
 
Harper's comments 
 
In March 2003, the Canadian Alliance was the only party in the Commons to vote against a Bloc Québécois resolution to stay out of the war. At the time, Harper said "in reading only the polls, indulging a juvenile and insecure anti-Americanism, this government has for the first time in our history left us outside our British and American allies in their time of need." 
 
"In the final analysis," he added, "disarming Iraq is necessary for the long-term security of the world, to the collective interest of our historic allies and, therefore, manifestly it is in the national interest of this country." 
 
A few days later, on March 28, 2003 as the invasion began, Harper wrote a letter to the Wall Street Journal in which he reiterated those views and said: "The Canadian Alliance – the official Opposition in Parliament – supports the American and British position because we share their concerns, their worries about the future if Iraq is left unattended to, and their fundamental vision of civilization and human values." 
 
The following week he told Fox News that most Canadians outside Quebec support the U.S.-led invasion. He also introduced a motion in the Commons asking Canada to support the war. <<< 
 
<a href="http://www.cbc.ca/canadavotes/realitycheck/iraq.html">http://www.cbc.ca/canadavotes/realitycheck/iraq.html</a> 
 
I can not see anyone who believes in freedom, justice and liberty being upset by Saddam Hussein being ousted from power. The world powers live by and abide by rules that the world’s nations agree to guide them to make decisions of how and when to take Military action. 
 
At the same time one must think that there were other reasons for the US to do what they did other then weapons of mass destruction, American intelligence had up to the year Bush decided to invade Iraq had said they didn't exist. 
 
That being said, there was more horrible atrocities, deaths in the millions, going on else where in the world that the US out right refused to get involved with. 
 
The Canadian public and the Canadian Government at the time was right about Vietnam in the begining and was praised by those Americans that condemned Canada and Canadians at the time after all was said and done. 
 
Now, that enemy is a US trading partner, friend and ally. Not what the US said they were / are at that particular time earlier on. This happening ten years after the end of the war that the US lost. 
 
Now we know of all the US intelligence that were lies and fabrications that were used to justify that war then and those that were used to justify American evolvement. Did anyone pay for, take responsibility for or even get punished for these acts? No! But thousands of innocent people did with their lives after being wrongfully tortured, incarcerated and manned. But they have had enjoyable retirements. 
 
In the end all we have is dead young people, some of them Canadians that also believed what the US Government said, who thought they too were defending freedom, justice and liberty for the entire world, dying for a fabricated Government Administration belief that they wanted to be true. 
 
If man has to choose war it better be as a last resort and only for the best and noblest reasons that man kind holds dear. For there is really only one truth, all life is sacred and deserves our respect no matter how trying the circumstances. 
 
People laughed at the peace movement during Vietnam but it did serve a purpose. It made us as a people think. 
 
Let U.S. Peace Mom Cindy Sheehan publicly ask Prime Minister Stephen Harper to offer sanctuary to American deserters. Hear her out. Let the Canadian Courts hear out the American deserters as they did in the 1960’s and 1970’s. In the end the truth will rise to the surface, it always dose. 
 
The only question that never seems to be answered is what price or penalty does the Government Official that say’s oops we made a mistake pay? Who pays for their lack of feeling, compassion, apathy and justice? 
--- Perception is two thirds of what we perceive reality to be. 
 
Difficult decisions are a privilege of rank.

The opposition realizes that if they'd knock out the Harper govt. now, first of all, only Harper could raise the funds to fight an election, as big business would flock to the cause, now that they can smell the blood of Canada and are on the feeding frenzy, opened by Harper.

Also, Harper would come back with a large majority in a snap election. Like Diefenbaker did, back in 1958. How many do remember the 2 footsteps and "Follow John" painted on the sidewalks on all city street corners ?

Why would Harper win? Because people have no idea of the issues and make their minds up on brainwash and emotional gounds. In this case it would be :"Let's give the guy a chance to govern!" The only exemption was Joe Clark, but he was far too ridiculous even for the most ignorant to follow.

It scares me like hell, but I think we'll end up with a Harper majority the next time around, unless some miracle happens and people suddenly realize what he really is and what he represents. With the media solidly behind Harper and
"wealth creation", this is very unlikely to happen.

I'm voting NDP, but I'm a realist and wouldn't be surprised to see the NDP numbers go down. In our riding we'll get this useless seatwarmer, Reform leftover, Dick Harris, back again.

Ed Deak, Big Lake, BC.

<a href="http://members.shaw.ca/wzuk1/books/arrow.html">http://members.shaw.ca/wzuk1/books/arrow.html</a> 
 
--- RickW

Harper better hope that election call comes before the war on Iran.

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If there was ever a time for Canadians to become pushy - now is the time - for time is running out on this nation called Canada.

It looks like Harper has lined his ducks up, 3 members of the old Mike Harris government with high jobs in his cabinet. These 3 were part of the gang that brought in social legislation that no other so called civilised country would entertain. Harper's pretty quiet now, I think he's waiting and hoping for a majority then "the gloves will be off". According to todays news it seems like he's counting on Quebec to give him just such a majority.
I wonder what words of wisdom the Tories heard from American republican neo-con Frank Muntz on the week-end?.

Frank

Sorry that should have read Frank Luntz.

Frank

Thanks for this post 4Canada! Very interesting indeed! I simply love Walkom! I first heard of him when I was researching the Donner Foundation. He wrote something on that foundation being Canada's ideological paymaster (far right, of course!). And if I remember correctly, he got in a bit of trouble with the Donner regarding that particular column. Walkom is just super! I may take up a subscription with the Toronto Star just so I don't miss his columns :-)

Fur Gaia

Walkom is always the first article I look for. With regards to this article I agree with Walkom that if the NDP and Layton were serious about helping the US military consciencious objectors he could follow this procedure and I for one wish he would.

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"And those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music." Friedrich Nietzsche

Why is the Liberal Party letting a year go by without electing a new
leader?

How is it that they feel comfortable while leaderless, if a snap
election is called?

If Harper is getting all his evil deeds "out of the way" early ... and
continues to rile everybody ... is the Opposition going to wait until
things settle down and the bribes begin to flow?

I think the Opposition is boneheaded crazy to sit like fools, waiting
a year before they even begin to get the Liberal Party into full
campaign mode.

Well he does seem to be courting Quebec - a rather sly political move on his part. But, Quebec lead Canada in saying no to Iraq, and would certainly do so again with Iran. If the war drums start beating in Ottawa, he will quickly lose much of his support in Quebec, and thus any chance of getting his majority. Add that in to his stupid blunder of supporting the Tories in Ontario - the other place he needs to get his scorched earth majority - and we can see their chance for a majority slipping away.

I will give the Conservatives this much - they are entertaining to watch.

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If there was ever a time for Canadians to become pushy - now is the time - for time is running out on this nation called Canada.

Are they crazy or smart? The Conservatives are still the Mulroney party, and like the party of old will undo themselves if given enough time and rope. We can see that already with the flag-flap, Emerson, media dodging, hiding the dead from Afghanistan, the Ontario Tory gaffe, opposition against Afghanistan increasing, and the upcoming realization that his daycare policy is just another failed right-wing experiment.

Giving them more time will ensure that they get themselves all worked up over Iran, start to see the softwood lumber deal unravel, and whatever else they manage to screw up along the way.

Short of a snap election call (which could also hurt the Cons as most Canadians don't want another election), the Liberals may be playing a good game of 'watch them implode'.

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If there was ever a time for Canadians to become pushy - now is the time - for time is running out on this nation called Canada.

You seem awfully sympathetic to the Liberals plight Roy. Did you vote for them or what?

Naturally the Conservatives are less polished as they actually have some backbone and stand for something.

Why aren't you happy? Finally a government that is less used to governing and less refined. They might actually say what thye think once in a while.....I mean Christ, the opposition parties are all over a guy from Saskatchewan to resign from a committee for saying "judges acta like Gods"--WTF is wrong with criticizing in a democracy? You are such whiners.

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Multiculturalism is neither left nor right, but rather a sickening indication of what happens when 'representative government' fails the majority.

Perturbed,

You seem awfully sympathetic to the Cons. Do you vote for them or what?

Incidentally what do the Cons stand for?

I think the criticism of Vellacott goes beyond speaking out in a democracy. I believe the man has put words in the Chief Justice's mouth that he cannot backup with proof and in my opinion that constitutes slander doesn't it? WTF indeed.

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"And those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music." Friedrich Nietzsche

BC Mary, 
 
There's not much the Liberals can do. They're broke as far as I know so cannot afford to have an election and will have a hard time raising the money for their own leadership races. The Cons are the only ones with backers from here and south of the border that will make sure they have the most money to fund the biggest propaganda campaign and the people that know how to do it. Frank Luntz. People need to be aware that people like him are involved in the word games we'll be hearing from Harper and his scripted spokespeople. Creeeeeepy. 
 
More on Luntz here: 
<a href="http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/persuaders/interviews/luntz.html">http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/persuaders/interviews/luntz.html</a>--- "And those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music." Friedrich Nietzsche