Wednesday, January 18, 2006

My Vote

In Calgary, truth be told, your vote doesn't really matter. There's no such thing as strategic voting so it's symbolic above all else. Because of that, I've been giving a bit of thought as to how I'd vote. Anyone who reads this blog regularly will know that I'm not a big fan of Junior and I can sympathize with those who believe that the current Liberal Party doesn't deserve re-election. It's also become apparent that the Liberal Party needs to renew itself. On the other side, Stephen Harper has run a flawless campaign, laying out a moderate right of centre view of the country. So, I won't be surprised if and when he wins on Monday.

But all that aside, I've decided I will be voting Liberal on Monday. Although I do like Harper, I'm worried about his potential Cabinet and I don't agree with his policies. And while I do like many of Layton's ideas, at the end of the day, I agree with Liberal policy. It would be immensely self satisfying to walk into the voting booth and mark an X against Paul, but I'll save the pettiness and the "I told you sos" for this blog. I've been out campaigning a few times this past week and have realized that it's important to look at the party as a whole and the local candidate, not just the leader and the dolts running the PMO. After weighing all of this, it just feels right to vote Liberal.

It won't mean much in Calgary, but I'm glad to give them my $1.75 a year; I'm hopeful it will be used to rebuild the party so that we can return to past glory soon enough.

posted by calgarygrit at 1:57 p.m.

37 Comments:

  • C'mon CG, be a good little liberal and post the real news. Or do you think Conservative blogs should be "censored" too?

    How's winter where you are?

    Wouldn't you rather be here:

    Relocation Services II: Dirty details revealed
    Two weeks ago I revealed questionable federal government contracts at various resorts around the world. It turns out that select members of our public service are making good use of these resorts...



    (7.5 megs - right click, save as)

    This video is also available here...

    Down in Kokomo
    Relocation Scandal
    Yet another scandal?

    A complete listing of international travel by public servants can be found here...

    International Travel

    All of this travel took place in one year.

    Interestingly, if you look at the contracts (here) in some of these exotic locations you will find that our public service is not exactly slumming it...


    Le Royal Mansour Meridien - Casablanca
    192 nights


    InterContinental V Centenario - Santo Domingo
    587 nights


    NH Krystal Cancun Hotel - Cancun, Mexico
    800 nights

    Essentially, there are 2.5 civil servants continuously in Cancun alone 365 days per year!!! Something isn't right about this.

    Paul Martin wants to know where Mr. Harper will cut spending. I can think of a few places! A few warm and inviting places!!!


    http//conservativelife.com

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 2:06 p.m.  

  • CG - I feel your pain. Here in Vancouver suburb, the idea of voting strategically caught my eye when I was at my lowest and the polls had started to bleed blue. This is a riding that was decided by 110+ votes last time, with NDP coming second (Grits were solid but 3,000 back despite a terrific candidate). Now I too feel there is need for revitalization and some new blood, but I must also stay true to my team. In this riding, the one thing that has hurt our candidates is that unsuccessful Libs who wanted to be the candidate have, for 2nd election in a row, pulled back and backstabbed the candidate. Meanwhile, the NDP laps up all it can, while we again prepare to elect a neo-con moron whose only hope of cabinet job is if he could find his kitchen.
    If he wins by a vote, I won't be as hurt because the country is expected to take a right turn that, in my eyes, will be painful to those who cherish equality and fairness.
    Strategic voting? I support others who may want to do that, but I'm standing behind my team, the team that has helped make this a great country.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 2:06 p.m.  

  • Calgary Grit...as a modified saying goes...evil flourishes as good people vote liberal.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 2:08 p.m.  

  • I think the Liberals will need your $1.75, Bart. I, for one, think that PMPM negotiated too lightly with himself at arriving at the $1.14 mm he figured the LPC owed the taxpaupers of Canada.

    But I'm glad you stuck with your principles. That shows character. Possibly warped logic, but definitely principles (grin).

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 2:15 p.m.  

  • Dog returns to his vomit...

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 2:26 p.m.  

  • Not being a "yellow dog" Liberal, I voted for my local guy and have no qualms about that. And if he narrowly loses to the NDP candidate I won't be all that upset either.

    By Blogger Red Tory, at 2:27 p.m.  

  • I think Calgary Grit, in every sense of the word, you are voting for a very sick party. Really.

    You are a party of absolutely no principals. Your party will say anything or do anything for a vote. Everything (policy) is done or arrived at daily. Never, never, will your party stand up for what is the right thing to do, if it a tough thing politically to do. Hopefully, your party will get a time out, and your party can a grip on some real Canadian values, not just over heated rhetoric in an election campaign.

    Here is just a little snippet of what is wrong with Liberals.

    Ralph Goodale, "Yes, I investigated myself, and found nothing wrong". Maybe Conrad Black can learn from that defense.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 2:29 p.m.  

  • Anonymous, Liberal bashing is fine, but if you're going to insult what someone believes in, *please* learn the distinction between "principal" and "principle".

    Otherwise, it's like writing a letter to the editor in crayon: you've just accused the Liberal party of not having enough School Administrators. Oooo. That'll show him the error of his ways.

    By Blogger Wrye, at 2:51 p.m.  

  • CG - Your pain is felt here in MB too. My CPC MP got 65% of the vote in '04 - there will be no strategic voting here!!

    I see the SES poll today is at 37 CPC, 32 Lib. Trending???

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 2:55 p.m.  

  • CG, fairly said sport. I think it will all work out in the wash.

    By Blogger Joe Calgary, at 2:56 p.m.  

  • It sure took you long enough. Why couldn't you have come to this conclusion in December and blogged accordingly?

    By Blogger Jason Cherniak, at 3:12 p.m.  

  • As a Calgary Liberal, I also feel pretty good about my vote for the local Liberal candidate.

    Strategic voting by Liberals in Calgary, federally and provincially is a joke, what with the one-party rule we have.

    Maybe we can make the argument that after 40 years in power the Progressive Conservatives need a time out?

    Yeah right!

    A.L.

    By Blogger A.L., at 3:15 p.m.  

  • Jason, there's a world of difference between highlighting in his post the failures of the Liberals, causing the problem in his choice, and sticking to his principles to allow him to support its rejuvenation. I commend his choice for the reasons he stated.

    It is unfortunate that you could not differentiate at your site.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 3:21 p.m.  

  • CG,

    As a Conservative, I appreciate your blog for being fair and (sorry, I need another word for balanced).

    Today, I am somehwat dissapointed. If your vote is symbolic as you say, then I believe you are being disingenuous. After all you have posted, a symbolic vote for Martin et al is inconsistent at best.

    If you had told me you live in Calgary West and you are voting for Pollock rather than Anders (yes, he is a wingnut) that would be different.

    As for your opening line, that your vote doesn't count, call me naive but your vote ALWAYS counts regardless of outcome.

    For the most part, keep up your hard work and thanks for letting all viewpoints be heard in a civil manner

    Ken (in Calgaty Nose-Hill)

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 3:25 p.m.  

  • Isn't is sad that the liberals are relying on the stupidity of the 416'ers (city of Toronto) to survive.

    Buzzzz says Harper is a separatist thus vote for the Bloc. Paul Martin stands there beside his new Senator buddy.

    So you brain-dead Ontario voters - vote liberal once again! please?

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 3:28 p.m.  

  • CG, forgive me if you've already posted this, but just out of curiosity, who is your local candidate?

    By Blogger Jason Hickman, at 3:30 p.m.  

  • CG - stuck as I am in Calgary SouthEast, I will likely be voting for my local Liberal candidate.

    Here's why:

    1) _Not_ because of PM and the current PMO.

    2) Because Jason Kenney has repeatedly demonstrated a level of arrogance and obnoxiousness that I find revolting.

    3) I've had the pleasure of meeting the Liberal Candidate, and he's a decent person.

    4) I'd like an MP that actually answers correspondence instead of ignoring it.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 3:50 p.m.  

  • Why not vote NDP if you can't bring yourself to vote for the Conservatives?

    The Liberals have done nothing to deserve your vote. Their campaign over the past 50+ days has shown that the Liberal Party cares much much more about the Liberal Party than they do about Canada.

    Liberal values are not Canadian values.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 3:51 p.m.  

  • Jason C; I've always intended to vote Liberal.

    What do you mean by "blogged accordingly"? I never intended for this blog to be a spin machine which rehashes Liberal talking points. I'm not trying to sway other people's votes, I'm merely comenting on politics, and trying to have a bit of fun in the process. Regardless of my partisan leanings, I've tried to give as non-partisan commentary as I could here. Martin's been an easy target of late because he's run a bad campaign, but I'm taken my fair share of shots at Harper during his "Glad as Hell" tour and in the past.

    Jason, you yourself have said you voted for Joe Clark in 2000. If Cherniak on Politics existed back then, would it have "blogged accordingly" and been pro-Tory, anti-Liberal?

    By Blogger calgarygrit, at 3:58 p.m.  

  • Jason Hickman;

    Ted Hanney is my local Liberal candidate, Dianne Ablocnzkghjszy is the incumbent. I'm not a huge fan of Mr. Hanney's, but he has had the guts to run two elections in a row which I can respect. I've door knocked for a few other candidates in the city, so I haven't actually talked to Hanney at all.

    By Blogger calgarygrit, at 4:00 p.m.  

  • Good on you for sticking by your party CG.

    These dolts criticizing you would vote Tory regardless of what they said or did, so it's hypocritical of them to say you should abandon your beliefs.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 4:06 p.m.  

  • CG,

    You are quickly going down in my respect-o-meter.

    Your Liberal candidate is Ted HANEY (One N, not two), so you don't even know who your representative is, another reflexive vote.

    As for Haney, how did his Cattlemen (and Liberal) connections work out in getting the BSE issue resolved quickly?

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 4:13 p.m.  

  • I would have thought that a reasonably moderate person like yourself could support a top tier MP like Ablonzy (whatever the spelling is). She is definite cabinet material and IMHO is one of the best hold-overs from Reform-Alliance days.

    I would ask you to reconsider and vote for Diane.

    Having said that I will say that at this point in time voting Liberal is a vile, despicable act.

    APEC
    Grand Mere
    Gun Registry Overruns
    HRSDC boondoggle
    Adscam
    ITscam

    That is only six reasons why anyone should be ASHAMED to support the Liberal Party of Canada.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 4:14 p.m.  

  • Sorry,

    post at 2:13 was mine. I don't want to be one of those anonymous drive-be smearers

    Ken (in Calgary Nose-Hill)

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 4:15 p.m.  

  • The latest poll results have pretty much ensured that I will be casting my vote for the local Liberal candidate. He will likely lose to conservative incumbent but at least the Liberals will get my $1.75 for the next fight.

    Unlike whiny little conservatives, I won’t cry and threaten Eastern separation if /when the Liberals don’t form the government. I was almost considering voting conservative to just stop the pathetic whining. At the very least the disastrous Liberal campaign has saved me from the unpleasantly of voting Conservative.

    I guess every cloud does have a silver lining.

    Anyone recall the exact words that compared conservative governments to the mumps?

    Something like “They are like mumps, they come around once a generation and are never a pleasant experience.”

    Vive le Ontario Libre!

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 4:20 p.m.  

  • C'mon everyone ... accusing CG of voting for "disingenuous" reasons and backing that up with drawing even more disingenuous generalizations about any party is just absurd ... nobody disputes that adscam happened but you also can't possibly convince me that every level of the Lib party and every one of their candidates in this election are remotely linked to the scandal or supportive of corruption in general.

    I agree the Libs probably deserve to lose this election to rebuild, but to try to draw this out to the conclusion that as a party they no longer deserve to live, well, I suspect most of you saying that probably said the same thing after the Mulroney Tories were annihilated over a decade ago ... anyone else starting to see any logical inconsistencies you could drive a semi through?

    The overall Liberal party is not "corrupt" ... how many ppl did Gomery finger? Under 50? Just like not every single member of the Tories is going to support mandatory prayer in schools, a ban on abortion, and war in Iraq (frankly I'd love to see them try ... it'd ignite a firestorm bigger than Adscam)

    Blame the leadership of the Grits for getting embroiled in this scandal (which is fair, the buck stops somewhere after all), but the rank and file "Liberal" has principles just as legitimate and proudly upheld as any Conservative party member. I'm pretty sure none of the local Grit candidates in Alberta are remotely associated with "corruption".

    Basically, a little more civility please. We may not all agree, but namecalling is no way to elevate political debate!

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 4:23 p.m.  

  • A few points:

    1) Gomery was/is staged.

    2) Calgary Grit is entitled to vote however he chooses. Even if it is a little misplaced, I won't fault him for his loyalty to the party, or question his principles.

    3) Calgary Grit is entitled to blog however he chooses. I often disagree with his points, but he is one of the most "fair and balanced" bloggers on any side out there. I think Cherniak's been completely brainwashed, Zoolander style.

    4) Party support isn't unconditional. I support the Tories - but I expect them to be honest, and deliver. If they were corrupt/worn out/etc., I wouldn't campaign for them. To "Anonymous", you should actually get to know a few Tories. Many of us are quite principled.

    5) Hopefully CalgaryGrit is betting that the Liberals won't win, and that his vote/$1.75 will go to helping the new leader rebuild his party.

    By Blogger Michael Fox, at 4:40 p.m.  

  • You get the measure of a man in almost imperceptible ways...his first words to a loved one in the morning...how he treats waitresses...whether or not he stands up with the rest of the crowd when a fight breaks out at the Saddledome...and yes, by seeing whether he is willing to stand alone or will silently don the brown shirt.

    If you ever met her, you would know that Abloncy is one of kindest, most compassionate, community-minded politicians we have in this country. If you saw the focus of the work in her riding, you would think she belonged to the NDP. And she doesn't trumpet any of it.

    But you're going with party over principle. Bully for you.

    In an instant you are revealed...not because of your decision, but because of your reasons for same.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 4:57 p.m.  

  • Hey CG, you might be interested in the campaign button I'm promoting for liberals.

    It says
    "even though they stole all our money and ruined the country, I'm still voting liberal cause I'm a f**king moron"

    Horny toad

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 5:40 p.m.  

  • Bart, I just wanted to let you know that I fully respect your decision. Haney is a good guy (but did you know that he is actually a Red Tory and only running under the Liberal banner, because there's no "Red Tory banner"?).

    If he had been able to bring himself to run as a Tory, he could have been highly electable in Alberta, but, sadly, this way he'll get some votes, but that'll be all.

    I just thought that you should know that you are about to vote for a (Red) Tory ;-)

    I also know that other people in the Liberal Party in Alberta are not too sure about Haney, because I have heard party insiders say things like, "Oh, he's a Red Tory, and we don't really want someone like him, but he was willing to offer himself up as a candidate for our party."

    But regardless, Haney is a good guy, he's got some good ideas and he doesn't have anything to do with the Ottawa Liberals responsible for all the corruption.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 6:43 p.m.  

  • Demosthenes,

    As the one who first used "disingenuous" I fail to see where there has been any name calling. I think the discussion here, has in fact, been quite civil.

    I agree that that not all Liberal party members, not even the overwhelming majority are corrupt and enetitled to your consideration. But it is somewhat clear that the leadership and the inner circle are content to accept the corruption that goes on around them.

    Because of the current parliamentary system, voting Liberal therefore rewards that same leadership most feel(including CG) does not deserve it.

    If it is a principled vote, do you not think it appropriate that you at least get your candidates name spelled right (incorrect twice, so likely not a typo)?

    As I said, your vote always counts regardless of outcome. It is your only chance to have a direct say in the goings on, unfortunately by voting Liberal, as I see it you are indirectly condoning what is going on.

    As for the name calling, I agree let us keep it out, though we can all agree that Anders is a wingnut, can we not. (And i will be voting Ablonczy)

    Ken in calgary Nose-Hill

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 7:02 p.m.  

  • I think what Jason means is that you've spent the last several months bashing the Liberals at every opportunity. You have essentially given the Conservatives a free pass. To claim this blog is fair and balanced is laughable at best.

    You're a Liberal like Lieberman is a Democrat.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 8:08 p.m.  

  • I think Calgary Grit said he was voting for the Liberal party because he hopes for renewal and real liberals to be involved once again. I mean for the love of god we have ridings in major urban centers in this country that have 6 members. That is pathetic, and CG has no reason to stand up for Paul Martin, he is the most disloyal SOB in the history of Canadian politics, Dalton Camp could only wish to be as disloyal as Paul Martin. But I am sure that Calgary Grit would have supported Paul Martin if Paul had any good ideas, I mean the guy is a Liberal after all (just like Lieberman). The fact of the matter is Paul sucks, he is old, and he should really be put out to pasture, maybe we can give him the position of High Commissioner in London. Perhaps we could put Paul in the Senate as well for the next 7 years and he could plan a coup against Jack Austin.

    I think my point can be summed up as Paul sucks, get out, for too long in this party all that has mattered is who do you know in the OLO. And that is wrong, for one i think i am getting ahead of myself, it may be "who do you know in the office of the third party in parliament". Does that office even have a name. If anybody knows please respond.

    Thank you Karl Littler for building this great party, kudos to you Jean Lapierre, we are still in double digits, Mark Marrisen, where did you find David Oliver, Cyrus Reporter wasn't it bad enough that you ran Allan Rock into the ground, now you have destroyed the great image of a functional war room that the great Warren Kinsella first set up, David Herle you are just plain terrible please go back to McDonalds and flip of some burgers, John Duffy what can i say you are as stupid as all the rest, Scott Reid learn french over the next 20 years and when you and your friends get another opportunity to destroy the liberal party at least you will be able to communicate with La Presse, Tim Murphy please go into carpet sales (specializing in rugs) after this election, you seem to have an expertise in that area, guy who got a sleigh with a flat tire, good job that was the perfect piece of symbolism for these band of idiots, KKKlander what can i say, keep blogging, keep blogging, and finally Paul, please touch up your use of platitudes, as I do not think Canadians have heard enough times how something is very important or very very important, they want to make sure that issues are "perfectly clear", they want to know about the fundamental values that they hold as Canadians, and never ever forget that a regional issue is a national issue and a national issue is a even bigger national issue and what is important is identifying the grand national objectives that we all want to pursue and then make 10 separate side deals with the provinces so they can pursue these ideals individually

    Sincerely
    David Smith (the guy Herle would make everybody forget about)

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 9:02 p.m.  

  • "who do you know in the office of the third party in parliament". Does that office even have a name. If anybody knows please respond."

    Yep. its called "LOSER"

    Horny Toad

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 9:51 p.m.  

  • If it's all about the buck seventy-five, CG, don't vote for the Liberals and I'll send them a cheque on your behalf..... for an even two bucks.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 10:57 p.m.  

  • If that was David Smith, I'm Mitchell Sharp.

    I nonetheless loved the comment.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 11:20 a.m.  

  • Give your vote for the party who deserve to serve.

    By Anonymous tuxedo best, at 9:42 a.m.  

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