DLiberal

2006-09-25T15:32:00.000-04:00

VACANT:
Spacious Indian restaurant
Can accomodate 14 and counting
Spaces going fast!!!!

Check out blog: http://1800cute.blogspot.com/

I thought that Iggy was a little smarter then this. But then again this does prove my posts.

How much proof do you want?

or shall we just wait for LPC to finish their investigation?

Iggy Mistakes:

1. Lives in the US for 30 years and claims to be Canadian.
(Actual: He is as Canadian as Pineapples)
2. Believes Kyoto was the biggest mistake the Liberals ever made.
(Actual: His Environmental plan will be completed when he is 104, breath in the smog. Detroit here we come)
3. Votes for Afghanistan
(Actual: Even though a majority of his support and majority of Canadians and Liberals Vote against.)
4. The torutre thing
(Actual: He was in faovour until it became unpopular.)
5. Asking a Minority Women to step aside to be parachutted in
(Actual: Now we know why Ruby, and Co. support him, they dont like nominations.)
6.Supporting George Bush in Iraq
(Actual: do I have to write anything.)
7. Isreal - Lebanon
(Actual: I'm not losing any sleep over it
Question: How can pro- Isreal MP's continue to support Iggy when his Quebec Liuetenant marches under the Hezbollah flag)

Now, Iggy is into real estate. 11 people one resturant.

2006-09-21T16:53:00.000-04:00

In Tom Allisons' Own Words

I see the office is a little concern that the information got out a little faster then they had hoped.

How rude I did not provide clarification.

Feel free to read the email below I am sure you will see that Tom states he is "stepping down" as Ontario Manager.

As you can see in his signautre he is already National Director of Operations.

So if one holds two positions (Ontario Manager and National Director) and they "step down" from one, how is that a Promotion.

It is a Demotion.

Now the question is what did he do to be asked to step down from the Ontario Manager position?

Well I will give the details shortly.

-----Original Message-----
From: "Tom Allison" <tomallison@gmail.com>
Date: Wed, 20 Sep 2006 16:42:27
To:

Subject: Re: Form 6 Rejections

The Ignatieff Campaign agrees with Jim Goetz with respect to this matter.Since I am copying everyone on this I would also like to mention that I am stepping down as of Friday of this week. I will be replaced by Alexis Levin who many of you know. I hope all will accord him the same kindness and respect that you have shown me.

Tom Allison
National Director of Organization
Ontario Campaign Director
Michael Ignatieff

You be the judge?

2006-09-20T21:37:00.000-04:00

!!!!!!!! EXIT STRATEGY !!!!!!!!

I discovered an interesting piece of news while working in the Michael Ignatieff Bloor St. office today. I must say it is much nicer then the Isabella St office. It is come to my attention that Ontario Campaign manager TOM ALLISON will be resigning his position in the next few days. The reason why it has not been announced yet is quite simple. The campaign 'braintrust' is trying to come up with an elaborate spin for his cover. I am sure they will go through the obvious that he wants "to spend more time with family" or "leaving for business interests". Unfortunately, that will not be the actual case. For those who have worked closely with Mr. Allison you would know about his 'legendary' ability to sign large numbers of new members. You will also know that he has a very difficult time of getting these types of members out. One has to question these new members desire to actually join the party. Here is something to think about; Why would the Michael Ignatieff 'brain trust' try to find a colourful way to spin this? Why would they try to distance themselves from Mr. Allison? Easy, because Michael Ignatieff and his 'brain trust' know that he is going to be attacked on this.

This very well could become one of the biggest issues in this leadership. Bourque newswatch says tomorrows new today, but I am giving you next few weeks news today. YOU BE THE JUDGE!

Hence, re-enforcing the Michael Ignatieff personal philosophy "Do as I say, not as I do".

STAY TUNED FOR THE NEXT OYL LEADERSHIP UPDATE SOOON!

2006-09-14T21:45:00.001-04:00

Dion Buying His Way to the Top.

A few friends of mine sent this to me today and then I find it posted in the comment thread.

The keg party that they threw in British Columbia where they signed 400 youth up prior to cut – off, I can say was a one off.

I was worried when a former Enviroment Minister lifted his whole environmental plan from David Sasuki.

Now This.

-----Original Message-----

From: Jason Cherniak [mailto:jason@jasoncherniak.com]

Sent: Wednesday, September 13, 2006 11:27

AMTo: jason@jasoncherniak.com

Subject: Delegates in Vaughan

Hi there,

I am the York Region coordinator for the Dion campaign. I am sending you this email because, like all the campaigns, we are looking for people in Vaughan who are interested in being delegates to the convention. As you may know, the deadline to sign up as a delegate is this coming Friday, September 15.

I am personally supporting Stéphane Dion for many reasons. You can read about some of them here: http://jasoncherniak.blogspot.com/2006/05/cherniak-endorses-stephane-dion.html. If you would like to learn more about Stéphane, please check out his website at http://stephanedion.ca.

I know that the convention is going to be expensive. However, running to be a delegate does not commit you to anything beyond putting your name on the ballot. Even if you win, you will not be required to pay one cent. However, by putting your name on the ballot for Stéphane you will make it much easier for him to find other delegates in Vaughan if you win and are unable to attend.

This is an exciting time for the party. Whoever you might be supporting, I wish you the best of luck. However, if you would like to support Stéphane or have any questions about him, then please contact me ASAP.

Yours truly,

Jason

-----------------------------

As a lawyer you would be better qualified then I to answer this question.

What is the definition of vote buying?Does this breach not only the letter but the spirit of Bill C-24.

Is this how Dion intends to run the country?Comments?

2006-09-14T21:45:00.000-04:00

Dion Buying His Way to the Top.

A few friends of mine sent this to me today and then I find it posted in the comment thread.

The keg party that they threw in British Columbia where they signed 400 youth up prior to cut – off, I can say was a one off.

I was worried when a former Enviroment Minister lifted his whole environmental plan from David Sasuki.

Now This.

-----Original Message-----

From: Jason Cherniak [mailto:jason@jasoncherniak.com]

Sent: Wednesday, September 13, 2006 11:27

AMTo: jason@jasoncherniak.com

Subject: Delegates in Vaughan

Hi there,

I know that the convention is going to be expensive. However, running to be a delegate does not commit you to anything beyond putting your name on the ballot. Even if you win, you will not be required to pay one cent. However, by putting your name on the ballot for Stéphane you will make it much easier for him to find other delegates in Vaughan if you win and are unable to attend.

Yours truly,

Jason
-----------------------------

2006-09-08T18:51:00.000-04:00

Vancouver was a fun time! Now it”s back to business and work. Gosh it seems that the world has fallen apart since I left Ontario for a bit. It seems that the environment is a hot topic these days for leadership.

Iggy recently launched an environment plan which will see changes for the better in our environment when he is literally 100 years old… come on a 2050 plan for the environment? Thinking in terms of the future is a great thing to do. The only issue is the policies for the future should be issues which will come up in the future not ones which need to be addressed immediately - like the environment.

Do you really want our generation and our children to have to wear gas masks just to play in the park? I guess with Iggy’s policy, just like his personality, it takes a while to kick in. Though, on the topic about his personality, I am still waiting for that to show.

On another note, Dion’s environment plan… wait… I meant David Suzuki’s plan. Dion was Minister of the Environment. His BIG issue is the environment and he couldn’t come up with his own original ideas?

How sad.

So does this mean that if he ever did become PM he’d have to steal Rambo’s idea on guns and violence. At least that would be semi amusing. Well, maybe not for the bad guys.

2006-08-23T11:33:00.000-04:00

Women and the Liberal Party

Yesterday, I was able to attend the Women’s Leadership forum. I will have to say I did have fun.

There was a big push to have more women in parliament and sitting as ministers. Aside from the three female leadership candidates no one said it was time to have a female Prime Minister.

Shades of the Campbell administration floated through the air.

Has the Liberal party become an exclusive Men’s club?

Looking through the national executive, you would think so. There are only 4 women that are party presidents (Three of these are in the territories.)

As, I watched yesterday I was struck by the crowd’s reaction to the three women candidates. All said it was good to have them in the race to diversify the field. No one believes they have a chance to win.

Why can’t women lead the Liberal party?

In this morning Vancouver Sun there was an article that spoke of the leadership forum.

How did it end?

Talking about what to wear from, Skirts, Scarves, and Shoes.

2006-08-18T13:03:00.000-04:00

Balancing Security and Business

A break from election financing.

Since the terror threat a few weeks ago, security has been heightened at Pearson and around the world.

I agree and respect the need for security. As a cleared the first security check at Pearson and made sure that I had no gels, I understood safety first. I fact I remembered again when I went through a second check prior to boarding my flight.

As I was walking through the airport, I was going to stop at the duty-free to pick up a gift for a friend. The sign read closed. Had all the employees been let go?

Before I walked out of the terminal I grabbed a copy of The Province and one of the articles read “7 duty-free shops get shut down, 70 laid off employees have no idea when they will be back at work.”

Could this be resolved by simply saying anything purchased at the duty-free is allowed, while sealed and with a receipt?

Surely, this will allow those workers back.

Or, is it simply No

2006-08-17T04:38:00.000-04:00

Elections Financing 2 of 5

A bit of a Question and Answer.

Q. What are the odds that 26 people would each individually donate $177.73 to the Liberal Party of Canada?

A. Possible, but unlikely

Q. These 26 donations all went to the same leadership campaign?

A. Possible if they lived in the same city or a very large family.

Q. All 26 had different surnames and lived in opposite ends of the country and in different provinces?

A. ?????

Q. Which Campaign do you think did this? Kennedy, Volpe, Brison, Rae, Igantieff….

A. Brison

Q. Why 177.73 there has to be an easier way to raise $4620.98

A. Maybe its to pad the total number of donations?

Comments?

2006-08-15T17:43:00.000-04:00

Election Financing #1 of 5

To preface this post we must keep in the mind the definition of Independent. Below is the definition of Independent from Webster’s On-line dictionary.

Main Entry: 1.in·de·pen·dent Pronunciation: "in-d&-'pen-d&nt

Function: adjective1 : not dependent: as a (1) : not subject to control by others : SELF-GOVERNING (2) : not affiliated with a larger controlling unit b (1) : not requiring or relying on something else : not contingent (2) : not looking to others for one's opinions or for guidance in conduct (3) : not bound by or committed to a political party.

_____________________________________________________

Recently, elections Canada released the quarterly donations report for the Liberal Leadership. As I was looking through the elections Canada list I discovered something that was quite disturbing.

J. Robert S. Prichard Liberal Party of Canada / Quarterly / Jun. 2006 May 4, 2006
Individuals / Part 2b Michael Ignatieff 2,600.00

J.ROBERT PRICHARD is the President and Chief Executive Officer, Torstar Corporation which owns the Toronto Star and Hamilton Spectator.

What shocked me the most was the fact that the Toronto Star editorial board has been giving glowing pieces on Mr. Iganiteff.

Two recent Toronto Star articles are prime examples:

"At the out break of the fighting in the Middle East all the candidates were asked to weigh in on the issue. Each received a small clip in the Toronto Star. The only person that was missing was Mr. Ignatieff who was in Europe. Upon his return to Canada a little over two weeks later, Mr. Ignaiteff made his position known in the Globe and Mail. Ignaiteff position was moderate, calling for a ceasefire."

The next day in the Toronto Star article Iganiteff, stated "if I had commented at the outbreak of the war I would have come out more in favour of Israel." The reason for the about face is obvious, he was trying to assure his Jewish supporters he was a friend of Israel. To solidify this further Micheal stated “I’m not losing any sleep over Qana."

These comments enraged the Muslim community and created a great opportunity for the opposition.

To stunt this spread, Igantieff called upon the Star again to clarify his position. How many leadership camps get that kind of attention?

Not Hall, Volpe, Kennedy and Rae. No only Iggy.

So now that the TorStar CEO has backed Ignaiteff, what extra influence does this give this campaign?

Is this free advertisement?

Does this contravene C-24?

Whatever happened to freedom of the press? I guess the 5th estate has moved on to the blogs.

Power to the people!!!

2006-08-11T10:23:00.000-04:00

The West Wants In……

Please close the door behind you.

The Conservative party has introduced new rules for nominations.

The party of the democratic reform, such as an elected senate and one – member one vote, has closed the door on the grassroots. On Thursday’s National Post, Don Martin reported “the conservative have approved an accelerated process for selecting candidates that gives party headquarters new powers to protect current MP’s.” Harper can still claim that any person can run for the nomination that wishes, however, he has now put in place tighter rules that all but eliminate any person from running.

The party not the riding association:

1. Will now set the date for nomination meetings.
2. Will now be responsible to notify the party membership.

The party doesn’t advertise the nomination in the local community newspapers as they had before.

People who do still want to run have “nine days to fill out a lengthy personal questionnaire, obtain a police clearance (which usually takes 2- 3 weeks in major urban centres,) secure two $1,000 bonds and the most important is to sign a confidentiality agreement pledging not to discuss the process.” Not to mention they still must find time to sell memberships.

Can the Liberals capitalize on this?Unfortunately, the answer is NO.

Let us look then at the nomination meeting in the Kingsway riding. Kingsway the liberals were to select a replacement for Benedict Emerson. The Liberals had a perfect chance to show they have become more aware and respectful of the grassroots. It could have assisted in removing the image of entitlement.

That did not happen.

The party did not consult with the riding executive and did not speak to anyone who had stated they wished to run. Instead they selected a candidate, appointed a party vice-president as campaign manager and informed her of the date of the nomination meeting.

Two weeks prior to the publication of the nomination date, the selected candidate sent a mail out to all the members of the riding association. This now leaves those who wish to run in a difficult state as they must now mount a challenge to the party establishment, with limited time and limited cooperation.

How can the party truly, go back to the grassroots and earn the trust of the electorate when we override them.

To win elections you need the common person. That is why you have to leave it open.

What do the leadership contenders have to say about this?

2006-08-09T20:19:00.000-04:00

Harper’s Hypocrisy

On Tuesday August 8, 2006 the Globe and Mail stated: “Ottawa Overrides its Controls on Contracts.” The Tories used a national security clause to allow steering of lucrative defense deals.

How Harper forgets his roots.

For those who can remember it was a contract for CF – 18 Flight Simulators in 1986. The deal was to be tender to either Candair based in Montréal, Quebec or Bristol Aerospace from Winnipeg. Even though the Bristol’s deal was cheaper and overall a better pick the Mulroney government awarded the contract to Candair. The reason was simple coming up to the 1988 election the Conservatives needed to ensure election victory. Quebec proved to be a better chance of re-election with 75 seats, then Manitoba. Poor, Preston Manning in his memories he remembers seeing a crowd of Quebecers singing ‘O Canada’ after the contract was awarded. All Preston was thinking at the time was “The West Wants In.” Who shared in that vision the Right Honourable Stephen Harper, one of founding member of the REFOOOOORRM party?

Good O’l Steve helped get Deborah Grey elected in Reforms first election victory. Stephen even served as Grey’s Executive Assistant when she attacked the Mulroney government regarding the contract.

Today, Stephen is the Prime Minister and seems to have forgotten his roots. Maybe he would avenge the loss of the Military contract to Quebec and grant some to the West.

No, No his first major purchasing procurement won’t even be in Canada. No, Good O’l Steve is going to give an $8 Billion over 20 years to Boeing for 16 Chinook helicopters and 4 C-17 transport planes.

Now, the government will counter by saying quotas on Canadian content will be meet in the contract. I do believe, in Stephen’s mind the government will meet the quotes. Considering Boeing usually produces 100% of there planes in the United States; and Harper wants to be apart of the United States it meets the quotes. Someone should get Good O’l Steve a map of Canada

Note to Steve: We live above the 49th parallel.

2006-08-07T13:25:00.000-04:00

OYL UNUNITED

A Long Post which I think many will enjoy.

11 months ago Andrew Teliszewsky the incumbent Ontario Young Liberal (OYL) President touted a group of 16 youth that would “unite” the youth of the party. The slate was to be known as OYL “United”. A slate which was derived of backroom deals and intern patronage was put forth. Any person who challenged this slate was asked about their political future.

So the slate moved forward with money and blessing from the then Prime Ministers office, the Premiers office and the Liberal Caucus Service Bureau.

Fast forward….. The OYL “United” Central Regional Coordinator George Hawtin resigns prior to Ontario Model Parliament because he would get shouted down for new ideas. A few months later the VP Federal of the “United” Slate, Davenports own Sarah Petravan resigns after taking a job with the Ministry of Training and Colleges; after she stated the youth would always come before personal gain.

So of the 16- 14 remain.

Of these 14, four now appear ready to run for President. Robyn Cassidy – Recruitment DirectorJohn Laforet – Riding Director Jen Beckerman – Student DirectorAndrew Block – Policy DirectorAnd Former Central Regional Coordinator Sukhpaul Tut

Robyn Cassidy is actively courting support and is the apparent presidential front-runner. Last week she was the featured Liberal on the Ontario Liberal Party website. Taking interns out to lunch and recruiting people for her slate in a manner similar to Alfred Apps and Ian Davy. Well, she did learn the trick from the best considering she is supporting Iggy. Cassidy does have a base in KW where she is born. She is at Queens University as well. Robyn understands she is weak in the east and is founding clubs in Peterborough, Trent and many more in an attempt to build up here delegate count.

So let’s see John Laforet who is actually running for city council against the Toronto Budget Chief. John has the Scarborough 6 which is a group of ridings working for Scarborough’s best interest or in this case John’s best interest. With 8 clubs in existence another one of his friends working tirelessly at Glendon and 3 new clubs founded or near founding John’s total delegate number is 180 +11 Ex-officio = 191 Pretty sizable chunk. Not to mention his play for U of T St. George so he should get some there. However, will he fold under Iggy’s decree and fall in line with Cassidy.

Jen Beckerman after having one of the shortest runs for the Young Liberals of Canada in recent memory, Jen has begun looking for support to replace Andrew. Jen should be aware that the same issue that hampered her bid for the YLC will in my opinion will also hamper her bid for the OYL. Jen should be able to garner the Ottawa vote considering she is goes to school there. KW will be interesting considering she was born there as well.

Sukhpaul Tut former Central regional coordinator reappeared from no where at this past Summer Fling at Trent. He fell out of favour with the Andrew Teliszewsky for going against the grain. Sukhpaul does have sway in Metro and in Central region, but his time away may hamper his chances. He is hosting a BBQ at High park on 19th August 2006, probably in hopes of courting support for his OYL bid. However, his ranking amongst the other candidates remains to be seen.

Andrew Block who was one of the first people to back Iggy, has been told by his campaign that a women is needed for OYL and it is believed he has dropped his bid for the presidency to support Cassidy as the Igantieff horse. It’s interesting that Iganteieff now wishes to push women into party positions considering, he himself replaced a minority woman in his riding. Andrews decision may change if Ignatieff doesn’t become leader.

It speaks volumes when the campaign of a Human Rights professor instructs someone not to run in a democratic election. Well, then again Iggy was parachuted into his riding, and dare I say it even broke the rules to run in Etobicoke Lakeshore. How? Easy, Lakeshore was over its 10% out of riding limit. The party however, decided this was not an issue. Knowing this, and as
people say, he stands up for Human rights you got to think this weighed on Ignatieff conscience.

It didn’t because he came back to Canada for one reason and one alone: To become PM. I wonder how long he’ll stay a Liberal after losing the leadership?
Here, is the part for you Justin, if you do try to play it safe and run again for Northern coordinator will you face Melissa Pasi, John Lennard, Kevin Herbert or dare I even say James Bowie. If Bowie or Passi goes I do believe you are sunk. If you run higher into a Director spot do you actually believe you will have enough support to win? When the whole province votes for you? Considering you have begun going to various events as Cherniack has stated on his blog I would hazard a guess to the affirmative. Now, your problem is who’s slate are you going to run on because you have no support else where. If your backing on your ties to the Iggy camp. Here are a few things to think about, if Bowie does run in the north against you he takes all of the Iggy support away from you. If you are banking on John then you will probably lose Cassidy and Blocks support and their Iggy support. Finally, if you go with Cassidy and Block then you will lose John’s support. Please don’t try to live in a fantasy land where all of Iggy’s people will support one slate. Mind you he is currently having difficulty with the YLC and is in the middle of leadership, what would happen after?

Some free political advice.

OYL “United?” Hardly, there is more infighting in the OYL executive then in the Conservative Caucus. The OYL is not “united.” It is OYL UNUNITED. They have lost their way. How many events have the OYL sponsored aside the Constitutional mandated minimum? They do not inspire anymore. It has become an elite click where friendships are bought and paid. If this is the future of the Liberal party, I must admit, we are in trouble.

The only way the OYL will become relevant again is if it is open.

Lieberman Lost and is running as an independent!

-------- Update----

Since this post has gone up a few interesting things have occured:

1. The OYL who had been quite for the past weeks came out with two updates on upcoming events:

A)The speakers series returns with Scott Brison. I must say this is more of Mr.Teledgi work and the Ryerson team.
B)LPCO boat cruise - which in actual fact has nothing to do with the OYL in orginization
C) OYL Olympics sponsored by York. The Flyer I received said York Olympics.
D) Then the previously mention Liberals in the park by the Brampton Springdale Liberals. Although, the email again had a different email address then the flyer.
E) The Etobicoke Centre Young Liberals are having an open form. Etobicoke centre not OYL.

So of the above only the speaker series is OYL

Shortly, after a second email with events came out with the FALL agenda.

A) A fundraising dinner with only speakers names. No venue, Location, City or even Cost. This looks like it was put togther last minute simply to make an announcment. Surely, the OYL execuvtive is more orginized then this.

B) Finaly, Robyn Cassidy is Co- Chairing the OLP AGM this fall. I wonder if any average liberals or club presidents were consulted.
But there was a note that Bardish Chaggaer had done the similar role at the LPCO agm. /

It is unfortunate that the elite youth only move when they have a person to point out their inaction.

As I say an open OYL with no elites will assist the party

*** Mr. Bowie, I have highlighted Ms. Beckermans name I do apologies for the delay***

2006-08-07T11:38:00.000-04:00

Liberman vs. Lemont

Never has a senate primary meant so much. Connecticut may very well chart the course of the Democratic Party in the United States for the next 15 years. Today, the voters of Connecticut will have to decide to select sixteen year incumbent Democratic Senator Joseph Liberman or and eight year civic officer Ned Lemont. This race covers the political spectrum. Lemont is charging that Liberman is in the pocket of George W. Bush. This is due to Libermans support for the war. Liberman charges Lemont is a Liberal Democrat of connivance since he was elected to civic office as a Republican. Polls indicate Liberman will lose his parties nomination tonight. There has been speculation that if Liberman is defeated he would run as an independent.

If Liberman wins it indicates the Democrats will move more to the right of the spectrum. If Lemont wins the Democrats will move farther to the left. This shift will affect the presidential primaries which are to start soon after the mid-term elections. John Edwards has bought land in the far left of the party by saying America should pull out ASAP from Iraq. Whereas, Hilary Clinton has taken a more balanced approach to Iraq by saying we should pull out but over time.

It wasn’t that long ago Liberman tasted the White House when he ran with Gore in 2000. Now, he’s fighting for his parking spot on Capitol Hill. Politics is a rough sport with highs and lows. Democratic voters will decide the future of their party tonight.

2006-08-07T11:01:00.000-04:00

Happy Simcoe day…

or as we know it, the Civic holiday.

In 1968, the Toronto City Council renamed this holiday after John Graves Simcoe (1752-1806) to commemorate his achievements and hard work towards building, what we know today as, Toronto. And yet, only 16% of Ontarians actually know the significance of Ontario’s civic holiday (as each province calls this holiday a different name). Here is another example of how Ontario is losing its rich history. It’s not like Jon Graves Simcoe did anything important in Canadian history.

a) Simcoe was the first lieutenant governor of Upper Canada from 1791-1796.

b) He was instrumental in introducing British institutions such as the courts, trial by jury, English common law, freehold land tenure, and for abolishing slavery in Upper Canada long before it was in the British Empire.

c) He lead the Queen’s rangers, who fought alongside the British Army throughout the American Revolution (1775-1781). In 1777, despite many causalities, the Queen’s rangers helped defeat Washington at Brandywine. The Queen’s rangers never lost a battle under the command of Simcoe.

d) As per Canadian tradition of saving those who cannot defend themselves, during the battle of Brandywine, Simcoe gave orders that his soldiers were not to shoot three fleeing Americans in he back – one of those soldiers just happened to be a guy named George Washington. Yes, THAT Washington.

e) In addition to their military duties, the Rangers also helped build the new town of York (now Toronto), clearing the forests to create Yonge and Dundas streets and putting up the original Fort York.

F) Yes, the lake is named after him.

Now that the History lesson is over time to kick back and relax!

2006-08-01T10:38:00.000-04:00

What the hell?

I was going to post about the Young Liberals of Canada on thursday, and I fully plan on it, but what the hell is happening?

On Monday, the Hill Times reported that Former Ambassador Frank McKenna is still mulling over a run.

Now, I would probably say the reporter was drinking a little too much. It is possible, however, as the article says that both Brison (who has little support outside of the east) and Iggy (who was created by the campagin and not himself) may collapse into one campaign to support McKenna.

It's especially possible when you combine it with the fact that McKenna has been visiting the Liberal party office in Halifax more often, and the fact that he's been doing events in the east.

(Side note: I love what calgrit posted on Iggy being "MIA".)

So two fold into one... and then what's that in the Star today? Dryden needed to lay off staff to save money.

I had been hearing Dryden was running into money issues when his national youth chair didn't appear at the western youth event. Friends of mine that were there wondered why Dryden's youth guy was absent, considering he has been saying he wants to run for YLC.

With so little cash, and even less members, maybe its time for Dryden to hang up the pads. I love Dryden, but I don't see how this can happen.

2006-07-25T14:21:00.000-04:00

Ontario Young Liberal Summer Fling.

It’s been a while since I posted, but I will be changing that and posting more often.

Summer Fling is the Ontario Young Liberals annual policy conference. This year it was in Peterborough, Ontario at Trent University which was a nice place. It was an interesting weekend, so I’m going to have to divide this weekend over the next three days.

First to the topic, everyone, is the Liberal Leadership.

Leadership Role Call:

Rae

Bob Rae dropped in for a little bit on Friday night and talked to the crowd at the evening social. I still think he was in the wrong place at the wrong time and in the wrong party when he was Premier of Ontario. I just think he should be a Liberal a little longer and shed his "Instant Liberal Aura" before going top job.
On Saturday morning George Smitherman came by and he brought “McRae's.” That’s right, MacDonald’s breakfast sandwiches. Considering the continental breakfast provided, this was a Godsend.

Dryden

Dryden showed up on Friday and did the same thing as Bob Rae. I have met Dryden, and I like him, but he needs to improve his public speaking.

Dion

Dion arrived Saturday night at the OYL leadership social- boy was Cherniak glued to him! Dion didn’t make it until late because he was at a campaign team retreat. Wonder why Jason wasn’t invited, considering he is one of Dions’ "Blogging Co-Chairs"?

Findly

Martha spent, by far, the longest time at the event. She was there straight from Friday after registration until after the Saturday dinner. (Yes, Martha brought the bus, and I have to admit it’s nice.) Even Martha got on the food give away by giving popcorn to the youth as they waited for the buses for dinner.

Volpe

Volpe came on Saturday Morning and actually was in one of the policy workshops, which shocked me. I think only Martha and Volpe actually attended the policy workshops. That's too bad: it’s a policy conference, and I think that the workshops are the most important place to be.

Volpe spoke to a lot of youth after the workshop. Funny side note: I noticed Jason Cherniak didn’t even want to speak to Volpe. I guess Jason is still eating crow from the Middle East situation where he threatened to leave the party if Volpe wins.

Kennedy

Last but of course not least, (BCer take note) Gerard arrived to the event on Saturday for the dinner. The applause was great for him when he came. Enough said.

ABSENT:
Caroyln Bennett – She was at Western Caucus.
Hedy Fry - She was at Western Caucus.
Scott Brison - He was at Western Caucus.
Murizio Bev. – He wasn’t at any youth event.
Michael Ignatieff – He wasn’t at Western Caucus or the Ontario Young Liberals policy conference. This is apparently due to an illness in the family.

I know I was hard on Jason Cherniack in this post. I still think he does good work, but he needs to look at all sides and report everything, unless he wants to be the blog equivalent of FOX news.

Tomorrow:
Young Liberals of Canada Slate? - Democracy or Dictatorship

Thursday:
Ontario Young Liberal Slate? - Deja vu

2006-07-18T15:46:00.000-04:00

The Middle East

The carnage that now engulfs the Middle East is really worrying. CNN now reporting 200 persons dead and countless more injured. Where is Canada in this? Harper is having dinner in at the G8. Eight Canadians killed and thousands trapped. It was not until yesterday that the Canadian government reacted to protect its citizens.

What is the value of life?
Is it political gamesmanship?
I’m not going to argue Pro or Anti Israel or Pro or Anti – Arab. So don’t try. Life is Life.

I am really disappointed at the slow reaction that the Liberals have had to this crisis.

Warren Kinsella, God bless him, is the one who is openly challenging all the Liberal candidates to state their positions.

So let’s see:

RAE

Rae wants a negotiated ceasefire followed by a complete disengagement of hostilities in the regions. Rae stopped short of asking for peacekeepers. (Calgary Sun)

http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Canada/2006/07/17/1689414-cp.html

BRISON

Brison has said Israel does have a right to defend itself and should continue, but to be mindful of the civilians that may be injured. (Calgary Sun)

VOLPE

According to Kinsella Volpe has responded by phone and email but has not been released by Warren. (Kinsella Blog)

DION

In Dions' press release from Jason Cherniaks’ blog states that he wishes that all armed sides lay down their weapons.

MARTHA

Martha did get to Warren to say a statement was pending.

IGNATIEFF

I am surprised that Ignatieff who has been running on his world experience and Human Rights record has stayed quiet. Both the Calgary sun and Warren have not received any comments.

I guess he is conducting a poll to see where he would gain greater support: pro Israel or Arab.

This is a concern, as it has been over 72 hours (almost 96) and our Human Rights Professor is quiet.

Leadership is quick precise action, not polling and political gamesmanship.

Stalling sends the wrong signal.

Kennedy, Dryden, Fry, are all quiet.

2006-07-13T10:15:00.000-04:00

Numbers, Numbers, Numbers

Today, the Toronto Star is declaring Kennedy the front runner?

I find it ironic that Borque would run with this story while he neglects three other leadership related articles in the Hill Times this week. Considering Borque's obvious bias, I can see why they would skew the media perception. So much for Independence of the Media.

With so many numbers and articles we should see all of them before we jump to any conclusions.

Both the Toronto Star and the Angelo Persichilli articles are good. However, The Toronto Star article relies heavily on ranking the candidates rather then providing solid numbers. There was no contact made to the territories and the Atlantic provinces with the exception of PEI and then there were no numbers.

The Hill Times article does provide a little more numbers but there are gaps in the Atlantic and simply states that Brison should have the edge.

Below is a side by side breakdown of the numbers from both articles:

________________________________________________________
Province - Manitoba - No Total Numbers

Leadership Hill Times ...........Toronto Star
Candidate July 10, 2006 ......July 13, 2006

Volpe ...............400....................... N/A
Dion.................N/A........................N/A
Kennedy........ **133....................... N/A
Ignatieff ........**133....................... N/A
Rae............... 1,000....................... N/A
Dryden.......... **133...................... N/A
Others.............. 450...................... N/A
** 400 memberships divided
________________________________________________________
Province: Ontario Total New 15, 000 - 20,000

Leadership Hill Times......... Toronto Star (Ranking Only)
Candidate July 10, 2006 ...July 13, 2006

Volpe ...........7,500-10,000.......... 3
Dion.................. N/A ....................5
Kennedy............ N/A.................... 2
Ignatieff.............N/A..................... 1
Rae ....................N/A..................... 4
Dryden.............. N/A......................6
Bevilacqua.........N/A..................... 7
Brison................ N/A.................... 8
Hall Findlay....... N/A.................... 9
Fry...................... N/A.................... 10
Bennett.............. N/A..................... 11
________________________________________________________
Province Quebec Total New Members 8,500 - 9,000

Leadership Hill Times......... Toronto Star
Candidate July 10, 2006 ..July 13, 2006

Volpe............. 4,000................. 4,000
Dion............... 1,000................. 1,300
Kennedy............ 150.................... 400
Ignatieff......... 1,800................ 2,000
Rae.................... 600................... 800
Dryden.............. 200................... N/A
Brison............... 100.................... 600
________________________________________________________

Province Saskatchewan

Leadership Hill Times .........Toronto Star
Candidate July 10, 2006 ...July 13, 2006

Volpe.............. 250..........................200
Dion................ N/A........................N/A
Kennedy.......... 150........................ 350
Ignatieff........... 150........................ 350
Rae.................. 400........................ 500
Dryden ............N/A........................ N/A
Bevilacqua...... N/A.........................200
Brison.............. N/A....................... 100-150
_________________________________________________________
Province Alberta Total New 8,000 - 9, 000 / 6, 000

Leadership Hill Times ........Toronto Star (Ranking Only)
Candidate July 10, 2006..... July 13, 2006

Volpe................ 3,000.................... 3
Dion................ *1,200.................... N/A
Kennedy......... *1,200..................... 1
Ignatieff .........*1,200..................... 2
Rae................. *1,200.................... N/A
Dryden........... *1,200.................... N/A

* Split
________________________________________________________

Province BC
Leadership Hill Times ..........Toronto Star
Candidate July 10, 2006 ......July 13, 2006

Volpe............... 1,900................... 1,000
Dion................. 1,500................... 1,500
Kennedy............. N/A................... 4,000
Ignatieff.............. N/A...................... 750
Rae....................... N/A.................. 1,500
________________________________________________________

Some questions this raises:

1. Is this an attempt by the Kennedy campaign to spin some numbers to help a campaign that has been underachieving and has lost some key organizers?

2. Or is this an attempt to shed the "Front Runner" Status from the Ignatieff campaign? Since Ignatieff is an academic, he should realize that NO person has won the Liberal leadership as a front runner when there are more then four people in the race. The Front Runner Always Loses.

3. I am surprised at the consistency of Volpes' numbers in both articles.

Thoughts?

2006-07-10T14:33:00.000-04:00

Wow, I leave on vacation and all hell breaks lose, two major things strike me the most since i've returned:

1. Martha Hall and the Toronto Star?

Now Martha got a great Article in the Star but no blogger with the exception of Kinsella gave it the time of day. It was a good piece that shows how resilient she is and the passion she has for the party. This begs the question: do bloggers only back people that they think are going to win? If so where in for a long Harper government and Martin II the return of the Board.

2. — Joe Volpe drops a ton of forms?

Susan Delacourt wrote "claims of huge sign-ups this week from Joe Volpe's leadership organization, for instance, have reawakened party angst about the role of "instant Liberals."

All the bloggers are attacking Volpe because "apparently" he has signed up a lot of these "instant members" This begs to question who did the other camps sign up?

Since the party has moved to delegate conventions every candidate has engaged in this. Now I'm not defending Volpe in the least, but like Martha the bloggers are ignoring what they want and only reporting what they're told. If I wanted to talk instant members I would ask Ignatieff and Rae how it feels to be instant liberals, considering Iggy has been a liberal for just over two years, and Rae less then six months.

Lord knows Harper will highlight that and then we're will the bloggers be?