Another segment with Chris Malciw
Due to a busy life, I haven't had time to blog lately. So I bring you another segment of Kirkland Lake Corner with Chris Malciw.
"This past Monday witnessed another interesting twist in the current Canadian political climate. The Liberal party was re-elected as the government of Quebec. One difference, and to everyones surprise was that the Liberals now form the first minority government in Quebec since 1878. What more is that the Action Demecratique du Quebec, led by a young and vibrant moderate named Mario Dumont have surprisingly formed a large minority, while the Bloc separatist party has sunk to its lowest point since it's conception in 1970.
These results mean a three things. First, people in Quebec appear to be less interested in separatism and more interested in how they can best work at building a strong economy and developing along with both the rest of Canada and the world. Second, it has sparked debate about the current Bloc leader, Andre Boisclair's ability to maintain his posts. This has even raised the possibility of the current Federal Bloc leader, Gilles Duceppe running for provincial leadership of the party. Third, if Boisclair can't do the job, loses his leadership and Duceppe takes over or anyone else will this really change things?
My opinion is it won't. I think Quebecers are finally realizing that without huge transfer payments and being a part of Canada they couldn't survive. Furthermore, just like the Quiet Revolution which took place in the 1960's it appears that one may be starting again. The difference now is the people of Quebec are no longer quietly denouncing the Catholic Church's control over their society but rather their support for a lost cause - ie: separating from the rest of Canada. I think more and more people, from the newer generations are becoming more open to newer ideas and methods of compatibility with the rest of Canada and see very little, if any, benefit of supporting a party who's only policy is separating from the rest of Canada. When push comes to shove it's hard to support something so uncertain.
Sorry for the long ass political comments but I don't now where else to post my random thoughts haha.. Plus some of you seem to like these debates and I always learn other interesting things from some other comments here."
Kirkland Lake Corner with Chris Malciw - The Conservative Budget
I haven't yet listened to the moot attached but it made me think of another moot point I'd like to bring up. Plus I know how much people on this Blog enjoy a little political debate.
This past Monday the Conservative party of Canada announced it's 2nd annual budget. In it was "something for everyone" according to the media's portrayal. However, not all party's felt that way. I'll get to this in a second, but first I'll provide a few minor details of the budget.
1. Tax cuts for family's with children 18yrs or less.
2. Income splitting for seniors and tax breaks for those who work low paying jobs or who are on social assistant in order to help get them into the work force, etc.
3. Gas taxes placed on people who buy SUV and other "gas guzzlers", while those who buy more fuel efficient cars will receive tax breaks.
4. The provinces who are responsible for education and health care received huge sums. 5. The so called "fiscal imbalance" (mainly whinning from Quebec) was addressed with that province alone receiving almost $1B.
There were other odds and ends but these were the most highlighted. So as you can see things like tax reduction, child-family benefits, health and education, etc were addressed (more environmental measures were included as well such as limiting the benefits to oil prodcers).
The moot point I'd like to bring up is why is it that irrespective of who is in power and no matter how fair the budget appears to be Canada's opposition party's would rather try to defeat it. No opposition party is ever truly interested in working with the governing party in order to pursue the mutual goal of doing what's best for Canadians as a whole. Canadian politics are so partisan it makes me sick, and it's not only on budget issues but on all issues in general. I understand that the Liberal party has just selected a new leader (who by the way cannot speak English, has no political savvy, is not well known throughout the country and has no charisma) and that the budget does not necessarily have a strong focus in any one area. It is nonetheless a step in the right direction. It's a good base to start with. It touches upon many different issues of concern to Canadians. Both the Liberals and NDP have criticized it for being simply a political budget intended to win over voters in the suburbs and othr areas where the Conservatives have not necessarily been strong, but in the end my view is that the opposition Liberals and NDP were more interested in toppling the government and going back to the polls. Ironically, both the Liberals and NDP have stated that they do not want an election anytime soon, but they will still vote against the budget, which could prove to have this effect. Make sense to you?
What the Liberals, or at least their new leader does not understand is that the Conservative budget catered nicely to the Bloc. Therefore, as long as the Bloc votes for in favour of it (they are expected to) the Conservatives will stay in power. Furthermore, the Liberal party is in such dissaray now-a-days that it has fraction within it. For example, 11 members will not seek re-election 9there is no proof however that this is due to it's new leadership, but if you do your research it's not a bad case) and the NDP well... they just follow the party who opposes the governing party and cry socialist nonsense that could never work in the real world.
In the end my point is Canadian politicians need to focus on "getting the job done" rather than remaining partisan. Even more so, if there were to be an election in the next say two months, the government would most likely look the same as it does now with the Conservatives enjoying a minority or fair even worse for the apparently dysfunctional Liberals a Conservative majority. I'll take the latter so that we could avoid the partisan rubbish and get on with business!
Judgment to the plaintiff
Judge Judith Sheindlan is at it again. I'm wondering what she is gonna do with this girl who wants money back from her mom.
It would be a real coup if Bond could get Judge Judy as a visiting professor. Imagine her moots.
Speaking of moots,
how bout this one...It's great.
Gamblor
It's NCAA tournament time. Goodbye Duke.
In other news, Nate "Gamblor" Weltman and I went to the track again....my $2 bets pale in comparison with his. Ultimately, he had to believe in the power of the rally monkey...
Am I going insane with my job? Yes.
Nick of Time
No time to post lately. In the meantime,
look at this list.
It's not a bad list...but to put Metallica'
Black Album and Nirvana's
Nevermind before AC/DC's
Back in Black is incorrect. I'll give reasons later.
In other news, you should all learn something about political advertising.
See here....no more comments.
If you're ever
hurting for cash.....goodnight!
Where is the LSA president?
There has been a rash of thefts at the Law Library over the last few weeks. Ask yourself...what has your LSA president Brendan Donaghue done about it? We're waiting for his response. We'll give him till the weekend. And this time we're serious. We're confident he'll come up with something. We're sick and tired of people getting their computers, phones, and wallets stolen.
Is he still up to the job? This story is developing....
Where have all the good people gone?
- Ethics take home exam this weekend. I am very ethical
- I had a dream about Faith the wonder dog last night. Jeff Hodge says Faith is "inspirational."
- I have some old yogurt in my fridge
- Last night was Indian night at Don's Tavern. Fantastic food and great Indian music. Then the always sexy date auction. Didn't get to see all of it, but I bid $40 for Samir...he unfortunately went for more.
- So I'm talking to my new South African friend last night. I bring up golf because I heard that her and some friends went to the driving range. She says, "I'm not too good. Just started playing. But golf runs in my family. My grandfather is Gary Player." Well holy shit. She's promised me a signed photo from the Black Knight himself.
