God help us

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2008/11/30/canada-coalition.html

If this indeed happens, I give it 3 months before we have another election and the Liberal/socialist/separatist coalition gets hammered by angry voters who had their voices ignored by self-interested, greedy Opposition parties.

Democracy in Canada will reach its lowest point in history if our next Prime Minister comes from this ramshackle group of parties with their conflicting platforms and selfish leaders.

I didn't vote for this, did you? Did anyone? Didn't think so.

Debunking the coalition talk before it gets out of hand

Doubtless you've heard about the latest attempts by Canada's Opposition parties to attempt a power grab and topple the Conservative minority Parliament a mere 6 weeks after a plurality of Canadians voted for a new, stronger government under PMSH. Frankly, the Opposition is acting irresponsibly and setting Canada on a potentially disastrous course, but hey, what else is new? When Jack Layton, the political prostitute he is, gets a whiff of power, he will move Hell on Earth to further his socialist agenda. A coalition government of any kind cannot, and would never, work in Canada and we would be fools to even attempt forming one.

Coalitions work in small countries where the political parties in question can co-operate, and also govern with the appropriate amount of public support. A coalition in Canada would require the following toxic stew of parties to form a government: the leader-less Liberals with a lame duck Stephane Dion who was soundly beaten in the last election, the socialist NDP under 'Radical Jack' Layton (who could be finance minister *head smack*) who would see to it that our country is plunged into a massive structural deficit that our grandchildren would be lucky to see paid off, and the separatist Bloc Quebecois with Gilles Duceppe holding the balance of power. Imagine, a party hell-bent on tearing Canada apart holding the keys to the Kingdom. Worried yet? Throw in a couple of Independent members and there you have it, a shaky coalition lead by Prime Minister Stephane Dion. Say that out loud and you will understand how absurd it really is.

Less than two months ago, Canadians dealt the Liberal Party a crushing defeat, their lowest share of the vote since Confederation, and now those same voters may have to stomach a scenario they so strongly rejected. Democracy at its finest, folks, where your votes don't mean a thing in the face of self-interested, and defeated, backroom political hacks who think they are entitled to run the country. PMSH said it loud and clear last night, "Stéphane Dion does not have the right to take power without an election." If the Liberals and NDP are so confident that their political philandering can stand up to the test of an election, they should topple the government legitimately and face the wrath of Canadian voters, who would be forced to the polls for the fourth time in eight years.

Our country is better than this. Voters elected a stronger Conservative government because they believed in the strength of the party's economic plan and sound, stable leadership. These virtues may be difficult for a Liberal or NDPer to stomach, but the fact of the matter is that in times of global uncertainty, Canadians need a government with a clear plan and a single mindset to move our country forward. I don't want another election, you probably don't want one either. What I fear more than another election is a coalition government cobbled together by a lame duck, a socialist, and somebody who hates the idea of the Canada we stand for. The Opposition, of which my MP is part of, is acting out of self-interest and greed if they try to seize power through a backroom deal. Canadians deserve better. I urge everyone to think long and hard about the consequences of a coalition, or another election, and stand up for Canadian democracy. The Conservative Party won the right to govern thanks to the voters of Canada. Their voices, your voices, should be the ones determining our nation's course.

I welcome your input.

Winnipeg Part Deux (Act 1)

Couldn't bring myself to file an entry last night as I was enjoying the hospitality of the Western provinces. They hosted a huge event, 'Party Prairie Style', and took over one of Downtown Winnipeg's few good bars called Tavern United.

Attended a couple of very informative sessions yesterday afternoon, including the Building Relationships (fundraising) seminar put on by RMG Marketing. RMG has partnered with the Conservative Party since the beginning and they handle the party's fundraising campaigns. Picked up some valuable advice and tips for future campaigning and how to build a war chest for Hamilton Mountain.

Also spent some time at an economic forum put on by Tony Clement (Industry), Gail Shea (Fisheries), Lisa Raitt (Natural Resources), and John Baird (Transportation and Infrastructure). Canada is well served by having these 4 individuals handle such important portfolios as we head through tough economic times. They are bright, focussed, and determined to chart a positive course for Canada.

Off for the flight home...

Winnipeg Part One

Well, it's not called Winter-peg for nothing folks. The temperature is a balmy zero degrees and there is plenty of snow left from a storm last weekend, typical for this time of year in the Gateway to the West. Also, the intersection of Portage and Main, definitely the windiest corner in Canada.

Day One of the Convention saw the registration open at around 12:15 and the entrance of Prime Minister Stephen Harper and wife Laureen to pick up their badges (because they really need them, you know). Yours truly had a handshake and quick chat with the PM, photos to follow. Even better, I brought my copy of Harper's Team and the PM actually stopped and signed it for me. Yes, the man is cool.

Hit the Hospitality Suite of Conservative Party President Don Plett last night with Hamilton Mountain candidate Terry Anderson and had a 15 minute cocktail and talk with Doug Finley, National Campaign Director. He is Canada's top campaign manager and after talking with him, it's easy to see why. Mr. Finley is a smart, strategic guy but also takes time to learn about each and every riding, the candidate, and what's going on on the ground. If he continues as National Campaign Director, Hamilton Mountain can expect to see the party's resources invested in the riding.

Opening Ceremonies with Prime Minister Harper as the keynote speaker in an hour. More hospitality to follow...

The Return of the Blog

After a sabbatical that included the Federal Election and full-time work, A Swing from the Hammer will be back in full force this week as I travel to Winnipeg for the Conservative Party National Convention. I may not be able to live blog, but I will strive to deliver a nightly blog entry. Check my Facebook page for photos as well.

My thanks to my frequent readers (Matt MacDonald, this means you buddy!) With the fall session of Parliament starting on November 17th, I will be blogging regularly once more. The priorities of life have been ahead of blogging but now that both Canadian and US elections have taken place, I'll have some time to fingers to keyboard.

-AB