Martin's mistakes have come back to haunt him.
This morning we woke up to a Conservative Minority government and a revitalized NDP. Strategic voting is over and the Conservatives have succeeded making Quebecers believe that there is a federalist alternative to the Liberals. One can only hope that the lack of a majority will allow us to see a kinder, gentler Prime Minister Harper than we might have expected. Most importantly our next trip to the ballot box had better be more than 18 months away.
Elections are won and lost based on a variety of factors. I think however that these 10 mistakes were the ones that put an end to the Liberal government. One can only hope they learned something from them.
1) No political party can succeed unless you can build consensus among all it's factions. Martin split the Liberal Party into Cretien and Martin camps. Once he won that battle he only widened the divide instead of healing it. Instead of drawing on the strength of household names like Copps and Cretien he was left battling against them. The leadership change smelled more like a Palace coup than the natural transition of a strong liberal dynasty. People who voted Liberal in the past did not feel they owed Paul Martin any loyalty.
2) We are not afraid of the Big Bad Wolf anymore. Expecting people to vote Liberal because Stephen Harper is a monster only worked when people didn't know who he was. Once they saw him on their TV smiling every day and kissing babies they no longer believed the outlandish accusations even if there was some truth to them.
3) A campaign is about having something to vote for and something to vote against. Too much focus was paid to why you should vote against Harper. Not enough was given about why you should vote for Paul Martin. The Conservatives controlled the early part of the campaign with sound bite policy announcements every day. Then all they had to do was summarize the key points every day at every stop for the rest of the campaign. It was a simple effective strategy that left Stephen Harper looking confident and ahead of the game. The Liberal party by contrast seemed to be always reacting and never leading the debate. By the time the Liberal message was being dropped out there after Christmas it looked like a desperate reaction and lost credibility.
4) The Liberals underestimated the amount of traction the GST promise had. A 2 % cut on a tax you see on every receipt at the height of the Christmas shopping season. Talk about simple but effective. Especially since the Liberals failed to keep a promise to scrap it. Ask David Peterson just how much people (especially in Ontario) hate sales taxes.
5) Far too much was left to be announced during the run up to and during the campaign. Canadians are smart enough not to believe promises a government in election mode makes. No matter how well intentioned they don't hold much water. These issues should have been addressed sooner. Instead Paul Martin looked like Mr Dithers doing nothing over the summer and then suddenly trying to buy our votes in last minute desperation.
6) The attack ad's went to far. This kind of advertising makes you look even more desperate. When you have to end the ad with the tag line "we are not making this up" you know you have gone so far out there that people probably wont believe you. People thought only a fool would approve some of these ads and Paul stepped forward to say he was the fool. Anyone remember the ad's saying Jean didn't look Prime Ministerial because of his Bell's palsy? Those helped Kim Campbell fall down to a defeat of unheard of proportions. Do we learn nothing from history? The suggestion that Stephen Harper would use the military to take control of the country was laughable. Paul Martin must have surrounded himself with too many yes men that didn't have the courage to tell him this was a foolish move.
7) Voters want confident leaders. When you look desperate you do not look like a leader. The combination of all of the above left Paul Martin looking like the most desperate man in Canada. People don't trust desperate people for good reason.
8) The rural divide. The Conservatives are probably the most Bay Street party there is but the Liberals failed to demonstrate that. They lost the battle for the rural vote by letting Stephen Harper have his cake and eat it to. Stephen got to quietly play the businessman's friend and the farmer's salvation. Paul was left looking like he was the enemy in the pockets of the big corporations.
9) The Liberals allowed the big issues that they do well on like health care and education to get lost in a debate over taxes and law enforcement which are Conservative issues. It is hard to beat Conservatives on Conservative issues.
10) The attempt to shield Paul Martin from the sponsorship scandal was not credible (especially in Quebec). He would have been better to have hit it head on and admitted some mistakes were made than to pretend he didn't know anything. Instead of just a crook he looked like a liar and a crook. Voters know governments mismanage money but they hate being lied to about it.
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
Monday, January 23, 2006
10 Reasons To Get Out And Vote Today.
Why should I vote today?
1) Because voting gives me the right to complain about the government for up to 4 more years.
2) Because if you don't vote whatever we get is all YOUR fault.
3) Because stupid people will be out voting and we need a few smart ones to balance things out. Ralph Klein, Paul Martin, Mike Harris, Brian Mulroney. The proof that stupid people vote is everywhere. Save us from the stupid people. PLEASE!
4) Because your party gets paid. Thanks to the latest election funding legislation your party of choice will receive government money for research and other expenses for every vote they receive. So even if they don't win they might have the money to make a better run at it next time. Considering how many major scandals came to light because opposition parties had the funds to investigate this is money well spent.
5) Because it is the one real time that your opinion is guaranteed by law to have an effect and be counted.
6) Because thousands of Canadians have died to ensure we all continue to have the right to vote. When you don't vote you take away the power of democracy and make those deaths in vain. All it would have taken to defeat Hitler at the start was a few more Germans getting out to vote against him.
7) Because every vote does count. Just ask all the image and polling consultants. Millions are spent over trying to gain that vital 1 or 2% that tends to push a party over the top. The people who stay at home make up about 50% of eligible voters every election. This is the most powerful potential voting block that is ironically made up of people who think their vote doesn't count. Either they are stupid or just lazy. Which one are you?
8) Because thanks to global warming we are enjoying a spring day in the middle of January. If you think that is a good thing vote Conservative. If you don't vote NDP. If you want some ad agency in Quebec to get millions to run ads about it vote Liberal.
9) Because you are paying for this service anyway and you might as well get your money's worth.
10) Because this is the one time your country is asking you to do something. Failing to do it could see your country ask you to do other things like go to war.
1) Because voting gives me the right to complain about the government for up to 4 more years.
2) Because if you don't vote whatever we get is all YOUR fault.
3) Because stupid people will be out voting and we need a few smart ones to balance things out. Ralph Klein, Paul Martin, Mike Harris, Brian Mulroney. The proof that stupid people vote is everywhere. Save us from the stupid people. PLEASE!
4) Because your party gets paid. Thanks to the latest election funding legislation your party of choice will receive government money for research and other expenses for every vote they receive. So even if they don't win they might have the money to make a better run at it next time. Considering how many major scandals came to light because opposition parties had the funds to investigate this is money well spent.
5) Because it is the one real time that your opinion is guaranteed by law to have an effect and be counted.
6) Because thousands of Canadians have died to ensure we all continue to have the right to vote. When you don't vote you take away the power of democracy and make those deaths in vain. All it would have taken to defeat Hitler at the start was a few more Germans getting out to vote against him.
7) Because every vote does count. Just ask all the image and polling consultants. Millions are spent over trying to gain that vital 1 or 2% that tends to push a party over the top. The people who stay at home make up about 50% of eligible voters every election. This is the most powerful potential voting block that is ironically made up of people who think their vote doesn't count. Either they are stupid or just lazy. Which one are you?
8) Because thanks to global warming we are enjoying a spring day in the middle of January. If you think that is a good thing vote Conservative. If you don't vote NDP. If you want some ad agency in Quebec to get millions to run ads about it vote Liberal.
9) Because you are paying for this service anyway and you might as well get your money's worth.
10) Because this is the one time your country is asking you to do something. Failing to do it could see your country ask you to do other things like go to war.
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
The Tax Credit Sham
A quick look at some of the recent promises shows that our next government is likely to be an accountant's dream. Instead of actually investing tax dollars in different programs we keep hearing about tax credits and tax breaks. So save you receipts
and we will all get money back at tax time right? Wrong. Lower income earners who might use cost as a deciding factor when it comes to putting their kids into sports programs or buying a bus pass are already not making enough to pay tax so they will get nobenefit. Middle income earners will get the benefit back at the end of the year but likely can't afford to pay now and wait to get their so few will change their spending habbits. The people who will benefit most will be those who already use these services and are making a bit more money and using every loop hole to avoid paying tax. They already have the accountants to do the additional paperwork on their taxes and remind them what reciepts to save. It is doubtful that tax credits will increase participation in any of these important initiatives.
If the goal had really been to increase our use of programs like public transit the answer was never tax credits. Want to put more butts in the seats on the bus? Common sense says instead of a tax credit how about spending the same money on improving service and reducing fares? Better service and lower prices always attracts more customers. Give any shopper the choice between paying $50 now or $75 and waiting for a $25 rebate in the mail and you will have your answer. Especially since reducing upfront costs puts these things in the reach of people who might not have been able to afford them before.
The same could go for many the other tax credit promises. The simple truth is tax credits are simply a way of paying lip service to the things that matter while playing Robin Hood in reverse.
and we will all get money back at tax time right? Wrong. Lower income earners who might use cost as a deciding factor when it comes to putting their kids into sports programs or buying a bus pass are already not making enough to pay tax so they will get nobenefit. Middle income earners will get the benefit back at the end of the year but likely can't afford to pay now and wait to get their so few will change their spending habbits. The people who will benefit most will be those who already use these services and are making a bit more money and using every loop hole to avoid paying tax. They already have the accountants to do the additional paperwork on their taxes and remind them what reciepts to save. It is doubtful that tax credits will increase participation in any of these important initiatives.
If the goal had really been to increase our use of programs like public transit the answer was never tax credits. Want to put more butts in the seats on the bus? Common sense says instead of a tax credit how about spending the same money on improving service and reducing fares? Better service and lower prices always attracts more customers. Give any shopper the choice between paying $50 now or $75 and waiting for a $25 rebate in the mail and you will have your answer. Especially since reducing upfront costs puts these things in the reach of people who might not have been able to afford them before.
The same could go for many the other tax credit promises. The simple truth is tax credits are simply a way of paying lip service to the things that matter while playing Robin Hood in reverse.
Sunday, January 08, 2006
With an election coming I am making my endorsement known. I don't trust the liberals anymore. They have to face the consequences for their corruption. Paul Martin and his group have shown poor leadership since he took over. Their seems to be a culture of entitlement where Liberal cronies think they are entitled to throw our money away on everything from endless tax cuts for the corporations and the rich to lavish spending accounts. It has gotten to the point that we have to take action and fire these fools.
I will not vote liberal out of fear.
The conservatives do not share my views. They believe in looking after the rich. Stephen Harper is not about to spend money on public health care or other social programs. He would like to reopen old debates and turn back the clock on social justice and issues of equality. I would rather a government that looks forward not back. You cannot support family values if you do not recognize the value of families of all shapes and sizes.
Will the NDP form a government? Probably not. But look what they got done with a handfull of MP's. Brantford was a NDP riding for many years. It could easily go that way again. Even if it doesn't my vote will be counted and the Liberals and the Conservatives will know that there are many people out their like me who do not support their platforms. If the NDP vote increases this election don't be suprised to see a whole bunch of high paid advisors telling Paul and Stephen what they can do to moderate their platforms to appeal to the NDP vote.
No matter how you look at it no vote is ever wasted and I know where mine is going.
Sunday, January 01, 2006
10 things every new car shopper should know.
My sister and brother in law are shopping for a new vehicle. Having seen the process from the other side as a former car sales person I wrote up a list of tips and terms. I am posting it here for any and all who might benefit.
10 Things Every Car Shopper Should Know.
1) Canadian models are not created equal. Safety features and other options that are standard on US models may not be standard or even available in some cases on Canadian models. If you are buying a model based on a high crash test score in American ratings make sure the Canadian vehicle you are buying has the same equipment.
2) What works when?
ABS: Helps prevent brake lockup when you hit the brakes
Traction Control: Helps when you are starting from a stop in slippery conditions by using the brakes to reduce the force applied to a wheel that is slipping.
Stability Control: The latest and best new safety system. This one you definitely want. Detects when you are starting to lose control of the car and adjusts the throttle and brakes to help you maintain control.
3) 4WD or AWD?
AWD: Kicks in when needed by transferring power from one set of wheels to the other. Since it only powers the other axle when needed it consumes less fuel than 4wd.
4WD: Transfers power evenly among all 4 wheels to provide better traction. In some vehicles 4wd can be turned on and off. Since it can be left in an always on setting it can provide better offroad traction but it also sucks back more fuel.
4) Three parts are involved in a complete Side Impact Air Bag system and not all systems come complete with all of these parts. Only the most luxurious cars have all three parts for all seats.
Head: Small cushion that generally pops out of the seat to protect you head in a side impact.
Chest: Second larger cushion that deploys from the seat to a lower position than the head bag to protect your chest.
Side Curtains: Much larger bag that generally deploys from the headliner and covers the side window area to protect you in a rollover.
5) Every part of a new car purchase is negotiable. Watch for added high mark up items dealers stick on their vehicles like $100 pin stripes. It is also always best to wait and order the vehicle as you want it. A vehicle on a dealers lot may have been test driven many times before being sold to you as "new".
6) If you are not getting the deal you want or feel unsure leave. The same vehicles will be available to be purchased tomorrow. A cooling off period before making such a big purchasing decision is a wise idea. The sales person may even sweeten the deal the next day to get the sale if they think you are not convinced.
7) You do not have to continue with a particular sales person or dealership if they do not impress you. A good sales person is an insider who is going to help you arrange for warranty service, loaner vehicles and even rentals during the next 5 years. The best sales people will look after you knowing you will come back to them next time and send them your friends. This can be a lifelong association so pick someone you like in a dealership that you like.
8) Rust proofing, extended warranties and just about everything else the finance person who the sales person sends you to after you agree to buy are over priced. They all come with massive markups that fatten the dealers profits. Most can be purchased later if you really decide you want it so skip it.
9) Dealers are often paid a finders fee by lenders if you finance through them. They are also providing a large amount of business so they can often get you a better rate. It is generally better to at least find out what rate they can get you before arranging financing yourself with your bank.
10) Find out the requirements for warranty service from the service department. You will likely need to at least keep a record of when things such as oil changes have been done. You can often do them yourself as long as you keep the reciepts. Don't wait for your transmission to blow to find out you need to show reciepts proving you had the fluid changed once a year for the warranty to cover it.
Websites for researching your next vehicle.
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/home.htm
http://www.safercar.gov/
http://www.hwysafety.org/
http://www.edmunds.com/reviews/?tid=edmunds.g.home.header..3.*
Happy Shopping
10 Things Every Car Shopper Should Know.
1) Canadian models are not created equal. Safety features and other options that are standard on US models may not be standard or even available in some cases on Canadian models. If you are buying a model based on a high crash test score in American ratings make sure the Canadian vehicle you are buying has the same equipment.
2) What works when?
ABS: Helps prevent brake lockup when you hit the brakes
Traction Control: Helps when you are starting from a stop in slippery conditions by using the brakes to reduce the force applied to a wheel that is slipping.
Stability Control: The latest and best new safety system. This one you definitely want. Detects when you are starting to lose control of the car and adjusts the throttle and brakes to help you maintain control.
3) 4WD or AWD?
AWD: Kicks in when needed by transferring power from one set of wheels to the other. Since it only powers the other axle when needed it consumes less fuel than 4wd.
4WD: Transfers power evenly among all 4 wheels to provide better traction. In some vehicles 4wd can be turned on and off. Since it can be left in an always on setting it can provide better offroad traction but it also sucks back more fuel.
4) Three parts are involved in a complete Side Impact Air Bag system and not all systems come complete with all of these parts. Only the most luxurious cars have all three parts for all seats.
Head: Small cushion that generally pops out of the seat to protect you head in a side impact.
Chest: Second larger cushion that deploys from the seat to a lower position than the head bag to protect your chest.
Side Curtains: Much larger bag that generally deploys from the headliner and covers the side window area to protect you in a rollover.
5) Every part of a new car purchase is negotiable. Watch for added high mark up items dealers stick on their vehicles like $100 pin stripes. It is also always best to wait and order the vehicle as you want it. A vehicle on a dealers lot may have been test driven many times before being sold to you as "new".
6) If you are not getting the deal you want or feel unsure leave. The same vehicles will be available to be purchased tomorrow. A cooling off period before making such a big purchasing decision is a wise idea. The sales person may even sweeten the deal the next day to get the sale if they think you are not convinced.
7) You do not have to continue with a particular sales person or dealership if they do not impress you. A good sales person is an insider who is going to help you arrange for warranty service, loaner vehicles and even rentals during the next 5 years. The best sales people will look after you knowing you will come back to them next time and send them your friends. This can be a lifelong association so pick someone you like in a dealership that you like.
8) Rust proofing, extended warranties and just about everything else the finance person who the sales person sends you to after you agree to buy are over priced. They all come with massive markups that fatten the dealers profits. Most can be purchased later if you really decide you want it so skip it.
9) Dealers are often paid a finders fee by lenders if you finance through them. They are also providing a large amount of business so they can often get you a better rate. It is generally better to at least find out what rate they can get you before arranging financing yourself with your bank.
10) Find out the requirements for warranty service from the service department. You will likely need to at least keep a record of when things such as oil changes have been done. You can often do them yourself as long as you keep the reciepts. Don't wait for your transmission to blow to find out you need to show reciepts proving you had the fluid changed once a year for the warranty to cover it.
Websites for researching your next vehicle.
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/home.htm
http://www.safercar.gov/
http://www.hwysafety.org/
http://www.edmunds.com/reviews/?tid=edmunds.g.home.header..3.*
Happy Shopping
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