- Reaction score
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- Points
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The PM asked him to join the Conservatives.
tomahawk6 said:Occaisionally in the US we have had politicians that switched parties. The last being Jim Jeffords.
He left the Republican party and joined forces with the democrats while posing as an Independent. He votes with the democrats. His constituents didnt vote him out of office and I doubt Emerson would lose a recall election particularly if he told his voters that he was fed up with the lying cheating Liberals.
David Emerson -- Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Pacific Gateway and the Vancouver-Whistler Olympics.Armymatters said:That *insert seven letter insult*! He's my MP! We didn't vote Conservative in our riding! We voted Liberal or NDP!
Armymatters said:That *insert seven letter insult*! He's my MP! We didn't vote Conservative in our riding! We voted Liberal or NDP!
Not the constituents of Vancouver-Kingsway. The seat has historically belonged to the Liberals or the NDP. My reasoning that he should resign and run again in a by-election:kcdist said:Mr Matters, take a deep breath and consider the following:
1. The Conservatives now have 125 seats. The NDP have 29. There is one small-C independent. Therefore, the NDP now matter in this parliament. Previously, the NDP plus Conservatives could not have forced a Bill through the Commons. Now they can. This move give the millions that voted NDP substantially more leverage in this House. I don't think Mr. Layton will be complaining too much.
2. One of the major knocks following this election was that the three largest cities did not have representation in Parliament. In fact, both the Liberals and the NDP complained about this very point. Now, both Vancouver and Montreal both have direct representation in Cabinet.
3. One of the shortcomings of the Conservatives was the lack of experience, particularly at the Federal cabinet level. This move has brought one very accomplished, experienced and capable individual to the table. Methinks this would be a generally good thing for the governance of the country.
4. One of the perceived issues with the Conservatives was that they were "scary". By introducing a small-L Liberal or 'red tory' to the cabinet table, Harper has broadened the Conservative tent, as well as introduced a 'calming' influence into the decision making mix.
5. Unlike Belinda's move, this move was made not out of desperation. There was no burning desire to add one more vote to prop up a tired, corrupt government. Harper has likely thought this through quite well, and is using the defection to strengthen the effectiveness of his government.
I would think, partisanship aside, members of both the NDP and the Liberal party should agree that this move is actually a benefit for both. The NDP, due to their new relevance, and the Liberals, as they have got one of 'their' members inside cabinet. If the Liberals thought Emerson should be elected due to what he brought to parliament, one would think they should be delighted that he will again be able to use his skills and experience in the governance of the country.
Again, if you look at this move with partisanship removed from the equation, everybody wins.
She should have. But she did win her seat in this election as a Liberal, so that point is somewhat moot. But at the time? She should have resigned, or became a independant.Frederik G said:I got a question for you, Armymatters.
Do you believe Belinda Stronach should have resigned and run in a by-election? After all, the people in her riding didn't vote for thecriminalsLiberals.
For now, I consider you to be a hypocrite. Why else would you whine and ***** about Emerson running in a by-election, but say nothing of Stronach's greedy grab for power?
Armymatters said:2. Emerson, although with his forestry background, hasn't done anything while he was a Liberal cabinet minister to resolve the softwood lumber issue. Also, the riding does not have anyone working the forestry industry; it is primarily an area dominated by service sector workers and low income families. Wrong riding to talk about softwood lumber.
Armymatters said:She should have. But she did win her seat in this election as a Liberal, so that point is somewhat moot. But at the time? She should have resigned, or became a independant.
kcdist said:I just don't believe you see the big picture here.
Emerson likely understands the issues behind the softwood lumber dispute better that any elected member of parliament. Relations between the U.S. and Canada under the Liberals were poisonous. With a more positive relationship between the two governments, there is a strong likelihood the matter may be resolved. Emerson, by all accounts, is a perfect fit for the role.
Low income families are generally users of government services. Government services are paid for by tax dollars. A large percentage of tax dollars in B.C. are derived from the forestry industry. Therefore, by extension, resolving the softwood lumber dispute will strengthen the forestry industry, thereby providing more available tax dollars to low income families.
A component of leadership is the ability to utilize the strengths and skills of those around you. Harper obviously seized on this to the benefit of his government and by extension, the population of Vancouver and B.C.
It is only those practicing petty politics that are truly upset by this decision.
I think the appointment is a stroke of genius. Besides, in the chess game of politics, I think Harper is likely thinking six moves ahead of the rest of us.