121 Responses for "PETERBOROUGH"

1. Canadian Soldier September 14th, 2008 at 3:19 pm 1

   Betsy left at the train station!

   This riding is all about 3 things.

   1) The Railway
   2) Airport Development
   3) Little Lake Development

   Betsy has struck out big time by condeming the railway.
   I thought Del Mastro would win by 2500 but as soon as I read about Betsy’s position on the rail. I predict Del Mastro by 4000.

   Let the games begin!

2. concerned citizen September 16th, 2008 at 11:30 am 2

   You had to turn to page 32 of ‘Peterborough This Week’ on September 12th to read Ms. McGregor’s true opinion on the train, whereas page one had Mr. Del Mastro plastered all over it taking Ms. McGregor’s comments out of context and spinning them to his advantage (obviously Canadian Soldier did not get past the front cover). “While she is in favour of the rail link, Ms McGregor notes the feasibility study currently being done by Metrolinx on the proposal will not be completed until March. Back in July both the Feds and the Province committed $150 million each towards the rail link, but that money hangs on the outcome of the Metrolinx study.” Ms. McGregor supports the train based on the outcome of the feasibility study. Even Del Mastro won’t get the train if the study does not recommend it as the Provincial AND FEDERAL funding is based on that report.

   As for the airport, Mr. Del Mastro’s plan was based on the misinformation that the Oshawa airport is closing – which will not be happening in the next 20 years. Our city council has been working on airport expansion plan based on real information which is working (witness the new flight school relocating to Peterborough). This is City Council’s job.

   As for the Little Lake plan: BRUCE M. GRAVEL President, Ontario Accommodation Association says it best:
   (Sept. 4) – Peterborough Examiner
   “City councillors should temper their enthusiastic support of Dean Del Mastro’s proposal and first exercise due diligence by asking some hard questions:
   Who is the developer? Why the secrecy over his identity? Where is the business plan?
   Is there a safety hazard with a major marina jutting out into the approach path for boaters using the lock?
   Can the area handle the density of traffic (vehicular, people, marine)?
   How big will the convention centre be (square footage or number of people)?
   And most importantly: How will this project affect the 140-room hotel and 600-person convention centre already approved by city council and slated to be built next to our new Visitor Centre on Crawford Drive at The Parkway? That developer has already spent $3.6 million on that project, including construction of the Visitor Centre.
   Peterborough cannot support two convention centres. An independent study by a respected consultant has stated we cannot even support one. Yet the Crawford Drive developer had decided to proceed anyway. This new Little Lake proposal jeopardizes the Crawford Drive project.
   Why is Mr. Del Mastro, an MP elected to serve his constituents, actively undermining a major project of some of those very constituents? ”

   Aside from all of this, the current election is a FEDERAL election. We are electing a PRIME MINISTER, stop thinking locally and start thinking Federally. Where do you stand on Afghanistan, the Environment, the Economy, Human Rights (ie abortion, gay marriage, etc.), and Health Care. Where do Dean Del Mastro, Betsy McGregor or Steve Sharpe and their respective Party Leaders stand on these issues?

   Dean Del Mastro should be representing the voice of his constituents on a Federal level as he was elected to do instead of working on these purely local projects, he’s an MP not the Mayor.

3. Canadian Soldier September 17th, 2008 at 10:16 am 3

   Give me a freakin break!

   Do you really think the population is that stupid to buy into that? A senior Liberal just came here and kaiboshed it a week ago! Betsy McGregor was in the room when that happened. So its pretty apparent to the average voter that on a “Federal” level they oppose the train. Besides it was the Federal Liberals of that time that killed it sending this community into oblivion! As for this feasibility report that is nothing more than “bu*******” excuse for Liberals to sit on their hands both provincially and federally.

   I believe in keeping this conversation civil but there is a lot at stake here for Peterborough! This isn’t about the train, airport or Little Lake its about Peterborough saying to the country “here we are” and “were open for business”.

   We don’t need weak kneed bleeding hearts who claim to be exercising caution. We need “decisive people” in power that are in business of doing not sitting on their hands.

   Its far time Peterburians stood up and said, “Don’t take our vote for granted anymore! We are here and how our you going to serve us.”

   My grandfather warned me about people like you! He said, “A stupid man thinks he works for the government. A smart man thinks the government works for him.” The days of this riding simply voting for the winning leader are coming to end! We want to know if we elect your leader what’s in it for us! Of course you don’t want that attitude because its not subservient. I was in Liberal Party ranks long enough to know that its a lot like the military. “Hurry up, wait here and shut your mouth.” If you guys hadn’t preached this attitude and we hadn’t accepted it Peter Adams would be an “ex Cabinet Minister” today.

   We need vision and we need serious, decisive people to do it. Harper and Del Mastro are those people. We don’t need a guy who can’t even communicate his message without falling over his tongue.

4. MrJ September 17th, 2008 at 6:50 pm 4

   Lets call the Train-Del Mastro link for what it is, a pork barrel. Del Mastro announced this and promised this to his constituents before he or this Government even bothered to see if it was possible to deliver. An MP worthy of Peterborough’s vote would have told the Minister of Finance to have the plans drawn and the checks signed before presenting this to Peterborough. In this regard Del Mastro has failed us.

   Our next MP should get things done in their mandate, instead of promising a train pending re-election. My question for Dean would be “Scenario: Liberals win the election and have taken back Peterborough – What did you do during your mandate to secure the train to Peterborough?”.

5. Ptboobserver September 18th, 2008 at 3:45 am 5

   The rail link is not a local election issue among the majority of voters. Del Mastro and his team may be trying to make it one !
   Some of the key issues Voters are concerned about are : The Environment, Affordable Housing, Affordable Child Care, Poverty Reduction, and Health Care .
   The rail link is a mute issue !

6. Derek Lipman September 18th, 2008 at 5:05 pm 6

   Canadian Soldier:

   To borrow your grandfather anecdote, mine warned me about people like you, who resort to ad hominem’s when their argument is lacking substance. Your attack on Dion’s linguistic skills is both unwarranted and mean-spirited, much like the Conservative campaign thus far. Canadians are not laughing at Reform party alum Gerry Ritz’s “jokes” vis-a-vis Listeriosis. They are also not finding the Harper platform inspiring.

   Now, it appears you have blurred the lines between civil, provincial, and municipal politics. A lot of the “open for business” rhetoric is best served at the municipal level. If you really want to inculcate strong economic growth in Peterborough, it starts on the ground level, at City Hall.

   Betsy is the most responsible person out there to deal with pressing federal issues. Your Conservative pals want the meat industry to regulate itself. This is fact, and I will not allow you, or other egregious sorts on this site to pull John McCain-style distortion tactics. The CMAJ (a medical journal, in case you have not observed the story) has released a SCATHING indictment of the Conservatives’ public health policies (in the context of food safety).

   I refuse to allow profiteers to gamble with the health of our communities.

   The prediction on this site is inaccurate. At this point, there is no clear winner and Peterborough is very much a hotly contested race. McGregor is gaining momentum.

7. Ptboobserver September 19th, 2008 at 5:30 am 7

   I have personally witnessed over the last few days a ground swell developing of a ” stop Harper ” vote in this riding !
   This is worth watching to see how it develops and appears to be in favour of the liberal candidate .

   There is no clear winner as of yet in the riding but I agree McGregor has the momentum .

8. Serious Thinker September 19th, 2008 at 5:54 pm 8

   I think Dean could lose this riding.

   The Liberal signs are flying up all over the place, got the cons beat 2-1.

   Dean lacks a traditional base of support that most incumbents enjoy. It may well be his political downfall.

9. Serious Thinker September 19th, 2008 at 6:30 pm 9

   There are many peculiar things I have seen during Del Mastro’s time as MP.

   The International Plowing Match was opened in Keene Ontario in September of 2006.

   Dean was the only federal conservative here.

   It is Dean’s own riding. Dean thought there might be a window for the Prime Minister to come, but Harper was a no show.

   There were 9 or 10 federal Liberal members here including Interim Liberal leader Bill Graham. They arrived by plane, had a Liberal fund raising breakfast, went to the opening of the plowing match then flew back to Ottawa for the softwood lumber vote.

   McGuinty and 40+ provincial Liberal MP’s were here and even John Tory showed up with some provincial MP’s.

   Why was Dean left on his own for the federal representation of his government at such an important event?

   Where was the Prime Minister and the Minister of Agruiculture for the opening of the International Plowing Match?

   There are at least five other Conservative MP’s in the area and none to my knowledge were here for the opening either.

   Agriculture means nothing to the conservatives, it just another word in a campaign book.

10. Serious Thinker September 19th, 2008 at 7:01 pm 10

    Question regarding the firearms registry:

    If Harper says that they dont want to bother law abiding duck hunters, does that make deer hunters not law abiding? Just asking!

11. Derek Lipman September 20th, 2008 at 5:54 am 11

    The tacky and crude leaflet blitz will not help DDM come election day. There are literally hundreds of students at Trent opposed to these ads, which insult people’s intelligence, and unfairly target marginalized people.

    The key will be getting these people to shift from the NDP and Greens (not an easy task), to elect a better MP. The student vote could make a big difference in this election. Betsy is highly visible on campus, and student’s like her friendly and honest approach. The Conservative campaign is non-existent at Trent. I know this is not part of their base, but every vote counts.

    At the student house in which I live, 7 people intend to vote Liberal. As said in other posts, the stakes are high in this election. I expect the Liberals to gain some steam in Ontario and Quebec as D-Day approaches.

    Even if Dion loses, Betsy could break the bellweather. It will be close, but momentum is going her way.

12. Serious Thinker September 21st, 2008 at 7:47 am 12

    The conservatives would not support the Liberal RESP plans for students, helping their parents set aside money for post secondary education.

    Students need help getting out of the student debt treadmill?

13. James Casareno (Conservative) September 21st, 2008 at 8:53 am 13

    The race is over in Peterborough Ontario for the 2008 Federal Election. http://www.electionprediction.org, which has a 92.3% accuracy at predicting election outcomes has updated Peterborough as a Riding that will remain Conservative. The outcome is really not surprising though. The Liberal candidate Betsy McGregor is openly critical of the economic future of Peterborough i.e. the Railway. In other words, the Liberals committed political “hara-kiri” in Peterborough.

    On the Riding level, Betsy McGregor just isn’t very well known. Kudos that she started her campaigning early but compared to Dean del Mastro that never ceases to be discussed in the Peterborough Examiner, usually in a negative way (because the vocal readership is left-wing) has made sure that that from 2006 – 2008, Dean Del Mastro has always been in the spotlight. They can be described in the words of Karl Marx as “useful idiots”.

    However, Dean del Mastro is tried and tested. He works and everyone knows he works hard. He has produced a lot of results for Peterborough. Dean del Mastro has championed his community and fought for the future of Peterborough. From 1) resumption of railway to 2) Little Lake Plan to 3) Expansion of the Peterborough Airport. Dean has also worked in the 1) Standing Committee on Scrutiny of regulations 2) Standing Committee on National Defence 3) Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development 4) Standing Committee on Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics. He championed the Federal Accountability Act. The list goes on and on. Dean del Mastro is Ministerial material, that’s a fair and accurate description of his talents and abilities.

    From the Peterborough Examiner’s letter to the editor section on September 20, 2008, the Liberals in Peterborough are in the middle of an infighting. 2006 Liberal Candidate Diane Lloyd wrote below: http://www.thepeterboroughexaminer.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1209720

    The renegade Liberals in Peterborough are endorsing Dean del Mastro. Why shouldn’t they? Dean del Mastro is about to restore Peterborough to its former glory with the railway. The Counties are already locked in the Conservative sphere. It’s understandable, the Greenshift would have hurt them the most. They rely heavily on vehicles to transport their products, traverse their property and power other sorts of machinery. The Greenshift is insensitive to 1) the needs of rural Canada 2) Canadians at large due to the heavy burden the Greenshift would impose on Canada’s economy that is too interconnected to the currently fragile American economy.

    Contrary to Liberal rhetoric, it is not revenue neutral: 1) Not everyone gets their tax credit because the plan does not have a universal rebate scope. 2) A tax is a tax, so what if you don’t tax the petrol? If you tax the refining of oil the petrol’s price will increase!

    Peterborough maintains its reputation as a bell-weather riding.

14. Greg Morrow (Non-Partisan) September 21st, 2008 at 8:58 am 14

    James — you don’t need to rely on electionprediction.org. You’re already at the most reliable source here at DemocraticSPACE… lol. And if the polls hold, it looks like Peterborough will indeed stay blue.

15. Serious Thinker September 21st, 2008 at 10:52 am 15

    Contrary to Liberal rhetoric, it is not revenue neutral: 1) Not everyone gets their tax credit because the plan does not have a universal rebate scope. 2) A tax is a tax, so what if you don’t tax the petrol? If you tax the refining of oil the petrol’s price will increase……James Casareno (Conservative)
    September 21st, 2008 at 8:53 am 13

    _____________________________________________

    That’s reassuring coming from the Conservatives. They watched 35 billion dollars go up in smoke on the Income Trust they did the 180 on.

    Remember this promise in the Stand Up For Canada routine?

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9mibZYpVPY

    The Conservatives also blew the 14 billion dollar federal surplus. The Conservatives like to say that surpluses are overtaxation, but did they ever return an overtaxation cheque to any of us?

    Nope! Nope, they didn’t.

    Conservative times are bad times!

16. Ptboobserver September 21st, 2008 at 11:23 am 16

    “Betsy McGregor, your Federal Liberal Candidate in Peterborough Riding,
    wants to set the record straight.
    Betsy is in favour of the train that links us to Toronto.
    It was the Mulroney government that cancelled our train in 1990.
    Liberals have always wanted the train.
    Our current MP said in Parliament he had “stolen” the idea from Peter Adams.
    You can count on Betsy McGregor to be a strong advocate of the train for Peterborough

17. Serious Thinker September 21st, 2008 at 1:53 pm 17

    It was the Mulroney government that cancelled our train in 1990.
    Liberals have always wanted the train.Ptboobserver
    September 21st, 2008 at 11:23 am 16
    _____________________________________________

    That’s right the conservatives took it away.

18. Derek Lipman (Liberal) September 22nd, 2008 at 9:39 am 18

    Dear James,

    I trust you have thought carefully about the internal polling in the riding and consider your analysis valuable; however, I believe it was far too early for election prediction to call this riding for Del Mastro. Not only has Betsy run a strong campaign, she is gaining in the “sign war.” The leader’s debate has yet to air, polls are not showing the Conservatives gaining ground (to borrow a sailing metaphor, they are in “irons”). Furthermore, the electorate is volatile, and Ontarians are generally weary of a Conservative landslide. That said, Eastern Ontario is strongly Conservative, and there are pockets of this riding that will undoubtably vote en masse for Del Mastro.

    The silver lining for Betsy is the “left flight” from the NDP and Greens come election day. The memory of the failures of Mike Harris and neoconservatism in Ontario is palpable, and many see Harper as analogous to these individuals and policies. People are concerned about the prospect of privatized health care, and depart with the PM on Iraq, Afghanistan, and the environment.

    The Conservative failure to capture a majority in 2006 in a climate of Liberal scandal raises questions about the party’s ability to resonate with voters in Ontario and Quebec. Just one week ago, the CPC was down to 36 percent in the polls. There will be changes in the polls in days to come, and I suspect they will not be positive for the Conservatives.

    The question in Peterborough, is how strong the NDP campaign is. If Sharpe reels in 25%, it is over for the Liberals, but if he is down around 16, Betsy could win soundly.

    Unfortunately, James, you are supporting a party on the wrong side of the environment issue (some in your party have even questioned the existence of climate change and the PM has even stated “so-called global warming” on at least one occasion). This is troubling.

19. Ptboobserver September 22nd, 2008 at 1:40 pm 19

    I have personally been involved in some private polling and there is a definite shift of NDP votes ( 2006 ) to Betsy McGregor. Mc Gregor has strong support from the student population and they will have an impact on who wins ! I have seen develop in the last three weeks a ” stop Harper mentality ” coming from NDP voters as well as some from the Green Party.
    Purely, from an analytic point of view today , I see Del Mastro stalled, Sharpe losing some of the 2006 votes and Mcgregor with the momentum ! I also see The Greens holding on to most of their base but Elizabeth May seems to have little impact .

    This riding is far to close to call , but I believe we will be in for a major surprise !

20. Serious Thinker September 22nd, 2008 at 2:57 pm 20

    Unfortunately, James, you are supporting a party on the wrong side of the environment issue (some in your party have even questioned the existence of climate change and the PM has even stated “so-called global warming” on at least one occasion). This is troubling.Derek Lipman (Liberal)
    September 22nd, 2008 at 9:39 am 18

    _____________________________________________

    Harper on an earlier clip speaking about so called green house gases.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C2Sh5ES0Iuk

21. Serious Thinker September 22nd, 2008 at 5:18 pm 21

    If this is what it takes to get rid of the Conservatives, lets vote Liberal Betsy McGregor in and do it! Go Jack Layton!
    CTV link

22. Canadian Soldier September 24th, 2008 at 10:01 am 22

    Response to James Casareno:

    Although I agree with your premise and I think you make a solid argument; I think its a “bit rich”. Do I think this election is over? Far from it! I think Del Mastro will win under the current conditions. But I am skeptical by how much now and whether these conditions will hold. Speaking to a lot of people with Del Mastro signs on their lawns I am finding that a lot of “men” are voting for him. Its the “men” who put the signs on their lawns. The women are not as solid and in my opinion when it comes to the women voting Conservative in this riding they are “a mile wide and an inch deep.” Many have great concerns with the Conservatives over issues like Health Care. They are hearing Jack Layton’s messages and they are liking what they hear. I don’t think it will be Del Mastro that will win this riding. I think he will simply be the “first past the post”. But! The big but here is are we going to see a NDP/Liberal coalition? Let’s remember if its not for the split in Progressive votes this would be a solid “progressive” riding with little chance of it ever going Conservative (if you start crunching the numbers.) If “Progressive” voters realize this and decide to go with the more “progressive” leader this riding will go to McGregor. As Peter Adam’s said, “Farmer’s don’t vote for me but their wives do.”

    Although I concede that is not likely to happen. I think that their might be a chance. Dion knows this is it for him and either he wins or he’s gone to the history books. With the mere suggestion of a Liberal/NDP coalition Dion might just go to the bargaining table. Del Mastro will tell you their are plenty of days left in this election.

    Response to Derek Lipman:

    I think your right the “progressive” Brand is stronger here then I even thought. McGregor is running a more capable campaign than most Conservatives want to admit. I think many people in the NDP are going to hold their noses and consider a strategic vote. Especially with Layton suggesting a coalition and a weak local NDP candidate. But, the train will likely run McGeogor over. With Martha Hall Finlay comments and then even Diane Lloyd’s comments in the Peterborough Examiner. I think Casareno has bet wisely.

23. Canadian Soldier September 24th, 2008 at 11:51 am 23

    Questions about McGeogor:

    I have heard in Conservative circles that McGeogor is misrepresenting herself as an “Instructor at Trent University”. From what I hear she has no students, she is not paid by Trent University or a staff member there. Respectfully, Let’s clear the air on this issue and hear from the other side.

24. Serious Thinker September 24th, 2008 at 3:39 pm 24

    Canadian Soldier
    September 24th, 2008 at 11:51 am 23
    _____________________________________________

    I just looked at the Trent University Continuing Education Fall 2007 Website and there is Betsy, as big as life as an instructor.
    Maybe you could clarify this in Conservative circles.
    Scroll down to page 7 and look at Science & Ethics: Who risks? Who Benefits? Who decides?

25. Serious Thinker September 24th, 2008 at 3:58 pm 25

    To Canadian Soldier
    September 24th, 2008 at 11:51 am
    As you say that your are aware of conversations in Conservative circles,
    1) can you tell me if Dean Del Mastro has a University degree?
    2) if he does what year did he receive the degree?
    3) what is the degree in?
    3) and from what University he receive it?

26. Serious Thinker September 24th, 2008 at 4:14 pm 26

    Read page 7 on this link. Betsy has a very impressive short bio. I would love to have her as our MP.
    http://www.trentu.ca/continuingeducation/documents/Conedfallbrochure2007.pdf

27. Serious Thinker September 24th, 2008 at 5:07 pm 27

    To Canadian Soldier.

    Any comment by you would be appreciated on this article about the Chinook Helicopters that Canada has bought sight unseen from the US?

    http://www.casr.ca/ft-mackay-hooked-1.htm

28. Serious Thinker September 24th, 2008 at 8:04 pm 28

    Can any seruious thinker understand how governments like the United States of America and Canada for that matter would support wars that would clearly set us up for financial disaster.

    It’s one thing to run wars but governmnets have to be able to fincance them.

    The price of the war is loss of life and limb of our heroes, how tragic.

    What is the real cost of this war in Afghanisatn 8 billion, 10 billion, 12 billion, 20 billion, who knows, we haven’t seen any numbers yet.

    The US is almost bust and Canada is bordering on deficits with a looming credit crunch as well.

    That’s why Harper wanted an early election, to get this out of the way, before the Oct 2009 election that he legislated.

    Harper when in opposition would have lead us into war in Iraq along side of the US.

    I support the troops but not the war.

    Harper is not a leader.

    Great leaders are measured thinkers.

    Harper is not.

29. James Casareno (Conservative) September 24th, 2008 at 9:04 pm 29

    In defence of electionprediction:

    In 2000, 50920 voted. In 2004, 57631 voted. In 2006, 63431 voted. If we add them together and divide them by 3 we get the average: 57327. We’ll use that number as our predicted number of voters who will be voting on Oct. 14. Although, the number of electors in Peterborough are actually much higher. However, for our purposes, 57327 will suffice.
    So far, CTV has polled Peterborough 16 times since the start of the election. The average of the 16 snapshots for the Conservatives is: 40.44%
    40.44% of 57327 is: 23183.
    Then we’ll say: +- 1000 for margin of error.
    So, we should expect Dean del Mastro’s victory to be around the range of: 22183 – 24183 votes.
    Now, let’s do Betsy Mcgregor.
    The average for Betsy McGregor for the last 16 is: 30.38%
    30.38% of 57327 is: 17415
    Then we’ll say: +- 1000 for margin of error.
    So, we should expect Betsy McGregor to lose around the range of:
    16415 – 18415 votes.

    Did electionprediction call this one too soon? Let the numbers speak for itself.

30. James Casareno (Conservative) September 24th, 2008 at 9:11 pm 30

    Peterborough isn’t even a contest. *YAWN*

31. Serious Thinker September 24th, 2008 at 9:22 pm 31

    James Casareno (Conservative)
    September 24th, 2008 at 9:04 pm 29

    You dont know much about elections. If you pull 60-70% of thre decided vote your doing very well.

    There fore using rough numbers at the 70% top end, he might have roughly 14000 votes.

    Conservatives never could count and a5re poor at math

32. James Casareno (Conservative) September 24th, 2008 at 9:35 pm 32

    Comment retracted at request of author.

33. James Casareno (Conservative) September 24th, 2008 at 9:47 pm 33

    Comment retracted at request of author.

34. Serious Thinker September 24th, 2008 at 10:07 pm 34

    James Casareno (Conservative)
    September 24th, 2008 at 9:47 pm 33

    No, no, 60-70 your responsible for, the rest is as is.

    See ya election day but not with the result you think. Your calculations are not applicable.

    Each representation is a snaphot + or – so you are guessing at best.

    Your calculations are all over the place like a dog at a fair.

    You never calculated voter turnout and most of all drift.

    You just can’t equate things to the last local election using defined borders.

35. James Casareno (Conservative) September 24th, 2008 at 10:14 pm 35

    If my numbers are off on Oct. 14. I will apologize to you but at the moment, I’m confident of the prediction.

36. Serious Thinker September 24th, 2008 at 10:14 pm 36

    James Casareno (Conservative)
    September 24th, 2008 at 10:14 pm 35

    Do a quick calculus course review.

37. Ptboobserver September 25th, 2008 at 3:05 am 37

    James:

    I do not believe the numbers you have quoted are even in the ball park for were decided voters stand Today !

    There was almost 6,000 swing or protest votes in 2006 ! Are these in your calculations ?

    Have you calculated the votes that are swinging from the Conservative core 2006 vote to other parties in 2008 ?

    Could the real number be less than one percent separating the Conservative and Liberal candidate ?

38. Ptboobserver September 25th, 2008 at 3:53 am 38

    James:

    Did you contact CTV to confirm they have polled Peterborough Riding 16 times since the election was called ?

39. James Casareno (Conservative) September 25th, 2008 at 5:38 am 39

    It doesn’t matter, the difference is great enough to justify the early call.
    Peterborough is a battleground riding and CTV has a section for battleground riding polling.

40. Ptboobserver September 25th, 2008 at 5:59 am 40

    James:

    You say” it doesn’t matter ” ! It does matter if you want to analyze correctly and report the voting pattern or projected outcome in a riding !

    Your analysis stated the following percentages separating the two candidates :
    Del Mastro : 40.44 %
    McGregor : 30.38 %

    These numbers are not even close to what the current percentage is separating these two candidates.

41. James Casareno (Conservative) September 25th, 2008 at 6:17 am 41

    I shared my prediction and how I arrived at that conclusion. At the same time, defended electionprediction for calling Peterborough this early. The rest is take it or leave it.

42. Canadian Soldier September 25th, 2008 at 6:22 am 42

    Serious Thinker..

    I have looked at your information and see that you are right. Instructor at Trent University is an appropriate title.

    As for Del Mastro I don’t believe he has ever presented himself as a University Graduate. As far as I know he is missed a 1/2 credit or something. However, he might have completed this I don’t know.

43. Canadian Soldier September 25th, 2008 at 6:32 am 43

    Re: Serious Thinker

    As a former member of the Canadian Armed Forces I would caution you on this whole Helicopter thing. First of all it was the Liberals that neglected our Armed Forces for so many years leaving us with terrible helicopters. Flying Death Machines for that matter!!!!

    If you stop the politics for a second and listen to people like General Lewis Mackenzie (perhaps Canada’s greatest General in the last 25 years) he will tell you that they simply can’t get helicopters for our military. Production just can’t meet demand. What I see from this article is our Defense Minister trying to wheel a deal to get our troops the equipment they need. Is it the best deal…NO…but he is trying to do something.

    BUT! That is not the real insult here. Canada is part of NATO and if you listen to Mackenzie he will tell you that NATO as an entity has 3000 helicopters available for our military. But because of “POLITICS” they won’t make them available.

    Mackenzie states, “NATO is non-existent”. In my opinion Canada should quit NATO!!!!

    In the famous words of Rick Mercer, “Max out the Canadian Tire card and just get our troops what they need!”

44. Canadian Soldier September 25th, 2008 at 6:47 am 44

    James Casareno:

    Although I think you make a serious and intelligent analysis of the numbers.

    I would caution you on your arrogance. To simply suggest this riding is a “yawn” Conservative winner is insulting to your neighbours.

    Peter Adams likely was the most qualified MP this riding ever sent to office. But he constantly struggled with “kissing the curtain” in the House. This is because everyone thinks this riding votes for the Leader. Peterborough could have been at the Cabinet table! But because of so many people like yourself calling this a “Bell Weather Riding”. It is the principle reason why in any “majority” government “our” MP gets the office beside the toilet.

    Go spend some time on Parliament hill. Its all about “whose who”. Who is influencing people and who is getting the media attention.

    I’ll be voting for Del Mastro on Election Day. But, I want to send him to Ottawa “empowered” not as some “castrated eunuch devoted to the leader.”

45. Ptboobserver September 25th, 2008 at 7:07 am 45

    Betsy McGregor—Trent University :

    McGregor is a consultant to the Trent International Program, a guest lecturer and instructor with the continuing education program.

    For any further questions please contact directly Bonnie Patterson ( president of Trent ) !

46. Serious Thinker September 25th, 2008 at 7:18 am 46

    Canadian Soldier
    September 25th, 2008 at 6:32 am 43

    Re: Serious Thinker

    As a former member of the Canadian Armed Forces I would caution you on this whole Helicopter thing. First of all it was the Liberals that neglected our Armed Forces for so many years leaving us with terrible helicopters. Flying Death Machines for that matter!!!!

    _____________________________________________

    It was the Mulroney Conservatives that sold our Chinook Helicopters to the netherlands in 1991.

47. Serious Thinker September 25th, 2008 at 7:20 am 47

    ames Casareno (Conservative)
    September 25th, 2008 at 5:38 am 39

    It doesn’t matter, the difference is great enough to justify the early call.
    Peterborough is a battleground riding and CTV has a section for battleground riding polling.
    _____________________________________________

    I think under the Elections Act you are required when citing a poll to identify aspects of the poll.

    Please attach the links that you are referring to promptly.

48. Serious Thinker September 25th, 2008 at 7:30 am 48

    This off the Elections Canada Website.
    Opinion Polls Must Comply with Election Law
    Rules governing publishing poll results set out in Canada Elections Act

49. Serious Thinker September 25th, 2008 at 7:35 am 49

    Serious Thinker
    September 25th, 2008 at 7:18 am 46

    Canadian Soldier
    September 25th, 2008 at 6:32 am 43

    Re: Serious Thinker

    As a former member of the Canadian Armed Forces I would caution you on this whole Helicopter thing. First of all it was the Liberals that neglected our Armed Forces for so many years leaving us with terrible helicopters. Flying Death Machines for that matter!!!!

    _____________________________________________

    Canadian Soldier, I don’t know how you could say that. Were you really in the military? How could you not know about this huge program started by the Liberals in 2001?

    Are you aware of the Leadmark 2020 document?

    http://www.navy.dnd.ca/leadmark/doc/index_e.asp

50. Serious Thinker September 25th, 2008 at 7:58 am 50

    When I hear some Conservatives trash the Liberals over the military I am always amazed that Canadaians do not verify that information.

    it is not true.

    Look at the incredibly rich military support the Liberals have contributed to over the years in Canada.

    http://www.airforce.forces.gc.ca/site/equip/cf18/history_e.asp

51. James Casareno (Conservative) September 25th, 2008 at 9:11 am 51

    I guess I do have some apologizing to do.
    Dear Canadian Soldier: I am sorry for my arrogance.

    Dear Serious Thinker:
    http://www.ctv.ca/mini/election2008/polltracker.html
    What I presented was a predictive model, based on the assumption that Peterborough is a Battleground Riding and therefore is represented by their Ontario Battlegrounds Riding polling.

    As I titled it, they are just predictions and I will add that you must make the assumption that Peterborough is represented by the Ontario Battleground ridings.

    Once again, I apologize if I offended anyone.

52. Canadian Soldier September 25th, 2008 at 10:35 am 52

    Re: Serious Thinker

    As a former Member of the Canadian Forces I only care about the Forces.

    I apologize if I offended you Serious Thinker about what I said about the Liberals and what they did to the military. Albeit I do agree under recent Liberal rule the military went through a “dark period”. You can ask a lot of military people and they will agree. However, let’s remember that the Liberals successfully governed the military through W.W.II. They also did good things for the Navy. In fact today we have a very capable Navy because the Liberals.

    When I served in the military there were no Quebecers, Easterners, Westerners. Their were no Liberals, Conservatives or NDPers. We were CANADIANS first! Our loyalty was to Canada! (period)

    However, those helicopters in the Canadian Forces are “Death Traps” and they should have been replaced. It should have been done under the Liberals. So don’t wave in the air some article about how our Defense Minister is scrambling now to try and get better airlift so our troops are getting blown up my IEDs. It shows a lot of poor taste!

    That being said the Conservatives have done “great things” for the military. When I talk to my military buddies on Facebook they talk today with a renewed sense of pride in the Armed Forces. They feel empowered and that they are proud of the role the military is now doing on the world stage.

    If were just voting about the military. I would vote Conservative hands-down! Not even blink!

53. Canadian Soldier September 25th, 2008 at 10:38 am 53

    Re James Casereno

    Its take a big man to apologize.

54. Canadian Soldier September 25th, 2008 at 12:01 pm 54

    Today Sept 25th in the Toronto Star:

    Rail sparks fly across 3 ridings

    Durham Liberal MP Dan McTeague…refers once again to the Railway as “political pork barreling”. However, he goes on to state, “Based on geography and population alone, Durham should have come first…period”.

    What McTeague says is so stupid…its funny! Although I completely shake my head I thank him for the laugh. Can you say “pun!”

    BUT WAIT FOR IT! As soon as you think McTeague has it down….Betsy McGregor tops him when she says:

    I will be the champion in my Liberal caucus for getting that train to Peterborough, (here’s the clique wait for it) “as soon as the facts are in.”

    I’ll tell you exactly what the means. That means she will sit around and wait for some “feasibility” study. That is written by a “Torontian” who thinks that Toronto is the “centre of the universe” and will no doubt be against the train. That will be her excuse as our MP to throw her hands up in the air and say, “Sorry!”

    Do you really believe that people are that stupid? I’ve apologized here for comments I have made and I have asked others to apologize for theirs. But, man c’mon on! This is just plain crap! Have you ever heard a politician mix up the english language so bad just to try and manipulate the general public? I have never seen an example of politician talking out of both sides of their mouth! Dion he just has bad english….what’s McGregor’s excuse?

55. Serious Thinker September 25th, 2008 at 12:48 pm 55

    I’ll tell you exactly what the means. That means she will sit around and wait for some “feasibility” study. That is written by a “Torontian” who thinks that Toronto is the “centre of the universe” and will no doubt be against the train. That will be her excuse as our MP to throw her hands up in the air and say, “Sorry!”

    Canadian Soldier
    September 25th, 2008 at 12:01

    _____________________________________________

    Once again we get into these farsical conversations.

    Do you honestly believe that on one hand that we can have a conference centre and a train, both of which I agree are good ideas, in Peterborough and then have people like you speaking using Canadian Soldiers quote ‘That is written by a “Torontian” who thinks that Toronto is the “centre of the universe” and will no doubt be against the train’

    One one hand you want money from the benefit to our community from the train, but you speak poorly of the people from Toronto who could ride the train here and or stay at the new conference centre.

    The train in all of its benefits could also be an importer of crime and drugs from major centres.

    Only a conservative could say double speak like that , we will take your money Toronto people, but Toronto people are from the centre of the universe. Now that is dumb!

56. Serious Thinker September 25th, 2008 at 12:55 pm 56

    As I titled it, they are just predictions and I will add that you must make the assumption that Peterborough is represented by the Ontario Battleground ridings.
    James Casareno (Conservative)
    September 25th, 2008 at 9:11 am 51
    _____________________________________________

    So do the 16 polls on Peterborough cited by you exist or not and where can they be found?

57. Serious Thinker September 25th, 2008 at 1:13 pm 57

    However, those helicopters in the Canadian Forces are “Death Traps” and they should have been replaced. It should have been done under the Liberals. So don’t wave in the air some article about how our Defense Minister is scrambling now to try and get better airlift so our troops are getting blown up my IEDs. It shows a lot of poor taste!

    Canadian Soldier
    September 25th, 2008 at 10:35 am 52

    _____________________________________________

    No, The issue is that the American Blackhawks can only get so high in the mountains.

    The Chinooks which we dont have are ideal for getting into the mountains. They can carry 40 soldiers and kit. They work well in less oxygenated, high altitude air.

    Mulroney sold the good Chinook choppers to the Netherland in 1991 and left us with the rest. Nothing to fight with in an increasingly unstable world.

    Another point is that Canada does not have a mountain fighting army.

    The Americans, God bless them, do have forces that are trained mountain fighters which is the 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, New York.

58. Serious Thinker September 25th, 2008 at 2:21 pm 58

    Builder Model Type Number Dates Details

    McDonnell Douglas CF-18A/B Hornet tactical fighter bombers 98 1982-88 In Phase II of Incremental Modernization Project (IMP)

    Lockheed CP-140 Aurora surveillance and long range patrol aircraft 18 1980 Also currently undergoing an Incremental Modernization Project (IMP)

    Lockheed CP-140A Arcturus surveillance and long range patrol aircraft 3 1991

    Sikorsky Aircraft CH-124 Sea King maritime helicopters 27 1963-69 to be replaced by 28 Sikorsky CH-148 Cyclone

    Agusta Westland Aircraft CH-149 Cormorant maritime/search and rescue helicopters 14 2001-2003 replaced CH-113 Labrador

    Bell Helicopter CH-146 Griffon tactical transport/search and rescue helicopters 85 1995-97

    Lockheed Martin CC-130 Hercules combat transport/search and rescue 30 1960-1997 5 of these (C-130H (T)) have aerial refueling capability) / new order for 17 C-130J Super Hercules replacements

    Boeing CC-177 Globemaster Strategic transport 4 2007
    Airbus CC-150

    Polaris long range transport 5 1992-93 2 of these have air-air refuelling capability

    De Havilland Canada CC-115 Buffalo Short range transport/search and rescue aircraft 6 1967 soon to be replaced by either EADS CASA C-295 or Lockheed/Alenia C-27J Spartan[10]

    Canadair CC-144 Challenger jet transport 6 1982-85, 2002 4 for VIP and 2 for utility

    De Havilland Canada CC-138 Twin Otter short transport 4 1970

    Canadair CT-114 Tutor jet trainers 25 1962-66 trainers retired – used only by the Snowbirds and the Aerospace Engineering Test Establishment

    Raytheon CT-156 Harvard II propeller trainers 26[11] 2000 based on T-6 Texan II trainers (leased)
    BAE Systems CT-155 Hawk jet trainers 20[11] 2000 leased from BAE Systems replaced CT-114’s

    De Havilland Canada CT-142 Dash-8 electronic navigator training aircraft 4 1987, 1989-90

    SAGEM Sperwer Tactical UAV system unmanned aerial vehicle 19[12] 2003-6 Four surviving UAV’s from Operation ATHENA augmented with 10 ex-Danish Sperwers plus follow-on order with SAGEM for 5 more

    _____________________________________________

    With the exception of the Dash 8’s and the 4 recently Globemasters all purchases of aircraft were made by publicly elected Liberal Governments. That’s hundreds of aircraft.

59. Serious Thinker September 25th, 2008 at 3:02 pm 59

    Question:

    If you recall Israel and Lebanon were fighting in the summer of 2006.

    At that time why did Dean DelMastro cancel at the last minute and not go with the all party delegation to Lebanon and Syria to identify and observe the humanitarian need at the time of that conflict?

60. Serious Thinker September 25th, 2008 at 6:25 pm 60

    Question:

    If you recall Israel and Lebanon were fighting in the summer of 2006.

    At that time why did Dean DelMastro cancel at the last minute and not go with the all party delegation to Lebanon and Syria to identify and observe the humanitarian need at the time of that conflict?

    Better still, why don’t you call Dean Del Mastro’s Campaign Headquarters and ask him or his representative for yourself?

    Campaign Phone 705-876-0728

61. Hopeful September 25th, 2008 at 8:40 pm 61

    Hi All
    As a former resident of Peterborough who fondly recalls my years there, let me suggest the following about “the train”…
    1) The LAST thing Peterboroughians should want is a rail link with Toronto. What makes the City so unique and vibrant is that it is a hub, not an outer planet in the ever growing orbit of the GTA. Peterborough is a place to be and a place to be proud of. Don’t turn yourself into Barrie or Milton for the sake of sucking commuters into your exurbs. There are far more benefits to being the centre of the action.
    2) I now live in a city where buses and trains are routinely FULL and you often have to wait to board the next available transit for your morning commute. The last time I checked, there weren’t such issues in the Peterborough region. Please let us have the transit funds that Dean wants spent in Peterborough. There is a much clearer need here (and many other areas in the GTA — including between Pearson Airport and Union Station) than there.
    In short, I see no micro or macro reason to justify the train to Peterborough and am dismayed that it is what so many comments here revolve upon. From my now removed perspective, it appears to be just another hot button issue that the new Conservatives are contriving and using to win this election based on politics versus policy. Don’t be taken in by that. None of us, in Peterborough or elsewhere, can afford it.

62. Ptboobserver September 26th, 2008 at 7:35 am 62

    Here is the wording from the latest political posters that can be seen on downtown Peterborough streets this Morning :

    “Please help save Canada
    Get out and Vote
    For Green NDP or Liberal
    Vote anyone but Conservatives they will destroy Canada
    Poor mans vote is as good as the rich mans vote ” !

    First I question if these posters are legal under the elections act ?

    I reported earlier that I had seen a ” Stop Harper ” mentality developing among some voters in Peterborough.

    It will be interesting to watch what impact if any this has on the election in Peterborough !

63. Serious Thinker September 26th, 2008 at 9:45 am 63

    Abortion always an issue
    Del Mastro video prompts talk from candidates on their positions

    “It’s still a bitterly divided country on this issue…. It comes up in every single election.”

    Del Mastro said he grew up as a confirmed Roman Catholic and his personal position is he’s against abortio
    _____________________________________________

    Dean raised this point, so here is my question.

    If Dean says he grew up as a confirmed Roman Catholic is he still a Roman Catholic or is he a member of another religious denomination?

    http://www.thepeterboroughexaminer.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1219885

64. Serious Thinker September 27th, 2008 at 3:28 pm 64

    Do we want another NAFTA type of agreement with Europe?

    A new free trade with the EU (European Union)?

    Canada starts talks three days after the election. Will they have a majority government to do this?

    Was this part of the Conservative election mandate given to them by Canadian voters? No I don’t think so.

    Globe & Mail article

65. MrJ September 27th, 2008 at 4:39 pm 65

    This is a video all pro-choice voters in Peterborough need to see:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IWH14ljM1BM

66. Serious Thinker September 27th, 2008 at 6:46 pm 66

    Do we want a Canada European Union Trade Deal?

    Read about the labour mobility.

    The discussions are to start for this deep trade integation 3 days after the federal election.

    http://www.progressive-economics.ca/2008/09/18/a-canada-european-union-trade-deal/

67. Serious Thinker September 29th, 2008 at 2:35 pm 67

    This is a very interesting Peterborough you tube video.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xEKEwmOlZQA

68. Ptboobserver September 29th, 2008 at 4:58 pm 68

    As an analyst I have followed the this riding very closely from the “back room ” and will make the following prediction if the election was held today what the results would be :

    Del Mastro : 20,975
    Mc Gregor : 21,760
    Sharpe : 13,201
    Berrigan : 3,007

    The wild card in my prediction is the total voter out come and how it will be split between Sharpe and McGregor ! It is my impression the total vote will be less than in 2006 ! Local elections can be lost and won on who has the best machinery to get the vote out on election day.

69. Serious Thinker September 29th, 2008 at 5:03 pm 69

    I am not sure what’s happening. The Del Mastro team seem to be short of volunteers. It’s kind of a family effort now Dean’s mom was campaigning in the south end of Peterborough. Dean’s wife was seen fixing signs on Water Street on Friday.

70. Serious Thinker September 29th, 2008 at 6:25 pm 70

    I remain concerned about bulk water sales.

    A number of years ago the Ontario provincial conservative governmnet had a bulk water sales agreement on the Tay River, near Perth Ontario for 1.4 million litres of water a day.

    Thankfully, once the McGuinty Ontario Liberal Government was elected that agreement was terminated.

    Fresh water has to be considered a human right, not just another commodity for sale.

    Do the Harper Conservatives not consider water to be a basic human right?

    Read below

    http://greenparty.ca/en/node/4263

71. Serious Thinker September 29th, 2008 at 6:50 pm 71

    Canada foils UN water plan.

    http://www.thestar.com/News/Canada/article/409003

72. Canadian Soldier September 30th, 2008 at 3:43 am 72

    Just to once again show fairness and that one should have an open mind when approaching “any” political party. I’m going to advocate for the other side…

    I think everyone should read an article by Don Martin of the Calgary Herald who is traveling Southern Ontario observing the election here.

    In his article “Tories turn a blind eye to Ontario’s plight”. He makes some very interesting observations that are comparable to Peterborough.

    Quote:

    In Chatham-Kent, the target of angry voter retaliation would be Dave Van Kesteren, now seeking a second term as a low-profile Conservative backbencher. His campaign rejected my interview request to chat about the local economy.

    This being the moment of electoral accountability in a region posting one of the highest unemployment rates in the country after 2,000 job losses since the Conservatives came to power in early 2006, one can only wonder when that topic might merit political comment.

    Perhaps there’s an embarrassing wrinkle to Mr. Van Kesteren’s situation for his name is synonymous with the local Hyundai dealership he founded, which is one of the few cars sold in Canada without any content contribution from the dying Ontario auto parts manufacturing sector.

    I have to give the man credit in his articles his makes some conducive arguments against Harper. Better then I have heard from any of the other Leaders..

    http://www.canada.com/calgaryherald/columnists/donmartin.html

73. Canadian Soldier September 30th, 2008 at 3:47 am 73

    Re: Serious Thinker

    I’m not going to debate the Helicopter issue with you anymore. For a guy that I presume has never set foot on a military base in his life. I find your argument conducive but also appalling!

    I simply see a Minister of Defense acting as a “Canadian” trying to get helicopters for our troops. I would bet the money tree that a “Canadian” Liberal Minister of Defense would do the same thing.

    I find this debate of poor taste and will have nothing else to do with it.

    Good luck!

74. Greg Morrow (Non-Partisan) September 30th, 2008 at 6:16 am 74

    Canadian Solider, Serious Thinker –
    May I suggest that you take up this debate in the discussion forums? It is a better medium to have a back-and-forth conversation. Start a new thread at:
    http://democraticSPACE.com/canada2008/talk/forum/east-central-ontario

75. Serious Thinker September 30th, 2008 at 6:49 am 75

    To: Canadian Soldier.
    Take a look at this report.

76. Serious Thinker September 30th, 2008 at 10:24 am 76

    I’m not going to debate the Helicopter issue with you anymore. For a guy that I presume has never set foot on a military base in his life. I find your argument conducive but also appalling!

    I find this debate of poor taste and will have nothing else to do with it.

    Canadian Soldier
    September 30th, 2008 at 3:47 am 73

    _____________________________________________

    `1) Is this code by you because you are unable to defend your comments with facts, as I am prepared and able to do?

    2) Do you acknowledge that we are in an election and that all Canadians are able to make comment and discuss issues?

    3) Our men and women in uniform are in Afghanistan trying to restore democracy, education and free speech and I am disturbed that for some strange reason you wish to stop discussion, reason and the presentation of facts it here in our country.

    What is your objective?

77. Serious Thinker September 30th, 2008 at 1:53 pm 77

    I simply see a Minister of Defense acting as a “Canadian” trying to get helicopters for our troops. I would bet the money tree that a “Canadian” Liberal Minister of Defense would do the same thing.
    _____________________________________________

    I don’t get it. You said you are a Canadian Soldier.Canadian Soldier
    September 14th, 2008 at 3:19 pm 1

    Then you say

    As a former member of the Canadian Armed ForcesCanadian Soldier
    September 25th, 2008 at 6:32 am

    Then you spell defence incorretly in two places as shown below: You say:

    I simply see a Minister of Defense acting as a “Canadian” trying to get helicopters for our troops. I would bet the money tree that a “Canadian” Liberal Minister of Defense would do the same thing.

    Note the DND website for the correct spelling of defence

    http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/home_e.asp

78. King of Kensington October 1st, 2008 at 2:16 pm 78

    James Casareno: Don’t be fooled by a 92% accuracy rating. Many of these “accurate” predictions are no-brainers like the NDP winning Toronto-Danforth, the Liberals winning Mount Royal and the Conservatives winning Medicine Hat. A better measure would exclude these ultra-safe ridings.

    That being said…I agree with Greg Morrow, ElectionPrediction and most here…Peterborough is going Tory. The Conservatives took it last time and the Liberals are in worse shape under Dion’s lacklustre leadership.

79. Serious Thinker October 1st, 2008 at 6:27 pm 79

    The world is watching!

    Who really speaks for our independent nation?

    Harper is not a leader, no leader would do this, or surround themself with such unskilled people.

    Harper is not a leader.

    http://www.liberal.ca/video_e.aspx?guid=4666DC99-F70E-4FFD-A461-FF1B3A060706

80. Serious Thinker October 1st, 2008 at 8:18 pm 80

    Democracy Watch Files Court Challenge of Prime Minister’s Federal Election Call — Violates Both Fixed Election Date Law and Charter Rights

    http://www.dwatch.ca/camp/RelsOct0108.html

81. Canadian Soldier October 3rd, 2008 at 4:23 am 81

    “Serious Thinker”

    I don’t debate with “Civies” of your magnitude on this issue. You claim to know something but you know nothing! You have never served your country or spent a day on a military base in uniform! Turn off your computer and put a damn uniform on! Unlike myself you don’t have the courage to take the oath to give your life for your country!

82. Serious Thinker October 3rd, 2008 at 2:52 pm 82

    You claim to know something but you know nothing!Canadian Soldier
    October 3rd, 2008 at 4:23 am 81

    _____________________________________________

    You must have forgotton ‘O Canada’ ‘We stand on guard for thee!’

    Put more water in your booze .and take note of this below.

    More plagiarism?

    They can’t be serious?

    Is this why there is no policy document yet?

    http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20081003.welxnplagiarism1003/BNStory/Front

83. Serious Thinker October 3rd, 2008 at 8:16 pm 83

    Canadian Soldier said

    Turn off your computer and put a damn uniform on!
    Canadian Soldier
    October 3rd, 2008 at 4:23 am 81
    _____________________________________________

    Or do you mean , ‘Turn off your damn computor and put a uniform on’?

    Please show some respect for the uniform and for the military men and women, past, present and in the future.

    A respectful apology by you and a clarification for those men, women in uniform and myself is demanded immediately.

84. Ptboobserver October 4th, 2008 at 1:30 am 84

    It is very clear strategic voting will play an important role in electing the next member of parliament in Peterborough.

    Change is in the wind !

85. Lightning Thunder Boy October 4th, 2008 at 10:55 am 85

    I really, really, really hope that people realise that Dean will win here again if we do not vote for the candidate with the best chance of beating him, Betsy McGregor. Steve Sharpe? Come on, give me a break. Emily whoever? Get real! (She didn’t even put her name on her signs, now that’s a stroke of electioneering genius). Betsy is cool, too. I think she would be a gracious, intelligent and articulate Member Of Parliament instead of the embarrassing clown we have now. Please, Peterborough. Let’s get someone with class in parliament. Please vote for Betsy!

86. Serious Thinker October 4th, 2008 at 9:29 pm 86

    Lightning Thunder Boy
    October 4th, 2008 at 10:55 am 85

    I really, really, really hope that people realise that Dean will win here again if we do not vote for the candidate with the best chance of beating him, Betsy McGregor. Steve Sharpe? Come on, give me a break. Emily whoever

    _____________________________________________

    This comment above is an attempt by the writer to anger persons in different politcial parties so that they freeze their vote for their favourite candidate or party.

    Lightening Thunder Boy does not want you to vote strategically.

    So lets suprise him by just doing so and possibly considering the Liberal candidate Betsy McGregor.

    The other candidates and parties are wonderful, with great ideas, but we really do need to stop the Conservatives.

    The best way of doing that is voting for Betsy McGregor.

    Why? Only because she has the best chance of beating Del Mastro.

87. Lightning Thunder Boy October 5th, 2008 at 1:12 pm 87

    Seriously, Serious Thinker, I don’t want to freeze people’s votes in their own camp. I just believe that Betsy has the best chance of stopping Dean. Steve has run a terrible campaign and it looks like the NDP vote has fallen sharply (no pun intended) and the Green’s are non-existent in this race. If either of these parties had the best chance to kick out this car salesman embarrassment I’d be all for supporting either of them but let’s get real. They don’t. The Green’s will celebrate another pathetic fourth place finish and the NDP will congratulate themselves on helping Dean into office again. But they will not win. That’s reality. In some ridings the NDP can boot our the neo-cons but not here. No chance. No chance at all. Betsy not only is in the best position to stop Dean but she would be GREAT as an MP. She really is articulate, energetic and passionate about, wait for it, policy. That’s right, Dean. Policy and ideals and complicated solutions to complicated problems. Imagine no more parroting the party line, no more propaganda slips coming through the mail box, no more embarrassing outbursts. What do people in Parliament think of Peterborough when they see this guy standing up and talking about ‘Peterborough is Hockeyville’ or whatever else they let him say on our behalf. Please stop Dean. Anybody But Conservative!

88. Emily Whoever October 5th, 2008 at 1:50 pm 88

    My name isn’t on the signs so we can reuse them. I would think people use their brains a little more than voting solely based on how many times they see someones name on a lawn sign.

89. Lightning Thunder Boy October 6th, 2008 at 12:56 am 89

    Hey Emily Whoever. How do you account for your own ‘leader’, Elizabeth May, calling for people to vote for the person who has the best chance of stopping Harper? Do you think she meant you? Highly doubtful. Another brilliant suicidal electoral strategy from the Greens. All your silly little party will do is make sure the Peterborough environmental vote goes down the toilet and that Dean waltzes back in. As for your response to my lawn sign remark, it must be a bit of a disappointment that us voters are not as smart as you. How sad for you. It’s actually a good point that you don’t need to put any of your ‘candidates’ names on signs because it kind of doesn’t matter who runs for your ‘party’ anyway – you’ll always lose. You should do what your ‘leader’ says and bow out of the race, not that you’re in it anyway. Your own ‘leader’ wants voters to not vote for you so you could follow her suggestion one step further and walk away from the election. Resigning would be a beautiful symbolic ‘victory’ for you and your little group of friends in the greenie party. Anyway, I wouldn’t buy any champagne for October 14 if I were you unless you want to celebrate helping Dean win here.

90. Serious Thinker October 6th, 2008 at 2:10 am 90

    Serious Thinker
    October 3rd, 2008 at 8:16 pm 83

    Canadian Soldier said

    Turn off your computer and put a damn uniform on!
    Canadian Soldier
    October 3rd, 2008 at 4:23 am 81
    _____________________________________________

    Or do you mean , ‘Turn off your damn computor and put a uniform on’?

    Please show some respect for the uniform and for the military men and women, past, present and in the future.

    A respectful apology by you and a clarification for those men, women in uniform and myself is demanded immediately.

    We are waiting.

91. Ptboobserver October 6th, 2008 at 5:02 am 91

    The tide has turned in Peterborough ! The liberals have the momentum coming into the last days of this campaign. The anything but Harper mentality has developed much stronger in this riding that I had previously estimated ! The conservatives are in trouble ! The NDP has an excellent candidate however it appears part of the 2006 support has switched and is switching daily to McGregor. Local interest in this election is high and will translate into a high voter turn out which will benefit the Liberals !

    The colour of Peterborough Riding will change from blue to red !

    I am surprised that this site is still showing a Del Mastro win, and has not been changed to at least undecided !

92. Lightning Thunder Boy October 6th, 2008 at 7:35 am 92

    I agree Ptboobserver. It seems like the areas that were swamped with Linda Slavin signs the last time have just a sprinkling of Steve sharpe signs. His nomination meeting only drew a few dozen people as well. I have friends who are long time NDP supporters who are voting Liberal and quite happy to do so. Many,many people in this riding have been turned off by Del Mastro’s brazen marketing approach to politics. I always feel like he thinks we’re all stupid and all he has to do is repeat a few buzz words sent to him from Harper HQ and we will all nod our heads and follow him. McGregor has substance as well so I have no problem supporting her and I think NDP voters have no problem supporting her as well. I’m keeping my fingers crossed!

93. concerned citizen October 6th, 2008 at 10:04 am 93

    Check out http://www.voteforenvironment.ca – according to the most recent polls, Steve Sharpe actually has the best chance to beat Dean in Peterborough. The “left” votes are pretty much split in 1/2 though. If people want the Regressive Conservatives (aka Reform Party) out of power, it is time to unite the left! Strategic voting will be necessary.

94. Ptboobserver October 6th, 2008 at 11:33 am 94

    Lighting Thunder Boy:

    A an analyst , and as of today there is no question that this riding is going Liberal.

    I have a great deal of respect for this site but I am at a loss where they get their information and why they have not changed to an undecided riding!

    I am not interested in Liberal versus Conserative and or versus NDP .

    I am interested in what is going on in the riding and where it is headed next Tuesday . I will repeat without any major accidents in the local campaigns it is headed LiberaL !

95. Lightning Thunder Boy October 6th, 2008 at 4:33 pm 95

    Concerned Citizen. I got some kind of email from someone who, like you, was calling into question voteforenvironment.ca. It is, of course, completely ridiculous for anyone to project Sharpe winning this riding. I think that site can’t be taken seriously (perhaps it’s run by the NDP). Strategic voting cannot be directed at a national level. Only people who live in each riding and who know the local issues, the candidates, the neighbourhoods, etc. can make the call. Betsy is the only one here who can take down Mr. Silly Pants on election day.

96. Derek Lipman October 6th, 2008 at 10:03 pm 96

    I attended the all-candidates meeting at Market Hall during which the four major candidates discussed themes related to energy and the environment.

    Firstly, it is disgraceful those who organized the “debate” failed to allow time for audience questions. Instead, what we got was a forum in which the candidates answered scripted questions.

    Overall, it was a spirited night with lots of emotion both at the panel, and in the audience. All candidates played to their core supporters, but Betsy’s oratorical acumen nearly stole the show. She made a clear case for strong Liberal representation for this riding.

    Del Mastro is definately sincere about his policies. But on this night, the deck was stacked against him, as the Conservatives are running a counter-scientific environmental platform; and people in DDM’s own party are questioning the existence of climate change created by humankind. Thus, DDM was enveloped by an opposition tidal wave, and the audience turned on him when things got a bit nasty.

    Steve Sharpe, the NDP candidate did a very good job questioning the Sierra Club’s rankings, but this methodological critique was a tad esoteric, and did not garner a huge response.

    Green Party candidate Emily Berrigan was splendid throughout the night on her bread-and-butter issue, but made two strategic errors at the end of the night: first, by stating something along the lines of “all things point to Dean getting in again.” This was unnecessary and quite possibly inaccurate. Secondly, this telepathic note ushered in a pedantic lecture on the danger of strategic voting. This little speech (the subtext being that Liberals do not have principles) was arrogant, offensive, and lacking in tact, from the candidate of a party that has never had a seat in the House of Commons (and likely won’t for the foreseeable future given polling trends in Central Nova). Notwithstanding the scare tactics on “strategic voting,” the Green candidate was one of the strongest on this night.

    Again, Betsy’s performance (and audience response) confirms the fact that this race is alive, and a heck of a lot closer than Democratic Space and Election Prediction believe…

97. Lightning Thunder Boy October 7th, 2008 at 10:22 am 97

    Derek, yes it was strange that the green candidate would talk about the race being over but I think she was just just being consistent and following what her leader has been advising – surrender. What a bizarre, unorganised, irresponsible collection of political nit-wits those greenies are. I hope my friends in the NDP stick to their guns and vote Liberal and help to kick out Mr. Silly Pants. Now THAT would be a good night down at the MoHo!

98. Lightning Thunder Boy October 7th, 2008 at 12:53 pm 98

    Just saw the Nanos poll. Cons 34, Libs 31. Ooops! Statistical dead heat. Can anyone say Liberal minority?Maybe Mr. Silly Pants won’t be shuffling off to Ottawa after all.

99. Derek Lipman October 7th, 2008 at 2:07 pm 99

    Another day, another pedantic lecture from Emily on the dangers of strategic voting, this time at Trent University’s Great Hall. Perhaps someone should advise Emily that her own leader, Elizabeth May actually stated that Canadians should think strategically against Harper!

    Ms. Berrigan has a great future ahead, but is a neophyte and it clearly shows. Closing every “debate” (the Peterborough synonym for a sham forum with only scripted questions and tight control of audience response) with an attack on the Liberals and acknowledgement of Dean’s imminent victory is a fear mongering strategy in itself. It also assumes there are no Liberal stalwarts which is equally shameful.

    Interestingly, all candidates did a pretty good job at this debate, pandering to both their core supporters and undecided voters.

    The diatribe of a pro-life zealot represented the nadir of the afternoon, but Mr. Sharpe did an excellent job answering the loaded question.

    Again, the format did not allow for much debate, and instead all candidates used talking points. Of all the Candidates, Betsy injected some politics into the discussion, and was unapologetic and relentless in her criticism of the Harper government. Is this not what an election is about?

    It was not until the controlled audience questions that Mr. Del Mastro was held to account for some of his party’s failed policies. That said, he did a nice job presenting himself as the hometown boy and invoked examples from his personal life to connect with voters on issues at Trent.

    Polls are showing and Ontario Liberal ressurection. This cannot be good news for the honorable member of this riding.

100. Serious Thinker October 7th, 2008 at 2:57 pm 100

     Can’t defeat Taliban in Afghanistan, PM admits

     http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/canada/story/4235645p-4878292c.html
     _____________________________________________

     Then why are we there Mr. Harper?

     Harper is not a leader, he is just easily led!

101. Lightning Thunder Boy October 8th, 2008 at 3:20 am 101

     If this riding falls to the Cons again, the very young, very naive and politically inept Emily Berrigan can walk around knowing that it was she who helped. She is bright and has a future somewhere, but not in politics.

102. Derek Lipman October 8th, 2008 at 2:08 pm 102

     I disagree with you Lightning Thunder Boy. Berrigan, as has the young Steve Sharpe, done a stellar job competing on par with the other two candidates.

     Unfortunately, the Green Party has a long way to go before they can be a palatable option. Without an elected sitting member, they are not even on the radar screen. If Emily cuts into the Liberal vote, it is because the LPC has not done a good enough job in the campaign to convince voters. Fortunately, I think the campaign is firing on all cylinders and Betsy has hammered away at any lead DDM once had.

     As I have said before, Betsy has a real shot in this riding. She has hammered the Harper Trio at local events, and does a great job going to toe-to-toe with Dean when things get coarse.

     This is a two horse race.

     DL

103. Lightning Thunder Boy October 8th, 2008 at 3:39 pm 103

     Point taken, Mr. Lipman. The LPC does need to do this themselves and I feel, like you, that they are doing just that.

104. Derek Lipman October 8th, 2008 at 4:11 pm 104

     Furthermore,

     Dean appears to be resorting to the train as his gamebreaking issue, when in fact the issue is far more complex. With this desperate move, Dean is selling us a lemon.

     A deeper look at Dean’s campaign locomotive is in order. Where does he stand on issues like health care? For years, his leader Mr. Harper vociferously fought against universal health care, and used his position as head of the National Citizens Coalition and ties with the Fraser Institute to undercut our health care system at all costs. Moreover, the Harper government has not enforced the Canada Health Act in their 2+ years of minority stewardship. This raises serious questions about their committment to a universal health care system. What about the Conservative’s (ie: Dean’s) killing of the information registry? This extremely useful research tool opened up documents requested under the freedom to information act and increased transparency in government. It was also a relatively cost-effective program that international experts such as Alasdair Roberts argue should not only be kept, but moved to an online format for further transparency.

     Dean’s achilles heel is his own party. As a local boy, he is quite affable and effective with the business community. But so is Betsy, and this is where Dean loses. Betsy can appeal to a broad spectrum of voters, while Dean’s support is more narrow. But Mr. Harper’s Reform Party past, and far-right wing cronies are at odds with the majority in this riding. In fact, I’d argue a lot of core Conservative supporters are not of the Reform ilk, and would shiver at some of the prescriptions the Fraser Institute and National Citizens’ Coalition have for what these groups (and Mr. Harper) perceive as the country’s “failings.”

     Do we want a Prime Minster that divides? One who calls Atlantic Canada a “culture of defeat,” who wants to build “firewalls around Alberta,” whose finance minister Mr. Flaherty claims Ontario is the “last place to invest?”

     Most Peterboroughian’s would argue this is not what we want. If anyone is interested in Mr. Flaherty’s skills as a fiscal manager, one need look no further than the province of Ontario in 2003, when this individual saddled Dalton McGuinty’s incoming government with a 5.6 billion dollar deficit. The Conservatives under Ernie Eves shamefully lied about the existence of this deficit and attempted to undercut the findings of the independent auditor, Erik Peters, who uncovered the mess.

     When Barack Obama excoriated the GOP for alleging that Democrats won’t protect the country is similar to the calls of prominent Liberals attacking naysayers who allege the party has “no principles.” To paraphrase Obama, “don’t tell me” that the Liberal Party did nothing for this country. We are the party of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the Constitution; of back to back to back to back balanced budgets.

     Were there problems in the twilight of the Chretien-Martin years? Indeed; but it was hardly an endemic problem, and certainly not a culture of corruption like the Mulroney years.

     While anything is possible, I believe past electoral data and street-level trends show make this a very tight between the Liberals and Conservatives.

105. Derek Lipman October 9th, 2008 at 1:37 am 105

     The last note was written in haste. I apologize for the grammatical errors but not the opinion.

106. Serious Thinker October 9th, 2008 at 6:01 am 106

     We just have to vote out the Conservatives.

     The Conservatives don’t have a grasp of the economic issues that are facing the country. If they don’t understand they cant point the way out.

     I am not sure if Harper doesn’t see it or Conservatives just don’t care about people.

     Our way of lives are being changed by their inaction on the economy, the less fortunate and the environment.

     Lets vote away the meanness and do things that help our fellow citizens and neighbours.

     My vote is for Betsy Mc Gregor

107. Ptboobserver October 9th, 2008 at 7:23 am 107

     Buzz Hargrove, former president of the CAW has thrown his support behind Betsy McGregor at a meeting in Peterborough this morning.
     CAW local president Gene Plumley has also endorsed McGregor !!

108. Serious Thinker October 9th, 2008 at 11:59 am 108

     I am going to hug every NDP and Green Party supporters I can find this weekend.

     Harper is not a leader, he is just easily led by others.

     We need to turf the Harper/Flaherty Conservatives.

     It’s about our future and the Conservatives seem to be out of touch with the needs of ordinary working people.

     Please help vote Betsy McGreor in as our MP.

109. Derek Lipman October 10th, 2008 at 4:50 am 109

     The Hargrove vote is not surprising, but definately a boost for Betsy.

     It is game over for Harper in Quebec. While columnists such as Jeffrey Simpson and Chantal Hebert point to the future fragmentation of Canadian politics, both fail to recognize the deep reservations many Canadians have with Harper. The resurgence of the Bloc has more to do with Harper’s personal unpopularity, and draconian CPC social policies. Moreover, the Conservatives military-industrial agenda is anathema to a great many Quebeckers.

     As I have continuously stated, the Conservative party will not be a palatable option for a majority until the authoritarian Harper is deposed. Furthermore, the dominant Reform Party interests (and the ideological blinders these individuals possess) continue to saddle the party with baggage.

     In the context of Peterborough, Dean and Betsy will be neck-and-neck. Sharpe may bleed some support on election day, but the Green Berrigan may prove a wild card with Trent students, and get a thousand votes from those on campus.

     Judging by the tenor of recent debates, this campaign has become fierce. It is hardly a done deal.

110. Lightning Thunder Boy October 10th, 2008 at 7:51 am 110

     Serious Thinker – Conservatives ‘care about people’ despite what you imply. How absurd.

111. Serious Thinker October 10th, 2008 at 11:40 am 111

     Lightning Thunder Boy
     October 10th, 2008 at 7:51 am 110

     Back your stuff up with facts. Show examples.

     Would you be speaking about the following things that the conservatives promised but didn’t follow up on.

     Breaking the income trust promise, appointing unelected senators, removing the capital gains promise on vacation properties, the fixed election date promise.

     That’s a start, you fill in the rest of the blanks.

     Harper is not a leader, he is just easily led by others.

112. Lightning Thunder Boy October 10th, 2008 at 7:43 pm 112

     Serious Thinker. When you start saying that a whole group of people, ie: conservatives, don’t care about people, how is what you say any different from the angry denunciations I hear from the McCain/Palin rallies going on to the South of us just now? And how do you feel being associated with those individuals? Grow up. You can’t label a whole group of Canadians in such a way and have any credibility. That kind of rant demeans you more than it demeans your intended target.

113. Ptboobserver October 11th, 2008 at 4:38 am 113

     Kevin Grandia, co-founder of Vote For The Environment was quoted today in The Peteborough Examiner as admitting his firm had done no polling in Peterborough !

114. Serious Thinker October 11th, 2008 at 7:36 am 114

     Lightning Thunder Boy
     October 10th, 2008 at 7:43 pm 112
     _____________________________________________
     You didn’t provide any answers to the boken promises. How is your reading and comprehension?

115. Lightning Thunder Boy October 11th, 2008 at 1:58 pm 115

     Come on, Serious Thinker. Do you honestly think Conservatives don’t care about people? Do you really, really believe that or are you just allowing yourself to get caught up in the hysteria of an election campaign? If a guy was sitting beside you at a bar and having a beer talking about his wife and he bought you a beer and then the both of you got to laughing about the Leafs or whatever would you suddenly think he was less of a human if he said he was a Conservative? Or a Liberal? Or an NDPer? Why should it matter? that’s what’s wrong with politics. Nobody thinks in the real world like political parties do. Everyone is issue oriented but parties make people choose a collection of ideals and the whole thing is artificial and it puts people into ‘camps’ and it pits total strangers against each other. Whatever. I think you get the point. As a total aside I just have to point out one of the most bizarre things going on in this election and that is the Green candidate continually saying that Dean is going to win but to vote for her anyway so that her ‘party’ can get more federal funding for the next time. What a hoot! And how about that web site that says Sharpe has the best shot at stopping Dean. What a total hoot! Another laugh is Dean saying people should vote strategic by voting for him. Honestly, I think the best thing to do is to look at the whole thing as a massive joke. Politics really is just that. A massive joke. I think that, when they signed the Magna Carta way back when, they never really gave power to the people. They just pretended to in order to keep them happy enough not to storm the castles and the land barons homes and kill all the ruling elite. Look around you. The ruling elite still rule. As John Lennon said, “There’s room at the top they are telling you still. But first you must learn to smile as you kill”. Happy Election Day everyone! Remember, vote early and vote often!

116. Stephanie_S October 13th, 2008 at 2:37 am 116

     I realize that if one were truly liberal, one would continue to give the benefit of the doubt to a contrived abomination like meaningless sound-bite-oriented, hollow-pledged and uninspiring automon Betsy McGregor. I realize that an psuedo-animatronic, gruesomely life-like simulation of a say-nothing, shallow politician impersonator might very well be worthy of the benefit of a doubt – She might very well be the ideal George Romero inspired zombie to viciously defeat the evil Harper but…Then again she might very well have the same message, meaning and purpose of any ghoul propped up at Madame Tussauds to scare the local kiddies, imbeciles and fear-obsessed natives into a hypnotic response to bogus sales-pitch. Betsy McGregor would appear to have turned to the body language of Adolph Hitler and the vapid say-nothingness of a fortune cookie author as inspiration – Is any human being really like that? Honestly…Is it just me or is that, um..morbid entity, that fabricated yet apparently living, breathing McGregor in our midst, actually for real?

     All I know is this, Betsy McGregor’s body language, speech patterns, repetitive pedantic drivel and third-rate Disneyland animated display inspired portrayal of an Orwellian politician gives me and anyone else I’ve spoken with, the outright creeps. It’s so lifelife and yet totally unreal. And should you think it is a cheap shot, no it’s really just a very cathartic way to say she’s full of more sh!t than she’s shoveled in her lifetime and her own body language screams that she’s not only an opportunistic liar but she fancies herself as a bit of newspeak, nospeak, noshow too. Forget Harper, Forget Darth Vader and any other nightmarish vision you want to conjure, I’ve looked into the abyss and saw a monster. Vote for anybody you want to, but if you can’t see what a completely FAKE, opportunistic, lying, contrived piece of work this lady is, this country is in a lot of trouble. Betsy McGregor is one of the best arguments I’ve ever seen to NOT vote Liberal. Yuck…Steve Sharpe is insightful, thoughtful and sincere, he would get my vote in a minute but I can’t bring myself to vote for that smarmy Jack Layton or his failed party. Therefore, having been good for this riding and quite obviously not as self-absorbed and so creepy or so disturbingly in your face, as Ms. McGregor AKA Joan Crawford on the receiving end of a cattle prod, the vote should clearly be for Del Mastro, who at least has the decency to do a good job for the riding, works hard and isn’t ghoulling it up like some third-rate performer from a snake-oil sideshow scripted for the readers of Chatalaine. Not that there’s anything wrong with Chatalaine but I don’t really think Recipe Tips, Weather Updates and BS Quotations Of The Day From Power Lusting Opportunists is exactly good for the country. Does this person EVER say anything that isn’t from a contrived Dr. Feelgood, entirely bogus ‘vote for me’ bag of tricks? Really. Say what you want about Harper, the Conservatives or criticize Del Mastro but after I saw and heard McGregor in ‘action’ a few times, it wouldn’t matter if she was promising free hot-dogs (which is the essence of her message anyway and about as meaningful..) No substance, no meaning and no vision or inspiration just a pile of self-serving, ragging while impersonating a drunken male impersonator impersonating a hopped up on speed Margaret Thatcher talking at a sub-pedantic level…I just needed to see the Hitler inspired theatrics to send me over the deep end. Anyone with a brain in their head who can’t truly see through McGregor’s entirely weird and surreal mechanical theatrics, should really vote Green, because clearly global warming has melted your own icecap on a local level significantly. If you care about Peterborough, get a rail, any rail and run McGregor out of town on it. There has to be hard up, two-bit traveling carnival somewhere that can use a hammed up, con-artist that can deliver BS sweet nothings with all the conviction of a third-rate robotic monstrosity like McGregor. I read here that Conservatives are out of touch with real Canadians or something to that effect, I wouldn’t say I’m a Conservative, but I’m in touch with reality enough to know that we in Peterborough cannot afford to have some self-absorbed, cynical and grotesquely over-animated hotbed of arrogant derangement like Ms. McGregor representing us. Spielberg said, Watch The Skies…In Peterborough, watch McGregor’s ridiculous, self-aware hand gestures, head and neck contortions and other corny acrobatics – and listen to each dumbed down word that spills out of her cynical mouth (she thinks you’re stupid and she thinks you’re falling for it) and then ask yourself, are you in touch with reality? Detecting lies and misrepresentation through body language is a gift we all share and can all nurture, Betsy McGregor could market herself as a Field Guide To Detecting Untruths, False Promises And Misrepresentation, every little move she makes, screams, she’s an insidious, insincere and opportunistic bag of big fat lies.

117. MrJ October 13th, 2008 at 8:29 am 117

     Stephanie

     Typically writing a 800+ word piece decrying someone of looking absurd on a bulletin board indicates the poster themselves might have some personal issues but I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt.

     The fact that you openly admit to being conservative and intending to vote for Del Mastro degrades your argument tremendously. After all, we can only assume these things you attribute to Betsey are what Conservative supporters want voters to think of Betsey.

     The Truth is that she has far more class than you. Comparing anyone to Hitler makes you look foolish.

118. Lightning Thunder Boy October 13th, 2008 at 9:09 am 118

     Uhh, Stephanie S … I take it that you’re not a McGregor fan?

119. Ann D October 13th, 2008 at 10:00 am 119

     James, why would you deliberately repeat a mistruth about Betsy McGregor’s commitment to the train? That kind of destroys your credibility on this and other issues. And if you’re the most credible blogger at DemocraticSPACE….that’s a pretty scary thought, given that you declared the election race over back in mid-September and you basically wrote off the impact of the NDP and Green candidates in Peterborough Riding right from the get-go.

     I have been blogging about Dean Del Mastro’s disrespectful behavior in the House of Commons and in Peterborough Riding at http://www.onewomanoneblog.com since December 2006. As I noted in one of my early posts, Dean Del Mastro literally drove me to become politically active. I was so dismayed by his conduct. Maybe some people find political bullying and backroom politics acceptable in 2008. I do not.

     We need to move forward with a new style of politics and Betsy McGregor is the woman who can represent our riding in a way that will make us proud. We won’t have to fact-check her every statement to see if it’s the truth or the pseudo-truth. She is a woman of integrity and she has experience representing this country at the Kennedy School of Government; doing field work with the United Nations; and making really outstanding contributions to the field of science (including food safety, agriculture), governance/government, third-world development, etc. It’s difficult to imagine anyone more qualified and more eager to serve as a Member of Parliament that Betsy McGregor.

     People have been trying to smear Betsy since she ran as a candidate for the Liberal Party a year ago. Now the smear campaign continues during the federal election campaign. If you’ve done any research on smear campaigns, you’ll know that the best and the brightest are likely to be subject to these types of smear campaigns. It’s called “tall poppy syndrome.” In Peterborough Riding, the best ammunition that the smear-mongers have been able to find to use against Betsy are the fact that she’s smart, she served Canada well outside of Peterborough riding, and she likes to see that due process is followed — all traits that would serve our Riding well in an MP.

     And as for a party that would consider these traits “ammunition” to use in a smear campaign? I’d really question that party’s values and ask myself if that party was deserving of my vote.

     PS
     Stephanie S: There’s no reason to get that personal or hateful in a political campaign — to spew forth in that kind of hateful manner against a political opponent. Attack the person’s politics. Object to the person’s political behavior. Show flaws in the person’s political philosophies. But don’t attack the person. It’s tacky and it blows holes in your credibility. It’s also very disrespectful. There’s a difference between the person and the politician. (BTW — You’ll note that on my blog, I objected to a smear made against Dean Del Mastro the other day. It works both ways.)

120. James Casareno (Conservative) October 16th, 2008 at 8:35 pm 120

     :_) A certain Red-Machine crashed and burned. It was some spectacular fireworks!

121. James Casareno (Conservative) October 16th, 2008 at 9:07 pm 121

     Dean Del Mastro won more votes than the Liberals, NDP and Marxist-Leninist put together. Perhaps, the “Progressive votes” should not be blowing their trumpets too much.

     I’m not counting Greens because:
     1. It would repudiate my statement
     2. Greens attract votes from Liberal, NDP and Conservative bases. They’re a protest vote, so I’m not counting them as progressive vote.