>>SNIP
>SNIP
>>>Yes, it started out that way, with three things.
>>>Now it lemme tell ya whatcha wanna hear.
>>>
>>>It looks to me like he knows his political life is on the line and he's stooped to what all the big party politicians do in that case. It looks to me that he's thrown principles out the door.
>>
>>Can you give examples?
>
>Here's some:
>Visiting air base at Trenton ON: "Conservative leader Stephen Harper today announced that a new Conservative government will significantly increase defence spending as part of a “Canada First” defence strategy. Part of the new strategy will involve enhancing Canadian sovereignty by acquiring strategic lift aircraft, creating a new airborne battalion, and doubling the size of Canada’s Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART). "
>Visiting an arena in Buckingham PQ:"In a campaign promise targeted toward young Canadian families, the Conservatives are saying they will extend tax breaks for parents who register their children in sports and other physical activities "
>Visiting Petty Harbour NL:"Harper said the Conservative party supports custodial management, which would see the federal government extend its jurisdiction over parts of the Grand Banks that lie outside Canada's 200-mile limit."

You're giving these as examples of "lack of principles". Do you think these policies are wrong or do you just object to when they were delivered? Should Harper announce military spending during child care conferences? What is the "principled" way to do this?

>
>>
>>>
>>>To me it looks like Green is better than either not attending (never missed a Federal election yet) or spoiling my ballot. They can't win, but a message can be transmitted through them.
>
>>
>>I thought it was funny on one of your earlier posts, you were trying to decide if you should spoil your ballot or vote Green. I wonder how that would make the Green candidate feel ;)
>
>The system is broken, so I don't care how any candidate feels.
>
>>
>>Seriously, this country requires a government. We have to choose from the available candidates. I think it's an important duty for voters to research the candidates and issues and cast an informed vote. I have little time for those not willing to do this.
>
>I already wrote I've never missed a vote. I never did so willy-nilly. That's why some were spoiled in the past.
>
>>
>>Another point of interest is that in this discussion so far there's been no mention of the local candidates. I can remember when (for me, at least) this was very important. With modern party "discipline" it's like we're sending faceless proxies to Ottawa. I think that's sad - how are we going to get quality future leaders of the parties if we don't elect quality local candidates?
>
>Correct. But the system is broken.
>The likelihood of attracting capable, quality candidates is low to NIL.
>We get lawyers and tax accountants and business leaders who have been involved in milking the system.
>Gordon Campbell showed the way by promising impossibilities.
>Dalton McGinty followed suit.
>Now it's become the modus operandi for political success.
>
>Harper's roots are the Reform Party. You remember... clean up Ottawa and get rid of lobbyists and dismember the golden pension plan. Didn't happen. Won't happen.
>
>At least you guys in BC took a shot at changing the electoral system. The system needs big changes, now. You only need look to the south to see what we're headed for if things stay as they are.

That qualifies as a "fine whine" :)