From: neal@writer.yorku.ca (Neal Stephenson)
Subject: Re: Hurtig's New Party
Organization: Computer Assisted Writing Centre, York University, Toronto, Canada
Distribution: can
Date: Tue, 24 Nov 1992 03:52:56 GMT

In article <92328.1329212893684@QUCDN.QueensU.CA> andy <2893684@QUCDN.QueensU.CA> writes:
>One poster seems to gloat that Hurtig will siphon off votes from the NDP.
>Perhaps, but you forget there is a left canadian nationalist wing to the
>Liberal Party (hurtig is an ex-Liberal) that is as likely to be attracted
>to Hurtig, especially if the Liberals don't commit to scrapping Free Trade
>and if Chretien's performance during an election campaign is lack-lustre
>and uninspiring (as his performance thus far as Liberal leader would suggest)
>
>Hurtig may well win a few seats in the West in ridings with 4 or 5 way races.
>Anyone thinking a strong Hurtig party would not hurt the Liberals as well as
>the NDP is dreaming. It's more likely though that he wouldn't get more than
>2 or 3% in an election but with elections as volatile as they've been the past
>few years, you never know.

I wonder if Brian "Big Chin" woke up this morning with a smile on his
face, for the first time in a while.  Not only does he have a
counter-balance to the Reform right wing simplicity, but now he has
been handed a "left of centre" party that will suck off NDP and
Liberal votes.  

It looks like Myron Baloney _may_, just may pull off another victory
next year at the polls.  Too many splits in votes may bring him back
to his throne.  

I agree with the contention that Hurtig may have some explaning to do
about his ecnomic policies vis a vis the US FTA and NAFTA.  But their
concepts are not even articulated yet!  Until then, the people who are
already bitching over his move into the political ring, are just
closed minded and prejudiced.  LET THE MAN SAY WHAT HE HAS TO MAKE HIS
POINT, then you can cogently argue for or against.  
It does appear intriguing on the surface of things, as the party is
against what the PM has done to this country.  I DON'T LIKE WHAT THE
RIGHT HONOURABLE BRIAN MULRONEY HAS DONE TO MY CANADA...ECONOMICALLY,
POLITICALLY AND INTERNATIONALLY!  He has formulated a nation where
there is very little chance for my getting ahead of my parents
economically speaking.  I will be employed sure, with a BA, but always
underemployed to my potential.  I have been looking over 2 years for
better work, here and abroad and there ain't much out there.  I know
there are a lot of other forces at play in the world and in Canada; I
know because I've studied International Relations as my major.
I'm just venting a frustration of a lot of my peers, who were taught
that if you participate in the system (help your fellow man, run for
office,  `ask what you can do for your country'... sort of ideal), you
will be rewarded for your hard work.  No doubt it is hard work in
public office and several other influential fields (law, journalism,
teaching, etc.) that get great financial and personal satisfaction.  
Well in the Mulroney era, much has been eroded to the surface of
Canada.
I am still optimistic and caring enough about Canada that i am
intrigued by what Mr. Hurtig has stated.  But I am cynical enough to
realize he won't bring even some of the answers let alone all of them.
Seeing how bankrupt and corrupt (intellectually, ethically and in the
dearth of innovative policy platforms) the "established" leftist of
centre parties have been for 15 years or so, it may be a breath of
fresh air we  CANADIANS need.

Shields activated for flame deflection, ears and eyes open to congent
counter-argument and discussion. captain....
Hailing frequencies closed...

Neal Stephenson
nealstep@writer.yorku.ca
"The hopeful depend on a world without end, whatever the hopeless may
say." N. Peart.

Newsgroups: can.politics,soc.culture.canada