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I had to leave during the last 20 minutes, but I was very impressed, overall. Thanks for coming today, Brian, you did very well.
What about Afghanistan and Libya? The Canadian Armed Forces have dispatched expeditionary forces to impose our will against both these countries in the last decade.
I though there was an anti-imperialist policy here on Rabble.
I had forgotten I asked the two questions put forward. Brian handled them very well.
Not to beat a dead horse (sorry) but I really hope Thomas Mulcair joins us sometime for more Q&A. I really need to hear from him.
You must be mistaking Brian for the (non-NDP) leader(s) who made these decisions and those within the NDP who did not vote against these interventions.
I have from a very reliable source that one of your favourite hobbies is beating dead horses. Really, knitting wouldn't do the trick?
Seriously, we've asked Mulcair and haven't heard back yet.
The NDP did vote for the interventions against Libya.
There are countless NDP statements honouring the proud men and women killed in Afghanistan, thanking them for thier service.
The NDP supports our imperial forces very much.
"I was deeply saddened to learn of the death of Master Cpl. Byron Greff, who was among the 13 NATO troops killed this morning in an attack in Kabul.
My thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and loved ones of this brave soldier who was taken from us too soon.
On behalf of all New Democrats, I wish to extend my condolences to this soldier's family, and to the men and women of the Canadian forces who are mourning the loss of their fellow soldier. Master Cpl. Greff made the ultimate sacrifice in service of our country and he will never be forgotten."
http://www.ndp.ca/press/statement-by-nycole-turmel-on-death-canadian-sol...
Sorry, I have very arthritic hands, can't hold a knitting needle for more than a few seconds.
I wrote to his campaign after the Nathen Cullen session -a week ago - haven't had a reply.That's really too bad. Knitting is so relaxing. We may get Mulcair yet, if enough babblers and others ask him to appear.
The future of Libya now belongs to all Libyans.
The announcement of the death of former dictator Muammar Gaddafi may mean the end of a long oppressive regime and decades of brutal fighting for democracy.
The members of his regime will have to answer for their crimes during what we hope will be fair, transparent trials that respect the principles of legal and human rights.
Our troops have done a wonderful job in Libya over the past few months. I want to salute the efforts and courage of our troops
The time has come for Canada to withdraw our military operations. We now need to focus on diplomacy and on rebuilding the country. We need to help Libyans build solid democratic institutions. We would like the Canadian government to show leadership on that front.
New Democrats are proud to have supported Libyans in their quest for democracy and will continue to work with the Libyan people to establish a democratic society.
http://www.ndp.ca/press/statement-by-nycole-turmel-on-death-muammar-gaddafi
Not only is the NDP proud of our imperial troops, now they want your imperial mindset forced upon the Libyans via CIDA, DFIAT (our non military imperial forces).
Unionist wrote:
Thanks, Brian - I liked all your answers. But mostly, I like that you came here to face some questions.
Indeed, thank you for making the time to stop by and take questions from babble, Brian. While it is great to hear you and others on CBC interviews - like your interview with Anna Maria Tremonti on the Current today - there are too few opportunities like this one, for people across the country to ask questions directly.
Good luck with the campaign - and hope to see you around these parts again soon.
First question to Mulcair, when did you stop beating your wife?
Second question, now that we have established you are a sexist, imperialist, anti-union, Liberal, Blarite, angry, divisive, and "dumpy looking" man, would you be interested in serving in the party a few more years so you can properly get to know us?
Psst! Btw, Leader Paul Dewar would like to let you know that he has a cold seat available at the back bench of the House of Commons, now that Deputy Leader and several critic roles have been handed out. Thanks for all the good work in Québec!
You forgot "elitist". Just trying to be helpful.
Thanks Brian. Good answers. I'd be very comfortable with you as NDP leader.
The Liberal Party forwarded a motion on April 24, 2007 to continue Canada's military occupation of Afghanistan until 2009. The NDP voted against that motion because the NDP did not support that extention.
On April 30th 2007, Jack Layton put forward a motion in the House for Canada to immediately notify NATO that Canadian troops would withdraw from Afghanistan.
Which parties voted with the NDP then?
Heh. The NDP voted with the Conservatives to defeat the Liberals and the Bloc, by 150 to 134.
Conclusion: Instead of winning a clear majority vote of the House to end the combat mission in 2009, Layton stood firm and insisted on losing a vote one week later to end the mission immediately.
Brilliant tactics, brilliant command of arithmetic. Hail to the chief.
Fidel also has forgotten about Layton's and Black's plan for the military to support NGOs (force protection and such) within Afghanistan after the combat mission ended.
If I am not mistake Layton supported the current training mission in Kabul.
Both, Rebecca and Field have short memories that the NDP supported the Libya mission for a very long time.
It is okay, the NDP are selling out now so they can get elected in 2015.
Alternatively, the Conservatives voted with the NDP for a change, except that the Conservatives were simply keeping the door open for further extensions as instructed by Warshington at a later date. Colonial administrators tend not to want to be bound by such limitations in writing. Canada's Liberals were merely speculating on a 2009 withdrawal as Liberal democrats in the U.S. were mulling over keeping their own election promises to withdraw their troops.
Had the NDP voted with the Liberals to extend the mission, we can bet this would have been interpreted by you as the NDP supporting the military occupation of Afghanistan, no doubt.
Stephen Harper lost a good number of his best friends forever in Michael Ignatieff and the Liberal Party after the last election. Canadians have no need for a redundant conservative party.
And it appears rabble is not will to ask tough questions to the candidates in fear of embarrassing them
Toddy there are more than a dozen registered political parties in Canada. We're guessing you must be an aspiring NDPer since you never mention a valid alternative to the NDP.
I appreciated you coming onto Babble today and responding to some members thoughtful questions with equally thoughtful responses. I too think you would be a good NDP leader - good luck!
And I thought the questions from the crew were very respectful and that Brian answered them clearly and honestly.
I am actually a bit of anarchist. I do not believe in large political parties, they can not serve both the party and the people at the same time.
There are many alternates to the NDP.
Name one.
I had every intention of staying out of it entirely, but the expeditionary force comment was just too much you know.
Everybody knows politicians tell lies to get elected, surely..? Still, what a howler!