Yes, the NDP will be better at governing than the Liberals - I have no doubt. The question I was trying to ask - but did not make clear - is "will the NDP be able to undo the legacy of Conservative rule?". Will they even try? Can they bring back the Wheat Board after it's killed?
ETA: I wonder if the NDP could try to enshrine some things into the Charter or Constitution - such as the Wheat Board, etc... that could not be killed by another Conservative government down the road.
Can they bring back the Wheat Board after it's killed?
No. So long as we are bound by international trade rules, no.
I hadn't thought of that, obviously. 
Take two pinners..one now and one before lights out...and call me in the morning.
Thank you Dr. Doob.
I prefer to think there are no stupid questions, and how people deal with your proposition is entirely up to them.
Take two pinners..one now and one before lights out...and call me in the morning.Thank you Dr. Doob.
What ever to you mean? 
@ Maysie
Well let's just say that so long as they are in good faith they are an opportunity rather than a mistake
(okay.... certain picture postings, maybe not)
And I was trying to figure out if that was maybe a bowling metaphor or something. Shows what I have been up to in the last decade, and the marvels of modern horticulture.
(and I presume you have heard of the recent re-classification in Netherlands)
And I'll say again, I think it is a great question. Because although we all have a series of values and struggles in common, I think we don't all have the same idea of what "progressive" means. And I think that is completely understandable.
To just clamp this one down because Canada is part of the evil forces of oppression is kind of like religious people not wanting to talk about sex because its dirty, IMO.
Yes, we know that. So maybe we can cut to the chase and talk about the things that are going on in the country that we can build on.
Like of course EI is fucked. I am still glad that I had it, and was able to use it to help our family deal with two new kids.
Like of course EI is fucked. I am still glad that I had it, and was able to use it to help our family deal with two new kids.
You are in the demographic of those most likely to get it. Single moms get screwed far more often than a nice family man does. That is our system and I am truly glad it worked for you but that is irrelevant to the fact that the most marginalized have no access to the program that helped your family.
So if we have the worst system amongst our peers is that really a progressive thing to be celebrated. In my opinion it highlights the fact that the reality is that Canada is no longer a progressive country. Admitting that would go a long way to having a discourse about how to make it a progressive country. Assuming it is when it isn't is not helpful and easily leads to wilful blindness or the "head in the sand" syndrome.
Actually being a progressive country would really help define Canada as a progressive country.
Sorry Boom, there's that snark.
@ Maysie!
@ NS
Actually, we happened to have kids in a fortunate interval. Like many non-waged people, I haven't qualified for over five years now. I also have the advantage of having the employer contributions deducted from my CPP as well as the employee portions. Lucky me, eh?
And admit what? I think we all know this country is largely fucked, and that its current political direction is not progressive. Its not as if anyone is in denial.
But I think the need for a mea maxima culpa if we want to talk about (or shut down any discussion on) some of the things which are actually being done RIGHT in this country, and which are under assault is a bit wooden-headed, actually.
(edit)
Because I'll say it again. I think there is a strong progressive tradition in this country (not all of it at the political level, of course). If you want to make it grow, it would probably be a good idea to at least recognize that it exists.
Because I'll say it again. I think there is a strong progressive tradition in this country (not all of it at the political level, of course). If you want to make it grow, it would probably be a good idea to at least recognize that it exists.
Canada in 2011 is not a progressive country. It has a tradition of progressive ideas and during a brief 30 year period from the end of WWII there were progressive changes made a very unjust and non progressive system. However that period ended over 30 years ago and the subsequent 30 year attack on those gains has left us with a population that is delusional in its believe that we are somehow progressive.
It works for the elite since they get to have the biggest wealth gap since the dirty thirties and the middle class still pretends that Canada is a just society. Having a tradition of progressive thinkers does not make a country progressive in its policies. You want to start with a celebration of our progressive tradition then I'll say we should celebrate Ginger Goodwin and JS Woodsworth but you know neither one of them ever got to write a single law or enact a single progressive program. I am assuming of course that you would agree that in the 1930's Canada was not a progressive country despite the great progressive thinkers and activists from Ginger to the On to Ottawa trekkers.
Sorry but trying to change the thread to our strong progressive TRADITION is just changing the goal posts in a debate. You could open a thread on that basis this one was talking about a fallacy.
@ NS
Sorry, but I see it differently. And if you want one simple example Canada is one of 12 or so nations out of hundreds, which recognize marriage equality.
I hope you don't mind if I prefer not to hamstring the benefits we have from being near the center of the empire. I assure you, I don't take any pride in that status.
But I have no problem with the question as asked. The assertion that it was somehow presumtuous, and that it should be re-phrased is nothing other than trying to whip people into line.
The assertion that it was somehow presumtuous, and that it should be re-phrased is nothing other than trying to whip people into line.
I would just describe the initial marketing research for such a discussion to be mixed.
I would just describe the initial marketing research for such a discussion to be mixed.
At best.
OK -- we have the Green party in the Canadian parliament. They opposed NATO's genocidal campaign in Libya, and are as such a beacon of progressivism in this country.
Progressive because we're going to get rid of the LGR.
