Time to vote

[mccho]

Who gets the nod?

Is there really a good choice out there? I'm quite the cynic when it comes to politics and to me, it's choosing one liar over the other.

I'm voting McGuinty because he admits to lying. Well he had to. In the heated debates, he was the only one offering solutions while the other two ganged up on him.

Just out of curiousity, was it McGuinty who allowed every day commuters to write off their TTC transportation costs?

If so, then he definitely gets my vote.

[Bellyhungry]

Trade Howard Hampton with Dalton McGuinty and I will vote for Liberals. I can't get over him not keeping his promises. To be honest, if Liberals drops McGuinty and have a Teletubby to be their leader, they improve their chance of being re-elected greatly.

As for PC, I still can't get over they lied about the provincial surplus under Ernie Eves.

I vote for anarchy!

Ontario should break free from Canada, or at least get the same status as Quebec.

[hogannut]

The Ontario voters will end up voting the Liberals back in again, because they don't have the balls to chose anyone else. I think John Tory is a fairly solid guy and I will be wasting my vote on PC. McGinty has played cover his a$$ from day one, and will continue it in the 2nd term and won't change. It's like the Leafs.....he gets what he wants regardless of what he says/does so why would he change?

[mccho]

The Ontario voters will end up voting the Liberals back in again, because they don't have the balls to chose anyone else. I think John Tory is a fairly solid guy and I will be wasting my vote on PC. McGinty has played cover his a$$ from day one, and will continue it in the 2nd term and won't change. It's like the Leafs.....he gets what he wants regardless of what he says/does so why would he change?

But how often, if at all, do we hear about politicians "keepin the promise" and doing a good job?

[Flog]

Regardless of what party you vote for, DO NOT forget to register your vote concerning Proportional Representation-- it's on the ballot. We're so far behind the times it's not funny. Australia, NZ, Germany and so many other countries already have this in place. Can you imagine a coalition gov't that actually had to get along? What a novel friggin' idea! I'm sick of my vote not counting because I didn't vote for one of the most visible liars (the big 3). Or even worse yet, my vote being traded in a back room somewhere like some dime-store hooker in exchange for god knows what.
I'm voting yes to PR and yes to green party. It's time to get rid of the old boys club. They've had countless decades to prove their worth and failed miserably every single time.
The PR vote is a huge deal in my son's university. This up and coming generation is really pissed off and I think they're going to do something about it. I've listened to my son and his friends talk and they're not afraid of change at all-- that may be one of the biggest differences between our generation(s) and theirs. It can't come a minute too soon.
Anyway, get out there and vote!

[Bellyhungry]

It is time for a revolution...I second this call to action...

Regardless of what party you vote for, DO NOT forget to register your vote concerning Proportional Representation-- it's on the ballot. We're so far behind the times it's not funny. Australia, NZ, Germany and so many other countries already have this in place. Can you imagine a coalition gov't that actually had to get along? What a novel friggin' idea! I'm sick of my vote not counting because I didn't vote for one of the most visible liars (the big 3). Or even worse yet, my vote being traded in a back room somewhere like some dime-store hooker in exchange for god knows what.
I'm voting yes to PR and yes to green party. It's time to get rid of the old boys club. They've had countless decades to prove their worth and failed miserably every single time.
The PR vote is a huge deal in my son's university. This up and coming generation is really pissed off and I think they're going to do something about it. I've listened to my son and his friends talk and they're not afraid of change at all-- that may be one of the biggest differences between our generation(s) and theirs. It can't come a minute too soon.
Anyway, get out there and vote!

[mccho]

It is time for a revolution...I second this call to action...

I was wondering what the second vote was for. Could someone please brief me on the specifics? This way I can inform others around me to vote too.

[Bellyhungry]

I was wondering what the second vote was for. Could someone please brief me on the specifics? This way I can inform others around me to vote too.

See http://www.worldpolicy.org/globalrights/democracy/abcs.html

In simple term: each party will be given seats proportional to the % of votes they receive OVERALL.

[Flog]

I was wondering what the second vote was for. Could someone please brief me on the specifics? This way I can inform others around me to vote too.

Here's another link. http://www.yourbigdecision.ca/en_ca/default.aspx

As you can see by the link bellyhungry posted, this is almost a world-wide thing. Our gov't never talks about it because it will wrest some of the control from them (and their corporate handlers) and back to the people. The Green Party had to lobby long and hard to get this vote on the ballot. Let's not waste it, this is our chance right here and now to make a big difference.

[hogannut]

But how often, if at all, do we hear about politicians "keepin the promise" and doing a good job?

I understand what you are saying, but everyone already knows Mc Ginty is a lying sack of sh*t but when people have to put the "X" on the ballet their thinking is "the hell I know is better than the hell I don't" so we end up getting ripped off again. Look what has happened to US since George W got his 2nd term. Why did George W get a 2nd term because he essentially scared the voters into taking the hell they know!

[leftintherough]

Who gets the nod?

Is there really a good choice out there? I'm quite the cynic when it comes to politics and to me, it's choosing one liar over the other.

I'm voting McGuinty because he admits to lying. Well he had to. In the heated debates, he was the only one offering solutions while the other two ganged up on him.

Just out of curiousity, was it McGuinty who allowed every day commuters to write off their TTC transportation costs?

If so, then he definitely gets my vote.

OK, first let me give a thumbs up for taking a stand. However picking a guy 'cause he admits he is a liar ?????? Sorry once a liar always a liar. Can't trust McG at all! I'm with John Tory although I like the liberal MPP in my riding.

[hamiltonhacker]

Where's the Rhinoceros Party when we need them?:D

[hogannut]

I'm voting for the marijuana party. At least everyone will be mellowed during the debating! Peace and love!

[mccho]

OK, first let me give a thumbs up for taking a stand. However picking a guy 'cause he admits he is a liar ?????? Sorry once a liar always a liar. Can't trust McG at all! I'm with John Tory although I like the liberal MPP in my riding.

Trust is something that politicians probably can't even get from their families.. lol

My evil imagination tells me that these candidates probably don't get their whole voting eligible family members to vote for them. That's worth a laugh.

The other reason I'm voting for him is that I really don't think that 4 years is enough to make vast changes. I say we give him 4 more years to prove what he can do.

I say that we make the politicians give us a monthly update as to what the F**K they've been doing in office for that month. A type of progress report.

I say we deserve to know that they don't just fumble around in office.

[nearace]

no ndp supporters out here:D

[mirak]

no ndp supporters out here:D

Are you Kidding me?


I'm with Tory... don have any sympathy for the lefties. I guess it's nice to be idealistic when you are young, but people must grow up !

I'm sick an tired of listening to them complain that we need to tax more the guys that make more money. I have busted my *** all my life to be in a good position only to realize that after taxes I'm no better that when I did 20K less a year ! sucks....

I believe we should have one standard tax bracket for everybody... obviously the more you make the more $ you pay, but in the same percentage as the other guys... (I can understand low taxes for the very low income people but that's it !)

Sorry, that's my rant...

[nearace]

Are you Kidding me?


I'm with Tory... don have any sympathy for the lefties. I guess it's nice to be idealistic when you are young, but people must grow up !

I'm sick an tired of listening to them complain that we need to tax more the guys that make more money. I have busted my *** all my life to be in a good position only to realize that after taxes I'm no better that when I did 20K less a year ! sucks....

I believe we should have one standard tax bracket for everybody... obviously the more you make the more $ you pay, but in the same percentage as the other guys... (I can understand low taxes for the very low income people but that's it !)

Sorry, that's my rant...yes I was kidding,my tax bracket is a killer,thank the lord I am now at the point in life where I am ready to retire,golf the winter in florida and then the summer in canada.

[leftintherough]

don have any sympathy for the lefties. I


HEY!!! Lefties are people deserving of sympathy too! This not just a right handed world folks!

[mccho]

HEY!!! Lefties are people deserving of sympathy too! This not just a right handed world folks!

Amen.

[LowPost42]

My riding has been red forever (no green rep up here), but I'll be certainly voting for a new election system. 'First past the post' is brutal. I've often thought that the popular vote has to count for something - the riding based system is shite.

[landlord]

I think a lot of people need a civics primer. You can't "vote for McGuinty" (or any other party leader) unless you happen to live in McGuinty's riding.

Otherwise, if you want a certain leader to continue as Premier, the best you can do is vote along party lines, which may or may not put a complete dolt in Queen's Park, albeit a complete dolt from your favourite party.

Please, everybody, educate yourself a bit about this proposed new system -- mixed member proportional representation (MMPR), I think they're calling it -- and decide for yourself if it's better.

At present, a vote for the Green Party might make you feel warm and fuzzy but, let's face it, it probably won't get anybody to Queen's Park. Under the proposed system, however, if the Green Party candidate does well enough, the party will at least get SOME representation in the Legislature. Wouldn't it be better to have at least ONE tree hugger down there, raising heck from the back row once in a while?

Anyway, with time and understanding, people will realize that their vote is not wasted and it's actually worth their while to show up on election day. The old boys will probably still rule, but they'll have to watch their backs a little harder. I don't see how that's anything but a good thing if you like democracy.

[Bellyhungry]

Well, looks like the MMP referendum has been voted down.

I do not understand the rationale in voting against it. The one visible downside to me is potentially having more MPs in Queens Park, other than that, I simply think it is the right thing to do.

Maybe someone can enligthen me....

Regardless of what party you vote for, DO NOT forget to register your vote concerning Proportional Representation-- it's on the ballot. We're so far behind the times it's not funny. Australia, NZ, Germany and so many other countries already have this in place. Can you imagine a coalition gov't that actually had to get along? What a novel friggin' idea! I'm sick of my vote not counting because I didn't vote for one of the most visible liars (the big 3). Or even worse yet, my vote being traded in a back room somewhere like some dime-store hooker in exchange for god knows what.
I'm voting yes to PR and yes to green party. It's time to get rid of the old boys club. They've had countless decades to prove their worth and failed miserably every single time.
The PR vote is a huge deal in my son's university. This up and coming generation is really pissed off and I think they're going to do something about it. I've listened to my son and his friends talk and they're not afraid of change at all-- that may be one of the biggest differences between our generation(s) and theirs. It can't come a minute too soon.
Anyway, get out there and vote!

[discomonkey]

Well, looks like the MMP referendum has been voted down.

I do not understand the rationale in voting against it. The one visible downside to me is potentially having more MPs in Queens Park, other than that, I simply think it is the right thing to do.

Maybe someone can enligthen me....

The only reason I can see for voting against it is because people didn't understand it and so they voted to stick with the 200 year old antiquated voting method that we've been stuck with. Poor excuse, IMHO. As for a real reason to reject it... I can't think of one either. I don't think there is a single argument that would successfully defend the old voting system over the MMP system... a real poor move by Ontarians.. :rolleyes:

[LowPost42]

The only reason I can see for voting against it is because people didn't understand it and so they voted to stick with the 200 year old antiquated voting method that we've been stuck with. Poor excuse, IMHO. As for a real reason to reject it... I can't think of one either. I don't think there is a single argument that would successfully defend the old voting system over the MMP system... a real poor move by Ontarians.. :rolleyes:

I'll stand behind that sentiment. The popular vote has to count for something.

Granted, the new system never really had a chance - it had to be voted in by a 60% overall, and 75% of ridings had to support it.

[BowmanvilleJim]

We canadians suck. The fact that people didn't support MMP is very disappointing to me. It was more important than the actual election in my opinion. Don't get me started on how stupid we are in Ontario to give the liberals another majority after their super poor performance.

[Andru]

The Ontario voters will end up voting the Liberals back in again, because they don't have the balls to chose anyone else. I think John Tory is a fairly solid guy and I will be wasting my vote on PC. McGinty has played cover his a$$ from day one, and will continue it in the 2nd term and won't change. It's like the Leafs.....he gets what he wants regardless of what he says/does so why would he change?

I voted for The liberals and it has NOTHING to do with balls or no balls.

1) No public funding for Faith Based Schools PERIOD.
2) In case you've forgotten the last Tory Majority ran Ontario into a 5 billion dollar deficit. That may not mean much to you, but to me? I would not run my life that way and I don't expect my leaders to either.
3) the candidate in my area Joe Dickson is an awesome person. I've met him personally and He's a quality individual.
4)The Faith Based fundingwas bad but, the rest of the Tory Platform was also weak. Lot's of money going out and no account for the money coming in. That smells like another Tory deficit.

To Assume that the voting public are a bunch of uninformed idiots, who are afraid to take a chance is arrogance and sour grapes. I would ask next time. You post something more constructive.

BTW: Ontario is by far the most diverse province. We've had Liberal, NDP AND Conservative majorities in recent history. How about Alberta? BC? Please. Ontarians make solid choices and have confirmed their ability to make a change. Regardless of the political colour.

[Bellyhungry]

Here're my thoughts with the pencil and the ballot in my hand last night:

- The MMP vote is a no brainer
- Government and religion should not mix
- The devil you know vs the devil you don't know
- Why wasn't Ernie Eves prosecuted for lying about our deficit when PC was in office
- I rather vote for the party where I know I 'deserve' the punishment than living with the thought of 'hey, I did not vote for them, I don't deserve to be punished by them'. I much rather know if things don't work out, it is my own doing
- The candidate is kinda hot and I have been bad, I want to be 'punished'
- The get-out-to-vote is really working, lots of young people are out voting. Also, did not realize there were a lot more hot single women at the pooling station than at the Entertainment District

[BowmanvilleJim]

I agree with you Andru that the Tory platform was weak. I would have preferred a minority gov't of some sort.

The entire Faith based funding thing overshowded the election. Most people I spoke too are against it and yet they aren't really against the funding of the catholic schools. To be honest I was left with two impressions. The first is that most people could see that more funding meant more taxation. The second is uglier. Many people are afraid of faith based education because they are afraid of radical muslims.

[LowPost42]

I gotta say, the NDP is pushing to turn the 'forever red' Algoma-Manitoulin riding Orange - only 1000 votes behind (and only 2500 in the last fed election).

I also largely agree with BellyHungry on points 1 through 4. 5 makes no sense (I voted, so I can b!tch), 6 doesn't apply, and I can't believe that 7 didn't turn out more MMP votes (or that the boomers and geriatrics are so entrenched as to vote against MMP). FPTP is great in a 2 party system - but doesn't cut it here anymore.

FWIW, I'm starting a new political party - the new PC: Pirates Canada. Our motto? If you're going to be robbed blind, have it done by professionals. Either that or the Ron Jeremy Party: If you're going to be f***ed, get it done by a pro.

I agree with you Andru that the Tory platform was weak. I would have preferred a minority gov't of some sort.

The entire Faith based funding thing overshowded the election. Most people I spoke too are against it and yet they aren't really against the funding of the catholic schools. To be honest I was left with two impressions. The first is that most people could see that more funding meant more taxation. The second is uglier. Many people are afraid of faith based education because they are afraid of radical muslims.

Jim, you slipped this in why I was replying! I largely agree re: faith based funding. I also think we need to seperate the Catholic school board from the public sector. IMO, if we don't, it's only a matter of time before we get a publicly funded Islamic school board.

[Golden Bear]

Well, the way I see it the Liberals were rewarded for doing an "acceptable" job. I don't think anyone is terribly excited by the Liberals, but the Conservatives misjudged the people of Ontario by assuming that we all hated McGuinty. The "hate McGuinty" vote turned out to be a very tiny one, and unfortunately for John Tory, he and his party were banking on it being sizeable.


And MMP was voted down. I voted for it, which is ironic, considering I've always voted for the major parties and simply thought this was a chance to give other voters a larger voice, but in the end voters rejected it ... and it was an absolute landslide. Given the crushing defeat, I'd have to say that you can kiss proportional representation goodbye for at least twenty years. The electorate doesn't want the system to change, and those of us who wanted change are in a small minority.

Oh, and there was 50% turnout. I guess that means that half the population has decided to give up their right to an opinion for the next for years, and are happy to let the rest of us sort out how this province should be run. I consider their failure to vote a vote of confidence in me and the other people who exercized their right to have an opinion.

[Andru]

I agree with you Andru that the Tory platform was weak. I would have preferred a minority gov't of some sort.

The entire Faith based funding thing overshowded the election. Most people I spoke too are against it and yet they aren't really against the funding of the catholic schools. To be honest I was left with two impressions. The first is that most people could see that more funding meant more taxation. The second is uglier. Many people are afraid of faith based education because they are afraid of radical muslims.

For the record I'm against funding for ALL faith based schools including the Catholics. I attended Catholic schools from age 5-17.

[BowmanvilleJim]

I also attended a Catholic school from K - 8. I'm actually not against faith based funding. I'm more in favour of doing away with the public system as it works now.

Some time ago I saw a thing on tv comparing the US system with others around the world. At least one country in europe (can't remember which) has a system of public/private schools.

The basic concept is that the funding is attached to the student. As a parent you pick which school your child will attend and then that school gets the funding that is attached to the student.

All schools have to teach the gov't curriculum but they are much more responsive to the wishes of the parents. If you don't like the school then you move your kid to another school and you take your funding with you.

This is a large topic that would take a lot of converstation to debate but it is an idea I like.

[Andru]

I also attended a Catholic school from K - 8. I'm actually not against faith based funding. I'm more in favour of doing away with the public system as it works now.

Some time ago I saw a thing on tv comparing the US system with others around the world. At least one country in europe (can't remember which) has a system of public/private schools.

The basic concept is that the funding is attached to the student. As a parent you pick which school your child will attend and then that school gets the funding that is attached to the student.

All schools have to teach the gov't curriculum but they are much more responsive to the wishes of the parents. If you don't like the school then you move your kid to another school and you take your funding with you.

This is a large topic that would take a lot of converstation to debate but it is an idea I like.

Why can't we apply this without having faith based schools participate?

[BowmanvilleJim]

We could but on the other hand why exclude faith based education?

[LowPost42]

We could but on the other hand why exclude faith based education?

I'm with that. Then it doesn't matter who or what or where - each student is worth $X, and for every student enrolled you get that amount.

Works for me, rather than arbitrary funding.

We have a similar situation here - the local highschool is split french catholic and english. There are less than 200 students on the french side, IIRC, and more than 600 on the english side - yet the french side administration is more or less as big as the english side. What? I think we'd see that done away with with the 'every student is worth $X' idea.

[guitarman]

For the record I'm against funding for ALL faith based schools including the Catholics. I attended Catholic schools from age 5-17.

I'm against being told which infrastructure I'm being told my tax dollars are going to support. If I want my tax dollars to support a faith based school because that is where I want my children to attend then I should have that right. Why should I pay for faith based then have my tax dollars support a school system I don't use? The liberals are all about making the choice for you.

[Andru]

We could but on the other hand why exclude faith based education?
Religion has no place in public education. It belongs in homes and places of worship. if you want a special religious education for your child then pony up, your own money.

The problem with your system is this. If each chlid gets funding of say 5000 attached to them. The reality is not all families contribute the 5k. That's the beauty of our system we get together as a whole. We say ok we have 1 million kids in school. We need $X everyone puts in a portion of their income and we get the $X some put more some put less but every kid is equal in our eyes.

The pot should go strictly towards secular studies. This is the most efficient use of our funds.

I'm against being told which infrastructure I'm being told my tax dollars are going to support. If I want my tax dollars to support a faith based school because that is where I want my children to attend then I should have that right. Why should I pay for faith based then have my tax dollars support a school system I don't use? The liberals are all about making the choice for you.

That's the problem there's no freaking way you pay the full til for your kids education with your tax dollars. it's a shared pot. If you paid the 20k per year per child then by all means pick your spot I couldn't care less. that's likely not the case. which means someone is topping up the pot and that's ME!. I pay education taxes and have NO kids. That's how our society works and I'm all for it.

That being said. I'm NOT for my tax dollars going to faith based schools. If you want your kid to learn about Islam, or Christianity then you pony up the money! My money is going towards secular studies.