I know this takes courage but, with just 48 hours left, I believe, you’ve got a decision to make:
If you give, you won’t be alone.
1,321 Liberals sat exactly where you are right now, including 598 first time donors. They made their wish. They showed grit. You can too.
One Liberal at a time. Riding by riding. Bringing in new blood so we can rebuild, just like we did when I became Leader in 1984 and the years afterward.
This isn’t the party of backroom operatives. It belongs to you. And we’ve only got 48 hours left in the 5,000 Wishes for Canada Campaign.
Please click here to give $5, just $1.25 after your tax credit, right now — so we can close the gap:
https://www.liberal.ca/5000-wishes-for-canada
Our Leader and my friend Bob Rae will send you a holiday card. And your wish for Canada will be shared with the Leadership candidates.
Join with me and let’s give our new Leader a strong, united organization re-built from the ground up. A Party with the resources it needs to introduce our new Leader to Canadians on our terms and win the next federal election.
Thank you.
Rt. Hon. John Turner
PS. You may also call 1-800-701-7789 (Mon-Fri, 9am to 5pm ET) to donate by phone, or mail a cheque to the following address:
Liberal Party of Canada
Attn: 5,000 wishes for Canada Campaign
81 Metcalfe Street, Suite 600
Ottawa, Ontario
K1P 6M8
I’m a little confused. Are you asking for a donation so that the LPC can fight attack ads with the Conservatives? I hope not.
I consider attack ads a form of bullying. The LPC can set an example for Canadians of all ages that bullying is unacceptable.
I’m not sure where you get the idea that the LPC will use this money for attack ads… that’s not what the appeal says at all. It refers to how the CPC has attacked our leaders and suggests that with some money we can introduce our new leader on our terms – sounds like a good idea to me.
This appeal also offers donors the chance to add a “wish for Canada”. The wishes I have read from donors are all very upbeat and positive.
This seems like a very positive approach spend some money introducing our new leader the way we want him or her represented (instead of painted solely by CPC smears) and a chance to make a wish for a better Canada.
The only thing negative I see here are your comments Wolfgang.
>>>I’m not sure where you get the idea that the LPC will use this money for attack ads… that’s not what the appeal says at all.
Martin….I did start off my post by saying I was confused by what was written. The fact that there was reference to “savage attacks” made me ask for clarification.
>>>It refers to how the CPC has attacked our leaders and suggests that with some money we can introduce our new leader on our terms – sounds like a good idea to me.
Leaving out the “savage attacks” comments and focusing strictly on money being used on our terms would have made things clearer for me. Even more clear would have been to state that the LPC will ‘never’ use attack ads.
I get very concerned about bullying, especially with all the news we’ve had this past six months about young people being bullied and then committing suicide. Political attack ads do not set a good example for young people and bullyiing…. that’s why my concern.
>>This appeal also offers donors the chance to add a “wish for Canada”. The wishes I have read from donors are all very upbeat and positive.
I agree.
>>>This seems like a very positive approach spend some money introducing our new leader the way we want him or her represented (instead of painted solely by CPC smears) and a chance to make a wish for a better Canada.
Again I agree. All the more reason to not have mentioned “savage attacks”. I guess I feel it could have been written in the manner you’re suggesting and leaving out all reference to how the Conservatives do politics. I don’t accept how the Conservatives do politics at all.
>>>The only thing negative I see here are your comments Wolfgang.
Fair dinkum Martin. What specifically do you see as negative coming from me?
I think the blog is pointing out the conservative party tactics because we all know how upsetting these tactics are. It is a rallying point. Let’s do something about it!
Seems clear to me. What is not said is anything about using similar tactics ourselves.
What I meant by your “negative comments” is that you are the one that suggested that the money might be used for attack ads – i.e. you put the thought in our minds, not the original blog. This has indeed led to a negative backlash that I think was unwarranted.
>>>I think the blog is pointing out the conservative party tactics because we all know how upsetting these tactics are. It is a rallying point. Let’s do something about it!
IMO, the goal of the blog is to raise much needed funds. That’s fair. If the blog had backed that up with a vision, purpose, principles of where it wants to take us I wouldn’t have jumped in. However, the blog, as you point out, also suggests that funds are needed to fight the Conservative party’s attack ad strategy. Those few words caused my memory banks to activate given that the LPC has also used attack ads in the past. In 2006, the party, trailing in the polls, ran attack ads depicting Harper’s extreme views. Use of closeups and the sound of war drums was evident. That was a signal that the party is thinking of running attack ads. I’d like to know the party’s position on attack ads. I would hope that Canadians would like to know as well. Here’s a link to one attack ad as recent as 2011 – http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/politics/article/954917–new-liberal-attack-ads-target-harper-s-contempt-for-canadians
>>>>Seems clear to me. What is not said is anything about using similar tactics ourselves.
See my comment above. If you google “Liberal Party of Canada Attack Ads” you find more than a few examples of the use of attack ads. Seems only logical to me that past performance might be repeated. That’s why I asked for clarification.
>>>What I meant by your “negative comments” is that you are the one that suggested that the money might be used for attack ads – i.e. you put the thought in our minds, not the original blog. This has indeed led to a negative backlash that I think was unwarranted.
LOL… well, if the original blog put the thought in my mind but not in the minds of others what’s so wrong with that Martin? Am I not allowed to ask for clarification? Especially given past history of using attack ads not just by the LPC, the Conservatives but even the NDP.
I understand why Harper is using them. I don’t understand why the LPC wants to use them in lieu of telling Canadians what their purpose and principles are as a party. I judge a party and candidates on values and principles as much or more than just policies.
We’ve already learned what happens when the Liberals do not fight back against bullies like Harper.
With all due respect, you sound like a Conservative Party of Canada member.
Anyone that starts a comment with “with all due respect” probably isn’t going to say anything respectful.
Just because Wolfgang may have concerns about how the LPC money might be spent, I don’t see how that deserves being labelled a conservative.
Besides we are an open party and this is an open forum. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss issues with all Canadians on this site, regardless of any party affiliation.
Try being a little more accepting Susan.
You would be wrong Susan Baskin.
I’m going to be 66 next April. I cast my first ever vote for Pierre Trudeau and have voted Liberal every time since 1968.
Attack ads are wrong. I happen to think the LPC can come back without using them.
I do too. So why did you bring it up?
I believe they want to run ads that show the conservatives are being less than truthful.
These would not be attack ads they would be debunking the cons lies without lowering ourselves to their level.
You say “I believe”… what’s the basis for this? Do you have some inside information Mary?
To runs ads that disparage any group as being less than truthful is still wrong.
If the LPC has to spend scarce $$$ to disparage Harper & Co. doesn’t say much about what we stand for.
I’d rather give Canadians a clear and concise PURPOSE and set of PRINCIPLES that they can agree on. A PURPOSE and PRINCIPLES that protects and enhances the lives of all Canadians.
Again, you’re knocking the poster’s reply to you in such a way that makes me think you’re a CPC person looking to cause some trouble.
Susan,
Do you simply accuse anyone who disagrees with a Liberal as being a Conservative?
What solutions do you offer up for the LPC so that they will come back and make life better for “all” Canadians?
How utterly cool is it to receive a message from the Rt. Hon. John Turner? Especially as the worst piece of legislation has been passed concerning our rivers and lakes thanks to Harper’s continued obtuse thinking and complete abandonment to public safety, accountability, land rights…on and on.
As the post being circulated on social media states….On December 4th Canada had over 2 million protected lakes, and over 8,500 protected rivers.
On December 5th Canada now has only 97 Protected lakes and 62 protected rivers. (90 per cent of the protected lakes are on 1% rich conservative territory) Thanks to Stephen Harper
Bill C-45 Changes land management on aboriginal reserves. The most contentious changes are those to the Navigable Waters Protection Act, which remove thousands of lakes and streams from federal protection under that law.
First Nations groups are protesting coast to coast today. Edmonton saw a good turn out. Issues regarding management of their waterways being decided on without appropriate consultation with the people most affected is final proof…..Harper is running our government like his personal corporation. No public inclusion on decision making, no need to produce information to the public when required, and open contempt in hiding major changes to environmental laws in budget bills. Asking people to pass omnibus bills without adequate time to review massive levels of information is open proof of his complete lack for our democratic beliefs…the relevance of House of Commons…and the relevance of the voice of the people. These changes have absolutely nothing to do with economic prosperity and everything to do with increasing risk that leads to expensive clean ups. Incompetent and direct loss of public safety to Canadians. The treatment to the First Nations on this vital issue of their safety and rights is embarrassing. And “royally” pisses me off….because this country on its desire to take care of the environment is unified.
I know the Rt. Hon. John Turner has done phenomenal work in representing those Canadian values of stewardship over our resources. I found this article and thought to share, well done. I think to when he negotiated with the U.S. on treaties….back when corporate lobbyist like Harper (the irresponsible ones) were kept in the halls of Parliament…and not in the important seat of decision making. Public servants of the likes of Rt. Hon. John Turner showing how Parliament once was an institution of good governance, diplomacy without compromise is a hard thing to recall these days. Love what he says about “it takes courage”.
Canadians must make the protection of their nation’s lakes and rivers a top priority, warns former prime minister John Turner.
“Water is crucial. And Canadians ought not to neglect this. It is one of our great assets,” he said in an exclusive interview with Postmedia News.
http://o.canada.com/2012/11/26/the-right-honourable-club-canada-must-protect-water-its-best-asset-warns-john-turner/
I’ve watched the Liberal Party on CPAC when time permits…they’ve responded to the many issues on Canadians minds. They’ve listened to the concerns regarding growing income inequality, the need to carry through on efforts to restore trust and faith with First Nations by concrete legislation, access to affordable education and many others. Their speeches and petitions and continual openness to hearing from the people is impressive.
Happy to contribute for work well done….and accomplishments yet to come. Keep it going !
Somebody please say Hi to the Rt. Hon. John Turner, very nice to know his voice is still where it belongs, Liberal. That guy is totally “hip”. :)
Susan,
I think we all recognize a conservative/reformer when we hear from one.
By being such an open party we know that the cons will on occasion log in to try and start problems. Best to ignore them.
I’m afraid I disagree Mary. First of all, I don’t believe Wolfgang IS a conservative, and second why would a Liberal “ignore” a conservative? Is that your suggestion for winning votes and building a united country? Ignore anyone you disagree with? Please. That is hardly a “liberal” attitude.
I recently spent a large amount of time trying to better understand governing party. I visited the Manning Institute website. That’s where Mr. Harper and Co. have their roots.
I took their 15 question quizz that asks “Why out what type of Conservative you are?” Turns out that I’m a strong Libertarian. Quelle surprise ! :-)
Anyone interested where they land on this quiz can take the quiz here… http://manningcentre.ca/whats-your-type/
I really don’t recommend this “quizz”. It is inherently flawed in that it is designed to tell you you ARE a conservative … i.e. we are all conservatives we just don’t know it yet. No, I took the quizz 5 times and answered every way I could and not once did it tell me I’m not a conservative :-) Just sayin…
LOL… while I only took the quizz 2x, each time it came back the same – Libertarian. It was fun, but you’re right it’s got some flaws for sure. :-))
Dear Rt. Hon. John Turner,
I have always admired your quiet manners and your compassion for the people of Canada.
I would gladly contribute enough money but I need to see your game plan. Think of it like an offering memorandum soliciting funds for Project Financing. So dear Sir let us see the Big Picture and disclose why you need the funds and what are your objectives.
If the opposition slanders the people of Canada or the Liberal Party, use the law to take the Bast….to court and seek justice.
Be honest with the Canadian people, put political ideology & rhetorics aside and focus on genuine buy-in of your vision for Canada & its people.
Build relationships that are based on trust rather than fear or hot air.
Pay attention to the process as well as the desired outcome.
Use strategies in combination that are characteristic of effective and efficient leaders who have a direction and can make decisions that benefits Canada’s society.
In addition get an office Manager that can manage communications like the phone system.
Sincerely
John Bannach
Good post John.
I listened to an interview last night on TVO’s The Agenda with Steve Paikin. The interview was with long time Liberal Frank Stronach (Magna). He had some interesting things to say in the interview, including telling Steve that he’s now 80 but feeling very young and strong. :-)
Mr. Stronach pointed out one of the flaws of political parties. And that is their main purpose for being is to get elected and govern according to their ideologies with almost zero regard for what ‘all’ Canadians want.
He went so far as to say that once a party wins an election, it has a momentary celebration and then gets right back to the task of winning the next election.
I tend to agree with his thought that the purpose and principles of political parties has almost nothing to do for all Canadians. I think that’s a big reason why Canadians are so disillusioned with politicians.
Mr. Stronach had some other interesting things to say. I’m sure TVO will upload the interview to YouTube shortly.
Cheers… Wolf
Mr. Turner, I was thinking of increasing my Victory Fund contribution next year but after the Liberals said they would have voted against the Palestinian UN bid I felt more like cancelling it entirely. The Conservatives have the pro-Israel vote all tied up. Why are the Liberals afraid to take a stand for fairness and international law.
Although our tiny Liberal caucus has done a good job in the House and on Power Play and Power and Politics interviews, it is time for more forceful action.
The opposition parties must take every technical means at their disposal to end the lies and slander that takes place in the House on a daily basis. Points of order, parliament disobedience, walk outs whatever it takes. Harper has made a farce of parliament, the committee system and every other aspect of democratic governance. The Opposition parties must unite to take strong coordinated action to counter this. We can’t assume that we will get rid of them in 2015 and we must mitigate the damage to democracy, the economy etc. The Harper government has broken parliamentary tradition, the social contract that made our democracy work. The opposition parties should therefore not let themselves be bound by this eligitimate government. Pretty much every committee is now held In Camera. This is not legitimate democractic governance. The op parties should fight back by banding together to tell us what is going on in these committees. Lies in parliament, eg., cap and trade being called a carbon tax over and over and over again – walk out until they agree to stop. Stop pussy footing with the dictator. Drastic times require drastic measures.
Dear Wolf!
I first met Mr. Stronach when he was working out of his garage. Bank financing was difficult to obtain for working capital needs. Furthermore, venture capital was scarce, but possible from private investors who understood Mr. Stronach’s full vision of manufacturing auto and truck parts in Canada.
The is an old German proverb “a Government can do no better than the people who elected it.”
The art of politics and political behaviour has never changed since Stephen Leacock began writing his political humour, back in the 1900s. If Leacock were alive to day he would write this:
“The proper punishment for all government lackeys, puppet MPs and brain dead Ministers and senile Senators, is that they should be made to work; and not made to work in the glittering and glorious sense, as rhetorical chiefs in parliament or inspired legislators who are afraid of Canada’s Bank lobbyists and stale dated economic policies, but in the plain and humble part of labourers looking for a job that pays in Canadian dollars whose buying power is diluted monthly like global warming melting away our heritage.”
Leacock’s art of humour writing about Canada’s politicians and the battles for getting re-elected gave him more notoriety than his books on political economics. I am sure that Mr. Stronach and Mr.Leacock would have become good friends in their quest for peace, order and good government
“Those that rule our land say we are sons and daughters of the bondwoman and must live in bondage. We are not children of the bondwoman but of the free. Our heritage is dominion over our land from the day of our birth. Some of us have forgotten that we came from the womb of the morning star and we were created in the dew of the free woman. In courage we find safety because it requires courage to take back our liberty. Courage and perception inspire change. If one person has the courage to stand fast in liberty others will not be afraid to follow. When the people combine their courage with perception they attract allies who value liberty.” Maria Bannach, my beloved grandmother1939, Krakow, Poland
Hi John,
What a great story. According to Mr. Stronach, he started his machine shop in 1957… that’s a long time ago. I was just ten years old.
Your grandmother sounds like she was a wise person. Nice.
If you’re interested in watching the TVO interview with Mr. Stronach you can find it on YouTube here…. it’s only 27 minutes. He holds similar views like your grandmother did. It might have to do with both having experienced some of WW11… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tHiLwF5QHuY
Cheers …. Wolf
Hi Wolff
Yes she taught me good values to live by. Yes, I would like to talk to Mr. Stronach again. I know Belinda & will ask her for his phone #.
Thank you for the link
Cheers
John