Canada's NDP makes a stand against missile defence - here's the website

[Screaming Lord Byron]

http://www.ndp.ca/nostarwars.html

Layton Condemns Talks On Star Wars Missile Defence - “If Martin wants to spend billions on technology to make us safe, spend it on technology that works and fights climate change”: Jack Layton, Jan 8th.

http://www.ndp.ca/nostarwars.html

[SeveneightyWhoa]

1. If this crap continues..

..I just may have to consider voting NDP next year.
Not that it'll matter either way, since I live in right-wing-fanatical Edmonton.

[Screaming Lord Byron]

2. Actually, we have a half-decent chance in Strathcona, or

Edmonton Centre-East. Anyway, I'm in Calgary, we're much more Right wing than you dissolute liberals in Redmonton!

[SeveneightyWhoa]

3. Wait, wait--if you live in Calgary..

..then what are you doing with that Canadian flag as your avatar?

TRAITOR!!

[Screaming Lord Byron]

7. Well, we couldn't join that bunch of commies in the states, could we?

I guess we could set up the fascist republic of Southern Alberta. That might work!

[Mikimouse]

4. Suggestion for Canadian politicians...

Now would be a good time to start subtly distancing yourselves from the US rather than letting it in even further. The missle shield is only a diversion which will not be effective, as the tests have already demonstrated. If you love your country (and you damn well should!); if you have any respect for the nation you have, don't get any more involved than you already are.

[Minstrel Boy]

5. I think the missile shield will cost Martin.

It flies in the face of tried-and-true Liberal tactics: beat the sovereignty drum come election time, and then after the election backtrack and adopt the US position.

Good. It gives the NDP another issue without even trying.

Martin's campaign is going to be a bust, I just know it.

[Screaming Lord Byron]

6. He should be very wary of the missile shield

This is a wedge issue.

[Minstrel Boy]

8. CBC story: "NDP attacks Canada-U.S. missile shield talks"

Layton is brilliant at commanding media attention, and making the story his own.

OTTAWA - Federal New Democrats say it's a "profoundly dangerous" mistake to begin formal negotiations with the United States on a ballistic missile defence shield.

Defence Minister David Pratt confirmed Thursday that the government is preparing to sign a "letter of intent" with Washington that will give officials access to classified U.S. documents.

...

NDP Leader Jack Layton said the U.S.-proposed defence shield is based on ineffective technology. Although it won't actually stop any attacks, it will destabilize the world, he said.

"This is a monumentally bad idea that doesn't address the proliferation of weapons and ignores pressing threats to security such as world poverty," he told a news conference.

http://www.cbc.ca/stories/2004/01/08/defence_shield040108

[Minstrel Boy]

9. Another example from Canada Press:

The story announces the Defense Minister's intention to sign a letter of intent, but the headline is "Layton blasts missile-defence plan."
http://www.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Canada/2004/01/08/307934-cp.html

That Layton's reaction is perceived as the news is great news for the NDP.