Hey, American DUers, can you DU us Canucks a favour?

[IntravenousDemilo]

The big banner headline on today's Globe and Mail is "HARPER WARNS OF ACTIVIST JUDGES: Tory leader says some appointed to bench by Liberals promote own social agendas". Hmm, "activist judges" -- sounds a little, um, worrisome. And this kind of talk coming from neo-con politicians might be familiar to you. We here in Canada have somewhat less experience with freeper-types than you have, and with your assistance, we might have a slightly better chance of keeping it that way.

We have a federal election coming up on Monday. Stephen Harper's had a pretty smooth campaign so far, partly because he's been trying to project a more moderate image than in the past (covering up his real personality, more like -- think "I'm a uniter, not a divider") and the Canadian electorate seem to have bought it, partly because the media have been treating him with kid gloves, and partly because he's accepted some fairly savvy political advice and support from Ralph Reed, and so now his Conservatives are leading the Liberals by about 10 points in the opinion polls. There's still a chance of keeping Harper to a minority rather than a majority government, and some input from yourselves would be a great help and much appreciated.

So do you think we could possibly ask some of you write to the paper and share your views from an American perspective? I mean, you guys have been living through this and you know what it's all about.

The story is here: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20060118.wharperjudg0118/BNStory/specialDecision2006/

Email is: [e-mail]

Keep it short if you can, and thank you all very much.

[Captain Hilts]

1. I can't believe Harper has a chance. Martin's such a disappointment.

I had hoped that Martin would be a real bridge between liberals and the business community.

Ontario is still recovering from having The Newt of the North as premier, now this.

[Maraya1969]

2. Ralph Reed as in the "Christian Coalition" Ralph Reed?

Geeze that is kind of a great talking point since he is covered on all sides by fallen conservative frauds.

But I just want to be sure that is who we are talking about.

[IntravenousDemilo]

3. The very same. n/m

[NJCher]

4. will help

...share your views from an American perspective

I'll be happy to write a letter but can you get a little more specific on the content?




Cher

[IntravenousDemilo]

6. I wouldn't want to put words in your mouth.

It should sound like it comes from you. I think The Globe would get suspicious if the letters read too much alike. Perhaps the article might suggest something about what the content ought to be. Most of all, it should be something of a warning as to the consequences of electing someone who would defang the judiciary.

[formercia]

5. I was wondering

if Ralph Reed was giving Harper advice, then the next question is if the Conservatives are getting financial assistance. The US government is very skilled at covert action programs to influence foreign elections, so it is in the realm of possibility that there may be such a program in action for Canada. It could be disguised as donations from US corporations doing business in Canada. Put Harper on the spot and ask him if he is getting funds from US contributors or US entities doing business in Canada.

[IntravenousDemilo]

7. I believe questions along those lines were asked,

but the Canadian MSM never pursued this very aggressively, and it was more or less decided that it should be a "non-story". The Cons have denied any such activity in any case, and the press have let it go at that -- "Come on and take a free ride (free ride)".

[formercia]

12. Perhaps the question needs to be asked again

IMHO.

[Maraya1969]

8. Here is mine - Hope it makes sense because I already sent it.

Oh my Dear Northern Friends and Family,



My grandmother lived in New Brunswick all her life while her son moved south to the United States. I will always remember her saying "TAKE A LESSON" when someone got themselves in trouble. I'm here to say about Stephen Harper's election bid: "TAKE A LESSON from the United States!" Look at what a mess we are in because right winged politicians bought a seat in office. And if Mr. Harper is associated with Ralph Reed of the Christian Coalition/Jack Abramoff fame know that he is in bed with one of the worse fraudulent money making seat buying political machines in United States History. Don't make it Canadian History also. These men around Reed, (and probably Reed himself) may all be heading to jail now but the damage they have done is going to be long in the undoing. TAKE A LESSON!



Sincerely,



XXXXXXXXX

[IntravenousDemilo]

9. Oh my god, that's wonderful. Thanks! n/m

[terrya]

10. I sent my letter a little while ago.

I hope it helps.

SHMILY,
T

[IntravenousDemilo]

14. Lovely

Thank you, sweetheart.

shmily
D

[sandnsea]

11. Ralph Reed?

He's the one that took Abramoff money to back gambling from one tribe to manipulate Alabama Christians to go after gambling of another tribe. Has he been visibly connected to Ralph Reed?? I can't imagine any Canadian would vote for him if they knew that. Is there something that can be quoted to show that the Reed connection?

[Maraya1969]

13. The op said it so I just accepted it. I thought about the PAC and how

these people don't just want American supremacy they want world supremacy. So it would make sense that they would try to get Canada as members of the same gang.

[IntravenousDemilo]

15. How's this?

I googled "Stephen Harper"+"Ralph Reed" and got the following:

http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2005/12/2/103925/221

http://www.biggaypicture.com/tag/Stephen%20Harper ("Danger, Canada, Danger")

http://www.pej.org/html/print.php?sid=3826

http://www.greenpartyreview.ca/articles/?p=21

http://www.womennet.ca/news.php?show&3768

And finally, there's the story in The Globe where I first read this:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/Page/document/v4/sub/MarketingPage?user_URL=http://www.theglobeandmail.com%2Fservlet%2FArticleNews%2FTPStory%2FLAC%2F20051201%2FELXNREED01%2FTPNational%2F%3Fquery%3Dfaith%2Band%2Bpolitics&ord=13589451&brand=theglobeandmail&redirect_reason=2&denial_reasons=none&force_login=false
(Unfortunately, it's a pay site, but the first couple of paragraphs are there, and the article is written in proper inverted-pyramid style, so the salient points are at the top.)

[sandnsea]

16. Thanks

I submitted a comment to one of today's articles, and quoted that other globe story. Can't believe they'd vote for anybody who is connected to someone who used his religion as a con.