Cons Promise to Enact NDP Justice Policy

[Bragi]

I see that arch-conservative Justice Minister Vic Toews announced the other day that he plans to bring in mandatory minimum sentencing for gun crimes early in the new Parliament:

OTTAWA—Justice Minister Vic Toews will move swiftly to impose stiff new minimum sentences for drug and firearm offences and expects to table legislation to that effect in the spring session of Parliament

I am reminded that this failed approach to reducing crime has been advocated by conservatives for a long time, and was also part of the NDP's shining new "law and order" platform released in the last election.

Way to go Jack!

- B

[Minstrel Boy]

1. how about a reality check?

more at the link:

MANDATORY MINIMUM SENTENCES

Liberals

Martin has proposed to double mandatory minimum sentences for key gun-related crimes, including: trafficking and smuggling of firearms, and the illegal possession of loaded handguns in public places.

The most serious offences committed with a firearm would carry mandatory minimum penalties of four years to a maximum of life imprisonment.

Conservatives

Harper said he would introduce a series of mandatory prison sentences -- ranging from five to 10 years -- for those convicted of major firearms offences.

The Tory chief also said he would introduce a minimum sentence of five years for possession of a loaded restricted or prohibited weapon. "Not only will sentences be tougher, we will make sure the criminals serve those sentences," he said.

Further, he vowed to end conditional sentences, or house arrests, for violent, repeat or sex offenders.

NDP

The New Democrat plan would require mandatory four year sentences for the illegal possession or sale of restricted guns, such as handguns or automatics.

Layton said his party's plan would also impose reverse-onus legislation for bail on all gun-related crimes, and ensure bail conditions are enforced. Violation of the terms of bail means the termination of bail.

[Telly Savalas]

4. When the Liberals support it, it's a good idea because they're perfect.

When the NDP supports it, it's bad because everything they do is wrong.

Also, can you provide a link that proves that Jack Layton was never a member of a White Supremacist group?

I didn't think so.

Go Liberals Go! :woohoo:

[jackbourassa]

5. Damn it Minstrel...

Is it possible for us to all get along and actually challenge the Tories who are currently in power?

[Minstrel Boy]

6. Shouldn't you rather be asking the Liberal

who began this thread with the lie that the Conservatives were meaning to enact NDP policy? Instead of rising to the incitement I responded with fact. But since you want New Democrats to act as loyal sidekicks rather than political opponents I guess that was too much.

So no, I suppose it's not possible to "get along."

[Bragi]

8. Really?

Seems to me what Minstrel illustrated here was that, as with so many issues, there is little differnce between the Liberals and the NDP on this issue.

Despite this, he and the NDP spends most of their time attacking Liberals simply because they think it is in their partisan elctoral interest to do so.

What is clear from the incessant NDP attack on Liberals, and the relatively light ride they give conservatives, is that they prefer to have a neocon government if it means maybe electing another handful of NDP MPs.

Personally, like most Canadians, I'd rather see the centre-left unite to defeat the neocons.

- B

[Minstrel Boy]

9. for all your talk of uniting

all I see from you is bullshit attacks on Canada's party of the left.

[Bragi]

10. Get used to it...

Given that the neocons are now in power, I think criticism of the sectarian left (NDP) that will keep them in power is just beginning.

[Minstrel Boy]

12. "sectarian left"

Er, hardly.

And there are three opposition parties, the support of any one of which will be enough for the Conservatives to pass legislation. Let's see how often the Liberals side with the Conservatives. I expect it will be more than the NDP does, for both tactical reasons on votes of confidence (the Liberals are leaderless and can't afford a campaign) and for policy (the Conservatives can count on dozens of Liberals to side with them or simply not show up for a free vote on same sex marriage).

[Telly Savalas]

11. Then if there's not a difference on the issue...

why didn't you title your thread "Cons promise to enact Liberal Justice Policy"?

If you're so concerned about stopping Harper, why do you spend all your time attacking the NDP? You're guilty of precisely that which you spent the whole campaign accusing the NDP of.

[V. Kid]

7. The NDP is too-left wing, The NDP is too right-wing.

[daleo]

2. Drug and firearms should not necessarily be together

I fear this will throw more minor pot users in jail than anything else.

[Manix]

3. Can a US style "War on Drugs" be far behind?

I guess there will be a lot of new jobs in prison construction.