Conservative Party in Canada using ME crisis to raise funds

[JackNewtown]

--BILL CURRY

Globe and Mail Update

OTTAWA — The Conservative Party is asking supporters for a special cash contribution in light of political attacks on the government's controversial Middle East stand.

In a letter circulated to members, the party's executive director, Michael Donison, asks for donations of either $75 or $150 to promote the government's position and to prepare for a possible snap election.

The Liberals pounced on the letter, calling the Tories “depraved” for linking the Mideast conflict to fundraising matters, while the New Democrats noted they recently asked supporters to donate to the Red Cross in response to the outbreak of violence in the region.---

Full article: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20060728.wtories29/BNStory/National

It is also notable that in Canada they are having a robust debate about the ME crisis, with the three opposition parties calling for an immediate cease-fire and an even-handed policy toward the Arab-Israeli conflict. Moreover, the article suggests that the Conservative prime minister of Canada is suffering politically for taking a blindly pro-Israel position like Bush has.

Why is Canada so much different than the US on this conflict?

[Spazito]

1. harper certainly is losing support due to his appalling response

to the Middle East crisis and also for extending the Afghanistan mission. Even more important, the biggest loss of support is coming from the very provinces he needs to even hold onto a minority government. It is very good news. The Liberal party is gaining and they don't even have a new leader yet.

[JackNewtown]

2. Why is Canada so much different than the US on the ME?

Canada is, in my view, the country that is most similar to the US but on this the difference between the politics of the Israeli-Arab conflict in the two nations is like the difference between night and day.

Who are the leading contenders to win the Liberal Party leadership position?

[Spazito]

3. We are similar in some ways but, fundamentally, we have very

different beliefs when it comes to international affairs and also in equal rights for all. We are very different in our domestic beliefs as well, same-sex marriage is a right under the Charter of Rights and affirmed by our Supreme Court.

Our country is founded on federalism whereas the US is founded on states rights, very different focus.

Our foundation is Peace, Order and Good Government whereas the US is founded on Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.

Re the Liberal Leadership, it looks, at this point, like it is a close 5 person race:

Michael Ignatieff, Bob Rae, Stephane Dion, Gerard Kennedy and Ken Dryden.

[JackNewtown]

4. thanks, may Canada keep it up! nt