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Canada's Role in International Affairs

Contributor: fatmomma

Date: 2003-03-23 17:25:54


cfallon; I do believe that in Canada we do have a senate that is appointed for an unlimited time period. Do we not? Guess that means we are not democratic in your eyes? Why do we mistrust the USA? I don't think the mistrust is so much of the USA but of the present administration. Do you not believe that we have reason to be wary
Do you not think most of us realize that it is a very complex problem.
We just do not agree on who and how it is handled.

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Canada's Role in International Affairs

Contributor: cfallon

Date: 2003-03-24 13:46:12


You are right, the unlimited time period that we bestow on our senators is a little ridiculous and not very democratic.

Yes, you are right to be wary of the US. But so wary that we turn our backs on the values that Canada used to stand for: democracy, liberty and peace?

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Canada's Role in International Affairs

Contributor: fatmomma

Date: 2003-03-24 23:39:23


Canada does stand for democracy, liberty and peace. We are standing up for those values, not turning our back on them.
I don't think it hurts to have elder statesmen to smooth transitions and to be there for advice. Would like to believe they are chosen for their wisdom and not just political appointees. I do prefer our system with an opposition to bring forth everyone's views: in the USA the other party has no power or voice. We are finding out how a government without an opposition in place can act in B.C.

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Canada's Role in International Affairs

Contributor: cfallon

Date: 2003-03-25 12:43:22


Fatmomma, I like our system too. I would like an elected senate. I know what you are saying about the political situation in BC and it is a shame. No matter what side of a debate you are on, we need both sides to voice their opinions strongly to make sure we keep the other side of the debate in check.

But, Canada has sided with anti-democracy on this issue. Yesterday, in the house of commons, Bill Graham said that the government decision on Iraq was in sync with public opinion.

But one of the most important checks in a democracy is a check against mob rule - that's why we have leadership.

Mob rule is not democracy.

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Canada's Role in International Affairs

Contributor: codc01

Date: 2003-03-26 13:34:37


"Mob rule is not democracy. "

What a cliche - if we don't have the same opinion as the US, we are considered a mob, otherwise its called democracy?

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Canada's Role in International Affairs

Contributor: fatmomma

Date: 2003-03-26 21:47:06


in sync means it is the same/together
Where do you get mob rule ?
Do you think a governments decision is mob rule just because it is the same as its citizens? That is how democracy is supposed to work.

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