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Participant: conroyr1
Date: 2003-02-12 17:57:19
At times the PM seems invisible and the other Cabinet Minsters are in the news; often, however, the sound bites of the other ministers turn out to be incorrect or incoherent.( and not in line with the PM's later version.)
Is a Prime Minister the most important variable in Canada's foreign policy?
If so, why? Help!!!
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Participant: banquosghost
Date: 2003-02-16 20:35:23
I'll tell you straight to your face that I was tremendously proud of Jean Chretien and proud to be a Canadian the other day when he spoke in Chicago.
Mr. Chretien suffers scathing criticism from something many prominent Canadians have suffer. He's good at what he does.
I don't always agree with him, or even often agree with him, but the man has won more consecutive terms of office than any other PM in our history. Excuses about impotent opposition yadda yadda are not much more than sour grapes.
The guy's a successful pol. Period.
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Participant: conroyr1
Date: 2003-02-19 21:51:25
I was never enthusiastic about JC as PM but I do believe that Canada has to make its own way - the Canadian way. We talk about liberalism, multilateralism, the environment, raising the living standards of the poorer nations, but we do not always walk the talk. The answer is less talk, less committment, but more action. Commit to what we can and do a good job!
I too thought JC said it right in Chicago and I don't blame him for fence sitting. Sadam must go; unfortunately we have to contend with cowboy politics and suffer friendly fire from "top gun" enthusiasts who think they are brave when what takes guts is to push for a peaceful solution.
There's always time to blow the hell out of civilians!
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Participant: cell
Date: 2003-02-23 15:31:45
When it comes to economic policy it appeared within the the last Liberal
caucus that The Right Honourable Jean Chrétien took a significant role
in ensuring that nuclear technology was spread aroung the globe.
Remember Team Canada, not the professional athletes, the Candu
Salesmen. It would appear that the war in Iraq makes a lot of financial
sense as well, in that local oil prices are very low in comparison to global
rates. There is a great likelyhood that the Germans alongside the
Belgians have been exporting the oil, even through embargoes. It is
very difficult for a nation that has trusted its allies in the past to
recognize that morality is culturally significant, and that very large
European multinationals have been directly effected by the embargoes.
Politically this could not be stated in that it undermines traditional
western alliances, truth be told, however, so did the 'fall' of the eastern
block, and the end of the cold war. The Right Honourable Mr. Chrétien
has the appearence of a Trudeauite, with a strong social conscience,
and a dedication to civil liberties. Unfortunatly he does not have the
figure (French for complexion) to sustain the chic that that culture
demands. The British aristocracy has a liking for undermining his
authority, as they did in the Trudeau era, comparing his presence
to that of the Rolling Stones. The Right Honourable Mr. Chrétien is
a strong statesman, who is too cruel unto himself, seeking approval
rather than creating monuments. It is not time to go to war.
It is time, however, to recognize the histories of European allies. Sadam
Hussein is not the issue at all in this conflict.
He does not control the price of oil! The Belgians in contrast are in a
strong historical position to inflate and deflate global supply and price
at will. The reluctance of France to support this initiative should be
an indicator that NYSE is a big fish, but a relatively young one, in an
ocean of Giant Squid, Mommoth Reptiles, and foreign monarchs.
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Participant: cfallon
Date: 2003-03-21 15:06:50
I worry that Chirac and Landry have shaped Canada's foreign policy more than the federal government.
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Participant: fatmomma
Date: 2003-03-21 23:07:28
Why? Despite others trying to insinuate that we sided with France instead of the USA our long time ally. The truth, I sincerely trust and hope is: Canada made its own decision from geniune belief that the position of the majority of countries within the UN was correct. Iraq was complying with the weapons inspectors and that this peaceful solution should be followed until/or if Iraq balked and showed it was not cooperating. It just happens that this time France, Germany, China, and Russia took the same stance as we did and that the USA and Britain did not. I do not see it as siding with any other country but in how we as Canadians viewed the issue independent of others views.
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Participant: cfallon
Date: 2003-03-22 16:47:02
No, Chretien was bullied by Chirac into siding against the UK and USA. Chirac used Landry and the Quebec election against Canada. If Canada sided with the US, Landry could have told Quebecers that Canada did not represent Quebecers interests or values in foreign affairs and this would have stoked seperatism. Chirac used this as a lever against Chretien.
I think Canada should be independent of mind. But, our leadership has failed to overcome the mob mentality that has swept the country. The precise reason we don't rule by public opinion in a democracy is because we know how foggy our decision making becomes when we make it en-masse, on-the-fly.
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Participant: codc01
Date: 2003-03-23 09:29:59
"No, Chretien was bullied by Chirac into siding against the UK and USA. Chirac used Landry and the Quebec election against Canada. If Canada sided with the US, Landry could have told Quebecers that Canada did not represent Quebecers interests or values in foreign affairs and this would have stoked seperatism. Chirac used this as a lever against Chretien. "
I don't know where you get your facts from, but they are completely absurd, France did not bully Chretien at all. Chretien did have a sensitive problem with the Quebec opinion and the election, that is true, but France is not related at all with this.
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Participant: cfallon
Date: 2003-03-24 13:28:29
Well, we can't prove it either way. But I am glad it got some reaction because:
1) It could be true.
but more importantly,
2) The pro-Saddam lobby in Canada has asserted a great many vile and vicious motives behind the coalition action. The Canadian government not only remained silent while these accusations were being thrown about, but encouraged them.
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Participant: codc01
Date: 2003-03-24 14:11:57
Yes, it could be true, but it could also be true that Bush wants the oil of Iraq, or its something personal between Bush-Saddam... We'll probably never know (regarding the oil part, though, we should have a strong indication, if the Iraqi oil is kept to the Iraqi people or not)...
There is a pro-Saddam movement in Canada?? If there is, it must not be significant - I am certainly not pro-Saddam, but neither am i pro-Bush, I'm against both, and from the opinions i've seen from ordinary Canadians, they are also against Saddam and Bush...
I think your emotions are leading your reasoning, which in my opinion, is a bad idea.
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Participant: fatmomma
Date: 2003-03-23 15:11:47
Fallon; You do not seriously believe that Prime Minister Cretien would bow to France because of it's "influence" in Quebec. I really don't believe that France has much influence in Quebec; they are French Canadians; they are not from France. If our Prime Minister were to bow to outside influence; it would be with the USA, our largest trading partner and neighbour with many similar values. Canada has much more need to safe-guard our trade relations with the USA. A democracy is supposed to rule by respecting informed, logical public opinion. It is not supposed to work by voting in a government to do as they please; this does often happen but it is not how democracy is supposed to work. You may make your decisions "on the fly" but I and most others on this forum do our research and can document our statements. We try to make logical decisions not emotional.
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Participant: cfallon
Date: 2003-03-24 13:32:03
Fatmomma, in BC, I can understand that you don't see a link between France and Quebec. BUT:
France always keeps a tab on Quebec politics.
France and Quebec have special diplomatic relations (Quebec is a member of the Francophonie).
You seem to forget the catalyst that deGaulle's words were in Quebec - it sparked the separatist movement.
finally, Fatmomma, I have tried in other areas to point out how I believe you come to your opinions thoughtfully and with principles. But, no Canadian can tell me that you or any other person in the pro-Saddam lobby would extend the same courtesy to me. I am brain-washed by the US or have read the "right" website full of articles from the "right" journalists.
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Participant: codc01
Date: 2003-03-24 14:51:00
"France always keeps a tab on Quebec politics. "
I am a Quebeccer and Francophone, and i know exactly what is happening in my province (even though I'm not living there for the moment), and i can tell you that your statement is absurd. Yes, France checks on Quebec politics, which is normal, but they don't interfere actively with us now (De Gaulle's phrases was spoken a long time ago..., and yes they did interfere before)
"France and Quebec have special diplomatic relations (Quebec is a member of the Francophonie). "
Yes, but does that mean Canada is being bullied??
"person in the pro-Saddam lobby would extend the same courtesy to me. I am brain-washed by the US or have read the "right" website full of articles from the "right" journalists. "
Nobody is right or wrong here (except if you believe me pro-Saddam!), its not black or white, but by reading your responses, you have not fully disclosed facts, while i have (and i think others)... and by lacking facts, its very difficult for me, at least, to understand your position... Some other people which seem to be closer to your opinion (even though not having a strong opinion as much as yours) did give plenty of facts - and even though i disagree with them, their facts and arguments were so logical, that there is nothing much to respond to!
I do respect your opinion, but you should not have distorted opinions of people who don't have the same opinion as you... I for one am not a peace activist, neither a pro-Saddam, nor a pro-Bush, i am not Anti-American, but i simply don't like unilateralist superpowers, be it the US or the ex-USSR...
You know, even though i did not live those times, i really prefered the old isolationist US... Maybe its a myth, but for me they seem to represent a silent superpower which did not interfere in world affairs unless they had too... Even though China is not a country known for its democracy, what i admire from them is their isolationist view - they don't bother anyone, and they don't want to be bothered... That is wise (even though my facts regarding China could be wrong - its only an impression)... And yes, there are human rights abuses in China, and i do condem them... I'm just talking about foreign policy...
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Participant: cfallon
Date: 2003-03-25 13:05:42
I am a Quebecer as well - but an Anglophone.
I know full well that France has more than an "innocent" interest in Quebec politics.
Where we agree is that it would be nice to return to isolationism. The US (and Canada) would benefit from extracting themselves from the terrible corruption that sweeps our world.
I did not read anything you wrote as pro-Saddam. But the protest movements that have driven Canadian foreign policy are the single greatest weapon Saddam has to defend his regime.
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Participant: codc01
Date: 2003-03-26 04:56:36
Yes, its a weapon of Saddam, but if there were pro-war protests everywhere, we could say that its a great weapon of the US administration... I know its a bit shaky, since Saddam is a dictator and Bush is democratically elected... But still....
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Participant: fatmomma
Date: 2003-03-26 00:19:05
Jean Cretien is a Federal politician; interested in keeping Canada together. France cannot have anything to offer our Prime Minister. Its only influence would be to offer Quebec support and backing if they were to separate. I realize that you are correct in believeing France would like Quebec to separate so it could spread its influence there.
I would like to remind you that I am NOT Pro Saddam. I do believe he is an evil despicable excuse for a human being. I just believe it was a BIG mistake for the USA and Britain to insist on invading Iraq while the UN was getting cooperation from Saddam / Iraq. If there are WMD under Saddam's control; he would have balked shortly down the road. Then Canada and most other members of the Security Council; I am confident would back them. This is my understanding of the idea Canada was trying to promote. Then actionagainst Saddam would be justified. I was also very distressed to know that the USA/Britain were blatantly trying to win votes by offering money or weapons or by thinly veiled threats of economic repercussions; they were not trying to sway votes by making others understand their point of view.
I was also very disillussion by having reports of their proof of Iraq's possession of WMD being found to be fraudulent, old and copied from student's paper, or just lacking substance.
I must admit, I generally ignored politics; believing one democratic political party much like the other. I was shocked to wake up and see the World Trade Center crumbling. I spent that morning at work supporting a friend whose sister worked on the 50th floor. (fortunately, she got out with 2 min to get away.) My first thought was Saddam was guilty. Then the USA with full world support went after the taliban in Afghanistan. When the USA left that endeavor before meeting their objective and turned their attention so quickly to Iraq; I became suspicious that this was just a little too convenient time for the USA to settle old scores.
I believe and hope that Canada would be quickly at the side of either the USA or Britain if they were attacked; I just think it was unwise to rush into this war; it will only anger Muslims and Arabic countries and could bring more terrorist attacks to North America.
I am sorry if you feel I disrespect your beliefs. I am finding it very difficult these days with such heavy propaganda on both sides coming out;much of it insults our intelligence
and headlines that are very deceptive.
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Participant: codc01
Date: 2003-03-26 14:56:49
I totally agree with you, I think the Guardian reporters also seem to agree, here is a rundown of some assertions:
http://media.guardian.co.uk/iraqandthemedia/story/0,12823,921649,00.html
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