Harper Watch

Stardate 5138.8

At present, the Tories have a substantial lead in the polls. Of course, these things can change, but if Stephen Harper is truly to be the next Prime Minister of this country, then Canadians should get to know him a little bit better. Please take the time to visit Harper Watch and check some facts on his ideals and standings.

He had supported the invasion of Iraq, and in fact, the Conservatives were the only party to vote against the Bloc proposal to stay out of the invasion, alongside Britain and the US. Contrary to popular belief, Martin wanted to get involved with the rebuilding of Iraq, as did many people, but the US refused to let anyone except their "buddies" get into the lucrative rebuilding contracts.

In March 2003, the Canadian Alliance was the only party in the Commons to vote against a Bloc Québécois resolution to stay out of the war. At the time, Harper said "in reading only the polls, indulging a juvenile and insecure anti-Americanism, this government has for the first time in our history left us outside our British and American allies in their time of need."

He seems to toss aside concerns about Quebec and Alberta separatism almost casually, despite all of the big election talk about the Liberals and their hidden agenda regarding Federalism.

“Whether Canada ends up as o­ne national government or two national governments or several national governments, or some other kind of arrangement is, quite frankly, secondary in my opinion… And whether Canada ends up with o­ne national government or two governments or ten governments, the Canadian people will require less government no matter what the constitutional status or arrangement of any future country may be.”

His tax platform will undoubtedly benefit the wealthy and only serve to make the poor poorer by offering up a smorgasboard of tax credits that frankly end up ignoring the poor. In the long run, the rich will get richer.

Other social issues that haven't hit the front pages in the campaign yet include Harper's desire to hold a "free vote" on the same-sex issue. An issue that was put to bed when the parliament voted and passed the Same-sex legislation already. In other words, Stephen Harper's Conservatives want to take away rights from minorities after they have already been granted.

“It will come as no surprise to anybody to know that I support the traditional definition of marriage as a union of one man and one woman to the exclusion of all others, as expressed in our traditional common law.”

Abortion is another hot topic yet to hit the airwaves this campaign. With Harper's big selling point being "The Family" it is no wonder he opposes abortion and the choice of a mother to undergo this procedure.

There is a lot more to this guy than the robotic little smile he has, to suggest that everything will be alright after the election. Go into the debate tonight and the election with eyes open, and tin foil lining your cap brim.