Judge overturns nomination of Calgary MP Anders - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

calculoso · 03-16-2007, 11:42 AM

http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNew...316?hub=Canada

Quote:

CALGARY -- An Alberta judge has overturned the controversial Tory acclamation of Calgary MP Rob Anders and ordered a new nomination meeting.

Sad that it has to come to this, but I'm glad that the (IMO) right decision was made.

4X4 · 03-16-2007, 11:46 AM

There will be a outpouring of joy on CP today...

Burninator · 03-16-2007, 11:53 AM

What's the story behind this guy? What did he do?

Agamemnon · 03-16-2007, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Burninator

What's the story behind this guy? What did he do?

Search for his name on Calgary Puck, you'll find plenty of threads/references.

RedHot25 · 03-16-2007, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Burninator

What's the story behind this guy? What did he do?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Agamemnon

Search for his name on Calgary Puck, you'll find plenty of threads/references.

Yup, I think there is also a real good website that describes him.

Anyways, this from the article will give you a pretty good start as well...

Anders has won the Calgary seat four times in a row -- each with large majorities -- but his time in office has been dogged by controversy. He once made headlines by dismissing former South African president Nelson Mandela as a terrorist and a communist.

RedHot25 · 03-16-2007, 12:45 PM

Yah here is the website: http://www.voteoutanders.com

rubecube · 03-16-2007, 01:13 PM

Thank god. This guy is a moron.

The Goon · 03-16-2007, 01:25 PM

As a resident of Calgary West, I can only say "Thank God". I should send this judge flowers.

Caged Great · 03-16-2007, 01:31 PM

Unfortunately this moron's consitituency is in my neighborhood. If I was going to vote conservative, I wouldn't have because of him.

Either way, go liberals...

Slava · 03-16-2007, 02:36 PM

I am continually amazed that he gets elected...honestly no matter which party you support, its embarassing!

Burninator · 03-16-2007, 02:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slava

I am continually amazed that he gets elected...honestly no matter which party you support, its embarassing!

It says a lot about the people.

rubecube · 03-16-2007, 02:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Burninator

It says a lot about the people.

Sadly, it says a lot about Calgary's (and a lot of Canada's) ignorance to how our voting system is "supposed" to work. You're supposed to elect the MP that you agree with and believe is the most qualified for the job. In reality we couldn't care less what the candidate has to say as long as he's waving the party flag.

Agamemnon · 03-16-2007, 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rubecube

Sadly, it says a lot about Calgary's (and a lot of Canada's) ignorance to how our voting system is "supposed" to work. You're supposed to elect the MP that you agree with and believe is the most qualified for the job. In reality we couldn't care less what the candidate has to say as long as he's waving the party flag.

Which makes sense, given that Canada's politicians vote almost exclusively along party lines, with few exceptions.

kevman · 03-16-2007, 03:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Burninator

It says a lot about the people.

...and whats that?

Slava · 03-16-2007, 03:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Agamemnon

Which makes sense, given that Canada's politicians vote almost exclusively along party lines, with few exceptions.

But realistically that is because the individual viewpoints of the MP's are not that well known; you just have to assume that they agree with most of the major planks of the party platform. Voters are already apathetic, and don't follow the issues. Its too much to expect them to find out about the individual candidates in their riding and select the "best" one. (however you want to define that)

Cerebral · 03-16-2007, 03:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rubecube

Sadly, it says a lot about Calgary's (and a lot of Canada's) ignorance to how our voting system is "supposed" to work. You're supposed to elect the MP that you agree with and believe is the most qualified for the job. In reality we couldn't care less what the candidate has to say as long as he's waving the party flag.

I don't really think it speaks to people's ignorance. If anything, I think it illustrates their intelligence - an individual MP realistically has very little pull in the HOC and you're far better off voting for party rather than individual under the current system. People aren't being stupid because they vote for the party, they're recognizing the flaws in the current system and voting accordingly.

If MP's vote according to party, why shouldn't citizens? What's the sense in voting for an individual you feel strongly about if they're simply going to be whipped into voting along the party lines whenever something comes up?

rubecube · 03-16-2007, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cerebral

I don't really think it speaks to people's ignorance. If anything, I think it illustrates their intelligence - an individual MP realistically has very little pull in the HOC and you're far better off voting for party rather than individual under the current system. People aren't being stupid because they vote for the party, they're recognizing the flaws in the current system and voting accordingly.

If MP's vote according to party, why shouldn't citizens? What's the sense in voting for an individual you feel strongly about if they're simply going to be whipped into voting along the party lines whenever something comes up?

Yeah, that was going to be the second part of my post but I had to go back to work. The current system really discriminates against any sign of individualism.

Slava · 03-16-2007, 04:02 PM

While I agree with both Cerebral and rubecube on their points there is also something to be said for turfing an MP who is so ridiculous. Calling Nelson Mandela a terrorist and not wanting to give him honorary citizenship? Thats across the line of "individualism". It would make a bigger statement if Calgary West sent that guy into the job market when they get the chance.

rubecube · 03-16-2007, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slava

While I agree with both Cerebral and rubecube on their points there is also something to be said for turfing an MP who is so ridiculous. Calling Nelson Mandela a terrorist and not wanting to give him honorary citizenship? Thats across the line of "individualism". It would make a bigger statement if Calgary West sent that guy into the job market when they get the chance.

I think you missed the post where I called him a moron and said this is a good move.

RougeUnderoos · 03-16-2007, 04:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cerebral

I don't really think it speaks to people's ignorance. If anything, I think it illustrates their intelligence - an individual MP realistically has very little pull in the HOC and you're far better off voting for party rather than individual under the current system. People aren't being stupid because they vote for the party, they're recognizing the flaws in the current system and voting accordingly.

If MP's vote according to party, why shouldn't citizens? What's the sense in voting for an individual you feel strongly about if they're simply going to be whipped into voting along the party lines whenever something comes up?

That's all well and good, but this is a special case. The guy is an idiot. Even the conservatives know it.

Personally, I could not vote for a guy like this, even if he was wrapped in the company flag. I'd rather not even vote than elect someobdy I knew was a fool.

A vote for Anders doesn't illustrate anyone's intelligence. It may not necessarily mean they are dumb, but it sure doesn't mean they are smart.