[R-G] [Fwd: [Word-warriors] A 3 minute election action]

[tchilds at resist.ca]

Note: This is pertinent to the Canadian federal election coming Oct. 14. 
Action required.

TC
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---------------------------- Original Message ----------------------------
Subject: [Word-warriors] A 3 minute election action
From:    "Murray Dobbin" <mdobbin at telus.net>
Date:    Thu, September 18, 2008 6:10 pm
To:      "word-" <word-warriors at list.web.net>
         coc-chaps-l at lists.canadians.org
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Dear friends:



We have been presented with an opportunity to influence the questions that
will be asked in the TV debates. The organizers of the 2 television debates
are asking Canadians to send in their suggestions for questions.



The election campaign has been on for two weeks and there are some issues
that have received virtually no coverage. I speak here of:



* Medicare(including a NAFTA chapter 11 challenge by an American
investor)[www.tinyurl.com/3zmjxj ]

The analysis of the NAFTA challenge suggests that it is only possible
because provinces like BC (where the challenge is focussed) are eroding the
'public monopoly' which had provided some protection in NAFTA. As
privatization increases, the protection afforded by the monopoly status is
weakened.  A question could ask what the party leaders would do to tighten
up enforcement of the Canada Health Act to prevent further challenges.

* The Afghan  war/occupation:

The issue seems to have been taken out of the picture by Harper's flip flop
on an fixed withdrawal date. But it is now revealed that the cost of the war
will be at least $22 billion [http://tinyurl.com/44792n ]. Also, while
getting out in 2011 might sound okay, that is 40 more months of war-fighting
- compared to just 30 months so fare in that role. This means a death toll
very likely much higher than the 97 already killed. Now that Harper has set
a date for complete withdrawal (not just out of Kandahar) the question
arises - Given the 2011 date is arbitrary and we can't win this war - would
you take Canadian troops out of an impossible combat role earlier than 2011?

* Corporate self-regulation (esp. Food safety but also airline safety,
pesticide residue, and more)

The obvious question or each leader: Would you return Canada to a vigorous
system of government regulation based on the precautionary principle?

* An impending deficit due entirely  to Harper's irresponsible $60 billion
tax cuts of last fall.

Would the leaders cancel the schedule (through to 2012) of tax cuts for high
income Canadians and corporations established by the current government last
fall.



There are others and you no doubt have your favourite but it is an
opportunity EVERYONE should take advantage of.  It would not take more than
3 or 4 minutes to type out a suggested question related to the 4 above
issues.



Make sure you pose your question(s) in your own words.



Here's how:



The public is being encouraged to submit questions for the leader's debates
at



question at electiondebate08.ca





cheers, Murray



p.s. Please forward to your lists.



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