ecnarf

People turned to the extremist parties because of the desperate economic situation. And I don't consider the NDP to be extremist. They don't even hold a balance of power in parliament, they're really irrelevant if all members of parties vote the party line in the Commons. Proportional representation is better system of government because it's more democratic, it better reflects the will of the people.

Of course there are laws against driving while under the influence of all drugs. It's called driving while impaired. EDIT: and you have no proof for your claim that pot use will increase if legalized. I've stated before than in Holland, a country where pot is legal, the pot smoking rates are lower than in North America. Also, while under prohibition, the rate of drinking and alcoholism was higher than without prohibition. Your claim goes against all evidence. To be fair, I think that pot use would temporarily spike from people curious to try it out, but would soon decline.

No. There's also an "age difference" rule if one person is over 18. And you can't have sex with people, if you're a minor, that are in a "position of trust", like a babysitter. Why would it anger you if you were a parent? You're already angered as it is, and it's not properly founded. Two 14 year olds can consent to have sex. I seriously doubt that happens very often, and when it does, it's a decision between two people, usually regretted the next week. Personally, I think 14 is too young for people to be having sex in general. In Britain, a considerably more socially liberal society than Canada, the age is 16, and discussion about sex is way more open there than it is over here.

How does driving slow slow down your reaction times? It's only going to piss off the people behind you. Frankly, I see enough idiotic drivers out on the road today (case in point, I see so many people driving with one hand on the wheel... at the bottom of the wheel, instead of two hands at the sides, the way god meant it to be), and while pot can have an effect of increasing concentration, I'd be afraid to see a lot of the potheads I saw in school doping up in class out on the road. *pictures scene from Cheech and Chong* Hey, man, how's my driving?

I think it's a bit of a stretch to suggest the U.S. has any discernible culture. Furthermore, the French revolution was to revolt against an oppressive tryant, hardly the situation Canada finds itself in today. And as far as Russia is concerned, I'm not sure they've really gained a lot for all the Russian revolution fought for.

Shame - Smashing Pumpkins

The Governor General is entirely symbolic. She has no power whatsoever to reject bills. If we did away with that, we'd be saving money on ink. Eliminating the crown is really just as easy as pie.

If legalizing marijuana would encourage smoking pot, would you care to explain to me why, in the Netherlands, the rate of pot smoking is lower - LOWER - than in other countries?

I find that odd, too. I read, in anti-pot fliers passed out in our school (it's an arts school, tons of potheads) that marijuana smoke is considerably more dangerous than cigarette smoke. But then, consider that when toking, you generally don't take more than one or two puffs, and that cigarette smokers can get up to two (or more) packs a day. Also, there's tons of chemicals in tobacco - like arsenic. How does arsenic occur in the tobacco plant? It doesn't. As far as I know, marijuana joints are just marijuana. It's the THC that's the active ingredient. Besides, any real pothead would know that you make a tea out of pot, and drink it. Real herbal tea.

Full legalization. It's in Canada's best interests, save for possible (probable?) retaliation from the U.S. and their "War on Drugs". Legalization would stop all grow-ops like this, because people could either grow marijuana plants for themselves in their home, or buy it at a local drugstore, where they'd know that it would be safe to use, and it wouldn't be funding organized crime. EDIT: and I think that the benefit from taxation to the government has been projected at being considerably higher than 3 billion

But, "Mrs. Jesus", I only want to "put" my "hands" on you. ;)

Even though it's funny, she just ruined the credibility of the entire movement for gun control.

I'll show you a secret handshake, alright...

"can" I "join" in? "please"?

"Saturnine" and "Mrs Jesus", you talk too much.

What about when the Republicans controlled congress during Bill Clinton's reign? Remember all the stalling that occured over the budget, all because Newt Gingrich was angry at Clinton over having to exit Air Force One through the rear exist, instead of the front one? That's not working, that's being a baby, regardless what party Gingrich was a member of.

I believe Mr. Axworthy has just pwned Condi.

It's really disturbing when you think that the people who can reject and approve ridiculously important bills have no accountability. I remember a few years back, some female senators (relatives to the governor general, of course) were trying to change the lyrics to Oh Canada because of the "sexist" words. Yeah, right. Then, after realizing they didn't have a dream, they gave up for a while, and were up in arms again when Catriona Le May Doan (the speed skater) won the gold medal and had to sing those sexist words. And they're in until they're 75. It really doesn't bother me the "head of state" isn't elected, or that they don't live in Canada. It's really irrelevant to me, as they hold no power or influence whatsoever, save for the Governor General who appoints senators - but that problem lies with the undemocratic senate.

Saturnine is MY favourite celebrity. I would sacrifice myself in the event of him having to put effort into anything.

Clearly, I don't think democracy is antiquated. You can see that (I hope). My point is that monarchs are antithetical to democracy. The Canadian parliamentary system isn't entirely flawed. Just the part where our Head of State is (one more time, with feeling) an un-elected, non-Canadian citizen, who comes to Canada only once in 5 years, and who is above the laws of Canada. I don't care if the Queen has no real power. It's the principle. Our 138 year quest for independence is not quite complete as long as the executive lives in London. I think the larger problem lies in the Senate.

Are you serious? We had to sing Oh Canada (often times forced to sing, lest we have to write it out three times instead of having recess), but never god save the queen.

running for home - mgb I'm listening to it now, actually.

Bob Dylan.

I once heard "Blue Skies over Bad Lands" on the Edge. I swear, it had to be it. And I was mystified.

Since when is Giant decidedly upbeat? EDIT: Unless you're opening with the Toronto Argonaut cheerleaders.