Cybercons

Conservative MP Chuck Strahl (Chilliwack-Fraser Canyon) has followed his Ottawa roommate Monty Solberg's lead and started a blog of his own. It's not rife with political insights or rhetoric. Not at all. This one is down-home and folksy, offering an up-close-and-personal glimpse into the life of the MP, both in the capital and back home. That's an interesting way to make use of this new-fangled medium, since you can't go out and kiss every hand and shake every baby in your riding, especially one as vast at Strahl's.

Speaking of “hectic”, Deb and I took all four of our grandchilddren to see the Santa Claus parade tonight.(Right after our campaign office Open House- which was jammed to the rafters- most of the visitors trying to get one of mom's gingerbread cookies)

Anyway, the kids loved it! My back is more or less wrecked from wrestling kids in and out of carseats, but what's a grandpa to do? They were all dressed up in their snowsuits, their tiny bodies protected against the cold with a helping of fries from Mickey D's. I was pretty toasty except I wore my stupid dressshoes into the coldest night on record.

. Naturally it was also the longest parade in history, so IF the feeling ever returns to my feet they'll no doubt have to amputate my frostbitten toes.

Anything for the grandchildren. Who needs feet anyway?

Meanwhile, the media-savvy CPC candidate in Halton Garth Turner has been manning his blog for a while now. he uses it more a weapon in his political arsenal, filling it with everything from his opinions to his adventures on the campaign trail.

The rest of my day was spent door-knocking, so I don’t have too much to report tonight. Except it was one bitter day, with a howling wind that went right through my clothing. The reception was good, though – and I had a couple of helpers, which meant we got to about 500 doors. Personally I encountered just two avowed Liberals, no Dippers, no Greens and one guy who hates all politicians with a passion.

“You guys are pathetic,” he said. “You’re all the same.” He waved me off, refusing my Voter’s Guide. But when I talked to him it was obvious I was actually the first politician he had ever met, and the first to visit his home. “Why do you think I’m standing out here freezing my butt off?’ I asked him finally . “Because I care. So the least you can do is read this.” And I stuck my literature in his face – being a prick right back at him. It worked. He took it. Even shook my hand.

It's rather instructive that the Conservatives are leading the way in the blogosphere. Not only can it be a useful way to communicate, it can also help rouse volunteers and raise $$$. Didn't Canadian pols learn from the U.S. election, the Howard Dean campaign and the grass roots movements like MoveOn.org? Where oh where are the other guys?

Comments

[Bill-Muskoka]

Maybe they are still mulling over the need for High Speed Access in rural Canada?

Regardless, I say 'Well done' ye who wish to be elected and are personally blogging. That may be the first straight talk we have heard.

Now, go as an Independent, get elected, and lets get this GREAT country moving. Its too bloody cold to be standing still, eh? LOL

OH! BTW, the university students say they would love to register and vote electronically. I suspect most would. We are doing that here, even in the Muskoka!

What? You say we can't be sure of who is casting the ballot? HOGWASH! If Revenue Canada can mail out an access code, and we can file our taxes via the internet, then Elections Canada can as well.

EGADS! No polls to tell those in the west what we in the east have done. Instant voting and tabulation. Faster than Parliament casting a non-confidence vote, eh?

[Bill-Muskoka]

Oh darn! Forgot. Think of all the fuel internet voting will save. Reduce those Greenhouse Gases!

No need for renting buildings either. Hey, we could blast the turkeys monthly that way! LOL

Down with $265 Million fiascos!