Jack and his Website: Bad Obama Rip-offs.

It seems Jack’s whole campaign thus far has been one big Barack Obama rip-off, without the widespread popular support or the possibility of forming a government. At first the evidence was purely rhetorical – Jack was all “Change” and “Hope” ad infinitum, even using the same stories as Barack (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mVh2_2SpW9g).

But now, there is hard visual evidence that really makes you wonder whether Jack himself knows where he is. Jack looking off into the distance surrounded by an inspirational orange glow — now that’s graphic design I can believe in. Le voilà:

 

NDP has the Mounties kick me out of Jack’s rally

Here’s the story:

I was outside Jack Layton’s rally on September 13^th. As usual, in order to see Jack, I had had to leave Toronto-Danforth. I had made my way to the CNE grounds, excited to see my Member of Parliament speak. Only, when I went into the rally, NDP communications staff went ballistic. Someone shouted that I was “unauthorised media” (let’s hope that “authorising media” isn’t something that an NDP government would set out to do). I informed them that I just wanted to stand in the back and listen to what Jack had to say – and reminded them that the event was advertised as public. On top of that, as one of Jack’s constituents, I was taking advantage of the only opportunity I’ll likely have to hear my MP speak in person. They told me it was “public” for NDP supporters, and that I would be excluded because “he’s Liberal.” This was somewhat shocking-I’ve never been physically excluded from an event because of my political beliefs. Then, a Communications guy called over the RCMP (seriously!). The Mounties were civil and behaved appropriately. I asked to see their badges, they provided them, and I complied as they escorted me and a companion out of the building. I asked if I was considered some kind of security threat. They didn’t answer. I asked if I had done anything wrong. They didn’t answer.

Is this the way to treat your constituents? Tell me, readers, is this the way you would want to be treated by your elected representative? I could be wrong, but I’m pretty sure this isn’t allowed.

Anyway, I never did get to see Mr. Layton speak. Go figure. I’m still left wondering Where’s Jack??

Jack’s Campaign Bus spotted in Toronto… Just not Toronto-Danforth

This was an exciting moment. I thought I was going to see Jack, and finally prove my theory that the best way to improve your chances of seeing Jack Layton is to leave his riding. No such luck – I’m still left wondering: Where’s Jack??

Jack Layton puts up signs in Toronto… Just not Toronto-Danforth

When I saw this sign, I knew I was in the right place: Trinity-Spadina (wait a second, that’s not Toronto-Danforth…).  Should we be surprised given that Jack’s such an absentee MP?  Seems like Jack himself may also be wondering: Where’s Jack??

Jack Found in Toronto… Just not Toronto-Danforth

On September 13^th, Jack Layton, the absentee MP for Toronto-Danforth, addressed a rally of supporters at the CNE grounds in downtown Toronto. In Trinity-Spadina. Not in Toronto-Danforth.

He had a few special guests who took the opportunity to remind CBC and CTV news that it was Jack joining with Stephen Harper that brought down the Liberal government, and that reversed the progressive, prosperous course our country was on:

Where’s Jack??

My name is Gabe. I’ve lived in the riding of Toronto-Danforth my entire life. Toronto-Danforth is known across the country for its strong community. It’s the Danforth, East York, Chinatown East, Little India and the Gerrard Street Bazaar, Leslieville, Greektown, and Riverdale – we’re a riding of communities.

For as long as I could vote in federal elections, I’ve only ever voted NDP. But this election’s different. Like so many of you, I’m tired of the kind of representation that our Member of Parliament for Toronto-Danforth, Jack Layton, has been giving us. I’m tired of the political calculations (bringing down the Martin government, and bringing in Stephen Harper), the empty rhetoric, and the promises that Jack has never had the opportunity to break. I’m tired of Jack Layton – of his unwillingness to debate local issues in Toronto-Danforth, and of his undemocratic attempts to prevent the Green Party from debating nationally.

For the community of communities that is Toronto-Danforth, I believe that Local Matters. And while Jack is off travelling the country on his airplane, Andrew Lang and the Liberals are in our community, knocking on doors, meeting neighbours, working to build a richer Toronto-Danforth, a fairer Toronto-Danforth, and a greener Toronto-Danforth. But all we see of Jack in Toronto-Danforth are his lawn-signs, and news-clips of his empty speeches to NDP rallies hundreds of kilometres of away.

This is a site for all of us who deserve strong local representation. It’s a site for all of us who deserve a local advocate who knows our community, and who lives in our community. It’s a site for all of us who wonder, every day: Where’s Jack??