Dan Mailer Campaign

Dan's final speech of the winter campaign

2006-01-31T13:50:00.000-05:00

"This is not a sad day.
This is democracy at work.
We've fought a long hard campaign.
And I have worked with a team that is second to none and I thank each and every one of you.
But today is not our day.

I will continue to work for London-Fanshawe and the next campaign begins now.
To those who supported me, I say thank you.
You have shown unwavering support and dedication.
This has touched my heart and you should be proud of yourselves.

IN the words of Ronald Reagan after losing the Republican nomination to Gerald Ford:
"I may be wounded but not slain
I'll lay me down and rest a while
and then fight again."

Thank you
God bless Canada
Merci

Watch Dan on Politics with Don Newman (link included)

2006-01-22T10:23:00.000-05:00

Click here to watch Dan Mailer on Don Newman's Politics from Friday morning!

The debate starts at approximately 14:00 into the program.

Dan's Opening & Closing Statements at Rogers' Televised Debate

2006-01-18T23:22:00.000-05:00

Ladies and Gentlemen

Only 18 short years ago in 1988, Canadians went to the polls to decide either in favour of free trade, a policy proposed by Conservatives, or to choose the status quo under the Liberals, who fearfully predicted that free trade would spell the end of Canada as we know it. Fortunately, the nation supported the Conservatives and free trade ushered in an era of unprecedented prosperity in Canada.
In 1993, under a Liberal government, Paul Martin, a somewhat fiscally responsible finance minister earned the trust of many Canadians only to squander that trust once he became Prime Minister. Canada now has the highest taxes of the G7 nations, and we are lagging in many economic indicators. The federal budget has ballooned by 15% in the past year alone, as the Liberals went on 3 separate spending sprees to buy your votes. During their watch, crime on our streets has surged and patient wait times have doubled in the past 12 years. Liberals almost bankrupted the provinces and cities by cutting transfer payments by $25 billion dollars. Liberals undermined our faith in government by squandering hard earned tax dollars and oversaw a scandal of waste in Quebec in Adscam.
The Conservative party has strong policies directed at positive change. Stand up for real change in this election, and vote Conservative.
......
Voters in London-Fanshawe have a clear choice in this election. They can choose myself as the candidate in the moderate middle or they can choose Irene Matthysen on the far left or Glen Pearson, also on the left. Both of those candidates have stated in other all candidates meetings that they are for bigger government, delivering more services, regardless of the cost to you, the taxpayer. I believe in helping the poor, but I also believe in fiscal responsibility and maintaining and creating jobs. Vote Conservative!

Dan Heads Back to School...

2006-01-17T11:28:00.000-05:00

Dan headed to John Paul II Secondary School to help spread the vision of Positive Change for Londoners and all Canadians.

Another Reynolds & Mailer Photo

2006-01-16T23:06:00.000-05:00

John Reynolds visits Dan Mailer campaign office on Jan. 14th!

2006-01-16T00:17:00.000-05:00

As we approach the final week of the campaign, John Reynolds, Canada Conservative campaign co-chair visited the volunteers at Dans campaign office to rally the troops to keep up the good fight for the final stretch. Here is Dan with John Reynolds and Johns son, Christopher, a student at the University of Western Ontario.

A Fistful of Dans

2006-01-16T00:13:00.000-05:00

Dan shows off his sharp look with the Danmobile & Dan's billboard of Highbury Rd in the background.

VOTE MARRIAGE CANADA ENDORSES DAN MAILER

2006-01-13T03:13:00.000-05:00

NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 5th 2005
VOTE MARRIAGE CANADA ENDORSES THREE PRO-MARRIAGE CANDIDATES
LONDON, Ontario – Former Liberal and outgoing Independent Member of Parliament Pat O’Brien and former Leader of the Opposition the Hon. Grant Hill, P.C., announced, today, that Vote Marriage Canada endorses three pro-marriage candidates. Said Pat O’Brien, “On behalf of Vote Marriage Canada, Grant Hill and I are endorsing incumbent Liberal Paul Szabo of Mississauga South, Dan Mailer of London—Fanshawe, and former NDP and incumbent Independent Bev Desjarlais of Churchill. Each has taken a stand and given clear indication of supporting marriage as the legal union of one man and one woman in the next Parliament.” Vote Marriage Canada is carrying on a national campaign calling on the next Parliament to restore and to promote marriage as the legal union of one man and one woman. With B.C. Co-Chair Reed Elley, Atlantic Co-Chair Elsie Wayne, Quebec Co-Chair Louis DeSerres, Pat O’Brien and Grant Hill are calling on Parliament to recognize that marriage as the union of one man and one woman is the foundation of families and Canadian society. “The last Parliament and the Paul Martin Government were given no mandate to redefine marriage. Canadians know this, and some 55% want Parliament to reopen this issue.” Dr. Hill added.

-30-

For further information, please call: John Crowe (519) 641-9153.

Picture from Harper Rally in London - January 6th

2006-01-07T21:28:00.000-05:00

Here's a picture of all the local candidates at the excellent rally here in London on Friday, January 6th

Pictures from Harper visit to London

2005-12-23T00:25:00.000-05:00

"The Man Who Needs No Introduction" with Joe Preston, MP

Left to Right (candidates & Leader), Dan, Al Gretzky (London West candidate), Stephen Harper, Joe Preston, MP

Pictures from Peter MacKay Visit!

2005-12-20T00:36:00.000-05:00

Dan & Peter MacKay (with Dave Winters as bodyguard)

Dan with Peter MacKay and John Mazzilli (candidate for London North-Centre)

Dan, Peter and David Hutchison (former Maple Leaf & now a Mailer supporter)

The Results are in: Mailer Cleans up in first debate! (plus Peter MacKay comes to town)

2005-12-20T00:28:00.000-05:00

Today was an exciting day for the London Fanshawe Conservative party campaign. I was scheduled for a two hour radio studio debate with my opponents , Liberal Glen Pearson and NDP Irene Mathyssen. I must admit that I had some butterflies before meeting them and AM 980 radio host, John Wilson. I was looking forward to some healthy debate and the chance to size up my opponents.
Butterflies are a rare sensation for me but I usually encounter them in new situations until I get my bearings. I used to have the same feeling before a hockey game on a team that lost only one game the entire year, so the butterflies were no reflection on my abilities or fears.
My feelings of butterflies however, soon transformed into confidence as the radio debate proceeded. I felt very comfortable and confident expounding the positions of our party and I honestly feel that on most issues, there is no question that we are on the right side.
Later in the day, Peter MacKay who I have met on 3 occasions now, came by the office and pumped up our team. About 50 of our volunteers showed up to greet Peter and he didn't disappoint. His youthful energy and solid grasp of issues that he clearly communicates, is inspiring. He left our office with us chomping at the bit and ready for battle!
I identify with Peter MacKay and I like him very much. We are both young and energetic and have Scottish roots. He had just finished speaking to students at Saunders High School before entering my office and confessed to having a "soft spot" in his heart for them. I feel likewise and will address the issue of students in a later blog.
A student from my former alma mata, Fanshawe College, called to interview me for 6X news. Its always a pleasure to speak to them.
Finally today, political scientist Sid Noel while appearing on the 6 o'clock A channel news, identified our riding as a close race and key hotspot, while the camera focussed on an "Elect Mailer" sign.
Its onwards and upwards for the Mailer team!

London Fanshawe Radio All Candidates Tomorrow: 10-11!

2005-12-19T01:27:00.000-05:00

The three candidates for London Fanshawe are on AM 980 tomorrow from 10-11am. Let's be sure to get lots of good questions in there to hold the liberals accountable and to give Dan a chance to help bring positive change to London Fanshawe!

~Posted by Compassionate Conservative

The Mailer Mobile Arrives!

2005-12-18T10:32:00.000-05:00

Now cruising around London, bring Positive Change for the people of London Fanshawe.... It's the Mailer Mobile (cute pic, eh?)

Links for Last Post

2005-12-15T20:40:00.000-05:00

The article just posted was by Clay Powell, Q.C. , titled "Sometimes you have to ask: Why go into politics?"

"The Londoner" can be found online at http://www.thelondoner.ca/

The article by Mr. Powell can be found at http://www.thelondoner.ca/edits/powell.htm

Londoner Article on the question: Why Go Into Politics & Is Politics too dirty?

2005-12-15T20:35:00.000-05:00

Sometimes you have to ask: Why go into politics?
Despite the common sense reasoning of some members, the majority of city council has crushed Ted the Mechanic’s dream for new boundaries in Ward 1. The status quo remains – the little guys lose again.
It makes me wonder why people want to get into politics.
The other day, I got an unwanted email from the national director of the Liberal Party of Canada, Steven MacKinnon. His message stated that “the opposition parties have conspired to defeat this government . . .”
You don’t have to be an expert in criminal law to know that a conspiracy is an agreement to do something unlawful, or to do a lawful thing by unlawful means. In other words, according to Mr. MacKinnon, the Conservatives, NDP and the Bloc Quebecois engaged in criminal conduct to defeat the Liberals.
On the other hand, Stephen Harper alleges that the Liberals were involved with organized crime during the sponsorship mess.
If you listen to these guys, you have to believe all these folks in Ottawa are crooks. So who would want to slog through the snow, bang on doors and spend a lot of money to get elected to this place of ill repute we know as the House of Commons?
I put that question to an old friend the other day. Dan Mailer, at 49, is a political novice and the Conservative candidate in the London Fanshawe riding. As a skillful trial lawyer and an accomplished musician, why would he want to join this unholy group?
“I’ve always dreamt I could do something for my country,” he told me. “I think I can make a difference.” I have no doubt he was speaking from the heart.
I asked Dan why he didn’t get into civic politics instead of seeking federal office. I told him Londoners are more concerned with policing, the state of their roads and snow removal than they are about national defense and softwood lumber.
Dan agreed local concerns are important, but said his goal has always been to serve the national interest. “I live in Fanshawe and I know that voters in the riding are concerned with what has been happening in Ottawa. Many have told me they feel it’s time for a change.”
The riding Dan seeks to represent is very large and diverse. The last representative, Liberal Pat O’Brien, had a falling out with his party over the same-sex marriage issue and is not seeking reelection. The Conservatives have tagged London Fanshawe as one of 20 Ontario ridings they might win on election day.
He’s got a tough fight on his hands. Paul Martin’s multi-billion dollar spending promises have attracted a lot of attention. And despite the dagger Buzz Hargrove shoved in Jack Layton’s back, the local NDP candidate is no pushover.
Once Christmas is over, I hope people will take enough interest to sit in some all-candidates’ meetings. I know I will. The local newspaper and TV ads often don’t present a true picture of what’s at stake in the election.
I was thinking of Dan’s upbeat mood when I walked over to Ted’s garage the other morning. He’s posted a sign on his door: ‘All Politicians Keep Out’.

John Tory visits London (London Free Press Story)

2005-12-11T18:23:00.000-05:00

John Tory was down to London this week to visit with the local candidates and help bring the message of positive change to Londonders.

Here's the London Free Press article:
http://www.lfpress.ca/cgi-bin/publish.cgi?p=115293&x=articles&s=elections

Dan with John Tory

2005-12-11T18:22:00.000-05:00

London Candidates yuck it up with John Tory

2005-12-10T16:18:00.000-05:00

Humorous but TRUE!! Voting in Canada/Voting in Iraq

2005-12-02T09:54:00.000-05:00

Oh, and the next time anyone complains about having to vote in the winter time.... remind them that some people go through MUCH worse to mark that ballot...

-designer/artist unknown
source: FreeDominion.ca

Conservatives vault strongly out of election starting gate both nationally and locally

2005-12-02T09:51:00.000-05:00

Well, it has been only 3 days since the election call was made and the Conservative party has started the race as a very strong if not the strongest contender. Harper has stolen the "hidden agenda" mantra of opponents devoid of any real ideas, by taking a strong position in favour of traditional marriage. Today he followed up with an announcement that he intends to lower the much hated GST from 7% to 6% and then 5%. Some economists may not be thrilled but consumers sure like the idea. At this stage, even the CBC admits that we are clearly driving the election agenda.
The Liberals on the other hand may be waiting for Santa to deliver some ideas because so far, there is no evidence that they have anything new except to play the fear card regarding Quebec separation. Great move for Canada, Paul!And Jack Layton is playing the Grinch by discouraging you from shopping at Walmart. Wow! Theres a great election plank!
On the local level, we had a campaign team meeting tonight and I am so impressed with this team of 13 men and women and 82 volunteers, that I have to pinch myself to believe that its real. The NDP candidate embarrased herself in the Free Press today by brushing us off...we are shaping up to become her worst political nightmare!

Cold weather door knocking tips!

2005-11-28T10:54:00.000-05:00

I have spent the last couple of weekends knocking on doors with very able assistants (Annemarie and Al Chioda) and I am pleased to say that the receptions at the doors were very positive. People were commenting often "Just glad you aren't Liberal!). People seem hungry and ready for a change in government.

The biggest challenge at this time of year will be dealing with the cold and wet nasty weather so here are some tips:

1. Wear layers of clothing and don't dress too warm as you will generate heat as you walk. You don't want to work up a big sweat and get chilled.

2. Wear something with a hood that slip on and off easily so that you can keep warm but expose your face when you get to the door...this is friendly. ( A hat is already as well)

3. Wear gloves that slip on and off easily. That way if you shake a hand, your hand is warm and you will need to be able to remove your gloves to handle brochures etc.

4. Wear waterproof boots with a deep tread to keep the dogs warm and avoid slipping and falling. Some drives and sideways were treacherous on Sunday.

5. Take Kleenex! The nose drips in cold weather and you don't want to gross out people you meet for the first time!

6. Take some chocolate along for energy and eat a decent meal before you leave.

7. Have a small satchel or something to carry your brochures with you to protect them from the elements as you walk. A soggy brochure is a turn off!

8. Have some hot chocolate or warm soup as soon as you finish to warm up! We need strong and healthy volunteers!

9 Smile like you are on the winning team since, well, we are on the winning team! Happy campaigning!

Paul Martin hand picks Liberal Opponent in London Fanshawe!

2005-11-18T00:07:00.000-05:00

It's official now. Our Liberal opponent in London Fanshawe in the upcoming federal election will be Glen Pearson, a resident of London West who is a social activist and firefighter. (I reside in London-Fanshawe by the way).
On September 10th, 2005, the London Free Press reported that Pearson wasn't interested in the job despite being asked by Paul Martin to run. At the same time, a local lawyer, Steve Ross was selling memberships and was seeking the nomination. Nomination meetings are considered the most democratic method by which to select candidates in Canada. It was reported in the London Free Press on November 17th, 2005 , that Ross had decided to bow out of the nomination race which effectively allowed Pearson to be "anointed and appointed". Rumour has it that Ross had been the object of some considerable pressure from the PM's office to step aside. If this is true, then this is shameful. Not only does it make the Prime Minister and the Liberal party appear elitist (again) but the move undermines democracy and harms the Liberal candidate.

Dan Mailer

This Saturday - Music & Politics: What Could Be Better?

2005-11-17T23:50:00.000-05:00

I am speaking to some seniors on Saturday night at 450 Sandringham and in addition to speaking to them about their concerns, I also intend to play three Bob Dylan songs for them, harmonica, guitar and all. I was greatly inspired by the recent documentary on Bob Dylan "No direction home" and I think the three songs will speak to the people. Hey, if Bill Clinton can play sax and still get elected President, I don't think this can harm me at all. Music is a great way to connect with people and the songs are socially and politically relevant.

A Christmas Election?

2005-11-14T22:38:00.000-05:00

If Canadians are required to go to the polls on December 20th, let's all try to look at the positive side. Let's remind ourselves that in a democracy, the right to vote is not just a right and a priviledge but it is our duty as citizens. Can it be inconvenient? Perhaps? But last time I voted federally, I think that it took about 10 whole minutes out of my schedule. Is that too large a commitment to ask?
Just remember, that one more day with the Liberals running the government in Ottawa is like one more day without sunshine. They have already squandered 75% of an unexpected $40 billion dollar budget surplus. A December vote will hopefully bring a timely end to a government that is spending like a drunken sailor on shore leave trying to buy support for itself as it gasps its last breath. Good riddance I say and let me exercise my right and duty to cast my vote!

Pictures from Vacation

2005-11-09T23:07:00.000-05:00

Ok, here's the pictures to go along with Dan's last entry. You have to check out the "Dan for President" picture!

Back From Vacation

2005-11-09T01:31:00.000-05:00

I spent 10 days at the end of October visiting Germany, Holland and Paris, France. The political situation there is fascinating and there are many lessons and insights to be learned from the European experience, both past and present.
One hightlight of the trip was enjoying dinner in the oldest restarant in Paris called " La Procope". That restarant was founded in 1686. It has served as a gathering place for many historical political figures including Voltaire, Rousseau,
Robespierre, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Napoleon Bonaparte, Marat and numerous others who argued and debated their views and plotted the revolution. (see photo). Fortunately, we were whisked in and out of Paris during the
riots without incident.
I even found some time to campaign in Holland and convinced at least one convert to support my candidacy although he seemed a little confused in regard to the nature of the office that I was seeking. (see photo below).
Now I am back to renew campaigning in London-Fanshawe. The coming weeks and months promise to be very interesting and exciting.

Dan Mailer

Remembering Jack Burghardt (or former Liberals now supporting Mailer as candidate)

2005-10-24T21:11:00.000-04:00

Jack Burghardt died on September 28th, 2002 at the age of 73. Londoners remember him fondly as a former Liberal Member of Parliament that they could trust. Like Charlie Turner, he was a man of the people. Jack came into our hearts as a TV anchor person and then served as longtime Deputy Mayor for the City of London. He left politics to serve as a lay minister and left two wonderful children behind when he passed, namely his daughters Ann & Cathy, and his sons David & Jeff. One might think that David would be inclined to follow in his father's footsteps and support and run for the Liberal party but such is not the case. David who is a friend of mine, after some significant soul searching, has become a Conservative party supporter, a supporter of conservative ideals and a valued member of my campaign team. And he is not the only one. Since winning the nomination, I have been approached by a number of disgruntled Liberals who are fed up with supporting a party that has been tainted by scandals like Adscam and the Dingwall affair. They are attracted to the common sense approach of conservatism.
This race is becoming more interesting by the day.

Dan Mailer

Pat O'Brien announces his retirement from politics! ( or Social Conservatives can now come back home)

2005-10-23T21:22:00.000-04:00

Pat O'Brien announces his retirement from politics!
( or Social Conservatives can now come back home)

Pat O'Brien, the MP who has represented London-Fanshawe federally for the past 12 years announced on Friday, October 21st, 2005, that he won't be running in the next federal election. Mr. O'Brien has won past elections in part by running as a social conservative in Liberal clothing. Liberals supported him by voting for the Liberal party and social conservatives made up primarily of people of faith (Muslim, Hindu, Catholics and evangelicals), supported him for his principled stand on issues such as abortion, same sex marriage and euthanasia.
With Mr. O'Brien's retirement, the campaign in London-Fanshawe should truly become a three way race.
As the Conservative party candidate, I wish to announce that social conservatives can feel welcome in our tent. Not all Conservative party members believe that social conservatives have a role to play in our party and in our future, but I certainly do. As indicated in a previous blog on marijuana advocate Marc Emery, it is our concern for these types of issues that distinguish our party from libertarians in the Freedom party. We stand not only for freedom but also believe that the government needs to set a standard for virtue and that this is critical to making good citizens, a better quality of life and a better country.
Should social conservatives drive the agenda? No.
Should social conservatives monopolize our policies? No again. Do they have a right to be heard and their views considered and do they have a right to speak in the public square? Absolutely. And they will have a listening and respectful ear with me.
So to the social conservatives I say, its time to come back to the Conservative party and I say, welcome home!

Dan Mailer

Rescuing Canada’s Right: Blueprint for a Conservative Revolution

2005-10-20T14:39:00.000-04:00

Now's your chance to pre-order a copy of a book that should turn some heads about what it means to be a conservative in Canada.

Check out the website http://www.rescuingcanadasright.com/ for more information about Adam Daifallah & Tasha Kheiriddin's new book Rescuing Canada's Right.

Ten Reasons Why Brian Mulroney Was a Good Prime Minister

2005-10-13T17:33:00.000-04:00

Now that the dust has settled on that somewhat silly little Peter Newman book on Mulroney, let me tell you why I think that Brian Mulroney was a good leader. I think he deserves kudos simply for forming back to back Conservative governments, which is something of a rarity in Canada's political history. But that is a somewhat shallow view....let me share the ten best reasons why Brian was one of our best...

#1. He was instrumental in negotiating the US-Canada Free Trade agreement which became NAFTA. The Liberals were opposed to this but once it became law, cross border trade surged from $192 billion U.S. in 1989 to $441 billion U.S. in 2003 with one in three Canadian jobs connected to U.S. exports. Our economy has performed well ever since.

#2. He reversed Trudeau's drift toward state control of the economy.

#3. He re-opened the border to foreign investment, bringing much needed capital into the economy.

#4. He reformed the tax system setting the stage for the strong economy that Canada has enjoyed since the early 1990's.

#5. He replaced the 13% federal sales tax on manufacturing, which penalized Canadian manufacturers and favoured foreign imports, with a 7% GST. Canadian PMs had been promising to do this for 40 years and none had the courage to do it until Mulroney.

#6. He oversaw the negotiation of an acid rain treaty with the United States and was voted "greenest PM of all time" in a recent poll of scientists.

#7. He contributed significantly to help end South African apartheid.

#8. He improved relations with the G-7 and Russia (Trudeau had been often treated with contempt and ridicule.)

#9. Through his efforts on the Meech Lake Accord, he showed Quebecers that Canada felt it was important to try to bring that province into the constitutional family (something that still hasn't been accomplished).

#10. He liberated the energy sector and began the privatization of Petro-Canada, soothing Western anger and a sense of western alienation for a period of time.

Mulroney was undeniably a good, if not great Canadian Prime Minister.

Dan Mailer

Jack Layton Hits London

2005-08-29T08:48:00.000-04:00

"Government has an inborn tendency to grow. And left to itself, it will grow beyond the control of the people. Only constant complaint by the people will inhibit its growth"
Ronald Reagan- Speech August 6, 1973

Jack Layton came to London town on Wednesday, August 24th and I had a chance to watch him work at London's Covent Garden Market. I was impressed by his down home 'man of the people' style as he conducted his meet and greet and the town hall style meeting.

His speech lauded the "NDP budget" and how it would help "the people". This was his familiar and seductive populist refrain. It is seductive because after all, what is wrong with more government programs and with government helping more of the people? How can one argue with that?

It's really a question of fundamentally opposed views of government and balancing the role of government. As conservatives, we believe that government should provide basic necessities to the truly needy, the poor, the sick and the disabled. But we prefer that Canada continue to be a land of opportunity rather than a land of government handouts.

Layton's description of the former "Harper budget" with corporate tax cuts to make us globally competitive would continue to make Canada an attractive place for corporations to do business, thereby creating jobs, wealth and opportunity. I agree with D'Souza who states that the federal government is still too large and overbearing. We need to continue to limit its size and keep it focused on what it is supposed to be doing. That my friends, is the only way to guarantee our freedom.

Dan Mailer wins nomination!

2005-08-19T01:44:00.000-04:00

Ok, I know that this is old news to many of you by now, but Thursday evening, May 12th, 2005 was an exciting night for me and many local Conservative party members. Although a representative of the London Free Press attended, there was little news of the meeting reported in the local paper. So here is the scoop for those who are interested.

On April 7th, 2005, Marian Meinen, the president of the London West riding and political insider, attended our London Fanshawe Board of Directors meeting to announce that she intended to seek the nomination for London Fanshawe. I had been considering seeking the nomination myself so her announcement encouraged me to seriously consider it and after speaking with family and friends and my law firm associate Paul Vandenbosch , on April 19th I decided to take a run and submitted my nomination papers.
There were already about 70 registered members in our riding at that time, and Marien and myself worked hard to sell more memberships to supporters. By the membership sale cut-off deadline of April 20th, it looked like we had each sold about 65 or 70 new memberships and it appeared to be a real horserace.
The nomination meeting was held at the Marconi Club in east London on May 12th. When I entered the room with my brochures and handpainted "Dan's your man" signs, there was an electric excitement in the air. By the time the room filled with 220 people, I was somewhat nervous since the number of Marian's supporters with her T-shirts and her brochures seemed to greatly outnumber my supporters.
Soon, the meeting was called to order by President Len Le Tissier and after singing the national anthem, it was Marien's turn to speak.
Each speaker had been allotted 15 minutes for introductions and speech and the rule was to be strictly enforced. I instructed my introducer Vaughan Minor to take one minute or less to introduce me and he carefully complied.
Marien was introduced by her campaign manager who followed an eloquent Ron Postian, the well known businessman. Unfortunately she was seriously short on time for her speech and had barely started into what sounded like an excellent speech when the warning bell was sounded. Soon her 15 minutes were up and she was unable to finish. Now it was my turn.
I think that my years of courtroom experience assisted me in delivering a handwritten speech inspired by everyone from Abraham Lincoln, JFK, Reagan and Thatcher to Karl Rove. Al Gretzky, the Conservative party candidate for West London has graciously told me that it was inspiring and nothing short of brilliant. Others who eventually voted for me that night, said that it was the speech that convinced them to support me. I was pleased with the speech and how it went and hope I am given the chance by the people of London Fanshawe to deliver many more. And oh yes, I did win the nomination that evening and am humbled by the confidence shown to me by the crowd of well wishers and supporters.
I want to thank my opponent for her admirable effort and all who assisted me and supported me in the days leading up to the nomination. Now its on to the bigger prize in the upcoming election of our Member of Parliament for London-Fanshawe.

Dan Mailer

Is Marc Emery a Conservative?

2005-08-17T12:44:00.000-04:00

When I was very young, my parents would often ship me to my aunts to spend weekends with my cousin Larry Baxter in the Highbury Avenue area of east London. One of his friends who we chummed with was London's very own Marc Emery, now BC's Prince of Pot. I must admit, I didn't much enjoy Marc's company. He was one of the most aggressive and savvy kids I had ever met. He talked and thought faster than myself and often outwitted me out of some of my favourite comic books. How surprised I was to hear him recently compare himself to Ghandi and Martin Luther King. Who would have thought?

When Emery operated his London bookstore, City Lights,
he proved himself to be a spirited malcontent and freedom fighter, taking on all levels of government on numerous issues ranging from Sunday store closing laws, no smoking by-laws, local towing and ticketing practices, censorship laws and other intrusive government legislation and regulation. Sometimes he won and sometimes he lost. Now he faces extradition to the USA to face the DEA over his export of marijuana seeds to the USA, a multi-million dollar business.

The question must be asked, "Is Emery a conservative"? At first blush, one might be mistakenly inclined to think so. After all, Emery wants government to stay out of our pocketbook and out of our lives and he wants to maximize freedom. As conservatives, we tend to agree. However, Emery is a libertarian and not a conservative. How are these different you ask? Well, libertarianism believes that people should have freedom to chose and that whatever they choose is right. Its a philosophy indifferent to virtue and in this, it differs from conservatism.
Freedom is our joint pursuit, but is not an end in itself. Its a prerequisite for choosing what is right and for defining the vision of the good life and a good society.
In regard to the issue of drugs, many would argue that marijuana is not a dangerous drug, especially when compared to alcohol or the scourge of crystal meth or cocaine. Even the National Post has argued for its legalization and I am certain that some conservatives smoke it. But should the recreational use of drugs be encouraged? I think not. Government policy does influence behaviour and the use of drugs is something that should be discouraged. On this issue, it is unlikely that a conservative government would legalize the use of marijuana, nor should it.

Dan Mailer

Tickets for Harper BBQ Friday in London

2005-08-04T14:12:00.000-04:00

If you need tickets for Stephen Harper's Regional BBQ in London please contact Mathew Varsava, either by e-mail at mathew_varsava@hotmail.com or (even better), call him on his cell at 519-495-3945. Tickets are $15, and the BBQ runs from 4:00 until 8:30-ish.

But why buy only one ticket when you can get one for a friend. Give the gift that keeps gving: Conservative Philosophy!

2005-07-30T00:56:00.000-04:00

Dan

Dan Mailer's humble origins

2005-07-30T00:42:00.000-04:00

For those prospective voters in London Fanshawe that may think that as a lawyer I was born with a silver spoon in my mouth, think again. The photo of my boyhood home (1960-1968) in a working class area of east London (Hamilton Road and Rectory area) may show that. Its not a log cabin but its not a mansion on a hilltop either (no disrespect to the current owners intended!). Three families shared apartments under the roof of this place.
The great President Abraham Lincoln was said to be born in a condition of life most humble and obscure, and that he was surrounded by circumstances most unfavourable to culture and ...character....". Not to compare myself to the incomparable Lincoln, but in the matter or humble origins, I think we share a common bond.
The benefits of such an upbringing however are rich. I lived in a working class neighbourhood where we learned that wealth lay not in the possessions that we owned but in people and the common bond of our humanity. I grew up in a melting pot of immigrants, workers and disabled where Catholics and Protestants mixed freely when it wasn't yet acceptable to do so.
Our immediate neighbour to the north was a most pleasant African American who was employed as a limo driver. I loved playing with his grandsons. We shared comic books, fizzie drinks and watched our favourite tv shows together.
Our family were Protestant and my best friends, the Morrisons, Catholic.
What one learns when raised in such a place, is the value of friends and family and the common pursuit of happiness. Class distinctions, colour of the skin and religious differences become unimportant. One learns that the real values are people and not possessions.
In past elections, many in London Fanshawe seem to prefer the NDP as the second choice to the Liberals. I hope by sharing this that people understand that I share their working class roots and understand their values, their struggles and their dreams.

Dan Mailer

London Conservative Candidates Unite for Londons Western Fair !

2005-07-28T14:42:00.000-04:00

London's three Conservative party candidates, Dan Mailer (London-Fanshawe), John Mazzilli (London North-Centre) and Al Gretzky (London West) sometimes referred to affectionately as the "Three Amigos", have joined together with Elgin Middlesex MP Joe Preston, to rent and host a booth at Londons upcoming Western Fair (September 10 to 19th, 2005). This fall fair has become a popular London tradition with 100 years of history. As a resident of London, I have always anxiously looked forward to the Fair's arrival.
Each candidate will be responsible for manning the booth for two or three days with supporters, to spread the good conservative word and "press the flesh". This should be a great opportunity for the candidates to meet thousands of voters and potential supporters.
If anyone has suggestions or ideas on what can be done to make for an effective presentation, feel free to contact either candidate or their teams, as well as Mr. Preston.

Pics from Steven Fletcher's Visit

2005-07-28T14:26:00.000-04:00

Joining MP Steven Fletchers cross Canada health tour 2005

2005-07-28T14:19:00.000-04:00

At the age of 23 years, Steven Fletcher's life changed forever. He had been a strapping six foot, four inch kayak champion. In a horrible auto accident involving a moose his neck snapped at C3-C4, leaving him paralysed and a quadriplegic for life.
Defying incredible odds, and after many excruciating months of treatment, he became well enough to enter politics. In a modern day David and Goliath story, Fletcher took on Paul Martin's handpicked Liberal candidate: Winnipeg's former mayor, Paul Murray. When skeptical media asked him how he intended to beat such a star candidate, Fletcher quipped that he would "rather be paralysed from the neck down then from the neck up " like his opponent. He won soon after.

I was fortunate enough to spend the day with MP Fletcher while he toured the London area as part of his 2005 summer health tour. LF riding president Len Letissier arranged the schedule and MP Joe Preston and I were happy to tag along.
Fletcher heard ideas from staff at Parkwood hospital. We then detoured to the Easter Seals camp Woodeden for disabled kids, many in wheelchairs like Fletcher. What an inspiration he was to many of them as an MP and a testament to the indomitable human spirit. He certainly was a great inspiration to all of us there.
After touring Hutton House and hearing of problems they are encountering with government red tape, Fletcher pledged to try to help. Then he was off to speak to Conservative party faithful at the Mocha Shrine temple in London.

Fletcher explained during the day that the recent Supreme Court of Canada decision and Ralph Kline's recent initiatives, have energized the debate about how to improve health care in Canada. He explained that the Conservative party remains committed to the 5 key principals of the Canada Health Act and indeed, want to strengthen it by adding a 6th, that of mandating stable and transparent, above board federal funding to the provinces.
Like the Supreme Court, our party believes that Canadians have a right to reasonable access to timely, quality health care services, regardless of their ability to pay. We also believe that the system should allow for flexibility in delivery and should include a balance of public and private delivery options (see item 51 of our policy declaration, March 19, 2005).
It has been a couple of days since I spent the day with Steven Fletcher and I would venture to say that my life has been changed by him. What an inspirational human and a real leader that we should be proud to follow.

You can check out his website at http://www.stevenfletcher.com/
(See the hilarious video of Steven being interviewed by Rick Mercer)

The Virtue of Doing Good

2005-07-21T11:24:00.000-04:00

"Peace, order and good government". Those are the primary stated objectives of government according to the British North American Act, a fundamental part of the Canadian Constitution.

Good government is effected by men and women in government who do good. No political party has a monopoly on "doing good". Indeed, if Conservatives had been in power in Ottawa for as long as the Liberals have been, without an effective opposition, we might possibly be as arrogant and corrupt as some of them are. I would like to think not, but who knows. Power does tend to corrupt and we humans are subject to frailities.

However, as Conservatives who intend to form the next government, it might be worthwhile to consider and concern ourselves with the issue of doing good and civic virtue.

I watched a CKCO television debate show on the weekend involving high school students and they indicated a general consensus that it was no longer considered "cool" to do good. They recognized that people are becoming more rude and disrespectful generally. They spoke of the social pressures and media role models (rap stars and tv sitcoms, etc.) that reinforce negative values. Its now cool to be bad.

This may be one of the great cultural failures of our times.

What does this say about our society? About our world? About our future?

My grandmother taught me to do good for goodness sake. I know it sounds cliche and naive, but as political leaders it is time to lead in this direction. Thats not happening now. In fact, the rot exposed by Gomery filters down and affects us all.Liberals have to be held accountable for this.

In an age of road rage, suicide bombers and political corruption, the message of goodness is a message worth remembering.

Here are a few famous quotes to consider:

"Of all virtues and dignities of the mind, goodness is the greatest, being the character of the Diety; and without it, man is a busy, mischievous, wretched thing"
-Sir Francis Bacon

"Goodness is the only investment that never fails"
-Henry David Thoreau

"Real goodness does not attach itself merely to this life-it points to another world. Political or professional reputation cannot last forever, but a conscience void of offence before God and man is an inheritance for eternity.
Daniel Webster

Food for thought.

Teachers- Our local heroes

2005-07-08T23:27:00.000-04:00

Speaking of schools, I attended Nathan Wahls grade eight graduation ceremony at Emily Carr Public school a couple of weeks ago. Nathan is the oldest child of my best friend Al Wahl, who died in a tragic car accident in April, 2002. He left three little kids and I have become their "Uncle Dan". His widow Marilyn attended with us of course (see our smiling faces in the photo).

Not having children of my own in the public school system, I didn't know what to expect at the ceremony. Grad ceremonies for a public school in my neighbourhood were cancelled a couple of years back because the kids were just too unruly. What a shame.

The event at Emily Carr Public School was a real treat! The graduates were so well behaved and smartly dressed. I was very impressed by the kids, by the teachers and the respect of the teachers and joy of learning was obvious on the part of the students. These teachers deserve real credit for the job they have done so I salute them here....Mr. D. McKerlie, Ms. J. Stratton, Mr. Buchwald and principal Mr. Rivett. The emcees Mr. Jamieson and Mr. Welbourne and the young valedictorian Brendan Jamieson deserve credit as well. Well done folks!

About education, Abraham Lincoln once said, "The philosophy of the schoolroom in one generation will be the philosophy of governance in the next". I believe this is true and if it is, many of these graduates at Emily Carr should go on to become leaders and give us hope for the future.

Dan

Response to London Free Press

2005-07-08T10:16:00.000-04:00

From: dan mailer
To: letters@lfpress.com
Sent: Monday, July 04, 2005 9:07 PM
Subject: Bibles in schools
Dear Editor

Tom Murphy's recent Voxpop article titled "Respect all religions by favouring none in public schools" presents an American style point of view on an important social issue. The idea that we respect all religions by favouring none, is sound, but the silencing of all religious discourse or expression in our public schools is not.
In a nation where over 80% of our citizens believe in God, to remove religion from the educational process is a mistake. In fact, it smacks of intolerance and one could argue, is profoundly undemocratic. To follow Mr. Murphy's proposal is to miss out on a unique opportunity to educate young minds on how to deal with and make decisions on an issue that is profoundly important to the vast majority.

Dan Mailer

BLOGS end the monopoly of the press

2005-07-03T12:14:00.000-04:00

Its no secret that conservatives have had a love-hate relationship with the press in both the USA and in Canada in recent years.
Right or wrong, many of us perceive the press to have a left wing bias. The problem is even more acute in Canada where a recent poll found that a large majority of the employees of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), were Liberal party supporters (or tended to vote Liberal) and the feeling is that the CBC is biased against conservatives.
This is not a new complaint however. During debates by our founding fathers, John Robson, a journalist himself (from Upper Canada, now Ontario), defended the press against allegations that by misrepresentation, the press was causing prejudice in the public mind.
Most people watching or reading the news, believe that they are witnessing the "news". They don't often appreciate the selective process that jounalists use to determine what we see and don't see and how it is presented. And for many decades since our founding as a nation , we were all at their mercy. The internet and talk radio have changed all of that expanding the flow of information and by implication, expanding democracy. This development is nothing less than revolutionary. BLOGGING has taken this form of reporting to a new level. BLOGERS have been described as "citizen journalists" and the monopoly of the press is coming to an end.
Is all of this information necessary one might ask? You bet! Karl Rove attributes blogging and talk radio and the rise of the internet, as a powerful force in the resurgence of conservative thought and discourse, in America. And he should know. As Bush's brain, he has been instrumental in helping Bush get elected as President twice now, despite an overwhelming tide of negative reporting.

I myself, witnessed the need for blogging after our London-Fanshawe nomination meeting on May 12th, 2005. Over 220 excited conservatives attended the meeting as did the editor of our local newspaper. How suprised I was to read nothing in the local paper about the meeting in the days that followed! It was almost as if, it didn't happen. Now, not to slag our local paper which has a lot of news to report, but if they aren't going to report on what is important to local conservatives, somebody has got to do it. And now this is possible by this blog and thousands of others including websites (such as "free dominion" which has included quite a lively debate about the nomination meeting ).
So let us celebrate one more reason why this new century will belong to conservatives. The internet! The BLOGs!
My report on the London Fanshawe nomination meeting will follow shortly.

Why so glum?

2005-06-30T02:28:00.000-04:00

Since the conservative party lost the close budget vote in May, 2005, and since we were blindsided and left bloodied by Belinda's betrayal, Conservatives have seemed rather glum in disposition. A high profile MP speaking at a local fundraiser confessed that it has been a challenge trying to stay upbeat while being subjected to Liberal dirty tricks. Even the normally unflappable National Post columnist David Frum appeared very down in the dumps in his June 28th Canada Day article, reviewing Canadas very real democratic deficit.

How then shall we live? It is human nature to feel low when you are on the losing team and to feel elated when you win. There's nothing unnatural in this. Yet I recall making a very conscious choice in high school, to play on the soccer team rather than the much more high profile football team. Our fan base was virtually non-existant and we lost most of our games. But still, the comraderie, coaching leadership and demanding physical side of the game, was fully satisfying.

At this time, we may not be the governing party, but why not celebrate our step by step victories? Only two years ago, there was no real conservative alternative at the federal level. Now we form Her Majesty's Official Opposition with 98 seats. That number will only improve in the next election, mark my word.

Democracy and freedom are on the march around the world.
Conservative thought is gaining momentum.

Dinesh D'Souza in his excellent book, "Letters to a Young Conservative" writes in chapter 30 of the reasons why conservatives should be cheerful. He cites the stunning conservative victories in recent years and says we are justified in being upbeat. We are right and right will eventually prevail. Not to suggest that we have a monopoly on the truth which we are all seeking, but as he describes in chapter 1, we conservatives believe that we have an accurate understanding of human nature and liberals do not. Since liberals have a wrong view of human nature, he says, their policies are unlikely to achieve good results.

So fellow conservatives, rejoice! Don't worry, be happy.
And Happy Canada Day!

Dan Mailer

I will work to make Canada important again on the world stage

2005-06-29T14:04:00.000-04:00

Is Canada operating at full potential? Has Canada become almost irrelevant on the national stage? One has to wonder.

When Sir Winston Churchill addressed a reception at the Canada Press Gallery in 1952 on his last visit to Canada,
he stated when speaking of Canada's future:
"What happens here is of interest and importance to the whole world and important to all who care for freedom and truth." Is this still the case today? Have we come anywhere close to reaching this potential identified by the great Conservative statesman?

The former ambassador to the United States, Derek Burney, had just written his memoirs entitled "Getting It Done". He argues that the past chilly decade in Canada- US relations, has left Canada with a diminished capacity to defend our national interests in the United States and a shrinking relevance in world affairs." If he is correct, Sir Winston must be turning over in his grave.

Burney goes on to argue that our blind devotion to "sovereignty" has caused Liberal governments to neglect the nations core interests. He points out that the close personal relationships between former Prime Minister Mulroney and President Reagan and his successor,were crucial to securing the Free Trade agreement and the 1991 Canada -US air quality agreement.

He states that "the adrenaline for diplomacy is access, the lifeblood is relevance". There was a time when Canada had both and one has to wonder today, if we have either.

The manner in which the Liberals have mishandled US-Canada relations, has done extensive damage to this country's interests and reduced our influence on the world stage. They have acted like amateurs and it is inexcusable.

Dan Mailer

Why I want to represent the people of London-Fanshawe

2005-06-28T00:57:00.000-04:00

I was born and raised "east of Adelaide" as they say. My paternal grandparents were immigrants to Canada from Scotland and I was raised in the working class neighbourhood of Hamilton Road and Rectory Street in the city's east end. My father was a milkman and my mother worked at Northern Telecom to make ends meet. I attended school here and worked here before attending law school in Ottawa. I worked with Micheal Lerner in 1984 in his Hamilton Road office.
London Fanshawe is the economic engine of this city and its people are generally hard working and middle income. I know the people of London Fanshawe. They know the value of a hard earned dollar and so do I. I want them to know that.

Why I want to run as a Conservative Candidate

2005-06-28T00:51:00.000-04:00

Like many other young conservatives, I was ecstatic when the Berlin wall came down in the early 1980's. It was a momentous event that symbollically marked the end of Communism, the lifting of the Iron Curtain, the failure of a flawed political experiment and ideal and the triumph of democracy and freedom. I still get shivers down my spine when I hear the Jesus Jones song, "Right here, Right now" which reminds me of that moment in history.

But Communism is only the extreme form of the socialist plague. And the need for conservatives to remain vigilant in fighting against the socialist temptation remains. Canada continues its socialist "rachet" under Liberal rule. In fact, in just the past year, federal program spending has increased by 10 % and that was before the Liberal-NDP budget of June, 2005 ($4.6 billion in new government spending). Liberals have been expanding government spending at an incredibly rapid rate since 2000. It seems that Hobbes warnings about the dangers of government being and becoming a "Leviathan" have had little if any impact on Liberals. And with new plans to implement national child care, Kyoto and other initiatives, there is no sign of this abating.
F.A. Hayek would likely conclude that Canadians are on the road to serfdom. Ultimately, someone has to pay for this expansion of government and it will be the hard working people of this country who foot the bill.

Hi Mom!

2005-06-28T00:45:00.000-04:00

Hi Mom!