As someone who has pushed for an election for quite some time now, it's not unreasonable for you to arrive at the conclusion that I'm rather pleased with how events appear to be unfolding.
First, my biases: a Progressive Conservative down to my bones; a Red Tory whose kindred political spirit is Senator Hugh Segal (that will be news to him -- Ronald Who!); a former Conservative (and Harper opponent) and a newly-minted Liberal since December.
But enough about me.
As we say in court, here are my questions: does this Prime Minister -- a) want to avoid an election at all cost or b) is he looking for a way to precipitate one? I suspect it might actually be a little of both.
My leader is on side. Michael Ignatieff says Harper's time is up. The PM and Jack Layton both say no backroom deals. Gilles Duceppe reminds us that if it's good for Quebec, he's for it.
What the hell does it all mean? IMHO, it means the genie is out of the bottle. In two to four weeks we'll all be out on the campaign trail. I'll be watching for significant poll movement (hopefully in favour of the Liberals) as Canadians contemplate the usefulness of a majority government.
No question about it. This political impasse will be a game changer. One party will be up and one down. Stephen Harper thinks he's about to be the big winner. I think otherwise. Michael knows what he has to do in this campaign to connect and resonate with voters. Part of his job is to show Canadians a better way and lead us to a more comfortable place.
I'm on board and confident we'll get there. How about you?
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Ronald
ReplyDeleteI've been waiting for this for along time.I desperately want to rid us of this Harper government. yes. Segal would have been a much better choice.
We don't know yet what the others may be like but I'm willing to give them a chance.
Bernie,
ReplyDeleteThis Prime Minister has every right to want to implement his view of the world. After all, he is on his second mandate. But we also have every right to try and stop him!
I'm rather full of myself when I say this but it's worth repeating: Harper's view of Canada is not mine. Those of us who want something better now have a job to do. It is now up to us to bust our asses to get an alternative elected.
In an ideal world, both the Liberals and NDP would be serious contenders. Unfortunately, the voting public does not yet seem to be ready for that. To my mind, and I could be wrong, that means backing the only horse that has a realistic chance of sinking Harper.
Michael is a reasonable person. He knows he has to hold the political center. I don't expect him to stray either too far left or right. His heart will be in the right place and we will all benefit from his time in office if Canadians honour the Liberal Party by putting their faith in Michael and returning the Liberals to power. Liberals need to earn the people's trust and respect. Michael will go about doing that as he awaits word from our political masters -- the voters.