A Conservative "Majority" At Work...

God Bless This Prime Minister! I want to thank him for all the tremendous work he's done of late on behalf of Michael Ignatieff and the Liberal Party of Canada. Pretty decent of the man, if I do say so myself.

A case in point: Helena Guergis, who despite being cleared by both the RCMP and the Ethics Commissioner, will not be the Conservative standard bearer in Simcoe-Grey in the next campaign.

As reported in The Star yesterday, the Conservatives already have a candidate (whom I suppose has never heard of stepping aside - a novel concept that, apparently -- at least in Conservative circles) planning to run in the riding.

The Star reported that the CPC could very well lose in Simcoe-Grey in light of a recent poll if previous Conservative strength divides on election day.

Sans commentaire, as we say in French.

But Ladies and Gentlemen, please pay close attention to this situational drama. Remember that this is sadly typical of this Prime Minister's behaviour when Harper deliberately chooses to dig in his heels rather than having to deal with a possible loss of face. Ego also has something to do with it -- not to mention the warm regard felt for Rahim in Conservative quarters.

Just picture it as a sneak preview of how a Conservative majority government would operate under the direction of this PM. Instructive, isn't it. You might want to view it a quick glimpse of "coming attractions". Or you may come to the conclusion that perhaps it's time to seriously think again before casting your ballot in the next federal election.

Got To Love That Picture Of CanadianSense!

You know CanadianSense, among my MANY hidden talents is the ability to read the lips of still photographs -- and you're recent change of photo practically screams: the Wildrose Alliance is COMING TO OTTAWA! Be afraid, Prime Minister, be very afraid...

Waiting For The Long-Gun Registry Click...

Can you say political sea-change? Have you seen it coming? When is a loss -- even a politically horrendous one, suddenly a stunning victory that leads to serious political realignment?

I'm thinking September 22nd with the vote on the so-called private member's bill to abolish the long-gun registry. This legislation is a GOVERNMENT bill in everything but name. It tugs at this Prime Minister's heart strings. (Yes, he actually does have one.)

There will be a lot of damage done to at least two political parties: first and foremost to the New Democrats as their supporters in the cities puke their guts out at the loss of the LGR, and more importantly, vent their disgust at the polls for the way in which Jack will have handled this. My guess is a 10-15 seat loss for the NDP in the next election in major urban centers.

Then we come to the party that never met a legally-owned loaded gun it didn't like. The Conservatives don't need to whip the vote. They've already gotten the message -- loud and clear from the PMO. The loss of the long-gun registry will simply play into the overall perception of the direction this Prime Minister is planning to continue to take the nation in. Harper sees that as a plus. Yours truly regards it strategically speaking as a net minus.

Bring on the vote -- and the serious political consequences.

Of Bluff And Bluster?

Hasn't that film been running for almost five years now? Actors have changed along the way but much of the cast remains intact since 2006. Hmm. And what have we got to show for it?

We have a government advancing its political agenda (such as it regrettably is) one torturous molehill at a time. We have an official opposition seemingly on the cusp of moving in for the kill. We have a second opposition party so tied up in knots on the issue of the long-gun registry that it's not even funny. And then there's the Bloc -- the big winners of Canadian federalism. The only guys in Ottawa who have more job security than the Bishop of Rome...

You've just got to hand it to Canadians. When it comes time to seriously muck it up, we're in a class by ourselves. Stagnation central.

Seriously, makes yours truly want to head for the closest ATV and race off for parts unknown.

But then one thinks of the miners and what they have to endure in Chile. Millions are praying for their safe rescue. Ditto.

I suppose our fate as well rests solely on waiting it out. Late September will soon be upon us. May it finally bring deliverance: in one form or another.

Stephen Harper Is Ruining My Summer!!!

Call me peculiar but I'm used to having Stephen Harper up close and personal across my television screen. I like it best when this Prime Minister is right in the thick of it -- so much better for the opposition when the PM plays a prominent role in wearing the mistakes of his government!

But things just aren't the same now that the man has gone AWOL. We're told he's up for a little R & R with his family. Damn! Again, I want that guy right in the face of Canadians. Doesn't Harper care that he's ruining MY summer???

But alas, things at least aren't exactly a disaster either without his presence: I've still got the census bonehead play to kick around -- not to mention the new shiny phallic toys headed DND's way. Could be worse.

Hell, with the PMO denying that Guy Giorno is on the way out, I certainly can't complain. But I will.

Come on Prime Minister. Be a pal. Cut short that damned vacation and get right back into the swing of things. After all, you know how much that would please me! Shouldn't that count for something?

Liberal Donations.

Fellow Liberals,

Please set me straight -- I thought the purpose of our donations was to build up as quickly as possible a political war chest with which to fight a reasonably imminent election. That's why I've anted up these past two years.

Did I miss a memo? Are we really sending our money to Ottawa for some other purpose other than election preparedness? Is the party content to sit on the sidelines for another three years before making the slightest move to oust the Harper government? If that's really the plan, count me out. My cash will stay right there, nice and warm in my pocket.

As Trudeau likely would have said, "What gives?"...

Poor Don Martin...

It's safe to say that this Canada Day will more than likely not be one of the most memorable -- or pleasant for Don Martin!

Writing in The National Post, he had this to say yesterday:

"If Mr. Harper does call on Her Majesty to announce the vice-regal replacement on this tour, here’s hoping he steers clear of unworthy patronage payoffs or former politicians.

Support for this monarch is rooted partly in her dignified personality more than the position itself. For monarchist Harper, the best way to keep that sentiment alive is to choose a royal representative with charisma and class over political credentials."

All I can say is that loud sound you hear is not a vuvuzela (or even a Carnaval de Québec) horn! Rather, it's the noise of all that air coming out of Don's cherished balloon...