Tuesday, December 02, 2008

Ottawa intrigue

So the political intrigue continues in our nation's capital, which all began as a direct result of the Harper government's do nothing "economic statement" that was nothing but a politically vindictive instrument designed to cripple the opposition parties and do away with the collective bargaining process in the federal public service. The opposition parties could not allow it to pass, and the Liberals and NDP parties agreed to form a coalition with the support of the Bloc Quebecois (BQ). Yesterday they signed a coalition statement and sent a letter to the Governor General indicating that a viable alternative to the Harper goverment existed in the current Parliament. They are determined to topple the Conservative government at the earliest opportunity by was of a vote of non-confidence in the House of Commons. That vote will be held on Monday, December 8, 2008, unless the coward Harper prorogues Parliament, basically ending the current session before the opposition parties have a chance to being his government down. Such a move would be feable and weak and would set a precedent in that no former Prime Minister has made such a move in the past so early into a session of Parliament when absolutely nothing has been accomplished. It is no doubt what Harper will do, however, simply because he has no backbone and he is feable and a scumbag who will use any measn possible to cling to power.

What the opposition parties are doing is completely legitimate and democratic in our Parliamentary system. Harper has lost the confidence of the House and since we had an election just weeks ago, it's the most logical thing in the world for the other parties to put together a workable coalition.

Moreover, should another election be held right now, the results would probably be similar to the current configuration in Parliament, so we would end up with the exact same problem.

I say let the coalition govern. Let them prove themselves for at least 2 and a half years and then let the voters decide on who would best lead the country. Harper had his chance and he blew it.

And at the very least, the bottom line to all of this is that Harper must absolutely go. His career in politics must end. He is a mean-spirited, vindictive, small-minded bully whose day has come and gone. The sooner he is removed from the seat of power the better!

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

I couldn't agree with you more, Jeff, except perhaps on one point: "should another election be held right now, the results would probably be similar to the current configuration in Parliament, so we would end up with the exact same problem."

I would hope against hope that, if by some miracle Parliament is not prorogued before next Monday (which is something Gov. Gen. Michaelle Jean must grant) and if she opts for another election (which I hope she doesn't), the coalition partners will put their money where their mouth is and choose not to run candidates in ridings where either party could split the vote in favour of the Conservatives. I agree that's not likely to happen, but should they do that, then that could definitely do in the Conservatives. I say this on the grounds that of their 143 victories on October 14, only 80 were majorities (i.e., where they won more than 50% of the votes in a riding).

One is allowed to dream a bit in these unusual times, no? :)

Jeff said...

One is always allowed to dream, Maurice! :)

I'm not so sure that Jean HAS to grant Harper's request to prorogue, though I agree she likely would. I also think that a proroguement is likely what he will ask for as it is the lowest, cheapest, most cowardly way out for him right now, and he's proven that that is the road he always takes.

As for the coalition not running in ridings where one or the other could win, I think that should be looked at seriously. Any and all legal means should be used to get that tyrant out of office, since I am sure he won't have the decency to resign.

Anonymous said...

A feable scumbag, who is a mean-spirited, vindictive, small minded bully...hmmm...he has the "side part" only thing he is missing is a little moustache!