Okay, Mr. Harper isn’t trying to be petty. He probably didn’t even want to attend the Games in the first place. And wasn’t it nice of him to let poor David Emerson take a nice trip before he loses his cabinet post, his seat, and the whole nine yards? Yes folks, Mr. Harper is going to call an election. The smell of mud flying through the air mingles with the squash soup, the fresh corn, and the new potatoes. He can’t let the Americans have all the fun. Scathing radio ads are already on the air here in the Maritimes.
Jack Layton is rubbing his hands with glee. Then again, Jack Layton rubs his hands with glee when he gets junk mail. He may believe many disillusioned Liberals are planning to swing their support his way. Unfortunately, I don’t think that’s going to happen on a scale that will make a difference.
An election call from the Conservatives, in direct opposition to their own legislation, may mean several things. Mr. Harper might be tired of playing games, believe he can win a majority, has the Liberals in a choke hold, and wants to sort it all out before a Democratic president is elected stateside. Mr. Harper may feel his support slipping through unpopular cuts, a slowing economy, and growing Afghanistan causalities, so he called the race now in order to head off further losses, remain a minority, and extend his time in control. Or perhaps he just likes seeing Stephane Dion running around in crisis mode.
Perhaps his methodical chopping of arts funding is the next step in the eventual robot takeover of our planet. We may never know.
It has been made abundantly clear that the ruling government, while a minority in numbers, rules as a majority. The Liberals protest, but do not vote because they are afraid of their own shadows; the NDP bray as they will, but lack the power to force change without the support of either the Bloc or the Grits. The Bloc protests as well, trying to form alliances, but who wants to be seen in bed with the separatists? That’s such a Conservative thing to do.
I would mention Stephane Dion, but I’m not entirely sure where he is. Oh yes, he’s mad at the Conservatives for breaking their own rules, the public’s trust. Then there’s that whole advertising scandal. Tsk tsk. I hear the pot calling the kettle somewhere.
So don’t be disappointed, Ms. Jean. Our athletes are strong, ready, and will most likely bring home more medals than were garnered during the first Olympic round. And what could be more entertaining than a three ring circus in your very own backyard?
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