Comments on: Peter Julian on the coalition, and what it means for New West

By: Nelson

Nelson — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 01:58:00 +0000

Let's examine what we're getting in place of Harper should the unthinkable happen:1. A prime minister in DION who can't even lead his own party to a decent election showing (read: rejected by the majority of the voting public)and whose forced reirement has already been planned by his own party as a consequence of the same.2. NDP's Jack Layton who's ready to sell his own mother or his soul to the devil to achieve big boy status in Ottawa but is destined to always be a bit player for his party's failed socialist platform.3. A unabashed separatist and a cunning extortionist who's sole purpose is to break-up and re-draw Canada. In all countries other than Canada, he'd have been tried for treason!Ummmh.. Not exactly the trade up I had in mind. Not a coup by strict definition perhaps, but a fine example of "cutting off our nose to spite our face"We're weathering the finacial crisis quite better than most countries not because of divine intervention but because we had the collective foresight not to give anyone of the above three the driver seat in the first place. And now, we're thinking of throwing away our good fortune? The three stooges are just p___ed-off because they and those they serve have been denied keys to the larder.So far, I can only identify three yahoos in this drama but that number is sure to increase by thirty odd million if the so-called coalition of the doomed get to drive this canadian boat under these stormy conditions.

By: De-mock-racy

De-mock-racy — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 23:59:00 +0000

and so I repeat, let's go to the polls and give Canadians the chance to give their opinion. Maybe this will get more people voting. I have heard that with the present coalition idea people are saying, "Why did I bother voting 7 weeks ago?"

By: Will Tomkinson

Will Tomkinson — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 19:24:00 +0000

It is even more entertaining to have this conversation from New Orleans, a city that can not help but feel unrepresented. Some did vote with a minority conservative government in mind "That type of government can be very productive when all parties work together and compromise" but the three opposition parties are compromising to form this stable, coalition government. In addition, they have shown the ability to compromise with Mr. Harper, when he is in the mood. Realize though, that Mr. Harper proposed a confidence vote on a budget update that was anathema to the other duly elected represented members of the house. With his unwillingess or inability to form a government (ie, one willing to govern) we are left with a choice: go to the polls or accept an alternative government. While it has been uncommon in our parliament over the last years, this dynamic is common in the Northern and Western European countries and Israel. The goal after the election is "who can form a government" not "who got the most MPs." Imagine an election where the PC party, the Alliance and the Sub-Alliance (whatever it was called) all came together to form a government even while the Liberals held the most seats. This is the same thing, just with a better chance for good government.

By: De-mock-racy

De-mock-racy — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 19:05:00 +0000

Will, thanks for lecturing me on the difference between the Canadian and US democracies. I'm quite well versed in the differences though. I agree we don't vote for the PM but we sure know which leader we do and don't want leading the country and many people vote for their MP with that in mind. I disagree that we voted for a coalition government. I didn't. What I did vote in was a minority government. That type of government can be very productive when all parties work together and compromise. Let's try that. The coalition government of Thailand has worked well, hasn't it?!?

By: Will Tomkinson

Will Tomkinson — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 16:50:00 +0000

We all voted and the numbers that are in he house are the result of that vote. If the Harper Conservatives are too incompetent to form a decent government despite having more seats, then it is incumbent on the other parties and the governor general to form an alternative government to avoid another general election. We will have a coalition government because that is what we voted for. @dem-mock-racy, this is not the USA. We dont vote for the PM. Parliamentary democracy allows for this coalition at no cost to our democratic principles. It is a foundation of multiparty democracies around the world.

By: bree

bree — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 12:38:00 +0000

Anthony Damonse has some interesting context on the Bloc support on his blog. Seems in 2004, Harper himself had begun to lay the groundwork to lead a coalition government with the (and supported by the Bloc) against the Liberals. Appears depending on "socialists and separatists" for support was OK five years ago … http://anthonydamonse.blogspot.com/2008/12/political-word-of-day-duplicitous.htmlAnthony has copied the text of that 2004 letter to the Governor General on his blog. It reads in part: "As leaders of the opposition parties, we are well aware that, given theLiberal minority government, you could be asked by the Prime Ministerto dissolve the 38th Parliament at any time should the House of Commonsfail to support some part of the government’s program."We respectfully point out that the opposition parties, who togetherconstitute a majority in the House, have been in close consultation. Webelieve that, should a request for dissolution arise this should giveyou cause, as constitutional practice has determined, to consult theopposition leaders and consider all of your options before exercisingyour constitutional authority."

By: De-mock-racy

De-mock-racy — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 12:16:00 +0000

I can only imagine why you feel nervous but I know a few reasons why I feel nervous. Our government would be depending upon a party whose sole purpose for existence is to rip apart the Canada I know and love. I wonder what the Bloc has been promised in order to not bring down the coalition. Hmmm. I'm sure they're not doing it for the betterment of Canada. Canada is doing better economically than most of the G8 nations and I think it might be premature to be throwing billions of dollars at projects. I know that if my personal finances aren't doing well I don't have the option of getting more money from the bank. That's okay. Spend, spend, spend. Our kids will pay it off later, right?If the NDP and Liberals wanted a coalition they should have formed one two months ago or at least been honest when asked, as they were, if they would be interested in forming one. Who cares if the coalition's plan is not yet online if I don't actually get to vote on their plan.

By: Bree

Bree — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 12:01:00 +0000

You're not the only one.

By: Jen

Jen — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 10:04:00 +0000

I feel nervous. Why do I feel nervous about all of this?