The bible is full of monarchs, prophets, empires and even theocracies. But no democracies. In fact, its a challenge to conjure up truly democratic instances in scripture. After the resurrection the disciples chose a replacement for Judas (Acts 1) but it feels a bit more like a lottery than an election.
We uphold the democratic process though, remembering Winston Churchill's observation that it is the worst system except for all the rest. It is a privilege to be able to elect our leaders.
What to say about last night? Well, we now have a ruling party with a clear majority, which is important after the past few years of muddling along. I give credit to the Conservatives for sticking to their campaign plan and none to the Liberals for failing to offer an alternative. Kudos to NDP leader Jack Layton for convincing a lot of Canadians that his feistiness can translate into an effective opposition. For years it has rankled that the Bloc got some of my taxpayer's dollars to support their separatist agenda ("sovereigntist" is just a euphemism as far as I'm concerned.) Their resounding defeat means that this will come to an end because they didn't win the requisite number of seats. And Elizabeth May will be able to bring her intelligence and determination to the House of Commons. Winning her seat marks the first time a Green candidate has won in a federal election in North America.
The issues of integrity and contempt for parliament seemed lost in this election, along with other important issues such as the environment. We'll just have to wait and see.
Thoughts folks?
7 comments:
Sad, sad day. I hope in 4 years Canada still has some integrity and social programs left.
I'm with Laurie on this, in that it is indeed a very sad day. I'm not one to normally express a political viewpoint, or for that matter talk about politics at all, but I cannot believe what happened yesterday- especially right here in our own area. What were people thinking, when they re-elected the Conservative candidate when they so obviously had more than one other good choice they could have made? Time will tell, but how much more will we CANADIANS lose in the process?
I'm glad the Greens will be represented in Parliament, and for Elizabeth May, it must be a relief. Good strategy to run in BC. At least she will be included in the next debate. One of my biggest hopes for this election was that she would win her riding.
Congrats to the NDP and Layton, but I am a little concerned when I hear about the backgrounds of some of the new MP's. For a 23 year old cocktail waitress to suddenly become a member of Parliament is...well...interesting.
I find Harper a little scary. I still recall the fact that when he was leader of the opposition, he wrote a letter to the Wall Street Journal apologizing to the Americans that Chretien said no to going to war in Iraq. Thankfully, Harper wasn't our PM at that time.
As for the Liberal Party...bye bye Iggy....but please do yourselves a favour and don't have Bob Rae as your leader.
If I'm able to recognize this country in four years, I'll be amazed. People really don't know what we're in for; what they voted for.
As for the environment? And you thought it was on the back burner under a Conservative minority ... just wait.
I'd also add that it's interesting how our fractured slew of parties suddenly solidified into a distinct left and right last night. It's been almost a century since the two party system was last seen in federal politics.
It was interesting, to say the least, and I feel somewhat more positive than I did when the election was called. I'm pleased that the NDP, which has its origins in the Social Gospel movement, will form the official opposition. And I do like and admire Jack Layton! Elizabeth May is a most welcome presence on the federal scene and there's no doubt that she'll be a valuable asset in the House. She brings so much energy, intelligence and good sense. And her pure, unadulterated exhilaration at last night's results made my day! I do so agree with you, David, about the issues of integrity and contempt for Parliament, which were clearly forgotten along the way, particularly in our own riding. But with an environmental presence and a stronger social perspective, maybe there's some hope for a sustainable future.
I don't know what any of you thought going into this election. I said it a month ago in this blog that it was a bad idea. Now the Liberals are on the ropes thanks to Iggy. What an arrogant fool! He dismissed the NDP as a fools vote, and in many cases he is right, but you can't say that, and get away with it. His contempt for Mr. Layton was obvious in the debate. I'm happy for the NDP because they showed the Liberals that we are not in a 2 party system.
It became an interesting election in that there is a definate move for change. The Conservatives will enjoy their majority for the next 4 years or so, but what if the Liberals and NDP join forces like the PC and Reform did? What if the NDP attracts some more credible candidates where they were weak? Every 4 years there is another crop of younger voters who want change, and fewer Conservative boomers.
I'm pretty sure we will survive until then.
FYI... Our house voted Green. If you don't have an enviroment then nothing else matters.
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