Coalition – Union or Power Grab
I am certainly not a history expert, but I believe way back in the depression era, we did have a coalition government, or perhaps it was during WWII, but I am certain this isn’t unprecedented. The question is, why now, not after the October 14th election? I suppose many who are ardent supporters of Harper and his brand of Conservatism will see this as a political power grab, but let us be honest. The numbers of people who have opted for a minority government over the last several years, have done so because we are unable to have a leader who ignires our passion, who inspires us, and who has a policy platform we can grasp.
To begin with, there was no ‘apparent reason’ for the last election, other than Harper attempting to pull one over on the electorate, which he nearly succeeded in doing. Be honest, if you are a Harper Supporter, with at least yourself. He called the election because HE KNEW that we were heading into a recession. He hoped to gain a majority, to avoid having to deal with complex issues, that frankly, he just doesn’t seem to grasp.
There is no cohesive plan put forward by Harper prior to the election, during, or since. How can we expect our economy to push forward, to survive the pressures being exerted on it, when our leaders are so inept, that they live in denial? I mean if we need any proof of what disasterous effects this can have, one merely has to look at the failed administration of George W. Bush in America. I mean until very recently, he refused to acknowledge that there was any economic crisis, and that the market would sort itself out.
The difference between Canada and the USA is we are a parliamentary system of Government, where parliament can overturn an inept or corrupt government, especially when that government is in a minority, as is the case here. It is legal, and yet, one feels reluctant to endorse the plan, but let us be honest, even for those who support Harper. Accept that the plans of his administration are copied from the failed plans of George W. Bush, and that what has happened there, is going to happen here, if allowed to continue.
The combined support for the Opposition is far greater than those who support Harper. Their coalition is one that actually does represent a majority of those who voted, which is why I wonder why they didn’t do this a lot sooner. Then too, I suppose partly it comes from a sense of fair play. I know many Conservatives won’t see it that way, but the combined opposition gave Harper an opportunity to demonstrate he was going to address the economic problems. HE HAS FAILED TO DO SO.
Instead of being honest, he has fudged for weeks about whether we would have a deficit or not. He has constantly denied that the predictions by the countries top economists is right, but now hints they may indeed be right, as if he has had a vision. Just like George Bush perhaps had a personal vision from GOD, Stephen Harper now says we could experience a recession. It is this type of Lying that is not helping, that has perhaps pushed the opposition to make this risky gamble.
I am not an expert in much, and I know that there are complex issues at play, global even, but it just seems to me that Stephen Harper has no clue as to what is going on in our own economy. To offer up a plan, to help the Auto Industry which doesn’t guarantee Canadian Jobs, but does offer up nearly a half billion dollars of tax payer money is proof of being out of touch. I am not even sure he understands that a tax cut doesn’t work, if the company isn’t making money. Yet he gives tax cuts to the Oil Industry, in the Billions, but tosses us a few bucks in his universal tax cut of the GST?
No, something had to be done, to give us some stability, some reason in government. I think that his attempt to hogtie the ability of Canadians from having a viable opposition is just one more nail in his political life. It was a crucial part of his upcoming budget, that was not going to be advanced, perhaps even delayed, then brought forward, then pushed back, and so naturally something had to be done. Is a Coalition the right answer, perhaps it is, as it also saves us from another election that may resolve nothing.
And those who support the Liberals & NDP also have to be honest too. They have to acknowledge that the nation is seeking more than either or. We want compromise, we want a balance in our programs, that insure what is distinctly Canadian, but also responsible. Yes, the Conservative Policies are a failure, have been for years now, but this isn’t about the past, but about the future, and i have to agree with Duceppe here. This is about doing what is best, not what is politically expedient, or opportune. The risk is that running too far right, too far away from the middle ground, will give Harper the edge he needs to form a majority government.
If that happens, this country is doomed to repeat the mistakes made by George Bush. it is a risk, that I hope all who sit as Liberals, NDP, & Bloc, keep in mind come December 8. Big Business has a strangle hold on our country, just as they did in the USA and it may not be enough to want to change things. We need to act, as a nation, not one divided by politics. I can see the attack ads coming, if this coalition becomes a reality, but I hope we, as a people, will ignore the vile and filth, that seems to spew from the Harper Elitists.
Sphere: Related ContentIan @ December 1, 2008