I hate to admit it, but I'm kinda hoping that this election will restore balance back to Canadian politics.
The worst thing that could happen is that we end of with a repeat of the 90s and we replace one-party Liberal rule with one-party Conservative rule. Politicians start to abuse the system if they don't feel they have to fight to keep their seat the next time an election rolls around.
A lot of people don't like minority governments, but I'd prefer it to stay in minority territory. Of course, I lean somewhat to the anarchist side, so I prefer weak governments over strong ones.
I've been hearing about BC being the place. I can't vote but my husband will. Where I live currently, I guess I'd hate to see it go conservative. But it is a threat...
Hi! I almost never post (only twice - and both were overly long, and rambling)....
Anyways, I'm posting quickly from work to mention to you and Redsock that the NDP offices of 4 Toronto ridings (including Jack Layton's and Olivia Chow's) are having a big event, open to all NDP supporters, at a club called the Guvernment (416-869-0045 132 Queens Quay East).
It won't get off the ground until after polls close, around 10:00. I've been to a few of these before, and they're very inspiring. There is something about watching the polls come in with fellow "partiers":)
Jack and Olivia will both be there.
I just thought I'd let you know about this, in case it's something you might be interested in...
The worst thing that could happen is that we end of with a repeat of the 90s and we replace one-party Liberal rule with one-party Conservative rule. Politicians start to abuse the system if they don't feel they have to fight to keep their seat the next time an election rolls around.
Good point. I want minority governments, too - unless they're NDP. ;-)
It would be great if you two showed up for this event! One word of warning though: the Guvernment is a HUGE dance club - not exactly the warmest or the most intimate of environments, so I can't guarantee what the atmosphere will be like. Also, in past events, Jack Layton was extremely accessible (basically just wandering around having drinks and hanging out), but of course, at the last event of this nature that I attended, he was but a mere city councillor, supporting his wife's run for parliament. Now that he's the leader of federal party, I'm not sure he'll be that easy to meet. Well, then again, he is pretty down-to-earth, as is Olivia Chow.
These events really are fun, and will be especially so if the NDP does better than expected this time, and if Olivia Chow wins her seat. Jubilation all round. On the other hand, if they don't do well, or Olivia loses again (and this may well happen), it will probably end up being particularly depressing - being in the midst of several committed and passionate supporters, whose shock and depression over election results is palpable and extreme, can sometimes be almost too much.
This is off of today's topic, but a follow up to a comment Rob had posted a week or so ago about America wanting Alberta. I saw this on 60 minutes last night...I guess the word has spread..
I voted for Navdeep Bains. A nice guy and very polite. He also took a tough stand and defied his religious leader to support gay marriage....
Bains said yesterday he tried to educate Vedanti about the legislation, telling him it doesn't "trump religious institutions" but rather extends civil rights.
"We have a very diverse country and the only way minorities can coexist peacefully is (because) we have the Charter. That's what I'm trying to defend here," said Bains.
"It would be a different scenario if religious institutions ... the synagogue, the church, the mandir, the gurudwara, if these institutions were not protected" under this legislation.
Bains said his reasons for supporting Bill C-38 are rooted in personal experience. Growing up in Mississauga wearing a turban, he felt like an "outcast."
"The only thing that allowed me to practise my faith was (the Charter.) That's why I feel very adamant about upholding the principles of the Charter because it has done so much for me on a personal level."
This end result has made me an unhappy little girl!! I really wish I had been able to vote! I was hoping for a minority government in the OTHER direction. Damn!
Well, Laura, CBC's saying a Tory minority. I wonder how you're enjoying your first Canadian federal election. :)
Believe it or not, quite a lot! It's not the outcome I would want, of course - but it's the expected outcome, not a shock. I found watching the whole process - from the no-confidence vote on through tonight - absolutely fascinating.
The best thing tonight was seeing how well the NDP did, and hearing Ed Broadbent speculate on what that will mean to the new Tory government.
More on this tomorrow, of course!
Good night, all. Love you guys, you make me so happy I'm here.
I think we've all known this was in the works since last spring... certainly since New Year's. I'm just glad the Tories didn't get a majority. In some respects, this might be the best outcome. The Tories have to deal. The Grits are out and have a chance to rebuilt their credibility -- the question remains, will they? -- and the NDP have an enhanced opportunity to shine. And the Bloc Quebecois not only didn't get their +50%, they lost seats to a federal party with no presence in Quebec for years till tonight.
My hopes are that the Grits can reinvent themselves over the next couple of years, recover the confidence of Canadians (outside that place that bitches about "one party government" -- y'know, that one that voted for... just one party this evening...), and on that basis move back into 24 Sussex Drive next time 'round.
Or maybe Harper will surprise and impress me. But given the people he owes tonight... I doubt it.
I agree with you. (I don't know if I'd go so far as to say it's the best outcome... :) ) But really, I do agree that it works in many ways. Not least of which is maybe Albertans can stop complaining for a while.
BC is a fine balance between its rabidly conservative interior and the cosmopolitan, multiethnic urban coast. I'm not shocked it proved to be the sting in the tail.
Just got back from my 15 hour day as a DRO. Turnout was down, which was strange, but I gather the polling place had moved, and a lot of folks were very angry by the time they found us (and others, I presume, never found us).
You easterners probably missed Martin's concession speech, but he was relaxed, passionate, and articulate, and did the right thing by his country and his party. That was the man we were expecting to see as PM, instead of this strange awkward ditherer we've seen. Strange, how things turn. Heck, it was even nice seeing Kim Campbell speak on the CBC. (Now there's a westerner who was screwed over by the eastern establishment...)
A good night. Everyone wins, except the BQ, and the fervent anti-abortionist in my riding. Huzzah. Now... DREO needs sleep...badly.
But really, I do agree that it works in many ways. Not least of which is maybe Albertans can stop complaining for a while.
Oh, yes... Alberta. That land where democracy breathes free and the pulse of dynamic individualism beats strong. Won't it be interesting when Rob swings by? After all the lecturing he's done to us about a "one-party state" being foisted on Canada by some monolithic eastern bloc, I wonder if he'd be interested in comparing riding results from his province with, say, mine... or any other province but tiny, four-seat Prince Edward Island, for that matter.
Yes, I'm sure Alberta will be happy for a while. After all, they demonstrated last night that an entire province can get by with only one hat! Think of the savings. >:)
Heck, it was even nice seeing Kim Campbell speak on the CBC. (Now there's a westerner who was screwed over by the eastern establishment...)
In fairness to the country, I hope this is a reference to 'BRIAN MULRONEY'S AMAZING GERONIMO!!! JUMP FROM JUSTICE' in 1993... "Yes, Kim, you finally get your hands on the controls! Now act like a pilot while the plane smashes into that mountain I aimed it at. See yah!" [sound of barking laughter as chute opens; plane does slow-mo mountainside explosion].
28 comments:
I hate to admit it, but I'm kinda hoping that this election will restore balance back to Canadian politics.
The worst thing that could happen is that we end of with a repeat of the 90s and we replace one-party Liberal rule with one-party Conservative rule. Politicians start to abuse the system if they don't feel they have to fight to keep their seat the next time an election rolls around.
A lot of people don't like minority governments, but I'd prefer it to stay in minority territory. Of course, I lean somewhat to the anarchist side, so I prefer weak governments over strong ones.
I've been hearing about BC being the place. I can't vote but my husband will. Where I live currently, I guess I'd hate to see it go conservative. But it is a threat...
Hehe, I voted on the first so I can just sit back and relax, wondering if hell is going to freeze over tonight.
Hi! I almost never post (only twice - and both were overly long, and rambling)....
Anyways, I'm posting quickly from work to mention to you and Redsock that the NDP offices of 4 Toronto ridings (including Jack Layton's and Olivia Chow's) are having a big event, open to all NDP supporters, at a club called the Guvernment (416-869-0045
132 Queens Quay East).
It won't get off the ground until after polls close, around 10:00. I've been to a few of these before, and they're very inspiring. There is something about watching the polls come in with fellow "partiers":)
Jack and Olivia will both be there.
I just thought I'd let you know about this, in case it's something you might be interested in...
By the way, this an absolutely great blog...
Lisa
Lisa, thank you so much for this! That would really be fun, and I'd like to meet Layton and Chow in person. Thanks for letting us know.
Also thanks for saying nice things about wmtc. :)
I remember your posts, which were not rambling, but very welcome. (Aren't you the person who told me about pubs with Irish music?)
The worst thing that could happen is that we end of with a repeat of the 90s and we replace one-party Liberal rule with one-party Conservative rule. Politicians start to abuse the system if they don't feel they have to fight to keep their seat the next time an election rolls around.
Good point. I want minority governments, too - unless they're NDP. ;-)
Yes, I was the long-winded Irish pub poster.
It would be great if you two showed up for this event! One word of warning though: the Guvernment is a HUGE dance club - not exactly the warmest or the most intimate of environments, so I can't guarantee what the atmosphere will be like. Also, in past events, Jack Layton was extremely accessible (basically just wandering around having drinks and hanging out), but of course, at the last event of this nature that I attended, he was but a mere city councillor, supporting his wife's run for parliament. Now that he's the leader of federal party, I'm not sure he'll be that easy to meet. Well, then again, he is pretty down-to-earth, as is Olivia Chow.
These events really are fun, and will be especially so if the NDP does better than expected this time, and if Olivia Chow wins her seat. Jubilation all round. On the other hand, if they don't do well, or Olivia loses again (and this may well happen), it will probably end up being particularly depressing - being in the midst of several committed and passionate supporters, whose shock and depression over election results is palpable and extreme, can sometimes be almost too much.
Still, I hope that you guys make it.
Lisa
This is off of today's topic, but a follow up to a comment Rob had posted a week or so ago about America wanting Alberta. I saw this on 60 minutes last night...I guess the word has spread..
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/01/20/60minutes/main1225184.shtml
I voted this morning, for Gord Perks, the NDP candidate in Davenport.
Gord Perks is a good friend of a good friend. I've met him a few times. He is a GREAT guy: committed, smart and best of all, very very witty.
Lisa
I voted for Navdeep Bains. A nice guy and very polite. He also took a tough stand and defied his religious leader to support gay marriage....
Bains said yesterday he tried to educate Vedanti about the legislation, telling him it doesn't "trump religious institutions" but rather extends civil rights.
"We have a very diverse country and the only way minorities can coexist peacefully is (because) we have the Charter. That's what I'm trying to defend here," said Bains.
"It would be a different scenario if religious institutions ... the synagogue, the church, the mandir, the gurudwara, if these institutions were not protected" under this legislation.
Bains said his reasons for supporting Bill C-38 are rooted in personal experience. Growing up in Mississauga wearing a turban, he felt like an "outcast."
"The only thing that allowed me to practise my faith was (the Charter.) That's why I feel very adamant about upholding the principles of the Charter because it has done so much for me on a personal level."
http://www.equal-marriage.ca/resource.php?id=241
I voted for Navdeep Bains. A nice guy and very polite. He also took a tough stand and defied his religious leader to support gay marriage....
I heard about that - impressive!
Nataleo, I haven't looked at your link yet, but I will.
Well, Laura, CBC's saying a Tory minority. I wonder how you're enjoying your first Canadian federal election. :)
Howdy,
So where will angry Canadian liberals "threaten" to move to once Harper is in power?
Why do you care? You're from Texas, separated from the taint of Canadian socialism by at least 800 miles.
So where will angry Canadian liberals "threaten" to move to once Harper is in power?
Oh, I think transferring a million or so Torontonians to Alberta to even things out might be a good start... :)
This end result has made me an unhappy little girl!! I really wish I had been able to vote!
I was hoping for a minority government in the OTHER direction.
Damn!
So where will angry Canadian liberals "threaten" to move to once Harper is in power?
If I ever meet an angry Canadian liberal, I'll be sure and ask.
Well, Laura, CBC's saying a Tory minority. I wonder how you're enjoying your first Canadian federal election. :)
Believe it or not, quite a lot! It's not the outcome I would want, of course - but it's the expected outcome, not a shock. I found watching the whole process - from the no-confidence vote on through tonight - absolutely fascinating.
The best thing tonight was seeing how well the NDP did, and hearing Ed Broadbent speculate on what that will mean to the new Tory government.
More on this tomorrow, of course!
Good night, all. Love you guys, you make me so happy I'm here.
I think we've all known this was in the works since last spring... certainly since New Year's. I'm just glad the Tories didn't get a majority. In some respects, this might be the best outcome. The Tories have to deal. The Grits are out and have a chance to rebuilt their credibility -- the question remains, will they? -- and the NDP have an enhanced opportunity to shine. And the Bloc Quebecois not only didn't get their +50%, they lost seats to a federal party with no presence in Quebec for years till tonight.
My hopes are that the Grits can reinvent themselves over the next couple of years, recover the confidence of Canadians (outside that place that bitches about "one party government" -- y'know, that one that voted for... just one party this evening...), and on that basis move back into 24 Sussex Drive next time 'round.
Or maybe Harper will surprise and impress me. But given the people he owes tonight... I doubt it.
I agree with you. (I don't know if I'd go so far as to say it's the best outcome... :) ) But really, I do agree that it works in many ways. Not least of which is maybe Albertans can stop complaining for a while.
BC is a fine balance between its rabidly conservative interior and the cosmopolitan, multiethnic urban coast. I'm not shocked it proved to be the sting in the tail.
Just got back from my 15 hour day as a DRO. Turnout was down, which was strange, but I gather the polling place had moved, and a lot of folks were very angry by the time they found us (and others, I presume, never found us).
You easterners probably missed Martin's concession speech, but he was relaxed, passionate, and articulate, and did the right thing by his country and his party. That was the man we were expecting to see as PM, instead of this strange awkward ditherer we've seen. Strange, how things turn. Heck, it was even nice seeing Kim Campbell speak on the CBC. (Now there's a westerner who was screwed over by the eastern establishment...)
A good night. Everyone wins, except the BQ, and the fervent anti-abortionist in my riding. Huzzah. Now... DREO needs sleep...badly.
You easterners probably missed Martin's concession speech
We watched it! He was definitely good. Missed Harper, but we'll be seeing enough of him in the near future.
I was thinking about you tonight, Wrye. You must be beat! I hope it was a great night, being part of democracy upclose-like. Good on ya.
But really, I do agree that it works in many ways. Not least of which is maybe Albertans can stop complaining for a while.
Oh, yes... Alberta. That land where democracy breathes free and the pulse of dynamic individualism beats strong. Won't it be interesting when Rob swings by? After all the lecturing he's done to us about a "one-party state" being foisted on Canada by some monolithic eastern bloc, I wonder if he'd be interested in comparing riding results from his province with, say, mine... or any other province but tiny, four-seat Prince Edward Island, for that matter.
Yes, I'm sure Alberta will be happy for a while. After all, they demonstrated last night that an entire province can get by with only one hat! Think of the savings. >:)
Perfect timing, LP. Check out today's thread - you were practically posting at the same time.
Heck, it was even nice seeing Kim Campbell speak on the CBC. (Now there's a westerner who was screwed over by the eastern establishment...)
In fairness to the country, I hope this is a reference to 'BRIAN MULRONEY'S AMAZING GERONIMO!!! JUMP FROM JUSTICE' in 1993... "Yes, Kim, you finally get your hands on the controls! Now act like a pilot while the plane smashes into that mountain I aimed it at. See yah!" [sound of barking laughter as chute opens; plane does slow-mo mountainside explosion].
Hey L--
Given the way things went out here in BC, it looks like we, the people, did a pretty good job of voting strategically.
You guys have something going on out there. Impressive.
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