Christmas 2005 Part A 123

Christmas 2005 Part A 123
Originally uploaded by bow_river_teacher.

Merry Christmas all. Sammie's first "active" Christmas. Hope you all had a wonder filled Christmas.

Elections? Smelections

So, the big question out there these days is whether or not apathy is growing among Canadians. Let's look at last time round. In the 2004 election it was a dismal 60.5% voter turnout amongst eligible voters. What is going to happen this time round?

I don't think the whole Christmas thing really matters, do you? Who cares if they are campaigning at Christmas or in the summer. It could mean there is more to talk about around the Turkey dinner this year in my conservative parents and in-laws households.

I heard tonight that Quebec is leaning very heavily towards voting Bloc. This means the Liberals will lose a few dozens seats in one of the biggest provinces. Will the growth of Bloc mean a coup for Conservatives? Will they be able to gain enough ridings to overthrow the Libs? Well, if they do I see a few problems with a lasting government run by the Blues.

If the Torys do end up winning the minority government don't you think it is more likely that the other four parties (all of whom seem to be more left wing than right) will be ready to push the Conservatives out at any moment, as soon as the iron seems hot enough? With Harper's lack of experience and the country's left lean, the Conservatives, as a right wing party, don't stand much of a chance.

Perhaps the Conservatives have got a few smart ones in their ranks and they can figure out that this is a country that tends toward the left, away from becoming the 51st state, away from armed conflict, towards environmental issues, public health care and peace keepers. If they do start realizing this and make some changes that move them left (like their recent move to prop up parents a bit by providing child care help) what will separate them from the Liberals?

One thing is for sure, with only one back to back Conservative government in the 20th century Harper has to understand his country or he will not last long in this political landscape.

Just my two cents....

TC