16 April 2007
On Dion and May
Some of my close compatriots have reservations about the recent change in the leadership of the Liberal Party of Canada - not that they would ever even vote for a Liberal. The popularity of Canadian progressive politicians tends to run hot and lukewarm around here. In one election a while back, I voted Green, but was still content when Chrétien became Prime Minister. I'll be happy to have the incumbent NDP candidate in our riding be swept into office, but would rather not see her party form the government. Only these newfangled Reforma-Toripublicans manage to muster the kind of partisan contempt that divides America so cleanly. "Anything But Conservative" is a slogan that small "l" liberals in Canada can be comfortable with in these dark times. Just ask anybody who didn't vote for the Tories in Vancouver-Kingsway. If you like your government lite on the christianity and chickenhawk-free, having your elected Liberal candidate cross the floor to the Conservatives the day after the election will make a Cock-blocker out of anyone. Proportional representation needs to hurry the hell up and get here. That, however, is the subject of another conversation.
Back to Stéphane, though. One person in my small circle, who shall remain nameless, dismisses Dion in that she thinks he doesn't posses the leadership qualities that would make a good Prime Minister. I like him. Not only is he intelligent and green, but he beat the odds at the leadership convention. Three cheers for the underdog! I think he could be very shrewd indeed. Take, for example, the joint statement released by Dion and Green Party leader, Elizabeth May - a landmark in inter-party cooperation. As I understand it, May will run without Liberal competition against Peter McKay's Conservative incumbency. Shrewd. Bold. Ballsy. Brilliant. Given her strong showing in previous by-elections, the environmental vote would definitely be split otherwise. If she gets elected, her seat would bolster the causes of both parties.
The tide may be turning.
Gratitude to Scott Tribe for posting about this and linking to the statements. He's got more opinion and analysis of these events well worth checking out.
Back to Stéphane, though. One person in my small circle, who shall remain nameless, dismisses Dion in that she thinks he doesn't posses the leadership qualities that would make a good Prime Minister. I like him. Not only is he intelligent and green, but he beat the odds at the leadership convention. Three cheers for the underdog! I think he could be very shrewd indeed. Take, for example, the joint statement released by Dion and Green Party leader, Elizabeth May - a landmark in inter-party cooperation. As I understand it, May will run without Liberal competition against Peter McKay's Conservative incumbency. Shrewd. Bold. Ballsy. Brilliant. Given her strong showing in previous by-elections, the environmental vote would definitely be split otherwise. If she gets elected, her seat would bolster the causes of both parties.
The tide may be turning.
Gratitude to Scott Tribe for posting about this and linking to the statements. He's got more opinion and analysis of these events well worth checking out.
Labels: blog-love
// posted by Parge @ 8:29 AM
