This morning's Trash & Pail ran the headline: Liberals unwilling to prop up Harper, stating that OL Graham had indicated that given the BQ and the NDP had pushed for an election, it was up to them to ensure Harper stayed in place. Liberals would not compromise on their principles and platform.
Good on him.
The Liberals were elected on a platform and should stick to it. Besides, Harper has already demonstrated a great deal of flexibility on his principles, let him show some more.
But this does lead us to the question of what next.
Over the next little while, I pledge to take full advantage of the vanity press, and provide my own thoughts... I hope you will provide yours...
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The Harper-Bloc Axis:
President Lyndon Johnson was a master at counting the votes when he was Senate Majority Leader. He knew that principles counted, but having them passed into legislation meant another set of counting: how many votes did he have?
To understand the dynamics of the Harper government, one must count the votes.
Firstly, the Liberals and NDP are impotent in this Parliament because they do not have enough votes to defeat Harper’s New Tories. So their votes do not count.
Secondly, the balance of power in this Parliament lies with the Bloc. Only they have enough votes to singlehandedly ensure that Harper’s legislation is passed or voted down. So the votes of the Bloc count.
Thirdly, the Harper-Bloc Axis is one of convenience – both sides need each other for certain purposes. Harper needs the Bloc’s votes to pass his program. The Bloc wants to negotiate as much transfer of powers (taxation, other) from the federal government as possible, and so will support Harper if he gives them this.
Fourthly, the Bloc has Liberal Premier Charest boxed in. He cannot be seen to be opposing the transfer of power from Ottawa to Quebec because this will cause him lost support in the next election. So he has to march to the Bloc’s tune and support the Harper-Bloc Axis program of the dismantlement of the Canadian confederation.
Where does that leave Canada?
There is no-one standing up for Canada, and no-one with the votes who will defend Canada.
The only hope for Canada is if it becomes transparent what is taking place, and the citizens start voicing their concerns. The pressure to preserve Canada must now come from the voters, in each and every constituency.
Aided, of course, by progressive bloggers, who are a new force in the political universe.
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