In the span of five minutes, I've managed to glean enough from the headlines to see just how badly the Conservatives are falling apart - or at least, showing incredible difficulty at keeping their game together when under pressure.
Either that, or just coincidentally, politics is suddenly the best show in town!
I mean, no sit-com or soap can beat what I've just run into.
I submit to you for your reading pleasure:
1) Garth Turner, whom I barely heard of two days ago, renegade Conservative MP from southwestern Ontario, had in the past developed a name for himself by virtue of his singular brand of populism, his wide range of opinions on very much everything - and I assure you, he does have an opinion on everything - and most especially, his adherence to a set of principles which, perhaps to his peril, do not behold him very closely to the breast of Stephen Harper. Or to any cut-and-baked ideology for that matter.
Yesterday (see previous posts), this gentleman was unceremoniously shown the door of the Conservative party of Canada. Unable to muzzle him as effectively as they do Canada's media, the Conservatives cut loose an MP who, increasingly, was seen by the CPC Politburo either as a threat to Harper's one-man team approach to government or, more specifically, a dangerous, outspoken liability to have onboard in these trying times. The Tories have, since 23 January this year, dogmatically pushed forward a legislative agenda which, while largely respecting their stated five priorities (minus the health care guarantees), is not necessarily the agenda Canadians want. It's increasingly becoming clear that while we wanted the lobster bisque entrée, the main course isn't all that appetizing, let alone dessert.
In a blog conversation with a friend, I was reminded that "Canadians get what they voted for." True, I acknowledge, pertinent, and good food for thought for those, such as myself, who find themselves very easily inclined to denounce the current regime at each and every opportunity that presents itself on the basis of its legitimacy or lack thereof. I therefore ask the question: "Are we getting what we asked for?" And better yet, "What did Canadians ask for on 23 January?" Considering, as factors, the underlying fundamental irrationality of the exercise of voting, in the sense that policy is near the bottom of the totem pole of factors taken into account when the average Canadian goes to vote, the scandal of recent memory (sponsorship), the scandal-in-the-making during the election (income trusts) and Harper's solidity in delivering a clear, understandable and coherent message during the campaign, Canadians wanted fresh blood, a respite from - and for - the liberals, and a common-sense, stick-to-the-basics, get-the-job-done, but-without-putting-into-question-our-fundamental-values government.
They did not ask for, to name a few: polarized, false debates on the validity of Canada's role and duration of involvement in Afghanistan; the arbitrary axing of federal programs which, while the case hadn't been made for their validity, had even less been made for their elimination; a reversal on our international environmental commitments, which enjoy high popular support across the land; the interventionist,
government-trying-to-tell-me-whom-I-can-sleep-with type attack on consenting Canadians' civil liberties and equal rights via the reopening of the definition of marriage.
So all this said, Garth had a few things to say, gets booted from his caucus... and is now exploring joining the Green Party!
Wow.
This is significant news: Should this adoption occur, Turner will become the Green Paryt's first MP in the House of Commons, not only foreshadowing a new fracturing of Canada's political landscape (back to the five-party paradigm), but a fundamental shift in voter choices. With the envionment being a current political hot-button issue, the Greens have much to gain, if only they can capitalize, develop and sustain the necessary momentum through next spring. An MP in the House lends significant weight, credibility, and resources, to the Greens, who will have a spokesperson guaranteed time in Question Period every day. A strong Green party will provide a very palatable choice for some current liberals and NDPers, who may make the switch should the proper conditions be forthcoming (for instance, those opposed to Layton's stance on the war, or Liberals disappointed in the choice of their new leader).
More to follow.
I'm gonna eat now... A+!
