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Monday, December 01, 2008
Fear of a red planet
So it's been signed. The Liberals, NDP and Bloc parties are surely all celebrating their new found power tonight. If they haven't already, the political hacks behind the NDP and Liberals will probably soon realize some of the practical implications of this agreement.
Way back during the last election you might remember some criticism here of the Conservatives for moderating their positions on certain policies in order to win over Eastern voters. Believe it or not, this moderation worked both ways, with the Liberals moderating -- if not their policy, then their rhetoric -- in order to win Western votes.
I've always thought that was a good thing.
It's a huge country and while ideological purity is great in magazines -- when it comes to everyday people in Newfoundland, BC, and Toronto -- they all need to feel that their government takes their views into consideration.
The thing is, those party hacks might be realizing today that they no longer need to take the views of Westerners into consideration. They've come upon a winning formula.
For a decade or more Liberal politicians threw Western money at Eastern ridings. But they always held back a little because of the need they had to win at least a few Western seats. That holding back might have cost them a riding or two where the NDP outbid them for votes. Next election, if the Liberals know that they can count on Bloc and, if needed, NDP support, there's nothing to stop them from running an overtly anti-Western 'share the wealth' campaign.
Think of how the last election would have gone if the Liberals knew the NDP and Bloc would get behind them in a future Parliament. There are a lot of votes the Liberals could have got in the 905 if they had explicitly come out and said that they would use Alberta's oil revenue to subsidize the auto industry, or build new trains and subways out to every corner of the Liberal world.
This move by the opposition is going to make Canadian politics even more regional than they were before. Just look at how the Premiers are reacting to it - the Eastern premiers seem to be acquiescing, the Western premiers working out plans to resists the new regime.
If the Liberals pull this off, then I really do think it's another nail in the coffin of the existing federation.
Posted by Robert Jago on December 1, 2008 in Canadian Politics | Permalink
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Comments
"If the Liberals pull this off, then I really do think it's another nail in the coffin of the existing federation."
It's about time!
I've given up on Canada for a long time now. It is only recently "some folks" are waking up to the reality that Canada that includes fairly considering Western Canadian values and interests.
Put up a border at Manitoba (if they choose us over them), relinquish the name "Canada"- choose another, and start the ball rolling on getting on with the rest of our lives as responsible adults- not immature wards of Central Canada.
We must look past the short term pain for the benefit of our children. They need to be able to hold their heads high and rule their own lives free of the discrimination imposed on all of by "Canada".
Let the cutting begin!
Posted by: Gavin Anger | 2008-12-01 5:09:02 PM
Western Canada would certainly prosper on its own. Perhaps, it could provide a principled refuge from the growing Homeland Security State in America.
WS should run a poll on a new name for the new confederation. Colbertskatoba? I bet you would get Stephen Colbert on board, lol.
http://www.mikevine.com/
Posted by: Mike Vine | 2008-12-01 6:00:10 PM
If the Liberals pull this off, then I really do think it's another nail in the coffin of the existing federation.
Posted by Robert Jago on December 1, 2008
God I hope so. The existing federation could really use a good bon fire.
The "Republic of Western Canada" has a nice ring to it. ...we could welcome all hard working, non communists and offer the socialists some time to pack up and move to Toronto, we could really make a go of it... :)
Posted by: JC | 2008-12-01 7:24:17 PM
Separation works for me.
Posted by: Pete | 2008-12-01 8:11:46 PM
The "Republic of Western Canada" has a nice ring to it.
Posted by: JC | 1-Dec-08 7:24:17 PM
Maybe instead of being a Canadian province ol' Eddie could work out a deal and you could become a Ukrainian province.
Posted by: The Stig | 2008-12-01 8:41:09 PM
JC: nice idea but I don't like using the term "Canada" - it has too much of a fascist, imperialist and Trudeauist/Dionist ring to it.
Posted by: Zebulon Pike | 2008-12-01 8:44:39 PM
Maybe instead of being a Canadian province ol' Eddie could work out a deal and you could become a Ukrainian province.
Posted by: The Stig | 1-Dec-08 8:41:09 PM
Too funny. :)
I think we should fire him too. lol
Posted by: JC | 2008-12-01 8:48:56 PM
Let's roll !!! Enough is a enough!
Posted by: Sean | 2008-12-02 2:21:02 AM
I was lucky enough in the early 80's to spend some time in Canada (about 6 months) and I have to say it would be sad if Canada splinters.
That being said, if a peaceful solution can not be accomplished, I would have no issue assisting the Western Provinces become a Independent Nation.
Posted by: Terry from USA. | 2008-12-02 9:53:57 AM
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