jibber

For those of you who don't live in Canada (and thus are very unlikely to care about our politics) Canada is basically going through a coup at the moment.

The conservatives currently hold a minority government that holds 144 out of 308 seats. Since they have less than half (155+) they can be overthrown with a vote of non-confidence in the government. This current vote was sparked by Harper's economic plan, which the Libs, NDP and Bloc are not happy with. What usually happens (as was the case with the 2006 election that tossed Paul Martin) is the Governor General will drop the writ and call and election.

Since we just had an election in October, the Liberals (77 seats) and NDP (37 seats) are hoping the GG will offer them a chance to form a government instead of holding another election. In other words, we'd end up with an unelected government that depended on the separatist party to get into power. F*cking Weak sauce.

Should I break out the cigars and hang up a poster of Che Guevara next to my "Viva la Revolución" banner?

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What you've done becomes the judge of what you're going to do -- especially in other people's minds. When you're traveling, you are what you are right there and then. People don't have your past to hold against you. No yesterdays on the road.
William Least Heat Moon, Blue Highways

Your toughest competitor lives in your head. Some days his name is fear, or pain, or gravity. Stomp his ass.

HOOKED ON THE WHITE POWDER

sleepy jack

Alli I'm telling you, black guys are the way to go.

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mr dave

i'd wait until at least tuesday before busting out the cohibas. i'm also not expecting this to be a quick decision on the GGs part, at least i hope it isn't, this is going to set a HUGE precedent for canadian politics.

it's also understandable that the opposition would be outraged by harper's pre-budget economic plan which amongst other things was going to slash the public funding every party gets based on voting results (currently $1.95 per vote). it would have effectively bankrupt both the liberals and the bloc.

it's also pretty lame (but not at all surprising) that the coalition is turning around and claiming a lack of action in regards to the economy as the driving force behind the non-confidence vote and the power grab. even if they get their way there's no way they can table a budget any faster than the conservatives already have planned for january.

there's also even less point in dumping a chunk from a proposed $30 billion aid package for auto and forestry into the failing north american auto sector when we don't know if the big 3 will even be bailed out by Obama's administration. it's not like anyone with a clue couldn't see them tanking from a few years back when desperation (free gas for 6 months, employee discount, first 6 payments on us, etc.) took over their advertising direction.

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i am the universe

mr dave

well that didn't last long.

GG agrees to suspend Parliament until January

now there are liberal MPs calling for dion to step down earlier than his anticipated may 2nd retirement.

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i am the universe

CAPTAIN CAVEMAN

what a mess