Like it or not, most of us (considering the usual voter turnout, perhaps that should be ‘some of us’) will be making a rather large number of decisions this year.
First a federal election, then an HST ballot, then a possible provincial vote (or at the very least a byelection in Point Grey), followed by municipal balloting in November. Throw in the Stanley Cup and the gamblers among us will have a banner year winning (and losing) on their favourites.
Much has been said over the past few days about the number of federal elections that have been held recently – four in seven years. However, it has been 31 months since the last one, the previous three each held just 24 months apart. This longer gap I’d suggest, is telling about the preparedness and the financial ability of the opposition parties to mount a campaign. Because we all know that the desire for political power surmounts everything but the cache of money to achieve it.
This fact alone has allowed the Conservatives to enjoy a rather lengthy term as a minority government. However, being in a minority also means a certain amount of compromise and an inability to take definite action on a number of issues. I have a feeling after May 2 that will change, and that the Conservatives will finally succeed in their long-sought majority.
Then again that may just be wishful thinking, though I know for certain that despite what the rest of the country does, much of British Columbia will stay true Blue. A few more seats in Atlantic Canada, a handful in Ontario and B.C. will become the deciding factor in who rules the land, once and for all (for at least four more years anyway).
Then we might see some significant legislation to get us out of deficit financing, spur the economy, tackle crime, hopefully shake up the judiciary and, a pet of mine, eliminate the long gun registry. Throw in a bunch of new fighter planes, some ice-breakers to protect the sovereignty of our northern regions and we may end up with a country that will encourage people to always stand proudly to sing O Canada, instead of only during hockey games.
Yes, the older I get the more right wing I become. I did however, lower to half-mast the flag that always flies at my house when Pierre Elliot Trudeau passed to the great beyond . . . something I won’t do when Brian Mulroney enters the same state.
As a political animal, I relish the challenge of elections, but only when I’m involved beyond simply casting a ballot. Since where I live, and most readers of this column reside, there isn’t much of a decision to be made . . . the incumbent right winger will succeed (as usual, with probably the greatest majority in the country). And that means not a lot of fun to be had in a campaign where the end result is all but decided.
Provincially in this community that matter is almost a given too, but on the civic scene I’m guessing there will be some change come November 19. That, however, remains to be seen depending upon the combatants.
What also remains is the distance the Canucks will go in the playoffs. They are at least guaranteed the first round. If they make it to the finals, they will probably make it to the Cup.
Like Harper’s Conservatives, this is their best chance in a ton of years, and if they fail they will be relegated, as will political has-beens, to ignominy. I’m keeping the faith though, because I have no desire to fly the flag at half-mast this year.
markrushton@abbynews.com