No one listens to me.
On October 15 I posted a few thoughts and observations about the results of the Canadian election. Read it here.
In the first paragraph I disclosed the historical popular vote results for the Liberals (44%) and Conservatives (36%).
When one consults this fact, it makes the recent bizarre assertions attempting to justify the Liberal/NDP/Bloc coalition absurd. Apparently, 2/3 of Canadians voted for them therefore the Conservatives have no choice but to accept the "will of the people." I've heard the figure range anywhere from 62% to 66%. In fact, it's closer to 58%. Regardless, it's a deliberate misuse of facts. And both Liberal and NDP figurines keep unacceptably pimping this.
It doesn't matter that "2/3" of Canadians voted for two or three parties. This has always historically been the case. This is how the system works. Notice how neither the Liberals or Conservatives ever garnered over 50% of the vote. All of a sudden the 37% the Conservatives pulled in is somehow painted as an anomaly of some sort.
Yet, the Liberals won majorities with 37% to 41% in the 1990s. No one ever mentioned then how the other three parties always had a higher popular vote.
The Liberals won strong majorities thanks in part to the destruction of the conservative party. Slowly, the conservatives rebuilt itself and we're seeing the success of this now.
Moreover, even if we were to accept this clouded line of thinking, in the 58% figure (of which the Liberals managed 30%) one has to figure out how many Liberal voters are actually in favor of the alliance with the NDP and Bloc.
Finally, there's some basic math involved. There are four national parties and one regional. Three parties have various degrees of consistent national support and this is likely to persist - unless the recent ill-advised decision by the Liberals shatters that party depending on whether the backlash is wickedly powerful.
One (Greens) is just starting out and the other (Bloc) are Quebec-based. Set up this way, even if, for example, the Conservatives managed 51% that would mean Canada effectively would become a one-party dictatorship. It would entail that four other parties managed 10% each (assuming it gets divided equally.) We all know this is next to impossible in Canadian politics.
You can view historical election results here.
***Last note. How can the Liberals have the nerve to form a coalition when its own party is filled with uncertainty? They should have bit their tongues, rebuild and then take on Harper. I understand the fact Harper was attempting to corner the opposition but we were but six weeks in. There was a premeditated aspect to this. The Liberals were not ready for power six weeks ago and they certainly aren't ready now. I think the backlash will be on the Liberals. The potential for long-term damage is greater with the Liberals than with the Conservatives at this time.
I know this is redundant, but it is still worth saying. We are living in a time when things are no longer business or politics as usual, yet each of us falls into the trap of acting and talking as if they were. As long as we do this 'they' - meaning the political and business fraternity internationally - will be given the green light to enforce their tired narrative.
ReplyDeleteI think you're right.
ReplyDeleteThere's a certain loss of "liberty" to the democratic process.
I love it when parties speak as if they have the "will" of Canadian people on their side.
What I don't get is how the Liberals could possibly think this is a good idea knowing full way the West would never stand for it. Is this pure arrogance on their part?
Full "well." Sorry.
ReplyDelete