A brief glossary for those confused by the current Canadian political situation

[electricland]

Adversarial (adj): any behaviour or statement that suggests someone might have an opinion contrary to that of the Conservative party.

Antidemocratic (adj): anything that hinders the Conservative party from doing exactly as it wishes.

Elected government (n): the Conservative party.

Opposition (n): those sneaky underhanded bastards across the aisle. How did they get seats anyway? (See also: plotting, adversarial, antidemocratic.)

Plotting (n): an activity engaged in by any other party.

Prorogue (v): take our toys and go home.

Separatists (n): EEEEEVIL PEOPLE FROM QUEBEC WHO WANT TO DESTROY THE COUNTRY! OOGA BOOGA BOOGA! (var.: Bloq Quebecois)


Someone on the radio the other day -- possibly Scott Brison? -- made the important point that we the people elect MPs to Parliament. Parliament chooses the government. The Prime Minister is the guy at the head of the party that's currently the government. We are not in the US, and the only people who actually voted for Stephen Harper are 38,548 people in Calgary Southwest.

And no, Conservatives, we actually haven't forgotten that you called the last election on the flimsiest possible grounds and got in with a minority barely better than the last one. This does not make you the government by divine right, nor does it mean Stephen Harper gets to be PM by divine right forever and ever amen.

Actually, I'm finding this whole thing hilarious. On Metro Morning today the host practically had to turn off the mikes of her guests (particularly, it must be said, the Conservative) to get a word in edgewise.

Comments

[dancinghorse.livejournal.com]

I was going to say I'm glad our Congress doesn't choose the government, but then I recalled that little adventure with the Supreme Court.

It appears that Canada is going through the same spasms we have. At least if your government is hopelessly FUBARed, you get to elect a new Parliament. We're stuck with our frak-up for another 50+ days.

[lostvoice.livejournal.com]

That Bob dude from MISS was so annoying. I wanted to punch him in the face, for talking over Ruby and over Jane, and most days I don't even like Jane!

I don't understand what is so difficult to grasp about the concept of a parliamentary democracy.

[raithen.livejournal.com]

well, HOPEFULLY we get to elect a new one.... Right now it seems that a lot of the choice is in the hands of the Governor General, AKA the Queen's surrogate, and well, she's NOT elected. It's all very interesting....

[ozreison.livejournal.com]

Separatists (n): EEEEEVIL PEOPLE FROM QUEBEC WHO WANT TO DESTROY THE COUNTRY! OOGA BOOGA BOOGA! (var.: Bloq Quebecois)

ROFLMAOACGU!!

[electricland.livejournal.com]

Oh God, the last thing I want is another election! We just voted 6 weeks ago!

[electricland.livejournal.com]

Mostly it works quite well, and when it doesn't, at least it's entertaining!

[electricland.livejournal.com]

srsly.

I think the Conservatives are trying to pull the wool over our eyes. I do indeed. (I also liked an interview with Tony Clement Monday night, on The World At 6 or possibly As It Happens. He was pushing the narrative of "coup" and "plot" and "separatist" as hard as it would go, but as soon as the host asked him a direct question in the form of "So, what is Stephen Harper going to do if X?" he was all "Oh, I'm not privy to those discussions." Dude, YOU ARE THE INDUSTRY MINISTER. You are in CABINET. LIKE HELL you don't know.)

[electricland.livejournal.com]

:D :D :D

[raithen.livejournal.com]

well, yes. except, maybe, this time, more people would give an [expletive expletive deleted]?

[raithen.livejournal.com]

my problem is that I am very much uncertain that the Libs and NDP are trying to be anymore honest....

[electricland.livejournal.com]

we could only hope!

the thought of those millions and millions of dollars down the drain saddens me a bit though...

[electricland.livejournal.com]

well, so far they are acting as they are fully entitled to under a parliamentary system, while the Conservatives are screaming about coups. So that's a point in their favour. We shall see...

[pretentiousgit.livejournal.com]

The Ceeb is having a FIELD DAY with this. Possibly even a full gymkhana of Neener has already been deployed!

[pretentiousgit.livejournal.com]

Also, I'd like to point out that in his waning days, GWB in the USA is trying to totally drain the treasury into the poorly supervised pockets of his personal buddies.