Too Cynical for Comfort

The general election of 2011 for Canada's 41st Parliament is over and done with. Whew! And we've attained a majority government. Whew again!

Four years at the least where the government may govern for the good of the country without the constant threat of the opposition parties forming a common front to remove the minority from power. Installing themselves in the process. And infuriating the voting public because what they insist is perfectly legal is still insulting to the democratic process.

After all, if the opposition parties appealed to the electorate as potential governors of the country they would have been voted into that position. People like to think that their effort in attending the polls and voting as they see fit counts for something. It enrages them to think that their vote can be treated so cavalierly.

And in all likelihood the constant threat of the opposition ousting the minority government and installing a coalition helped to elect the current Conservative majority government.

There were some shocks, to be sure. This was an unusual election. With an increased voter turnout. And the truly puzzling lemmings-over-the-cliff phenomena in Quebec, where the horribly irritating and nationally useless Bloc was thrown out on its collective ear, and the NDP which positioned itself as a powerful ally to Quebec's dream of nationality, was given a thorough sweep.

So now there is a 19-year-old Member of Parliament sitting for Quebec, and a woman who couldn't be bothered to campaign and spent her time outside the country instead; only two of many college students and other casual picks who were astounded to find themselves handily elected on May 2nd. The event seemed feckless and foolish, but the voters have spoken.

And that seems to be why most people are inordinately affronted; that should be amended to clarify that the media are offended, the NDP is offended, and several provincial premiers are offended, that Prime Minister Stephen Harper, he of the majority parliament who may now rule as he will, has done just that.

It is no compliment to the voters who rejected three Conservative candidates, only to see them appointed (and, as the case may be, re-appointed) to the Senate. What could Mr. Harper be thinking? Well, for starters, stacking the deck.

Too cynical for comfort.