Conservative leader Stephen Harper enjoying the thrill of victory with his family last night after being declcared Canada’s new Prime Minister-Elect!
Over a week ago, I predicted that Stephen Harper and his Conservative Party would race to an easy win in Canada’s national elections – leaving PM Paul Martin and his ruling Liberal Party wallowing in their cesspool of political corruption. Well, yesterday, that’s exactly what happened.
Liberal leader Paul Martin suffering the agony of defeat with his supporters after losing his Party’s 12-year dominion over Canadian politics!
Let me hasten to admit, however, that this was not a very daring call. In fact, click here and follow the links to previous articles to see why this result was as predictable as it was desirable.
Now Canada will have a government that is free of the stench of corruption (and noxious anti-Americanism) that eventually suffocated the Liberal Party. But this election bodes well for US – Canadian relations in many ways: For example, unlike Martin, PM-Elect Harper is an unabashed supporter of President Bush’s fight against insurgents in Iraq and of his global war against Islamic terrorism. And, on a more mundane level, Harper’s socially conservative views on issues like abortion and gay rights will certainly make it easier for Bush to engage him in the personal diplomacy Bush prefers.
Nonetheless, this election’s most salutary implication for America is that the winds of change that rid Canadian politics of the stench of corruption seems headed to Washington to rid American politics of an even worse stench (stemming from the Abramoff scandal and other corrupt practices). Indeed, such is my contempt for the ruling Republicans – who turned the U.S. Congress into a special-interest bazaar – that nothing would give me greater political hope than to see them swept away by the same winds of change that blew Canada’s Liberals into oblivion last night! And, what an instructive political irony that would be….
Stay tuned…
Technorati: Stephen Harper, Paul Martin, Canadian elections
Anonymous says
oye puto. shut up about cuba ok!
Jennifer says
Even though I’m a proud liberal, I think this is a great result. I hated the way Martin was stirring up “noxious anti-Americanism” for votes. Canadians are our best friends on Earth. I hope Bush and Harper can mend things
Anonymous says
Out of the frying pan.
Now we’re faced with an extremist who preaches politics of fear and faith. Conservativism is a devisive and wreckless ideology, no matter how moderate it is. It’s the absolute antithesis to the Canadian way. I predict Harper won’t last beyond a first term.
Anonymous says
No. Pot calling the kettle black!
I’m a Canadian too and I think you’re an arrogant SOB for suggesting that those of us who voted for Harper represent the “absolute antithesis of to the Canadian way”.
Anthony,
Great points about implications for America. I really enjoy reading your blog. You’re an amazing writer. Have you published any books?
StephenSaid says
I laugh my ass off when I hear American’s talking like everyone is there friend.
Wake up, the hole world doesn’t like you because of one man’s reign.
You live in fear, people actually despise you so much that they will take there own life to kill you.
We Canadian’s can walk into any country in the world and get the same love and respect you would get from your mother. Do you think it got too be this way by starting war’s all over the world, or treating our immigrants like shit, or sending our troops into sudden death for bubbling crude?
This is a sad day for Canada indeed, Welcome to the United States of Jesus Land
(all 51 of em)
Personally I think Paul Martin graciously accepted his defeat, The liberal’s have had it too easy up until now and they haven’t had a worthy opponent in year’s. Stephen Harper ran tight campaign, I will give him that. But this will not fly very long as Canadian’s won’t stand for it.
http://www.stephensaid.tk
Phil says
Hey Stephen and Anon
Your condemnation of America comes across our northern border like raging envy. Besides, your criticisms look pretty stupid when your compatriots just rejected your Liberal leader for spouting the same mindless crap.
Chill Bill says
Mr. Harper cannot turn back the clock on sensitive issues like abortion or gay rights. He has a minority government, first, and he has no personal desire to shape the Canadian politics to his or anyone of his MPs’s moral opinions.
Mr. Harper has suggest realistic ways to solve problems in Canada, and is a believer in economic freedom, individual rights and responsabilities for all Canadians, and as any sane person can deduce, he can’t be a Canadian Dubya. I believe he’ll be heading on a road to reduced government spending and control over people’s lives, as he as an economist holds libertarian views.
And that’s a breath of fresh air!
The Liberal fear-mongering campain is over.