Is the Canadian election a good sign for us (anti-"one party rule.")?

While I am dissappointed that the Conservatives in Canada have won, the way in which they did it gives me hope for US. Beyond the fact that the Democrats and Tories share blue as their color, they have nothing in common, except in this occasion: they are the out-of-power parties, wollowing in the face of a seemingly-unstoppable incumbent party. In the case of both the Liberals and the Republicans, you have parties that have controlled the legislative branch of government for roughly the same time period (House of Representatives in America since 1995, House of Commons in Canada since 1993-1994. U.S. Senate from 1995-2001 ; 2003-, with Liberals controlling the appointed Senate, which means very little.) You also have parties in the midst of corruption scandals. In the case of the Liberals, it involves alleged misuse of funds for the 1995 Quebec referrendum (aka "AdScam.") Republicans have Jack Abramoff, Plame, possibly Frist's insider-trading problem and possibly NSA wiretapping.

...by the Republican Noise Machine. Namely:

"The whole world is turning conservative! Even Canada, which until now had been considered a 'safe haven' by the loony left here in the U.S. They should grow up and realize this proves conservatism is the only way to go. Even their Canadian friends now realize that. Before long, their only refuges will be Cuba, Venezuela, and Berekely."

:eyes:

but it is spin. Canada is giving the Liberals a setback, Martin is resigning. Please note that Canada is not going to head as far right as the US ......the electoral system is not open to the kind of reform that happened there, and the conservatives don't have that kind of a majority. The appointed senate means that the senate can, and will (it has happened before), put their foot down on any legislation they consider outrageous.

I would also point out that the vote runs on completely different principles; everyone who is a Canadian citizen and is over 18 may vote, including convicted felons. We don't have the same kind of hassle around vote lists that the US does.

I respect that, the Liberal Party being punished. Just don't allow the Cons to last...

with about 36.5% of the popular vote...
The Conservatives are the only party in Canada that are to the right of Center
..with a minority government they will not be able to go extreme..thank gawd.
Every other party that was in the election -
Liberals, NDP, Bloc and Green are all to the Left of Centre...meaning
63.5% of the public is Centrist/Left or to the Left of Centre.

So long as Harper doesn't come out preaching that he has a "mandate" he won't
be perceived as an extremist..yet.

Cons won 124 seats
Libs won 103 seats
Bloc won 51 seats
NDP won 29 seats
Ind won 1 seats

(so far..but looks like the final numbers give or take)

The only thing the Canadians did was kicked out Paul Martin. Meaning that the progressives could be in the drivers seat again within 12 months provided if they a) pick and more winning canadate. and/or b) if Harper does something stupid enough to force a non-conidence vote (like turning back canada pro gay laws).

This could be fun to watch.

as I understand it, the "gay marriage laws" are not really at risk here
at all with a Minority Government...
Draft Legislation (think that's what it's called) is brought forward by
someone in the Con party (Since Harper said he wouldn't..lol)..then it's voted
on it in the house...since they only have a minority..couldn't pass without
other members of others parties signing on to it (and all other parties
in the house are left leaning)...then eventually to the Supreme Court where it
would be upheld as legal (gawd-damned Liberal Activist Judges :sarcasm:)
..then back to the house where the only recourse for the Harper
Government would be to use the Notwithstanding Clause to strike down gay marriage
(which would be unprecedented)...

(think that's how it works)..so Gay Marriage as an issue will probably be a non-issue
with this Con Minority Government)

edit: spelling

it would have to go through an overwhelmingly Liberal Senate, which passed the equal-marriage law just last year.