Et Tu Hoser?

With the results counted and concession speeches made, the Conservative party in Canada has won. Pre-emptive attempts to get the New Democrat party (Green / Socialist) to side with the Liberal party to avoid this have gone the way of Nader and Gore in 2000.

A couple of observations about our brothers’ election to the north:

(1) It was the corruption scandal (paying PR companies to spin positive stories among others) that ended the Liberal party’s 13 year reign. Kinda reminds me of another kind of “payoff” for better PR.

(2) The conservatives hijacked a Liberal party plan for raising healthcare and childcare funding and embraced it as part of their platform. Again, familiar.

(3) Conservatives promised “a new vigour in fighting crime and gang violence.” I know Bill Hicks already did this joke regarding violence in the UK without guns and the outbreak of “hooliganism” – but this pledge makes me smile. They are so cute when they take the streets back from "gangs" who stay out past curfew.

(4) Minority governments never last long since the first bump in the road will sway the fickle votes back. So the Liberals won’t be down long.

(5) Look for my man Ken Dryden (Stanley Cup winning goalie for the Montreal Canadians in the 1970’s) to lead them. He’s not quite polished like the normal politician -– but hey, it's Canada and hockey. Somethings are more important than politics.

Here's hoping America grows tired of corruption and offers its own regime change.

PS – Previous guidance on the outcome of the election was provided by my father. Apparently, the winters in PEI are getting to him. Luckily, IRod didn't wager this "lock" with Xmas money.

PPS – I bet the people who left the US after the 2nd Bush election feel pretty dumb about now.