[wow]

[tellitslant]

There is, in fact, a lot to be happy about in this election. Linda Duncan not only re-elected, but with a margin of votes more than ten times as wide as last time (5000+ versus ~460 in 2008). Elizabeth May, Canada's first Green Party MP, elected. The Bloc destroyed, meaning - for now, at least - that we no longer have a party in Parliament whose mandate is to split the country apart. And, of course, the NDP leaping from 36 seats to 103 and forming the Official Opposition for the first time. All of these are things to celebrate.

But I can't quite get over the majority government thing. I can't quite believe that Canadians decided what Steven Harper needed in his life was more power. And I haven't looked at all the ridings, but several of the decisive ones in Toronto, etc, appear not to be a case of vote-splitting but of Liberal support swinging firmly to the right. I guess the election of Rob Ford should have suggested some things to us, but... really, Toronto? Really? And among the most unbelievable stories of the night, Bev Oda won re-election? Bev Oda, who is emblematic of the lackadaisical attitude towards 'truth' in Harper's government? How?

I've been so used to frequent elections over the past few years that it's only just sinking in that we won't have a chance to fix this for four years. We won't go back to the polls till 2015. That is... a long time for things to change in.

Comments

[zulu]

The more I think about this, the more depressed I get. It's just so...sad, that this is what some significant fraction of Canadians even want. WHY ARE THEIR BRAINS. And I hate my riding. Voting here is so futile and I do it anyway but the futility is ALSO DEPRESSING. Anyway. Argh.

[locketportrait.livejournal.com]

I actually didn't think a majority would happen. What worries me is that they combination of the budget and Conservative platform indicates to me that this government could be the first to simultaneous run up huge deficits and gut the civil service (which reduces services for Canadians). Which is something we've seen south of the border for awhile, but not here.

[sophia-gratia.livejournal.com]

I believe what you're experiencing at present is called 'what it is like to be American.' I'm so sorry, my dear. I wouldn't wish it on anyone.

[1istener.livejournal.com]

Right there with you on all of that. Very mixed feelings.