Wednesday, May 16, 2007

Common Ground

This session of parliament, the government has become completely unglued in a way that is astounding, given the earlier appearances of methodical cool and purpose. One of the Conservatives strengths, their ability to keep the opposition off balance, playing one party against another, which allowed for a posture that wasn't supported by seat totals.

The recent conduct of the government, the wedge politics, the strong arm tactics, the mocking tones, the delusions that we have a majority, all of these factors have come together to create a new dynamic. For the first time since the election, the opposition seems to have found common ground. I'm not suggesting a new age, wherein partisanship isn't primary, but I also see the NDP and Liberals working in tandem to a certain degree. Instead of focusing on each other, which has worked to Harper's advantage, the sights are now trained where they should be, if political spectrum is your guide.

The government has been so offensive in it's conduct that it has had the effect of uniting the various factions. In watching the usual partisan panels, the NDP and Liberal representatives have offered the same talking points, which adds strength to the arguments. The media seems to react positively, because a certain objectivity is conveyed when the sources come from different angles.

I'm sure it won't last, but the opposition seems far more effective and believable, when they move together to highlight the issues. It's a pleasant change, and it seems to be quite effective.

UPDATE

Accidential Deliberations, on the same theme.

4 comments:

Karen said...

NDP and Liberal representatives have offered the same talking points, which adds strength to the arguments.

I would add the Bloq, but will say that I had precisely the same thought today.

It's quite astonishing to see just how unglued everything is at the moment. The conservatives are beside themselves, weaving and dodging and lying.

I could not believe it today when McGuinty rose on a point of priviledge, stating that Galipeau, (imagine!), crossed the floor during QP, to confront him in his seat.

I don't know what is going on for sure, but this government is worried. They know that their messaging has been bad and I suspect every MP is concerned.

The opposition has the upper hand right now, which tells me that the government is about to get all "law and order" on us again.

You're right, it won't last forever, but I hope that the NDP see the value in it.

Dr. Tux said...

It would be nice to see some unity in opposition to this government.

Common ground indeed.

Steve V said...

"It's quite astonishing to see just how unglued everything is at the moment."

Who could have predicted that everything would unravel so quickly? It is sure to be a long summer break.

Ti-Guy said...

Who could have predicted that everything would unravel so quickly?

I would have, only because Harper muzzling his caucus at the beginning of his tenure was an incredibly bad idea. We know that these hotheads and foghorns couldn't be silenced forever and when they pop. it's sudden and dramatic.

Had they been allowed to express themselves more freely, the last year and a half would have been a learning experience for them, which would let us grade them as "much improved," at the very least.