The Year Ahead and the Coalition Dream

It's a little too soon to take out my crystal ball and predict what's going to happen next year, like so many in the MSM are already doing.

Even though the big hollow ball in my neighbourhood seemed to think it knows, as I passed it on my way home last night.

But then homeless men like to smoke crack inside it, so it might have been them, and its predictions are probably as reliable as all those others.

Although I wouldn't be surprised if we do end up with a Liberal coalition government. Especially since even after all that has happened this year, nothing has really changed 

In fact, a look at months of results from six different pollsters suggests Trudeau's Liberals remain imperviously buoyant, Harper's Tories have seen only marginal gains despite a number of issues breaking their way, and NDP fortunes are stalled, notwithstanding Mulcair's widely lauded parliamentary performance.

Stephen Harper has narrowed the gap, but Justin Trudeau is still on top. And although that could change, I don't see it changing enough to give either leader anything more than a minority government.

And neither do such political opposites as the former journalist and pollster Paul Adams, and Tom Flanagan, Harper's former adviser.

"It's a reminder that a minority (government) is the likeliest case out of the next election, rather than a majority," said Adams. Flanagan said it's possible to see a path to a Liberal or Conservative majority, but a minority appears more likely.

You know, Strangelove...



But unlike him, I would welcome a coalition, as would most Canadians according to this recent poll...



Not just because it might be the only way to deny Stephen Harper another mandate.

But also because I think Trudeau and Mulcair might make a very good combination.



Mulcair would give Trudeau some added gravitas, and Trudeau would give him some added flair. I like it when the young or the younger work with the old or the older.

And also because a coalition government would have even greater strength and legitimacy to tackle the daunting national challenge it faces. 

To heal the damage the Harper cult has done, restore our Canadian values, and repair our tarnished Maple Leaf. 

Remember when everyone seemed to love Canada? Travellers who displayed a maple leaf emblem on their shirts or backpacks could count on a friendly welcome in most countries in the world. Now, not so much. We are perceived as ugly Canadians for reasons that include environmental foot dragging at home and complicity in death and destruction overseas.

Because there is so much we need to do:

Canada could stop shilling for the fossil fuel industry and get serious about climate change. Canada could withdraw from our overly compliant response to American military initiatives and return to its principled peace keeping identity. Canada could begin to police Canadian firms doing business overseas more rigorously. Maybe then the Maple Leaf would be seen once more as badge of honour, not a pirate flag.

And I want to feel proud of my country again. That's all I ask for, that's all I want. 

You know, sometimes I wish I had the awesome powers this Nigerian pastor claims to have...



So I could just wave my arms in the air, or jump up and down.

And the Cons would lie down before me...



So I could arrange to have them shipped off to the sausage factory.

But then the pastor is as fraudulent as the Cons.

And I'm quite happy to settle for reality, and that includes a coalition.

And as I stand there waiting for 2015 after such a brutal year...



I can't imagine a better dream than one where we all work together in the New Year.

To defeat the bestial Con cult and its depraved leader.

And make our Canada beautiful again...

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