Quote:
Originally Posted by ikaris
Let me preface my next statement by saying that I'm glad Harper prorogued parliament to allow for some time for a cooling off period.
How is this action democratic? For all the people railing off against the coalition saying that it is "undemocratic," isn't this the most egregious offense of them all? To close down parliament because you're about to fail a confidence vote? I wonder how people would respond to this if this was a Liberal government that just prorogued parliament.
|
You're right.
However, I would contend that the prorogue/cooling period over Christmas is the most democratic action available at this point in time. This situation has accented the real darkside of Canada's pseudo liberal-democratic system and how powerless the electorate really is. No recall, no public primaries, limited referenda, no say in power exchanges. There is far too much power, checks and balances that are outside of elected officials. Including unchecked powers in the PMO.
We can agree that the coalition's ascension would not be democratic, as people did not elect the coalition, and may have voted the way did on the grounds that they would never coalesce.
We can also agree that a vicious campaign during the holiday season is the last thing the Canadian voter wants.
Lastly, we can also agree that the GG not deferring to the PM would open up its own massive hornet's nest, not only in Canada, but in Australia, Scotland, New Zealand, etc. about the interference and relevance of the Monarchy. More political instability.