Comments on: We elect legislatures, not governments

By: Matt Eckel

Matt Eckel — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 19:38:37 +0000

Be interested to see what you think of Stephen Marche’s recent TNR piece (http://www.tnr.com/politics/story.html?id=3d2961ad-6dcc-4ae9-bc8b-efdac8fe9713). I thought it was kind of ridiculous (http://fpwatch.blogspot.com/2009/01/pay-attention-to-canada-but-dont-get.html)

By: Matt Bondy

Matt Bondy — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 17:43:25 +0000

Hey Seth,

Thanks for the feedback. Perfectly reasonable position. I, too, think the coalition bad for Canada’s economy, reputation and political trajectory in general. I share your distaste for the fact that the coalition was sprung on Canadians when it had apparently, in some nuclear form, been on the NDP and BQ political radars for quite some time.

Cheers,
M

By: Seth

Seth — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 16:48:24 +0000

I agree that the coalition is democratic and constitutional, but I do feel like the NDP, Liberal and Bloc should have been honest about it during the election. If they had said “elect us and we’ll form a coalition” then I don’t think we’d be having this problem. It’s the way they decided to spring the coalition on people that I don’t agree with.

By: Matt Bondy

Matt Bondy — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 19:55:55 +0000

Warren,

Thanks very much for the feedback! Yes, it’s been a bit disheartening that Canadians aren’t more familiar with their system of government. At least the latest round of political theatre will be a net educational gain, if nothing else!

Cheers,
M

By: Warren

Warren — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 18:15:01 +0000

Matt,

Other than saying this is excellent, I don’t really have much to add. Though I suppose it is a bit unfortunate that such an explanation of how our democracy is supposed to work is even necessary.