Why Blue Is Okay Today

I really don't think any of you care why I am voting Conservative today. I'm not that into myself to think that millions (okay tens) of people would come to my blog just to see where I placed my "x". The reason I am writing this explanation is very much a selfish one: on the off-chance that just one of you visits A Chronicle before voting today, it's satisfying to think that it may have persuaded you to be comfortable voting Conservative too. I'm really not "a Conservative." I consider myself more of a realist. A moderate. Pro-choice, pro same-sex marriage, and an atheist (wait now...I'm a left wing wack-job!). There was a time (pre-Trudeau) where the Liberal party was a very sensible one. They existed in a nice place near the fulcrum of the Canadian political teeter totter representing the moderate Canadian. Hence the title "Natural Governing Party." Over the years they have drifted farther and farther to the left and now reside close to the left seat of the teeter totter. This seat has become very crowded – shared with Jack, Ms. May, and their bleeding heart army. Mr Harper is stuck all alone on the other seat (in fact he hasn't reached the seat). You remember that kid – held in the air for hours (okay minutes) wailing like a baby while the bullies on the other end howl in insecure delight. I remember it all too well. Queen Elizabeth Park. 1982. Glace Ba.....I digress.

The Liberal's major failings, in my humble opinion, have been on issues like immigration (no, I don't hate immigrants), crime and justice (I do believe that victims have more rights than criminals), and an over-riding desire to hold the collective hands of the nation (my parents taught me not to speak to strangers). I could get into each of these issues in detail, however I don't have the time nor do I think any of you really give a shit right now (and if you do I suspect you will go to a much more credible source than this blog). I understand your concerns that The Conservative Party of Canada has some extremist, right wing, freaks embedded within. Really I do and you are right – they exist. But what you have to remember is that you live in Canada and Harper is not a dummy. Sure, he isn't a big fan of Steve and Phil getting married. I doubt he will be sitting in the front row when Dr. Morgentaler receives his Order of Canada. And if you were to ask him on a personal level, he would love to see Canada a more socially conservative place. However, he knows that most Canadians are progressive and pursuing these goals would surely be the demise of any long lasting conservative legacy. But what Mr. Dion, Jack, and the rest of the far left don't want you to know is that Mr. Harper is also very much a libertarian. He despises the thought of government getting involved in the personal affairs of Canadians. If one was to research the founding platform of the Reform Party (Preston's Church Club), they would discover that Mr. Harper stood up to have any stance on same sex marriage and abortion left out of the party platform. He took a strong stance (and lost) that these issues were not meant to be a part of parliamentary debate. I know what you are thinking: If he is so reasonable, why did he table a bill against same sex marriage shortly after taking office? Good question. Easy answer. Think about it. He had the far right ideologues (see, I'm fair) in his caucus (I still laugh like a ten-year-old at this word) wanting the issue brought to parliament. He didn't feel it was the government's position to deal with it – remember, libertarian. So he decided to table it while he had a weak minority. His neoconservative supporters would be satisfied and in the end the bill would easily lose. Good night.

So here is my plan and maybe you might make it yours too. Vote conservative. Their platform is not radical and to be quite honest, Harper really is the safest choice in a rough economic storm – without question. He will win another minority. There is no chance that a majority government is anything close to possible. A Conservative win will surely be the end of Stephane "can you repeat that" Dion. The Liberals will hold another leadership convention and will have learned a lesson: let's try choosing a leader this time and see how that works out. Harper's minority government will be "supervised" by the checks and balances of our Parliamentary system (Jack's job) and much to the surprise of our left wing Chicken Littles, the sky will not fall. In a short time, when the Liberals' ducks are strategically arranged, they will pull the box out from under the Conservatives feet and low and behold: another election. I know having to digest another six weeks of begging stinks. However, that election, I pray to my atheist gods, will provide us with a real choice. Consider it long-term strategic voting.

In any event, get out and vote (any colour) and enjoy a day that represents your freedom. It really is a wonderful thing.