Harper Takes His Ball and Goes Home

In an effort to forestall the demise of his government, Prime Minister Harper was able to convince the Governor General to Suspend Parliament until January.  This means that his government cannot be defeated until then.  Now, although I think this was a cowardly move, it might just be the best one for the country.  With the Coalition breathing down his back, Harper needs to be very careful to propose a budget that everyone can accept.  He needs to mend fences and get all the MPs working together, which will ultimately be good for Canada (assuming that the other parties cooperate, which might be a little too much to ask).

Also, if the Liberals are still bent on taking Harper down, now they have a little time to sort through their own leadership problems.  If they can replace Dion by the time the parliament resumes, their Coalition government would be much better off.

If nothing else, it at least gives us all a little time to breath.  With a couple of months to go before any major changes occur, the Canadian public will be able explore the possibilities and form more informed judgments about the different options for our government.  It may turn out that the Coalition falls apart, but it may also gain strength and general support.

It certainly appears to me that what Canada really needs right now is a great leader to emerge. A charasmatic newcomer who can instill confidence in the political process and reconcile divergent political groups.  A Barack Obama, if you will.  I guess I’m going to have to pack up here and head back home to Canada.  My Country needs me.

UPDATE: Here’s a great article on the whole affair.