In the scramble to dampen rising poll numbers for Jack Layton and the NDP, Stephen Harper has sounded alarms for Ontario voters to avoid a repeat of the dreaded "Bob Rae legacy." Being neither an Ontarian nor a particular fan of Bob Rae I won't attempt to defend his record in government. From a distance it would appear mistakes were made, and the corporate owned press has relentlessly advertised them. (We need to remember that the corporate press will always view governance by a "left" party as a mistake no matter what they did.)

But when we look at the longer history of provincial governments and their records I think past NDP provincial governments in Saskatchewan, British Columbia, Manitoba and even Ontario, compare very favorably with their Conservative counterparts.

When people consider their vote in the current federal election there are two different starting points. One perspective begins with "me," the individual. A second perspective weighs more the consequences of policies on the whole community.

The probability of another Harper minority is discouraging enough. But the distinct prospect of a Harper majority (generated with less than 40 per cent of the vote) is deeply, deeply depressing. I'm hoping it's not too late to avoid that fate.

It's still possible the electoral process can more actively engage the progressive organizational networks, which we (rabble readers) are all part of. Individuals and groups whose priorities are ignored by the Conservatives can become more engaged and make a difference in the results, locally and nationally.

The radical populism of the prairies, the home of North America's first socialist government and the birthplace of Medicare, is suffocating of late. The Conservatives have dominated the last three federal elections. Liberal Ralph Goodale is the lonesome voice of regional opposition. Given the political history and the continuing discontent of large groups of progressive Saskatchewan voters, recent election results are a frustration and an embarrassment.

The major concerns in Saskatchewan are the same as elsewhere. Biggest is the threat of a Harper majority with a full-scale retreat from the nation's social priorities with the emphasis on corporate tax cuts, prisons and jet fighters.