For the record:
Nowhere in the opening post does it say or even imply that I was "blaming the NDP for the Harper Majority" (Erik Redburn). In fact, I agree with Uncle John that it's more likely that "It was the prospect of an NDP government that caused the Blue Liberals to vote Tory." And Malcolm, I've never voted Liberal. But strategic voting (on the part of blue Liberals) probably created this problem. And smart strategic voting could almost certainly have prevented it.
It seems to be a particular trait of dippers to see the world exclusively through the lens of the party. When I mentioned the idea of vote swapping yesterday (strategic voting with a twist), the reaction was a mix of outrage and paranoia. Of course, my only possible motivation was to screw the NDP because you're capable only of seeing how things affect the NDP.
Harper is the worst thing to hit this country in my lifetime. In 1980, Reagan was elected. His administration redefined American politics. Thirty years on, that country is deeply polarized, has spawned a bizarre Ayn Rand political movement and is on the brink of bankruptcy. Progressive government is not coming to America anytime soon. Stephen Harper could well be our Ronald Reagan. He's a smart, ruthless tactician with resources nobody else can touch. And he's riding a wave of anti-government sentiment that he helped create.
And what's the reaction of the true, devoted worshippers of the Holy Order of the NDP? Woohoo!! It's all good, bro - we got us a HUNNERT SEATS! It presents the distinct impression that as long as things look good for the party, you don't give a flying shit about the country.
What's standing between Harper and another majority in 4 years? Bob Rae? Justin Trudeau? Jack Layton and his mob of Quebec newbies? Give me strength. Oh, and that assumes that Layton will be alive and healthy in 4 years.
So, you all can sit around and wait for the great Orange Crush to seep the nation next time. Like Linus waiting for the Great Pumpkin. Only the tiny core of you who sit around drinking the orange coolaid think there is anything more than a remote chance of that happening. So, as I ponder the sobering thought that the only thing that stands between Canada and perpetual neo-conservative dictatorship is a party dominated by people with delusions of grandeur, I think to myself:
God help us all.