So Here's the Thing...

Today's Cliff's Notes are that my poli sci midterm was okay, that co-op classes are finally done (THANK THE LORD) and that I am disturbed by Canadian politics.

This was sort of the perfect day for a political panel discussion featuring someone from each party. All together now: Gomery! It was so interesting, because the Liberal message was pretty much "well, wait and see, we'll see how the finished investigation goes, a few bad apples, etc." The Conservatives said, "accountability! Accountability now!" and the NDP said, "world peace and child care!" It was odd.

There was an odd feeling in the crowd. Even in this ultimate government town, nobody's happy with the Liberals on this day of days. The Liberal guy seemed really nice and was all about the Yoof, so there was love on that point. But there were also MacKay groupies (Katherine and Emily left as groupies. Although I was embarrassed for them, I agree MacKay is a very engaging and concise speaker) and some hardcore NDP folks. Kind of a nice mix, a bit of a cross-section.

So, in short, I am completely disillusioned. The Conservatives are sort of awesome-looking compared to Liberal obfuscation on Adscam, but in terms of real policy matters are less excellent. (MacKay actually suggested a more diplomatic approach on softwood lumber. Uh, no, we tried that, it kind of left us billions of dollars in the hole. Time for hardball, my friends.) I would love to love the NDP, but they are just such complete flakes that it is difficult for me to do so. Katherine and Emily are semi-converted. A very strange day. I only hope that the effects of Blue Peter (ha ha) and his logical, measured mode of speech will wear off.

I must say, though, Peter MacKay did kind of rock the house. Someone asked the panel of MPs a "fun question": "If you had to be any MP of the opposite sex, which one would you choose?" Navdeep Bains said McLellan, and Judy Ukrainian Last Name of the NDP said Broadbent, but MacKay just murmured, "well, I know who I wouldn't be!" It absolutely brought the house down.