ed_rex: (Default)
ed_rex ([personal profile] ed_rex) wrote2006-01-23 05:39 pm

Bourgeois Radical?

No doubt to the disappointment of some of you, I will be casting a ballot this evening, neither declining it, nor even simply refusing to show up at the poll.

Though I am not excited by what I expect to be the outcome - a Tory government whose degree of neoconservative, self-loathing, Republican America worship remains to be seen - I still hope for a minority government, one which may be kept somewhat in check by a stronger NDP prescence.

That said, I would not expect revolutionary change even if it were an NDP government - what was once a (relatively) radical democratic socialist movement has become a left-liberal party, spending too much of its time defending such self-evident Good Things as universal medical care and fundamental human rights, without a corresponding vision of what might this an even better country in which to live. Any thoughts of challenging the economic status quo - as opposed to reigning in its worst excesses - are put aside for another era. I'll vote for the NDP because I believe they are an effective opposition party - and will be especially so if they hold the balance of power in a minority situation - not because I believe they have a vision for the future.

As befits the end of a campaign of much vented heat but little directed light, I too have placed my bet on the outcome of tonight's race.

For the record:

Conservatives:---> 132
Liberals:--------> 85
Bloc:------------> 47
NDP:-------------> 42
Green:-----------> 1
Independent:-----> 1

You can all have a good laugh at my expense in a few hours.

[identity profile] offermeescape.livejournal.com 2006-01-24 02:10 am (UTC)(link)
If the NDP get 42 seats as you say, I owe you a beer.

If they get 50, you owe me a beer. That's my prediction there.

Fair? :P I'm in agreement with you that it'll be a Tory minority. They won't be able to get away with too much. ;)

You're On!

[identity profile] ed-rex.livejournal.com 2006-01-24 02:36 am (UTC)(link)
What are you doing this Friday or Saturday?

Re: You're On!

[identity profile] offermeescape.livejournal.com 2006-01-24 02:38 am (UTC)(link)
Saturday I have my lovely lady over at my place but I am certainly free Friday night - albeit earlier rather than later. I'm working till 5pm on Friday and I work 9am on Saturday, so if possible, an outing occurring between 7-11pm would work well. :)

Re: You're On!

[identity profile] ed-rex.livejournal.com 2006-01-24 05:26 am (UTC)(link)
My concern with Friday is that I might want to stay out later than 11:00 - what are the chances of convincing your lovely lady to make it a 3 (or 4) some, if Laura isn't going to spend the night flaunting herself at a club)?

Re: You're On!

[identity profile] offermeescape.livejournal.com 2006-01-24 11:12 pm (UTC)(link)
Hmm. We're pretty much wanting to spend the night alone together (we're not exactly a social couple).. but would another day next week work for you? :) I can stay out till 2:30-3am on weekdays..