re: voting remotely.  Very interesting, however I think that the wounds from the US debacle in Florida are still hurting...it would be nice, but somewhat sad to think that may be the solution...studies are abound on the negative impact such conveniences are having on society and how the isolation of working from home, remote access, online everything is potentially eroding our ability communicate and contributing to violent behaviour and selfish attitudes.

For me, the results (Harper minority government) are no surprise.  But what did surprise me, given the state of the economy and various other hot topics (environment -- pardon the terrible pun), was how low the voter turn out was again. 

I must live in a bubble: everyone I know voted. 

However, I did have to convince 2 people close to me that it was worth their while to vote.  Both are youngish women and they just felt it had nothing to do with them (that the politicians weren't speaking to their issues, and even if they were, could not be trusted in any case).  Sad!

What also surprised me somewhat -- though not as much as I'd like -- is how effective negative ads are, even in Canada.  Harper and his cronies learned this tactic from Bush et al. who used them v. successfully over the last 2 campaigns. 

Mostly, I'm disillusioned now by my fellow Canadians.   Not because they had different views then me (I'm no Harper fan), but that they didn't even bother to get out to vote.  I am SO not going to let anyone carp to me about the government or taxes or anything for the next few years, unless they tell me first that they bothered to get out and vote.

THOUGH part of me also thinks that if you can collect EI and pay your taxes remotely (by computer or telephone) and you can vote Canadian Idol, etc. by telephone, then MAYBE we need to make voting easier for people.  It is not an easy thing, for example, to juggle a young family and fit in the time to wait in lines to vote.  Or, if you do not drive or can't afford a car, to take a bus or long walk to vote.  Or if you are disabled and it may take you more effort to get out and get there and home, etc.

So maybe we need to change how we vote.  Why not telephone voting?  If I can pay my taxes and collect EI by computer or telephone (with relevent SIN numbers, etc.) why not vote this way?

Intreresting summary Rural!  I will be curious to see how this session of Parliament turns out.   Could be scrappy!

I do wonder what the good senator thoughts are about Harpers comments during his first news conferance today where he made a point of saying that if new senators could not be elected he would appoint some who would not overule (his) parliments ajenda and that abolition was still an option!

Well, there it is. The real losers yesterday were the Liberals, they could not sell the green shift and Dion was weak for most of the campaign. One of the commentators said that Canadians got exactly what they wanted, Harper as PM but without a majority. I am always shocked to see Albertans voting in such overwhelming numbers for the Conservatives. Most Calgary MPs did not even bother to campaign in Alberta and won by at least 55%. Then Albertans wonder why they are taken for granted. There were a few silver linings last night. The NDP managed to pick up one seat in Alberta and Michel Fortier lost. One of the craziest facts I heard was that Maxime Bernier had the fourth largest margin of victory last night, explain that one away?

Well...chin up and all that!  It is time to get rolling and govern.  I hope that the opposition can stand up to the bullying and that we get  some things accomplished!  i.e environment and ecomony.  Lets fight the good fight, and gain our strength so that we do not have face this again!

Boo hoo hoo!  I was so hoping that the Liberals would gain more seats.

I feel so...deflated!