Sunday, September 13, 2009

What's a majority?

According to news reports this is the anniversary of a former prime minister named Brian Mulroney winning something called a "majority government".

What exactly is this strange term "majority government?"

No one really knows for sure as the mysterious phrase's meaning has been lost in the mists of time.

But political historians point to existing archaeological evidence which suggests that at one time these "majority governments" were actually quite common, though certainly one no alive can remember seeing one in action.

Radical theories have emerged of late suggesting the words refer to a government which won a majority of seats in the House of Commons, which meant it could enjoy a lifespan of longer than three months.

Most experts, however, argue it's positively preposterous to suggest any government could possibly survive for such an incredibly long period of time.

A more likely explanation, they say, is that the word "majority" is simply a linguistic corruption of the word "margarita" a cocktail many politicians probably imbibed after an electoral victory.

Anyway, that's enough history.

After all, we have an election this week, which promises to be even more exciting than the one we had last week.

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Are you sure we've an election 'cause Jack's been nipping at Harper's heels, begging him for a bone ... anything.

Gerry Nicholls said...

Jack might be disappointed because I am pretty sure PM Harper wouldn't mind an election this fall.

Anonymous said...

Ah, so you're on speaking terms with the PM again, eh?

Gerry Nicholls said...

Let's just say I am speaking terms with a friend of a friend.

Anonymous said...

ahhhhg!!!! i cant believe i have to walk around town again and plant signs in lawns. of course if we all sit on our hands these twisted liberal dumb#$%&$'s will end up in power because people are too #&*^@*ing stupid to think on their own. of course this is true because why dont we have a majority yet??? people must like bureaucratic nightmares. either that or its too late for fiscal sanity as there appears to be a majority of people dependant on government jobs.

brad

Gerry Nicholls said...

Brad:

If there is an election a Tory victory is just about guaranteed.

But I don't think a majority is in the cards, unless the Liberals really mess up.

Ken S from Ramara said...

Let's just sit back and wait for the PM to "pull a stupid!" He always does and the Tories falter. A majority will just not happen. I Harper minority will force the CPC caucus to seek Harper's head!

Anonymous said...

tis unfortunate. we will undoubtedly be awaiting the next election next fall i presume. run again gerry, put these lefties in their place. you never know you may sell some extra books. at least it would work out for someone. LOL
brad

DavidK said...

Never say never, Gerry - Although, I don't hold out much hope on a majority myself, anything can happen.

revanche said...

These people should know by now that Harper doesn't bluff.

Of course he wants an election. He's going to slam Iggy into the lockers and take his lunch.

Anonymous said...

I guess, Gerry Nicholls, you were wrong. Harper will do anything -- even kiss Layton's socialist arse if need be -- to stay in power.

Can't see how this Conservative Socialist union can help either party long term, however.