Realistically, there are only two ways the federal election can turn out: on Oct. 22, the day after the vote, we’re going to have either a Liberal or a Conservative prime minister. That’s because Canadians are mostly near the centre of the political spectrum. About a third of us are rock-solid conservatives who wouldn’t consider voting any other way. The rest of us are a bit to the left of centre, and we often have to make some tough choices because we have three parties competing for our votes.
Way out on the left wing is Jagmeet “The Dreamer” Singh. In this election, he’s peddling a class-war message, bragging about how he’d stand up to the “powerful corporations,” tax the rich and fight for you, the little guy.
He says all you need is the “political will” and you can turn Canada into the Garden of Eden overnight. He can promise free prescription drugs and free dental care and an instant transition to green energy. In his wise-guy way, he could promise free trips to Mars, because he will not be prime minister. And every NDP vote is one more vote against the Liberals and for the Conservatives. Because on Oct. 22 it’s going to be one or the other.
But he is fun to listen to.
Bob Nicholson
Penticton