Leftist Echos of Harper's '97 Essay "Our Benign Dictatorship"
In 1997, Stephen Harper and Tom Flanagan jointly penned an essay titled "Our Benign Dictatorship" in which they laid out why the Liberal government of the time was essentially undefeatable, as well as what would be required for it's defeat. Namely, they pointed to electoral co-operation (between Reform and the PCs) in the form of not running candidates against one another in close ridings and a possible coalition government after the fact.
Today, Philip Resnick and Reg Whitaker in The Tyee wrote an open letter calling on the Liberal, New Democratic and Green leaders to make such a deal. While infinitely shorter than the Harper and Flanagan essay, the letter's tone and suggestions are remarkably similar, especially in its call for electoral cooperation and a coalition government.
Some may cry foul over any coalition government overthrowing a party with a plurality of seats, such as last winter's ill-fated attempt. While that coalition arrangement was illegitimate in the eyes of most voters, a coalition that is announced before voters cast their ballots - knowing that such an arrangement will follow should no party win a majority of seats - would be legitimate. The quality of such a government is an entirely separate debate.
One cannot help but see "Our Benign Dictatorship" leap off the page of this open letter in both the diagnose of the "problem" (in their respective times) as well as the prescription for what should be done.
Canada's Federal Debt
Your Share
The federal government is adding $135 million a day to our debt. At this rate, the $105-billion in debt repayment between 1997 – 2008 will be wiped out next year. Support our campaign for a federal balanced budget law and help us STOP this clock.
Spokespeople & Blog
In five provinces and Ottawa a team of dedicated professionals is standing up to special interests, ensuring that taxpayers' voices are being heard.
In The News
-
Vancouver's questionable city hall renovations
read more » -
Translink should pass on free passes
read more » -
Why does Saskatchewan government need promotional items?
read more » -
Manitoba Hydro pays out sick time
read more » -
Cost of refugees
read more » -
BC government should get out of online gambling
read more » -
Winnipeg needs a time out on stadium project
read more » -
Prisoners accidentally released in Manitoba
read more » -
Winnipeg's rapid transit debate
read more » -
BC: Taxpayers should have say on Port Coquitlam city council pay increase
read more » -
AB: Edmonton Arena controversy
read more » -
BC: Backlash against massive pay hikes at Port Coquitlam city council
read more » -
Ontario government pummels taxpayers with Eco Tax
read more » -
Growing opposition to Ontario Enviro taxes introduced July 1, 2010
read more » -
Winter Olympic Costs Continue to Snowball
read more » -
Carbon Tax Slams BC Taxpayers July 1, 2010
read more » -
CTV interview with Kevin Gaudet on Ontario’s HST
read more » -
HST coming to Ontario July 1, 2010
read more » -
Setting priorities for Foreign Aid subsidies
read more » -
CTF Launches Pig Brigade on Parliament Hill to Expose Excessive MP Pensions
read more » -
CTF Bombards Parliament Hill with Pigs
read more » -
Stick to the bear necessities in Manitoba
read more » -
Cost breakdown of G20 Media Centre
read more » -
MP's family has him flying high
read more »




























