January 18, 2006: As the election campaign has progressed, Stephen Harper's electability, as determined by favorable media attention, has risen as his party's platform has converged with that of the Liberals. At the same time Martin's electability has declined as his campaign has progressed from blunder to blunder.

As a consequence, we now face the prospect of the the Conservatives forming a majority government with the general approbation of the population. Yet, what difference will it make?

Which of the leading contenders, Liberal or Conservative, opposes Canada's participation in George Bush's war in Afghanistan? Answer: neither of them, and it is now costing Canadian blood.

Which of the two proposes a real tax break for poor working Canadians: say, an increase in the basic personal exemption to the princely sum of $25 thousand? Answer: neither of them. Whichever party wins, it will still be possible for low income workers to pay income tax while qualified to receive welfare.

Which of the two proposes lower taxes on capital, that is to say, lower taxes on rich people? Answer: both of them, obviously. Or did you think politicians worked for the little guy? The Liberals propose a $250 thousand increase in the life-time capital gains exemption. The Conservatives propose a complete exemption on capital gains while the gains remain invested.

Which of the two proposes changes to the Canada Health Act that would make it possible for ordinary Canadians to spend their own hard-earned money on their own health care, thereby saving the public system large amounts of money while allowing people to circumvent a wait for service in the public system that could cost them their livlihood if not their life. Answer: neither of them?

Which of the two proposes to do something to curb Canada's massive and rapidly growing greenhouse gas emissions? Answer: neither of them. Sure the Liberals have all kinds of schemes, like paying Ontario farmers to grow corn for the production of ethanol, a process that probably yields less fuel than the fossil fuel consumed in its production. The Tories will simply do nothing, which is cheaper.

So if you don't like the Martin Liberals, what's to like about the Tories? You think Stephen Harper has a nicer smile than Paul Martin, or what?

As a friend in the United States comments: "This divide between "liberal" and "conservative" is unhelpful of course as all these "democratic" systems are run by a political duopoly. When they are not, there is said to be instability. This is to say that oligopoly has broken out."

So why not do the right thing? Either stay at home on the 23rd, or if you have to vote, vote for the Greens and promote a little oligopoly.

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