Bring on the women!

Izzy Sommers, MD[retired]
7-140 Elmview Street, West
Welland, ON L3C 4K7, Canada
TELEPHONE: 905-788-2237
EMAIL: canadizzy@yahoo.ca

Tuesday, November 29, 2005

The Editor, The Welland Tribune
228 East Main Street
Welland, ON L3B 5P5, Canada
TELEPHONE: 905-732-2411
EMAIL: tribune@wellandtribune.ca

RE: Federal Elections

Dear Editor and Staff:

Now that the Liberal Party of Canada has officially fallen, those of us that like to forecast elections are ready to go. I’m sure I am not the first to make my guesses. In fact, since the Paul Martin Liberals have been the majority in Ottawa, folks have already been guessing what a newly elected government might look like, ever since Jean Chretian stepped down. One could almost use the American expression, “a lame duck administration,” to apply to Paul Martin’s administration, virtually since it’s onset.

I’ve been a Belinda Stronach fan since she ran for a seat as a Progressive Conservative. In fact, she vied for the leadership of the PC Party, right from the beginning. Her dramatic move to the Liberal party saved Martin’s government. He faced a critical vote which was locked at 162-162, as I recall. Only the speaker’s vote, and Belinda’s vote, broke the deadlock in Martin’s favour. Had he lost that vote, even only by one, a vote of non-confidence would likely have toppled the government. Linda Stronach has been quiet. Many times, she should have had the opportunity to step up and assume the leadership of the Liberal Party. I believe, like Hilary Clinton in the USA, she is the only obvious stand-out politician bound to be elected to the top political position in the country. I’ve wondered if her agreement to leave Harper’s camp and fight in Martin’s, included not only the Human Resources Minister’s position to which she was appointed but also the admonition that she not interfere with Paul Martin’s claim to be the Prime Minister.

For many reasons, I believe, Paul Martin will either not be elected in his own riding, or not elected with a clear mandate to take the Prime Minister’s position back. I believe Linda Stronach will step up and lead the Liberal Party to victory. I believe the Canadian public will re-elect the Liberal candidates, to a large extent, such that there will be an actual majority, or only a slight minority. I believe the New Democratic Party, the NDP, will align themselves strongly with Ms. Stronach and form a large majority coalition, if necessary. Further, I believe, the NDP will either jump ship to the Liberals or officially change their names to Liberals by a giant, dramatic, political agreement. I believe the public will be supportive and that such a Liberal, or traditional Whig party, will govern Canada for some years to come. I believe that Harper does not have the charisma or leadership qualities like a Mulroney or a Diefenbaker to rally the PC’s to victory. I believe that Belinda Stronach has such leadership, and other personality, qualities as to be accomplished as a liberal, like Trudeau or Chretian.

It’s time that Canada followed countries like India, England and Israel, who elected Indira Ghandi, Margaret Thatcher and Golda Meir, to be their leaders. Women are in the majority in the voting public around the world, and deserve to take responsibility for the actions of their countries. After all, we’ve had women as Governors-General for some years now. Also, many Monarchies have Queens at their helm, at this time. Canada deserves a “woman’s touch,” and I believe she is going to get one, soon. Instead of saying the men have messed things up, the women deserve their own chance to mess things up.

Thank you for listening.

Sincerely,

Izzy Sommers.