Now It's REALLY Time For Harper To Go

By Sniffles

Stephen Harper thinks he's going to ride to re-election in Canada on the "issue" of the niqab.

Yep, somehow — despite the country's current recession and all the other struggles that Canadian families are having every day — whether or not a woman wears or doffs her religious veil during a new-citizen swearing-in ceremony has allegedly lifted the Tories in recent polls.

We cats would like to point out how disgusting this is. First, new Canadian citizens are required by law to confirm their identities prior to any public ceremonies. Second, as we've argued before, open, pluralistic democracies should be able to tolerate silly dress. (Just look at the Tea Party.) Third,  this is a dog whistle engineered by a right wing desperate to turn the conversation away from the issues that really matter. So we hope that Canadians will not succumb.

How, though? In a parliamentary system with at least three major political parties, how can the True North keep Stevie from squeaking through? Answer: Only if those who oppose him refuse to stay in their ideological corners and cast their votes on October 19 as anti-Harper rather than pro-anybody-else.

To that end, we respectfully propose adding a new verse to Tony Turner's big election hit, "Harperman." We hope that since our favorite mild-mannered Environment Canada scientist has decided to retire from the civil service rather than suffer the government's drawn-out "investigation" into his political activity, he'll have the chance to endorse our lyrics. Thanks for your consideration, Tony! We cats PURR.

How can we get ride of Steve?
Harperman, Harperman
What can we do to make him leave?
Harperman, Harperman
Cast our votes strategically
Liberal or NDP
Harperman, it's time for you to go!