Let May in!
I do think that Elizabeth May is getting the short end of the stick.
Others disagree — they point out, rightly, that her party has never won a seat.
I know the argument — if we let the Greens in, we’ll have to let every fringe party in. And the debates are fractured enough already.
But, you know, the Greens got 7.6% of the national popular vote. And they would have a seat in Parliament, if May weren’t stubborn enough to keep on trying to knock off Tory cabinet ministers.
On the other hand, Gerry Nichols does have a point with this: “If May is allowed in debate change the format. Last time was like watching a pack of dogs trying to take down a bear.“
But whatever — when you’re king of the hill, people will always try to knock you off. Still say Harper should suggest that May be let in. (He probably won’t; she’s been really nasty to him, and he’s vindictive.)
My personal sense is that many who claim to support the Green party are really just protest votes – people unhappy with the mainstream parties and looking for a place to park their votes. And its easy to make a protest vote when you know the party you’re voting for isn’t going to win – its more about sending a message.
So on that basis, the popular vote percentage for the Greens may not be a valid indicator of whether or not May should be included. On the other hand, however, having her included shines light on her unique (moonbat?) view of the world, making it harder for people to actually park their votes with the Greens.
Overall, however, I’m more inclined to leave the debates to the parties with seats in the house.
I don’t think she’ll get the groundswell of support she got last time.