Captain Obvious Strikes Again

      Jeff Simpson in today's Globe and Mail observes: "The forthcoming election campaign [in Canada] will not be for the pure of heart, nor for those who prefer edifying politics. It's likely instead to be nasty, brutish and long." No shit, Jeff. This election is looking like it will be the most mean-sprited in memory. And, gee, you mean people really thought Paul Martin would bring in days of champagne and violets? Dolts. Democratic deficit, my ass. Especially when it comes to Martin, who has at his disposal the biggest campaign machine ever known in Canada, don't be misled into believing any of the myths of political sincerity. Those of you with votes, keep an eye on Paul Wells' generally incisive analysis at his blog. Soon, it seems, many of us will be looking back on the days of Brian Mulroney as days of civil politicking. My answer? Our politicians are going to treat us with intellectual disdain; let's return it in kind.