Farce time at the Ontario corral.

Man o' man - if every PC supporter I've talked to does what they say they will do, some Liberal candidates in this provincial election will win in gigantic landslides. Others will just win as Tory votes melt like the snow on a hot June day.

Funding private religious schools has cost Tory hugely. But then the doofus goes and questions the integrity of teachers administering the provincial tests, uses a sophomoric slam line about the U of Zero, thus insulting all University of Ottawa students past and present, and if all of that isn't enough, he jumps into the homework debate and starts flinging his opinions hither and thither with the same insight in which he tossed creationism into the fray.

I think I finally understand, however, what's going on with Tory. He's taken a look at his candidates across the province, a sad collection of mean minded Harrisites and wannabes, and he then looks at the mess David Miller is in and more than anything I think John wants to be free to run for mayor in another three years. The thought of four years on the Opposition benches listening to Hudak, Klees and Runciman whine would make anyone's blood run cold. Four years as Leader of the Opposition won't cut it for John so that explains his death wish, which he's coming very close to fulfilling. So finally, an explanation for the inexplicable.

Speaking of Miller, has anyone besides Tory fallen so far so fast? His petulant pout after his tax increases were blocked was staggering. One prominent Tory said yesterday he cringes everyday and is wishing he had never let himself be talked into supporting Miller. His staff is strictly from amateur hour, his policies are stricly from hunger, and his understanding of how to build coalitions and support for his programs are strictly missing in action.

Then, of course, there's Howard Hampton. Somebody in the NDP has lost his mind.... hmmm, let me rephrase that. The NDP collective brain trust ..... shit, that doesn't work either. Well, OK, try this: the dim bulbs designing NDP strategy must have suffered a major brain cramp all at the same moment. How else to explain their mind boggling, stunningly stupid move to calling themselves......Orange? Imitation may be the sincerest form of flattery but when your opponents spook you into changing your identity and acting like a copy cat, you know someone is in full panic mode. The Green Party's use of Green is clear and consistent with their stated aims and objectives. The NDP's sudden embracing of a colour signals only panic, not renewal or a strategic switch in direction. It's higgeldy piggeldy, which on second thought, is consistent with their platform.

For the last four years, everyone has known the date of this year's election. But the NDP couldn't get their platform out until today, 3 days into the campaign. Of course, if you're going to tax the rich, and soak the corporate world and make ridiculous promises about health care and electricity and so on, then you don't want too much attention paid to it anyway. Someone might recognize it as recycled 1940s material. On the other hand, it must have generated enormous debate within: tax the rich again and give to the poor (have we overdone Robin Hood? Will anyone buy it?); wave the flag for more doctors and more nurses in the north (will people believe they'll go north for Howard when they won't go north for money?) and speak yet again in ignorance about providing electricity to the province and going green. Enough to make you weep.

A whole province is collectively holding its head and groaning about the lack of intelligent, thoughtful leadership. Dalton's the closest thing to it, which is a scary thought, and John and Howard are making him look better by the hour.

Anyone wanna go fishing again?