Let me just quickly celebrate the great re-election of Barack Obama on Tuesday night. He's the first President of the United States to publicly support same sex marriage.
I do think Obama's leadership on this issue this year played a part in the results in four states where referenda on same sex marriage was also being voted on. Maine reversed its previous vote against same sex marriage by finally endorsing it on Tuesday night by a 53% margin. Maryland followed suit on Tuesday with a 52% victory. Minnesota seems to have voted down an attempt to ban equal marriage in its law by a 52% margin. Out west, Washington state also voted for same sex marriage by a 52% margin. Coupled with that state's endorsement of recreational marijuana by a 55%, Washington becomes my new favourite place! I need to plan a nice summer trip out that way along with Vancouver soon!
Americans have shown they are progressing away from their conservative past into a more inclusive future. All progressives have great reason to celebrate this week.
Canadians continue to suffer under Stephen Harper's psychotic, paranoid, secretive rule. But at least the wingnuts in Canada's conservative party are being held at bay by the Prime Minister in favour of a moderate conservative agenda. The Republican Party in the U.S. would do well to learn from Canada's Conservatives on how to behave and win.
I'm at least glad to say that Canada's progressive parties are finally getting their acts together. The federal NDP continues to be a formidable force as the official opposition under Tom Mulcair and remain the greatest threat to the Conservatives. The Liberals are also fixing their leadership problems and look certain now to elect Justin Trudeau as leader, who I think will appeal to the hearts and minds of Canadians who don't like the bizarre tendencies of our current prime minister, particularly in areas which gave Harper his majority in 2011. Trudeau may end up being Canada's answer to Barack Obama like his father was Canada's answer to John Kennedy.
Interesting times indeed. For an interesting read on this topic, try this out:
Den Tandt: Americans were really voting to become more Canadian
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