Life resembles art...?

It's all pretty pathetic, really.

The following muffled statement was heard from behind closed doors at 24 Sussex Drive over the weekend. "Put 'em up, put 'em up! Which one of you first? I can fight you both together if you want. I can fight you with one paw tied behind my back. I can fight you standing on one foot. I can fight you with my eyes closed. Oh, pull an axe on me, eh? Sneaking up on me, eh? Why, I'll... Ruff! "

Seven weeks ago, Canadians decided that we were not ready for a change in our Federal government and did not upset the Conservative party who were returned with another minority. It's not that we did not want a change. The problem lay with the leadership, or lack thereof within the Liberal party - who were the one possible viable alternative. The minority kept the ruling Conservatives on a relatively short leash.

Boy, was that leash ever short. Seems it was attached to a choke chain.

Governor General Michaëlle Jean - for the sake of this post, she might be referred as Dorothy, could be forced to decide the fate of the minority Parliament in the coming days. Prime Minister Stephen Harper could seek her permission to discontinue the current session of parliament, thus avoiding defeat at the hands of an NDP-Liberal coalition.

Or she could elect to hand power to the NDP-Liberal coalition, formally sealed yesterday, if they defeat the Conservatives as threatened next week. Yesterday, December 1, the Liberals and the Jack Layton led NDP signed a formal, unprecedented pact to replace the minority Conservatives, who were re-elected just seven weeks ago, with a coalition government. With guaranteed support from the separatist Gilles Duceppe's Bloc Québécois for at least 18 months, the Liberal-led coalition yesterday wrote to Jean to offer a governing alternative, claiming the Conservatives have lost the confidence of the majority of the House of Commons.

"We are ready to form a new government that will address the best interests of the people," said Liberal leader Stéphane Dion, who would lead the coalition government as Prime Minister. "It's all about the economy . . . it's why we are together, to fight this economic crisis."

But Harper and his Conservatives say they will fight to hang on to power in the face of an extraordinary opposition move to force them from office. Two senior cabinet ministers emerged after huddling with Harper last night to declare the coalition "undemocratic." Wow. Great response, guys. Feels like we’re back in a playground during recess - not dealing with a crucial milestone of this country's history during these tough economic times.

The three parties, with a combined total of 163 seats in the Commons, pledged to defeat the Conservatives, who have 143, at the earliest chance - perhaps next Monday, December 8. "There is no turning back."

Some background; Dion, who led the Liberals to their worst election showing in a generation on October 14, is now poised to become prime minister under the deal, until he is replaced by the winner of the Liberal leadership convention in May. You may recall shortly after the last election he decided to step down as leader. So it's entirely possible that Canada may be led by an already lame duck party leader. Talk about no brain!

Meanwhile, Layton, who reminds many of a long-since retired adult entertainment extra with his cheesy moustache, is just beside himself. His excitement is oh so obvious. A socialist-leaning ideologue looking to serve his own personal interests. Talk about no heart!

And then there's our separatist ami, Duceppe. Waiting anxiously working tirelessly behind the scenes to undo this united nation and declare Quebec a Sovereign state. Talk about the actions of a coward!

So, now I've drawn the parallel to TLATO's favorite movie of all time, The Wizard of Oz. My work is done. Except, perhaps to point out the obvious; the Wizard, the man behind the curtain is none other than Stephen Harper.

As his good buddy, George W. might say, "Nice job, Steve-o!"

But wait; there's more! Here’s something really far-fetched to consider. At some point in the coming months, there will be another general election. Let me posit this ridiculous notion. What if the coalition government does a fantastic job. At the polls would the choices be: (a) Liberal; (b) NDP; (c) Conservative; or, (d) all of the above?

Limp leftist Liberals and Socialist NDP'ers and barely disguised Reformers. Oh, my!