The white smoke has emanated from the chimneys of Parliament. Led by the camerlengo, Cardinal Layton, and supported by the eminence grise, Cardinal Duceppe, the consistory of cardinals has thrust the burden of leadership on to humble Cardinal Dion. The Spirit has spoken. But wait. Their decision has to be approved by the governor-general. That means that Mme. Jean outranks the pope. God is a woman! Well that's Ottawa.
Bob Ireland, Scarborough
Perhaps this unholy alliance would be better served if Jean Chrétien and Ed Broadbent consented to leadership pending the Liberal leadership convention next May. There's a lot at stake here for both the nation and the current coalition party leaders are unproven. Chrétien and Broadbent would bring both experience and leadership to the PMO – two qualities currently lacking and sorely needed.
Ed Shannon, Toronto
While I agree with letter writer Jeffery Ewener that the battle on Parliament Hill is thrilling, it's hardly "worthy of Aeschylus, or Shakespeare." The ever-scheming Stephen Harper as a saintly King Duncan pursued by a blood-soaked, conscience-stricken Professor Dion? I don't think so.
Geoff Rytell, Toronto
If the coalition comes to pass as I hope, let's bring back Paul Martin as a consultant on the economy. We never did better than when he was the minister of finance.
Joan Van Daalen, Newmarket
Agreeing to join a Liberal/NDP coalition was a very astute move by Gilles Duceppe. Maybe the Bloc should start using the motto: "Always outnumbered, never outsmarted." It's unfortunate for us that Mr. Duceppe is a separatist. Out of all of them, I think he'd make the best prime minister
Ian R. Ward, Hamilton
There was a PM named Stephen,
With foes he tried to get even,
The Liberals cried "No!"
And the NDP "Whoa!"
Et le Bloc "No way we're leavin'!"
Orest Slepokura, Strathmore, Alta.
With the world's economy in shreds, social order on the planet disintegrating, human greed and negligence decimating the global environment, our petty, avaricious, obtuse Canadian politicians have plunged our once sane nation into a constitutional crisis akin to Alice in Wonderland where everything that once made sense is now absurd.
Alice says: "If I had a world of my own, everything would be nonsense. Nothing would be what it is because everything would be what it isn't. And contrary-wise; what it is it wouldn't be, and what it wouldn't be, it would. You see?"
If this is the bizarre reality to which we are now forced to submit, I hereby declare myself Queen of Hearts and issue my first public proclamation: "Off with their heads!"
Robin Siegerman, Toronto
The Star's horoscope today was certainly on the money.
Re:Jack Layton (Cancer): "Ingenuity is the key to success now. As long as you are smart, you will see a clear way to achieve what you fear is beyond reach."
Re:Stephen Harper (Taurus): "You will gain a lot ... try not to resent this essential process of enlightenment."
Re:Stéphane Dion (Libra): "By undervaluing your own talents, you risk underachieving at a time when an opportunity is staring you in the face ... the universe will come to your aid."
Maarten Heilbron, Toronto
George W. Bush is "The Decider." Maybe Mr. Harper will be remembered as "The Uniter."
Oh my, but the irony is delicious.
Jonathan O'Mara, Whitby
