'This is a coup d'etat'

We asked torontosun.com readers what they thought about the showdown in Ottawa. We were overwhelmed with responses. Here's a sample of what they had to say. To join the discussion, go to torontosun.com/showdown:

- "This is a coup d'etat. Nothing less. In my opinion it is undemocratic for some "back room boys" to get together to appoint a leader of Canada. If Prime Minister Harper has lost confidence, then put it to an election and let the people decide."

-- Stephen A. Holmes

- "I am so happy the opposition parties are planning to lead this country.

Harper needs to pull his head out of the sand and start acting in our best interest -- that is, co-operation with political parties within Canada and with other countries to address this global economic crisis we are in."

-- Charlotte Richardson

- "It's like a bad episode of the Three Stooges."

-- Rob Santarelli

- "As a democratic country we voted two months ago for a minority government.

This new coalition is promising to spend billions of our hard earned, shrinking dollars on a plan to bolster our economy ... where is that money going to come from?

Are we going to put Chretien, Martin, and Broadbent back on the federal payroll, when we just got rid of them?

I urge our governor-general to call an election: It will cost us less in the long run, and democracy will speak clearly."

-- Rick Hamilton

- "Are we finally getting a modern democracy? Only in Canada can we have minority governments, one after another and then calling elections when the polls are right! Most modern governments in Europe have coalition governments, and then the majority will govern. In some cases the coalition was made up of the two major parties for the good of the country!"

-- Karlheinz Jurdens

- "Wow ... it's like my vote in the last election didn't really count at all now since the opposition can gang up and take over the reigns of power whether I like it or not.

Even though it's a minority, the Liberals, NDP and Bloc will go to any length to gain power. Hopefully, all those tofu eating lefties will see the problems. This will occur and give the Conservatives a majority the next time."

-- Marcel Labelle

- "Another absurd waste of Canadian tax dollars, propagated by a Liberal party in shambles due to past incompetence.

Canadians didn't vote for a majority government, but we certainly didn't vote for a trio of incompetents. Come on Canada, let's stop the bleeding. Stop these imbeciles from arranging the biggest con job in Canadian history."

-- Ken Kovacs

- "The coalition is nothing but a power grab, pre-planned and all. It must be stopped. The only way to restore sanity to the situation is to go to another federal election, but go we must."

-- Bob Thiessen

- "The coalition is a great idea! It solves several problems. First of all, there will be a stimulation package for the economy. Second, it will mean that three parties will actually "get along" for the next 18 months to 2.5 years, instead of the bickering that's going on now. Thirdly, it will eliminate the bullying and the confrontational tactics that is Harper's style.

It will guarantee stability in government for awhile, something that would never be guaranteed under a minority government run by Harper

And remember. Harper signed a deal in 2004 with the Bloc and the NDP to be prime minister if they could bring down the Martin Liberal government. So it was Harper's idea first, to have the Bloc support a coalition government.

Coaliton governments work better than minority governments when there is no will for compromise."

-- David Moore

- "Good work Dion -- you have proved to be even weaker than you looked in the election. Good idea -- play ball with the seperatists! What were you thinking?"

-- Lorraine Rich

- "The people of Canada must stop this coup from happening! The opposition will open a Pandora's box that will destroy the very fabric of our parliamentary process. Attend every protest and make your voices heard!"

-- Owen Burmania

- "Wake up Canada! It's time to stand up for your rights once again to confirm your original voting stance and not allow the Liberal-led coalition to rob us of our due process."

-- Lil Jovan