“For those of us who want to see democracy survive and thrive—and we are legion—the heart is where everything begins.” So writes Parker Palmer in his new book, Healing the Heart of Democracy.

This sounds to me like a call to spiritual practice, something the church offers in community. Representing The United Church of Canada at Jack Layton’s funeral last Saturday reminded me of how important this is.

I can scarcely believe the poll results I'm seeing. In all seriousness, I had given up hope for Canada. It was obvious that Harper was a blind ideologue, and thoroughly anti-democracy. This isn't wild, political name calling. He has many times demonstrated his loathing for democracy. And he is owned by  corporate money even more than John A. Macdonald was.

If there is one person I feel bad for in the midst of this federal government showdown, aside from Canada as a whole, it's Governor General Michaelle Jean, who now has an extremely difficult decision to make. Harper's going to ask her to prorouge Parliament or call an election, while Dion and Layton will ask her to let them form the government. The Tories are launching e-mail and phone blitzes on her office, and the country is divided on what should happen to Parliament. Her supposedly-ceremonial role is about to take on the biggest decision in the country.