I think I am ready now. Jack Layton has pulled the NDP's support of the Liberals and it is probably for the best. The Star reports:

New Democrat Leader Jack Layton says he won’t support the federal Liberals in the event of a confidence vote in the House of Commons. In a speech at a Toronto hotel, Layton today rejected Prime Minister Paul Martin’s proposed changes to health care and said the life of the current Parliament is likely limited. But it wasn’t until after his speech that Layton made it clear the NDP would vote to bring down the government if a motion of non-confidence was tabled in the House. The earliest date for such a motion is Nov. 15.

We really know all we need to know out of the Gomery Report. It is pretty bad but not as bad as it could be. But pretty bad none the less. Time for us to have our say. And apparently from the photographic evidence, the pot of gold resides in Jack's belly so everything ought to be just fine for the campaign...that is what the Toronto Star's image above means, right?

And why not a Christmas election? Everyone happy, thinking merry thoughts, thinking about giving to others, saying happy holidays to the nice strangers in the community what a perfect time to...trying a vote for the socialists for the first time in your life. Wouldn't having your first eggnog be weirder? I just don't see the downside for the NDP except that Ed the Magnificent has decided not to run again due to his wife's health.

Update: Who knew? Some Tories want an election now, too.