Can Leonard Cohen Save the Senate?

[HelenOE]

Well, the question has ben asked.

Something tells me this would not be Mr. Cohen's idea of a good time. On the other hand, he might get another couple of verses of The Future out of it.

[LisaLCFan]

Leonard is more likely to be asked to join the Senate under the current system, than to become part of a (totally hypothetical and unlikely ever to happen) committee to appoint Senators (because, the latter would require a constitutional amendment, for one thing). There is a precedent for the former possibility: the band-leader and musician Tommy Banks was appointed as a Senator from Alberta.

[HelenOE]

Interesting. I don't understand the Canadian system, but I can't imagine Leonard being happy as a Senator Cohen. Not the best use of his precious time by any imagining.

[Cate]

Very little time is involved. I think they meet a few afternoons a week and often weekend from Thursday evening until Tuesday afternoon.

[LisaLCFan]

Interesting. I don't understand the Canadian system, but I can't imagine Leonard being happy as a Senator Cohen. Not the best use of his precious time by any imagining.

Historically, the Senate was supposed to provide checks and balances, the "sober second thought" sort of idea to whatever is decided upon in the House of Commons. But, because Senators are appointed by the Prime Minister, it is considered by many to be a bit of a joke, nothing but cushy, well-paid patronage appointments with very little time or effort involved (although, to be fair, some Senators may take their responsibilities seriously...).

I was joking about Leonard being likely to be appointed to the Senate, because as far as I know, he's not pals with the current PM nor with any current (or future?) active Canadian politicians, and that is usually the main criterion! So, I wouldn't worry about it.

[jdhayes]

He should take Groucho Marx's advice and never join a club which would have him as a member.

[Joe Way]

One of Leonard's poet/hero's, W. B. Yeats, was an Irish Senator so there is a literary precedent.

Joe