Ok, so now what?

The politics geek in me is thrilled. Parliamentary maneuvering, cunning parries, surprise statements, dominoes rippling as the shockwaves emanate and alter all political calculations. And then there's the shocked headlines and pundits galore, weighing in on every angle. Heaven!
Harper has improved his position in Quebec, cut off the Bloc, bought himself breathing room in the House, and given the federal Liberals a huge break ahead of the leadership convention.

But then the reality sinks in. He said what? Harper may have avoided an awkward moment in the House, but he has just created a far larger problem to be dealt with in the future. The precedent has been set, the door has been opened, the nation has been recognized, and Canada is lesser as a result. Maybe it always was this way, and he has finally just called it for what it is. Call me idealistic (and certainly call me cynical now), but I figured we could try a little bit harder before we gave it all away and packed it in.

Tactical victory, strategic defeat.

Update:
Warren Kinsella quite eloquently answers the question in this posting's title. Of note is the "economy takes a shit-kicking". Hadn't thought of that. But thinking ahead doesn't seem to be the name of the game these days.