Politics

I never thought I’d actually approve of the GG. In general I find it an uber-political appointment that seems so ceremonial that little of value every comes out of it. And then Michaella Jean goes and proves me wrong. As Teddy Roosevelt used to say, Bully! Jean Snacks on Seal Meat Governor General Applauded, Denounced for Eating Raw Seal Jean’s Seal Meal Draws Praise, Criticism Good for her for standing up for Canada and the Inuit. As for all the “bleeding hearts” out there, I still have no time for them. As Bono eloquently put it: I don’t believe in bleeding hearts or painted roses While bullets rape the night of the merciful.

Read more »

This article caught my eye today: Once Considered Unthinkable, US Sales Tax Gets Fresh Look. Obviously, in the US, there will be a massive hue-and-cry over this. But I really don’t see why. I’m all for consumption taxes. They’re fair. If you want to consume more, or if you can due to how much money you make or have, so be it. You can be taxed for your consumption. But you have the choice to consume less — regardless of your fiscal position. Thus, it’s fair. It does not unfairly impact anyone. In fact, I’d like to see here in Canada income tax become something you only pay to the provinces and that the Feds collect money only from a consumption tax (a redone GST) plus corporate taxes. In my view, provinces should not be allowed to tax goods or services, only incomes. That way they’d have to be more responsible to their electorate while the feds focus on the macro economic issues at hand. It also means, by pushing corporate taxes to the federal level only that provinces must control their spending so as not to overly affect the electorate who are paying for the province’s services. Furthermore, via

Read more »

Well, well. Seems the Democrats have their hopeful for the upcoming US elections. The mania sweeping the US – and parts of the world — is rather akin to what my folks told me it was like with Kennedy and Trudeau in the 60s. And he is a very good orator, something that’s been sorely lacking in US politics for quite a while. What I’m most looking for is a nice, civil election for a change. I can’t see either McCain nor Obama getting nasty. In fact, from what I’ve seen, they both seem extremely passionate so it should be an election of ideas. Also from what I’ve read, it seems they both have similar concerns. And McCain has already asked for 10 debates/town halls with Obama. I think that’s a great idea. So here’s to hoping for a civilized election in the US based on passionate and reasoned debate on ideas and ideals. If the US has such an election, it’ll not only be good for the US but for the rest of the world. Here’s to hope and may the best man win.

Read more »