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The Principles of Healthcare

... It is pointless to debate our communist "system" of medicine with numbers and statistics. We will only begin to understand the issue clearly in the light of principles.
... We have come to unquestioningly assume that the lives of doctors and nurses are to be considered collective property- to be distributed according to bureaucratic edict. It is completely contradictory to the principles of liberty that these individuals are denied the freedom to offer their goods and services- as any other Canadian. It is unbelievably disrespectful that we believe that we have a right to their lives.

On being a Liberal

... It must be a terribly nervous thing to be a Liberal... never really knowing what your party stands for... never really knowing if people are voting for you, or merely avoiding making a decision and voting either Tory or NDP... not knowing whether to support the leader, or only pretend to... not knowing whether to take a run at the leadership yourself... and, knowing that your party will likely remain in Opposition as long as Mr. Harper chooses to remain in politics.

The Liberals run away

... We are indebted to Don Martin for alerting us to the Liberal's cowardly scheme to collectively abstain from voting on our government's forthcoming Throne speech (N.P. 10/3)- an appropriate sign of their party's paralysis and indecision- demonstrating a disgraceful willingness to abandon all policies and "demands" when faced with the real possibility of imminent electoral annihilation.

Anniversary of FTA

... The real mystery is that there ever needed to be a discussion as to whether Canadians should be allowed the freedom to exchange goods and services- with someone across the street, in another province, or around the world- without the "protection" of state intervention.

On Nuclear energy

... Most of the world's geo-political instability is a product of dependence on oil as a primary energy source. This will end only when there is a serious drop in the demand, and thus price, of oil.
... There is no realistic alternative to oil, other than nuclear energy. One small development in nuclear energy- a step towards increased safety- could change everything.

Attn: Mr. Dion

... Attention Mr. Dion: In a few weeks you will decide whether our country will have a fall election. However, if there is an election, there is at least an equal chance that your party will receive less seats than you have now.
... So, you have two options. Either, you support the Throne speech, with the predictable theatrical performance, declaring that it is only by your great mercy that Mr. Harper is being allowed merely a few moments more of power. This will make you look bad for about a day, and then you can get right back up on your high horse.
... Or, you can force an election on this country. This would only initiate a very long, painful personal humiliation- finding yourself, in the end, without a seat when the music stops.

Flanagan's defence of Tory's

... Mr Flanagan has fairly defended small steps taken by the Conservative party, as well as reasonably argued the virtue in avoiding alienating those who might be adverse to "radical reform".
... However, it is inexcusable that he should be so condescending to those not so quick to compromise principle for power- those that he declares need to develop a more "mature" relationship with the party- those who might believe that we are not actually moving "in the right direction", but that we are not moving at all.

The Liberal Way

... The Liberal's apparent obsession with abandoning Afghanistan and implementing Kyoto is more an attempt to distract Canadian's from the absence of any true party identity, beyond criticising Conservative policies and stealing NDP ones; thus, the Liberal's meandering menagerie of dilettantes and debutantes, astronauts and academics, communist's sons and capitalist's daughters- all faithful followers of the magical, meaningless Middle Way.

Harper at the UN ..2

... Ahhh well... too quick with the accolades.
... Yesterday at the UN, our prime minister stated that there shouldn't be a choice between "unfettered capitalism on the one hand, and unfettered socialism on the other".
... Which, my friends, is saying absolutely nothing.

Harper at the UN

... We should be very proud of our prime minister at the UN this week, as he clearly and courageously defined the role of the state in a free nation..."Government's main role is to design tax and regulatory systems that enable the free market to work".
... What a far cry from the unrealistic fantasies and empty promises of previous Liberal governments- always quick with the smiles and signatures for a sympathetic press.
... It will take time to renew the spirit of initiative and independence which has been extinguished by generations of socialism in our nation- as evidenced by the popular, pitiful belief that the key to any change is angrily demanding government "action".

Three Small Men

... There is a good chance that our country will be forced into an entirely unnecessary fall election. Why?... to appease the ambitions and arrogance of three small men desperate to defend their leaderships- dishonestly demanding an environmental policy that they know to be unachievable.
... An election will only return Mr. Harper another minority government, and the well-deserved resignation of all three of these small men.

On Mr. Layton

... It must be begrudgingly admitted that Mr. Layton- the man who will likely save this country an entirely unnecessary fall election- is quietly emerging as an icon of integrity. He has not abandoned every personal political principle upon election like Mr. Harper; nor does he content himself with a merely contrarian agenda, or allow his party's agenda to aimlessly drift according to the polls of the day- like the desperate, grandstanding Mr. Dion and Duceppe.
... Hopefully one day, Mr. Layton will put away his lava-lamp, and join us on the Right- a defender of individual liberty, instead of a persecutor.

Dion gets personal...

...Why would Mr. Dion's announcement that he is now going to "play the role of leader" be considered newsworthy, never mind front-page news?
... Nothing is more indicative of the media's Liberal bias than it's almost-universal absence of effort in articulating our elected government's initiatives, yet allowing apparently unlimited opportunity to Mr. Dion to elaborate on every idle opinion or predictable disagreement with our government's policies.

Farewell Mr. Dion

... Well, it's simple. In the next session of parliament, it is unlikely that Mr. Harper will make any false moves upon which the Liberals could capitalise. Actually, it is unlikely that Mr. Harper will make any real moves at all.
... Therefore, assuming that the Liberals will charge out cautiously clinging to last year's unrealistic offerings of implementing Kyoto and abandoning Afghanistan, it is 100% certain that they will remain in Opposition for as long as Mr. Dion is leader. With power for it's own sake as the party's only purpose, they have reached a dead end.
... Would a new leader make a difference? Maybe. Some hope is better than none.
... Or, maybe it is just great fun to fan the flames of their deserved division.

A National Foodcare system

... It's funny, if we had lived for the past few generations with a national "foodcare system"- with all the communist characteristics of indifferent efficiency, low quality, high expense, a shortage of farmers (the good ones having moved to the States), and long queues outside the government foodstore- waiting for a chance to shop with shelves often empty of state-brand food.... we would still have the inevitable outcry against the idea of a two-tier system, threatening our right to universal access to foodcare.

On Canada

... Perhaps, Canada's greatest strength is it's relative lack of nationalistic identity. That, despite self-serving manipulations of those who personally profit from promoting division, we know ourselves as individuals with personal strengths and weaknesses , in no way different than any other upon the earth.

Ontario and the Liberals

... In that, A) Mr McGuinty is easily the least inspiring leader in the history of Canadian politics , and B) The Liberal party basically stands for nothing... could their otherwise-unexplainable popularity be fairly considered an expression of Ontario's self-image?

On the Left

... Ever notice how the Left never actually does anything. They will criticise and protest what others do, tax and spend other people's money, demand that politicians do something, demand wages from employers, stop business and government when their demands are not met, block public spaces and thoroughfares, etc.
... The Left is like a generation that never really grew up- psychologically frozen in the childish, magical worldview of the 60's- it's followers tragically stunted as angry, rebellious "outsiders"- never attaining their true stature as crucial, cheerful individual pillars of our society.

The Liberals discuss economics

... It is encouraging to learn that at least one political party is beginning to discuss responsible economic alternatives, instead of merely perpetuating the current climate of simplistic socialist slogans which so easily appeal to both the innocent and the opportunistic.
... Unfortunately, Mr. Dion has indelibly defined himself at the left-wing extremity of the political universe. Perhaps, in the twilight of his leadership, it would more conceivably convey an illusion of personal integrity were he to remain so; allowing another to refocus the party in a more mature direction.

Mr. Dion's Mistake

... If Mr. Dion, in his desperation to distinguish himself, had not plowed his party into the left lane- leaving Mr. Harper an open road- we could easily be looking at an imminent return to Liberal power.
... He should have picked out a blue suit...

Britain's broken culture

... And excelent column by John Sullivan in the Post today, clearly recognising the breakdown of our culture. Having failed to uphold foundations of civility and order, our society is returning to it's naturally brutal state.
... However, to blame multi-culturalism is an easy, and erroneous, strawman. Values of decency, consideration, and respect are the most crucial cornerstones of each individual's life- irregardless of race, religion, or country.
... The good news, my friends, is that the tide is about to turn...

Values and Freedom

... Human nature has fallen when liberty has become merely an opportunity to accumulate- money, experiences, relationships- yet, indifferent to others.
... To succeed, "the pursuit of happiness" must be balanced with consideration and concern for others- a necessary appendix to the awesome contribution of Ayn Rand.

The New Political Season

... It should be an entertaining start to the new political season. The opposition parties will be pumped up with a summer's worth of accumulated outrage, eager to try out their practiced poses for the cameras, and rattle their election sabers... but not too loudly.
... All attention will be on one man- the leader of our government- who's presence stands in complete contrast to the almost-anonymous existence of the opposition's equivalents.

Undercover QPP at protests

... There seems to be no limit to the things that would be absolutely inexcusable anywhere else in the western world, yet because it is Quebec, we just learn to quietly accept.
... And, you can't say anything, because their politicians will trample each other to be the first on the news, demanding more money to compensate for this latest imaginary assault on their ever-fragile nationalistic sensitivities.

Dion Hints at Turmoil

... The drowning Mr. Dion and Duceppe, desperate to justify their presence, are again childishly threatening to focus their efforts on obstructing our nation's government, unless their "demands" are accepted.
... The opposition parties have become more like stalkers, having lost their own identity and purpose, they are obsessed with Mr. Harper.
... Advice to Mr. Harper- do not spend a moment, or a penny, more than necessary acknowledging their existence. Ignore their threats to force an election- which would change nothing, except the leadership of their parties.
... The really funny part is that the opposition parties might just force an election soon... jostling themselves off of the cliff in their excitement.

China's Goods 2

... An excelent editorial in the Post today, clearly explaining the complexity of addressing the issue of hazardous Chinese products- an over-whelming task for our governments to monitor, and almost impossible for consumers to recognise easily-disguised goods.
... It is likely that we will continue to see the consequences of these dangerous products. This, combined with the almost-inevitable disgrace of the Beijing Olympics, will return the recently-emerging China to desperate dark ages- like Russia, their only distraction from domestic disaster being increasingly belligerent military action.

On China

... Where will this China issue end? Their cultural indifference to the health and safety of it's citizens is so ingrained, that it would take generations to build a society which respects life, and therefore develops a conscience about the quality of their goods, and their conditions of employment.
... However, in the meantime, assuming that China will take to real steps to ensure the quality of their goods, and if our governments take no real steps towards monitoring their goods, I expect that we will just wait for greater tragedies- which will cause a global ban on all Chinese products.
... Which would then cause a belligerent China to more deeply align itself militarily with the other great domestic failure Russia (who manufactures nothing, and so is free of these scandals), against the imagined aggressions of the U.S.
... Therefore, there are no options. Our governments must begin to exercise their rightful responsibility to refuse the importation of unsafe or unhealthy goods.

Protests cont.

... At what point did people so lose awareness of their own capacity to creatively and constructively work towards change in our world, as to believe that "protesting"- ie. standing around shouting with signs- is really "doing something"?
... It is revealing that the "creativity" of protesters is limited to disrespecting democracy, obstructing public spaces, and damaging private property.

Protests and barbarianism

... It is absolutely wrong to consider "street protests" a legitimate part of a healthy democracy.
... They are a symptom of a culture degenerating into barbarianism and anarchy- disrespecting the right of freely-elected representatives to govern- instead, believing that policies should be determined by the demands of any mob in the streets.

A Farewell to Mr. Dion

... It's too bad. Mr. Dion seemed a nice enough fellow, who fulfilled his role of allowing the party to put some distance on the Chretien/Martin years; and who will really not deserve the typically ungrateful heave-ho that the Liberals give all their leaders- trampled by the stampede of giddy contenders.

Protesters to be kept separate

... It seems an excelent idea to keep the protesters to next week's summit "seen and heard" by remote video feed.
... It might be a consideration to have one designated global protest site, with video feeds to any political summits around the world.
... The protesters could be provided with foam bricks and boulders to throw at cut-outs of riot police and government buildings, and plastic "car" shells could be available to be turned over. Masks of political leaders could be provided at the entrance of the site, and large screens could display the words to popular protest chants- international translations by subtitles in the video feeds.
... And, just like now, the protests would be financed by union dues forced from unsuspecting workers around the world.

Tories positioned for election (N.P. Ag 15)

... It is doubtful that a federal election is even remotely in the Conservative's plans... or the Liberals, or anyone.
... Despite predictably roaring with indignation every time Mr. Harper stands to speak, the Liberals will never, ever fight an election with Mr. Dion as leader. The Liberals true concern is waiting for a decently graceful opportunity to push Mr. Dion aside.
... The only election we will see in 2008 will be the crowning of Mr. Ignatieff as the new Liberal leader- which will be their second mistake, merely solidifying their current status for a few more years.

On Space Programs 2

... I seem to remember in the 70's, watching us bounce a couple of men on the moon. Now, forty years later, we are soon hoping to repeat the feat.
... At this pace- recognising that there are no even-slightly inviting looking planets within sight of our most powerful telescopes- the interplanetary shuttles should begin departing for these imaginary, light-year distant colonies in about a million years.
... It would be a great laugh, except that we're being forced to pay for this fairy tale.
***
... Attention, selected genetically-superior human specimens... proceed to your assigned evacuation sites, where you will board the shuttles, and be placed in suspended animation for thousands of years. Then, you will be revived, to spend the rest of your lives in a sterile, entirely un-natural environment, separated by a transparent shield from the lifeless, -4000 degree desert which is your new home.
... Exciting!

On the Space Program

... It is interesting to consider the somewhat oblivious arrogance of those who inexplicably assume that everyone has an unquestioned ambition to "journey successfully into space"- quite comfortably extracting the expense of this insatiable enterprise from every working person.
... Space is just space... get over it.
... There are plenty of human frontiers and challenges to "inspire our imaginations" here on earth.

Re: Global warming? (N.P.)

... With the majority of "scientists", politicians, and environmental groups charging ahead on the "warming" bandwagon, it will be interesting to see their reaction to the news that the warmest years were not just recently, but back in the 1930's.
... Of course, if we were in China, it would be a simple matter of a few executions, or "suicides".
... More likely, with so many reputations invested in the warming theory, I expect that they will just stay the course, and ignore this very inconvenient truth.
... The world itself might not actually be warming, but it is probably starting to feel that way to Mr. Gore... again...

Hey Liberals...

... Hey Liberals... this is the only time that I will help you.
... Soon enough, Mr. Dion will announce his resignation as leader. Then, in 2008, you will have a leadership convention. "How exciting," you think, "Mr. Ignatieff or Mr. Trudeau will restore the party to it's former glory days of the 70's."
... This will likely be your mistake. Mr. Trudeau is an aimless kid, with nice curly hair and a name. Mr. Ignatieff is a bumbling academic who has wandered into the political arena- possibly by mistake. Conceivably, you could nurse Mr. Trudeau through his leadership, but Mr. Ignatieff would be the most regrettable chapter in your party's history.
... Mr. Rae will be an excelent Opposition leader. He is bright, articulate, and not burdened down by any particular political philosophy... a true Liberal. He will be a worthy foil to Mr. Harper- who will be the PM of this country for as long as he chooses to remain in public life.
... There you go Liberals... saved you a few more lost years... don't say I never did anything for you.

Re: Barry Bonds

... It is a good thing to keep physically fit, or to enjoy the camaraderie of playing sports. However, there is a line that is crossed when individuals sacrifice their health and integrity, even injure others, in order to win meaningless games and medals.
... Our cultural veneration of sports "heroes" is a somewhat childish attraction to people who's lives are not actually productive or constructive- essentially irrelevant existences exclusively obsessed with hitting balls with sticks, or running really fast, etc.

Re: Time for Quebec (N.P. column)

... Instead of "Je me souviens", perhaps it is time for a new motto for Quebec- our most excelent countrymen, who needlessly continue to encourage a politically-sustained illusion of abuse.
... How about "Pauvre nous", or "Passe moi les tissue".

On Mr. Ignatieff

... Mr. Ignatieff... another comical character in the endlessly entertaining parade of Liberal dilettantes and debutantes- who, after having sufficiently humiliated themselves, are quietly shuffled out the back door, their picture discretely cut out of the party's family album.
... The moral of the story being ... that if you do not enter politics with firmly-held principles, you end up a Liberal- a nervous nobody just standing in the middle of the road, like a deer caught in the headlights of history.

Goodbye P.S. Unions

... It's actually very simple to eliminate the error of public service unions. Our governments need only announce that they no longer recognise the right of any third party to represent government employees... each employee will be considered independently employed...

$ One Dollar an Hour

... Seeing the farmers unable to free themselves from the chains of marketing boards, I was thinking that it would be interesting to see what would happen if someone publicly offered a job paying $1/hr... refusing to recognise the right of government to force a minimum wage, and refusing to submit government insurance or pension payments. It would not be a concealed "under the table" job, but an open, honest agreement between two individuals to exchange labour for wages- independent of state intervention.
... Would the employer be arrested, brought before the courts, and then fined? What if he refused to pay the fine, and again publicly offered employment on the same terms?
... When gardening, it is futile to pull out one weed, and then wait a year before pulling out another. It is more effective to pull out all the weeds at one time.

Re: Marketing Boards

... Nibbling away at individual marketing boards, one grain at a time, will not give farmers the respect of being allowed to sell their products freely. Neither will the inevitable stalemate of endlessly debating numbers, percentages, and statistics.
... We will only be free of all agricultural marketing boards when we decide that, unless an issue of safety or security, it is wrong for the government to intervene in the commerce of the nation.

Allow Private Care

... After so many generations of a socialist "healthcare system", it is almost inconceivable to consider the medical profession freed from the inevitable ineptitude, inefficiency, and indifference of state intervention. Yet, there will come a time- despite the self-serving chest beating of union officials- when we will begin to question why doctors and nurses are government employees.

Iraqi celebrations 2

... I somewhat suspect that "Iraqi Roulette" would be a conceivably controversial characterisation of the Iraqi's custom of indiscriminately firing rifles in the air at festive occasions... apparently oblivious of the inevitable consequences of fatalities and injuries.
... You'd think that such a short-sighted style of celebration would put a bit of an edge on the party... for what is, of course, an otherwise outstandingly advanced society.

On Atheists 2

... It is always great fun to observe the intensity with which devote atheists pursue the "Latest Theories" on God, from "Leading Scientists"- individuals inexplicably idolised as spiritual authorities- perhaps hoping that, one day, enough blackboards of equations will disprove the presence of God.
... People will buy the next twenty volumes of "The DaVinci Code", visit a million web sites, spend a month naked on a mountain in India, do handfuls of mushrooms, or a thousand other things... anything to avoid a few quiet moments with the Gospels...

Tragic Icons

... Lindsay, Britney, Paris... tragic icons of a dying culture which has so lost sight of the values of true life, that there remains only the desperate pursuit of a few moments of pleasure from destructive drugs, dangerous driving, unhealthy foods, crude music , violent video games, and disposable relationships.
... But hey... it's all good, right?

On Atheism

... When I was young and clever, I fairly glowed with the confidence and certainty of my atheistic faith... reserving an almost demonic derision for those apparently indifferent to the proper and necessary vices of the times.
... Then a moment came, and as Paul on the road to Damascus, I became one whom I was persecuting.
... Oddly enough, even years later, atheism still seems the more intellectually defensible position... which just goes to show the nonsense that our minds can get into when they go off on their own.

Union Strikes in Vancouver

... The time has come to re-consider the presence of unions in the public service. Accountability to taxpayers is only possible if our elected political representatives are absolutely free to determine the conditions of public service employment. Otherwise, taxpayers are defenseless against the endless extortion attempts of union "demands" and "bargaining".
... Are there any politicians with the courage to defend us? Hey... where did you all go?

Reaction to "Stoning" in N.P.

...It is interesting that offense could be taken by the comparison of a society that participates in public stoning to cave dwellers... and even more interesting that the Post would renounce having ever published such a comparison.
...The true measure of a culture is not it's longevity or scientific achievements, but it's decency and respect for life.
... It seems not entirely unreasonable, to consider a society with such a callous indifference to the value of a human life, as lingering at the dawn of civilisation.

Re: Appeal to Harper to return Black's citizenship

... I must admit that I enjoyed Larry Zoff's plea to our PM to return Mr. Black's citizenship.
... However, anyone who charges wildly extravagant personal parties and vacations to public company expenses, scoops millions of dollars from the sale of public companies, and knowingly violates both Canadian and American court orders by sneaking possibly incriminating evidence out the back door of his office- deserves whatever fate comes his way.
... Mr. Black has disgraced himself through his business dealings, and deserves no special privileges from the country that he abandoned in pursuit of his lordship. I see no reason why PM Harper should disgrace himself like President Bush in pardoning Scooter Libby.

Another Execution in China

... Attention China... executing the occasional official when faced with exposed corruption and callous disregard for life is not actually improving your international image.
... While such behavior might be very impressive in Neanderthal communist circles, it just lacks a certain grace out here in the civilised world.

Re: Stoning in Iran

(There were two letters in the Post against my letter on stoning)
... Actually, my letter was about condemning the practice of stoning.
... Any society that encourages the gathering of families with the goal of smashing the life out of a human being buried up to the waist indisputably degrades themselves.
... It is interesting that of the two letters published in opposition to my own... one was more offended by my words, and the other by the Post's publishing of my letter, than by stoning's sickening savagery, and it's inevitable de-humanising consequences.

Front Page News

... Hey National Post, why would you think that your readers appreciate the latest murders featured on the front page? We would buy a cheap rag if we wanted one.

Stoning in Iran

... And then, there was this week's Iranian stoning of a man... and not even by professional stoners, but by the public.
... It's just unimaginable. Does the whole family participate? Do they bring their own stones? Do they feel good about it?
... Truly, it is a society barely beyond grunting cave-dwellers. It is little wonder that such a culture, so ignorant and indifferent to life, is a breeding ground for tragically deluded suicide bombers.

China executes FDA chief

... It is an interesting insight into primordial communist thinking that they might believe the world would breath a sigh of relief- our confidence restored in good Chinese quality- now that the one bad apple has been eliminated.

The New Renaissance...

... One day there will come a new music... without sounds that pound, or scream, or moan... with only joyful melodies of clean, warm sounds that uplift the spirit of all, and sustain a cheerful, considerate people upon all the earth...

On Jazz...

... Jazz is not so much music, as the deliberately awkward setting of one thing against another...

What is Canada

... The greatest triumph of Canada is it's overall absence of collectivist identity. Despite the divisive manipulations and demands of assorted groups within our nation, the quiet majority see themselves- not even so much as Canadians- but, merely as people upon the earth... no more wise or foolish than any other...

On Mr. Black

... Convicted or not, Mr. Black will only be a free man when he puts this behind him.
... Even if he is acquitted of all charges, yet spends his remaining years focussed on resentment and retribution, then he is more imprisoned than were he to be convicted- yet, shaking the dust off of his feet, and looking forward to the fresh literary opportunity of each new day.

Re: Harper praises N. Brunswick

... "I'm the only premier... who is asking for less from Ottawa to break the cycle of dependence." Shawn Graham- Premier New Brunswick
... There are rare, pivotal moments upon which history turns... Premier Graham's admirable, courageous statement may be one of them.

On the Liberals

... All the Liberals need is a new face- any new face- and we will again be spared the awkward confusion of being confronted by "divisive" questions of political principles... restoring our proud Canadian tradition of ideological ambivalence, aversion, and indifference.

Senate passes budget for Kyoto

... Well, that makes no sense. I guess that Mr. Harper was just too tired to bother standing up for his own budget and beliefs.
... I imagine that I will be too tired to bother voting for him again...

On Modern "Music" N.P. June 20

... Modern "music" is not actually music at all... but more in the nature of a pacemaker to those with no true life in them, or an amphetamine to those with no true energy, or an alarm clock to those merely sleep-walking through life.
... The music of the last hundred years has been a steady decline to the demonic pounding, grating, and screaming of today's culturally-corrosive acoustic contamination.

The Next Election

... The Conservatives came to power in the last federal election for two reasons- there were those who were voting for Mr. Harper, and those merely voting against the Liberals. In the next election, there will remain those voting against the Liberals; however, despite Mr. Harper's early flashes of courage and conviction, he has lost the interest and enthusiasm of his initial supporters.
... Therefore, our next government will likely be a Liberal minority, even though the party remains essentially a confused crossroads of ideological drifters and pseudo- passionate posers promising another entirely unrealistic platform to legislate an immediate end to poverty, pollution, prejudice, and global conflict.
... And, Mr. Harper will deservedly spend more time in Opposition... the moral of the story being that it is just a little disappointing when you buy a blue suit at the store, only to discover a pink one in the bag when you get home...

Re: Equalisation payments N.P. Gunter

... The Great Canadian Delusion is our child-like collective belief that, through the mysterious power and benevolent providence of government, we are each getting more out of "the system" than we are putting in... an irrational, undying allegiance to the socialist principle of forced economic re-distribution (F.E.P)... between individuals, provinces, and even countries.
... Which is why we shall always cling to this leaky collectivist lifeboat, turning a blind eye to the self-serving manipulations of politicians, slumbering soundly in the loving arms of the state.

Re: Kabul Bombers N.P. Martin Jn 18

... It is unbelievable that groups such as the Taliban could ever convince anyone that suicide/murder is God's greatest aspiration for their life... nothing could be more clearly the face of evil revealed.
... Yet, over here, there remains sizable segments of our society sleepwalking through life, mindlessly mumbling the mantra "Hey, it's all good...".

No one has a "right" to another's income...
.

Re: Sask. to Sue Jn14

... It is time to run when you hear a left-wing politician demanding "fairness"... inevitably an insatiable, elusive, unattainable horizon of state-sustained advantage at the forced expense of others... ever open to further arbitrary, incremental adjustments upon the achievement of any fiscal territory.

Legalising Drugs NP June 13

... Legalised or not, the problem is that we live in an age where our ambitions idolise immediate self-gratification. The un-natural desire to do drugs is a desperate, destructive attempt to feel alive for a few moments- an artificial, transient experience in an increasingly de-humanised civilisation.
... A true culture cultivates constructive, contributing, cheerful community members. The drug "culture" only ever achieves exactly the opposite.

Re: Men of Action N.P. Kay Jn12

... Mr. Kay raises some good and deserved points.
... Of course, it is easy for wealthy men like Mr. Gore and Bono to manifest the magnitude of their generosity and compassion by indignantly demanding the forced sacrifice of those less able to give charitably, or less able to afford the added expense of increased environmental options- by smiling, opportunistic politicians equally eager to publically display their own generosity and compassion by signing new laws, and spending other people's money.
... Mr. Gore and Bono are not so much men of action, but typical left-wingers, demanding the forced actions of others to achieve their own goals.

On "Collective Bargaining"

... Last week' Supreme Court decision to protect "collective bargaining" enshrines a regressive communist concept which endorses extortion attempts by unions against employers. A nation based upon the principles of liberty respects that an employer is free to determine the conditions of offered employment- whether the employer is a lemonade stand, or the federal government.
... Now that the ball is in the air, let us start cleaning things up by eliminating the archaic public service unions- restoring the accountability to elected representatives to determine employment conditions, and ending the extortions against taxpayers...

On Heads of State

... For the past few generations, almost every head of state in the world has been voted out of office amidst an acknowledged atmosphere of disappointment and disapproval. Is this just an astounding, astronomical co-incidence?
... No, it is that we have accumulated entirely unrealistic expectations of their role in our lives. We insist that they become essentially demi-gods- ending poverty, pollution, prejudice, crime, and international conflicts... restoring both health and happiness to all.
... If , after a few months or years, they have failed to fulfill all of these demands, we look to the next candidate, who is only too eager to promise to achieve all of the above.
... In a respectful, free world, the role of a head of state is to protect our liberty to work towards these values; unlike these days, when we sit back and wait for the waves of their magical political wands...

On Strikes...

... Well, now that the warm weather has returned, it is time for another pointless procession of summer strikes- the constructive contribution of union officials, those parasites on the working man, who's only interest is to encourage ingratitude and division between employer and employee.
... One of the more transparent knee-slappers to emerge from the murky depths of left-wing economic fantasy is the labeling of strikes as "job actions"; whereas, back in the real world, we are obviously discussing "job inaction".
... There is absolutely no place in a civilised, respectful society for individuals to attempt to extort conditions from employers- a regressive communist concept which considers a job to be the common property of both the employer and employee...

Protesting is...

... Protesting is... an attractive afternoon outing for the generally dissatisfied to ease their conscience from a life otherwise exclusively occupied with accumulating abundance... a chance to chant childish slogans, arm-in-arm with an eclectic assortment of individuals enthusiastically united in apparent outward unanimity, yet often entirely opposing interests... an almost universally ineffective effort, as the disrespectful and destructive actions of the "leaders" discredit any potentially valid concerns of those further back in the pack... a somewhat crude, unimaginative tribal-like gathering of those with an almost unconscious affinity with others equally antagonistic towards any authority- whether politicians, police, priests, or parents... a fairly confused fantasy that one is "doing something", when the reality is that one is actually "doing nothing".

A Fine Line...

... It's a fine line between great philosophers who guide historical revolutions, and someone just standing around saying that somebody should do something...

Re: "Disruption works" N.P Martin June 1

... Would all the land, and all the money in the world change anything for native people? Would they learn self-respect, and respect for each other? Would they no longer be a people always needing help, and become a people who help others?
... The answer, respectfully, is no.
... It is an easy excuse to sit back and blame others for one's state in life, or to believe the timeless delusion that money and material possessions will bring fulfillment and happiness.
... Our lives gain meaning and value when we shift from a childish concern with what we can get from life, to embracing the personal discipline required to cultivate our gifts to help others...

Re: The New Face of Culture

(re: New designs for a museum and gallery N.P. May 31)
... It is a sorry state that we might consider museums and galleries, interior designs, dinosaur bones and masks as our "culture".
...True culture is an essential social atmosphere of decency and respect for the person and property of each other. We live in a society where culture has become more a memory, than a guiding light in everyone's life.
...The rebuilding of our culture is the most crucial issue of our times. Absolutely everyone is involved in this restoration. No one is a spectator, or an "outsider". No one is too busy, or too young or too old.
... All our lives are linked in re-establishing a respectful social environment... in our homes, in our communities, and in our world...

Re: "Tory Ads" (Martin May 30)

... The Conservative effort to bully the hapless Mr. Dion is more a transparent attempt to distract Canadians from Mr. Harper's increasingly undistinguished existence.
... We are not disappointed when we see a Paul Martin or Jean Chretien spend their public careers as compromised pragmatists. They entered politics without the limiting liability of personal principles, so we expect nothing of them.
... However, it is inexcusable to see someone as Mr. Harper, who spent his private life passionately working towards clearly defined political values, only to immediately abandon them upon attainment of public office.

Liberals and Foreign Investment

... The Liberal proposal to control foreign investment is not so much an economic effort, as a political one. The Liberals, once again finding themselves without a position of their own, cleverly scoop the inevitable NDP initiative.
... Ahhh... the nervous Liberal dance, desperately hoping that Canadians do not begin to notice that the party stands for nothing... having become merely a rusty, old barge tossed about on the waves of daily polls...

Culture vs. Guns

(Re: Blame urban culture- N.P. Gunter May 28
... "Gangsta" culture is not a culture, but the inevitable, increasingly de-humanised product of a neglected civilisation- a failure to sustain collective values which nurture a cheerful, constructive, considerate character.
... Gangsta "culture" is only able to exist as a parasite on a true culture. The result of such a lifestyle/philosophy, without the western culture host, would be a short-lived, degraded barbarian existence... unable to create it's own guns, drugs, music, food, clothes, cars, etc.
...And handguns... let's start with a minimum ten years hard labour for mere possession. That should clean up things over-night...

Re: Rent Controls N.P. Corcoran May25

... As always, there is only one clear consideration to the question of rent controls... is it right for the state to interfere in the commerce of the nation?
... In Marxist left-wing philosophy, the role of the state is to manipulate and control the marketplace by denying the liberty of the citizens to freely set the conditions of offered goods and services.
... The true Right defends the liberty of individuals to participate freely in the economic life of the nation.
... The difficulty is that we have learned to view our economy in a communist context- our medical "system", education "system", housing "system", etc.
... This is because, over the years, the NDP has done an admirable job of openly promoting their Marxist agenda, whereas the Conservatives have been mostly deadwood drifting downstream...

Re: " The OSC" N.P. Corcoran May 24

... As always, the question remains, is it right for the state to intervene in the commerce of the nation? This principle remains true whether the business is Nortel or a lemonade stand.
... The error is to consider these businesses as public companies. They are not. They are privately owned companies- whether by one owner, or many shareholders.
... It is the shareholders responsibility if they foolishly invest in a crooked company... it is not rightly the collective responsibility and expense of other citizens...

Re: "Canada Post?" Coyne May 23

... There is only one issue in the decision to end the government monopoly of postal services- is it right for the government to force it's intervention in the commerce and exchange of goods in our nation?
... All other peripheral issues are merely distracting- "fairness" in rates, efficiency of service, precedents of privatisation in other countries, etc.
... As always, we must learn to choose between the Marxist interventionist role of the state in the marketplace, or the role of the state defending the liberty and private property of the citizens.
... Unfortunately, it is unlikely that our prime minister will have the courage to end this government monopoly, as we have yet to see any conservative economic initiatives thus far..

Re: "Election?" editorial N.P.

... The editorial is an interesting, if somewhat illogical, attempt to link issues to our minority government situation.
... Unfortunately, an election at this point will return another Conservative minority government.
... However, no matter what the outcome, the Conservatives must call an election soon, as they are no longer able to govern against the unofficial coalition of the opposition parties. Also, Canadians deserve an election because Mr. Harper has mis-represented himself as a fiscal conservative, having clearly proven himself to be as irresponsible as the previous Liberal government.
... Of course, summer is the nicest time for the predictable barricades and strikes, organised by the usual non-representative goons- who, unable to conceive of any constructive contributions to our society, instead delight in disruption and disorder. To attribute the timing of these group's "actions" to anything other than the weather, is to wildly over-estimate their capacity for anything beyond the most crude calculations.
... So, we find ourselves in the odd situation of requiring an election which will resolve nothing...

Mr. Harper's Summer Vacation

... I don't imagine that a PM really gets a summer vacation... perhaps only periods of fewer urgent demands on one's time.
... However, hopefully Mr. Harper will manage a sufficient stretch to put aside the over-whelming responsibilities of his life... a time to re-assess the current strategy of compromised conservative economics- an obviously unsuccessful attempt to gain a majority.
... It was an understandable effort. If the Conservatives had not offered everyone everything, the Liberals would have... hoping to attract the support of the adrift and indifferent- who's voting intentions change according to the issues of the day.
... As with Paul Martin, this strategy always ends with losing the respect of everyone. Mr. Harper's greatest strength at this point is the weakness of others....
... So, hopefully Mr. Harper will get a little time this summer... a chance to think about things...

There was a Time

... There was a time when individuals entered politics inspired by belief in the virtue of certain principles- values which would always guide their decisions.
... However, nowadays, politics are more about popularity... everyone desperately trying to be the prettiest girl at the party, indifferent to any obvious absence of personality... exclusively concerned with appearances.
... Politicians have become perfectly "socialised" beings... modern-day Peter Keatings... empty individuals who have abandoned all personal values, and are only interested in the approval of others.

On Anarchy

(in response to a letter on anarchism in the Post- May 15/07)
... How inspiring to experience the eclectic assortment of exclusive anarchist "ideals"- sustaining supportive communities, voluntary associations, and an end to pollution, poverty, war, crime, racism, etc...
... The question is, why would a democratically-elected government- who's role is to defend individual liberty- be considered an obstacle to freely achieving these values?
... How easily the innocent are overwhelmed by the extensive left-wing agendas. However, anarchists and communists are ultimately indistinguishable in their true, unstated goal of the Marxist abolishment of private property... including the right of the employer to freely set the conditions of offered employment.

On the Next Election

... In the next federal election, there will be very few people actually voting for the political parties.
... Mr. Harper has abandoned every conservative economic principle, but his formerly enthusiastic supporters will still vote against the Liberals.
... And, the Liberals have become more of an aimless wandering tribe, but people will still vote against the Conservatives.
... In the next election, with the Conservatives drifting lazily into the murky political middle, and the Liberals squeezing themselves into the crowded, narrowing Left margin, it will be amazing if any Canadians bother to vote at all...

On the Right and the Left

... There is a clear, timeless line behind every issue- this being the principle of private property (Locke 1690) vs. collective property (Marx 1870).
... The true Left are followers of Marx, a belief that all individual's incomes are to be considered collective property to be re-distributed by the state...thus, our communist medical "system", education "system", inter-governmental transfers, etc., etc...
... Equally, the Left is philosophically attracted to unions... considering a position of employment to be the collective property of both the employer and employee.
... We can endlessly, and fruitlessly, debate a thousand policies, but to address this central principle is to answer them all...

Tory's "Running on Vapours"

... The Tory's are running on vapours because Mr. Harper has sacrificed the conservative economic principles which have guided his life and career, in exchange for the half-hearted support of those indifferent to anything beyond their own apparent advantage.
... He knows that the Liberals are mostly a memory at this point, and that he has become a sufficiently clever, compromised player of games to remain PM for as long as he likes, but he and his supporters now realise that he will never have the courage to become the leader that he could have been...

On Christopher Hitchens

... There was a time when I too saw the world as Mr. Hitchens (author "God is not Great"), and I would have cheered his clever, cynical article... delighting in his derision of the obviously deluded.
... Yet, there came a moment, an undeserved gift from above, when I came to know that the universe was not merely an indifferent atmosphere of arbitrarily arranged chemicals and compounds.
... There will always be lost souls like Mr. Hitchens, leading people nowhere, oblivious to the milleniums of Judeo-Christianity which separates his life from being merely a club-wielding cave dweller...

On Neo- Conservatives

... Few things more clearly reveal the charmingly confused economic philosophy of the Left than their label "neo-conservative".
... As if, just when we are properly "progressing" towards the irrefutably virtuous Marxist ideal of abolished private property, along comes one last desperate wave of annoying, archaic defenders of liberty, enterprise, and initiative.
... In politics, there is nothing "neo" under the sun...

On Premier Williams

... a man who apparently feels entitled to have our cake, and eat his too...

On Collectivism

... It is quietly concerning to consider the countless centuries that the world could continue to blindly stumble along, embracing endless assortments of arbitrary and contrary economic policies, without ever questioning the value and virtue of allowing the government to force economic re-distribution between citizens...

The Conservative Slide

... The Conservative party's slide in the polls is not so much a superficially apparent reaction to recent international/environmental issues, but a sign of the inevitable erosion of the efforts, interest, and enthusiasm of Mr. Harper's original supporters, as his time in office has proven to be a disgraceful, indefensible, and obviously fruitless betrayal of conservative economic principles...

On Al Gore

... I think that it would be fair to somewhat tone down the "Gore as great crusader" rhetoric. He is obviously little more than a wooden actor reading lines from a tele-prompter. I am willing to give his intentions the benefit of the doubt, but come on folks, he makes Jed Clampett look like a genius...

On Justin Trudeau

... the latest in the endlessly entertaining Liberal parade of dilettantes and debutantes, united only by the absolute absence of any personal political philosophy... a desperate sign of a party that actually died sometime in the seventies...

Mr. Harper... again

... It must be admitted, even begrudgingly so, by those kindred vampire spirits of labour leaders and left-wing politicians, that Mr. Harper has done an admirable job of piloting this country through the storms of life in the big world. He is gradually restoring a sense of maturity and responsibility to a nation essentially still in the socialist seventies.
... However, so far his time has been indisputably a fiscal failure, in no way distinguishable from the previous Liberal government, having cleverly camouflaged himself amongst the economically ambivalent and philosophically ignorant.
... Mr Harper has proven himself to be a master of treading water. We shall see if he develops into a strong swimmer, or content to merely spend his years splashing around the pool...

Mr. Harper's Challenge

... I imagine that one of the more challenging aspects to PM Harper's job in the House of Commons is managing to keep a straight face as it becomes increasingly unlikely that he will be seeing the same three Opposition leaders this time next year...
... Fresh faces... equally aimless agendas.

On Mr. Duceppe

... Mr. Duceppe reminds me of Wylie Coyote suddenly realising that he has chased the Road Runner right off of the cliff... his support having evaporated as his party's purpose is no longer of interest to Quebec voters- his presence sustained solely by the momentum of the past...

On the V-Tech Shootings

... The V-Tech shootings is a symptom of a society that has lost it's culture- the foundation of true culture being collectively sustained values which encourage considerate, constructive, contributing individuals.
... Instead, young people are overwhelmed by the prevalent adolescent barbarian "culture", which only furthers the naturally self-centered, immature human condition.
... It's like James Dean- a glorified cultural icon of a self-absorbed, inconsiderate individual- who's legacy continues to corrupt our society, enabling the "outsider" focussed only on their own desires, and indifferent to others...

On Mr. Harper 2

... That was my thinking a few months ago- Mr. Harper playing the smart political game by moving the party to the center... bumping the Liberals into the crowded left-field... getting the good majority... and then, smoothly drifting back into the right lane...
... Except that it won't happen... compromise is a slippery slope.
... I have every certainty that Mr. Harper will remain PM for as long as he chooses; however, beyond token tinkering, it is unlikely that his time will be in any significant way distinguishable from a generic Liberal government...

The Dion/May Accord

... The Dion/May election accord is an easy choice for Ms. May, leaping from obscurity to influence... impressive for a party who has, and will have, no elected MP's.
...However, for Mr. Dion, it is an amazing admission of insecurity... apparently a man who's ambitions easily allow an endless array of opportunistic alliances...

The "Full Comment" Blog

... A note to my many readers...

... At the risk of a great choir of protests, I find myself increasingly enthusiastic to offer my occasionally illuminating writings in the "Full Comment" blog of the National Post. Forgive me, if I am inexcusably absent from these pages for brief periods... I know that few things are as disappointing as to have taken the time to visit a blog, only to find there is nothing new...

On Mr. Harper

... It is a sad story that conservative commentators throughout the land have turned from their support of Mr. Harper to be his most outspoken critics.
... Mr. Harper is proving himself to not be a man of honour and integrity- contrary to my own firm belief before the recent budget, which was a complete betrayal of the cornerstones of conservative economic philosophy- and therefore he has deservedly become a source of shame to all conservatives.
... However, Mr. Harper is a young man... one who has made the easy mistake of listening to those who advocate the path of cynical compromise.
... The question is... will he come to see that he is selling his soul for nothing... that he would be at least equally strong in the polls were he to be truly a man of honour and integrity... instead of becoming merely another Mr. Nobody like our last PM...

... Mr. Harper will never get a majority because he has sacrificed the efforts and enthusiasms of his true supporters in his attempts to win the votes of the politically confused and indifferent...

On Culture

re: A Loss of Civility- article National Post.. March 24

... Our society exists within an eroding framework of an earlier culture- true culture being an atmosphere of ethics which encourages the development of considerate, constructive, contributing members of society. A society which fails to sustain it's culture inevitably returns to a naturally barbaric state... like a forgotten farmer's field...

On Quebec 2

... The trouble with Quebec is that just when you think that they've settled down, one of them runs out into the streets and starts shouting, and pretty soon, they are all doing it... apparently oblivious to the need for any obvious consensus of objective or unifying theme... communists quite comfortably arm-in-arm with anarchists, innocently indifferent to any ideological divisions, allied only in the knowledge of their opposition to another... seizing the opportunity for a general venting of their life's frustrations, and to feel an illusory measure of constructive contribution to the unfolding of history...

On Quebec

• ... Well, the latest entertaining installment in the irrational world of Quebec politics has Mr. Dumont's ADQ inexplicably surging in the polls, having being hopelessly trailing only days ago... which likely eases the threat of imminent Quebec separation... though the timeless challenge of Quebec remains it's charming collective capacity to be easily manipulated into emotional uprisings in support of causes completely contrary to their own best interests...

On Conrad Black

... Mr. Black, it could well be that, after your trial, you will never again walk as a free man on the earth. Bluster and bravado aside, this is a distinct possibility, even a likelihood. It could well be that your lavish lifestyle, and days of worldly ambition and accumulation are over... the remainder of your days to be spent within four walls... a simple man of prayer and letters... perhaps, even a freer and more influential man than now...

The Budget...

... Well, the first big budget from the Conservative party... to the shame of conservatives everywhere. In his eagerness to win the votes that he did not receive, Mr. Harper has alienated every vote that he did. It must be a terrible feeling to know that one has gone from being a principled leader, to a clever compromised follower in so short a time.
...You still have our vote, but you have lost our respect...

The Next Few Months

... Well, we are in for a fun few months in Canadian politics. Next week, our government will introduce a budget, which will be collectively defeated by the Opposition parties for two reasons- A) they couldn't possibly be seen publically supporting our government; and B) they are realising that the chance of their going back up in the polls in the future is likely fantasy... and, in the end. it is generally preferable to burn out, than to merely turn into a pile of dust.

Likely, the Conservatives will win another minority, though a stronger one at the expense of all the Opposition parties. Then, following their party's election failures, all the Opposition leaders will be obliged to resign their positions, to the great entertainment of all Canadians throughout the land...

... This week we learned that the wild winter weather on the west coast was caused by the environmentally oblivious China. It's odd that the otherwise enraged Dr. Suzuki has not risen up in condemnation of China...
...Likely, the poor fellow is exhausted from months of beating up on the standard socialist straw men... or perhaps, he is too busy spinning his own simple tunic, eating little bits of twigs...
... Just joking folks. I'm sure that he is a good fellow doing good work...

It's Election Time

... Today, opposition parties united and defeated our elected government's intention to extend the anti-terrorism laws. Two weeks ago, opposition parties united against our elected government to force the Kyoto Accord on our country.
... There are no options... our elected government is unable to govern... an election must be called as soon as possible.

The Next Liberal Leaders

... Dion will be gone by this time next year. Mr. Ignatieff will be the next leader, and his honeymoon will be shorter than Mr. Dion's.
... Mr. Ignatieff is like a political Mr. McGoo... completely oblivious to the trail of destruction that he leaves behind. He will last as leader for a year or two. Then, the party will drag up Justin Trudeau, who will obviously be the worst choice of all.
... And, all the time, Mr Harper will just get stronger and stronger...

The Party's Over...

... A year ago, we had a Liberal government, it seemed that it had always been so, and that it would always be so.
... Then we voted, the Conservatives became our government, and there was a quiet over the land. The slow left-ward drift of our nation since the 70's just stopped the moment that Mr. Harper became our prime minister. The time had come to begin to repair the damage from the legacy of Pierre Trudeau; whom we, in our innocence and ignorance, had allowed to erode our nation's moral and economic foundations.
... Mr. Dion is both responsible for, and a victim of his party's plummeting popularity. After the initial, brief honeymoon, the polls would be the same for any leader. The Liberal party is now only an empty shell of aimless opportunists... believing in nothing, united by nothing.
... A year ago, we gave the apparently entrenched Liberal party a mild, if seemingly futile rebuke. Everything will have changed in the next election. This time the party's over...

Cartoon idea...

Mr Dion proudly announces that the Liberals have filled their quota for women candidates... (He is standing at a podium and pointing to the group behind him- his "Dream Team" dressed in women's clothes, wigs, etc...)

"I'd like to introduce Bobbi Rae, Michelle Ignatieff,..."

I know folks, not in the best taste... but, it made me laugh...

On Mr. Harper

... It's funny, you just never hear the sound of laughter coming from the Left anymore.

... For the first time since the 60's, like the first light of a returning dawn, our culture is turning to the Right.

... Mr. Harper is like some instinctive political martial artist... knowing when to make a move, and knowing when to step lightly aside from the opponent's attacks, allowing them to exhaust themselves with their own ambitions.

Kyoto continued...

... Hey Mr. Dion and Mr. Layton... here's your future.

... In your desperation to avoid personal political obscurity, you've bet your careers on a dishonest, deceitful "Kyoto or bust" position, which will now unavoidably cause an election in the next few months. You will huff and puff, and the Conservatives will win another minority government. Meanwhile, it is likely that your parties will only decline in numbers, and despite the initial "rally around the leader" following election failure, you will be forced to resign your positions... much to the delight of the Liberal "Dream team", each of whom believe themselves to be the truly intended, yet merely delayed, Liberal leader.

... In the end, all that will change for your present partisan posturing is that the country will know that, even if they do not gain any additional seats, the Conservatives are the country's government for the foreseeable future, and Mr. Harper is unquestioningly the party's leader... whereas the two of you will be grinding your teeth, out of sight and out of mind.

... Lads, you're almost history, and you deserve it.

On Kyoto

... It was an interesting week in Canadian politics as the majority of federal MPs voted to continue support for the universally acknowledged unachievable Kyoto accord, which remains supported by the majority of Canadians, though the contents of the accord are understood by almost no one... a perfect combination of the dishonesty and opportunism of the Opposition MPs, and the intellectual apathy and indifference of the Canadian people...

The Nuclear Age

...Actually, the global warming issue is quite simple. As Patrick Moore (co-founder Greenpeace) stated April 16/06 "nuclear energy may just be the energy source that can save our planet from cataclysmic climate change".
...I expect, that after a few years of discussion, the world will set off on a rapid conversion to nuclear energy. It is unlikely that there will be the burning of fossil fuels in 20 years.
...It will also create an indirect benefit of increased political stability throughout the world.
...Of course, there will be a few years of understandable opposition, fueled and exploited by opportunistic opposition MP's and self-serving labour leaders. There will be tremendous street rallies full of people shouting slogans, breaking store windows, and burning effigies of George Bush, even though he is essentially retired.
... However, in the end it will be beautiful, the air will be clean again, and all the world will be powered by quiet, clean nuclear energy.

On the Left

...A universal psychological indication of the political Left is an adolescent atmosphere of outright indignation at the existence of every economic and environmental issue, each unquestioningly embraced as a further example and opportunity to justify and sustain their chronic condemnation of independent enterprise, and an almost instinctive animosity towards the artificial authority figures of elected representatives...

Election Time

... It's a pretty funny time in Canadian politics these days. In a few months the Conservatives will introduce a new budget, which will be defeated by the opposition parties, triggering another election, returning the Tory's a minority government. and resulting in the resignations of Mr Dion and Mr. Layton.

... Smiles everyone...

Conservative compromise...

(in response to Andrew Coyne's "Selling the Conservative soul" N.P. 01/20/07)

How tempting the current climate of conservative compromise, getting caught up in our own cleverness, and at the end of the day losing both principles and popularity, equally as empty as any Liberal.

The column was like the sudden sound of a bagpipe from the turret of the ivory tower, piercing the grey fog of day-to-day politics.

Mr. Coyne must be re-reading an Ayn Rand novel...

Freedom and the State

(in response to a letter in the Post 01/16/07)

Classic question- why does the Right turn to the force of the state to achieve moral values and not economic ones, and the Left vis versa?

Personally, I only address questions of political economics, so I will leave political moral questions to others.

Capitalism is the opposite of exploitation. Exploitation is the forcing of others. Capitalism defends the liberty of the employer to offer employment, and the liberty of the employee to accept or refuse employment at the offered conditions.

What we do with our freedom is a question of ethics, which are values rightly sustained outside the role of the state.

Christ as Socialist?

This week, Hugo Chavez stated that Christ was the greatest socialist- which nicely illustrates one of the more popular errors in political economic philosophy.

The difference between Christ and socialism is the difference between freedom and force. Christ encouraged true charity- the free giving of one's time or earnings to help those less fortunate. Socialism or communism as preached by Marx is forced economic redistribution by the state- which, as always, destroys the spirit of true Christian charity.

The unifying theme of the Left is it's instinctive turning to the force of the state to solve all it's problems- whether economic or environmental.

The Left?

Sometimes, things are necessary for a while, and then having achieved their purpose, are no longer necessary.

Such seems the case with the political Left. The left-ward turn of the Liberals by Mr. Dion, wiping out almost half of the NDP support overnight, reveals the crumbled foundations of the left-wing movement... their remaining supporters being mostly angry old hippies, and gullible union members.

We all owe the Left a debt of gratitude for it's perseverance over the decades in bringing environmental issues to the forefront of all political party's platforms

It could be that one day we will see an NDP MP crossing the floor... to the Conservatives. Now, that would be an exciting day!

The New Year...

You know, I've been trying to think of something to write about this week, but actually things are going very well...

Mr. Khan's decision to join the Conservative party continues the increasing irrelevance and obscurity of the Liberal party, and the polls show a steady decline in their numbers.

The NDP deservedly returns to a position of importance, honestly representing the old hippies and well-intended (yet mis-guided) youth.

The health of our environment has now become a non-partisan issue, recognised by all parties equally... the challenge for all being to find the most balanced, sensible solutions.

Even in the global context, PM Harper seems easily the most principled, intelligent head of state (admittedly not such a distinction in a field of desperate compromisers).

So, exciting times in an exciting country!