What we need is leadership, not gigantic deficits - Brantford Expositor - Ontario, CA: "ADDING BACK THE DEBT
Over the next six years, the budget office estimates, we could easily add back the $105 billion in debt that we dropped between 1997 and last year. Canada's debt-to-GDP level, the economists keep repeating, is the lowest in the G-7, at about 30 per cent. Not for much longer.
Here's the amazing thing: Nobody cares. Not the Conservatives, not the Liberals, and of course neither the New Democrats nor the Bloc.
They all want Harper to spend, spend, spend. Indeed, Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff has indicated that if Harper doesn't borrow and spend enough, he'll invoke the coalition and topple his government."
And it's not just them. Most nominally conservative think tanks, and all the economists, are singing from the same song sheet. Their mantra: Canada is in a sound position fiscally, relative to the rest of the G7. We can afford to incur some debt; indeed we must do so, if we are to avoid an economic apocalypse. As long as the spending is "wise," and "targeted," and as long as the resulting deficit is "cyclical" and not "structural," the experts tell us, it's all good.
My question (which I concede is impolite and possibly annoying when we're all about to receive new bridges, roads, hospitals, schools, community centres, hydro towers, sewage treatment plants, windmills and clay pots for our gardens) is this: Why are we doing it?
The message -end the age of unproductive entitlement-re-invent ourselves through leadership and learning how to compete- PR
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Ottawa set to increase national debt by over $100 billion: reports - Yahoo! Canada News
a poor return on our investment
Ottawa set to increase national debt by over $100 billion: reports - Yahoo! Canada News: "The federal government is facing a series of massive deficits that together will completely reverse the past decade's paydown on the national mortgage and set Canada's finances back more than $100 billion, new forecasts suggest.
Two separate budgetary projections"
Ottawa set to increase national debt by over $100 billion: reports - Yahoo! Canada News: "The federal government is facing a series of massive deficits that together will completely reverse the past decade's paydown on the national mortgage and set Canada's finances back more than $100 billion, new forecasts suggest.
Two separate budgetary projections"
Can we afford to look the other way?
a bad precedent
Say sayonara to good Samaratins reported by William Campbell Douglass II, M.D.
Did you feel that? It was our society sliding a little closer to the abyss. Recently, the California Supreme Court ruled that a good Samaritan who pulled an injured passenger out of a wrecked car could be sued by that passenger.
This twisted ruling represents the death of that state's law, which says that "no person who in good faith, and not for compensation, renders emergency car at the scene of an emergency shall be liable for any civil damages resulting from any act or omission."
But now the court says that Lisa Torti can be civilly liable for the permanent spinal damage suffered by Alexandra Van Horn, the passenger she dragged from that car wreck. Van Horn is now a paraplegic, and claims her condition is Torti's fault – and Van Horn wants to sue; the fact that Torti believed she was saving Van Horn's life seems not to matter to Van Horn – or to the court.
In a decision that could only be rendered by a group of lawyers, the court ruled with Van Horn, claiming that the original state statute only applies to people providing "emergency medical care at the scene of a medical emergency." Torti's rescue of Van Horn from the car wreck doesn't count.
Nice, huh? It's true: no good deed goes unpunished.
If there's any true justice in this world – and I'm growing increasingly doubtful that there is – Van Horn will lose her lawsuit against Torti when it goes to court this coming summer. I'm hoping for a quick and unanimous decision in Torti's favor.
But regardless of the outcome of this particular trial, I'm sure that by ruling with Van Horn, the California Supreme Court has already done plenty of damage; you can be sure that people in that state – and all over the country – will be sure to think twice next time they see a chance to help someone in need. And I bet many of these people will decide that it's safer to just look the other way.
You can thank a lawyer for that.
Say sayonara to good Samaratins reported by William Campbell Douglass II, M.D.
Did you feel that? It was our society sliding a little closer to the abyss. Recently, the California Supreme Court ruled that a good Samaritan who pulled an injured passenger out of a wrecked car could be sued by that passenger.
This twisted ruling represents the death of that state's law, which says that "no person who in good faith, and not for compensation, renders emergency car at the scene of an emergency shall be liable for any civil damages resulting from any act or omission."
But now the court says that Lisa Torti can be civilly liable for the permanent spinal damage suffered by Alexandra Van Horn, the passenger she dragged from that car wreck. Van Horn is now a paraplegic, and claims her condition is Torti's fault – and Van Horn wants to sue; the fact that Torti believed she was saving Van Horn's life seems not to matter to Van Horn – or to the court.
In a decision that could only be rendered by a group of lawyers, the court ruled with Van Horn, claiming that the original state statute only applies to people providing "emergency medical care at the scene of a medical emergency." Torti's rescue of Van Horn from the car wreck doesn't count.
Nice, huh? It's true: no good deed goes unpunished.
If there's any true justice in this world – and I'm growing increasingly doubtful that there is – Van Horn will lose her lawsuit against Torti when it goes to court this coming summer. I'm hoping for a quick and unanimous decision in Torti's favor.
But regardless of the outcome of this particular trial, I'm sure that by ruling with Van Horn, the California Supreme Court has already done plenty of damage; you can be sure that people in that state – and all over the country – will be sure to think twice next time they see a chance to help someone in need. And I bet many of these people will decide that it's safer to just look the other way.
You can thank a lawyer for that.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
mega casino a no go
Charest bail out fails
Brant MPP Dave Levac's proposal to build a new casino and sports complex in the city's northwest and hand the current gambling hall and civic centre over to Laurier Brantford to redevelop is dead.
City council on Monday rejected a request to open discussions on the idea.
"I'm saddened, but council has spoken and they drive the agenda," Levac said in an interview after councilors voted 6-3 against opening discussions with Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp. and other potential partners about the broad strokes of his proposal.
"It was unfortunate that there was some over-exaggerated rhetoric and personal shots, but I won't play that game," the MPP p>"Having said that, I accept the decision and let's move on."
Voting in favour of the ill-fated resolution were councillors John Sless, Vince Bucci and James Calnan.
Opposing it were Mayor Mike Hancock and councillors Mark Littell, Greg Martin, Richard Carpenter, Dan Mc- Creary and John Bradford. Councillors Marguerite Ceschi-Smith and Jennifer Kinneman were not at the meeting.
Brant MPP Dave Levac's proposal to build a new casino and sports complex in the city's northwest and hand the current gambling hall and civic centre over to Laurier Brantford to redevelop is dead.
City council on Monday rejected a request to open discussions on the idea.
"I'm saddened, but council has spoken and they drive the agenda," Levac said in an interview after councilors voted 6-3 against opening discussions with Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp. and other potential partners about the broad strokes of his proposal.
"It was unfortunate that there was some over-exaggerated rhetoric and personal shots, but I won't play that game," the MPP p>"Having said that, I accept the decision and let's move on."
Voting in favour of the ill-fated resolution were councillors John Sless, Vince Bucci and James Calnan.
Opposing it were Mayor Mike Hancock and councillors Mark Littell, Greg Martin, Richard Carpenter, Dan Mc- Creary and John Bradford. Councillors Marguerite Ceschi-Smith and Jennifer Kinneman were not at the meeting.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Frontier Centre is a source of high quality information
The Global “Go-To Think Tanks”In a world saturated with information, connected by the web and challenged by complex issues that often hit like a meteor from outer space, there is a growing need to know where to turn for high quality information and analysis on critical policy issues. Increasingly policy makers and the public are turning to the close to 5,500 public policy research organizations around the world for assistance. This report, from the January 2009 edition of Foreign Policy Magazine identifies and ranks the leading think tanks in every region of the world. The Think Tanks And Civil Societies Program releases its 2008 Report. The Frontier Centre ranks 22 of top 284 nominated North American (non-USA) think tanks. Special publication.
"The Frontier Centre for Public Policy is an independent public policy think tank whose mission is "to broaden the debate on our future through public policy research and education and to explore positive changes within our public institutions that support economic growth and opportunity."
"The Frontier Centre for Public Policy is an independent public policy think tank whose mission is "to broaden the debate on our future through public policy research and education and to explore positive changes within our public institutions that support economic growth and opportunity."
Frontier
The Global “Go-To Think Tanks”In a world saturated with information, connected by the web and challenged by complex issues that often hit like a meteor from outer space, there is a growing need to know where to turn for high quality information and analysis on critical policy issues. Increasingly policy makers and the public are turning to the close to 5,500 public policy research organizations around the world for assistance. This report, from the January 2009 edition of Foreign Policy Magazine identifies and ranks the leading think tanks in every region of the world. The Think Tanks And Civil Societies Program releases its 2008 Report. The Frontier Centre ranks 22 of top 284 nominated North American (non-USA) think tanks. Special publication.
Friday, January 09, 2009
Gaurdians of accountable government
Frontier Centre gets well earned performance endorsements for performance from its peers and the public;
Frontier rated as the 22 top think tank in North America
Western Standard’s “Liberty 100” Top 10 for 2008
It has been said that “Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty,” and 2008 was no exception for Canadian friends of liberty.
Many Canadians worked hard in 2008 to fight the advance of big government and the erosion of economic and personal liberty. Some worked in relative obscurity in their own communities, while others were high profile or filled leadership roles in prestigious organizations – but all were important.
The Western Standard is putting the finishing touches on “Liberty 100,” a list of 100 Canadians who distinguished themselves in 2008, or over a lifetime, in the defence of liberty.
Creating the "Liberty 100" list wasn’t difficult. Ranking the 100 friends of liberty who made this list according to the significance of their contribution has, however, been extremely difficult. The "Liberty 100" will be released soon, but we need your help. Below is our Top 10 list, but we are asking our readers to let us know who they think deserves to be recognized for their contribution to economic or personal liberty.
“Liberty 100” Top 10 list:
1. Ezra Levant
www.ezralevant.com
The issue that dominated 2008 was the attack on freedom of speech and expression by human rights commissions across Canada, and Ezra Levant was at the centre of this issue as a pro-free speech newsmaker, advocate, lawyer and blogger. Levant has written "Shakedown: How Our Government is Undermining Democracy in the Name of Human Rights." His single-minded defence of free speech makes him the Western Standard's choice for the #1 spot on our Liberty 100 list for 2008.
2. Dr. Michael Walker
The Fraser Institute
www.fraserinstitute.org
Dr. Michael Walker is a senior fellow of The Fraser Institute and president of the Institute’s Foundation. He served as executive director of The Fraser Institute from its establishment in 1974 until 2005. He has done more in his lifetime to advance economic liberty than any other Canadian.
3. Marc Emery
Cannabis Culture
www.cannabisculture.com
Marc Emery is the Vancouver-based publisher of Cannabis Culture magazine and an internationally recognized opponent of drug prohibition. He faces a possible lifetime in an US prison for openly selling marijuana seeds, should he lose his extradition hearing scheduled for early this year.
4. Mark Mullins
Fraser Institute
www.fraserinstitute.org
Mark Mullins is executive director of The Fraser Institute, Canada's largest and most important free market think tank. His efforts and the work of the Institute are essential to the freedom movement.
5. Peter Jaworski
Institute for Liberal Studies
www.liberalstudies.ca
Peter Jaworski is editor of the Western Standard, executive director of the Institute for Liberal Studies and the organizer of the annual Liberty Summer Seminar, an event that has energized the pro-liberty youth movement. He is Canada's most important and prominent libertarian activist.
6. John Williamson
Manning Centre for Building Democracy
www.manningcentre.ca
John Williamson is a Manning Centre for Building Democracy fellow and outgoing federal director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, resigning in 2008 for academic pursuits. Williamson continues to keep pressure on the Harper Conservatives to reduce taxes and government spending.
7. Peter Holle
Frontier Centre for Public Policy
www.fcpp.org
Peter Holle is the founding president of the Frontier Centre for Public Policy. He is a consistent advocate for policy reforms that enhance personal and economic freedom.
8. Dennis Young
Libertarian Party
www.libertarian.ca
Dennis Young is leader of the Libertarian Party. A veteran of NATO operations in Bosnia, Young's personal experience as a soldier has made him a capable and credible advocate for a libertarian non-interventionist foreign policy. His law enforcement background has also made him an effective critic of the war on drugs.
9. Mark Steyn
Maclean's Magazine
www.steynonline.com
Mark Steyn is an internationally recognized columnist and the author of "America Alone." Excerpts from "American Alone" published in Maclean's magazine were the subject of a human rights complaint, which Steyn and Maclean's successfully fought. Steyn has put Canada's struggle for free speech in the international spotlight.
10. Jean-Serge Brisson
Ontario Libertarian Party
www.libertarian.on.ca
Jean-Serge Brisson is former leader of the Libertarian Party who made news in 2008 by winning his personal court case against the mandatory bilingual sign bylaw in Russell, Ontario. He was also sentenced to 90 days in prison for his ongoing refusal to wear a seatbelt while driving. He is currently serving his time on weekends.
Congratulations to the “Liberty 100” Top 10 – and thank you for your work in the defence of liberty.
Stay tuned for the complete "Liberty 100."
Frontier rated as the 22 top think tank in North America
Western Standard’s “Liberty 100” Top 10 for 2008
It has been said that “Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty,” and 2008 was no exception for Canadian friends of liberty.
Many Canadians worked hard in 2008 to fight the advance of big government and the erosion of economic and personal liberty. Some worked in relative obscurity in their own communities, while others were high profile or filled leadership roles in prestigious organizations – but all were important.
The Western Standard is putting the finishing touches on “Liberty 100,” a list of 100 Canadians who distinguished themselves in 2008, or over a lifetime, in the defence of liberty.
Creating the "Liberty 100" list wasn’t difficult. Ranking the 100 friends of liberty who made this list according to the significance of their contribution has, however, been extremely difficult. The "Liberty 100" will be released soon, but we need your help. Below is our Top 10 list, but we are asking our readers to let us know who they think deserves to be recognized for their contribution to economic or personal liberty.
“Liberty 100” Top 10 list:
1. Ezra Levant
www.ezralevant.com
The issue that dominated 2008 was the attack on freedom of speech and expression by human rights commissions across Canada, and Ezra Levant was at the centre of this issue as a pro-free speech newsmaker, advocate, lawyer and blogger. Levant has written "Shakedown: How Our Government is Undermining Democracy in the Name of Human Rights." His single-minded defence of free speech makes him the Western Standard's choice for the #1 spot on our Liberty 100 list for 2008.
2. Dr. Michael Walker
The Fraser Institute
www.fraserinstitute.org
Dr. Michael Walker is a senior fellow of The Fraser Institute and president of the Institute’s Foundation. He served as executive director of The Fraser Institute from its establishment in 1974 until 2005. He has done more in his lifetime to advance economic liberty than any other Canadian.
3. Marc Emery
Cannabis Culture
www.cannabisculture.com
Marc Emery is the Vancouver-based publisher of Cannabis Culture magazine and an internationally recognized opponent of drug prohibition. He faces a possible lifetime in an US prison for openly selling marijuana seeds, should he lose his extradition hearing scheduled for early this year.
4. Mark Mullins
Fraser Institute
www.fraserinstitute.org
Mark Mullins is executive director of The Fraser Institute, Canada's largest and most important free market think tank. His efforts and the work of the Institute are essential to the freedom movement.
5. Peter Jaworski
Institute for Liberal Studies
www.liberalstudies.ca
Peter Jaworski is editor of the Western Standard, executive director of the Institute for Liberal Studies and the organizer of the annual Liberty Summer Seminar, an event that has energized the pro-liberty youth movement. He is Canada's most important and prominent libertarian activist.
6. John Williamson
Manning Centre for Building Democracy
www.manningcentre.ca
John Williamson is a Manning Centre for Building Democracy fellow and outgoing federal director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, resigning in 2008 for academic pursuits. Williamson continues to keep pressure on the Harper Conservatives to reduce taxes and government spending.
7. Peter Holle
Frontier Centre for Public Policy
www.fcpp.org
Peter Holle is the founding president of the Frontier Centre for Public Policy. He is a consistent advocate for policy reforms that enhance personal and economic freedom.
8. Dennis Young
Libertarian Party
www.libertarian.ca
Dennis Young is leader of the Libertarian Party. A veteran of NATO operations in Bosnia, Young's personal experience as a soldier has made him a capable and credible advocate for a libertarian non-interventionist foreign policy. His law enforcement background has also made him an effective critic of the war on drugs.
9. Mark Steyn
Maclean's Magazine
www.steynonline.com
Mark Steyn is an internationally recognized columnist and the author of "America Alone." Excerpts from "American Alone" published in Maclean's magazine were the subject of a human rights complaint, which Steyn and Maclean's successfully fought. Steyn has put Canada's struggle for free speech in the international spotlight.
10. Jean-Serge Brisson
Ontario Libertarian Party
www.libertarian.on.ca
Jean-Serge Brisson is former leader of the Libertarian Party who made news in 2008 by winning his personal court case against the mandatory bilingual sign bylaw in Russell, Ontario. He was also sentenced to 90 days in prison for his ongoing refusal to wear a seatbelt while driving. He is currently serving his time on weekends.
Congratulations to the “Liberty 100” Top 10 – and thank you for your work in the defence of liberty.
Stay tuned for the complete "Liberty 100."
fix health or you could lose your life
The future consequences of uncontrollale inflated health costs
Government questions the dollar value of human life
Dear Friend,
Recently, a depressing story from England provided a glimpse into America's not-too- distant (and oh-so-grim) healthcare future as it could be in the looming Age of Obama. A cancer patient in Britain was denied the drug that could have held his kidney cancer at bay for six months, because treatment was deemed to be too expensive by British healthcare authorities.
And you thought life was a priceless gift from God. Guess again. In Britain, at least, the "priceless gift" has a price tag. And to the British government, Bruce Hardy's life is not worth the $54,000 cost of cancer treatment.
The drug in question is Pfizer's Stutent, which according to clinical trials, can delay the progress of cancer for as much as half a year.
This shocking decision was made by the British government agency called the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (which creates the incredibly ironic acronym of "NICE," even though this particular decision is anything but). According to the guidelines set by this agency, the British government can only "afford" about $22,750 to prolong a person's life – except in rare cases.
Of course, only true apparatchiks could so dispassionately make such an outrageous statement in public, and there's been massive public protests over the ruling throughout the UK – as there should be.
Government questions the dollar value of human life
Dear Friend,
Recently, a depressing story from England provided a glimpse into America's not-too- distant (and oh-so-grim) healthcare future as it could be in the looming Age of Obama. A cancer patient in Britain was denied the drug that could have held his kidney cancer at bay for six months, because treatment was deemed to be too expensive by British healthcare authorities.
And you thought life was a priceless gift from God. Guess again. In Britain, at least, the "priceless gift" has a price tag. And to the British government, Bruce Hardy's life is not worth the $54,000 cost of cancer treatment.
The drug in question is Pfizer's Stutent, which according to clinical trials, can delay the progress of cancer for as much as half a year.
This shocking decision was made by the British government agency called the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (which creates the incredibly ironic acronym of "NICE," even though this particular decision is anything but). According to the guidelines set by this agency, the British government can only "afford" about $22,750 to prolong a person's life – except in rare cases.
Of course, only true apparatchiks could so dispassionately make such an outrageous statement in public, and there's been massive public protests over the ruling throughout the UK – as there should be.
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