No relief for democracy on the horizon.....

Well, after spending most of the evening watching the Fox News network coverage of the Presidential election, I am ready for bed. Now barring a miracle akin to parting the Red Sea it would appear that I will awake to four more years of watching the destruction of America under the hand of President Obama.

However, the reality is that as a Canadian I am by default simply a third part observer. Unfortunately, even as a third party observer it saddens me greatly to see the once shining example of democracy, liberty, and free enterprise, so readily and willingly give up the very things that their forefathers shed blood to win. Instead, as a nation it appears they prefer the embrace of an all powerful centralist government that dictates every aspect of its citizens lives, much like the one they fought to escape from over two centuries ago. The vast portion of Americas citizenry have sold their freedom for a handful of beads, much like Native Americans traded away Manhattan in the 17th century. Only the currency has changed, in today's world the beads have been replaced with government entitlement programs.

While it would be easy to simply watch our southern neighbours readily chase after socialism,  a path that for many years it appeared that Canada was all to eager to embrace ourselves, the repercussions of where Americas path is leading are frightening. Unfortunately the failure or success of America has a ripple affect on all nations to some degree, and to Canada in particular. America bears a responsibility to the rest of the world as for so many years they have intentionally entrenched themselves in the very economic fabric of the world economy. They are now to a great degree a large portion of the very foundation of world economics, think about it, is there anymore recognized or accepted currency worldwide than the American greenback? Is there any single nation with greater power to consume? America's credit rating is downgraded and world stock markets fall.

Just a mere 10 years ago if I had suggested that between our two countries that Canada had the more fiscally responsible Federal government, I suspect that someone would have had me committed. Now in the present, I would simply be stating a fact. How has so much changed in just one decade?

I suspect it lies with the fact that after a flirtation with a somewhat socialist agenda we came to the conclusion that it simply was a fantasy that could not exist in the real world if we wanted a prosperous future. A future that would provide the greatest opportunities for the most people. This is something that I imagine America too will discover with time, lets just all hope that hey don't wait too long.

In the meantime if the past four years is any indication of what the next four will hold, President Obama will likely continue to attempt to spend America into prosperity and out of debt. Who knows, maybe over the next four years the man will actually propose a budget that will garner a single vote from members of his own party in the Senate ( unlike his 2011 budget that was voted down by Senate Democrats 97-0). At least that would be a start, a weak one but a start none the less.

Those of us on the right simply have to communicate better

I have never made any bones about the fact that I lean to the right in my political beliefs. Does that mean I believe that all things right are "right" (no pun intended, but it is an ironic use of words)?

Two entirely different directions take by
people often with the best of intentions

Of course not, I am not so naive as to believe the Conservative mindset can do no wrong, nor am I so ignorant to imagine that the Liberal train of thought is never right (that almost seems like an oxymoron). Although, what I do find of interest is that at times the personal commitment to a course of action by some on the Left is almost fanatical, (does the term "Occupy" come to mind?). If you have ever had the painful experience of attempting to have a rational discussion on a topic such as Health Care or Old Age Security with a committed "die-hard" Liberal or NDP voter you will know exactly what I am referring to. Unless you are willing to discuss increased public funding your opinions are generally met with disdain and any hope of your using a well thought out logical platform in an effort to get your viewpoint across is pointless. Any attempt on your part to suggest the merits of increased efficiency or private sector involvement in the health care system will almost certainly get you labeled as a heartless right wing fanatic that places profits before people.

Why? Well, what I have noticed over the years is that the Right and the Left approach political debates and discussion in completely different manners and from starting points that tend to be light years apart. The foundations that each side relies on when debating are simply put, like night and day.

The Right generally comes armed with facts, figures, statistics, examples, you name it they have done their home work and are are ready to prove their point in the harsh light of the day. Often they will turn to terms such as increased efficiency, user fees, or private sector involvement as avenues to explore with the goal of delivering a more affordable solution. No brainer, right? One would think so, but that is generally not the case.(again no pun intended, but the word "right" just makes so much sense so often, doesn't it)

The Left, in many cases will simply set the facts aside in favor of a formula that leads right (oops, did it again) to the support of the majority. So what is this magic formula?

Our entitlement society rears its ugly head once again.........

Government thru the eyes of the self-entitled.
Just keep the money flowing, baby!

Last Friday while sitting on an airplane I had the opportunity to read our local newspaper, the Edmonton Journal from "cover to cover". One of my favorite sections has always been "the letters to the editor" pages because they provide somewhat of an insight as to where the average individuals mindset is at any given time. At times it can be reassuring, occasionally as expected, and sometimes just downright frightening.

Is it an accurate reflection of public sentiments?  Not even close, however I like to think of it as a gauge indicating just how much of the big picture the average Joe (not to be confused with "Frustrated Joe")  really has a grasp on. In this instance one particular letter caught my attention more than most, it was a well written piece submitted by a University of Alberta undergraduate student titled Alberta can well afford to give students a break on tuition. Before you read any further I suggest you follow the link and read the article, this will give you a far better understanding of my comments to follow

Now, although I have never met the author her writing appeared (at least to me) to prove three distinct things

• Our education system does work to some degree in providing an individual the skills required to step into the real world, as indicated somewhat by the quality of the authors writing.
• Further education does nothing to improve an individuals basic intelligence, or to quote another famous graduate of higher education, Forrest Gump. "Stupid is as stupid does"
• Self entitlement is further entrenched in our education system than any of us would like to believe.

Now before you judge me as being too harsh, read on my fellow hard working taxpayers (if any post secondary students have gotten this far I suggest you read on as well, maybe it's not too late for you)

A taxpayers prescription to doctors and government, take on a daily basis.....

Image Courtesy of Acclaim Clipart

Doctors for Fair Taxation, a group of Canadian doctors is "prescribing" increased taxes on Canadians in higher income brackets. Promoting the slogan "Tax us. Canada's worth it!", the group is suggesting that both the Federal and Provincial levels of government raise taxes on the top 10% of wage earners in Canada.

"We are pleased that so far most of the health care system has been spared the cuts made to other sectors. But we see the impact of these cuts in our patients who lack the community services, housing, and income to be full participants in Canadian society," the group states in an online petition addressed to the federal and Ontario governments. "When a family faces a loss of income it doesn't resolve the crisis by denying food to one its members. A functional loving family makes the existing food go further. Our country should similarly find ways to best use our existing resources so no Canadian will be deprived of their health and security," said the group.
(Hold your horses Docs, since when did an individual citizen's earning become a national "existing resource"?)

In a nutshell, they suggest the following tax formula,
Canada's top 10% of wage earners, those who make more than $100,000 a year would see a 1% tax increase. But it doesn't stop there, they also suggest a 2% tax hike for the 1% of Canadians who earn more than $170,000, a 3% tax hike for the 0.1% who make more than $640,000 and a 6% hike for the top 0.01% who earn more than $1,85 million.

Now, some Canadians may look at the above proposal as being fair and just, after all why not take more from the "rich" (they can afford it, right?). Personally, I have some serious issues with the way that our progressive taxation system penalizes (via higher tax rates) individuals for taking risks and achieving success. But that's only part of the reason this proposal stinks......

Obama's Sleight Of Hand Is Quicker Than The Eye

With the Republican Primaries heating up south of our border in preparation for a November Presidential race you can expect to see a great deal of positioning from both Republicans and Democrats in the upcoming months. Although Obama has not officially kicked off his campaign  for re-election there is no doubt what so ever that he and his team are laying the ground work.

I suspect the Republican nominee will hammer away at the President's dismal record over the last three years knowing full well Obama will have little chance of defending it as the facts speak for themselves. So the Obama teams strategy so far has been one of redirection, something that any good magician or politician knows all too well. In magic (like politics) a vital component to a magician’s sleight of hand is the redirection of the audiences attention from what they are inevitably trying to catch you doing. Unfortunately the re-direction that Obama and his team are employing may result in may result in America being torn apart. How so?

When it comes to taxes , we all need a little perspective.

With the United States currently in the midst of the Republican primaries and the Presidential election coming this fall one topic that is being hotly debated and makes headlines virtually every day is taxation. More to the point, the rates of taxation.

The spark that ignited this fire is ever increasing government debt and no foreseeable end to budget deficits. Obviously the wisest solution would be to curtail reckless spending and live within budget, unfortunately that would entail making some hard choices, something that most politicians try to avoid at all costs. Apparently those in power have another route in mind, one that they view as having a lot less potential to cost them votes, simply increase revenues. From their perspective high atop the mountain they feel they have discovered an untapped "national resource" in the form of increasing taxation rates to higher income earners.

Nowhere was this message more clear than in President Obama's recent state of the union speech. Never one to miss an opportunity Obama used the State of the Union address to kick off his campaign for re-election. Here's a quote from his speech (the bolded text was highlighted by myself)

How our Government is destroying everyday charity

With the Christmas season upon us it generally means that most individuals feel a greater compassion towards their fellow man. The most noticeable result of this is the increased donations to charity, everything from the "Sally Ann " kettle at the mall to the local food bank. Most charities count on the Christmas season to help fill their coffers so that they in turn can provide help to those that need it in society. Along with cash donations comes an army of volunteers that help collect donations, feed people, deliver toys, you name it. What we see at Christmas is the best of our society, people helping people, not because they have to but on their own accord and out of the goodness of their heart.

Unfortunately this whole idea does not sit well with big government, who in general tends to dislike the concept that individuals might just be able to accomplish what needs to get done on their own with the government having no say or control over it.

Let's discuss our governments role in charity and how they approach it using the concept of  "wealth redistribution".

Adam... You hit the nail on the head!

Wow, driving to work yesterday I flipped on the radio and immediately was confronted with a political interview that sounded interesting. However after listening to it for just a few moments I thought that there must be a technical issue at the station as there was a continuous "beeping" sound present which cut out about every 4-5 words. Fortunately before I has the chance to change the station another voice cut in, one that I recognized and explained that what was being broadcast was a heavily censored political rant on the Occupy crowd by none other that Adam Carolla.

The reason for the censorship had nothing to do with the actual political content, but rather with the fact that Adam tends to use some colourful phrases (to say the least). However, listening around the "beeps" the message was loud and clear, and frankly as close to the truth as one could hope for. Adam's insight is something that I believe will strike a chord with most, in fact even those on the far left if they are honest with themselves will have to agree with a lot he has to say, although I suspect they would never openly admit it. He puts into words what most know, but fear to voice. Our boy Adam certainly has a pair of "stones".

But enough said, listen to Adam and let him explain. A word of caution, although this is the censored version you can fill in the blanks, but please don't ignore the message based on taking any offense to Adam's strong use of profanity.

The priveleged few and their view from above .....

It is amazing how many of the entertainment industries elite have thrown their support behind the occupy movement and taken the time to discuss the injustices found in America. We have seen the likes of Susan Sarandon and Michael Moore speaking in interviews and actually walking amongst the common man at Occupy camps. The fact that these celebrities are themselves the poster children for capitalism and the American way seems to escape their notice and in most cases that of the Occupy drones who seem to bask in the attention of the rich and famous.

So now we have Miley Cyrus jumping aboard the Occupy train and making sure she gets her free ride to fame. In an updated video and remix of her song "It's a Liberty Walk" Miley has thrown her support behind the Occupy Movement. In Mileys own words....

Occupy Stupidity.... It keeps getting better

Well folks, over the last few weeks the Occupy Drones have been busy. It's ironic that they protest the unfairness of the economy and wealth distribution, yet spend most of their time camping out (trespassing) and disrupting the economy rather than actually working to earn an income and improve their lot in life! Yes, I know..... there are no jobs, but tell me how would they know this when they are "too busy" protesting to look for employment?

One of the issues that has been raised a number of times by American Occupy Drones is student loan debt. Drones have suggested everything from easing of restrictions to outright forgiving of all monies owed. So let me get this straight, these individuals applied for a loan to further their own education and agreed to the repayment terms knowing full well from the start the level of debt that they would be undertaking. In most cases I suspect that they reasoned that the investment was a good one as it would eventually result in gainful employment and a higher standard of living. However, now that they have their education they feel that they should be absolved from the debt or at the very least have the rules rewritten in their favor.

My first observation here is that we are either discussing very untrustworthy individuals (taking money under false pretenses), or very stupid/naive ones (entering into a loan agreement without understanding the details or long term implications). If the former is the case I would suggest that the rules need to be tightened even further to ensure repayment, if the latter is the case I do feel sorry for these individuals as they probably wasted a large investment in their own education as it obviously did nothing to raise their intelligence or understanding. Did they honestly feel that simply getting an education guaranteed them a job, or possibly even eventual access to the "1%" club? An education guarantee's nothing! However for the most part (particularly in today's world) it does provide you with far greater opportunity than those without one.

Robin Hood, Alive and Well in Todays World?

Being a weekend I am feeling a bit lazy, so I will take the opportunity to ramble on about one of my pet peeves, taxation/wealth redistribution. No stats quoted, no hard numbers, no video clips, just some of my thoughts on the issue

All of us from an early age are taught that as good citizens we must pay our fair share of taxes to maintain and improve our society. It is explained to us in detail how our taxes are used by different levels of government to ensure that we all have the opportunity to live in a safe society where all are treated fairly. The concept is great and anyone would be hard pressed to argue against the notion of  "all pulling together and everyone contributing a bit to make for a better society".

Unfortunately somewhere along the line the concept has gone astray, like many concepts that got off to a simple start this one has grown wildly beyond anyone's dreams, if fact in some cases to the point where it consumes a large portion of an individuals efforts.

Not sure if this is Robin Hood or one of our
current government leaders, either way he'll do.

In today's world taxation has evolved into a government run system of  "wealth redistribution", maybe we could jokingly compare the government to Robin Hood, taking from the rich by force and giving to the poor. But as I recall Robin Hood was considered a thief and a bandit and along with throwing a few pounds to the pheasants, he always made sure his own band of merry men were well stocked with food, ale, and wenches (no doubt one of the reasons they were "merry"). On second thought......maybe the comparison is a good one after all.
 So lets explore this analogy a bit more. One of the issues Robin Hood certainly faced is that he needed the support of the common man, and as long as kept throwing them a few pounds they had his back when the Sheriff of Nottingham came calling looking for Robin. Now in order to do this Robin had to keep going back to his only source of revenue "the rich", unfortunately he didn't have too much time to sort out who was actually taking advantage of the poor, and who was doing their best to use their wealth to help out the underprivileged. It was far simpler to just take from anyone who appeared to have anything, distribute it to the poor (or at least the ones that appeared poor or claimed to be), and garner their support and undying devotion. No doubt Robin's intentions when he started were noble, help out the underprivileged, but unfortunately it got away on him and soon everyone demanded more, resulting in Robin having to take more. Wow, it seems the comparison between Robin Hood and our own government is more appropriate than even I imagined.

Ouch, I think I have rambled on enough for one day, my head is starting to hurt, probably yours as well. So until next time, Adieu