Got this in an email:
Here is what our premier has done for Ontario in the past seven years !!!!!!
This was a no tax increase election campaign.
He increased all the licensing fees from your car to your boat including fishing and hunting.
He introduced the health care premium (not called a tax) some couples pay as much as $1,500.00 a year.
He doubled the price of most lottery tickets. (Not called a tax).
He has put a ECO tax on many containers such as paint cans and window washer fluid most people still don’t relies it is on your bill he kept that one real quiet
He has put a disposal tax on all electronics.
He has put the disposal tax back on tires
Now don’t forget that all except the health care premium are subject to the GST and PST (taxes on taxes.)
And now he has pasted the HST the largest tax on the province ever, the only other tax in Ontario that ever came close to this in the past was the health care premium.
He pasted this bill even though 76% of the people in Ontario were against it.
This HST will provide the Province with an additional THREE BILLION dollars a year.
And now we will have our S.M.A.R.T. meters that we will have to pay rent on and do our laundry in the middle of the night and we are going to pay big time for air conditioning from now on because when we need it the most that will be prime time. As if it costs any more to produce hydro at two in the afternoon or ten at night another tax grab.
Let us not forget the E health scandal with one point two billion dollars wasted and paid out to friends and relatives.
What was Mr. McGuinty’s answer to this (well if the people of Ontario don’t like it they can show it in the next election.) Nice attitude. This was after he fired the CEO and gave her a severance package of three hundred thousand dollars not bad for only having the job for seven months.
Then the windmill power plant he awards the contract to KOREA seven BILLION DOLLARS. One would think that there was some place in Canada or North America that could have built these.
He closed the emergency rooms in Port Colburne and Fort Erie because there is not enough money and there has been two deaths since because by the time they got to St.Catharines it was to late.
But awards a hospital in Toronto three million dollars in the riding where there just happens to be a by- election to replace George Smitherman.
He has taken the richest most prosperous province in Canada to one of the poorest and has created a deficit of TWENTY SEVEN BILLION DOLLARS and he still has a year and a half to go.
And don’t forget his nice little salary increase of $40,000.00 a year, millions of people in the province don’t earn half that.
All the MPP’S got 14% increase!
Now that they all got nice increases he comes out with a new budget and freezes all provincial employees wages for two years.
He has increased the hydro by 10% in April of 2010.
He has increased the tax on liquor and wine by 10% in May of 2010
But mister no tax McGuinty will retire with his nice comfortable pension and all his paid benefits.
The Strong Conservative Blog
- Strong Conservative
- Toronto
- "People should not fear the government, government should fear the people." - V
2010-05-28
Bob Rae: The Failure Returns
How could someone with a record like former Ontario Premier Bob Rae, ever get elected to Parliament? I'm mystified by this fact. Rae was a complete, utter, cataclysmic disaster for the province of Ontario. I dare say he was the worst premier the province ever had.
Canada is the land of opportunity, or at least second chances. He's undoubtedly vying for the hapless leader, Michael Ignatieff's job. But why would the Liberal Party want this loser for their leader? Well, maybe I needn't answer that after Paul Martin and Stephane Dion.
On top of Rae's track record of failure, he's now putting together a new push for a coalition with unrepentant communists (NDP) and the Bloc (who want to destroy Canada), according to the Globe and Mail.
Rae, of course, denies this. But his lust for power is evident from this new ploy to dethrone Harper. Even if Rae succeeds and becomes PM, I would doubt his coalition would last long and would probably be a mortal wound for the Liberal Party that would lead to a Conservative majority.
If Rae wants power so bad, let him run and put together his socialist-separatist coalition. The sad part is that the Canadian people and economy would suffer just as Ontarians did during his stint as Premier.
Canada is the land of opportunity, or at least second chances. He's undoubtedly vying for the hapless leader, Michael Ignatieff's job. But why would the Liberal Party want this loser for their leader? Well, maybe I needn't answer that after Paul Martin and Stephane Dion.
On top of Rae's track record of failure, he's now putting together a new push for a coalition with unrepentant communists (NDP) and the Bloc (who want to destroy Canada), according to the Globe and Mail.
Rae, of course, denies this. But his lust for power is evident from this new ploy to dethrone Harper. Even if Rae succeeds and becomes PM, I would doubt his coalition would last long and would probably be a mortal wound for the Liberal Party that would lead to a Conservative majority.
If Rae wants power so bad, let him run and put together his socialist-separatist coalition. The sad part is that the Canadian people and economy would suffer just as Ontarians did during his stint as Premier.
Sestak Story Not Believable
After the swirling rumors of controversy regarding Joe Sestak and the "offer" from someone in the Obama administration that if he dropped out of the race against Arlen Specter, he'd have a job waiting for him in the executive branch close to the Oval Office. Apparently, they meant to say Oral Offiface, since Bill Clinton is now alleged to have been the communicator of the message.
And apparently, no job was offered, just an unpaid advisory role. That way, so claims Mr. Obama and company, no law was broken.
This is simply an unbelievable story.
A former President, especially one with an ego as large as Mr. Clinton 's, would never be used to communicate such a menial position to someone like Sestak, a former Navy admiral. Someone is lying. Sestak has also changed his story.
The National Review reports Sestak's previous interview with Larry King:
Let's look back at what Rep. Sestak told local TV host Larry Kane in February.
KANE: "Were you ever offered a federal job to get out of this race?"
SESTAK: "Yes."
KANE: "Was it secretary of the Navy?"
SESTAK: "No comment"
So the White House avoids commenting for months, and then Mr. Clinton comes to meet Obama for lunch right before an announcement is made on what really happened? Or were they just trying to get their story straight?
The problem for Sestak is that now that he's the nominee, he's tied to the DNC, the DSCC, and Obama. He's going to have a lot of explaining to do eh Lucy?
It's possible that Sestak lied originally in order to make himself more sympathetic, but few will be willing to impugn the credibility of this Navy-man considering that two major liars are at the other end of the story: Obama and Clinton.
The Republican leading the way on this is Darrell Issa, he states:
“After more than ten weeks of outstanding questions, the White House has offered a version of events that has important differences from what Congressman Sestak has been saying for months – that he was offered a ‘job’ by ‘someone in the White House’ in exchange for leaving the Pennsylvania Senate race.
“I’m very concerned that in the rush to put together this report, the White House has done everything but explain its own actions and has instead worked to craft a story behind closed doors and coordinate with those involved. The White House has admitted today to coordinating an arrangement that would represent an illegal quid-pro-quo as federal law prohibits directly or indirectly offering any position or appointment, paid or unpaid, in exchange for favors connected with an election.
“President Clinton and Congressman Sestak now need to answer questions about what the White House has released today – that at the behest of the White House Chief of staff, they dispatched a former President to get Joe Sestak out of the Pennsylvania Senate Primary. Regardless of what President Clinton or Congressman Sestak now say, it is abundantly clear that this kind of conduct is contrary to President Obama’s pledge to change ‘business as usual’ and that his Administration has engaged in the kind of political shenanigans he once campaigned to end.”
The sad part in all of this is that this scandal will only add to the cynicism and disgust that Americans are showing towards politicians in Washington DC. After all, just because something is legal, doesn't mean it's necessarily right, morally speaking.
How many politicians leave DC rich with high paying advisory jobs, lobbyist positions, and diplomatic appointments. They get paid for access, not skills or talents.
What is clear is that Obama's promises of transparency, honesty, transformation, and whatever other horse dung he flung at the masses is garbage. He's the same old politician we've had for years, he brought his Chicago machine to DC and the corruption is spilling out into the streets. Costs for health care are rising, taxes are going up, unemployment is up, the government flounders in the Gulf of Mexico in incompetence and stupidity, the deficit skyrockets, the debt approaches Greek levels, and government expansion goes unopposed.
The result: freedom is decreasing and insecurity for the average individual is on the rise. America is weaker militarily and diplomatically, more in debt, and more out of work. Jimmy Carter has returned for his second term.
All we need now is a misery index.
And apparently, no job was offered, just an unpaid advisory role. That way, so claims Mr. Obama and company, no law was broken.
This is simply an unbelievable story.
A former President, especially one with an ego as large as Mr. Clinton 's, would never be used to communicate such a menial position to someone like Sestak, a former Navy admiral. Someone is lying. Sestak has also changed his story.
The National Review reports Sestak's previous interview with Larry King:
Let's look back at what Rep. Sestak told local TV host Larry Kane in February.
KANE: "Were you ever offered a federal job to get out of this race?"
SESTAK: "Yes."
KANE: "Was it secretary of the Navy?"
SESTAK: "No comment"
So the White House avoids commenting for months, and then Mr. Clinton comes to meet Obama for lunch right before an announcement is made on what really happened? Or were they just trying to get their story straight?
The problem for Sestak is that now that he's the nominee, he's tied to the DNC, the DSCC, and Obama. He's going to have a lot of explaining to do eh Lucy?
It's possible that Sestak lied originally in order to make himself more sympathetic, but few will be willing to impugn the credibility of this Navy-man considering that two major liars are at the other end of the story: Obama and Clinton.
The Republican leading the way on this is Darrell Issa, he states:
“After more than ten weeks of outstanding questions, the White House has offered a version of events that has important differences from what Congressman Sestak has been saying for months – that he was offered a ‘job’ by ‘someone in the White House’ in exchange for leaving the Pennsylvania Senate race.
“I’m very concerned that in the rush to put together this report, the White House has done everything but explain its own actions and has instead worked to craft a story behind closed doors and coordinate with those involved. The White House has admitted today to coordinating an arrangement that would represent an illegal quid-pro-quo as federal law prohibits directly or indirectly offering any position or appointment, paid or unpaid, in exchange for favors connected with an election.
“President Clinton and Congressman Sestak now need to answer questions about what the White House has released today – that at the behest of the White House Chief of staff, they dispatched a former President to get Joe Sestak out of the Pennsylvania Senate Primary. Regardless of what President Clinton or Congressman Sestak now say, it is abundantly clear that this kind of conduct is contrary to President Obama’s pledge to change ‘business as usual’ and that his Administration has engaged in the kind of political shenanigans he once campaigned to end.”
The sad part in all of this is that this scandal will only add to the cynicism and disgust that Americans are showing towards politicians in Washington DC. After all, just because something is legal, doesn't mean it's necessarily right, morally speaking.
How many politicians leave DC rich with high paying advisory jobs, lobbyist positions, and diplomatic appointments. They get paid for access, not skills or talents.
What is clear is that Obama's promises of transparency, honesty, transformation, and whatever other horse dung he flung at the masses is garbage. He's the same old politician we've had for years, he brought his Chicago machine to DC and the corruption is spilling out into the streets. Costs for health care are rising, taxes are going up, unemployment is up, the government flounders in the Gulf of Mexico in incompetence and stupidity, the deficit skyrockets, the debt approaches Greek levels, and government expansion goes unopposed.
The result: freedom is decreasing and insecurity for the average individual is on the rise. America is weaker militarily and diplomatically, more in debt, and more out of work. Jimmy Carter has returned for his second term.
All we need now is a misery index.
2010-05-25
The World Simmers
The world is a scary place right now, and more thankful I could not be to currently reside in the True North Strong and Free as Greece and the PIIGS drown in debt with the rest of the Euro zone and America not far behind.
Economic unrest can breed strategic instability, and the growing tension in the Korean peninsula may further evidence of this. In the past, economic unrest in the Wiemar Republic led to extremist political movements which eventually gave rise to fascism in Europe and imperialism in Asia.
So where are we now? America, thanks to President Obama, is refusing to lead the free world towards economic recovery. Instead, Obama is on a mission to increase government's size and the dependence of the American people upon government.
Instead of providing incentives to the private sector, the President of the United States has gone on the offensive against private business, profit, success, and entrepreneurs. While doing this, he has extended the tentacles of government into the auto industry, the banks, student loans, insurance, health care, and the biggest boogey man of them all: oil and energy.
America has been weakened. This is not Obama's doing alone, he's had plenty of help from the Congress, the media, and all those willing to hand over their freedom in exchange for government "security". The West as a whole has been living beyond its means for decades, thinking that a lethal combination of socialism, the welfare states, declining birthrates, rising pensions, more state-benefits/entitlements, and general societal weakness is a sustainable path to civilizational success.
But it's difficult to believe that the President or Congress has any sense of urgency over the pressing issues facing America. America, as the leader of the free world, should be acting swiftly to confront the challenges facing it. Instead the President dithers away on trivial issues like health care and cap & trade (tax) that will do nothing to speed the recovery of the overall economy.
Expanding the government will only slow the economy further. Increasing the deficit will only exacerbate the infection of deficits, waste, and debt that threatens to drown western civilization.
How should American move forward?
1. De-regulate - get rid of Sarbanes-Oxley that has done nothing to better the economy, release Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to the free markets and end their lifeline of cash from the taxpayer via Congress. Repeal Obamacare, replace Social Security entirely with a new system based on free market principles.
2. Slash taxes along with government departments. Flatten the income tax, eliminate the estate and capital gains taxes. Meanwhile eliminate the federal Department of Education, Dept. of Energy, Census Bureau, and a thousand other agencies that suck the blood from the bull market of capitalism. Americans would be shocked at how much they don't need government to regulate and control their lives on a daily basis. After all, the Dept. of Energy has over 16,000 employees! What are they doing all day? What new energy sources have they discovered or created?
3. Go on the offensive against public service unions, private unions, and bureaucrats in general. A massive portion of the debt and deficits is a result of the bloated public sector that increasingly drains from American productivity and wealth producing sectors. Massive entitlements, gold plated benefits, and tax payer subsidized waste must be eliminated.
It isn't enough to reform the government agencies, many must be eliminated or replaced with bodies that actually work, make people's lives better, and serve the taxpayers rather than the union bosses. But don't expect this to occur in 2012 at the earliest.
Economic unrest can breed strategic instability, and the growing tension in the Korean peninsula may further evidence of this. In the past, economic unrest in the Wiemar Republic led to extremist political movements which eventually gave rise to fascism in Europe and imperialism in Asia.
So where are we now? America, thanks to President Obama, is refusing to lead the free world towards economic recovery. Instead, Obama is on a mission to increase government's size and the dependence of the American people upon government.
Instead of providing incentives to the private sector, the President of the United States has gone on the offensive against private business, profit, success, and entrepreneurs. While doing this, he has extended the tentacles of government into the auto industry, the banks, student loans, insurance, health care, and the biggest boogey man of them all: oil and energy.
America has been weakened. This is not Obama's doing alone, he's had plenty of help from the Congress, the media, and all those willing to hand over their freedom in exchange for government "security". The West as a whole has been living beyond its means for decades, thinking that a lethal combination of socialism, the welfare states, declining birthrates, rising pensions, more state-benefits/entitlements, and general societal weakness is a sustainable path to civilizational success.
But it's difficult to believe that the President or Congress has any sense of urgency over the pressing issues facing America. America, as the leader of the free world, should be acting swiftly to confront the challenges facing it. Instead the President dithers away on trivial issues like health care and cap & trade (tax) that will do nothing to speed the recovery of the overall economy.
Expanding the government will only slow the economy further. Increasing the deficit will only exacerbate the infection of deficits, waste, and debt that threatens to drown western civilization.
How should American move forward?
1. De-regulate - get rid of Sarbanes-Oxley that has done nothing to better the economy, release Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to the free markets and end their lifeline of cash from the taxpayer via Congress. Repeal Obamacare, replace Social Security entirely with a new system based on free market principles.
2. Slash taxes along with government departments. Flatten the income tax, eliminate the estate and capital gains taxes. Meanwhile eliminate the federal Department of Education, Dept. of Energy, Census Bureau, and a thousand other agencies that suck the blood from the bull market of capitalism. Americans would be shocked at how much they don't need government to regulate and control their lives on a daily basis. After all, the Dept. of Energy has over 16,000 employees! What are they doing all day? What new energy sources have they discovered or created?
3. Go on the offensive against public service unions, private unions, and bureaucrats in general. A massive portion of the debt and deficits is a result of the bloated public sector that increasingly drains from American productivity and wealth producing sectors. Massive entitlements, gold plated benefits, and tax payer subsidized waste must be eliminated.
It isn't enough to reform the government agencies, many must be eliminated or replaced with bodies that actually work, make people's lives better, and serve the taxpayers rather than the union bosses. But don't expect this to occur in 2012 at the earliest.
2010-05-22
Gov. Christie Shows the Way
Democrats in New Jersey passed a law raising taxes on those making over a million dollars a year in the state. Many would think that taxing the rich is a great idea to cut the deficit during a recession. The problem is that "millionaires" are very often small business owners who employee the majority of workers in the economy. Taxing them may increase revenue, but it may also lead to layoffs, businesses leaving the state for jurisdictions with lower taxes, and general discouragement of innovation and entrepreneurialism.
But then again, the Democrats haven't had a new idea since FDR. Their solutions to everything is more government. The answer is always the same, its just the question that changes.
Watch Christie give a refreshing answer as he vetoes the bill.
Here's some more of the Gov. for good measure.
But then again, the Democrats haven't had a new idea since FDR. Their solutions to everything is more government. The answer is always the same, its just the question that changes.
Watch Christie give a refreshing answer as he vetoes the bill.
| 'Millionaires tax' bills pass both houses, but are vetoed by Gov. Christie |
Here's some more of the Gov. for good measure.
2010-05-17
Shameful US State Department
The US State Department should be ashamed of the appalling manner in which it recently addressed China in regards to human rights.
ABC News reports: “We brought it up early and often. It was mentioned in the first session and as a troubling trend in our society, and an indication that we have to deal with issues of discrimination or potential discrimination. And these are issues very much being debated in our own society,” Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy Human Rights and Labor Michael Posner, who led the US delegation to the talks, told reporters on Friday.
This is Jimmy Carter redux at its best. The Democrats, being the moral relativists they are, have no problem equating the AZ law aimed at stemming the tide of illegal immigration to one of the worst violators of human rights in the history of the world.
Somehow, cracking down on illegal immigration which is tied to human trafficking, drug smuggling, violence, kidnapping, murder, and mayhem is equivalent to the Red Chinese who have the blood of millions on their hands as a result of the Great Leap Forward and Cultural Revolution, not to mention Tienanmen Square and Tibet.
America is the greatest symbol of freedom in the history of mankind, while Communist China has the blood of between at least 30 and 60 million on its hands. Only a secular-socialist regime like the Obama administration could make such an appalling equivalence.
China tortures and kills those who speak freely. China tortures Christians, Muslims, Falon Gong, and others who do not conform to the state sanctioned religion. China kills routinely, all those it views as enemies of the state. China executes people for "corruption" and drug smuggling. China spies on its people as a matter of policy while refusing to give them a say in their government. China confiscates property at will and devastates the environment for economic gain.
Obama's previous statement regarding American exceptionalism seems especially revealing in retrospect: "I believe in American exceptionalism, just as I suspect that the Brits believe in British exceptionalism and the Greeks believe in Greek exceptionalism."
But any idiot knows that if everyone is exceptional, no one is exceptional. What makes America exceptional is its rejection of the welfare state, socialism, and dependence on government. Obama is trying to change that so that America moves towards a European style socialism and dependence on Big Brother. Obama promised transformational change and he's doing everything he can to ensure that America is no longer exceptional.
If America continues down this course, it will not just be like all the others in Europe, but the light of freedom in the world will have dimmed and the forces of oppression and tyranny will be strengthened. Who then will stand up to China, Russia, Iran, Syria, and the other dictators of the world who seek to rule through coercion, violence, and intimidation?
Alas, I am an optimist. I believe America will recover and be rejuvenated through individualism and a re-commitment to liberty in spite of Obama, not because of him. America will endure so long as it returns to its founding principles of liberty, the pursuit of happiness, equality of opportunity (not result), and limited government.
God save America. God bless America.
ABC News reports: “We brought it up early and often. It was mentioned in the first session and as a troubling trend in our society, and an indication that we have to deal with issues of discrimination or potential discrimination. And these are issues very much being debated in our own society,” Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy Human Rights and Labor Michael Posner, who led the US delegation to the talks, told reporters on Friday.
This is Jimmy Carter redux at its best. The Democrats, being the moral relativists they are, have no problem equating the AZ law aimed at stemming the tide of illegal immigration to one of the worst violators of human rights in the history of the world.
Somehow, cracking down on illegal immigration which is tied to human trafficking, drug smuggling, violence, kidnapping, murder, and mayhem is equivalent to the Red Chinese who have the blood of millions on their hands as a result of the Great Leap Forward and Cultural Revolution, not to mention Tienanmen Square and Tibet.
America is the greatest symbol of freedom in the history of mankind, while Communist China has the blood of between at least 30 and 60 million on its hands. Only a secular-socialist regime like the Obama administration could make such an appalling equivalence.
China tortures and kills those who speak freely. China tortures Christians, Muslims, Falon Gong, and others who do not conform to the state sanctioned religion. China kills routinely, all those it views as enemies of the state. China executes people for "corruption" and drug smuggling. China spies on its people as a matter of policy while refusing to give them a say in their government. China confiscates property at will and devastates the environment for economic gain.
Obama's previous statement regarding American exceptionalism seems especially revealing in retrospect: "I believe in American exceptionalism, just as I suspect that the Brits believe in British exceptionalism and the Greeks believe in Greek exceptionalism."
But any idiot knows that if everyone is exceptional, no one is exceptional. What makes America exceptional is its rejection of the welfare state, socialism, and dependence on government. Obama is trying to change that so that America moves towards a European style socialism and dependence on Big Brother. Obama promised transformational change and he's doing everything he can to ensure that America is no longer exceptional.
If America continues down this course, it will not just be like all the others in Europe, but the light of freedom in the world will have dimmed and the forces of oppression and tyranny will be strengthened. Who then will stand up to China, Russia, Iran, Syria, and the other dictators of the world who seek to rule through coercion, violence, and intimidation?
Alas, I am an optimist. I believe America will recover and be rejuvenated through individualism and a re-commitment to liberty in spite of Obama, not because of him. America will endure so long as it returns to its founding principles of liberty, the pursuit of happiness, equality of opportunity (not result), and limited government.
God save America. God bless America.
Why Kagan Should Be Withdrawn
President Obama's Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan made war against the US military's recruitment efforts at Harvard because of Clinton's "don't ask, don't tell" policy, but that didn't stop her from accepting huge gifts from Saudi donors who approve of executing homosexuals. How odd.
Such stances are unjustifiable and unworthy of an appointee to America's highest court.
Such stances are unjustifiable and unworthy of an appointee to America's highest court.
2010-05-10
Is the West Imploding?
It's been a while since I've last blogged. This year I've written (and passed) the LSUC bar exams, in the process of planning a wedding, and moved twice. It hasn't been easy, but it's been a fun ride. So amidst the insanity, I'm taking a few minutes to blog.
Greece's economy seems to be crumbling like an Icelandic volcano, and the left wing nut bars of Greece would rather stay on a sinking ship than fix their disastrous economy. Greece is amazing, from a once colossal empire to a state with millions of unrepentant Marxists and Stalinists that refuses to even acknowledge the reality that their welfare state is completely and utterly unsustainable.
So, like all Western governments of the past few years, the answer for the EU is to print money to bail out a loser-country in the hopes that it will stave off the inevitable for a few more years. The fact is, the welfare state that we've known since the 1970's is not compatible with a vibrant, growing economy in a free nation. You either have personal responsibility, or you have dependence on Big Brother for everything.
Obviously, I'm being a bit dramatic, but the massive entitlement programs that the West has built up will have to be addressed by austerity measures far more meaningful than those imposed by the Socialist Greek government. If anything, Greece's default would have been a valuable lesson for the rest of the Western world on the need to control the size and scope of government. Continued bailouts will likely lead to a missed opportunity for reform and restructuring.
I worry that in 5 or 10 years time, the West will face a far more serious crisis of the UK, France, Germany, or even the United States facing default. If Greece's debt can effect world markets the way in which it has over the past week, just imagine an American default crisis. The Depression would look like a holiday.
But alas, all hope is not lost. President Obama's disastrous economy policies are speeding the renewal of American conservatism and drastic change in the makeup of Congress and the executive. America, the beacon of freedom for the world, will survive in spite of Obama, not because of him.
If we had to go through Carter to get Reagan, perhaps Mr. Obama will lead to a new Reagan-like figure that will usher in a new era of personal responsibility, limited government, strong national security, and the rule of law.
All of this ridiculousness does make one thankful to live in such a stable and responsible country as Canada with health banks, sound fiscal policy (for the most part), and a growing private sector.
Greece's economy seems to be crumbling like an Icelandic volcano, and the left wing nut bars of Greece would rather stay on a sinking ship than fix their disastrous economy. Greece is amazing, from a once colossal empire to a state with millions of unrepentant Marxists and Stalinists that refuses to even acknowledge the reality that their welfare state is completely and utterly unsustainable.
So, like all Western governments of the past few years, the answer for the EU is to print money to bail out a loser-country in the hopes that it will stave off the inevitable for a few more years. The fact is, the welfare state that we've known since the 1970's is not compatible with a vibrant, growing economy in a free nation. You either have personal responsibility, or you have dependence on Big Brother for everything.
Obviously, I'm being a bit dramatic, but the massive entitlement programs that the West has built up will have to be addressed by austerity measures far more meaningful than those imposed by the Socialist Greek government. If anything, Greece's default would have been a valuable lesson for the rest of the Western world on the need to control the size and scope of government. Continued bailouts will likely lead to a missed opportunity for reform and restructuring.
I worry that in 5 or 10 years time, the West will face a far more serious crisis of the UK, France, Germany, or even the United States facing default. If Greece's debt can effect world markets the way in which it has over the past week, just imagine an American default crisis. The Depression would look like a holiday.
But alas, all hope is not lost. President Obama's disastrous economy policies are speeding the renewal of American conservatism and drastic change in the makeup of Congress and the executive. America, the beacon of freedom for the world, will survive in spite of Obama, not because of him.
If we had to go through Carter to get Reagan, perhaps Mr. Obama will lead to a new Reagan-like figure that will usher in a new era of personal responsibility, limited government, strong national security, and the rule of law.
All of this ridiculousness does make one thankful to live in such a stable and responsible country as Canada with health banks, sound fiscal policy (for the most part), and a growing private sector.
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