Some of us older ladies were talking about attitudes to elders (white hair helps) the other day and the matter of opening doors came up. All of us noted the people who go out of their way to open doors for us are young First Nations men. We do appreciate it.
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I paid my city taxes a few days ago to avoid any lineups. I don’t mind paying taxes. No one has yet come up with a better way for governments to provide the services we need. What I mind is where the money goes. I did and still do object to the HST, not so much at the tax itself but the way it came about and at the way it remains. Premier Christy Clark knows a good cash cow when she sees one, so she’s in no hurry to let it go. Too many politicians, once they are government, get their snouts in the trough and think the tax money belongs to them. People are probably OK paying for hospitals, education, pensions, and, hopefully, other social issues, but it really puts me off when politicians piddle my money away. How many of us truly want our money to go to Defense Minister Peter MacKay’s war toys?
Politicians at all levels like travelling at our expense, but we don’t too often hear if the benefits to taxpayers justify the costs. Do we take joy in funding International Cooperation Minister Bev Oda’s lavish spending habits? Just what does she do to co-operate internationally anyway? Are we happy giving seuro executives generous bonuses (i.e. Community Living BC) for messing up?
What I don’t understand is how governments, especially “right wing” governments who are supposed to be the best economic managers get us into debt. There is an old saying, “if your outgo exceeds your income, your upkeep will be your downfall.” Isn’t that true for governments too?
Diana French is a freelance columnist for the Tribune. She is a former Tribune editor, retired teacher, historian, and book author.