 |
     |
|
|
So Paul Martin and the Liberals have fuel added to the underlying message they want to get to the people: look at what we've done for the economy. Or, as one Arkansan was wont to say, "It's the economy, stupid." How so?
The OECD has issued an economic warning to Canada: be careful, you're doing too good of a job and you (Canada) risk spinning out of control (OECD warns hot economy could tip into overdrive). Their economic forecasts for the coming years have been raised and their counsel to the country's leaders is to not stimulate any further with tax cuts or spending increases.
Now how's that for a position? Our platform is, we've done so well for you over the past decade that doing more would risk hurting you. No tax cuts; no spending increases that would stimulate the economy. We're going to simply pay down debt . . . and we've got a long way to go.
Not exactly the most appropriate spin, nor the best course of action. Why? Because it's about targetted tax relief and targetted spending. While Canada's economy may be hot today, it won't always be if we follow the status quo. It must be common sense -- or simple logic -- that when times are good, one uses those spoils to built more and more so that the good times continue to roll. How? Well, it's abundantly well known that Canada's productivity has been declining. So, invest in technology, equipment, and productivity-enhancing process. It's clear that Canada's post-secondary (let's not get into childhood) and continuing education systems could stand bolstering. So target those programs that enhance future productivity. What about a strong defense? How does that lead to productivity? Well, it doesn't really. But, at the end of the day, a nation that can't defend itself -- let alone lend out its troops to other nations (and collect markers for the future) isn't really independent at all. Its will can not be projected. Sorry Mr. Axworthy, "soft" power is no power at all. Influence is a dicey thing and, like a viable threat, has to be credibly supported.
The long and the short of it appears to be that now is hardly the time to increase "living" expenses with the surpluses and broad economic gains. It's time to invest. Hot be damned.
Posted by Grayson at November 30, 2005 07:49 AM