Electoral Reform 4 of 6
I suspect that the idea that our electoral system is ‘broken’ and needs ‘fixing’ is a reflection of voters dissatisfaction with government.
But is democracy ‘broken’ and can, not will but can, changing the electoral system ‘fix’ what is ‘broken’?
On the question of whether democracy in Canada is ‘broken’ read “The Unbroken Machine: Canada’s Democracy in Action” by Dale Smith (2017).
Continue reading Proportional Representation [Electoral Reform] 4 of 6
Gov’t needs moral compass Frank Wirrell
Letter to the Editor Abbotsford News
I am absolutely astounded at how quickly the media in general have accepted the argument put forward by Justin Trudeau with respect to the legalization of cannabis.
He has claimed that this action will severely restrict the actions of drug dealers but makes no statement to support this ridiculous and stupid statement.
Now that it is legal. there are two specific facts that will definitely work in favour of the drug dealers. Many who have never used this dangerous substance will be encouraged to try it out and those who are users will gladly purchase the drug from dealers as they will not have to pay any tax.
Making this dangerous drug legal places our future generation at risk as many young people will think it is something to try. Further. the costs to our medical system will escalate dramatically and there is absolutely no way that taxes on this substance will cover same.
It is already a known fact that the taxes on tobacco cover less than 30 percent of the costs created from its usage. It is reasonable to conclude that tax on marijuana will not do any better. As a result the general public will be financing the users and producers of this substance.
The only thing that this action has proven is that our prime minister is the worst we have ever had in Canada as both he and his government tail to show any leadership at all and are taking
every possible action to finance their friends and relatives
What is needed by this country is a government that has some moral compass and is ready to work in the interests of the country and the moral integrity of its people.
Electoral Reform 3 of 6
Growing up, one of the questions my parents posed was “So, if everyone was jumping off a bridge, you would jump too?” whenever I tried ‘everyone is doing it’ to justify my action.
‘Just because everyone’ was not an acceptable excuse for not thinking it through myself.
If we are considering a change as far reaching and impactful as a proportional representation electoral system, we had better think it through carefully to avoid surprises and unwanted consequences.
Continue reading Proportional Representation [Electoral Reform] 3 of 6
Electoral Reform 2 of 6
The NDP/Green collaboration is trying to sell the claim that changing the electoral process is about improving the electoral system…
….although they have not provided any facts or evidence to support their assertion. Instead, to accomplish this assumed ‘improvement’ they are rushing into changing how we elect politicians and governments with a process mind boggling in its slipshod recklessness.
Continue reading Proportional Representation [Electoral Reform] 2 of 6
Electoral Reform 1 of 6
Caveat Emptor
“Let the buyer beware” is an excellent approach for citizens to take when it comes to an issue of the significance of electoral reform, particularly a change to proportional representation, a system of electing a government with which Canadians have no experience.
Despite the apparently cavalier attitude of the NDP/Green collaboration, election reform is a BIG DEAL.
Continue reading Proportional Representation [Electoral Reform] 1 of 6