Economic Issues: The Blame Game

Let’s jump right into it: I don’t like Dalton McGunity and I don’t like the Liberals here in Ontario. However, my dislike of Mr. McGunity and his party do not stem from their actions/inactions during these economic times. I dislike them for their taking credit for things their PC predecessors set up for them and for their social policy. Can I blame them for the overall financial situation in Ontario? I don’t think so.

I’m asked quite a bit: Jordan, who is to blame for the financial crisis we’re in? My response I will share with you today.

Firstly, I cannot speak in context of the entire world, as I’m not acquainted with specific issues in other nations. What I can say for Canada and Ontario is common sense and sensible, as you will see. The first thing we can lay down is that, no one body or person is to blame. So, sorry to all you hardliner Democrats, but George W. Bush didn’t cause this… Secondly, and most importantly, I feel we are all to blame for the economic slowdown. That’s right: everybody can share in the blame...

Economically, the government has a role to play: to regulate (to a point) taxes, trade and act as a moderator to large transactions. The government in and of itself needs to financially wise, trimming off excess spending and ‘smaller’ fiscal payouts which start small but add up very, very quickly. The government and its banks need to be perhaps a little harder on people. Taxes should remain low, for sure; however, banks need to stop giving away mortgages, only feeding into the rate of bankruptcies and foreclosures with financially unstable families chasing after the American/Canadian Dream.

Large corporations and businesses need to wake up and realize they are major organs in the Canadian economy. As a side issue, I most certainly do not believe any automaker deserves a bailout. No sir. And that’s just the thing, the companies come crying about their financially woes. A decade ago, while these large corporations were busy flying their corporate jets, blowing through expense accounts and getting their company sedans waxed, they might have thought to give some credence to their future or the people that they soon won’t be employing… So, I have near zero sympathy for the Big 3 for being financially unwise when they should have been investing in renewable resources and green technologies, and being dollar wise even in times of prosperity.

Finally, the last bit of blame is perhaps on the working adults of Canada. Families very simply should have sought after financial conservatism from day one. What happened to the monetary wisdom of the 1950s and 60s? It’s gone out the window because we need to get a new iPod… Don’t get me wrong, technology isn’t a bad thing, it’s just fatally attractive. So, bottom line, we need to start planning for our futures and stop living in the moment. Financially prosperity tomorrow is better than a new toy and being broke today.

So, for a blog that stated out talking about the Liberals, we sure know how to hit the issues on the head. And last question: when will this “global financial crisis” end? Well, it’s obvious, it won’t last forever. This is no Great Depression though; North America and the Western World have seen worse. Give it some time. But know this: when we do emerge from this storm, things won’t be the same as we know them… This is a time of refining for the people, government and business world. I look forward to seeing the finished product.

 

-JR

“I most certainly do not believe any automaker deserves a bailout. No sir.”

Feelings of Liberation

I cannot well enough describe the elation I feel having completed my first year of university. It’s surreal. Too good to be true almost. As a matter of fact, I have a hard enough time grasping that I graduated from high school last year let alone having been accepted into university and made it though year 1 of 5 already… It’s difficult to put into perspective.

After the first semester of utter strike horror, I finally made I through a semester of ‘normality’ (whatever that is). Since this is my first school term unscathed by professors crying crocodile tears for larger 6-six figure salaries. The thought of this brings back my disgust for the tuition gouging of this coming school year. I fear for those less fortunate than I. I also fear for the provincial government who are forced to dole out student loans of even great portions. I already don’t trust Dalton McGunity, let alone the fiscal prowess of the cabinet.

Political circles aside, with final exams done and out of my life – at least for another few months – I find myself sitting here on this computer; actually bored! I’m rarely driven to boredom, but here I am only 8 hours past first year university and already I have a sudden disgust for doing everything! The remote sits beside me and there are unread books all over my room, but I feel to do nothing but vegetate on this 21^st century idiot box roaming a lifeless Facebook. With work not starting for me until Thursday, I live in this limbo of priorities. My life is seemingly free of academics and obligations. I’m financially stable and have employment waiting for me. The sun is shining and God is good. This is no time for boredom but for celebration! I think it’s time to embrace the moment.

 

-JR

“I think it’s time to embrace the moment.”

Reflect on the Seasons

On days like today, I take solace in knowing that this crummy, lousy weather will last only for a couple of months. If we're fortunate, perhaps even less! This warmer, but still chilly, rainy day is a cross-section of what February and March will probably be like. At least it means an end to a foot of snow of the ground or salt stains ruining our expensive shoes. At least it means no more malicious wind chills or sidewalks lacquered with invisible ice. No more waking up early on a Saturday to shovel the driveway. No more straining to reach the brush in the back seat only to stand in an ajar door and force away the ice jamming the windshield wipers. Oh, boy. I will NOT miss those days.

Now instead we can look forward to a few months of a constant downpour; tapping and clacking away on our roves; puddles of murky rain water pooling up against curbs, failing to slide into storm drains. A walk down the street might entail being soaked by a passing automobile that refuses to pull away from pedestrians. You could have saw this coming; but you were too busy noticing the multiplicity of worms squirming about along the dark soaked concrete.

Don’t get me wrong: I love the seasons. But this transition is not the most pleasant. Eventually, we will reach a time of general warmth and brightness. New life will arise. You'll be able to open up every window and door to permit a firm breeze to pass through the house. That will be the day when we have emerged victorious from winter and marched valiantly into spring.

 

Its Monday, For Sure

In general, my weekend was good. Friday I went to youth, watched a movie and chatted with the other leaders. Saturday, I totally enjoyed not having to leave the house. I was slated, however, to make a trip to the states, which to my sugrin, was cancelled. I was looking forward to going but, oh well...

I spent saturday night reading and relaxing, doing different things. But importantly, did as little as possible. Sunday, had to wake up for church like every sunday. Im starting to get used to it and I actually enjoy my church starting at 10 now. Its different, its a change. Its allllll right.

Afterwards, I went over to some friends house for lunch and to hangout until the superbowl started. After a while, people starting arriving and I actually had a really good time. Not that im suprised, but. Im just counting all things as joy. Its a good policy. Of course, my declared team The Steelers emerged victorious after hours of battling it out in Tampa against Arizona. BouuuYa!

I was very tired when i got home. Sat in bed, on the computer. Did some readings. Thought i could fall asleep but i was wide awake till past 3. Uggggg. Not good. Im getting better. My school schedule doesnt help. Watched Saw 3 at like one in the morning. The Saw series is my guilty pleasure. Its my secret love. But a good weekend nevertheless! You?

-Jordan, The Right Honorable
"Counting it all as joy. Its the best policy."