Why am I asking? Because I want to be sure you give some time and thought to something that, these days, is as urgent as war.
Canadian government debt now exceeds 1.5 Trillion dollars and government debt seems certain to reduce the standard of living and potentially even the freedoms of future generations unless taxpayers rise up against the ever increasing size and cost of government.
John Adams said: “There are two ways to enslave a nation. One is by the sword. The other is by debt.”
Many of our parents and grandparents faced the threat of being enslaved by the sword and felt obliged to give years of their lives in defense of our country and our freedoms. Approximately 110,000 young Canadian men actually gave their lives! Their combined efforts and resulting triumph in two world wars led to a period of freedom and prosperity that is unparalleled in history.
However, we as a society were not content to protect individuals only from evil. In the past fifty years we have endeavored to protect everyone from everything including their own follies. In so doing we have increased the size, scope and cost of government, using debt and deficits, to a point where most of the Western world is on the ‘road to Greece’. Our generation and more importantly future generations are now on the verge of being enslaved by debt.
Fortunately, there have been a number of warning signs concerning the danger of growing public debt including the near collapse of the Greek economy and the bankruptcy of a number of US cities including Detroit.
But what can ordinary Canadians do to stop Canada or Alberta or Ontario or your local municipality from mortgaging our future?
Follow the political process and support someone that is determined to see that government lives within its/our means and is committed to leaving future generations with LESS DEBT than we now have.
If you are inclined to say that you are not interested in politics, I will leave you with this thought.
My grandfather was not interested in war either, but he still went TWICE so his children, grandchildren and future generations could have a better life.
Please take the time to get involved and STAY INVOLVED! Your local politician may not thank you but your grandchildren and future generations will!!
Danny Hozack, Streamstown, Alberta. 780-808-0271
Economic Education Association
Freedomtalk.ca
YEP, a nice thought!! However, much easier said than done. Reminds me of a story...
ReplyDeleteWhile walking down the street one day, a high ranking politician is tragically hit by a truck and dies. His soul arrives in heaven and is met by St. Peter at the entrance.
"Welcome to Heaven," says St. Peter. "Before you settle in, it seems there is a problem. We seldom see a high official around these parts, you see, so we're not sure what to do with you."
"No problem, just let me in." says the politician .
"Well, I'd like to but I have orders from higher up. What we'll do is have you spend one day in Hell and one in Heaven. Then you can choose where to spend eternity."
"Really, I've made up my mind. I want to be in Heaven," says the politician.
"I'm sorry but we have our rules." And with that, St. Peter escorts the politician to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to Hell. The doors open and he finds himself in the middle of a green golf course. In the distance is a club and standing in front of it are all his friends and other politicians who had worked with him, everyone is very happy and in evening dress.
They run to greet him, hug him, and reminisce about the good times they had while getting rich at expense of the people. They play a friendly game of golf and then dine on lobster and caviar. Also present is the Devil, who really is a very friendly guy who has a good time dancing and telling jokes.
They are having such a good time that, before he realizes it, it is time to go. Everyone gives him a big hug and waves while the elevator
rises. The elevator goes up, up, up and the door reopens on Heaven where St. Peter is waiting for him.
"Now it's time to visit Heaven." So 24 hours pass with the politician head of state joining a group of contented souls moving from cloud to cloud, playing the harp and singing. They have a good time and, before he realizes it, the 24 hours have gone by and St. Peter returns.
"Well then, you've spent a day in Hell and another in Heaven. Now choose your eternity."
He reflects for a minute, then the head of state answers: "Well, I would never have thought it, I mean Heaven has been delightful, but I think I would be better off in Hell."
So Saint Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to Hell. Now the doors of the elevator open and he is in the middle of a barren land covered with waste and garbage. He sees all his friends, dressed in rags, picking up the trash and putting it in black bags. The Devil comes over to the politician and lays an arm on his neck.
"I don't understand," stammers the politician. Yesterday I was here and there was a golf course and club and we ate lobster and caviar and danced and had a great time. Now all there is a wasteland full of garbage and my friends look miserable.
The Devil looks at him, smiles and says, "Yesterday we were campaigning. Today you voted for us!"
Yup! That about sums it up.
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