On statements

Vaughn Palmer is right to note that there's a limited number of paths to take to try to counter the implementation of the HST in B.C. - and indeed the recall option which he points out as the most feasible means of reversing the plan wouldn't figure to be available in Ontario.

But Palmer does give unduly short shrift to the possibility that one or both of the provincial governments could come to see the "ruinously humiliating" results of backing down from the tax as less damaging than the political costs of following through on it. And with the NDP rightly pressing the issue in the one chance voters have to make their displeasure known at the ballot box in advance of a recall campaign, now may in fact be the best time to send the message that both the Campbell and McGuinty governments are better off finding a way to change course than sticking to the plan to hike taxes on their citizens.