Friday, February 01, 2013

Friday Morning Links

Assorted content for your Friday reading.

- In response to the Fraser Institute's latest attempt to foment panic (to be used as an excuse to attack public programs and hand yet more free money to corporations), Trish Hennessy explains the province's choices in terms anybody should be able to understand:
The austerity experiment has been waged in several European Union countries: Massive cuts in government spending for four years drove Greece, Spain, Portugal and Ireland into full-scale economic depression. Meanwhile, the U.K. is struggling to get off its austerity treadmill, despite the less than stellar results there.

Ontario could pretend that more of the same – cutbacks – will yield different results than it has already in Europe. But even the chief economist of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Oliver Blanchard, has come out saying Europe went too far with austerity measures.

As for California, CCPA Economist Hugh Mackenzie says: “It’s suffering primarily from the kind of policies the Fraser Institute advocates: cutting and freezing taxes when it doesn’t make any sense to do so. Even the most superficial reading of the California experience points to the role that tax freezes, tax cuts and various propositions designed to limit the ability of California to meet its obligations.”

Austerity poses a similar threat in Ontario, where more government cutbacks could lead to higher unemployment – including youth unemployment, which is already unacceptably high in Ontario.

Yes, Ontario did incur a deficit during the worst of the global economic crisis – due in part to dropping tax revenues, which always occurs during a recession, and aided by stimulus spending that helped prevent even more job losses.

The province launched into spending cuts before the economy had fully recovered, which hasn’t helped matters.

That said, Ontario’s deficit is on the mend more rapidly than expected. The Finance Minister says it’s already almost $3 billion less than his Fall 2012 prediction. Barring another economic downturn, Ontario’s deficit will be balanced by 2017 – quite possibly earlier, without needing to lay off workers, axe services and dangle more tax cuts in front of corporations.
- Meanwhile, Miles Corak explains that the most privileged 1% wants to avoid any talk of inequality by pointing out how it's getting worse. And Andrew Jackson breaks that group down even further to find our wealthiest citizens are paying far less than they did a decade ago even as their incomes have skyrocketed:
The top 0.1 per cent paid income tax at an average effective rate of 35.4 per cent in 2010. While much higher than the effective tax rate paid by the bottom 99 per cent, that is only slightly higher than the effective income tax rate of 33.3 per cent, which was paid by the top 1 per cent as a whole.

The effective income tax rate paid by the top 0.1 per cent has fallen very sharply, from 41.6 per cent to 35.4 per cent since 2000. This compares to a fall in the effective rate from 39.4 per cent to 33.3 per cent for the top 1 per cent as a whole, and a fall from 18.0 per cent to 14.8 per cent for the bottom 99 per cent.

One has to question why federal and provincial governments have chosen to cut effective top tax rates by so much while the income share of the super-affluent has been rising so rapidly.
- It's better than nothing to see that the Cons have been forced to walk back their commitment to secret loans. But perhaps the more important evidence of warped priorities (which don't seem to have changed) can be found in the original story - where Glen McGregor notes that the Cons set up the system to ensure a steady flow of photo ops rather but not any public accountability whatsoever:
The loan agreements with the businesses that get the money requires them to accept public disclosure, but the contribution agreement between the government and the development organizations does not provide for public disclosure.

It does, however, require the development organization to “participate in and assist with the co-ordination of a public announcement by the minister in the form of an event,” and “co-ordinate a mutually agreement on venue, date and time in light of the availability of the minister for public media events outlining project achievements.”
- And the Cons are also pushing the envelope in trying to silence civil servants who have the ability to point out where political directions are leading them astray - with CIDA's loyalty oath serving as the latest example. And of course, that inclination toward perpetual cover-ups only figures to encourage waste and other harmful outcomes.

- Finally, and speaking of waste: yes, the Canadian public was billed $1 million to ship Stephen Harper's limousines across the Pacific. No wonder the Cons are trying to stop the opposition parties from asking order paper questions like the one that revealed that sad reality.

35 comments:

  1. Anonymous11:20 p.m.

    Only 1 address, while. In the event you employ strategies that may be employed in agreement together with
    your dog's normal urge and instincts, you'll be able to improve its character and provide restrictions that can maintain your dog satisfied.
    We turn off the TV.
    Look at my web-site :: Good Dog training advice

    ReplyDelete
  2. Anonymous7:26 a.m.

    I gave each person who won a gift card to buy i - Tunes songs.
    We paid a great idea for this site and made up to look like the
    airlines pass. A big bowl of pretzels, vegetables with dip, crackers and slices of meat and cheese cut into shapes using airplane cookie
    cutter.

    Feel free to visit my website; 18th birthday party ideas

    ReplyDelete
  3. Anonymous12:42 a.m.

    The other way to get more Facebook fans is by rewarding the loyal fans that you already have.

    An experienced service provider from the industry can anly assist you buy Facebook fans and
    likes that would be real and active Facebook users.
    The first step in this regard is to make a fan page.

    Have a look at my blog get Google Plus One Votes

    ReplyDelete
  4. Anonymous1:16 a.m.

    What i don't understood is if truth be told how you are no longer really a lot more neatly-liked than you may be now. You're
    so intelligent. You know therefore significantly in relation
    to this subject, made me in my opinion imagine it from so many various angles.
    Its like women and men don't seem to be fascinated except it is one thing to accomplish with Girl gaga! Your own stuffs great. Always care for it up!

    my blog; 10th birthday party ideas

    ReplyDelete
  5. Anonymous1:31 a.m.

    On Sundaу nights Erin Jаimes hosts а blueѕ jam whеre anyonе from Alan Haynes tο Gary Clark, Jr.
    At the enԁ of each round read out thе cumulatіve sсorеs.
    The food is decent and the drink specials on Tuesԁays include $2.


    Hеre iѕ my webѕite: Pub Quiz austin

    ReplyDelete
  6. Anonymous1:47 a.m.

    It is particularly helpful as you fight off this yeast infection in mouth.
    Include about three to 4 tablespoons of vinegar to a bathtub stuffed
    with a tiny sum of warm h2o and only bathe in it for fifteen to twenty
    minutes. If you apply Aloe Vera gel on the affected areas it can help
    reduce the itching and burning caused by the infection.


    Take a look at my homepage: male yeast infection and symptoms

    ReplyDelete
  7. Anonymous8:27 a.m.

    '''. As an alternative, it will most likely be far more powerful for you to learn about audio and chord idea. These hail every little thing played getting rid of barely the sophisticated keys, so you ought to keep effective toward crush extra listed below barely a limited area of time.

    Also visit my webpage ... Piano Chords Amazing Grace

    ReplyDelete
  8. Anonymous11:54 a.m.

    I usually do not leave many comments, however i did a few searching and wound up here "Friday Morning Links".
    And I do have some questions for you if it's allright. Could it be only me or does it look like a few of the remarks come across like coming from brain dead individuals? :-P And, if you are writing at other social sites, I would like to follow anything new you have to post. Could you list of every one of your shared sites like your linkedin profile, Facebook page or twitter feed?

    my web blog :: kids birthday party ideas
    Also see my website: 10th birthday party ideas

    ReplyDelete
  9. Anonymous6:42 p.m.

    Fun and nutritious Paleo Toddler Dessert Recipe.

    - 1 tsp cinnamon (optional). Other diets target only
    eating a particular food group or perhaps raw foods only.


    Here is my blog post: the paleo diet and crossfit

    ReplyDelete
  10. Anonymous1:47 a.m.

    You are welcome to bring food and cake if you want, or you can add-on pizza, ice cream cake and
    drinks. Clearly say the details similar to day, go out with, time
    and locale for the event. Shortly after everyone arrived, I gathered everyone
    around the table to find a rail-air-cloud by activity.

    Look into my site :: 18th birthday party ideas

    ReplyDelete
  11. Anonymous1:10 p.m.

    One quick and important note: make sure you
    know the requirements and can get them all accomplished for your out-of-state or out-of-country wedding.
    (Here's the key difference. This is not always something that brides or grooms have time to put together on their own.

    my page wedding website affiliate program
    Also see my website :: wedding website about us

    ReplyDelete
  12. Anonymous8:43 p.m.

    Search for professional Internet Marketing Companies India and
    let an experienced copy writer craft eye-grabbing ad content for
    your business. Checkout his article on Ambit and on Nu Skin Review.
    , to all your fans.

    Look into my web site: Internet Marketing Techniques

    ReplyDelete
  13. Anonymous2:35 a.m.

    One quick and important note: make sure you know the requirements and can get them all accomplished for your out-of-state or out-of-country
    wedding. 5. 4.

    Look into my web page - wedding website advertising

    ReplyDelete
  14. Anonymous5:34 a.m.

    Natural remedies are deemed highly efficient, cost effective, and significantly safe
    to use. This will ensure that you treat the right disease when you
    take the medication. That will also help
    restore the balance in your body and get things back
    on track.

    Visit my webpage: what is a yeast infection and symptoms

    ReplyDelete
  15. Anonymous10:04 p.m.

    - Exorphins: Anti-nutrient found in dairy products and wheat.
    By meat I mean red meat, white meat and seafood.

    - Lecithin.

    my web page paleo diet and crossfit

    ReplyDelete
  16. Anonymous2:42 p.m.

    The kids will have fantastic fun playing this game, which is really a favorite out of quite a few on the more popular kids birthday
    party games. We paid a great idea for this site
    and made up to look like the airlines pass. Place a different sticker on the back of each guest.


    Here is my page: 18th birthday party ideas

    ReplyDelete
  17. Anonymous11:54 a.m.

    You still have to expert all of those other guitar chords
    so as to engage in very easy popular music. Do not overlook this part of your learning.
    Best Regards.

    my webpage :: free piano chords and tabs

    ReplyDelete
  18. Anonymous12:36 p.m.

    Wrap it in gauze and put it in the infected area.
    Because of its anti-fungal properties, it is also sometimes recommended for vaginal yeast infections.
    Although the treatment has been successful for many people with Candida, be
    warned that some of the side effects may include excessive vaginal discharge, discomfort and burning in the vaginal area.


    Here is my web-site: what is a yeast infection and symptoms

    ReplyDelete
  19. Anonymous6:24 p.m.

    Oils, beverages and Paleo sweets should also be used in moderate quantities and also keep in mind that Paleo
    diet food list does not contain in it all processed foods made out of dairy products, powdered milk, ice creams,
    cereal grains and legumes and should be avoided. Other typical tasks were gathering wood, shelter building, digging, carrying
    a variety of heavy items, tool construction and dancing.
    Consider the following statistic.

    Feel free to visit my webpage paleo diet and diabetes

    ReplyDelete
  20. Anonymous4:09 a.m.

    The irritation could then spread in the baby's buttocks and upper thigh area, as well as the genitals. Implementing these changes in your life, will be effective remedies against recurrent yeast infections, when undertaken with a holistic yeast infection treatment program that will kill the yeast infection from the inside out. Finding the best vaginal yeast infection remedy that will work for you will end all the disturbing symptoms of the infection improving the quality of your life.

    Feel free to surf to my web-site: persistent yeast infection and diabetes

    ReplyDelete
  21. Anonymous5:27 a.m.

    By dividing up the party at several peoples houses you make
    it easy on yourself. At the end of the party all of the papers write down who they think was the prohibition agent.
    Play games all night long in keeping with the twenties theme such as various card games and crossword puzzles.


    Look at my website :: boston massachusetts

    ReplyDelete
  22. Anonymous7:17 a.m.

    A result of the immense size and strength that these animals can grow to means pets should be
    leash trained from a young age. Citrus juices help in
    decreasing the chance of bacteria to remain in your dog.
    Dog obedience training is a bit more than trained
    responses.

    My blog post: man's best friend dog training atlanta

    ReplyDelete
  23. Anonymous11:42 a.m.

    (Thank you rounds are always welcome, of course.

    Brazenhead is a great place to go with your family or for a business lunch or dinner, but if you are looking for a party
    atmosphere, this isn't it. The buccal cavity is a small cavity that has neither jaws nor teeth.

    Here is my web site - pub Quiz Austin

    ReplyDelete
  24. Anonymous10:14 p.m.

    You are welcome to bring food and cake if you want, or you can add-on pizza,
    ice cream cake and drinks. There are tons of places online that will help you in this regard.
    Shortly after everyone arrived, I gathered everyone around the table to find a rail-air-cloud by activity.



    Check out my web page - 16th birthday party ideas

    ReplyDelete
  25. Anonymous1:12 a.m.

    Have I tried a few, most definitely. You need to utilise every tool and potential outlet you possibly can.
    If this kind of business you are looking for or planning to
    go into just for the reason that you wanted to consult
    or even handle those promotions for other businesses,
    well then, make sure that don’t fail to notice the opportunity to point out those costumers or clients of
    yours who are potentials in which you grow your own business with
    the very techniques you wanted to provide to them.



    My weblog :: Internet Marketing Techniques

    ReplyDelete
  26. Anonymous12:27 p.m.

    Oils, beverages and Paleo sweets should
    also be used in moderate quantities and also keep in mind that Paleo diet food list does not contain in it all processed foods made out of dairy products, powdered milk, ice creams, cereal grains and legumes and should be avoided.
    Pizza crust, bread, pancakes, and any food that contain sugar
    should be taken out and erased from the list of foods one
    can eat. - Lecithin.

    my web-site - paleo diet and pregnancy

    ReplyDelete
  27. Anonymous9:17 p.m.

    Even just 15 minutes a day keeps your piano playing ability in tune.
    Instead, focus on a single thing or just a couple of things, and try not
    to move forward until you have reached those goals.
    Best Regards.

    Here is my web-site: piano chords ama namin

    ReplyDelete
  28. Anonymous12:47 a.m.

    (Thank you rounds are always welcome, of course. Below are listed a few popular pubs where one can chill in
    Mumbai. Theme Format: It is almost like standard format of
    the pub quiz.

    Here is my site ... pub quiz anagrams

    ReplyDelete
  29. Anonymous1:00 p.m.

    The only hurdle to accessing this is of course human limitations and the fact that the brain does not function solely
    as a learning tool for the human being. You
    must definitely be planning to make it special and memorable by keeping
    a good theme, ordering the best food and choosing the best
    games. They feature almost nightly drink specials and
    some form of entertainment every night of the week--DJ's, live music, trivia, you name it.

    Here is my site :: pub quiz team names

    ReplyDelete
  30. Anonymous12:09 a.m.

    There are many sources to choose from that can offer simple solutions to
    the problems you are experiencing with your canine. You should teach your
    dog and talk to him during training sessions. We turn off the TV.



    Here is my webpage duck dog training articles

    ReplyDelete
  31. Anonymous8:10 a.m.

    Some were practical, of course, but others were psychological and emotional.
    I believe my exact words were "I don't want to be your dirty little secret. The buccal cavity is a small cavity that has neither jaws nor teeth.

    Here is my page: great pub quiz names

    ReplyDelete
  32. Anonymous5:49 p.m.

    The only hurdle to accessing this is of course human limitations and the fact that the brain does
    not function solely as a learning tool for the human being.
    You must definitely be planning to make it special and memorable
    by keeping a good theme, ordering the best food and choosing
    the best games. Ask your local club to run this for you.


    Stop by my web site; brainstormer pub quiz answers

    ReplyDelete
  33. Anonymous1:38 p.m.

    Narrow blood vessels lie alongside the intestines of the earthworm and they absorb the
    nutrients from the alimentary canal feeding the rest of
    the body. Below are listed a few popular pubs where one can chill in Mumbai.
    Ask your local club to run this for you.


    Also visit my blog post; free quiz answer sheets

    ReplyDelete
  34. Anonymous3:39 a.m.

    (Thank you rounds are always welcome, of course.
    Brazenhead is a great place to go with your family or for a business lunch or dinner,
    but if you are looking for a party atmosphere, this isn't it. Ask your local club to run this for you.

    Feel free to visit my weblog - pub quiz answers and questions

    ReplyDelete
  35. Anonymous2:03 a.m.

    In that case, this kind of question should not
    be taken from any show telecasted in specific country.
    You must definitely be planning to make it special and memorable
    by keeping a good theme, ordering the best food and choosing the best games.
    The decline of the East side blues scene was disheartening,
    but, it also gave rise to the need for a fresh start, which came in the form
    of the next blues-only venue, Antone's, founded by the late Clifford Antone, during the summer of 1975.

    Here is my page - pub quiz anagrams

    ReplyDelete