On phony solutions

Shorter Lorrie Goldstein:
I hate it when politicians suggest simplistic answers to gun violence like "banning handguns". Surely they know such a complicated problem calls for a nuanced, thoughtful response - like "lock 'em up and throw away the key".

Surprising support

There are few columnists that I'd have thought less likely to back one of the NDP's most progressive policy planks than Lorrie Goldstein. But Goldstein takes a surprising break from his steady stream of Kyoto-bashing to support Jack Layton's call for a national prescription drug plan.

Of course, Goldstein's column alone is far from enough to give the issue of drug costs the attention it deserves. But if there's any substantial number of right-wing commentators who share his view, then a sustained push for access to prescription drugs may face far less opposition than I'd have figured - and could have a real chance of succeeding in the near future as a result.