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“I am a Canadian, free to speak without fear, free to worship in my own way, free to stand for what I think right, free to oppose what I believe wrong, or free to choose those who shall govern my country. This heritage of freedom I pledge to uphold for myself and all mankind.” ~~ John G. Diefenbaker

He was right ... he still is ... and yet the BC Liberals choose to take this money anyway. I hope they choke on it



The three main parties, filling their bank accounts with taxpayers money, all seem to believe it shouldn't be done.  So then why have NONE have decided decline this months windfall jackpot, that instead SHOULD BE GOING to health services, education, and other social services?



I've said it before, and I'll say it again; "Ideally only individuals should be able to donate up to a limit, similar to our federal system"



Instead, BC Liberals, NDP, and Green Party all headed to a taxpayer funded, and fully paid for, buffet. This from the Globe and Mail, in the Wednesday edition:



" ... British Columbia taxpayers just deposited $2.4-million into the bank accounts of the province's three main political parties — the first installment of a subsidy designed to wean them off corporate and union donations. The governing New Democrats and BC Liberals each received nearly $1-million, a contrast from traditional donations in which the Liberals significantly outraised the NDP. The third-place Greens got $415,000... "



After pointing this out, an occasional commenter, to my posts stated, "Well at least it's better than corporations and unions filling their coffers."



I DISAGREE, and said so.




Sorry Jeff but I strongly disagree. If individuals (not corporations) want to donate to a party (the amount within reason) fine. Government however should not be subsidizing parties.



Even if they do however, what about individuals running as independents?"  They get nothing.



Smaller parties with only a handful if candidates? They also get nothing?


This government largesse is only being shelled out to well funded and well entrenched parties, and it's crap!!



Back came Jeff stating, "I agree there shouldn't be subsidies too. But given a choice, it's better than having special interests giving you cash, who will later expect favors in return. Ideally only individual should be able to donate up to a limit, similar to our federal system."

But let's again come around to a brief comment I made above.



Who are the only ones to benefit, by becoming a pig at the trough, and therefore chowing down on taxpayer money?  It's only the big three -- the BC NDP ... the BC Liberals ... and the Green party.



BC Libertarians?  NOPE!

BC Conservatives?  NOPE



Any other parties?  NOPE.  Here's the thing however, I don't want them to get any taxpayer money either.



And again, what about candidates who are running as independents? 



Would they not have an even greater need for funds to allow them to cut through all the advertising messages of the major parties?  Who would have the hardest time getting their message out?  And, who would have the least amount of funds to run a campaign?



Independents!



So... it certainly looks like a wonderful system for the Liberals, NDP, and Greens.  As the only established parties, they are the only ones hitting a threshold high enough to get this money..



The BC NDP ... Liberals ... and Green parties will all get those millions.  NOT the education system ... children in care .... seniors ... health care system ... or those with physical and mental disabilities. 



Last Fall, Ralph Sultan, of the BC Liberals, stated, "It's a money grab on a scale which is neither casual nor minor."



He was right, and he still is.  Still, the BC Liberals choose to take this money anyway. 



I hope they choke on it.



In Kamloops., I'm Alan Forseth.  Got a comment to make?  This is your chance to share it now.
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Comments

  1. Cal DavisJanuary 28, 2018 at 9:44 AM

    I am sure if the other parties had fit the criteria they would have taken the money as well. On the other hand why should the BC conservatives deserve any money? They only got 80 delegates or so to there annual meeting and the executive denies membership to individuals such as former Conservative MPs. And no one gets a reason why they have been denied membership. So is the BC Conservatives really a political party?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Alan ForsethJanuary 28, 2018 at 9:55 AM

      Re-read my post Cal. I clearly stated I personally DO NOT beleive ANY party should be getting this money. It's a disgrace they have taken it!!

      Delete
    2. Alan ForsethJanuary 28, 2018 at 9:58 AM

      And YES, despite your obvious unhelpful sarcasm, BC Conservatives WILL be front and centre next election, and WILL play a strong role in leading the direction of the campaign

      Delete
  2. The Old GuyJanuary 29, 2018 at 2:44 AM

    The public should not be required to subsidize any party or individual candidate; however, if the organized parties are entitled, independent and non-aligned candidates should also be entitled. It's easier and far less complicated to not provide subsidies to any of them.

    ReplyDelete

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