10. Next Episode: When is it Fair to be Unfair? -

Last time, in the Bat Cave . . .

Batman and Robin were trying to understand the logic in Stephen Harper breaking his campaign promise not to tax the Income Trusts.

It seems that Harper and the Conservatives think it is fair to break their promise since it only hurts a minority of people, even though the damage is so great, and it will free up money to allow them to give tax breaks that will benefit the majority.

Batman: We have some new clues Robin to the puzzle “When is it Fair to be Unfair?”
Robin: What are they, Batman?
Batman: Well Robin, we have seen that Harper is doing this to free up money to finance their tax breaks. So, Robin, lets look at these tax breaks and the upcoming budget.

Robin: The old “follow the money” principle, Batman.
Batman: That’s right, Robin. It seems obvious, but, sometimes the obvious approach is the best.

7 February, a tax break to assist tobacco processors was unveiled by Harper and his Conservatives. It is not at all clear that this tax break will benefit any companies outside one of the Harper Conservative Cabinet Minister’s riding. It is thought that the Conservatives may be in danger of losing this riding in the next election.

Apparently the Finance Minister’s office commented that “it’s an issue of tax fairness”.

Also, it seems that Harper’s next budget will be announced on 20 March, just 6 days before the Quebec election, 26 March.

It also seems that Harper may be intending to give the Quebec Liberals a big boost in his upcoming budget. This could be to increase the Harper Conservatives’ profile in Quebec and increase the Conservatives' chances of gaining seats in Quebec in the next Federal election, which may possibly be within a few months later.

Robin: Holy enlightenment, Batman! Does that mean that Harper broke his promise not to tax Income Trusts which cost up to 25 billion in investment dollars from Canadian companies, to fund Conservative tax breaks designed to boost their chances in specific ridings that are expected to be tough fights in the next election?

Batman: There does seem to be a pattern here, Robin.
Robin: And Harper’s rational is that it is only fair since it will benefit the majority?
Batman: Apparently so, Robin. Apparently so.

Robin: How does Harper breaking his campaign promises benefit the majority. Harper and the Conservatives had only a little more than a third of the vote in the last election.

Batman: Well, Robin, maybe that is a clue as to their reasoning in saying that's its fair.

That is, maybe they think that since a majority voted against them, a majority do not want him to do what he promised and so he has a moral obligation to break his promises.

Robin: Holy twisted logic, Batman, surely Harper wouldn't think that way?

Batman: Who knows what lies in the hearts of men, Robin.

What I do know is that we’ve got to get our Canada back, Robin, before its too late.

To be continued

© Lloyd MacIlquham, all rights reserved, 8 February, 2007