Tuesday, June 05, 2007

Super John? I think not

It's odd, Ontario Conservative Leader John Tory (he's the one on the right) doesn't look like a super hero, does he? And yet, he’s asking Ontarioins to believe that he’s capable of super-human feats.

No, he's not asking us to believe he can jump over tall buildings in a single bound – yet – but he is asking us to believe him capable of an equally stupendous feat.

Tory wants us to believe that, if elected, not only will be cancel the Ontario health premium, which pumps $2.6 billion into the health care system, but he’ll do it without lowering health care funding. He may even increase health spending. He also seems to have more tax cuts in mind. A chicken in every pot, and a side of tatters!

Given that Ontario’s budget (finally balanced after the $5.6 billion deficit the Liberals inherited from Tory’s “common sense” predecessors) registered at some $298 million, it would seem if Tory is going to pull off this super-human feat he’s going to need to find, roughly, $2.3 billion in cuts to make elsewhere in the budget.

And that’s without even factoring-in a slowing economy which will sap tax revenue, and the fact that the health budget will only be increasing. Plus whatever new spending Tory has planned. So, how does Super John plan to find $2.3 billion to have his cake and eat it too?

"There are huge waste and inefficiency examples across this government," Mr. Tory said. "I'm determined ... to find 2 per cent efficiencies in this government which will go a long way to allowing people to have some tax relief."

Ah, always a favorite of the fevered right-wing: efficiencies and waste. They always campaign on this, and it sounds great on a bumper sticker doesn’t it? Cut waste, waste bad, nobody likes waste. Problem is, when they get elected they discover there really isn’t much actual “waste” but just lots of programs that are needed by real people, programs that they’ll pay a steep political price for cutting.

So, I ask you John, if you’re not just talking out of your keester please, pray tell, let us know just how you plan to do this. Just saying “waste” won’t cut it. Exactly what programs and services will you be cutting to get to your $2.3 billion+? And why?

Or do you just want us to take it on faith when you're the same guys that left us with a big deficit?

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13 comments:

sassy said...

"John Tory (he's the one on the right)"

My right or stage right? It's hard to tell.

The Rat said...
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The Rat said...

Well, he could just be lying, like McGuinty did.

Karen said...

This is going to get ugly me thinks.

Jim (Progressive Right) said...

Well, he could just be lying, like McGuinty did.

Oh, poop. I was going to point out that Jeff might be projecting.

Jim (Progressive Right) said...

This is going to get ugly me thinks.

I hate to admit it, but you're right.

With Mr. McGuinty shutting down the legislature, it's going to be McGuinty Lies & Corruption vs Harris Hidden Agenda from now until October non-stop.

Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more.

Glad I'm one of the good guys. ;-)

Zorpheous said...

Thing is Jeff is speaking from reality. Seriously, I like John Tory but when I hear

1) Balance Budget
2) Increase Healthcare spending
3) Scrapping the Health Tax

and maybe

4) a few more extra tax cuts

Well colour me cynical and I call Shinnanigans and Political Bullshit. While I don't belive that John Tory is Harris or Harper, I certain want to see a very datailed plain before I give him my vote.

Right up until today, I was supporting John Tory, but after this news,... my vote may go Green

Zorpheous said...

Hey Jim,

Let the silly season begin.

So what's yourr take, you think John can cut taxes, increase healthcare spending and balance the books, or are we looking at another bend over and trust me Politican (which really disappoints me, I was holding on to hope with John Tory)

Jeff said...

Well, he could just be lying, like McGuinty did.

Tory may well be lying Rat, I dunno, maybe he's just delusional.

As for McGuinty, did he lie, or was his mistake believing the Cons before the last election when they lied to Ontario about the state of the province's finances? If the Cons hadn't been lying about the deficit, maybe he could have kept his promise. Maybe not. Who knows.

I'll give you this though: Dalton was wrong to believe the Conservatives were telling the truth. Bad Dalton!

Jim (Progressive Right) said...

With Mr. McGuinty shutting down the legislature, it's going to be McGuinty Lies & Corruption vs Harris Hidden Agenda from now until October non-stop.

Ooops. My apologies.

The NDP will sure bring up whatever it is they do, and all that. Whatever that is.

:)

AC said...

McGuinty lied through his teeth to get elected. Are you asking me to believe that Gerry Philips didn't have information the Eves books were not balanced? That coal plants could not be closed, never mind by 2007? Come on!!

Jim (Progressive Right) said...
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Jim (Progressive Right) said...

Zorph,

I took a stab at my place, thought I mucked it up, but I don't think I did now.