Various Stuff

Heard item this morning about various opinions on swine flu vaccine. It's effectiveness is being questioned by some. Yet most professional opinion supports its use. My own view is it is better being safe than sorry. An unusual thing with swine flu is that I am not in the high risk group (according to what I've heard). Nevertheless I'll probably end up getting the vaccine.

Our federal political 'circus' starts today in earnest. I hear changes to our Employment Insurance system are coming. Will they help our unemployed (I hope so)? Will then be a cynical attempt to ensure the current government gets support from one of the opposition parties (I feel so). On the other hand a government party trying to get support from one opposition party is what is expected in a minority government situation.

THere is continuing debate here in Ontario over the province's move to 'harmonize' its sales tax with the goods and services tax. People have strong views both ways on the harmonized sales tax idea. On balance though, I believe its advantages outweigh its disadvantages. That belief is based on the practice (to date) of taxing authorities providing relief from this consumption tax by rebating a portion of it to lower income people.

Speaking of debates it is 'instructive' to watch public health care debate in US. The last developed country to have a public system of health insurance. Yet it spends more on health care on a per capita basis. Opponents of President Obama's initiative are using outlandish and yes, reprehensible tactics. Obama's indication he is the 'last' president to deal with this issue is noteworthy (and praiseworthy).