Things that would get My Vote - Part 1

In Ontario, we're expecting to be at the polls at least twice in the next few months. Once for our Provincial election, coming up very soon, and again for a soon-to-arrive federal election. The worst thing is that we don't really have anything coming from the main parties that we can sink our teeth into, whilst all around us we have aggravating thing that frustrate us to no end. If a political party would latch onto one of these issues, they would probably get my vote, and they might actually get more of us out to the polls. So, without further ado, here's my gripe list. Fix these, and I'll vote for you:

1. Highway Gridlock. You know what I mean. It's worse and worse all the time, and nothing is being done. This is highlighted by the fact that at least twice since its launch the privately owned Highway 407 as been widened, effectively reducing gridlock and improving the commute for those who use it. Meanwhile there is simply no action on the 401 and the 400, not to mention the QEW. Even worse, there doesn't even seem to be a plan. Wake up! Do something!

2. Killer Trucks. Most of us who drive on the 400-series highways see it almost daily. Angry truck drivers driving their big rigs like they are Civics. Tailgating, cutting lanes, and otherwise intimidating people. And then sure enough, you hear it yet again. Big accident. Car run over by truck, 3 people dead. If it isn't that it is parts falling off unsafe rigs killing people. Why does this continue? I propose that we ban all trucks over 3 tonnes from the 400 series highways. Permanently. Without compromise. In the short term, there will be pain, yes. But we will adjust. Then someone will build a nice private highway for the trucks, like the 407. It probably won't fix everything, but at least it will buy us some time.

3. Our Canadian Banks. Does anyone remember the good old days when you lent your money to the bank at one interest rate, and then the bank in turn lent your money out to others at a different, higher, interest rate, and made it's profit on the difference? Wouldn't it be nice to go back to that? The situation we have now is astounding. Our banks are huge, powerful monsters. And I mean monsters. Nearly every year they pull in record profits. They are so big they are actually buying out American banks. And how are they doing this? By raping and pillaging us. Since when did we roll over and just take it? Why do we allow them to nickel and dime us to death with service charges, account minimums, miscellaneous fees, and zero-interest accounts? You've all heard the stories. Mom takes little Johnnie to the bank to introduce him to the concept of banking. They open an account and deposit his money. Several months later, due to charges, low balance flags, and inactivity fees, his money is all gone. Nice. Why do we allow this system? These banks are more than just big private companies. They are chartered by our government. Just try to start another bank in Canada and see how hard it is. I propose we ban all service charges and fees. Our banks must go back to making their money solely from the differential between the interest rates on the money we loan them and the money they loan us.

Anyone proposing a brave initiate like one of these would definitely get my vote.

That's enough for now. Next time - Mandatory Auto Insurance and Identity Theft.