Why do you buy life Insurance?

I want you to ask yourself why do you buy life insurance. 

Most people would say, they buy it to ensure financial security for their loved ones in case of their unfortunate demise.  Though most people don’t expect to die anytime soon, and generally believe that chances of anything happening to them soon is very remote. 

Now, you may have heard that some scientists in their Ivory Towers are suggesting that our planet is heading towards grave danger due to our activities.  Some more of these scientists are warning that our ability to extract oil from the earth is about to reach its peak, even though demand is rising.  They hypothesise that this would lead to skyrocketing fuel prices and economic devastation.

On the other hand, the well grounded  guys on the front line of the world energy scene(Exxon, Chevron, OPEC) tell us there is nothing to worry about.  They tell us that those scientists in their Ivory Towers are out of touch with reality.  Our habits are not causing any damage to the planet, nor will we run out of oil for a very long time.

But, what if those crazy scientists are right?  What if we ignore them?  What will we leave our children and grandchildren?   Maybe we should consider doing something, just in case.  Call it Humanity Insurance. 

Or, are you prepared to tell your grand children, who are starving and unable to breath, “Sorry, I didn’t know this would happen, a couple thousand dollars a year seemed too much to pay for just in case”. 

Many of us spend hundreds or thousands of dollars a year on life insurance that we never collect on.  Why wouldn’t we spend the same on insurance for our society? 

The Harper-cons continue to claim that any serious efforts to curb our dependence on fossil fuels and reduce our carbon footprint will cost us too much and will cripple our economy.  While it will no doubt have a cost, will it really be that significant.  Should we just give up and say it can’t be done, and choose to trust Big Oil that all will be OK?  After all, we’ve never been steered wrong by big business before....

If your are concerned about the world you children and grandchildren will have to live in, then visit

http://www.voteforenvironment.ca/

Harpernomics 101: Fiscal Management

Recently, Steven Harper and the Conservatives have run ads claiming that they are the sole purveyor of good financial management.  In other ads they have portrayed the Liberal green shift proposal as economic Armageddon.

Before you cast your ballet, it would serve you well to know some FACTS.  You can check these for yourself at http://www.fin.gc.ca/purl/afr-e.html

Historically, the idea that Conservatives have been the fiscally responsible party has shown itself not to be true.    The fact is that between 1984 and 1994 under the Conservative, Canada’s National debt went from about $200 Billion to more than $500 Billion.  Up until 1994, the Conservative Federal Government was running a DEFICIT of almost $40 Billion annually.

When the Liberals took over they managed to balance the budget in 1997.  From 1997 to the end of Liberal rule in 2005 the Government ran a surplus and was able to reduce some of the nation’s accumulated debt. 

Since Steven Harper’s Conservatives have come to power, the finances have remained in surplus, but only due to a substantial increase in revenues.  Now, for the first time since 1997 Canada looks to be heading towards a DEFICET after recording one in the first quarter this year.

Remember, during the 2006 election, Steven Harper vowed not to increase spending more than the annual rate of inflation (2-3%).  However, the Conservatives have increased overall spending at a rate of 7.5% annually.

Don't believe the spin, trust the facts.  If Harper wins a majority our country will be in DEFICIT by the end of they year. We will have started down a path of deregulation and  free for all, for the powerful and greedy that will have us attaining the economic fortunes of our neighbours to our south.