Common sense ideas and policies are making a comeback once again.

Edmund Burke -- viewed as
the philosophical founder
of modern Conservatism

Here is what Murray Langdon, of CFAX 1070, had to say in his radio editorial today (January 30, 2012)

When the BC’s Finance Minister unveils his budget in a couple of weeks, we will get a sense and snapshot of how we’re coping financially in this world of turmoil. Sadly however, because of the political climate in the air, we may not get that.

As Kevin Falcon adeptly put it, BC, on a world stage, is a “small, resources-based economy”. As such, that means we are subject to shocks, gyrations and swings that occur on a continent-or-world-wide basis. But we still have control over our own destiny, and much of that revolves around our expenditures.

What we have right now in BC is a situation where several areas of concern drastically need funding. Areas such as our criminal justice system, which has been mired in a multi-year funk over shortfalls in legal aid, the judiciary, etc. This is but one area requiring more money to function as it properly should. This isn’t a wish list; it is a must have list. There are several other areas of similar state; the list could go on and on.

The point is for every extra dollar taken in tax, fees or licensing, there is already a home for it. We have an acute need for revenue, which our looming or demanding expenditures can’t wait to get their hands on.

What we truly need right now, more than anything, is an accurate picture of where our finances are. We don’t need poli-speak, we don’t need bells, whistles and charts, we don’t need gamesmanship; we need a crystal clear picture of where our finances are. If we are every to address the shortfalls in society, where the government acknowledges it plays a central role, then we need an accurate picture placed before us. In conjunction, we need a plan to address those areas of shortfall.

My hope is that every now and then, we see our politicians put their political nature aside and fight for British Columbians. Perhaps it is a pipe-dream, but given the gravity of the issues before us, I hope that the government presents us with an accurate picture and a remedy to get us where we want to be. I hope the Opposition dutifully challenges the government, but does not make sport out of this and finds a way to constructively aid the process.

But given that the election is just over a year away, I fear that all of that will be put side in favour of gamesmanship. If so, the big losers will once again be us, the taxpayer.

Well Murray ... you're hoping for a number of things that MOST British Columbians are hoping for.  That we can have an accurate picture of things ... and that we can have an end to the poli-speak. That is indeed underway and happening now. It's why there has been a rise in popularity of the BC Conservative Party.  BC Conservatives have the common sense ideas and policies that are making a comeback once again.

Over a year ago, Qualicum Beach resident Brian Peckford, a former Premier of Newfoundland, and a member of the BC Conservative Party said:

Modern Conservatism derives from the speeches and thoughts of Edmund Burke, an 18th century English politician. Examples of his thinking: "Those who don't know history are bound to repeat it" and "good order is the foundation of all things" help frame modern conservative thought.

Mr. Peckford further went on the say that:

“We need to affirm some basic principles and apply them to conservative reform of our present provincial system of government, including reforming the whole tax system, making it simpler, efficient and effective. We must legislate more accountability of those who serve us and greater reference to the people, making our social system responsive, less bureaucratic, and creating a climate for work and investment, balancing the environmental and economic dimensions by being more pragmatic and less dogmatic.”

John Cummins has stated what the BC Conservative Party stands for.  He stated they are, “… a party with a vision for our province, a voice of reason and hope for all British Columbians". 

The BC Conservative Party is one where anyone who shares that belief is welcome.

I’m Alan Forseth in Kamloops, with the thoughts of one conservative.