Politics, accounting: “decline” or “depreciation” – a silver lining(?)

Self-tutoring about politics: the tutor finds an opportunity to compliment Canada’s current leadership.

I’ve been busy lately, so writing some rather short posts. However, when I have time, I look at the news before I write one, because so often I find subject matter therein. Today, such has occurred.

I read with interest this article by Jamie Sarkonak. My reaction evolved to surprise, then disbelief, and finally even some praise for our present leader, Mr. Trudeau.

In said article, Jamie Sarkonak seems to suggest that Canada has a problem: asset depreciation, specifically of the PM’s house and plane. The idea seems rather absurd to me, but I’ll elaborate.

In particular, Jamie Sarkonak seems to imply that if a country’s leader doesn’t have a reliable plane, or live in a nice house, that country won’t be taken seriously on the world stage. (Presumably, the leaders of other countries live in very nice houses and have very reliable personal planes to fly in. Said other countries, therefore, have the right to credibility, perhaps unlike Canada.)

Now, I’m forced to wonder, just which countries does Jamie Sarkonak believe Canada need impress? Other members of the G7? It’s my understanding that, even since the latest hiccup with the PM’s plane, Canada still measures favourably among them. I might go on to say that Canada, while not perfect, needn’t prove anything to anyone. Justin Trudeau needs to prove himself to Canadian voters, not other countries. That’s my understanding, anyhow.

I take no pleasure in criticizing Jamie Sarkonak’s (apparent) message, since the author does reference some ideas that resonate with me. For instance, they mention the “lazy elite” – a phrase I find promising. Yet, they don’t seem to follow up with how they mean that, or how it connects with the other ideas in the article. Furthermore, I fear it’s the lazy elite who would be impressed by a new plane or house. I think some very hard-working Canadians, both rich and poor, drive beaters to work because they are frugal. Thrift used to be seen as a virtue, especially on things for oneself.

Since Justin Trudeau has been PM, my perception is that it’s been an experimental time for Canada. Most of his really publicized policies I don’t agree with. At the same time, I am glad Mr. Trudeau is savvy enough to know that his having a nice new plane and nice house won’t help fix any of Canada’s problems.

As a result of Jamie Sarkonak’s article, my opinion of Justin Trudeau’s liberal government has improved. Since campaigning for the next election seems already to be going on, the Liberals may want to take note:)