Distinguish the National Interest From Self-interest

Distinguish the National Interest From Self-interest

Toronto - Tuesday, June 18, 2002 - by: Noel Semple

The Grits are apparently firing up the spending machinery once again, but that's nothing new. What's really insulting is that Chretien is consciously destroying the one success of his government, a budget surplus, to distract attention from the trainwreck of his Cabinet.

It's classic Liberal arrogance- the tacit assumption that government money is theirs to spend to save their skins, instead of being held in trust for the people of this country. It was even suggested a couple weeks ago that the Prime Minister canned Paul Martin just to distract everyone from the ethics file.

Being able to distinguish the national interest from self-interest, and showing a strong prejudice for the former over the latter, is the single most important positive attribute for a politician.

For almost all those in positions in power, this ability erodes gradually over time. Jean Chretien and the Liberals lost it long ago.

References:

Surplus fuels PM's big plans, by Heather Scoffield, Globe and Mail, Tuesday, June 11, 2002

PM ready to roll out the pork barrel, Ottawa Sun. (story no longer available on line)

Editor's Note:

Noel Semple is a University of Toronto student who ran this spring for Student president. He formerly attended Queens and Harthouse, having participated in public speaking competitions and was on a remarkable trip to Africa and the story about is trip is worth reading.



Distinguish the National Interest From Self-interest

Toronto - Tuesday, June 18, 2002 - by: Noel Semple

	The Grits are apparently firing up the spending machinery once again, but that's nothing new. What's really insulting is that Chretien is consciously destroying the one success of his government, a budget surplus, to distract attention from the trainwreck of his Cabinet.

	It's classic Liberal arrogance- the tacit assumption that government money is theirs to spend to save their skins, instead of being held in trust for the people of this country. It was even suggested a couple weeks ago that the Prime Minister canned Paul Martin just to distract everyone from the ethics file.

	Being able to distinguish the national interest from self-interest, and showing a strong prejudice for the former over the latter, is the single most important positive attribute for a politician.

	For almost all those in positions in power, this ability erodes gradually over time. Jean Chretien and the Liberals lost it long ago.

*References:*
	Surplus fuels PM's big plans, by Heather Scoffield, Globe and Mail, Tuesday, June 11, 2002

	PM ready to roll out the pork barrel, Ottawa Sun. (story no longer available on line)

Editor's Note:
	Noel Semple is a University of Toronto student who ran this spring for Student president. He formerly attended Queens and Harthouse, having participated in public speaking competitions and was on a remarkable trip to Africa and the story about is trip is worth reading.