Who controls the controlers?

            The Harper government promised us transparent government. At first, they actually seemed honest in their commitment. Alas! Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely..

             The Harperites, keeping to their promise, appointed Kevin Page as the first parliamentary budget officer, a sort of watchdog who would ensure that the government was not wasting money (or doing worse things). But Page has recently stepped down in controversy. He has not pleased his masters and he wants to ensure  "arms length" status of his office from the government and the cabinet. The following article suggests the feds are not in much of a hurry to replace him either. Power may corrupt - as a Law of Nature - but the rot seems to have set in quickly with this gang.. From transparency  to opacity in such a short time. Gives pause for wonder..

Ottawa drags feet on Page replacement

Transparency: the veteran issue

       Hairy chested individualist gun-totin' conservatives love war 'n fightin' 'n all that manly stuff. But funny, when it comes to dealing with the physical and psychological aftereffects of combat, our vets get stiffed. So says former Veteran Affairs ombudsman, Pat Stogran, himself a retired officer.

 http://www.vancouversun.com/news/decision-Canada/Embattled+ombudsman+Stogran+makes+last+stand+Canada+veterans/3790825/story.html

      This is what comes with an obsessional fixation on "budget cuting" and "small government" so the boomers can ride around in their big gas guzzling SUV toys: the little guys - and gals - from the working classes who actually lay their lives on the lines get sucker punched when they are down and need help..