It's an Equalization Pile-On!

Just when you thought you heard enough of Bill Casey, the fiddling NS premier, and that guy from Saskatchewan, Saint John's Paul Zed decides to offer his thoughts on the frothing equalization stew.

His claim? That Stevie Harper is short-changing NB to the tune of a billion dollars, according to some academic study nobody ever bothered to read (the best kind of academic study, for sure!). Zed has laid this claim, in all its partisan glory, on the front page of the online globe and mail.

Actually, the essay is not that bad (I wonder who wrote it?), and it certainly is a better Saint John contribution to a national debate than anything Elsie Wayne ever said.

The only problem? Too much equalization discussion will surely drive anyone mad. Just ask Danny Williams.

Vegas, Anyone?

The Government of New Brunswick has now decided to underwrite the gambling purse of New Brunswick's threatened horse-racing industry.

Others may disagree, but in my mind supporting gambling as a means of economic development is just plain silly. It may work in Vegas, but only for those who forget that Nic Cage's awfully depressing Leaving Las Vegas was based on an autobiography.
Back in the real world, $1 million is about to be wasted, while just south of the border, New York's horse-racing industry (with fancy racinos, to boot) is looking for another handout.