The key here – which you mention – is that the government must be able to stipulate concrete results within a reasonable period. Just as a business takes time to become profitable, an organisation takes time to turn a new concept into results. But it doesn’t take forever. Nor is it ever “impossible to quantify” the work that an organisation does. Even building self-esteem must result in something – improved school performance, reduction of violence or substance abuse – with all kinds of hard measures that are available if they look hard enough. Otherwise it frankly isn’t worth the money. The results must also be cost-effective. Spending $1000,000 per child for a 1% improvement in school results or post-school income is clearly not money well spent – find someone else who can do more with the money.

I have also been shocked by the willingness of government to hand out money demanding outputs (work completed) rather than outcomes (benefits obtained). This is the key. When they yowl about racism or ignoring communities, the government can respond with, “failed to improve agreed indicators over a period of x years at a cost of y to the taxpayer.”

You’ve broken the two parties’ agendas up for anyone to read and understand. Let readers think which party will serve our citizens more justly, fairly, equitably while promoting self-worth and reliance. Canadians are more aware than ever of the enormity of our geography, our commerce and industries across all provinces and territories and citizens are responding to the calls across the regions. At the same time, our gov’t has worked long and hard on rising crime rates and threats from abroad within our borders. There’s a record of progress we reviewed just recently and it’s thanks to Sandy, Jack and Cynapse, Conservatives are getting on top of the issues. What’s really important as in Cynapse’ piece, is to COMPARE the choices the various parties offer the country. I know I’ve made my choice, based on what I’ve learned and about 24 people I know will vote for the better choice (Conservatives) come provincial election this October. And we’ll bide our time till the federal election. Based on what we’ve witnessed, we’re prepared to support PM Stephen Harper and his PRESENT TEAM all the way…

Kudos to these political bloggers for the clear direction, valid arguments, and even providing a sense of hopefulness for our collective future as probably the most fortunate country in the world, that’s been “pulled out of a lot of trouble for a couple of decades” (almost brought us down, actually). The choice we can make for the future has become just that much clearer.

Thanks much.