Thursday digest

- The Globe and Mail is reporting that there are 166 - count 'em, 166 - programs in place at the federal level alone related to the fatally flawed and nearly 10-year old Kyoto Accord on climate change.

How much money have Canadian taxpayers shelled out over the last decade via ALL levels of government to fund something that was established and promoted despite the absence of clear scientific consensus that there's even something to be worried about here?

- I realize Canadian agricultural producers are put at a disadvantage because of subsidies in both the States and Europe, but I'd suggest that blocking food distribution centres is not a good PR strategy.

- A good look at tax burdens. The same principles apply to Canada. Imagine how much better we could be doing. And Harper's tax cuts will give us back $1 for every $100 we spend. It's time for wholesale tax reform, not just tinkering, but like that will ever happen. Too many vested interests (166 climate change programs?!?), and as George Will points out, welfare states can't declare bankruptcy if things aren't done correctly ... and could it ever be done correctly, really, given the awesome success rate of government?

- I find it very interesting to see how one minority treats another. Quebecois enjoy a number of protections within the Canadian state. Will they extend the same considerations to a minority within their own midst? Based on the comments at the end of this story, it's a lot more likely to happen with the more urbane, sophisticated and worldly Liberals in power than with the narrow-minded PQ.

- Nice work, Washington Post.