Random Thoughts: Get Well Soon Jack

Need the Opposition

Despite our disagreements on some fiscal policies, I want to send a powerful “Get well soon” message to Jack Layton, who is vying to become Canada’s political conscience. I demand that Jack recovers quickly from whatever is ailing him. In my view, he is an essential figure in preventing Canada from becoming overly conservative (small c, not the political party). Although his recent TV appearance revealed his ailing health, I have no doubt that he will make a swift and full recovery. Jack’s presence in Parliament makes it much more enjoyable and engaging to monitor. With the Liberals in complete disarray, the NDP is the only opposition voice in Canada. I strongly believe that the parliamentary opposition still has a crucial role to play, even in a majority government.

The recent tremors in the Debt Ceiling have caused the stock markets to plummet this week. It’s time to take a stand and ask ourselves whether this is a time to buy or a warning of things to come. It’s infuriating to see both political parties in the US playing politics on the back of this fiscal issue. Instead of blaming each other for the problem, they should focus on fixing the short-term problem first and then debate about long-term solutions. Let’s not play games with each other and act like heroes. We need to take responsibility and fix the problem quickly. The time to act is now.

August begins on Monday, and I may or may not have a post (as it is a holiday here in Ontario). If not, there will be something here for you gentle reader. Don’t forget to follow my Twitter feed. Some excellent job-hunting tips are being shared by me (OK, incredibly sarcastic and silly, but in my mind, it is the same thing).

Inflation is down a little in Canada, but a very eclectic array of themes this week, not sure what brought this on, but:

• Financial Armageddon is a former Treasury Secretary pointing out the folly (on both sides) about the politicizing of this fiscal decision.
• As mentioned inflation has slowed in June 2011 but it is still quite high (except by the Bank of Canada core rate), and could cause more fun with interest rates soon.
• Still not quite sure what the message was from financial lessons from the Departed other than I like the movie, and I have now bought the soundtrack (gotta love the Dropkick Murphys).
• Back to being more informative with EcoEnergy On Line and Ready to Go unfortunately I don’t think I can use it for my window replacement project. Note the picture of the lousy windows I previously had in my house
• I do enjoy computer tinkering at home but not really sure what message I was trying to get across with that article either.
• A Sweltering Summer of Random Financial Thoughts is a recap of last week’s best posts.

I actually enjoy all comments (even the ones that question my sanity), and will try to respond to most comments, so please feel free to comment away. For you spammers who continue to inundate me with your drivel, keep it up as well.

With a financial apocalypse on the horizon with the deficit ceiling issues, what were my favorite financial mavens saving?

• Million Dollar journey is giving some pointers for new home buyers (folks who haven’t bought a house before) with First-Time Buyer Perspective: Getting Pre-Approved, remember if you do get pre-approved you don’t have to use ALL the amount the bank will loan you.
• Gail Vaz-Oxlade gives us 5 Questions to Ask Before You Tie the Knot Again, and surprisingly none of them are, “Do you want to live the rest of your life with this person?”, I guess it’s implied.
• Michael James is an amateur psychologist in his spare time, and this week he gives us A Theory about Risk Aversion, he is a man of many hats, wonder how he keeps them all straight? He does have a nice hat rack though.
• Over at Financial Highway our good friend Miranda brings us Which Home Improvements give the best ROI, I hope it’s windows, after my latest outlay.
• Canadian Capitalist tells us that evidently there is an Instant Norbert Gambit for all TD Waterhouse Customers, wasn’t Norbert Ralph’s neighbour on the Hooneymooners?  I could be mistaken.
• Our drinking buddy My Own Adviser doffs his psychological turbin as well to discuss My Circle of Competence, and creates a recursive stack implosion with the idea of knowing what you know about knowing what you know (think about that enough and your brain will go BOOM).
• Larry MacDonald wonders about the validity of giving Telus Shares a Thumbs Up, which some folks have lately. Me, I like BCE just because they mistreat their customers, gouge consumers and treat everyone like crap (that’s my kind of investment). Yes I own shares in BCE.
• Our old friend Tom at Canadian Finance Blog brings us Hate Winter? Here’s How to Avoid it Forever (OK it’s not Tom, it’s some other guy, that Tom let write on his site).
• Preet writes in the Globe and Mail What You Need to Know about the Debt Crisis, here is a synopsis: we are all screwed. Don’t know why people say I am flip about these topics.
• Echo from Boomer & Echo (fame) tells us Ways to Save in Your Tax Free Savings Account, my first suggestion would be to put money in it, but after that I have no idea.

Remember

“When you’re sick, you present your medicare card, not your credit card. New Democrats will not stand idly by. We will be fighting each and every day for our precious medicare system.”

Author: Jack Layton keep fighting Jack, I may not always agree with you, but we need you in Parliament