‘The rule of the people’

First, I'd like to pay tribute to the anti-HST organizers and supporters of British Columbia. I'm both grateful and proud of your efforts.

Now, the definition of democracy in my dictionary reads, "a form of government in which the power resides in the people and is exercised by them either directly or by means of elected representatives." In more simplified terms, the derivation of the word democracy comes from the Greek, and translates to "rule of the people."

I don't want to quibble here over the supposed benefits of the HST. I have heard and read quite enough from both camps. The point is that the people of this province have spoken. I believe the majority of people don't want this tax, yet the BC Liberals continue to march forth with this unbelievable intransigent arrogance. Why? Here is a direct quote by Colin Hansen, Finance Minister, in a CKNW interview "But just because there is as much misinformation about the HST floating around, and that people are signing petitions, doesn't mean that government should turn around and reverse what is the right decision to do."

I can't tell you how angry and insulting I find that to be. You work for the people of this province. It's not your job to advocate for us like we're petulant children. I don't think people are as misinformed as you might think, although it's true, that often the people with the loudest voices tend to have the fewest facts. Despite the barrage of rhetoric, I don't believe this HST will be a boon for the competitiveness of this province. It just doesn't pencil. If you're so concerned about the cascading effects of the PST, then by all means fix it. And if you're so confident it will improve our competitiveness and foster investment, employment and spending, then you shouldn't need to bolster it with additional consumer taxation.

I understand fully, as well as my fellow British Columbians do I'm sure, that the economic downturn and Liberal fiscal mismanagement and overspending over the past few years, combined with that of previous governments have created a sizable deficit. The bill will come due and we'll have to pay, as will our children. Get spending under control, find equitable ways to raise the money to pay down the deficit and forget about the HST. British Columbians don't want it. Now, do your job.

Bob Clark, Prince George