A bleak winter's day. (Sorry Canadians, it is just too tempting to keep throwing these "winter" shots in! If it makes you feel any better, we generally need a light jacket or jumper in the evenings.)
The theme of individuals caught up in an unstable regime is very fitting right now, as Australia seems to be teetering on the brink of an election: last week, Julia Gillard's government brought in a Carbon Tax. Last year Julia Gillard overthrew Kevin Rudd, based on the threat to the government over an unpopular tax. Here we are with a minority government, breaking the promise not to bring in a Carbon Tax, and probably headed for another election only a year after the last one!
The Carbon Tax is intended to hit industry, with the recognition that most households will be affected by a higher cost of living. Those on low or fixed incomes will be able to apply for a rebate. It is a tough sell, especially with the threat of another global finacial crisis just around the corner. No-one likes the idea of paying more tax, especially a tax that we were all guaranteed in an election promise, would not be brought in. It's not the tax that is the problem, it is the broken promise.
What has the world come to when you can't trust a politician? It's a world gone mad.
(PS - Happy Birthday to our friends in Calgary, Ivy and Rodger, both of whom hit a big birthday this week. Here's to another 50!)
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