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Is Rodney a fan of The Coasters? |
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Written by Al Hollingsworth
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Friday, 16 January 2009 |
About now, at this point in his political career, Rodney MacDonald is probably asking. “Why is everybody always picking on me?” - a line from “Charlie Brown,” the 1959 hit by The Coasters. The catchy tune also has the line, “Who called the English teacher daddy-o?”
We could amend that to “Who called the gym teacher daddy-o?” I stray.
The answer to the question, “Why is everybody always picking on me?” is quite simple; he keeps making himself a target.
For weeks we have been hearing about how investing in infrastructure renewal will help kick start an economic recovery. Pour billions of dollars into “shovel ready” projects and get Canadians working. I think Michael Ignatieff might have coined the “shovel ready” catch phrase. Or was it ultra-conservative John Baird? It matters not who first uttered it, it makes sense.
In another life, I worked in the infrastructure renewal program of the day. It was the late 1990s and the three levels of government poured billions into roads, water, sewer, etc. That involvement gave me a bit of insight into how the program works.
If people, government and businesses leaders are sitting there waiting for Finance Minister Jim Flaherty’s budget to be tabled, thinking things will spring into action the next day and we will start digging, paving, building…they are in for a big surprise. Even the “shovel ready” projects will take months to get underway.
First, three levels of government have to agree on the project. When was the last time that happened? Then there are permits. Can’t avoid them and I highly doubt that anyone can cut through the bureaucratic red tape. And don’t forget the biggest apple of discord, environmental assessments. These assessments, a very necessary and important step, can take months, even years, if severe problems are encountered.
Simply put, all the hype about infrastructure investment saving the day is, to this member of the great unwashed, another smoke screen to buy time. The intent is wonderful but, as a wise man once said, the road to hell is paved with good intentions.
Back to our premier.
With everyone from Prime Minister Stephen Harper and leaders of Parties opposite, to Federal Transport Minister John Baird, the man in charge of infrastructure renewal, stressing “shovel ready,” our marvel from Mabou tells the world he will have his wish list in seven weeks. Seven weeks! He’s not shovel ready. Hell, he doesn’t even have a shovel.
Finally, and on a totally unrelated topic, nine years and a few days late, I would like to name my hero of the 20th century. Unfortunately, I cannot name the person but the honor is bestowed on the American citizen who came up with the idea of imposing term limits on the Office of the Presidency of the United States. ‘Nough said.
(Al Hollingsworth is a retired journalist and broadcaster)
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