Key Libertarian Figures

On my Podcast this week, I talked about some key resources in the Libertarian movement as well as some people who I felt communicate Libertarian ideas easily. For new comers to the Libertarian movement, check out these resources:

People:

Ron Paul  -Has done so much for the libertarian movement in the last 5 years.
Harry Browne - For me, the single biggest influence on my way of thinking. RIP Harry.
Walter Block - Makes things very easy to understand, check out his stuff on free market environmentalism.
John Stossel - Former ABC 20/20 co-host. Now has his own weekly show on the FOX business network
Milton Friedman - Economist who made ecomomics easy to understand
Tom Woods - Author and economist. The hardest working man in Libertarianism.
 
Radio/TV Shows:

The Tom Woods Show - Daily 30 minute podcast, well worth the listen.
Free Talk Live - Libertarian radio show heard on 150 actual radio stations.
Penn and Teller: Bulls*** - A must own on DVD for any libertarian.
Stossel - Friday nights on FOX business

Websites:

Mises.org - The Mises Institute
Reason.com - Reason Magazine
LewRockwell.com - Lew Rockwell's Website

Youtube Channels:

ReasonTV
Learn Liberty
Tom Woods TV
Julie Borowski

A Letter To My MPP

A few weeks ago, I did something that I've never done before. I wrote a letter to my MPP. I was worried that a carbon tax would be introduced in the upcoming budget and I was concerned about that.

Here's what I wrote:

Dear MPP,

I am writing to say I OPPOSE the rumored carbon tax the Liberals are proposing in the upcoming spring 2015 budget. Please do research on climate change. Virtually all statistics coming out are being manipulated to it make it appear that there is a warming trend... the opposite is true.

Please do the right thing and vote against a budget that has a carbon tax in it. 
 
And here is the robotic response I got. Looks like this is a generic e-mail with my name slapped on the top. Didn't address anything I had to say in my original message.

Dear Political Paradox,
Thank you for your email regarding our government’s ongoing discussions surrounding a climate change strategy for Ontario. I always appreciate hearing from constituents.

The Government of Ontario is committed to providing leadership in fighting climate change, which is why the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change (MOECC) is launching consultations on a new Climate Change Strategy.

We know that climate change threatens our communities, infrastructure, natural resources, businesses, and the environment – at home, and internationally. While we still have a lot of work ahead of us, we are proud to build on the progress we have already made.

Ontario’s decision to close coal-fired electricity plants, curb the use of cosmetic pesticides, and protect 1.8 million acres of land have resulted in fewer smog days and cleaner water. Ending coal-fired power is the single largest greenhouse gas reduction initiative in North America, equivalent to taking seven million cars off the road.

Over the next few months, we will be asking Ontarians about their thoughts on how to fight climate change, foster economic growth, and keep our businesses competitive. In fact, Ontario has the fastest growing clean-tech sector in Canada, with 2,700 clean-tech firms employing 65,000 people and generating annual revenues of more than $8 billion.

To begin the process, a Climate Change Discussion Paper has been posted to the Environmental Registry for public comment on February 12, 2015 for a 45 day period, and is the first phase of a series of comprehensive consultations to be held throughout the coming year. To contribute to the ongoing discussion, please visit www.ebr.gov.on.ca

These province-wide consultations will speak to climate change, the risks of doing nothing, economic growth opportunities, and our path forward. Further details regarding in-person public sessions can be found at www.ontario.ca/climatechange

We look forward to hearing from the general public, industry stakeholders, businesses, Aboriginal leaders, and municipal representatives on this vital issue. Also, Ontario will host a Climate Summit of the Americas from July 7-9, 2015, to advance collaborative action on climate change ahead of the Conference of the Parties in Paris in December 2015.
Once again, thank you for writing. If I can be of assistance with any other provincial issue, please do not hesitate to contact me.

The "Power Wall" Smoking Ban Has Failed

On Friday night, I took a quick trip to my local convenience store to buy the winning ticket for this week's Lotto Max draw. I think they gave me the wrong ticket, as it turns out, they sold mine to someone in Owen Sound. Oh well... maybe next time. While I was waiting in line I looked up at that blank wall behind the cashier, for behind that wall I knew were cigarettes. Now, I don't smoke and I never have but I think everyone knows what is behind there. They are called "Power Walls" and they are illegal in Ontario.

In may of 2008, the province of Ontario along with many other provinces banned the display of cigarettes in convenience stores. I'm going to show you a picture here, something as rare as a sighing of the Yeti, something which hasn't been seen in almost 6.5 years.. .something which is illegal:

 

There... I did it, let's see if I can write the rest of this article without being jailed.

So, as I'm standing there in line, I got to thinking... I wonder if the power wall ban has been effective in reducing smoking? If you are a regular reader of this blog or a listener to my podcast, you'll know what my immediate suspicions are... not at all... and I WAS RIGHT! A report out last year shows no change in the smoking trend of Ontarians.

The report was produced by the Propel Centre For Population Health Impact at the University of Waterloo and appeared on a number of websites. I found it at the website of the Manitoba Tobacco Reduction Alliance (If you'd like to read the whole report, click HERE.). In the report, appeared the following chart:

 

As you can see, the number of daily smokers has remained pretty steady, even after the power wall ban came into effect in 2008. Here is that chart in a different form:

For some reason there was a big up trend in 2012, I didn't look deep enough in the report to see if there might be a reason for this. Now, it appears that "Smoking Prevalence" (which basically includes occasional smokers as well) is down. However, the trend was going down even before convenience stores were forced to cover up:

Of course, I'm sure some will claim some sort of victory with this final stat claiming that numbers are down since 2008. Government jumps in front of a parade, then pretends to be leading the parade.

So in conclusion... what has happened? Lots of money was spent putting this plan in place and there has been no impact or reduction in smoking levels. The "out of sight, out of mind" mentality clearly has not worked here in Ontario. Let's let retailers again be allowed to display the products they have for sale.