The Rural Voice, 1980-04, Page 22A matter of principle
by J. Car/ Hemingway
The US Election
FLORIDA
Since the election was just barely over when I left there isn't
much I can say about what changes it has brought about. •
For starters it seems that the price of gas is only going to go up
17c per gallon instead of Clark's proposed 18c but that was only
in the rumour stage. Maybe there has been some clarification
since.
Regular gas here seems to be an average 57c per '/: gal.
American here and traffic seems just as heavy as other years.
During the election there seemed to be an undercurrent of
opposition to the idea of a minority government and also having a
serious "3rd" party in our political system.
The election results seems to confirm this opposition in a
unique way. It really was a "2" party race. Liberal vs. NDP from
the Manitoba boundary east and Conservative vs. NDP in the
western provinces.
While the Clark government was defeated by the Liberal
opposition the basic policy was very similar to that of the former
Liberal Gov. of 11 years - high interest rates. high inflation and
high unemployment and reduced productivity.
From Mr. Trudeau's remarks following the election results it
seemed to me that there would be little chSnge of policy. Even
Mr. Trudeau's plans for Petro -Can seemed almost the same as
Mr. Clark's proposal.
While I expect the methods will vary to some extent I will be
surprised if the results will be much different. I don't think the
Multi -nationals have anything to worry about.
Since interest rates have risen in the U.S. 1 expect we can
forget about any reduction in our interest rates. unemployment,
or inflation or increase in our production.
It seems to me that we should bring some honesty into our
political system and form the Liberal -Conservative party and
leave the NDP. Then we would have a two party system again
which so many seem to think is better.
What happened to the Progressive Conservative party?
Coming down here is a bit frustrating as we ran into a snow
storm north of Toledo so we ran for cover as soon as we got
around the Toledo by-pass about 3:30 p.m. Fortunately there
was a motel handy. The next morning we drove for two or three
hours at 15 to 20 miles per hour on very icey roads.
However we have arrived at Panama City eventually and saw
farmers working in the fields preparing to plant cotton in
Alabama.
Equally frustrating is the political promotions on the T.V. We
thought we'd had enough before we left.
It was encouraging this evening to hear Ronald Reagan. the
Republican Presidential nomination candidate. state that we
should learn from the past experience.
In the 30's Rooseve It found the economy in bad shape. He
lowered interest rates. promoted increased production and
reduced unemployment and prices.
It worked and depression gave way to prosperity.
I think it is verymuch to Mr. Regan's credit that he (a
Republican) can accept successful policy of a former
Democratic President.
This is' the kind of politician we need. a man who is more
interested in the good of his country and citizens than in his own
personal advantage.
I'm sure some of his Republican supporters will not approve of
following a Democratic policy even though it was good.
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THE RURAL VOICE/APRIL 1980 PG 23