Cheer for the letter-writers. Cheer, cheer, cheer.

I take back what I said about ceasing to read letters to the editor. I have never come across a more outstanding ensemble of common sense than the seven in the National Post today, regarding the recent ridiculous shenanigans in government. (To understand what I'm talking about, click here first and here next. If Lorne Gunter had fangirls...) Despite the ridiculous bias of our media, despite the drivel that passes for good sense, and despite the childish wailing of the Liberals, NDP and Bloc Quebecois, at least SOME Canadians are smart enough to see through this. Today's paper included these gems of wisdom:

"Why in these tough economic times, are [the Liberals, NDP, and Bloc] not willing to lead by cutting the drain on Canadian taxpayers? The Conservatives are willing to cut spending in an area that will directly affect them. If I want to support a political party, I would rather have the right to choose which one and how much of my hard earned money I give." (Tom Stang, Edmonton)

"The Conservatives have no apologies to make for their proposal to eliminate public funding of political parties. The issue is simple: If Canadians want to support a political party, let them do so with their own money. It is immoral to compel Canadians to fund political parties that they would not support voluntarily. It is equally immoral for political parties that can't manage their own finances to expect to manage the finances of the nation." (Liam Rafferty, Toronto)

And from me:

The motivations behind this coalition of the opposition parties and their screams of protest at the move to cut their funding are simple: Selfishness and laziness.

They failed to obtain power in the election. The Liberals, the Official Opposition, had the worst show of support in over a century. They've been smacked down and left to whine about how Harper isn't doing what's best for the economy - and the moment he introduces a bill to cut taxes (e.g. support the economy) they are more concerned with the fact that it is their funding he is taking away than they are for the welfare of Canadians. If they want the funding, they need to get out there and RAISE it. The Opposition parties lack power and lack funds, and they are selfish and lazy enough to make a grab for the one, and to expect Canadian taxpayers to make up for the other. This is in no way a failure on the part of the Prime Minister.

Hoo boy, I think this is turning into one of those issues on which it is dangerous to get me started.