Category: Canadian politics

In the latest tracking poll for political preference conservatives still outnumber liberals by  a notable margin in the United States. More importantly the number of self identified liberals has been dropping off steadily for at least 10
years. The simple fact that there are less identified liberals in the United States means that the Democratic Party needs to rely more on independent voters.

The recent hemorrhaging of the independent vote by president Obama and the Democrats bodes well for the Republicans in the fall.

source Gallup pole

The ideological orientation of Americans seen thus far in 2010 would represent a record-high level of conservatism (since at least 1992) if it is maintained for the full year. This follows an increase in the percentage of conservatives in 2009 that was fueled by heightened conservatism among independents, a pattern that continues today.

San Francisco is the latest city to fall under the Rasputin like spell of the food police. In a recent motion the San Francisco board of supervisors wants to pass a bylaw that would ban the sale of toys in happy meals. Effectively targeting McDonald’s and many other fast food restaurants. The unintended consequence of targeting McDonald’s though would mean that many small restaurants would be squeezed even more and perhaps go out of business.

As well this gives rise to the culture of Protectionista’s who rather cut off their nose to spite their face than see the big picture of the interconnectedness between the economy and public policy. This move also seems eerily similar to Toronto city Council passing a motion of declaring themselves a nuclear free zone. You know  “nannys ” are on the scene when you have protectorate politicians in charge of our political discourse.

source SF weekly

Supervisor Mar introduces Healthy Meal Incentive legislation, which sets nutritional standards for restaurant food that is accompanied by toys or other youth focused incentive items. This legislation is aimed at promoting healthy eating habits and to address issues related to childhood obesity. Fast food restaurants target children and youth by offering toys and other incentive items. The Healthy Meal Incentive legislation would encourage restaurants to provide healthier meal options. To provide an incentive item, meals must contain fruits and vegetables, not exceed 600 calories or 200 calories for a single food item and must not have beverages that have excessive fat or sugar.