Brilliantly put, but do I expect change? Not really. Our politicians love to cater to the wealthy
this post was submitted on 27 Jan 2024
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Chrystia Freeland wrote an excellent book called Plutocrats that is effectively an exercise in how to properly identify "true generational wealth" and then set up a tax regime that would address global, mobile assets.
It's easy to dismiss politicians, but I think Freeland would be a better party leader than many people are giving her credit for.
Did that book include canceling Disney+? One statement that is THAT out of touch is enough to dismiss a politician. Her job is to be one of the most knowledgeable people in her field, would you trust an electrician who says it's safe to golf in a thunderstorm?
Focusing so much on media gaffes instead of on substance is just bad for democracy. Conservatives tend to win that more shallow game, and voters fall for it. She was trying to sympathize and, in that moment, didn’t recognize her enormous privilege and wealth. Not great. But is that more indicative of her beliefs and intent than a whole book?
What policies has she put forth during her time in power that are consistent with the intent expressed in her book?
Words in a book are one thing, but she's had actual power for literal years now. So instead of focusing on the things she said, explain the things she did that actually back her words up.
I’m an NDP supporter. I just have a pet peeve against focusing on shallow meaningless things in politics, like gaffes. I prefer your new question.
I wish they were doing more, but, that said, I’m surprised you think the current government hasn’t done anything. Freeland spearheaded the national childcare program. The Liberals are partnering with the NDP on pharmacare and dental care, the biggest expansion of public healthcare in a generation.
Moreover, the Gini coefficient (the main measure of inequality) has actually gone down every year since the Liberals have taken power, largely due to increased funding of the affordable childcare benefit. This is like a basic income for families. Childhood poverty has fallen massively.
I’m surprised you think the current government hasn’t done anything.
I don't think that at all, but I can see why you'd come to that conclusion from my comment.
I just think you should have said the points you just said first. The actions she's taken are more important than the words she's written.
Yeah, that's right, let's dismiss an entire career's worth of detailed financial and political education for one bad sound byte...that's a rational approach.