I am off to do some yard work but I could not resist taking a moment to provide readers of this Blog with the link to Gary Lamphier’s column in today’s Edmonton Journal. This column is an example of a quality journalist at the top of his game. It does not hurt that he and I agree on the royalties and related energy industry issues either.
So be careful of who apparently speaks with "authority." As often as not, they don't know what they are talking about, have no direct experience and has vested interests to protect and promote...such as the so called "influential financial analyst" in the recent Globe and Mail piece and exposed in Gary's column today.
If you want to read a journalist who knows the energy sector, I suggest you read Charles Frank's column today. That is, if you are interested is someone who is objective.
ReplyDeleteI will read him today but I can tell you I am not the least bit interested in an "objective columnist."
ReplyDeleteA columnists is supposed to be opinionated - NOT objective. My guess is you like Charles Frank because his POV agrees with yours. Same reason I like Gary Lamphier.
That does not make either of them right...but they make us think...as I try to do with this Blog.
Informed, thoughful analytical, reflective and intelligent are the qualities I look for in a colunmist first. Someone who agrees with me is just a bonus.
Actually Charles Frank is balanced and fair. He is informed, thougtful, analytic and intelligent. He presents the facts, which is of primary importance to me., whethrr I agree or not. A refreshing change from most columnists (Thomson, Pratt, Simon, Bell and Waugh for example) who are "shock and awe", and not interested in presenting the facts, or try to twist them to suit their view.
ReplyDeleteWhy resort to ad hoc attacks rather than looking at the strength of the arguments? Taxes are generally bad and why ruin our reputation as a business friendly jurisdiction?
ReplyDeleteI looked at the "strength" of the arguments and found them wanting. They are narrow, short-sighted and self-serving for the most part and ignore the sustainability and responsibility aspects of resource development.
ReplyDeleteAnd Royalties are not taxes. And taxes are not generally bad - waste is bad. Not providing value for tax money is bad. Corruption and incompetence in political and public service is bad.
Taxes are not bad unless you are a Libertairian and see no benefit or role for a common purpose in a society.
We in Alberta already have the lowest taxes in this country and are competative in that regard with anyone else.