Test my litmus

The good Count Ignatieff deigned himself to write me a pleasant, personal note thanking me for my heretofore unknown contribution to his “litmus test” “economic listening tour” done since he took over as leader of the Liberal Party in a stunning display of democratic showmanship last December.

His letter below.

Dear Robert,

During my January economic listening tour – and by way of thousands of emails – you provided me with a litmus test for the upcoming budget, and I shared your views with Mr. Harper. I told him that in order for his budget to earn the support of the Liberal Party, it must do three things: 1) protect the most vulnerable Canadians – those hardest hit by these difficult times, 2) protect the jobs of today, in every region of the country, and 3) create the jobs of tomorrow, strengthening Canada’s competitiveness and productivity without leaving our children to inherit a legacy of debt and deficit.

Later today, when the government releases its budget we will be looking to see if it meets this test and whether Stephen Harper is serious about addressing the economic challenges we face after failing to act for so long.

In order to make the right decision for Canada, I will be taking some time to review the contents of the budget, and will return with our Party’s decision on Wednesday. In the meantime, I want to hear from you. Please let me know if you think the budget meets your test.

As I’ve said before, we are in this crisis together and we will get out of it together. I look forward to hearing from you.

Michael

Count Michael “Michael” Ignatieff then directs me to a link on his own website where I may offer my response. For prosperity’s sake, I copied my own response here.

I think you should let the budget pass only if funding for political parties is scrapped — in addition to tax credits for private donations to said parties.

Money is tight and political parties need to feel the burn like the rest of us.

Other than that, I believe that you are doing a terrific job leading the Liberal Party down into the gutter of history where it belongs. Keep up the good work!

“Signed”, etc.