Let me begin by saying that I have nothing but criticism for a government that are self-proclaimed 'good fiscal managers' and then publicly admit to billions of dollars in accounting inconsistencies. I also have nothing but criticism for a government that attempts to spin the situation so hard that it actually ends up making itself look more foolish than it did in the beginning, when it only appeared incompetent.
For more on the jetstream of money, see Andrew Coyne: "Not $9-billion. Not $15- or $16-billion. Not $25-billion. Forty-billion dollars. So far."
History of Hoodwinkery
From John Ivison's article, Pax Americana alliance at heart of Harper government’s F-35 posture
National Defence has a long history of pulling the wool over the eyes of the taxpayer. This was a procurement process where there were no checks or balances on the military, which wanted the shiniest car in the showroom.
Ivison mentions it, almost in passing, that pesky ol' history that National Defence has of pulling the wool over the eyes of the taxpayer. Oh, those zany kats over at National Defence are at it again, with their beguiling and inveigling.
This Begs Some Questions
- How much has this cost Canadian taxpayers?
- Is Ivison suggesting that National Defence has deceived the taxpayer in some way during this procurement? I think most people would agree that is true.
- Is the F-35 debacle the latest scam in a series of scams?
- Does National Defence actually have a long history of hoodwinking the tax payer?
- Why has this behaviour not been nipped in the bud far earlier? Has some entity tried to change this behaviour and failed?
- Is this just some tacitly understood thing that happened last week so it will happen next week?
What bothers me is the idea that National Defence is a corrupt sheriff, plundering the public purse, lurking in the woods nearby for years and years, preying on the defenseless villagers.
If this is true, shame on National Defence. Stop wasting my money so you can have shiny things. If it isn't true, shame on Ivison for putting it out in the ether.
Suggested reading
Andrew Coyne has been all over this and I recommend his latest, which is the most scathing piece of journalism I've read in a while. He cuts through the spin and absolutely levels the government.
Auditor-General’s F-35 accounting complaints are déjà vu for Peter MacKay
Comments