Kiddie Care

Recently the election talk was all about taking care of the kiddies.

I think the Liberal versus Conservative approach represents a pretty clear philosophical difference. While I feel Scott Reid’s statement that parents would blow the Conservatives’ $1200/year wad on “beer and popcorn” was a bit abrasive (a bit? dude, you’re one arrogant mofo!), I did find it hilarious. I laughed my ass off, actually. It reminded me of that Trailer Park Boys episode when the wannabe cop guy who always walks around with his shirt off keeps getting grease burns on his chest from the barbecue while cooking burgers. Damn, that was good TV.

So I guess your position on the federal parties’ child care plans really identifies you as a conservative or as a liberal (or maybe as a democratic socialist?). Do you prefer a plan where every parent receieves $1200/year to spend at their leisure, or do you prefer a state-run child care enterprise where care is guaranteed but your choices are limited? I guess my problem with the conservative (and Conservative) approach is that while it opens up choice, choice really only is available to those with means. If you’re a parent who is really struggling to make ends meet, can you really afford to put that $1200/year into quality care for you child? No. You’d probably spend it on other things. Because there’s no guaranteed access to child care for you, your child probably won’t receive quality care (if any). For those more fortunate, however, it’s fantastic! You can drop your child off in your Lexus SUV before driving off to work, comforted by Mr. Harper’s $1200 subsidy for your child’s care.