Well, self-government is a very good idea, in the sense of self-reliance, and I try to practice that. I am not so naive as to think that the government will solve all my problems or that the doctor will keep me healthy and long-lived or that some priest will manage my spiritual life for me. Nope, it's basically up to me.

Be that as it may, I'm still a democratic socialist, but there is no truly socialist party in Canada for whom I can vote. There used to be one, but they have turned into a pale remnant of what they once stood for.

I am fortunate, however, to live in a country where the government is only moderately bad much of the time, and not downright dangerous. Canada is a very moderate society as societies go, and I like it that way...even though it's a little unexciting. I do not fear my government, I just get irritated with them now and then.

- LH