With a goal in mind to stop the Harmonized Sales Tax from being ripped from our wallets, British Columbian’s turned out to sign petitions. Over 10% of the voters in every riding put their pens to paper, did more than just talk, it was seemingly a success! The message was designed  to share with Premier Gordon Campbell our disdain for his lies and underhanded maneuvers to keep the public from having a voice on anything, in particular the HST.

With a traditionally apathetic voting public, who could have predicted a success of this magnitude; obtaining the necessary numbers to maybe get a referendum on the issue. Not surprisingly though, our dictator is not impressed. He fails to care for the opinions of constituents and their reasons for signing. Instead he feels that he knows best, he has the vision and we will learn to embrace it. Tough decisions come from our great leader, we are misinformed peasants. Premier Campbell will hit the road to share with all of us why he lied in the last election in regards to adopting the HST…no wait that’s not it…he will be making a sales call. You may want to get your sign up.. No Peddlers!

However, even one of his own, (with a conscience) Mr. Blair Lekstrom quit his job as Energy Minister to recognize his constituents opposition to the HST. Regardless of what happens, there is at least one person who had the sense to respect who pays his salary and spoke his truth. Others may find heads will role with the discussions of recall.

So, as we scramble to get some things paid for before the HST rams through our doors, we are offered a hand by our neighbours to the south.

“Come shop in the good old USA, show us your ID and you won’t have to pay the sales tax.” “Here, take advantage of up to a 9.5 % savings!”

“Well, thank ya partner, don’t mind if I do.”

In fact, my normal thinking to keep most of my dollars flowing to Canadian businesses has just shifted. My take home pay is really important to me and mine. We just don’t see fit to be throwing it back to a government and businesses that already over price and tax everything. My purse strings just got a lot tighter.

I think we’ll travel south, as it is so very close; we receive better service, more selection and we will be paying closer to what something is worth. Of course, some of my business will stay at home but I will be very selective. This hand just extended across the border and said…

“Hello, neighbour.”  “I will be happy to help out your economy a little. Your government seems mighty friendly, understands our plight and we are just plum tickled you would consider helping us.”

Lucky I have Nexus, the border line ups might be even longer after July 1st, 2010.

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