The Earth is Flat Award
A celebration of the inane, insipid and asinine...
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There is an old Serbian proverb that says vinegar in freedom tastes better than honey in slavery. This award is meant for events and people Enter Stage Right considers to be positive.
(February 6, 2006) To hear the average person tell it, all business are in cahoots with the aim of stealing from the public. Like Hillary Clinton's mythical "right-wing conspiracy" of the 1990s, it is assumed that there is a conspiracy of businesspeople to rape and pillage their way to 'excess' profits.
BB&T proves that if there is a conspiracy, not all businesses seem aware of it. Late last month America's ninth largest financial holdings company announced that it would lend not money to developers who acquire land through eminent domain.
"The idea that a citizen’s property can be taken by the government solely for private use is extremely misguided, in fact it’s just plain wrong. One of the most basic rights of every citizen is to keep what they own. As an institution dedicated to helping our clients achieve economic success and financial security, we won’t help any entity or company that would undermine that mission and threaten the hard-earned American dream of property ownership," stated BB&T Chairman and Chief Executive Officer John Allison in a press release on January 25.
There are few businesses as principled as BB&T. Far from the ranks of businessmen and women acting in unison, the reality is that many would sell each other and you out in a second for some sort of advantage. One doesn't need to look very far to find businesses who appeal to government for regulations or rulings to harm their competitors. The fact that there are still a few left, like BB&T, who understand that their long-term success depends not on government, but respecting the rights -- property or otherwise -- of Americans.
It is rare to hear any company take an action that potentially limits its profit, especially when it is a principled stand. BB&T deserves the respect of every freedom loving American for standing up and defending individual rights.
(January 30, 2006) There were those of us who thought the results of January 23 might never come to pass. For those of you who reside outside of Canada, that day saw the Liberal Party finally dethroned by the Conservative Party.
Granted, the Conservatives didn't win so much as the Liberals lost. The right won a minority government and only took 37 per cent of the popular vote. Despite scandals, abusive government and enough arrogance to fill the House of Commons, a majority of Canadians didn't think voting Conservative was a good idea.
Nor is the path for the Conservative Party an easy one. It has no natural allies in the House of Commons and may be forced to wheel and deal on every single initiative -- be it controversial or mundane. It is quite possible that the conservative message will be diluted by the reality of governing. Big "C" conservatives may even be disappointed by a shift to the centre as the party attempts to position itself for another election.
That said, we here at Enter Stage Right were still thrilled with the reality that Stephen Harper will soon be prime minister of Canada, that the government of this nation will be conservative. He ran a strong campaign and deserves all the praise he's been receiving. He and the Conservatives promise to be a breath of fresh air after 14 years of Liberal arrogance and corruption.
Have someone you want considered for the Earth is Flat Award or the Vinegar in Freedom Award? E-mail ESR with your candidates!