More than ever, we need a strong news media, writes Peter Watson.
President Donald Trump’s second term has gotten off to a rocky start. Canada, and all its component parts need to rise to the occasion to protect our economy, values and independence.
The news media plays an important role.
In any system, there must be checks and balances. Not just because mistakes are made, but because all ideas, no matter how good they are, should be questioned from many different perspectives.
The realities of political life mean that often politicians frame their ideas and arguments in a manner that supports their party’s ideology. Canadians don’t want ideology; we simply want good government.
On a personal note, one of the things I find most objectionable is when a politician is asked a simple question, and their answer is in no way connected to the question. I often think that if I was a teacher, and a student didn’t answer the question, I would have to award a failing grade.
News reporters have to assume the role of a teacher. They must ensure questions are answered and strategies are examined and evaluated based on their quality. This is the information Canadians need.
For example, several of my recent articles have reviewed the seriousness of federal and provincial debt. If we dig ourselves into too much more debt, then we could risk losing our financial independence.
If our federal and provincial governments continue to miss-spend our money as they have done in the past, I hope all segments of the news media would not only report this but explain the negative consequences that could happen if we were no longer are financially viable as an independent country.
The news media has direct access to citizens who need to hear the truth and best ideas. Our country belongs to us all and I hope the next four years bring out the best of all sources of our news.
Peter Watson, of Watson Investments MBA, CFP®, R.F.P., CIM®, FCSI offers a weekly financial planning column, Dollars & Sense. He can be contacted through www.watsoninvestments.com
