Emissions trading, the polar bears will win the debate

One of the most painful ailments for sooks like me is a toothache and the accompanying visit to the dentist.

My old man had a home remedy for an aching molar. He called it ‘private’ health cover. I called it a pair of pliers.

Today’s modern technology has seen the pain factor reduced to a slight pricking of the gums with the numbing affect being on par with the prognostication by the Reserve Bank Governor Glenn ‘Chuckles’ Stevens that interest rates are set to rise before Christmas.

Chuckles would be a must invite to any Christmas Party where we could all laugh about the presents we couldn’t buy our children because we needed to keep the coffers of the Banks full.

“The cuddly polar bear and her cubs looked every bit the playful family, courtesy of Mother Nature’s mandate.”

I digress.

Last Saturday I needed to forgo eighteen holes to fill one.

Gifted young lady my dentist, who on the few occasions I have required her skills, has obliged with the hands of angel.

As an aside don’t you love the way dentists ask a question when you have a face full of spit. Wicked sense of humour.

While flat backed in the chair I was entertained with a National Geographic documentary entitled Arctic Tale.

It featured a polar bear mum, her two cubs, a cute silver haired wolf, majestic pictures of the Arctic and a very unlucky seal.

Blessed with a warped imagination I likened the tale to the current banter on climate change.

Our elected officials have offered veiled threats of a double dissolution, alleged mandates, and questionable statistics all in the name of saving the planet.

Mandate my bum.

The last Federal election was fought on Work Choices and the suggestion voters heard the words climate change during the ‘elect me’ speeches is wishful thinking.

All manner of questions and statements hit the airwaves this week about the Emission Trading Scheme, with my favourite being the snippet that because cows farted shoppers will pay a hefty price for their meat.

Based on that fact I am one expensive bull, especially in bed.

Speculation food prices will rise between 5 and 7 per cent over the next two years because of the proposed ETS should have sensible people screaming what the?!

Which brings me back to the dentist chair.

The cuddly polar bear and her cubs looked every bit the playful family, courtesy of Mother Nature’s mandate.

Somehow I don’t believe the unsuspecting seal – spelt voter – was aware the mandate included it becoming the main course.

Climate change is real, but so too is the fact the Emission Trading Scheme is an Extra Tax Sucker that Mr. and Mrs. Average, yet again, will be paying for through the nose (or other parts of the anatomy as the case may be).

That’s in my opinion.

Last 5 posts by Bernard Bratusa

• Look at me, vote for me - July 15th, 2010
• Changing NSW for the better - June 24th, 2010
• Groundhog Day - the sequel - June 2nd, 2010
• Beware the sounds of modern silence - May 19th, 2010
• Those feet were made for raising money - May 12th, 2010

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