DOWNHILL

I am the organizer and moderator for a monthly series of debates held at the Vancouver Public Library, downtown branch. Tonight at 7:30 we are discussing the STV electoral reform that will be on the May 12th provincial ballot.

I really wanted to schedule a hearty debate about the real costs of the Olympic Games.

Of course, I have had to abandon all hope of doing that.

You know why.

Because no one from the provincial government or VANOC will argue openly in public about the real costs of the Games.

Turns out no one in the provincial or federal governments will even reveal the true costs of the Games in any forum.

Take yesterday's provincial budget, please.

Olympics security tab under cover in budget

In spite of persistent questioning from many members of the press, Finance Minister Colin Hansen would not say a word on this expenditure of your tax dollars.

Nor will the feds.

This is called Taxation Without Representation.

It is a fundamental violation of the ideals of democracy.

But, what me worry?

We've got luges to watch!