Liberals Oppose Planet, Intelligence, Puppies, Ice Cream

This is just so astoundingly stupid I don't know what to say. The only government we've got - beset by scandalously high fuel costs - is apparently distressed about the possibility that Canadians might get cheap, oil-free transportation - bicycles:

The federal government is spinning its wheels over a trade dispute over cheap foreign bicycles.

Consumers, retailers, and now some Liberal MPs are expressing doubts about a federal trade watchdog's recommendation last month -- that Ottawa slap hefty taxes on foreign bicycles to protect Canadian manufacturers.

What are you saying, John? That you're some Canada-hating anarchist who loves Communist China and all their bicycles more than you love bikes made in the good ol' land of the Maple Leaf?

No. Next paragraph, please:

Out of every 10 bikes sold in Canada, seven are built abroad, mostly in China. And the flood of cheap imports is threatening to put Canadian bike makers out of business and kill about 500 jobs.

Are you kidding me? 500 jobs, and they want to cost Canadian consumers hard-earned money? Meanwhile, the bike market is exploding thanks to high gas prices:

WASHINGTON (AFP) - More bicycles than cars have been sold in the United States over the past 12 months, with rising gas prices prompting commuters to opt for two wheels instead of four.

Not since the oil crisis of 1973 have bicycles sold in such big numbers, according to Tim Blumenthal, executive director of Bikes Belong, an industry association.

"Bicycle sales are near an all-time high with 19 million sold last year -- close to the 20 million sold during the oil embargo in the early 1970s," said Blumenthal, whose association is based in Boulder in the western state of Colorado.

So here we have a problem: high gas prices. No problem, because people are already embracing the solution: cycling when possible. New problem: Idiotic, short-sighted, petty national governments worried about 500 Quebecers losing their jobs.

I know the Liberals are worried about losing Quebec, but jesus - cheap bikes are a good thing.

People might consider writing their MPs over this kind of thing. I already have. Now if Mr. Broadbent replies, I'll let you know.