Just Democracy

Image courtesy relatably.com

The Oxford Dictionary (online) states that the noun “democracy” stands for the system of government by the whole population or all eligible members of a state, typically through elected representatives. We might quibble as to how an entire population would govern through its elected representatives. We might say that we do not agree as the members of a state (eligible or otherwise) about anything. How then, might we govern? How then, might we stand up for the rights of the many, never mind the rights of the few? How then, might our singular voices ~ in the wilderness ~ be heard? If we speak, when we speak, who will listen, let alone act or pass laws that would bind upon the rest of the people? If those laws that might govern our human rights, are passed by the governing institutions: who will ensure that our rights are indeed upheld by the rest of the populace? Does this mean that we give up on elections? Does this mean that we give up on the system of parliamentary democracy? Does this mean that as I am not certain that anyone will listen to my voice if I speak, when I speak, I am justified in doing what I think is right, for that is to my benefit? Does this mean that if I believe that democracy and its systemic institutions and creations like the various courts of law, have not heard me or seen my plight, I may do what I believe is right? For after all, who decides who is right or wrong in this world? Does democracy and its institutions decide what is right? Or do the statutes and legalese ~ that the majority of us do not read or know an iota about ~ stand up and uphold the rights of each and every one of us? For we know well, through consequentialism, through the class of normative ethical theories (if indeed we do believe in ethics of any dimension) that the ends do not justify the means.

Going back to the Oxford Dictionary (for that is the only semblance of reality in today’s world, democratic or otherwise), as we mutter that it all is merely semantical ~ there is an extension to the meaning of “democracy”: control of an organization or group by the majority of its members. This brings us to the principle of consensus and majority, whether it is a razor-thin 0.0001%, yes, just that one silent, sighing voice in a corner of the Universe that the rest of us never did see or hear: that solitary voice crept in and tipped the balance. And democracy ruled, democracy won.

Does this mean that the remaining voices that were over-ruled were incorrect? Does this mean that the voices that were over-turned, have been silenced, or should remain quiet until eternity?

If we look back at history, it has been the single voices, those who were pushed to the rear of the bus … who eventually did win: they rustled up the forces of democracy. This reminds us again, that democracy did not win by taking pot-shots against the rest of the people. Suicide bombers may not overtake democracy. For democracy is not fearful. Democracy stands straight and tall and proud. And eventually, democracy is just.

Along with strategy (political and run-of-the-mill strategic planning), I also zoom in on coaching, management and small business consulting, accounting, GST reporting, personal taxes, payroll, QuickBooks, Sage 50 ... #TrushaDesai.com

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Democracy and Hockey

Image courtesy europeandemocracy.eu

Trump or Hillary, Hillary or Trump: do we know who will make it to the White House in November? There are pundits (political or not) who may have their theories. There are political aficionados (pundit or otherwise) who may deign to decide who it will be.

As a Canadian, why does it matter to me who the US President will be? As USA is Canada’s largest trading partner, the American economy does have remarkable repercussions on us. The Commander in Chief of the largest military undertaking does chart paths for the rest of us to watch with concern. Therefore, as a citizen of the world, it is of great interest to me who will decide where “the buck” should stop.

As an Obama fan, it might be a matter of necessity that a Democrat follow him in the White House. However, as a Canadian, and with the longest open border that separates us, it is essential that we welcome the new President. For that open border does not divide the two neighbors, it is a separation of sorts, that does not lead to divorce after a year. There is NAFTA with the three amigos, there are a host of trade agreements where USA and Canada go together. We play hockey, football, tennis and a slew of other sports together. The Stanley Cup, won by the Pittsburgh Penguins is now in Cole Harbour, NS: for we must remember that the US team that won the Cup has been captain’d by a Canadian.

And to return to November and our predictions of what may happen then. We have known, that the US economy (and the world economy as a result, thereof) takes some unpredictable twists and turns during the first hundred days of the new President’s office. We must necessarily observe the $DOW and $NASDAQ and our forecast of what policy changes will do to the global economy and stock markets. Perhaps a word will suffice: caution will carry the day.

I do accounting, boutique bookkeeping, GST reporting, payroll, personal taxes. I specialize in financial coaching for small businesses, professionals and individuals. #TrushaDesai.com

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Emotional Investing

However logical, analytical and research-oriented we may be, there is always at least one stock in our portfolio to which we have formed an emotional attachment. It is like a first love, a first kiss, or may be just someone special. And so, that stock stays with us, whether it is heavyweight or under-performs.

Why are we emotional about our investments? I guess, if we buy art, we would only buy a Picasso (if we had the millions plus jingling in our pockets) if we liked it. If we bought a boat, we would only buy one if we “liked” her, the rudder and the speed in the sails. So, why are we not permitted an emotional attachment to our stock portfolio? Why must we be detached, cold-headed and hard-hearted when we sell a stock that we know will never recuperate? There is only response. We are hopeful. We are hopeful that that stock which has gone down in the doldrums will turn around. We are hopeful that we will sustain an eventual gain instead of the current dank dark unrealized loss that stares at us. This leaves us with two options. Either we don’t look at our portfolio (then we don’t need to focus on the red-inked unrealized losses) or we itch it like a mozzy bite that won’t go away.

In an attempt to provide you with a second informed opinion on your investments (I regret that I cannot be benign totally, I do charge a fee for this service), I would like to advise you that emotion is not bad. And logic may not be all good: we need to temper one with the other. I do extensive capital gains schedules for taxation purposes, I do boutique bookkeeping for small and medium sized businesses, professionals, charities and non-profits. I do serious year-end accounting, reconciliation and accrual. I prepare and netfile your GST reports. I also do payroll ~ for we all need a little chunk of change, don’t we? I am always available to efile your personal taxes (prior years included). Please visit my website #TrushaDesai.com for services that I provide.

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