A cash-strapped hierarchy
Mark Pavilons

Mark Pavilons

This event would not be possible without the financial support of businesses and individuals ...

Sound familiar?

It should. This is the new black of modern fund-raising.

Since we invented the term "catch-22" we've been using it to death. It seems we're all caught between a rock and a hard place when it comes to finding money to pay for essentials in our society today.

Why? We're at our height of technological and economic prowess. There are more millionaires around today than ever before in our history. Money is literally oozing out of every imaginable orifice - yet our kids are going without textbooks; our hospitals don't have proper equipment; and charities are run ragged trying to keep up with the demand.

It's like we opened the doors to the asylum years ago, allowing the inmates to cook the books. Now, after years of neglect, waste and self-indulgence, we're in a social dilemma - our society is bankrupt!

It seems money is only in short supply where it's needed most. Other things in short supply these days are brains, morals, ethics, accountability and compassion.

Our children are our future. And yet, textbooks are in short supply; schools are curtailing extra-curricular activities because the boards are short of money. What? The boards derive a substantial portion of their income from property taxes, which are at an all-time high because property values are at an all-time high. But they will contend the province is slowly turning off the taps, decreasing funding, leaving them to do more with less.

The bottom line is the money needs to be found so boards don't go bankrupt and our children are (literally) out on the streets.

Maybe the boards should reel in a few of their loonies (feel free to comment here) and cut back a bit on overpaid senior staffers. There are more board employees making more than $100,000 annually than ever before in Peel and Dufferin.

Wages have to go up to keep up with the cost of living, is the standard argument. Tell that to Mr. and Mrs. Average who haven't had a raise in five years. Each and every parent knows full well that all costs - food, clothing, gas, hydro, insurance, taxes - have skyrocketed. They live it each and every day.

Unlike the air in the ivory towers, the real people at ground level struggle to keep up. They're dipping into their pockets more and more. They're asked, time and again, to contribute to the school play, the school fundraiser, this charity or that activity. Good thing a basic education is free in this country!

One would think with the cost of education in this province, we'd have the biggest brains running the show. I guess remuneration is not directly linked to intelligence and productivity.

Next to our children's education, health care is pretty important to all of us.

In Ontario, we're still struggling with delays, extended wait times, a lack of important diagnostic equipment, etc. Both the provincial and federal governments have realized the problem for years and are starting to pay attention.

The new Brampton hospital will be a great addition to the area - the first new hospital built in Peel in decades. But you can bet that as soon as the doors open, it will have a very active auxiliary, raising money for this and that.

Headwaters just marked its 10th anniversary and it needs to raise roughly $1 million per year just to keep up.

Bolton lacks a full-time walk-in clinic to serve the needs of our families.

In little, and big ways, consumers are being asked to empty their pockets to help "defray operating costs." Whether it's through parking fees, user fees, hidden and blatant taxes, we're being soaked, milked and drained at every turn.

For those making more than $100,000 annually (and judging by the luxury SUVs around Caledon, that's a lot), the pinch may not leave a mark. But for typical working parents (some of whom have more than one job), it's starting to sting.

At times like this in our evolution, I'm often reminded of the Marxist theory of from each according to ability, to each according to need. It's a sound concept.

I've always been a fan of "forced giving." I'm in favor of legislating generosity among those who can afford it. Taxing the rich seems to be an evil idea. They cry they're being penalized for being successful. Oh, poor babies, let me hold your hands and fix you a nice grilled cheese sandwich (because that's what average people eat).

Call me a socialist, but I'm a champion of fairness. Through "forced giving" we could put a dent in all budget shortfalls, help the homeless and feed the hungry.

There are other social systems in stark contrast to our way of life, which clearly defines the haves and have-nots. In parts of Scandinavia, the government provides all housing, medical and social services and education. Sure, their tax rate is beyond the 60% mark, but if you're getting free accommodation and nurtured from cradle to grave, it's a fair trade.

And our need continues to grow. Caledon service clubs - from Rotarians and Kinsmen to Optimists - are raising record amounts. Caledon Community Services, the chief social watchdog, takes in huge amounts to grease the community wheels. But, like a leaky dam, the cracks seem to multiply.

I wonder what it will take to force some of our fellow men and women to take their heads out of their Zen sandboxes.

I'm sure there are many who will be enjoying their poolside cabanas this summer, sipping on exotic cocktails.

Enjoy your little piece of paradise, while society spirals deeper into the financial abyss!