Democracy Gone Astray

Democracy, being a human construct, needs to be thought of as directionality rather than an object. As such, to understand it requires not so much a description of existing structures and/or other related phenomena but a declaration of intentionality.
This blog aims at creating labeled lists of published infringements of such intentionality, of points in time where democracy strays from its intended directionality. In addition to outright infringements, this blog also collects important contemporary information and/or discussions that impact our socio-political landscape.

All the posts here were published in the electronic media – main-stream as well as fringe, and maintain links to the original texts.

[NOTE: Due to changes I haven't caught on time in the blogging software, all of the 'Original Article' links were nullified between September 11, 2012 and December 11, 2012. My apologies.]

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Tories Hit Reset Button On F-35 As Report Finds Program's Cost Will Be $45.8 Billion

OTTAWA - The cascading multibillion-dollar cost of the celebrated F-35 stealth aircraft has prompted the federal government to "hit the reset button" on its controversial effort to replace Canada's aging fighter fleet.

Public Works Minister Rona Ambrose said Wednesday the entire process would be reviewed in the face of a long-awaited KPMG report that warns the Lockheed Martin-built F-35s could cost Canada as much as $45.8 billion over 42 years.

The report says National Defence neglected to build a large enough financial cushion into the plan, and that the paltry-by-comparison $9 billion the department set aside likely won't be enough to cover the planned purchase of 65 jets.

Ambrose and Defence Minister Peter MacKay both insisted no decision will be made until the review is complete.

"The next step is a full review of options," Ambrose told a news conference following the release of the report, which came after a question period dominated by F-35 questions.

"We have hit the reset button and are taking the time to do a complete assessment of all available options."

MacKay said the government would ensure "that balance is maintained between the military needs and taxpayer interests."

"Ultimately, our government will get the best plane for the armed forces, for our pilots and for Canadian taxpayers."

The NDP's opposition critics were unmoved, however, insisting the government was steadfastly refusing to admit the whole process has been fumbled.

"You can't move on, you can't move forward until you've admitted that you've got a problem and that you've made mistakes,"said Matthew Kellway, the party's procurement critic.

"What we've heard today is that the minimum price for this plane is three times higher than anything that this government has publicly disclosed to date. That's tens of billions of dollars higher.

"What we haven't heard today is what we wanted to hear, that there will be an open competition for a replacement for the CF-18."

The KPMG report said uncertainties in the oft-delayed program could force the air force to cut the number of planes to 55 — or force the Conservatives to spend more, anywhere from $1.5 billion to $2.5 billion.

The Conservatives, who have insisted the F-35 is the only available aircraft that meets Canada's specific needs, continue to insist the $9 billion ceiling is a firm one.

But the various cost figures cited in a series of reports released today are based on a number of variables, including the notion that other allied nations will buy as many jets as they've promised.

Original Article
Source: huffington post
Author: Murray Brewster

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