The Editor,
Re: "Jim Flaherty finds a well of stupid," Column, May 18.
It appears Matthew Claxton has no idea of what the duties of a federal cabinet minister are or how difficult it is to perform for a country that is vast geographically, but with a relatively small population.
It is clear to intelligent Canadians the current system of employment insurance needs to be revamped to better address the real needs of the unemployed and to turn away from the taxpayer largess that has been the norm for many years.
To a person who is desperately in need of a couple of bucks and is willing to take any job as a starting point, there certainly are "no bad jobs." The principle remains the same from decades ago - get out and get a job and stop standing around complaining.
Incidentally, I was a member of the fourth estate, so I have a damn good idea of just how soft a reporter's job is. Also, I was a ministerial assistant to a cabinet minister and I know just how difficult that job is. I served my country in wartime and so I know how difficult that job is. I have walked the walk.
Bob Orrick Richmond
