Ford and Trump are cut from same cloth

Re How Ford differs from Trump, Walkom, May 9 Usually I find Thomas Walkom a perceptive political analyst. But in his column downplaying comparisons between Ontario PC Leader Doug Ford and U.S. President Donald Trump I think he misses the mark.

Both Ford and Trump are cut from the same cloth. Both have no experience in government or policy making. Both have a business background, but have little grasp of the issues faced in modern government. Both claim to be for the average guy, but their tax cuts and program spending cuts would redistribute money from the poor to the rich. Both have a record of making absurd statements, and spend much of their time attacking their opponents.

In short, they are right-wing populists who pose a great risk to the social fabric of our society. And it will take years to undo the damage they have done. At least Tim Hudak, the Tory leader during the last election, was honest about his intention to cut 100,000 civil-service positions.

Ford wants to find $6 billion in efficiencies, which will mean cuts of many thousands of jobs. The largest items in the provincial budget are health and education, where most of the money is spent on staff, as well as compensation for doctors and other medical personnel. Rev. Bob Bettson, Toronto Watching the leaders debate on May 7, it was impossible not to see the similarities between Doug Ford and Donald Trump.

Ford was significantly less knowledgeable than Liberal Leader Kathleen Wynne and NDP Leader Andrea Horwath and he overtly disrespected them by calling them disingenuous when they questioned his facts.

He spoke in platitudes that had no meaning, he promised things he cannot deliver and he pretended to be for the little guy when his policies clearly benefit the wealthy. He stated he wants to gut regulations to make it easier for real estate developers — a recipe for disaster.

I’ve consulted in the public sector for almost 20 years and have a great deal of respect for the things this Liberal government has done in finding efficiencies and delivering better service in all areas. However, if the voters really can’t get past what they perceive as Liberal errors, then vote NDP. Horwath is closer to Canadian values and a much better option than Ford. Sue Menard, Toronto