Charlie Munger was wrong. Incentives don’t always drive outcomes.
Consider the recent election call in British Columbia. David Eby had every incentive to call a snap election. The opposition was in disarray. MLAs were switching parties like a game of musical chairs. Trump’s trade war gave every Canadian politician a chance to stand up against a bully.
And so why not call an election? What a great time to act when your opponents are in disarray and you can focus your energy on the unpopular man south of the border.
Well, if initial polls are to be trusted, out of the gate, the Conservatives already have the lead. Now, the sample sizes are small, and things can change. Lord knows what new dirt will emerge about the various distasteful positions and flip-flops of their candidates.
But if I were Eby, there’s one stat I’m very concerned with. Almost 50% of people who support the NDP think that the election was called keep to Eby in power, not benefit the province. When your own supporters smell the cynicism, that’s probably cause for concern.
What British Columbians want is an adult in the room. Serious policy and competence. Make hard choices. Communicate clearly. Avoid mud-slinging. Show us a plan for getting out of this fiscal mess. A plan for making government more effective. A plan for growing an economy that leverages our strengths and diversifies our relationships.
Eby had two years to do that work with a safe and stable majority and an opposition in disarray. Instead, he called an election. He had every incentive to do so. But it may end up being the worst decision he’s ever made.
Lots of other great fodder this week. Those in higher education are going to love the first chart. Maybe this is why we’re having such a hard time adopting AI in this domain. There’s a thought.
The fastest growing category of tenured professor in Canada? 65+
TikTok was introduced circa 2017. And then educational performance went off a cliff.
Elections of choice are a risky gambit.
Half of NDP voters think Eby is putting politics over the best interests of the province.
Costco has started rationing motor oil. We’re going to need a word beyond quagmire for what Trump has done.
This is the biggest risk for the GOP in November.
America’s war, but not Americans don’t like it.
Meta’s stock price has found its Muse.
Source: S&P Capital IQ (via Semafor)
The business of business is lobbying. Milton Friedman in shambles.
Source: The Globe and Mail
Buckle up, kids.
Source: Gerald Butts
Thanks for making is this far. If you are still reading, send me a meme?
I have way too many charts I want to share (getting it down to 10 is hard). But oh so few memes.
I’m going to try and not think about this says about me.
Until next week, friends!