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23 · Thursday, December 1, 2011 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.insideHALTON.com Canada's success hinges on U.S. success he United States' stagnating political system needs an overhaul. At some point the political bickering could result in irreparable damage to its once mighty economy; and this will most definitely affect Canada. Americans are an interesting group. When they excel, which they often do, they are intelligent, resourceful and have the ability to get the job done. But this is in such contrast to their political decisional-making process. That is most definitely their Achilles' heel. When the pressure to solve a problem is mounting, individuals are driven to adapt to new and changing circumstances and to invent a solution. Our friends to the south have mastered this in many areas, including business and sports. An inner drive motivated the late Steve Jobs to turn Apple into one of the most successful companies of our time. Apple took pride in itself for being a visionary that could invent and deliver what it thought the world wanted. It did not spend T nearly as much on basic research as other firms. Apple just used innovation better than anyone else. Watch American football and listen to the ongoing analysis of the game. You will see how teams adjust their strategy on the fly to capitalize on their own relative strength or another team's weakness. In business and in sports they are intelligent and resourceful and have the ability to change direction when needed to compete and achieve success. So that gives them top marks for those two endeavors. Their approach to politics, however, is puzzling. Both sides of the political spectrum entrenched in their respective ideologies are ignoring the challenges of the day so they can be true to their political beliefs. Many Americans vote and preach their political philosophy with vengeance. They often do so as either Democrats or Republicans because that is the political party their family has supported for decades. If you are a staunch Dollars & Sense By Peter Watson Republican you loved the younger President George Bush. The rest of the world was not so sure, but that was of no concern. Republicans do not like President Obama. They think he is incapable; but if he was a Republican, their support would be automatic. Citizens back their own political team instead of the party best equipped to govern at any given time. The best political ideas do not have a chance. The task of the recently formed Super Committee, an equal number of politicians from both American parties, was to solve the political stalemate in Washington. After two months they agreed there was a problem; but they could not agree on a solution. Both sides would not set aside their political belief system, nor would any significant compromise occur. The United States' future success is deeply rooted in political success and tackling some of the dangerous, contentious financial issues. It needs solutions to its escalating debt, overspending, education and health care. Canada's future success is linked to America's success. Although we are independent, the reality is that we have strong economic ties. The productive success of individual Canadians, who are working hard at achieving their own financial goals, hinges on the economic achievements between Canada and the United States. Consider this a real life chain reaction. The bottom line is that our financial future will benefit if the Americans find success. Success for the U.S. will be greatly influenced by how well their politicians govern and, for now, that is a problem. -- Submitted by Peter Watson, MBA, CFP, R.F.P., CIM, FCSI. A Christmas Carol with dessert The Church of the Epiphany is hoping to get people into Christmas spirit by having some high-profile media personalities read the Charles Dickens classic A Christmas Carol. If that's not enough, there will be dessert too. The event will support local charities ­ the Halton Trauma Centre and the Oakville Literacy Council. The Dickens and Dessert event is on Saturday, Dec. 3 at the church. The event will feature media personalities, including Stephen Brunt, Globe and Mail sports, and the CBC's Vince Carlin, Jeff Goodes and Jill Dempsey. Joining them will be locals Maggie Luxford, Ann Mulvale and soprano soloist Christie Menzo. "The reading brings together the pleasure of hearing a good story, some moving music of the season, and people who want to support our community," said Rev. Suzanne Craven. "We are delighted to host an evening with others to celebrate the spirit of Christmas." The event begins at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $20. The church is located at 141 Bronte Rd. For more information, contact the church at 905-8272546 or epiphanyoffice@cogeco.net. Deborah C. Venditti Speech-Language Pathologist Concerned about your speech or your child's speech, language or social skills? There is no reason to wait. There is a direct correlation between language skills and academic performance. Deborah C. Venditti Is a distinguished Speech-Language Pathologist who has travelled extensively providing assessments, therapy, consultations and in-services across Ontario and abroad. Works with children, teens and adults. Has over 20 years experience in hospitals, school boards, community agencies. Works collaboratively with parents, caregivers, teachers and other professionals. Services are often covered by Extended Health Care Plans Stuttering - children, teens, adults Accent Reduction Articulation Autism Spectrum Disorder KNOWLEDGEABLE AND EXPERIENCED IN School Age Language Assessments Delayed Language Development Developmental Disabilities Deborah has been invited back to Turks & Caicos again in January 2012 to volunteer with special needs children (905) 847-7570 · Visit: www.speechlanguagetherapist.ca w 1235 Trafalgar Road, Suite 302 Oakville, ON L6H 3P1