Spending spree to bury a slush fund?

In recent history, there have been two governments that opened the government purse strings in an effort to bolster fading public support - the last federal and the last provincial government. While listening to 680 news today, I began to see evidence of a third such case that is even more politically Machiavellian. Last week, Dalton McGuinty acknowledged that his government had pushed $32 million out the door without any application process or accountability. In the communications play book, the next logical step is to "change the channel" with different news. Political spinners can always rely on the public's short memory (see "Health Tax").

Thursday: After more than 270 questions, McGuinty fires Minister in slush fund scandal labeled one of "the worst that we've ever seen" by Auditor General. The Toronto Star editorial board said: "His initial failure to recognize that ad hoc distribution of tax dollars is inexcusable and that taxpayers deserve full accounting and transparency into how their money is spent was disturbing."
Friday: $26 million for 200 more police (could have put the $32 million towards more than doubling that quantity)
Saturday: Ontario Cricket Club says they aren't returning the extra $500,000 of taxpayer dollars they have in a GIC - and they might need more.
Sunday: Millions of dollars to increase food allowance at nursing homes.
Sunday: $250 "one-time" cheques for thousands of families (An advance on a program not scheduled to start until 2008 - or after the election.)