I listened to CBC Radio’s coverage of the pre-budget Throne Speech on Monday. The host, Kathleen Petty, and the two pundits, Chris Hall (CBC) and Don Martin (National Post) could not utter the words "Jack Layton" or "NDP" with even a modicum of respect.

Stephen Harper was taken seriously; Michael Ignatieff was taken very seriously indeed. And Jack? Jack’s name was never mentioned except with contempt or in derision.

If you didn’t know any better, listening to them would convince you that this budget is none of Jack’s business, that he’s some pushy interloper, sticking his nose in where he’s not welcome. When they did condescend to discuss his views, they ridiculed him, as if helping the most vulnerable people in our country is laughable. They acted as if they thought they’re the cool kids and Jack is the loser who gets up early on Saturday morning to help out at the food bank. Ha ha.

It’s disheartening when listening to our public broadcaster is no more enlightening than reading the worst of our corporate-owned media (which just happened to be represented by Don Martin anyway!)

As for me, I agree with Jack Layton that we’re fools if we put our trust in Stephen Harper to put policies in place that will benefit those who most need help right now. Furthermore, I’d be happy to give Harper the boot for the destructive things he’s already done to this country, never mind what he’s likely to do in the future.