Happy Foot Politics

For some reason, it has become traditional for Canadian finance ministers to pull on a new pair of shoes before delivering a budget. Recently, some, advocating austerity, have worn old shoes--shoes left unclaimed at a repair shop or shoes dragged behind a newlyweds' car. No Ballys for these guys; or, if the finance minister is female, no Jimmy Choos. Democratic presidential candidate Adlai Stevenson was famously photographed with a hole in his sole, but he lost anyway. Whereas many politicians, suspected of having a hole in their soul, have been elected.

But we digress. We are here primarily to recommend footwear fashion for future finance ministers. Track shoes would suggest someone who is prepared to get the economy running. Army boots would promise firmness. Bunny slippers would give voters a warm and fuzzy feeling. Forget loafers.

But perhaps the ideal shoes would be swimming pool jellies. Remember jellies? An indication of transparency in politics.

Or maybe the right choice would be...flip-flops.