Is That A Big Number?

The only thing I can offer people who go off about politician salaries and the like is that the first question of economics, and rational thought for that mater, is: IS THAT A BIG NUMBER?

It's a question many don't seem to be able to get their heads around.

I offer this simple device. Take the number. Divide it by the number of people in the constituency and then divide by 52 weeks in a year. Then you have the number on a per person per week basis and it becomes something that anyone should be able to understand and judge their own answer to the question, the most important first question of all - IS THAT A BIG NUMBER?

For example, say an MLA is paid $138k. Is that a big number?

$138k divided by about 940,000 people is about fifteen cents per person.

In other words to say politicians nickel and dime us is correct because they cost us each a nickel and a dime per year.

Divided by 52 weeks per year equals .2 cents per week per person.

Yes, one twentieth of one cent per week is what an MLA cost each Nova Scotian. And I say cent knowing it is an old time denomination of money so small we don't even use it any more.

To ask that we look at the bigger picture doesn't seem too much does it?