The diabolical genius of the 9/11 attacks was the way in which a small and loosely organized group of terrorists slipped around the behemoth of the US military and security apparatus, rather than attempting to directly engage it. The greatest threat to American domestic security and the American military abroad turned out to be not another nation or its armed forces, but a determined consortium using only tools that can be cheaply and easily purchased, such as cell phones and box cutters.

The Canadian federal election campaign has so far avoided any serious discussion of healthcare. Even if voters prefer to focus on the economy, the environment, and the personalities of the more colourful candidates and leaders, the next government will determine whether Canada’s healthcare adapts to the realities of 21st century, or grows ever more bloated and unresponsive.