Election 2006

The gloves are on and they are into the ring. All parties are coming out swinging but not all with the same energy at present. The Bloc leader, Gilles Duceppe, will have the easiest time for the provincial party under Andre Boisclair has provided a strong force of support and the Liberal party in the provincial government , in the minds of the people is not faring too well. The Liberal leader, Paul Martin is all bluster. His promises will be in areas that his party has not come through with in the past. Many years to heal the program sicknesses of the past and now we will see the promises for the “right medicine”. Are promises simply “lies” in disguise? Stephen Harper’s words may cause him to lose his possible minority government election. One slip and he will be sucker punched out! Jack Layton’s NDP party is the party of opportunity for the Liberals for it will bring about the splitting of votes that could generate another Liberal party minority government. If the NDP party did not exist, the Conservatives would have an easy ride into power.

Might it be possible for the Bloc and the Conservative parties to get into a “coalition bed of convenience”; this, to prevent the Liberals from gaining another minority government of absolute power? There are those who firmly believe that Quebec will separate. Would it not be wonderful to see the transition accomplished by and through a coalition party of the “right”? If the idea could be advanced that Quebec will separate and that this should be achieved through positive and peaceful arrangements, the road and trip could be made more comfortable.

Let Canadians accept the inevitable separation with a positive attitude that will result in peace and harmony. The separation could be of benefit for all Canadians. The original “marriage” was not conceived in heaven and the “separation or divorce” will not find itself in hell.

And such is the stuff of dreams!

And here we go again

And here we go again into a period of accusations, of defense, of promises from the people who want to be the representatives of the people in seats designated for those who govern. What a laugh. Who governs? The party in power, headed by a most powerful individual who surrounds himself with those who may have talent but whose input into policy and programs is at his discretion. The power to appoint individual to positions of control and influence, to boards, to courts, to commissions, to public corporations, to positions on the international front, to the provision of funds to special projects and the list can go on. The Prime Minister of Canada has too much power; the position goes to an individual who has been selected as party leader by members of the particular party, nominated then elected. Is the Prime Minister truly the key individual in the country who should rule? In a minority government, he does not represent the majority of the people.

The Prime Minister may not really “represent” the electors who may have voted for the party because of the local candidate who is trusted to work on their behalf. Electors do not vote for the prime minister directly. The elected individual may sit as a back bencher who must toe the party line. Often, we see that the actions of individuals reflect self-interest, even those that might appear as altruistic. How many sitting members of parliament have refused to go on junkets to foreign lands, to study other governments or organizations? The learning and information gained on these trips could most often be gained by reading or listening to some local, knowledgeable person, saving both time for the individual and travel expenses for the government..

It is most unfortunate that honest individuals who want to do good, to do the right thing for the people they represent, find themselves without the power to bring about changes that would be most appropriate but find that the party decides or should I say the prime minister and his cabinet decide what is good for the nation and what is good for the nation is usually good for the elite and wealthy people of the country.

We find the prime minister telling the nation of all the good things that his party will do in the future, the very party that having had the opportunity to do all those “good things”, failed to do so. So much for promises, so much for missed opportunities and here we go again!

Later this morning, the prime minister will go to Rideau Hall, the residence and office of the Governor General, where a ceremony will take place to dissolve parliament and to set the date for the election of the next parliament.

There will be much electioneering over the next two months. I believe that most Canadians already know how they will vote but they will not disclose their inner-most political feelings to others. Candidates will work hard to persuade voters to support them as individuals and the party they represent. As an example there are some lukewarm Liberals who will not speak out against their party but will vote for another party out of a dislike of disgust with the behaviour of party members who have been identified in the Gomery Commission report as having done things that were neither appropriate nor just.

I wonder if I will waste time following the election campaign, listening to the speeches of the candidates and in particular those of the party leaders. There are some Canadians who may not even vote. We often hear individuals say that one party is as bad as another. They then ask,  why vote? Because of the number of political parties, we could easily see another minority government, as we have seen many times in the past.

Yes, it will be a waste of time to follow the campaign to any great depth. Yet, I shall do so and there should be little doubt that I will be most discriminating in my selection of events to follow.  

America the beautiful

America the beautiful, the just, the democratic; are these just words? Is America a just society? Good question, how would Americans respond?

The United States is a beautiful country and the people in general are beautiful people. Most of my American friends are wonderful people; those not wonderful are simply good. But what I see of America comes from what I read, what I see on the television and of course what I see and hear while visiting that great democracy? Did I say great democracy? Should I have said that? Perhaps it is at this point that I must confess that America is a democracy as far as the concept goes but as a functioning democracy, that is the big question. I leave the response to Americans to fathom, if they can and admit what conclusions they come forward with.

The United States is a country where citizens have the right to bear arms and they take this right most seriously. In many big cities the crime rate is higher that it would otherwise be, because of the guns that are in the hands of the criminal element.

The early colonists had a need for weapons; these were mainly used for hunting and security of family and community. Weapons were used during the major wars: the Revolutionary War and the Civil War. Other minor wars have occurred on American soil, including the long existing “war” against the American Indian.

Are Americans a war-faring people? I do not believe so. When duty calls, Americans respond to defend the rights of people and democracy around the world. One should not find fault with this. It begs the question of the call to duty. The President as Commander in Chief has an impossible task when it comes to the decision to call the people to engage in a war. He depends on the advice of many. What is being called into question today relates to the quality of information and advice that he received prior to the present engagements in foreign lands.

Home Land Security is another activity that bears questioning. I viewed some major changes in the openness of American society. Perhaps not a good example but Washington has changed over the past four years. The military presence, the secret service presence and of other security personnel and of the number of police officials as well as the number of closed streets and access roads within the Capital leaves me at a loss for words but all of this is no doubt necessary for the terrorist have put so much pressure on the authorities that there is no other choice. Might one say that the terrorist have already won the first round of a rather silent war within the territory of the United States?

Can one imagine not being able to take a photograph of the Pentagon? Any and all enemies of the United States have more information on the Pentagon than any law abiding citizen could ever obtain from a simple photograph of the massive structure that holds many secrets relating to national security. What does this prove but that the government is filled with fear? The home of the brave, I doubt that very much. America is becoming fearful of its own shadow. What a shame for a nation that had strength of character to be lost through fear!

America, the home of the brave and the land of the free, if at all brave, how free? America is filled with fear and is willing to pay big dollars to reduce that fear. America will continue to pay and how pleased are the enemies of America and of the American society and way of life. America is a hated nation around the world. This is most unfortunate. Perhaps the sins of a few capitalist are now reaping a reward for all good American people. I am with the good American people, in spirit.

May all Americans have a Happy Thanksgiving. Best wishes for safe driving to those who must be on the road.

Good cops and bad cops

I am reminded of the words of a man on the street who said something like "the police sometimes act as judge, jury and executioner", to which I believe that some members of the public would agree. Examples coming from many of our larger cities would perhaps support those words. Let it be said, as well, that modern technology is working against the police as cameras have picked up improper and illegal police activities in the U.S. and in Canada, producing evidence against the police. Without that type of evidence, the police have been getting away with "murder", so the saying goes. Police brutality has been a way of life and action on the part of police authorities around the world for far too long. This brutality must stop. All those responsible for police activities need to acknowledge this most serious of problems and do whatever is necessary to bring about the positive and appropriate changes in police behaviour.  
 
We need good police work, we need the safety and security that can be provided by a professional, competent, honest and humane police force. As I have indicated many times we need the Police Service and the Police Service needs (or could use) a positive citizenry. Trust does not come with wearing the "blue", it must come through a frank and open discussion of the malady that is within the ranks of the police communities around the world and senior administration making the necessary and appropriate changes. My world is here in Ottawa; this is where I expect the best police services to exist.
 
The $64,000 question to all $65,000 police constables or at whatever salary level and of all officers: “How trustworthy are you?” And to the public, a penny for your thoughts; do you trust police officers, do you fear the police based on what you have seen on TV news programs or have read in publications?

Is there rot at the core of police services? I would hope not! Are there a few "bad apples" wearing the "blue"? My feeling is yes! History certainly has something to tell us about that. There was once a question asked of a police polygraph being administered to all police officers on a voluntary basis, with the question: “Have you been personally involved in any criminal activity over the past two years?” How many would step forward?
 
Let the Ottawa Police Service become the model for all police services in Canada, North America and around the world. That could be an obligation to which I believe all superior officers, the Police Services Board and our elected officials would agree.
 
Let us stand together, building well constructed "bridges" for our children and their children into a world of safety and security of person and property. We can do it!
 

White phosphorous in Falloojeh

The Pentagon spokesman recently said:

"It's part of our conventional-weapons inventory and we use it like we use any other conventional weapon,"

This war has redefined ‘conventional’. It has taken atrocity to another level. Everything we learned before has become obsolete. ‘Conventional’ has become synonymous with horrifying. Conventional weapons are those that eat away the skin in a white blaze; conventional interrogation methods are like those practiced in Abu Ghraib and other occupation prisons…

Quite simply… conventional terror.

__________

The above words came from a blog written in Baghdad early this morning. The name of the blog is Baghdad Burning.

Many Americans will remember the war in Vietnam where napalm was used with horrifying results on the civilian population.

Many Americans and other members of the Allies will remember the bombings that took place in Europe as well as the bombings by planes and rockets on England. We were all involved. And of course we had the atomic bomb incidents in Japan. All of these events were undertaken to bring about an early end to the Second World War, to bring peace to the world.

The use of white phosphorous in Iraq can’t be justified and should not be tolerated. The American people are being disgraced by those responsible for the military, from the President to members directing the war from the Pentagon.

Now, we are all involved in a war either directly or indirectly. Canada did not join the United States and England in the invasion of Iraq but the country has been affected by the war. Canada is affected by most everything that happens in the United States of America. If the U.S. sneezes, Canadians catch the cold! Sleeping next to an elephant can be dangerous for a mouse!

Canadians are spending heavily for security and all the while our liberties are being curtailed. Under the name of secrecy, some of our rights are being abused. For the sake of humanity, the United States should terminate its involvement in Iraq.

We learned yesterday that security at airports that handle freight at times in non-existent. An explosive device could be placed in the cargo and if activated, the aircraft with all aboard would be lost. Yet, security at border crossing points where Canadians enter the United States is very tight. There is a lack of security for air travel where cargo is not subjected to adequate inspection to protect the air traveler at the same time, there could be too much for land travel between Canada and the United States leading the American public to believe that their interests are well protected; this is a false sense of security!

I have come to the conclusion that the terrorist have America under control. The terrorist have the power and have caused Americans to fear for their lives. Americans have no choice but to pay high taxes to increase the security that is expected. There is no doubt that the terrorist can strike most any target using whatever weapons that they choose.

The security industry is large and flourishing. It provides employment to many and that helps the American economy. The weapons industry is large and flourishing and that helps the American economy. The military industry is alive, well and large and that provides employment to many and that helps the American economy.

One point of view that has been expressed is that the economy of the United States is now dependent upon the war and the security industry; both of these have flourished at great cost to the American people. When we look at the United States, we Canadians know that the American economy did quite well during the early years of both World Wars producing instruments and munitions during which time Canadians were fighting the wars in Europe. Nevertheless, the world was grateful for the American entry into both wars for without the American assistance, those wars would have been lost and the democratic philosophy and way of life would not exist today.

A grey day, a great day!

Yes, it is a grey day, rather wet yet warm this morning. Heavy winds are coming from the west. The windy cities of Chicago and Winnipeg will be having heavy wind warnings or, as they say, advisories. For Ottawa, rain has been predicted with a low of -8 for tomorrow night. That spells some snow and icy road conditions. The first few days of winter weather bring more than the usual number of accidents as drivers go through a period of adjustment to the new and hazardous driving conditions.

A great day for Andre Boisclair for he won his party’s leadership position, last night on the first ballot! The convention ended with a strong message for party unity with the runner-up, Pauline Marois, promising support to the new leader. When the party captures the provincial legislature, she will no doubt be given a very high position within cabinet and the appropriate portfolio. The road to that success will require consistent and quality work on the part of all supporters with the ultimate result, the separation of Quebec from Canada. Andre Boisclair will lead the way! Vive le Quebec libre!

It has been announced that the great and wonderful singer Shania Twain will be inducted into the elite group of members of the Order of Canada. She has made it from “rags to riches” with many honours on her way to music and social success. Canadians love her, Americans love her and the world should as well! Might Shania Twain become a future Governor General? Why not?

  

Boisclair elected

The telephone voting system used to determine who would be the new leader of the Parti Quebecois has been successful resulting in the election of Andre Boisclair.

Quebec politics will never be the same is now a truer statement if ever such were possible. Before the next provincial election we will have a federal election probably early in the January.

Federal politicians will be very busy while most Canadians will be observers of the political scene while still being able to do their Christmas shopping and all things associated with a happy holiday season.

I don't expect the Liberals at the federal level or at the provincial level in Quebec to do well. Then, and then? A referendum!

Watch for the breakup of Canada as we know it today; with the result that Quebec will be a new nation in North America with every opportunity to go it alone and to become most successful in many areas of international relations.

Vive le Quebec Libre!

Walking in the woods

I love the autumn days that are bright and sunny, cool yet warm enough not to have to wear heavy clothing. Gone are the hot days of summer that can make walking less than enjoyable for those of us who depend on walking as our major activity for exercise and subsequently, good health.

Memories of my days as a youngster flow with a glorious flourish of colours of the fallen leaves in their golds, browns, reds, mixed with multi-colours almost indescribable. The aromas of the forest and the fresh air that fills one's lungs provide the sensation of a completeness with nature and reduces one to a state of ecstasy. One of my great delights is to kick the leaves as I make my way along the trails that are covered by the leaves and at times, carpeted with the needles from the pine trees.

Soon those trails will be covered by snow. The quiet of the forest, when the howling of the winds subside can be only be broken as the snow is crunched under foot. I am always amazed at the number of tracks left by the deer as they cross my pathways through the forest. It is nice to think that we share the natural environment with many animals and to witness their movements by the trails that they leave on the freshly fallen snow.

Isn't life wonderful?

Andre Boisclair and Canada

The Partie Quebecois will be holding a leadership conference on Tuesday. I predict that Andre Boisclair will be the winner.

In the next provincial election the P.Q. will win and this will followed by a referendum. That referendum will lead the way to the formation of a new nation in North America.

Andre Boisclair was once the youngest member of the Quebec legislature. Later he became a cabinet minister. Today, he possess those characteristics that will lead Quebec into a wonderful future as an independent nation.

And Canada, what will it do without Quebec? It will more that survive. It will thrive and develop stronger ties with the United States.

The day may come when the remaining provinces will separate. British Columbia to become a powerful maritime country, Alberta will stand alone and Saskatchewan and Manitoba will join together. What about the New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island? They will come together, leaving Newfoundland & Labrador to remain as another nation. In summary, from ten provinces we will end up as seven independent nations. If perchance Newfoundland & Labrador remain with the other Atlantic Provinces to form a nation, its name might even become "New Canada".

What does the future for Canada? Will it become one united nation after Quebec's separation or through further separations, a number of independent nations? I predict that after a number of "separations", Canada will no longer exist but the independent nations will survive and do quite well on an international basis.

An Ottawa Week

The release of the Gomery  Report  also known as the Quebec Sponsorship scandal provided more TV time and newspaper space than any single topic in many years. It may even lead to an election before the end of the year.

The big winner falling from the report was the present Prime Minister, Paul Martin, as he was exonerated in the matter of the scandal. The big loser was the former Prime Minister Jean Chretien who should have been aware of what was taking place in a program that he advanced. Was the program ever justified as appropriate to bring the Federal Government before the people of Quebec? Whoever dreamed up the program along with the now deflated street fighter, “da little guy from Shawinigan” will go down in history as down-right foolish. Were the antics of  Jean Chretien simply “small town cheap”?

We heard that Chretien will apply to the Federal Court to review the finding of the Gomery Commission, in the hope that he might come away smelling sweeter. It was even said that he would pay for the legal costs. Wonderful!

By the end of the week one poll showed the Conservative Party leading in an election if it were held today. It also showed that the majority of Canadians believe that the Prime Minister who was Minister of Finance during the scandal period must be held accountable. So it goes in politics. One can’t always win in politics or life, even when one does the right thing or is innocent of some improper action or activity. If you are a member of the opposing force or group, you just “take your lumps”. Even Justice John Gomery has been criticized for some of his comments for which he did apologize. Yet, the vast majority of Canadians who viewed any of the sessions of the Commission’s hearing would believe that Mr. Justice Gomery to be an able and honourable gentleman. He was certainly thought to have been so before his appointment. His report is a reflection of all that he heard; his conclusions are the result of his analysis and integration of the data and information provided by the many witnesses who made presentations and were questioned on their activities.

During the week the Prime Minister attended the Summit of the Americas held at Mar del Plata in Argentina. Although he extolled the benefits of free trade, Canada was still faced with its problems with the United States on a softwood lumber dispute. Some South Americans view the United States as an imperialist world power and demonstrated in a violent confrontation with the police.

France has been involved in a number of violent confrontations with youth across the country. These young people are mostly unemployed black North Africans who have not been integrated into French society. The French government needs to address the problems generated by its open border immigration policy which conforms to an agreement of all the countries in the European Block. We in Canada may face similar situations but we do not have the same concentration of youth and therefore it may not be likely but the problems of integrating new Canadians into Canadian society remain.

There are many problems relating to Native reservations in Canada. This past week was highlighted by a water advisory requiring water to be boiled, on the Kashechewan Reserve in Northern Ontario. This type of situation exists in a number of communities in Ontario and the government needs to do all that is possible to avert another “Walkerton” situation. As to the federal government, the ministry responsible for aboriginal affairs needs to analyze all situations under its jurisdiction. What is not called for is the throwing of many millions of federal dollars at the problems that exist.

White and Black Hats

The hats they wear do not distinguish between the good and the bad. The vast majority of police officials are good; they do what is right and that which is expected of them. Yet, we hear periodic complaints, some justified but most resulting from the public expecting more than what is humanly or financially possible. As to the “bad cops”, they do exist and that may be a reflection of human nature, of greed and self-interest. These officers need to be rooted out and replaced.

It is unfortunate that the TV news programs often devote much time to stories of police in conflict situations where violence and abuse is most evident. Infrequently we see police using tactics which are inhuman, cruel, and brutal and totally beyond the behaviour expected of the police authorities. The general public abhors what is seen and feels a deep sense of disgust.

What is most hurtful is the display of racial intolerance, discrimination and abuse that sometimes takes place. Brutality is the word that is heard. It is a word that should never be associated with police conduct and behaviour.
The public has a right to expect the protection of the police against the small percentage of the people who exhibit antisocial behaviours. The laws are there and the police are expected to uphold those laws.


Whenever a violation of the trust that is placed upon police officers occurs, all police officers lose a measure of respect. This can be most unfortunate for trust and respect is at the cornerstone of the structure that supports the system designed for the security and safety of our society.

The public needs and should support the police in the many and difficult tasks in which they are involved. They should be honoured and thanked for without them our society would become chaotic and lead to anarchy and the destruction of the very thing that identifies us as human.

Forest Trails

Memories of my youth are strong as I walk through the woods, kicking the leaves, marveling at their many colours and the smells of the autumn air. Soon the paths and trails where I walk will be covered by snow but nature will continue on the cycles of life in which we all share. The cyclists who use the forested trails will be replaced by cross-country ski enthusiasts and the walkers will continue in their desire to be a part of nature, renewing their lives of health and happiness. Even under the harshest of weather conditions we find walkers on those trails.

It has been said by many in the past that we here in Nepean can enjoy the more than 36 km of trails of the Stony Swamp Conservation Area, most of which have year-round parking for those who do not have close access to the trails. Many of the trails have picnic areas, and toilets.

Nature studies by students and others can be a joy as observations of the many animals, birds and reptiles can be made. When last did you see a beaver or a snapping turtle? When last did you enjoy the fresh air and beauty of our forested areas? Though deer in our area are plentiful, it may come as a surprise to see one or more within a few feet of a trail, truly a photographer’s delight which is extended to so much wildlife.

"G" Day 2

Many words have been devoted to the Gomery Commissions report. Much TV time was also devoted bringing news of the conclusions to the public. As was predicted, Jean Chretien, of golf ball fame or infamy will seek to have a court review of the report because he feels that Mr. Justice Gomery was not just in his conclusions.
History has shown that Jean Chretien has been a street fighter and a liar in his youth. How devious he was as a politician has not been fully revealed.
In Lawrence Martin's CHRETIEN, we learn of Chretien's "capacity for deception". He understood the three monkeys, see no evil, hear no evil, tell no evil. He well knew, as it is well known that information in the public service is passed on without documentation, where no paper trail can be found. Can there be any doubt that a man who sets up a special fund would not be kept informed as to its progress and its success or lack thereof?
Chretien often spoke of his legacy to the people of Canada. His legacy will include the Quebec Sponsorship Scandal.What a shame!

A "G" Day

Today is a "G" day, a good day with the release of the long-awaited Gomery Commission report. Many Canadians will agree with the conclusions arrived at by Justice Gomery. Some few will disagree and some of those that have been implicated in wrongdoing might be expected to take some form of legal action, among these, the golf ball man, Jean Chretien and the former ambassador to Denmark, the infamous and disgraced Alfonso Gagliano who was recalled or should I say fired by the Prime Minister.
What remains to be seen is the reaction of the three major parties in the House of Commons. The New Democratic Party could have been instrumental in bringing down the Liberal government but decided to support the Liberals is certain concessions were made relating to particular programs that the NDP wanted to see go through. Chances are that the NDP will continue with that support.
As the Prime Minister has been exonerated, the country is not faced with having its highest citizen coming under a cloud of mistrust and suspicion.
Mr. Justice Gomery should be commended for coming through with his report on time. This report reflects his assessment of the information which was garnered during the hearings. He heard and saw what many Canadians heard and saw and there can be little doubt that his conclusions will deviate little from what an average Canadian would come forward with.