In Canada there is a unique process in our parliamentary system where we share responsibility and power. There are three levels of government and all have to work together to get the job of serving the people done in a proper manner. Since the Premier of Ontario has the responsibility for about a third of Canada"s population she requested to have a meeting with the Prime Minister. The PM has denied the request and said Ontario could do as the federal government has done a cut programs and balance its budget . He refuses to meet and talk about plans of mutual concern.
Harper has met with other premiers but because of his childish and stupid attitude towards the liberal leader he just ignores the request. There are ways that the federal government has punished Ontario through improper transfer payments and the people of Ontario are being short changed. This mess has to be settled and there must be a collaborative effort to work together.
Party politics should be shoved aside and co-operation among the three levels of government reestablished once more.
Wednesday, November 26, 2014
Poverty ...Our National Discrace
During the last few weeks there has been many headlines in the major papers about the huge problem of poverty in Canada. Figures vary but it is recognized that over a quarter of our people in Canada live below the poverty level. Some place it as high as a third of the people. One in five of our school children come to school every day hungry. A significant number of seniors have to decide whether to buy their needed drugs or buy food. Dental services for a third of the people in Canada is financially out of reach.
The federal government has trashed many of the social safety nets and has cut programs to the bone in order to balance the budget. A Tory member stated that the Liberals would take the easy way out by raising taxes instead of cutting programs. What is easy about hungry school children, families that are debt ridden and seniors stressed because they have a fixed income which does not permit them to pay their bills or have proper medical care?
The easy way is to sit in the seats of parliament and cabinet and reduce spending at the expense of the poor. Most Canadians believe in a compassionate government and sensible programs to balance taxes and spending to support what most of us would call the unique Canadian character of a good government. Who believes that raising taxes is an easy decision? It is much easier to cut spending at the expense of the underclass who are being treated like collateral damage at the alter of the balanced budget. Conservatives believe and support the idea that the balanced budget is worth the human cost which is tearing Canadian families to pieces.In my Canada a government should reach out to the poor, help the young and raise taxes in balance and become inclusive not obsessive.
The federal government has trashed many of the social safety nets and has cut programs to the bone in order to balance the budget. A Tory member stated that the Liberals would take the easy way out by raising taxes instead of cutting programs. What is easy about hungry school children, families that are debt ridden and seniors stressed because they have a fixed income which does not permit them to pay their bills or have proper medical care?
The easy way is to sit in the seats of parliament and cabinet and reduce spending at the expense of the poor. Most Canadians believe in a compassionate government and sensible programs to balance taxes and spending to support what most of us would call the unique Canadian character of a good government. Who believes that raising taxes is an easy decision? It is much easier to cut spending at the expense of the underclass who are being treated like collateral damage at the alter of the balanced budget. Conservatives believe and support the idea that the balanced budget is worth the human cost which is tearing Canadian families to pieces.In my Canada a government should reach out to the poor, help the young and raise taxes in balance and become inclusive not obsessive.
Thursday, November 20, 2014
What is a Priority
In Canada we are faced with thousands of children going to school every day hungry. There is a need for social housing in every city and town. Our programs for mental illness is critical. Youth unemployment is at an all time high. Infra-structure in the form of bridges and highways has reached a dangerous level. Are these issues deemed to be a priority for governments. The answer from them is there is no more money.
War on ISIS has taken a priority for our government and there seems to be no end of resources for this project. The problem I see is that the government can make an extreme effort to raise cash for what they deem to be a priority. Our government spent over $650,000,000 in advertising this session to make sure they would get re-elected. That was a priority.
Would it not be a fresh breath of government programming if they got their priorities better adjusted. How much better we would be as a country if we fed our hungry, helped cure our sick people and have projects that would make Canada a cleaner and safer place in which to live. They have the resources but not the will. The government is supposed to express the will of the people because they are there to manage our affairs It would seem that when they get elected they do everything to make sure they remain in power. How sad.
War on ISIS has taken a priority for our government and there seems to be no end of resources for this project. The problem I see is that the government can make an extreme effort to raise cash for what they deem to be a priority. Our government spent over $650,000,000 in advertising this session to make sure they would get re-elected. That was a priority.
Would it not be a fresh breath of government programming if they got their priorities better adjusted. How much better we would be as a country if we fed our hungry, helped cure our sick people and have projects that would make Canada a cleaner and safer place in which to live. They have the resources but not the will. The government is supposed to express the will of the people because they are there to manage our affairs It would seem that when they get elected they do everything to make sure they remain in power. How sad.
Monday, November 17, 2014
Birthday and Winter Wonderland
Yesterday we celebrated two birthdays. Lyndsay and sister Harmony celebrated together as their B'days are close together. We had a great time once again and Lyndsay as the oldest of the grand children maintained that role for another year.
To welcome them it started to snow when we began our celebration a d continued until we were greeted with a winter wonderland. Our first snow is always welcome and we embrace it but with the forecast for snow for the rest of the week we may change our minds.
To welcome them it started to snow when we began our celebration a d continued until we were greeted with a winter wonderland. Our first snow is always welcome and we embrace it but with the forecast for snow for the rest of the week we may change our minds.
Saturday, November 15, 2014
Weather Weary
While Theresa and I were in South Carolina we frequently checked the weather channel. Because of the Arctic Vortex the whole discussion was how this situation was going to reap havoc on the USA.Every station on the network all got in the act and weather became the opening topic for the news.
A whole week of this constant needing experts to explain the impact of the weather became an obsession with the CNN and other networks. Who would think that the old expression that everyone talks about the weather wold become so true. Here in Oakville there are 400 plus people working at the weather network building which is huge and has been extended several times since it was located here.
Perhaps it is a good thing that people talk about the weather as it takes their mind off of all the ugly like Canada's reporting of the military activity of the air force in Iraq. It was so comical that a Major General was on the CBC reporting on the first two days of activity. Day one there were two Jets in the air which had to be refueled for the four hours of patrolling looking for targets. They landed with all ordinance intact. Day two there were four aircraft in the air and two fighter jets bombed a vital target. They destroyed or caused the bulldozer and two trucks to be useless. Two bombs from each plane were used. These were 500 lb, laser guided, smart bombs at a cost of some $500,000 each. Not to make fun of the air force because they are doing exactly as they are asked but to make their efforts news and exposing the uselessness of this whole plan is surely counter productive.
At present we have 600 plus Canadian military keeping the 9 aircraft in service. The two surveillance aircraft are serving a a platform for the management of all the aircraft and are excellent at what they do. These aircraft also access damage reports on the effectiveness of the coalition bombing missions. The other aircraft is a fuel stop in the air and since Canada's ground support comes from a southern base it is necessary for the Canadians to operate over their patrol responsibility in Northern Iraq.
From weather to war we will see which has the better ratings after a short time. I will bet on the weather.
A whole week of this constant needing experts to explain the impact of the weather became an obsession with the CNN and other networks. Who would think that the old expression that everyone talks about the weather wold become so true. Here in Oakville there are 400 plus people working at the weather network building which is huge and has been extended several times since it was located here.
Perhaps it is a good thing that people talk about the weather as it takes their mind off of all the ugly like Canada's reporting of the military activity of the air force in Iraq. It was so comical that a Major General was on the CBC reporting on the first two days of activity. Day one there were two Jets in the air which had to be refueled for the four hours of patrolling looking for targets. They landed with all ordinance intact. Day two there were four aircraft in the air and two fighter jets bombed a vital target. They destroyed or caused the bulldozer and two trucks to be useless. Two bombs from each plane were used. These were 500 lb, laser guided, smart bombs at a cost of some $500,000 each. Not to make fun of the air force because they are doing exactly as they are asked but to make their efforts news and exposing the uselessness of this whole plan is surely counter productive.
At present we have 600 plus Canadian military keeping the 9 aircraft in service. The two surveillance aircraft are serving a a platform for the management of all the aircraft and are excellent at what they do. These aircraft also access damage reports on the effectiveness of the coalition bombing missions. The other aircraft is a fuel stop in the air and since Canada's ground support comes from a southern base it is necessary for the Canadians to operate over their patrol responsibility in Northern Iraq.
From weather to war we will see which has the better ratings after a short time. I will bet on the weather.
Friday, November 14, 2014
South Carolina Trip
Theresa and I were fortunate in having a short trip to South Carolina for a golfing time and relaxing interlude. The drive down was really good with perfect weather conditions and while we were there the same could be said.We just wanted to get away for a short time and made no plans beforehand.We rented a beautiful condo right on the beach which was fully equipped. Because of the time period the price was fantastic. We had some good golf and time on the beach but the real great thing about our trip was time by ourselves to just relax and eat good seafood.
The people there were well groomed in hospitality and we experienced great service everywhere we went. Theresa loved the shopping at hr favourite stores and I managed to buy a few things myself. For a short time away we did much and loved every minute. On our way home we took a new route up the east coast and experienced one of the best drives ever. It was good to be home to celebrate a couple of B'days on the weekend.
The people there were well groomed in hospitality and we experienced great service everywhere we went. Theresa loved the shopping at hr favourite stores and I managed to buy a few things myself. For a short time away we did much and loved every minute. On our way home we took a new route up the east coast and experienced one of the best drives ever. It was good to be home to celebrate a couple of B'days on the weekend.
Friday, November 7, 2014
Election Fever
We arrived just in time to get a front seat to the mid term elections for Senate, Governor and house representatives.These elections are taken very seriously and there is a dangerous polorization here in the USA. There is the same problem in Canada where the conservative movement with its selfish programs for the rich and large company interests cause terrible gridlock . There is little room for parties to work together for the common good and it is sad to see this occuring. I believe our leadership in Canada tries to mirror the USA and causes a great rift among our more socially conscience members of the Liberal and NDP parties.
The press,radio and TV networks were going non-stop for days and there will be big changes in Washington. We will see those changes in Canada soon afterwords.After seeing this mess here I can just imagine our election later in the new year.
The press,radio and TV networks were going non-stop for days and there will be big changes in Washington. We will see those changes in Canada soon afterwords.After seeing this mess here I can just imagine our election later in the new year.
Myrtle Beach
Therewsa and I decided that the damp ,cool and rainy weather was no good for my arthritis so a trip to somewhere the sun would shine and we could play golf was in order.We drove down a new set of highways and experienced the real South Carolina with its cotton fields an rich farmland.The weather was perfect and traffic at this time of year was practically non existent.
We looked for a place to stay and after looking at several we lucked out with the acceptance of a one bedroom condo. The condo was right on the beach and our sixth floor balcony looked out right down the strip. We played a game of golf without a cart and by the end of the game we felt our work at the gym did little for our sore muscles.By the time we play a few more games we should do better. A golf cart will be in order from now on.
Walking on the beach is Theresa's favourite thing but the loose sand is hard to walk on.We intend to keep as active as possible to make up for the good seafood buffet's that are everywhere.e are only gone for a few days yet it feels like much longer.I am using my idle time completing my third book called 517 Brown. That was the number of our password at the co-op. It could buy everything you needed but of course you had to pay your bill sometime.
We looked for a place to stay and after looking at several we lucked out with the acceptance of a one bedroom condo. The condo was right on the beach and our sixth floor balcony looked out right down the strip. We played a game of golf without a cart and by the end of the game we felt our work at the gym did little for our sore muscles.By the time we play a few more games we should do better. A golf cart will be in order from now on.
Walking on the beach is Theresa's favourite thing but the loose sand is hard to walk on.We intend to keep as active as possible to make up for the good seafood buffet's that are everywhere.e are only gone for a few days yet it feels like much longer.I am using my idle time completing my third book called 517 Brown. That was the number of our password at the co-op. It could buy everything you needed but of course you had to pay your bill sometime.
Saturday, November 1, 2014
Peacekeeping
Canada's 14th prime minister is considered the father of the international, multinational and impartial peacekeeping forces which could be dispatched to parts of the world where the need was apparent. Lester B. Pearson receiver the Nobel Peace Prize 1957 for his efforts called the 'Canadian Resolution" which laid the ground work for United Nations missions.
There are few politicians in Ottawa talking about peacekeeping in far off lands today when they talk of war at home. The peacekeeping philosophy field has been left to the NDP and the Liberals. We were the major force in the UN peacekeeping missions back in the early nineties. In fact in 1995 we had nearly 3500 men wearing the blue beret in several trouble spots and were credited with major success in this field with practically no loss of life and a huge international reputation for our contribution to world stability and peace.
Our military leaders were considered the best of the best in leadership by forming groups made up of men from a multitude of nations. Today we are down to a trickle with 118 people in UN operations and of that group there are 34 military and others. We do make a contribution through our police forces by excellent training programs.
Yesterday the national news reported that our air force was flying over the skies of Iraq and were refuelled by an American plane but their return to base with all weapons unused speaks volumes as there were no targets. The British flyboys report the same thing returning without having any targets. Our 600 man force keeping 2 planes in the sky is costing a huge amount of money and I doubt if it will ever be cost effective. It saddens me to see several million people living in a desert with terrible conditions and we could be of such a vital service in the provision of fresh water and medical services.
There is such a political twist to this mission that it apparent that we as the world leader in peacekeeping fifteen years ago we are now diminished to a level where the UN hardly comes up in conversation because our PM and his foreign policy is completely meshed with and mirrored by the American policy of military force.
There are few politicians in Ottawa talking about peacekeeping in far off lands today when they talk of war at home. The peacekeeping philosophy field has been left to the NDP and the Liberals. We were the major force in the UN peacekeeping missions back in the early nineties. In fact in 1995 we had nearly 3500 men wearing the blue beret in several trouble spots and were credited with major success in this field with practically no loss of life and a huge international reputation for our contribution to world stability and peace.
Our military leaders were considered the best of the best in leadership by forming groups made up of men from a multitude of nations. Today we are down to a trickle with 118 people in UN operations and of that group there are 34 military and others. We do make a contribution through our police forces by excellent training programs.
Yesterday the national news reported that our air force was flying over the skies of Iraq and were refuelled by an American plane but their return to base with all weapons unused speaks volumes as there were no targets. The British flyboys report the same thing returning without having any targets. Our 600 man force keeping 2 planes in the sky is costing a huge amount of money and I doubt if it will ever be cost effective. It saddens me to see several million people living in a desert with terrible conditions and we could be of such a vital service in the provision of fresh water and medical services.
There is such a political twist to this mission that it apparent that we as the world leader in peacekeeping fifteen years ago we are now diminished to a level where the UN hardly comes up in conversation because our PM and his foreign policy is completely meshed with and mirrored by the American policy of military force.
Halloween 2014
Last year Theresa and I entertained 17 spooks on this special evening for children. This year we questioned whether it was worth while to even open the door. However since I carved a pumpkin for the last 55 years I decided to carve two as they were $.88 each at No Frills. I placed them on our door step and waited for the children to come. Doris always likes to see the children in costume so she came for supper and stayed. She told us how important this day was when they were kids.That would be over ninety years ago. I never thought they celebrated way back then.
The evening wore on and still not a child but we could hear some coming. Two dressed up kids appeared at the door and they were cute and polite. Our evening was made. I had a Detroit Red Wings game on but I stayed by the front door. A couple more and all was quiet. Theresa decided to take Doris back home and I was in charge. It was about 8 o'clock.
I went down to my hockey game and Detroit was winning 4 - 0. I was interrupted by the door bell. Eight teen aged kids were there with outstretched arms with bags bulging with goodies. I gave them the bowl and the bowl was no longer full. I returned to the warmth of the fire place and the game and another hit on the doorbell. Four kids and again polite and happy in spite of the rain and cold wind. I decided to stay up by the door and one after the other they came.
Theresa had not returned and our count was now thirty. I found more candies and emptied the boxes into the large tin bowl expecting many more spooks. Two more groups came and our count was 37 a new record for us during the preceding five years . Theresa came home and closed out the lights as there were no more kids on our street but it was a god evening and I loved to see most of the kids with nice costumes and very polite. There was just enough candy left for Theresa to satisfy her sweet tooth so all in all it was a happy Halloween.
The evening wore on and still not a child but we could hear some coming. Two dressed up kids appeared at the door and they were cute and polite. Our evening was made. I had a Detroit Red Wings game on but I stayed by the front door. A couple more and all was quiet. Theresa decided to take Doris back home and I was in charge. It was about 8 o'clock.
I went down to my hockey game and Detroit was winning 4 - 0. I was interrupted by the door bell. Eight teen aged kids were there with outstretched arms with bags bulging with goodies. I gave them the bowl and the bowl was no longer full. I returned to the warmth of the fire place and the game and another hit on the doorbell. Four kids and again polite and happy in spite of the rain and cold wind. I decided to stay up by the door and one after the other they came.
Theresa had not returned and our count was now thirty. I found more candies and emptied the boxes into the large tin bowl expecting many more spooks. Two more groups came and our count was 37 a new record for us during the preceding five years . Theresa came home and closed out the lights as there were no more kids on our street but it was a god evening and I loved to see most of the kids with nice costumes and very polite. There was just enough candy left for Theresa to satisfy her sweet tooth so all in all it was a happy Halloween.
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