Our government has a responsibility to protect our citizens. It is the responsibility of all members of parliament to be involved in the process of law making when it comes to homeland security. This Prime Minister has completely disregards the democratic process when he dictates to the house of commons with a 30% minority on such issues.
This government has taken this security issue as a political snow ball and is running with it with TV adds and political propaganda paid for by the people of Canada. I have never been so upset with a government who have turned the best country in the world to a country which has little positive image with countries where we were once honored.
Where did this war mongering attitude come from? We were the piece keepers of the world and now are fighting on several fronts and about to add the Ukraine to our list. This is all political as we as a war machine are puny compared to Russia, USA, Britain and Germany. Our foreign minister stands well back from the front and bellows with a bull horn but is unable to back up his bravado.
Canada cannot afford to get involved in another away from Canada front. With all the millions the are spending on machines to kill people they could afford to look after our veteran's, provide clean water for our aboriginal people, housing for our homeless and clean up our environment. The prime minister has the power, it is his way and his alone so the responsibility is on his shoulders. The path Canada takes will effect all of us and with him leading we should be very afraid of the path he leads. He is Canada's greatest impediment to restoring our good name in the world. Lets hope his reign will end in the next election before it is too late.
Thursday, February 26, 2015
Moving
Moving from one home to another may seem to be a feat which when done with careful planning and cool packing would be a breeze. Theresa and I have been packing our treasures and down sizing for the past month and are really about to say we are finished. We filled a dumpster, took numerous trips to the Sally Ann and still have some clutter.
Moving is an emotional roller coaster as you are faced with your life through things when packing. That little toy which once entertained junior or the picture from kindergarten which decorated the fridge door and so on. There are little things that bring back images from the past. Sometimes packing a small box takes a long time as you ponder over the handful of photos or a book containing cards or messages that moved you to save them so now you relive that moment.
I am a emotional animal anyway and this packing sure stimulated my softer inner self and it felt real good. It feels rewarding to let your emotional side fly with wild abandon and experience once again those moments that were important in time past and are revived again years later.
We are going to our retirement home and plan to enjoy living on one level for the most part. Yes we will have to find new friends but we will never abandon our time trusted and tested friends from the past. Our new home will look different from this one as we will make changes but my belief is that it will still have that happy, welcoming feeling when someone enters our door. We are moving but taking with us the spirit of our happy family.
Moving is an emotional roller coaster as you are faced with your life through things when packing. That little toy which once entertained junior or the picture from kindergarten which decorated the fridge door and so on. There are little things that bring back images from the past. Sometimes packing a small box takes a long time as you ponder over the handful of photos or a book containing cards or messages that moved you to save them so now you relive that moment.
I am a emotional animal anyway and this packing sure stimulated my softer inner self and it felt real good. It feels rewarding to let your emotional side fly with wild abandon and experience once again those moments that were important in time past and are revived again years later.
We are going to our retirement home and plan to enjoy living on one level for the most part. Yes we will have to find new friends but we will never abandon our time trusted and tested friends from the past. Our new home will look different from this one as we will make changes but my belief is that it will still have that happy, welcoming feeling when someone enters our door. We are moving but taking with us the spirit of our happy family.
Sunday, February 15, 2015
Valentine Day
Once a year we celebrate Valentine Day. Like every special occasion the business interests of the world jump on the bandwagon and commercialize it for profit. The last few trips to the stores shopping for groceries I could not believe how much space was taken up with stacks of candy, stuffed toys and expensive cards all situated to catch the eye of the shopper.
The flower section was the one area that caught my eye and I wondered just how these beautiful flowers got here in the dead of winter. Theresa and I try to keep fresh flowers in our home at all times but yesterday there was such a variety and price range that we settled for the spring tulips which last about two weeks but they have lasted longer.
Valentine Day does cause most people to focus on loved ones and this is a good thing. We sometimes go through a self evaluation and realize that we might have to step up our life a notch to spice up our relationships with family, friends and loved ones. This day in the dead of winter warms up our heart to reach out and renew commitments made in the past.
In spite of the commercialization I think Valentine Day is pretty well ok.
The flower section was the one area that caught my eye and I wondered just how these beautiful flowers got here in the dead of winter. Theresa and I try to keep fresh flowers in our home at all times but yesterday there was such a variety and price range that we settled for the spring tulips which last about two weeks but they have lasted longer.
Valentine Day does cause most people to focus on loved ones and this is a good thing. We sometimes go through a self evaluation and realize that we might have to step up our life a notch to spice up our relationships with family, friends and loved ones. This day in the dead of winter warms up our heart to reach out and renew commitments made in the past.
In spite of the commercialization I think Valentine Day is pretty well ok.
Cool Weather
This morning the weather man tells us that it is -42. The sun is shining and it appears to be a normal winter day but the wind betrays the sunshine and within minutes of experiencing the outdoors you realize just how cool it really is. While in the high Arctic I experienced very cold weather but we dressed for the environment.
Rarely did we worry about the cold even when with the wind factor the temperature dropped to -60 or colder. Only the exposed skin areas had to be protected. Our outer wear was designed to keep us warm and if you had to brave the outdoors you prepared for the cold. The first lesson you learned when living in the true north was to plan for the worst. A short walk could cause frostbite if you did not cover the body properly. Ears, hands and feet were readily available to the intense frost but simple precautions could keep you safe.
I used Inuit protection for hands and feet. Wolfe mittens were amazing and mukluks with warm socks were a guarantee that you would be OK. The face was open to the elements so the hood on your coat could be extended providing dead air space and some protection. Goggles were mandatory when travelling on a snow machine.
The one rule in the north to keep warm was to never exert oneself to bring on a sweat. Moisture next to the skin can cause tragic results as it causes you to lose body heat. There were some underclothes available which protected you from this problem. As a white person in the north you learn how to adjust to the environment by watching and learning from the Inuit. They were successful in that place for 10,000 years.
Rarely did we worry about the cold even when with the wind factor the temperature dropped to -60 or colder. Only the exposed skin areas had to be protected. Our outer wear was designed to keep us warm and if you had to brave the outdoors you prepared for the cold. The first lesson you learned when living in the true north was to plan for the worst. A short walk could cause frostbite if you did not cover the body properly. Ears, hands and feet were readily available to the intense frost but simple precautions could keep you safe.
I used Inuit protection for hands and feet. Wolfe mittens were amazing and mukluks with warm socks were a guarantee that you would be OK. The face was open to the elements so the hood on your coat could be extended providing dead air space and some protection. Goggles were mandatory when travelling on a snow machine.
The one rule in the north to keep warm was to never exert oneself to bring on a sweat. Moisture next to the skin can cause tragic results as it causes you to lose body heat. There were some underclothes available which protected you from this problem. As a white person in the north you learn how to adjust to the environment by watching and learning from the Inuit. They were successful in that place for 10,000 years.
Tuesday, February 10, 2015
Arctic Blues
In the high Arctic this season causes many people to become blue and some right down sick because of the lack of sunshine. In days gone by the Inuit were usually tucked in their cozy igloos and finding ways to pass the time. The children and adults played games that could be played in a confined space. String games were popular and Inuit children are magical when it comes to string games.
Shadow performances were also popular and some Inuit were able to use the light and hands to portray even action scenes. More physical games were played where strength and endurance was needed to partake. These games are still included in the annual Arctic Inuit Games.
During these long winter days and weeks the Inuit women used their sewing abilities to make clothes and footwear for the family. The men made fishing and hunting gear and if they had time carving was one of the favorite pastimes. Inuit are gifted carvers and they use multi media to express their talents. Ivory, bone, antlers and horns and various types of stone are all considered fair media for their craft. Good carvers look at a stone and are able to visualize something beautiful inside it and have the ability to release that beauty in the form of a valuable and beautiful pieces of art.
Around the end of February there becomes a restlessness among the Inuit. They feel the urge to get out on the land and try their luck at ice fishing and trapping the Arctic fox and other animals. The darkness holds no fear for the good hunters and trappers who travel the land even in the dead of winter. White people often have difficulty with the long stretches of darkness but I was fortunate in being busy and not impacted by natures long dark season.
People begin looking south to get a slight showing of light that will eventually begin the spring season. It will be a time of rejoicing and celebrating. In Ikaluktutiak this celebration was called the Omingmak Frolics.
Shadow performances were also popular and some Inuit were able to use the light and hands to portray even action scenes. More physical games were played where strength and endurance was needed to partake. These games are still included in the annual Arctic Inuit Games.
During these long winter days and weeks the Inuit women used their sewing abilities to make clothes and footwear for the family. The men made fishing and hunting gear and if they had time carving was one of the favorite pastimes. Inuit are gifted carvers and they use multi media to express their talents. Ivory, bone, antlers and horns and various types of stone are all considered fair media for their craft. Good carvers look at a stone and are able to visualize something beautiful inside it and have the ability to release that beauty in the form of a valuable and beautiful pieces of art.
Around the end of February there becomes a restlessness among the Inuit. They feel the urge to get out on the land and try their luck at ice fishing and trapping the Arctic fox and other animals. The darkness holds no fear for the good hunters and trappers who travel the land even in the dead of winter. White people often have difficulty with the long stretches of darkness but I was fortunate in being busy and not impacted by natures long dark season.
People begin looking south to get a slight showing of light that will eventually begin the spring season. It will be a time of rejoicing and celebrating. In Ikaluktutiak this celebration was called the Omingmak Frolics.
Tiresome Ritual
Selling your house in a market that has set rules about just how you go about making the greatest impact on the buyer is a pain. Perhaps it would not be too bad if you were not living in the house for sale but since we are there are hardship to be endured.
Theresa and I know how to play the game by now but it is stressful. Every morning we get our home all organized or staged and await that call from the agent. Usually the times are allotted in one hour segments and often there are overlapping visitations. We have to decide what we should do during the times as we are expected to be away from the home to give free hand to the agent to spin their magic.
We usually go shopping, drive around the neighbourhood or visit family. Calls come at all hours and we are constantly on alert for the next buyer. It is a necessary ritual and agents have an important role to play in the process. Good agents keep you informed and try to keep you on an even keel as some offers are downright ridiculous. In the end it turns out well as once there is a proper offer the agent and your lawyer do all the work and you can relax because you have sold your home.
Theresa and I know how to play the game by now but it is stressful. Every morning we get our home all organized or staged and await that call from the agent. Usually the times are allotted in one hour segments and often there are overlapping visitations. We have to decide what we should do during the times as we are expected to be away from the home to give free hand to the agent to spin their magic.
We usually go shopping, drive around the neighbourhood or visit family. Calls come at all hours and we are constantly on alert for the next buyer. It is a necessary ritual and agents have an important role to play in the process. Good agents keep you informed and try to keep you on an even keel as some offers are downright ridiculous. In the end it turns out well as once there is a proper offer the agent and your lawyer do all the work and you can relax because you have sold your home.
Sunday, February 8, 2015
Not Making The Trip
I began skating and playing hockey before 1940. In 1991 I hung up the skates as I began to share my time in Florida and there was little chance of playing hockey there. For old times sake I kept my hockey gear and when I moved it always came along just in case. Well, this time I shall say goodbye to this old, musty, smelly paraphernalia and leave it behind.
I shall trade it in for another helmet as Theresa and I ride our bikes. I will trade it in for my fishing rods as well and I will not need the helmet while fishing but I have a great interest in deep sea fishing and these activities will erase the need for hockey. Theresa and I plan to try to get back skating with the seniors and I have motivation as my friends John and Doug still lace up their skates and show their ability to stay topside.
Probably if I try to regain some ability to skate they will start me with the old chair trick. At least I will have a place to rest if I get tired.
I shall trade it in for another helmet as Theresa and I ride our bikes. I will trade it in for my fishing rods as well and I will not need the helmet while fishing but I have a great interest in deep sea fishing and these activities will erase the need for hockey. Theresa and I plan to try to get back skating with the seniors and I have motivation as my friends John and Doug still lace up their skates and show their ability to stay topside.
Probably if I try to regain some ability to skate they will start me with the old chair trick. At least I will have a place to rest if I get tired.
Wednesday, February 4, 2015
Canada's Anti-terror Bill C-51
Canada
CSIS is Canada's secret service which was supposed to be an information gathering service which would not be actively involved in policing. The information they gleaned from their work would be turned over to the RCMP and they would act according to the laws of the land. There was a five person oversight committee which reported to parliament once a year.
This new legislation is not needed in its present form as it turns CSIS into a secret service with far reaching powers which strips us of our civil rights and invades our privacy which we thought we had under the charter of rights. This bill-51 would give 17 security agencies access to any information in any government department on any Canadian. It also gives CSIS permission to engage in unconstitutional dirty and illegal tricks.
It is interesting that the real opposition to this bill comes from the Green Party with Elizabeth May leading the charge. She indicated that we are getting closer to a secret service police force and we all know what leads too. We should be concerned that innocent people could be jailed or house arrested
without ever being charged with a crime. We all know that stripping a persons liberty where no crime has been committed or suspected runs counter to our most basic principals of fundamental justice.
There is too much in this bill-51 to evaluate here in a blog but as the voices of Canadians who study this bill will speak and write but will not be heard by this Conservative government. Would it not be Canadian for all parties to be able to massage this bill to make it friendly to everyone and have unanimous consent for the safety of all people?
This bill is so politicized that opposition parties are afraid to voice their opinion less they be labeled as weak on terrorism. What a shame that our weak -kneed opposition will let this bill slide through without proper scrutiny.
CSIS is Canada's secret service which was supposed to be an information gathering service which would not be actively involved in policing. The information they gleaned from their work would be turned over to the RCMP and they would act according to the laws of the land. There was a five person oversight committee which reported to parliament once a year.
This new legislation is not needed in its present form as it turns CSIS into a secret service with far reaching powers which strips us of our civil rights and invades our privacy which we thought we had under the charter of rights. This bill-51 would give 17 security agencies access to any information in any government department on any Canadian. It also gives CSIS permission to engage in unconstitutional dirty and illegal tricks.
It is interesting that the real opposition to this bill comes from the Green Party with Elizabeth May leading the charge. She indicated that we are getting closer to a secret service police force and we all know what leads too. We should be concerned that innocent people could be jailed or house arrested
without ever being charged with a crime. We all know that stripping a persons liberty where no crime has been committed or suspected runs counter to our most basic principals of fundamental justice.
There is too much in this bill-51 to evaluate here in a blog but as the voices of Canadians who study this bill will speak and write but will not be heard by this Conservative government. Would it not be Canadian for all parties to be able to massage this bill to make it friendly to everyone and have unanimous consent for the safety of all people?
This bill is so politicized that opposition parties are afraid to voice their opinion less they be labeled as weak on terrorism. What a shame that our weak -kneed opposition will let this bill slide through without proper scrutiny.
John Baird
John Baird has turned the corner at age 45. He was one of the youngest and most powerful men in Ontario and Canada as he crafted his political career around service to his party and country. He was always a right wing Tory and lived every one of his 20 years in politics espousing the virtues of his ideology and used his bullhorn tactics to make his point.
You never needed to wonder what he was thinking as he was vocal about everything that confronted him with energy and honesty. His only problem as our ambassador to the world was that even he was held to a party line by the Harper doctrine.
I wonder how he might have been if he was unshackled and permitted to truly express his feelings. I had a hard time accepting his stand on the Middle East where he portrayed a hard and fast stand about issues concerning Israel when he should have shown some balance especially with the Palestine issue.
I wish him well and wonder why he left in such a hurry until I realized he did have a family and a variety of other options to explore and he left at the top of his game. We should always be kind to people who give their life to their profession and John Baird is only 45.He has many years to follow his dreams in other fields and can look back at 20 years of service to Canada .
You never needed to wonder what he was thinking as he was vocal about everything that confronted him with energy and honesty. His only problem as our ambassador to the world was that even he was held to a party line by the Harper doctrine.
I wonder how he might have been if he was unshackled and permitted to truly express his feelings. I had a hard time accepting his stand on the Middle East where he portrayed a hard and fast stand about issues concerning Israel when he should have shown some balance especially with the Palestine issue.
I wish him well and wonder why he left in such a hurry until I realized he did have a family and a variety of other options to explore and he left at the top of his game. We should always be kind to people who give their life to their profession and John Baird is only 45.He has many years to follow his dreams in other fields and can look back at 20 years of service to Canada .
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)