Tuesday, June 30, 2015

Five Years After

The G 20 was a huge date to remember in our social history. It was the event which spelled out in plain language just how our rights as a Canadian Citizen can be walked over by a government and police force that takes orders from political leaders who are determined to subject us to rules and laws that undermine our Charter of Rights.

It was this government who orchestrated that horrible mess by having a meeting in Toronto against every sensible idea presented and then turned their police and armed forces against the people . During that 48 hours there were more Canadians arrested without charges, more violence by police and more laws broken by the police than any time in our history.

How quickly we forget. Bill 51 has been pushed through by this sad PM and his puppets against every sober statement against such an undertaking. We never needed Bill 51 five years ago and look what happened. Now with laws making it legal and lawful for police and government agencies to break the Charter of Rights we are all in danger of arrest without charges and similar acts because we do not agree with policies presented by the government and are denied free expression of  lawful demonstrations.

This view may be a little extreme but look at the total bill and read the fine print and see for yourself  just how self serving this Bill is for right wing conservatives. Across the world right wing radicals have caused a tremendous upheaval and our government is attempting to wipe out liberalism (small l) and in doing so make Canada a conservative thinking country. October will be when that question is answered.

Sunday, June 28, 2015

Women in Politics

Women are playing a leading role in the world of politics. It has been a welcome sign to see the number of women who are winning the nominations for their party. The NDP  lead the way with a huge number of members already elected and with the federal election coming in October there probably be close to an equal number of men and women. The Liberal Party is next and the Conservatives come a distant third.

Women who lead their country are few in number but those who are elected play a strong leadership role in the world . It was not long ago the women did not even have the right to vote but now the emerging leadership in every aspect of society brings us to believe that women will soon share equally with men in every part of society.

Sports play a role in freeing up women's rights and the soccer contest being held here in Canada makes our young people aware that it is no longer a men's world but a shared domain .There are still parts of the world where women and girls are treated like property but changes are being made and our hope is that through education there will be a time not too far in the future when we will all be equal.

The USA has made a declaration the for the first time same sex marriage is law and Canada is celebrating Pride week which has implications regarding human rights.Canada is a leader in many aspects of rights and embeds them in law. The world is a better place when everyone is equal under the law and we respect our differences .  

Tuesday, June 23, 2015

Canadian Girls Shine

I have always felt that soccer was a game for all people when I was principal of my schools. It was inexpensive to run as a team game, gave great emphasis on fitness and required great teamwork to be successful as a competitive sport.
More and more schools are using this sport as their main emphasis and are being encouraged to do so on a national basis. The Canadian ladies team is playing in front of crowds of spectators numbering in the thousands. Their fitness level and dedication to the game is causing we as a nation to become involved.
With Canada sponsoring the world championships here and spreading the games to be played in cities from coast to coast there has become an awareness like never before. It is great for everyone to see that we are able to play at a world level and maybe get in or near the championship level.
We are able to compete at more than hockey.

Monday, June 22, 2015

Fathers Day

I always look forward to Father's Day as it affords another connection to family. Now that the family is spreading out it is difficult if not possible for everyone to get together.It is still a time where some of us are able to share some time on this day,
 This year I was invited to Glenda's for brunch and Lynda and Peter were able to make it as well. Theresa and I shared a great breakfast with all my favourite morning foods and some stories of past days as well. I have fond memories of my Father as I was fortunate to have him for many years before he passed away. Dad was an athlete and when you put a pair of skates on him he could do very well up until his eighties. My brothers marveled at his strength and agility and he was never tired. He could work all day in the coal mine and work another shift at home doing what he really loved to do. His favourite time was in his garage fixing something or making some needed items for the home.



Many people never have the opportunity to share those kind of years with their father but we in our family did and it left a lasting impression on each of us. My younger brother Melvyn seems to be the one who is most like Dad and you could understand that if you saw his home where he has made many improvements and gadgets just like my father.

Well the special day is over and I can say it was a good one and I can look forward to next years special day for Dad's.


Sunday, June 14, 2015

Rabbit Invasion

When I was planting my small garden everyone told me not to bother as there were rabbits about. I overlooked their advice and planted as usual. The garden flourished and everything grew faster than I expected. I saw the occasional rabbit in the creek area behind my house but none bothered my garden.

One day I saw three rabbits in the yard and they seemed to be assessing the growth of the Swiss chard and green tops of the carrots and vanished when I went outside. Every day since there are rabbits in the garden. Probably because they are so cute I cannot get too excited but what really upset me was the sighting of baby rabbits. These little ones were as large as a fist and were playing on the patio. Unaware of my presence they provided me with some pleasure. They never approached the garden but seemed to enjoy the running about the patio furniture. They left by running under the fence to the safety of the long grass in the field.

Shortly after the parents came and with mouths full of garden leaves could have cleared half of the growth had I not scared them away.I just have to go with the flow and hope they leave enough of the garden for me to enjoy. Tomato plants are not their favorite so at least there is one saving grace.





Wednesday, June 3, 2015

Canadian House of Commons

The House of Commons was established in England years ago to give the common people a say in what happens in their country. Up until then the House of Lords and the Monarch ruled with divine right. The power of the people eventually fell to the House of Commons and decisions were formally acclaimed with the signing by the head of state.

The idea of the elected members being given the right to speak and openly make their views known brought forth a democratic system which worked for many years.Today the House of Commons still has those rights but for any member to share power he or she must do as directed by the party whip. At the present day question period has become a terrible scene where important questions asked by members in a serious manner are just read a scripted answer.

I cannot imagine how it must feel to be hand cuffed to the point where government ministers are unable to answer questions honestly and further the discussion in a meaningful way unless they follow the Prime Ministers script. It is no wonder that government members are indicating their decision to resign and not run for office in the upcoming election. Over thirty members already have announced and more to come including key cabinet ministers about deserting the sinking ship.

Let us hope that the PM gets the message and announces his retirement as well. There must be a return to a democratic process and the freedom of all elected members to share their wisdom in the service to their electors and the country as a whole. Canada will then once more be called a free democratic country.