Yesterday I saw on the TV a scene that I thought I would never see in a Canadian city. I saw a troubled youth {18 yrs old} being shot by police . This youth was alone in the street car and did not appear to be endangering anyone but himself when he was confronted by several police.
He clearly had a small pocket knife and was holding it close to his chest, and he was standing away from everyone.. I expected the police to talk to him and see what the problem was. No...they yelled at him to drop the knife..then to not move. The boy was afraid of something but we will never know. One or more of the police there to protect us shot the boy. Not once to disarm him , but three times. There was a 20 second break and then six more shots rang out. A teaser was used and the many police entered the streetcar and stormed the youth.
After doing their best to kill him they tried to save him.I was shocked, angered and totally ashamed of our finest at this moment. Police should be trained to isolate and talk a decision to save the boy,instead one or more shot this boy in cold blood. Where was the threat to the life of a policeman or the public? Where was there a move by this boy to indicate that he would harm anyone ? He released everyone from the bus, he allowed the driver to leave. Where did we hear a police officer say word to assure the boy that all could be OK if he just settled down and asked what was troubling him.
Disgust was the feeling I felt as I have been and still hold a great deal of respect for the police in general but with a hoard of cops present did no one of the many police come forward to help and not hurt this sick youth?
Perhaps there was a few, but there were a lot of drawn weapons against a pocket knife. I recently attended a graduation of sorts in Pembroke where I was a guest of honour. 22 young and old police officers were inducted into the OPP and many were my former students. I stood tall and proud. In talking to some of them after the ceremony I asked the eldest of the group who was about to retire and asked him if he ever had to shoot at anyone. "Hell no", he said "I never had to take my gun from my holster"; a kinder environment and a more understanding policeman.
We shall all look on to see just where the justice system deals with this mess. I trust better than the police charged after the G20.
Showing posts with label human rights. Show all posts
Showing posts with label human rights. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Thursday, July 18, 2013
Years of Pain and Suffering
During the years I lived in the Arctic I listened to horror stories about student abuse in the residential schools set up by the Canadian Government. Some of the stories were so painful that people would believe that they were made up by the students.It was not only the Inuit who were involved but a much large group of aboriginal peoples who made up the First Nations spread all across northern Canada.
We now hear from the government itself that systematic starvation of our native children who were in the governments care for the purpose of studies on nutrition. Living on half rations and being deprived of needed vitamins these students were studied for a decade little knowing what was happening and without their consent.
When people came up north to visit me I sometimes took them to a place called starvation cove where many Inuit died of starvation as the Federal government did little to provide food for a village who suffered a terrible tragedy when the caribou and fish never provided the needed food for the winter.
These and other events did not take place hundreds of years ago but during the forties and fifties, The latest revelation about the diet for the students is probably one of the sadist as the people working on this government sponsored experiment all knew it was wrong, These young people were treated like guinea pigs for research. These people were considered less than other Canadians and as such they thought that here was a perfect laboratory for their study. A closed society and a controlled society. Shame on the government of the day who permitted this terrible crime on an innocent and powerless society. I trust that this information will cause much food for thought and we will focus on solutions to correct our double standard when it comes to aboriginal rights and living standards.
We now hear from the government itself that systematic starvation of our native children who were in the governments care for the purpose of studies on nutrition. Living on half rations and being deprived of needed vitamins these students were studied for a decade little knowing what was happening and without their consent.
When people came up north to visit me I sometimes took them to a place called starvation cove where many Inuit died of starvation as the Federal government did little to provide food for a village who suffered a terrible tragedy when the caribou and fish never provided the needed food for the winter.
These and other events did not take place hundreds of years ago but during the forties and fifties, The latest revelation about the diet for the students is probably one of the sadist as the people working on this government sponsored experiment all knew it was wrong, These young people were treated like guinea pigs for research. These people were considered less than other Canadians and as such they thought that here was a perfect laboratory for their study. A closed society and a controlled society. Shame on the government of the day who permitted this terrible crime on an innocent and powerless society. I trust that this information will cause much food for thought and we will focus on solutions to correct our double standard when it comes to aboriginal rights and living standards.
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Womens' Rights at Stake
With Mr. Beard's chairmanship of a vital world health organization we should be concerned about his leadership. Already he has blocked the ability of women to have needed post-rape and sexual abuse care because of his penchant of putting his personal beliefs ahead of the women's needs.
It took years to put in place women's needs in countries where their rights had been diminished by becoming victims of war. In many of these countries rape and abuse is often used as a weapon of war and post rape and abuse cases required post trauma medical care. This required contraception and abortion education and medical services.
According to a recent report, our representative on the committee has been flaunting his personal agenda, but not the feelings of Canadians as a whole much, to the disdain of member countries who require these services and always looked to Canada as a strong supporter on women's issues.
On the world stage Canada has been a leader in aiding countries experiencing conflicts in Africa and this role is now under close scrutiny by member nations. Canada's role in the area of controlling and treating HIV victims will surely be hampered as well.
Although we as a country do not support the stand of our member on the world organization you can be sure the ultra right conservatives in the government see this as another move to making Canada look like a right wing entity and the fallout will come home to us through policies of the present government in the near future.
Our country should do everything possible to help the women of the world who require our aid by taking a positive leadership role such as the leadership of Stephen Lewis. He personally has taken on the leadership in supporting women's rights and is recognized as the world voice for needs in Africa.
It took years to put in place women's needs in countries where their rights had been diminished by becoming victims of war. In many of these countries rape and abuse is often used as a weapon of war and post rape and abuse cases required post trauma medical care. This required contraception and abortion education and medical services.
According to a recent report, our representative on the committee has been flaunting his personal agenda, but not the feelings of Canadians as a whole much, to the disdain of member countries who require these services and always looked to Canada as a strong supporter on women's issues.
On the world stage Canada has been a leader in aiding countries experiencing conflicts in Africa and this role is now under close scrutiny by member nations. Canada's role in the area of controlling and treating HIV victims will surely be hampered as well.
Although we as a country do not support the stand of our member on the world organization you can be sure the ultra right conservatives in the government see this as another move to making Canada look like a right wing entity and the fallout will come home to us through policies of the present government in the near future.
Our country should do everything possible to help the women of the world who require our aid by taking a positive leadership role such as the leadership of Stephen Lewis. He personally has taken on the leadership in supporting women's rights and is recognized as the world voice for needs in Africa.
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Rambling Thoughts
There are so many stories out there in the news today that it is hard to imagine so many negatives exist. The news media wish to sell its product and so pick up the flashy stories about crime and violence. International news is usually about violence and wars with ordinary people suffering. Few people trust our leaders and fewer people believe that governments work for the ordinary citizens.
The United Nations has lost its power because the big 8 power nations act outside the jurisdiction of the UN charter whenever it's not in its interest. When the charter was signed it appeared at that time we would have a world sanctioning body prepared to monitor the affairs of the worlds nations and settle differences that would arise from time to time. Lester B Pearson was one of the great leaders and made considerable impact by establishing the Blue Beret Peace Keeping Force.
The super powers have hi-jacked the UN by having veto power and right today the UN is unable to act against Syria because three of the super powers will not let it happen because it is against its national interest. The democratic process is followed to some degree but when some nations have greater power than others the system fails.
There are so many hot button issues in the world today that it is impossible to act on them as there are divides in the UN and the idea of a world police force is far removed from the UN charter. The UN is effective in providing aid to countries suffering disasters such as the one in Haiti. Even there the flow of relief was slow and mainly ineffective. In African countries where warring populations are in conflict and horrible acts are regularly carried out the UN has no ability to correct the situation.
In spite of all the mess it feels great to live in Canada.
The United Nations has lost its power because the big 8 power nations act outside the jurisdiction of the UN charter whenever it's not in its interest. When the charter was signed it appeared at that time we would have a world sanctioning body prepared to monitor the affairs of the worlds nations and settle differences that would arise from time to time. Lester B Pearson was one of the great leaders and made considerable impact by establishing the Blue Beret Peace Keeping Force.
The super powers have hi-jacked the UN by having veto power and right today the UN is unable to act against Syria because three of the super powers will not let it happen because it is against its national interest. The democratic process is followed to some degree but when some nations have greater power than others the system fails.
There are so many hot button issues in the world today that it is impossible to act on them as there are divides in the UN and the idea of a world police force is far removed from the UN charter. The UN is effective in providing aid to countries suffering disasters such as the one in Haiti. Even there the flow of relief was slow and mainly ineffective. In African countries where warring populations are in conflict and horrible acts are regularly carried out the UN has no ability to correct the situation.
In spite of all the mess it feels great to live in Canada.
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Minister Raitt
Nobody likes a strike, specially if it impacts them. During the past months the government has intervened in the labour movement in a way like no other government ever dared to do. In the name of economic growth and stability, this government has once again stepped in and taken away the working man's right to fair negotiations and protection of his wages, health benefits, and pension. The right to strike was always meant to be the last resort in labour negotiations, but if corporations realize that the government is going to side with them, the need for true negotiations is negated.
Minister Raitt has been in the front line for this government trampling the rights of the working people and will be rewarded. What she has done is wipe out a century old right for workers to strike when all else fails. I realize many people are anti-union but our country would be a lesser place were it not for the men and women who made gains for the workers against tremendous odds. This government is embarking on a policy of feeding the corporations and the rich with their policies, and watch the fallout from the real plan for EI. This program is being sold as a program to help unemployed people to get work. That is the selling point. The real plan is for corporations to be able to bring foreign workers into our labour force at wages far below the union rates.
This legislation will bring the government into the position of placing workers in jobs where they will have to accept wages at 30% less than their usual rate. Sounds good and looks good on paper if you are not one of the workers involved.
We hope that the government will get out of the business of labour bashing and start serving the country by helping the working class, and not only the rich and powerful.
Minister Raitt has been in the front line for this government trampling the rights of the working people and will be rewarded. What she has done is wipe out a century old right for workers to strike when all else fails. I realize many people are anti-union but our country would be a lesser place were it not for the men and women who made gains for the workers against tremendous odds. This government is embarking on a policy of feeding the corporations and the rich with their policies, and watch the fallout from the real plan for EI. This program is being sold as a program to help unemployed people to get work. That is the selling point. The real plan is for corporations to be able to bring foreign workers into our labour force at wages far below the union rates.
This legislation will bring the government into the position of placing workers in jobs where they will have to accept wages at 30% less than their usual rate. Sounds good and looks good on paper if you are not one of the workers involved.
We hope that the government will get out of the business of labour bashing and start serving the country by helping the working class, and not only the rich and powerful.
Sunday, May 27, 2012
End of May
As May fades into the past and June bursts forth with all the energy that mother nature can give I feel like there is a need to become activated and energized once more. May has been a difficult month emotionally and this usually causes me to rev up the engines and bring peace to my troubled mind. There are so many events that impact me least of which are the problems I see with our country.
Personal events strengthen a person and leave you counting your blessings, but events on the larger scale frustrate people because as one person there is very little you can accomplish. The last few years have been difficult ones for many countries and the endless bloodshed in the middle east has been nothing less than tragic.
Reading the accounts of the world issues makes us who live in Canada appreciate our own true safe and abundant life style. Even with this in mind there are 200,000 homeless people, close to the same number living in homes without clean water and healthy food. Children who if not nurtured in an atmosphere conducive to a proper Canadian life will become our next generation of needy and unemployed persons.
With so much to be done we have a government who believe that the balanced budget is the most important issue. It is an important goal but care of its citizens must be the top priority. Many people never see the poverty first hand but if you walk the streets of our major cities or observe the activity at our food banks you see the face of poverty - of poor, needy people.
We now take for granted that the poor will be looked after by handouts from volunteer organizations and government can dismiss their obligations and look the other way. One United Nations observer was invited to look at the poverty of many Canadian people, particularly our First Nations, and when he made his report he was loudly and publicly criticized in open session of parliament. His report stated that he could not understand how one of the wealthiest nations in the world would have such a problem of providing food and care for its people.
I feel very strongly about how our government looks after the elderly, handicapped, homeless and the needy. Looking at this as a criteria for the health of our democracy shows that we have much to be thankful for, but much to be desired as well.
Personal events strengthen a person and leave you counting your blessings, but events on the larger scale frustrate people because as one person there is very little you can accomplish. The last few years have been difficult ones for many countries and the endless bloodshed in the middle east has been nothing less than tragic.
Reading the accounts of the world issues makes us who live in Canada appreciate our own true safe and abundant life style. Even with this in mind there are 200,000 homeless people, close to the same number living in homes without clean water and healthy food. Children who if not nurtured in an atmosphere conducive to a proper Canadian life will become our next generation of needy and unemployed persons.
With so much to be done we have a government who believe that the balanced budget is the most important issue. It is an important goal but care of its citizens must be the top priority. Many people never see the poverty first hand but if you walk the streets of our major cities or observe the activity at our food banks you see the face of poverty - of poor, needy people.
We now take for granted that the poor will be looked after by handouts from volunteer organizations and government can dismiss their obligations and look the other way. One United Nations observer was invited to look at the poverty of many Canadian people, particularly our First Nations, and when he made his report he was loudly and publicly criticized in open session of parliament. His report stated that he could not understand how one of the wealthiest nations in the world would have such a problem of providing food and care for its people.
I feel very strongly about how our government looks after the elderly, handicapped, homeless and the needy. Looking at this as a criteria for the health of our democracy shows that we have much to be thankful for, but much to be desired as well.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Post Xmas Let Down
Every year is the same, there is a rush to commercialize Xmas as businesses receive a huge percentage of their revenue over the month of deficit buying. Immediately after Xmas there is a rush to close marginal profit shops and with the new year there is tax and budget concerns - so the big let down. Only this week we saw huge layoffs of municipal workers, lockouts at plants, closures of call centers and rumours of massive unemployment because of the need for balanced budgets.
I am not sure that the world is as bad as it appears in the press but the Fifth Estate seems to seek and print every negative aspect of our society. There is a war on unions and the working people who depend on these institutions to defend themselves against big business are being ignored by the government who today sees these unions as the enemy.
Only a couple of decades ago one could expect to be hired by a company that provided reasonable living conditions and a pension at the end of service, but today unless you are hired by one level of government or another you are probably fresh out of luck. It is rather peculiar that government that today are not protecting the working people of the country have set up some of the very best safety nets for themselves and their workers. Conservatives here and in the USA will do everything to protect big business and even offer huge subsidies to big oil and international companies, and leave the middle class to fend for themselves. Just watch and see how our government will react to the pipelines and watch how these multi-national, foreign owned companies will get legislation to aid them in their bid to transport oil over sensitive environmentally pristine land, to provide oil for China.
The government should be right out there protecting the rights of the people who live in these areas. Why is the government always on the side of big business? Because there is the notion that these powerful companies provide large numbers of employment. Big business only employ people when it is profitable and the moment that any aspect of the business reflects on the bottom profit line they are gone. Interesting that many, if not most, of the multi-nationals pay little or no taxes to Canada. Most have off-shore offices in tax sheltered jurisdictions.
I watched one labour story in London Ontario where Caterpillar International has locked out its hundreds of workers. This plant operated as a profitable Canadian firm for years building excellent locomotives under a branch of GE. The workers were skilled and made nearly $30 an hour with benefits. The CAT Co. bought this Canadian company and locked out the workers because the union would not accept a cut in wages and salaries, benefits and pensions earned and won over the years. They were offered one half their origional package in a take it or leave it offer. Watch what happens and observe who our government will support in this mess.
Canada is losing its middle class and unions and other workers organizations deserve our consideration, as they were the ones who fought for and gained the standard of living we used to have. I was an educator for many years and our federation gave us respect and living conditions from which we now benefit. Let us hope that 2012 will be a year for the working class and the ordinary people of America. (Canada-USA).
I am not sure that the world is as bad as it appears in the press but the Fifth Estate seems to seek and print every negative aspect of our society. There is a war on unions and the working people who depend on these institutions to defend themselves against big business are being ignored by the government who today sees these unions as the enemy.
Only a couple of decades ago one could expect to be hired by a company that provided reasonable living conditions and a pension at the end of service, but today unless you are hired by one level of government or another you are probably fresh out of luck. It is rather peculiar that government that today are not protecting the working people of the country have set up some of the very best safety nets for themselves and their workers. Conservatives here and in the USA will do everything to protect big business and even offer huge subsidies to big oil and international companies, and leave the middle class to fend for themselves. Just watch and see how our government will react to the pipelines and watch how these multi-national, foreign owned companies will get legislation to aid them in their bid to transport oil over sensitive environmentally pristine land, to provide oil for China.
The government should be right out there protecting the rights of the people who live in these areas. Why is the government always on the side of big business? Because there is the notion that these powerful companies provide large numbers of employment. Big business only employ people when it is profitable and the moment that any aspect of the business reflects on the bottom profit line they are gone. Interesting that many, if not most, of the multi-nationals pay little or no taxes to Canada. Most have off-shore offices in tax sheltered jurisdictions.
I watched one labour story in London Ontario where Caterpillar International has locked out its hundreds of workers. This plant operated as a profitable Canadian firm for years building excellent locomotives under a branch of GE. The workers were skilled and made nearly $30 an hour with benefits. The CAT Co. bought this Canadian company and locked out the workers because the union would not accept a cut in wages and salaries, benefits and pensions earned and won over the years. They were offered one half their origional package in a take it or leave it offer. Watch what happens and observe who our government will support in this mess.
Canada is losing its middle class and unions and other workers organizations deserve our consideration, as they were the ones who fought for and gained the standard of living we used to have. I was an educator for many years and our federation gave us respect and living conditions from which we now benefit. Let us hope that 2012 will be a year for the working class and the ordinary people of America. (Canada-USA).
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Oil, Greed, Life, Freedom
Rarely has there been such a clear picture of the western societies greed for money through oil as right now. America and its allies have propped up ugly dictators for years to protect the billionaires who control the energy of the world. We always hear the excuse that their actions are in the name of national interest. #@#@#%$^%. It is national interest for sure, national interest meaning the multinational oil companies having their cheap oil for profit.
The scam is always the same. Find a person who can control the country by whatever means necessary.Prop him up with a supply of arms to be used to control the people and give him a bundle of money without care to see that the money will be used to give the residents a better life. A better life like having a share in government, maybe even a vote. Provide essential services like health care, housing and education and a security system where law and order Publish Postmake it safe. Sound familiar, well look at Iraq, Panama, Honduras, Egypt, Vietnam, Libya, Saudi Arabia and a dozen other countries. These were not our friends and we were not defending freedom but protecting the oil interests.
We get so sick when we hear and see the pictures of our public leaders playing up to these evil people such as Libya's famous evil sons being met by our top officials, when we know full well that the result will be making them more powerful and more respected in the global society. Case in point - a few years ago American leadership turned a blind eye to conditions in Libya knowing full well about the evil perpetrated against Libyan citizens. Shortly after the pictures and hugging, American oil giants began developing the oil resources of that country. Monies transferred to Libya could have given a better life to the people but most if not all went into the coffers of the dictator. Libya then bought arms and ammunition as well as sniper rifles to control its people. A great deal!!!
I could go on and site a dozen such deals over the last years but you get the picture. Our foreign policies of the western world are not meeting the needs of this century. With the communication systems today everyone can see how the people around the world live, and the have nots want a share of the resources available. The brave people who suffered for 42 years under its dictator now are willing to go unarmed against machine guns and bombs to capture their freedom. What are we doing to help these people while they die? We make resolutions. This will help but they need help now and the western world should support these emerging democracies before some other force fills the gap.
March seems to be coming in like a lion in the Middle East. We hope it will leave like a lamb and peace will come to these troubled people. It is a simple choice. Oil and greed, or life and freedom.
The scam is always the same. Find a person who can control the country by whatever means necessary.Prop him up with a supply of arms to be used to control the people and give him a bundle of money without care to see that the money will be used to give the residents a better life. A better life like having a share in government, maybe even a vote. Provide essential services like health care, housing and education and a security system where law and order Publish Postmake it safe. Sound familiar, well look at Iraq, Panama, Honduras, Egypt, Vietnam, Libya, Saudi Arabia and a dozen other countries. These were not our friends and we were not defending freedom but protecting the oil interests.
We get so sick when we hear and see the pictures of our public leaders playing up to these evil people such as Libya's famous evil sons being met by our top officials, when we know full well that the result will be making them more powerful and more respected in the global society. Case in point - a few years ago American leadership turned a blind eye to conditions in Libya knowing full well about the evil perpetrated against Libyan citizens. Shortly after the pictures and hugging, American oil giants began developing the oil resources of that country. Monies transferred to Libya could have given a better life to the people but most if not all went into the coffers of the dictator. Libya then bought arms and ammunition as well as sniper rifles to control its people. A great deal!!!
I could go on and site a dozen such deals over the last years but you get the picture. Our foreign policies of the western world are not meeting the needs of this century. With the communication systems today everyone can see how the people around the world live, and the have nots want a share of the resources available. The brave people who suffered for 42 years under its dictator now are willing to go unarmed against machine guns and bombs to capture their freedom. What are we doing to help these people while they die? We make resolutions. This will help but they need help now and the western world should support these emerging democracies before some other force fills the gap.
March seems to be coming in like a lion in the Middle East. We hope it will leave like a lamb and peace will come to these troubled people. It is a simple choice. Oil and greed, or life and freedom.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Miners Rescued in Chile
During last evening and late into the night Theresa and I watched, glued to the TV as men were taken from the jaws of death in a mine in Chile. After what seemed like a lifetime men were brought to the cold air to freedom because of modern technology and a will to free the miners trapped below. Most of the world watched live TV coverage of this exceptional feat. I was torn between watching this dramatic rescue and a memory of days long ago when another rescue was taking place in Nova Scotia.This mine rescue was a feat which could not have been even imagined years ago when a mine disaster occurred in Springhill in 1956. At that time many coal miners were trapped underground after a bump collapsed the mine killing many and trapping more. After 14 days when the mine was to be sealed to put out fires tapping sounds were heard and one of the most memorable rescues took place.
My family were coal miners and made their living in the deepest submarine coal mine in the world. Princess Mine ran miles out under the Atlantic Ocean and was a dangerous place to work. A number of my extended family were injured and some perished eaking out a living digging for black gold, coal.
I was teaching in a small company town in Temiscaming, Quebec when the Springhill Mine rescue operation was played out on radio and TV. Immediately fund raising programs sprung up and money was collected for the families impacted by the disaster. Even in far flung communities this rescue captured the imagination of the country. It was the media which brought live coverage of the event which made everyone get involved. Our school raised over $600 alone and the town more than $5,000. All of this for days on end because it was a human drama played out before our very eyes. TV became the great media giant and events like this were carried to the corners of the world.
As the rescue in Chile continues, millions of people breath together in synch with one purpose in mind. How wonderful it would be if we could do the same for peace in the world. We can only hope that the exposure of this mine disaster will bring attention to the safety practices carried out in many countries which puts lives on the line every day.
Mining is big business and makes some people very rich. We hope that better and safer working conditions will be one of the outcomes of this dramatic rescue.
My family were coal miners and made their living in the deepest submarine coal mine in the world. Princess Mine ran miles out under the Atlantic Ocean and was a dangerous place to work. A number of my extended family were injured and some perished eaking out a living digging for black gold, coal.
I was teaching in a small company town in Temiscaming, Quebec when the Springhill Mine rescue operation was played out on radio and TV. Immediately fund raising programs sprung up and money was collected for the families impacted by the disaster. Even in far flung communities this rescue captured the imagination of the country. It was the media which brought live coverage of the event which made everyone get involved. Our school raised over $600 alone and the town more than $5,000. All of this for days on end because it was a human drama played out before our very eyes. TV became the great media giant and events like this were carried to the corners of the world.
As the rescue in Chile continues, millions of people breath together in synch with one purpose in mind. How wonderful it would be if we could do the same for peace in the world. We can only hope that the exposure of this mine disaster will bring attention to the safety practices carried out in many countries which puts lives on the line every day.
Mining is big business and makes some people very rich. We hope that better and safer working conditions will be one of the outcomes of this dramatic rescue.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Risky Business
Yesterday was a sad day for Toronto and for our country. Our Billion dollar security was not able to stop criminals from doing what they do best and that is committing outlandish mischief. Mischief is not the correct wording for criminal behaviour and the few hundred criminals who mingled with the ordinary protesters gave us a black eye.
I saw many ordinary citizens doing what they are entitled to do and that was protesting issues and policies that they want to publicize. Grandmothers for grandmothers, coalition against poverty and some fifty other groups marched and behaved well. With the city locked down in such a ridiculous manner it begged for trouble by those seeking mischief. It became a challenge and was well organized and became a nightmare for the police authorities.
In Huntsville area where the venue was isolated and easy to police there was little trouble other than a few signs and small group activity. Having this in Toronto was a huge challenge and our police authorities did the best they could under the circumstances. No amount of police force could look after such a difficult task. With the inner city actually locked down the perimeter to be looked after is huge.
It is too late to say I told you so but people in charge will find a better venue in the future for their photo ops. I feel sorry for the innocent owners of property who found themselves in harm's way through no fault of their own. The government already said they would not be responsible for damages but that might change. I am sure the City of Toronto will like compensation for damages to their police cars and so on.
Was it worth the money? Time will tell but until then we can assess the good and bad and become armchair quarterbacks on this issue. I know where I stand and hope I am wrong for Canada's sake.
I saw many ordinary citizens doing what they are entitled to do and that was protesting issues and policies that they want to publicize. Grandmothers for grandmothers, coalition against poverty and some fifty other groups marched and behaved well. With the city locked down in such a ridiculous manner it begged for trouble by those seeking mischief. It became a challenge and was well organized and became a nightmare for the police authorities.
In Huntsville area where the venue was isolated and easy to police there was little trouble other than a few signs and small group activity. Having this in Toronto was a huge challenge and our police authorities did the best they could under the circumstances. No amount of police force could look after such a difficult task. With the inner city actually locked down the perimeter to be looked after is huge.
It is too late to say I told you so but people in charge will find a better venue in the future for their photo ops. I feel sorry for the innocent owners of property who found themselves in harm's way through no fault of their own. The government already said they would not be responsible for damages but that might change. I am sure the City of Toronto will like compensation for damages to their police cars and so on.
Was it worth the money? Time will tell but until then we can assess the good and bad and become armchair quarterbacks on this issue. I know where I stand and hope I am wrong for Canada's sake.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Stupidity
Rarely in my private or personal life have I been so upset with our Prime Minister Stephen Harper. While the world calls for a immediate investigation into the tragedy with the Jewish blockade in Gaza and the resulting deaths of innocent people hoping to help the people of Gaza with peaceful supplies our PM was sucking up to one of the tyrants in the middle east calling Israel our closest friend.
This was one of the most worst international mistakes our PM has made. Why are we not taking the long time international stance that Canada has made over the last 60 years and remained neutral. The people of Palestine have as much right to a place in the sun as the Jewish people. The Jewish people were granted a piece of land around 1948 to ensure they had a land of their own. This was an arbitrary decision, mainly by Britain but gave the Jewish people a land to settle and recover from the Second World War.
The Palestine people had an equal right for a place in the sun and were denied for many years the right to their homeland. Now we have a nation which is at odds with their neighbours and supported by many western nations committing terrible acts. While our prime Minister was sucking up to their PM their armed forces, in international waters slaughtered some of the people who raised money to provide supplies to the Palestinians.
A blockade to this area placed great hardships on the people in Gaza and the Turkish lead convoy was going to challenge the blockade. Great force in the way of armed Jewish military landed on the convey and killed many innocent people. Prisoners and ships were taken in by the Israel Military.
The world is enraged and the only friendly country seems to be Canada. Our PM made a big mistake because of his right wing conservative feelings. We will realize that his error in judgment will hurt Canada as a country which has been recognized as a state which treats all people equally. We should immediately separate ourselves as Israel's best friend and take our place with all the countries of the world who see Israel for what it is - wrong - and ask Israel to come clean and stand with the world and become a citizen of the world. We can no longer tolerate the actions of this renegade regime. Everyone in this world deserves to have a place in the sun and we must respect every people to find that place. I am ashamed of our stance for the first time in my life.
This was one of the most worst international mistakes our PM has made. Why are we not taking the long time international stance that Canada has made over the last 60 years and remained neutral. The people of Palestine have as much right to a place in the sun as the Jewish people. The Jewish people were granted a piece of land around 1948 to ensure they had a land of their own. This was an arbitrary decision, mainly by Britain but gave the Jewish people a land to settle and recover from the Second World War.
The Palestine people had an equal right for a place in the sun and were denied for many years the right to their homeland. Now we have a nation which is at odds with their neighbours and supported by many western nations committing terrible acts. While our prime Minister was sucking up to their PM their armed forces, in international waters slaughtered some of the people who raised money to provide supplies to the Palestinians.
A blockade to this area placed great hardships on the people in Gaza and the Turkish lead convoy was going to challenge the blockade. Great force in the way of armed Jewish military landed on the convey and killed many innocent people. Prisoners and ships were taken in by the Israel Military.
The world is enraged and the only friendly country seems to be Canada. Our PM made a big mistake because of his right wing conservative feelings. We will realize that his error in judgment will hurt Canada as a country which has been recognized as a state which treats all people equally. We should immediately separate ourselves as Israel's best friend and take our place with all the countries of the world who see Israel for what it is - wrong - and ask Israel to come clean and stand with the world and become a citizen of the world. We can no longer tolerate the actions of this renegade regime. Everyone in this world deserves to have a place in the sun and we must respect every people to find that place. I am ashamed of our stance for the first time in my life.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Womens Rights
For centuries women here and elsewhere were treated as second class citizens. In many countries even today women are no more than slaves or property to be used and abused. In Canada women were slowly recognized as equals but not without a battle. The right to vote, be professionals, have control over their bodies and partake in the political world are taken for granted these days.
Be cautious and wary as there is a movement in this country at the highest levels to erode these hard won equal rights. The free choice issue has been at the center of many political policy agendas. Abortion rules are being developed to change the free choice legislation. Our prime minister is taking abortion off the agenda for the G8 discussions in spite of the growing need for aid to the tortured women of the Congo and others. Other G8 members are appalled.
Human rights has always been an issue in the world of international trade and still we permit monitory gain over rights. Young people and women in particular are exploited by business folk who are interested in the profit line and not the welfare line. We talk of equal rights but use a large portion of our resources propping up dictators and governments who are insensitive to the living conditions of the people they govern. The African question is such a huge problem that we do not know where to start.
Here in Canada we have a man who has dedicated his life to the African people and the aids epidemic. Mr Lewis is a world leader and I have heard him speak passionately on behalf of the women of Africa.He is frustrated in his battle because countries give a promise of help but have rules that are contrary to a plan that will work. Some major contributors will not let the funds to be used for condoms or birth control. Churches do the same in spite of the evidence to the contrary.
The right wing conservative movement in many political parties are thinking in the dark ages but mark my words, they are a powerful agent in setting social programs in our countries. One small but significant item was raised here in Ontario a few weeks ago. Funding for the pride week celebrations in Toronto were cancelled this year after the minister for the government lost her control over her budget for having her picture with the planners of gay pride parade in the paper. This is the largest such celebration in the world and impacts the city to the tune of half a billion dollars by some estimates.
There must be respect for that dividing line between the church and the state. The reason for the government cancelling the funding was the uproar from the religious right. Sad.
The big losers in the future will be women and minorities, just look at history.
Be cautious and wary as there is a movement in this country at the highest levels to erode these hard won equal rights. The free choice issue has been at the center of many political policy agendas. Abortion rules are being developed to change the free choice legislation. Our prime minister is taking abortion off the agenda for the G8 discussions in spite of the growing need for aid to the tortured women of the Congo and others. Other G8 members are appalled.
Human rights has always been an issue in the world of international trade and still we permit monitory gain over rights. Young people and women in particular are exploited by business folk who are interested in the profit line and not the welfare line. We talk of equal rights but use a large portion of our resources propping up dictators and governments who are insensitive to the living conditions of the people they govern. The African question is such a huge problem that we do not know where to start.
Here in Canada we have a man who has dedicated his life to the African people and the aids epidemic. Mr Lewis is a world leader and I have heard him speak passionately on behalf of the women of Africa.He is frustrated in his battle because countries give a promise of help but have rules that are contrary to a plan that will work. Some major contributors will not let the funds to be used for condoms or birth control. Churches do the same in spite of the evidence to the contrary.
The right wing conservative movement in many political parties are thinking in the dark ages but mark my words, they are a powerful agent in setting social programs in our countries. One small but significant item was raised here in Ontario a few weeks ago. Funding for the pride week celebrations in Toronto were cancelled this year after the minister for the government lost her control over her budget for having her picture with the planners of gay pride parade in the paper. This is the largest such celebration in the world and impacts the city to the tune of half a billion dollars by some estimates.
There must be respect for that dividing line between the church and the state. The reason for the government cancelling the funding was the uproar from the religious right. Sad.
The big losers in the future will be women and minorities, just look at history.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Income Taxes
Making out your taxes when you are out of Canada used to be a big problem. Today our government makes it much easier with a short form and easy to read instruction manual. Pity the poor Americans with the complicated forms and the earlier date for return. Come tax date here in Florida there is a collective groan until midnight on the 15 Th of April. Heavy penalties are given to people who do not file on time and in a proper manner.
Theresa makes out all three of our forms and up until now she had been perfect. We Canadians pay more taxes than our American friends but we get much more for our money. Healthcare alone is worth the effort as everyone has universal coverage. The horror stories of people here not getting good care or going into debt to pay for coverage is common. There now seems to be some movement towards universal coverage and it cannot come too soon
Personally I never complained about paying taxes because the alternative is being out of work and that is not good. Our taxes support a social system that has faults but the good far outweighs the problems. There will still be a mad rush on the few days before closing at the end of April but we should be proud to share our wealth for the collective good of all.
Theresa makes out all three of our forms and up until now she had been perfect. We Canadians pay more taxes than our American friends but we get much more for our money. Healthcare alone is worth the effort as everyone has universal coverage. The horror stories of people here not getting good care or going into debt to pay for coverage is common. There now seems to be some movement towards universal coverage and it cannot come too soon
Personally I never complained about paying taxes because the alternative is being out of work and that is not good. Our taxes support a social system that has faults but the good far outweighs the problems. There will still be a mad rush on the few days before closing at the end of April but we should be proud to share our wealth for the collective good of all.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Great Women Unrecognized - Until Now
This is Women's Month and I was moved by a ceremony I watched this week on TV. During the WWII many American women flew planes for the war effort. These women were never recognized as Air Force even thought they performed numerous and dangerous missions. When they were killed or died they were not given military honours. When their service was complete they had to pay their way home. These women flew dangerous missions ferrying new craft to Europe and all around the globe. Today these gals are all between eighty and ninety years old. This week nearly two hundred of these aviators were drawn to Capitol Hill where they collectively received the highest military award, The Congressional Gold Medal
These women classified as Wasp's, Women's Air force Service Pilots weren't considered military pilots but on this day they stood, saluted through the playing of the Star- Spangled Banner many still wearing their dark blue uniforms and bathed in the honour they so richely earned.
It was a moving moment for these ladies and a moving moment for all who observed and wondered how this could have happened. One lady in a wheelchair commented that they served their country without thought of recognition or reward. It was nice however she said with a smile that told another tale.
In Canada we had a similar corp involving women - bush pilots and a smattering of people who did not qualify for war service in the regular sense because of age or health. Hundreds of these people did great service without the great rewards from being in the regular service. I think of the Merchant Marine where losses at sea surpassed all other branches per capitol.
Hurray to the Wasp's and all others who served without formal recognition. Congratulations to the women who received the highest military honour, SEVENTY YEARS LATE.
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