A View from the Right Side

A Black Mark from a Dark Moment

2010-11-10T08:59:00.003-07:00

Last week for many, it was a story that you could actually ignore. I will admit that when I heard about the man dressed in a KKK (Klu Klux Klan) hooded costume leading a black (shoe polished) faced man with a rope at a Halloween party, I chaulked it up to misguided ignorance. But when you learned that this party was being held at a Royal Canadian Legion and that the two party animals won first prize by the organizers, it left me stunned.

In the age of electronics, photos of these party animals hit social networking sites on the web, along with video clips, faster than than a seal grazing at a sushi bar. This quickly converted a semi-private party into a national fiasco. The Royal Canadian Legion under the microscope is located in Campbellford, Ont., which decided to close its doors after the press got the story. The coverage garnered anger from many Canadians, snickers from Americans, and indifference from the self-proclaimed enlightened twenty-somethings.

When asked why he would dress in a KKK hood and tow a faux black slave around by a rope, Blair Crowley stated, “that stuff (slavery) has been gone for years and years and years. I don’t see why the reaction is the way it is. That’s so past tense. It’s a piece of history from long ago. I’m sure it was probably in bad taste after the fact. But there was no disrespect by it. People need to worry about something other than that.”

What we do know about Crowley and his unnamed roped serf is that neither of them are members of a Royal Canadian Legion. They were just guests allowed to join in on the Halloween fun. So until these two men were awarded first prize for the most original costume, the offense was not shared by anyone. Unfortunately, it was the special reward given to Crowley and 'slave' that allowed the Campbellford Royal Canadian Legion to share the shame in this incident.

It is natural for anyone to be annoyed, ashamed, offended or even surprised by the costumed display of a 'KKK member' and a 'slave' being towed around in a place that represents soldiers that gave their lives to fight against racial dominance, slavery and genocide.

What is more perplexing are some of the comments I found on the web by self-proclaimed enlightened people such as, “ What the hell is the difference between freedom of expression and freedom of speech? Any differences are purely semantics. Yes, people are equally free to criticize, just like these guys are equally free to wear those costumes. And how do I not understand the argument? If anything you don't understand the argument as you are saying freedom of speech/expression is null and void in this case. The only cases where freedom of speech/expression are null and void is when they start affecting the freedoms of others, which is not the case here.”

Freedom of speech and freedom of expression provide no license to just “go for the gusto” or “if it feels good, do it.” With the freedom afforded by a free democratic society there are strings attached. That string is called “responsibility”.

It would be easy and self-enlightened to take the position that these two 'wanna-be rednecks' did no wrong, but what they did do was not only to offend, but more importantly, painted a black mark on one of Canada's most important organizations.

The Royal Canadian Legion is an organization that was founded on lofty principals brought together by like minded people with high standards. These standards were forged originally on the battlefield, solidified by comradeship and delivered for a purpose. Comradeship that only sacrifice and dedication to all Canadians could motivate.

The argument that these hairless-apes were only dressed for a Halloween party and that everyone else should “lighten-up” does not hold water here. For, if these two men and those who organized the party had common sense and a little discretion they would have exercised a quality of good judgment with the ability of make a responsible decision and this would not have been a dark moment for that organization.

Although Crowley had apologized for his actions, his qualified response clearly show that he lacks a gift of discernment. As a result, his apology is empty.

The President of Campbellford Royal Canadian Legion expressed his regret by stating, “As president of Branch 103 Campbellford, of the Royal Canadian Legion, I humbly apologize to all those offended by the events that took place at our Halloween Party”.

With this now behind us, and Remembrance Day upon us, let us hope that we remember not only the men and woman who have served Canada proudly in our armed forces, but we allow the Royal Canadian Legion to get past the shallow actions of a few, and continue their mission that was set 85 years ago.

Convicted, Confined and Covered

2010-10-28T08:57:00.001-06:00

How are we to respond to the news surrounding former Canadian Armed Forces, Colonel Russell Williams?

The former commander of CFB Trenton, plead guilty to two counts of first degree murder, two counts of rape and an additional 82 counts of house break-ins. In all Russell Williams received two life sentences, plus concurrent sentences for the rapes and house break-ins.

Williams will go down in history as one of Canada's most notorious sexual predators and emerging serial killers.

The details of his offenses have been gleefully shared by the daily press and television media. Every aspect of this man has been laid out before the public. He is described as a good husband to his wife of nineteen years Mary Elizabeth Harriman. But more notably we have been informed that as a career soldier Williams was regarded as a model soldier over the course of his 23-year career with the Canadian Armed Forces. Some have gone as far as describing Williams as an elite pilot and "shining bright star" of the military. His career has provided him prime service opportunities including being the pilot for Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh, the Governor General of Canada, the Prime Minister of Canada, and many other dignitaries across Canada and overseas in Canadian Forces VIP aircraft.

In contrast, Williams is described as a man with a dual life. His crimes expose him as a man who was on the rise to becoming a serial killer. His sexual perversions of cross dressing in stolen ladies underpants, breaking into a home nude while his intended victim was bathing in the house. Photographing himself modeling lingerie in victims homes, ultimately elevated into rape, forcible confinement and murder.

The details have angered many Canadians, and it must be said that in no way does this one man represent the Canadian Armed Forces or anyone serving our military. However, one concern that has been expressed to our Federal Government is, 'In light of his conviction, should Williams receive his Canadian Armed Forces Pension?'

One of the changes the federal government has brought forth was the bill to strip old-age income benefits from hundreds of federal prisoners . Although many convicted criminals in the federal prison system do not get Old Age Pension, this bill does not affect Williams. In fact, Williams is eligible and will receive a $60,000 per year Canada Forces pension while serving his two life sentences.

What are we to make of Canada honouring a pension of an admitted and convicted murderer and sexual stalker?

It would be easy to take the position that the Canadian government should strip Williams of his pension. However, any pension derived from public service is in fact a contractual retirement benefit and as a result, Williams paid into a plan, and any income accrued is rightfully payable to him. There is no precedent for Canada to withhold these funds.

Therefore, sitting in a gaol cell is a convicted rapist and murderer, who will receive a yearly income that rivals the average income of a Canadian family.

As unpopular as this may be, honouring the pension is the right thing to do. The pension payments should not be interfered with.

During Williams service to Canada as a soldier, he served in many areas of the military, and like most military personnel, he could not serve this country without an understanding support system. This support was in the form of his devoted wife, Mary Harriman. Ask any person in military service and you will learn that the spouse, whether that be a wife or husband, is a key component to sustaining military service for Canada.

Harriman is also a victim in Russell Williams' crimes. When he was locked up for life, she lost not only a husband but also part of a family income. Harriman is also in the spot light and as a result will be affected by her husbands criminal activity as a result of social pressures and humiliation.

As a military spouse, Harriman was a key component to Col. Williams military service and any pension earnings accrued during that service, as his wife, is rightfully hers.

Even though former Col. Russell Williams is convicted and confined for life, when it comes to his pension, his wife should be covered.

Is it time to be optimistic?

2010-10-21T08:51:00.001-06:00

op·ti·mism: an inclination to put the most favourable construction upon actions and events or to anticipate the best possible outcome.

Do you want a chuckle? Well here it is. I am actually a closet optimist, in spite of the fact that I like to complain about a whole plethora of issues. But, when it comes to our economy, I describe myself as hopeful, encouraged and yes, optimistic. This in spite of the fact that the most influential people closest to me are best described as pessimists. My optimism is derived from my rosy view of the Canadian economy.

The Canadian economic climate has for the past 24 months, experienced the deepest decline since the recession of the 1980s. Anyone living east of Saskatchewan have been in position of losing their homes, partly due to the real estate market corrections that dropped lower than equity loans and increased property taxes based on this inflated equity. Further, pressures from the collapsing world markets led in-part by the failing US banking system have affected Canadian exports. In the past, our Canadian economy was attached to the proverbial hip of our American counterparts. When the US buying power was strangled by economic pressures, our markets declined in concert.

Here in Alberta, and especially along the Edmonton-Calgary corridor, we have experienced what many observers have described as a normal economy. Yes, our boom did end, but what was left has affected a smaller segment of society and as a result consumer confidence in our region is high. Even though this feels comforting, this rather narrow geographic region has experienced pressures from other parts of Canada, and yes influences from the US. Further, Alberta has experienced a Real Estate correction and property sales are slow. Although we still witness considerable housing starts, this construction is a residual affect from projects started before the recession, and by shovel-ready money provided by our government.

With this now behind us what prediction can we glean?

We are now entering the final quarter of 2010, and as always it is the time of year that many financial wizards sharpen the pencil and come out with predictions of how strong or weak your buying power will be. You will also note that most financial prophets are pessimists, so in this respect I stand alone wearing my rosy spectacles. No, I am not calling myself a wizard, I am however a true optimist.

An optimist's viewpoint.

In past deep recessions, the Asian countries fell in concert with the mighty US economy. Previously, countries like China, South Korea, Taiwan and India had collapsing economies, so any business Canada was conducting with those countries suffered. As a result, trade between Canada and those markets declined leaving us with our largest trading partner, the US, with the most influence.

But when it comes to Canadians, we are rather quick to change our practices, and this is why as a nation many are looking to us as an emerging world economic leader.

Unlike the past, the recent collapse did not affect the Asian countries and those economies have weathered very well. India especially has experienced a boom in providing out-sourcing, from dry goods to skilled workers, where products or services can be provided electronically, or through couriers. On the flip-side, with many predicting that the US will experience the dreaded deepening “double-dip” recession in 2011, Canadians cannot count on the US economy to sustain any real growth here in Canada.

Having learned from the past, Canada is now turning to Asia as important trade partners. These changes will help Canada's economic growth for 2011. It is predicted that in 2011, the developing markets in Asia are expected to grow 7.3 per cent with the most growth experienced in China and India. China is predicted to experience a 9.1 per cent growth with India following at 8.7 per cent. During the American collapse, Canada has been turning away from the weak U.S. markets and have turned to these Asian countries. As a result, with the growth expected from China and India, it is predicted that Canadians overall, will experience a moderate growth between two and three percent.

So, 2011 should be a good year for Canadians. Yes, I am being a bit optimistic but I do have a concern that can make me lose my rosy spectacles.

Recent news that the next volley of globalization “globaloney” has been aimed at creating a one-world banking system. This news should raise the hairs on the back of any Canadian. Canada has what can be argued as the strongest and most secure centralized banking system in the world. A system that has withstood many pressures from the collapse of the U.S. Banking systems and other financial institutions abroad. If the likes of the United Nations and the United States pressure Canada to sign onto such a scheme it could be a blow to our economic future.

So to answer my opening question, “Is it time to be optimistic?” At one time I truly thought so.

Get out the Pry Bar

2010-10-12T14:47:00.000-06:00

The death of democracy is not likely to be an assassination from ambush. It will be a slow extinction from apathy, indifference, and undernourishment. Leo Tolstoi

Unless you have been using this newspaper as a bird cage liner, you probably have noticed this coming Monday, October 18th is Election Day. Every city, town, village and county have candidates running for local councils and school boards. Aside from advertisements from many candidates, we have published profiles and platforms from as many people running for office as possible over the past two issues, and in this issue you will find even more. In our region alone we have well over fifty people running for office.

Considering the amount of complaining from many ratepayers over the past three years from nearly every city, village and county, I am expecting this election to be an exciting and well attended turnout. Unless you consider a thirty percent voter turnout well attended, I suspect that I have just been wasting my breath.

On average, roughly thirty percent is all that will ever come out to vote in municipal elections. Unless it is a federal election which usually experiences a whopping sixty-four percent voter turnout, on average municipal elections fair much less.

Is it that many people just don't care? Is it maybe that many are just ignorant of facts, or are people nowadays just plain lazy? A popular position is that it is the young adult that is the cause for poor voter turnouts. It has been said that the twitter generation is too preoccupied with vain pursuits preventing them from looking up long enough to discover that there is a social responsibility to exercise. According to many people, apathy and disinterest is the privy of the youth, and voting is a waste of time.

I don't buy into that at all. I truly believe that the young person I see with their pants dragging on the ground is waiting with bated breath to cast a vote. I am sure that the fella on the bus with his hat turned sideways thumbing away while texting his 'bro' or 'babe', is discussing who is the best candidate to be the Mayor in Wetaskiwin, or who should be sitting on the school board. As strong as these examples are to the contrary, I still don't believe that voter apathy is all in the hands of young people. In fact, it is my generation that currently has the vast majority of voter strength to wield, and it is precisely my generation, the baby boomers, that have shown the most disinterest in the democratic process. The young adult comes by voter apathy honestly because it has been handed down to them by their parents, and the cycle will continue with every generation.

Gone are the days when families sat around the living room and talked, where the mother and father would mentor their offspring on important issues. It was during those times, when the 'family' political position was expressed, which fuelled the interests in the youth entering the voter age.

If you ask someone if they plan to vote, in most cases the answer is “No.” I have asked many acquaintances this very question and the answer is usually is an unintelligible “Nah.” If you press them on why, the usual response you get is, “It doesn't matter” or “One vote does not make a difference.” On a larger scale, this type of apathetic influence can be found on the internet, a media where many young adults mill about getting their social conscientious stimulated. Influences like, “In strictly economic terms, voting makes no sense at all. It takes time away from useful activities and rarely is any single individual's vote likely to make much of a difference. So, why bother?” I found this nugget of wisdom, and much more like it on websites with high page rankings, making this type of social consciousness easy to access.

So what is the cause for meagre voter turnouts? I truly believe it is because we have it too easy in Canada. For many people, they like to complain about their elected officials, but in the end they either don't believe those complaints or just want others to take care of it. Ignorance is bliss, and therefore to cast a vote in an election would be just irresponsible because many people have not kept up with the issues. They don't really know who is running, nor have they made it their business to find out.

So when the next governing council raises your taxes without proper reasoning, or the school board decides to use a textbook or bring in a program that you feel is not appropriate, I sure hope the average armchair critic had pulled out the pry bar, peeled their backsides off the chair and voted. Because, it is not just a social right to vote, it is democratic responsibility. A responsibility that should be handed down to the youth. Because without the voter interest, apathy, disinterest and indifference will prevail and you may find people in our public offices that have no business occupying the seat of power.

Only Nixon could go to China.

2010-09-28T16:11:00.000-06:00

In 1972, then President of the United States, Richard Milhous Nixon flew to China and had an important meeting with China's Chairman, Mao Zedong. It was seen as an important move and the first step of normalizing relations between those two nations. The phrase, “Only Nixon could go to China” has been used by many throughout the years to signify the importance of this meeting and of the men who sat at opposite ends of the table. Nobody can argue the status of men like Nixon and Zedong. They were important statesmen. They were people of great influence, both men having power. To say that what those men did was newsworthy, would be an understatement.

It is now 2010, and a similar phrase may come into common use. It will become the trademark of how frivolous the mainstream press has become and even more so how silly our society has evolved. The phrase will be, “Only Cameron could go to Alberta.”

What starts out sounding like a joke, goes something like this, “What does Maclean's, Edmonton Journal, Vancouver Sun, CBC, CTV, Global TV, Montreal Gazette, Calgary Herald, Winnipeg Free Press, Edmonton Sun, Windsor Star, Toronto Sun, The Globe and Mail, The National Post, and the Financial Post all have in common?” The answer, “They all think we care what a Hollywood film director thinks about our oilsands operation.”

Hollywood Director, James Cameron in 1998, swept the Academy Awards with his film “Titanic”. In front of the cameras live on TV, he stood before his peers and with his award clutched in a tight fist raised the golden statue above his head and yelled out, “I am the king of the world!”

Apparently, we must have all bought into his self proclaimed prophesy.

Now when James Cameron wants something or goes somewhere not only does the press believe its newsworthy, but the Alberta government drops everything and comes running. We should all hide our heads in shame, as the 'king of the world' turns our Premier into a Court Jester.

As the 'king' made his plans, Cameron wrote a letter to Premier Ed Stelmach's office asking for a legislature meeting when he landed Wednesday, stipulating a time between 10 AM and noon. It was reported that our Premier has said that he will do everything he can, including taking a government plane to meet Cameron. Stelmach has also been reported to have said that he believes Alberta's oilsands operation will get a fair hearing from Cameron.

You would think that Stelmach was getting a visit from the Pope! The cost of flying Stelmach back to Alberta from Ottawa on a government jet just to attend this star-struck 'hearing' could cost the Alberta tax payer over $10,000. This, just so our Premier can get an autograph, photo-op and ultimately beg Cameron's forgiveness for supplying his adopted country with Alberta Crude.

Do you think perhaps the eco-mentalists have put Alberta off our game?

Cameron is not coming to Alberta for a fact finding mission. This is the man who has equated the Alberta oilsands as a “black eye” on Canada's environmental record, and that was catching Cameron on a good day. In the past, Cameron has referred to anyone who questions man-made global warming as deniers and stated that he would “call those deniers out into the street at high noon and shoot it out.” He is quoted as referring to one sceptic as a “f------ a------” He has also gone on record on a possible response to carbon dioxide emitters saying “I believe in ecoterrorism.”

Why should our elected officials give a minute of their time to James Cameron, or anybody from Hollywood for that matter? Why would our Premier consider a meeting with Cameron as a “Hearing”, giving Cameron authority over him in a effort to gain approval or better yet a “ruling in our favour.” Any half-wit would see that Alberta is pandering to someone that has absolutely no business with our government officials.

Quite frankly it is insulting and quite embarrassing to sit back and watch the Alberta government stumble over the desk in order to accommodate a man like James Cameron. We should just send him packing, and at the same time ask our Premier to give his head a shake.

After all is said and done, Cameron will go back to film making with more insults to hurl at Alberta. Premier Ed Stelmach will go down in history as an oilsands despot set straight by king Cameron. Back in Hollywood while sitting in polite conversations, the plastic primped crowd of tinsel town will gesture over to Cameron and whisper, “Only Cameron could go to Alberta.”

The Neo-Globalization Two-Step

2010-09-23T16:12:00.000-06:00

What ever happened to the days when a country was run by it's own people? Canada used to be a country that pretty much was ignored by our neighbours to the south. Unless you consider the draft dodgers that crawled their way up here during the 1970's.

Now an American organization known as Avaaz.org has stuck it's proverbial nose into Canadian politics with its “Stop 'Fox News North'” campaign. This campaign was designed to prevent the CRTC from issuing a Category 1 broadcasting licence to the Sun TV News Channel.

A Category 1 licence identifies a broadcaster as a “must carry” specialty service—a rare licence that would provide Sun TV News with access to all satellite and cable TV viewers, by forcing these companies to offer the channel to subscribers. This form of regulatory permission is considered rare precisely because it forces free-market companies to act outside market pressures and adhere to government interference. In essence, the chances of Sun TV News from getting such a licence was slim to none and this week the CRTC decision was “Non!”

The CRTC decision was claimed as a victory by the U.S. based Avaaz.org. It's kind of like Columbus forcing the central American natives to share their food by waving his hands at the eclipsing sun, only to lay a claim that he restored the sunshine after extorting the food. The Avaaz-mite jumped for joy at the CRTC decision, looked directly into the eyes of their fellow Americans and like Stewart on Mad TV said in a squeaky voice, “Look what I can do.”

The tactics of this organization and their political agenda was clearly exposed in the “Stop 'Fox News North'” Campaign. First, the term “Fox News North” is a misnomer, a moniker stamped on Sun TVNews by its detractors. It is designed to paint a picture of a Neo-Conservative news agency bent on spreading right-wing propaganda throughout Canada. To quote the words from Avaaz.org, “Prime Minister Harper is trying to push American-style media onto our airwaves, and make us all pay for it. His plan is to create a “Fox News North” to mimic the kind of hate-filled propaganda with which Fox News has poisoned U.S. Politics.” These words like, “our” and “us” falsely identifies Avaaz.org as a Canadian organization. However, the records show that Avaaz.org is not only a New York based entity, but it is partly founded by a David Madden. Madden is an entrepreneur from Australia and a former Labour Left, political candidate from that country.

The Avaaz.org campaign uses language of fear tactics that are so over the top that it should offend even the stanchest cause-whores out there. Avaaz.org is quoted in their news releases referring the Canadian political environment when co-founder Ricken Patel was quoted as saying, “We do not yet have all the facts, but it appears to speak to the poisonous political climate and deeply deceptive tactics that have been bred by the radical right in Canada and its progenitor in the US. It is precisely this kind of bare-knuckled, brazenly deceptive and often hateful political climate that Sun TV's "Fox News North" appears keen to promote.”

These are words from an organization that clearly has a left-wing agenda. An agenda that wants to play devil's advocate across borders. They respect no geographical or political boundaries. They are an organization that has embraced the nature of the internet and used that media to breach their boundaries and interfere with Canadian policy makers.

The average Canadian should be insulted by this type of interference. But what we have just witnessed is the tip of the iceberg. It is the start of much more domestic international manipulation. Organizations such as Avazz.org will flourish under what has become a planet where globalization has been embraced in the new world order. We will witness more global organizations with mandates designed to manipulate foreign and domestic policies, markets and industries.

As an example, in their own website Avaaz.org self proclaimed mandate is written as, “Avaaz.org is a new global online advocacy community that brings people-powered politics to global decision-making.” With an agenda like that, be prepared to have foreign interference from this organization and many like them in the near future.

We live in a country that adheres to the tenet of a democracy, where Canada is ruled by a government by Canadians where authority is exercised directly by our elected agents under a free electoral system.

In other words; organization such as Avaaz.org have no business in Canada even though they claim that they have 414,000 Canadian followers. So, if there are any Avaaz.org Canadian adherents close by, send me an email I would love to hear from you.

Calling the Kettle Black

2010-09-14T15:58:00.000-06:00

“But I say unto you, love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despite-fully use you, and persecute you; that ye may be the children of your Father, which is in heaven.”

(Matthew 5:44-45, King James Version)

With these words, we who follow the teachings of the Bible, are given guidance and wisdom to live in peace with others. The new Testament is rife with guidance for any person who professes to receive Jesus as their Savior. As Christians we are to turn the other cheek so that enemies can be shamed into striking once again, an act designed to expose transgressors and bring about humility. The Bible teaches us that if our enemies are hungry, feed them, if they thirst give them water, that way we 'hold burning coals above their heads. ' These words and many more were inspired to guide a peaceful existence of all mankind.

Apparently two proclaimed Christian Pastors, at opposite ends of the United States, slept through their seminary classes. By now, you have already learned that the planned Qur'an burning by Rev. Terry Jones of the Dove World Outreach Center, after a worldwide outcry was canceled, only to be picked up by another religious radical, a Rev. Fred Phelps of the Westboro Baptist Church.

I use the term religious radicals because I am deliberately trying to distance these two men from Christianity. Very much like how mainstream Islam wants to distance themselves from the radicals that are tied to 9/11 and other acts that are contrary to the teachings found in the Qur'an.

As Christians, our mission is to share the gospel. We are to live our lives as examples knowing full well that we have been forgiven for our sins. It is this understanding of setting examples that many find difficult to live, and it is these words found in Matthew 5:44-45 that provide all Christians with the proper responses to anyone who persecutes, rebukes, attacks or even oppose their beliefs.

What Jones and Phelps and their ilk have done, is in direct opposition to the Christian catch-phrase, “What Would Jesus Do”.

They have in very short order, enraged other radicals and as a result caused the reported deaths of some people in Afghanistan, and injured countless more. In other words, they are as responsible for these deaths as are the people who did the killings.

They claim that their mission was to protest the planned construction of an Islamic Centre near the former site of the World Trade Centre which was brought down by radical Islamists. However, Jones has been quoted as saying that his church's goals was “to expose that there is an element of Islam that is very dangerous and very radical.” After the worldwide response he is quoted as saying, “we have definitely accomplished that mission.”

In the case of Phelps, he has been reported as holding signs with the words, “Thank God for dead soldiers,” and has equated the Qur'an as a “300-page work of Satanic fiction,” proclaimed that Jones is a “false prophet... bullied by sissy intolerant rebels worldwide into canceling plans to burn that blasphemous idol call the Qur'an.”

All these men and their congregation have accomplished is to degrade the Christian church and given countless Christians a black eye.

They have sparked flames in parts of the world that is already unstable.

They have threatened the lives of many people, and degraded the cause of not only the Christian church but also of mainstream Islam.

They have placed into the vocabulary of the world the term, “Mainstream Christianity” very similar to the position Islam had to adopt after 9/11 in order to distance themselves from the acts of religious radicals.

These men are radicals. People who I am ashamed to call Christian brothers. In a world where people have many faiths, whether they be Jewish, Christian, Islamist, Buddhist or Atheist, to name just a few. If we, like the radicals, judge our fellow man then each one of us shall be found guilty by our own measure. In the case of Jones and Phelps they point their fingers at the acts of others and claim that their mission is to expose evil.

In the words of Jones himself, “we have definitely accomplished that mission,” for when they opened their mouths the evil was instantly exposed.

I have had my say. Now I need to ask for forgiveness.

So, Why no refund?

2010-09-07T15:26:00.001-06:00

It all started out innocent enough. A fifty year-old man develops severe pain in his left foot. His foot was unable to bend and as he walked the pressure from the heel and arches was excruciating. After getting advise from a nurse, he is referred to a Podiatrist. A quick trip to the Podiatrist on Thursday resulted in him discovering that he had several issues resulting in pounding abuse during his stupid years. The options offered was; a brace, cordorzone injections, stretching combined with an rigorous dose of anti-inflammatory pills, or surgery. After a long discussion, stretching and pills were accepted.

The prescribed medication was Arthrotec, a tablet taken three times per day with food. The first tablet was taken Thursday night. The next morning the man developed severe pain in both feet and found himself walking like a person transporting an invasive foreign object. By Saturday morning the man found himself in the Emergency Room.

This was the start of my Labour Day long weekend.

I have always been the type of person who does not like taking pills. Pills of any kind whether even something as innocuous as a common pain killer. It just does not seem right to introduce a chemical into your body. In fact when the Podiatrist prescribed me the Arthrotec, I commenced a series of questions. What are the side affects? Followed with; What are the adverse side effects? The doctor was very patient although I could detect he was getting a bit frustrated when I brought up the question of a natural alternative. Satisfied that I had conducted my due diligence, the pills were purchased for a monetary amount of $33.00.

I was ready for the onslaught of what the pharmaceutical industry had described as “common side effects”. Within one hour of the first pill, I was taking up the portable office position in the lavatory. My stomach was reciting the fifth act of the “Wizard of Oz” screaming, “Who dares approach the Great Oz?” Followed by what felt like earth tremours. Evening came and three hours later, I bravely took position on my side of the bed. I closed my eyes thinking, “I have a wonderful and brave wife.”

The next morning, I woke to find that my hands had swelled to nearing twice their size, and I was unable to make a fist. My wrist was wider than normal and my joints ached. I could not raise my arm up enough to eat breakfast, and I have a burning and itching sensation all over. Welts had developed on my legs, arms, including the pits (all of them) and stomach. My wife advised me to get to the hospital, and after considerable thought I said, “No, I have planned a motorcycle trip today, so I will sit here and see how this pans out.” Less than 30 minutes later, I found myself driving to the Leduc Hospital. At this point I have to say that we have great professionals working at the Leduc Hospital. They took me into the inner sanctum immediate. Much to the chagrin of at least 15 others waiting. Even the scary Registered Nurse that told me to put on the undersized robe. Followed by the other nurse that stuck me from behind.

In came the doctor who told me I had a rather serious allergic reaction to the Arthrotec. I was not offered any options. It was a rear shot, followed by two more sets of pills for five days.

If you are still with me, the big beef I have this week is simply this. Why is it that we cannot get a refund on prescription drugs? I would really like my $33.00 back, because I need to cover off some of the expenses of the two other sets of pill, those being Prednisone and Antihistamines. Does it seems rather lopsided, when ‘Big Pharma’ can produce something that nearly kills you and then you have to go back to your dealer to purchase more of their product to counter the assault?

In our free market economy, if the buyer is not satisfied, you go back to the vendor, state our case, and a refund is offered. Do you think that having to inconvenience some very busy medical professionals at the hospital, is stating my case for a refund?

I find it disturbing to know that many people have reacted to this medication in a similar manner if not more severely. Yet we are still being prescribed this chemical product. The side effect that any drug reports are compiled as a result of actual medical cases and human drug testing. With Arthrotec the more serious side effects reported are; “gastrointestinal ulcers and bleeding; liver dysfunction; severe skin reactions. Severe bronchospasms may occur in patients with aspirin-sensitive asthma. Arthrotec may cause heart attacks and strokes; accumulation of fluid and worsen heart failure; cause or worsen hypertension and kidney failure.” ........ Huh!

For some reason this was not disclosed to me when prescribed. Of course what I experienced was an allergic reaction known as anaphylactic shock. That one did not even make the list.

The good news for us is that the pills you buy to counter an allergic reaction to a medication are very effective. I was on my feet within a day. The cost incurred to our universal medical care was no doubt very expensive.

The Arthrotec pills not used, were disposed of by the pharmacist, along with my $33.00. So, how was your long weekend?

The Real McCoy

2010-08-31T14:16:00.000-06:00

“I've been blessed to find people who are smarter than I am, and they help me to execute the vision I have.” Russell Simmons, American Entrepreneur

Over the years I have employed many people. When I commenced by second career in 1990, my wife and I opened our first “going concern” in Leduc. We ran a Radio Shack Dealership for nearly 10 years before we decided to wind down the business. During that same period we started a computer company, where we opened two stores. One in Leduc and the other in Camrose. A third location was opened by a Wetaskiwin resident in that city on main street. In all three stores that we operated, I employed no less than thirty people, all doing specific jobs. Some were sales persons, other electronic and computer technicians and another eight people were instructors teaching computer classes.

After closing these retail businesses I entered the publishing field, where I managed a sales team for a national periodical. This lead me to my current position with the Pipestone Flyer.

The point of all this is simple. I have been in a position where I have had to hire people to do specific jobs and assess performance levels of each person under my supervision. Like many managers, I have found the performance levels of individuals all different. But every once and a while I find a real gem. That person who really makes a difference, where your personal vision and mission that you have is adopted with zeal. In a word, the 'Real McCoy'.

Those types of people are very hard to hold onto and I have found from my experience that when you have that person in your employ you make the best of it.

What I, as well as many employers look for in the 'Real McCoy’, is someone that has served with distinction. Distinction does not so much mean that they have flair, although an interesting personality does not hurt. But it simply involves doing the job and doing it well. That person knows exactly what their job entails, and organizes their time well leaving no tasks behind. They become that employee where you know with full confidence that their job is getting done even when unsupervised, and the results show.

Many who hold jobs seldom understand how important their role is in a specific company. They may feel that their tasks they have been hired to complete are mundane, boring or just not necessary. However, no job you are hired for is unnecessary, because if that were true, no paycheque would be forthcoming and the position would be dissolved.

Yes, the 'Real McCoy' is that person who does the job whether they feel their assignment is just not interesting or even important. Believe it or not, many managers do take note of each employee and the level of value they bring to the table. They know when someone is just 'not there' and when that is identified, it becomes a housekeeping problem for the employer.

So what is this all about? It is about a young lady who I had the privilege of employing as a full-time reporter for the Pipestone Flyer. Sydnee Bryant is leaving us, and in the very short time we had her in our employ she created the mold of what a very good employee is. She became a real asset to The Pipestone Flyer and (if you will excuse my expression) my right-hand 'man.'

Sydnee Bryant is leaving the glamour of working for an Alberta weekly community newspaper and will fly to the middle east, where she will become the editor of the “Qatar Happening Magazine”, a trendy monthly glossy publication in the heart of Qatar.

As readers you have been witness to the start of a young persons journalist career. Although the Pipestone Flyer was Sydnee Bryant's first full-time position as a reporter, I truly believe that this special person will have a long and distinguishable career.

It all started here, and we are very proud to have had the opportunity to be a part of her journey. God speed Sydnee, I know that everything you do will have the mark of the 'Real McCoy.'

Refugees or Fugitives?

2010-08-24T15:29:00.000-06:00

There are those people who live their lives with an open door policy on nearly everything. Acceptance is not only a word to them but a way of life. They accept circumstances all under the guise of political correctness with a liberal dose of 'what ever'. These same people are those that see others who like to examine circumstances around them with a critical eye as being intolerant, ignorant and yes even racist. In a word, everyone else are nothing but a bunch of xenophobes.

The recent arrival of refugees from Sri Lanka, who landed on the coast of British Columbia aboard the MV Sun Sea from Thailand has brought Canada's liberal immigration practices in question. It has also given some on the press the opportunity to call our current government, and many average Canadians as xenophobic. In a word, “Xenophobia” is an unreasonable fear or hatred of foreigners or strangers or of that which is foreign or strange.

The key here is “unreasonable” because quite frankly, there is nothing unreasonable about questioning the motives of the Tamil asylum seekers. The story behind the MV Sun Sea is littered with intrigue and slight of hand manipulation. According to published reports the MV Sun Sea was purchased by a Mr. Kunarobinson, who is reported to be connected with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Ealam (Tamil Tigers). Kunarobinson, who disappeared after the ships purchase bought it on behalf of a shell company that came into existence only a year earlier. Further some reports have named a veteran Tamil Tiger arms smuggler known as Vinod as the Captain of the MV Sun Sea while enroute to Canada. In short, there are good reasons for officials here in Canada to vet the refugee status of everyone on board the MV Sun Sea.

So sitting on a ship off the coast of British Columbia are 500 asylum seekers from Sri Lanka, with a reported two more ships ready to set sail waiting in the wings watching to see how we accept asylum seekers from Sri Lanka.

For the Tamils choosing Canada as their place of refuge is a no-brainer. Canada has a long reputation of having an open door for people seeking refugee status. For example, in 1956, 37,000 Hungarians fleeing a failed revolution were allowed refugee status. Following close behind in 1968, 11,000 people fled to Canada from former Czechoslovakia. During the Vietnam War Era in 1971, 40,000 Americans were granted asylum and in 1999 Canada received 5,000 refugee from the war-torn Balkans. In each one of these cases the Canadian government saw good reasons to grant refugee status.

The real question here is not so much whether Canada is a caring enough country to accept these people with open arms from a country that has been waging a Sri Lankan Civil War. A war that the Tamil Tigers admitted defeat in May of 2009. But, should Canada as least stop them on the shore and place the onus on each individual to prove that they are not members of a terrorist organization of criminals, thugs and murderers? Because quite frankly I want our government to send those types of people packing.

There is enough intelligence regarding the MV Sun Sea's mission to Canada to show that the Tamil Tigers planned this excursion two years ago when it became apparent that thay had all but lost the civil war. History shows that the Tamil Tigers existance is littered with violence. They have carried out many high profile attacks including the assassinations of several high-ranking Sri Lankan and Indian politicians including Sri Lankan President Ranasinghe Premadasa in 1993, and former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1991. As a terrorist organization the Tamil Tigers also pioneered the use of suicide belts. It is no surprise that they are currently identified as a terrorist organization by 32 countries.

It would be fair to say that not all the people who landed here on the MV Sun Sea are members of, or have connections with the Tamil Tigers. But to be accepted as a refugee a person has to prove they are in danger of torture and there is a risk to their life if returned to their home country. If that were the case, one would expect that previous Tamil refugees who have found safety in Canada would still live in fear of their homeland. A recent investigative report as reported by the Toronto Sun, showed that 71% of Tamil refugees here in Canada believe conditions in Sri Lanka are good enough, that they have gone back for a vacation. This report was backed up by the UN High Commissioner of Refugees who has gone on record and stated that so much has improved in Sri Lanka that no country in the world should assume that the Tamils are refugees.

So are the Tamils who are now being processed refugees or fugitives from Sri Lankan justice? I believe in light of this incident it is reasonable for Canada to strengthen the laws governing those seeking asylum and immigration status. Canada has become an easy target for foreign nationals to force our hands and circumvent proper immigration channels.

What is your life worth?

2010-08-17T16:18:00.002-06:00

I guess a better question would be, can you put a value on your life? If you think about it, the question itself is not only insulting but ludicrous because life itself is all there really is, and without it, anything else that has been deemed of any worth, is worthless.

Ask any individual if someone were to kill a loved one, be it a spouse, parent or child and the answer in many cases is, “An eye for an eye.” I posed this very question to our office staff, and that was the first statement that came out. Followed by “No Freedom” for the offender. When I posed our insulting value question on life, the responses were, “priceless and everything.” The bottom line is that as human beings we cherish our lives and the lives of our family. It would also be fair to say that the feelings we have for our family does transfer somewhat to others, including strangers. That is probably why we look at small children with smiles or practice common courtesy with others in public, which includes stopping for a jaywalker. So we as individuals do value lives.

But, it has become quite clear that we as a society do not value life. Last week Coda William Fika was handed an meager eight year sentence in Edmonton for killing Jeremie Auger. The killing occurred as a result of a dispute over a woman who was romantically linked to both men. During an argument where alcohol was involved, Fika picked up a knife, washed it, then stabbed Auger.

Fika was charged with Second Degree Homicide which carries a mandatory life sentence in Canada. During the proceedings, the charge was reduced to Manslaughter and Fika changed his plea to guilty and agreed to the facts of the case.

The presiding judge sentenced Fika to eight years in jail and credited him with twice the time served while he was remanded in custody, reducing the remaining incarceration by 20 months. Fika will be out of jail in just over six years, unless he is released earlier.

Our justice system has weighed in on Jeremie Auger's value as a human being. Fika will probably be still in his twenties when Canada deems payment is made in full for his crime. For whatever reason the Crown decided that taking the time to proceed with a lengthy trial for homicide was just not worth it. By plea bargaining they were able to save taxpayers some money, save witnesses from having to relive what they saw, and dispense of this sordid affair quickly. Good for them!

Sadly, as sentencing goes in Canada, Fika received a rather stiff one. According to a report of the Research Branch of Correctional Services of Canada the median prison sentence in 2001/02 was 30 days. The same report showed that just six years earlier the median prison sentence was 115 days. Any sentence under 24 months is served under provincial jurisdiction, therefore Fika will serve his sentence in a federal prison.

What are we to make of our justice systems soft handed approach to crime, where the punishment for killing a fellow human being will be all but forgotten by the offender in less than a decade but felt by family for a lifetime?

Did the police bungle the investigation that motivated the Crown to 'cut a deal?' Are the courts so overbooked that Jeremie Auger's death just slipped through the cracks of justice? Has Alberta Justice taken the stance that their mandate is just another rubber stamp process where people are nothing more than a case number? When we witness justice for the death of a fellow human being handled with such bargain basement prices it makes me think that the entire system is lacking. The same system that doubles time served as 'credit coupons' or 'get out of jail free cards' is one that is only trying to save a few meals, and keep beds open in our prisons.

If the average Canadian wants to see stiffer prison terms for violent crimes, why is there so much opposition to our current sentencing reforms being brought forth by the Conservative Government? The reforms for mandatory minimum sentencing that have passed in Parliament have only touched on impaired driving, serious firearms offenses, and organized drug crimes.

Opposition to these changes by the NDP and Liberals have all cited increased costs to the taxpayer if stiffer sentences are legislated. The opposition have gone on record and stated there will be additional prosecutorial costs to mandatory minimum sentences, where these changes will lead to longer sentences behind bars and require additional prison space. One point brought up was that people will not plea bargain because the Crown Prosecutors will have nothing to offer the accused person.

Once again, costs and bargaining tools are brought up. In any financial “Balance Sheet” there are assets and liabilities, where both sides of the balance sheet counter each other. In society, the assets are you and me, the lives that make up Canadian society. On the other side of the Balance Sheet are the liabilities. The criminals, and the costs incurred to deal out a measure of justice. I guess if we devalue human life we have no alternative but to balance justice with equal contempt.

If You Believe, Think Again

2010-08-10T14:30:00.000-06:00

Environmental activism has turned a corner I doubt will ever regain its former dignity. Gone are the days when someone could be referred to as environmentally conscience, where people could have intelligent conversations on a topic like industrial pollution, where the goals are to improve processes and educate. The environmental movement is no longer an intellectual pursuit. It has now become an Eco-Mental pursuit where many have taken it to emotional levels, equal if not exceeding behaviors found in groups displaying religious fervor.

Just as communities formalized important waste management systems like recycling, people are being subjected to attacks from these Eco-Mentalists disguising themselves as friendly neighbours. Case in point; a man in Toronto went into a rage over his neighbour not sorting out her pop cans from her regular trash. In an act of what he must have felt was 'righteous anger' he assaulted the poor woman until the police had to be called into remove him from the premises. Apparently he felt it was more important to be a friend with the earth than to respect his fellow human. Evil creatures these humans are, for not sorting properly. “It's not easy being green.”

But, his actions illustrate a trend where many, but not all, environmentalists are motivated by emotion and not so much intellect. In what can only be seen as a case of cutting off the nose to spite the face, a coalition of the willing, comprised of ten non-profit organizations have commenced a marketing campaign against all Albertans. In an effort to stop the development of the oil-sands operations in Alberta, they are calling on all Americans to boycott Alberta Tourism. This campaign is aimed along roadsides, on billboards and internet traffic in the forms of video and Google advertising. The campaign which compares the oilsands with the BP gulf oil spill disaster states, “Alberta: The OTHER oil disaster.”

The video campaign shows Alberta as a great place to be with rolling hills, sunsets and beautiful mountains, all the time flashing juxtaposed images of the Athabasca oil-sands development, oil soaked ducks, and it's tailing ponds. The video tells the uninformed viewer that the ecological disaster of the oil-sands are twice the size of Great Britain. The final message is clear, with gloomy music, the narrator along with words written state, “Thinking of visiting Alberta. Think again. Take the Pledge.”

Accuracy is not the special of-the-day, because emotional campaigns just don't require accuracy. Case in point; according to the groups video, the oilsands operation is twice the size of Great Britain, which would mean that it engulfs 66% of the province. But like so many movements that are emotionally driven, the people behind it become Zealots, where the political movement is designed to incite the people to rebel against the 'Roman Empire' and expel it from the 'holy land' by force.

The executive director of one of the non-profit organizations, Corporate Ethics International in the press stated, “We felt we needed to be more aggressive in calling the government out.” In his own words Marx says, “Our job is to get the people to look past the cover, to unwrap the cover and see what's really inside.”

To stop these attacks these eco-mentalist's made a threefold demand to the Alberta government. “a. Halt the expansion of the Tar Sands. b. Stop spending millions of dollars on public relations campaigns designed to keep the United States addicted to dirty Tar Sands oil, c. Take meaningful steps to transition its economy away from dirty Tar Sands oil to clean energy alternatives.” In essence a billion dollar ransom.

Although this action has spread like wildfire around the world through the press and the internet, I doubt it will ever be more than a boil on the rear of Albertans. The facts speak for themselves, and whether the Eco-mentalist likes it or not, business will continue because according to 2008 figures, Alberta shipped 1.4 million barrels of crude oil a day to the United States as opposed to Saudi Arabia's 1.06 million barrels. When is comes to Alberta Tourism, 82 per cent of Alberta tourism is made up of other Albertans, 14 per cent are other Canadians and from overseas visitors. Only four percent were made up of Americans.

This anti-Alberta campaign, may make a small dent in our tourism, but not enough to sway provincial policy. The only thing it will do is appeal to those who react on an emotional level and do not look beyond the package to look inside. Like many zealot movements, you have to 'look past the cover, to unwrap the cover and see what's really inside.' Because these kinds of groups thrive on providing a small piece of the picture all the while claiming that they are representing the whole. If you believe the Eco-Mentalist, think again.

“Colonel! Send in the Geese.”

2010-08-04T14:20:00.000-06:00

With that order began an perceived invasion from Canada on U.S. soil. The invaders, are none other than the Canada Geese. It appears that our name sake fowl is now being blamed for the downing of a commercial jet, buckets of white effluence littering New York city parks, and replacing the pigeons as the trademark bird of the park scavengers.

The solution that New York city is examining are the capture and killing of these birds to the tune of 165,000, or 330,000 drum sticks. The methods that are being proposed are to capture them in cages, place them in wood grates and transport the fowl to a site where they are euthanized in accordance with approved methods of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).

The approved method according to the 2007 AVMA Guidelines for Euthanasia, is “Free-ranging birds may be collected by a number of methods, including nets and live traps, with subsequent euthanasia. For collection by firearm, shotguns are recommended. The bird should be killed outright by use of ammunition loads appropriate for the species to be collected.” If the authorities have the facilities to place these birds into pressure chambers the recommended method instead of gunshot is to cause hypoxia through gassing. The recommended gas that can cause death within 2 to 6 minutes are either CO (Carbon Monoxide) or CO2 (Carbon Dioxide), the former being the preferred gas. This according to the AVMA are approved for the humane killing of wildlife birds such as the Canada Goose.

The interesting point of all this is a that according to studies the population of Canada Geese is not at a high. It appears that all that has run a foul is that the migration pattern has changed. The pesky birds just seem to want to stay at the Big Apple and the fields near the airports have been chosen as their favourite landing zone. It has also been noted that since Canadians are no longer avid hunters, the seasonal culling through this activity is being blamed for the increased concentration of the goose population.

For whatever reason, the Canada Goose has been identified as a pest, that requires pest control. So American society has now placed them on the radar for extermination. I really have no problem with that since one goose was sucked into the engine of a commercial jet and did take down the aircraft and it's passengers. Of course it can be said that it is not the fault of the goose, and that man made objects, those being the jet and airport should not be there in the first place. It can be argued that perhaps hundreds of years ago before New York city was just a twinkle our eye, the birds migrated to that region yearly and lived in harmony with their surroundings. Of course the Canada Goose was called the Cackling Goose then so really Canada has no real claim to them, so have at them.

But to exterminate 165,000 birds! What a travesty, the global community should be enraged! People should gather in city parks with signs with, “stop the killing” slathered on them! It paints a picture of hairy low-life types encroaching on them with shot guns and killing all those poor birds! Can you hear my sarcasm?

This story really did not get much press attention. One short burst of exposure in the dailies, and now the New York mayor is reexamining the situation. I guess he is waiting for another aircraft to crash in order to sway public opinion. Because we all know that public opinion should be the sole rudder that steers government action. More sarcasm, I sure hope you heard that.

Much like Canada's policy on the seal hunt, and the loss of ducks in the tailing ponds, the U.S. problem with the Canada Goose is a very similar situation. It is another example of how humankind as a society is faced with a contradiction. On one hand we want to be good stewards of this planet where humans live in harmony and respect for all creatures great and small. In the other, we have a need to continue to survive as a culture. A culture where we have developed technology and a lifestyle that the majority of us depend on. That includes such things as air travel and fossil fuel energy. The structure of these developments cannot be just changed overnight. To do so would be detrimental to our economy, and believe it or not it could adversely affect each one of us.

So like Geese adversely affecting the air travel in New York, structures and operations by humans clash with nature such as the oil sands development. Unfortunately until other solutions develop, humans will continue to confront nature. When it comes to Canada's seal hunt, the authorized method of killing them as regulated by those in authority includes shooting and clubbing, where clubbing preserves the pelts. In contrast with the AVMA authorized methods of killing wild birds seems just as inhumane. Like it or not both policies are necessary.

Now that the United States of America has joined Canada as a country at odds animal rights activists, it will be interesting to see how the Canada Geese will fair in that country.

Dealing with our Crap

2010-07-28T08:37:00.000-06:00

“I will always cherish the initial misconceptions I had about you.” ~ anonymous

I think it is fair to say that those who have and are holding an office in public service at the local government level have had their fair share of criticisms as of late. Our newspaper alone have published letters from rate payers that have had to be edited removing the more colourful phrases aimed at some holding office in local councils. Others have written letters that I could not publish that were directed to specific people working in public service. Yes, it is fair to say that one of mankind's past times are to point out the weaknesses, or perceived weakness of others.

Public service is and always will be an extremely under appreciated position to hold. Whether a person works in law enforcement, local government, public administration or sanitary engineer, the daily tasks go by and not too many people will thank them. The only real exception to that rule are firefighters. They tend to be appreciated on many levels. The image of fire conjures up a well of emotions that tend to make you appreciate a firefighter, even if your family has never been touched by the threat.

But how about those people that go to work at your local government office? Like your city or town administration or public works. Has anyone ever taken a second look at the crews working in your community? I know that in the past I have seen in the city eight people tending a flower bed, usually with two public workers bent over working the soil, a third leaning on a hoe, and the others staring at the work in progress. That image of the public servant does not garnish much in the way of compliments. I guess it is fair to say that at every sector of the workforce we can find examples of poor performance. But is it fair to judge all public servants by the actions of a few? That question alone can be answered either yes or no, depending on the situation.

So what is this all about? In a word it is simply about crap. Yes, I really do mean crap, as in human refuse. I live in what I have always believed to be one of God's chosen towns. I have lived in the town of Millet, Alberta since 1992. I have seen Millet go from some dirt streets in front of my home and buildings in ill-repair to what we have today. A town where we have pretty neighbourhoods, good services and new developments all designed to create a quaint small town atmosphere. Millet, like many communities, has its share of problems, but for the most part it is a great place to live. Like many small towns in our region, our town council, and town administration have come under fire by the rate payers. Some complaints are valid and many not. But last week something took place that really demonstrated the level of service that the residents of Millet enjoy.

What could only be described as a near disaster, was not only controlled by the public servants, but was eventually repaired. A complete failure in the main line leading to the Millet sewage lagoons was blocked ,threatening to backup human waste through floor drains of every home in the town. Waste water from over 800 homes was not being taken away to the lagoons, and as a result began to back up into the system. Eventually, without the blockage repaired, human sewage would have visited every home owner in the town.

What turned out to be a massive juggling act for the town officials, public works employees and private contractors, allowed most residents to go about their business in blissful ignorance of the oozing threat to their families.

For one week, twenty-four hours a day, large sewage trucks pumped the town’s waste out of the main line from the final pump house. A temporary heavy duty pump was rolled onto the site and a one kilometer hose was surface run to the lagoons. Between the trucks and line, with the residents going about their business; washing laundry, flushing toilets, taking showers, the waste kept coming. Add to that the 40mm plus of rain that fell from thunderstorms during that week and our public servants had their hands full.

I guess it was a simple fact that they were able to stave off the sewers from backing up into our basements and did so without nary a hiccup in service speaks well of the Town of Millet Public Works and the Town Administration. They handled what could have been a damaging situation and did so without any fanfare.

If we feel we can judge all public servants by the performance of a few, then it is fair to say that this situation is a prime example of the type of performance all of us in each community receives. For their hard work, and to all our public servants in the region and especially the Town of Millet,thank you for a job well done.

Simply Impossible to Understand

2010-06-29T16:03:00.000-06:00

Prior to the G8 and G20 meetings that were held in Ontario last week, the official opposition milked the press core over the enormous cost of security that the federal Government was spending. NDP foreign-affairs critic Paul Dewar went on record and stated, “when you can spend a billion dollars to send out sound cannons on protesters in Toronto, the least you can do is provide $1.4 billion over a couple of years to provide front-line health services to woman in the Congo. It's a no-brainer.”

Speaking of no-brainers, the best response came from Michael Ignatieff, when he suggested that instead of spending so much government money on security in Toronto during the G20 summit, he would rather see money spent on reducing students’ tuition or even improving broadband internet access for rural Canadians. Ingatieff stated that the spending was “off the charts” and he said of the security spending, “It's simply impossible to understand.”

This is the man that has designs on becoming our next Prime Minister. A person who stands before the populous and says that he 'simply does not understand.'

Micheal, do you understand that prior to the G20 summit, the United States issued a travel advisory to U.S. citizens telling them to stay out of the core of Toronto due to credible threats gleaned from intelligence? No! I believe Stephan Harper understood!

Micheal, do you understand that Canada and our allies are fighting a war stemming from terrorist activities and that this year alone homegrown US terrorists have targeted New York and shot up a Texas barracks? Does anyone harping about the cost of security remember that a Nigerian terrorist tried to blow up a transatlantic flight, and Al-Qaeda double agent suicide bombers killed several U.S. Agents in Afghanistan.

Micheal, do you understand that when it had become common knowledge that several peaceful protests were planned during the G8 and G20 summits, a group of black-clad anarchists identifying themselves as adhering to the ‘Black Bloc’ philosophy had openly advertised the fact that they would be descending on the summit. No! I guess Harper understood.

With last minute security preparations complete which included increased police presence in the form of Toronto-Metro, RCMP, and Police officers gathered from across Canada, a security buffer was set, and military leaders were on stand-by. A thirty-foot security fence was erected around the summit meeting location, the money was spent. 'What a waste of money' was probably ringing between the ears of the likes of Ignatieff. 'If only every Canadian could enjoy high-speed internet.' was the position publicly conveyed by the honourable opposition.

In what now has become probably the best example of a political 'I told you so,' the Black Bloc did descend on the peaceful protesters, and in true fascist anarchist fashion they started a riot on Queen street. Four police cars were set on fire, store-fronts were destroyed and before television cameras and reporters from around the world, Canada began to look like a third-world country. While employees of retailers lining the war-zone cowered behind their cash registers, the Mayor of Toronto went before the cameras and in a brief press conferences was asked questions like; “Do you believe the amount of police presence caused the riot?” “Are the police doing enough to control the protestors?” The level of frustration on the Toronto Mayors face was only out-done by the terse response to a press who like Ignatieff, simply just does not understand.

The opportunity to host important international summits like the G8 and the larger meeting of the G20 is an important opportunity for Canada and speaks well of how Canada is seen as a global partner.

The amount of money spent to secure not only the delegates of several nations but also the Canadian soil these summits occupy is necessary. In the state of world affairs only a fool would host a world political meeting without taking every measure possible for security.

The question has been raised that if the security was in place, how could the violence erupt in the first place. Maybe a better question would be, how did the Toronto-Metro police arrest 500 hooligans, essentially restoring peace in relatively short order? Because that is precisely what happened. The sheer amount of law enforcement that descended on Toronto was able to arrest the Black Bloc without instigating onlookers to erupt in an all-out free-for-all.

As a result of the riot, Toronto has incurred losses due to property damage, lost wages, and lost business earnings. The wisdom of whether Toronto was a proper venue for the G20 summit will probably be the hot-topic from the opposition for months to come. I suspect no matter how plainly Prime Minister Stephan Harper explains it, the opposition will find it simply impossible to understand.

The Eco-Indulgence

2010-06-23T14:00:00.000-06:00

“As soon as a coin in the coffers rings, a soul from purgatory springs.” Johan Tetzel (from Martin Luther's Ninety-Five Thesis)

The act of offering indulgences by the Catholic Church was originally put into practice going back to the Council of Epaon in 517AD. It was a method of replacing severe canonical penances with something new and milder. In those days it replaced severe penances and it became customary to commute practices to less demanding works, such as prayers, alms, fasts and even tariff penances. It fell into abuses by what became known as professional “pardoners” in the Middle Ages, which came to a head in 1517AD when Pope Leo X offered indulgences for those who gave alms to rebuild St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. It was then that Martin Luther nailed his Ninety-Five Thesis protesting what he saw as the purchase and sale of salvation, thus sparking the Protestant Reformation. He wrote in Thesis 28 the words of Johan Tetzel, Pope Leo X's aggressive indulgence marketer, “As soon as a coin in the coffers rings, a soul from purgatory springs.”

Of course, money would never had been raised for the rebuilding of the Basilica if people did not want to be absolved or even lessened the punishment for their sins. Pope Leo X and Tetzel knew that they could prey on the guilty feelings of the weak. All it took was a charismatic personality, Tetzel, and the authority of the Papacy, to push ahead.

Today we have the same dynamics at play on the masses, where Eco-Indulgences are being paid by individuals in order to reduce their guilt from sins acted on 'Mother Earth'. In order to reduce carbon-dioxide emissions individuals, instead of countries can purchase carbon credits. The money raised is claimed to be used towards environmental programs such as reforestation, new technologies to reduce CO2 emissions, and social programs such as 'adopt-a-bicycle.' People who drive gas guzzling SUV's, Hummers, sports cars and motorcycles can off-set their gaseous ways by calculating their carbon footprint and pay their way out of eco-purgatory. The funds collected by private companies adhere to a voluntary set of standards and practices, which is not regulated, or vetted by any governmental (that's you and I) organization. The standards by which these companies run under are created by two people sitting in a private office in Washington, D.C. Their organization VCS (Voluntary Carbon Standards) provide a stamp of approval for many other private companies that are popping up on the internet selling 'eco-indulgences.'

One such company from Australia, WesternField Holdings Inc. stands accused of defrauding $3.2 million dollars in a carbon investment scam. The company would sell carbon credits for investing, and the buyer would monitor their carbon investments in a website held by CTR Limited (carbontrustregistry.com) Carbon Trust says on its website that it is a registry for credits issued by Voluntary Carbon Standards (VCS) Association. However, VCS has since advised that Carbon Trust is not an authorized VCS registry. Examples such as this wreaked of a need for regulating the private sector in an area where peoples gullibility is open to exploitation.

But is Canada protected from this wholesale of 'eco-indulgences.' Not to be outdone, several Canadians have started online companies in an effort to raise funds

At one such website, I was able to calculate my individual carbon footprint based not so much on any detailed personal habits but only on the size of my house, and the brand of my vehicle, it quickly advised me that I could off-set my existence by paying them $487.86/year. This Canadian website proudly advised that they were members of the Voluntary Carbon Standard (VCS) Association. Just as I was looking at an “Add to My Shopping Cart” I read the following. “You can buy with confidence knowing that you are protected by our no hassle returns policy.” Emphasis theirs.

How in hell does anyone get a refund on a carbon footprint? Based on this little nudge, I should be able to call them up half way through the year and say. “You know I got rid of my Chevrolet and bought a Prius. Please calculate a credit of my credit and credit my credit card!”

What was even more frustrating is that nowhere on this website, or any other that I found selling carbon credits, did it provide any scientific reasoning being the carbon-credit calculation. Nor did these sites actually detail how the money was being spend. They did however, advise that we are killing the planet and causing global warming, and that the money will be used toward new technologies to reduce mankind's impact on the planet.

Just like the turning point on church indulgences imposed by Pope Leo X can be traced, 'eco-indulgences' can be linked back to Al Gore and “An Inconvenient Truth”. Released in 2006, the film has been used as the canon document of the global-warming movement and is the weapon of choice by the newly converted. Al Gore has become the new eco-prophet of our time. So was there anything that Gore needed to build? Co-Founded by Al Gore two years before the release of “An Inconvenient Truth”, was an eco-investment company called General Investment Company. Followed up by his company called the Alliance for Climate Protection, these companies seek investments into new eco-technologies.

As long as people are led to believe that every mile they travel is a sin against our planet, people will throw away their family trust buying carbon credits from private companies to relieve their guilt. It took 500 years for the Church to mend their ways. When will a new-age Martin Luther start another reform?

Lacking Pride

2010-06-09T16:38:00.003-06:00

“Watch what people are cynical about, and one can often discover what they lack.”
General George S. Patten

Back in December I received a comment from a reader that I found myself brushing off my shoulder. It was one of those comments that you consider the source and then move on placing little credence to it. Then two weeks ago during a conversation with a stranger, they discovered that I worked at the Pipestone Flyer, and immediately stated, “That's a pro-war newspaper right?” There it was again. It was one of those moments when your brain goes back into search mode and tries to put yourself in the shoes of the person you are facing. Being the editor, I control what and what does not go into the newspaper, and I tried hard to understand what I had published that made the Pipestone Flyer 'pro-war', or better yet appear war mongering.

As weak as it was, all I could come up with was that nearly every week we have placed a banner advertisement in our newspaper at our cost promoting a website that honours War Veterans from Millet. A website that we build, host and maintain. I have also written editorials supporting all veterans for what they have provided Canada in past and current conflicts. Yes, it would be fair to say that I am proud of Canada's international role it has played and is playing in regards to our military deployment. I am not proud of the losses that we have felt, but I have a deep understanding of the significance of the soldiers that have sacrificed their lives for not only their country but for their families.

But, the comment from this stranger ended in a discussion that unfortunately put me on the defensive as what turned into a political rant from this person where my position could not be intelligently conveyed. In her mind, I was a warmonger and The Pipestone Flyer was guilty by association and she was a peace loving Canadian and I therefore was the opposite, period! It turned into a group discussion that criticized my conservative views on many fronts. We parted that day agreeing to disagree.

My pride in our military comes from two distinct but related sources. First and foremost, I do not love war. Like many, when CNN started to broadcast the USA bombing Baghdad into the 'stone-age' in their 'shock-and-awe' campaign, I, like many North Americans, was glued to the television, only to suffer from depression from the day to day coverage. It did not thrill me to see the start of the conflict, but as a living human I was interested in what is happening on this planet.

So, when our then Liberal government committed Canada to the Afghanistan war which has now endured nearly a decade, I was proud that Canada was not just sitting back asking Britain to represent us, but that we had an international policy to support. It also speaks well of Canada that our current federal government is honouring the spirit of our international commitment and has not pulled out our troops prematurely in spite of our losses in Afghanistan and the liberal opposition. So on an international scale I am a proud Canadian and proud of the important role our military is fulfilling.

Secondly, on a personal level, I am a member of a military family. That means that when there is a Canadian loss in the field of battle, I felt the loss on a personal level. Because as with the Bosnian conflict, the Afghanistan war had a member of our family fighting side-by-side with other Canadians. My sister's husband, a man I am proud to call my brother, served in Afghanistan for a tour of duty. I saw the stress on my sister's face when he was not there for Christmas. I listened as my sister talked not only with pride but with fear in her voice whenever she mentioned Paul's name in conversation. I felt rather insignificant because the only role I had to play in Paul's mission was connecting closer to his sons while their father was risking his life.

Yes, it is true that I am proud of our Canadian military past and present. I am so, because of what we as Canadians represent in the world. I am so because of the brotherly love and pride I feel for Paul. That pride did not subside, especially when last week my brother-in-law, Col. Paul Bury, was chosen as the Commander of the 41 Canadian Brigade Group taking over the reigns from the outgoing Commander, Col. Thomas Putt.

So, is the Pipestone Flyer pro-war? No, it just happens that it's editor is a proud Canadian. One that is not afraid to express pride in our military and all organizations in this country and our community that ensure that we don't forget the sacrifices our military have made everyday under our flag.

No truer words were ever voiced when U.S. General George S. Patten stated, “Watch what people are cynical about, and one can often discover what they lack.”

Only an Insult Will a Penny Buy

2010-06-01T15:18:00.000-06:00

For a few months now I have had a friend on my payroll. It's not that he actually works for me, it is quite the opposite. Unlike many today, my friend just cannot ignore one of these. My inside joke has been that every time we go to a meeting or event, I surreptitiously drop a shining penny in front of his drivers door, or somewhere in his path. If he sees it, he always, without fail, bends over to pick it up. Of course for political correct reasons I really can't fill you in on why I was doing this. However, until this moment he did not know I was the source of his new found wealth. In all I guess that I have paid him a total of 60 cents for his efforts.

What many have discovered is that the penny, or as the Canadian Mint refers to them as “one-cent piece,” has no real value. In fact they have become a nuisance to the average consumer. Many empty their pockets of change and sort the larger coins and leave the pennies stuck in a pickle jar. If you wish to find out just how much the penny is treated with contempt, take that pickle jar full of pennies into a bank someday and try to deposit it. They have such little value, that nowadays almost every store or restaurant has a rubber dish on the counter that states, “Need a penny, take a penny. Got a penny, leave a penny.” How I wish when I was 5 years old to have that option in front of me. I could walk out of the store with 5 Mojo candies for every penny I tendered. Nowadays, you can't buy anything for a penny. Even the average 5 year old Kool-Aid stand is offering a glass of hand stirred cherry drink for a buck a glass. The penny buys you nothing, unless you consider interrupting a stranger in a park and say, “Penny for your thoughts?” Yes, only an insult will a penny buy.

It has been over two years since Winnipeg MP Pat Martin submitted a private members bill calling for the one-cent piece to be taken out of circulation, and it appears that our government has ignored this submission.

It is estimated that over the years there have been 30 billion Canadian pennies in circulation, of which it costs our federal government 1.5 cents per coin to produce. In other words, stuck in jars, under beds or hidden in the top shelve of kitchen cupboards, Canadians are holding $300M from circulation, which costs estimated $450M to produce. I think the honourable member of parliament may be onto something here!

Every year Canada issues an average of 25 pennies for every Canadian, which is costing $130M a year to keep in circulation. I truly believe that if the federal government wanted to cut costs, the elimination of the penny should be something we need to implement. In two surveys conducted, strong arguments were put forth in favour of crushing the penny.

In a study conducted by the Desjardins Group it was successfully argued that the penny has “so little purchasing power that Canadians increasingly refuse it as change.” The study stated that, “It (the penny) is kept in circulation solely to facilitate cash payments (with bank notes and coins) to the nearest cent.”

The Royal Canadian Mint and the Department of Finance prepared a study by Altitude Marketing Research which revealed that 67 percent surveyed were not against the elimination of the one-cent piece. With 42 percent in favour, 33 percent were against and 25 percent were neutral on the subject. Unlike my penny-pinching friend who cannot pass up an abandoned one-cent coin, 64 percent of those surveyed stated they would not chase after a penny lost in a couch while 71 percent perceive the penny as part of the Canadian heritage.

The perception of the penny as a Canadian heritage is what many would refer to as an irrational affinity. A weak kneed reason to hang onto an obsolete tool of society that is costing the tax payer millions of dollars each year to hang onto. Money that could be spent more effectively toward social programs, health care, or housing for those who huddle in the streets stuck in a mind-set that makes them societal burdens. If everyone who hoards this copper coated steel coin would take their jars down to a charity of choice they could donate millions of dollars overnight. This would in turn push these missing-in-action 300 billion coins into the banking system, giving our government the opportunity to pull them from circulation.

New Zealand and Australia have already done away with the penny, leaving a five-cent piece as their lowest financial token. They have done so with no ill effects, and at the same time have weaned their people from any irrational attachment they may of had to this “piece of heritage.” It is time Canada joined their ranks.

A Quest for Good News

2010-05-25T15:19:00.000-06:00

I love to read, and quite frankly I look to the dailies for the national stories about medical advances and human interest features. Articles that are informative and don't necessarily raise my blood pressure. However, the media is a hard maiden, and it does not matter where you turn, there is always bad news at our doorstep. So in my quest for good news this week, I tried to see the brighter side of the bad. Here is what I found.

Another week goes by and it seems that British Petroleum (BP) and the US Government are not really doing anything about the oil pouring into the ocean as a result of the off-shore derrick disaster. Now with the oil choking the life from the Eco-system, and waters controlled by other countries will probably have been affected as well. Maybe then Obama will put his “Yes We Can” attitude and plug the hole. While Barack Obama and his cronies stand by and allow BP to flounder, the problem will not just go away.

I truly wish I could just grab a daily newspaper, or read from several news sources online and actually enjoy reading. But each day I am reminded about the BP's environmental assault and I just wish they could put a cork in it. It may even come down to having to use nuclear charges to plug the leak. But do two wrongs make a right? Nothing good can come out of this, so I pushed on.

Maybe Obama has his hands full with the North Korean affair. With the stubby despot's navy torpedoing the South Korean patrol ship killing 46 sailors, many countries including Canada have spoken out against Kim Jong-Il. I just hope Kim Jong-il did not have a submarine near the oil derrick. Sorry but I guess just don't trust him.

These two stories alone dominated the press, from news print to television and radio. It is no wonder people get agitated being bombarded by such negative stories.

Then perched below a headline about Polar Bears dying as a result of the BP's cock-up, I spot the headline, “Prepare for a bit of cooling predicts geologist.” Now, here was something that I could sink my teeth into. According to geologist Don Easterbrook, professor emeritus from Western Washington University, “Global warming is over―at least for a few decades.” Easterbrook, who is an ardent believer in Anthropogenic Global Warming, says that the earth is in for some harsh winters and cooler summers for at least three decades. Or, for those in Australia, they will have harsher summers and cooler winters. If you think about it, Australia can really mess with your mind.

But, according to this piece of climate news, data collected from global sources shows that we are in for another mini-ice age. The culprits for this climate change are cited as being reduced solar activity (no flares) and the end of El Nino. Of course, all the sources for this story concluded that the colder climate will result in more human deaths, shorter growing seasons resulting in food shortages, and more hunger. They always need to toss in a little fear, even with good news, so I kept flipping though the newspaper then paused. A thought came to me. In Australia, does a toilet really flush backwards.

Huh, so I kept reading. I turn one page and a young woman is murdered, turn another page and we read of gang activity on the rise in smaller communities. One page after another and the human condition is reported with true vigour. My quest for some good news was not going anywhere. Was there no news source willing to blow some sunshine at me from behind?

Then it happened. News that kinda made my day. The headline read, “Marc Emery pleads guilty in U.S. court, awaits sentencing.” Yes, I truly like it when the 'Prince of Pot', the fella who have been on the march to legalize marihuana is given a dose of reality. Mark, please note that I used the word “dose” and not “hit.”

I have been watching Mr, Emery's defiance for many years. Truly believing that he can snub his joint at law enforcement by openly breaking our narcotic laws. It is a misguided belief that his activity can actually change Canadian legislation. His followers openly wept as he was arrested last year on charges of conspiring to manufacture marihuana on United States soil. Then the anger followed when he was extradited, sending him into a country that has actually waged war on drug offenders.

To our Conservative Federal Government promising law reforms, please take notes. Mr. Emery folded quickly in the hands of the US legal system. His defiance crumbled when he copped to a plea. A deal was struck that will probably see him in an American prison for 5 years. If he had been convicted in Canada on similar charges he would have probably received a fine, or little jail time.

So the moral of the post-long-weekend tirade is this. Yes, some good news can be found, if you really search for it. You just have wade through some muck to get at it.

Never Enough Time

2010-05-18T15:39:00.000-06:00

It would be fair to say that many people are not satisfied with the justice system. When someone is found guilty of a crime as a result of a costly trial or after providing a guilty plea, we hope for the best. We would like to see a deterrence, a punishment that fits the crime and not just a slap on the wrist.

Last week a Peter Terence Jones was sentenced on charges relating to two church arsons that he committed last October in Wetaskiwin. First the United Church on 50 Ave., and then the very next day he broke into, stole items and then torched the St. John's Lutheran Church. The devastation that occurred are well known to the citizens of that city. The United Church building is just ‘No More’ and the St. Johns Lutheran Church building, after an inspection, was determined to be non-salvageable.

All we know from what the courts were told is that the arsonist started the United Church fire in an attempt to cover up the Break and Enter he had committed. In the second case, there was no real explanation which leads us to conclude that it was deliberately lit in an effort to gain a thrill. In sentencing the judge concluded that it was a “totally senseless wanton act of destruction.” Jones was sentenced to four years in prison with recognition of eight months he served while remanded in custody. With good behavior we may see Mr. Jones out and about long before the full sentence is served.

Some can say that his sentence fits the crime. Many may believe that four years in a federal institution will teach Mr. Jones a lesson and once he gets out he will mend his ways. Personally, I just don't buy it.

It's not that I know Mr. Jones, it is just the nature of the crime that concerns me. The truth is that many, even psychologists, don't have a real handle on the what makes an arsonist tick.

The motivating factors behind arson have been identified as either money, peer pressure vandalism, attention-getting, political activism or pyromania due to an underlying psychological condition. According to a British study titled the “Home Office Arson Scoping Study,” vandalism, boredom and trill-seeking covers 80% of arson that have come before the courts, where the arsonist has admitted the ignition was a spur-of-the-moment decision targeting vacant property, abandoned buildings and automobiles. Five percent of arsons were malicious, where they were lit as an act of revenge, retaliation, rivalry or racism, or for political ends. An even smaller percentage of arsonists have an underlying psychological problem, where only 2% of arsonists in Britain received a court ordered hospital stay, while about 10% of arson arrests are considered mentally ill.

It has been reported that around half of all arsonists are male under the age of 18, and the majority of the offenders are males under thirty, and according to an FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin, the vast majority of 'profiled' arsonists have a below-normal IQ – typically between 70 and 90.

In cases where the arson is motivated by money, politics or revenge, the culprit has usually revealed that information during the course of the investigation.

The public is properly apprised during the court proceedings and citizens can see past whatever sentence is handled down. We can at least be assured that the problem has been contained and properly dealt with by the authorities. But when the motivation for arson has not been properly disclosed by the offender, as in our Wetaskiwin case, we are left with an uneasy feeling that perhaps the arsonist may re-offend after he is letout.

The truth is that, unlike a Hollywood movie, when an arson occurs the police have no real way of profiling an offender. Psychologists just do not know enough about the mental state of a firebug to make any type of determination. That is because arson investigations do not have a high solve rate and what the public knows of that type of offender is only gleaned from those culprits that are caught and charged in the first place.

Mr. Jones did not just steal a car, bicycle or broke into a business to steal electronics for financial gain. He entered into a church, a building that commonly provides nothing for a criminal to gain other than salvation. Mr. Jones torched the church and repeated that offense within 24 hours. To say that the police did an outstanding job in catching him is an understatement. The fact that he was arrested outside of Alberta, is to some reassuring for the citizens of Wetaskiwin that there is hope that once released he will leave our province.

This is the type of case that needs a full disclosure with an explanation for the offenders actions. Because, with less than fours years before Mr. Jones is once again out, without peace of mind, it is never enough time.

In the Heat of the Night

2010-05-11T15:40:00.000-06:00

We have all witnessed the scene in all forms of movies. A natural disaster has hit a large metropolitan area. Thousands of people are being evacuated from the city and somewhere huddled in a destroyed structure is our hero, who has along the way met a young woman in distress. Her hair is disheveled, her blouse is torn and she has what looks like soot rubbed on her face, but her lipstick is not even smudged. Our hero, masculine, with a chiseled chin, who goes by the name of Biff, peers out the basement window at the world coming to a swift end! Yes he is separated from his family and his best canine friend Mitzi is lying not far away close to death! But in all this terrible calamity, our hero formulates a plan. It is a brilliant plan! Biff looks over to our femme fatale who is shaking in fear and says, “Hey, we may not live to see tomorrow and I don't want to die a virgin.”

Of course this is just the way it is. It is the survival of the species under the worst conditions. Today there is this terrible calamity creeping upon us. Scientists from around the world have been watching for it, and as we observe nature the menace is seen around every corner. Man-made global warming is, by all accounts, going to consume this planet by the year 2050. According to popular culture fueled by the pulpit of the eco-evangelist, carbon dioxide will raise the overall temperature of the planet by 15 degrees. Causing the oceans to raise by melting polar caps, lands to flood, fresh water to pollute the gulf streams, creating aberrant climate events which will reverse the temperatures back to an ice age that will kill off every living critter on the earth! Except a dude name Clem who has a log cabin and wood burning stove west in the wilderness somewhere away from the political media nonsense we are all exposed to.

Recently an Inuit hunter shot and killed a polar bear in the high arctic. This bear looked rather odd so the hunter brought it to the attention of biologists who discovered that its genome was a combination of Polar bear and Grizzly Bear. The Pizzly, or Grolar as it has been called, is the offspring of an 'odd couple' an anomaly of nature. It is a bit like a cooperative Chihuahua and a St. Bernard producing a Brangelina hybrid.

The fact that these two bears mated is nothing unusual. Both the Polar Bear and the Grizzly Bear are of the same species. But what was reported of this union is that it was the cause of climate change due to anthropomorphic global warming that made the grizzly look passionately into the eyes of the disheveled female in distress. As reported by Canwest News Service, “A warming climate has prompted hungry grizzly bears to increasingly move north, encroaching on Polar Bear turf, according to experts.” Yes, our hero bear must have gotten the message of the coming doom, because according to 'experts' it was man that put these two 'kids' together.

I know I promised to leave this alone, but in the wake of the exposed falsified climate data reported by the mainstream press debunking increased temperatures, and the fact that the polar caps have increased and not shrunk I was really hoping that the media would stop looking for eco-ghosts around every corner.

But no, in fact the media has been even more so pervasive on the climate change front. Even going as far as reporting that while having a “casual pub chat” Antarctic scientists concluded that whale poop may be the answer to reducing carbon dioxide levels, thus saving the planet. (Reuters)

Then coming off his Academy Award nod, the movie maker James Cameron took a shot at Alberta by announcing that the oilsands developments are a 'black eye' on Canada's environmental record. One can say, “So who is Cameron to give scientific advise?” But then again, science has lost a great deal of credibility in the eyes of many in light of the shift from the empirical to a spiritual discipline.

So I guess until the next headlines, whale poop is the answer. Now if only the whales could subscribe to the main street media we could scare the crap out of them so that we can re-segregate the bears and the world will be once again in harmony.

Turning the Other Cheek

2010-05-04T16:36:00.000-06:00

It is probably safe to say that not many Canadians can quote any or all the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Many just assume that we have rights under the law, but other than a clumsy attempt at quoting an American Bill of Rights as provided by Hollywood, in a drunken stupor before a uniform holding a tube to blow in, many are ignorant of this important piece of Canadian legislation.

We all want to live in Canada and do so in the pursuit of prosperity, and freedom from fear, discrimination and loathing. In fact, not a day goes by when we step out the door and head off to work, that many subconsciously are on the vigil ready to defend ourselves from opposing viewpoints, lifestyles and opinions. For the most part, we do live in a country where we are free from judgment by our neighbours, employers and fellow workers. Yet, we still hear about fellow Canadians not enjoying the freedoms and rights that we are so blithely ignorant of.

I am a believer in the separation of church and state, however our Charter of Rights and Freedoms very much agree with principals found in biblical teachings as spelled out in the Bible. Those such as love your neighbours, feed your enemies and judge not or you shall be judged, and of course when struck, turn the other cheek. All teachings that fundamentally point to the more legal groundings found in law.

Yet, last week in Vancouver the Little Flower Academy, a Catholic High School for Girls, found themselves in a position where they asked a music teacher to stay home and complete her assignments away from the school, effectively dismissing the teacher. Lisa Reimer, who hadn't disclosed to the school prior to her commencing employment that she is a homosexual agreed to respect the Catholic schools faith. It was reported that Lisa was granted three weeks leave as a result of her partner giving birth to a child. While on leave, the school decided to address the situation and have Lisa stay home in fear that she would share her experiences with the students. “Its not like a mob of people showed up demanding things be done. We're just conducting ourselves within the tenets of the Catholic faith,” was the comment from the chairman of the school boards directors.

Our Charter clearly spells out that every individual is equal before and under the law and has the right to the equal protection and equal benefit of the law without discrimination. Our fundamental freedoms state that we have freedom of conscience and religion; freedom of thought, belief, opinion and expression; freedom of peaceful assembly; and freedom of association.

Freedoms are wonderful when they are protecting you but when we have opposing beliefs and lifestyles the Charter can be conflicting. In the schools position they can claim that they are acting in accordance with the freedom of religious beliefs. Those beliefs being that the Catholic church does not condone homosexuality so they are enforcing their stance on Reimer. In Reimer's case, her lifestyle is also protected under the Charter, and it can be effectively argued that her personal choices are not privy to the policies of her employer, and as long as she separates the two, no conflict should arise.

The real interesting development in this matter is that Reimer has chosen to turn the other cheek, and has stated that she will “let this unfold” and not launch a humans rights complaint against the school.

The situation Lisa Reimer finds herself in is one good example of what our Charter of Rights and Freedoms was designed to prevent in Canada. The persecution from an employer where the lifestyle of the employee is in opposition with the lifestyle choices of the employer. The real question would be, is whether the employee is doing a good and proper job, or was there a performance reason for dismissing the teacher. Because if that was the reason for this action, one would expect the school to show cause for dismissal.

Similar occurrences outside of Canada in relation to homosexuals on the school systems have also occurred in the last year. In Mississippi a Ceara Sturgis' photograph was excluded from the school year book because she wanted her grad picture taken in a tuxedo. In the same state, a school district called off the senior prom when it was learned that two lesbian students were planning to come to the dance escorting each other.

For the majority, homosexuality is a hard pill to swallow and in the cases where a perception arises that their lifestyle will adversely influence others around them, those in authority such as managers, and administrators need to understand the fundamental rights afforded each person living in this country. In the case of the Little Flower Academy in Vancouver, I believe the proper action would have been to allow her to return after her leave and teach. Because nowhere in the school responses was their any indication that Reimer could not teach music or was not doing her job. It will be interesting to watch this institution’s response to Reimer ‘turning the other cheek.’

Doe, Roe Poe: Oh Know!

2010-04-27T16:34:00.000-06:00

How are these for names, John Doe, Jane Roe, Richard Poe and Sally Yoe? Pick one that peaks your fancy, that is if you are one of over a million Canadians who are interactive on the Internet. Interactive here refers to those, like me, who converse on the Internet with people on many topics. It could be discussing a horrid movie on the Internet Movie Database website (IMDB.com) that you spent good money renting, or it could be responding to a story posted on CBC's website. Or you could be posting your opinion in a health care news forum responding to a new snake-oil product that just does not work.

Yes, many Canadians log onto these types of websites and use anonymous monikers like BigTrucker49 or SweetSixteen72. This anonymity tends to allow someone to express themselves freely, and for many get a sense that they can say anything without getting their face slapped or knuckles rapped. Many are lulled into a false sense of security when responding to a news story from a well known television station or newspaper. After-all, they are agreeing with something that has been published by the media, who should have the professionalism to be careful and not defame anyone.

The names John Doe, Jane Roe, Richard Poe and Sally Yoe are common names attributed to ‘yet to be identified’ defendants on a Writ of Summon when one files a lawsuit.

In Canada, there are two interesting cases that have been brought to our attention this month which could set a new precedent in law. In each one, additional defendants have been drawn in from those who leave seemingly innocent comments on blogs, news articles and opinion pieces.

The first one comes to us from Nova Scotia where a judge has ordered a newspaper and Google Inc. to provide details on the identity of people who posted anonymous comments about Halifax's top firefighters. Sally Roe in this instance posted critical comments about these firefighters while responding to news stories on a discussion forum over issues of racism. It would be fair to say that the newspaper who published the stories may be in court in the future and those who responded to the stories may not be able to hide behind a name something like FireStalker22.

Then in Vancouver a lawsuit was filed in the British Columbia Supreme Court against a national newspaper from Toronto, where a reporter wrote four opinion pieces and allegedly made libelous comments defaming a well-known and respected Canadian climatologist. The court document claims that the reporter attributed statements to the scientist that was “grossly irresponsible falsehoods.” In this case, not only is the newspaper reporter, editor and publisher named as defendants, but the Writ makes room for a John Doe, Jane Roe, Richard Poe and Sally Yoe. Four anonymous comment-posters that responded to the reporter's stories.

At first glance one could say, “Good Luck” in locating the casual Internet user that chimed-up and supported the opinions of the defendants. Because everyone knows that if you're chatting up with a SexyGirl32 on the Internet at the other end of the keyboard you may find a sweaty, hairy, 320 lbs cigar smoking 50-something dude with a tattoo of ‘Bo loves mommy’ painted on his biceps.

However, tracking down an anonymous moniker is not really that hard, because you are NEVER ANONYMOUS on the Internet. As you travel the Internet your IP ADDRESS is recorded on every site you visit, and as you research using search engines like Google, Yahoo or Bing all your queries plus your IP Address is logged and stored for up to 18 months.

An IP Address is four sets of three digits numbers that electronically locates your computer terminal on the world wide web. In the case of WIFI, a method that many laptops connect the internet with the IP Address is associated to your wireless router. So, if your router is not WEP coded (security locked) anyone within the range of the signal can connect to your network and browse the Internet. In those cases their activity can be traced back to the owner of the router, that being you.

So, yes, law enforcement or anyone acting under the authority of a court can get access to your activity. In the case of this John Doe family, they can track them to their door.

All this smacks of big brother looking over your shoulder. It is a sobering thought for people who interact on the Internet. Open discussion and free speech is what makes the Internet a revolutionary communication tool. However, just because you are not face to face with those you discuss does not give us an open door to slander.

Commenting on news items and opinion columns on the Internet should be a careful practice, as these two court cases have demonstrated. Just because the press has put it out there does not necessarily mean that the article is free of any liability.

Bottom line, on the internet, there is no such thing as Anonymity.

The Measure of a Business

2010-04-20T16:12:00.004-06:00

Philosophers have been formulating ethics for centuries, and for the most part, thinkers such as Plato and Socrates have provided mankind with the basis for humanistic ethical conduct. For the religious, the code by which we are to interact and treat each other are found in sacred text such as the Bible, Torah or Quaran, where the prophets have written chapters and verses covering how we are to love our enemies and how we are to be measured as Gods creatures.

A good way of understanding ethics are to formalize a set of societal rules, laws, regulations, and yes, business rules. When we break an ethical rule, there are consequences or punishments which come along with a violation. With ethics, there is right and there is wrong. Flip the coin and you find Integrity, which refers to the quality of one's character and a persons guiding behaviour. In other words, integrity is a choice, and when we're acting with integrity, we do the right thing, even when nobody is watching us. Simply put, we can't have ethics without integrity.

However, when it comes to business, ethics and integrity are defined more so under the circumstances of a company's vision and mission statement, where the goals of the company fold, bend and in some cases mutilate the ethical landscape.

The standard understanding of ethics, that being black and white, good over bad, right over wrong, don't always apply to some in businesses. In a capitalistic society, the goal is to make money and the financial survival takes over the bridge steering the behaviour of a business.

Preston Townley the former Dean of the Carlson School of Management once said, "...it ought to be fairly easy to choose between right and wrong by relying on principles, but business activity often demands that we select from alternatives that are neither wholly right or wholly wrong.”

Over the past few weeks, the City of Wetaskiwin has given our publication the opportunity to service Wetaskiwin in a more vital role, by placing the legal notices in our community newspaper. To say that this family run newspaper was elated with this blessing, is an understatement. But what we did not fully understand was the level of vitriol politics that this decision was about to unleash.

The privilege of featuring these notices has been in the hands of other city newspapers for over 100 years. Suffice to say that residents of Wetaskiwin have read in the other city newspaper their reaction to this decision. The articles written have been terse, and the level of anger was skillfully conveyed by the publication, even going as far as using their media as a platform to stir anger in the readership.

However, last week a reporter from a Toronto Daily Newspaper contacted our Publisher advising that he was doing a story on the City of Wetaskiwin trying out the Pipestone Flyer for one year. The results of this published story was unfortunate because the reporter from this reputable daily newspaper employed misquotes, wrong statements of facts and referred to our weekly newspaper as a shopper, which is not only untruthful, but damaging. The article in essence attempted to reduce our publication down to a glorified business insert, stripping our community newspaper status in the eye of our readers and potential media buyers.

Combined with the references to our publication in the other city newspaper, it would be fair to say that the Flyer has been properly trounced. All this attention for offering a service for which any community newspaper provides. And yet, we are still very proud to be referred to as your community newspaper. The Pipestone Flyer will not change. We are still the newspaper that goes out of its way to provide as many people in our community with 15 minutes of fame and at the same time provide coverage of the largest geographical circulation area of nearby community newspapers.

It is important for any business leader to remember that their behaviour is a strong influence on the behaviour of employees in their organization. Inversely, you can always assess the integrity of an organization by the way their employees represent it.

In the print world, integrity is key to gaining the trust of the readership, for trust is a scale by which we are all measured.

It's No Laughing Matter

2010-04-15T11:25:00.000-06:00

A chicken and an egg are lying in bed. The chicken is leaning against the headboard smoking a cigarette, wing tucked behind his back. The egg, looking a bit pissed off, grabs the sheet, rolls over and says, "Well, I guess we finally answered THAT question."

The whole image of a person smoking after an intimate moment seems to makes smoking cool, or at least tension relieving. Not that the chickens in this scenario really feels tension. But as society's experience has proven, smoking is nothing less than a health hazard, and a recent ten year study out of Toronto, Ontario has gleaned some interesting data.

Toronto is just one of many cities that implemented a non-smoking bylaw years before the Provincial Governments began passing smoking legislation that banned smoking in public places, and workplaces. Of course much to the chagrin of restaurant and bar operators Alberta followed suit even going as far as prohibiting smoking within 5 metres of building entrances, plus removed the sale of cigarettes from pharmacies and instigated a curtain requirement hiding cigarettes from public view in convenience stores.

Suffice to say that for the past ten years smoking has been prohibited in one form or other in 90 countries worldwide. Notable exceptions include Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, and many other countries in Central and Western Africa, where people smoke wherever they want. This includes the strict kingdom of Saudi Arabia where their government has been silent on smoking bans.

However, this study out of Toronto has shown that smoking bans have lead to drops in hospital admissions due to cardiovascular and respiratory conditions. The drop was significant, and amounted to 39% fewer hospital admissions.
In the same period, statistics have shown that smoking has also decreased, with the exception of some witless teens where smoking in the age group from 15 to 19 years old have shown an increase. Oddly the biggest increase in this age-group are among immigrants who light-up in an effort to make new friends to truly become a Canadian teenager.

The authors of this study stated that their findings were, “consistent with the evidence that exposure to second-hand smoke is detrimental to health and legitimizes legislative efforts to further reduce exposure.”

Reducing smoking further is something that many jurisdictions have been exploring which can include such actions as prohibiting smoking in personal vehicles where children are present and legislating smoking in personal residences under the same circumstances.

This all seems extreme, and I am the first to cheer any law that protects the health of citizens where bad habits from some impose risks to the populous. I personally have never smoked so when these bans started to come about I was the last person to feel bad seeing grown people puffing on a cigarette standing outside their workplace in -40C temperatures.

Yes, it appears that the drop in hospital admissions is a result of non-smokers getting less recycled second-hand chemical and tar infested air into their lungs. Why it would take a ten year study to try to prove an obvious point boggles the mind since we have plenty of statistics to drive the point home.

The facts are clear, where here in Canada smoking has been proven to be responsible for one in five deaths. Which is close to five times the number of deaths caused by car accidents, suicides, drug abuse, murder and AIDS combined. The chance of dying from smoking for long-time smokers is one person for every two.

In Canada over 45,000 people die from illnesses directly linked to tobacco smoking, which sadly includes an average of 100 infants yearly. Among those deaths it has been shown that over 800 non-smokers in Canada die as a result of fatal illnesses caused by second hand smoke.

Just to drive the point further, it has been proven that death by stroke is five times higher in woman who smoke. That is if cervical cancer has not set in, a risk that doubles as a result of smoking.

In Canada heart disease kills four in ten woman. But for woman who smoke, this statistic triples the risk of dying from heart disease.

In light of the statistics that show woman at risk the numbers show that more men die every year from smoking than do woman.

Sobering statistics, but these facts have been drilled into people in our country since the 70's, from stark messages on the side of cigarette cartons, television advertising, magazine advertisement to ultimately visiting a loved one falling into renal shutdown at the Cross Cancer Clinic in Edmonton as a result of lung or esophagus cancer.

This image has been with me for more than ten years now, when I witnessed my mother-in-law dying as a result of cancer scourging through her body. She smoked all of her adult life and many of her children are smokers. I saw my wife, who I have been with since 1980, deal with her mother passing slowly over a three weeks period before her eyes.

The grief of losing your parents to old-age is one thing. But when you see a woman die before you from cancer who did not heed to the messages from the medical community, the grief is almost unbearable.

Not a week goes by that my wife's mother is not brought up in discussion. And for my wife, it has left a hole that not even a loving husband can fill. So the real message here is that smoking is no laughing matter.

Throwing Good after Bad

2010-04-06T16:33:00.000-06:00

In theory, governments throwing stimulus money into what we have told are shovel-ready projects have a way of keeping people employed during hard economic times. Shovel-ready projects like road construction, overpass development, public building improvements, new schools and hospitals come to mind when we are told our government has spent $47.2 billions dollars towards their Economic Action Plan.

We are again made to feel better when Federal Finance Minister Flaherty reminds us that for every dollar spent on economic stimulus we receive a Gross Domestic Product return of $1.5 dollars. Not bad considering that when the average investor looks for a return, 11% would be considered a good bang for the buck.

So while the average Canadian goes about their business thinking that the government is doing all it can to lessen the blow of a sharp recession, public funds are being poured into private enterprise at an alarming rate. Building a deficit that will only translate into higher taxes for the average wage earner, a burden that we will feel for decades to come.

So, has this money stimulated the economy? Have we seen an increase in job openings as a result of the stimulus money? Has the business sector seen an increase in sales as a results of more jobs and increase demand of materials as a result of shovel-ready projects?

If the government is right and their research on the GDP return on investment is sound, we should have felt the joy of $23.6 billions dollars filling our pants.

Recent news has been filling the airways with talk of us being in a 'post recession' Canada. And, certainly with the exception of a sharper than normal slow-down in the Alberta Oil patch, Alberta's economy has been the envy of North America.

If anything, most Canadians look to their own micro view of the economy by browsing real estate listings to see if housing costs have reduced, or have spoken to their local small business person to 'see how things have been.' Although with the government keeping interest rates down, the real estate market has slumped, but for the most part housing costs have only corrected on an average of 20%. Much less than the economic pundits were predicting.

No matter how your view, every Canadian, whether their politics lean left or right, or teeter on the fence, should be rather concerned on how the Federal Government spent our $47.2 billions dollars. Because a stimulus package can be only one method employed by a government to encourage economic growth. And, we should at least be asking of our elected officials if the stimulus spending has had the effect our federal Minister of Finance advised it would. Have Canadians benefited a $1.5 dollars for every dollar spent towards stimulus?

Recent studies from reputable think-tanks have shown that public funded stimulus packages do not have a recovery effect on recessional economies. University of Stanford Professor John Taylor concluded in a recent study that there was little empirical evidence to show that government spending is a method of ending a recession or inversely accelerate an economic recovery. Further, Harvard economist Alberto Alsina in a 2007 study has found that FAILED stimulus initiatives almost exclusively relied on government spending.

So where did our government get this magical economic multiplier of 1.5/1 that seemed be a strong influence on opening the public purse? That figure comes out of a political document co-authored by the chair of the U.S.. President Barack Obama's council of Economic Advisers. A document that purports a multiplier of 1.57 without any data to back it up. The same foreign office that put together a stimulus package that has cost the American taxpayer $2.8 trillion so far this year, with another $8.2 trillion in commitments for the balance of 2010.

With the rapid solidification of Globalization, each country involved in providing bailout money are connected at the hip, and in most cases are heavily influenced by the biggest player on the field. In the case of the USA, they not only influence how their money is doled out, but it is fair to say influences the actions of neighbouring nations. In Canada it is reported that a $3.5 billion dollar auto-industry bailout was allocated for the Canadian subsidiaries of the Big Three. One of which General Motors has already pledged all its assets worldwide to the U.S. government in order to secure the first American installment of a US $30-billion loan, leaving no assets to collateralize a $6-billion loan reported coming from our Federal government.

When it came to stimulus spending the auto industry has been been quick with palms-up. General Motors aside, Chrysler has also been seen requesting billions of dollars from our Federal government.

It would appear that when it came to softening the blow of spending billions of tax-payer dollars the promise of a 50% return helps justify throwing good money after bad. It would also be fair to say that our Federal government have allowed themselves to be bullied by the U.S.A. who once again pursue to pad their interests in-part to bail out their auto-industry. An industry where the U.S. Government have become vested shareholders. It would have bolstered a bit of Canadian pride if our government had done their own homework instead of relying on faulty data provided by the same compromised U.S. Government, and come up with a true Canadian plan to tackle our own economy.

Don't hold your breath waiting for funds to build new schools or hospitals, but there may be a new shiny sedan in your future. That is if our government stops throwing good money after bad.

Viewing Canada in Black and White

2010-03-23T16:09:00.000-06:00

It has been said that the world has changed in many ways. In the area of communications we live in a time where human communication and interaction is at an all-time high. Years ago, if the average Canadian wanted to communicate with our government leader they would write a letter to their local Minister of Parliament. If they tried to make a telephone call to a government official, the best they could hope for would be a message left and perhaps a returned call.

But today, with the development of computers and the social networks created through the internet, we have the ability to pose questions directly to the Prime Minister of Canada. Last week the internet giant Google along with their video server YouTube.com provided a forum for the average Canadian to ask Prime Minister Stephen Harper troubling questions. This was not just a posting site, it was a video interview with Harper facilitated by Google's bilingual chief financial officer Patrick Pichette. Pichette opened the 40-minute interview by stating that the questions addressed were the top issues brought forth by Canadians which covered everything from budget issues, student loans to some of the more social concerns the Canadian press have been harping on.

Like so many times before Harper was blunt and to-the-point regarding the policies of the Conservative government and in doing so revealed his personal points of view on a few of these issues. For the most part the interview did not reveal anything new, but the sheer honesty of the responses were rather refreshing. Here are few items brought forth.

Crime: On the issue of crime there were no surprises. Putting the gaping crack that Rahim Jaffer fell through aside, Harper says simply, “..the punishment should fit the crime.” He provided a detailed answer that expressed the need for minimal sentencing on violent crimes, where conditional sentences and house arrests are not an option for someone found guilty of an indictable offense.

Climate Change: When he was asked specifically about Climate Change, there were no real earth shattering revelations here either. He quoted the governments record on funding clean energy technology programs and clearly detailed how continent-ally both Canada and the USA have to develop a joint approach to the problem of carbon dioxide emissions, dialogue Harper says, that has been underway since the election of Barack Obama as the US president.

Afghan Detainees: When it came to the alleged abuses of Afghan detainees by Canadian troops Harper was asked why the government was not more open on the issue and the only official response has been, “support our troops”. Harper was quick to state that he disagreed with the premise of the question and that there has been NO clear evidence that the troops have abused prisoners. Stating that without evidence, accusations cannot be addressed. In that respect Harper stated that he believes that our troops are doing a good job under difficult conditions.

On the Seal Hunt: it was here that Harper was very matter-of-fact in his response. He was quick to point out that the seal hunt was a necessary husbandry industry for the minority Inuit of Canada and that the hunt is more humane than other recognized and accepted husbandry industries such as beef or chicken production. He was able to quote a UK publication 'The Economist’ backing up his position and further stated simply that seals are not an endangered species but recent statistics show the seal population is on an increase.

On legalizing marijuana: Pichette advised Harper that the number one question put forth by Google's audience was regarding the legalization of marijuana. To this the Prime Minister showed actual signs of amusement, which amounted to a smile and small animated responses. In a detailed response he stated that “...the reasons drugs are illegal is because they are bad.” Stating that the drug industry causes other crimes all the way down from the growers to the distribution levels in other countries. He opined that even if Canada were to legalize marijuana use he predicts that those businesses would never be respectable nor run by respectable people. Harper also came up with this small piece of wisdom when he said, “I don't meet many people who have lived a drug free life and regretted it. Met a lot who haven't who've regretted it.”

What this interview revealed about Stephen Harper is that he is a man who is well versed on all the top issues the average Canadian is concerned about, but more importantly he is very 'matter of fact' with his answers. He is a man that sees things in black and white and stands on those principals. Issues like 'Seal hunt is good, pot is bad' is clearly sorted out in his mind. Always calm and cool under examination even his interviewer found himself complimenting Stephen Harper after every answer.

Even though the questions were not vetted by Harper, many would see his responses frustrating because he has the answers on the tip of his tongue and at no time during the interview did he seemed flustered.

Would pre-interactive internet politicians fair as well as Harper did in this form of interview? That I am not so sure. But if you want to see for yourself how our Prime Minister responds to the average Canadian using the new media of the world wide web go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5tWSMwhGkc

Are Toyota's Woes Warranted or Protectionism?

2010-03-16T16:26:00.000-06:00

By now you have had some form of conversation regarding Toyota and the 'flurry' of recalls affecting a list of vehicles which not only include their pick-ups but also their luxury coupes and the Prius hybrid. Toyota's problems seem to be taking a center stage over other more newsworthy items. But, then again people tend to like bad news so I guess we find it easy to pick on the largest automaker in the world, which just happens not to be domestic.

Once the recalls started from the ill fitted floor-mats, to a dynamically designed breaking system for the Prius, people started to point fingers and began to dig deeper into a company which has developed one of the best reputations in the industry. One lady approached me and with an accusatory tone stated, “You know Toyota invented 'Lean Management'. Its no wonder they are having so much trouble.”

I found this statement very interesting and it resulted in me looking into just what “Lean Management” has to do with Toyota’s woes. What I found was that lean management has not only put Toyota on top of their game over the past 30 years but it is probably fair to suspect why several Toyota models are in the recall list in the first place. However, these recalls really have nothing to do with why the media is having a field day at the expense of this auto-maker.

First off, lean management, or better “Lean Manufacturing” is a principle that was developed by Toyota. It was put into practice by Toyota and in it's most common form, works from the perspective of the customer where “value” is defined as any action or process that a customer would be willing to pay for. Basically “lean” in this sense preserves value to the end-buyer by cutting out processes that do not benefit the customer. In practice, one aspect of this is that Toyota employs lean manufacturing in the same way, and as a result when they develop vehicle components, those same components are used in several Toyota models. This is opposed to a manufacturer that uses multiple dies or even suppliers for a similar or same component for different models.

These lean management principals allows the company to improve the “value” of each component being purchased by the consumer, and in turn cuts expenses. This is in no way a dangerous practice, it is not only smart business but can actually develop superior manufacturing practices.

Another practice of lean management is to only stock components as needed. In this manner, the manufacturer does not store parts that can become dead stock, which can result in smelting of older components. Which is seen as wasteful and can decrease the value to the end buyer.

But when you look at the list of recalls Toyota is dealing with you quickly realize that the problems are few but each problem affects several vehicle models. This fits well into the lean management principle, since the same or even similar components are used to solve the problems across the board.

In essence, if Toyota was allowed to deal with these problems on a Company to Customer basis like all other vehicle manufacturers, we would not be sitting in sports bars poking fun at Toyota. Quite frankly, unless you owned one of the recalled vehicles few people would have known of these recalls.

However, what Toyota was probably not counting on was the transfer of power in the USA to Obama and the shift in the economy which has turned governments into shareholders of competing vehicle manufacturers.

Shortly after US President Barack Obama took power, his government started to voice their concerns over their collapsing economy and cited “Buy American” as a major policy. This position smacked strongly of the 1930s Smoot-Hawley Act which closed the US borders ending cross border trading with other nations. Other countries followed suite, and the world fell into a deep depression, known by many as the dirty thirties.

Obama's policy of protectionism is not mere speculation. Before Toyota's recalls took hold, the US was already slowing the progress of many free trade agreements worldwide including talks with South Korea. The USA has been stalling these agreements in an effort to protect their auto industry, since one of the major Korean exports are automotive. The Korean-US free trade agreement would see the Korean auto industry benefit more than American interests. Barack Obama has openly stated that the agreement does not pay “proper attention” to Americas keys industry sectors. Sen. Hillary Clinton has also stated that the agreements are “inherently unfair”.

It would be fair to say that this protectionism is partly behind why the Media has made such a loud noise over Toyota's vehicle recalls. The latest challenge to Toyota came in the form of the US Government opening an investigation into the brake problems of the Toyota Prius. These brake problems are unique to the Prius because of the nature of hybrid vehicle technology. In a nut-shell the brakes on a Prius not only stop the vehicle they engage technology that generates electricity to charge the vehicle's batteries. This gives the brakes a different feel, something that many people are not used to. Whether, the Prius brake recall is worthy of an investigation by the US government, a governing body that has public interest in competing automakers, I am not convinced.

Quite frankly, Toyota's woes are out there for all to see and if anything “Lean Management” is not a direct cause. However a quick search on Google of other automotive manufacturers recall lists will provide recalls that in many cases have caused bodily injury or even death. In light of this one wonders why a Japanese auto-maker has taken the brunt of bad Press. So, are Toyota's woes warranted or protectionism?

A Bad Deal by A Bad Government

2010-03-10T09:18:00.003-07:00

If anyone ever says to you, “Why should I go to the polls?” your reply should be to just look to Newfoundland for the answer. This is in no way an endorsement to say that the good folks of that small province have made good political decisions. It is quite the opposite. Because brewing in our far east is a lawsuit between Newfoundland and Quebec, that should concern every Canadian.

Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) have officially launched a court action in Quebec Superior Court to redress the 1968 Upper Churchill power deal, seeking an additional half a billion dollars per year from Hydro-Quebec. In essence, NL is saying that the deal struck under the 1968 provincial government lead by then Premier Joey Smallwood, was made under economic duress giving Quebec an unfair piece of the pie, even by 1968 standards.

The three companies involved, which like many utility companies are heavily owned by each province pits Hydro-Quebec against the Churchill Falls Labrador Co. (CFL Co.) and Nalcor Energy. The court action is looking to, as Ed Martin CEO of Nalcor has put it, seek to amend the contract pricing terms to address the inequity which has resulted from unforeseen circumstances.

In essence, a Hydro plant on Labrador property, turns out 34 Million Megawatts of energy per year, of which Quebec purchases at a rate of $2 per Megawatt hours. Confusing yes, but it comes to perspective when you understand that even by 1968 standards, the price of two-dollars was laughable even then.

After the deal was struck the CEO of CFL Co. stated that they were “stripped to the underwear” by Quebec-Hydro. The deal also saw Quebec-Hydro acquire 34.2% of the Churchill Falls site interests. What is even worse is that this deal was agreed to for a period of 50 years, with an automatic renewal clause of an additional 25 years. To make matters worse, the NL government of the time, agreed to this automatic renewal without any need for the agreed parties to sign off on the renewal. So, the people of Newfoundland, are stuck selling power to Quebec at a $2.00 rate until 2041.

To add insult to injury, Quebec sells off this power produced by the Upper Churchill Hydro Dams in Newfoundland, outside Canada at a rate that brings in yearly profits of $1.7 billion while Newfoundland and Labrador at the agreed rate earn a mere $63 million per year.

Many can say that a deal is a deal. However, when the first part of this poorly handled deal expires in 2016, before the auto renewal kicks in, a Provincial Tax Concession ends that has been protecting the Hydro operation from inflation. At a rate $2.00 per Megawatt hours, CFL Co. will begin to lose a great deal of money threatening to put the company in a position of a needed bailout. Since Hydro-Quebec owns 34.2% of the operation already and has been making out like a gross profiteer for years, they will in essence be in a position to own the entire operation, and Newfoundland will lose a crucial energy industry, making them even poorer than they already are.

Although very complicated, history has recorded that this deal was made at a time when the CFL Co. and the Province was in near dire straights, and then Premier Joey Smallwood saw an opportunity to come off as hero to the electorate. The deal was struck, and to the average 'Joe' is looked sweet, but even then Quebec knew that it had made a deal, by which under definition was done so under “Economic Duress” and it is this ruling Newfoundland is looking to the Quebec high courts to act on. Because, under Quebec civil law, they have a “Good Faith” provision which Newfoundland is looking to plea for.

This is not the first time Newfoundland has challenged this deal in court. In 1988, the Newfoundland government tried to challenge the contract in the Supreme Court of Canada but the court ruled in Quebec's favour.

This court case will be one to watch because there are several elements influencing the outcome.

First we have the fact that Quebec had always resented Newfoundland for being granted ownership over Labrador based on a decision of the British Privy Council in 1929. The same Privy Council that gave the Northern BC coastline to the United States. It would be fair to assume that Quebec believes they really own Labrador and that the Churchill Falls Hydro operation should be theirs in the first place.

Second, if the Quebec Supreme Court Judge rules in favour of Newfoundland, it could once again inflame the separatist movement which was only stemmed off in the last referendum by 1% of the vote.

And, lastly, the judge could rule that the case was already decided by Canada's Supreme Court. In doing so, a Quebec Supreme Court Judge would be recognizing Canadian authority in agreeing with the 1988 Supreme Court of Canada decision. It could again inflame the separatist movement and we will once again be in a position of seeing another referendum.

This all comes down to weak leadership and more importantly a complacent electorate. Smallwood ran Newfoundland virtually unchallenged for 23 years winning six consequetive elections and ran Newfoundland like their was no way he could lose. In doing so, he forgot that he was there to run the province in the best interest of the people. No one person or even party should ever get comfortable in their positions, because that is when they get sloppy with a provinces resources.

The actual power to appoint authority is always in the hands of the voter. If anyone ever says to you,“Why should I go to the polls?” your reply should be to just look to Newfoundland for the answer.

I Am Canadian!

2010-03-02T15:47:00.000-07:00

Canadians have been referred to in many terms. We have been called overly polite, always apologizing for everything, even in some extremes just 'being there'. We have been referred to as weak, humble, and a nation who has hung on the shirt tails of the United States of America. We have, over a 50 year period, been seen as a nation where our military was whittled away by years of neutering. In fact it would be fair to say that for many, a sense of community pride was only regional, with Canada Day celebrated with some confusion only sparking a hint of national pride.

On the eve of the Team Canada and Russia's fateful Olympic game on February 26th, the Russian newspaper Pravda, in an editorial, described Canada in this manner. “The abject cruelty shown by Canadian soldiers in international conflicts is scantily referred to, as indeed is the utter incapacity of this country to host a major international event, due to its inferiority complex, born of a trauma being the skinny and weakling bro to a beefy United States and a colonial outpost to the United Kingdom, whose Queen smiles happily from Canadian postage stamps,"

Yes, it can be said that for the average Canadian, national pride was something we held to ourselves, and so in some respect Canadians are really a population of folks who have a sense of “National Humility.” And, it is this humility that gave credence to an international rag like Pravda, the ability to 'dis' our nation to the world.

That was until the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics.

The last two weeks have really welled up feelings that perhaps the old Maple Leaf is something to be reckoned with. With a total of 14 gold metals, Canada has gone down in history as the nation with the most gold won at a Winter Olympics since the inception of the winter games. This feeling of pride may have started when Montreal born Alexandre Bilodeau won our first Gold but the fervor hit when our Canadian woman's hockey team took the gold from the USA followed by the men's Team Canada trouncing the Russians, knocking the former red giant from the games. That event alone was the first time in the Olympics since 1960 Canada has won a game against Russia.

Of course, the crowning achievements came Saturday and Sunday. First when Alberta's own Team Martin, skipped by Kevin Martin, won Gold, then with what can only be described as hair raising intensity, Team Canada fought head-to-head with Team USA to a squeaking overtime win. Yes, it can be easily said that Canada owned the championship spot on the podium for the 2010 Winter Olympics.

This growing sense of Canadian Pride, is something that has been building over the past four years. In a survey conducted in 2006, by University of Chicago, Canada ranked sixth out of the top thirty-four countries as those nations whose citizens clearly conveyed an emotional tie to their international identity. In that survey the United Sates was ranked first followed by Venezuela, Ireland, South Africa and Australia.

Jump ahead to October 2009, with Canada taking a more dominant stance on the international stage and the Canadian economy holding stronger than most other countries and the world pride-o-meter shifted.

In a survey released that month by The Economist, Canada rose to second spot on National Pride, just behind the first place Australians. Followed only by Finland, Austria and Singapore. This sense of National Pride was already coming to a head for the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics when the CEO of VANOC, John Furlong, announced that the committee wanted the Olympic flame to be carried across Canada on a route that would touch as many Canadians as possible on a personal level. People from Hobbema, Wetaskiwin to Leduc all had the opportunity to see the flame only to be overtaken by a well of proud emotions.

This sense of National Pride was very evident and reported by media out-side of Canada. Pravda aside, NBC reported on the heels of the USA's Sean White taking Gold for snowboarding, they stated, “Americans dominate this sport but Canadian National Pride is everywhere in the stands.”

So really what is pride? The standard definition is simply a sense of one's own proper dignity or value as it speaks to national self respect. A secondary definition is a pleasure or satisfaction taken in an achievement. In this understanding, the achievements of our athletes in the field of competition definitely brought us pride as we understand it. And, it was clearly displayed in the closing ceremonies. From the humble and yet humorous display of a mime repairing the malfunctioned Olympic Flame as exposed in the opening ceremonies, to seeing William Shatner and Micheal J. Fox end the closing ceremonies with an elaborately expanded version of “I Am Canadian” from the popular “The Rant” beer commercial.

It was a real emotional ride for all Canadians that had the ability to witness Vancouver host the Olympics and see Canadians whose hard work and dedication to not only to their athletic ambitions, but also, to their dedication to our nation. These athletes are National Heroes. People who bravely competed in sports, that in many cases have been proven dangerous, and who in a sense, became the real leaders of this country for a brief moment in history.

I personally like the other definition of pride; A company of Lions. Because quite frankly, our athletes, volunteers, and the Vancouver Olympic Committee (VANOC) have never roared so loudly in an international event. Our thanks go to these people for upping the stakes on a international Canadian identity.

“CANADA IS THE SECOND LARGEST LANDMASS, THE FIRST NATION OF HOCKEY AND THE BEST PART OF NORTH AMERICA. MY NAME IS BRIAN AND ‘I AM CANADIAN!’”

So what do we really want?

2010-02-17T09:32:00.001-07:00

We really are a fickle bunch. It does not matter what any federal government does sooner or later the sitting party loses it’s luster and nobody is happy. One of the promises the Harper government made as a campaign strategy was tougher crime laws. Stiffer sentences, zero tolerance was the hope put before the electorate. So far we have seen Bill C15 brought forth which surprisingly got the support of Ignatieff and the Liberal MP's.

If Bill C15 becomes law it will see mandatory prison sentences for several drug offenses. Other bills the conservatives have put before Parliament ended up stalling when Parliament was prorogued. However, Bill C15 is not really what the average person was hoping for when Harper promised to be “Tough on Crime.”

What I wanted to see was a bill that would address increased legislated punishments on the Criminal Code. Even to go as far as amending the Criminal Code to readdress some offenses that have fallen into the dual-procedure trap, allowing the courts to treat some serious crimes as summary offenses, allowing some to get off for crimes such as breaking and entering your businesses and only get a monetary fine instead of time.

So, the conservatives started with drug offenses and we are to hold our breath and wait for the real work to begin. I guess it is a good start but I couldn't help but notice that this Bill was received by the public with great skepticism and in many cases plain anger.

Colleagues have written articles using Bill C15 as a platform to call out against tougher crime bills in general. Yet, it is hard to imagine anyone not wanting to put away criminals for at least some length of time in an attempt to make the streets safer.

One function of Bill C15 will provide provisions to impose a minimum six months sentence to anyone caught in the possession of marijuana, including the possession of over five marijuana plants. Along with this Bill the government has suggested that the federal prison system will be expanded to accommodate the increased prison population. I am certainly not one to side with the likes of Mark Emery, the King of Pot, but if the conservatives wanted to push ahead with tougher crime laws, why did they start with the 420 crowd?

The liberal press was quick to jump on this bill and cite uncredited studies that showed that tougher laws for pot smoking don't deter potheads from puffing up. And, increased prison systems don't make our streets safer. In fact, some reactions cited support for softening laws for drug offenses with the logic that everyone sooner or later will do it, so let them just be and go after the 'real criminals' instead. It is not surprising that the conservatives got this reaction, you could see this coming a mile away So it begs the question, 'Why did Harper not just take a legal pen to sentences on crimes like sex offenses, assaults, home invasions and frauds to name just a few?’

This is where I believe we can all agree on. And, if it takes spending some 'shovel ready' funds to make the prison system beefier then I'll put down the word processor and don a hard hat. Hell, I would enjoy seeing the prisons built.

However, building new prisons is too simple a view of the problem and what we have been doing over the past 30 years has been focusing on rehabilitation based primarily on social programs aimed at educating people before they offend. And, when the education fails we usher the offender into institutions disguised with such politically correct titles as young offender Centres. A place where future career criminals are exposed to more programming in an effort to evangelize them into well rounded members of society. But in too many cases the kids are back into the system, and by the time they turn 18 they have developed great contacts and skills that put them into places call Prisons instead of Centres.

I know I am whining here, but the bottom line is this. I really don't believe that most sociopaths can be rehabilitated. I also believe that the only way to fight crime is to create an environment where the criminal begins to perceive that there is a high likelihood of being caught. And, along with being caught, there is a judge with some ca-hones willing to impose a sentence worthy of giving the scumbag pause. Because that is where we have failed. The Criminal Code of Canada is a toothy piece of work, but after the police break their backs and get them before the courts, we tend to see lenient sentences handed down even thought the Criminal Code has provisions for a stiffer penalty in place.

So, this is where the initial hopes for stiffer penalties for criminals lay. In the hands of promises made by the conservative government. It is also very evident that so far we have not seen this promise fulfilled. Quite frankly, I have been rather pleased with the Harper government and I have said as much in the past. But I too can be fickle, and when Parliament sits once again after the lengthy break it will be interesting if we see the legal landscape of Canada is efficiently tackled. Until then, lock your doors and buy a car alarm, because so far Canada does not have a system that deters crime.

A Community in Tears

2010-02-08T16:50:00.002-07:00

"The death of a child is like a period placed before the end of a sentence." anonymous

With the homicide of two young children in Millet on February 1st, the small town of Millet has been left bewildered and in a deep state of mourning. Last Friday about 300 people gathered at the Millet Agriplex after sunset and slowly marched under the guidance of candle light to the former home of the two boys. In front of the house people had placed stuffed animals showing their sorrow for the loss of these children. People who have never meet the boys or their families cried openly in the street. The countenance displayed by many is heavy, and we struggle to understand what events or conditions influenced the death of children we will never have the opportunity to know.

What we do know has only been printed in the pages of the daily press or have been told to us on newscasts on television and radio. Most of what we have been told, is just not official, and has been in many cases inaccurate and speculative. The official stance by the RCMP as of February 8th is tight lipped, stating simply that two children died as a result of homicide, and the deaths occurred in Millet. No persons have been arrested or charged. No other details have been released. This position is understandable as the investigative process must be allowed to take its course. This however, does not quell the public curiosity or the need to have information to deal with a community in mourning.

As parents, the thought of losing your child is unthinkable. The pain and suffering the surviving parent endures is for many just unimaginable. I raised two daughters and both are grown and have moved on. One having married and given me a terrific son-in-law and two wonderful grandchildren. My eldest daughter moved out, bought a house and is running a successful practice in Edmonton. I have had the blessing of never experiencing the death of a child. Therefore, I can only imagine the grief being felt by the two boys families.

However, a candlelight vigil is an act of communal suffering, It is a very profound statement by friends, neighbours and strangers that clearly advises others that the death is something personally and tangibly felt. It is also the first stage of a community in mourning, where in order to deal with the loss we see a need to do something about it. And, because the community cannot take direct action to resolve the grief, anger follows, then remorse and finally acceptance. It is during these points that people can succumb to further speculation and rumour. A dangerous concoction of emotions and misdirected language that can deepen the pain of the surviving family. This is a condition I am all to familiar with, and which makes this weeks editorial the hardest comment I have ever put to paper.

So I need to put this out there. Our publication has been silent on this issue, and we have been quiet on this matter deliberately. These deaths which occurred only two block away from our office hit us hard. And, as a result there is nobody in our office that is immune to the grief. As a weekly publication, we did not want to come out with speculation, whether confirmed or otherwise. Because, if we made a mistake, the surviving family and community would suffer at the hands of a publication that was only looking for a headline.

Instead of being a source of discomfort to the family, our community can provide the comfort needed which often comes through others who have been in the same place. There is a comfort in knowing that others have been through what we face and have survived. Whether it comes from a touch of a hand, a shoulder to cry on or an ear to listen, the community can provide the grace to come along side in what ever capacity that is needed and reach out to provide comfort that they themselves have already received. This is precisely how a community deals with grief, and the vigil was just one example.

Someone once said that “the death of a child is like a period placed before the end of a sentence.” Like an unfulfilled thought, when a child dies, all the hopes and ambitions for that child to grow into adulthood dies with it. The thought of the fulfilled life is stopped short and left incomplete. The loss of these two children will be felt for years to come by all who are touched by the grief. As we grasp to understand what took place our hearts go out to the family of Jayden McConnell aged 10 months, and Connor McConnell aged 2.5 years. You will always be in our thoughts.

To Peak or Not to Peak?

2010-02-02T14:36:00.000-07:00

Love it or hate it, there is no doubt that whether you are an environmentalist or a rabid consumer of hydrocarbons also known as fossil fuel, oil is what makes the world's economies thrive. The truth is that everything we own, from a toaster to a loaf of bread, oil is used at some point in it's creation.

Out of billions of inhabitants of this world, we use products made of plastics, which are oil based products. Every item you purchase has been made in a plant which needs to be powered. Power that is generated by fossil fuels, directly or indirectly. The bottom line is this. Our dependency on oil cannot be weaned overnight. Because, if that was true, we would all be freezing in the dark, and according to experts world oil supplies are in serious decline.

Now a debate has been waging on what many have been calling peak oil. Peak oil is the point in time when the maximum rate of global petroleum extraction is reached, after which the rate of production enters terminal decline.

According to industry watchdogs the world reached its peak oil production in 2006. This, of course, was revised from a previous peak oil calculation that stated that 1970 was the beginning of the end. Peak oil came to the top of the list again when news reached that Saudi oil production had peaked in 2009, news that can only raise the price of a barrel of oil. As peak oil pundits pound the pavement with the news of a dry hole, the laws of supply and demand influence markets world wide.

While those in power banter back and forth on the issue of peak oil and clamber in an effort to save their lifestyle, a small group of geologists and scientist sit back and snicker. Because these people are not buying into the peak oil crisis. They are those scientists that state that oil grows in the crust of the earth, liken to blood in a living creature. Yes, these folks are considered by the ruling party as the lunatic fringe.

One such scientist, a Thomas Gold, a respected astronomer and professor emeritus at Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y., has held for years that oil is actually a renewable, primordial syrup continuously manufactured by the Earth under superheated conditions and extreme pressures. As the primordial syrup migrates toward the surface, it is attacked by bacteria, making it appear to have an organic origin dating back to prehistoric times.

As a consumer of oil, I for one, like what the lunatics are preaching. If true, the laws of lunacy, can stabilize the price of fuel and provide much needed time to develop alternative energy sources without throwing public funds at projects that act like an energy placebo.

The 'primordial syrup theory' is not completely lacking observed science. A good example is the Eugene Island oil field, deep off the Gulf of Mexico that was believed to have achieved 'peak oil' operation years ago and according to experts was in a decline. For some time it behaved like any normal field. Following its 1973 discovery, Eugene Island's output peaked at about 15,000 barrels a day. By 1989, production had slowed to 4,000 barrels a day. Then inexplicably the field, operated by PennzEnergy Co., is now producing 13,000 barrels a day, and probable reserves have rocketed to more than 400 million barrels from 60 million. Stranger still, scientists studying the field say the crude coming out of the pipe is of a geological age quite different from the oil that gushed 10 years earlier.

There are some credible oil suppliers who also do not believe in 'peak oil'. Recently the head of Saudi oil giant Aramco, Khalid al Falih came out with the statement, “We don't believe in peak oil,” during a speech that was to quell concerns that the largest oil field in the world, Saudi Arabia had peaked and was in serious decline.

By the time anybody graduates from high-school, they have been educated to believe that oil is the result of decaying matter from plants and animals millions of years ago. And, for the most part, that explanation sounds credible. If this were the case then a debate over 'peak oil' would not be an issue in the industry and oil companies could go about their business finding reachable sources and development method of extracting.

Until recent news, I had discarded the 'primordial syrup' theory as science fiction, or the fantasies of academic dreaming. However, news from NASA this week can cause a pregnant pause in the debate, which came from 1,363 Billion kilometers away. Scientists have discovered that a moon of Saturn, Titan has hundreds of times more liquid hydrocarbons than all the known oil and natural gas reserves on Earth, according to new data from NASA's Cassini spacecraft. Titan not only rains oil, it also oozes oil.

I am not so sure that we can no longer consider scientists like Thomas Gold as lunatics. Unless you believe that Titan had enough life millions of years ago, to be processed into a fossil fuel. I guess it is true, oil is where you find it.

Oh, the shame of it!

2010-01-26T15:07:00.002-07:00

I have to admit up front that when Prime Minister Harper prorogued Parliament for a second time a big “Why” came to mind. It has become normal for someone to approach any political news with suspicion and it does not matter who is at the helm. Liberal, Conservative, left or right, as far as many are concerned it is fair to assume that a political agenda is at hand. But that is like looking at a master chef with suspicion and saying, “You're cooking something up. I can smell it!”

This type of political maneuvering by Harper is precisely why he is so much fun to watch. Like a kid looking at a frosty chain link fence wondering how good the ice crystals would taste, Harper will put his tongue in places very few politicians would consider.

Of course, Harper cannot prorogue Parliament without the consent of the Crown, and the Governor General has the last say in that. So really, Harper's lives by the old adage “Ask and you shall receive.”

The official reason cited for suspending parliament is to provide the opportunity to refocus the Government's agenda and explain to Canadians what the government plans to accomplish over the next session in Parliament. It has also been said that the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver will be concluded shortly before the new session commences. Whether the two are connected one can only ponder, but it would be fair to say that very few Canadians will choose to tune into the Parliamentary Channel to watch grown men yell at each other over cheering on our athletes during the Olympics. As exciting as the former really is.

The unofficial reason cited was provided by the NDP House leader Libby Davies who has stated that there is no legitimate reason to prorogue Parliament and to do so would be a "political scam." Interesting how Davies gave us a peek into his political tool bag. According to him, there is a legitimate reason to prorogue Parliament. A lesson I suspect he learned the first time Harper did it, when the leaders of the opposition formed the coalition of the unwilling. So at least the NDP agree with Harper, as least in principle.

Not to be outdone, Liberal House Leader Ralph Goodale called the government's move "beyond arrogant" and its justifications for it "a joke." He is quoted by the CBC as accusing Harper of being a tyrannical ruler when he said, “It's almost despotic.” Yet again Goodale gave us a peek into his political toolkit stating the justification for it was a joke. Apparently he also believes that proroguing Parliament at some point can be a justified action as long as it is not a joke. Perhaps he went to the same class as Davies.

Of course the real unofficial grasping at straws came from other sources, who have cited a Conservative government conspiracy to cover-up the Canadian military abuse of Afghanistan detainees. CBC quoted Goodale as stating, “Three times in three years and twice within one year, the Prime Minister takes this extraordinary step to muzzle Parliament. This time it’s a coverup of what the Conservatives knew, and when they knew it, about torture in Afghanistan. So their solution is not to answer the questions but, rather, to padlock Parliament and shut down democracy.” It's bad enough Goodale is unable to count, now he tosses in the destruction of a Canadian democratic society.

The left-wing press was quick to pick out the three talking points established by the opposition, which are, (1) political scam, (2) despotic actions, or in other words tyranny and (3) the end of democracy. According to the Liberals and the NDP, Canada is no longer a democracy but is run by a political tyrant hiding a scam, which of course we have been told is a right-wing political hidden agenda. And, people ask me why I enjoy watching Stephen Harper govern.

So while conservative MP's across Canada were setting up meetings in town halls with constituents to field economic concerns for the government to address, the liberal press set out to egg-on the masses. As a result, large groups of young adults holding signs calling to “bring back democracy” and “we want our government back to work” marched on parliament buildings and public offices across Canada.

For some reason many actually believe that the government is only working when it sits in Parliament. If that were so then according to historical practices no government has ever worked more than 150 days per year, because that is the average number of days that Parliament is ever been in session over the course of a year. If the Harper government was not working when the earthquake hit Haiti, Canada would not have reacted so quickly and sent 2000 troops over to help in the rescue effort. Harper even lifted the cap on financial funds to be used to rebuild Haiti. All this was done while Harper and our government were 'not at work'.

The truth being told, it really doesn't matter why Harper prorogued Parliament. His actions will be taken in account by the voters and his track record will be tallied in the history books. The real truth behind such a fuss being made over Harper's actions is that the opposition has nothing else to attack him with. He is a frustrating man for his adversaries to deal with. It appears that he really doesn't care how he is perceived. He has a job to do and if that means sticking his tongue where no other politician dares I suspect Harper will be stuck to the task. Oh the shame of it!

Are your Pants on the Ground?

2010-01-21T16:04:00.002-07:00

I had a rather good response from a reader in the Leduc area regarding my comments towards what I have coined the “Digital Generation”. Specifically my angst towards what I have perceived as the degradation of common courtesy at the hands of some representing the younger generation. You will find this readers response in a post in the blog "Your Welcome".

I have a policy; and that is to allow an open voice and last word to those who write a “letter to the editor”, and in doing so I want our readers to know that I respect their opinions. In regards to the response from this reader I will not offer a rebuttal.

However, timing is everything, and this week I was handed a little gem from a senior citizen from Atlanta, Georgia who appears to have a similar view of the younger generation.

The television show American Idol attracts many young people looking for fame in the music industry. Many a viewer have been handed some rather humorous moments in the opening few episodes when the panel of judges travel from city to city and endure hours of what can be only described as painful bombardment of off key vocals, strangled cats and fingernail scratching on chalk-boards. For the most part, when a deluded wannabe is handed a dose of reality from the likes of Simon Cowel, the most painfully honest judge, what usually follows is a tirade of censored bleeps, tears and anger. “I'll be a big as Britney, I'll show them! What do they know, sniff, sniff.”

A message came last week, while the judges were screening contestants in Atlanta Georgia. In walked a sixty-eight year old man name “General” Larry Platt. Normally, a man of that age would not have made it before the judges, but the “general” is not just a regular 'Joe'. Mr. Platt was given the moniker “general” by a famous civil rights activists and evangelist Hosea Williams. It was a title that Platt had actually earned.

It is important to note that both Platt and Williams are black, and Williams lived during a time when black people were beaten for such trivial offenses as drinking from a public water fountain, or walking on the 'white' side of the street. Hosea Williams lived with persecution and fought for civil rights for all black people. General Larry Platt was active in this fight, and if you look at Platt he has all the appearances of a man who has had a hard life, and speaks with a vocal inflection of a person who endured many years of forced social servitude. As a result of Platt's efforts, the State of Georgia designated September 4, 2001 as Larry Platt Day for his "priceless and immeasurable contributions to society" and "his great energy and commitment to equality and the protection of the innocent and for his outstanding service to the Atlanta community and the citizens of Georgia”.

Yes, Mr. Platt has accomplished much for the current and future generations in regards to civil rights in America, and saw American Idol as a chance to take another run at it.

The “General” stood before the judges and began to pump out a hip-hop vocal called, “Pants on the Ground” and in part the lyrics are; “Pants on the ground, Pants on the ground. Lookin’ like a fool with yo pants on the ground. Hat turned sideways, pants hit the ground. Call yourself a cool cat, lookin like a fool, with your pants on the ground.”

Although it was a really catchy tune, and very funny to watch, Mr. Platt was not making a fool of himself. What he was doing was making a rather strong statement about the members of the “Digital Generation” represented in the black youth. He is a man who views the young people as he puts it, “making fools of themselves” by displaying themselves in a disrespectful manner. Not so much disrespectful to others but to themselves. Platt is a man who has had a hard life fighting to free that young generation of African-American's from the discrimination he endured. In other words, it appears he wanted them to at least represent their community well in the eyes of the general public. For Mr. Platt to work his way through thousands of people who were clawing their way to stand in front of four judges and a television camera and make a statement of how disappointed he is in the behavior of today's youth says a great deal of how important his message is.

And, this behavior is not just within the American black community. Many of our youth today don’t represent their peers well. They can be seen with their pants pulled down, dragging the frayed cuffs on the ground. Boxer shorts showing. Even some of our young ladies can be seen with pants too small and pulled so low the cheek creases are showing. There baseball hats are turned either backways or sideways. Which are never taken off inside a restaurant or public building. As Platt puts it, show some respect for yourselves, and stop “looking like a fool with your pants on the ground.”

Some people may point out that the youth are only expressing themselves and making a fashion statement. I just don't see this type of behavior as a fashion sense. It's not fashion, its mental illness. I stand with Platt and say that it is hard to witness the loss of common everyday manners, from how they address their elders in the service industry to how their peers represent their generation in public.

It's time the Digital Generation hiked up their pants and began to show some respect for themselves. Because this type of behavior does not earn respect, “Lookin’ like a fool with yo pants on the ground.”

What's in a Name

2010-01-12T15:06:00.003-07:00

If I told you that while a congregation of Christian's were worshiping in church, stones and bricks were thrown through the windows and Molotov Cocktails were broken against the church walls, would that surprise you?

Of course your first question would be, where? Because we know that in this world Christians are not welcome in some parts. If I told you this was occurring north of Edmonton, you would be shocked. If I told you that this was occurring in Moscow, you would be curious. But then when I tell you that this actually occurred in Malaysia it would be fair to say that many would greet this news with indifference, saying, “What does this really have to do with us?”

That would be a fair response. However, this story is a rather prickly one, because what you may not know is that the church mentioned is a Catholic congregation that has a practice of printing a Roman Catholic Newspaper in a country that is 60% Muslim. At this point some people may adjust their trucker's hat and condemn the Muslims for attacking a Christian church, thinking once again that it is 9/11 all over. But that response would not be fair. Because what the church did was petition the Malaysian courts for permission to use the name Allah instead of God in their published stories. Once permission was granted they did just that.

The reason for wanting to use the name Allah instead of the usual terms used in Christianity such as LORD or Heavenly Father, was to reach out to the majority Muslim community in an effort to get their attention and introduce Christianity for the purpose of evangelizing. In simpler words they believed it was a soft sell to conversion.

It pays to advertise because I can't help to consider that they got the attention of their market and at least their intended audience came within an arm's throw distance of the church. But what this speaks of is the Church's failure to do “due diligence” in understanding their market. For they assumed the name Allah was just the Arabic translation of the name God. In fact, in this world, God by any other language or faith can be referred to as Yahweh, Elohim, Adonia, Shen, Eluah, Bhogwan, Wageguru, Ishvara, Jehovah and Father. Islam not only refers to God as Allah but they also have a list of “99 of God's most beautiful names”.

The actions of this Muslim group that attacked the church are not justified by any legal standard even in Malaysia where Islam is the official religion and the courts are to follow the jurisdiction of Shariah Law. Nowhere in the Qur'an does it justify acts of violence when someone outside Islam refers to Allah, but what this speaks of is the ignorance of the Malaysian Roman Catholics in using Allah as a Christian term publicly.

It comes down to the old phrase, “You say Tomato and I say Tomawto.' (phonetically spelled) So really, what's in the name? It actually came down to the understanding of God in accordance to Christian doctrine.

God to the majority of Christians is a triune God. God is One God in three distinct, but not separate, persons. There is God the father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. Triune meaning three in one. So in essence, the Christian understanding is that only one God is worshiped and therefore Christianity is a monotheist religion. In fact, Judaism as well as Islam are monotheistic. So for a western view of this offense against the church in Malaysia, we once again adjust our trucker’s hat and claim persecution of the church. Again, that would not be fair.

The Triune doctrine is just one problem that these hooligans saw in using Allah as a Christian God, because to them there is only one God and Allah is his name. To Muslim's the understanding of who Allah is to them is found in the 112th Sura in the Qur'an. It simply states that “In the name if Allah the Merciful, the Compassionate. Say (O Mohammad) He is Allah the One God, the Everlasting Refuge, who has not begotten, nor has been begotten, and equal to Him is not anyone.”

Do you see it? If the Malaysian church had made an effort to understand and read this, the attack on the church would not have happened. Because, under the Christian understanding, Jesus is the son of God, and God the Son. He was born of a virgin, begotten by the Father, and under mainstream Christian teachings which definitely includes Catholicism, Jesus is God.

The two opposing doctrines of Christianity and Islam, the understanding of God is simply an irreconcilable difference. According to Islam under the 112th Sura, the use of “Allah” as a Christian God, is an offense to Islam.

In a country where only 9% are Christian, and over 60% are Muslim, and a country where Religion and State have not been separated, the Christian church should have at least understood that using Allah as a public term for God was not a soft sell to evangelism but rather a narrow view.

So what's in a Name? Plenty.

You Are Welcome!

2010-01-05T15:15:00.002-07:00

I had a real epiphany during the holidays. It's not that I have never had this insight before, but it was on this occasion that I took offense to something that has become so common in our society that very few people give at any attention.

There are those who ignore this offense, but on this occasion it struck me, and made me ponder; what has happened to the art of social manners?

My wife and I decided to go out for dinner. But it was not just a family restaurant, or fast food joint. No, we decided to enjoy some atmosphere, and experience fine dining at its best. You know the place where a dress code is implied by not only the price of the evening, but also the company of fellow dinners.

I made the reservations, and after a 40 minute drive we arrived. The restaurant had a great atmosphere. Soft music in the background, soft lighting, the sound of trickling water from a rock waterside and a large fireplace just far enough away for comfort with just a hint of gourmet cooking slowly lingering. The other guests were dressed in there finest, and my wife look fabulous.

Yes, I had arrived at a place that was pure class. Our server came to the table, which had already been set with heavy pewter plates, and well bound menus. She was a well dressed twenty-something very professional looking young woman. She said, “Hey guys, how are you doing this evening?” I have gotten used to people referring to my wife and I as “guys” because quite frankly, social norms have softened over the past 30 years or so. But in this place, this well groomed restaurant, I didn't really expect this. However, this night was about quality time with my sweetie, so I pressed on. After placing our orders, I handed our server the menus and said, “Thank you”.

That was when my epiphany burst between my ears with swift and decisive accuracy. It came when my well dressed, proper looking professional twenty-something server said, “No Problem.”

No Problem! Those two simple words bounced around my head like a bimbo whacking a cue ball on a pool table. No problem!.. So what was my epiphany? 'I had become my father!' I was offended, because although I had been hearing this condescending term for some time now, the contrast of the evening had made it plain. 'There must have been a problem for our server to ponder over.'

What ever happened to “Your welcome”? But now the “guys” greeting, along with the gum chewing phrase, “No Problem” dropped this high class restaurant down to a truck stop.

If this was just a one-off thing, I would have brushed it off. But this gal was a member of the “Generation Y” or “Echo boomers” group. They are also known as the “Digital Generation” and “Generation Next.” Basically anyone born after 1980, which is slowly becoming known as the Baby Boomer's failed social experiment.

It seems that my generation have failed to instill any sense of respect or manners in our children. This is not to say that all people of this generation are disrespectful, I have met many who show proper manners. But, we have raised this generation to call their teachers, parents, aunts and uncles by their first names with no title barriers such as Mister, Misses or Sir in order to remind others that there is a pecking order in society. My generation the Baby Boomers started with the “Don't call me Sir that was my fathers name”, garbage and the rest is standing over you at a restaurant twirling hair with an index finger saying, “No Problem.”

But why should I be surprised? Generation Y is the pampered, over protected offspring. They are the electronically distracted generation. They have also pushed education tolerance to the extreme, children of the Baby Boomers go to school prop their feet on the desk and say, “entertain me”! They have earned such mocking monikers as the “Entitled Generation”. Coddle children who grew up demanding everything, and not realizing that in order to gain respect they have to earn it, by paying social dues such as coming to work on time, or doing good at a entry level job before moving onto the sports car career.

Think of it. Have you ever had a conversation with a twenty-something, be it your child, nephew or neighbour and when they ask for something, you don't hear, “I really need a favour....” No, what you get is a statement of desire followed much later, when you did not 'jump to the pump' for them, with.... “I told you to..!” Another simple phrase.. “I told you to..” much like “No Problem”, which are verbal approaches that are condescending, disrespectful and identifies a social ill that like all societal degradation is not reversible.

I can appreciate the fact that I am ranting just a 'tad'. But is all this disrespectful, entitled attitude their fault? Probably not, because they have been raise to believe if they go to college it is all that is necessary to obtain a wonderful job doing exactly what they want to do in life, make the money they think they are entitled to which verifies the level of tolerance and respect that they were born with. This simply isn't reality.

Somewhere along the way, their parents were so into positive motivation, they forgot to hand them a simple dose of reality. Something that I was handed on that perfect date with my wife. Yes, 'I have become my father.'

Tis the Season to be Jolly . . . please!

2009-12-22T15:33:00.000-07:00

I don't really know what your experience is this time of year while you were mulling around the department stores looking for that special gift for that special person in your life. Like it or not, Christmas has become a time of year that families gather, exchange gifts, stuff their bellies with turkey and potatoes with gravy. Then nod off to sleep in a glutton-induced coma.

But the experience that I am really referring to is that simple word blessing that I used to hear so often while I was growing up. That simple two word phrase that means different things to so many different people. It is the smile and a “Merry Christmas” that I have missed.

I can tell you that I have only had two people say that to me this year, and nobody has even said “Happy Holidays”. Not that I am all bent up over it. However, a recent discussion in our office made me ponder. Are we as a society afraid to say it?

This conversation was interesting because I started the discussion by asking one of our staff members if he was offended if someone says, “Merry Christmas” to him. He stated in a very matter-of-fact manner, “No”, but added that it is a little presumptuous for someone to offer that blessing. You see, the staff member I refer to is Muslim. As a matter of fact, The Pipestone Flyer office is a real interesting mix of different beliefs. Represented in our office are Muslim, New Age, Agnostic, Secularist and Christians. Yes, we are an interesting group of people.

What came out of this discussion was very interesting indeed and very much inline with what many surveys of this subject are stating.

One survey stated that 60% of people prefer the greeting, “Merry Christmas” and 23% prefer the less religious greeting, “Happy Holidays” and the remaining 17% are indifferent.

But when you break the data down into age groups, a different picture surfaces. People 65 years or older represented 64% of those who preferred “Merry Christmas” as a greeting. In those people surveyed aged 18 to 29, only 28% preferred “Merry Christmas” while 59% didn't care one way or the other. When it came to Secularist, 64% didn't care. Among Evangelical Christians, 73% preferred the traditional “Merry Christmas.”

What this speaks of is the larger issue of religious censoring.

The same poll shows that 83% believe that Christmas displays should be allowed in public and yet the removal of such icons as Nativity scenes on front lawns at the request of special interest groups backed by pressure from authority is something we have heard of taking place in the USA and some parts of Canada.

Fortunately we have yet to have this issue here in Alberta, but perhaps it is this type of state run interference in people's faiths that may be the cause of many to remove the traditional greeting from the vocabulary during Christmas Season?

There is no doubt that Canada is a diverse nation. With many cultures, Canada is a nation that is very much worldly and with that status we have many religions. To state the obvious, each religion has their own spiritual holidays. It has been said that the removal of Christian icons from public view and traditional Christian greetings is imposed in order to “Not Offend” people who do not believe in the same religion. To many, this capitulation by the Church to the State to comply with the atmosphere of political correctness is itself offensive and therefore should fall under the same protection as the latter. Because the Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees the free exercise of religion but it does not guarantee one the right to not be offended. It does not even guarantee the right of one to be free of any social discomfort.

The cultural stifling of those who celebrate Christmas and prevent them from offering a verbal blessing by simply wishing someone a “Merry Christmas” is a clear indication that the political pressures of artificial correctness has become a social ill. Because as other religions seek popular recognition in Canada for their specific holiday, the restrictions now being felt by Christians can one day become norm, and in turn gag and handcuff all religions.

Ideally, what should take place in a country where multiculturalism is embraced, is the open acceptance of all religions with state recognition of all spiritual holidays.

Granted, we would gain a whole slew of new statutory holidays to observe but at least I would experience more than two people offering me the verbal blessing of “Eid Mubarak” or “Happy Hanukkah”. I would also accept that as a verbal blessing and know that the person saying it has good intentions and truly wanted me to enjoy the holidays.

So, as a Christian and with the true spirit of the holiday, I would like to offer everyone a Merry Christmas, and a very prosperous New Year.

Esprit de Corps

2009-12-10T12:04:00.002-07:00

The gunning down of four police officers at a coffee shop in Tacoma, Washington last month should have suspended society’s grumblings about authority. Law enforcement has had a hard few years at the hands of negative press. One such example is the public scrutiny the RCMP have been under with the tasering death of Polish visitor to Canada, Robert Dziekanski. In light of Paul Kennedy, the Commissioner of Public Complaints against the RCMP's scathing report, the image police have in the eyes of the public is at an all-time low.

As the self-respect of the police profession is torn down by the actions of a few, the body as a whole suffers. In fact, when a person dons the uniform, they go from someone who enjoys anonymity to the virtually known. With the uniform one adopts an array of perceptions of the person wearing it. Some see a peace keeper, others see a rigid cold authority figure, and then there are those who see nothing but an object of scorn.

However, when a police officer enters a public place, they do not know if they walk among supporters, indifference or hate. It’s not like the average Joe walking into a Walmart to buy a pencil. You can enter the building virtually unseen with the exception of the Walmart greeter. You can stealthily buy that pencil, walk out and be forgotten within seconds. But when a uniform walks into the same building the people around them are drawn to the image.

People don't really see the person behind the badge, they just see the badge for what it represents. And, not so much the image it is supposed to represent. For many, it was the ticket they got and are still angry about, or it can be anger at how they may have been treated when contact with authority was required. Whatever the angst, the average member of your local police service is carrying that burden on their shoulders for every action of all who wear the uniform. But like true professionals, most who wear the uniform did so with ideals ingrained in their personality that drew them to service. And, they walk into that public place without showing that burden, because to them, its not just a job, it is a calling. Because each member of that police service is keenly aware of what they represent.

How would you like to bear the weight?

The term esprit de corp is precisely what binds men and women to the service of law enforcement. Esprit de corp is the capacity of people to maintain a belief in an institution or a goal, or even in oneself and others. It speaks specifically to the morale of an organization or an identifiable group.

This is clearly demonstrated when the dregs of society decide to act on their hate for the uniform. Whether a police officer is gunned down, dies in an attempt to apprehend a criminal or is struck down by a drunk driver while issuing a traffic ticket, the act of killing a person who has dedicated their lives, and the lives of their family to public service is not only cowardly but is also an offense to each one of us. That is because the ideals each member of a police service hold to their calling, is the sole purpose of protecting life and property.

Esprit de corp, or the solidarity of morale that police hold for their comrades was clearly displayed at the funeral of these four police officers, and is always displayed when a member of the law enforcement community has fallen.

In Washington over 900 uniformed police officers from Canada traveled across the border to show their respect, and to show their belief of what these four people represented to society. The members who congregated to the service included 600 members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and 300 members of the Vancouver Police Service. The remaining 700 police officers that stood beside the families of the fallen officers were from all over the United States.

And, what motivated these people to gather at a funeral of a person they did not know? It was the belief that binds those men and women to the understanding that their purpose in life is a high calling. It was the clear understanding that their service is not frivolous, it's not 'just a job' and it is not something that we can do without. It is the clear understanding that the job of a police officer is and always has been a dangerous duty, and that each person that wears the uniform is tackling the same task, together. They are a unit. They are one in that calling and when one dies in the line of duty the entire body feels it.

So when you see a show of esprit de corp in the law enforcement community, stop asking “I wonder who pays for that?” because quit frankly, seeing over 1500 police officers attending the funeral of one of their own, is a clear reminder to you and I that in spite of the fact that there are scumbags willing to kill them, they still hold true to their calling. For that, they have my deepest respect and sincere thank you.

Much Ado About Nothing

2009-12-02T09:39:00.000-07:00

A great deal has been said about the new bylaw in Wetaskiwin forcing liquor stores in that city to close their days businesses by 10:00 PM. In fact that controversial move has even hit the daily newspapers across the province. In the wake of acts of bullying by interested parties, council's original plan to have liquor stores close at 8:00 PM was changed. Even so, the end result is still be lauded as a damaging element for Wetaskiwin’s spirits vendors.

The Edmonton Journal quoted one vender as saying, “I'll lose thousands, thousands of dollars,” stating that she will lose $40,000 per month due to the 10:00 PM closing. She is further quoted as saying, “It's just kind of taking away our rights. This is supposed to be free enterprise.” If this was the position of just one person, we could write this off emotional nonsense, but this vendor seems to be echoing the sentiments of many.

I'll go out on a limb, a very sturdy one and say, this to will pass with no ill effect. It smells a great deal like the noise made over the provincial smoking laws prohibiting bars and lounges from allowing smoking in their establishments. Many businesses cried out foul play quoting projected financial losses. Some closed their doors in protest shortly after the law came into effect. But as time passed, the bars kept in businesses, and many adjusted their practices. Now over a year later, the emotional reaction is no longer heard. Simply put, all these establishments ended up in the same boat and on equal status. Their market remained stable.

The liquor business is made up of several buyer types. The occasional drinker, who only buys when they are hosting family and friends. The casual drinker, who likes to indulge in the privacy of their homes, drinking wine or beer with meals or watching football. The third type is the habitual drinker, who requires the consumption of alcohol to function, and likes to drink whenever the need arises. All three of these consumers type will ensure that when the need for alcohol arrives, they will buy before 10:00 PM. In the case of the third type of consumer, it is reasonable to assume there needs will be top priority.

It could actually be argued that this forced change will be beneficial to the liquor store owner, as they can close their doors in a timely manner. Staff expenses are reduced, along with utilities. Once the buyers adjust to the new timeline, all will be well.

The concerns of our liquor store owner quoted here seem to be arguments reached for in order to support a position that is tenuous at best. One should remember that before liquor sales in Alberta were privatized, it was the provincial government alone that controlled its final sale to the general public. Which simply means that there is no real “taking away our rights” as she put it. In this province, since alcohol is a regulated substance, it is a privilege to sell liquor and not a right. Further, the establishment of any business within a municipality, is controlled by the municipal governance. The issuance of a business license is a clear indicator that even hanging a shingle is a privilege and not a right.

The Wetaskiwin City Council identified a problem that they believe is exasperated by alcohol consumption. Ask any police officer what keeps them busy during their nightshift and they will tell you that nearly all complaints received have some component of alcohol abuse to it. In the City of Wetaskiwin’s wisdom they decided to do the only thing available to them, and that was to place some form of regulation on the sale of alcohol within the city boundaries. Although it is not clear how much effect it will have to close liquor stores at 10:00 PM, it is reasonable to believe that if they had forced closure at 8:00 PM, the influence on alcohol consumption in the city would be more effective.

It has been also suggested that 10:00 PM closures will force buyers, who suddenly find themselves dry, driving north to Millet to fulfill their cravings. With four liquor stores and one off-sales vender, the small town of 2,200 is poised to take advantage of Wetaskiwin’s new bylaw. All I see in this is a great strip of road for the Police to set-up Alberta Check Stops. In light of this, it would also be reasonable to assume that the Wetaskiwin consumer will adjust to the new business restrictions and avoid being pulled over.

The last concern that has been brought up to the media is the possibility of increased offences of bootlegging. Bootlegging liquor is prompted by people under age, and usually in a situation when they are out late at night not supervised. Do you think that possibly closing at 10:00 PM will actually reduce bootlegging, since you need a liquor store open to commit the offence?

In the end, bootlegging will not turn into a ‘prohibition era problem,’ liquor sales in general will not be affected, and operating costs will be reduced. Lets just hope that the bylaw has the effect that the City of Wetaskiwin council was looking for, reduceing property crime, drunk driving and domestic violence. Because, in the end, the reaction to this new bylaw has been much ado about nothing.

We Really are a Lovely Bunch of Coconuts!

2009-11-17T15:02:00.001-07:00

How often have you heard your family member or friend say, “I love people watching.”? If you are honest with yourself, you may realize you are also a people watcher. And, really there is a good reason for it. As far as sideshows go, people are, and do the strangest things. Sometimes funny, sad, heart warming and in many cases, just plain stupid.

If we take just a seven day period it is interesting what we find people doing. So in order to run my people watching experiment, rather than sitting at an airport and looking like potential stalker, I decided to see what has been reported by other people watchers. What I found was sick, funny, weird, stupid and even heart-warming.

First the sick. In the world of strange romance, a South Carolina man, Rodell Vereen was sentenced Wednesday after pleading guilty to buggery. A judge also ordered Vereen to get counseling and to stay away from the Lazy B Stables when he is released. You see, he was charged with having sex with a horse that was being stabled at Lazy B. Being particular in mates, Vereen had a penchant for one member of the equine species. The owner noticed her horse acting funny, so she decided to install a hidden video camera. In the middle of the night she caught Vereen consummating the relationship. This was not the first time he was caught with this filly; two years earlier he was found sleeping in her stable snuggled in the hay. Odd, Vereen, is an anglicized spelling for the German word Verein, which means a union or association. With what, the courts are still trying to decide.

As weird as some animal lovers are, a 39-year-old man is approached and asked, “Is that a ferret in your pants or are you just glad to see me.” With that Rodney Bolton pulls out his weapon from his drawers and points it directly at a 17-year-old pet-shop workers face. The animals hisses and bites the young fella. Since this happened in Florida where they take their personal protection seriously, Bolton is charged with brandishing a concealed "special” weapon and shoplifting. I wonder if the ferret was loaded?

Then from the world of weird we go to just sad. On Halloween night, a man dresses up for a party. He takes himself out for what is going to be a night to remember. Wanting to send a message of responsibility, he dresses himself up as a roadside breathalyzer complete with a reading warning all drivers of the legal limit. Four hours later, he is pulled over by the police still in costume. He is arrested, and within 40 minutes blows over the legal limit, still dressed for success!

Not to be outdone, a woman only 100 miles away, in Granston, Wisconsin, 49-year-old Mary Strey, after an evening of binge drinking is driving down the interstate. Worried for her safety and the safety of others on the highway, she picks up her cell phone and calls 911. She connects and states, "someone really drunk is driving down Granton Road." When asked which direction the drunk is traveling Mary says, “they are going, um....” The operators says, “are you behind them.” to which Mary replies, “I am them...” With that the 911 operator finally convinces her to pull over, stop and turn on her four-way flashers so the police could find her. A few minutes later, the police arrive and arrest Mary for drunk driving. She is booked into a cell next to a funny dude wearing a breathalyzer costume. We really have to get these two together.

Two days later stupid checks in for action. In Cyprus, a Moreno Tavares Lizason was arrested after leaving a commercial airline. No, he did not quit a job as an airline steward, Moreno just got up from his seat on an Airbus A320, a 150 passenger jetliner, and decided to deplane. The problem was the jet was already heading down the runway for take-off when he opened the rear emergency hatch and decided to slide down the chute. Once on the ground Moreno ran, jumped a fence and was arrested on the other side. His excuse, he says he wanted to test the aircraft's safety features. Everyone needs a hobby.

But the heart-warming treat for the professional people watcher come to us from Colorado Springs. Two weeks ago 88-year-old Martha Michel, who has been walking around a nursing home in memory of her deceased husband has hit a milestone. Martha and her husband Lester Michel were the perfect couple and spent much time just walking. You see, after his death in 1998 she dedicated a daily routine of walking, as her and her husband had made a point of doing each day around the Namaste Alzheimer Center. Her dedication and love for her husband resulted in Martha clocking in her 10,000th mile this weekend which is the same as walking across Canada nearly three times.

Yes, many people tend to show us their bad side as these former examples of Darwinian science have proven, but if you 'people watch' long enough you are able to separate wheat from the chaff as exampled by Martha Michel.

Maybe Mr. Vereen's better half can run laps for him.

War does not determine who is right - only who is left.

2009-11-10T15:47:00.001-07:00

Bertrand Russell once said that, “War does not determine who is right - only who is left” and with those cold words one is left with a chilling proposition; ‘Good does not always prevail over evil.’ Sobering thoughts because modern society is indoctrinated to believe that when faced with true evil, good will prevail. This indoctrination takes place through pop media. We see it in our movies, Saturday morning cartoons and pulp fiction. Every action hero of the silver screen that fights the bad guys, in the end they either walk off into a lonely sunset secure in the belief that everyone who witnessed the action are pumped for the next sequel, or, they get the girl, while the villain lies vanquished.

Four generations have passed since World War II, and another since The Great War, and in this country where military service is optional, many people today just don’t have the appreciation or the understanding of what the foot soldier has given them.

Jane Fonda, the half naked “Barbarella” of the 60’s and daughter to Henry Fonda, was only a child when World War II broke out. She lived through the threat of Nazi expansionism and the threat that Hitler and the death camps promised. But even though she had the opportunity to at least read and see in “Film Reels” these threats, she rallied her celebrity status to openly denounce not only the wars of the day, but the also the individual soldiers fighting. In an open rally she is quoted as saying, " If you understood what Communism was, you would hope, you would pray on your knees that one day we would become Communist.” Later she would regret many things she said in the face of veterans. She asked for forgiveness when she said, "It hurt so many soldiers. It galvanized such hostility. It was the most horrible thing I could possibly have done. It was just thoughtless." Today at 72 years-old she speaks a different tune, "When you can't remember why you're hurt, that's when you're healed." But the influences of like-minded individuals and the softening of the society has a way of diminishing or even trivializing what the war veteran means to society.

And there you have it! As Fonda said,“When you can’t remember why you’re hurt.” This is precisely why we must don the poppy and take at least a day out and gather in remembrance.

Many people do not remember the fear of a world at war, and for that matter my generation does not live with that memory. Only recently with our Canadian military fighting in Afghanistan, do some families feel the effect of war, but the consequences of a military failure today has not been made very clear to each Canadian.

The veteran whose failure would have had dire consequences has either been killed in action, lived out his life or is languishing in a nursing home. Very few people even take the time to ponder an alternate history, where men and nations run by despots would have won the largest military conflict the world has ever seen.

There were many villains in the theater of World War II. Our foot soldiers fought longer and harder than their American counterparts since that country stayed neutral for the first three years of the conflict. By the time the Americans woke up to reality and joined the Allies, Germany's expansionism and doctrine of hate had spread to neighbouring nations. Their sights clearly aimed at England and their submarines patrolled off the coast of Newfoundland. Everywhere they went, they gathered citizens and interned them to labour or death camps. And, it was our foot soldiers that were fighting and dying in battles slowing the progress of Nazi policy that was being executed by the Wehrmacht.

Time was not on the foot soldiers side, and every man that jumped out of an airplane, or landed on a beach knew that they were running headlong into their doom. To say that the foot-soldier does not feel fear is naive. They were put into a situation where they had to overcome their fears with a sense of purpose and duty. War is not glamorous for when a mother nurses her baby, she looks lovingly into the child's eyes with no knowledge that in a short 18 years that same child would be fighting for it's life and the livelihood of people he had never met. The war veteran is just that. Someone's son, grandson or even father. The war veteran is a person who has given so much and yet was given so very little. The war veteran is the soldier that made it home, while they live with the memories of their friends calling out to them from the mist of a battlefield in agony. They live with the understanding that when they left for war as a innocent teenager, they came back only a few years later with their innocence ripped from their soul.

So when you see a senior citizen pushed in a wheelchair dressed in their uniform, remember not only their sacrifices, but what that veteran has tucked away in their minds. When you shake their hands and thank them for giving us this soft life, remember that in order to do that, the veteran had to shake off all that made him human and become something that his own mother didn't even see. For in the end, the war could have been been lost, for war does not determine who is right - only who is left.

Can I Offer You a Shot?

2009-10-28T15:21:00.002-06:00

As a society we tend to send out mixed signals. Are we as a society; afraid, startled, concerned or indifferent over the H1N1 pandemic that has been slowly crawling across North America? The reason I say this is that in light of the arrival of the H1N1 Flu Vaccine, many people I personally polled say that they have no intention of getting inoculated. “If you don't have a compromised immune system, then your O.K.,” Yvonne said to me. And, “I'm not getting it! It will only make you sick.” said Christina. These types of responses are not out-of-step with many others in Alberta.

I really can't say that I blame them for taking this position. Over the past decade we have seen the pharmaceutical industry treat the sick like a open marketplace, and the perception for many is that doctors dispense a broad range of chemical treatments too frequently rather than just treating the illness. The increase in homeopathic treatments and people self diagnosing themselves using the internet is at an all-time high.

But we are a very fickle bunch. In the face of what has become a true health threat we snub what can actually be a treatment for the prevention of contracting H1N1. This is rather ironic when one thinks that when the biggest “Prank” on society was running amok before the turn of the century. That being another type of pandemic foisted on the masses, the Y2K computer virus. People in that so-called-threat were all abuzz. Prevention was not just a quick shot in the arm, it was an elaborate system of transferring money and sticking it in a can. Many frantically developed corporate crisis policy to be implemented on New Years Eve, which in many cases included filling your bath tubs full of fresh water just in case it was last time the water would flow. Everywhere you turned people either had an opinion or had heard of somebody who had prematurely come down with it and lost all their lifetime data! It was pandemonium!

But in a recent survey in the U.S., clearly 40% of parents said that they would not have their children inoculated, and here in Canada the reception is not any different. One headline in the U.S. stated, “Military People Will Soon Be Forced to Take Poisonous H1N1 Shot.” With this jaded perception of the pharmaceutical industry and media hype, it is no wonder why people are shying away from taking the H1N1 vaccine.

But let us at least step back and look at this without the jaded eyeglasses. Alberta has now reported it's ninth H1N1 death, and as of late August we had over 180 people in the hospital with the disease. It is speculated that many have the virus at some level but have not needed hospitalization.

Alberta is now in what has become the ‘flu season’ and we expect a higher level of flu cases. As an indicator of what is 'acceptable' for Alberta, the schools are normally required to report any absentee rate over 10% on any given day, which when you look at that number is extremely liberal. If, for instance, a school had a student population of 450, then if 45 students reported in sick or failed to come to school, it is considered serious enough to require the Principal to report that incident. Would those numbers indicate that a school may have an influenza problem?

Well, last week in St. Albert, the Ecole Secondaire Sainte Marguerite d'Youville with a student population of 450 reported a one day absentee rate of 33%. That represented 148 students home sick. In light of these numbers and what we are now seeing reported in Edmonton, is it fair to say that perhaps the odds are better that you and I will get a serious flu or even H1N1, than winning the lottery? And yet, in hopes of winning more people will buy lottery tickets than get in line to take a shot in the arm.

At some point we need to put aside our preconceptions caused by a particular mindset long enough to see if we may be wrong. At least in that instance. My skepticism is still in tact, but if it looks like poop, smells like poop, and feels like poop, then perhaps its not a Hershey’s bar.

So aside from the fact that it may be a good idea to get the H1N1 Influenza Shot, we are told that we can practice four simple common-sense steps to stave off the virus. They are: frequent hand-washing, keep your "Hands-off-the-face" and out of your nose, gargle twice a day, and boost your natural immunity with foods that are rich in Vitamin C. The H1N1 takes 2-3 days after initial infection in the throat and nasal cavity to proliferate and show characteristic symptoms.

So should we be taking the H1N1 vaccination? In light of of how the disease is spreading, unless you have a medical precondition preventing you, it would probably be a good idea. And, before you say that you had the previous Swine Flu Vaccination and you are immune, think again, that previous shot will not prevent you from getting H1N1. You see my reasons for discussing this here is purely selfish. I just don't like losing readership.

Three Time’s a Charm

2009-10-22T15:46:00.003-06:00

Would it be safe to say that Alberta will always be right? The polls have always showed that any left thinking politician is pounding an upward climb in this province. Until the last year, I would never have even given a second thought to a provincial Liberal governing body in Alberta. But since Stelmach and his Tory cabinet have entered the slippery slope of popular opinion polls, it makes one ponder.

But then again we Albertans are not completely in love with any party based solely on the Conservative name.
The world is changing, and with it so does the political landscape. For almost 36 years the Social Credit Party ran this province until Peter Lougheed displaced then Premier Harry Strom in 1971. Nobody would have predicted that the Social Credit Dynasty would have crumbled under the pressure of the Progressive Conservative campaign.

History has a way of repeating itself, and now in light of the fact that the Wildrose Alliance Party has finally showed some life and voted in the new party leader, Danielle Smith, the next election will indeed be a must see. So once again Alberta has two right-wing parties to choose from.

History records that the undoing of the Social Credit Party was their inability to adapt to the changing social climate of the day. The rural based Social Credit Party was slow to adapt to the changes brought about as a result of the urban influences of Edmonton and Calgary. The province was beginning to shift its economic center from agriculture to oil, and the Social Credit was still on the rural fence. So much so that Strom timed the election to ensure that the farming community was not out working the fields. With 36 years under the Social Credit power-belt, they became complacent. This was demonstrated when Peter Lougheed's Progressive Conservative party promised free health care for all Albertans over 65. Strom countered that offer with “almost-free” health care. Strom was only going to charge the seniors one dollar a month. Yes, the Socreds were completely out-of-touch with Albertans.

So today, we have Ed Stelmach running a huge deficit budget, after they had voted themselves a 35% pay increase. When the people began to voice their displeasure with the deficit, the out-of-touch Tory government decided to offer a voluntary freeze of “new” wage increases. The 'big' move was to rolled back the Premiers income by 15% and the cabinets by 10%. Naturally this really didn't do anything for the confidence of the people because it will not touch the bonuses and allowances and still leaves them with a huge raise. It sure smells like a one-dollar a month out-of-touch political gesture to me.

A recent poll has shown that Ed Stemach's approval rating has fallen. Sixty-one percent of Albertans believe that Stelmach is moving in the wrong direction. Twenty-two percent of Albertans strongly disapprove of Stelmach's performance. In the same poll the upstart Wildrose Alliance Party received 22 percent of Albertans support. Interesting since the Wildrose Alliance has yet to do anything. It speaks volumes of what can be seen as impending doom for the Progressive Conservatives.

Stelmach had a great opportunity in his recent address last Wednesday to show Albertans that the Tory government had a plan. But instead of outlining a detailed fiscal strategy to offer some economic hope to Albertans over the next few years, he offered up a weak four point plan. They were; Freeze wages, spend savings to cover off revenue shortfalls, invest in public infrastructure and ensure the energy sector remains competitive. There it is in a nutshell.

Albertans are voicing their displeasure for this weak response in the media. The Edmonton Journal quotes a Paul Ferguson of Edmonton as saying, “We started out with Peter Lougheed being the cream of the crop. Now, we have the dregs of the Conservative barrel in power. For the past 20 years, I have watched with dismay the disintegration of democracy in Alberta.”

Ferguson is just one working stiff that has tossed in his two-cents worth. Stelmach may not be fully responsible for the recent displeasure of the masses. Both Ralph Klein and Don Getty have had their hand in the weakening of the Progressive Conservative’s armour. However, he certainly has done nothing to turn opinion around.

But what Ferguson did say is revealing when he referred to Lougheed as the “Cream of the Crop.” More than anything the young lawyer from Edmonton, Peter Lougheed represented change, and he had a flair for innovative thinking. Lougheed may not have been a knight in shining armour, but he represented the change that Alberta wanted and today the rumblings of the Alberta electorate of late are screaming for change.

The social and economic climate in this province is ripe for a change of the guard. Once again we are seeing a shift in economic realities with the pressures for change in the energy sector, environmental issues and the aging voter population. Could it be that with 38 years of holding power in Alberta a political upset is in the making? Yes, history does have a way of repeating itself.

We have had two different right-wing parties holding power since 1921. Maybe three times is a charm.

The Ass in the Lion's Skin

2009-10-15T14:07:00.006-06:00

An Ass once found a Lion's skin which the hunters had left out in the sun to dry. He put it on and went towards his native village. All fled at his approach, both men and animals, and he was a proud Ass that day. In his delight he lifted up his voice and brayed, but then every one knew him, and his owner came up and gave him a sound cudgelling for the fright he had caused. And shortly afterwards a Fox came up to him and said: "Ah, I knew you by your voice." Aesop’s Fable

Two weeks before the February 1st deadline for Noble Prize nominations Barack Obama was elected the 44th President of the United States. By deadline Obama, according to his nomination, had already deserved recognition for a Nobel Peace Prize nod.

Like a silver tongued orator, his election night speech, “Yes We Can.” raised the hopes of many. He has spoken out against nuclear weapons and in other speeches has called for peace between Israel and Palestine. The Obama fervour began to dwindle after a short honeymoon period. So other than pretty speeches, what has Obama really done.

Since his election Obama has committed an additional 21,000 troops to Afghanistan, continued the occupation of Iraq, launched deadly counter-terror strikes in Pakistan and Somalia, committed a 15 billion dollar military build-up in Guam, had 61 Peace Protestors arrested outside the White House and has humbly accepted the Noble Peace Prize. It’s been a great run thus far.

According to the Nobel Committee that chose to honour Obama, he won the prize for "for his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples". What did Obama do that was beyond what is ordinary or usual in the two weeks after his election or even between Feb. 1st and now?

Has he released all the prisoners at Guantanamo Bay? He may have signed the order to close the prison within a year, but even before be took power the number of prisoners held had reduced from its peak population of 779 to 245 suspected terrorists. Was this extraordinary, continuing a process started by the Bush administration?

Has he pulled his troops from Iraq? Has he declared peace with terrorism? As absurd as that sounds, it is terrorism the United States had declared war on in the first place. No, he has done none of these things because as the President of the United States is nothing more than the ‘ass’ in ‘lions’ clothing.

The good people of the Nobel Committee have done nothing but confused the international community, and I dare say Obama himself. "I do not feel that I deserve to be in the company of so many transformative figures that have been honoured by this prize," he said. "I will accept this award as a call to action, a call for all nations to confront the challenges of the 21st century." Did you catch that? He accepted the prize on behalf of all nations." Apparently Obama sees himself as the leader of the world. Interesting for a man who is the leader of the most warring nation on the planet.

His own words admit that he does not deserve the prize, and upon accepting the honour, felt it necessary to take actions to deserve it. A ‘call to action’ is what he promises the international community. Words from a man who is serving two masters.

In identifying himself as a universal citizen and virtual leader of a world under globalization. He promises peace while America marches on with a foreign policy that is in direct opposition to a peaceful existence.

Obama is stuck between a rock and a hard place, and if the man is genuine as we all hope he is, his tenure in office will be anything but glorious.

So does Barack Obama deserve the Nobel Peace Prize? Many would agree that at this point it is premature. I tend to agree with Former Polish President Lech Walesa, who won the prize in 1983 when he said of the Obama‘s award, "So soon? Too early. He has no contribution so far. He is still at an early stage. He is only beginning to act."

Its too bad that Prime Minister Stephan Harper does not get an award for something he did not do. But then again he is in the running for a Grammy for thrilling an audience with his duet with Yo-Yo Ma when he sang The Beatles' "With A Little Help From My Friends." Harper was not going to let Obama show him up.

Feeling Nuts in Alberta

2009-10-05T16:09:00.000-06:00

Looking across the room on any day most people can pick out a person not having a good day. They can be downcast, tired looking and some what introverted. This can be especially concerning for you when you remember this particular person to be usually bright and cheerful. Some people you know may be too sprite, talk fast or are acting almost too cheerful. Even if they are always in this state, it could be a cause for concern. You may even know a co-worker who complains of lack of sleep on a daily basis, yet still functions as is they have an abundance of energy. Are these people functioning at what we call normal? Or are they suffering from a psychological disorder.

This is a tough call, and in many cases you will not know that your co-worker or family member has a bipolar disorder or even schizophrenia. It would also be fair to say that it would take a person with special training and certification to detect and deal with such a problem. Because according to statistics, one in five people have suffered or are suffering from a mental disorder.

Furthermore, less than 20 percent suffering from a mental disorder have received adequate treatment. One could assume that this lack of treatment is the result of a person neglecting their own health or having no support structure within their family. But to do that would be simply wrong.

In Alberta we have regulations for everything. Traffic regulations, property controls, city bylaws, utility regulations, and federal regulation. We pretty much live in a society where many believe that the government has it all under control. We, although too much, trust the authorities. A doctor can prescribe a medication and you will take that medication without question, because he or she is a physician. They are educated and our government have certified them as being able to deal with our problems. You have a toothache, you go to the dentist. Again, you open your mouth wide as a man with a power drill drives the bit into your mouth. We trust that person, because they have a certificate on the wall stating that they have read the owners manual for the drill and the government has vetted them, clearing them to provide treatment. If we are honest with ourselves, we truly believe that the authorities have ensured that professionals are adequate, and talented to deal with our problems. … Yes?

Not so with mental health. Until Alberta introduced the Health Professions Act, there was little in Alberta to identify and certify a person as being adequate to dispense psychological help. But, the presence of this act will once again give us a false sense of security because of the art of language. You see, even with this regulation the term, “Psychotherapist” is not protected under this act. The H.P.A. does not address the term psychotherapist, which refers to the treatment of mental disorders as psychosocial intervention and identifies specific groups of people that can dispense psychosocial intervention. Those are social workers, dietitians, licensed practical nurses, psychologists, registered psychiatric nurses and physicians. On the surface it seems that the Alberta government has it completely covered.

But they don't. It came to my attention from a good friend who has a need to seek help for someone with bipolar disorder. Seeking a therapist, they found a psychotherapist and was surprised to find out that this person was a practicing mystic. And, according to Alberta Connects, it was legal for this person to hold themselves out as a psychotherapist. “Thank you for your query to Alberta Connects. While a number of professional titles are protected and reserved for the use of regulated health professionals in Alberta, the title "psychotherapist" is not one of them", came the answer.
This loophole is something that needs to be re-addressed in the H.P.A., and regulated in order to ensure that people don't fall into a case of mismanagement of psychotherapy. Would it be fair to assume that if your neighbour takes an online training course on counseling, they can print up 500 business cards, hang up a shingle and hold themselves out as a psychotherapist? This opens this field of treatment to abuses which can in turn cause more anxiety or even peril for the patient.

People with depression can be driven to suicide. Every two out of three people who have committed suicide have sought help the month prior. The elderly are at most risk of suicide as a result of depression, as one fourth of total suicides are committed by the elderly. Because the general public recognize the word psychotherapist as a person who is trained and certified to deal with the mental health of an individual, someone seeking treatment are in danger of not getting the help they need. This can put the person as well as their family and friends in harms way.

This shortfall is serious, and if our government wants to maintain the trust of the people, more care and attention to details need to be taken when introducing regulations in Alberta. At least we don't live in Quebec where the law is completely silent in the field of psychotherapy. Go figure.

Pucker Up Buttercup

2009-10-01T16:06:00.001-06:00

What a horrible insult. Canada was hurt, spited, banned, blackballed and downright shunned. It would have been the highlight of St. John’s Newfoundland’s international status. St. John’s would have joined the ranks of Moscow, Paris, Rome and New York. But, the self proclaimed “President-for-Life” of Libya and confessed associate of the Lockerbie bomber that snuffed 270 souls, will not be pitching his tent on Canadian soil. Somewhere today in Newfoundland is a codfish poised in puckered position waiting for an intimate moment with a despot. But that intimate moment will have to wait, ‘Muammar, you don’t know what you’re missing’.

If you have not heard, the “King of Kings in Africa” had scheduled a refuelling stop and short camp-out at St. John’s, Newfoundland after being served an eviction notice from the Mayor of Bedford, NY. The former chair of the United Nations Humans Rights Commission, Muammar Gadhafi has not had a good diplomatic run in North America last week. It is enough to make the strongman weep. But to shun the good folks of St. John’s is just downright rude.

His problems started in New York when he arrived to address the United Nations. Gadhafi, who always pitches a Bedouin-style tent in the country he visits as a symbol of his nation, wanted to set-up camp in Central Park, New York. The fine folks of that city remembering this dictator’s former deeds, would have nothing of it. Instead Donald Trump steps in and has him pound stakes on some real estate in the town of Bedford. Not to be outdone the Mayor and Council there say ‘nay-nay’ and a court order is served. Muammar decides to ignore that order, but within days, a U-Haul trailer arrives and the dictator moves on. Historically, that moment became the first time an African tent trailer turned a wheel on American soil.

Meanwhile, waiting with bated breath is the city of St. John’s. Even Prime Minister Stephen Harper was expecting the arrival of our African visitor. Reports have it that Harper had planned on sending Foreign Affairs Lawrence Cannon to meet Gadhafi and express Canada’s displeasure over Libya’s hero welcome they gave the Lockerbie bomber upon his release from prison. But, in only what could be seen as either a diplomatic snub or a misdirected tent dwellers trip plan gone wrong, Gadhafi decides that he would visit another place of his choosing. Venezuela is where he found himself. Newfoundland…Venezuela… sounds similar, ok I’ll give him that one.

Visiting Canada aside, Muammar Gadhafi is one interesting subject. He admits to the world that his country was involved in the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland killing 270 people. The Libyan agent involved was sent to jail only to be released on compassionate leave after being diagnosed with cancer.

Gadhafi has governed his country with a horrible record of human rights abuses. Freedom of speech, press, assembly, association, and religion are not freely respected in Libya. Records of arrest without grounds, torture of prisoners held without trial for long periods of time have also been reported. Yet in 2003 Libya was voted in the United Nations as the chair of the United Nations Humans Rights Commission. A time when Gadhafi was admitting his government’s involvement in terrorist activity and was still listed as a terrorist nation.

Recently in an attempt to be a kinder, and gentle tyrant, Gadhafi openly admitted to the Lockerbie incident, apologized and paid restitution for the deaths of the innocent. He even met the families of the slain and is quoted as saying, “It was a friendly meeting and encounter” and “very sentimental.”

Yet, last week when Gadhafi gave a 90 minutes speech in the UN and when he began to lose the attention span of his ‘colleagues’ he stopped and hollered, “Please pay attention!” Ego from a man who’s sociopathic behaviour have kept his country in nearly a four decade oppression. Although he has gone on record as hating America and all thing American, he views himself a friend and ‘brother’ to Barack Obama. In his long address to the world at the UN he stated, “We Africans are happy, proud that a son of Africa governs the United States of America.” With true ignorance of democracy he suggested to Obama that he take a cue from Libya and declare himself President-for-life.

So what did Gadhafi do instead of kissing a codfish in St. John’s? He landed a meeting with Hugo Chavez, another ‘reformed’ radical military man, and dictator. And, while the Mayor of St. John’s was looking for evidence of tent pegs on civic soil, Gadhafi and Chavez shook hands in agreement to build an alliance to form a “NATO of the south.” He is quoted as saying in Venezuela, “Those who were betting on NATO, we now say to them that we’re going to bet on SATO. We are going to have our treaty too.” Splitting the world into an old fashioned North against the South.

If only Gadhafi would have taken the time to visit Newfoundland he would have truly experienced the difference. Personally I blame Harper for scaring Gadhafi off. The fear of getting a good old fashioned Canadian chastisement by Lawrence Cannon could scare off even the stiffest dictator, or is Muammar just allergic to fish?

The Emperors New Clothes

2009-09-22T15:28:00.001-06:00

In the Hans Christian Andersen story "The Emperor’s New Clothes," the king is swindled to believe that two con-men sewed him a new royal cloak, only to gullibly parade himself nude in the streets before his subjects. Many see this story as a lesson to scrutinize all you are told. But the better lesson is revealed when a child points to the king and yells, "He’s naked!"

Out of the mouth of innocence comes the truth. But in the story those who witnessed the buffoon leader parading like a fool stood in fear unable to speak out the truth. The story, has become a lesson to imply that the motive and rationale for not seeing the obvious truth has become so ingrained that the majority do not even realize that they are perpetuating a falsehood. The king in this story is nothing but a politician and the people are the electorate.

In walks Federal Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff speaking publicly on September 14th at the Canadian Club of Ottawa. The more I dwell on his speech titled, "Canada’s Place in a changing World" the more insulted I feel.

We have gotten used to the Liberals bad mouthing the governing Conservatives and visa-versa. It has become the ‘modus operandi’ of Canadian politics. For the most part, because many of us can see the whole picture from the side-lines, we can pick out the mouse crap in the wild rice, but to the uninformed, speeches like this do nothing but puff up a speaker and weaken the national pride that Canada has achieved over the years. You see, Ignatieff in his zeal to tear down Prime Minister Stephen Harper and the Conservatives, publicly told us all that we as Canadians should feel shame and that we as world citizens just don’t matter.

He claims in his speech that Canada will only matter if it is run by the Liberal party led by himself. Take a look at a few words from the mouth of the ‘natural ruling party leader’. "After the last four years, it’s hard to remember how much Canada once mattered." and "For the Conservative government of Stephen Harper, the international scene exists only to score points on the domestic scene. And our credibility on the international scene has suffered in consequence. The Conservatives are giving up Canada’s place in the world." And then out of the mouth of a man who has lived too long out-of-his country he said, "Under this government, Canada is becoming the country that dares not speak its name."

Words of shame. How can this man look into the eyes of a Canadian soldier’s widow and say, "It’s hard to remember how much Canada once mattered." How can one be so ignorant as to look in the eyes of China’s restricted souls and say that when Canada stood against China’s human rights abuses that it was only a ploy to win votes for the Conservative party. Ignatieff trivialized communist China’s abuse of their citizens. Where is Ignatieff on this issue?

And, how do you as a Canadian feel when this man tells you that you live in a country that dares not speak its name?! To speak in this context is the same as flying our flag on international waters or on a foreign soil at our embassies, or on the battlefield along side other nations making sacrifices daily.

Ignatieff even stated that we as a nation have become mute. "They note our silence in international councils and ask; Where is Canada?" Apparently he does not consider our closest neighbours, the USA, as important, because it is under our Conservative government that relations have improved because of Harper’s open arm policy, meeting former President Bush and now Barack Obama on important issues concerning not only the USA and Canada, but other countries. The fact that under our current leadership Obama’s first out-of-country visit was to Canada in order to meet Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

Do we as the electorate forget the insults hurled by the Liberals towards the USA, when in 2003 then Liberal MP Carolyn Parrish was heard saying on an open mike, "Damn Americans, I hate the bastards!" Only to follow up by stomping on replicas of the US President jeering that ‘he is a moron’ in an effort to denounce the war in Iraq. A war where Americans have lost their lives and spent billions to maintain. Is this the type of ‘national pride’ Ignatieff foresees for Canada? Do you think that if Obama’s rise to power would have occurred in 2003, he would have put Canada first?

This is a man not in touch with reality. He is parading in public in arrogant pride sporting a new wardrobe void of any real thread of credibility. He is a man who has stripped himself of the dignity of the clothed, and in this speech of September 14th revealed to Canadians what he thinks of our country, the men and women who serve our country and those who live here. In his own words, he said that we are people that dare not speak our names. I guess we just don’t matter.

Well, Mr. Ignatieff, I am a proud Canadian. When I shake the hand of a Canadian soldier, I do get a lump in my throat. A well of emotion builds up in me, those of gratefulness, pride and admiration. Grateful because of what our men and woman are doing for the people of Afghanistan. Grateful because I know that when the sole of a Canadian soldier steps off on foreign soil I know that Canada matters!

This latest insult by a Liberal leader only brings one image in my mind. It is the image of former Liberal Prime Minister Pierre Elliot Trudeau flipping British Columbians in Salmon Arm the ‘bird’. Only now the face has changed, and its not just a province this gesture is directed to.

Face to Face

2009-09-09T16:19:00.001-06:00

Sitting on a public bus in Edmonton, around 10:00 PM, passing through Jasper Avenue and across the High Level bridge to finally encroach Whyte Avenue, one sees many sights. I highly recommend anyone from the country and suburbs to take the journey. I’m not talking about the view of the North Saskatchewan River, or the bright lights of the city skyline at night. Yes, these sights are rather impressive. No, the view I speak of is the people that ride public transportation late at night, or the fellow on the street corner yelling at a sign post in a drunken stupor, or a stupor for which Prozac may provide relief from.

I need to say that I am a true believer that a divine creator brought life to the earth through intelligent design. But this journey exploring Edmonton streets tends to make one believe that perhaps we may have been evolved from some lower life form, and perhaps a few genetic throwbacks may have missed the ‘bus’ so-to-speak. Because the man standing on the street corner with a plumber crack breezing in the wind, or the ‘working-girls’ looking to ‘hook-up’ with the man named ‘John’ tend to shake my faith in ‘intelligent design’.

In this we can agree, that whether science has all the answers or people of faith know the truth, one thing holds true, and that is that the truth shall be revealed through observing nature as laid before us by the Great Architect.

Just last week, again scientific academia engaged in a debate amongst their peers regarding, what Darwin coined as "The Origin of a Species" .

Two scientists in particular, a Jeffery Schwartz and John Grehan, have postulated that humans most likely evolved from orangutans and not chimpanzees as once concluded by the smart folks that write our text books. "Scientists go out on a limb to say we're more like orangutans than chimps." Edmonton Journal Sept. 6, 2009. This revelation may have shook the foundation of the scientific faithful, because as we have all been told, it was the chimp that gave us the characteristics we see in others while riding a city bus.

According to science, DNA shows that humans have more in common with the chimp, then the gorilla followed by the orangutans. But it has been proven that the orangutans are the smartest apes on earth, next to the dude talking to the sign post.

Popular culture was way ahead of Schwartz and Grehan when in the 70’s the scifi movie, "The Planet of Apes" had portrayed the blonde haired orangutans as the scientific leaders in the community and the keepers of the faith.

Schwartz and Grehan argue that DNA is not the only indicator for evolution. They argue that the orangutan share more physical characteristics with humans than do the chimps. They said that, ‘DNA analysis is problematic and conventional chimpanzee theory is not backed up enough by fossil evidence.’

Did you catch that, two respected anthropologists in an effort to push through their scientific position, have admitted that evolution of man from chimps (apes) are not backed up by fossil evidence. This is something that many people who believe in intelligent design have been stating. The truth is that the evidence for the entire "Evolution of Man" charts proudly displayed in our public schools are based on a fossil collection that can barely cover the surface of a pool table. The amount of conjecture by science is as ‘wholly’ (pun intended) as that of Schwartz and Grehan. Sadly it is this ‘science’ that rewrites text books on a continual basis and no scholastic publisher ever prints a retraction, resulting in generations of children carry into adulthood the imaginations of mere men.

So we have scientists today disregarding DNA evidence and side with Hollywood by concluding that the orangutan ‘is our man.’

The reason for this conclusion, that the orangutan is the missing link, is based partly on scientific observation that they are the only members of great apes that build their homes above ground and they finish the job by adding a roof.

Hell, that’s enough evidence for me. Forget trying to find the transitional fossils. Roofs on huts, thats the key! Thanks for that Schwartz and Grehan, I think tonight I’ll find some mud and straw and grunt behind my wife’s back.

In light of these earth shattering observations which include my learned observations from a bus, I find it interesting that humans are so fascinated with the ape in the first place.

Do other animals gravitate to similar species in the same way. Perhaps horses congregating near the stables discuss their origins. Do they look at the mule or donkey while snorting and kicking signals back and forth arguing whether they came from the donkey? I would even suggest that the mere thought of it would be insulting to the ‘thinking horse’.

"I am not evolved from that Ass!" would be the quip from Seabiscuit.

But I should be fair to these two learned fellows. It was not just the above ground dwelling topped with a roof observation that made them think that the orangutan is our close relative. No, they say that they have other very important identical human developments. The nuts on the topping was their observation of the apes mating practices. You see, they concluded that the Orangutan mate longer, and they mate "face to face".

“Face to Face” these fellows really need to get out more. I’ll stick with Intelligent Design.

Defenestration: A Voters Choice

2009-09-01T15:14:00.002-06:00

Dressed in her business best last week, our Minister of Finance, Iris Evans walked up to the podium to announce to her people that all was good, except a slight miscalculation of $6.9 billion dollars. The same government that appointed Evans to probably the most sensitive post in public service, will run a budget deficit the like of which has not been seen since the Getty years.

The government propaganda machine was hard at work to soften the blow to Albertans. Some news agencies printed stories that pointed to other provinces as being in worse shape, in an effort to make us all feel 'Alberta Superior.' The Edmonton Journal ran a column from Gary Lamphier titled, “Alberta's financial troubles would be the envy of other provinces” stating “unlike most other provinces, states and countries, for that matter – will remain debt-free and cash rich, even after this year's fiscal carnage is over.” Pheew, why didn't you say so in the first place. I feel so much better.

I smell smoke mixed with cotton here folks! I believe its about time we called a spade a spade. By all appearances, its looks like our government is running our cash register with the 'no sale' function stuck.

In the last twelve months Iris Evan's budget projections have gone from a $8.5 billion dollar surplus to a $6.9 billion dollar deficit. That's a spread of a mere $15.4 billion dollars. In case you missed it, our Finance Minister’s projections were off by $15.4 billion dollars.

The reasons cited for the budget over-run was offered in two forms. The first culprit was the recession, and the second was a direct result of the first, the drop in the price of natural gas. Interesting how these causes chosen to justify the failure of the government are those problems outside their control. They would rather have Albertans believe that a reduction in Natural Gas prices, that being the cost going from $5.5 per gigajoule to $3.75. That represents a $1.75 reduction behind the cause of our situation. Admittingly, this drop would account for a reduction in resource revenue, but when it comes to governance, income is only one side of the equation.

To the public, Evans squarely blames the recession for the budget overrun even to the point of demonizing the economy, “We haven’t seen the last of that scoundrel, that recession. We haven’t seen the last of it, but in Alberta we’re on the right track to be stronger than ever as this recession is over.” She said during her April 7th budget delivery.

By July, Evans began to hint that her projections may be a bit off. With news showing that the overall Canadian economy was showing life she is quoted as saying, “It’s going to be a little longer for Alberta to feel that bounce…. I will be much more satisfied that we’re on the way to recovery when I see higher gas prices.” And, there it is… once again she is hedging her bets on higher gas prices.

By all accounts, the Alberta government have been making one bad decision after the other, during a time when the public purse should be tightened. Take for example the decision to crumble under popular pressure to introduce a $4 billion dollar carbon capture program, only to revise that plan to only a mere $2 billion dollars. Or the illusion of free health care for Albertans. A plan that in the end will only see more medical treatments de-listed to meet the reduction in revenue.

I could go on, but the end result would see me, a life long conservative, suffer through a rapid case of cognitive dissident.

But the real problem is not one of revenue. It is a problem of spending. Overruns are just that, the result of spending more than you have, and our government must be spending the tax dollars like a drunken sailor. In our case, our government have spent $6.9 billion more than we had.

What needs to really happen is our government moving away from being revenue dependant when the commodity prices and surpluses are too high to a deficit position when prices are low, causing the government to dip into the sustainability fund.

Although our government have promised Albertan’s no new taxes, and have come out with statements that suggest that no employee layoffs are considered. It is hard to believe that in light of the extreme shortfall, the old certainties in life do not hold true in this province. That being death and taxes. Maybe one should consider defenestration when casting your next vote.

The Rumour Mill, a Menacing Web

2009-08-28T15:27:00.004-06:00

As rumours goes this was a doozy! But before we dwell on it, let me say that what is buzzing about social circles, and the internet is just that, an unsubstantiated rumour based on a projection from one man. It was a rumour that was started by an American online newsletter and picked up several other bloggers. The rumour is that one of Canada's largest banks is close to financial collapse. The interesting part of all this was that it spread throughout the world, and when I got wind of it, it morphed into word of mouth.

It is important for all involved to note that the source of such an alarming rumour originated on the internet, and “as of our press run,” no reputable journalist print source had broke out with the story. Sadly, this is truly the acid test when sifting through the chaff. Because, this type of rumour mongering has the effect of becoming a self fulfilled prophecy and can affect stock trading, which in turn can cause a loss of income for those people investing in the markets.

The source of this is a Mr. Dan Amoss, a Chartered Financial Analyst® and managing editor of the online Strategic Short Report. In a four page blog titled, “The Next Major Stock Set to Crash,” the blogger Stock Gumshoe reports that Amoss will expose this Canadian bank as using shady accounting tricks to hide losses and lying about being able to pay a massive $1.5 billion dividend scheduled for 2009. Amoss teases the internet community by stating that this bank is 192 years old and employs over 37,000 people. The conclusion was from Amoss that, “The news of this bank dropping like a stone would hit the financial markets so hard — creating a tsunami of fear in a previously thought “safe” banking niche — that it’d make the panic of 2008 look like a cake walk…”

The internet community was quick to research the clues on such 'reputable' sources as Wikipedia. In very short order readers began to comment on these blogs putting their two-cents worth into the discussion. Such as “The bank never goes 'broke'. If the bank runs out of money, it can issue as much as needed by writing it on an ordinary piece of paper. In Canada, the banks can print as much as they need,” and “He did not say what his source was. The bank was described to him and the one that fit closest was BMO,” and my favourite, “Stop this, my mom works for the BMO, your scaring the hell out of me!”

This type of news is somewhat easy to believe in light of the current economic environment we find ourselves. Bloomberg News on the same day this rumour was milling about reported “Profits Decline at Two Canadians Banks.” stating that both the Bank of Montreal (BMO) and the Bank of Nova Scotia reported third-quarter earnings decline on rising loan costs. According to these reports the BMO's net income for the period fell 21 percent in it's fifth straight profit decline. In the same report the ScotiaBank reported a 1.9 percent decline in profits.

In the USA, where our banking institutions would enjoy some foreign investors stock trading, the banking story is extremely bleak, so much so that in contrast to the American experience just last February, Barron's, the online journal from The Wall Street Journal, reported “A Canadian Bank Plays It Safe…and Smart,” which painted the Canadian banking experience as strong in light of the global economic crash, and singled out the Scotiabank as “tight-fisted and old-fashioned, and has boosted its earnings and dividends consistently for more than a decade.”

But let us consider the source. When Amoss came out with his projection, he did not name the bank under scrutiny. In fact, he announced that at noon on August 24th he would come out and expose the Canadian Bank that was going to crash. Interesting that he picked a time and day of his release, after giving the world a clue to which institution this was. In fact, his report was scathing in accusations, so much so, that if he was only using conjecture he was opening himself up to legal scrutiny. Amoss is a financial analyst, and like many of those who believe to be connected, or in the know, may use their sources to their financial advantage.

Noon came on the 24th, and what was discovered was interesting. By the time his deadline was met, the internet community had already come to the conclusion that the bank in dire straights was the BMO. Now the interesting facts. At the open of the trading day, the Toronto Stock Exchange was trading BMO stock at $51.20. By 1:30 PM the same day the stocks fell to $49.13 and closed the day out at $49.10. This from a stock that held its trading between 51-52 dollars.

Whether the $1.85 day drop in trading was influenced by the rumour mill surrounding the BMO is really not the question. It would be fair to say that those trading knew of Dan Amoss’s report and could very well have been caused the selling of the shares that lowered their value.

Whether the BMO is in for a financial beating we still do not know, however by the end of the day, the BMO had cuts its dividend. One thing for sure, in today’s unstable economic outlook, rumours of financial collapse in any sector cannot help the situation. In the world of the internet, the rumour mill has become a menacing web.

The Phrase that Shames

2009-08-11T15:40:00.007-06:00

What do you say to the mother you witness yelling, while pulling on their child’s arm in anger only to notice the mother immediately breaks down in penitent tears as the child says, "That’s OK mommy, I'll be a good girl."? Do you think maybe there is a history of abuse and the child has accepted her fate? Would the mother in this illustration feel shame that her child takes blame for her own behaviour or maybe existence in spite of her mother's shortcomings. Would it be fair to say that at that moment 'our' mother feels humiliation, shame and a sense of disappointment in her role as care giver, protector and mentor.

I think at some point we have all felt a sense of disappointment in ourselves in some shape or form. It may come at something we said, or how we behaved in a group. It may have come later in life when we are having that "Remember when...." conversation with our now grown up son or daughter and discover that their perception of us was different than what we thought it should be. Those are the moments when we feel shame and disappointment in ourselves.

Last week, I felt something similar when I had a conversation with a good friend. Strange as it may seem, it was not my lack of inner monologue that made me take a 'gut shot'. It was my perception of myself as a proud, enlightened, tolerant citizen of Canada that took the hit.

Just so you understand, my friend was born in Toronto, the son of immigrant parents from Uganda. Suffice it to say, my friend is in his early 20's, dark skin, black hair, clean cut, university educated, and yes, an observant Muslim. Having roots in Ontario he travels often from Edmonton to Toronto by air, and last week when I asked him how his flight went, he began to tell me how he was selected and subjected to what he felt was an unreasonable search and examination.

My first thought was, 'OK, it must be the new airport screening procedures.' But my friend did not stop there. He told me that on numerous flights within Canada, he has been singled out and physically frisked and questioned about his comings and goings. At one point he was surrounded by security, taken to a room and closely examined, only to be told that he was on a no-fly list. It was discovered that another man with the same 'Muslim' sounding name was on the no-fly list. But this fellow was forty years older. When asked what he could do about being detained in airports, security just said, "change your name."

At one point, in an effort to give security no reason to single him out, on another flight when he came to the airport he made sure he had no metal in his pockets or clothing. As he walked through the security gate, amazingly it went off. He was then pulled aside again. After the humiliation of being singled out and placed back amongst the passengers, is it reasonable to assume that other passengers were nervous at his presence during the flight?

That was when it happened, after what was a 'matter of fact' conversation, he said, "Ya, but I'm getting used to it." This from a person who was born in Canada, who's only 'offense' is to be born brown and into a Muslim family. Me, as a Canadian who bought into 'we live in the best and most accepting and enlightened country' I felt sorry for my fellow Canadians, and shame at the fact that we as a nation have come to the point where people like my friend are getting "used to it." Should anyone just 'get used to' being profiled, scrutinized and examined in their own country?

The 49th Imam of the Ismaili Muslims, Aga Khan said, "Canada is the most successful pluralist society on the face of our globe," and "a model for the world." This perception of Canada is not isolated to Aga Khan. In the past eight years Muslims from around the world have seen Canada as the preferable nation to immigrate to, fearing profiling, anger and hatred from other possible homes like the USA as a result of 9/11.

The tone for multiculturalism was set in 1935 when our then Governor General of Canada The Lord Tweedsmuir stated that immigrants "should retain their individuality and each make its contribution to the national character," he further stated, "the strongest nations are those that are made up of different racial elements."

Canada is a pluralistic nation where multiculturalism is viewed that each culture or subculture contributes uniquely and brings valuable cultural aspects to the whole. This spirit of Canada as a cohesive culture was formalized in 1971 and in 1988 the Canadian Multiculturalism Act received Royal Assent.

This targeting of Muslims for the sake of airport security should not be casually accepted by Canadians. One should not stand by as a fellow Canadian is subjected to unreasonable detention and search, something that is forbidden by our Charter of Rights and Freedoms. In the post 9/11 world, we can accept increased security in the form of metal detectors, discrete x-ray screening and air marshals on-board, but to accept the sole discretion of fearful airport security officers who are profiling by skin colour or how a person is dressed in traditional or religious garb is unacceptable.

Cultural profiling is a faulty policy and is motivated by fear which is not the best security counsel because as best selling author Meg Cabot once said, "Courage is not the absence of fear but the judgment that something else is more important than fear. The brave may not live forever but the cautious do not live at all. For now you are traveling the road between who you think you are and who you can be."

The Insignificance of Mankind

2009-08-04T08:31:00.007-06:00

“The greater the power, the more dangerous the abuse.” British Statesmen Edmund Burke

Mankind, culture, people, nations, business and self. These are just the few descriptors of what we see mankind as. But as a complex bunch we are the driving force behind it are everyday emotions, pride, ego and self esteem. Many position themselves through life whether consciously or subconsciously above others.

The skilful have the ability of achieving leadership status within their personal groups or circles of influence. These people can be seen in positions of authority and for the most part are looked at by others as deserving. For many others, the struggle to achieve recognition takes on other forms

The old childhood game of “King of the Castle” is an ongoing drama that children take into adulthood and whether they are aware of the dynamics involved, role play over and over again for those people who are not natural leaders and have been slotted into subordinate roles. But for those who do not feel deserving of the humble station in life tend to ‘just take’ power. For those people, manipulation, force, violence and cunning are all the tools they use to make themselves feel significant.

This struggle for influence and power brokering can be seen on a large scale in world politics. Mankind walks this earth and goes about their business as if our species deserve to dominate this planet. Wars are waged through power of the elite. Corporate greed is sought after through people whose self worth is only satisfied through corporate manipulation usually at the pain of others crushed beneath their feet. Foreign policy of nations trample on the human rights and value systems of countries identified as less developed or third world. Terms used to publicly identify theses cultures as beneath those in power and worthy of occupation. Terms used through propaganda to justify the trampling of others in the pursuit of international self worth.

Closer to home in the work-force, conflicts flourish through ‘empowerment’ management. This simple concept preaches that those in power should share. Power taken by the micro-masses, misused in the hands of some individuals in businesses and organizations are abused through cunning, manipulation and greed of those who need to achieve more self worth. The end result are emotionally beaten souls at the hands of those undeserving thumping their chests in self fulfillment.

These power struggles in the work place, although destructive, will never go away because mankind will never change. The game of “King of the Castle” is an ongoing serialized theme.

For some who have been fed upon by micro-empowered brokers come home at the end of working day and in an effort to achieve self-worth target their own families. Sheltered abuse reigns in families where spousal and child abuse flourishes. The offender through cunning, deceit, manipulation and learned behaviour at the hands of others plays out their craft on the down-cast spouse or child.

Beatings, verbal and emotional abuse reduces these family members to the lowest common denominator. The victims develop hatred and self-loathing. The abuser having embraced their new achieved self-worth through dominance thumps their chests in victory, some woefully unaware of the destruction left in their paths. The game of “King of the Castle” continues with its next move.

Through these acts of hill climbing, clutching at power taken from less fortunate societies, spouses whose only claim to fame was to love the abuser, children whose only shame came at the trust of their abusive parents, the power hungry human is seen as truly significant in their own eyes. Walking high in tall cotton, chest pushed out, the power hungry member of mankind is truly the center of the universe.

Afterall, we have achieved technological feats that seem magical, conquered flight, harnessed and redirected energy and recreated life. Powers that truly demonstrate mankind’s dominance in nature. In our egocentrical conquest for power, achievement, recognition and control we have placed ourselves above everyone and everything. So high that we can see the four corners of the earth with arms stretched out saying, “All this can be ours.”

Then a bubble bursts as one morning the sun shines, dark clouds roll in from the northwest. Starting in Edmonton the power of nature comes full force. The power of the earth roles across the prairie and rapidly collapses a stage killing someone’s daughter and injuring 15 others. Huge trees are uprooted and property damages soars. Continuing south in Calgary an innocent child is killed as debris is blown around her. During natures fury we were all held in fear for what really was a brief moment in time.

At that moment all that walk this earth are equal. The bullies, family abusers, power brokers are blown about as nature puts mankind in it’s place. For in the end, mankind is truly insignificant.

We are only visitors on this earth, for those structures in nature will survive each and every one of us. We can feed on the emotions of our families, neighbours and fellow workers in order to climb over the heap of those we perceive beneath us, but to this planet we call home, we are nothing but an insignificant creature created from dirt.

This past weekend was a humbling experience, as the storms tore throughout Alberta leaving death, injuries and property damage. Our hearts and condolences go out to the families forever touched by nature’s power. But for the rest of us, it is a reminder of just how insufficient our clamouring for power truly is, for in contrast to nature, mankind is truly insignificant.

I have an EX!#%&* Headache!

2009-07-21T16:56:00.005-06:00

I was sitting on a pharmaceutical gold mine for years and never knew it. I had it on the tip of my tongue and I never came out with it. If only I could have bottled it, marketed, patented it, I would be rich beyond all my dreams. I had actually invented a pain killer when I was just thirteen years old called Vulgadrene and within 15 years I could have released the generic version Cursoset. But nooo, I didn't act on my genius, I just let every other sod run with it.

What's worse is that just last week, a UK group at Keel's University discovered my secret. You see they released a study called “Swearing as a Response to Pain.” After screening for potential victims, they took 64 university students and had them submerge their hands in ice water. They broke these students in half, actually they created two groups. In one group they were told to 'swear a blue streak', and the others they were advised to only say nice things like, “My that's a wonderful dress your wearing.” and “You know, that skin tone looks good on you.” These PHD geniuses discovered that those who used colourful metaphors experienced less pain, than those who only said nice things, and non-plus adjectives.

So the conclusion was that swearing kills pain, or at least helps control pain. One would think that a quick trip to a Clinical Tourette's Ward could save some grant money.

It would be interesting to be a fly-on-the-wall if the group did a field trip to see what the effects are outside the controlled environment. I actually believed and still do that in many instances swearing would actually be a source of pain or at least a catalyst to pain. Take for example, if a member of this academic fact finders group would walk into a biker bar and find that hulking fellow with the tattoo of 'Satan spanking Bambi' and say, "Your sissy looking @#$% Harley Davidson scooter is parked under my truck, move it Bubba!" Would it be safe to assume that in that case swearing could be a source of pain, or at least a catalyst?

But once again I missed the boat and soon you will watching TV and view commercials on the new 'Extra Strength Vulgadrene' with the child proof container. I can hear the jingles now as visions of lost fortune pass through me. Maybe I could call up the drug company and offer them my marketing skills.

Here are just a few jingles that may work. Vulgadrene, "Nothing reacts faster than Vulgadrene." Cursoset, "The concussion medicine." All you need is Cusserol, "Because the rounds longer than the pain." Vulgadrene, "The pain reliever hospices most use," and my favourite Extra Strength Insultadone, "Take it for Pain. Run for Your Life."

But with all medicines there are side effects that lead to other needs for different drugs. I believe that in all cases swearing should come with a warning label.

The Vulgadrene warning label could sound something like.... "Before taking this medicine, tell your doctor if you have a history of heart attack, stroke, or blood clot, heart disease, congestive heart failure, high blood pressure, a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding, liver or kidney disease, polyps in your nose, a bleeding or blood clotting disorder. If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use the medicine, or you may need a dosage adjustment during treatment. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Side effects include chest pain, weakness, shortness of breath, slurred speech, problems with vision or balance; black, bloody, or tarry stools; coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds; swelling; urinating less than usual or not at all; nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite; headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash; bruising, severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness; stiffness, chills, increased sensitivity to light, purple spots on the skin, and/or seizure." (note: these are actual side effects of a common over-the-counter medicine.) If you experience any of these symptoms, for @#$% sakes stop swearing!

I guess the whole purpose of this editorial nonsense is the same as the study that prompted it. Why do we as a society even waste our time paying educated professionals to find out if saying the F-Word is a form of pain management? Do these people really believe that they have bettered society? Do they believe that after discovering this amazing pain management treatment that if you ever have a headache, stomach pain or pain in the backside, that you should blurt out @#$%!

Can you picture a city busload of stressed out urbanites relieving pain in the middle of a July heat wave.

One thing for sure, if you decide to jump in and test out these findings, please do it behind closed doors. In the meantime I have a frigg ‘in headache, where is the #$% Vulgadrene!

The Forgotten Dead

2009-07-15T09:19:00.003-06:00

George Eliot once said “Our dead are never dead to us, until we have forgotten them.”

This maxim was put to test recently when it was discovered that 300 bodies were dug up at an American cemetery. The graves where not vandalized by misguided youth, they were not desecrated by a racially misguided horde. No, what took place was a calculated business decision by cemetery staff. You see, they needed to make room for new tenants, it was simply business. They needed to resell the plots.

The Burr Oak Cemetery located in Chicago, IL, is known as the final resting place for many in the black community, including well-known jazz celebrities like Dinah Washington, Sonny Cohn and Willie Dixon. The bodies of those dug up were not re-interned to another location in a manner that preserves the sacredness of the grave. The bodies were dumped into a mass grave, and some bones were found among weeds in a remote section of the 150-acre grounds. The decision to desecrate these graves was one of simple business. Nobody was supposed to have noticed. After all, these graves had been abandoned by the living, left unattended and almost forgotten.

This act of evicting the dead from their place of rest brings to mind the operator of a ‘Self Storage’ facility. If the property stored on site is forgotten, and the families don’t maintain payments, the manager simply cuts the pad lock, pulls out the remaining property, sells off the valuables, and tosses the refuse in a landfill. Thus making room for a new tenant.

Many may think that an abandoned grave is fair game, since the dead are long gone, but desecration has no statute of limitation. The act of depriving something of it’s sacred character spiritually and morally is humanly repulsive. But before we sit back and point fingers at those American families that abandoned the dead, and those American cemetery workers that coldly violated the site, we need to look inward.

Cemeteries, here and around the world are few and far between, and our population is growing, and dying in a never ending cycle. The days-gone-by when your family attended one church generationally where the funerals, and burials were conducted by the church body have long gone. These church cemeteries, for the most part, are well kept, usually smaller and the burial records carefully maintained. But for many, internment takes place in community cemeteries or privately run burial grounds where the day to day business of running the grounds is a commercial venture. In those cases, the only people who would really ‘Care’ for the dead, are the attentive living families members. Ground keeping is only a cursory function, and no real special attention is given to those 8 feet under.

In the United Kingdom, Tim Morris of the Institute of Cemetery & Cremation Management wrote a paper on the ‘Reuse of Graves’ for the purpose of envisioning cemeteries as a sustainable community asset. The paper logically identified that the imminent shortage of land in Great Britain as well as the European Union had arrived. They identified that urbanization had encroached the existing sites, and there was a reduced standards of maintenance occurring at older cemeteries, many of which had ceased offering new burial sites. It was concluded that re-internment of older graves could be accomplished by removing, and then digging deeper, and thus stacking the dead. In this manner, desecration would not take place and historical continuity would be preserved.

In Canada, even though we do not have a shortage of public lands, there are cases where cemeteries have been abandoned by rural churches. Urban sprawl have encroached the once peaceful setting of the countryside cemetery. Many an example can be seen in both throughout Alberta, including close to home. These abandoned cemeteries are the plots of the forgotten dead. One such example spoken of, was the ploughing over of a cemetery close to Edmonton many years ago.

In the case of the Burr Oak Cemetery the cemetery manager and three gravediggers were each charged with one count of dismembering a human body, which can net them approximately $300,000 in fines. But the trial has yet to be set.

Alberta Einstein once said that “The fear of death is the most unjustified of all fears, for there's no risk of accident for someone who's dead.” In the case of your loved-one who has passed on, the only prevention for such an accident is to be attentive of your family, living and dead. Those who have ventured before you deserve to be remembered and not left in the hands of greed and misguided secular policy makers. So the question really is, “Is there a sacred place you should be visiting?”

Will Alberta Harmonize?

2009-07-08T16:28:00.004-06:00

In politics, there are positions that may look good but should not be chosen for a place to rest their laurels. Just like for Br-er Rabbit, a well's bucket may look like a great place to find solace, but sooner or later, the bucket's weathered rope gives way, giving you that sinking feeling. One only has to listen to our government leaders to predict which bucket they are seeking to stuff their backsides in.

On the heels of the news that Stemach's government has posted an $852-million deficit our Treasury Board President Lloyd Snellgrove has come out and used the phrase '5% sales tax'. He suggested that such a burden on Alberta citizens may be required to raise $8-billion annually. Considering that the province raised $35.8-billion in yearly revenue, that would represent a 22% increase in government income. That is one hell of a raise! That would represent a 10% Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) at the till for every man, woman and child in this province.

Snellgrove was careful to point out that a push for a sales tax has come up during recent meetings with unions, health-care officials and business leaders. Do we really think that these groups jumped up with arms flaying saying, “Ooh, Ooh, I know, I know, lets have a sales tax!”

Snelgrove was quoted as saying “These things [PST] should be talked about and understood, but it's not in our plans this year.”

So what is your plan?

Whenever a governing body contemplates a controversial policy an educational component is included. This usually includes some form of media programming. It is important that the masses, thats you and I, are conditioned to accept a particular policy change or change in governmental direction. With this in mind, Snelgrove actually used the term 'provincial sales tax.' But that was not the first disclosure.

In April of this year the Calgary Herald broke with a story that started with the phrase, “The surplus king of provinces has turtled into 'have deficit' status.” It clearly pointed out that after delivering 13 balanced budgets, Alberta is now showing a deficit. The voice of that article was Jim Dinning, as he was interviewed by Don Martin.

What followed were several articles and radio talk shows of how Alberta went from 'have' to 'have-not' status. The crowning propaganda came from Ed Stelmach, when he lashed out at the Federal Government stating that 'Alberta can't carry the country!' While citing an inequity of the health funding transfers, a condition that has historically been on the shoulders of Albertans. Stelmach was looking to the feds for cash. Health Minister Ron Liepert is actually quoted as saying, “As an example, if we were to implement a five-cent gas tax, that's 400-million. I'm not suggesting thats what we're doing. We are not ruling out anything, other than the premier has said there will be no provincial sales tax.” And there the PST was mentioned, even though nobody else brought it up.

By now if you have been following the news, you have come to the conclusion that Alberta is no longer the financial rock it once was. The country is in a recession. In Alberta shovel ready programs have been publicly funded. Alberta Healthcare premiums have been dropped in January giving us the impression that we have free healthcare. Alberta posted an $852-million deficit, our first in 15 years. Our government spent $3.1-billion more this fiscal period than they did in 2007-08. Considering all this I guess we are about ready to accept the debt, and reach into our pockets to bail the government out. I bet a few folks out there are ready, yes?

Is our Albertan, rolling in oil pride so bruised that we would rather take food out of the mouths of our families instead of making our elected officials accountable for poor fiscal controls?

During the Ralph Klein years the government was able to reduce the deficit by reducing government expenditures by 20 percent.That translated into a 27.4 percent cut in services to Albertans. Although we enjoy less taxes in Alberta, we were offered less services, which include reduced free services from our healthcare professionals.

Further, the Alberta Heritage Trust Fund has been reduced from a peoples 'rainy day' savings account when in 1983 the conservative government ceased to earmark any energy revenues for the AHSTF. Since then all interest income has been allocated to the General Revenue Fund. This has had the effect of reducing the value of the AHSTF and it now realizes a less financial buffer than expected.

Economists will tell you that there are only two ways of tackling a government deficit. One is to raise revenue which usually translates to increased taxes. The other is to reduce government spending. Considering that Albertans have enjoyed less public services since the deKlein years, it looks as though increasing revenue may be the only option. So will Alberta Harmonize? I would not be surprised if in the near future you will be calculating a 10 percent HST with each purchase. That is if we let them.

Glass Houses

2009-06-26T15:13:00.009-06:00

“It is better to be thought a fool than to open ones mouth and remove all doubt.” George Eliot.

Wise words which have been attributed to many, but few take counsel. The past few weeks have seen two politicians splay open their mouths much to the aghast of their supporters and adversaries.

First it was Lisa Raitt our federal resource minister who appeared insensitive to those suffering from cancer when she was caught equating the recent radioactive isotope shortage as being, ‘sexy’ political fodder. In her case she knew is was a fubar the moment it spewed forth. Raitt not only has lost her grandmother, grandfather and father to cancer she also lost her brother to the disease. That fact did not hinder the opposition from calling for an apology and a demand for her removal from office. Why would they hold back, it is the opposition’s policy to kick’em while they are down. Even though the PM publicly stood behind her, she offered an apology in very short order.

With the federal conservatives stumble passing, the good old Alberta Conservatives took a run at the Darwin Award. In walks our finance minister Iris Evans. In an address to the Economic Club of Canada she is quoted as saying, “They’ve understood perfectly well that when you’re raising children, you don’t both go to work and leave them for somebody else to raise. This is not a statement against daycare. It’s a statement about their belief in the importance of raising children properly” Later in her address she stated, “The huge failure of Canadians is not to educate the children properly, and then why should we be surprised when they have mental illnesses or commit dreadful crimes?”

Apparently, Evans has no problem pointing fingers at “They” who she equates to either single parent families or those who have both mother and father working out-of-the-home. In light of the fact that very few families can afford not to have two incomes supporting their needs, Evans appears to be out of touch with reality. This coming from a woman who four decades ago, juggled work as a registered nurse, teaching piano and raising three sons. Did she not have someone else watching her boys or did she just fill the bathtub half way and let them splash around while she was at work.

Since Evans holds the purse strings for the province and her apparent disrespect for working mothers, or should I say “They” don’t expect any additional tax relief or assistance for childcare in the very near future.

But let us take a closer look at what was on her mind. Three key points Evans put forth, first it was 1: working parents not raising their children properly, 2: lack of education causing mental illness, and 3: “They” plus mental illness causes dreadful crimes. Or better yet, “They” the negligent are the reason for increased mental illness and the crime rate.

Shame, shame on they! Where does she get this stuff? It appears that she wandered from her speech notes and only relied on her collective experience as our former minister of Children Services and minister of Heath and Wellness. When did she have the time to do extensive studies of the effect of working parents and lousy education on social ethical structures? Admittedly, all these can have a cause and affect on society but not always with detrimental results.

If her belief is that only education produces law-abiding citizens, then take the example of what a good education can bring us.

Ted Bundy was a graduate of the University of Washington; he went onto using his intelligence to lure over 30 women to their graves. Bonnie Parker was a straight “A” student and achieved honours in high school. Her and her lover went onto robbing banks and killing those who got in their way. Then there is Osama bin Laden, who is a graduate in Economics and Business Administration. These fine examples seem to contradict Evan’s belief that education affirms ethical behaviour.

I can find many examples that either agree or contradict her tenant, but the point being that her position is flawed, and a person of her station in life should be choosing her words more carefully.

Famous journalist Albert Edward Wiggam once said, “Intelligence appears to be the thing that enables a man to get along without education. Education enables a man to get along without the use of his intelligence.” Where do we find our finance minister in this quote?

It would be a refreshing thing if the likes of Iris Evans can remember where she came from and show a little humility when representing our conservative government.

The Cost of What?!

2009-06-16T16:29:00.009-06:00

Over the past few years I have become more and more aware of my personal health. Suffice it to say that like many, arthritis has set in with a vengeance and people I care about around me have started to tackle serious health issues. Like many a baby boomer I have read a few books and articles discussing healthier living. The result, gravitating to organically grown foods. Pesticide free produce, free run chickens, and all natural ingredients have been pounded in my head as the only way to go. That was until I found a frozen turkey on sale for $102.50!

Just in case you missed it, I found a frozen turkey on sale for 102.50! In the same location I found a pound of butter for $8.99, 12 eggs for $5.79 and a litre of milk for $2.89! I was told that this store specialized in ‘organically raised’ produce and turkeys. I didn’t think of seeing how much a Foghorn Leghorn cost. Let me ask you, would that be a sales flyer you would respond to?

This high cost of chow brings a couple of questions to mind. First was just how expensive would this ‘healthier’ diet cost me, and second is it really any healthier than conventionally raised produce and penned up birds.

I have no problem in believing and actively advocating raising awareness of what you put in your mouth has an adverse or inversely a beneficial affect on your heath and lifestyle. Things like avoiding chemically processed foods, and understanding that when a food label lists the word ‘spice’ as an ingredient it is a legal way for process food manufacturers to hide MSG in their products.

The first question is a real no-brainer. If you paid the inflated cost of food based on the market price of food identified as organically grown, your average grocery bill would run you in the range of $2,200 per month. Of course this is a very rough estimate but based on the prices found in the store I mentioned the cost is rather conservative. The average Canadian is still only making $30,000 per year, which is a whopping 2500/month before taxes. Therefore it would be reasonable to assume that the ‘organic way’ is the affluent way.

Lets take a look at food value. According to a study conducted on organically and conventionally produced apples published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry (08/16/2007) showed that there were no statistically significant differences. They discovered that consumption of neither organically nor conventionally grown apples caused any changes in antioxidant capacity of low-density lipoproteins. Further they showed that a significant increased capacity to protect DNA against damage induced by iron chloride were determined 24 hours after consumption in both organic and conventionally grown apples. That mouthful states simply an apple is an apple.

That tackles antioxidants; lets take a look at vitamins, proteins and minerals. In a study conducted by the Danish Institute of Agricultural Sciences (13/11/2000) it was concluded that nutritionally important differences relating to contents of minerals, vitamins, proteins and carbohydrates are not likely, nor were present levels of pesticides residues in conventional products a cause for concern. But to be fair, this study did report that on average, organic vegetables and fruits more likely contain more of these compounds than conventional ones allowing for the possibility that organic plant foods may benefit human health more than corresponding conventional produce. That mouthful states simply nutrients are comparable in both groups, but organic may be better, they are just not sure.

Lastly let us take a gander at how residues and pest management affect you and I between organic and conventionally grown foods. In a study published by Taylor & Francis Ltd (Organic Materials Review Institute and the Consumers Union of the United States, 22/10/2001) they found that organically grown foods consistently had about one-third as many residues as conventionally grown foods and about one-half as many residues as found in their samples. They concluded that conventionally grown samples were far more likely to contain multiple pesticides residues than were organically grown samples. Simply put, if you spray pesticides and herbicides on your fruits and veggies, you will consume the poisons. In this instance, organically raised foods have less chemical residues. But note, that this study did not find that organically grown produce was chemical free, only had less chemicals.

Organics are the latest corporate success story. Big business has over the past ten years jumped in the fray, and in the USA one natural food retail chain grosses around one billion US dollars annually. In California, as an example, five gigantic farms control half of that states $400 million organic produce market.

Is this really considered wholesome organic farming? It has been societies experience that when something good becomes big business, quality control, the mission and the vision of the market makes way for profits. In light of these studies findings, I would suggest that any business that tries to produce ‘organically’ grown produce on a global commercial scale is no different than the less expensive and more efficient conventional method of commercial farming.

It can be argued that the grass roots farming methods definitely produce better tasting vegetables, chickens and even turkeys. Anyone that has eaten a roasted farm chicken raised on chicken feed and sour milk can testify on taste and appearance. But as far as the scientific studies are concerned the jury is out on many areas of human benefits. As far as I am concerned if I want to buy ‘organic’ food, I will stick to the smaller local operators and farmers markets. $102.50 for a frozen turkey, who do they think I am!