Bread and Circuses
If there's an issue I really don't give a damn about it's same-sex marriage.
Yet this issue is now being trotted out as a distraction in the new Conservative party leadership race.
Sure, play ball on the Liberal Party's turf of secondary issues.
I'd much rather see them talk about the economy. What they would do about the effect a 77-cent dollar is having on Canada's exports. Taxes. Ya know, the boring stuff. How 'bout a grand vision or two?
What have the Liberals given us in the last two years:
- a billion dollar debacle of a federal gun registry
- proposed legal pot
- strained relations with our biggest customer.
Honestly, I can't think of anything else the Liberals have done in over TEN YEARS in power.
The opposition can't stake out any better positions than this to attack the government? I'm looking for any credible excuse to vote against the Liberals.
Any excuse.
Before anyone accuses me of homophobia, I said that I really don't care about who marries who: I'm tired of this being considered the main issue confronting the country.
It isn't. It doesn't effect that many people and many other issues should take priority.
For my lefty friends...
I went to University in Vancouver in the late 80's/early 90's. This was when the Soviet Union was still the "Big Bad."
I met my first Communism-apologizers there. Mostly good-natured left-leaning people who truly cared about society, they nonetheless made some strange illogical justifications about the most oppressive regime the world has ever seen. And they all seemed to feed the same ideas back and forth to each other and anyone who questioned or asked them to explain what they meant was politely ridiculed as a "capitalist stooge" who wasn't smart enough to know better. After awhile, the attempted ridiculing wasn't so polite.
And like the bull, that red cape of stupid commentary fluttering in front of me drove me to charge headfirst into every discussion of the so-called merits of the Capitalism vs Communism debate. To the detriment of my social life. Because anyone who attacked communism of course was throwing in with Joe McCarthy.
As my first year room-mate would say: "It's kinda hard to pick up hot lefty chicks if you keep spouting off about the 'Evil Empire'."
"But..."
"Goals, Ray, goals. Do you want to convert them, or fuck them?"
Suffice to say, he got a lot more dates than I did in university. It's easy to get along with hot lefty chicks when you have a rather *ahem* flexible morality with regards to you true opinions (translation: he lied like a used car salesman.)
So little has changed since then. A good friend of my wife and I recently spouted wistful about how she thought it might be better to live in a Communist country...
"What?"
"Well, you know, it's the sense of community, everyone working together, sharing the work..." she trailed off as she saw my face.
"A system with a body count in the tens of millions does not have a 'sense of community'" I stammered.
"I don't know about that," she said.
"Maybe you should do some reading on it..."
"Know any good books on it?" she asked.
I said I didn't, but I've found out that Tacitus does.
There was nothing inevitable about Soviet collapse -- a system that brutalized and slaughtered its own tens of millions need not have crumbled merely because of some economic difficulties.
It takes a long time to grind a country into nothing. Could've taken a lot longer than it did.
The second error commonly committed vis a vis communism is that it's somehow a "noble ideal" that was just executed really, really, poorly. Yep, every single time it was ever tried.
My fellow Canadians who come back from resort vacations in Cuba tell me they had a great time and thought that Cuba was a example of socialism done right. My rebuttal is then why do they want your foreign currency? To finance their crumbling regime, of course. Cubans go to jail for fraternizing with tourists. Hardly a wonderful place to live.
For starters, there's the whole idea that there's no ownership, or that the state owns everything in lieu of private ownership: there's a fundamental contradiction to human liberty right there.
Why are we pouring more money down the sewer in Africa without demanding fundamental reforms? Without property rights, individual Africans can't borrow money on credit for business purposes, can't pass on the rewards of hard work to their children, can't be rewarded for doing a job better than his countrymen might...In another five to ten years there'll be yet another crisis and then another and on and on.
And we (the evil West) are keeping them down by supposedly "exploiting" them. A true capitalist nation would want strong trading nations everywhere so you could sell your products everywhere for top dollar - no one would want Africa to remain the way it is except for the dictators who currently run the show.
This is basic Marx, folks -- the compulsion to turn the wheel of history via the material dialectic -- and it's the justification for concepts like "revolutionary justice," "revolutionary morality," et al. Like all such beliefs, it's a recipe for genocide -- and lo, genocide was done. It's no accident that the greatest mass murderers of human history were mostly communists: Mao, Stalin, Pol Pot, Kim Jong-Il. Communism a noble ideal? Hardly. Communism is murderous racism based on junk economic theory.
And yet many here in this country and in the States make excuses for them.
There's quite an interesting discussion from both left and right perspectives going on in the comments...
Only piece of junk mail I've ever filled in
Almost thrown out as junk mail...
The address looks promising enough. What does he want from me?
Why he is bugging me...
Conservatives are U2 fans too...
More of this "natural ruling party crap" as the Liberal Party takes over CTV for several boring hours of patting themselves on their backs...
Pretty regular stuff really, until fuckin' Bono shows up...
"If (Martin) carries the mantle of Pearson, Trudeau and Chretien, if he joins with the groups leading this fight . . . then Canada -- O Canada! -- will show the world the way forward," he said.
(singing to myself) One of these things just doesn't belong...I'll give you a hint. It starts with a C. The one starting with a T wasn't that good either, but at least he was entertaining.
Bono apparently thinks that he should somehow have some kind of influence over our government. Great. Who the HELL elected Bono?
"I'm going to be the biggest pain in his ass," he said. "A year from now he's going to regret tonight."
Am I the only one who just wants to hear him sing?
But he added that lingering and chronic poverty creates a nesting ground for international terrorism, just like Afghanistan. He said it would be easier to help Africa now than deal with the damage later.
Oh, I thought it was corruption and a total disregard for human and individual rights that allow brutal dictatorships to arise, and then that natural discontent is funnelled against the most prosperous western nations because that's always a convenient excuse for the lack of progress these backwards nation produce.
But I'm sorry. I forgot the prevalent belief that if we just listen to overpaid rockstars, all the problems of the world will be solved...Right? RIGHT?
Persistence is sometimes a bad thing....
Non-Canadian readers will forgive me while I laugh and sneer at an annoying Canadian politician whose expiry date is several years past due...
Copps won't quit race
Heritage Minister Sheila Copps vowed yesterday to remain in the Liberal leadership race until the bitter end despite acknowledging she has next to no chance of beating Paul Martin, who won 89 per cent of delegate support during a weekend vote.
Proving to me that there's still hope for the Liberal Party of Canada and that Sheila is a big dumb idiot.
The Copps campaign suffered a devastating defeat at the hands of Mr. Martin's machine, garnering only single-digit support for her platform,
HA HA HA!
which proposed spending $6 billion in the first year on a universal day-care program, access to high-speed Internet for all Canadians, and a new system of quotas and target dates for hiring women and minorities.
Nothing like trotting out promises that you'll never be forced to keep - even though I'm biased because of the two little ones I have, I don't think universal day-care would work: the Feds have proven they can't run a simply gun-registry without ballooning the costs into the stratosphere. Imagine throwing whining brats and pissed-off sleep-deprived parents into the mix.
Oh and quotas and targets always solve everything and don't build substandard workers dependent on their "special status" to get ahead. Right? RIGHT?
Ms. Copps told a news conference yesterday her love of party and country,
Translation: I love the spotlight. ME ME ME!
as well as her appreciation for all the hard work her supporters contributed to her campaign
Translation: Feed my flunkies! Now!
is compelling her to remain in the race so she can present her ideas for a better Canada
Translation: Socialism is good for all of you! But not for me 'cause my Daddy was rich and famous in Hamilton! Therefore I'm famous and special. But socialism is good for all of you...
at the Liberals' November convention.
Free Drinks! Free Drinks! Free Drinks!
She insisted her decision has nothing to do with pressuring Mr. Martin to give her a cabinet post when he takes over as prime minister.
'cause that single digit support has Martin trembling in his boots! Behold powerful Sheila! Scourge of taxpayers. Make her Minister of Silly Walks!
"I'm not looking for a seat in anybody's cabinet. I've said from the beginning of this process that this was not about getting initials behind my name. I have every initial behind my name," said Ms. Copps.
?!?
All of the delegates elected by the Liberal grassroots on the weekend are still required to attend the Nov. 12-15 convention and physically mark their ballots in order for the vote to be confirmed. It would literally take a catastrophe for Mr. Martin to lose considering his overwhelming majority.
Free Drinks! Free Drinks! Free Drinks!
Ms. Copps secured only 10 per cent of the delegates and about 15 per cent of the popular vote on the weekend when Liberal party members selected the delegates who will formally crown a new leader Nov. 15.
I say again.
HA HA HA!
Many are questioning why Ms. Copps insists on staying in despite the obvious results. Liberal MP and national caucus chairman Stan Keyes shook his head at Ms. Copps' decision. "Sincerely, I think it's regrettable that Sheila Copps has not conceded to Paul Martin a six-inch putt on the 18th green. It'll be a decision she has to make."
The woman has no problem wasting taxpayer money, why should she have a problem wasting the time and money of her own party members, who of course are stupid to not see her overwhelming greatness...
He offered to take a proposal to the party's national executive meeting this week that would see Ms. Copps withdraw, but still be allowed to put forward her views in a speech at the convention. Mr. Keyes said if Ms. Copps accepted this offer, it would allow Mr. Martin to get down to the transition of government immediately.
From hell's heart she'll stab at thee...
"Well, I spoke to Paul this morning and I'm not sure that that's the avenue that he's seeking. He congratulated me on a good battle," said Ms.Copps.
Good battle? It must be nice to have no idea what a joke your own party thinks you are. Anyone with any kind of self-respect would hightail it back to Hamilton and stop bothering people.
But this is Sheila we're talking about...
Just go AWAY!
So Martin will win unopposed. Well, except for that whining hag Sheila Copps...Maybe regime change DOES begin at home. Our home. The Great White North needs a housecleaning...
What's left of the lopsided race will become a classic debate pitting the left wing of the party against the right, Copps indicated as she entered a cabinet meeting.
It is very sad that the only "right wing" alternative in Canada comes from possibly splitting the Liberal party. Damn you to hell Brian Mulroney!
While her bid has almost no mathematical chance of success, Copps seems determined to go down swinging on behalf of small-l liberal causes.
And also because Sheila's never had a problem wasting other people's money to amplify her own personal profile. GST promises anyone? Resigning means resigning, not giving up your seat forcing a useless by-election where the clapping seals in Hamilton send her back to Ottawa at a cost of a few hundred thousand dollars and a bunch of wasted time.
October 18, 1993 "CBC Town Hall"
Sheila Copps :"I've already said personally and very directly that if the GST is not abolished, I'll resign. I don't know how much clearer you can get. I think you've got to be accountable on the things that you say you're going to do and you have to deliver.
Sheila Copps :"I've already said personally and very directly that if the GST is not abolished, I'll resign. I don't know how much clearer you can get. I think you've got to be accountable on the things that you say you're going to do and you have to deliver.
Last time I checked I was still getting dinged 7% on everything for GST. And guess who's still feeding off the trough...
on the April 25, 1996 "CTV News" she downplayed her promise saying: "I think I should go to purgatory, and not hell."
Not if I get to vote for where you'll wind up!
April 26, 1996 "National" Sheila Copps : "I think that making a fast-lipped comment in an election campaign should not put me in a position to resign."
I HATE HER HATE HER HATE HER!
Copps repeated her disdain for a joint Canada-U.S. missile defence shield, which Martin supports. "My position is in favour of a sovereign Canadian military and a sovereign Canadian foreign policy - where our decisions are not tied to those of the United States," Copps said.
Sovereignty costs money. Will she pony up the cash to re-equip our military properly so that our soldiers won't be operating machinery and equipment that are older than they are? Didn't think so. I know what she's thinking. We can do what we want, and if there's any trouble from a foreign power, well the 'States will have to defend us, even if our government has been acting like complete and total assholes (internationally this time, instead of just domestically...)
If Canada wants independence from the 'States in foreign policy, we will have to pay for it. I don't hear Sheila advocating this...then again, she's always been
*note: before anybody gets on their high horse and tells me all politicians are like this...well, yeah, they are... But usually when they're caught and disgraced they get pummelled and ejected and humiliated and they LEAVE. Copps was one of the first Liberal Party idiots to get caught in a massive incompetent lie of her own making and...nothing happened. Which is now par for the course in Ottawa.
We get the government we deserve.
Nobel Prize, no. Darwin Award instead?
Read this today at A Small Victory.
As a member of the House of Commons of Canada, and as the International Human Rights advocate for the New Democratic Party of Canada, it is my pleasure to nominate the International Solidarity Movement (ISM) for the 2004 Nobel Peace Prize...
...Although this nomination is for the ISM as a whole, three young individuals merit particular recognition for the courage and resolve they displayed in their acts of non-violent civil disobedience in defence of peace and human rights in the Palestinian Occupied Territories.
These individuals are Brian Avery and Tom Hurndall, who miraculously survived sniper shots to the head by Israeli forces while they were defending Palestinian civilians from Israeli troops, and Rachel Corrie, who was crushed to death by an Israeli Defence Force bulldozer while attempting to prevent the demolition of the home of an innocent Palestinian family.
Sincerely yours,
Svend J Robinson, MP
Let's see...
Although, the International Solidarity Movement creamed its collective pants when they had their first true real-live American martyr to show to the world, the truth of the matter is that staying away from moving construction vehicles and falling wreckage is a good way not to get killed. Whichever version of the story you believe (I know which one I do) she wasn't defending civilians: she was defending property- politics aside, it's stupid to put your life on the line for a thing.
The incident is discussed in more detail here.
Don't get me wrong. In their own way, maybe these activists think they're doing the right thing. Maybe it's been drummed into their heads that the U.S. really is the "Great Satan." If somebody says something often enough in your ear, you may begin to believe it is true.
It's sad that these people put themselves in harms way and GOT HARMED. But does that make them right? or righteous? I do not believe that death gives you a free pass when your actions and motivations are questionable (ie. shielding and/or aiding terrorists/suicide bombers/smugglers)
No, my real venom is left for Svend Robinson, in his disgustingly shameless attempt at self aggrandizement. Way to represent our country Svend. Pick a group that may have direct ties to suicide bombers and present them as candidates for a "peace" prize. Just the latest in a long line of Svend's anti-Israeli "causes."
Funny thing is that Svend is probably the most well-known and popular member of the New Democratic Party. I guess this is the face of Socialism in Canada.
There's another Cabal of Sinister Canadians?
I have to read about this group, other than mine, who wants to control the world?
"Hi, it's the cabal of sinister Canadians. We've got an appointment at 10 with the President." And the secretary says, "Sorry, his 9.30 cabal is running late." And you begin to wonder why, if George W Bush has such a small brain, so many cabals are required to secretly control it...
And how exactly did my cabal get pushed back to 3:30?
WHO's on first?
So now we wait for the press conference...
Ever since the WHO labelled us a plague city, the news coverage in town has changed. Before they were near hysterical with count stats: probable cases - suspected cases - probable AND suspected cases - and the inevitable death count; now the issue is how deeply this will hit Toronto in its WALLET. Biological doom and gloom has been pushed to the back pages - economic doom and gloom is front and centre.
Many say that the WHO over-reacted when they slapped its "Travel Advisory" on Toronto, warning people to not travel here. I'm sure that every disaster movie scenario from The Andromeda Strain, Rabid, The Stand, and Outbreak played itself out in people's heads. Even those who thought the WHO was out to lunch, when faced with the choice of booking their events in Toronto or someplace else that doesn't have the stigma of SARS, will definitely choose someplace else.
Now we wait for the 1pm news conference from Geneva to see if WHO will reverse its Travel Advisory.
Personally I don't think it will happen. Even if the WHO did over-react in Toronto, to cave in and reverse their decision now would discredit any future pronouncements that may be more justified. All the effected city/country would say is "But you did it for Toronto" and bitch and moan and complain about economic impacts, while a public health emergency is underway...
It's safer for the WHO to screw Toronto internationally rather than screw itself by backing down. They will probably justify these actions by [sarcasm] being over-cautious because of the great responsibilities they are charged with...[/sarcasm]
UPDATE: 2:05 PM.
I was wrong. The WHO has lifted the travel advisory, but still considers Toronto a "centre of outbreak." As a resident of the GTA, I feel this is great for business, but already on the radio coverage of the press conference at lunch there was an Asian-accented reporter asking if Beijing will receive the same courtesy of being reviewed before the customary waiting period. This will be politicized further...
The first blog I ever read...
...mysteriously stopped blogging weeks ago without a word and is now back. A lot of times I don't comment on many blogs where I feel I am out of my depth and this is definitely one of them. If you want to get your fill of American Politics and International items wander on over to Tacitus
Hopefully the Moveable Type problem experienced there won't be a recurring thing...I need my fix.
- Yeah, I know, not really a new entry on my part, but Tacitus' site was the first that made me take a good look at this whole "blogging" thing...
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