Jerry's Thoughts, Musings, and Rants!

Canada a Climate Change Embarassment

I've been reading the news from Copenhagen with some hope. You see, I'm not one of those who believe that climate change is a myth. I don't not accept the assertion made - generally by those who profit from polluting business or those with a grade 5 education - that the current trend toward global warming is just a normal cycle.

It came as a rude, but welcome awakening when I heard that Canada has won the Fossil of the Day award yet again at the conference.

We were awarded the Fossil of the Day “award” on the first day of the UN Climate Change Conference an apparently have received this 'distinction three times in total. no kids, this isn't the oscars and we shouldn't be striding to the podium to bask in glory. We should be holding our heads in shame.

“Canada garnered today’s award for its unwavering commitment to stand firm in its inaction throughout these negotiations,” a media release states.

For the duration of the conference, the Fossil of the Day will be presented to whichever country has done the most to delay and otherwise disrupt negotiations for an agreement on a global reduction in carbon emissions. The recipient is determined by a vote conducted by a network of over 400 international and non-governmental organizations.

That coalition’s media release goes on to state: “Since announcing its emissions target in 2007 of reducing GHG emissions by 20% below the 2006 emission level (equivalent to 3 % below the 1990 level), the Harper government has consistently refused to adopt any regulatory framework to start reducing emissions, namely form the rapidly growing sector of tar sands.”

In bestowing the recognition on Canada, the group noted that in a December 4 speech in Montreal, Minister of the Environment Jim Prentice announced that the Conservative government “won't be swayed by the Copenhagen hype”.

Canada is represented at COP15 by Prentice and Prime Minister Stephen Harper, who only agreed to travel to Copenhagen after U.S. President Barack Obama and Hu Jintao, the president of China, announced that they would attend.

Canada’s receiving of the first Fossil of the Day was not unexpected. The country was the Fossil of the Year in both 2007 and 2008. And in the weeks preceding COP15, the European press speculated that Canada will do everything it can to sabotage the talks.

Dear lord - that pinhead Harper has made us a pariah!

Then today came more happy news. While most nations brought a delegations of scientists to the convention the Canadian government brought Mike Holmes, renowned home renovator and reality TV host.

I'll admit that there are many times I feel some smugness in being a Canadian.

Today sure isn't one of them.

A Visit to the Doctor

A while ago when I went to the eye doctor to get my eyes checked she noticed something odd about the nerve. She wondered if it might be early stages of glaucoma. To be sure she referred me to an opthamologist.

My appointment was today and I couldn't help but think about the hoo haw south of the boarder regarding publicly funded health care.

I showed up at the desired time, showed my health card, had my appointment (the end result was that apparently my eye doctor was grossly confused and I have not a thing wrong with me), and left. No forms required filling out. I never had to call an insurer to see if I was covered. I didn't had to worry about someone telling me that I could or could not have the tests. I didn't have to write a cheque for anything. I wasn't required to show my VISA prior to the start of the visit 'just in case'.

I've been trying to follow the debate down south but confess to being lost. How anyone could wade through the hyper-charged political rhetoric and figure it out is beyond me!

The one fear I hear more and more is that under a government sponsored health care system costs would go up and the level of care would go down.

Lets look at the numbers, shall we?

The life expectancy in Canada is 80.7 years, in the US it is 78.1

Infant mortality in Canada is 5.0, in the US it is 6.7

In Canada we spend $ 3,895 per person on health care - in the US WITHOUTa government sponsored program the per capita spending is $ 7,290!

In Canada health care costs represent about 10.1 % of GDP, yet in the US they are 16.0%!

Our governments shell out about 16.7 % of revenue on health care, in the US the figure is an astounding 18.5%.

I don't get it.

We have freedom to access the services we need when we need them. We don't have to go through insurance folks who are worried about profits. We don't need pre-approvals. We don't have to pay for most services. We live longer AND spend less than the folks down south.

Frankly dear Americans, the math doesn't add up - for YOU!

Stupid People

I am hot. It is humid. I am tired. I start the long drive to Maine in a few hours. A huge thunderstorm is racing its way here. I might be a tad cranky.

It is time for a rant.

There have been a few folks in the news lately that have amazed me with their huge, gaping depths of stupidity. Hell, these boobs have the Grand Canyon of stupidity.

First up is Perez Hilton. You may have heard of him. He has a web site where he makes the most wildly inappropriate comments about celebrities and pseudo celebs. His web site has become so popular that it has made him into a celeb of sorts.

Trust me when I tell you that the stuff he spouts is vile. I googled it once at work, went to the site, and lived in fear for weeks that I would be fired.

Last week Perez was in Toronto where he was punched in the face by the manager of the Black Eyed Peas. Now I do not in any way condone violence of any sort however when you spew the venom about people that Perez does you'd think he'd expect to be roughed up once in awhile.

Perez screamed assault, charges were laid. Apparently the 'assaulter' has been inundated with flowers, gifts, and offers of support.

Perez . . . nadda!

Parents - there is a lesson there to teach your children.

Today came the news that Perez has sued over the assault.

To hell with anti-violence, I think I'd like to pop him one too.

Next . . .

You knew Governor Mark Sanford of South Carolina would make this list, didn't you?

So this right-wing Christian Governor from the south has been carrying on an affair with a woman from Argentina for a year. Fine. politicians do bad things. I get that.

It becomes a problem when the senior executive for the state tells his staff he is hiking in the Appalachians and he instead jets off to Argentina for a tryst over the Father's Day weekend. I am sure that his children appreciated that little facet of this adventure.

It was made even worse because no one on his staff knew how to locate him. Ol' Mark lied to his wife and kids, lied to his staff, hell, he lied to his state, all in the name of sex, companionship, and dare I wonder about it, love. One wonders what might have happened had there been some sort of state emergency while he was enjoying himself in the southern hemisphere.

Why do politicians do this crap? They know that they will get caught. They know that they will be in front of cameras crying crocodile tears and begging their long-suffering spouses to forgive them in no time at all. Why would any one take that risk? Heck, politicians are under far more scrutiny that we regular folks - why take the chance?

Let's wrap up with those horrid folk John and Kate.

It was my plan to skip Jon & Kate for at least the next few months, but I figured I would write just to kind of piece together all of the news and rumors floating around the internet. As you would expect, Monday night's episode on TLC set a new record for the show which just goes to show you that announcing your divorce on television is the new way to go for reality programming.

Kate Gosselin is on the cover of People this week and says she feels like she failed. Yes Kate, you have, in so many things. I'd list them but my fingers might fall off from the overwork.

Darn, where is my violin when I need it? It didn't take her long to martyr herself. The interview with her was actually conducted last week and People held off on the story because they wanted the exclusive and are big ass kissers even to a lowly reality star who no one will remember a year from now. Hopefully.

Continuing with the martyr theme, US Weekly is reporting that Kate is still wearing her wedding ring. I think that is to convey to all of us that she hasn't given up hope of a reunion. I think there is plenty of blame to share here. I also think that Kate has a PR person and Jon thinks PR is a place in the Caribbean you go in the winter.

If you believe the NY Daily News, then I think we may all want to tune in to the relaunch of the show in August. Why? Well they say that Deanna Hummel, the 23 year old teacher who has the best brother in the whole world is going to be on the show. Considering there have been no pictures of the couple together and that Jon seems like he wants to cruise the high schools for dates, I don't know if this is true.

Then again. I don't much care!

Stephen Harper's Inopportune Bathroom Break

Here in Canada we have had a long standing joke about a former Prime Minster who went on an International tour and promptly lost his luggage. The take at the time was 'how the heck can you run a country if you can't keep track of your luggage'. This must have happened 30 + years ago but folks still talk about it.

Well Joe Clark, I think today may be the day when you can finally rest easy. Why? Because Canadian Prime Minister Harper has done something so stupid that folks will surely be talking about it for days, weeks, and even years to come.

Harper's moment of foolishness took place at the G20 Summit. Summit etiquette has it that every major gathering of world leaders features a "family photo", in which - no matter how fierce the fights and recriminations are behind the scenes - all the kings, presidents and prime ministers line up football-team style to smile for the cameras in a show of unity.

But it wasn't that simple for the 2009 London Summit of the G20: The traditional "family photo" of world leaders gathered for the G20 summit in London had to be restaged today after it was noticed that Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper was missing from the line-up.

Where was Harper?

In the bathroom!

Of course not long after the Prime Minister's Office tried to spin it by saying he was in 'consultations'. Apparently with an oval bowl and some toilet paper.

Let's hope that he washed his hands like a good boy.

Of course, these things take on a live of their own. Google 'Stephen Harper Bathroom' and just see how many hits you get . . .

Right now it is 44,600. How embarassing for Harper and Canada.

Jim Flaherty on the Recession

Long-time blog readers know that I have been known to take exception to the buffoons 'ruling' the land in Ottawa. It would be an understatement to say that Stephen Harper's Conservatives have been underwhelming with their response to the economic crisis sweeping over the land.

Back in November they intended to do nothing at all until the opposition almost defeated the government. Scared into action by the fear of losing power (not out of concern for the plight of the thousands of Canadians who were losing their jobs), they released a budget that tossed money about like Britney Spears at Sizzler. Sadly, most economists recognized that it had little in the way of a central stimulus plan.

This is a time when politicians should be working together for the good of the country. Working together is not something that Harper and his cronnies understand . . . perhaps they should be forced to attend remedial kindergarten where such skills are taught and reinforced.

The Minister of Finance, Jim Flaherty might require a few years of remedial work. It was only a few months ago that he was telling the business press that Ontario was a bad spot for business investment. Now the industrial heartland of Canada is suffering job losses at an alarming magnitude. Flaherty is trying to talk up Ontario now but looks as if he is eating something vile while he talks. He just can't get past his need to attack, really one has to wonder if he was crossed at birth with some sort of vile, rabid attack dog.

This behaviour does nothing to inspire confidence.

Happily folks are starting to question. A viral campaign has taken hold. Harper and his band of thieves are being held accountable for their actions and their statements. It is about time that some democratic questioning returned to the land.

This video clip appeared on YouTube a few hours after Flaherty appeared before a Senate committee. I loved the way the creator of the video allowed Flaherty and his arrogant demeanour sink things here  . . . one has to love the internet for this sort of thing!

Obama Mania

Dear lord - I don't know when I have seen our dear friends to the south wrapped up in such a lather. I guess that when you have had a challenging 8 years where it seemed as if it was the world against you there is a sense of release in a hopeful change. I had a similar feeling when the Harris/Eves Tories were turfed from office back in 2003. I can still recall the joy and excitement I felt!

I worry though, the new President faces greater challenges than probably any other in history. It will be a tough go. I hope that folks haven't placed him up on such a pedestal that it becomes impossible for him to lead.

Enough of my funk. I don't know if you've seen this. Back in 1990, 19 years ago, the Toronto Star did a feature on Obama shortly after he became the first black to edit the Harvard Law Review. The words written back then are indicative of things to come.

After graduation next year, Obama says, he probably will spend two years at a corporate law firm, then look for community work. Down the road, he plans to run for public office.

Some of Obama's peers question the motives of this second-year law student. They find it puzzling that despite Obama's openly progressive views on social issues, he has also won support from staunch conservatives.

He's very unusual, in the sense that others who might have something approximating his degree of insight are very intimidating to their fellow students or inconsiderate and thoughtless . . . He's able to build upon what other students say and see what's valuable in their comments without belittling them.

I am truly envious of the joy many of my friends south of the border feel over a new government. It has been a long time since I felt such hope for the future. Tomorrow is a day to celebrate and for the rest of us to dream.

'Discussing' Politics with Friends

Have you voted in the photo contest?

Four of our trip pictures have been entered in a photo contest run by the good folks at easycar.com. Oh happy day - all four photos are currently in the top 10 out of 344 photos. You can vote for each by clicking here, (remember 10 is a good vote! *smile*)  here, here, and here.

Yes, you CAN vote for all four photos.

You can only vote once from any given IP address - this means you can vote once for EACH pic from both at home and at work! If you have two computers networked at home, you can only vote on one of them, however. If you have a Blackberry though, that is a third vote. If you send these links to friends, relatives, or people who bug you with unwanted e-mails - just think of the of votes! It boggles the mind.

Heck, do what I do - vote at every hotel, conference centre, and friend's house in which you find a PC attached to the internet. Don't be shy at all. :-)

---

Lately my friends and I have been engaging in long texting conversations while on the train. Others who ride the rails may sleep or read or work. . . not us! Instead we have our Blackberry devices front and centre, our fingers and thumbs a blur of activity. It must be disconcerting to our seat mates as we giggle away at the messages we send and receive . . .

This was Thursday morning's conversation (with the names changed to protect the innocent). . .

From: Martha
To: me
To: Sue
Sent: Dec 4, 2008 6:40 AM
Subject: Ha

Your boy Dion pretty much sucked last night by all accounts. And pouty boy Layton threw a hissy fit to get to talk on tv too. Sounds like some great coalition!

From: me
To: Martha
To: Sue
Subject: Re: Ha
Sent: Dec 4, 2008 7:15 AM

Let's see. . .

Your boy Harper lied, misrepresented the law, used fear and veiled threats, and furthered the separatist debate in Quebec (after he was the one who introduced AND passed legislation declaring quebec a nation). He also offered nothing new by way of strategy.

The PMs speech in french was word-for-word identical to the english except for one word - separatist!

This all took place as:

The party's chief economist released a document showing that Harper's economic plan would have the effect of deepening and lengthening the recession.

Reports of a secret Reform BQ alliance from 2000 were revealed. The agreement that was negotiated (but not signed) has been published.

Harper's 2004 letter to the GG asking to be allowed to form a government should Paul Martin's minority government fall RATHER than call an election has been released.

Let's recall that had Harper but the interests of Canadians FIRST and not descended to political machinations we wouldn't be embroiled in this crisis.

We have a schoolyard bully willing to put his political desires before the good of the country. He lies. He threatens. He tries to pit one group agains the other through fear and manipulation.

We have the Richard Nixon of the north!

Funny how he is being condemmed by the conservative media as well for his behaviour.

I'd rather have the bumbling professor supported by a strong team, thank you very much.

From: Martha
To: me
To: Sue
Sent: Dec 4, 2008 7:17 AM
Subject: Re: Ha

And I shall counter with the strong articulate argument that the coalition was NOT elected by the people. 

From: me
To: Martha
To: Sue
Subject: Re: Ha
Sent: Dec 4, 2008 7:22 AM

And I shall counter with: we aren't a presidential system. We do not elect a leader (even though simpletons think we do). We elect a parliament made up of MPs. Whichever group of MPs can cobble together a majority of votes in the House is seen to have the 'confidence of the House' and therefore the right to govern.

From: Martha
To: me
To: Sue
Sent: Dec 4, 2008 7:23 AM
Subject: Re: Ha

Yes but people vote for MPs from a party. I don't remember seeing a coalition party MP on the ballot.

On a different note, the elderly man sitting beside me is in his seat sideways and is touching me as he leans back.

From: me
To: Martha
To: Sue
Subject: Re: Ha
Sent: Dec 4, 2008 7:27 AM

You could use a stun gun on him

People should know that they are electing an MP to a parliament. They understand that once elected they may or may not form the government depending upon who has a majority of votes in tthe House - regardless of party.

I blame the high schools for not teaching civics.

From: Martha
To: me
To: Sue
Sent: Dec 4, 2008 7:28 AM
Subject: Re: Ha

I get that but each MP is attached to a party and runs on that party's platform and again I say, I didn't see a coalition party on the ballot.

I blame high schools for everything.

From: me
To: Martha
To: Sue
Subject: Re: Ha
Sent: Dec 4, 2008 7:31 AM

Woman talking about buying spouse Old Spice for Christmas.

That is number three reason for a divorce!

From: Martha
To: me
To: Sue
Sent: Dec 4, 2008 7:32 AM
Subject: Re: Ha

Old spice! Remember thar commercial with the fisherman in the cable knit sweater? He was hot!

I have taken a page from Sue and I have taken a pic of the crowded train so u guys can see my reality. It is all blurry though.

From: me
To: Martha
To: Sue
Subject: Re: Ha
Sent: Dec 4, 2008 7:35 AM

Woman standing near me is complaining about her husband's cooking.

You should be here to discuss your reality with her!

I have shortbread and buttertarts for our meeting.

From: Martha
To: me
To: Sue
Sent: Dec 4, 2008 7:36 AM
Subject: Re: Ha

She should hang on to him with a death grip.

My resolution is to begin to cook again soon.

From: me (train is in Toronto by now)
To: Martha
To: Sue
Subject: Re: Ha
Sent: Dec 4, 2008 7:42 AM

Today I discovered that I can not text and walk down a flight of stairs simutaneously! OUCH

From: Sue (finally wakes up!)
To: me
To: Martha
Sent: Dec 4, 2008 7:52 AM
Subject: Re: Ha

Crazy guy standing outside station drinking an extra-large coffee with a straw.  I can't manage taking a photo - I might get arrested or hit. 

History Unfolds

Have you voted in the photo contest?

Four of our trip pictures have been entered in a photo contest run by the good folks at easycar.com. Oh happy day - all four photos are currently in the top 10 out of 344 photos. You can vote for each by clicking here, (remember 10 is a good vote! *smile*)  here, here, and here.

Yes, you CAN vote for all four photos.

You can only vote once from any given IP address - this means you can vote once for EACH pic from both at home and at work! If you have two computers networked at home, you can only vote on one of them, however. If you have a Blackberry though, that is a third vote. If you send these links to friends, relatives, or people who bug you with unwanted e-mails - just think of the of votes! It boggles the mind.

Heck, do what I do - vote at every hotel, conference centre, and friend's house in which you find a PC attached to the internet. Don't be shy at all. :-)

---

In all my years of following Canadian politics, and as a political junkie I have done so since I met  Prime Minster Trudeau when I was 14, I have never seen moments like this. This is stunning historical theatre the likes of which few Canadians can ever recall.

A Prime Minister brought to task for his arrogance and desire to hobble his opposition when he should have been focused on assisting Canadians.

An opposition that had been largely absent for the past two years, stepping up and holding the government accountable for its inability to assist Canadians in these challenging times.

A government desperately clinging to power and seemingly willing to do anything and say anything in an effort to keep that power.

Today we bore witness to numerous lies on the part of Harper - saying that Liberals and NDP have formed a coalition with the separatist party from Quebec, the BQ. The truth is that the coalition is between the Liberals and the NDP. The Bloc agreed to support them by voting in favour of two budgets and at least one Speech from the Throne. Hardly a deal with the devil.

We also heard this afternoon about a move (that Harper had to have been aware of back in 2000) for a coalition of the Reform party (Harper's party at the time), the Conservatives, and the BQ. Funny how it was OK to be 'in bed with separatists' when it suited his party's political gain.

Harper later droned on about how a move on the part of the NDP and Liberals to form a coalition government was undemocratic. Yet such a move is entirely legal, and completely in keeping with the Canadian democratic tradition. He seems to forgetthat the coalition would have far more MPs than Harper's own party, received the majority of the votes cast in the Octover election, AND would have representation from all regions of the country. They do have the support of the people.

Again Harper choses to forget his own history. A letter has been shared in the media that Harper himself wrote in 2004. At the time he was plotting to overthrown the Liberal government of Paul Martin Jr. Inhis letter to the Governor General he asked her to NOT call an election and to allow him to govern with support from the NDP and the BQ. Where was his alleged concern for democracy then?

The cynical gaul of this man and his advisors stuns me. This stuff is a matter of public record.

I recall the words of George Orwell:

"In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act."

The truth is being told. Not be Harper of course, but told it is. Happily the media has gotten on the ball and is finally doing what the media should do and report the truth, challenge untruths ,and expose deceit.

These are exciting times for a political junkie. If someone had predicted this to me a week ago I would have thought they needed to be medicated. Yet here we are, a week after Harper blundered his was into political infamy, watching theatre on the grandest of scales.

Crisis in Ottawa . . .

 . . . but a crisis I am enjoying. Thoroughly, I might add!

But first:

Have you voted in the photo contest?

Four of our trip pictures have been entered in a photo contest run by the good folks at easycar.com. Oh happy day - all four photos are currently in the top 10 out of 344 photos. You can vote for each by clicking here, (remember 10 is a good vote! *smile*)  here, here, and here.

Yes, you CAN vote for all four photos.

You can only vote once from any given IP address - this means you can vote once for EACH pic from both at ome and at work! If you have two computers networked at home, you can only vote on one of them, however. If you have a Blackberry though, that is a third vote. If you send these links to friends, relatives, or people who bug you with unwanted e-mails - just think of the of votes! It boggles the mind.

Heck, do what I do - vote at every hotel, conference centre, and friend's house in which you find a PC attached to the internet. Don't be shy at all. :-)

---

And now back to the above-mentioned crisis.

I wrote last week about the financial update that the current government issued that did NOTHING at all to stimulate the Canadian economy. Nothing to allay the legitimate concerns and fears of Canadians. Instead of trying to help Canadians, the government of Stephen Harper decided to launch a deep attack on the opposition that has left Harper fighting for his political life. Harper and his cronies spent the weekend back tracking but it would appear that rather than burying the opposition, he succeeded in emboldening them.

Tonight this image flickered over our TV screens during the 6:00 news:

These gentlemen are the leaders of Canada's three main opposition parties (who together got more than 54 % of the votes in the last election). It is astounding to seem them shaking hands. What is even more jaw dropping is that they have just signed an accord pledging a willingness to work together to bring down the current government and form a new government. They even agreed to work together for the near future to govern Canada.

Ottawa is generally a rather staid spot. This news is of the earth-shattering variety and Canadians are watching with glee (and disgust, I suppose,  if you are a Harper supporter) as the theatre unfolds on our TV screens.

No one in their wildest dreams would have predicted a move such as this a month, heck even a week ago.

Over the course of the weekend the National media seemed to turn against Harper and his government. Most recognized this as a historic moment for Canadians. A Prime Minister grossly miscalculating his opposition and making a move that was so outrageous, mean spirited, and foolish that it galvanized the opposition. It also caused folks to look at the government's historic record with a more critical lens.

The result  . . . people see a leader more intent on destroying opponents than in assisting Canadians in a time of grave economic uncertainty.

Now events will unfold over the next few days and I, for one,  shall be watching them intently!

Craziness in Ottawa

I had thought I was done with politics for awhile. The election in Canada was just a few months ago, the US seems to be on the road to redemption, all appeared to be right with the world. There were even some pleasing signals from Ottawa that the vile Conservatives were willing to tone down theirpartisan rhetoric and work with, rather than against their colleagues in Parliament.

Then this man . . .

Jim Flaherty, the Finance Minster, rose in the House to provide an economic update. Sadly it was devoid of any sort of stimulus plan. In fact, there was no economic stimulus at all. Canada would have to wait for months for any sort of plan.

Flaherty did introduce a plan that would remove public funding from political parties. Here in Canada (unlike in the US) there are severe restrictions on political donations. Without public funding the opposition parties would be unable to launch an effective election campaign.

So much for doing the right thing . . . when the country desperately needs leadership the government launches a disgraceful attack on their opposition. So much for putting Canada first, before petty politics. So much for a move from the cynical politics of the previous few years. So much for hope . . .

Flaherty also announced an plan to sell off federal assets in a bid to balance the books. Now doesn't this make sense? In the midst of the worse economic crisis in decades let's try to dump airports, real estate, crown corporations. . . . I'm sure that their value has all decreased significantly in the past few months! If selling them was so important wouldn't it make sense to do so when there was some value in them?

I think Flaherty failed economics 101.

This is nothing new to Ontarians. Flaherty used to be Minsiter of Finance in the Provincal government. In this role he launched a series of tax cuts that benefited the wealthy, drained the provincial coffers, and initiated policies that targeted the poor and underprivileged. In fact, when his government was voted out of office they had turned a healthy surplus into a huge multi-billion dollar deficit.

Now he is working his magic on all Canadians!

Interesting that the business community is now calling Flaherty's pre-election policies irresponsible. They now realize that these poicies resulted in theFederal coffers being drained at an alarming rate. The cupboard is so bare that the government has little room to maneuver in the midst of economic tumult.

I tried to tell you during the election campaign but no one was listening!

There is a bit of hope on the horizon. Apparently the opposition parties have been involved in discussions over the past few days. Their plan is to topple the government and form a coalition government.

Cross your fingers folks, cross your fingers!