Monday, July 21, 2008
Gas prices a SCAM? Outrageous!
So…beyond the three gas companies in Quebec, charged with collusion (price fixing), ‘many more’ are being investigated.
“Three companies - Les Pétroles Therrien Inc., which operates under Pétro-T, Distributions pétrolières Therrien Inc. and Ultramar Ltd. - and one person pleaded guilty in Quebec Superior Court after the investigation was made public in June.” (CBC news)
There is alleged ‘Wire-tap evidence’ that is being used to bust companies other than the ones fined over 2 million in June. Well, better late then never, I suppose. I’m proud of Canada for not being completely naïve. While the investigation is concentrated in Quebec, I’m hoping the national news attention tips off authorities in other regions as well. If not, I hope at the very least the hefty fines owed by these petroleum practitioners is incentive for others like them not to cross the line from prices which are simply outrageous, to full out law-breaking.
I think any citizen who does not believe that collusion has been occurring in Canada is simply ignorant. To a minor degree, it is happening every day: there is almost no competition between gas stations: prices rise and fall uniformly across counties, with very little variance seen. This will continue to happen until the prime minister steps in, and either nationalizes the system, or at least institutes some sort of price control system.
People are being scammed, and they’re pissed off.
I was elated to read about the Quebecois gentleman who is suing the accused companies for fixing prices at the pumps. Good things come to those who get furious enough to finally stand up and do something about it.
The exact dollar amount that citizens were cheated out of is unknown, but hopefully this lawsuit will set a precedence in which the oil companies realize the gravity of the situation: the first step is switching to bicycles. The second step is legal action.
The new accused parties will attend court in October; where authorities will decide whether or not to press charges. I imagine more developments will occur, considering the virile nature of the oil industry right now. And if all provincial governments announce investigations...well, wouldn't it be interesting to see what changes at the pump might look like?
And, as an aside...remember when we boycotted buying gas because it was *almost* a dollar a litre? Ahh....
With all of the rage I’m concentrating towards the gas industry, I’m just glad that some action is being taken. There’s not much more to be said other than: I’m satisfied with this.
http://www.cbc.ca/money/story/2008/07/21/qc-gaspricefixing0721.html?ref=rss&loomia_si=t0:a16:g4:r2:c0
Future dire for service member
A young Canadian Soldier may be receiving a sentence of up to life in prison, due to his impending Court Martial. The decision to take such a severe and intimidating course of action was made by acting head of military prosecutions in Canada, Lt.-Col. Bruce MacGregor, and was based upon three main criteria:
1. The severity of the crime itself (In this case, the accidental shooting death of Cpl. Kevin Megeny in 2007 in Kandahar)
2. The degree and tone of public interest surrounding the offense in question.
3. The amount of evidence available: Essentially, ‘do we have enough for a conviction?’
So, despite the previous assertion that this shooting was ‘an accident’, a 22 year old may potentially lose his constitutional freedoms for the rest of his life. Objectively, and as a legal studies student, I understand the responsibility of the correctional systems to uphold the laws, as deterrents and incentives to our citizens. But personally, I think these measures are harsh and unsympathetic, and I am deeply saddened by them.
Having lived in a military environment, and heard the stories of the soldiers who have sacrificed so much to brave the front lines of war for their country, I know that the dynamic from regular civilian life is shifted dramatically. Pressure, tension, and stress levels are all exceedingly high. Mistakes are wont to happen. It is incredibly disastrous that in this case, the mistake was fatal – and my sincere, and heartfelt regrets go out to the Megeny family. However, these men are working with heavy artillery. They know the risks, and they know the dangers. There are *no* failsafe, 100% preventions. Would we have war at all if this were the case?
Incidents like this simply go to augment my support for the 490 Billion dollar funding being given to our military. Yes, prevention, training, and enlistment must all rise, so that we’re not left with situations in which young, perhaps inadequately trained soldiers are operating on little sleep with fatal weaponry. Could this disaster have been prevented? Probably.
But could it have happened to anyone? Probably.
I hope that this is taken into account during the Court Martial of Cpl. Matthew Wilcox.
Some may disagree, citing the threat of incarceration as a veritable tool to keep vigilant when undertaking a job so treacherous; but the family of Cpl. Megeny does not wish charges to be pressed against the young man. There are also the actual legal problems of circumstantial evidence being the extent of proof held by the Department of Defense. But, maybe they have something up their sleeve.
Truly though, I think there can be no worse punishment for the soldier than the intense guilt he will no doubt be bearing for the rest of his life.
(http://www.cbc.ca/canada/nova-scotia/story/2008/07/21/megeny-death.html)
1. The severity of the crime itself (In this case, the accidental shooting death of Cpl. Kevin Megeny in 2007 in Kandahar)
2. The degree and tone of public interest surrounding the offense in question.
3. The amount of evidence available: Essentially, ‘do we have enough for a conviction?’
So, despite the previous assertion that this shooting was ‘an accident’, a 22 year old may potentially lose his constitutional freedoms for the rest of his life. Objectively, and as a legal studies student, I understand the responsibility of the correctional systems to uphold the laws, as deterrents and incentives to our citizens. But personally, I think these measures are harsh and unsympathetic, and I am deeply saddened by them.
Having lived in a military environment, and heard the stories of the soldiers who have sacrificed so much to brave the front lines of war for their country, I know that the dynamic from regular civilian life is shifted dramatically. Pressure, tension, and stress levels are all exceedingly high. Mistakes are wont to happen. It is incredibly disastrous that in this case, the mistake was fatal – and my sincere, and heartfelt regrets go out to the Megeny family. However, these men are working with heavy artillery. They know the risks, and they know the dangers. There are *no* failsafe, 100% preventions. Would we have war at all if this were the case?
Incidents like this simply go to augment my support for the 490 Billion dollar funding being given to our military. Yes, prevention, training, and enlistment must all rise, so that we’re not left with situations in which young, perhaps inadequately trained soldiers are operating on little sleep with fatal weaponry. Could this disaster have been prevented? Probably.
But could it have happened to anyone? Probably.
I hope that this is taken into account during the Court Martial of Cpl. Matthew Wilcox.
Some may disagree, citing the threat of incarceration as a veritable tool to keep vigilant when undertaking a job so treacherous; but the family of Cpl. Megeny does not wish charges to be pressed against the young man. There are also the actual legal problems of circumstantial evidence being the extent of proof held by the Department of Defense. But, maybe they have something up their sleeve.
Truly though, I think there can be no worse punishment for the soldier than the intense guilt he will no doubt be bearing for the rest of his life.
(http://www.cbc.ca/canada/nova-scotia/story/2008/07/21/megeny-death.html)
Public Toilets in Toronto: The most Necessary use of the Taxpayer dollar, ever.
While there are intense, political interrogations occurring in Guantanamo Bay, and a plethora of shootings in Toronto (yes, shocking), I prefer to focus my energies on the toilet situation in Toronto. Mainly because it made me chuckle. Then shake my head in disbelief. Then weep for humanity.
For about a million bucks a pop, the T.Dot is going to go ahead with 5 automated, self cleaning washrooms. Now, these are not your ordinary port-a-potties: they’re a ‘new generation’. They sterilize their own floors, sinks, and seats ‘after use’. Suspiciously, the article did not cite whether or not this would be done after *each* use. It also failed to mention the method by which said sterilization would take place. An elaborate sprinkler system comes to mind, coupled with robot hands that shoot out of the wall to shammy the seat for the next guest. But, I’m whimsical.
The reason Toronto is spending all of its allowance on outside bathrooms? An outdoor advertising company allegedly had a really fabulous campaign for ‘street furniture’.
And…Toronto fell for it.
This despite a failed attempt by Seattle with the toilets. And also, common sense.
When Seattle tried the toilets, all they got was debt, and a new location for public nuisance. The toilets are on sale for public bid at 90Gs a piece, and the city is 500 000 in debt. To me, this information is telling. To Toronto, it apparently screams ‘challenge’.
Now, to be fair, Seattle didn’t charge you to use their toilets. And, obviously, the $1.00 charge is going to deter crack dealers & prostitutes…. I mean…where are THEY going to get that kind of cash? One dollar will also be incentive for other unsavory types to stay away. Flawless.
The robot toilet will also be able to call for the authorities if any derelicts linger there for more than 15 minutes. OH GOOD. Not like police in downtown Toronto had any important tasks to respond to anyway. Or maybe they’ll hire and train an entire elite new force, specifically for the job!
“What do you want to be when you grow up, Timmy?”
“A toilet cop!”
You might think I’m spending an outrageous amount of energy getting worked up about silly toilets. “You won’t be so angry the day you’re stuck and have to use them!” Well, first of all, I happen to avoid public restrooms like the plague, for obsessive compulsive reasons I feel it inappropriate to expand on in this entry. And second of all, I’m citing economics. We’re talking one MILLION dollars, here. PER THRONE.
As one astute commenter of the CBC article stated: If the restrooms get 4visitors an hour (24 hours every day. Even Christmas.), why then, that’s 96 dollars per day! Which means, the city will have paid off these marvelous cyborg lavatories in….around 28 years.
Gosh. Can they afford *not* to do it!?
Here’s an idea: consider patronizing one of those establishments with a ‘for customers only’ sign on their restroom. Generating income for local business is not the worst thing that could occur in Toronto. The trickle down effect is alive and well: Work on generating business? More income for an establishment means more tax dollars paid to the government. Slap a toilet tax onto the already ridiculous list both individuals and businesses must pay? Well, now we can’t afford to go out to eat. Mr. Sub goes out of business, and takes with it any tax revenue the government would have gotten. Oh, and, the owner needs to go on welfare now, too. Could have paid off a month of toilet debt with that cheque…
Ok. I’m a little extreme.
I just think it’s a ridiculous idea, born of skewed priorities.
Then again, our healthcare and education systems don’t have any need for extra funds, so why not squander millions?
Oh. Wait…
(http://www.cbc.ca/canada/toronto/story/2008/07/21/tto-toilets.html)
Monday, July 7, 2008
Canada's goin' Nuclear? I'm going back to Germany.
So little old Saskatewan (Ok, it’s huge) is looking into the viability of nuclear power. Fourteen studies have been done, commissioned by ‘Sakspower’ over the last 36 years; and these have finally been made public after a leak to the media.
The reports cited Lake Diefenbaker as a viable location for Western Canada’s first nuclear power plant. No decisions were made as of yet, as ‘reviews of the material’ must of course be made.
The article did not mention if Saskatewan, and the Environmental Society were leaning one way or the other on this issue. I, however, definitely curve towards the NUCLEAR POWER IS BAD, side of things.
I do not want to see any more nuclear reactors in Canada. I cite ethical and environmental reasons. Yes, in the short term, nuclear power is wonderful for the environment. There are no toxic emissions, and our children breathe wonderful, clean air. It’s the long run that sparks terrible, terrible problems: What do we do with all of the radioactive waste that we have generated? I think it’s completely irresponsible to develop carcinogenic materials that scientists have proven will cause cancer for ‘at least 1000 years’ without any sort of reasonable action plan as to its disposal. One suggestion was to place the waste into large holes bore into the Canadian shield.
…..WHAT?
Do you have any idea of what the outcome, or dangers of that, may be? Do you, for a fact, know the resiliance of the shield? No! You don’t! And that’s why that idea is outrageous. The consequences could be *dire* for populations to come, and that’s why our generation has no right to place such a burden on future ones. As well, there’s more than just the waste itself to think about. The reactors don’t have a working life of ‘forever’. They, too, break down. And then how to dispose of them? Nuclear Power Plants will sit vacant and horrifyingly dangerous for hundreds of years; providing both an eyesore and a health risk for all those unlucky enough to be proximate.
Yes: The plant would create jobs. Yes: some countries do use nuclear power, to this date, without issue (France is a good example for anyone who wants to argue in Nuclear Power’s defense). But the instances of danger and pollution seem too high and too obvious to ignore. One Chernobyl, and one Three Mile Island were enough. Disasters already occur in our world with alarming frequency. Why invite the chance for another?
I am all for alternative energy sources: wind power, solar power…environmentally stable, and friendly sources which cut down on emissions and yet don’t pose massive risks to future generations. We would be selfish and foolish to consider Nuclear Power without having more information about its long term effects.
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/cbc/080707/canada/sask_nuclear_studies_2
The reports cited Lake Diefenbaker as a viable location for Western Canada’s first nuclear power plant. No decisions were made as of yet, as ‘reviews of the material’ must of course be made.
The article did not mention if Saskatewan, and the Environmental Society were leaning one way or the other on this issue. I, however, definitely curve towards the NUCLEAR POWER IS BAD, side of things.
I do not want to see any more nuclear reactors in Canada. I cite ethical and environmental reasons. Yes, in the short term, nuclear power is wonderful for the environment. There are no toxic emissions, and our children breathe wonderful, clean air. It’s the long run that sparks terrible, terrible problems: What do we do with all of the radioactive waste that we have generated? I think it’s completely irresponsible to develop carcinogenic materials that scientists have proven will cause cancer for ‘at least 1000 years’ without any sort of reasonable action plan as to its disposal. One suggestion was to place the waste into large holes bore into the Canadian shield.
…..WHAT?
Do you have any idea of what the outcome, or dangers of that, may be? Do you, for a fact, know the resiliance of the shield? No! You don’t! And that’s why that idea is outrageous. The consequences could be *dire* for populations to come, and that’s why our generation has no right to place such a burden on future ones. As well, there’s more than just the waste itself to think about. The reactors don’t have a working life of ‘forever’. They, too, break down. And then how to dispose of them? Nuclear Power Plants will sit vacant and horrifyingly dangerous for hundreds of years; providing both an eyesore and a health risk for all those unlucky enough to be proximate.
Yes: The plant would create jobs. Yes: some countries do use nuclear power, to this date, without issue (France is a good example for anyone who wants to argue in Nuclear Power’s defense). But the instances of danger and pollution seem too high and too obvious to ignore. One Chernobyl, and one Three Mile Island were enough. Disasters already occur in our world with alarming frequency. Why invite the chance for another?
I am all for alternative energy sources: wind power, solar power…environmentally stable, and friendly sources which cut down on emissions and yet don’t pose massive risks to future generations. We would be selfish and foolish to consider Nuclear Power without having more information about its long term effects.
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/cbc/080707/canada/sask_nuclear_studies_2
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
6 Tylenol 3s & some Ritalin, please.
Pharmacists in Ontario might soon be able to deal me out my ‘scrips!?
Radical!
This after ontario liberals are debating whether or not to augment the prescribing powers of nurse practiitioners, pharmacists, and ‘other non-physicians’. The Ministry of Health will be undertaking a study (stealthily, and quietly) to see whether nurses, midwives, and other non-docs who now have *some* prescription authority should be able to write the golden tickets for even a wider variety of drugs.
Ontario would be following in the footsteps of Alberta, who instituted a similar program last year; and Manitoba and New Brunswick, who are expanding the roles of pharmacists in their regions.
There are going to be arguments against this. The floodgates will open, the picketing will occur. ‘THEY R NOT TRAINED. THEY WILL SCREW UP’. Perhaps. And, it’s very true. No doctor in the history of EVER, has made a mistake, so we best keep all power of prescription in their hands.
The fact is: Ontario physicians need some relief. And pharmacists seem more than qualified to provide it. If we can't remedy our doctor shortage the easy way, (with...more doctors), then other healthcare professionals seem the obvious choice to delegate responsibility to. Some extra training, revolving around the diagnosing of medical problems would be necessary and beneficial…but doctors are not born with this knowledge themselves. It is the training that makes THEM qualified to prescribe drugs in the first place. Pharmacists demonstrate a level of intelligence and ambition similar, if not equal to, those who attend medical school. I say they can easily learn the ins and outs of the business, alleviating the pressures and constraints currently placed on our doctors, while being extremely convenient for patients.
Less lines in emergency rooms and clinics? Sold.
The diagnosing potential in pharmacists is definitely already seen, as well. Minor ailments are diagnosed in a snap; so chronic illnesses too could be well managed with the help of a pharmacist. This, too, would leave doctor’s offices and emergency rooms less crowded. The health care system might be able to catch a deep breath and de-stress for a moment. We all need that.
The benefit to those living in rural areas, with much easier access to pharmacies than to large clinics or hospitals would also be invaluable. It is absolutely not ridiculous to extend powers of, at the least, renewal to pharmacists. They *know* pills, symptoms, and side effects. I would have very little issue putting my illness in their hands.
Adding some diagnostic training to the course of pharmacy school should hardly cause an uproar, neither within the school, nor withouts.
Especially considering the pay raise pharmacists would likely see accompany this additional training.
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/capress/080601/national/ont_prescribing_pharmacists_1
Radical!
This after ontario liberals are debating whether or not to augment the prescribing powers of nurse practiitioners, pharmacists, and ‘other non-physicians’. The Ministry of Health will be undertaking a study (stealthily, and quietly) to see whether nurses, midwives, and other non-docs who now have *some* prescription authority should be able to write the golden tickets for even a wider variety of drugs.
Ontario would be following in the footsteps of Alberta, who instituted a similar program last year; and Manitoba and New Brunswick, who are expanding the roles of pharmacists in their regions.
There are going to be arguments against this. The floodgates will open, the picketing will occur. ‘THEY R NOT TRAINED. THEY WILL SCREW UP’. Perhaps. And, it’s very true. No doctor in the history of EVER, has made a mistake, so we best keep all power of prescription in their hands.
Eyeroll.
The fact is: Ontario physicians need some relief. And pharmacists seem more than qualified to provide it. If we can't remedy our doctor shortage the easy way, (with...more doctors), then other healthcare professionals seem the obvious choice to delegate responsibility to. Some extra training, revolving around the diagnosing of medical problems would be necessary and beneficial…but doctors are not born with this knowledge themselves. It is the training that makes THEM qualified to prescribe drugs in the first place. Pharmacists demonstrate a level of intelligence and ambition similar, if not equal to, those who attend medical school. I say they can easily learn the ins and outs of the business, alleviating the pressures and constraints currently placed on our doctors, while being extremely convenient for patients.
Less lines in emergency rooms and clinics? Sold.
The diagnosing potential in pharmacists is definitely already seen, as well. Minor ailments are diagnosed in a snap; so chronic illnesses too could be well managed with the help of a pharmacist. This, too, would leave doctor’s offices and emergency rooms less crowded. The health care system might be able to catch a deep breath and de-stress for a moment. We all need that.
The benefit to those living in rural areas, with much easier access to pharmacies than to large clinics or hospitals would also be invaluable. It is absolutely not ridiculous to extend powers of, at the least, renewal to pharmacists. They *know* pills, symptoms, and side effects. I would have very little issue putting my illness in their hands.
Adding some diagnostic training to the course of pharmacy school should hardly cause an uproar, neither within the school, nor withouts.
Especially considering the pay raise pharmacists would likely see accompany this additional training.
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/capress/080601/national/ont_prescribing_pharmacists_1
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Canadian Military Plan: FINALLY!
While there is never a shortage of American military news (either true or completely falsified), gripping and pertinent news releases regarding the Canadian military are much harder to come by.
Why?
Yes, we have our beloved peacekeeping role; and now our duties on the world stage (Afghanistan has claimed 7 of our years, and 77 of our soldiers by now), but isn't the Canadian military just like....a ...joke? It seems it must be, the way the US airmen I live with laugh when any aspect of our Canuck infantry is mentioned. Or the completely impassionate and non-urgent response that's elicited by most Canadians I live with.
The Canadian military is small, relatively powerless, and reminiscent of a child playing dress up in Daddy America's work clothes.
But not for long?
The Harper government stealthily released a plan to get in the game & beef up military spending the eve of June 19th. This after a cryptic speech regarding the plan (technically known as Canada First Defense Policy) 6 weeks prior. Critics cite the method by which the plan was released (namely sans fanfare and political hoopla) as suspicious, and noteworthy. I say I couldn't care less about the motives behind the Harper government posting the information at 12am vs. 12pm. What interests me is the content. How novel, you all say in unison.
Yes. Quite. Now let's take a look.
The proposed action?
490 Billion dollars spent on our Canadian Military. Over 20 years, of course. Specifically, this means 60 billion on desperately needed new equipment; necessary if Canada wants to remain competitive in its missions, at home or abroad. 15 billion of the proposed 60 has already been approved, and announced. A large portion of the 490 will also go towards military personnel themselves: training, living expenses, recruitment, morale. With the added funding, Canada hopes also to augment its membership by approximately 12 000. Also on the docket? 'training and maintenance of equipment', and 'military buildings and infrastructure'. (1).
The document states:
"This strengthened military will translate into enhanced security for Canadians at home as well as a stronger voice for Canada on the world stage." (1)
Unquestionably.
Despite the arguments regarding more 'appropriate spending' for this money, I, for one, feel this is long overdue. I have always been fiercely proud to call myself a Canadian. I'm ecstatic that I'll be able to quote such growth and foresight by our military system when defending it to my American comrades. The state of the world has defined parameters which we must adjust to: a well-equipped, capable military is necessary in this day and age. Not just to perform a war-fighting function, but also to perform the other functions Canadians oftentimes take for granted. The peacekeeping, of course. But also natural disaster relief, National defense, and even, the support of major national events (Vancouver 2010, anyone?).
Some may scoff at the proposal to spend billions on our uniformed men and women, fearing 'enmeshment with American foreign policy'(1). But while we are definitely being influenced by our neighbours to the South, we are not suddenly morphing into a similarly war-hungry nation; squandering tax money purely on weapons designed to destroy. To fund the military is to fund a secure future. At home, and abroad.
We are giving our soldiers the opportunity to perform their jobs to the best of their capabilities. Considering their sacrifices (of which i am very personally acquainted), I hardly see any rationale behind disputing the need for this. I should think that, in the event any of our nation's tax payers should find themselves in the middle of an attack, natural disaster, or crises of any sort, they will be the last to complain about the enhanced capacity of the very military who will be offering them salvation.
God forbid, of course.
1. http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2008/06/20/military-plan.html#socialcomments
Why?
Yes, we have our beloved peacekeeping role; and now our duties on the world stage (Afghanistan has claimed 7 of our years, and 77 of our soldiers by now), but isn't the Canadian military just like....a ...joke? It seems it must be, the way the US airmen I live with laugh when any aspect of our Canuck infantry is mentioned. Or the completely impassionate and non-urgent response that's elicited by most Canadians I live with.
The Canadian military is small, relatively powerless, and reminiscent of a child playing dress up in Daddy America's work clothes.
But not for long?
The Harper government stealthily released a plan to get in the game & beef up military spending the eve of June 19th. This after a cryptic speech regarding the plan (technically known as Canada First Defense Policy) 6 weeks prior. Critics cite the method by which the plan was released (namely sans fanfare and political hoopla) as suspicious, and noteworthy. I say I couldn't care less about the motives behind the Harper government posting the information at 12am vs. 12pm. What interests me is the content. How novel, you all say in unison.
Yes. Quite. Now let's take a look.
The proposed action?
490 Billion dollars spent on our Canadian Military. Over 20 years, of course. Specifically, this means 60 billion on desperately needed new equipment; necessary if Canada wants to remain competitive in its missions, at home or abroad. 15 billion of the proposed 60 has already been approved, and announced. A large portion of the 490 will also go towards military personnel themselves: training, living expenses, recruitment, morale. With the added funding, Canada hopes also to augment its membership by approximately 12 000. Also on the docket? 'training and maintenance of equipment', and 'military buildings and infrastructure'. (1).
The document states:
"This strengthened military will translate into enhanced security for Canadians at home as well as a stronger voice for Canada on the world stage." (1)
Unquestionably.
Despite the arguments regarding more 'appropriate spending' for this money, I, for one, feel this is long overdue. I have always been fiercely proud to call myself a Canadian. I'm ecstatic that I'll be able to quote such growth and foresight by our military system when defending it to my American comrades. The state of the world has defined parameters which we must adjust to: a well-equipped, capable military is necessary in this day and age. Not just to perform a war-fighting function, but also to perform the other functions Canadians oftentimes take for granted. The peacekeeping, of course. But also natural disaster relief, National defense, and even, the support of major national events (Vancouver 2010, anyone?).
Some may scoff at the proposal to spend billions on our uniformed men and women, fearing 'enmeshment with American foreign policy'(1). But while we are definitely being influenced by our neighbours to the South, we are not suddenly morphing into a similarly war-hungry nation; squandering tax money purely on weapons designed to destroy. To fund the military is to fund a secure future. At home, and abroad.
We are giving our soldiers the opportunity to perform their jobs to the best of their capabilities. Considering their sacrifices (of which i am very personally acquainted), I hardly see any rationale behind disputing the need for this. I should think that, in the event any of our nation's tax payers should find themselves in the middle of an attack, natural disaster, or crises of any sort, they will be the last to complain about the enhanced capacity of the very military who will be offering them salvation.
God forbid, of course.
1. http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2008/06/20/military-plan.html#socialcomments
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
An introduction
You have now viewed my journal. You may not unview it.
My name is Jenna. I am a supremely intelligent, highly articulate student from the University of Waterloo (I don't possess the humble gene). I don't much care for politics, but i'm going to attempt to either become decently learned in the subject, or fake it as best I can.
This blog is the brainchild of my Canadian Government professor. Here i will post the most interesting and relevent articles I find regarding the political system of our great nation, and then explain, analyze, critique, and rip them apart (if necessary) with literary ferocity and a hint of wit.
The idea of scouring the internet for political happenings & current events relating to notre pays is, shockingly, novel to me. I'm a french major. I possess an insatiable curiosity regarding criminology, but the news; the legal system; the politics of Canada, have never quite drawn me in. This may be because there is nothing about the Canadian legal system that seems urgent. In truth, our national news bores me.
When seeking out affairs, I turn to the global forum. This is propogated by the fact that the political machines of America and Europe seem far more relevant to my life then do those of Canada:
I am a Canadian, yes. I reside in Canada presently, as do my family and closest friends. But in truth, my home is on a US Airforce base in Germany. I am a Canadian surrounded by the norms, values, doctrines, and laws of countries that are not my own. The decisions they make will affect me far more directly than Canadian decisions, and the laws they pass are the ones i'll be abiding by far more often than those in Canada.
This being said, I'll make it a point to immense myself in Canadian politics, and search the intraweb tirelessly for the ultimate in recent, shocking, and interesting news events, while tackling them from my own, slightly more globalized, perspective. The idea is to learn something; and maybe become passionate about the country I was born & raised in....
But, if nothing else, to be able to quote pretentiously to my American husband all of the many reasons for Canadian political superiority over the US ;)
Feedback is welcome...and in fact, i might just insist, considering the grade percentage relying on it. I'll try to keep things as riviting as possible for you.
I'm looking forward to the challenge.
My name is Jenna. I am a supremely intelligent, highly articulate student from the University of Waterloo (I don't possess the humble gene). I don't much care for politics, but i'm going to attempt to either become decently learned in the subject, or fake it as best I can.
This blog is the brainchild of my Canadian Government professor. Here i will post the most interesting and relevent articles I find regarding the political system of our great nation, and then explain, analyze, critique, and rip them apart (if necessary) with literary ferocity and a hint of wit.
The idea of scouring the internet for political happenings & current events relating to notre pays is, shockingly, novel to me. I'm a french major. I possess an insatiable curiosity regarding criminology, but the news; the legal system; the politics of Canada, have never quite drawn me in. This may be because there is nothing about the Canadian legal system that seems urgent. In truth, our national news bores me.
When seeking out affairs, I turn to the global forum. This is propogated by the fact that the political machines of America and Europe seem far more relevant to my life then do those of Canada:
I am a Canadian, yes. I reside in Canada presently, as do my family and closest friends. But in truth, my home is on a US Airforce base in Germany. I am a Canadian surrounded by the norms, values, doctrines, and laws of countries that are not my own. The decisions they make will affect me far more directly than Canadian decisions, and the laws they pass are the ones i'll be abiding by far more often than those in Canada.
This being said, I'll make it a point to immense myself in Canadian politics, and search the intraweb tirelessly for the ultimate in recent, shocking, and interesting news events, while tackling them from my own, slightly more globalized, perspective. The idea is to learn something; and maybe become passionate about the country I was born & raised in....
But, if nothing else, to be able to quote pretentiously to my American husband all of the many reasons for Canadian political superiority over the US ;)
Feedback is welcome...and in fact, i might just insist, considering the grade percentage relying on it. I'll try to keep things as riviting as possible for you.
I'm looking forward to the challenge.
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