Category Archives: Politics

Gratitude, Philosophy, Politics

Gondek Booed At Flames Game

She seemed to have handled it well. It would be best though if cultural ceremonies were kept clear of the sporting arena. There are other venues and opportunities to honor the those deserving of society’s recognition. Those folks after all are paying stupid ticket prices to watch hockey.

I’ll say this about Gondek and City Hall. This woman did work some overtime back in the fall during an occasion to hear from the public on the housing crisis. You could have went to see what was up. I was there. She listened attentively. She has also dealt with some hate directed toward her residence. The police had to step in. She has also dealt with increases in demands by constituents lobbying for the Green Line and its construction. Then of course there is the replacement to the Saddledome which has had much contention due to the expectation of taxpayer participation. Many of those same advocates for a new arena are those complaining about a property tax increase. There has been administrative oversight in updating venues and the never ending oversight of new public works and community development. She will be busy managing conflicting interests while staying true to her ideal of what lead her to public office in the first place. In lieu of some pressure…..apparently she got involved with some sipping straws. If this is why you were booing at the game ignorant of her tasks in aggregate…shame on you. Most of the larger decisions at City Hall are made in context of a council made of people from diverse backgrounds. They hold votes and she casts hers singularly.    

Politics

Republican Running Mate Speculation

Having watched the F.O video of Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene when interviewed by Emily Maitlis, it’s become apparent that Taylor Greene will become the Democratic favourite for Trump’s running mate. One look at her Wiki page and it’s clear to see that her penchant for “conspiracy theories” and radical ignorant statements will prove perfect fodder for those seeking to discredit the” dystopian” (CNN’s characterization) ticket.

A challenge for the Democratic campaign will be that of making proposals and arguments to a large contingent of Americans that are so disenfranchised with their plight that the Trump ticket represents the only change radical enough to provide any kind of a boost to their plight. The other day, a youtube vlogger took a rural trip along New Mexico’s forgotten highways where townships recede in population and buildings are left dilapidated exemplary of industrial America in decline. Similar stories blight the maps of sorry old manufacturing towns across the U.S.

When you stop and think about it – political argument doesn’t much matter if one feels abandoned by the “American Dream”. Obviously, given the results of Super Tuesday, no amount of scandal, negligence, civil or criminal legal infractions by Trump are going to sway a populous who are simply fed up with the status quo. In fact, his troubles are likely relatable to his followers. The incredulity of a conspiracy theory means nothing to someone who is busted spiritually and financially. Representations of the “Deep State” irrespective of the term’s ambiguity can be interpreted to apply broadly to those feeling victimized with powerlessness in the face of economic change.

There is blame to be shared for the shattering of souls across America and the political dogma reaches for propaganda like terms of convenience when confronted by an electorate unmotivated to exercise objective thought in context of despair. This in essence is the biggest risk for a democracy.

The State of The Union goes off tonight and pundits suggest that a weary looking Biden needs to express  much fight and intention.                              

Philosophy, Politics

Government Missteps Galore

Yet another apology. You’ve witnessed government missteps galore .This time because of inviting some guy into the House of Commons despite his unsavory history. I have a suggestion for government officials. Our country has a mechanism for bestowing special honors on our citizens. They need not show up in the House of Commons. This institution has been built so that you can tend to our business. It’s not a Merry Go Round to serve your special interests.

If you are an MP, I hope you are embarrassed for standing and clapping for somebody who’s history was little known to you. I expect you to operate with your conscience and not by acquiescing to expectations of party lines or expected decorum which in your opinion may be out of bounds.  Your good conscience carries weight amongst the electorate. You were in fact vetted by the electorate when we sent you to Ottawa.

Now Justin Trudeau is apologizing on behalf of “all of those in this house” but I suspect few of them had authorized personally the recognition last Friday of this man who had fought for Nazi Germany. 

This issue speaks to a larger issue of mismanagement with the federal government. The utilization of government platforms for stroking the ego of politicians and their good friends is and always has been a disservice to the Canadians who look to such institutions to serve them through good governance and good governance only.     

Philosophy, Politics

Consquences Of Ignorance

There are consequences of ignorance. No kiddng right. Just look at the quagmire of the U.S political system and the influence of a degenerate by the name of Donald Trump. The vast majority of Americans do not possess a college education and there is a cultural gulf within the country because of the disparity. Donald Trump with his immoral and brash character represents the anti-establishment. It’s obvious that Donald Trump in the minds of the marginalized can do no wrong because he is symbolized as someone who gives them a voice to challenge the perceived “elite”. Certainly, there’s more to the phenomenon than a void in education because there is a contingent of well read Americans and even Canadians which were duped by this repugnant man.

The two party system and the mechanics of democracy put the populous oftentimes into a position of picking the lesser of two evils which then moves folks to rationalize bad as opposed to voting for good. The whole premise of the “American Dream” is then articulated within a system of complexity and compromise. Expatriates of the U.S. have made their case for departure as opposed to navigating a system enthralled with such compromise feeling isolated from influence directed to Washington by lobbyists of every cause thereby usurping principles related to the American Dream. This is the condition of the U.S. political system in which Donald Trump has been able to carve oxygen. It’s astonishing and will be regarded historically as a depressing period within the collective American psyche.    

Philosophy, Politics

SOTU Pomp and Circumstance

The acronym stands for “State of The Union” and it is an annual message from the President of The United states in front of sitting members of the Congress. The Constitution mandates the event in order to update citizens.

You would think it would be an apolitical affair instead of a cheerleading session given the mandate. The United States of America carries an enormous debt of $31 trillion. The country spent 28.5% more than it received in revenue in 2022. These are critical financial facts applicable for describing the “state of the nation”. In other words, as of this date of writing….every American citizen carries a debt burden of $94,325. That’s right…the citizens, many of which receive foods stamps, income support, and minimum wage pay carry this debt burden which if unable to ratify within their lifetime then becomes the burden of future generations. Is it conscionable to overspend my 28.5 per cent during a time when espoused by Joe Biden himself that the unemployment rate in America is at the lowest it’s been in 50 years?

With this kind of enormous debt, how is it that so many profitable corporations in America go without paying tax as referenced?  What kinds of loopholes are they deploying in order to avoid paying tax and why is it that this country cannot close loopholes to help save their solvency?

Of course there was the dismay at watching political elite hob nob around the assembly with their phony smiles and handshakes all while Turkey and Syria endure the enormity of death and despair amidst the ruins of a devastating earthquake and while young innocent soldiers heed the call of their nations to serve battlefields in Ukraine. Given the backdrop, one would expect at least some decorum instead politicking and cat calling from back benches and solemnity instead of hubris upon delivering news of the state not so candidly.