Ok, so I really should have posted this a few days ago when the article was in the paper, about how fucking "Right Honourable" Brian Mulroney swindled lawsuit money out of the federal government for alleging that he had a part in a fraud case that he said he didn't have a part in but turns out he did...
I really really want to start a petition to exile him. Like, force him to give up his Canadian citizenship and ban him from our country. He's a fucking traitor! He sold us out to the American corporations with the Free Trade Agreement. He swindles the government for his own monetary gain. At the very least he should lose the "Right Honourable" title granted to all Prime Ministers. I mean, GAWD, Jean Cretien started bar fights and is a more decent person! Stephen Harper is a fucking robot and scares the SHIT out of me, but I still hold more respect for him. (Well, respect in that we don't really know exactly what he's up to yet. He still really fucking scares me.) This is about as nationalistic as I will get: someone who so totally betrays his or her nation from a position of such power, should face consequences. But then again, I suppose it does not befit us to go up against someone who has so much money for lawyers, and therefore can get off of every charge thrown at him.
The other thing about this is the fact that if he was a liberal ex-PM and the Liberals were in power the press would be ALL THE FUCK OVER THIS. But here's a Conservative ex-PM doing fucking outrageous acts of ridiculous greed (he's already too rich for his own greedy-ass good) during a Conservative government and the media kindly turn head. I mean, this should blow up. Like, it should blow up like "Dumbledore's gay" big. 'Cause you know, what Dumbledore's doing in his fictional bedroom means more to us than what our Prime Minister is doing with our TAX MONEY. You know, the money that's supposed to somehow make its way to benefiting Canada. You know, our country.
FUCK. I hope Brian Mulroney regrets his life. Somehow, I hope he looks back and realizes: "Oh, I'm a greedy fucker. How terrible a person I've been." But we all know he has too much money for regrets.
So, instead, I hope he goes bankrupt and is forced to spend a miserable, lonely end to his life on welfare.
Showing posts with label government. Show all posts
Showing posts with label government. Show all posts
Friday, November 9, 2007
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Voting Day in Ontario!
P.S Everybody who can (and should!), go vote today!
It's Election Day for the provincial government of Ontario, fuckers! GO VOTE ALREADY! I'm on my way.
I myself am not particularly crazy about any candidate, but neither am I crazy about the idea of giving up the chance to have some sort of say.
Today is also the referendum over electoral reform: do we keep "first past the post" or do we switch "to mixed member proportional" (MMP)?
I've considered both: I realize that it seems like you're losing representation by not specifically voting in the officials who will make up the seats that the MMP takes up, but I've decided that the good of MMP outweighs the criticisms. With MMP, the popular vote will finally actually represent the way we voted versus with the number of seats actually won, and parties like the NDP and The Green Party may actually be given a real chance to truly mix up the government practice. A lot of people have decried that MMP means there will never be a majority government, but I'm okay with that. I'm for a government that works together with a cross section of beliefs and ideas; I've never been crazy about bi-partisanship, and hopefully we can get the best of every party this way. I know this idealistic of me, but any naysayers of electoral change in the form of MMP would do good to remember that we've yet to come across a system of government where corruption hasn't been a feature. So why be so fearful of something new?
Disagree with me?
THEN GO VOTE NOW!
It's Election Day for the provincial government of Ontario, fuckers! GO VOTE ALREADY! I'm on my way.
I myself am not particularly crazy about any candidate, but neither am I crazy about the idea of giving up the chance to have some sort of say.
Today is also the referendum over electoral reform: do we keep "first past the post" or do we switch "to mixed member proportional" (MMP)?
I've considered both: I realize that it seems like you're losing representation by not specifically voting in the officials who will make up the seats that the MMP takes up, but I've decided that the good of MMP outweighs the criticisms. With MMP, the popular vote will finally actually represent the way we voted versus with the number of seats actually won, and parties like the NDP and The Green Party may actually be given a real chance to truly mix up the government practice. A lot of people have decried that MMP means there will never be a majority government, but I'm okay with that. I'm for a government that works together with a cross section of beliefs and ideas; I've never been crazy about bi-partisanship, and hopefully we can get the best of every party this way. I know this idealistic of me, but any naysayers of electoral change in the form of MMP would do good to remember that we've yet to come across a system of government where corruption hasn't been a feature. So why be so fearful of something new?
Disagree with me?
THEN GO VOTE NOW!
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
From the Inbox: Last Minute Plea to Harper About the Environment!
An email received from a friend of mine, who is a law student and quite concerned with the environment:
Go! Quickly now!
"The Kyoto Protocol Implementation Act legally requires the government to produce a plan that meets Canada's greenhouse gas emissions targets. Prime Minister Harper hasn’t even tried. The federal courts can force the government to comply with the law, but crucial and legally admissible public consultation process ends TOMORROW, September 20th, and almost no comments have been received!
Avaaz members are stepping in at the last hour to create a massive public outcry, by faxing open letters to Environment Canada who will have to submit them in court. If there are no comments, the government will claim in court that the public supports its illegal position. We have just 24 hours to make our voice heard - Please sign the letter at the link, below:
http://www.avaaz.org/en/canadian_climate_crime/tf.php"
Go! Quickly now!
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Canada's Blind Spot
I haven't really heard much or seen anything about this issue, which may be in part due to the fact that I don't have cable at home, and I read daily papers more frequently during the school year but according to this CBC article, Ottawa is going to be handing out a 1.9 billion dollar compensation to former students of Native residential schools who suffered through this system and who "opt-out" of the class-action settlement.
I don't know about anyone else out here, but I never really did get a thorough education about Canada's native history. We got bits and peices here and there in elementary school learning vague notions about Native lifestyles pre-colonization, and then in high school, we'd look at a lot of Native art. But that's about all I can remember. Though, aboriginal women's issues has come up often in my women's studies classes as part of the course's curriculum, so maybe that's a place I can start from.
From what I do know about residential schools, they were terrible places that fostered the horrors of institutionalized racism. When you're learning it in school, such ideologies are much harder to resist and to not internalize. I'm pretty sure that there were quite a few more abuses that went hand in hand with this kind of 'education'. Residential schools certainly did nothing for the empowerment of Canada's Native peoples.
They're estimating that out of this 1.9 billion dollars, that each person who opts out is going to get about $28 000. That's a lot of money in one go, but a pretty cheap price to pay to get someone to promise to never seek any other action against the government or anyone else involved in these matters.
Doubtless, many people need that money, and it can go far for individuals if the community has the tools to enable that, but still...
And out of potentially 80 000 students, they are only expecting 5000 to opt-out, but still...
(and they're are only expecting to average out $28 000 per recipient? hmmm...)
So many questions, mostly because I am so admittedly ignorant about Native histories in Canada, except to know that this country doesn't have a very good track record. I am aware, for example, that many of Robert Picton's victims were Native women who got lost in the shuffle of social concern. But that's just in news that I have heard recently. And that came from one of my classes this summer, as well as attending a feminist conference earlier.
One of the things that I wonder though is why this isn't bigger news? This news bite called the class-action suit being filed 'historical'. But most people I talk to don't really know about it, or talk about it. It's not as out there as I would have expected. It seems to me that something this big should be inviting more active conversation with both the government and Canadian citizens, Native and otherwise. After all, such issues remain largely unresolved. This kind of thing seems to me what we should be talking about in classrooms and newsrooms, especially since it's an issue that involves such a huge amount of people and should be hitting all Canadians close to home. As a colonized nation, one way or the other, every citizen is implicit in this type of history/current event.
It's not a particularly nice view of Canada, but I for one am not someone who thinks these kinds of discussions and events should be swept under the rug. If we are going to be an imperfect nation, at least we can be honest about it. And then do something proper about it.
I don't know about anyone else out here, but I never really did get a thorough education about Canada's native history. We got bits and peices here and there in elementary school learning vague notions about Native lifestyles pre-colonization, and then in high school, we'd look at a lot of Native art. But that's about all I can remember. Though, aboriginal women's issues has come up often in my women's studies classes as part of the course's curriculum, so maybe that's a place I can start from.
From what I do know about residential schools, they were terrible places that fostered the horrors of institutionalized racism. When you're learning it in school, such ideologies are much harder to resist and to not internalize. I'm pretty sure that there were quite a few more abuses that went hand in hand with this kind of 'education'. Residential schools certainly did nothing for the empowerment of Canada's Native peoples.
They're estimating that out of this 1.9 billion dollars, that each person who opts out is going to get about $28 000. That's a lot of money in one go, but a pretty cheap price to pay to get someone to promise to never seek any other action against the government or anyone else involved in these matters.
Doubtless, many people need that money, and it can go far for individuals if the community has the tools to enable that, but still...
And out of potentially 80 000 students, they are only expecting 5000 to opt-out, but still...
(and they're are only expecting to average out $28 000 per recipient? hmmm...)
So many questions, mostly because I am so admittedly ignorant about Native histories in Canada, except to know that this country doesn't have a very good track record. I am aware, for example, that many of Robert Picton's victims were Native women who got lost in the shuffle of social concern. But that's just in news that I have heard recently. And that came from one of my classes this summer, as well as attending a feminist conference earlier.
One of the things that I wonder though is why this isn't bigger news? This news bite called the class-action suit being filed 'historical'. But most people I talk to don't really know about it, or talk about it. It's not as out there as I would have expected. It seems to me that something this big should be inviting more active conversation with both the government and Canadian citizens, Native and otherwise. After all, such issues remain largely unresolved. This kind of thing seems to me what we should be talking about in classrooms and newsrooms, especially since it's an issue that involves such a huge amount of people and should be hitting all Canadians close to home. As a colonized nation, one way or the other, every citizen is implicit in this type of history/current event.
It's not a particularly nice view of Canada, but I for one am not someone who thinks these kinds of discussions and events should be swept under the rug. If we are going to be an imperfect nation, at least we can be honest about it. And then do something proper about it.
Friday, August 10, 2007
Popcan Review
So we hit up "The Pop Can Poll" reception over at the Lennox, and I must say with the help of a few glasses of wine as the night progressed, we had a pretty good time.
The artist, Les Paterson, spent the last two months collecting as many pop cans as possible, flattening them down, and making them into postcards to be sent the House of Commons. Already, Canada Post has been giving him some trouble.
I have to admit, I wasn't crazy about the mixed media popcan paintings up for sale. However, the activist element of this show is what really perked me up to this artist.
The crux of his project is to allow people to voice their complaints (or compliments...though it seems like mostly complaints)about the government and to address the pop can postcards to a wide variety of politicians within the House of Commons. While people brought up many issues amongst the cans displayed on the wall, such as Aboriginal rights, women's rights, family care, health care, institutionalized racism and other equally important concerns amongst Canadian citizens, there was an overwhelming theme about environmental responsibility.
And really, the use of discarded aluminum makes a great impact for that concern in particular. Stephen Harper's government has been notoriously lax on environmental issues, even in the face of David Suzuki's tireless activism as well as world summits that have called Canada to task. In true Harper style, our prime minister has not said much in response. I can imagine all sorts of reactions from the House of Commons on receiving can after can after can of political discontent. Hopefully, none of the reactions will include a complete shunning of the cans. Hopefully.
All unmoderated by the artist, the cans thus allow anyone with different views from Paterson to be allowed to speak. There were a few cans addressed to Jack Layton to be found amongst the Harper critics. I think that its important that the cans be allowed this kind of freedom of speech; it can only be truly democratic if everyone feels like they can freely have a say. Different opinions are important to respect, especially in a political climate, and be made available for open dialogue. I think these pop cans, by being openly displayed in a large space, do a good job of addressing this diversity of concern and opinion.
This show is going on for quite some time. I recommend everyone have a look and take the opportunity to have such a creative say. A box is set up so you can drop your can and contribute to the mass mailing of our culture's environmental waste. Maybe if the politicians take notice of the inherent eco-message, all those other concerns addressed may get a chance as well.
While you're there, be sure to check out the neighbouring bookwork show up on the second floor. Some pretty inventive and thoughtful stuff is on display.
"The Pop Can Poll" is on until August 19th.
The artist, Les Paterson, spent the last two months collecting as many pop cans as possible, flattening them down, and making them into postcards to be sent the House of Commons. Already, Canada Post has been giving him some trouble.
I have to admit, I wasn't crazy about the mixed media popcan paintings up for sale. However, the activist element of this show is what really perked me up to this artist.
The crux of his project is to allow people to voice their complaints (or compliments...though it seems like mostly complaints)about the government and to address the pop can postcards to a wide variety of politicians within the House of Commons. While people brought up many issues amongst the cans displayed on the wall, such as Aboriginal rights, women's rights, family care, health care, institutionalized racism and other equally important concerns amongst Canadian citizens, there was an overwhelming theme about environmental responsibility.
And really, the use of discarded aluminum makes a great impact for that concern in particular. Stephen Harper's government has been notoriously lax on environmental issues, even in the face of David Suzuki's tireless activism as well as world summits that have called Canada to task. In true Harper style, our prime minister has not said much in response. I can imagine all sorts of reactions from the House of Commons on receiving can after can after can of political discontent. Hopefully, none of the reactions will include a complete shunning of the cans. Hopefully.
All unmoderated by the artist, the cans thus allow anyone with different views from Paterson to be allowed to speak. There were a few cans addressed to Jack Layton to be found amongst the Harper critics. I think that its important that the cans be allowed this kind of freedom of speech; it can only be truly democratic if everyone feels like they can freely have a say. Different opinions are important to respect, especially in a political climate, and be made available for open dialogue. I think these pop cans, by being openly displayed in a large space, do a good job of addressing this diversity of concern and opinion.
This show is going on for quite some time. I recommend everyone have a look and take the opportunity to have such a creative say. A box is set up so you can drop your can and contribute to the mass mailing of our culture's environmental waste. Maybe if the politicians take notice of the inherent eco-message, all those other concerns addressed may get a chance as well.
While you're there, be sure to check out the neighbouring bookwork show up on the second floor. Some pretty inventive and thoughtful stuff is on display.
"The Pop Can Poll" is on until August 19th.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
No Glaciers For Chile.
Protesters say 'Harper go home' on PM's last day in Chile
Last Updated: Wednesday, July 18, 2007 | 3:35 PM ET CBC News
Prime Minister Stephen Harper was greeted with "Harper go home" and "Canada: What's HARPERing here?" signs on Wednesday morning as he spent his last day in Chile visiting a controversial Canadian mining company.
Dozens of protesters waited outside Barrick Gold's Santiago headquarters for Harper's visit, which one Chilean environmental activist called "inappropriate."
The protesters claim the company's gold and silver Pascua Lama Project in the Andes Mountains is displacing indigenous people, polluting rivers and damaging three glaciers — charges the company denies.
Harper said Tuesday that as far as he knows Barrick "follows Canadian standards of corporate social responsibility." He said that it was up to Chile and Argentina to determine whether the company was meeting environmental protection standards.
Way to buck responsibility, Harper. Could you recite those standards for me, please? And why they absolve you from accountability for a company that is in another country but is Canadian-owned?
Karyn Keenan, program officer for the Halifax Initiative, an environmental coalition, said that the organization was worried Harper had not been properly informed of the issues surrounding the project.
Ya think?
"We're also concerned that Prime Minister Harper's visit to the Barrick offices might be viewed as a gesture of support for the project, just when the Chilean congress is considering forming a special investigatory commission to evaluate alleged irregularities with the approval process for the mine," Keenan said.
Lucio Cuenca, national co-ordinator of the Latin American Observatory on Environmental Conflicts, agreed with Keenan, claiming the visit gives the project the "tacit approval" of the prime minister.
The local defence council is considering suing Barrick for the alleged destruction of the glaciers, Cuenca said. A human rights complaint has been lodged with the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, he added.
A committee of lawmakers from Chile's chamber of deputies is studying the accusations.
One 2002 environmental report by the General Water Directorship estimates the three glaciers have shrunk by 50 to 70 per cent, allegedly as a result of work done during Barrick's exploratory phase, such as road building.
Runoff from the glaciers fuels watersheds in the area, supplying water to many communities.
"There's a shortage of water in the summertime, and it's only sustained because of the glaciers," one protester told CBC News. "Because of the destruction of the glaciers, there won't be water in the short term, there won't be water for the communities."
Barrick says the glaciers are melting due to global warming.
The company's local director of corporate affairs, Rodrigo Jimenez, said the protesters represent "a small minority."
"A lot of them, as a result of professional activism … unfortunately oppose any type of development — whether it's mining, gas or any type of project around the world," he said.
Harper was scheduled to leave Chile Wednesday for Bridgetown, Barbados.
With files from the Canadian Press
Yet again, Stephen Harper is doing wonders for Canada's reputation in environmental issues. Not to mention the contribution he's making to Canada's history of displacing indigenous people--though his is with a twist! This Canadian company is displacing people in another country! Gotta love his casual, capitalist concern for the people of Chile as he visits this controversial mine. Well, why should he care? He's the prime minister of Canada, not president of Chile.
Wasn't one of the criticisms about Harper during the election the little experience he had in foreign affairs and such? Hmmmm....
Also, don't you love Barrick's local director's reference to "professional activism" (how do I start a career in this)? Opposing things like mining and gas? Like, why would anyone ever have a problem with development like that that has been destroying the environment for years upon years? Oh mah gawd.
Ahem. Anyone happen to see the Massive Change exhibition at the AGO a couple years back? Or the Live Earth concert a couple weeks ago? Anyone? Bueller?
I'll be the first to admit that my environmental science knowledge is low. But digging giant craters into the Earth and mining away for resources can't be having a great effect on the environment, whether it can be linked to climate change and global warming or not. It's still bad for the Earth, and obviously, it is bad for the people of Chile. I think the Prime Minister should deign to be a lot more thoughtful on the situation than to just say, more or less, 'It's not my problem.'
I know that this is one article and that there could be about a million sides of this story that I'm totally ignorant of. I realize this and I'm willing to cop to it. But the casual tone in which Harper offers no real explaination, and gives us no arguement to think about (which is pretty typical of the way he behaves in the media) is so suspect. And is kind of scary. I want to know what is going on and why, Mr. Harper, especially as your job is lead this country, and you also represent us when you visit others. And especially since your election campaign talked about bringing back dignity to the government. I'm still waiting.
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2007/07/18/chile-protests.html?ref=rss
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