On the heels of the Robert Dzeikanski tragedy at the Vancouver airport, another case of taser misuse that took place in September of 2007 has been brought forward.
The case of Italian national Claudio Castagnetta should strike a chord with Canadians. This time the culprits are the Quebec police. It turns out that while he was in a police detention center, he had convulsions and showed clear signs of suicidal behaviour and mental problems. There have been subsequent reports that he was bi-polar.
Stun gun-happy cops may even zap a autistic person if this keeps up. Or how about a little old lady in slippers roaming the streets who lost her way from the home? How would they react then? I exaggerate but they showed little rational and compassionate actions in the aforementioned cases that it has to make us wonder.
What's the difference between the two?
Both seem to be a case of men in emotional distress. Both clearly were not criminals according to video and witnesses.
One was captured on film and captivated the attention of citizens. The other was not and has been forgotten. Out of site our of mind.
The result in each case? A justified call for an immediate inquiry in the Dzeikanski case and none for Castagnetta. The Italian embassy and community are still waiting for answers.
This is not to pile on the police but something clearly needs to be examined regarding tasers. Police officers don't seem to be able to distinguish between a person who is sick and one who is a criminal. Now there is talk that they will have to be properly trained for situations.
That's a start.
However, my question is why are police officers indifferent (or depraved) to begin with? Why are they not capable of exerting common sense instead of group-thuggery?
2007-11-29
Corporate handouts are a pointless means to a dead-end
Why oh why must we always turn to the government? Need people to listen to your music? Call the CRTC to force Canadians what to listen to. A senseless tragedy takes place? Well, put in a demand to the government to regulate human vices. The dollar spins upward thus eliminating a mirage and a competitive advantage for Canadian manufacturers? Who you gonna call? Ghostbusters!
Couldn't resist. "I like de black one..." If you get this one you have watched waaaay too much television like I have. Television intake was not regulated in my home.
Hmm. Maybe that's why I am a rebel against interventionism?
I consider myself a moderate. So, some interventionism is alright I guess for the collective good.
However, Premier Charest's recent $620 million package to rescue the manufacturing sector is one area that seems just plain misguided - not to mention wasteful. Nice these types of games.
Corporate handouts are ridiculous. Especially to companies who should have known better. Times were good when the dollar was down and companies should have been a little more enlightened. The concept of 'saving for a rainy day' certainly had no friends among them. Or what about being prepared in the event of a rising dollar?
Instead the emperor had no clothes and with his (or her) hands sticking out squawking, "But we drive the economy!" Sure, in spite of yourselves.
We always tend to get top-heavy. Then we have to trim or cut away the fat like a bad abdominoplasty. Companies are filled with so many deadbeats in middle and upper management it's scary. Scary as Tom Brady starting on his own 25 yard line. Scary as a drunk Saskatchewanite (or is it Saskatchewanian?) sharing a Pilsner with a polar bear in heat in the dead of winter in -40c conditions still celebrating a Grey Cup victory three months after the fact.
Shake myself back into shape.
Anyway, guess who pays for all this?
Couldn't resist. "I like de black one..." If you get this one you have watched waaaay too much television like I have. Television intake was not regulated in my home.
Hmm. Maybe that's why I am a rebel against interventionism?
I consider myself a moderate. So, some interventionism is alright I guess for the collective good.
However, Premier Charest's recent $620 million package to rescue the manufacturing sector is one area that seems just plain misguided - not to mention wasteful. Nice these types of games.
Corporate handouts are ridiculous. Especially to companies who should have known better. Times were good when the dollar was down and companies should have been a little more enlightened. The concept of 'saving for a rainy day' certainly had no friends among them. Or what about being prepared in the event of a rising dollar?
Instead the emperor had no clothes and with his (or her) hands sticking out squawking, "But we drive the economy!" Sure, in spite of yourselves.
We always tend to get top-heavy. Then we have to trim or cut away the fat like a bad abdominoplasty. Companies are filled with so many deadbeats in middle and upper management it's scary. Scary as Tom Brady starting on his own 25 yard line. Scary as a drunk Saskatchewanite (or is it Saskatchewanian?) sharing a Pilsner with a polar bear in heat in the dead of winter in -40c conditions still celebrating a Grey Cup victory three months after the fact.
Shake myself back into shape.
Anyway, guess who pays for all this?
2007-11-28
Of book stores, art and Canadian Nationalism
I placed an order on Chapters/Indigo online a couple of months back. I bought a soccer book - one that I hope to review shortly if I can remember its contents - and a novel by a Canadian writer.
The soccer book came but the novel never did. This morning I received a notice from Chapters explaining they had to cancel the order and a few other blah, blah, blah's.
It's not the first time this happens but this one is somewhat irksome. I could not resist responding. Basically, I asked them how could a Canadian company that prides itself on being "Canadian" not have a Canadian author in stock?
Then again, this is Canada so this shouldn't surprise anyone.
The arts scene here is managed in a bizarre manner. I remember years ago wanting to purchase a Canadian jazz musician. Price? A whopping $24.95 as opposed to the average of of $16 t0 $18. Many jazz albums command higher prices but usually they are imports or special editions.
I could never quite figure out the contradiction of government assistance for the arts in the form of SOCAN and the CRTC Canadian content rules on one hand and the gouging of consumers on the other. So they force a Canadian musician to get on air but to buy that artist at a store it costs 25% more? Makes no sense.
I'm sure it has something to do with supply and demand. And how murky the publishing and recording industry operate.
Anyway, just a thought. Do Canadians REALLY support their artists?
The soccer book came but the novel never did. This morning I received a notice from Chapters explaining they had to cancel the order and a few other blah, blah, blah's.
It's not the first time this happens but this one is somewhat irksome. I could not resist responding. Basically, I asked them how could a Canadian company that prides itself on being "Canadian" not have a Canadian author in stock?
Then again, this is Canada so this shouldn't surprise anyone.
The arts scene here is managed in a bizarre manner. I remember years ago wanting to purchase a Canadian jazz musician. Price? A whopping $24.95 as opposed to the average of of $16 t0 $18. Many jazz albums command higher prices but usually they are imports or special editions.
I could never quite figure out the contradiction of government assistance for the arts in the form of SOCAN and the CRTC Canadian content rules on one hand and the gouging of consumers on the other. So they force a Canadian musician to get on air but to buy that artist at a store it costs 25% more? Makes no sense.
I'm sure it has something to do with supply and demand. And how murky the publishing and recording industry operate.
Anyway, just a thought. Do Canadians REALLY support their artists?
2007-11-27
9/11 Rescuers Forgotten
This is a special link.
If you've never heard of John Feal maybe it's time you should.
When a great metropolis was in need rescuers were there to help their fellow citizens. Why are they now being shunned by pathetic bureaucratic rules?
Just follow the link above for details on the plight of people with various life threatening health problems since 9/11 and the absurd inflexible rules that followed regarding help and compensation.
Consider linking this to your own blogs.
If you've never heard of John Feal maybe it's time you should.
When a great metropolis was in need rescuers were there to help their fellow citizens. Why are they now being shunned by pathetic bureaucratic rules?
Just follow the link above for details on the plight of people with various life threatening health problems since 9/11 and the absurd inflexible rules that followed regarding help and compensation.
Consider linking this to your own blogs.
2007-11-26
Article of Interest: Politics: The war on terror
Essay by Philip H. Gordon titled "Can the War on Terror be Won?" Comment to follow...possibly. Just a little busy these days.
2007-11-25
Advertising for chumps?
One mini-wheat, two-mini-wheats, three mini-wh...
Oh, hi.
Lost my count.
Maybe an advertising expert can help me with this one. I was reading the sports pages and noticed an ad for Dodge Chrysler Jeep. The caption read, "Be like... insert local sports celebrity here." In this instance, it was Montreal Alouettes quarterback Anthony Calvillo
Now what would make me want to run and buy this car? Does this type of advertising actually work? I thought consumers have become too sophisticated to be swayed by such blatant ploys.
That's my pre-Grey Cup Sunday thought of the day.
Oh, hi.
Lost my count.
Maybe an advertising expert can help me with this one. I was reading the sports pages and noticed an ad for Dodge Chrysler Jeep. The caption read, "Be like... insert local sports celebrity here." In this instance, it was Montreal Alouettes quarterback Anthony Calvillo
Now what would make me want to run and buy this car? Does this type of advertising actually work? I thought consumers have become too sophisticated to be swayed by such blatant ploys.
That's my pre-Grey Cup Sunday thought of the day.
2007-11-22
The inescapable art and benefit of writing pro bono
A magazine editor gave me some advice not so long ago: if you're starting out you'll have to write pro bono.
She was the first editor to actually see past my query and spot something else. We all need breaks and mine went something like "hey, you've got the goods and we want you but first you have some learning to do." I accepted and I've been contributing to Exceptional Family ever since. Pro bono of course.
Hey, it's a learning curve they tell me.
Writing pro bono shouldn't be an issue. If you love to write it is what it is. I'm not suggesting you shouldn't earn a living off it or get paid for your work. Far from it. Sometimes you just have to learn to pick and choose your battles. Eventually I'll get my cut.
Which brings me to another thought. I helped to launch a sports site called Inter Sports Wire button to the side on the sidebar. It's a sport blog with an ambitious game plan - excuse the pun - but we're having fun with it. We love to write and we're, well, sports junkies. Why not make a site out of it? Everyone is doing it mom!
I don't know what the rewards - if any - will be. We may end up getting beaten up like the Patriots rough up NFL teams. Who knows? But we'll give it a whirl.
Part of the plan was to recruit like-minded writers to the site. Attracting such writers is tough given we're a blog and don't pay. We have to hope we fall on junkies like ourselves who just want to talk about sports. Even when you get an enthusiastic "yes" it's tough to get anyone to post articles with any regularity. It's normal. We all have our own sites and there are so many hours in a cloudy or sunny day.
None of this is a problem. It's the reality of blogging entrepreneurship. However, we have observed a special breed of writers out there who - shall we say? - miss the point.
On a couple of occasions we stumbled on journalists who moonlight as bloggers. When approached, they immediately ask: how much? They are practically ready to present a contract.
I even came across bloggers who wanted payment!
Isn't this a form of over-rating ourselves a little? Even for journalists this is a but rich. There's a gigantic pool of talent out there. What gives them the impression they are needed?
It's one thing to sell services in the mainstream world. It's quite another to super impose this on the blogging community. Blogging is the latest frontier of free-form writing creativity. Are we ready for the practical world of mainstream media? Sure the lines have already begun and it's a matter of time before we get a mainstream blogging vein. The clash of writing civilizations is inevitable just like the clash of classical Rome and Germanic tribes.
Inter Sports Wire aims to band together a community of high quality sports writers. Nothing more and nothing else.
To ask for payment misses the whole point of the exercise.
She was the first editor to actually see past my query and spot something else. We all need breaks and mine went something like "hey, you've got the goods and we want you but first you have some learning to do." I accepted and I've been contributing to Exceptional Family ever since. Pro bono of course.
Hey, it's a learning curve they tell me.
Writing pro bono shouldn't be an issue. If you love to write it is what it is. I'm not suggesting you shouldn't earn a living off it or get paid for your work. Far from it. Sometimes you just have to learn to pick and choose your battles. Eventually I'll get my cut.
Which brings me to another thought. I helped to launch a sports site called Inter Sports Wire button to the side on the sidebar. It's a sport blog with an ambitious game plan - excuse the pun - but we're having fun with it. We love to write and we're, well, sports junkies. Why not make a site out of it? Everyone is doing it mom!
I don't know what the rewards - if any - will be. We may end up getting beaten up like the Patriots rough up NFL teams. Who knows? But we'll give it a whirl.
Part of the plan was to recruit like-minded writers to the site. Attracting such writers is tough given we're a blog and don't pay. We have to hope we fall on junkies like ourselves who just want to talk about sports. Even when you get an enthusiastic "yes" it's tough to get anyone to post articles with any regularity. It's normal. We all have our own sites and there are so many hours in a cloudy or sunny day.
None of this is a problem. It's the reality of blogging entrepreneurship. However, we have observed a special breed of writers out there who - shall we say? - miss the point.
On a couple of occasions we stumbled on journalists who moonlight as bloggers. When approached, they immediately ask: how much? They are practically ready to present a contract.
I even came across bloggers who wanted payment!
Isn't this a form of over-rating ourselves a little? Even for journalists this is a but rich. There's a gigantic pool of talent out there. What gives them the impression they are needed?
It's one thing to sell services in the mainstream world. It's quite another to super impose this on the blogging community. Blogging is the latest frontier of free-form writing creativity. Are we ready for the practical world of mainstream media? Sure the lines have already begun and it's a matter of time before we get a mainstream blogging vein. The clash of writing civilizations is inevitable just like the clash of classical Rome and Germanic tribes.
Inter Sports Wire aims to band together a community of high quality sports writers. Nothing more and nothing else.
To ask for payment misses the whole point of the exercise.
2007-11-20
A Bugs Bunny Moment
I never realized it before - or maybe I never cared to admit it since he was my hero - but boy did Bugs Bunny deserve a beating some times.
On with your lives. Go.
On with your lives. Go.
2007-11-19
Montreal Canadiens retire Larry Robinson's #19
One of the greatest defensemen in the history of the NHL is finally getting his jersey retired. Selected three times as a First Team all-star and three times to the Second Team, Larry "Big Bird" Robinson also won the Norris trophy for the league's best defenseman twice (1977 and 1980) and was a runner-up in 1979.Part of the "Big three" unit that included Serge Savard and Guy Lapointe, Robinson was part of the legendary and dominating Habs dynasty of the 1970s that won four straight Stanley Cups. Robinson won a total of fours cups (as well as one as coach with the New Jersey Devils in 200) participating in 227 playoff games.
Forget all that. No one messed around with Robinson to boot. Yeah, the Big Bad Bruins and Broadstreet Bullie were mauling the league, but Robinson put a few of those bums in their place with a punch or body check.
The only unfortunate thing to all this is why the Montreal Canadiens waited so long to retire his number? Not to mention Bob Gainey's #23 which they will also have a ceremony for.They let the entire 1990s go by plus most of the 2000s. It wasn't until intense lobbying did they decide to do so. No one from the organization ever explained their reasoning- good luck trying to get them to return your calls or emails.
On this front, someone made a mistake. At least they got around to it.
Note to Nicolas Sarkozy...
Don't break in the face of the unions.
And can you muzzle Raymond Domenech?
And can you muzzle Raymond Domenech?
2007-11-18
Ugly Canadians at sporting events becoming too common?
What follows is an edited version of a letter to the sports editor I spotted in the Montreal Gazette written by Hall of Fame defenseman Brad Park. Emphasis mine.
"I attended the Bruins/Canadiens game here in Boston on Nov. 8...but something bothered me as a Canada. Sitting down in front of me were a number of Montreal fans. It was easy to identify them as they were wearing their bleu, blanc and rouge with great pride. During the Canadian national anthem, the Montreal fans sang loudly and with great pride...When the Canadian anthem was finished, everyone in the building cheered...What came next blew my mind. When the American anthem started, maybe a half dozen of the Canadian contingent sat down and would not rise during the singing of the American anthem. To me, this is unbelievable! Over the years, the world has become aware of the phrase "The Ugly American." We in Canada have always thought of ourselves above this level of contempt. Is this the new Canada, one that I cannot understand?" Is it the new low that we degrade ourselves at a sporting event to protest our culture when we guest abroad? One simple act can reflect on many. If one wants to protest, do it in the proper place. Hockey games and sporting events are not platforms...If we continue to think of ourselves as true Canadians, showing respect is a must!"
First of all, credit must go to Brad Park - a Canadian who now lives in the U.S. - for stepping up and speaking out. Of course, he is correct. I know I've witnessed not only what he describes here but the booing of an anthem (Canadian or American) as well. What's amazing is that these fans decided to do this in Boston.
Is this an exercise in freedom or arrogance?
The hard truth, as I have mentioned before on this blog, is that even abroad we're beginning to see the rise of the "Ugly Canadian."
Brad Park, a five time First Team All-Star and twice Second team, was among the the greatest defensemen in the 1970s. Only Bobby Orr surpassed him with eight First Team selections and one Second Team for a total of nine.*
"Please rise for the singing of the Canadian and American anthems" is a common protocol now. Anthems are no longer perceived as political tools. Sure we can find all sorts of excuse such as we shouldn't sing anthems at sporting events but until that happens stand up and show respect.
*Denis Potvin was also named to seven all-star selections; five of those on the First team. Yes, same as Brad Park. Unfortunately, while Potvin managed to win three Norris trophies for top defenseman (twice runner-up,) Park had the misfortune of finishing second on the ballot no fewer than six times - twice to Potvin and four times to Orr.
"I attended the Bruins/Canadiens game here in Boston on Nov. 8...but something bothered me as a Canada. Sitting down in front of me were a number of Montreal fans. It was easy to identify them as they were wearing their bleu, blanc and rouge with great pride. During the Canadian national anthem, the Montreal fans sang loudly and with great pride...When the Canadian anthem was finished, everyone in the building cheered...What came next blew my mind. When the American anthem started, maybe a half dozen of the Canadian contingent sat down and would not rise during the singing of the American anthem. To me, this is unbelievable! Over the years, the world has become aware of the phrase "The Ugly American." We in Canada have always thought of ourselves above this level of contempt. Is this the new Canada, one that I cannot understand?" Is it the new low that we degrade ourselves at a sporting event to protest our culture when we guest abroad? One simple act can reflect on many. If one wants to protest, do it in the proper place. Hockey games and sporting events are not platforms...If we continue to think of ourselves as true Canadians, showing respect is a must!"
First of all, credit must go to Brad Park - a Canadian who now lives in the U.S. - for stepping up and speaking out. Of course, he is correct. I know I've witnessed not only what he describes here but the booing of an anthem (Canadian or American) as well. What's amazing is that these fans decided to do this in Boston.
Is this an exercise in freedom or arrogance?
The hard truth, as I have mentioned before on this blog, is that even abroad we're beginning to see the rise of the "Ugly Canadian."
Brad Park, a five time First Team All-Star and twice Second team, was among the the greatest defensemen in the 1970s. Only Bobby Orr surpassed him with eight First Team selections and one Second Team for a total of nine.*
"Please rise for the singing of the Canadian and American anthems" is a common protocol now. Anthems are no longer perceived as political tools. Sure we can find all sorts of excuse such as we shouldn't sing anthems at sporting events but until that happens stand up and show respect.
*Denis Potvin was also named to seven all-star selections; five of those on the First team. Yes, same as Brad Park. Unfortunately, while Potvin managed to win three Norris trophies for top defenseman (twice runner-up,) Park had the misfortune of finishing second on the ballot no fewer than six times - twice to Potvin and four times to Orr.
2007-11-16
Defend Santa Claus! HO!HO!HO!
I thought it was a joke. I really thought it was a joke. I wanted it to be a joke.
But it isn't.
It seems a company in Australia called Westaff wants to change 'Ho, ho, ho' to 'Ha, ha, ha.' Read the above link for the full story. Here's one quote from a manager:
"The reason behind that is we find that in some cases the little kids can get a little bit scared of the deep ho, ho, hos and we ask them to be mindful of keeping their voices to a lower level," he said.
The sad thing is that some boob in Canada probably thinks this is a swell idea and will import the idea.
You know, if this keeps up we'll probably have to deny Jesus and remove Christmas altogether.
But it isn't.
It seems a company in Australia called Westaff wants to change 'Ho, ho, ho' to 'Ha, ha, ha.' Read the above link for the full story. Here's one quote from a manager:
"The reason behind that is we find that in some cases the little kids can get a little bit scared of the deep ho, ho, hos and we ask them to be mindful of keeping their voices to a lower level," he said.
"And kids are probably more inclined to understand `ha, ha, ha', than `ho, ho, ho'."
Wow.
Wow.
The sad thing is that some boob in Canada probably thinks this is a swell idea and will import the idea.
You know, if this keeps up we'll probably have to deny Jesus and remove Christmas altogether.
2007-11-15
Death in Vancouver airport incomprehensible
My wife and I were sitting and watching the news last night when the report came that an unarmed Polish citizen sadly died following being shocked with a Taser by police.
We witnessed for a few minutes an obviously frustrated and incredibly agitated individual lash out as a brave woman tried to calm the man down. Eventually, police came and within a few moments Tasered him.
Just like that. They seemed a little taser-happy to us.
We were speechless. Four officers and they had to do that? We always appreciate the work and sympathize with men in uniform but this incident left us confused if not angered.
Why did they have to Taser him? Did he threaten them? Though that would be hard to determine since he spoke no English. Did any of the officers speak Polish? Why was a woman able to confront him peacefully and temporarily soothe him while officers had to Taser him and then hold him to the ground while he convulsed? What if he was emotionally distressed? In this day and age where autism is on the rise, should they not be more prudent?
Something is not adding up. From the footage I saw, the police gave very little chance to intervene professionally. It seems to people watching, this could have been avoided.
The Vancouver airport and its security has some explaining to do also. The guy was roaming around for 10 hours.
There are so many questions to be answered both from the airport and the police. There had better be a good explanation for why police used excessive force in the death of Robert Dzeikanski.
In the process, Canadians should demand we bring justice to this man and his family.
We witnessed for a few minutes an obviously frustrated and incredibly agitated individual lash out as a brave woman tried to calm the man down. Eventually, police came and within a few moments Tasered him.
Just like that. They seemed a little taser-happy to us.
We were speechless. Four officers and they had to do that? We always appreciate the work and sympathize with men in uniform but this incident left us confused if not angered.
Why did they have to Taser him? Did he threaten them? Though that would be hard to determine since he spoke no English. Did any of the officers speak Polish? Why was a woman able to confront him peacefully and temporarily soothe him while officers had to Taser him and then hold him to the ground while he convulsed? What if he was emotionally distressed? In this day and age where autism is on the rise, should they not be more prudent?
Something is not adding up. From the footage I saw, the police gave very little chance to intervene professionally. It seems to people watching, this could have been avoided.
The Vancouver airport and its security has some explaining to do also. The guy was roaming around for 10 hours.
There are so many questions to be answered both from the airport and the police. There had better be a good explanation for why police used excessive force in the death of Robert Dzeikanski.
In the process, Canadians should demand we bring justice to this man and his family.
More on Reasonable Accommodation
For those of you concerned what is happening in Quebec - or what's been unleashed by the 'Reasonable Accommodation" debates follow this link. It's in French so brush up. Chop, chop.
contrelintolerance.blogspot.com/
contrelintolerance.blogspot.com/
2007-11-14
Soccer in India
Interesting piece on Indian soccer. Thanks to soccer-source.blogspot.com for this.
We're seeing more and more pro teams stake their claims in far away places now. For example, the Red Sox and Yankees have a presence in Asia now. It remains to be seen whether English teams decide to go into India.
Former title holders of the Asian Cup in 1951 and 1962, Indian soccer is nowhere near cricket or field hockey in terms of popularity. I guess it's akin to soccer here in North America. However, given its massive population, one would figure that a decent soccer team can be carved out.
FIFA clearly has some interest as the following link to Forbes shows.
We're seeing more and more pro teams stake their claims in far away places now. For example, the Red Sox and Yankees have a presence in Asia now. It remains to be seen whether English teams decide to go into India.
Former title holders of the Asian Cup in 1951 and 1962, Indian soccer is nowhere near cricket or field hockey in terms of popularity. I guess it's akin to soccer here in North America. However, given its massive population, one would figure that a decent soccer team can be carved out.
FIFA clearly has some interest as the following link to Forbes shows.
2007-11-12
History is on the run:The National Capital Commission is wrong
I must profess I never heard of the The National Capital Commission before. From what I read they are celebrating the 150th anniversary of Ottawa being capital of this country. Take that Kingston!
In this country, we have taken the horrible habit of rewriting our history lest we offend people. Not a wise reason to make such amendments of great importance. This is a sure sign, in my opinion, of an incredibly immature society incapable of facing its own history.
The latest long dead public political figure to raise the ire of some is the British Whig John George Lambton - aka Lord Durham. Aka Radical Jack.
A talented politician, Durham was made governor-general of all British North America and was sent by the British government to survey Canada (as well as the United States) on the heels of the 1837 Patriotes rebellion. While British merchants were asking for greater control in the economic affairs of Lower Canada, the government felt it was time to act.
Durham's committees consisted of opponents of les Patriotes, he consulted with Upper Canadian reform leaders and he penned his own observations of life in the colonies. The Patriotes rebellion was not exclusively made up of French-Canadians nor was it exclusively a cultural rebellion. Rather it was made up of many nationalities including British who demanded responsible government.
The good Lord was then made famous by the Lord Durham's Report on the Affair of British North America in which he had the audacity to proclaim that Canada was "two nations warring within the bosom of a single state." (1838)
The report had three main components: 1) greater self-government for the colonies, 2) responsible government and 3) the union of the two colonies known as Upper and Lower Canada.
The third being by far the most controversial among nationalists. By his estimation, French culture in Quebec was stagnant and made little progress during the previous two centuries.
He concluded that ethnic rivalry was counter productive and recommended the union of Upper and Lower Canada. The thinking was to overwhelm the French advantage in Quebec. He further proposed that any freedoms and protection French-Canadians enjoyed under the Royal Proclamation of 1763 and the Quebec Act of 1774 should be over turned.
In other words, assimilate the bastards.
The reaction against the Durham Report found its strongest voice and expression in Louis-Joseph Papineau with Histoire de l'insurrection du Canada first published in the magazine Progrès and later La Revue canadienne as Histoire de l'insurrection du Canada en réfutation du Rapport de Lord Durham (History of the insurrection of Canada in refutation of the Report of Lord Durham).
The recommendation of the Union did not happened until Durham's successor did so in 1840 in what eventually became known as the Act of Union of 1840. For better or for worse, this signified a new direction for a country called Canada.
Ok. Enough of this. I don't want this to turn into a Durham slug fest. I almost forgot my point.
The history of any nation is bound to have acrimonious incidences that certain segments of a population are sure to have an opinion on. However, it is a part of the history and conscience of a nation.
But don't tell this to CEO of the NCC Micheline Dube who awkwardly stated, "The NCC acknowledges that the recommendations put forth by Lord Durham at the time are considered inappropriate for many and certainly controversial. We in no way intend to offend anyone and have subsequently removed the panel in question."
That panel being a a historic panel dedicated to Lord Durham.
Break out the liquid paper!
Absolutely shocking stuff. Could you imagine little revisionist committees, armed with red pens, myopically taking things out of context by making adjustments to various histories?
It's a bizarre state of affairs in this country. On one side we have a weak sense of history on the other we have nationalists and activists seeking to imprint their visions of this country.
The result? Well, antics like we have seen with the NCC.
It's a disgrace to Canadian history period. These people are not fit to preserve the identity of this country.
So. When will some jackass step up and ask that the Plains of Abraham be removed from history museums and textbooks? Should we take a look at the long list of questionable revered French-Canadian historical figures and demand they be removed from our metros under the guise of citizens being offended?
Why stop at the NCC? We have bigger fish to fry!
In this country, we have taken the horrible habit of rewriting our history lest we offend people. Not a wise reason to make such amendments of great importance. This is a sure sign, in my opinion, of an incredibly immature society incapable of facing its own history.
The latest long dead public political figure to raise the ire of some is the British Whig John George Lambton - aka Lord Durham. Aka Radical Jack.
A talented politician, Durham was made governor-general of all British North America and was sent by the British government to survey Canada (as well as the United States) on the heels of the 1837 Patriotes rebellion. While British merchants were asking for greater control in the economic affairs of Lower Canada, the government felt it was time to act.Durham's committees consisted of opponents of les Patriotes, he consulted with Upper Canadian reform leaders and he penned his own observations of life in the colonies. The Patriotes rebellion was not exclusively made up of French-Canadians nor was it exclusively a cultural rebellion. Rather it was made up of many nationalities including British who demanded responsible government.
The good Lord was then made famous by the Lord Durham's Report on the Affair of British North America in which he had the audacity to proclaim that Canada was "two nations warring within the bosom of a single state." (1838)
The report had three main components: 1) greater self-government for the colonies, 2) responsible government and 3) the union of the two colonies known as Upper and Lower Canada.
The third being by far the most controversial among nationalists. By his estimation, French culture in Quebec was stagnant and made little progress during the previous two centuries.
He concluded that ethnic rivalry was counter productive and recommended the union of Upper and Lower Canada. The thinking was to overwhelm the French advantage in Quebec. He further proposed that any freedoms and protection French-Canadians enjoyed under the Royal Proclamation of 1763 and the Quebec Act of 1774 should be over turned.
In other words, assimilate the bastards.
The reaction against the Durham Report found its strongest voice and expression in Louis-Joseph Papineau with Histoire de l'insurrection du Canada first published in the magazine Progrès and later La Revue canadienne as Histoire de l'insurrection du Canada en réfutation du Rapport de Lord Durham (History of the insurrection of Canada in refutation of the Report of Lord Durham).The recommendation of the Union did not happened until Durham's successor did so in 1840 in what eventually became known as the Act of Union of 1840. For better or for worse, this signified a new direction for a country called Canada.
Ok. Enough of this. I don't want this to turn into a Durham slug fest. I almost forgot my point.
The history of any nation is bound to have acrimonious incidences that certain segments of a population are sure to have an opinion on. However, it is a part of the history and conscience of a nation.
But don't tell this to CEO of the NCC Micheline Dube who awkwardly stated, "The NCC acknowledges that the recommendations put forth by Lord Durham at the time are considered inappropriate for many and certainly controversial. We in no way intend to offend anyone and have subsequently removed the panel in question."
That panel being a a historic panel dedicated to Lord Durham.
Break out the liquid paper!
Absolutely shocking stuff. Could you imagine little revisionist committees, armed with red pens, myopically taking things out of context by making adjustments to various histories?
It's a bizarre state of affairs in this country. On one side we have a weak sense of history on the other we have nationalists and activists seeking to imprint their visions of this country.
The result? Well, antics like we have seen with the NCC.
It's a disgrace to Canadian history period. These people are not fit to preserve the identity of this country.
So. When will some jackass step up and ask that the Plains of Abraham be removed from history museums and textbooks? Should we take a look at the long list of questionable revered French-Canadian historical figures and demand they be removed from our metros under the guise of citizens being offended?
Why stop at the NCC? We have bigger fish to fry!
Example of Corporate bullies and complict bureaucrats squeezing consumers?
www.reportonbusiness.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20070926.wcarsuit0926/BNStory/robNews/home
So. Just how free are Canadian consumers? Nothing like a soaring loonie to show just how much corporations can play subtle games with its clients. If Transport Canada, Honda and Toyota are in on the scam telling ME where I can purchase MY products then they leave me little choice but to exercise MY right to never buy from them.
The problem, of course, is what if all the car manufacturers are doing this? That makes us lame sitting ducks.
To be perfectly honest, that Canada would do this does not surprise me.
So. Just how free are Canadian consumers? Nothing like a soaring loonie to show just how much corporations can play subtle games with its clients. If Transport Canada, Honda and Toyota are in on the scam telling ME where I can purchase MY products then they leave me little choice but to exercise MY right to never buy from them.
The problem, of course, is what if all the car manufacturers are doing this? That makes us lame sitting ducks.
To be perfectly honest, that Canada would do this does not surprise me.
2007-11-11
November 11: ETERNAL REST GRANT THEM O LORD, AND LET PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON THEM.
It is the VETERAN , not the preacher,
Who has given us freedom of religion.
It is the VETERAN , not the reporter,
Who has given us freedom of the press.
It is the VETERAN , not the poet,
Who has given us freedom of speech.
It is the VETERAN , not the campus organizer,
Who has given us freedom to assemble.
It is the VETERAN , not the lawyer,
Who has given us the right to a fair trial.
It is the VETERAN , not the politician,
Who has given us the right to vote.
In Flanders Fields
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved, and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders Fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders Fields.
- John McCrae
Note: Picture on the headline of this site is the Somme.
Who has given us freedom of religion.
It is the VETERAN , not the reporter,
Who has given us freedom of the press.
It is the VETERAN , not the poet,
Who has given us freedom of speech.
It is the VETERAN , not the campus organizer,
Who has given us freedom to assemble.
It is the VETERAN , not the lawyer,
Who has given us the right to a fair trial.
It is the VETERAN , not the politician,
Who has given us the right to vote.
In Flanders Fields
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved, and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders Fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders Fields.
- John McCrae
Note: Picture on the headline of this site is the Somme.
2007-11-10
Hassan Almrei denied bail
Is Hassan Almrei, who entered Canada with a false passport, a terrorist? Or a person who finds, shall we say, comfort with radical ideologies?
Is this another Arar case?
Tough to say but as of 2007 - this piece was originally posts in 2005 - the courts and CSIS still feel he's a threat to national security and he's been held in a Kingston jail now in his 7th year.
He was arrested under the national security certificate law which has been ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court. The conservatives are expected to table a new version of the law in the fall. The flaw in the previous law was that suspects were arrested without a chance to defend themselves.
Is this an example of government and law enforcement learning the ropes on the fly of how to deal with an invisible enemy?
My question is that while he is getting support from people like Alexandre Trudeau, Linda McQuaig and Stuart McLean, do people acknowledge there are terrorist cells operating in Canada?
Is this another Arar case?
Tough to say but as of 2007 - this piece was originally posts in 2005 - the courts and CSIS still feel he's a threat to national security and he's been held in a Kingston jail now in his 7th year.
He was arrested under the national security certificate law which has been ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court. The conservatives are expected to table a new version of the law in the fall. The flaw in the previous law was that suspects were arrested without a chance to defend themselves.
Is this an example of government and law enforcement learning the ropes on the fly of how to deal with an invisible enemy?
My question is that while he is getting support from people like Alexandre Trudeau, Linda McQuaig and Stuart McLean, do people acknowledge there are terrorist cells operating in Canada?
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