Pakistani military launch offensive against Taliban

Apparently the move by the Pakistani government to allow Sharia law in Swat has only emboldened the Taliban. Big surprise. In the original article I read on this early today, a commenter suggested a relationship between Pakistan's desire for further substantial US aid and their handling of the Taliban. In short, the commenter suggested that the Taliban are good business for many in the Pakistani government. An interesting thought.

I wouldn't be surprised if a significant amount of that US aid finds it's way into the hands of the Taliban or it's sympathizers in the end. The US could well be financing both sides of the struggle to a large extent.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20090428/wl_asia_afp/pakistanunrestnorthwestlead

Interesting article on Russia from Charlesius

Misery loves company. Thought I would highlight this article as it does say a great deal about the state of affairs in the World today.

http://uk.reuters.com/article/gc07/idUKTRE53F52K20090416

I had a few moments earlier to absorb some of the affairs of the day and saw the PM and Obama at the latest conference.

I wonder if those many leaders can find a truly useful direction. Can an offer of an open hand actually bring forward the best in those who are positioned to lead?

There is the story of the American born Iranian journalist sentenced to 8 yrs. by a Fundamentalist Iranian court and their PM, making overtures toward making efforts to show some good will.

Will they put aside the antagonism, the Imperialism, the politics and apply their abilities for once in my lifetime, to move forward together?

Sometimes I walk through the Valley of fools. Sometimes I walk through a Valley of Angels.

The Human condition.

I won't be bloggin much for a while. Explanation to follow

Just a brief note to explain my recent silence. My most immediate Family member has been severely injured in an accident.

I'll get by with a little help from my friends.. Part Two

New Brunswick may have it's own version of the Mulroney/Shreiber show brewing presently. It appears a business person operating in N.B. is displeased with a certain connected individual who now holds the CEO's post at NB Liquor Corporation and feels he did not receive services for which he paid the CEO during past years. Seems it relates to fees concerning consulting/lobbying. Sound familiar?

"A well-known New Brunswick Liberal and close friend of Premier Shawn Graham is facing a hearing before a judge under the province's Conflict of Interest Act."


Something else that is familiar is those pointed to are not talking.

"Clendenning, a former executive director of the New Brunswick Liberal Party, has repeatedly refused to discuss O'Donnell's allegations. "I will not be giving interviews on this matter," he said in an email in December. He refused again when approached by CBC News during an NB Liquor event in March."

And;

"Greg Byrne, the minister of Business New Brunswick, refused to be interviewed. In September 2007, his spokeswoman, Sarah Ketcheson, said the department had been "in the process of gathering information from" O'Donnell when he closed the call centre.

Byrne was also Clendenning's lawyer during his business dealings with O'Donnell. Byrne ended his law practice in October 2006, when he was sworn into cabinet. He was not representing Clendenning during the period covered by O'Donnell's complaint."

http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/cbc/090414/canada/canada_newbrunswick_nb_clendenning_conflict

Isn't it interesting how, when details such as these are offered, they almost always come from one of the once upon a time players who feels slighted?

Reminds me of my days working for the Railways, and how so often when thieves were caught it was because other thieves resented the competition or were angry that the other one got something they wanted, and would perform their civic duty and turn in the other thief. Also interesting that the thief once caught, and without recourse, was only asked to resign. I'm talking some major thefts here, some cases running into hundreds of thousands.

Not so for someone caught shoplifting food.

Makes me think of the code of Honor among the Cosa Nostra. Well, the used to be code of Honor.

What's the world coming to I ask, when there is no code of Honor among thieves?

heh...

Could this lead to justice for the Sins of the Fathers? Not likely, not in N.B. Not in the Maritimes. We not only gave birth to the Nation, the Lord's and Seigneurs also pioneered tranferring the European Feudal system to our shores.

This story stirs a lot of old memories of the crushing weight of political patronage, and how those who are not in the inner circles, either by choice or circumstance, are given no consideration. They are merely the peasant class, the chattering masses, to be used or abused at will. Justice of the few, by the few, for the few.

I wrote about this phenomenon on Gart's site a some considerable time back. About refined Feudalism and about how the Corporate entities such as the one's we have here in N.B., including the fiefdom of Irving, allow no newspapers other than the one's they control. There have been extensive commisions on this monopoly situation, only to find in the Lord's favor. The fact that they controlled every newspaper of any significance didn't represent a threat to access of information. Yet, the Irvings have been accused of allocating up to $1 million dollars to drive out a very small newborn independent newspaper. Which, I would add, no longer exists.

I wrote then, coming to a place near you.

Remain silent, you of the chattering class, or they will unleash the dogs, and further the cull.

Or choose to stand your ground. It is up to you. From one who could never fit in the round hole, I will tell you, it's not easy to be different. I suspect, that as things are unfolding, it's not going to be easy to be the same either.

Ask not, what your Country can do for you. And remember, from pain, comes wisdom.

Icelands investigators looking into dealings of dethroned elite

"An investigation into “suspicions of criminal actions” has been launched, with institutions that attracted billions of pounds in deposits from thousands of UK citizens, businesses, local authorities and charities at its centre.

Amid mounting concern that illegal activity has occurred inside publicly-traded banks Gylfi Magnusson, Iceland’s business minister, has conceded there are similarities with the country’s banking system and failed US energy company Enron."

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financetopics/financialcrisis/5145969/Iceland-banking-inquiry-finds-murky-geysers-run-deep.html

The article speaks for itself, but doesn't it seem a little odd that these practices were so widespread, in so many countries during the same period in time? If that is just co-incidence, then it's just simply amazing!

GM told to prep for bankruptcy

There seems to be a prevailing thought process in Washington these days when it comes to how to fix that which is broke.

This being, separate the troubled areas from the profitable. Shuffle some papers and legal status, then create entity A which is solid and will remain in the hands of those who got it into the mess. Plus create entity B, which is little more than a dump for the problem assets, and liabilities which will be financed by taxpayers during disposition of it's assets. Sounds a lot like that privatizing profit, socializing risk that so many are talking about these days.

"A plan under consideration would create a new company that would buy the "good" assets of GM after the carmaker files for bankruptcy, the Times said.

Less desirable assets, including unwanted brands, factories and health care obligations, would be left in the old company, which could be liquidated over several years, according to the paper."


http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/reuters/090413/business/cbusiness_us_autos_gm

Who says you can't have your cake and eat it too?

WARNING! The above described procedures are not recommend for little Piggies. It could be hazardous to their health and general welfare.

Sire, it's the Peasants again..

All is not well in the land of Tigers.


"On Saturday, hundreds of red-shirted Thaksin supporters broke through lines of soldiers and invaded the media center adjacent to the summit venue, the Royal Cliff hotel, blowing whistles, waving flags and shouting "Abhisit Out."

RED SHIRTS V BLUE SHIRTS

Troops tried to stop them, but "red shirts" and soldiers came hurtling through a huge picture window at the media center in a furious scrum. Soldiers then bolted down the road to protect the hotel where Asian leaders were to hold a lunch.

After rampaging about the media center, the "red shirts" -- including a 90-year-old woman in a wheelchair -- were soon huddled with reporters in impromptu news conferences around the vast conference center. They denounced Abhisit's government as "anti-poor.""

http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/reuters/090411/world/international_us_asean_summit

Good News Comrades! Kind of funny too.

The following is an article about the future of General Motors and some of the new products they will offer in the very near future. One of these is supposedly based on a design that came from Korea. Once you read about it, think K Car.

"'The car that's going to save GM,' suggests automotive consultant James Hall, of 2953 Analytics in Birmingham, Mich., 'is the Chevy Cruze, and the derivatives that will come off it.'

The Cruze is a fuel-efficient compact designed in Korea that will sell in markets throughout the world. It goes on sale in North America in the first half of 2010. A small seven-passenger van built off the same platform, the Chevy Orlando, is expected a little later. By selling in huge volumes, perhaps as many as 1.7 million worldwide, the Cruze family could allow GM to be profitable on small cars for a change."

http://ca.autos.yahoo.com/p/1343/cars-that-can-save-detroit

The Black Swan

Thought I would highlight this link provided by Dee, as it very much focuses on, and explains much of what I feel is necessary in order for much of the World to get it's feet back under it. The article also goes along with what I wrote at the bottom of the April 9th post. Environment, alternative energy and Small is beautiful.


One of the most wise thoughts offered here;

"3. People who were driving a school bus blindfolded (and crashed it) should never be given a new bus. The economics establishment (universities, regulators, central bankers, government officials, various organisations staffed with economists) lost its legitimacy with the failure of the system. It is irresponsible and foolish to put our trust in the ability of such experts to get us out of this mess. Instead, find the smart people whose hands are clean."


http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/5d5aa24e-23a4-11de-996a-00144feabdc0.html?nclick_check=&nclick_check=1

The Moral Compass. Which way does it point these days?

As most are likely aware, Stylish Steve and Igghead have jousted recently over that Mulroney guy and in a response to reporters recently, the Stylish one made a reference to something being wrong with Igghead's moral compass. In this odd set of events, Harper did appear to have some foundation for his statements, unlike the other guy who never ceases to miss an opportunity to check to see if he can still fit his foot in his mouth. Still, it is rather humorous hearing Harper lecture on morality. I guess lying doesn't count.

But that's not what I wanted to write about this morning. It was the phrase Moral Compass that went together with something else that happened in my little corner of this Country that I thought worthwhile discussing. I could have titled this piece, The Confused Nation and it would have been appropriate too.

The Rest of The Story;

There seems to be a marked increase in the number of fights/violent incidents among youth/yutes (Joe Pesci) in our area in recent weeks, and I really don't know why that is exactly, I just know it is. It could be the result of being cooped up together for months in schools and looking for avenues to realease their frustrations, or it could just be instincts similar to male Deer or Bucks come rutting season. As I said, I don't know but that isn't really the basis of what I want to write about either exactly. My pondering is based on one particular incident, involving a group of yutes ranging in age from 15 to 18 yrs, a woman approx 35 yrs. and pregnant, plus an older guy of 50 plus.

A group of high school students are squaring off in the parking lot of a local burger joint located with walking distance of the school. They have grievances with each other apparently. Not far away are other yutes who are not involved, including the person who told me this story. It is lunch period so it is not uncommon for students to be in this area. What was uncommon was the aspect of a fight brewing there and especially at that time of day.

To complete setting the scene, the 50 plus year old guy is standing behind the burger joint, having a smoke. He works there. Someone goes into the restaurant and informs staff of the situation, and for some reason unbeknown to me, out comes the 35 yr. old noticably pregnant woman to deal with it.

The woman approaches the yutes, and words are exchanged and that is when it starts to get weird. A 15/16 yr. old becomes incensed, starts lipping off loudly and more words are exchanged. The yute proceeds to apply a very forceful push to the woman almost knocking her off of her feet. That is when the rather smallish 50 something yr. old male who was having a smoke and watching this unfold, springs into action. He rushes across the parking lot and delivers a blow to the head of the yute so forceful that said yute drops like a stone.

Uh Oh. Now we have a dilemna. Due to the actions of 50 something guy, the incident draws to a quick close. The yutes involved gather up the one on the ground and leave the area. What will come of this in the end, I don't know either. I don't know if the yutes will report this as an assault, which in all likelihood would go badly for 50 something guy. I don't know if the restaurant chain will end up being involved or not. The yutes may choose not to pursue anything out of embarrassment or fear of repercussions for their actions. That does not eliminate possible consequences for the adults though.

Unfortunately, the yutes have little deterrent from making an issue of this, as our system rarely does anything at all about this type of youth violence. I am aware of numerous incidents of vicious assaults perpetrated by students against other students in recent years and the perpetrators suffered little or no consequences. Police do little other than deal with immediate circumstances and offer the explanation that it is the Crown Prosecutors office which decides whether to pursue matters or not. If one accepts this, then apparently the Crown rarely chooses to continue, preferring to wait until the little dinks are fully cultivated violent members of adult society. So on to reality and choices.

As an old head with a grasp of the realities here, I will list some of the risks 50 something guy ran when he bolted across that parking lot;

1. Being charged with assault.
2. Being assaulted himself.
3. Loosing his job.
4. Being sued.

And what he could achieve.

1. Protecting a fellow employee and possibly a friend from potential injury.
2. Protecting an unborn child from possibly harm.
3. Ending a potentially dangerous situation where injuries might have been sustained by a number of persons.

Now the dilemma involved here is quite obvious I would think. Did he do the right thing? Did the situation warrant his actions? Was it wise of him to expose himself and his employer to these risks?

My personnel dilemma is further complicated as I had made considerable attempts to spur authorities to address the youth violence issues last year and have admonished and punished my own Son for allowing himself to become involved in fights. As a result, he asked me this question yesterday.

"Would you have been mad at me if I got into that fight to protect the woman?"

Sometimes kids ask really tough questions. What do you think? What is our moral compass in these modern times?

Comrades, I have no good news for you today.

Our losses are mounting as I write, with no immediate end in sight. With a further 61,000 plus Comrades sidelined, or put out to pasture this past month, there is little light to be seen on the horizon. There has been a shift in which areas suffered the most, but that would be comfort to few.

http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/capress/090409/national/jobs

Yesterday I was bothered by the increasing focus of many who have the ability to speak out, choosing to use their voices for partisan sniping and focusing on issues that do nothing to bring forward constructive dialogue on matters relevant to these times.

Here in our little corner of Internet world, we have explored things such as the root causes of the failures of our economic system and likely have gotten as close as we could to determining who is in fact responsible. We now have some sense of these things, and are better prepared in our own personal circumstances and to speak to, and with others on these matters in order to share understanding.

For us, we can relate to summations of realities such as Comrade Herb's reference to Presidential Power and Hard Power. It certainly seems that Hard Power has triumphed in circumventing Presidential or Prime Ministerial power in many crucial areas, and these are the concerns best addressed openly by those who have the means.

Turning to the world of Canadian politics momentarily, I see the pundits discussing the seeming stagnant positions of the top two parties, and note that many seem somewhat surprised, perhaps even a little bewildered. Maybe this is because their noses are too close to the book of strategy to notice that to the rest of those who bother to pay attention, the two groups have become divided only by issues of lesser importance. I wonder if they consider that the reasons may well be that both entities appear pretty much the same, and employ the same strategies. Serve up hash, deliver some bash and chase after the money.

Which leads me to two of the most extraordinary statements from our political leaders this past week. One from Flaherty and the other from Iggnatieff.

Flaherty made reference to the fact that people are not facing challenges equal to those faced by our early pioneers. Ya think Jim? How long did it take him to come up with that assessment and how much did it cost?

Iggnatieff gave a statement voicing his admiration for Brian Mulroney. Imagine. Way to set yourself apart from the crowd Micheal.

Fella's, most know how interconnected we are with the US, and appreciate the significance, but it doesn't have to start and stop there does it? You guys need to put some fire in people's bellies, and swooning and crooning just doesn't cut it.

Have a chat with that Danny Williams guy why don't you? He has a knack for standing up at the right time and being heard on things that are really important to people. Danny's not afraid of the Big Bad Oil Companies, and he knows how to play a hand. Get out there and tell people you will help them to start small businesses. One person operations on up. Get your printing press behind the small entrepeneurs and don't worry about getting your take for CRA so much. It will all work out in the end.

In this wasteland of political moeofthesames, I tend to lean Green. Not so much as a party supporter, because they are in their infancy and I believe they need more input from older heads. But more because of their support for environmental concerns, alternative energy and that they understand that small is beautiful. One day those youngsters who make up the bulk of Greenies will grow up, and will draw together the foundations of all those good ideas they have, apply their learned experiences and the knowledge of politics they have gained along the way. Together with a new breed of Independents borne from the spirit of quiet political revolution, they will eat those two old dinosaurs alive.

Political Leaders commemorate 92nd Anniversary of Vimy Ridge

I join them in Honouring all who participated in that Historic battle. I also wish to include a few thoughts based on memories and conversations I have had with those involved in, and those associated with those involved in campaigns of yesteryear. I selected an excerpt from a statement issued by Micheal Iggnatieff as a reference.

"We will forever honour the fallen of Vimy Ridge, Passchendaele, Ypres, and the beaches of Normandy. We celebrate the many achievements of these heroic Canadians who remain an inspiration in their selfless courage and dedication to our country. "

Link; http://www.liberal.ca/story_15717_e.aspx

My Uncle, Dad's oldest brother was at Vimy. My maternal Grandfather was a Calvaryman with the Hert's Imperial Yeomanry, stationed in Egypt at the beginning of WW 1, and subsequently sent to the Dardenelles. My Father was among the Canadian contingent at Normandy. His baby Brother went to Sicily, and became a career Soldier. I expect that had something to do with a scarcity of jobs in their home area, and that is one of the things I would like to point to.

I never learned much about Wars from members of my immediate family. I didn't hear about great battles, or great acts of courage. I didn't hear about their suffering from them. They never talked about those things. What I learned about their experiences, and the personal horrors, came from someone else many years after they passed. Someone close to both of them. And I heard from my Father, in the night, when the demons came. He didn't know what he was saying of course, those things were just memories that wouldn't leave him. The plight of the Citizen Soldier. The quiet intellectual who went to War not out of Patriotism, as I was told much later, but out of a sense of responsibility to his Family and to satisfy a sense of personal worth.

The reality of scarcity of jobs has often remained throughout the years, and likely explains the high percentage of Atlantic Canadians who are active in Military positions even to this day.

With time and experience, I came to understand why the Citizen Soldier didn't speak of their memories of Battles. Their memories of non combatants. Their memories of friends lost.

I have also come to understand why our Governments won't agree to the simple act of honouring Canadians lost in the Vietnam war during Remembrance Day ceremonies.

They are never mistaken.

Of our politiical leaders, I would ask deeper consideration, further reflection, and a fuller Remembrance.

At the going down of the sun, and in the morning. We will Remember them.

Village idiots rule the land, and you pay the costs.

I blogged about the following item some time ago, and this is an update. It is the story of a pre-teen girl in Quebec, and her issues involving parental discipline and the push pull of custody antagonisms. I'll harp more about this later, but the essence of my thoughts on this is that our system has become lost in a child like world full of childish notions brought about by mentally under developed person's holding positions they shouldn't have because they are endangering the fabric that holds a society together.

Idiots should not make the rules, nor should they tinker with them.

"Her punishment: she was banned from her Grade 6 graduation trip to Quebec City in June 2008, for which her mother had already granted permission.

The father — who had custody — withheld his written permission for the trip, prompting the school to refuse to let the girl go with her classmates.

That's when the girl asked for help from the lawyer who represented her in her parents' separation, and petitioned the court to intervene in her case.

"Going to court was a last resort," said Lucie Fortin, a legal aid attorney who represented the girl. "The question was that there was a problem between the father and the mother, and the child asked the court to intervene because it was important to her.

"The trip was very important to her."

Legal battle destroyed father-daughter relationship"

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/montreal/story/2009/04/07/mtl-quebecgirl-sues-dad-0407.html

A final thought for now, if Legal Aid lawyers in the Province of Quebec, have time to spend on trivial complaints like this, they have too many Legal aid lawyers. Doesn't that Province receive the highest dollar amount of transfer payments from the Federal Government, year after year?

Another whack at the Long Gun Registry Piniata

I submitted this post to a prominent liberal bloggers site recently, and it never appeared.

CENSORED, I guess.

"Much to do about nothing in the end, I expect, given the chances of finding enough support among the ranks of the opposition seems slim. Still, thanks for not using the big brush "GUN" Registry approach, as is so often the method preferred, and identifying the issue correctly as it pertains to Long Guns.

To present alternative views, first I say this has long been promised to the CPC members who favor this policy, and this is Harper's 2nd time around. It is also greatly watered down. Next, I would say that dismantling this process does not make Long guns immune to the rest of the checks and balances. There is still a matter of being licensed to own a gun and the procedures in checking ones personal records and history as well. Trigger locks, storage cabinets, restricted access to ammunition etc. Did you know they keep pellets and BB's in locked display cabinets?

If you have looked into the licensing process, you would realize that a law abiding citizen would really have to want to have a gun in order to go through all of that. It's not like just walking into Canadian Tire and picking your favorite model.

I often have the feeling this issue isn't so much about the Long guns as it is about political influence, one group trying to enforce it's will over another and a backward way of viewing democracy.

When a majority government makes laws such as these, without prior consultation with the public or it being a major campaign issue, then true democratic process hasn't taken place. Assessing the process that is ahead, seems far more democratic to me given the public understands a great deal more at this point, and the result will depend on a free vote in the house. For what that's worth.

There are also statistics to consider which don't support the contention that Long guns are a significant factor in cases of criminal activity.

Using the Police Chiefs as a reference is interesting as well, as I suspect if they were candid in expressing their views, they would favor no guns whatsoever except for themselves and the military.

I grew up with guns in my house, and was taught to respect them. Many of my neighbors had guns as well, all long guns. I can't remember a single incident of anyone shooting someone in the entire area, so what's wrong with modern society that this has become such an issue?

There are many areas where people lives are endangered that are addressed by laws and regulations, many of which result in more deaths and debilitating injuries than long guns. Often these are not utilized effectively, or are ignored for the sake of making the wheels go around.

Having said all that, a couple of years ago my Son went to school with a used, bent pellet in his pocket not realizing it was there. On discovering it, he took it out and began to fiddle with it and was spotted by a teacher. It was taken away and he was told he would be expelled if it happened again. That was in Southern Ontario, land of paranoia's. What was he going to do with a bent pellet and no pellet gun? Just an illustration. I'm glad it wasn't a stapler.

Don't taze me bro!"

-------------------

Today I found a liberal bloggers entry on this issue which suggests Conservative Party support and financing is the most likely reason for the CPC bringing the issue forward again.

Duh….

A finanical reason for the Cons. wanting to scrap the long-gun registry.

http://scottdiatribe.canflag.com/2009/04/06/a-finanical-reason-for-the-cons-wanting-to-scrap-the-long-gun-registry/

During recessions the MSM rarely writes about those who hurt the most,

I was reading yet another article this morning based on the World's economic uncertainties, and the effects of the day on markets, investors outlook and banking industry overviews. Got me to thinking about how little anyone writes about the individuals caught under the wheels of the Bus with no where to go, but down.

All well and good to go about trying to fix things manipulating interest rates, but who does this hurt? Swamping the money supply by various means gets some attention, but does anyone talk about the effects being seen from the result of years and years of focus on growth, and the result of the extraordinary exit of investment monies from real estate growth into oil futures that we saw last year?

Most focus is on the peripherals, how it came to be, what happened during, but little is said about the pinch now becoming a grab, by many of those companies that were created or greatly expanded during the growth period, and what they are currently doing in the marketplace. An example of which can be found on the shelves of your local giant corporation owned grocery outlet. How many products spiked by an extraordinary amount supposedly due to increased transportation and production costs related to energy, only to have remained at that level or higher? What about the ruse employed by Oil giants concerning the cost of Diesel and home heating oil? Demand is down significantly, so why is Diesel still priced higher at the pumps than gasoline? Quick answer, because they can.

There are a lot of people who get caught between a rock and a hard place in times like these. We hear about those who lose their jobs, and many truly sympathize. Some know what it is like to be in similar circumstances. How much do we hear about those who worked for many years, encountered these or similar difficulties and approached retirement with some savings, perhaps RRSP's and largely relied on Government pensions, meager private industry pensions or combinations thereof, and hopes of some steady supplement from their savings? Not much I think.

Some say that housing and auto prices have declined, so overall we have deflation. Well, maybe if you are still active in that sphere of economic activity, it is significant. If not, things such as rising energy costs, grocery, property taxes and the like are priority concerns. These things are going up. In Ontario, and I expect other Provinces soon to be heard from, harmonized sales tax will grab you by both cheeks of your backside and squeeze you some more. So with the recent debacle in the markets destroying half of savings for many, and interest being virtually useless in regards to income, what are these people to do in order to cover these increased costs for the necessities of life? Many even have to pay their own medical and dental costs, plus eye testing and glasses. If you are desperate poor and don't have private coverage, most Provincial Gov's have programs to address this. Not easily accessed programs mind you, but they are there buried under lengthy bureaucratic process and mountains of paper.

Unfortunately though, those with Old age security and or CPP benefits plus a little bit of savings generally don't qualify, so they are in fact more poor than the poor, especially if they are ill or have disabilites that incur extra costs. Neat system wot?

Not to forget the officially government designated poor though, as they have similar concerns and are also extremely sensitive to the increases in costs for basic needs.

I can't remember the last time I read an article in a major media venue that brought these things out in the light and focused on it.

To the MSM, I would say kindly put some focus on these largely forgotten people. Not just the murders and other sensational news from the United States. Never know boys and girls, someday soon you too might be seen at the Food Bank hurrying with your bundles to your leased Escolade parked around the corner.

Here's the link that got that mini rant started;

http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/reuters/090407/business/cbusiness_us_markets_global

We passed a Milestone today. Did you notice?

It just dawned on me we topped 10,000 hits on the counter today. Not too shabby given we are not associated with an aggregate, nor make any focused self promotion efforts elsewhere. I have noticed some other bloggers hit numbers recently, with one prominent liberal blog which has existed a great deal longer showing 167,000 total hits, and another writing about increased traffic since joining Liberalsonline and having an average of 72 visitors per day. We are averaging 120.

Either we have a fair number of lurkers, or we are very popular with a few people for whatever reasons. So a message to our possible lurkers, quit lurking and speak up. Given that there is actually only about six of us who prattle on here, I have been considering giving the members of the collective a numerical designation.

Just call me One of Six.

Featured MSM ariticle of the day.

This was featured at Kate's World today, and initially I thought what was written was hers as it was in keeping with the usual nonsense one finds over there. To my surprise, it comes from the Wall Street Journal. What is most amazing though, is that they printed it. If you have a rubber rain coat and galoshes, I suggest you don them, as the sh*t flies fast and furious in this one.

"It is not for nothing that rage has been turned on those wicked financiers. The banks are at the core of the administration's thrust: By managing the money, government can steer the whole economy even more firmly down the left fork in the road.

If the banks are forced to keep TARP cash -- which was often forced on them in the first place -- the Obama team can work its will on the financial system to unprecedented degree. That's what's happening right now."

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123879833094588163.html

Have they no shame?

Britian's Sir Fred Goodwin claims he is entitled to his pension rewards, regardless of his dismal performance as head of Royal Bank of Scotland. The RBS ex chief executive is defending his right to not only a dubious payment amounting to 16.9 million pounds, but also a yearly pension amount of 703,000 pounds.

It is said that that he still takes the view that he is entitled to the money.

He should start a new career as Britain's version of Ed the Sock. Sir Ed, cigar?

"Goodwin's pension pot was doubled to £16.9m on the weekend the bank was bailed out by the taxpayer in October."

http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2009/apr/03/fred-goodwin-pension-rbs-agm

Where's Jack?

Has anyone heard from the usually anxious to be seen and heard Jack Layton lately? I can't remember the last time I read an article about what Jack Layton thinks about such things as more stimulus, or the Auto Industry or G20 priorities or anything else for that matter. Maybe I'm just not reading the right sources, but it seems to me that Jack is unusually quiet. Especially for Jack.

When I read a link from the Toronto Star by Chantal Hebert provided by Dee earlier, I got to wondering why we aren't hearing from him? That article points to a poll done by Leger, which indicates Canadians coast to coast largely agree on something for a change. No bailout for GM and Chrysler. According to Hebert, only 15% of Canadians support bailing them out, and even in Ontario there is only 17% who support it.

So, back to my thought, why aren't we hearing from bouncy Jack?

Searching for an intelligent debate re: Long Gun legislation

This is a pet peeve of mine. I have read a number of items from people who oppose abolishing the Long Gun Registry, and have never found any of them to be convincing. In fact, most of the time they rely on catch phrases, rhetoric, bias borne from swishing down contemporary urban thought process with pints of spittle and other misc. tidbits which they cannot support thoroughly with numbers.

This bill does not propose scrapping the entire gun registry. It does not propose changing the status of firearms that are currently illegal. Kalashnikov's will still be illegal. It does not propose ending the very time consuming and intrusive process involved in obtaining a license to own a firearm or any of the other laws associated with that.

What it addresses is, ending the record keeping arm of the bureaucracy which is related to Long guns. Such things as hunting rifles, military rifles (non automatic) and antique rifles.

At the heart of this, is a clash of cultures, era's and political pandering. What we have in essence, is a time warp of sorts. The cities have lot's of trouble's these days with drugs, drug dealers, assorted criminal elements and they also have noisy special interest groups. The issue of the Long guns has become a crutch for those who haven't the courage to admit where the real source of their troubles comes from. That being themselves, their daily habits and weaknesses and dull wits. Oh look, there's a new bandwagon to jump on! Hurry!

At the core of my gripes is another consideration, that being the lack of public input and regional representation involved when these laws and regulations were initially implemented. I don't remember any public discussions in my area. I don't remember this being an important election plank. I don't remember the government of the day giving consideration to a long established right, and the weight of past practice involved. What I remember is the arrogance of a majority federal government who as usual, acted based on what was politically expedient at the time.

I don't presume to have basis to tell Ontario, Quebec or B.C. what to do about the problems that have been created, largely in their high population areas. If they can't address the drug issues, without encompassing laws covering ownership of guns, then that is something for them to deal with. And that is who I think should deal with it. I think most of the responsibility for gun legislation should rest with provincial governments. Perhaps incorporating municipal government where warranted. Situations such as what is experienced in Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver would suggest that might be sensible. It would localize controls on an as needed basis, plus costs as well.

But this one size fits all routine, sticks in my craw. I live in the outbacks, I don't want the troubles of the cities, and I don't need no steenkin' Big Brother telling me whether I's growed up enough to own a gun. Sometimes I wondered if Big Brother is all growed up?

Harper unexpected no-show at G20 family photo

This should be fun! Besides reminding me of Dion's little problem with showing up late for an interview during the last election campaign, I am looking forward to the Cat's and Dogs going at it over their interpretations. Given some conflicting reports on Harper's recent statements on stimulus, and the push pull on economic policy among the G20 leaders that has been reported, some room for speculation has emerged. Add to that, Mark Carney's recent back peddling and seeming contradictions of Harper's latest statements re: leaders should over act, (more power to the engines Mr. Scott!), I'm wondering whazzup?

http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/capress/090402/world/g20_summit_harper

And the rain rain rain came down down down, but the markets went back up again

Just a quickie post. I noticed both the TSX and the DJIA are up about 150 points today. Based on what, I have no clue. Nothing but bad news on the economic front, economic growth numbers and projections all down, employment numbers are frightening and the Peasants in London England are referring to it as Fortress London this week.

What do those investment people read anyway? Winnie the Pooh?

Silly Wabbits.

Frank Valeriote, MP for Guelph, cries foul on Auto deal

For those who don't know who Frank is, he's a newly elected first time MP and a Lawyer from the little burgh of Guelph Ontario. Guelph is home to Linamar Corp., a company heavily involved in providing parts for the Automotive Industry. Apparently, Frank is the Liberal member on the Subcommittee on the Automotive Industry of Canada, which is a bit curious given his background, but I suppose this type of thing is common place in Otterwa.

I read the roughly 4 page document put out by the Liberal Party on their concerns regarding the Industry, the gist of which appears to be to recommend a North American working group to discuss strategies for the ailing auto industry. All very well and good I suppose, except for the realities of the Big 3 being American companies and that it most definitely appears to be a high priority item for the Obama admin at this time. So what exactly Frank and Co. think at this point is quite likely not very high on the Obama peoples agenda.

The concern that stood out in the great long 4 pages or so, was this;

“This government has been completely negligent in defending Canadian interests and Canadian jobs,” he said.

This was made particularly evident last week, when General Motors told the auto subcommittee that it had committed all of its worldwide assets, including its assets in Canada, as collateral for U.S. loans to keep its American operations alive, Mr. Valeriote said.

“That may mean that this government's loans to GM Canada are going to be unsecured and Canadian taxpayers are going to be on the hook,” he said.

Political rhetoric aside, Frankie is a Lawyer, and I expect can easily understand loan documents and whether or not the government of Canada and thus it's citizens are properly secured in regards to the loans he refers to. Maybe getting some facts/terms would be more useful than writing up 4 pages plus on things that are largely irrelevant at this time?

The US government is going to do whatever it's going to do regarding GM and Chrysler. I don't think Canada's concerns will get much attention at this time, so better to expend your efforts clearly understanding our position than to speak only to be heard. I know a large number of Frank's constituents depend on the Auto Industry for their living. Not just the Linamar employees but the many who travel that awful highway every day to jobs in Milton, Oakville and the GTA, and I expect they want to hear that their guy is doing something. In keeping with that, my suggestion would be to learn all you can about the legal position, as quickly as possible, and to help make preparations if the bomb is dropped. Otherwise, you might be an MP with a very short term of service.

Liberal Party release below;

http://www.liberal.ca/story_15699_e.aspx

Hold the Presses! Iran offers to help U.S in Afghan..

Wa'll, it just might be good news. It might be just another shiny lure too. I have written earlier that I liked what Obama says, not so much what he has done. I am especially wary of his Bush era associates. I have also said, that for very many years, I tried my best to ignore American politics. Alas, that is no longer possible for me, once again, nor the rest of our Canadian citizens, who at the end or the day, don't care much about good intentions.

That said, and I could write a great deal more, but won't right now, I haven't given up on Obama's admin yet. I do reserve the right to try to understand the challenges of satisfying the many sucklings. As Abraham Lincoln once said, "Too many pigs, not enough teats". Extraordinary fellow their Mr. Lincoln. Not perfect. Many horrible things took place on his watch, but he had purpose and understanding and that provided him the gift or curse, of wisdom.

To the article;

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/mar/31/iran-afghanistan-obama


Having consumed that, I wish to add some thoughts. Is Iran finally feeling the pinch of the World Economic Crisis in a way that is so powerful that even they cannot resist an open hand?

Is there actually some, who hold wisdom within the admin/foriegn departments of the United States?

Can they find, the upside of down and make it work for the greater good? Perhaps we should also consider if this is in fact, the end game. For now.

Or is this yet another ruse? Another diversion. Another load of the oft delivered feel good medicine that has made those of us, who have experienced the true spirit of corrupted Democracy, so hardened?