With the Liberals sitting in a minority gov't situation, they had to play tip toe around ideologies of all the opposition parties, so they can get the budget passed in the House and not be defeated, which no one really wants right now anyway.
Federal Finance Minister Ralph Goodale released the 2005 budget today. With most budgets of late, they always announce what they're going to do not just for ONE year, but for the next FOUR or FIVE, so it may seem like a lot of money, but when you divide by the number of years, it amounts to JACK SHIT! And sometimes they reannounce money they're going to spend. Keep in mind the gov't takes in about $191 billion a year and is sitting on at least a $12 billion surplus. Over the next few years the surplus will total $40 billion. There's only 33 million people in Canada. You figure it out. Here are my likes and dislikes.
Likes:
Military spending. Let's face it, our soldiers are some of the best in the world and our pilots are rated number one. But the equipment they use is old and unmaintainable. It's crap really. It has killed our servicemen. It's embarrassing. But what may seem like a $12 billion infusion in one year is really spread out over five years, so more like $2.4 billion a year. Woopdie fucking doo. We'll now have 60,000 in our armed forces - a 5,000 person increase. Yay.
Tax Relief. Any tax cuts of any form are always good. They're not cutting personal income tax rates, just corporate rates from 21 to 19%. They're only raising the personal exemption, which they do anyway to meet inflation increases. So what are you gonna save each year for the next four years? About a whopping $450. But after their usual inflation increases, it's really only about $250. I think I'll buy me a bottle of scotch with that. Woopdie fucking do. Think about how much the gov't wasted in Adscam, in the HRDC boondoogle, the useless gun registry and coming soon to an environment near you...
Dislikes:
KYOTO. What a fucking pile of shit treaty we signed. Does anyone realize that our gov't just handed over $5 billion dollars because we needed credits to pollute? But does the gov't have a plan in place to actually combat smog (which the Kyoto protocol does NOT address)? Nope. Jeez, that $5 billion could have been used to pay some debt down or tax relief for working families couldn't it? COULDN'T IT. Instead, it disappears to some international socialist treaty. So I'd like to formally welcome all Canadians to the first stage of a world socialist gov't. And you can thank Paul Martin's buddy, Maurice Strong, who got him the job at Canada Steamship Lines for putting Kyoto together. Oh did I mention that Strong is U.N. General Secretary Kofi Annan's top advisor?
Child Care. Former hockey star Ken Dryden is in charge of this dep't. Let the provinces run it. Use the money you'd spend on it for tax relief so working families can at least have a parent at home. More socialist programs will only create more useless bureaucracies that the gov't can't seem to keep their spending down on.
Indian Affairs. Now here's a classic example of a funnel system. Tonnes of money goes in at the top and by the time it has to get down to the real needy aboriginals there's nothing left. It's time to get rid of the entire department of Indian Affairs. It does jack shit for aboriginals except waste money and time.
CBC. With no hockey, what's the point?
Health Care. Hello? I'm sick of hearing that we'll never have a private two-tier American style system. Well guess what folks? When you go to the local clinic for a checkup, it's a PRIVATE clinic but your Alberta Health Care Insurance picks up the tab. So why not MRIs or anything else? Is it so hard to figure out?
Oh, you know I could go on and on. Simply put: If you give me more of my money back, you won't be so inclined to waste it. It's human nature, but I forgot, Liberals aren't really human anyway -- they're stuck somewhere between a fossil and an old tree.
Thursday, February 24, 2005
Friday, February 18, 2005
Book Review - "Deborah Grey - Never Retreat, Never Explain, Never Apologize - My Life, My Politics"
This autobiography about a woman who helped shape the politics of Canada over the last 15 years could be more aptly titled "A History of the Reform Populist Movement, Sprinkled with Deb Grey's holiday logs". At times she wrote one paragraph about what was happening in Parliament and the next would be about her motorcycle adventures or something about people not related to the political story unfolding. I see the relation, that the need for a politician to escape the silliness of politics and into normalcy. For Deb, it was particularly daunting, because she'd fly back and forth from Ottawa visiting her riding in Alberta every weekend - a true democrat. Without saying it, she's saying being an MP is actually difficult, which it is.
The book begins with Deb Grey describing in painful detail of her young life in British Columbia living with an alcoholic father and her difficult life growing up. What I particularly liked reading about was her path to religious faith - where she had none, to going to a post-secondary Bible school and embracing the teachings of Christ and her relationship with God - which is congruent with my own beliefs - so I had a deeper sense of her mindset. This belief is not in a fanatical way, but a tolerant and respectful view of people and the world. This was an important aspect of the book, as I'm sure many political hacks viewed Deb Grey as somewhat of a right wing religious fanatic, which she clearly wasn't by any means. Her views on the separation of church and state solidified her respect from MPs in all parties. This belief is paramount to being a politician of fortitutde and balance.
During Stockwell Day's new leadership of the new Canadian Alliance Party, he made many grave errors as a leader, a politician, and in policy. The book outlines them all, including stuff we didn't hear about in the news. The internal politics in the party was fascinating to read in 2001, with Deb and a dozen or so other Canadian Alliance MPs renouncing Stock as a leader and that he should step down. Deb really battles with this one before making the announcement. She always thought things over before she acted. She certainly made the right call here.
I thought for sure there was an underlining conspiracy from the "Manningites" (MPs still loyal to former leader Preston Manning), and perhaps there was, as most of the MPs who renounced Day as leader were loyal to Manning, but Deb shows that basically these people were there in the Reform Party from the very beginning and didn't want to see the whole movement go down in flames. They had to do something quickly. During their renouncements I found it interesting that every day or so, another MP would get up and tell Stock to step down. The timing to create a media momentum was perfectly executed - I think these rebel MPs planned it, but Deb doesn't mention it in the book.
They were quickly tossed from the CA caucus and left in limbo as independents.
The whole fiasco basically exposed the hard right socially fundamental religious side of the party, who were die-hard supporters of Day, no matter what. It was like "Blind faith" although he made some serious gaffes. These "Stockaholics" sued Deb Grey and were relentless as a grassroots movement. She of course won in the end.
She goes into a lot of detail during the odd period when these rebel MPs formed the Democratic Representative Caucus (DRC) and a parliamentary coalition with Joe Clark's Progressive Conservitive caucus, forming policy, sharing critic roles, etc. Little do people realize, but this was the real seed planted that helped stem the uniting of the the Canadian Alliance and PC Party. Again, though she's doesn't get credit for it, but Deb was instrumental in building these bridges.
The emergence of Stephen Harper, Deb's former assistant in the late 80's, policy researcher for the Reform Party, MP from 1993-1997, creator of the Clarity Act, then leader of the Canadian Alliance, beating out Stockwell Day, was thoroughly outlined in this book.
Deb, however, leaves a few things out in the book that I know she said on TV about Harper. One was when Stephen Harper threw his hat into the Alliance leadershp race to replace Stockwell Day, she said he'd be okay, but not really great as a leader - something to that effect (boy did he prove her wrong!). She didn't seem enthusiastic about it as I think she was quitely supporting Diane Ablonczy, who didn't fare well in the final results. But the book shows Deb's enthusiasm for Stephen, so I was kind of confused. But then, hey who said politics wasn't confusing!
Then she delves into Stephen's rise as party leader, and then the merger talks with new PC leader, Peter Mackay, and of course, the leadership race for the new Conservative Party. She beams with pride over Stephen's and Mackay's efforts, lack of ego, and negotiation skills. She hacks into Joe Clark a bit -- I really enjoyed that part!
While I don't wish here to detail the history of her political career, I find it ironic that although she was once a Progressive Conservative voter, she rightfully becomes disenfranchised, helps start the Reform Party, then years later is instrumental in "reuniting" the two conservative parties, again - back to where we were 20 years ago ... or are we?
Later she describes the names and relations of everyone she's met and thanks them personally, but they had nothing to do with the political story that obviously underlines the book, so this part was difficult to read and perhaps unnecessary. But for an MP who I've met on several occassions, and even asked her to run for leader (but she refused), and who was instrumental in shaping this country, she can thank anyone she wants.
I wished the book got into more of the grit and grime and backroom deals of politics, but she leaves her mark, knowing that 2004 was the right time for her to move on - as she says, "or you'll rot". This is sound advice. And with that, I'll bump up the book a full point.
If you're into federal politics, overall, this is a great read, a heartfelt story, but seems to intentionally leave out the nitty gritty (perhaps for legal reasons). However, the subtitle of the book is "Never Retreat, Never Explain, Never Apologize", a quote from Agnes McPhail, the first woman MP in parliament, so she kind of proves that.
Snak gives the book "Deborah Grey - Never Retreat, Never Explain, Never Apologize - My Life, My Politics" 3.81 fists out of 5.
The book begins with Deb Grey describing in painful detail of her young life in British Columbia living with an alcoholic father and her difficult life growing up. What I particularly liked reading about was her path to religious faith - where she had none, to going to a post-secondary Bible school and embracing the teachings of Christ and her relationship with God - which is congruent with my own beliefs - so I had a deeper sense of her mindset. This belief is not in a fanatical way, but a tolerant and respectful view of people and the world. This was an important aspect of the book, as I'm sure many political hacks viewed Deb Grey as somewhat of a right wing religious fanatic, which she clearly wasn't by any means. Her views on the separation of church and state solidified her respect from MPs in all parties. This belief is paramount to being a politician of fortitutde and balance.
During Stockwell Day's new leadership of the new Canadian Alliance Party, he made many grave errors as a leader, a politician, and in policy. The book outlines them all, including stuff we didn't hear about in the news. The internal politics in the party was fascinating to read in 2001, with Deb and a dozen or so other Canadian Alliance MPs renouncing Stock as a leader and that he should step down. Deb really battles with this one before making the announcement. She always thought things over before she acted. She certainly made the right call here.
I thought for sure there was an underlining conspiracy from the "Manningites" (MPs still loyal to former leader Preston Manning), and perhaps there was, as most of the MPs who renounced Day as leader were loyal to Manning, but Deb shows that basically these people were there in the Reform Party from the very beginning and didn't want to see the whole movement go down in flames. They had to do something quickly. During their renouncements I found it interesting that every day or so, another MP would get up and tell Stock to step down. The timing to create a media momentum was perfectly executed - I think these rebel MPs planned it, but Deb doesn't mention it in the book.
They were quickly tossed from the CA caucus and left in limbo as independents.
The whole fiasco basically exposed the hard right socially fundamental religious side of the party, who were die-hard supporters of Day, no matter what. It was like "Blind faith" although he made some serious gaffes. These "Stockaholics" sued Deb Grey and were relentless as a grassroots movement. She of course won in the end.
She goes into a lot of detail during the odd period when these rebel MPs formed the Democratic Representative Caucus (DRC) and a parliamentary coalition with Joe Clark's Progressive Conservitive caucus, forming policy, sharing critic roles, etc. Little do people realize, but this was the real seed planted that helped stem the uniting of the the Canadian Alliance and PC Party. Again, though she's doesn't get credit for it, but Deb was instrumental in building these bridges.
The emergence of Stephen Harper, Deb's former assistant in the late 80's, policy researcher for the Reform Party, MP from 1993-1997, creator of the Clarity Act, then leader of the Canadian Alliance, beating out Stockwell Day, was thoroughly outlined in this book.
Deb, however, leaves a few things out in the book that I know she said on TV about Harper. One was when Stephen Harper threw his hat into the Alliance leadershp race to replace Stockwell Day, she said he'd be okay, but not really great as a leader - something to that effect (boy did he prove her wrong!). She didn't seem enthusiastic about it as I think she was quitely supporting Diane Ablonczy, who didn't fare well in the final results. But the book shows Deb's enthusiasm for Stephen, so I was kind of confused. But then, hey who said politics wasn't confusing!
Then she delves into Stephen's rise as party leader, and then the merger talks with new PC leader, Peter Mackay, and of course, the leadership race for the new Conservative Party. She beams with pride over Stephen's and Mackay's efforts, lack of ego, and negotiation skills. She hacks into Joe Clark a bit -- I really enjoyed that part!
While I don't wish here to detail the history of her political career, I find it ironic that although she was once a Progressive Conservative voter, she rightfully becomes disenfranchised, helps start the Reform Party, then years later is instrumental in "reuniting" the two conservative parties, again - back to where we were 20 years ago ... or are we?
Later she describes the names and relations of everyone she's met and thanks them personally, but they had nothing to do with the political story that obviously underlines the book, so this part was difficult to read and perhaps unnecessary. But for an MP who I've met on several occassions, and even asked her to run for leader (but she refused), and who was instrumental in shaping this country, she can thank anyone she wants.
I wished the book got into more of the grit and grime and backroom deals of politics, but she leaves her mark, knowing that 2004 was the right time for her to move on - as she says, "or you'll rot". This is sound advice. And with that, I'll bump up the book a full point.
If you're into federal politics, overall, this is a great read, a heartfelt story, but seems to intentionally leave out the nitty gritty (perhaps for legal reasons). However, the subtitle of the book is "Never Retreat, Never Explain, Never Apologize", a quote from Agnes McPhail, the first woman MP in parliament, so she kind of proves that.
Snak gives the book "Deborah Grey - Never Retreat, Never Explain, Never Apologize - My Life, My Politics" 3.81 fists out of 5.
Tuesday, February 15, 2005
The Nickelback sound is officially dead
Thank you hybrid group Velvet Revolver! Thank you for beating out Nickelback at the Grammy's for (whatever the fuck the category is called - "hard rock" I think). Guitar solos are back! Thank you Slash. Roosters are back. Thank you Scott! And now that VR is coming to town, this only solidfies what I already described that the Theory of a Nickelfault/Chad Kroeger sound was dead as soon as it peaked.
REAL rock and roll, where guitar solos and riffs are abound, drumming is meaningful, bass playing that doesn't just follow the root note, and singers who can actually sing and walk the cock on the block, have returned. I mean, I think Chad seriously ran out of songs to compose in that dull four chord style. The only reason he tuned down to C, C#, or D is so he could hit certain notes in his singing, which sounded like the grinding of my old 100MB hard drive. "I like your pants around your feet"? What genius!
What's ironic is that the true rockers from the early 90's had to come back and show 'em how it's done. Rock on!
REAL rock and roll, where guitar solos and riffs are abound, drumming is meaningful, bass playing that doesn't just follow the root note, and singers who can actually sing and walk the cock on the block, have returned. I mean, I think Chad seriously ran out of songs to compose in that dull four chord style. The only reason he tuned down to C, C#, or D is so he could hit certain notes in his singing, which sounded like the grinding of my old 100MB hard drive. "I like your pants around your feet"? What genius!
What's ironic is that the true rockers from the early 90's had to come back and show 'em how it's done. Rock on!
Sunday, February 13, 2005
A Feline Legacy Comes To An End
I write this today, to reflect on an old friend. Today, I took my cat, Polo, to the emergency vet and had him put down to end his suffering. Born in October 1983, I got him as a Christmas present that year from my dad who got him from one of his best friends (also my dentist). Older than some of you reading this, he died peacefully on February 13, 2005. So that made him over 21 years old! He was a part of two-thirds of my life and I will miss him dearly. Sadly, he suffered from a kidney failure, and for the past several days, did not want to eat or drink water. He was ready to go. But cats are very proud animals and do not like themselves being seen unclean or suffering. I knew he was ready but kept hanging on for my benefit. May God embrace his little kitty soul.
I will miss him meowing at 6:00am for two hours to get fed when I woke up at 8. Most especially I will miss him sitting next to me on the couch watching TV together while I petted his itchy head. Most of you reading this met him at some point, knew he was a very handsome grey short haired cat with perfect white markings on his face, underside, and paws.
My dad wanted to put him down a year ago, due to his uncontrollable urinary problems, but I refused, and defended his life, as I felt he had about another year left in his spirit. When the west end flood happened in July 2004, I took him to a kitty lodge for four days while I found a new place to live. We moved into my new downtown apartment and he settled in quite well for being an old man. The building actually didn't allow pets, but I received their sympathy when I told them of my dire situation. I was grateful for that.
Granted, he's pretty much peed everywhere, I had to change my sheets several times and now I have to steam clean the carpets -- whole kit and kaboodle (pun intended).
So was it worth it to continue his life for another 7 months after the flood? You bet. I have no regrets about that. Sleeping in a bed with a cat is very peaceful - the purring is scientifically proven medicine. Like a true rockstar, he's been deaf for the last couple of years. His fur was always soft and he wasn't overly friendly, didn't like children much, but loved his head scratched. He hated being picked up like a baby, but loved it when you brushed him.
In 1988, we got another kitten, and I named him Hugo. He was, without a doubt, the greatest pet ever. Sadly, my dad had to put him down ten years later as he suffered from a liver disease. Polo, however, didn't like this new kid on the block, and Hugo, in a friendly way, would play with Polo who was never in the mood for such nonsense. They fought a lot, but Polo still had his claws. So when Hugo got in battle situations with other cats in the neighbourhood, Polo watched to see if declawed Hugo could defend himself. You see, Hugo ate a plant when he was a kitten and after that, could barely meow, a defence necessary in the cat heirarchy. So Polo would jump in, and this took place on the fence usually, and he'd bellow out his best stuff toward the offending cat, who'd quickly be intimidated, and run off. So Hugo adored Polo, but that same love was not reciprocal - or was it?
I remember one day back in 1991 when I came home from school to find a dead rabbit on the front porch. Polo sat there very proud that he killed this animal, guts wide open, and shockingly, a fetus lying there. Well, he was certainly punished for that and never did it again.
But what a great and long life he lived - any human would love it. In cat years, he was about 101! He was fed everyday, stayed healthy, lived in four houses, defended the old neighbourhood and protected one of his friends for ten years. I thought I should give him that same courtesy and protect him.
Am I thinking of getting another cat? Yes. But for now, I lament in melancholy, reflecting, remembering all the great and peaceful times we had together. You see, I believe all living things are connected by a powerful living energy that we transfer between us - plants, animals, nature, and humans. We all depend on each other for our growth, our life, and evolution. When one of these beings gives you unconditional love for 21 years, you can't help but feel a loss in your heart. But as long as you never forget, they never die, and for Polo, his courageous spirit will live on.
I will miss him meowing at 6:00am for two hours to get fed when I woke up at 8. Most especially I will miss him sitting next to me on the couch watching TV together while I petted his itchy head. Most of you reading this met him at some point, knew he was a very handsome grey short haired cat with perfect white markings on his face, underside, and paws.
My dad wanted to put him down a year ago, due to his uncontrollable urinary problems, but I refused, and defended his life, as I felt he had about another year left in his spirit. When the west end flood happened in July 2004, I took him to a kitty lodge for four days while I found a new place to live. We moved into my new downtown apartment and he settled in quite well for being an old man. The building actually didn't allow pets, but I received their sympathy when I told them of my dire situation. I was grateful for that.
Granted, he's pretty much peed everywhere, I had to change my sheets several times and now I have to steam clean the carpets -- whole kit and kaboodle (pun intended).
So was it worth it to continue his life for another 7 months after the flood? You bet. I have no regrets about that. Sleeping in a bed with a cat is very peaceful - the purring is scientifically proven medicine. Like a true rockstar, he's been deaf for the last couple of years. His fur was always soft and he wasn't overly friendly, didn't like children much, but loved his head scratched. He hated being picked up like a baby, but loved it when you brushed him.
In 1988, we got another kitten, and I named him Hugo. He was, without a doubt, the greatest pet ever. Sadly, my dad had to put him down ten years later as he suffered from a liver disease. Polo, however, didn't like this new kid on the block, and Hugo, in a friendly way, would play with Polo who was never in the mood for such nonsense. They fought a lot, but Polo still had his claws. So when Hugo got in battle situations with other cats in the neighbourhood, Polo watched to see if declawed Hugo could defend himself. You see, Hugo ate a plant when he was a kitten and after that, could barely meow, a defence necessary in the cat heirarchy. So Polo would jump in, and this took place on the fence usually, and he'd bellow out his best stuff toward the offending cat, who'd quickly be intimidated, and run off. So Hugo adored Polo, but that same love was not reciprocal - or was it?
I remember one day back in 1991 when I came home from school to find a dead rabbit on the front porch. Polo sat there very proud that he killed this animal, guts wide open, and shockingly, a fetus lying there. Well, he was certainly punished for that and never did it again.
But what a great and long life he lived - any human would love it. In cat years, he was about 101! He was fed everyday, stayed healthy, lived in four houses, defended the old neighbourhood and protected one of his friends for ten years. I thought I should give him that same courtesy and protect him.
Am I thinking of getting another cat? Yes. But for now, I lament in melancholy, reflecting, remembering all the great and peaceful times we had together. You see, I believe all living things are connected by a powerful living energy that we transfer between us - plants, animals, nature, and humans. We all depend on each other for our growth, our life, and evolution. When one of these beings gives you unconditional love for 21 years, you can't help but feel a loss in your heart. But as long as you never forget, they never die, and for Polo, his courageous spirit will live on.
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