Tag: Politics

Ethics, Politics1 Comment

Normal Corruption, Move Along

Podritske

Kelly McParland of the National Post has written a revealing piece on the corrupt tactics of a modern entitlement welfare state, Canada in this example linked below. He concludes with the following: Maybe that’s what’s so scary about the whole thing: that Liberals don’t see anything wrong with it. They think it’s all fine. And they want us to vote for more. Exactly. Many partisan supporters of the Liberals will simply adopt the attitude that the SNC scandal is old business. It’s time to move along and get the government of Justin Trudeau re-elected. As I’ve pointed out previously, in … Continue reading Normal Corruption, Move Along

Canada, Government, Politics, Rights2 Comments

Violations of Rights

Podritske

An imbroglio in Canada’s House of Commons developed recently over a “summer jobs program” funded by the government. Well, not so much the program, which all parties seem to agree is a good thing. In fact, the article refers to it as a “normally feel-good program.” The trouble started when Mr. Trudeau’s government introduced a condition for funding applications this year. It is the requirement that applicants must sign an attestation that their organization’s “core mandate” respects the notion of “reproductive rights.” Otherwise, their applications would be rejected. Over 1500 have been rejected so far with just over 100 at … Continue reading Violations of Rights

Canada, Ethics, Political Economy, Politics1 Comment

Guaranteed Basic Poverty

Podritske

From time to time, some “social planner” will float another trial balloon for the “guaranteed basic income” (GBI). Most recently, it is Canada’s Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO), also known as the Parliamentary “fiscal watchdog.” I don’t know what master this “watchdog” is really serving but if it’s the individual or Canadian taxpayers, then this “watchdog” is either soundly asleep or barking at the moon. This “social planner” clothed in “fiscal responsibility” offers up another emotionally appealing (to many) scenario that betrays everyone, including the proposed beneficiaries. The PBO betrays the Canadian taxpayer to the tune of $43 Billion per year … Continue reading Guaranteed Basic Poverty

Canada, Economics, Law1 Comment

Mealy-mouthed Revisions of History

Podritske

A recent ruling by the Supreme Court of Canada (SCOC) may reveal why this country will never develop more significant economic prosperity domestically let alone in world trade. Global News reports of a decision over Section 121 of the Constitution. A New Brunswick resident had been fined for purchasing beer and spirits in Quebec which he was transporting to his home across Provincial boundaries into New Brunswick. Gerard Comeau was stopped by RCMP, issued a summons on behalf of the New Brunswick government and his purchases were confiscated. Mr. Comeau challenged the actions under Section 121 of the Constitution Act, … Continue reading Mealy-mouthed Revisions of History

Canada, Media, News, PoliticsLeave a comment

The State Media Institute

Podritske

Many complain about the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), which I prefer to describe as “State Media.” Given that the CBC is primarily funded by the Canadian government it can’t be more accurately described otherwise. Now, even The Globe and Mail has joined the fray to cast a critical eye. John Doyle writes as a television critic in the linked article. Doyle subjected himself to the personal agony of watching intently an entire edition of the flagship news hour program The National. He emerged with an understanding of why viewers are fleeing; the program lacks coherence and bears little resemblance to … Continue reading The State Media Institute

Canada, Economics, Ethics, Law, News, Politics1 Comment

Anarchists For “Climate Change”

Podritske

If you’ve not heard, Kinder Morgan, a pipeline construction company has suspended all but “necessary expenditures” in the construction of a massive project involving an energy pipeline installation from Alberta through British Columbia to the Pacific coast. The company has taken this action in light of a major political dispute between the governments of the two provinces aforementioned. Briefly, Alberta wants the project to move forward with haste. The government depends on the energy loot from taxation and needs to be seen as addressing a high unemployment situation in the province. The government of British Columbia on the other hand … Continue reading Anarchists For “Climate Change”

News1 Comment

Dyslogistic Comment on Hugo Chavez

Podritske

As the eulogies and kind, sensitive language from movie stars and political leaders over the death of the Leftist dictator Hugo Chavez finally start fading into history, it is worth noting again the consistency and fortitude of his ideological opposite, Prime Minister Stephen Harper of Canada. His remarks on Chavez’ s death were deemed “insensitive” by some of Venezuela’s well-connected. In brief, Harper expressed the view and hope that the political economy of Venezuela might now improve (my paraphrasing). Hugo Chavez was a power luster and violator of the rights of individuals, including property rights, due process and life itself. … Continue reading Dyslogistic Comment on Hugo Chavez

Ethics, Foreign Policy1 Comment

A Killer President

Podritske

There is inherent immorality in one man wielding enough coercive force to identify, target and execute any individual deemed to be a terrorist threat to the United States. That is the power possessed by Barack Obama and it is currently being expressed through the use of aerial drones in several parts of the world. I recognize the Commander-In-Chief role held by president Obama in a state of war, but that is a purely legal argument not necessarily a moral one. The nature of the endless War on Terror is a separate topic for examination. For now there is a curious … Continue reading A Killer President

Media, PoliticsLeave a comment

Of Persons and Things

Podritske

Associated Press has reported that: Time’s ‘Person of the Year’ is the person or thing that has most influenced the culture and the news during the past year for good or for ill. The Person For 2008 and for 2012 Time named Barack Obama. While that is certainly its prerogative I might interpret the selection quite differently, using Time’s own criteria. First, what exactly has Barack Obama influenced? The culture? Hardly. Obama is an icon. He is the choice of the culture. A nation’s culture is the sum of its intellectual achievement, the dominant ideas generally accepted. Since the dawn … Continue reading Of Persons and Things