It would seem that students from the University of Ottawa are incapable of grasping the ethics involved in being part of the government system that supports Parliament. The current system is quite unfair and excludes anyone who is not a university student.
I suggest that we open the job up to disabled Vets, I have no doubt they will value the ethics of a democracy far more than a wet behind the ears student. Also the constant reminder to the politicians in the house of the price average citizens pay for government decisions would cause then to reflect carefully on their choices.
Seems even Jack Layton did not approve of the stunt either.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Ban the Hammer!!!
More awesome stupidity from down under. During the trial of some bad guys who killed someone with a hammer, the judge suggested that the government look at laws regarding the carrying of hammers. In other words restricting the times you can carry them and who can carry them. now my knowledge of Australian law is not strong, but I suspect heavily that it is very similar to our. In which case the use and intent to use the hammer (or any object) makes it a weapon.
No doubt the next step is to set up a hammer registry, police will stop and question anyone seen carrying a hammer. Soon carpenters will be reluctant to advertise in public in case the police raid them. hardware shops will be required to keep the hammers under lock and key. Only people demonstrating a "need" will be allowed to buy a hammer. Since none of this will actually solve the violence issue, the next step is create classes of hammers, some hammers would be prohibited in particular sledge hammers with long handles, who really needs one of these anyways?
Worker going to a site would be required to keep their hammers stored in hard to break in locked cases. They would only be allowed to take them out of the case at an approved worksite. Meanwhile kids drawing hammers at school or pretending to use them will be chastised or expelled. Thieves would realize that hammers have value and status. they would smuggle in hammers and carry them in their waistbands.
On the bright side, there will be a whole lot less wannabe weekend carpenters walking around with sore thumbs!
Monday, June 6, 2011
The death Rae
The Liberals (or the mortal remains) are still not quite dead, but we have hope! They have appointed Bob Rae to lead them out (more likely further in) of the darkness. Bob Rae had been the Premier of Ontario where his legacy is that of "Rae days" The hatred I hear many Ontarions voices when they speak of those times is still quite strong and vibrant, from both left and right.
On top of his baggage he also was a hardcore NDP type and one has to wonder if he is a agent of the Laytonites with a mission to destroy the Liberals in order that there will be no threat from other left wing parties to challenge the new postion of the NDP as the "Loyal opposition". Sounds tinfoilish but Socialists for all their fault are good at taking the long view on achieving their objectives.
Here is my suggestion to the Young Liberals on how to save your party. Invite all of the old guard to a convention, once they are inside throw all of their policy documents inside, bolt the doors and burn the place down. About the only one I would keep around to provide wise counsel is Bill Graham. Only then can you actually stand a chance at building a party that's not contaminated with the "natural governing party of Canada" crap. Plus throw out stupid policies like the gun registry and banning guns, stuff like that is a millstone around your necks. You have about 10 years to get the job done, study everything about the early days of the Reform Party learn from them, build your base around real issues that people will support thick and thin. I also suggest you change the name a bit to something like the "New Liberals"
On top of his baggage he also was a hardcore NDP type and one has to wonder if he is a agent of the Laytonites with a mission to destroy the Liberals in order that there will be no threat from other left wing parties to challenge the new postion of the NDP as the "Loyal opposition". Sounds tinfoilish but Socialists for all their fault are good at taking the long view on achieving their objectives.
Here is my suggestion to the Young Liberals on how to save your party. Invite all of the old guard to a convention, once they are inside throw all of their policy documents inside, bolt the doors and burn the place down. About the only one I would keep around to provide wise counsel is Bill Graham. Only then can you actually stand a chance at building a party that's not contaminated with the "natural governing party of Canada" crap. Plus throw out stupid policies like the gun registry and banning guns, stuff like that is a millstone around your necks. You have about 10 years to get the job done, study everything about the early days of the Reform Party learn from them, build your base around real issues that people will support thick and thin. I also suggest you change the name a bit to something like the "New Liberals"
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
the faithful gather
"The Chalice"
Update, well that was a nail biter, I suspect this series will be about which team makes the first mistake rather than which is better. I will predict that the playoffs goes the full 7 games.
The faithful gather tonite, to cheer their disciples along, the most devoted (and rich) trundle to the temple, while the lesser ones huddle around their TV's or big screens in the pubs. To be fair the Canucks have rewarded their faithful with some good games and now are neck and neck with the Boston Bruins to decide the fate of the Stanly cup. I dare not predict what happens, but the Canucks fans are out in force today wearing many generations of Canuck Jerseys. As I left downtown today the crowds and excitement were building. I hope they win if not for the sake of the Canucks, but for the sake of the fans who having been devoted through thick and thin. Bit more on the game times here.
The Bruins do have a sense of humour judging by their ads.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Obama, back to the 60's
What Israel looked like just before the 1967war
Maybe Obama does not remember the 60's, maybe all he remembers is Woodstock or the the girls with flowers in their hair. The Israelis have different memories of that time, war on their doorstep, threats to destroy them. in 1967 the Israelis pulled off one the most impressive feats of arms since the end of WWII, destroying 3 armies all poised to attack them. In turn making their tiny country more secure and winning the long sought prize of Jerusalem.
One factor that totally escapes Obama, is that even in 1966 there was no "Palestinian State", Gaza belonged to Egypt and the West bank to Jordon, in fact there has been no "Palestinian state" for centuries, prior to 1948, it was a mandate that UK took over from the Ottomans, who treated the area as part of a province of their empire.
The reality is that the Palestinians have enough to start a real state, Gaza strip is 364 sqKm and combined with West Bank land it compares well with Singapore. Also like Singapore, the only real resource that both countries have are their people. Singapore invested in it's people and the results are well known. The Palestinians instead invested in homemade rockets and suicide vests, the result are rather predictable. Their current plan to gain statehood by attacking Israel have achieved none of their aims and helped their economy to hit rock bottom and still digging.
So far all the "Great one" has achieved is to get both Israel and Hamas to agree his idea sucks, albeit for different reasons. No peace will be achieved till the Palestinians realize that the state of Israel is not going anywhere and the "Right of return" is a myth that will not happen. To people so morally opposed can not live in the same house and that is the simple truth here. The longer we enable the Palestinians to live this lie, the longer they will suffer. Fairly soon the number of people who actually did leave in 1948 will be a handful, every decade it will be less, till no one from that episode is alive from either side. Shall we allow the Palestinians descendants to carry living the lie and paying it's price?
If you need any help understanding why the Israelis don't want to give up land, take a look at this map. The 1967 borders were undefendable with no space to recover from a tactical error. In the 1973 war, the Syrians came within a hairbreath of breaking through the IDF lines in the Golan, only luck and a timid response from the Syrian saved them.
Note, can't remember the blog I got the maps from, but will credit them as soon as I find the link.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Shotgun Boogie
Could you imagine the present day media allowing a song like this? In their view guns are bad, therefore such light entertainment on such a subject is verboten!!
I like the part about asking the girls father for her hand in marriage. More on the singer; Tennessee Ernie Ford
How I wish it was true
An alternative possibility is that Omar was being moved in secret so he would not suffer from any backlash caused by the recent attack on the naval base. The attack will not help relations between the Pakistani military and the Taliban. after OBL getting whacked, you can bet senior leaders in the Taliban are nervous about who they can trust.
I like the fact that the Taliban are nervous, sowing mistrust in your enemy ranks is a good thing and another benefit of the attack on OBL.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Cats in tanks
Cats in Tanks from Whitehouse Post on Vimeo.
Some people have to much time on their hands, language warning may not be safe for work, depending of course where you work....
Tanknutters will note that the music is from Kelly's Heros.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
No Remorse
I was debating with some friends and their family about whether killing Osama Bin Laden was the right thing to do (On facebook no less...) The other people felt that killing him was just wrong. Sorry but I think it was right, deserved and useful.
Now there are not a lot of people I wish dead, and most of those I have wished are dead, there are only a couple remaining on my list, Joseph Kony of the LRA is certainly one of them. There are no doubt a few others out there that I would wish dead if I knew about them or knew more. Even the majority of the Taliban I don't wish dead, although I think having Mullah Omar dead would further the chances of a lasting peace. I respect those that fight for a cause and then are ready to lay down arms when there is a chance to do so.
Osama Bin Laden (OBL)came from a rich family, he had many choice in front of him to do good or harm, he chose harm. OBL could have turned his anger into something useful and built schools and hospitals in Pakistan and Afghanistan, the same way that Greg Mortenson of CAI did. Had OBL done that, he would be alive and regarded as a hero, a great Muslim and would have furthered his goal of a greater Umma far more than what he has done. OBL used the Pastun code of hospitality to protect him, instead of either giving himself up or showing he was no longer in Afghanistan he allowed the Taliban to suffer a major defeat, I suspect there is little real love for AQ within the ranks of the Taliban, the cost of hosting them was to high. OBL felt he was more important than all of the Taliban and the people of Afghanistan, it's clear he would saciface anyone to protect himself.
In history certain people become prime motivators, creating an effect far beyond their own capabilities, Hitler certainly was one of these and OBL had a similar ability to motivate his followers. He also had access to his own wealth, connections to a wealthy but guilt-ridden Arab upper class and was fortunate( for him) to appear on the worlds stage just as the Internet flourished. OBL was smart enough to realize the usefulness of the Internet for his agenda and it has become one of AQ primary tools to get their message out and recruit.
OBL saw the USA and the house of Saud as the prime enemies of his dream of greater Islamic caliphate. He understood the Arab culture and how to exploit it and he thought of the US as weak, corrupt and unable to defeat him. Like others before him, he failed to realize the latent strengths of the US and the will of it's people. The odd thing also is that a Muslim in the US is far freer to practice their faith, then in the majority of Islamic countries.
OBL declared Jihad (Holy war) on the US and caused great suffering in Iraq, Afghanistan, Africa, ME and North America. What I find odd about the Islamic fundamentalists is that they declare Holy war on the US and then are upset it responds to that declaration with deadly force, what exactly are they expecting the US to do? Perhaps they have the average Muslims so browbeaten, they can't believe that people will stand up to them? OB was a legitimate target, killed in a war of his own creation.
People argue that killing him changes nothing and that AQ will live on. They are both correct and wrong. AQ will live on like a Hydra growing a new head, it is possible that the new head will have an effect like OBL, but it's unlikely the circumstances that existed with OBL will repeat themselves, to much has changed. (for more on a replacement see the Long War Journal) the Arab street has spoken against the Arab (and others) regimes and the pent up anger is being directed elsewhere. Few of the AQ replacements will have access to the upper class of Saudi and the millions that resides their. AQ in Iraq and Afghanistan has shown itself to be excessively brutal and totally uncaring of civilian causalities and in fact kills civilians on purposes. the killing also sends a message and that is: You attack us, we will not forget and will not give up. It means that anyone who plans on carrying out these attacks must live in hiding and fear for the rest of their lives.
I went to Malaysia on Oct 2001 to marry my wife, many Muslims celebrated OBL and 911. when asked how how I felt about OBL, I responded that AQ wanted to kill me, my family and would happily kill them to make it happen. When I go back now, there is no mention of him, the one joy I get out of the long period to track him down is the realization that he witnessed his power and influence fall away, before being killed. A difference between the SEALS and AQ is that AQ would have killed everyone in that house, slowly if they had the chance. The SEALS killed only those who were a threat and a target.
Finally my reasons I wanted him dead is that he made this personal, OBL wanted me and my family dead, it's not that he knew me, but I was a target for him and the death of my family and self was his goal. If you think I am wrong, just look at these videos and remind yourself that these were average people going to work on a average day. This could have been me, my wife, you or a member of your family. So yes I am happy the bastard is dead, I won't even pretend to be noble and every time I take a leak off the side of a boat I know with satisfaction that I will be pissing on his grave.
Now there are not a lot of people I wish dead, and most of those I have wished are dead, there are only a couple remaining on my list, Joseph Kony of the LRA is certainly one of them. There are no doubt a few others out there that I would wish dead if I knew about them or knew more. Even the majority of the Taliban I don't wish dead, although I think having Mullah Omar dead would further the chances of a lasting peace. I respect those that fight for a cause and then are ready to lay down arms when there is a chance to do so.
Osama Bin Laden (OBL)came from a rich family, he had many choice in front of him to do good or harm, he chose harm. OBL could have turned his anger into something useful and built schools and hospitals in Pakistan and Afghanistan, the same way that Greg Mortenson of CAI did. Had OBL done that, he would be alive and regarded as a hero, a great Muslim and would have furthered his goal of a greater Umma far more than what he has done. OBL used the Pastun code of hospitality to protect him, instead of either giving himself up or showing he was no longer in Afghanistan he allowed the Taliban to suffer a major defeat, I suspect there is little real love for AQ within the ranks of the Taliban, the cost of hosting them was to high. OBL felt he was more important than all of the Taliban and the people of Afghanistan, it's clear he would saciface anyone to protect himself.
In history certain people become prime motivators, creating an effect far beyond their own capabilities, Hitler certainly was one of these and OBL had a similar ability to motivate his followers. He also had access to his own wealth, connections to a wealthy but guilt-ridden Arab upper class and was fortunate( for him) to appear on the worlds stage just as the Internet flourished. OBL was smart enough to realize the usefulness of the Internet for his agenda and it has become one of AQ primary tools to get their message out and recruit.
OBL saw the USA and the house of Saud as the prime enemies of his dream of greater Islamic caliphate. He understood the Arab culture and how to exploit it and he thought of the US as weak, corrupt and unable to defeat him. Like others before him, he failed to realize the latent strengths of the US and the will of it's people. The odd thing also is that a Muslim in the US is far freer to practice their faith, then in the majority of Islamic countries.
OBL declared Jihad (Holy war) on the US and caused great suffering in Iraq, Afghanistan, Africa, ME and North America. What I find odd about the Islamic fundamentalists is that they declare Holy war on the US and then are upset it responds to that declaration with deadly force, what exactly are they expecting the US to do? Perhaps they have the average Muslims so browbeaten, they can't believe that people will stand up to them? OB was a legitimate target, killed in a war of his own creation.
People argue that killing him changes nothing and that AQ will live on. They are both correct and wrong. AQ will live on like a Hydra growing a new head, it is possible that the new head will have an effect like OBL, but it's unlikely the circumstances that existed with OBL will repeat themselves, to much has changed. (for more on a replacement see the Long War Journal) the Arab street has spoken against the Arab (and others) regimes and the pent up anger is being directed elsewhere. Few of the AQ replacements will have access to the upper class of Saudi and the millions that resides their. AQ in Iraq and Afghanistan has shown itself to be excessively brutal and totally uncaring of civilian causalities and in fact kills civilians on purposes. the killing also sends a message and that is: You attack us, we will not forget and will not give up. It means that anyone who plans on carrying out these attacks must live in hiding and fear for the rest of their lives.
I went to Malaysia on Oct 2001 to marry my wife, many Muslims celebrated OBL and 911. when asked how how I felt about OBL, I responded that AQ wanted to kill me, my family and would happily kill them to make it happen. When I go back now, there is no mention of him, the one joy I get out of the long period to track him down is the realization that he witnessed his power and influence fall away, before being killed. A difference between the SEALS and AQ is that AQ would have killed everyone in that house, slowly if they had the chance. The SEALS killed only those who were a threat and a target.
Finally my reasons I wanted him dead is that he made this personal, OBL wanted me and my family dead, it's not that he knew me, but I was a target for him and the death of my family and self was his goal. If you think I am wrong, just look at these videos and remind yourself that these were average people going to work on a average day. This could have been me, my wife, you or a member of your family. So yes I am happy the bastard is dead, I won't even pretend to be noble and every time I take a leak off the side of a boat I know with satisfaction that I will be pissing on his grave.
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