Category: Politics

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Politics

Canadian Federal Election – 2015

https://twitter.com/globeandmail/status/656420953971433472
Source: https://twitter.com/globeandmail/status/656420953971433472

A surprising sea of red! The most interesting Canadian election results I have seen. It all started when the Atlantic results started coming in. Sure there was an expected Liberal majority in those provinces, but this was a landslide victory.

Source: https://twitter.com/kapilbulsara/status/656278313070129153
Source: https://twitter.com/kapilbulsara/status/656278313070129153

As the night progressed, it was more and more evident that it was going to be a Liberal Majority, but I don’t think even the Liberals expected the result to turn out the way it did. Lot of surprising defeats. The Orange crush, crashed in Quebec. The Conservatives and the NDP’s will now try to figure out what went wrong, but there was one thing that was evident and it was that Canadians wanted change and it was all rooted in a resounding “NO” to the Conservatives.

There are so many things about the Conservative policies that I can talk about from numerous scandals to complete disregard for the environment and minorities, politics of fear and division not to mention the untimely political suicide attempt by bringing in the niqab to the table, tax policies that did not benefit the working class, to their stance on anti-terrorism with the introduction of bill C-51 and unilateral foreign policies, that only damaged Canada’s reputation internationally. I can go on. One thing to note is that when the Conservatives came into power as a majority in 2011, on one side the Liberals had a weak leader and an even weaker platform, and on the other side was the NDP which were inexperienced.

But instead of focussing on what was, I want to focus on what IS, and what does this mean for Canada?

These are interesting times and these are scary times too. But regardless of what has happened, or what will happen, this is a very different Liberal Party compared to that of 2011. This Liberal Party is more like a “Liberal-NDP” party especially if you look at their stance on income-splitting, higher tax on high income earners and tax reduction for low income and middle class families. The whole Robbin Hood/ Socialist approach is inherently a NDP signature.

Regardless of how the Party did, I can honestly say that Justin Trudeau, although as many have believed not fit to be the Prime Mister of Canada, gave the most uplifting, positive and inspirational Prime-Minister-Like speech I have ever heard from a Canadian leader. There is something to be said about the psychology of a ‘newbie’, of a ‘rookie’, of an ‘underdog’.  Maybe Trudeau will need to work extra hard to prove himself worthy to lead a nation, and he has to because the people have put their trust in him and his party.

Tom Mulcair ran a safe, steady, well composed campaign, but sometimes that is not all that is needed. Having Justin Trudeau as a Party leader was a risk, to promise to increase spending, cut taxes and run a deficit was a risk and it paid of. Also, Justin Trudeau is charismatic and the liberals have a story to tell, from 3rd to 1st. Although you may not think that holds much value, but it does. The biggest changes happen when you have a story to tell, when you sell hope and not numbers and figures and policies.

But I am also scared of what is to come. Increasing spending and decreasing taxes and running a deficit until 2020? We might end up worse than now. Letting in 25,000 Syrian refugees instead of 10,000? Is this a calculated number or did he just throw these numbers up to win votes? How will the increase in corporate tax play out into job loss/gain scenarios, foreign investment etc…?But the biggest scare is still that proposed deficit.

I was afraid of what the election results would be, but looking at the surprising sea of red, topped with Justin Trudeau’s very uplifting, very Canadian speech, I was inspired. Sometimes when people are sick and tired of what is, what is needed is something or someone they can look up to, something that inspires them.

There is a certain charm about Trudeau that other political party leaders just do not have. It causes a movement to take place. Take for example, the movement that took place in India when its people elected Narendra Modi as their Prime Minister. Of course you cannot compare Indian and Canadian politics because there are very different dynamics at play.

What I really want to say is that if the Liberals can maintain a steady economy and keep its promises of inclusion, diversity and its commitments while inspiring Canadians, I think we’re in for a very interesting era.

I think every Canadian should listen to their new leader’s victory speech

Source: http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canada-election-2015-analysis-neil-macdonald-1.3279018
Source: http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canada-election-2015-analysis-neil-macdonald-1.3279018

 

 

 

 

 

 

Categories
Activism Global Politics

ALS Ice Bucket Challenge – Revisted

A week ago I wrote an article on the Controversies surrounding the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge and my response. The spread and intensity of the Ice Bucket Challenge does not seem to be slowing down. In the past one week, I have come across some interesting thought provoking facts and some very interesting opinions.

Animal Testing

animal_testing

Some people including Pamela Anderson have decided to say no to taking the ice bucket challenge and no to donating to ALS charity because of their stance on animal testing. Anderson wrote:

Sorry -I can’t bring myself to do your Ice bucket challenge.I enjoy a good dare- It’s always good to bring awareness – in fun, creative ways / I don’t want to take away from that.but it had me thinking. Digging a bit deeper. I found that we may not be aligned – in our messages. So…- I thought Instead / I’d challenge ALS to stop Animal testing /– Recent experiments funded by the ALS Association, mice had holes drilled into their skulls, were inflicted with crippling illnesses, and were forced to run on an inclined treadmill until they collapsed from exhaustion. Monkeys had chemicals injected into their brains and backs and were later killed and dissected.

[The Daily Banter]

If you dig deeper you will find that ALS research is not the only place where animal testing is used. In fact animals have been used repeatedly throughout the history of biomedical research. Early Greek physician-scientists, such as Aristotle, (384 – 322 BC) and Erasistratus, (304 – 258 BC), performed experiments on living animals. (source) In recent years, the practice of using animals for biomedical research has come under severe criticism by animal protection and animal rights groups. To express my view on has been difficult for me.

My stance on this is the hope to find middle ground on this issue. I do believe that if animal testing is ‘necessary‘ to find cures of diseases that affect us humans, then perhaps it may be justified for humans to do so. However, it is my hope that scientists push towards a more ‘humane’ form of testing or simply find ways to steer away from animal testing and towards other models.

What is your take on the practice of using animals for biomedical research?

Wasting Water

This issue has come up time and time again in conversations with people who are against ‘wasting water’ for the ice bucket challenge. My take on this is that in the context of the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, I do not believe that people are wasting water when they take the ice bucket challenge. It has been an integral part of ALS awareness campaign. Please read “Controversies and Cynicism Surrounding the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge“.

To those skeptics who argue that water is being wasted in this Ice bucket challenge, I challenge them to do a little thought experiment: In the context of raising awareness of ALS, imagine taking out the water/ice aspect of the challenge where people simply donate money to ALS charity and then challenge others to do the same. Do you see this as an effective campaign? (The question is rhetorical. The obvious answer is NO. For supporting argument please read “Controversies and Cynicism Surrounding the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge“).

However, let me take a step back for a moment. There are many elements involved when something becomes ‘viral’. Certain elements are necessary until an idea has reached ‘The Tipping Point’, but once it passes that tipping point there isn’t much that will stop it from spreading and at this point certain elements lose their status as ‘necessary. ‘(Recommended reading “The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference“). In this case the ALS ice bucket challenge may have already reached a point where using Ice/water may not even be necessary.

Where is the Money Going?

alsfye2014

You can view ALS Association’s financial statements online. At first glance one might think it’s a negative that ONLY 28% of funds go into research, but a closer look reveals that ALSA has a broader mission:

“We also spend money on care services to people living with the disease and public policy initiatives to encourage the advancement of legislative policies that benefit ALS families. Again, we spend a total of 79% on programs and services.”

The ALS Association has a four-star rating from Charity Navigator, and has also been rated favourable by Charity Watch (watchdog groups in the industry). Just how much weight should be placed on this spending measurement and the ratings in general is a flashpoint in the non-profit world, says Suzanne Perry, a senior editor at the Chronicle of Philanthropy. “It’s a love-hate relationship. If [charities] get rated highly, they broadcast it everywhere. If they get a lower grade, the methodology is ‘flawed,’” she says.[http://fortune.com/2014/08/22/ice-bucket-challenge-als-charity/]

Some have claimed that employee salaries at the ALS Foundation are out-of-this-WORLD![Political Ears] ALSA however says that the salaries of its executive staff are in line with the job markets where they are located—and in line with those of other national charities. This addresses the question: “Are employee salaries at ALSA high compared to other non-profit organizations?.” But the bigger question is “Should employees at charitable organizations be getting paid that much at all.

ALS Association addresses some of the donors and skeptics in “The ALS Association Debunks Fake News Article that Went Viral”. It seems to me that ASLA has been performing according the Non-Profit organization’s guidelines. But the question is: Is this enough?

But wait, here’s how Dan Pallotta shows us that “The way we think about charity is dead wrong”

But lastly:

ALSA: Oh you know what’s a great idea – Let’s Trademark “Ice Bucket Challenge”?

ALSA filed an application with the US Patent and Trademark Office seeking to trademark the term “Ice Bucket Challenge”. WAIT…. WHAT!?!

ohnoyoudidn128622973596752390

Many people called the move “disgusting,” “shameful,” and “in poor taste,” leading the group to withdraw its application.  WHAT WERE THEY THINKING?!?

So my final take is this: Know where your money is getting spent! Non-profit organizations usually have their financial statements available to public and if not, you can ask for it. Study what they are doing and if it aligns with your values, donate generously, if not, then voice your concerns.

We live in a highly democratic era of the Internet – every tweet, every video, every blog post and every Facebook comment counts.

Also, take an analytical approach when judging whether something is right or wrong. It is difficult to make people work for non-profit organization – people do need to get paid, but the question again is: are those salaries justified – you tell me!

So this is my (second) take on the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge – What’s yours?

Categories
Philosophy Politics

If Peace is the Price, Then What’s the Prize?

Let's remember our fallen soldiers. A few pay the price with their lives so that the rest can enjoy safety and freedom. But really being the so-called evolved species how is it that we can't take peace, cooperation and unity over this divide that is ever so present.

What is this progress of building cities, expanding our scientific knowledge and building wealth if we can't stop ourselves from blowing each other up?

Yes, it's because of those soldiers that sacrificed their lives that we enjoy this freedom, but do the few have to die in order for the rest to have it?

If the price is peace, then what's the Prize?

Categories
Politics

Elections Canada 2011 – Part 1

So Canadians will be going to the polls yet again. Yes this is now clear because Parliament has been dissolved. But how did that all start? For people who are keeping up, you must have heard leaders of the major political parties of Canada say that Steven Harper's has been found in Contempt of Court. What does that really mean? Actions which can constitute a contempt of Parliament vary, but typically include such things as:

  • deliberately misleading a House of Parliament or a parliamentary committee;
  • refusing to testify before, or to produce documents to, a House or committee; and
  • attempting to influence a Member of Parliament, for example, by bribery or threats.

Following the budget, the three opposition parties were part of a sub-committee that released a report on ethics. The report recommended the Harper government be found in Contempt of Parliament for failing to disclose the price of new F-35 fighter planes and its failure to disclose the cost of some of its crime bills.

So the report on Contempt of Parliament led to the motion of non-confidence by the Liberal Leader and supported by NDP, and Bloc Québécois. This just means that majority of the members of parliament do not have the confidence in the ability of the Government to run the country.

 

Now to me its pretty obvious all the monkeys in parliament were just waiting to jump on an opportunity to throw the Conservative Party out of their throne, and this is their chance to do it in a legitimate way. That is not to say that what the Harper government has done is right in any way.

 

So now lets talk about the speeches that were given by the Leaders of the major political parties. I personally think Steven Harper gave a very powerful speech. Things that he said that were the highlights were (somewhere along the lines of): Harper was calling a coalition after being defeated in the elections as illegitimate, and then later corrected himself and used the words 'not principled', and that whichever party comes in power, whether as a majority or minority should be allowed to form government. And I agree with what he is saying. What the NDP, Liberals and Bloc tried to do in 2008 was just wrong – you cant lose and then try to form a government. The constitution of Canada does allow you to do that, but you it simply is against normal principles to do so.

 

Harper also added that having a party whose sole purpose is to divide the country (the Bloc) to be part of a government is just wrong, and I think is quite dangerous. He also added that the Ignatieff cannot be trusted and it's his hidden agenda to form a coalition government if Conservative's form a minority and was urging Canadians to vote for the Conservatives so that they can form a majority parliament.

 

Ignatieff seemed like he was taking the whole thing as a joke. Either that he was tried to cover up for something. Reporters repeated asked him about his stance of a coalition and although, he said that he was not going to form a coalition, he still was not clear enough. He kept saying that they will form a Liberal government and he kept saying that. He even said that if there is a minority Liberal government, he will not form a coalition, however he was not clear on what is going to happen if the Conservatives form a minority again. Will Mr. Iggy want to form a coalition then – just to not let the Conservatives rule? Ignatieff also argued that Canada is in a much better economic state then rest of the world because of the Liberal government that ruled previous to the Conservative government.

 

Jack Layton, did something that was quite smart and political. He took no questions, and took the role of a Hero. There was a huge crowd of NDP supporters, chanting, "NDP, NDP, NDP" and "Jack Jack Jack" in brief moments throughout Layton's speech. He is running for Prime Minister, and he has made that clear. Both the Liberal and NDP leader commanded that cutting taxes for giant corporate companies was not the way to go. Layton used all the buzz words – health care reform, eduction, pension plan etc… Layton said that he is going to be providing support for small businesses and better opportunity for post secondary education. I personally agree to both of those. I being part of a small business myself believe that it will definitely benefit me. Also because of a job losses, many people have started small businesses. And small businesses need support to keep the competition going, because if can get difficult to compete with larger corporate companies.

 

I also agree to having lower taxes for larger corporate companies so that they can ultimately create more jobs. But what about the general public? He keeps cutting taxes for corporate companies and increases taxes for the general public.

 

But is Layton ready to be Prime Minister? I think not! He did have a Heroes moment today, but where does he plan to get enough support? And I sure do no want to see a coalition government, because 2 years down the road we will see another election,.. then what?

 

And then a turn of events when Douchebag..err.. I mean, Duceppe, the leader of the Bloc party called Harper a liar and showed the press a letter which he said was waving a 2004 letter signed by Harper, NDP leader Jack Layton and Duceppe, addressed to then-governor-general Adrienne Clarkson, which the three opposition leaders proposed a coalition government in the event the Liberal minority government of Paul Martin lost a confidence vote. Could that be? I actually think Harper is capable of doing that.

 

And there is the Green party…or should i say "the Green Party?". Are they even a real serious political party? No one from the party even won a seat in the last election. I am all for the environment, but we need real leaders to run a government and to lead a country not tree huggers.

 

There's more to come in the following days and weeks leading to the election on May 2, 2011!

Categories
Politics

The Nobel Peace Prize goes to Barack Obama

That’s right! US president Barack Obama wins the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize and the reason the Nobel Prize organization says is “for his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples”.

I for one am very confused. I am all for what Obama is trying to do and his promises to bring peace. But they are just that – promises. He hasn’t even been in office for a year and as far as I can see he has yet to produce real results – not that he won’t. But that’s more like awarding a Nobel Physics Prize for hope of invention of some new technology or a Nobel Chemistry Prize for plans of discovering a new element.

This is just a very huge responsibility handed to this one man and the whole world will be watching every move that he makes. I think it’s a very bold statement by the Nobel Prize Committee. I think world politics and world diplomacy will be seeing some stunning transformation. Let’s keep a close watch…

Categories
Politics

Miller not running for Toronto Mayor

Today David Miller announced that he will not be running for mayor in the next election. I think this is a sad day for Toronto. Although I agree that recently, especially after the 39-day civic strike hi s popularity hit rock bottom, I still think he did a pretty good job at holding the title as a Mayor. I see a man who has great love for the city of Toronto. He’s had to make some tough choices to try to do the right thing, but the people don’t seem to try to look past the decision that they see on the surface into the deeper reason for why sometimes certain thinks have to be done. Sure, he took a hit and it cost him his reputation with the people of Toronto.

I think people should stop bashing the mayor. Miller did try to explain his decision, but I think he failed to reach out to people and explain thoroughly reasons behind the things he was or was not doing. I personally bought his logic and his situation, but there are a lot of people that don’t heed to logic; they just look at ‘oh tax increase, oh civic strike’, and so maybe in that sense he failed as a politician.

I wish him luck in whatever he plans to do after his mayorship ends next year, and I hope that we don’t have another Mel Lastman running this City into the ditch. I hear some iditios say Miller was the worst mayor they’d ever known. Some of these people are my friends. Do they even remember Lastman, he was nothing more than a big overflowing pot of joke.

Categories
Politics

Canadian Politics : Part Four

Bob Rae steps down to make way for Michael Ignatieff to be the Liberal Party’s leader. This could be good good or good bad for the party. Good because Dion is not the party leader anymore, good because instead of going the democratic way and voting for their leader the party decided to just skip all that and put one of them on the throne; this prevents any division within the party and tries to show that the liberals are united under one man, and bad because this is not really a very democratic way, and some liberals may think that it was not fair for them and makes them feel left out by making decision ‘behind closed doors’.

I personally would have wanted to see Bob Rae lead, but Iggy is good too. He seems to have had more support than Bob Rae previously and so let it be. To me, either of them are very capable leaders for the Liberals.

Bob Rae is leaning more towards just getting rid of Haper, whereas Ignatieff is trying to show that they he will consider what Harper is going to put forward in his next budget and make the decision after, which seem to be a more politically correct move even if it is not his true intentions.

Anyway, this is the forth entry on Canadian Politics and I do not think it is going to be the last. There is more to come.

Categories
Politics

Canadian Politics : Part Three

So there is a twist in this story now. The Governor General has given the okay to Stephen Harper to have his way; to suspend Parliament until the 26th of January, 09 so that he can have some time and come up with a (hopefully) better budget. In my opinion she’s done what a Governor General should be doing, and I respect her decision. I also agree with her in some sense; the economy is in a bad shape and a little late but good solution is better than a quick but not so good solution. Stephen Harper needs to do his homework and needs to do it really well.

But even if he does come up with some ingenious way of making everyone happy and also throw a life jacket for the Canadian economy, will it really make a difference in the ‘coalition’s desire to throw Harper out?

Right after the decision by the GG was made, Dion told the media when asked whether his stance on kicking out the Conservatives is still as was, or will it change if Stephen Harper brings forth a satisfactory budget. He’s response was that “there will have to be a ‘monumental’ change in the budget”. He repeatedly used the word ‘monumental’ and when asked by different media folks again and again what he meant by monumental, he simply ignored, avoided and did not answer the question. Either he used a big word that he does not know the meaning of, or he does not want to admit that he wants to kick the Conservatives out no matter what.

Jack Layton on the other hand was very clear in his statements, when he said “Stephen Harper cannot be trusted.” and that he was all for the move to kick Stephen Harper no matter what!

Harper: “Oh SH!T I’m screwed. ”

Duceppe has lost all possible respect that he might have had. He completely ignored the question of what he and the coalition will do that Harper won’t, and what will be the coalitions move if Harper produces a satisfactory budget. Instead he went on to say “well… if my grandma was on wheels, she’d be a tractor”.

Yah, OKAY, what does that mean? Like REALLY, what does that even mean? And not only that, he WINKS at the media after saying that phrase. Even the anchor and political analyst on CP24 were wandering what it meant. Is this guy an idiot?

So who is going to lead the coalition? Dion, whose own party wants to throw him off the leadership title? Duceppe – the separatist who clearly does not know what he is saying in public? Or Layton, who is acting like a punk kid who just single mindedly wants to get rid of Harper?

Just over the weekend I met with a few friends of mine and one of them said, “Finally, Canadian politics is getting a little interesting”. It certainly is, but I for one want to say that all these political leaders have lost my respect. I really don’t even know who to vote for the next time elections come.

These guys in parliament should just put their issues aside and just get along and do something for the Canadians. We are paying for their salary and it’s about time they start doing their job properly as guardians of their country and their people.

Related entries:
Categories
Politics

Canadian Politics : Part Two

So Stephen Harper thought he could toss the opposition around by cutting their piggy bank. The 3 musketeers, Jack, Dion and Duceppe decided to form a coalition and throw out Mr. Harper out of parliament by having a vote of no confidence. So who exactly is going to lead the coalition?

All leaders made their cases in trying to convince Canada that what they were doing was the right thing to do by giving what might have been the most important speeches of their lives. Dion, although had a very bad quality of video, something which looked like it was taken from a web cam made an excellent prime minister speech. If only Canada had seen and heard this speech before the election, things may have been a little different. Jack Layton was okay; not as big of a speech as Dion’s. Stephen Harper on the other hand didn’t even seem to be making his case. He spoke neither of what his actions will be to tackle the economic problem that Canada is facing nor did he even mention that we indeed are facing an economic challenge. All he was saying was this coalition should not be formed (I.E. I save my ass and not lose my job) and the coalition definitely should not be formed with the ‘Separatists’. He kept calling the Bloc separatists. This ends any hope of the Conservatives ever making a comeback in Quebec.

My interpretation of all the three speeches was this:

Dion: “Yes, yes … I still have a chance. O Canada, please.. please… pretty please let me be the Prime Minister. Sure you don’t have faith in me, buy please let me be prime minister before my party kicks me off the party throne and replace me with a more capable leader.”

Harper: “Oh SHIT! I’m screwed. ”

Layton: “I hate him, I hate him I hate him. That Harper is such a bully. I’ll show that Stevey. How dare he steal my lunch money.”

Duceppe: To be honest I didn’t see his speech. I’m sure he must have made one, I just missed it.

Related entries:

Categories
Politics

Canadian Politics : Part One

Canadians went to the polls just two years after they went to the polls and elected the Stephen Harper led Conservative Party who formed a minority government. I still really don’t get why there was another election in the first place. This time Canadians again elected the Stephen Harper led Conservative Party and yet again Canadians had to witness a minority government. So the question on every Canadian’s (or at least some Canadians like me) mind was, “What was really the point of this election?”.

This time was the first time I voted. Last time around, I had a chance but didn‚Äôt vote, but I thought this time I should; it is my right and I must exercise my right and also because you know what they say, “Every vote counts”.

I didn‚Äôt want to vote for the Liberals because I really doubted Dion‚Äôs capabilities as a leader and to be honest the Liberals were all over the place with their campaign, and what‚Äôs up with the carbon tax? Dion doesn‚Äôt really look or sounds like a prime minister, Harper looks like a crook (joke, please don’t take that seriously; I didn‚Äôt quite buy all their policies), and Duceppe (leader of the Quebec Bloc) is a separatist. Jack Layton, the leader of the NDP was the only guy who seemed consistent and well,‚Ķ the only other party left. Although, there is also the Green party, if anyone even wants to consider them a real political party. In times like this when the country is facing a recession, making the environment our first priority isn‚Äôt really a very smart thing to do, and thankfully Canadians realize that and it is evident from the fact that not even one member of the Green party got elected. Don‚Äôt get me wrong! I am all for the environment, I try the little things that I can to make a difference, but looking at the current economic situation, the environment can wait.

So now the new government is sworn in and Canada again witnesses Harper Led Conservative minority government.

Stephen Harper faces a tough challenge with the receding economy and 1000‚Äôs or job losses across Canada. What does he do? He proposes to do something, but nothing which would throw in life jackets for the sinking economy like some sort of an economic stimulus package. Instead, what the Conservatives propose is to sell off crown assets, and on top of that, they wanted to cut back on government funding for political parties, which was their way of showing that “Hey, we know that Canadians are feeling the pinch and we want to show that we understand so we‚Äôre going to tone down our piggy bank (a very large piggy bank)”. But what does that do for the economy? Nothing!

This is just like that ridiculous tax reduction that Harper put in place the last time he was elected prime minister. Are Canadians really buying this non-sense? An average Canadian does not buy a house or a car every month or buy expensive things or buy things in large quantities. It’s only the rich ones that will be really benefiting from this tax reduction. The average Canadian hardly saves enough to make any difference in their bank balance or life style. And just to remind my readers that there is no tax on basic items anyway! This only reduced millions of dollars in revenue for the government without affecting the middle class and low income Canadian households in a positive way.

Oh and I am not done yet. Stay tuned for more!