The crotch bomber won!

Here we go again. The American authorities, in their never-ending mission to strip me of my personal liberty and dignity, have imposed new regulations for flying into the US in the wake of the recent bombing attempt.

As if stripping my belt and shoes off scores of times since 9-11 hasn't been enough harassment, I will now have to be subjected to a full pat-down prior to boarding, and I will be denied blankets or pillows during the last 60 minutes of flight. And no peeing 1 hour prior to landing either...flying with my small children just got more interesting.

All this in the name of the 'ILLUSION' of security. Never mind the fact that:

- Umar Farouk Abdul Mutallab was on an FBI so-called 'watch list'
- he was on a Banned from Entry list in the UK for months now
- his father recently contacted the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria with concerns his son had "become radicalized" and was planning something!
- he boarded a flight with a ticket paid in cash, and with NO LUGGAGE!!!

Of course, I feel much better after seeing Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano on TV saying "While we continue to investigate the source of this incident, the traveling public should be very confident of what we're doing now."

NOW? NOW? WTF! You couldn't set up a system to make sure a passenger agent properly signaled the authorities when a guy checked in for a flight from Nigeria to Detroit with NO LUGGAGE?

I see all the news sources calling this a "botched attack" but the only thing that was botched was the basic common sense of every individual that came in contact with Umar during those last 24 hours before he tried to light his pants on fire...

And even more botched, is the basic thinking that all this so-called security makes us safer.

Fighting terrorism can be done only one way - getting on with our lives and not letting them get to us. Because every time my Yankee friends panic and decide to start checking my underwear, the terrorists win.

Please grow a pair Mr. Obama....

FACT - polls of the American public demonstrate an overwhelming majority support a public health care option.
FACT - the representatives elected to represent the American public, have intentionally destroyed any chance of getting a true public option on behalf of the insurance and pharmaceutical lobbiests.

What has transpired in the US senate over the past 2 weeks is not just disgraceful and disgusting, but it is downright unconstitutional. Yet again the White House has allowed special interest groups and lobbyists to wipe their proverbial arses with the very document that was supposed to make their nation so great.

And while I would love to blame Joe Lieberman...(there is a special place in hell set aside for this schmuck)...I am afraid there is no one to blame but Mr. Obama and his White House.

The lack of balls they have shown over and over again since there arrival is disgusting. Where is the AUDACITY? Where is the HOPE? Guantanamo flip-flop, the abuse photos flip-flop, 30K troops to Afghanistan... The never ending list of ballslessness of this administration to make the tough decisions.

While I am no political expert I am fairly knowledgeable on the subject of leadership. You cannot lead by constantly seeking compromise. You cannot lead without showing where you stand and what you believe. You cannot lead without a fire and fight. Obama's silence during the health care debate is astoundingly cowardly. Crickets...nothing but crickets.

As a 'liberal' minded person I was as hopeful and ecstatic as anyone else on that historic November evening. Today I hope that I am not the only one that feels dismayed and betrayed.

Howard Dean is right - the current bill must be killed and sent back up for compromise - it is the only way to send a message to the lobbyists that they can no longer buy and sell policy. Then, Obama a must wake up the beast and fight for the true public option. He must use all tactics possible...the American people who voted for him deserve that fight.

Please grow a pairMr. Obama.

That's my opinion and it should be yours too.

"You know who should have been on the cover of TIME magazine? The lobbyists." - Arianna Huffington

Please remember to remember.

My hiatus is over and I am back with many opinions to share, but I feel it's appropriate to begin by republishing this piece in honour of Remembrance Day - Please leave comments.
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As high school students my friends and I were Air Cadets and military buffs. While I didn't have the discipline for it, some of my friends joined the real military upon turning eighteen. I lost touch with those friends for several years, but one day I ran into one and we sat and chatted in the food court of a mall.

We caught up on old times and reminisced as old friends do - I told him about my exploits trying to make it in a band and all the silly jobs I had held to finance that project. We laughed - a lot. When I asked him what he had been up to, his eyes suddenly glazed over. His face became very cold and a wedge appeared between us. "Not much" he said.

I pushed further and asked if he had traveled as a soldier, seen action, lived the dream as I saw it through the eyes of a WWII movie lover... He told me he had been to Cyprus, Bosnia and parts of Africa as a UN peacekeeper along with several other of my old friends, but it was like a tooth extraction to get any info out of him. One word answers, grunts and nods. After a few minutes of this I gave up... I wished him well and moved on with my day. A strange run-in indeed. "People change" I thought to myself.

I thought nothing of it until several months later when in a bar I ran into another one of these friends who had joined the service together. This was a much friendlier run-in, especially as we were both fairly intoxicated. I learned in this conversation that he had in fact served with the UN alongside the first friend mentioned above. He told me about the beaches in Cyprus and the girls in Germany...then he told me about Bosnia.

Their first detail upon arrival in Bosnia had been to assist a UN crew in cleaning up an elementary school and it's yard. I remember feeling really proud to be Canadian when he said that - the mental image of handsome young Canadian soldiers helping to re-open a school....very romantic and idealistic.

He then proceeded to describe to me in grotesque detail that in fact the school was a crime scene. The UN squad was actually there cleaning out a mass grave of Muslim children that had been executed by Milosevic's christian militia in their classroom, and then buried in the yard several months previous. There aren't words to describe the horror he communicated, but suffice to say that they found themselves carrying the partly decomposed bodies of elementary school children.

He went on to tell me that the mission was much easier after that, though there was the story of being pinned down under live fire as an enemy sniper shot civilians in the street in front of him...including a pregnant woman.

Even more disturbing was that as he told these stories, he did so with the same tone I would use to tell you about taking my kids shopping for shoes at the mall yesterday. (He also downed at least 4 drinks in the half hour or so we spoke.) Of course I was speechless - I couldn't find words. What do you say to that? "Wow dude...rough job...?" Instead, I asked him how he was dealing with it. He looked up, stared into my eyes and said, "I'm not."

Enough said.

I can't tell you how many times I've wondered how those friends are doing today. I think about them every time I see a Canadian death in Afghanistan reported on the news. Worse, I think of them every time I read about another one of our best and brightest committing suicide.

Sixty five thousand Canadians will have served in Afghanistan by 2012 - It's not enough to just drive around with a "Support the Troops" sticker on your car. We owe it to them to understand the horror and duress that haunts many of them for the rest of their lives. Read a book like Shake Hands with the Devil by Roméo Dallaire.

We owe it to them to respect the sacrifices they have made in the name of our country, so buy a poppy and take your kids to the local Cenotaph on November 11th; explain to them why you are there.

And we owe it to them to hold our government accountable for providing the support and treatment they need, so write a letter to your Member of Parliament demanding they support funding for programs like Operational Stress Injury Support Service. (OSISS)

That's my opinion, and it should be yours too.

Learn more:

Article: War at Home: Military rethinks suicide tally

Organization: Operational Stress Injury Support Service

Darwin wins again

A fantastic piece in the New York Times that makes it simple for anyone to understand the economic situation we are going to be in for some time.

The Invisible Hand, Trumped by Darwin?

The real question in follow up to this piece: Are the current power brokers and insiders in charge of the US (and Canadian) economy ready to make the right decisions for the common good? Me thinks not...

Worth the read no matter your level of economics understanding.

Just when you thought America was going to get it right...free speech is dead

I would love to write something sophisticated and poignant about the health care debate in the US. As a matter of fact, I would like to be telling you that the US is finally about to take a step forward and join the rest of the developed world by offering a decent basic health-care plan for all of its citizens. But sadly, I am here to tell you about a most disturbing development in the history of American public policy and its debate.

Remember in college when we tackled the free speech debate: ''Is falsely yelling FIRE! in a crowded theater legal?'' was the example usually used. Well I would like to recommend teachers update the reference to the following:

''Is it legal, in order to destroy a health care bill in congress, to falsely tell a xenophobic senior-citizen their new black president is going to euthanize them?''

But why change the FIRE! test? It's so much easier to remember...

You see, it had appeared that mobs of stupid people had gained control of the public debate on whether or not the US government should once and for all administer a public health insurance option for its citizens. When I say stupid, I don't mean stupid as in 'dude, you're stupid' stupid - I mean stupid as in the Webster dictionary says: lacking intelligence or reason stupid. (really folks, YouTube these folks...their stupidity is startling! I couldn't make this stuff up.)

The following examples of stupidity read like the plot of the next South Park: The Movie installment, but I fear even Trey Parker and Matt Stone might not have seen these coming... Here is a sampling of their key talking points:

• Health care reform means "socialism" or a "government takeover" of all health care, closing down the insurance companies and forcing everyone onto a 'Canadian-style' system that rations care
• Government will pay for 'abortion on demand, 'in-vitro for lesbians' and 'sex change operations' with tax-payer money
• (and my favorite) Government will create 'death panels' to decide the fate of senior citizens - yes, they are talking about euthanasia, and they are doing it seriously. (people have been seen in tears at protests over this supposed clause...)

Any half-intelligent, truly concerned American citizen looking for real information on the health care reform debate shouldn't look far. The actual bill is a public document by law, and the ins and outs of every clause can be examined and read. I'm Canadian and I was able to debunk these points in 15 minutes on the web. Now I realize I may be more skilled than most using the web and its search capabilities, but isn't the future of health care in your country worth some of your time?

But back to free speech...

I did say 'it appeared' that stupid people gained control of the public debate. Sadly I must report that the truth is even worse...the medical industry and conservative (=crazy) lobbyists have successfully hijacked the debate. They are the money and organization behind these so-called 'grass-roots' groups of angry people sent to and drown out public debates on the vitally important topic of American health care reform. (They have in fact done so successfully and without even hiding it very well...)

While this storyline could be made funny were it woven into the plot of the South Park movie follow-up, the actual health care debate in the US lies helplessly in tatters, as do the 1st and 14th amendments of the US Constitution.

The stupid will always be there, as will those who will manipulate them. But those who lend the manipulators credibility are the true offenders.

Every day American society allows the likes of Bill O'Reilly, Ann Coulter, Glenn Beck et. al. to spew their hate-speech-camouflaged-as-free-speech. These pawns of corporate interests are allowed to go on the air and present their opinions as fact and distribute lies to sway the opinion of their less-than-intelligent watchers and listeners. And it seems to me there might finally be a way to shut these ''liars-for-hire'' down once and for all.

But excuse me, oh wise one, how are they infringing on the right to free speech? Aren't the stupid and the ugly protected too? Well in the case of the health care debate the Schenk v. US test may apply in that false statements are presenting a clear and present danger to the United States and its citizens.

''The question in every case is whether the words used are used in such circumstances and are of such a nature as to create a clear and present danger that they will bring about the substantive evils that Congress has a right to prevent." - Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr., Schenck v. United States, 1919

If we assume that the destruction of the health care reform bill would mean:

• 47 million uninsured Americans will stay uninsured and therefore die younger than those with insurance.
• Americans will continue to fall uninsured when they lose or change a job, then facing the horror of trying to qualify for benefits at their next job as a new applicant
• Insured Americans will continue to fall victim to the new (and very profitable) practice of recision, or in layman's terms, kicking people off their insurance once they get sick
• The eventual bankruptcy of the American economy as the current system is unsustainable at current cost levels

Then doesn't the US Congress have the right to prevent the above-mentioned evils??? Only a daring US lawyer ready to take on the corporate healthcare establishment would be able to put this to the test...I suggest somebody find one immediately.

As a Canadian with universal health care, I truly wish the same for America. But sadly I am convinced that they will be denied again and the hijackers will win...and in the process destroy what little is left of the US Constitution.

That's my opinion and it should be yours too.

Pass the anesthesia please

Stunning facts about Michael Jackson's memorial:

• 31.1 million US television viewers (Nielson)
• 18 million views over live stream (estimate)
• 20 million downloads/streams after the fact (estimate)

(I tried to find a statistic on how many hours of coverage were dedicated to the story over the past 10 days but was unable, but I can tell you I was in 2 countries over the period and not much else was discussed.)

The tragic story of a talented young boy who endured great turmoil but went on to succeed in a tremendous way, only to spiral into a darkness of folly and debauchery leading to an early demise....

Must have been a nice distraction from the story of a young nation born from turmoil who went on to succeed in a tremendous way, only to spiral into a darkness of folly and corruption, seemingly headed for an early demise....

While the memorial was dominating the US media space, that nation continues to spiral out of control. The apparently impotent Obama administration continues to waste time seeking "consensus" rather than taking the radical steps required to begin the reversal of 30 years of economic debauchery. Oh, but there is time to meet the Pope. (don't get me started on the Pope)

FACT: AIG will be issuing fat bonus cheks this week
FACT: Morgan Stanley has obtained approval for the sale of a new derivative product: bundled debt assets... HELLO?

Pass the laughing gas please.

I invite anyone in the mood for horror reading to enjoy the following link.... http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/story/28816321/the_great_american_bubble_machine/print

2 steamé alldrèsse....

(A food review I wrote back in early May.... I warned you my subjects would vary!)
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So I'm cruising back to my office in Old Montreal from Verdun yesterday and for some reason I decide to cut up Charlevoix to St-Patrick from Wellington.

My tummy grumbling, I see a casse-croute on a corner and hit the brakes. I consider myself a pretty savvy Montreal eater, but I had never been to or heard of Paul Patate! What a great little experience this turned into...

I walked in, sat down and ordered the classic combo - "2 steamé alldrèsse avec poutine." The girl behind the counter brings my poutine - it was classic and simple - fresh cheese curds, hand-cut and lovingly double-fried fries...and classic quebecois style 'sauce BBQ'

Just as I'm savoring my first bite, she brings me a very plump and fresh looking steamed hot-dog. 'I ordered 2' I say to the girl. She says I know, but we serve them one at a time - when you're done that one I will bring you the second. GENIUS! The second will be as hot and tender as the first! (no brainer...can't believe I never thought of it before...)

Poutine: Very good - the fries really make it shine. Caramelized flavour - that slight sweet taste of 'we don't change our oil very often' in every bite. Honestly some of the best fries I have tasted. The sauce was very typical, nothing outstanding, but trhe fries really boost the whole plate - overall a very good poutine.

Hot-dog: Having grown up here you grow accustomed to the average steamy - wet, gummy bread, regular size hot dog that's been kept warm too long, and cole-slaw that is bordering on kim-chi as far as how long it's been sitting in the same bowl.... Well let me tell you - this place really lifts the bar - the bun was freshly steamed, warm and just ever-so slightly moist. The sausage was plump and tender - not overcooked - just perfect. (I didn,T thing to ask what brand they use...I will next time) The mustard and relish were stock, but the cole-slaw was fresh, cold and just the right acidity - piled neatly on top.

I should add, though I see it is mentioned in other posts, the legendary spruce beer of Restaurant Émile Bertrand formerly on Notre-Dame is served exclusively at Paul Patate. I tried it - It's an acquired taste. But it sure adds an aura of authenticity to the place.

One last funny anecdote about my visit - Sitting at the counter and half way through my poutine I got this strange feeling I had been in this place before. Apparantly I had quite the puzzled look on my face because the girl behind the counter asked me if everything was OK. I innocently told her what I was feeling and she answered 'television.' '

What?' I asked.

'Television' she repeated. 'This place is on TV all the time - this is the casse-croute in Taxi 22.'
I couldn't help but laugh out loud - I was a big fan of Taxi 22 in its first season - a very funny Quebecois comedy starring Patrick Huard.

It turns out I had been sitting with my back to a wall that is plastered with newspaper clippings and pictures of Patrick Huard and the owner of Paul Patate. (Not to mention a signed picture of Martin Brodeur!)

My first post...

So here we are - my first post. Let me begin with the following disclaimer:

I am fully aware and conscious that many of the opinions I will share in the blog will shock, provoke and perhaps even insult some readers. These posts will be made up of words and only words, and to quote one of my heroes the great George Carlin, there are no such things as good words or bad words - only good or bad intentions. Therefore let me make it clear that my only intention is one of self expression and whenever possible to provoke thought and perhaps a laugh or two. Please know that your reaction to my post is purely your own responsibility.

Now on with it then...

I have been racking my brains on where to begin...the PQ and their silly would-be-Premiere Marois? Herr Harper and his band of rednecks? Bob Gainey and his obsession with midgets? Perhaps something light such as why Shepherds Pie is known as Chinese Pie in Quebec...

As luck would have it, a discussion on a finance chat board led me to the golden trough of opinions to be vented. Therefore, ladies and gentlemen, as my first post I deliver unto you - my opinion (should be yours too)

The context of the chat:

In response to a plea for financial advice from an unemployed man with few options but personal bankruptcy, the gentleman below recommended he should give away all his remaining money to the church and trust God to save him. At first I laughed and kidded with this gentleman thinking it was a joke - alas it was not.

The post that invited my opinion:

Tomorrow everything will be taken from you, and the question will be asked, "What have you done with the gifts God has given freely?" Everybody has a choice, what is yours? Open your heart to truth, and you will see what I see.

My first reply:

My choice is to believe in the potential for goodness in men without the need for a God or a fear of God...just out of pure humanity. More unspeakable atrocity has been committed in the name of "God" than any other guise... if anything the choice is made even clearer by this - stay away from "God" and chances are you will be a better person. As for seeing what you see - no thanks! I opened my eyes 3 years ago and have never seen so clearly in all my life. I only wish the same for you some day.

To which he responded:

I think you are mixing religion with God. Religion is mans attempt at understanding God. Man has a conceited streak which contaminates truth. That is why we have so many religions. Man also uses religion for his own personal gain. I am talking about truly knowing your maker, not about any religion. You can find God anywhere, not only in church. You have made your assumptions due to the life experiences you have encountered. Einstein believed in a Creator. E=MC2 was being taught by Jesus 1900 years earlier. With faith you can actually move mountains. When we study the tiniest levels known to science currently a theory, we see strings of energy in every atom. Unlocking this energy is the key to all miracles. God created the sciences for man to learn about Gods creation,. We are only infants in this wonderful universe.

Which left me no option but to bring down the full force of my opinion (should be yours too)

Nice apologist manifesto - and quite convincingly recited I may add. The true and awesome power of the universe is unlocked in science, fact and rational thought. And Einstein believed not in a "creator" as you say, but a creative force of nature...and where you got "E=MC2 was being taught by Jesus 1900 years earlier" I'll never know, but it is not only false, it is insulting to imply that the greatest scientist of our time was only spewing rehashed theories from a character in a book.

If you ask me to believe that somewhere down the study of creation we may stumble upon a creative force that is responsible for this beautiful universe, I may CHOOSE to believe it - with scientific proof and rational thought.

If you ask me to believe that this creative force is in any way divine, all-knowing, omnipotent, responsible for anything that happens in my daily life or the daily lives of any creature to have lived in the universe...I cannot. If you ask me to believe that this creative force sent messengers to earth, possessed people, spoke to people, I cannot. If you ask me to believe that this creative force has any effect whatsoever on the decision making capabilities of a man to choose between right and wrong, I cannot. To do so would be utterly ridiculous and irrational.

I choose to take responsibility for my actions, decisions and human experience. And the sooner the rest of humanity can do the same the more chance we have of making it through the next 200 years as a race. For the truth is that men of "God" can currently be linked to most of the non-essential struggles of our time, never mind most of the human atrocities of the past 5000 years...

Instead of working together as a race to lift people from poverty, desperation and desolation, we divide and destroy in the name of "God." So please spare me your apologist speak, because you and I both know that you believe in Jesus and the bible. At least assume responsibility for that.

And there you have it - the ice is broken and the first post is done. I welcome your comments, I only ask that they be kept in clean language and as rationally thought out as possible.