I am going to go out on a limb and say that this 14th season of South Park is the funniest season yet. Another week, another hilarious episode that ridicules current cultural phenomenon. Who was their target this week? None other than Facebook. We Canadians may remember Facebook from such faux controversies as Canadians Against Prorogation. Stone and Parker spare no contempt for the social networking site. Cartman even spoofs Jim Cramer in a bit called "Mad Friends", which speculates about Facebook friend counts like they are stocks on the Nasdaq.
This episode, like all South Park episodes, can be watched for free online at the Comedy Central website. You can watch all this season's episodes for free, just scroll down the clip list at the center of the page. My personal favourite of the season is Dances with Smurfs, which parodies Glenn Beck and Avatar in the same episode. The dad trying to get cancer to score a weed prescription from his doctor is also classic.
The only Facebook Group I ever visit is CALNDTJ.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Pay no attention to the roaring economic recovery behind the curtain...
While our "Political Class" remains consumed with wild and baseless accusations against two former Conservatives, I didn't hear much talk yesterday about Canada's trade surplus growing to $1.4 billion dollars in the month of February alone. By contrast, the United States has a trade deficit of $40 billion dollars (again, that is just February). There exists a strong global demand for Canadian goods as our GDP growth is crushing Kevin Page's pessimistic expectations. "From June of last year to February, Canadian export volumes are up 14%".
To the Liberals, the art of crying wolf far exceeds the importance of Canada's economic performance. They would prefer that Canadians ignore our robust economy and instead base their support in Government on a deliberately sensationalized soap opera scandal that has no impact on the lives of ordinary people. For Iggy and Donolo, it is easy to make priorities. Sometimes we as Canadians (especially those employed at the CBC) have become so consumed with the theatrics of Question Period that we fool ourselves into thinking the subject matter is what is important to our lives, when in reality "the days of our lives" in QP represent the partisan electoral special interests of an official opposition desperate to return to power.
To the Liberals, the art of crying wolf far exceeds the importance of Canada's economic performance. They would prefer that Canadians ignore our robust economy and instead base their support in Government on a deliberately sensationalized soap opera scandal that has no impact on the lives of ordinary people. For Iggy and Donolo, it is easy to make priorities. Sometimes we as Canadians (especially those employed at the CBC) have become so consumed with the theatrics of Question Period that we fool ourselves into thinking the subject matter is what is important to our lives, when in reality "the days of our lives" in QP represent the partisan electoral special interests of an official opposition desperate to return to power.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Jaffer Denied Access to Attorney
Well now we know why Rahim Jaffer received a plea bargain that many believed was too lenient, because the arresting officers denied him access to his attorney. In fact, had Rahim declined the deal there was a high probability that he would have won his case. Denying a suspect access to his attorney is a mighty big screw up. I'm curious if the opposition members who suggested that Rahim scored the deal with back room Tory judicial influence peddling will be preparing their apologies for Wednesday? Oh that's right, baseless accusations are immune from legal accountability in our House of Commons. Marlene Jennings doesn't have to concern herself with a libel suit, unless she spouted her mouth off outside the protection of the House...
Manbridge broke the story this evening, and yet on the CBC Politics page the headline is the return of Colvin, not the bungled arrest of Rahim Jaffer. I would like to repeat a poll question asked by Evan Soloman earlier today: "Has Helena Guergis been mistreated by the media?"
No 74% (339 votes)
Yes 24% (109 votes)
Unsure 2% (8 votes)
Evan's audience seems to think alleging wild rumours is completely fair treatment, and when the OPP screw up an arrest, it is okay to allege Jim Flaherty asked a judge for a favour. Remember that Evan is part of the media, so he is asking his own audience if he and his CBC colleagues have mistreated the former Minister. I wonder how many of the 456 votes came from the thousands of CBC employees?
Manbridge broke the story this evening, and yet on the CBC Politics page the headline is the return of Colvin, not the bungled arrest of Rahim Jaffer. I would like to repeat a poll question asked by Evan Soloman earlier today: "Has Helena Guergis been mistreated by the media?"
No 74% (339 votes)
Yes 24% (109 votes)
Unsure 2% (8 votes)
Evan's audience seems to think alleging wild rumours is completely fair treatment, and when the OPP screw up an arrest, it is okay to allege Jim Flaherty asked a judge for a favour. Remember that Evan is part of the media, so he is asking his own audience if he and his CBC colleagues have mistreated the former Minister. I wonder how many of the 456 votes came from the thousands of CBC employees?
"Government at war with citizens"?
Evidently hyperbole is not lost on John Ibbitson at the Globe and Mail. He is adamant that all information regarding our ongoing military operations should be released to the media, and that failure to do so represents our Government waging war on its own citizenry. "Those outside government insist that in an open democracy everything must be revealed unless there is a compelling reason not to." A compelling reason you say? Like releasing information that could endanger our troops currently deployed in the field? Mr Ibbitson also believes that the Government should disclose detailed information about police investigations before they even begin.
I am outside the Government, and I believe there is information in their possession that should not be immediately released to Kady O'Malley. Our combat operations will end next year. When our troops are out of harm's way, then that would be an excellent time to review those "sensitive" documents and draft our future military policy. Soloman and Milewski were shocked today that one of Afghanistan's Governors is not a nice guy. These people have been in a perpetual state of civil war for how many years? You aren't going to find many Gandhis rising to power in that environment. It is unfortunate that we have to work with people who do not meet the lofty standards of our own democracy, but it is a sovereign country that will need to be able to take care of itself once we leave.
I am outside the Government, and I believe there is information in their possession that should not be immediately released to Kady O'Malley. Our combat operations will end next year. When our troops are out of harm's way, then that would be an excellent time to review those "sensitive" documents and draft our future military policy. Soloman and Milewski were shocked today that one of Afghanistan's Governors is not a nice guy. These people have been in a perpetual state of civil war for how many years? You aren't going to find many Gandhis rising to power in that environment. It is unfortunate that we have to work with people who do not meet the lofty standards of our own democracy, but it is a sovereign country that will need to be able to take care of itself once we leave.
Helena Guergis: "Baby you can drive my car!"
Beep beep, beep beep, yeah! I am shocked at the latest allegations being reported on the CBC about Guergis-gate, that she and her spouse shared automobiles! This is an outrage! How can such a grievous miscarriage of social justice be permitted in our proud society? Somebody please file another ethics complaint, because frankly if we allow such horrors to be perpetrated against humanity, we all suffer. Thankfully we have Margo MacDermitt on the case!
Oh hold on, Question Period is on TV, I wonder what they are talking about?
(*extended pause*)
Yup, that's what I thought.
I couldn't help but notice that the opposition would ask a question, and then as soon as a Government Minister stood to answer, they started screaming immediately such that you couldn't possibly hear the answer! Must we force Minister Baird to scream himself? Can you not at least hold the jeers until after the question is answered? When you ask a question, do you not want to hear the answer? There are two ways to deal with this juvenile rabble rousing; 1) don't talk while the other side is screaming, sit down until they shut up, 2) do what John Baird did and speak quietly such that the answer can only be heard if the opposition quiets down. I did like the Speaker's joke about the Transport Minister's microphone not functioning properly today.
Everyone knows it is standard procedure in the art of question asking to immediately start screaming at the person whose opinion you asked for as soon as they begin speaking. I always make an effort to scream at people after I ask them questions.
PS: If you are unable to detect sarcasm, this site may not be for you...
Oh hold on, Question Period is on TV, I wonder what they are talking about?
(*extended pause*)
Yup, that's what I thought.
I couldn't help but notice that the opposition would ask a question, and then as soon as a Government Minister stood to answer, they started screaming immediately such that you couldn't possibly hear the answer! Must we force Minister Baird to scream himself? Can you not at least hold the jeers until after the question is answered? When you ask a question, do you not want to hear the answer? There are two ways to deal with this juvenile rabble rousing; 1) don't talk while the other side is screaming, sit down until they shut up, 2) do what John Baird did and speak quietly such that the answer can only be heard if the opposition quiets down. I did like the Speaker's joke about the Transport Minister's microphone not functioning properly today.
Everyone knows it is standard procedure in the art of question asking to immediately start screaming at the person whose opinion you asked for as soon as they begin speaking. I always make an effort to scream at people after I ask them questions.
PS: If you are unable to detect sarcasm, this site may not be for you...
Charest Behaving Badly
I was delighted to read that the former Charest Justice Minister Marc Bellemare claims that the Quebec construction industry was funneling money illegally into Charest's coffers. Many leftards enjoy musing that Charest is a possible successor to Stephen Harper, despite a lot of conservatives being opposed Jean's agenda. Whatever his past in politics, Charest is now a Liberal, and has a zero probability of winning a Tory leadership race. I was disappointed about the fall of Mario Dumont, who was not ready for prime time in the legislature. I remain ardently opposed to Charest's legislative agenda; specifically the parts where driving a car will cause an ice age.
Fortunately for Charest, like McGuinty, there won't be an election anytime soon. Unlike our current minority federal Government, provincial blunders have no probability of being put to voters in the near term. I am sick and tired of minority Parliament in Canada. Our democracy was designed for majorities. Why do you think the British are freaking out about the possibility of minority Parliament? Because in the British system, it is called "hung Parliament", that's why! Mario Dumont should run for the federal Tories next election in either Chicoutimi, Abitibi, Montmorency, Manicouagan, Richmond--Arthabaska, or Mount Royal.
Fortunately for Charest, like McGuinty, there won't be an election anytime soon. Unlike our current minority federal Government, provincial blunders have no probability of being put to voters in the near term. I am sick and tired of minority Parliament in Canada. Our democracy was designed for majorities. Why do you think the British are freaking out about the possibility of minority Parliament? Because in the British system, it is called "hung Parliament", that's why! Mario Dumont should run for the federal Tories next election in either Chicoutimi, Abitibi, Montmorency, Manicouagan, Richmond--Arthabaska, or Mount Royal.
Monday, April 12, 2010
No Nukes!
When I see my Prime Minister representing Canadian interests abroad, like at today's summit on nuclear non-proliferation, I take a moment to thank the heavens above that Stephane Dion lost. Stephen Harper is a great Prime Minister, and I am pleased to have him as my representative at these international conferences. I think we should be reducing nuclear stockpiles and resisting the creation of new weapons. There are enough bombs to destroy the world 1000 times over. I'd feel more comfortable if we reduced the capacity of humanity to destroy itself. Cudos to Layton for making it his first question in the period, but I would like to know which opposition member laughed out loud when John Baird said Canada's goal is to reduce nuclear stockpiles.
Also today it was announced that we would start sending our nuclear waste back to the United States where we bought it (we dig uranium out of the sand, but we don't enrich it). Evan Soloman, interviewing Lawrence Canon, seemed to have a problem with this; suggesting that sending weapons grade materials to the United States represents some moral violation of world peace. Shouldn't we be pleased that they can do this for us? I'd be more upset if they refused the service than sending toxic waste to another country.
Also today it was announced that we would start sending our nuclear waste back to the United States where we bought it (we dig uranium out of the sand, but we don't enrich it). Evan Soloman, interviewing Lawrence Canon, seemed to have a problem with this; suggesting that sending weapons grade materials to the United States represents some moral violation of world peace. Shouldn't we be pleased that they can do this for us? I'd be more upset if they refused the service than sending toxic waste to another country.
Best Canadian Political Shows
Last night Hunter at Climbing out of the Dark wrote a post about Canadian political shows, asking people what if any they still pay attention to. I figured; why not turn that into a poll question? Hunter received quite a lot of feedback, which I browsed to collect 10 nominations. You may select multiple answers. The question is not which is the best show, but which do you tune in for?
The show that I enjoy above all others in Canada is Charles Adler. I got my start as an e-mailer to Adler Online, and it was the first time that I had my written words read aloud by a professional orator. I liked the sound of it, and my blog was born. I tend to lose interest when Chuck talks about the best coffee machines, talking to strangers, or pet eulogies; but the boss of talk is the best in the country when he zooms in on the political class. I am also a big fan of the Roy Green Show.
The show that I enjoy above all others in Canada is Charles Adler. I got my start as an e-mailer to Adler Online, and it was the first time that I had my written words read aloud by a professional orator. I liked the sound of it, and my blog was born. I tend to lose interest when Chuck talks about the best coffee machines, talking to strangers, or pet eulogies; but the boss of talk is the best in the country when he zooms in on the political class. I am also a big fan of the Roy Green Show.
Guergis-gate: This Day in Question Period
Okay, I was expecting a little more emotion in the opposition's fervor on Guergis-gate during today's edition of Question Period. I suppose when you place the question sheet in Anita Neville's hands for reading, passion and emotion is beyond reasonable expectations. The Liberal MP struggled to even read the words Donolo likely wrote down on the piece of paper for her. Questions lose some of their "panache" when you hold the piece of paper right in front of your face and struggle to get the words out of your mouth. Well done Anita! I enjoyed it.
Then for the comic relief, there are none better than Jack Layton. He pulls out the Government's code of conduct and reads a clip on how Ministers are accountable to Canadians, and then he looks up and screams his question "why has this been referred to the RCMP!!!???" Let my get this straight Jack, should possible criminal allegations not have been handed to the RCMP? Would it have been a better course of action to circumvent our judicial process altogether and refer Helena instead to a lefty lynch mob on Parliament's front lawn? I'm curious to know how we can be more accountable than referring allegations to the Ethics Commissioner and the RCMP. Now that it has been referred to the judicial system, the Government is not permitted to comment on the nature of the allegations. The opposition knows this, which makes their delinquent demand for details ring a trifle hollow…
Then for the comic relief, there are none better than Jack Layton. He pulls out the Government's code of conduct and reads a clip on how Ministers are accountable to Canadians, and then he looks up and screams his question "why has this been referred to the RCMP!!!???" Let my get this straight Jack, should possible criminal allegations not have been handed to the RCMP? Would it have been a better course of action to circumvent our judicial process altogether and refer Helena instead to a lefty lynch mob on Parliament's front lawn? I'm curious to know how we can be more accountable than referring allegations to the Ethics Commissioner and the RCMP. Now that it has been referred to the judicial system, the Government is not permitted to comment on the nature of the allegations. The opposition knows this, which makes their delinquent demand for details ring a trifle hollow…
Liberals Preparing for Another Manic Monday?
Parliament resumes today after a week of Easter solitude, and you can fully expect the Liberals to plow full steam ahead on the Guergis controversy in a blatant attempt to draw attention away from our roaring economy. I can only imagine the pep talk Iggy will deliver to his troops in order to energize them before they embark en masse to cry wolf as we have seen time and time again. Guaranteed Iggy and his Golden Thesaurus burned the midnight oil on Sunday. Remember Mike, you can't demand the release of details that the Prime Minister is not allowed to disclose.
What is the big scoop Monday? Brace yourself; Helena once went out to dinner with her husband! Wow! Granted the RCMP will have to investigate the meal because Jaffer also invited the allegedly shady businessman who is "at the center of the Jaffer Affair", though there is yet no indication if any criminal activity was attached. Who leaked the story? The businessman, who you would think would want to keep as much quiet as possible if any criminal transgression had occurred (most criminals under investigation retain the right to remain silent). Thus far the only poor judgment Helena showed in this particular incident was going to meet her husband to eat. Either way, the RCMP will investigate. That's why the PM referred this to the police. The PM is not allowed to comment on the nature of allegations after requesting the RCMP investigate them.
I expect that we will see yet another manic Monday!
"I wish it were Sunday, because that's my fun day..."
What is the big scoop Monday? Brace yourself; Helena once went out to dinner with her husband! Wow! Granted the RCMP will have to investigate the meal because Jaffer also invited the allegedly shady businessman who is "at the center of the Jaffer Affair", though there is yet no indication if any criminal activity was attached. Who leaked the story? The businessman, who you would think would want to keep as much quiet as possible if any criminal transgression had occurred (most criminals under investigation retain the right to remain silent). Thus far the only poor judgment Helena showed in this particular incident was going to meet her husband to eat. Either way, the RCMP will investigate. That's why the PM referred this to the police. The PM is not allowed to comment on the nature of allegations after requesting the RCMP investigate them.
I expect that we will see yet another manic Monday!
"I wish it were Sunday, because that's my fun day..."
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