SDA regular Gord Tulk has pointed out what appears to be a very well coordinated letter writing campaign to the CRTC CBSC. It’s concerning this interview: Part 1 & Part 2.
Was Krista Erickson’s behaviour really that egregious?!? The Reasonable Person Test suggests not. Therefore, why the thousands of “complaints” to the CRTC? Could it be that the members of Leftards.ca don’t want the rot of corruption within public arts funding to be exposed to the Canadian public?!
Might it be that a tiny minority of well connected “artists” have had their proverbial snouts in the public trough for a LONG TIME and don’t want the tap to be shut off? Might it be that this portion of the interview hit just a little too close to the bone in the hearts & minds of Canada’s Left?
Update: Blogger A Dog Named Kyoto has discovered a key component of the Astroturfing Coordination.
John Downs vs. Reality
I know we shouldn’t generalize, but John Downs sure does reinforce the stereotype of arrogant, annoying, loud-mouthed Toronto Leftards:
Video uploaded by Matt from Mississauga
Reader Tips
In the humble opinion of yours truly, the funniest comedy series ever to appear on television was Fawlty Towers. Even though I’ve seen each of the twelve episodes at least two dozen times, I still can’t stop laughing whenever I see the show again. Brilliant writing and a brilliant cast!
Your humorous and more serious Reader Tips are welcome, as always, in the comments.
Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder?
As all SDA regulars know, Kate has raised some fine looking dogs over the years. But there’s another dog beauty contest that I don’t think she has any entries in.
Reader Tips
As we get closer to our nation’s 144th Birthday, perhaps we all need to take a few moments to reflect upon how blessed we are to be living in the nation we do. One of our southern neighbours, Lee Greenwood, rewrote a famous song of his for Canadians from Coast to Coast to Coast. This week, and every week of the year, may God Bless Canada.
Your spiritual and secular Reader Tips are welcome, as always, in the comments.
Two Kinds of Christians
I was raised as a Roman Catholic. Up until my late teens I was a very strict follower of the faith, went to church every Sunday, etc. But then I gradually fell away from the Church. There were several reasons for this but here’s a recent story that reminded me of one of the most significant ones.
There have long been two distinct trains of thought within the Christian faith. One involves always turning the other cheek and providing constant handouts to whomever asks, no questions asked. The other involves holding transgressors accountable for their misdeeds and acts of charity more in line with “a hand up”. Ayn Rand’s philosophy is definitely connected with the latter. While I don’t agree with everything she has written, there’s absolutely no doubt that Atlas Shrugged had a profound effect on me when I read it in late 1993.
The earlier referenced news story refers to a group called American Values Network (AVN). Within the article, AVN is exposed for the frauds they actually are:
While the AVN is officially a non-partisan organization that wants to see Christians at the helm of both political parties, they’ve been vocal supporters for a number of Democratic initiatives, such as health reform and the anti-nuclear START treaty. They also focus on non-political initiatives such as medical aid for impoverished populations and housing aid for veterans, and advocate for morality-based policy solutions to climate change.
Reading between the lines, they’re mostly just a Leftist front group. The problem with that is that Leftism is, in practice, a religion (read “cult”) all on its own. Its precepts always supercede those of any formal religion. Leftists (aka “cult members”) can talk all they want about being Christian but in point of fact, that’s almost always just a talking point.
Getting back to the difference between a hand out and a hand up, Dennis Miller explains it another way: The Clueless versus the Helpless
Uncivil Behaviour Hits Home
I’ve mostly avoided posting any links to my own blog but, in the wake of the Vancouver Riots, when you’d like to think that most everyone in the city would be trying a little harder to be a good citizen, this event occurred right outside my home Sunday evening. Priceless!
If you’ve ever wondered who has the arrogance and disregard to do this and this and this you might want to consider the “upstanding fine citizens” next door. Do you think such Bonnie & Clydes ever talk about such transgressions at their cocktail parties or Greenpeace rallies or Prius car club meets? I doubt it.
I’m not remotely suggesting that what went on here is on the same level as the criminal acts during the Vancouver Riots but a similar psychopathy appears to be at work, namely: “If we can get away with an illegal, immoral action and not get caught, then it’s all fine.” Incidentally, this mindset is a close cousin to the excuse many criminals use to justify stealing from others: “What’s the big deal? They have insurance.”
Reader Tips
As a more pleasant visual offering than in yesterday’s Reader Tips, here’s a great video from Dan Bălan, a Moldovan-Romanian musician. h/t Oz
Wishing each & every one of of you a great start to the last week in June and the mid-point of 2011. Your Reader Tips are welcome, as always, in the comments.
Canada Post: What Next?
With apologies for this editorial reference being a few weeks old but I only read it in Maclean’s today.
What struck the greatest chords with me were what was written at the beginning:
Rain or snow or sleet or hail can’t disrupt the mail. But what rhymes with seven weeks of annual paid vacation, out-of-whack pay scales or infinitely bankable sick days?
While the rotating strike by workers at Canada Post has proven to be a hardship for many Canadian businesses, it is also shining necessary light on the massive disparity between postal employees and workers in the private sector. Outside of bureaucrats in France, it is hard to imagine a more coddled, out-of-touch and overcompensated group than postal workers.
And also written at the end:
Of course the current postal dispute has significance far beyond the future of letter mail or the ambitions of Canada Post and its union. The gap between private and public sector compensation has now reached crisis proportions, and must be addressed for the sake of equity, affordability and coherent labour peace.
One example of how large and untenable this gap has become can be found in Statistics Canada’s recent observation that public sector employees now constitute a majority of all pension plan participants, despite being outnumbered more than three to one in the workforce. This suggests two types of retirement in the future: one of carefree luxury for public sector employees, and one of reduced expectations for everyone else. A similar dichotomy is at work with Ontario’s practice of paying a bonus to every corrections staffer who takes fewer than 23 sick days per year.
A postal strike seems as good a time as any to start imposing a new sense of reality on the public sector.
So SDA readers & commenters, if you were Stephen Harper, what would you do with Canada Post and how quickly would you do it?
Reader Tips
The costumes of the “Voca People” remind me of a bad sci-fi movie but their voices are clearly something out of this world!
Your harmonious Reader Tips are welcome, as always, in the comments.
Obama’s Legacy . . . So Far :-(
h/t SDH
Reader Tips
Anthony Dominick Benedetto was born in New York City on August 3, 1926. He fought in the latter stages of WW2 and then seriously pursued a singing career afterwards. In 1949 he was invited by Bob Hope to join him while performing out on the road. Hope suggested that Benedetto simplify his name to Tony Bennett. Soon after a star was born! Here’s an interesting mix of his classic tunes.
Your Reader Tips, melodic or otherwise, are most welcome in the comments.
The Vancouver Riots: A Police Officer Speaks Out
Though there’s no way to confirm if this came from an actual police officer, the sentiments expressed within this letter ring true.
You’d tell me that the emergency services personnel I speak of are paid to do this job and chose to be there. You’re right. We give a damn about people we’ve never met and property that isn’t ours, that’s why we do what we do. You disgust us.
You’ll sleep soundly in your bed tonight because men and women like me will always be there to deal with your poor choices. You have no idea how fortunate you are, even after we arrest and charge you. Even though you disgust me, if you call for me in the middle of the night I’ll respond. I’ll protect your life and property because it’s right and it’s what I do.
Related: Discussion about a pre-teen who was involved in the rioting.
Past Head of Ex-Colony Heads Back to the Mother Country
British Columbia’s ex-premier, Gordon Campbell, is reportedly going to become the High Commissioner to Great Britain. Not everyone is pleased.
BC Premier Gordon Campbell with an Olympic Volunteer at a Victory Ceremony on 2010-02-15
Reader Tips
Something I only learned of recently is that a potpourri of full-length movies are available for free on YouTube. If you come across any you particularly like, please do let the rest of us know in this or a future Reader Tips. For those in the mood for something more musical in nature, here are a few clips of Mes Aïeux, a terrific group from Québec. The video was shot while they were performing live in Vancouver during the 2010 Olympics.
Your spectacular insights are welcome, as always, in the comments.
A Canadian Muslim Woman’s Views on Islam
Today, on the TV show I’m involved with, was a woman from Richmond, BC named Leila El-Khatib. She spoke with host, David Berner about Islam and about the Middle East:
What are your thoughts on what she had to say?
Ezra Levant Interviews Ann Coulter
While watching this video, think about the recent Vancouver riots. Are there any commonalities in the mob think that Coulter & Levant discuss?
h/t Derek
Reader Tips
Fans of photography will find this short documentary very interesting. Scott Schumann is a photographer & blogger from New York City. His blog, The Sartorialist, focuses on how people present themselves out in public. As an avid photographer myself, I wish I had the nerve to go up to people like he does but usually am not so forward.
If you’re seen any spectacular photos of late, or otherwise just have some colourful thoughts, feel free to share them in the comments!
Jack Layton’s Next Star Candidate
He better hurry up though, or the David Suzuki Foundation is sure to hire her.
Mark Steyn on Free Speech
In defense of Andrew Bolt, Mark Steyn shares a few thoughts (and a song) :
h/t Mark & Lookout