FROLITICKS

Satirical commentary on Canadian and American current political issues

Jan 8

One Word for Life in 2017 – “Uncertainty”

by bcurry

Well, another year has gone and the New Year is about to bring with it a great deal of uncertainty. After the inauguration of Donald Trump, expect all hell to break loose.  No one seems to know what will happen, even the Republican-controlled Congress.  All corners of the world are facing old and new challenges, brought about by globalization, climate change, terrorism, populace movements, the Middle East crisis, economic downturns, free trade disputes, Brexit, Russian aggression, Chinese arms build-up, energy issues, and on and on.

Uncertainty breeds instabilities. As the world’s most powerful nation, the U.S. again is expected to play a major, steady and balanced leadership role. However, with loosely defined policies and a lack of specifics, no one is really certain as to what the President-elect and his cabinet have in mind.  They appear to be talking mainly about doing away with numerous policies and programs, but without offering anything specific to replace them.  One is against free trade agreements, for nuclear-arms build-up, smaller government, lower deficits, greater job creation, lower taxes, etc., etc.  Exactly how the new American administration is going to go about accomplishing and paying for these general goals is still very much a mystery!

Here we have the future leader tweeting on a daily basis, causing havoc in the markets and creating unclear and often conflicting domestic and foreign policy directions. Is this governance now by tweet?  How will a cabinet full of multi-billionaires deal with conflict of interest issues?  After all, this is the wealthiest cabinet in modern American history.  How will ex-military cabinet members handle sensitive matters when dealing with political allies and economic trade partners?  How will a cabinet with little or no experience in government and public policy deal with daily governance?  Can one expect that they will run government like a business?  Only time will tell.

For all these reasons, I’m not looking forward to the next dozen months. Let’s hope that cooler heads and reason prevail.  Please Mr. Trump, stop with the tweets.  Think before you open your mouth.  Words do matter, especially when they are uttered by the President of the United States. Work closely with your Congress, including both Republicans and Democrats.  Take into serious consideration the expert advice of senior bureaucrats.  Avoid being influenced too much by lobbyists and special interest groups.  Put aside your business interests and put the interests of your fellow Americans first.  Otherwise, 2017 could be a very rocky year.

Donald Trump Federal Government US US Politics

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Dec 29

After Trump’s Distortion of Facts, Who Do We Trust With the Truth?

by bcurry

Recently, I started reading “Lies, Incorporated (The World of Post-Truth Politics)” by Ari Rabin-Havt and Media Matters for America, published in 2016. The book was most likely written prior to the presidential primaries and election, during which Donald Trump’s cavalier distortion of facts became well documented.  Post something on social media or allude to something in a speech as fact, and everyone believes it!  Indeed, we now have organizations, such as lobbyists and politically-connected consultancy firms, who make it their business to distort the facts in favour of an interest group’s position, be they political or business in nature.  Even worst, they often will disseminate lies.

History is full of examples of such manipulative efforts, including those related to cancer and tobacco, health care, climate change, immigration, guns, abortion, gay marriage, etc. Both so-called conservatives and liberals have chosen certain facts to support their particular positions on most issues, often referred to as ‘bias predisposition’.  However, while it’s one thing to stretch the truth in one way or another, it’s a lot more serious to deliberately disseminate lies.  Can we truly rationalize that the end justifies the means?

Donald Trump and his electoral/transition teams have taken the premeditated dissemination of lies to a whole new level. One can only surmise how this Machiavellian approach in handling social-economic issues will affect the new administration’s dealings on the domestic and world stages.  Are truths to be swept aside in support of purely ideological reasoning?  Instead of basing decisions on facts, scientific-based or statistically proven, are we expected to support decision-making on fabricated truths?

It was once said that if one were to repeat something often enough, people will actually begin to believe it as fact. One of the dangers of ‘social media’ is that this is exactly what is happening.  Maybe, we’ve become lazy and complacent about questioning what is being fed to us everyday through media sources suffering from a lack of the normal journalistic verification and validation.  Perhaps, our biases, discontent and anger encourage us to simply seek out any information that conveniently backs up our interests and positions.  This is exactly what the likes of Trump are counting on.  “We will interpret the truth for you.” has become slogan of the day.  Just trust us.

Donald Trump US US Politics

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Dec 16

With Donald Trump, What Can Canadians Expect in the New Year?

by bcurry

Back in July 2015, I blogged that Donald Trump could become the next president of the United States. Well, low and behold for all the reasons that I had alluded to back then, he is now the president-elect to the surprise of many.  Whether you like it or not, Americans will most probably be stuck with Trump and a Republican controlled congress for the next four years.  Indeed, his impact will no doubt be felt in the rest of the world, but in particular in Canada. After all, the U.S. is Canada’s biggest trading partner and political ally. Why is this so important?  Here are a few notable reasons based on past statements by Trump himself:

  • He plans to revisit the current terms of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) with Canada and Mexico.
  • He intends to increase border security measures, most likely forcing Canada to allocate more resources to the border.
  • He will nullify President Obama’s attempt to have greater relations with Cuba, a country with which Canada has long had economic and diplomatic dealings.
  • He wants Canada to greatly increase its defence spending, especially as it concerns the country’s contribution to the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
  • He will most likely support the proposed construction of the Keystone XL pipeline between the Alberta oil sands and the American Gulf Coast, despite continuing environmental fears.
  • He does not believe in ‘climate change’, and intends to pull the S. out of the Paris climate agreement which Canada supports through proposed carbon reduction goals.
  • Etc., etc., etc.

Just remember, when the elephant below Canada’s southern border sneezes, we catch a cold if not pneumonia! Trump’s unpredictability makes it even more difficult to predict what will happen next year.  At no time in U.S.-Canada relations have there ever been such potentially serious tensions and uncertainties.  Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will have to adjust quickly to the situation in order to maintain normal positive and reciprocal relations with the U.S. administration. On the other side, Americans, especially those living in the northern states along Canada’s border, must make it abundantly clear to Trump that good relations are extremely important to each country.  After all we are close friends who live, work and play together on a regular basis.  However, like any nation state Canada has every right to defend its interests — be they domestic or international.

Donald Trump Foreign Policy U.S. Canada Border US US Politics

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Nov 10

Why Does Donald Trump Remind One of Benito Mussolini?

by bcurry

When one thinks of two prominent ‘extreme narcissists’, I cannot help but to compare Donald Trump with Benito Mussolini. Both ran a ‘populist’ regime in their respective countries:  Mussolini in Italy starting back in the early twenty’s and soon Trump in the U.S.  Supported by nationalist sentiments, Trump’s campaign slogan was to “make America great again”. Mussolini wanted to establish a “new Italian Empire” and restore Rome’s former glory. Mussolini praised Germany’s Adolph Hitler, just as Trump has praised Russia’s Vladimir Putin as a strong leader.

Mussolini developed a cult of one-man leadership that focused media attention and national debate on his own personality. As a former journalist, Mussolini proved highly adept at exploiting all forms of mass media.  Remind you of anyone!  Mussolini had quickly gained a reputation for his magnetism and remarkable rhetorical talents, inspiring large disenchanted crowds with populist slogans. Trump adeptly worked his campaign rhetoric to galvanize his supporters at large orchestrated gatherings.

Influenced by Hitler, Mussolini instituted discrimination policies against the Jews in Italy. Trump intends to go after Latinos and Muslims through various bans on immigration and deportation policies.  Mussolini also attacked the existing Italian establishment in Rome, helping his fascist party to eventually establish his dictatorship by eliminating parliamentary elections.  Trump’s platform went after the so-called Washington establishment. Thankfully, the U.S. continues to be a democracy, at least for now!

Mussolini carried out an extensive public works program and reduced unemployment, making him very popular with the people. As an isolationist, he introduced tariffs, particularly in the agricultural sector, and government subsidies to farmers. Trump wants to eliminate certain free trade arrangements, including renegotiating NAFTA, to better favour American manufacturers and create jobs in the U.S.

In 1935, determined to show the strength of his regime, Mussolini used the Italian military to invade Ethiopia. Trump has indicated that he intends to do the same against ISIS in Syria.  However, Mussolini privately admitted that Italy’s ability to fight a major war on its own was seriously limited.  Trump has implied that NATO’s allies have to provide greater financial support to that organization given the already heavy U.S. military spending.  Trump, just as Mussolini did decades ago, will pursue a strong military presence in support of American foreign and economic policies abroad.

A lavish cult of personality centered on the figure of Mussolini and was promoted by the Fascist Party and regime, just as the Republican Party is now apparently tied into President-elect Trump’s cult of personality. Finally, Mussolini was married several times and was reported to have had several mistresses and many brief sexual encounters with female supporters.  Remind you of a current day ‘misogynist’?  When I compare photos and video pictures of Benito Mussolini and Donald Trump in terms of their body language and facial expressions, the similarities are incredibly striking. Let’s just hope that future outcomes under President Trump aren’t the same and as disastrous for the world as they were for Mussolini and Italy.

Donald Trump US US Politics

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Oct 9

Men Need To Step Up To Prevent Verbal and Physical Abuse Against Women

by bcurry

Donald Trump’s recorded verbal abuse against women is just the most recent example of misogynistic and uncalled for attacks on women. The truth is that the twenty-first century has started off just as badly as the twentieth century ended when it comes to abuses against women.  Women continue to be the victims of domestic violence far more then men.  Just as bad, women continue to be sexually objectified by the porn industry and increasingly through the Internet and social media.  Women are degraded by men for not meeting certain physical standards created by the male-dominated bastion of commerce.  A ‘rape culture’ exists on many of North America’s college campuses, with victims still finding it all too difficult to come forward.

Today, there are laws and institutions aimed at ensuring that workers are free from sexual and other forms of harassment in the workplace. There are more employers who provide for employment equity and who promote equal pay for work of equal value, particularly when it comes to female employees.  However, in some professions women still face employer bias and the ‘glass ceiling’, and sexism is “alive and well in the workplace”. It is a fact that female executives who take time off to have children and become mothers are often discriminated against when they return to work, particularly in terms of promotion.  A recent study of the top 1,000 U.S. companies found that the Chief Executive Officer position was held by only 5 percent of women, even though women now make up half of our labour force.

Society is doing a better job in dealing seriously with domestic violence and date rape, the vast majority of victims who are women. Nevertheless, authorities and institutions have to improve at dealing with attacks against women and in educating men as to their responsibilities towards the treatment of women.  Attitudes and behaviours are derived by the values instilled in our children from a very young age onwards.  Parents, schools, communities and societal institutions have to ensure that these are the appropriate values when it comes to the treatment of women.

I have a young granddaughter who is as smart as a whip and can hold her own with her older brothers. I refuse to believe that she doesn’t deserve every opportunity to grow up in a society respectful of women’s rights.  As a man, a father, a grandfather, I will do everything possible to ensure that my granddaughter will have a life free from verbal and physical abuse.  All that I ask is that other men step up to do the same for all women.  After all, we are about to have the first female President of the United States of America. It’s about time!

Canada Uncategorized US Politics Women's Issues

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Sep 20

Canadians Are Just As Vulnerable To Trumpism, Including His ‘Basket of Deplorables’

by bcurry

Years ago, it became evident that the ultra-right conservative movement in the U.S. (highlighted by the Tea Party) was creeping into Canadian politics. This was particularly true when the Reform Party of Preston Manning consolidated with the former Progressive Conservative party to create the Conservative party of Stephen Harper.  After 9/11, a certain portion of Canadian society adapted many of the same attitudes of American conservatives, especially toward national security, guns and immigration.

The Conservative federal government in Canada displayed a similar position toward guns as the American right does. Indeed, it eliminated the national gun registry and loosened the criteria regulating restricted and prohibited weapons, including numerous semi-automatic assault rifles.  Canada even has an equivalent to the American National Rifle Association in the National Firearms Association, which lobbies for reduced gun control measures. Trumpism of course supports the right of every American to carry guns, even into bars.

When it comes to immigration, there is a segment of the Canadian population that believes there is a need to institute greater screening processes. Indeed, one candidate in the current Conservative leadership race, Kellie Leitch, proposed that immigrants and refugees be screened for ‘anti-Canadian values’. This position is similar to that of Americans who support stronger screening of immigrants from countries known to have factions opposed to U.S. interests abroad, including banning immigration from certain countries and groups.

Trumpism excels at the ‘blame game’. Former President Harry S. Truman was iconically quoted as stating: “The buck stops here”.  Under Trumpism, the buck appears to always stop elsewhere.  Among Canadians, there are those that refuse to accept responsibility for their conditions and actions.  Instead, it much easier to blame the so-called ‘establishment’, government, free trade, immigrants, ‘lefties’, the media, the weather, and anything else that irritates them.

Whether one agrees or not, there is little doubt that Trumpism appeals to a segment of a population that screams “I’m mad and I won’t take it anymore”. Everything can be put into simple “black and white” terms, omitting the reality that there are many “grey” areas.  Trumpism declares it own truths, even though the facts say otherwise and demonstrate complexities.  Instead, slogans replace well constructed policies and fear takes the place of hope, inclusion and collaboration.  Hopefully, Canadians won’t succumb to Trumpism.

Conservative Political Groups Gun Control US US Politics

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Sep 8

Canada Should Build A Wall On The Border With U.S. And Make Americans Pay For It

by bcurry

Wow! Do you believe that American voters could actually vote for Donald Trump to be the next President of the most powerful nation on earth – next to China that is? According to recent polls, that could be a real possibility.  Not so good for Canada eh! Canada has often been described as the mouse sleeping next to an elephant. The U.S. sneezes and Canada catches a cold.

Furthermore, the American media has indicated that a substantive number of Americans would seriously contemplate moving to Canada should Trump get elected. The question then becomes whether Canadians really want these confused, disheartened political refugees as part of Canadian society?  The answer is probably “no way”.  We have plenty of confused and malcontent Canadians to go around as it is.

Just what is it that American refugees would have to offer Canadians? Guns, religion in politics, reality shows, more illegal drugs, the Zika virus, militarism, more gang warfare, etc., etc.  Hey Canadians, it may be time to close the border.  So what if 80 percent of Canada’s trade is with the U.S.! Cancelling NAFTA may challenge Canadians to develop their own smart phone and automotive technologies.  One could name our own car the “Loonie Car”.  Canada has plenty of natural resources, technical know-how and highly educated workforce to survive on our own.

Just think, building a wall would create a pile of construction jobs at a time when the Canadian economy could use a boost. It just has to be high enough so that the average American can’t hurdle it – five feet should do.  The wall doesn’t have to be bland and unattractive.  Indeed, there are plenty of Canadian graffiti artists available to decorate the Canadian side of the wall.  Again, employment creation.  Hey, with the Canadian dollar at 75 percent of the foreign exchange value of the American dollar, building a wall at this time would be a bargain for American taxpayers.  So Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, let’s put this idea on the table when you meet with President Trump.

Canada US US Politics

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Aug 10

Theatre of the Absurd: Trump’s Plan to Attract Black, Hispanic and Women Voters

by bcurry

Are you kidding! The Washington Post just reported that Trump’s campaign team has named Ashley Bell as national director of African American political engagement for the Republican National Committee. Bell was one of only eighteen black delegates at the recent Republican National Convention.  Remember, the Republicans had a very poor showing among black, Hispanic and female voters in 2012.  Nothing has changed.  In combined July and August polls by the Washington Post and ABC News, Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton led Donald Trump 91 to 3 percent among black voters.  Recent polling has indicated that Trump is even losing the support of white males who normally had been his strongest supporters.  More importantly, this is happening in key swing states like Utah, Arizona and Georgia.

During the primaries and subsequently, Trump has repeatedly inflamed racial and religious tensions by attacking Hispanics and Muslims. He also made offensive comments toward women. So, where does Mr. Bell even begin?  Trump has single handedly destroyed whatever gains the party of Abraham Lincoln had made among blacks, especially African American women, in the last half century.  Maybe Mr. Bell should just resign now before Trump fires him.

There is no way that African American women are going to vote for Trump, and they voted at a higher rate than any other demographic in the past two election cycles. Black and hispanic voters are not the only ones getting turned off.  Every day that Donald Trump opens his mouth, out comes some further ridiculous assertions and statements.  More and more observers, including myself, are questioning his qualifications and temperament to lead the most powerful nation on earth.  He has even been classified as “dangerous” and a “national security threat” by members of his own party.

In conclusion, Trump’s campaign has evolved into the theatre of the absurd. So sit back folks, and enjoy the roller coaster ride to Hillary Clinton becoming the first female president of the United States.

Uncategorized US US Politics

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May 9

To Blog or Not to Blog, That is the Question

by bcurry

For about four years now, I have been blogging on a variety of issues within the blog entitled https://froliticks.wordpress.com/.  Blogging offers one an opportunity to express certain views on issues of the day, often in a satirical manner.  Whether they are read or not is often of little relevance as to why one bothers to blog.  If the writing is good and the subjects are current and interesting, one can only hope that its readers will enjoy the blogs and hopefully become better informed and willing to think about certain issues.

However, one must realize that there are thousands of blogs written every day. Besides keeping up on current events via print or on-line news sources, one only has so much time in a day to read blogs via the Internet.  For me, the frequent absurdities of politics in Canada and the U.S. make good fodder for any satirical writer. The current American presidential primaries are a perfect example of offering up plenty of comedic material for the likes of Saturday Night Live and late-night talk shows.  The total lack of real informed debate about serious issues is only one of numerous flaws in our political systems.  Both countries are among the wealthiest and best educated in the world, but have created leadership races involving mud-slinging and name-calling episodes worthy of the worst virtual reality television shows.

Select any important topic of current interest — be it the economy, climate change, inequalities among the sexes and races, national security, immigration, foreign policy, etc., etc. — and perspective candidates will respond with one-minute nonsensical sound bits. What is even sadder is the fact that voters and supporters continue to endorse such behaviour.  One would think that citizens would want to see well thought out and viable policies to deal realistically with today’s problems.  It was Otto Von Bismarck who said that politics is the “art of the possible”.  Moreover, it’s not necessarily about what’s right or what’s best. It’s about what politicians and governments can actually get done.

Listening to many of our politicians, you’d think that politics is the art of the impossible. Too many promises are totally absurd and lacking any grounding in reality and serious study.  This outcome has unfortunately culminated in the likes of Donald Trump.  Hillary Clinton is not too far behind.  Canada’s current Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tends to be more of a stuntman than a statesman, too often immersed in selfies with his admirers. This political evolution provides an immense amount of amusing material for bloggers like myself.  As long as the current output continues, there is plenty of incentive to keep on blogging.

Canada Conservative Political Groups Justin Trudeau US US Politics

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Mar 31

Are Actions by Trump’s Followers a Reflection of a Violent Society?

by bcurry

When you have what is the most violent society among western industrialized nations, it’s not surprising that violence has broken out at political rallies involving Trump’s supporters. Not only has the potential Republican presidential nominee condoned such violence, he has even encouraged it through his very own words.  Wow, and these are only the primaries.  What will actual election campaigning look like?  In one state, Republican supporters have even suggested that they be allowed to carry weapons into a Trump rally.

It appears that no matter how outlandish, Trump can say anything and get away with it among his supporters. Imagine, here you have a presidential hopeful proclaiming that he could shoot someone in the middle of Manhattan, and no one would care.  Lately, he suggested that women who have had an abortion should be punished in some way.  He has also proposed that nuclear weapons be used in the fight against ISIS. Sexist language is being used that denigrates women and racist and divisive comments spew out of this extreme narcissist’s mouth.

His supporters are lapping it up, continuing to sucker punch and pepper spray peaceful protesters at Trump rallies. His own campaign staff has physically manhandled and verbally harassed members of the media, in particular female reporters.  It’s only a matter of time before someone gets killed.

Dear Mr. Trump, the world is watching and waiting. The damage to American democratic values and reputation as a world leader will have future consequences.  This is no laughing matter, as violence is always met with violence.  I firmly believe that the majority of Americans cannot and do not condone such violent behaviour.  My American neighbours are better than that, and Donald Trump is not a harbinger of things to come.

U.S. Primaries US Politics Women's Issues

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