FROLITICKS

Satirical commentary on Canadian and American current political issues

Feb 22

It’s Time for American Youth to Stand Up for Gun Control

by bcurry

From the 1930s through the 1960s, Saul Alinsky, a tough, pragmatic American activist and a lover of humanity, pioneered a method of helping poor and working-class people organize themselves to improve their communities, especially in crime-ridden Chicago neighbourhoods. He subsequently wrote a book entitled “Rules for Rebels” which highlighted some of the peaceful but assertive ways which allowed ordinary people to push for social change. He would immerse himself in the neighbourhood, listen to ordinary people’s troubles and needs, assess where power lay, and empower previously divided groups to seek common goals by standing up to government and corporate machines.  After the recent South Florida high school shooting and other mass shootings, you could sure use another Saul Alinsky right now.

Perhaps, just perhaps, this latest school shooting is the straw that broke the camel’s back. It was inspiring to see hundreds, if not thousands of young people organizing to protest against the lack of gun control measures in the U.S. and for changes in the gun culture. They are even planning a huge march on Washington. All of this is very good and nice, except as Alinsky would note, you need to start on-going community-based initiatives to effectively influence state and local authorities.  The youth movement must align itself with existing community and state-wide organizations to develop comprehensive and continuous plans of action.  Local, state and federal politicians have to feel the immediate heat.  The movement must use social and main stream media to get its messages out.  It must organize support wherever possible in upcoming federal and state elections for pro-gun control candidates.  There must be open and effective protest.

Do not fool oneself, for any initiatives will have to be organized on a long-term basis. There is little doubt that the National Rifle Association (NRA) and its supporters, including the arms industry, will throw everything except the kitchen sink into a counter campaign, while increasing lobbying at state and federal levels.  However, if history is any indication, further mass shootings will unfortunately occur in the U.S.  Moreover, these youth represent future leaders who must take a concrete stand against organizations such as the NRA and their appalling past and current influence on federal and state governments.

The issue of gun violence in the U.S. has existed for decades, and it will perhaps take decades to halt the evident trends. Hopefully, there are some Saul Alinskys’ among the youth of today.  Those of us who care, must support their cause and peaceful protest.  Otherwise, these horrendous tragedies will simply repeat themselves, year after year after year.

Gun Control Gun Laws US US Politics

Leave a comment »
Feb 2

The “#MeToo” Phenomenon Has Opened the Flood Gates

by bcurry

There is little doubt that claims of sexual harassment in social media have caught the attention of the mainstream media, a number of which are sensational in nature. Now, across the U.S. and Canada, claims of sexual harassment by women and men have been flooding in against politicians, actors, producers, musicians, athletes, trainers, etc., etc. Some claims go back decades, and some are more recent — most frequently involving persons in positions of power. Women in particular have been encouraged by other women and women’s groups to come forward with allegations of past sexual misconduct or assault.  However, in many cases, charges under criminal law have never been laid by the authorities, and often claims were never brought forward by the victims.  Too often, the victims were victimized by the system.  Regularly, it has become a matter of his word against the victim’s word.

Unfortunately, all that one needs to do now is to make accusations via a tweet, e-mail or other social media source. Once out there, such accusations land in the so-called “court of public opinion”.  Moreover, no one has been found guilty in a court of law or accountable by some form of “due process”.  As a result, without further independent investigation, careers can be destroyed and reputations ruined.  Many of the accusations can be found in work-related situations where there may not be any credible, objective and confidential process in place to determine the validity of harassment charges.  Only in recent years have employers been required either by law or through internal policies to institute review processes when harassment claims are made.

However, it appears that both public sector and private sector employers have not been diligent in ensuring that harassment investigation processes are functioning well. Too often, it takes a scandal to become public to bring such inadequacies to the surface.  This situation is no longer acceptable as evidenced by the public’s and shareholders’ outrage.  As well, individuals being openly accused of sexual harassment are being forced to immediately step down from their positions with no access to due process.  As for the alleged victims, one sees increasingly a public “backlash” against some when accusations are simply made through social media without verification as to their validity.  What is now being portrayed as sexual harassment has become so broad that people are beginning to demand greater clarification as to its meaning, and rightly so.

Don’t get me wrong. The fact that the issue of sexual harassment in the workplace has been raised through both social and mainstream media is a good thing.  However, there is obviously a real need for employers to quickly react in positive ways so as to prevent future claims of harassment and to protect employees in their workplaces.  Independent, confidential and just processes must be in place to ensure fairness for both the accuser and the accused.  We’ve seen what happens when unsubstantiated accusations become public.  Indeed, we live in very thorny times.

Canada Social Media US US Politics Women's Issues Women's Issues

Leave a comment »
Jan 22

Another U.S. Government Shutdown — Is This Anyway to Run a Country?

by bcurry

Well, here we go again! The U.S. federal government is shut down once again, leaving hundreds of thousands of Americans without access to government services across the country and thousands of civil servants without pay. It all seems rather incredulous!  Congress couldn’t agree on a budget needed to keep the government running.  As in the past, Washington politics is playing its usual role. Too often, non-budget related policies are tied into budgetary proceedings, with both federal parties attempting to coerce the other party to support certain political positions.

One could not see this happening in Canada which operates under a parliamentary system. Every year, the Government tables a budget for the following year which is then reviewed in advance by a finance committee in both the House of Commons and the Senate.  Now, the passage of budget bills is considered as a ‘vote of confidence’ in Parliament for the ruling party.  Majority governments normally have little problem passing budgets between elections.  However, in the case of minority governments, failure to secure sufficient votes from the opposition parties will lead to the dissolution of Parliament.  If the opposition parties can agree, they could subsequently form a coalition government.  If not, an election has to be called.  In the interim, the government continues to operate until a new ruling government is formed post-election.  Most importantly, the budgetary process is carried out in an atmosphere of decorum based on past conventions.

The American process on the other hand is carried out with a great deal of incivility by both parties, and in today’s climate by the President. Attempting to garner public support for their position, Congressional parties and the President are blaming the other side for the shut down.  Instead of debating matters in Congress, both sides argue their positions in the main and social media.  The entire process becomes an unruly mess.  What’s worst, Senators and House Representatives continue to be paid, while government workers have to wait to be paid once the shut down is over.  Several social, health and environmental protection services are affected during the duration of any shut down.  Examples of such services are too many to list here.  Unlike under Canada’s parliamentary system, there do not appear to be any real consequences for the governing party in Congress — each vying for political points. Maybe, it’s time to take a non-partisan look at the current budgetary processes.  Otherwise, the American public will have to again endure future government shut downs.

Budget Federal Government Public Service US US Politics

Leave a comment »
Jan 11

Relations Between Canada and U.S. Are at Their Worst in Many Years

by bcurry

Well, there is little doubt that we start off the New Year with relations between our two countries at their worst in many years. Let’s just summarize some of the issues at hand:

  •  With respect to the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), President Trump wants to void the agreement in accordance with his America first policies. Canadian, American and Mexican negotiations are not going well and could break down entirely. In addition, increases in S. duties pertaining to Canadian soft wood imports and Canada’s recent complaint on American trade tariffs to the World Trade Organization, have not helped with the NAFTA talks.  Canada was left no choice in the matter.
  • With respect to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), on which Canada sits as a member, the U.S. is pressuring NATO partners to increase their defence spending as a proportion of the Gross Domestic Product. The U.S. is not happy with Canada’s current defence expenditures, despite Canada’s continuing contribution to the European defence scheme and its past military contributions to Desert Storm and to the war in Afghanistan.
  • On immigration, Canada has seen an increase in refugees crossing its borders from the U.S. because of fears that the Trump administration will end temporary programs — now over ten years old — that accommodated thousands of refugees who had fled natural disasters and violence in their countries. The programs’ termination will affect thousands of refugees from Central America and Haiti. For example, in January 2018, the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security will decide whether to extend the Temporary Protected Status designation for El Salvador.
  • Trump’s declaration of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and his intention to move the American embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem is in direct contradiction to Canada’s stance which aligns itself with the United Nation’s position. Canada was forced to abstain from a recent UN vote on the American proposition to recognize the above policy. The Trump administration is also threatening to reduce its financial support for the UN and its activities.
  • The Trump administration’s position on ‘climate change’ is in direct opposition to Canada’s position, which along with the rest of the world supports the Paris Climate Agreement of 2015.

These are just a few of the conflicting positions taken by the Trump administration which cause major concerns for the current Canadian government. Ordinary people on both sides of the border remain friends and benefit extensively from the good political and trade relations that have existed for decades.  Canada fought alongside the U.S. in two World Wars, Korea and Afghanistan. Under the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), you have a U.S. and Canadian bi-national organization charged with the missions of aerospace warning and aerospace control for North America. Aerospace warning includes the detection, validation, and warning of attack against North America whether by aircraft, missiles, or space vehicles, through mutual support arrangements with other commands. Canada has cooperated with the U.S. in dealing with major cross-border environmental concerns, including mutual actions to clean up pollution in the Great Lakes and the building and maintenance of the St. Lawrence Seaway.

It’s sad that our neighbour’s government appears to no longer trust us! I firmly believe that the average American, like the average Canadian, still wants to strengthen this important relationship.  Until now, there is little doubt that our close relations have benefited both peoples.  Hopefully, Americans will come to see the potential damage to our relations should the Trump administration’s policies continue down its very rocky road.

Canada Cimate Change Donald Trump Foreign Policy Israel Protectionist Trade Policies Refugee Policies U.S. Canada Border US

Leave a comment »
Dec 23

Things in 2017 That I’d Rather Forget About

by bcurry

As 2017 comes to an end, I look forward with great trepidation and apprehension about what will happen in the New Year. The world appears to be worst off than it was before.  The harsh consequences of climate change appeared regularly while politicians debate whether or not humans are partly responsible for its continued acceleration.  The administration of the world’s largest contributor has buried its head in the sand, preferring to sacrifice the environment on the business alter of multinational corporations.  So sad, so sad, and so dangerous!

The United States and Russia have begun another power struggle, particularly in the Middle East. However, Russia’s President Putin has conveniently cozied up to President Trump by pulling the wool over the latter’s eyes. What a joke! Putin will win another election with any legitimate opposition being silenced, imprisoned or mysteriously murdered!  Meanwhile, the American President continues to fluctuate his support for NATO whenever it suits his mood.  Trump has even managed to piss off Turkey’s regime — a major NATO ally in the Middle East — by proclaiming that Jerusalem is the capital of Israel. Any chance for peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians has being stalled for some time to come and violence in the region will continue next year.

North Korea is now a nuclear power, representing a continuing threat to that region. President Trump began a spitting contest with North Korea’s dictator Kim Jong-un, threatening to eradicate North Korea and its people from the face of the earth. In the meantime, Trump’s Secretary of State, Rex Tillerson, continues to reinsure our allies that a diplomatic solution is still being sought. With further intercontinental missile launchings by North Korea, the United Nations once again imposed additional trade sanctions on that country — none of which have had much impact up to now. Meanwhile, North Koreans continue to starve and are deprived of many essentials.

Volumes of stories about sexual harassment or assault by American and Canadian celebrities surfaced in the main media and on social media. It all began with allegations by numerous women against renowned Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein. All of a sudden, many other women were encouraged to bring forward their own complaints of sexual harassment against other well known celebrities. Women began to use the hashtag #MeToo on Twitter if they can relate to the disgusting stories of sexual assault, launching a full blown movement in the U.S., Canada and other countries. Indeed, while the result of full disclosure and support is encouraging, the extent to which sexual harassment and assault was disclosed is certainly discouraging and a blight on men everywhere.  Sexual harassment has no place in today’s workplaces, and should never be covered up by employers, no matter who the culprit is.

These are a few of the things that I’d rather forget about this past year, the least of which is the inauguration of another misogynist Donald J. Trump as the American President.  This past year has been a disaster for the American people and many U.S. allies, including Canada. His America-first policies in respect to trade, foreign policy and the environment have created a great deal on unnecessary uncertainty and instability.  As a member of the international community, I do not foresee any great future improvement in these areas of concern.  I can only hope that the American people will wake up to what is happening and exercise their democratic rights to reverse these destructive trends.

 Have a happy New Year everyone, and good luck. You’ll need it!

Cimate Change Climate Change Donald Trump US

Leave a comment »
Dec 17

Trump Administration Attempts to Silence Scientists and Others

by bcurry

It’s been reported that the Trump administration has identified seven words that can no longer be used in official budget documents for the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The forbidden words appear to include, “vulnerable,” “entitlement,” “diversity,” “transgender,” “fetus,” “evidence-based,” and “science-based.”  In addition, the Health and Human Services Department (HHS) dropped questions about sexual orientation and gender identity in two recent surveys and has since removed information about LGBTQ Americans from its website. Furthermore, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has gradually erased mentions of “climate change” from government websites, and U.S. national park climate-related tweets were deleted.  There is clear and growing evidence that Donald Trump is trying to muzzle government scientists on a number of major issues by controlling messaging.

It wasn’t that long ago in Canada in 2006 that former Prime Minister Stephen Harper attempted to do something similar. Indeed, scientists from sixteen federal agencies and departments were instructed that all communications with the Canadian public had to first go through the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) for approval.  This raised the ire of the scientific community, especially when it came to addressing issues surrounding climate change, which the former Conservative government argued was not partly human made.  Government scientists could not publicly release science-based reports or speak at scientific forums without prior PMO approval.  By controlling the messaging, Harper was obviously trying to influence the public perspective on key issues for political reasons.

The same is the case in Trump’s administration with its recent edicts to government agencies such as the CDC, HHS and EPA. The control over messaging doesn’t just mean a change in vocabulary, but is also an attempt to make a radical change in the focus of entire agencies.  Now, the views of U.S. government scientists are being similarly altered by controlling who they’re allowed to talk to, what vocabulary they can use and how they can talk about their own research.  It’s a sad state of affairs when politicians attempt to control public views on important environmental, social and health issues through a deliberate form of “mind-control”.  As was the case in Canada, the American scientific community and the public must demonstrate against such attempts as they violate fundamental elements of free speech and the principles of “evidence-based” research.  After all, what comes next after this form of Trumpism?  Perhaps another form of early 1950s “McCarthyism”.  I’m fearful that time will only tell. Unfortunately, too much is at stake!

Donald Trump Federal Government US

Leave a comment »
Dec 12

What’s With Trump And The Middle East!

by bcurry

Well, good old wanna-be President Trump announced that the U.S. will recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and will eventually move its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. This is being done without the support of his NATO allies, including Canada and the European Union. In addition, the move would be in contravention of a United Nations’ resolution on the matter.  While Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu naturally praised Trump for the announcement, the Arab League and Arab countries including NATO-ally Turkey, condemned the proposed recognition. Violent demonstrations against the American announcement broke out all over the Middle East and even in Canada. So much for America’s neutral honest broker approach to peace talks between Israelis and the Palestinians!

Not only that, the move has benefited Russian President Vladimir Putin who has made in-roads in establishing greater Russian presence in the Middle East. Timing is everything.  As part of a whirlwind Middle Eastern tour, Putin recently visited Syria, Egypt and Turkey. While President Trump sparked outrage across the region, Putin is playing the role of sober and dependable partner, cozying up to major Arab players in the region.  Although Putin can be blamed for supporting Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad, he has declared victory over the Islamic State and announced an imminent drawdown of Russian forces in Syria.  Russia is now seen as becoming more influential in Middle Eastern affairs than compared to a decade ago.  With Trump’s recent declaration of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, such a move will only accelerate the decline of U.S. influence and put an end to any American involvement in peace talks between Israel and the Arab countries.

Once again, as with Trump’s idiotic stance on free trade and multi-lateral trade agreements, the current administration’s erratic and chaotic foreign policy changes will only hurt the perception of U.S. leadership abroad. The ‘Ugly American’ has indeed returned.  Even the U.S. State Department, which includes the Foreign Service, is in terrible disarray. Many key foreign posts have yet to be filled.  Even positions taken by current Secretary of State, Rex Tillerson, have often been contradicted by tweets or statements by President Trump.  What a mess!  All the rest of the world can do is watch and wonder aloud.

Donald Trump Foreign Policy US

Leave a comment »
Nov 30

Lost of Community Newspapers Is Sad Day For Free Press

by bcurry

The announcement by the two largest Canadian-based media corporations, Postmedia Network Inc. and Torstar Corp., to close numerous free daily and community newspapers across Canada is certainly a blow to several localities. In the Ottawa region alone, I count up to nine such newspapers on the chopping block. Both companies claim that their deal will result in cost savings and the shut down is primarily due to declines in print advertising revenue.  However, along with several hundred employees loosing their jobs across Ontario, the real pain will be felt by readers within the communities affected. For some, community newspapers offer the main legitimate media source for local news, especially among seniors who may not have access to the Internet or paid dailies.  As most community newspapers are free, they have become an important source of information to those who cannot afford to subscribe to paid dailies or on-line Internet services.

In addition, the existence of a healthy and thriving free press is an essential element of any real democracy. Legitimate media print and other sources provide citizens with information and facts to allow for informed discussion about the issues that affect our communities and nation.  They also provide a real opportunity for the development and training of young journalists and other media staff.  Many young writers who learn to become adult writers got their start in community newspapers.  They have provided a mainstay for education related to investigative journalism, giving the large dailies an inventory of future journalists on the national scale.

Yes, it is estimated that about fifty percent of people get their news, legitimate or fake, from various sources on the Internet. However, a good deal of such news often has not been verified through the traditional means associated with credible and professional journalism.  The news content of such sources cannot be readily verified and the providers cannot really be held accountable.  Their integrity must be questioned, along with the possibility for editorial bias and manipulation of the facts for self-interests.  For the most part, the same cannot be said for legitimate news media, especially in print media.  Who is to hold politicians, organizations, corporations and governments accountable if not the news media?

I’m afraid that the above recent announcement represents another bleak harbinger for the future state of the free press in Canada, and possibly also in the U.S.

Canada Social Media The News Media US

Leave a comment »
Nov 20

Sexual Harassment Is Alive But Not So Well In The Corridors of Power

by bcurry

Not since the dismissal in the fall of 2014 of CBC Radio star Jian Ghomeshi for the sexual harassment of several employees has the issue become as explosive as it has in recent weeks. Of course, it all started with allegations of sexual harassment and assault by numerous women against Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein. Now stories by women and men of sexual harassment are coming out the woodwork involving high profiled men in the political, business and entertainment arena.  The notable use of social media has opened up the flood gates.  Countless women and men have rallied around the Twitter hashtag #metoo to reveal their own experiences with sex abuse, including in the workplace, diminishing the associated stigma.

In Canada, the Ghomeshi scandal helped to spur greater provincial protections that are now in effect through several new laws and policies. The changes beefed up provisions against sex harassment and bullying and gave governments the power to order an employer to conduct an impartial investigation when a complaint is made. Companies have also been forced to review and revamp their own policies to comply and are more aggressive in rooting out the problem of sexual harassment in their workplaces.

To date, the same cannot be said for in the U.S., although the federal and state governments will most likely have to deal with the matter in a more transparent and direct manner. After all, according to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, up to 85 percent of American women say that they have been sexually harassed at work. However, only a fraction of those cases are reported, partially due to the professional and legal risks for women who come forward. Nevertheless, women’s advocates are now noting that there appears to be a major ‘cultural and societal shift’ in the works.

In Canada, a 2014 survey by the Angus Reid Institute found that 43 percent of Canadian women had been sexually harassed at work. Unfortunately, the same survey found that men were more likely than women to agree that potentially problematic workplace behaviours were acceptable. In addition, a third of men (34 per cent) believed that sexual harassment in the workplace is “overblown” and receives more attention than it should.  It would appear that a real change in our attitudes about harassment still has a ways to go.  Maybe, just maybe, the recent high profile revelations of sexual misconduct in the U.S. may be enough to potentially lead to some real attitudinal changes. The fact is that everyone is responsible here and must work to stop such an obvious abuse of power.  It’s about time!

Canada Political Scandals US Women's Issues Women's Issues

Leave a comment »
Nov 10

U.S. Withdrawal From International Climate Change Initiatives Equals Stupidity and Arrogance

by bcurry

A climate report based on work conducted by scientists in 13 U.S. federal agencies, known as the Climate Science Special Report, finds it is “extremely likely” that more than half of the rise in temperatures over the past four decades has been caused by human activity.  Moreover, the same scientists have warned that President Trump’s decision to withdraw the U.S. from the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement could make it difficult, if not impossible, for the world to stay on track to reach an internationally agreed-upon goal for limiting dangerous global warming.  The U.S. is now the only country which is not part of the agreement.

Now, let’s review the facts as presented. The U.S. faces temperature increases of 2.5 degrees Fahrenheit over the next few decades even under significantly reduced future emissions. In addition, the record-setting temperatures of recent years will become relatively common in the near future.  An increase in extreme weather patterns has emerged in recent years, as evidenced by record-breaking hurricanes, droughts, flooding, tornados, snow storms and other weather disasters. Climate change represents the greatest risk to human kind, especially in the most vulnerable communities where people are suffering from poverty, water scarcity, food shortages, inadequate housing or other crises.

Climate change denial and downplaying the impact of greenhouse-gas emissions on the climate is nothing less than stupid and arrogant. The American repeal of domestic actions resulting in halting the decline in U.S. emissions will likely make it more difficult and costly to meet the Paris agreement temperature goal of holding warming well below 2°C, and limiting it to 1.5°C.  Indeed, we may have already reached the point of no return.  Without American involvement and support — representing 40% of the world’s wealth — there is a real danger of other countries pulling out of the agreement.  Climate policy experts note that U.S. emissions cuts were set to make up a major part — more than a fifth — of the reductions envisioned under the Paris accord between now and 2030.

What makes the situation even more crazy is that numerous U.S. states, individual cities and major American corporations have banded together in a move to stabilize U.S. emissions, no matter what the Trump administration does on the federal level. It can only be hoped that the Trump administration comes to its senses and gets off its high horse.  Otherwise, every indication is that the future climate will look even bleaker than it already does.  Everyone is affected, and no one will be spared the consequences.

Cimate Change Climate Change Donald Trump Uncategorized US

Leave a comment »
«Older Entries
Newer Entries »
Blog at WordPress.com.