FROLITICKS

Satirical commentary on Canadian and American current political issues

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

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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

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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

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Nov 3

Is There A Russian Under Many Beds in Washington?

by bcurry

Well, things are certainly coming to the surface in Washington in light of charges being laid by the Justice Department resulting from the investigation into whether Donald Trump’s campaign colluded with Russia to influence the 2016 election. The investigation is being led by former FBI director Robert Mueller.  Remember him.  He was named special counsel to oversee the investigation earlier in 2017.  At the time, the appointment was considered as a victory for Democrats and a handful of Republicans who had called for a special prosecutor or independent commission to conduct the inquiry.  President Trump however called the whole initiative a “witch hunt” perpetuated by the Democrats to undermine the presidential election outcome.

However, it would appear that Mr. Mueller has taken his investigation very seriously. Now, we see the White House trying to distance itself from those who participated on Trump’s campaign committee.  All the tweeting in the world may not make this issue disappear, particularly as the conclusions of the investigation are far from over.  It’s just one other major distraction for the Trump Administration.

Trump has to be very careful in how he deals with the special prosecutor. He doesn’t want a repeat of the infamous ousting of FBI director James Comey in order to shut down an investigation into Trump’s former national security adviser, Michael Flynn.  Trump’s firing of Comey set off its own wave of alarm.  Comey’s firing was even openly criticized by Stephen K. Bannon as a major mistake .

There is little doubt that the Russians favoured Donald Trump over Hillary Clinton, especially Vladimir Putin. Numerous Trump supporters and campaigners have had direct dealings with the Russians in the past, including President Trump.  It is increasingly obvious that the Russians attempted to interfere in the last election. Especially since Facebook, Twitter and Google have now acknowledged to U.S. lawmakers that Russian-linked accounts began exploiting their services in 2015 to sway last year’s presidential election. Remember that it’s already illegal for Russians and other foreigners to pay for U.S. political ads. Millions of American voters — half of Americans get their news from social media — saw these ads which in many cases posted “fake news” or falsified facts about Hillary Clinton.

Members of Trump’s campaign team admitted to meeting with Russian officials prior to and during the election. I look forward to what Mr. Mueller’s investigation will reveal down the road.  Maybe there is a Russian under many beds in Washington!

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Oct 22

Tweet, Tweet – Guess Who? Trump is on Twitter Again!

by bcurry

When will President Trump stop tweeting his nonsensical assertions? His latest tweets had to do with whether former Presidents contacted the families of fallen soldiers, Hurricane Maria’s effect on Puerto Rico, the Democrats holding up judicial nominees, the overall tax burden in the United States compared to other industrialized countries, as well as dozens of other topics. Now, using twitter might not be so bad but for all the inaccuracies, falsehoods and factual errors. A follow-up of Trump’s assertions usually shows up his ignorance of the facts and the use of Twitter to promote his views and personal attacks on others who have the gall to criticize him publicly.

Unfortunately, Trump’s tweets appear to be followed blindly by his supporters who view his assertions as something on par with gospel. Talk about false news! At least legitimate news media expressly disclose such journalistic views as editorial opinion. What Trump has yet to realize is that what comes out of the Oval Office, no matter in what format, is taken as representing his administration’s policies. What is also disconcerting is the continuous display of administration officials being hauled out to interpret what Trump is actually saying in each tweet. I’m getting a little annoyed when officials declare that the President was only joking. There is nothing to joke about North Korea, health care, gun control, etc., etc.

Moreover, it is almost impossible to make sensible assertions in 140 characters or less. Trump firmly believes that he would not be President without Twitter, regularly using Twitter to mount vigorous attacks on political opponents, news outlets and people who have criticized him.  Indeed, one can argue that the extensive use of this social-media platform represents a very dangerous precedent.  Trump believes that he can bypass what he labels unfair media coverage by speaking directly through social media. The primary problem is that, unlike in other legitimate news media, there is no initial confirmation of what is being asserted is actually backed by established facts and valid sources.

What does this do to democratic debate and the role of truth with respect to positions normally backed by study and defensible facts? Americans and others need to take a hard look at how social media is being manipulated as a political tool.  Otherwise, this President and future leaders will continue to abuse their office in order to achieve political gains at the expense of the truth.

Donald Trump Social Media US US Politics

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Oct 6

Trump’s Plan to Decertify the Iran Nuclear Deal Leaves Republicans in the Lurch

by bcurry

President Trump has argued that under the Iran nuclear deal signed in 2015, Iran has not “lived up” to the spirit of the deal. This despite the fact that by all accounts — even that of the U.S. — Iran had lived up to its commitments under the agreement. In addition, European leaders have stated that they were not interested in expanding the scope of its implementation. Other countries that are party to the deal — Britain, France, Germany, Russia, China and Iran —argued that the agreement was designed to address issues solely related to Iran’s nuclear program, and not other issues that Trump has raised in the past.

Now, Trump is expected to decertify the deal which would kick the matter over to the Republican controlled Congress, which in turn would then have 60 days to determine how to proceed and whether to re-impose sanctions. The only problem is that the majority of Republicans have little appetite to reopen the 2015 deal, backed by the Democrats in Congress. The Republicans want to avoid a crisis and don’t want to kill the agreement which would leave them with the blame both at home and abroad. Once again, the President and Republicans are at loggerheads, with the party split between the so-called hawks and doves.

The situation with Iran is a lot more different than it was ten years ago. After all, it is in Iraq, where fighting the Islamic State (ISIS) has most conspicuously brought the U.S into a tacit alliance with Iran, that a more hostile relationship between Tehran and Washington could prove most consequential. Iranian-backed militias are deeply embedded in the overall Iraqi effort to wrest back territory from the militants, one that is also being aided by the United States.  Today, Iran commands the loyalties of tens of thousands in allied militias and proxy armies that are fighting on the front lines in Syria, Iraq and Yemen with armored vehicles, tanks and heavy weapons.  Exactly what the Trump administration intends to do about a state of affairs that has already become deeply entrenched is unclear.  So pervasive is Iran’s presence across the region that it is hard to see how any U.S. administration could easily roll it back without destabilizing allies, endangering Americans, undermining the war against the ISIS and upsetting the new regional balance.

The Iran nuclear deal is only one part of the foreign policy equation in the Middle East. To date, the deal has succeeded in stabilizing relations with Iran as it pertains to the nuclear weapons issue. Trump will have to spell out a broader strategy for confronting Iran, including its ballistic missile program and alleged support for terror networks in the Middle East. Decertifying and reopening the deal will not help matters, and may even destabilize relations with Iran who has become a major ally in the fight against ISIS. Without a doubt, the President’s move will present Congress with another hot potato and, once again, undermine America’s credibility to uphold its commitments with its allies and partners.

Donald Trump Foreign Policy Iraq and ISIS Uncategorized US

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Sep 28

Free Trade Versus Protective Policies and Where Is Trump Going On This?

by bcurry

As part of his campaign, President Trump stated time and time again that he wanted to either renegotiate trade agreements such as the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) involving Canada and Mexico or withdraw from negotiations involving future agreements such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). Well, Trump withdrew from his predecessor’s signature TPP trade deal on his first full weekday in office, leaving the 11 other countries that had negotiated the pact to wonder if years of work had just gone down the drain. Currently, NAFTA negotiations are taking place with a ridiculous December 2017 deadline to complete a new deal.

The problem is that trade today involves a global economy with integrated production and services of multinational corporations around the world. Trump’s attempt to introduce protective policies is most likely going to hurt American corporations as much as foreign enterprises and workers.  In order to be competitive, American corporations now rely heavily on goods, services and component production found in other countries.  In the case of NAFTA, those in the U.S. vastly underestimate the important trading relationship most of the 50 states hold with Canada. Indeed, 35 American states trade more with Canada than any other country. Currently, some 70 percent of Canada’s trade is with the U.S. — the majority of which benefits both countries. NAFTA has also benefited Mexico economically in various ways and those American states bordering Mexico.

American, Mexican and Canadian consumers benefit through access to more and cheaper goods and services, as evidenced by the number of American retail outlets operating in Mexico and Canada. With NAFTA, we have evolved into a continental economy, with improvements for labour and the environment — particularly in Mexico as a result of side agreements. What’s interesting is that the Republicans have always been the defenders and promoters of free trade in Congress and the White House, as were leaders of the Conservative Party in Canada. Ironically, we now have a Liberal Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, who is promoting the benefits of free trade for all three countries.

Yes, there are things that can be improved in NAFTA since its implementation almost thirty years ago. World economies have changed a lot since then, particularly with new technologies. However, most experts believe that its benefits to all three countries far outweigh its costs. Other factors, such as new innovations in communications, energy and robotics have had a greater impact on the labour market and the environment than trade agreements. Simply introducing more protective policies will not change or stop the consequences of rapid innovation in the manufacturing, service, finance and other sectors. Punishing countries through protective policies will simply hurt everyone involved. Such policies don’t only go against the changing realities of our times, but also against common sense.

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Sep 19

Who Likes A Military Parade More Than Donald Trump?

by bcurry

Like the old saying, everyone loves a parade. Indeed, it would appear from all reports (including fake news) that President Trump would love to see a military parade down Pennsylvania Avenue displaying the military might of the U.S.A.  He apparently got the idea from watching the Bastille Day parade in Paris with President Emmanuel Macron of France last July.  He is said to have called it “one of the most beautiful parades I have ever seen”— jet planes flying overhead and tanks and other armoured vehicles rolling along, with hundreds, if not thousands, of military personnel marching along to inspirational patriotic band music.  Trump reportedly said that “We are going to have to try and top it.”

And why not? After all, North Korea, Russia and China display their military hardware in parades all the time.  Just imagine Donald Trump standing proudly on the viewing stand in a Mussolini-style pose while smiling ear-to-ear at the display of American military prowess. Never mind the cost of such an event, which would be in the millions of tax-payer dollars at a time when the feds are running huge deficits.  Just imagine the great publicity shots and huge crowds, even larger than those attending his inaugural parade.  When to do it?  Well, how about next Fourth of July!  Americans have not witnessed a major military parade down the streets of Washington since 1991 when President George Bush hosted a limited military parade after the end of the Persian Gulf war.  That display was somewhat cheap as it only cost a little more than a pitiful $12 million U.S.  Surely, Trump can do better than that!

As the Commander-in-Chief, President Trump deserves to have his parade to display the American military might for all the world to see, including the North Koreans and Russians. We’ll see who has the biggest and most powerful missiles — Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin or Kim Jong-un. Needless-to-say, I imagine that the Americans would win the bragging rights.  So go ahead, President Trump.  Spend those hard-earned tax dollars and have your little parade if it makes you happy.  I’m sure we’ll all be watching with either great anticipation or even greater unease.

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Sep 7

Hurricanes, Droughts and Forest Fires Attest to Issues Regarding Climate Change

by bcurry

First there was Hurricane Harvey, and now there is Hurricane Irma — the worst in recorded history. Forest fires now cover nine U.S. states and have ravished the Canadian province of British Columbia. Around the world, annual temperatures have consistently increased, leaving havoc, rising waters and scorched earth in their wake.  Yet, here we have a President of the world’s most powerful country arguing that climate change is not an issue!  Some people argue about economics, but the recovery from damages caused by Hurricane Harvey in the U.S. is already estimated to cost over 180 Billion dollars (U.S.). The damages from forest fires and to crops are estimated to be in the billions of dollars.

For the human race to sit back and not do anything to deal with climate change is ludicrous to say the least. Sticking one’s head in the proverbial sand and ignoring the socioeconomic impact and scientific evidence related to climate change doesn’t make any sense!  What we need is leadership, both national and international.  Simply coping with the consequences is no longer a viable alternative, no matter how much leaders brag about their response to these calamities.  The fact is that people parish and people loose everything.

The U.S. consumes forty percent of the earth’s resources. It has a responsibility to do so in an environmental friendly and responsible way.  Without American proactive and aggressive actions in dealing with climate change, international initiatives may be meaningless.  It’s time for President Trump and Congress to recognize this reality.  Policies need to be changed now.  It’s taken decades to arrive at this point, and it will probably take years to tackle the issues pertaining to climate change.  Our climate supersedes the economy.  Mankind cannot believe that matters surrounding the earth’s climate are secondary in nature.  The state of our planet is first and foremost the most important consideration that we should have.  Let’s hold our leaders accountable.

Cimate Change Climate Change Donald Trump Leadership Uncategorized US

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Aug 19

What Is It With Trump And All These Post-Election Rallies?

by bcurry

Someone should tell President Trump that the electioneering should have been over last November. However, once again Trump is planning to continue holding rallies to arouse the masses.  For example, Trump is pressing forward with plans for a large-scale political rally next week in Phoenix, Arizona, despite pleas from the city’s mayor and other officials not to hold a polarizing event while feelings remain so raw over the recent violence in Charlottesville, Virginia. These are not presidential events to officially announce or promote new legislative initiatives because there are none.

Last November, I blogged that I couldn’t help but compare Donald Trump with the former Italian dictator Benito Mussolini. Mussolini loved rallies and military parades, with his black shirted supporters marching in step to patriotic music and shouting nonsensical slogans.  Now, I’m not saying that Trump’s supporters at these rallies are fascists.  However, let me quote from my earlier blog: “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.”  As an extreme narcissist, Trump appears to need regular reassurance that some Americans still adore and support him, including apparently the white supremacists whom he refuses to condemn in no uncertain terms.

What’s with all these continuing rallies? There are no mid-term elections at this time.  If there were, I’m not too sure that very many Republican candidates would want Trump’s support at this time.  The GOP appear to be in disarray following the failure to pass their proposed health care legislation and to end so-called Obamacare.  The White House is in a mess with even the house rats fleeing the premises.  Trump’s staff still spend most of their time trying to clarify what the President’s actual position is on a number of important current issues, not always succeeding to do so.

Instead of parading around the country seeking reaffirmation of his popularity, which is now at an all time low, Trump should spend more time in Washington. He needs to mend fences with Congress, his Cabinet and what’s left of his original staff.  What Americans don’t need are more rallies.  What Americans are looking for is clear and unifying leadership from their president and his administration.  No more off-the-cuff meanderings.  No more divisive speeches full of historical inaccuracies and bombastic statements.  Either be president for all Americans, or resign and let someone else provide the essential leadership needed to tackle the critical issues that America and the world face. Then and only then can one begin to talk about “making America great again”!

Donald Trump US US Politics

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