FROLITICKS

Satirical commentary on Canadian and American current political issues

May 5

Low Birth Rates, But Who’s Going To Look After Me?

by bcurry

Seniors today are beginning to worry about the future of social security, health care and escaping the throws of poverty.  Birth rates in North America have been on the downturn for the last decade, and especially in the last five years since the Great Recession.  Studies have shown that the so-called millennial women are reproducing at the slowest pace of any generation in U.S. history.  The same is most likely true for Canadian millennials.  According to the Urban Institute in the States, birthrates among women in their 20s declined more than 15 percent between 2007 and 2012.

Now, I understand that younger women were delaying having children in the past because more were into careers and self-employment.  With the current tough economic times, even more women are delaying child birth due to serious financial concerns.  This is completely understandable given the high cost of raising children in this day and age.  Baby boomers never had to face many of today’s harsh realties, including high levels of unemployment, underemployment, housing costs and education-related debt.

On the other hand, we have an aging population, with those over 65 heading to make up a quarter of our population in the not too distant future.  Indeed, extreme financial circumstances are forcing many seniors to continue working beyond the normal retirement years.  However, once retired and with the forecast decline in the future labour forces, who is going to support all those existing social programs?  Due to a lack of retirement savings for many seniors, they have come to rely on government assistance just to make ends meet.  Furthermore, don’t count on your kids to look after you!  As it stands now, they need your help more often than not.

As a society, it would appear that we have to do a lot more to encourage young people to have families, and right away.  This may mean greater financial incentives and government assistance to do so.  We need to introduce more paid maternity and parental leave programs, affordable child-care services, tax benefits for each child, improved post-secondary education grants and loans, affordable housing, etc., etc.  Seniors need to support such initiatives, for to do so will benefit them as well in the end run.  Wouldn’t they like to become grandparents while they’re still alive?  The old saying that children represent our future has never been truer.  It’s time that we recognize and support policies that would lead to an increase in the birth rate.  Families contribute to society in so many ways.  Such family-oriented policies will certainly enhance all our futures, including those of the millennials.

Canada US

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Apr 8

More and More Government Handouts – Another Canadian Federal Election Must Be Coming

by bcurry

How about one more tax credit for the middle class?  Now we have Goodlife Fitness Centres Inc. lobbying the federal government for a fitness tax credit for adults of all ages.  So if I like, as a mature adult, to ski, play in an adult sports league or work out at a gym club, I could receive a tax credit up to $500 per person.  This would be on top of those tax credits already available for any children involved in fitness activities, to be bumped up to an eligible amount to $1,000 per child.  Needless-to-say, all these tax credits will eventually cost the federal government hundreds of millions of tax dollars in the near future.  The costs of implementing the adult fitness tax credit have been estimated by the government to be $69 million in the first year and $275 million each year after.

Now, I have a real problem with subsidizing Goodlife Fitness Centres with taxpayer money.  I also have a problem with subsidizing those adults who, of their own volition, decide to participate in sports or fitness activities which the average taxpayer cannot really afford.  Let’s face it, given the annual fees for gym clubs, tennis clubs and ski lodges, most of us would probably pass on such activities.  I couldn’t even justify paying for those fancy gym outfits and shoes designed to impress the other members.  Instead, we regular people look for more affordable past times like walking, hiking in parks, riding bikes, skating on public rinks, etc., etc.

Why not invest in infrastructure from which all of us can benefit!  I for one would like to see more taxpayer investment in national and local parks, in playgrounds, public swimming pools, boys and girls clubs, school fitness programs and outdoor public facilities accessible to everyone, regardless of income levels.  Today, obesity and other health issues are a concern not only for the middle and upper classes, but also for society as a whole.  In the name of gaining a few extra votes, why is it that the ruling party has to be so short-sighted?  Is it because poor people tend not to vote in large numbers?  Where are the studies that show that such tax breaks really make a difference one way or the other?

After all, we are a free society where people can make their own choices about where to spend their hard earned dollars.  If your income is such that you can spend it on fitness or arts and music activities, then that’s your choice.  Why I as a taxpayer have to subsidize it is a whole other matter.  Sorry, Mr. Finance Minister, my vote cannot and will not be bought by such obvious ploys.  As a society, we have many more urgent issues to resolve: national security, the economy, unemployment and the environment to name only a few.

Canada Federal Election Federal Government

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Mar 26

Canada’s Expansion of Iraq Mission to Syria is a Huge Mistake

by bcurry

No matter what the reasons that the Canadian government gives, the proposed expansion of the current Iraq mission to Syria has all kinds of serious consequences.  Simply stating that Canada is following the American lead provides little in the way of justification.  Syria is a bigger mess than even Iraq.  Let’s recap for a moment.  The Syrian uprising, part of the so-called Arab Spring, originally involved opposition groups to the current Syrian government under its dictator Bashar al-Assad.  The Americans didn’t step into this internal war, preferring to wait and see.  However, things didn’t go well for Assad, making him commit even more atrocities against his own people, including the use of chemical weapons.  Still, the Americans didn’t step in.  Then along came ISIL or ISIS, a major radical group who began to make territorial gains in Syria and eventually into Iraq.  So now, the Americans, no longer knowing who to support militarily in Syria, decide to go after the most radical group — ISIL.

Subsequently, the Iraqi government and security forces couldn’t stop ISIL’s advances inside Iraq, threatening to bring down Iraq’s American-supported and primarily Shia-backed government.  ISIL found support among the Sunni population in Iraq who felt persecuted by the Shia regime, and have faced atrocities by Shia security forces and local militia.  Enter Iran, whose military guard began to support the Shia militias in Iraq, who in turn appeared better able to defend against ISIL than Iraq’s government forces.  Let’s not forget about the Kurdish forces fighting ISIL in northern Iraq, and who would still like to have more independence from Baghdad.  At this point, Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi called on the U.S. to provide military support in the form of air strikes against ISIL and military advisors to Iraqi forces on the ground.

Six months ago, Canada entered the American-led campaign along with some other European and Arab countries.  Remember, this is not a NATO endorsed campaign.  Canada’s token contribution deployed several dozen special forces troops to northern Iraq, six fighter jets, two surveillance aircraft, a refuelling plane and around 600 support personnel based in Kuwait.  So far, Canada has had one casualty and three injured by Kurdish friendly fire.  Have air strikes really accomplished much?  ISIL’s advancements have to date been slowed, but most military experts believe that the war against ISIL can only be won on the ground.  In the case of the Syrian campaign, the results of air strikes are even less convincing.

Yes, ISIL has made some vague propaganda threats against Canadians, has committed atrocities, and a few Canadians have even gone to join ISIL in Syria, along with other foreign combatants.  However, is there really a serious threat to the homeland from ISIL?  Or is this just political maneuvering on the part of the Canadian and American governments to justify their military actions in the region?  What are the governments’ exit strategies?  Indications are that the Iraqis and Syrians could be at war for years.  Neither the current Iraqi nor the Syrian regime appears to be able to deal with this mess.  Do the Canadian and American governments really believe that they can resolve the disputes without further bloodshed and atrocities?  These are real questions and consequences that need to be further explored before both countries begin to witness ever-growing “mission creep”.  Unfortunately, the majority of Canadians and Americans don’t really understand the complexities of the situation to adequately address these questions.  Sorry, but it’s the truth.

Iraq Iraq and ISIS Syria and ISIL

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Mar 3

Ultra-Conservatives Rail Against Health and Physical Education Curriculum in Ontario

by bcurry

Well, now they’ve gone and done it!  The Ontario Ministry of Education has introduced a revised health and physical education curriculum for elementary and secondary schools in the province of Ontario.  Replacing a curriculum used since the nineties, the revised version is designed to bring the curriculum into the 21st Century.

Oh, but wait!  Out of the woodwork has emerged outrage and accusations from various ultra-conservative groups, including some in the province’s Conservative opposition party.  How dare we incorporate sex education which provides useful and relative information about relationships, including those involving sexual relations.  They argue that the government is stepping all over the rights of parents to educate their children on such matters.  OMG — never mind talking about homosexuality, sexual orientation, and how to respect people’s rights.

I wonder how many of those in opposition have actually read the two documents outlining the curriculum.  I have, and concluded that the curriculum has been developed in a sensitive and objective manner.  The curriculum provides an excellent foundation for discussion among young people at various stages of development.  Indeed, only about 10 percent of the material actually deals with sex education per se.  The rest deals with matters related to the physical and mental health of children and adolescents.  Nothing therein prevents parents from talking to their children about relationships and the important values surrounding them.  If anything, the information provided will help parents to have meaningful and constructive discussions.

Kids today are increasingly being exposed to all kinds of sources containing sexual content, especially through the Internet, television, film, etc., etc.  As parents and society, we need to balance these other sources with one that provides for informed and intelligent discussion.  Our children deserve to be guided in a safe, open and respectful environment during their developmental years.  As adults, we owe it to them.

Canada

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Feb 18

At This Pace, Say Good-bye To Our Freedoms

by bcurry

It’s ironic that governments always declare that we have to give up some of those very freedoms that our ancestors fought to protect in past wars.  In the name of national security, you appear to be able to justify just about anything.  Freedoms, like to freedom of association are also being watered down by recent government actions.  The right to unlawful search and seizure has also been compromised both in Canada and the U.S. by recent government actions.  In Canada, the authorities now have the ability to seize cell phones, tablets and other personal electronic devises without a warrant if a person is arrested for an alleged crime.

In both countries, various governments have moved to take away the right to strike from public sector unions during collective bargaining.  Given that the public sector is the last bastion of unionization, such government actions will further diminish the ability to collectively bargain for better working conditions and compensation.  Fortunately, some courts have and will rule that such prohibitions affect our freedom of association.

Just the other day, a young female student in the province of Quebec was stripped searched by the school’s principle on suspicion of possessing or selling drugs in the school.  This was done without the presence of her parents or the police.  Indeed, such searches were openly applauded and defended by a number of Quebec politicians.  I can only hope that such a denial of basic rights never happens to a child of their own.

The Canadian government’s most recent proposed anti-terrorism legislation would allow the authorities greater powers to search, seize and share personal information all in the name of national security.  As was the case in the U.S. after 9/11, our spy agencies will have increased powers to monitor our every move, physically or electronically.  Civilian oversight of the monitors appears to be weak, and should be of great concern to those who value their privacy and freedom of expression.

Sometimes, individual rights and considerations have to be adjusted for the good of the collectivity and society as a whole.  However, when the impact on basic freedoms is so great as to erode their effective value and respect, it’s time to take a step back and consider the real consequences.  Just how much power do we want to give to Big Brother as a free and democratic society?  How many freedoms are you willing to have watered down?

Anti-Terroism Canada Federal Government

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Jan 19

Race Relations Still Have a Ways to Go in Both Canada and the U.S.

by bcurry

Saturday Night Live did a brief satirical piece on the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., where his ghost returned to comment on the advances that African Americans have made in the last 47 years since his death.  The comic portraying him kept referring to the ever elusive climb to the top of the mountain alluded to in one of Rev. King’s many memorable and inspirational speeches.  The mountain seems to have gotten higher and the climb harder.  Indeed, on Martin Luther King Jr. Day the nation and the President are still struggling with issues of race and discrimination.

Although in Canada, I lived through the sixties’ civil rights movement as covered extensively by American and Canadian media on television and in news print.  As a teenager in High School, I remember the coverage of the now famous Selma march, the assassination of Rev. King and subsequent civil rights’ activity by the American federal government.  The images of police brutality against peaceful demonstrators and the resulting public outrage are burned into my memory.  I knew then as I know now that race relations in both countries would never be the same.  Testimony to this was the election of a black President.  African Americans today have the right to vote.  Their civil rights are protected under law.  All of which can be largely attributed to Rev. King and his calls for justice, action and civil disobedience in the 1960s.

However, President Obama has had to tread a fine line when it comes to matters of race relations.  His game plan is one of seeking steady progress within the system, most often with calls for restraint, lawful demonstrations and commissions of inquiry.  Following the fatal police shooting in Ferguson, Missouri, he deployed the U.S. Attorney General to investigate whether a young black’s civil rights had been violated.  The President also wants to work with law enforcement officials to improve race relations, often incurring the wrath of black constituents.  Sometimes the President is caught between a rock and a hard place, damned if you do and damned if you don’t.  No easy task, especially for a black President — so give the guy a break!

Here in Canada, race relations are a bit better largely due to our history and laws.  However, when it comes to our native population that’s another matter.  Just as blacks make up a disproportionate number of inmates in U.S. prisons, so do native males and females make up a disproportionate number of inmates in Canadian prisons.  Crimes against native women far outweigh those against Canadian women in general.  Canadians have a ways to go to improve native relations.  There is also a need to deal with the higher number of visible minorities living below the poverty line in both countries.  While access to higher education has improved, access to better paying professions is still a concern for visible minorities, in particular recent immigrants.  Much more work needs to be done on improving race relations in both countries in order to more quickly climb that intangible mountain.

Canada Race Relations

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Jan 8

Media Under Terrorist Attack — Let’s Not Hit the Panic Button Just Yet

by bcurry

With the blatant attack by armed extremists on the offices of Charlie Hebdo in Paris on January 7th, Western societies are viewing the horrific incident as a direct attack on the freedom of the press and freedom of speech.  Why the unfortunate staff of this particular publication were targeted is pretty well self-explanatory.  After all, Charlie Hebdo’s offices were fired bombed in 2012 by extremists because of satirical cartoons depicting Islam’s prophet Mohammad.  The cartoons angered many Muslims who view such depictions as heresy.  Moreover, some don’t see the humour in such depictions, in extreme cases bringing out the crazies who then invoke various forms of terrorism in retaliation.

Unfortunately, such tragic events also often lead to different forms of backlash in the countries where they occur.  Governments may impose more security laws, reduce immigration from certain countries, and increase surveillance of certain domestic groups.  Other national extremist groups may rev up their anti-Muslim activities, such as was the case in Sweden where Christian terrorists recently destroyed mosques in that country.  One has to remember that there are the larger numbers of peaceful and law-abiding Muslims in the centre of almost every city on the European continent.  However, economic and social strains already exist between Muslims and those whose roots in Europe are far deeper.  Although Muslim communities vehemently condemn such violence, there will nevertheless be immediate public backlash in various forms.

In the case of the attack on Charlie Hebdo, it is seen as a deliberate attack on some of our fundamental freedoms.  Journalists everywhere are outraged, and rightly so.  However, media attacks are not something new.  Remember the attacks on media sources during the civil rights movement in the U.S. in the early sixties, or attacks on Quebec media sources following the FLQ terrorists attacks and kidnappings in the early seventies — with the subsequent federal implementation of the War Measures Act in Canada invoking martial law.  In both cases, journalists were jailed and denied their legal rights.  Journalists knowingly take risks in pursuing certain stories every day, including those who have written about organized crime syndicates in the Americas and Europe.

Journalists are a tough breed often in a thankless and misunderstood occupation.  They tend not to scare very easily, which is a good thing for a free and open society.  For this reason, tragic events such as that in Paris will only strengthen the resolve of these brave men and women to pursue their stories and publish their findings.  As in any democratic society, they represent an important asset in ensuring our rights to know more about the issues we all face on a daily basis.  For all these reasons, let us not push any panic buttons.  Let us continue to support and respect the work of all media.

Terroism and the Media

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Dec 11

Whatever Happened to the American and Canadian Dreams?

by bcurry

Well, the holidays are here. However, there doesn’t appear to be much to cheer about. Both the U.S. and Canada are involved in another war in the Middle East. Their two governments appear to be floundering about, trying to figure out where to slash costs and how to balance budgets. Our economies are still fairly flat, wages are stagnating and unemployment remains high. Generally, people appear to have lost faith in governments and financial institutions.

The middle class is again feeling the crunch, with personal debt levels climbing to record highs. All the while a recent poll by the New York Times exclaims that the American dream is out of reach. About two-thirds of those Americans polled said they still believed in the American dream, apparently the lowest result in roughly two decades. Similar evidence would no doubt support the same middle class belief in Canada. The same poll showed that a slim 52 percent majority of Americans think the country’s economic system is fair, giving everyone an equal opportunity to succeed, while 45 percent think it is unfair. The majority see their household financial situation as remaining the same or worst, and cannot save enough for a decent retirement.

O.K., I guess that we’re all going to have to begin tightening our belts. After all, luxury goods are for the rich. Once you’ve put food on the table, paid for shelter, faced medical bills, put aside monies for the kids’ education, given governments their pound of flesh — there’s not much left in the kitty for a little entertainment. Oh yeah, the cost of fuel has temporarily gone down, but for how long? On the other hand, the cost of other essentials has gone up — little things like food, clothing and day care. No wonder the average American and Canadian are becoming increasingly sceptical about the so-called “dream”. The dream appears to be turning into a “nightmare”.

Yet, despite all the doom, gloom and naysayers, hope remains eternal. Maybe the dream isn’t dead yet. Maybe it’s just languishing somewhere. After all, happiness is a frivolous and elusive state of mind. Perhaps, at this time of the year we should put aside all of our materialistic desires. Instead, we should count our small blessings like close family, friends, good health and everyday freedoms. Be charitable, for there are always those far less fortunate. Pursuing the spiritual side of our existence is what the dream should be all about. Let us share holidays with others and wish for a good New Year for our two countries!

The American Dream

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Dec 1

High Profile Sex Assault Allegations Once Again Raise A Serious Societal Malady

by bcurry

What do Bill Cosby and Jian Ghomeshi have in common? Both are male celebrities who are facing allegations by numerous women concerning past sexual harassment. In the case of Jian Ghomeshi the former popular host of CBC Radio show “Q”, he is now facing several criminal charges for sexual assault under Canada’s Criminal Code. Both cases have put the issue of pervasive sexual harassment on the radar once again in Canada and the States.

Hopefully, the disclosures of the women who bravely came forward will encourage other sexually harassed women to speak out, and persuade both sexes to continue much needed discussion and proactive actions on the issue. These high profile cases have galvanized national media, social media and communities in finding ways to address the problem and better support the victims of sexual harassment and assault. Sadly, it appears that about ninety percent of women who are harassed or assaulted do not come forward to their employers or the authorities.

On the books, Canada has some of the most progressive sexual assault laws in the world. However, it is estimated that out of every 1,000 reported sexual assault victims in Canada, only 12 will ever see the inside of a courtroom. There are all kinds of reasons for this, but the main one is that the justice system doesn’t really work that well in cases of sexual assault. Women are still being victimized by the system, despite the efforts of many conscientious police officials, lawyers, support groups, social workers and others. Certain negative cultural norms are still deeply embedded in the system. Too often, sexual harassment is still being overlooked and dismissed in the bedrooms, workplaces, neighbourhoods and courts of our two nations.

It’s about time that we men take a more serious position when it comes to sexual harassment. Men need to step forward to promote a cultural change throughout society, beginning in the homes, schools and workplaces. It’s time for the authorities to better equip and educate themselves on how best to enforce our laws governing such heinous acts. It’s time for employers and employee representatives to ensure that their workplaces are free from sexual and other forms of harassment. It’s time that there are workplace policies and practices to put an end to harassment in a confidential and fair manner, while respecting the rights and dignity of employee victims. It’s time that governments step forward and ensure that appropriate laws and sufficient resources are in place to combat such criminal acts.

As an unfortunate conclusion, one might actually be thankful that every once and awhile such high profile cases emerge to remind us of this important societal issue. However, they also remind us that we as a society have a hell of lot more work to do before the consequences of such injustices are fully remedied and prevented. Enough lip service, it’s time to act!!!!

Uncategorized

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Nov 16

Letters to the Editor Tell Us a Lot About Ordinary Folk and Ourselves

by bcurry

Every morning like so many North Americans, I read the local newspaper while sipping my favourite blend of coffee. However, I must confess that the regular news has become rather distressing. Stories abound about war, diseases, crime, racism, acts of intolerance, natural disasters, etc., etc. For sure, there are good feel stories, but they are few and far between. It’s not that we should ignore unpleasant realities, for they are what helps to sell newspapers and other news media. It’s not that politicians say one thing and then do the opposite when governing. It’s not that journalists and editorialists are far from being as objective as they claim. It’s simply that at times all this negativism can be bad for the soul.

More recently, I’ve been paying more attention to the paper’s letters to the editor. These are written by people who feel compassionate enough to express their views on a variety of topics. In most cases, they are ordinary folk just like you and me. I have come to see that their views are more often than not upbeat, insightful and to the point. Since editors limit the number of words allowable, their views on everyday issues are usually expressed concisely and clearly. Contrary to news articles and columns which can ramble on — often causing the reader to get lost halfway through the piece — while the composition of letters are far easier to follow.

News coverage is often about so-called “extraordinary” individuals and their exploits. Yet, it is ordinary people that really understand the realities of everyday life. When they reflect on issues, it is from a personal and down-to-earth perspective. Extraordinary people are primarily concerned about maintaining images and politically-motivated causes. For this reason, they say and interpret what they think we want to hear. Their ramblings have been cleansed and sanitized for public consumption several times over. Politicians and bureaucrats are normally the worst offenders when it comes to “public-speak”. In the end, it can be difficult to comprehend actually what it is that they are saying on any given topic.

Ordinary people on the other hand are not appealing to any particular constituency. They tend to call it like they see it. Whether one agrees or not with their viewpoints, the straightforward honesty is both refreshing and revealing. Indeed, this demonstrates why we need more forums through which ordinary citizens can speak out. In a truly democratic society it’s critical that citizens can express their hopes, concerns and viewpoints without fear of censorship or retribution. I trust that good editors fully understand and support this forum. For these and other reasons, I will continue to dutifully read letters to the editor. I hope that you will too.

Canada US

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