Category Leadership
Highly Debatable
The four contenders for the leadership of Canada’s Conservative party square off in an English-language debate tonight, as they did in French last night. Why should you care? If you are a Canadian you should be interested; one of these four will be the next leader of the Official Opposition, and possibly Prime Minister […]
Democracy In Action – Your Turn
Today is an important day for Canadian democracy, though my guess is most people in Canada are unaware of it. Not surprising given the usual level of political awareness and engagement. In a presidential system the leader of the country is elected directly by the people. In the Westminster parliamentary tradition the Prime Minister is […]
Guns, Guns, Guns!
When the Prime Minister of Canada announced the immediate banning of 1,500 different types of assault weapons I was shocked. Did you know there were so many different types of guns? I didn’t. I’ve never owned a gun, pistol, rifle or assault weapon. Don’t expect to ever need one. I’m a city dweller (when I […]
Mourning Time Again
For many people around the world, the COVID-19 pandemic has meant sorrow and loss. Lives have been taken unexpectedly and early. In addition to the losses from the pandemic, today there are families remembering four individuals those taken before their time. Today is the fiftieth anniversary of the Kent State shootings. Their names are a […]
COVID Silver Linings
City officials in Ottawa, Canada, probably won’t admit it, but the timing of the COVID-19 pandemic has been a blessing for them. People are focusing on health and not the city’s under-performing light rail system. The multi-billion dollar project was opened to the public with great fanfare in September, and the breakdowns started almost immediately. […]
Unnecessary Problems
Do the actions of politicians sometimes have you scratching your head in bewilderment? Do you frequently think you could do a better job? You are not alone. Especially if you are one of those people with common sense. Living in Germany doesn’t mean I am oblivious to what is happening back in Ottawa. I keep […]
Leading By Example? Sadly Yes.
“Stay at home! This means you!” How many times have you heard those words from politicians in the past month? Self isolation, social distancing, no unnecessary travel. No exceptions. Except it turns out there are. In Canada anyway. The Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition don’t think the rules that apply to others […]
What Pandemic Rights?
What is the responsibility of the state to keep its citizens healthy? Who decides what is appropriate? Where I live you are no longer allowed to walk along the streets, unless you are going to the doctor or the grocery store. Police or other officials can stop you and ask where you are going. There […]
Land of Confusion
Are you as confused as I am? Or have Canada’s leaders lost touch with reality? You have to be 16 to get a driver’s licence. Eighteen to vote. And that isn’t all. There are age restrictions on who can smoke tobacco or marijuana, or legally drink alcohol. You can’t serve in the military until you […]
Narrowing The Field
Last week pundits were calling Bernie Sanders unstoppable in the race for the US Democratic party nomination. Now Joe Biden is the front runner. Last week Biden’s campaign looked all but over. Now other big-name candidates have dropped out, throwing their support to him in the hopes of stopping Sanders. Biden is the hope of […]
random thoughts from lorne 
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