Category World Affairs
The Problem with War
I wrote this piece more than four years ago, when the conflict between Russia and Ukraine was in its infancy. I put it aside for editing and then forgot about it. Today I finished it. While Justin Trudeau is no longer Prime Minister, the rest remain true. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has framed Canada’s […]
The Power of Money
If Americans want to fix their democracy, they might begin with looking at election financing, When a candidate can receive millions from an individual donor or an organization, you have to wider if there is some influence being purchased. I know the arguments and the court cases that have allowed the system to devolve to […]
Building Bridges
The Gordie Howe International Bridge officially opens today between Windsor (Ontario and Detroit (Michigan). It is perhaps a symbol of all that is wrong with the United States today. There has been a need for a new bridge for years at the busiest border crossing between Canada and the USA. The existing Ambassador Bridge can […]
So True
I think it is because of the heat. At least where I live. It makes the days seem longer. Thursday does have at least one thing going for it. My local pub has chicken wings for half price on Thursday. Every four to six weeks or so I get together with a group of friends […]
The Candidate
Graham Platner was the Democratic Party’s white knight in the Maine Senate race. Until he wasn’t. Platner has stepped down, “suspended” his campaign – not that anyone expects it to ever be unsuspended) – after allegations of rape (which he denies). As shocking as the allegations were, it isn’t as if questions hadn’t already been […]
No Sense of History
At least she spelled it right. A member of the US House of Representatives has introduced the CANADA Act. She is upset that sales of American alcohol have plummeted in Canada. She wants US federal government action. The Combating Attacks on our National Alcoholic Drinks by Allies Act calls for Canada to be punished because […]
American Booze
The US Ambassador to Canada seems to have a liquor fixation. He’s been in the news he is talking about American alcohol on Canadian store shelves. Or, more accurately, the lack thereof. You can’t buy American wine, beer or spirits in most places in Canada. Most of the booze trade in Canada is government controlled. […]
World Cup Winner Prediction
You read it here first. The USA is about to win its first ever World Cup. (That’s soccer/football for you non sports fans.) It isn’t at they are the best team. That has yet to be determined on the soccer pitch. It doesn’t really matter though: it looks like the fix is in. The United […]
Happy Birthday America
America celebrates a milestone birthday today. 250 years old. Yet somehow the celebrations seem muted. I remember the USA bicentennial events, 50 years ago. The whole country was united, and the celebrations ran throughout the year. 2026 doesn’t feel like 1976. Maybe it is the internal divisions. Americans (looking at the country from up north) […]
Friday’s Question
Being an ambassador is challenging. given the current state of Canada-U.S. relations, being the Canadian Ambassador to Washington is well beynd challenging. Which may be why Prime Minister Mark Carney reached out toa business friend for the position rather than a career diplomat. With trade the major irritant between the two nations, it made sense […]
random thoughts from lorne 
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