The President has entered Office at a critical time on endless fronts; two Wars, an economy in shambles, Worldwide recession...ad infinitum. The people responsible for the chaos are many and diverse, residing in many countries around the globe. A timid leader will not do in these hazardous times and President Obama has definitely "hit the ground running."
The Republican party is in disarray after their "less than stellar" sheparding of World Affairs has left this "burning paper bag of dog...." on the White House stoop. The Obama Team seems little fazed by the mess, in every department and file of the government. The President has shown to be adept at handling his own Party, considering all the primadonnas, and has steadily moved forward with an ambitious agenda, unlike The Bush Administration that could not seem to focus on more than two items at a time.
The War in Iraq is winding down and will end well for the Iraqi people. Once their own people are in charge of security, attacks against the government will be seen as an attack on Iraq and her people. The regional "bad actors", Iran being the prime contributor to the attacks in Iraq, Afganistan and Pakistan, will have to adjust her deeply flawed tactics. The tempo of the War in Afganistan will soon increase again, it should never have been ignored for so long. It gave false hope to the Taliban and cost uneccessary loss of lives.
The American people's confidence in President Obama grows more every day. He has placed a confident and competent team in place, Robert Gates as Secretary of Defense is the best man for the job. Timothy Geithner at Treasury still has to prove his policies are effective. One sore spot, Janet Napolitano, should do some research before making public statements such as "9-11 attackers entered the U.S. across the Canadian border." The anger from Ottawa, the Capital of Canada, was turning the water to steam on the waterways separating the two countries. Once again an untrue, "water cooler story" with no basis in truth, is being repeated by senior government personnel. Incompetence.
In mid 2010 the economy will start to build again, the Wars in Iraq, Afganistan and Pakistan will look far different than they do today, not peace but under control. The confidence will begin to return, around The World.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
A Tip of the Hat to President Obama
Thursday, January 22, 2009
President Obama and The House Democrats - Pals ??
President Obama will have his hands full, not with the traditional Democratic adversaries Republicans….but with Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid. The fur is already starting to fly, backs are arching and “low growls can be heard around the Capitol.”
The behind the scenes power plays will now begin in earnest! Faces and names MUST be center stage, a Politicians “raison d’etre.”Me thinks there will be some harsh words behind closed doors regarding this behaviour on day two of President Obama’s first term…? I predict a second term…without doubt!The current near catastrophic situation, left behind “like a burning paper paper bag full of….” on the doorstep by the Bush Administration will take at least a decade to clean up.Then after two terms the “old switcheroo”, Republicans will be given their next “kick at the can”. At that time I predict after all the chaos begins to quiet down the old mantra of The Republican Party will re-emerge “lower taxes on the rich and all will be well with The World.” We’ve seen how that works after eight years of The Bush Administration, haven’t we?
NASA - Severe Space Weather
NASA Study:
January 21, 2009: Did you know a solar flare can make your toilet stop working?
That's the surprising conclusion of a NASA-funded study by the National Academy of Sciences entitled Severe Space Weather Events—Understanding Societal and Economic Impacts. In the 132-page report, experts detailed what might happen to our modern, high-tech society in the event of a "super solar flare" followed by an extreme geomagnetic storm. They found that almost nothing is immune from space weather—not even the water in your bathroom.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Ice Age....Hmmmmm......
My Extended Absence
Apologies:
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Politics Today
Sarah’s NOT Ready??
Senator McCain has proposed returning to Washington, where he hasn’t been involved in a vote since April, to become involved in the “Bailout debate.” This is a political stunt, to appear decisive and Presidential; it also delays this Friday’s debate with Senator Obama. More critically to the voters, it delays the Vice Presidential debates, why? Sarah is unprepared because of her lack of experience in World Affairs.
To delay a debate that both candidates, McCain and Palin are unprepared for, is showing great potential Presidential fortitude, not, and probable future behavior if elected.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
P.S. Glenn Beck
I do love Glenn Beck, though he is mistaken on many topics, he truly loves America and would do whatever it takes to defend her. He is a fine human being and deserves our respect. If he could speak to the monstrous deficit created by Bush/Cheney and that "redistribution of wealth" I would be eternally grateful.
I watch Glenn almost every day, amusing, whimsical and very honest!!! This man is a true patriot.
Love you Glenn.
Gandalf the Grey
Reply to Darren
Darren: Thank you for your response to my blog entry. The notion of redistribution of
wealth is abhorrent to everyone! If you work hard to earn what you have, the
Government should keep their hands "out of your pockets." In this I whole heartedly
agree with you. What I do not agree with is, an Administration that places the Country
into one large hot War and one small hot War, at the same time, giving huge tax breaks
to the wealthy when the Country can least afford it.
Placing aside for a moment whether the War in Iraq was justified, a "fiscal
conservative" would never have placed this huge debt on the backs of future generations
without paying for as much as possible - today! "This is the major redistribution of
wealth of which I spoke."
I believe the War in Afghanistan was a righteous and justified War, sad so
many of our boys won't come home standing. I believe the War in Iraq was NOT
justified, after all the misinformation, (lies ?), that where used as reason to go in. Sadaam
was going nowhere, eventually he would have died. The focus should have remained on
Bin Laden, he should be dead now! Finish that affair before moving on to another.
I am 57 years old Darren, worked in the Automotive Industry for 30 years. I
was diagnosed eight years ago with "Occupational Asthma" which will kill me about a
decade prematurely. Our company, like many hundreds of others, went bankrupt,
outsourcing to China - Mexico and others. What can I do now? I can't breathe well
enough to do physical jobs, I now make $11.70 an hour, down from $25.00 an hour five
years ago.
The fairness I seek is for all to share a common burden. We must ALL pay our
fair share, I don't mind even from my meager earnings. It irritates me when I see tax cuts
for the top 1% being proposed to be a permanent piece of legislation when the deficit has
gone into the stratosphere.
Darren: peace be with you and thank you for your passion and involvement. Help make
America a better place in the future, for all our children.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Glenn Beck's Guest..
Glenn Beck
Guest Statement: “Re-distribution of wealth…..”
September 4, 2008.
I have just nearly laughed myself sick, being an Asthmatic; this could be a major issue. A guest of Glenn Beck on CNN, channel 31 in Canada – second tier, to fill time on the “Second Channel”, had a guest that commented about Barack Obama and a so called major re-distribution of wealth. “YUK-YUK-YUK, hack cough spit, chuckle, gasp, gasp…!
The supposed re-distribution of wealth being discussed is; the multi-millionaires and billionaires that have profited for 8 long years under Bush, finally losing their personal tax cuts that profited 1% of The American people for nearly a decade.
The tax cuts proposed by Obama on the other hand, benefit 95% of The American people. Somewhat more fair the average “joe” might believe. I am an average joe and have been abused by the wealthy regarding my taxes since I began work, at age 13 my first job, until now at 57 I know we are used and abused by the “upper class as it has always been.” The peoples of Democracies all over the World share the same abuse, and have always suffered at the hands of the wealthy since the very beginning.
The Republican Party, George Bush and Dick Cheney, are part of the ruling class, those that have rewarded other wealthy friends with Billions of dollars in tax breaks, they now want to make permanent, for the poor Millionaires and Billionaires that share their belief: “the poor should pay all the bills of a nation – forever. This sounds suspiciously like the attitude of Marie Antoinette and King Louis the XVI, as the country crumbled about them, they enjoyed the good life! Sound familiar?
Saturday, August 16, 2008
PRESIDENTIAL EXPERIENCE
OBAMA – MCCAIN
Foreign Affairs Experience Controversy
August 16, 2008
The ongoing controversy regarding a supposed dearth of experience on the part of John McCain and a right-wing stated lack of experience on the part of Barak Obama are all pure Bull....! George Bush had ZERO foreign policy experience, other than what he had been told by the neo-conservative “brainiacs” left over from his Father's administration. They have done a “LOVELY” job with World Affairs haven't they. Currently two Wars that are in deep doggy doo doo, Trillions in new debt, tens of thousands of severely injured brave veterans, and far to many dead.
The “wealth of experience” provided by Bush seniors advisors, has obviously placed America in a much better Strategic position in the World, both politically and militarily.....NOT!! Men and women of “experience” often have very poor judgement, as we have seen in recent years, from President Bush's trusted advisors – with a wealth of experience. Sound judgment does not always majically appear as a natural function of ageing.
If that last statement were true, we would all have a truly idyllic World. Sadly that is not reality, nor are the statements regarding experience being a harbinger of sound decisions.
Gandalf
Monday, July 21, 2008
Peace in The Middle East?
July 19, 2008
The American people and the rest of the World are waiting for the best America has to offer, in my opinion this is Barak Obama and the Democratic Party. He and they/will end the War in Iraq in a reasonable and secure method. The Democrats have NO interest in chaos in Iraq, they desire a stable and secure Iraq as much and maybe more than the Republican Party. Obama will bring back the pride and confidence in America the World has been searching for, since Bush took office. To re-assure the World and Israel and Palestine and Iran and..............others that the U.S. is attempting to bring about a fair and equitable end to ALL outstanding Middleast issues - the home for Palestine.
As a Historian, it amazes me that uneducated people would not make an effort to learn about their own History, Israel has existed and been a fact of life in the Middle East for 3-5 thousand years, or longer, equally as long as any other tribal group.
An outsider that is observing from afar would think an accommodation would not be hard to arrange.
If peace is ever to visit this region, tribal passions must be left to the pages of History, dark pages! The people of the region must look at their surroundings and compare them to the rest of the Worlds peaceful societies. The prosperity and security that exists in a great deal of the World is not by chance but Law abiding peoples that will not accept the chaos that a radical few would impose on the majority. Those peoples share a “live and let live” philosophy, which many other Nations would do well to mirror.
Prosperity and peace will never descend on The Middle East until, all parties are willing to mature and grow. The exodus of the young and old for decades from this troubled region have left their people all the poorer for it. The rest of the World has gained a large and growing group of immigrants that will enhance, for the most part, the Societies they have become a part of.
Gandalf the Grey
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
AMERICAN ELECTION NEWS HOG
May 6, 2008
The American News outlets are so focused on the 2008 election, “that has been – so called news for…oohhh about 16 months now by my estimation” no other REAL World news of importance is being covered!
To say the American media outlets do not have an agenda is ABSURD! To any outside observer the inward focus is truly astounding; the rest of the world disappears in the pencil stroke of an editor in Washington or New York, until the next catastrophe. Which of course the terrorist groups are more than happy to provide, for they also have a political agenda.
Let us consider matters of real importance:
· CHINA – the Olympics will be a major political coup, in the eyes of the Chinese leadership only, more likely a political disaster!!
· TIBET – under the foot of the invader, have we forgotten their true nature?
· SOMALIA – another humanitarian disaster, so common in the poorest part of our World, they need our help desperately!!!!!
· BURMA (MYANMAR) – yet another miserable situation and the poor are not helped by another dictatorship.
· And on, and on and on….
The World and its people desperately require the help of “the combined Human Race – NOW!” People have been and continue to die at sickening rates, lack of food, clean drinking water and medicines could save millions.
My point being, each of us should ask ourselves “what is truly important to us, not just this minute but 24 hours a day, seven days a week?” American politics is important, to a point, a Democrat in The White House will realign America’s fortunes over time, but the true ongoing catastrophe goes on “day after day just out of site.” In the age of sound bites, when America’s major News organizations disregard real World catastrophes to focus exclusively on an election, the whole World truly does suffer.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Comment: Post from reader
[Gandalf's Political & Social Commentary] New comment on AMERICAN & CANADIAN POLITICS.
From: Michael
You may not know this sender.
Sent:
May 1, 2008 8:08:26 PM
To: Gandalf
Michael has left a new comment on your post "AMERICAN & CANADIAN POLITICS": Am I the only one who is shocked and amazed by the sudden dislike of the trade agreement we share with the elephant to the South? I remember when the "Canadian Action Party", a single purpose party, was formed with the goal of getting CANADA out of the agreement before we got locked in. I remember all the ways American business could hurt Canadian business, people, property and even our own government - and does regularly.Does anyone remember the "NAWAPA" agreement the Americans tried to force on us through the esteemed Brian Mulroney? Nafta is the same bloody agreement.I for one am glad the Democrats across the border are suddenly wanting out of NAFTA, I've wanted Canada out for years. The agreement is what, 15 years old now, anyway. What's wrong opening a forum to discuss, review, and amend or recreate a trade agreement that will actually help North America trade FAIRLY and be able to compete as a continent with others like the European Union, and the Oriental machine.
Friday, April 25, 2008
Half-way to the Big-Bang! - NASA
google399018b244ac0488.html
Verification data
The brightest object ever observed from Earth has been recoded by NASA. This "Huge Bang" is 7.5 Billion Light Years away, halfway back to "The Big Bang". NASA's Hubble Space Telescope has photographed the fading optical counterpart of a powerful gamma ray burst that holds the record for being the intrinsically brightest naked-eye object ever seen from Earth. For nearly a minute this single star was as bright as 10 million galaxies.
Look up, look wayyy....uupppp !!!
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Communication in the 21st Century
Monday, March 31, 2008
IRAQ Update
Iran pulling the strings?
March 31, 2008
Muqtada al-Sadr has ordered his militia to “stand down”, the Iraqi Government is still attacking some of the less disciplined members of said militia. This was one approximately 24 hours after they took to the streets to re-ignite the chaos they are so familiar with. The so called truce was brokered by Iraqi and Iranian Government officials in a hastily called meeting. Military and Intelligence sources suspect the switch was turned ON & OFF at the behest of Iran.
Mortar attacks continue sporadically in the Green Zone in Baghdad, with only minor injuries reported, everyone is keeping their heads down. I suspect the violence will increase in the runup to the election in November, this will be done to influence the Presidential hopefuls. This is a not to subtle message being sent to America, her enemies in The Middle East know they can have an influence in the elections.
Certain governments believe the violence, which most Americans are tired of, will end quickly once the Democrats elect the next President. There are many statements to that effect from nearly all the Democratic contenders, those in and out of the race. They then believe after America leaves Iraq the door will be open for them to step in and dominate Iraq. The next President cannot walk away and leave that ruined country to even greater chaos.
CHINA – Olympic Torch Ceremony
Security surrounds Olympic Torch ceremony
March 31, 2008
The Olympic torch arrived in Beijing today, amid “iron clad” security. Citizens were not allowed within 1 mile of the invitation only group of government officials, secret police and army troops. China really doesn’t get the Olympic spirit! It did however ensure there would be NO demonstrations of any sort in front of the cameras.
The torch will not set off on a month long tour, covering 85,000 miles in a global public relations tour. This world tour will be the longest in Olympic history; China will not relish the attention she is likely to receive worldwide. This trip was planned long before the Tibetan protests began, I suspect that long before the trek is over Chinese Government officials will wish they had never invaded peaceful Tibet.
Ruling party taken to Court over Sharia Law
ANKARA, Turkey
TOP COURT SEEKS BAN ON RULING PARTY
Turkeys’ top court will hear a case calling for a ban of the ruling party. Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan faces the dissolution of the Islamist based party over plans to scrap secular principles enshrined in the constitution. The 11 member Constitutional Court voted unanimously to send the issue to court. The issue revolves around a move by the government to “lift the ban on wearing of Islamic head scarves” in universities, as well as alleged anti-secular comments by government officials.
The chief prosecutor of the High Court of Appeals, Abdurrahman Yalcinkaya, has accused the ruling Justice and Development Party of “anti-secular activities.” Yalcinkaya is asking that 71 people including the Prime Minister and President, Abdullah Gul, be banned from politics for 5 years.
The government is making plans to seek a Constitutional Amendment to, in effect, give itself protection from the court’s authority. A “get out of jail card?”
Comment: further chaos in a very troubled part of the world “can’t we all just get along (:” Turkey has been seeking membership in the European Economic Union for many years. This latest instability will further complicate an already troubled bid for membership.
Friday, March 28, 2008
2012 – END OF AFGHAN COMMITMENT?
March 28, 2008
U.S. COMMANDER OF COALITION FORCES
Note: the following statements are paraphrased from his statements in a Canwest Global article March 27.
Gen. Dan McNeill, the commander of the coalition forces in Afghanistan, believes International troops will need to assist the Afghan Government with security and stabilization efforts until at least 2012. If the Afghan Police can catch up to the rate of The Afghan Army it may not take 5 years.
Gen. McNeill commanding the 47,000 troops from 39 countries also stated requests from Afghan Defense Minister Abdul Rahim Wardak and his top Gen. Bishmullah Khan, along with many others in the Afghan Government, “to be patient with the training of the National Army and Police.” Government sources echo Gen. McNeill’s timeframe of 2012 before the army and police are fully capable to stabilize and defend the nation.
This is understandable after an entire generation-plus of war; invasion and insurgency have destroyed any semblance of government, infrastructure and society. Coalition governments must arm, equip, train and supply a national army of 80,000 men and a national police force of a further 82,000 men.
Comment:
Coalition forces, combined air and ground, will be required for decades to assist with potential security threats. To properly defend itself, in this region of the World, any country requires air power. This takes long term training to establish an air corps, put in place training schools, airfields, etc. It will require long-term security arrangements with a variety of governments, key being the U.S. and NATO. The provision of arms and equipment will be a large but necessary expenditure for all involved.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
AMERICAN POLITICS ELECTION 2008
March 27, 2008
OBAMA-CLINTON-McCAIN
Gandalf’s prediction: Senator Obama will get the nod for the Democratic Presidential nominee, with overall popular support. Senator Clinton will not take it well! The machinations of the Democratic political machine, behind the scenes – read “closed doors”, may cause some strife that divides the party and gives Senator McCain a temporary rise in the polls – temporary. The Republican Party has no chance of retaining The White House, none whatsoever!!!!!
The decision by the Democratic National Party do disenfranchise Michigan and Florida voters was “a kick in the teeth” the type of move voters become incensed over and do NOT forget. The inflexibility, inadaptability of a long established political organization cries out for election reform – in a major way. This organization has lost elections in the past, recent and aged, because of the inability to adapt swiftly to changing situations.
To carry this thought further, the inability of the Democratic Party to quickly adapt to changing security threats globally has once again ensured the mantra of “we will pull the troops out of an unpopular war”, a politically correct response prior to an election. The average citizen that sees daily casualty numbers on TV, sees the chaos, thinks the only way to end this is to “pull out and it will all be over.” Not so! The War in Iraq was a mistake from the start. That is not to say that pulling out precipitously will magically make it all go away, it will not. Not for decades!
The Republicans on behalf of The American People have made the commitment, to fight this battle. If the Democrats were to withdraw U.S. forces from Iraq before the Iraqi Army, Navy and Air Forces – equipped with sufficient hardware, training, etc were able to resist Iran and Syria together – the United States Military would be re-engaged in far greater numbers than have been seen to date. Like it or not, the Republican Party has committed U.S. Forces to Iraq for decades to come and countless Billions in Military and Economic aid packages.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
NASA UPDATE
MISSIONS & DISCOVERIES
March 19, 2008
HUBBLE LATEST
The Hubble Space Telescope once troubled but no more, has found the first evidence of an organic molecule on an Exoplanet 63 light years from Earth. The planet, the size of Jupiter dubbed HD189733b, has an atmosphere containing methane, which under the right circumstances could be a pre-cursor to life, as we know it.
Using spectroscopy, which splits light into its various component elements, gives valuable information regarding the chemical makeup of extra-solar planets. The goal being to identify planets in the “habitable zones” of Earth sized planets at a distance from their Suns where water doesn’t freeze or evaporate away. HD189733b’s atmosphere boils at 1,700 degrees Fahrenheit, enough to melt silver. It only takes 2 days to complete an orbit.
The Hubble is only the beginning of space telescopes and Heavenly observatories.
We have just begun to explore!
International Affairs
Current Affairs & Commentary from Around the World
POTENTIAL HOT SPOT?
March 19, 2008
The Taiwanese elections this weekend find U.S.S. Kitty Hawk and another unnamed carrier cruising the waters East of Taiwan. The election also includes a referendum on United Nations membership, which is vehemently opposed by the Chinese Government; Beijing has vowed to bring Taiwan under control by force if necessary.
AMERICAN & CANADIAN POLITICS
NAFTA ATTACKED BY DEMOCRATS
March 19, 2008
Senators Hillary Clinton & Barack Obama have both attacked the North American Free Trade Agreement, NAFTA, while on the campaign trail in hard hit Ohio. Pandering to the electorate, most assuredly! I am an ex-Automotive Industry worker in Ontario Canada; we have lost over 200,000 manufacturing jobs in 5 years. That is not to mention the downward slide in our industry for 25 years, free trade with the Japanese and Korean Auto makers…also pushed by Corporate America as good for business – yes executives, not blue collar workers!!
U.S. big business pushed the NAFTA agreement down everyone’s throat at the time, the only ones to benefit were Corporate executives and their year end bonuses* All the rest of us have lost, some decades worth of good wages and secure jobs. This is “the greed thing, over and over again”, a very few benefit and most lose, with no thought given to the future of either of our countries.
Please my American cousins, and I do have many; please demand the facts from all of your politicians when statements are made – get the facts. The heat of a campaign can bring out statements based on emotion, not facts or reality and with no ties to policy of any kind.
AMERICAN POLITICS TODAY
March 19, 2008
Democrats return to The White House?
The polls show the Democratic battle between Senators Barak Obama and Hillary Clinton are giving a boost to Senator John McCain, though fleeting as that may be, it appears more and more as though the “rough and tumble” race may be a sham planned for media exposure and headlines. Political handlers, behind the scenes, are undoubtedly “placing the foot shaped imprints on the floor” for these two “opponents?” Much as in a dance studio the steps are planned for the dance, so the couples do not make a misstep.
The poll numbers, at this point, mean absolutely nothing! The numbers mean a great deal to “polling firms”, dollars and cents, and to the political operatives whose jobs depend on the numbers. To the rest of us, they are so much trash.
The Democrats, though choreographed, still have a chance to “shoot themselves in the foot!” If the leaders of the Democratic Party can’t make up the minds of the American People, resolve the issues and get on with the campaign, the American People will once again choose their own President possibly to the detriment of both parties?
CANADIAN POLITICS TODAY
A SALUTE TO THE FALLEN
Salute to a Canadian Soldier
In a snow-covered cemetery in Edmonton on Saturday, another brave Canadian soldier was laid to rest. More than 500 mourners attended the ceremony for Trooper Michael Yuki Hayakaze. This 25-year-old with the Edmonton Garrison’s Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians) Regiment died two weeks ago fighting in Afghanistan.
In a statement of remarks provided by his Mother, “Mikey called me one day before he left Kandahar for the battlefield” Machiko Inoue said “I asked him aren’t you scared? Are you all right?” He said “I would be lying if I said I wasn’t scared. But I fight with the belief that we are protecting our country, the people and our families doing this.”
God bless you Trooper Michael Yuki Hayakaze, Canada will mourn your loss.
BUSH & WOLVERINES
“George doesn’t like Wolverines?”
Bush says let Canada take care of Wolverines
The U.S. Presidents refusal to list the endangered species in four northwestern states has outraged many American environmentalists, they accuse federal scientists of relying on Canada for a healthy population of Wolverines to avoid protecting the Wolverine, south of the border!
In the U.S. the Wolverine may be little known, in Canada it is known as a fearless combatant, attacking Grizzly bears, wolves or any other interloper threatening it’s food. In Canada its ferocity and tenacity echo in the spirit of the Canadian people. Though tiny compared to its adversary, a Grizzly bear, it nevertheless will fight to the death to protect its prey.
George, when all the American Wolverines have been killed by American hunters or wolves, Canada will re-stock America as we did with the wolves, also killed off by ….?
At some point, an extinct species is forever more an extinct species and cannot be replaced…control the killing?
Monday, March 17, 2008
IRAQ INVASION WAS “SUCCESSFUL ENDEAVOR”: CHENEY
Source: Reuters – www.reuters.com
Monday March 17, 2008.
Baghdad, Iraq.
U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney declared the 2003 invasion of Iraq a “successful endeavor” during a visit to Baghdad. That same day a woman suicide bomber killed 40 people. He went on to say “I was in Baghdad 10 months ago and I sense, as a result of the progress that has been made since then, phenomenal changes in terms of the overall situation,” Cheney said after a meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister al-Maliki.
ELECTION OUTCOME U.S.A. 2008
Prediction: March 17, 2008
ECONOMIC & ELECTION 2008
Prior to President Bush’s first election win the economy in Canada and the U.S. went terribly sour for about a year before the election. Some believed this was an Economic cycle asserting itself, others believed it was due to the prospect of a Republican White House; this is for the Historians to determine. The reasons for the current economic malaise are easier to identify; Trillions in debt for an unpopular War in Iraq, bailouts of Mega Banks brought about by their own greed and complicity, millions of U.S./Canadian jobs sent offshore by the large Corporations motivated, once again by greed, for short term profits.
There is no doubt in the mind of the average American; the Democrats will reside in The White House in January 2009. The minority that would dispute this are The Republican Party faithful whose job it is “to soldier on in the face of certain defeat.” Senator Hillary Clinton or Senator Barak Obama will be the next President. I respect and admire Senator John McCain for his military and political service over many decades, but the battle has been lost by The Current Administrations policies.
ECONOMIC OUTLOOK
The new administration, next January, even though “saddled with the debt from the previous administration”, will begin making moves that will “shore up” confidence in the flagging economy. A troop pullout from Iraq has been mentioned repeatedly, some troops will be withdrawn but a robust force will be in place for decades! Post war investments in rebuilding the U.S. Military will be required, this is something Democrats and Republicans should be able to agree on. This will be long term funding and money well spent for future security requirements. The housing debacle currently playing out, was brought about by poor oversight provisions – “small government” promoted by Republicans? This will escalate to crisis proportions long before the election; will House Democrats & Republicans be able to salvage less affluent American’s homes? Demand it!!
In the summer of 2009 the economy will begin to rebound, slowly but without doubt. As Iraq begins to take the field against the insurgents, exported by close neighbors to cause America grief, with the Iraqi Army’s growing capabilities and competence will come success. World Financial Markets will recognize the positive changes in American Fiscal Policy and it will be time to return to “business as usual.” OPEC will realize that a worldwide recession is not in their best interests and will make efforts to bring the price of oil to a reasonable level $60/65/barrel?
Saturday, March 15, 2008
INTERNET ETHICS & POLICING
“WILD WEST – no control”
We all attempt to communicate, do business and enjoy exploring the information resources available online. As a relative newcomer to this venue, I have discovered firsthand what little controls or policing of this media are either in place OR being contemplated. The cost of hackers and online thieves is likely costing the worldwide economy Trillions of dollars every year; no comprehensive global studies seem available. Is it time to put a stop to this………of course, it is long overdue!!!!!
Citizens in every country on Earth should “swamp your local officials with email & snail mail.” In the very least it will, in time, draw the media attention around the globe into this issue. The resources that are required, to police and prosecute the unethical thieves and pirates currently causing chaos on the web, may then become available.
When governments worldwide become involved, fully committed to securing the Internet, one bonus would be securing the Internet from use by terrorists. These people are suspect in much of the online fraud and theft currently ongoing. We would all be more secure from unscrupulous businessmen that “do not ensure their software downloads are free of viruses OR they intentionally include them for personal gain.”
Snail mail takes a minute or two to prepare, email can be wiped out easily and ignored. Send your Member of Parliament, Congressmen, Prime Ministers or Presidents a letter expressing you anger. We have all lost data, had a nightmare of some sort with the Internet, and lost our OS’s or worse. Demand action from your elected officials, this is one job they were elected for.
Monday, March 10, 2008
MEDICINE – HIV BREAKTHROUGH
Montreal, Canada
A team of Canadian and American researchers, led by Rafick-Pierre Sekaly of the Centre Hospitalier de Universite de Montreal, the team has discovered a “memory T-cell” mechanism that protects “Elite Controllers” from the Aids virus and it’s ravages. This special group of patients can remain healthy, without medications and have no symptoms of Aids, though infected with the virus.
The secret of the, elite controllers is a key protein called “FOX03a”, this allows the immune system to remain potent and protect the body, this protein stimulates “bad genes” to kill T-cells. The aids virus is virtually undetectable in these individuals. Scientists will now begin work for future therapies to treat not only HIV but potentially Cancer’s as well.
Reference: published in the advance online edition of “Nature Medicine”.
CANADIAN POLITICS TODAY
AIR INDIA FLIGHT 182 – STILL UNRESOLVED
The terrorist attack launched June 23, 1985 against an Air India passenger plane killing all 329 people on board, including 280 Canadians has never been resolved. Prior to September 11, 2001 it had been the single deadliest terrorist attack involving aircraft.
The attack is believed to have been the work of Sikh terrorists. The trial and investigations took nearly 20 years, cost 130 Million Cdn, with NO results beyond one man, Inderjit Singh Reyat who pleaded guilty to manslaughter and was sentenced to 5 years in prison. This man constructed the bomb that killed over 300 people. He was refused parole in 2007.
This lack of justice for the victims and their families speaks volumes about what is lacking in The Canadian Justice system. One of the most “Hideous examples of terrorism”, to that point in Canadian History, resulted in one terrorist receiving a five-year sentence! The Canadian Security Agencies, our governments both Liberal and Conservative, and most of all the Canadian people should be ashamed at this travesty of justice.
Canada deserves an effective, efficient and fair justice system. The security services of this great nation must have the resources, internally and globally to respond “somewhat better” the next time we are faced with a disaster of this magnitude. People of Canada, call on your elected representatives to make changes you believe are required. The Liberal Governments have, over time, reduced our sentencing structure for judges – to five-years for a terrorist that made a bomb and killed more than 300 people.
WHAT JUSTICE?
Monday, March 3, 2008
INTERNATIONAL POLITICS – NATO
NATO and Afghanistan:
The commander’s of NATO appear to have very little influence with the politician’s in many European countries, all of which depend on each other for joint security. As most Canadians, Americans, British and Netherlanders already know “National Caveats” that prohibit “combat” for a wide variety of nonsensical reasons that have been conjured-up to disguise the real reason combat is prohibited – casualties. The site of dead soldiers returning to European countries, NATO countries, is unpalatable to these “squeamish” politicians. “Lest They Forget” it is Canadian, American and British men that have spilled their blood on European battlegrounds in World Wars I & II. How would they have reacted if at that time our Nations placed “Caveats” regarding our troops and combat??
The European countries had better get their act together, both the previous World Wars began in their back yard, today the back yard is just a little further away but still infested with animals!
CANADIAN POLITICS TODAY
Conservative Actions to Date:
I am a 57-year-old man that’s voted Liberal for most of my life, most, but not all. During the last 10 years I’ve wondered why the Conservative advisors have not been able to bring this party more to the center, where most Canadians reside. The fanatical advisors of the past could have held on to power for greater periods of time. I have become disenchanted with the Liberal Party over a period of at least 10 years. Mr. Chretien did little if anything of substance with regards to important legislation, legal, tax or other matters of great importance to the average Canadian. He seemed to “avoid any and all controversy” similar to “duck and cover” in a war zone.
Since being in power the Conservatives, led by Stephen Harper, have made some “very long overdue changes”. The previous Liberal Government’s for decades have cannibalized the entire Military Force structure of Canada from end-to-end. Our government is finally investing, although minimally, in equipment and arms for our dedicated men and women of The Armed Forces of Canada. Hurrah for you Prime Minister Harper. The Liberal mentality for decades has been “debt reduction…debt reduction…” when the reason for our high National debt was mostly their doing. Current experience in British Columbia shows – “reduced taxes have boosted tax revenues through increased business activity”. DUHH.. I wonder how many more decades the Liberals in Ontario will wait before they read a few modern economic textbooks???
AMERICAN POLITICS TODAY
Democrats return to The White House:
In November the Democrats will, without a doubt, return to The White House. The American people know the current administration has had little focus on anything but “the drums of war”. While I agree with attacking the Terrorist infrastructure inside Afghanistan, the War in Iraq, though altruistic in nature, was based on lies. The deficits incurred by this administration will be crippling for the American taxpayer’s for years to come. When a Democrat sits again in The White House, confidence will be restored.
President Bill Clinton presided over a very healthy economy. He ended his Presidency with Budget surpluses, which were quickly squandered by the current administration. It may take the Democrats years to extract the American Military from Iraq, don’t believe the campaign trail speeches, it may take decades! The training and equipping of a modern, multi-faceted military in Iraq, capable of defending it’s territorial integrity is a multi-decade job. A premature exit would allow Iraq’s unfriendly neighbours to have free reign to send unlimited numbers of their military to guarantee an outcome to their liking and this would force the U.S. Military to return once again to the nightmare of today’s Iraq.
Which Democrat will it be…??? Hillary and Bill Clinton are a potent combination of experience, talent, connections and drive. The current electoral situation is as of yet unresolved. Senator Obama is also a talented and gifted orator that has captured the imaginations of the young people, much as John F. Kennedy did for my generation. This will be a “horse race” to the wire without a doubt. Can you imagine any Republican team going head-to-head against the ticket of “Clinton & Obama” OR “Obama & Clinton”. They would be truly unbeatable!!!!!
International: HOT SPOTS
GAZA
Monday March 3 2008
Israel:
Israeli troops are pulling out of Gaza early this morning, ending a five-day assault in an attempt to end the constant rain of rockets falling in Israel. The Katyusha rockets continued to fall in Israel even as the troops were returning to positions in Israel. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas suspended peace talks and Israeli Defence Minister Ehud Barak intimated a broader military incursion could be near at hand.
Since the beginning of this, current cycle of violence, literally thousands of these “terror weapons” have rained down into Israel. Israeli fighters and helicopters have fired a large number of artillery shells and missiles into Gaza in an attempt to stop the increasingly more sophisticated rockets from hitting nearby towns and villages. The only effect on either side, is the deaths of men women and children, most of whom have little control over the terrifying events happening around them.
This, seemingly never ending cycle of violence, must be stopped! The innocent civilians of both sides are held hostage to the political powers opposing each other. Violence will not gain a Nation for the Palestinian People. Negotiation is the only path forward for both, if not, no one will be left to raise a flag on either side.
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Gandalf's Political & Social Commentary
North America:
I used to watch CNN religiously, enjoying it for the most part. I quit nearly 2 years ago, reason, by the end of the Presidential elections in November there will have been nearly 3 years of 24 hour a day election coverage by the"Talking Heads".
A "weee bit to much".
It looks very much like a 3 year pep-rally by the Democrats. There has never been any doubt in anyone's mind the Republicans will lose The White House and likely a great many House seats as well. The economy tanking, the trillions in debt incurred by the War in Iraq not to mention the mortgage crisis brought about by "greedy bankers" that were not kept in line by Congress or anyone else!
Europe:
NATO has shown yet again the lessons of past conflicts have been forgotten. The very countries rescued during World WarII from the Nazi scourge are unwilling to contribute "fighting troops" to the conflict and Nation building in Afghanistan. The first and second World Wars started in their back yards, Afghanistan is the new back yard!
