No such thing as a bad job Jim Flaherty tells picky unemployed workers
Okay, so there were 750,000 jobs created, right? How many jobs have been lost since before the recession began? Has there been enough growth to return to pre-recession levels? If not, how much longer at the current rate of job creation will it take to return to pre-recession levels? Also, how many applied for these new jobs? My guess is for every new job, there were probably more than one applicant. And what's equally likely is every 'bad' job has probably had more than two or three applicants per opening.
Honestly. the reporter who wrote this story left out too much that would show just how ridiculous Flaherty's comments actually were. The "There's no such thing as a bad job" line has been around for ages, but it's always struck me as empty, devoid of any real argument, instead being something for a politician to say to appear tough.
Monday, 14 May 2012
Sunday, 13 May 2012
The grave mistake Enbridge and the Canadian government are making
First Nations to Enbridge: 'The war is on,' decry pipeline 'time bomb'
This is a story that's made the rounds throughout Canadian newspapers. The version linked to, is the most complete copy.
At its best, it's a mere glimpse of First Nations opposition toward the proposed pipeline, and at its worst it almost demeans the opposition. However, it's perhaps unintentional on the writer or editor's behalf. They show an unfamiliarity with a people they've never the oppurtunity to study and befriend.
Perhaps, in a rush to get the story out, they left too many claims by Enbridge go unchallenged. One that sticks out like a sore thumb,
Um, First Nations were here before the train. When it was being driven through, First Nations in the prairies were at war with the Canadian government.
At any rate, the CEO of Enbridge mentions how 20 of 50 communities have signeed on this project as though it's an argument in favor of it.
Sorry, but that is hardly a majority, and besides, when it comes to First Nations, you've gotta place your biases or expectations aside, cause they won't be accurate or helpful.
The north of BC isn't at all like the south of the province. I can't guess the population, but the ratio of white to brown is far more equal than anywhere else in the province. The people up north were less affected by the residential school system than the southern peoples, for whatever reason. The languages are better represented, and the culture remains stronger.
There's just a natural solidarity of the north that remains, in comparison with the south that is still working to this day to repair its own sense of community.
What this means is the people up north are well prepared to gather people to their cause. All they really lack is infrastructure and funding, and if recent events are any indication, both are unlikely to cause any undue stress on the groups involved.
What white people might not understand is First Nations are First Nations first of all, and then Canadian (and even then, perhaps only grudgingly).
White people might also be shocked by is the lengths First Nations are willing to go to protect what they feel is theirs by right. White people are inspired by Tolstoy, Ghandi, and MLK, but First Nations draw inspiration from Chief Joseph, Sitting Bull, Red Cloud, and Crazy Horse. Latter day figures include Leonard Peltier, and Shawn Brandt. First Nations don't believe in pacifism, but in a strategy of increasing escalation. First, they'll try non-violence with increasing direct action, but will dial it up to armed confrontation when they feel peaceful means aren't working.
Oka becomes a rallying cry for First Nations. Pine Ridge, too. First Nations are willing to bear arms in defence of their interests.
Another lesson for white people is how First Nations aren't well-represented by their bands. It's really a model of government that First Nations abide only for convenience, but don't allow to rule over them.
First Nations are family-orientated, meaning families decide themselves how they approach politics, and then allow the band membership to know their decision.
Enbridge might convince a chief and council with money to accept the proposal, but it might mean nothing if they never convince all the families in a band, because families will act in defiance of council. In fact, in a worst case scenerio for Enbridge, it might convince a chief and council, only to see its allies turned into lame ducks losing all authority in the communities they govern.
Actually, the worst case scenerio is unfolding before our eyes.
Canada and Enbridge have no interest in engaging with First Nations, but that might be because they understand First Nations are not interested in compromise. First Nations don't want this pipeline through their lands. They also don't want it in neighbouring lands.
Canada and Enbridge, though, want this pipeline. They have no intention of giving up on it.
But First Nations won't give up, either.
Right now, First Nations are engaging in direct action against the pipeline, but they're also giving warning that when the time comes, they'll engage in armed confrontation with Canada and Enbridge.
However, Canada and Enbridge are not giving any indication how far they're willing to go to force the pipeline through. Canada and Enbridge are still trying to engage First Nations in a battle of politics and public opinion.
I can't tell if it's bluster or denial, or even a cynical political strategy to ignore these increasingly heated warnings from First Nations.
History is showing us this is a conflict that will explode unless the party in the wrong steps back, but the government and its ally corporation aren't showing they're willing to difuse this situation. This is shaping up to become a defining moment in Canadian history, something far more dangerous than Oka or Pine Ridge. It could become the new Red River or North West rebellion.
This is a story that's made the rounds throughout Canadian newspapers. The version linked to, is the most complete copy.
At its best, it's a mere glimpse of First Nations opposition toward the proposed pipeline, and at its worst it almost demeans the opposition. However, it's perhaps unintentional on the writer or editor's behalf. They show an unfamiliarity with a people they've never the oppurtunity to study and befriend.
Perhaps, in a rush to get the story out, they left too many claims by Enbridge go unchallenged. One that sticks out like a sore thumb,
"That very train that got you here, it was an infrastructure project that was strongly opposed by a lot of people — strongly opposed — that enabled society and Canada," Daniel said.
Um, First Nations were here before the train. When it was being driven through, First Nations in the prairies were at war with the Canadian government.
At any rate, the CEO of Enbridge mentions how 20 of 50 communities have signeed on this project as though it's an argument in favor of it.
Sorry, but that is hardly a majority, and besides, when it comes to First Nations, you've gotta place your biases or expectations aside, cause they won't be accurate or helpful.
The north of BC isn't at all like the south of the province. I can't guess the population, but the ratio of white to brown is far more equal than anywhere else in the province. The people up north were less affected by the residential school system than the southern peoples, for whatever reason. The languages are better represented, and the culture remains stronger.
There's just a natural solidarity of the north that remains, in comparison with the south that is still working to this day to repair its own sense of community.
What this means is the people up north are well prepared to gather people to their cause. All they really lack is infrastructure and funding, and if recent events are any indication, both are unlikely to cause any undue stress on the groups involved.
What white people might not understand is First Nations are First Nations first of all, and then Canadian (and even then, perhaps only grudgingly).
White people might also be shocked by is the lengths First Nations are willing to go to protect what they feel is theirs by right. White people are inspired by Tolstoy, Ghandi, and MLK, but First Nations draw inspiration from Chief Joseph, Sitting Bull, Red Cloud, and Crazy Horse. Latter day figures include Leonard Peltier, and Shawn Brandt. First Nations don't believe in pacifism, but in a strategy of increasing escalation. First, they'll try non-violence with increasing direct action, but will dial it up to armed confrontation when they feel peaceful means aren't working.
Oka becomes a rallying cry for First Nations. Pine Ridge, too. First Nations are willing to bear arms in defence of their interests.
Another lesson for white people is how First Nations aren't well-represented by their bands. It's really a model of government that First Nations abide only for convenience, but don't allow to rule over them.
First Nations are family-orientated, meaning families decide themselves how they approach politics, and then allow the band membership to know their decision.
Enbridge might convince a chief and council with money to accept the proposal, but it might mean nothing if they never convince all the families in a band, because families will act in defiance of council. In fact, in a worst case scenerio for Enbridge, it might convince a chief and council, only to see its allies turned into lame ducks losing all authority in the communities they govern.
Actually, the worst case scenerio is unfolding before our eyes.
Canada and Enbridge have no interest in engaging with First Nations, but that might be because they understand First Nations are not interested in compromise. First Nations don't want this pipeline through their lands. They also don't want it in neighbouring lands.
Canada and Enbridge, though, want this pipeline. They have no intention of giving up on it.
But First Nations won't give up, either.
Right now, First Nations are engaging in direct action against the pipeline, but they're also giving warning that when the time comes, they'll engage in armed confrontation with Canada and Enbridge.
However, Canada and Enbridge are not giving any indication how far they're willing to go to force the pipeline through. Canada and Enbridge are still trying to engage First Nations in a battle of politics and public opinion.
I can't tell if it's bluster or denial, or even a cynical political strategy to ignore these increasingly heated warnings from First Nations.
History is showing us this is a conflict that will explode unless the party in the wrong steps back, but the government and its ally corporation aren't showing they're willing to difuse this situation. This is shaping up to become a defining moment in Canadian history, something far more dangerous than Oka or Pine Ridge. It could become the new Red River or North West rebellion.
Sunday, 15 April 2012
A free-writing post
I've been negligent concerning my writing, therefore, I've decided to post something. Anything.
In the news, the Canadian government is cutting tens and hundreds millions of dollars to First Nations government departments and independent organizations, for whatever reason. It's spending billions on aircraft military experts agree aren't applicable for our sovereign defense, but the health of First Nations is of little concern to this same government..
Down south, the US government continues its further devolution into a military police state with kangaroo show trials that are putting more and more people into jail for behavior that in any other country would be lauded and celebrated.
In the news, the Canadian government is cutting tens and hundreds millions of dollars to First Nations government departments and independent organizations, for whatever reason. It's spending billions on aircraft military experts agree aren't applicable for our sovereign defense, but the health of First Nations is of little concern to this same government..
Down south, the US government continues its further devolution into a military police state with kangaroo show trials that are putting more and more people into jail for behavior that in any other country would be lauded and celebrated.
Sunday, 11 December 2011
Canada's First Nations: a scandal where the victims are blamed
Canada's First Nations: a scandal where the victims are blamed
A well-thought out post by xtremeleafan. Do I have anything I'd like to add?
Minister Duncan has given Attawapaskit two choices, either accept third-party management, or evacuate.
However, Attawapaskit will take the third choice, which is to reject both. They will remain, and continue on with current leadership, because they are protecting their land, which is all that they have left that the government concedes is theirs. To leave it is to abandon it. They can't be moved without force, and I seriously don't know how far any confrontation could go. It could as far as Ipperwash. It could go as far as Oka. Hell, it go as far as Pine Ridge. And once it all gets there, what will stop it from continuing onward and onward? Things could very well get out of control, very quickly.
A well-thought out post by xtremeleafan. Do I have anything I'd like to add?
Minister Duncan has given Attawapaskit two choices, either accept third-party management, or evacuate.
However, Attawapaskit will take the third choice, which is to reject both. They will remain, and continue on with current leadership, because they are protecting their land, which is all that they have left that the government concedes is theirs. To leave it is to abandon it. They can't be moved without force, and I seriously don't know how far any confrontation could go. It could as far as Ipperwash. It could go as far as Oka. Hell, it go as far as Pine Ridge. And once it all gets there, what will stop it from continuing onward and onward? Things could very well get out of control, very quickly.
Saturday, 10 December 2011
Shame on critics of Attawapiskat!
At what point does the Attawapiskat's critic's mind change from "It's all their fault, and I'm a go through all their laundry to find something dirty so I don't have to help them or feel some empathy for them!" to "Damn, this is an emergency! How can we help?"
Why do First Nations have to prove their bonafides just to receive aid and compassion in a time of need? It becomes ridiculous after a while, arguing with people who have absolutely no interest in finding common ground with the people there. The goal posts continue to shift. Every damn question critics have asked has been answered by the band, many times even before the questions were ever asked.
And now, the things critics are asking about are becoming ridiculous. Zambonis? Arenas? Budget surpluses? Why aren't the questions, what do they need? and how much of it will they need? and what else might happen that we should prepare for?
You know what, critics? Shame on you. Shame on you! You should damn well feel ashamed of yourself for this sort of thinking. These people are in an emergency, and the first thing that you do is look for something to accuse them of so you don't have to feel any compassion for your fellow human beings. For shame!
Why do First Nations have to prove their bonafides just to receive aid and compassion in a time of need? It becomes ridiculous after a while, arguing with people who have absolutely no interest in finding common ground with the people there. The goal posts continue to shift. Every damn question critics have asked has been answered by the band, many times even before the questions were ever asked.
And now, the things critics are asking about are becoming ridiculous. Zambonis? Arenas? Budget surpluses? Why aren't the questions, what do they need? and how much of it will they need? and what else might happen that we should prepare for?
You know what, critics? Shame on you. Shame on you! You should damn well feel ashamed of yourself for this sort of thinking. These people are in an emergency, and the first thing that you do is look for something to accuse them of so you don't have to feel any compassion for your fellow human beings. For shame!
The First Nations Unwilling to Tolerate harper's Bullshit
The First Nations Unwilling to Tolerate harper's Bullshit
thwap says it, which is something I've been saying all this time, but haven't yet posted on my blog.
First Nations will fight, and fight hard. All this time, Harper's been ignoring the dilemnas First Nations are working against, perhaps even adding to them in secretive and manipulative ways, but First Nations are used to this kind of behaviour from the white government.
But Harper's never faced off against First Nations. Things are going to get heated, but First Nations have formerly declared war on the Canadian government, so this fight could go the distance, which is really only until the next election.
thwap says it, which is something I've been saying all this time, but haven't yet posted on my blog.
First Nations will fight, and fight hard. All this time, Harper's been ignoring the dilemnas First Nations are working against, perhaps even adding to them in secretive and manipulative ways, but First Nations are used to this kind of behaviour from the white government.
But Harper's never faced off against First Nations. Things are going to get heated, but First Nations have formerly declared war on the Canadian government, so this fight could go the distance, which is really only until the next election.
Friday, 9 December 2011
Landlords or prisoners?
Landlords or prisoners?
I share the sentiments of my Secwepemc sibling. The criticisms we First Nations face on a daily basis how we have benefits and entitlements that we don't actually have is befuddling, until I turn my thinking around to conclude the accusers speak from resentment.
There are successful First Nations bands. I won't deny that. But there are also many bands that were placed in the middle of absolutely nowhere with no escape from the poverty that many First Nations must face on a daily basis.
If the accusers speak from resentment, how much would their thinking change if they were made to live as many First Nations do, without any hope of changing their lives around, because of the lack of oppurtunity around them? Or perhaps, many do, but simply don't realize how much similar their own lives are to those they prejudice toward.
I share the sentiments of my Secwepemc sibling. The criticisms we First Nations face on a daily basis how we have benefits and entitlements that we don't actually have is befuddling, until I turn my thinking around to conclude the accusers speak from resentment.
There are successful First Nations bands. I won't deny that. But there are also many bands that were placed in the middle of absolutely nowhere with no escape from the poverty that many First Nations must face on a daily basis.
If the accusers speak from resentment, how much would their thinking change if they were made to live as many First Nations do, without any hope of changing their lives around, because of the lack of oppurtunity around them? Or perhaps, many do, but simply don't realize how much similar their own lives are to those they prejudice toward.
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