Grunt Groan Rant Rave

noreply@blogger.com (Rob Bakewell) — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 23:45:00 +0000

Groundhog Day.

Yesterday was Groundhogs Day and their certainly was a sense of deja vue. Our war criminal dictator Prime Minister proroguing Parliament to avoid ugly questions, the republicans spouting the usual crap in the USA and whining about the Winter Olympics.

The proroguing was triggered by the Afghan detainee issue. It could've been handled better and it should have been handled better, but the fog of war exists. Here's what Mr. Harper needs to do: Follow the law. Don't shoot the messenger. Provide the papers to the parliamentary committee. Take your lumps, but you can give as good as you get. Pull the military out of Afghanistan next year. Increase aid funding for infrastructure.

The sheer audacity of the Republicans to question whether or not the so-called underwear bomber should've been read his rights or not is unbelievable. The alternative is torture. I don't seem to live in the same world as these people.

All I can say to all the negative nellies dumping on the 2010 Winter Olympics is shut up already! The time to whine, complain and vote was 6 years ago. Denver voted no for the 1976 Winter Games so it is not unprecedented. I guess the worlds enthusiasm will have to shame us into having a good time

noreply@blogger.com (Rob Bakewell) — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 06:17:00 +0000

Xmas 2009.

I had to work, so I didn't get away like usual this December. However had a quiet time and because I couldn't find a particular present for my wife I had to come up with something late-night and quite pleasantly started a new Xmas ritual for us. I was also glad not to be flying anywhere after that brainwashed moron tried to blow that plane up. I didn't see 'A Christmas Story' this year. 'Elf' has been a favourite the last few years. Keep mining the fifth element.

noreply@blogger.com (Rob Bakewell) — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 17:29:00 +0000

Afghan Detainees.

I just listened to an interview with three party members and MPs and the Conservative Party hack really had his talking points down: blaming the previous Liberal government, being 12000 km and four years away and the so called 'Fog of War'. I'm sorry incompetence is not a defense. Canada has to follow the rule of law. Sometimes it sucks being the good guys what with all those laws, rights and freedom of information. When did we get so blase about Torture?

noreply@blogger.com (Rob Bakewell) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 17:36:00 +0000

Polls.

When will pollsters and politicians realize that enough Canadians lie to pollsters to skew polls. Mr. Ignatieff says he's done supporting the Government and the Tory numbers rise and Liberal numbers fall. Misleading pollsters is one way Canadians can ensure to put off an election that nobody really wants especially the BQ and NDP.

noreply@blogger.com (Rob Bakewell) — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 23:08:00 +0000

Salary Caps.

It just occurred to me that if some professional athletes have to work under a salary cap system why can't the Machinery of Capitalism? The owners say that the salary cap system is put in place to protect the long term viability of the League. Can't the same be said for our banking system, for example. Lets focus more on sustainable Growth not so much on short term Profits. Its perfectly alright to be a little socialist, c'mon admit it--it helps you sleep at night.

noreply@blogger.com (Rob Bakewell) — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 21:09:00 +0000

Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed al-Megrahi.

I disagree with freeing this convicted terrorist on 'compassionate' or any kind of grounds. A cynic looks at this decision and sees the political threats from Libya against the U.K. and isn't surprised by the machinations of the governments involved to keep the oil flowing. Now, if it was done purely as good Public Relations from a western government for some positive press in the Arab world, then fine just admit it. The UK Tories are right to ask PM Brown just exactly what is going on here, were any promises made, deals agreed to. This will be a tempest in a tea pot for a while with Scottish/UK boycotts in travel and products but I agree with the FBI director that this decision rewards terrorists and shows zero regard for the families of the victims.

noreply@blogger.com (Rob Bakewell) — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 05:12:00 +0000

Healthcare.

The last time I can remember hearing so much about "socialized" medical care was was when Bill and Hillary Clinton tried to bring it in 15 years ago. Canada's system was demonized then as now. Its too bad most americans won't hear the truth, which is: it ain't perfect but it works for us. I don't know if a similiar system would work in the U S of A. But surely some smart people could figure out a way to make it work. A noted conservative voice recently acknowledged that how Armed Forces personnel get their medicare was the finest the government could offer and then backpedaled when pressed about the government being able to deliver quality healthcare to the general public. I feel Obama has to keep the pressure and make this happen now because the Democrats are going to get pummeled in the next round of mid-term elections (how badly depends on the economy). Make it so Mr. President.

noreply@blogger.com (Rob Bakewell) — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 17:19:00 +0000

Iran.

The issue isn't so much (probable) election fraud though they are certainly acting like guilty people, but, how you respond to civil protest in the 21st century. When revolution came 30 plus years ago the Shah was so bad that the Islamic Republic looked good. Here it is a generation later and a dogmatic theocracy can't provide the kind of Government an educated, wired and significantly large proportion under 30 crave. The hardliners may have won this battle but I don't know if they can win the war.

noreply@blogger.com (Rob Bakewell) — Tue, 26 May 2009 03:36:00 +0000

BC NDP.

Carole James has managed to deflect her incompetent running of the last provincial election with no one calling for her head. Its probably the best political move she's accomplished. Everybody hates Gordie and she still lost the election. Now she's saying she's gonna go for a third try in 2013. She only got the job because no one wanted it 8 years ago. The Greens had a great opportunity to fill the void in late 2001 and early 2002 and squandered it. I think the grassroots will eventually let Ms. James know thats its time for her to move on. If they don't, Gordie's gonna be tempted to run for a fourth term and get it!

noreply@blogger.com (Rob Bakewell) — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 18:24:00 +0000

STV Referendum.

I voted Yes last referendum, however I am encouraging everyone to vote NO this time. It won't fix the "problems" with the current system of First Past the Post. The proponents argue more choices means more voices in the legislature which inevitably means minority and/or coalition governments. The so-called 'Coalition Crisis' of December '08 that led to Parliament being prorogued proved that Canadians were not yet politically mature enough to start being like Italy or Israel which have coalition governments almost after every election. While we learning to deal with a new governance model many governments will fail confidence votes, so more elections. Initially, coalition governments will cost us more money. I hope some modern day Mike Pearson comes and really makes it work. I'm not against electoral reform, right now I wish we were voting on term limits

noreply@blogger.com (Rob Bakewell) — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 19:32:00 +0000

Petty Bureaucrats.

By not allowing odius UK MP Galloway in to speak has brought him way more publicity then is warrented by his views. The Government and Minister Kenney just look petty and small. When will we learn not to be afraid of words.

noreply@blogger.com (Rob Bakewell) — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 23:47:00 +0000

Term Limits.

I don't know the outcome of the Venezualan Constitutional reform (scrapping term limits) referendum today, but I am for term limits for federal officials. My country doesn't have term limits and unfortunately leaders stay on for 1 election too many ( e.g. Chretien, Klein, WAC Bennent just off the top of my head). When Reagan let it be known he'd stay for third term, but the US system has term limits, at the time I was all "if the people want him as a leader so be it as long as they vote in him again' but that has changed. It isn't that some leaders aren't good enough to continue on but its about new leadership, new ideas and most importantly if by chance you elect an asshole everyone around the world will know when he's leaving ;). Russian Pres-- er Prime Minister Putin, in particular, doesn't 'get it' either. He could have gone out a hero, I personally think could have named himself Czar and the Russian people would've accepted it. Go do what former Presidents do: which is, pick a cause and use your influence to shift policy towards that. Now with the recent, as yet unnamed, economic downturn he'll be hounded out of politics with people spitting out his name. Where's the love now Vlad?

noreply@blogger.com (Rob Bakewell) — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 00:15:00 +0000

Lux Interior.

I was saddened to hear of the passing of Lux Interior, lead singer of one my favourite bands-The Cramps. Some of the most awesome rock n' roll moments I have ever witnessed (or heard) were performed by Lux Interior at the Commodore Ballroom.

"When the sun go down and the moon come up
I turn into a teenage goo-goo muck. . . "

noreply@blogger.com (Rob Bakewell) — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 15:15:00 +0000

January 2009 Budget.

Just what the heck has happened to the Conservatives? As Jon Stewart says " You have values and when they are tested you stick with them or their just hobbies ". This budget must be keeping Mr. Harper up at night what with his sudden conversion to Keynesian economic theory. I just can't help but wonder what the ol' time Reform supporters think of how Stephen had no choice with Mr. Ignatieff holding a gun to his head to make this very (Liberal) budget. I actually believed him when he said he was going to be different and he's had been able to make the Liberal party, especially with Mr. Dion as leader, quite irrelevant but now he has succumbed to what he always scorned-- A control freak of a PM who'll do anything to stay in power

noreply@blogger.com (Rob Bakewell) — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 23:19:00 +0000

Obama the Hypocrite.

"Obama has proven himself repeatedly to be a very tolerant, very rational-sounding sort of bigot" John Cloud-Time magazine.

This was written in response to the President-Elect naming Pastor Rick Warren to participate in his inauguration and I couldn't have said it better myself. I can't believe the so-called No Drama Obama would alienate such a vocal supportive, monetarily and voter wise, group as the Gay, Lesbian and Transgendered community. Over the years I've met people who were either a visible minority, disabled or homosexual who then turned out to be some of the most bigoted people I have ever met. You would think being discriminated against would give them a little empathy and tolerance but somehow it did not. Following Obama the Hypocrites logic a white supremicist should be welcome at the inauguration as well. You cannot pick an identifiable group and allow others to preach hate against them from their pulpits. I've said before and I'll say it again Its about equality, stupid.

noreply@blogger.com (Rob Bakewell) — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 14:37:00 +0000

The 40th Parliament (R.I.P.P.)

The Prime Minister, through the Finance Minister, dropped the ball so badly during his so-called economic update to the point where it united all the Opposition parties to form a working Coalition to present an alternative Government to the Governor-General. Despite Conservative, and others (including my mother) hysterics and untruths this is all legal in our Westminister Parliamentary system and I'm not opposed to the Governor-General looking at all options. Mr. Harper has lost the confidence of the House of Commons and should face a vote in the House. Now that he's prorogued Parliament until January 26, 2009 maybe the Liberals can expedite their leadership convention and have a new leader in place by the time Parliament re-opens. If we get an election, so be it. Though the thought of a Coalition is compelling.

FYI - RIPP means rest in partisan pieces

noreply@blogger.com (Rob Bakewell) — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 06:37:00 +0000

Equality.

The same day that Barack Obama is elected President, the state of California votes to have same-sex marriage banned by writing it into their State Constitution. It isn't the first State to legalize hate but I always thought that California was progressive and has led the USA in so many other areas, that saying no on Proposition 8 would be the foundation for the road to tolerance and acceptance. Its about equality, stupid. Equality trumps marriage.

noreply@blogger.com (Rob Bakewell) — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 06:21:00 +0000

Rights and Responsibilities.

Most everyone talks about their rights and hardly anyone mentions their responsibilities. Hearsay has it, Trudeau wanted to call it the Charter of Rights and Responsibilities during the initial negotiations for Canada's Constitution in the early 1980's. I wish he'd stuck to his guns because then the supreme court could hold the government, the police and populace accountable.

noreply@blogger.com (Rob Bakewell) — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 05:58:00 +0000

Campaign 2008.

It was Mr. Harper's own gaffes that lost him his majority more than anything the other leaders did, except for Mr. Duceppe. He also has the character flaw of all idealogues: No empathy. (That and the 45 million funding cuts to the Arts ;)

noreply@blogger.com (Rob Bakewell) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 05:55:00 +0000

Leadership.

During two national campaigns, leadership is paramount to the various parties future. I have a lot of respect for Senator McCain his ordeal in Vietnam, becoming a Senator and now only one man away from being President, (he should have won in 2000, darn Karl Rove) but ultimately the american election comes down to either a vote for the past, McCain or the future, Senator Obama. I would like for america to embrace the future. Then they should see to some electoral reform, more banking oversite, universal health care, real education support for starters. Mr. Dion is starting to grow on me, the debates will be interesting.

ABC

noreply@blogger.com (Rob Bakewell) — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 15:09:00 +0000

Bailout 2008.

The hypricrosy of the current administration in Washington knows no limits. Now that Bush's friends are going to lose millions of dollars its now a 'financial crisis'. The people in Ohio, California, Florida etc. who've lost their houses over the last year don't get a bailout but the greedy and incompentant will get one. Either bail everyone out or bail no one out.

noreply@blogger.com (Rob Bakewell) — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 05:37:00 +0000

Campaign 2008.

My feeling last time, was either we get rid of Martin or Harper. So, Harper wins a minority government and Martin resigns. This time its either Harper or Dion (and really how much longer do we have to deal with Layton?). My personal preference would be Harper. Harper is a bully and the new Conservatives are incredibly power hungry. Look how they used the RCMP at the rally in Surrey last night and this isn't the first time the Police have been used to control the media. Harper muzzles his cabinet ministers to control the message. They have revealed how callus they are when in the midst of the Listeria health crisis the person in charge the Minister of Agriculture is making jokes while people are dying!?! (If its me, I'm screaming down the phone and people are flying to Ottawa to explain to me whose responsible, charges being laid, heads rolling) The completely irrational statement concerning 'ordinary canadians' and the arts. They are ideologues who could only get so far. Now the biggest spending PM of all time puts on a sweater and breaking another campaign promise calls an election no one wanted--but him and his campign team. I wish the Liberals, NDP, and Greens would hammer him back. Harper is vulnerable in a couple of spots, maybe they can gang up on him at the debates.

noreply@blogger.com (Rob Bakewell) — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 04:26:00 +0000

Daylight Savings Time.

This nonsense has got to stop! Why is this done? Growing up, we were all told it was for "the farmers". Years ago Saskatchewan voted not to springforward/fallback (so when I call family I have to quickly figure out if their 1 or 2 hours ahead but thats no hardship), but "the farmers" don't move their clocks so we can't blame them. I blame Benjamin Franklin for thinking to much, yes you can think too much. Let's stick with one time all year and let everyone else deal with it. Seriously, how can we stop this. It makes me crazy every October er, November and April, I mean March or is it May? AArrgh!

noreply@blogger.com (Rob Bakewell) — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 02:33:00 +0000

Peace, Order and Good Government.

Buried in the British North America Act of 1867 is the national motto of Canada: Peace, Order and Good Government. Seemingly mundane but so essential in the federalism battles occuring around the world. The world needs more Canada.

noreply@blogger.com (Rob Bakewell) — Fri, 18 May 2007 16:21:00 +0000

Air India Inquiry.

It's not surprising just how incompetent (yet again) the RCMP and CSIS were in the lead up to the bombing of Flight 182 on June 23, 1985. Sadly, I don't think there's a "conspiracy" to cover-up what went on before and after 329 people, most canadian citizens, were murdered, but racist indifference. I recall when this terrorist attack happened a general perception was that it was "An Indian Problem". The public inquiry into this bungled investigation will hopefully fix some of the myriad of problems with the RCMP and CSIS.