Global Future

Sam’s Ponderings: Well Guys, it’s been a fun ride!

We tackled knowledge that was free [minus the advertising], the adrenaline rush of a rising loonie, an election that involved animals and a speech from a throne that were all close to home, but still has some far reaching implications. I got my Stephen Colbert book at the American price and I lived happily ever after….

We visited Australia with paper, and that was nice, we gave Iran a paper and that wasn’t so nice. We have a problem controlling the emissions from our paper production and the mud slinging and that is a whole other issue. We taught some of the police in Afghanistan how to run a police force so they can hopefully one day be self-sufficient. Which is what both parties want and what we should be working towards. In the mean time the ol’ Bush-bag from the south is gearing up the fear-mongering machine by spewing on about WWIII… if he were smart […] he would just sit in a corner and keep quiet.

We received insight on how precious education is, riot free streets and having family safe, close at home. We became aware of war torn countries that desperately need our help and spiritual leaders that want sovereignty. We can no longer feign ignorance. We know the causes, we know the struggles, and we must now act. Being Canadian, is being a part of every country, they are our neighbours, and it is our duty to help.

It seems that every generation tells the next, that the world is a little bit worse. These words have never seemed truer. I hope they’re not right, I hope it’s just sensationalized media, coincidence, globalization and a man that is still sad that he was robbed of being president. I fear though that this is not the case, that if the world continues on this path, we are in for some real inconvenience. Still, we have an advantage, we know what must be done and if we diverge from the course, we can make the difference. We can finally be the generation that doesn’t have to leave the globe worse off than whence we came and inspire the next to do better.

Out of Change

I guess all my hoping that Canada could be a bridge for climate change was for naught. It seems that Stevie is being particularly tenacious. He’s that kid in the sandbox that insists on playing with the mud even though all the other kids know the mud is bad for them, it’s going to get dirty and they try to tell Stevie to stop with the mud already and pick up the sand. Instead he rolls around in it and then slings it around at everyone else. Good one Stevie, when are you going to realize you are the only one left with the mud pies, don’t you think it’s time to give them up? Even your imaginary friends, toys, parents and annoying cousin to the south are on board with the sand.
A crucial climate-change summit is set to take place next week in Bali and it seems the major obstacle for the entire event will be Stephen Harper. The Harper Government is resisting the wording of a proposed statement that would bind Canada to achieving substantive cuts in greenhouse gas emissions. Canada will have a sidekick of sorts; Australia also isn’t all too pleased, but they are going to the polls and it is likely the opposition leader will get in. The opposition Labour Leader Kevin Rudd just so happens to support the controlling of climate change and would ratify the Kyoto agreement. So Stevie would be all alone in total opposition, however there are difference in opinion of how far commitments should go and how binding they would be.
So what was it that made Harper so against this cooperative progression for global warming control? A single line in the proposed statement that would say: “We call for a long-term global goal as well as binding commitments to deep, absolute emission reductions by developed countries.” Harper had brought the same position to this meeting as he did to the G8 and APEC. He doesn’t want a binding commitment and the chiasmic differences between the developed and developing countries. Others believe, “It’s about the level of ambition. They (the Canadians) want a low ambition level rather a high ambition level for the process over the next two years.”
What is the end goal? “We must now work decisively toward the aim of reducing greenhouse-gas emissions by at least 50 per cent below 1990 levels and this to be reached by 2050.” A spokeswoman for the Prime Minister’s Office said Ottawa is looking for a declaration “that is as strong as the APEC declaration, which was agreed to by China and the United States, in terms of the importance of comprehensiveness — that all countries, notably major emitters, must contribute to reducing the emissions.”

Sam’s Ponderings: There are 53 leaders of the Commonwealth. Commonwealth includes large emitters of greenhouse gases like Canada and Australia as well as small island nations that are vulnerable to the floods and other negative effects of climate change. It is going to take a lot to get all to agree on a strong climate-change statement because they have varying interests. They all agree that something needs to be done, but have differences on how. It would behove Harper to concur on climate change and be constructive on how to effect those changes. Obviously he feels the modifications should be gradual, so fight for conservatism versus just plain obstinacy. I think he should realize he is being selfish, not only against the future, but against Canadians now. We want these deals struck, the future still filled with endless possibilities, not endless problems.

Rumble in the Desert & Snow

Human rights is an important issue for most across the world. In fact, Canada has just passed a human rights resolution against Iran at the UN General Assembly’s human rights committee. It is a declaration condemning Iran’s “ongoing systematic violations of human rights” including methods of torture, execution and punishment. They have put the motion through yearly since 2003 and Canadian Ambassador to the UN John McNee told the committee that there has been a “continued deterioration” in protecting the human rights and fundamental freedoms of Iranians. He states, “This assembly must stand up and respond. We must hold the government of Iran accountable for the continued violation of human rights of its citizens.” Although this resolution has easily passed in the previous years, with Iran receiving support from the likes of India, South America and Afghanistan it was a fight this go around. Iran attempted to introduce a “motion of no action” to stop the Canadian draft from moving to a formal vote. The no-action motion failed by a mere, single vote. A total of 78 countries voted in support of the no-action motion, 79 voted against and 24 abstained. The resolution ultimately passed the human rights committee by a vote of 72 to 50, with 55 abstentions.

It is thought that Iran is gathering support over this issue because like-minded countries have grown annoyed of being criticized by the West for their human rights practices. Obviously, Iran is irate over the decision, and Iranian Ambassador Mohammad Khazaee informed Canada that due to the past mistreating of the aboriginal people, we should just shut up. However, it is absurd to say that one’s past would negate any future opinion on a human rights violation. If that were the case, nothing would ever improve because every country has parts of its history that aren’t very pretty. Through this though, the world can grow, and with the Canadian human rights resolution as an example, it can get better.

Sam’s Ponderings: First, for all people who say that their vote doesn’t count, I give you exhibit A. Especially when it comes to human rights, so often causes are started by one person or a small group. So next time you are feeling small and insignificant, think about all those times one person or our Country made the difference. [Another option includes watching that Nickleback video]

In regards to Iran’s reaction, it would be beneficial in the interest of current events and foreign affairs, if Ambassador Mohammad Khazaee could find a single case of execution by stoning of an aboriginal today. I am not discounting what happened in the past, it was grievous and appalling, but that doesn’t reflect what it is like today. Granted it is not perfect, I challenge someone to find such a society, but I can guarantee it is much preferred to the torture and murders that taking place in Iran. I hesitate in how far one government or the UN should be able to tell another how to run their government. I recognize that those opposing countries do have a point, but I believe there should be a standard of living and human rights and I believe that is what Canada is striving to achieve in Iran. This is just one small step for the Snow. Hopefully in the right direction for the Desert.

No Small Price To Pay

From the age of about three or four to around 18, the majority of Canadians make the trek Monday through Friday, September to June to school. A brave bunch continue after this age, but these options and basic rights have been taken for granted. It is now that time of year again where students begin to stress about the impending finals and the forthcoming semester. Many things are taken into account in the selection of the classes. Whether or not they fit in the program, schedule, difficultly level; however one thing that never enters the mind is whether or not I will be murdered for this class. In Afghanistan, a 16-year-old boy was dragged out of a classroom and killed because he was teaching his fellow classmates English. Taliban militants have killed a number of teachers and students in recent years for attending government-run schools, taking part in classes for girls or what the hard-line Islamist militants consider un-Islamic subjects.
Sam’s Ponderings:The chaos in Afghanistan is seemingly never-ending. The reports concede that the sheer number of militants is only increasing, anti-west sentiments is intensifying and judging on the 16-year-olds tragic death, the misery and suppression is demoralizing. Perhaps if the West were to allow the Afghani people to aid themselves, as they want it, it would benefit all parties. Anti-west sentiments would ease with our absence, the militants would have fewer people to fight and the people would be able to take the small steps they have already made and make bigger strides. The Taliban doesn’t like to take credit for such horrendous actions, thus perhaps once the West has retreated they would allow for more leniency. As the boy has proven with his life, there are those out there willing to pay any price for equality, knowledge and freedom.

Pakistan Connection

We all know that Canada is a multicultural country. For most, immigration is seen simply as coming to a new country; we see them as new Canadians. What we must not forget is the country they emigrated from. Through them we have connections to all parts of the world, and that is no different than the link we have with Pakistan. There are many people affected by the uprising outside of the borders. Here are just a few of the Canadians who are feeling the pain in Pakistan:

“My country is burning right now with bullets and bombs,” said Ali Chatha, a restaurant owner on Gerrard Street East. “Right now there is no one to take care of my country.” Chatha said he worries about his family that still lives in Pakistan. He said he hopes one day they’ll be reunited under peaceful conditions rather than turmoil. “I’m scared to go there,” he said. “I want to go there when there is peace.” “What I feel my country needs is someone to take care of it,” said Chatha. “It is crying and we here are crying too.”

Suresh Kumar said he also misses Pakistan but is grateful his new family will grow up in peaceful Toronto. “She doesn’t know about Pakistan and what is going on there and I don’t want her to know about it,” said Kumar, pointing to his baby daughter sleeping in her stroller.

Sam’s Ponderings: Granted, in Saskatchewan, with the smaller immigration numbers it is more likely to be removed from the plight of Pakistan. But as Canadians, with the people lamenting for their homeland, it is hard to not feel for the people and the country. I can only hope that order can be restored soon and democracy can once again prevail. It is sad to note that Pakistan, a somewhat contrived country, was once the “beacon” for democracy in the Middle East and now is in chaos. Although considering what Iraq was supposed to accomplish, this could still be better.

Provincial Posturing

There are so many people out there that say they would be more involved in politics if only they had the time, well this time the election came to us. The University played host to a debate with candidates showing from the four major parties. The representatives included (in no particular order) McCall from the NDP, Nelson from the Green Party, Lloyd from the Liberals and Hepner from the Saskatchewan Party. (I apologize if there are incorrect spellings) The format was very straight forward, efficient and informative. The moderators touched on four main areas including the environment, rural Saskatchewan, Aboriginal peoples and economic growth, especially in real estate. I believe the class that formed the questions were asking about issues that weren’t as prevalent on the platforms. They were also, I found, balanced in the questions. The University tends to be generally left wing, and it was interesting when the question about Aboriginals was brought up, the moderators blatantly criticized the Green Party for having the worst policies, or in fact, none they could find. Nelson countered that they had extensive information about that issue in their full platform.

As balanced as the questions were, the crowd was somewhat less unbiased. The biggest cheers tended to go to McCall, the NDP candidate. As well as Nelson, but she had an advantage being a university student herself. There seemed to be less enthusiasm for Hepner, although the fact that she could barely be heard could have hindered her impact. To me, Lloyd had spirit, but his intensity dampened the effect. I will spare the details of what was said, because I encourage all to investigate the platforms and promises for yourself (you don’t need my take on it). It was informative to watch, I enjoyed the debate, but most importantly, the more we care, the more they will take us seriously and the more we will matter.

Sam’s Ponderings: The questions were more broad(perhaps avoiding education on purpose), but education seemed to get into just about every Candidates response. Granted I like to hear about it, it is very important to me, but I don’t think it is the root to all problems and as such can’t be the solution they were bringing up. Although, I wouldn’t call it complete pandering to the university crowd because I see education as being one of the main issues that is being discussed across the board. It is encouraging to see this new interest in furthering education, even if it is for the self serving reason to keep us in Saskatchewan. I am planning on leaving Saskatchewan once I graduate, but I am more than happy to be wooed into sticking around… they can try anyway. With this looming 2010 labour shortage, Saskatchewan can’t afford to let me, and another 35,000 more like me, pack my bags.

Stuck in the Middle

Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama, has landed in Canada. This is just one stop in many in his worldwide tour. It is speculated that this tour is his way of shedding light on the situation with China. He wants sovereignty for Tibet and better practices from the Chinese Government. Given his rocky history with China and their precarious position with the Olympics,the Dalai Lama is proving to be of great annoyance. Since Canada is playing host to the Dalai Lama, the Chinese aren’t too pleased with us either. I think of it as a backwards love triangle, with hate, distrust and anger.
The Dalai Lama visited Ottawa this weekend to speak to the faithful at Lansdowne Park and the Rogers Centre. He also had a meeting with Stevie in his Parliament Hill office. This isn’t the first time the Dalai Lama has been in town; just last year Parliament named him a “honorary Canadian citizen, a rare acknowledgement with international repercussions”. Since China views him as a radical separatist, ever time he is well received they get really pissed off. This time is no different. As China prepares for the summer Olympics next year, they have become very astute to public opinion, and the Dalai Lama is capitalizing on this opportunity to pressure China into taking a more conciliatory attitude towards Tibet. Although he has always been revered, this trip allows him to further his agenda; he is seeking autonomy for Tibet within a sovereign China and is not interested in separation. Hopefully one day he will achieve his desired outcomes. As a result, Lu Shumin, China’s ambassador to Canada, warned that welcoming the Dalai Lama would strain relations between Canada and China.
The Chinese had this to say: “It’s gross interference in China’s internal affairs. The Chinese side expresses its strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao declared. Similar action was taken when both the German Ambassador Michael Schaefer and George Bush had an audience with the Spiritual Leader. It is believed that this incident may strain relations, but certainly won’t break them as economic trading and contracts continue.

Sam’s Ponderings: It’s one thing for China to be mad at us for welcoming the Dalai Lama, but to threaten us is going a bit too far. Who do they think they are? A group of grade seven girls or perhaps The States? I believe the government was right and brave to host him. We should not be afraid of trivial repercussions when such a worthy cause or person is involved. I think China needs to be held accountable for not only the Tibet situation but also for their domestic human rights issues and abroad. If the Dalai Lama can finally get some results or at least some recognition, I believe he has succeeded and the world will be better off for it.

Speech from the Throne

What would it take to get the Canadian government’s attention in the North? Wildlife protection? No. Inuit issues? Not, really. Global warming? In a sense. Money? Definitely! Thanks to climate change, we have finally unlocked the money making potential of the north. With its immense resources, the arctic is getting attention from all. Including some crazy Russians who have nothing better to do than plant a flag on the seabed.

The Canadian government came up with a plan to get the full potential out of the north and the citizens across Canada. This arrangement includes:

1. Reassure that the arctic was once and will always be a valued part of Canada.
2. Help the people of the North so they don’t complain about what’s happening around them.
3. Build a research facility to prove you are serious and nothing says I’m staying better than a permanent structure. (This station will be built by Canadians, in Canada’s Arctic, and it will be there to serve the world.)
4. Defend sovereignty with patrol ships. So we need to build more ships.
5. Who will run these ships? Well, all the people we are recruiting/rebuilding the Canadian Forces with.

What does this mean?

“Canada is back as a credible player on the international stage. Our Government believes that focus and action, rather than rhetoric and posturing, are restoring our influence in global affairs. Guided by our shared values of democracy, freedom, human rights and the rule of law, our Government will continue Canada’s international leadership through concrete actions that bring results.”

That leads to Canada’s International focus. Which includes the following:

“Nowhere is Canada making a difference more clearly than in Afghanistan. Canada has joined the United Nations-sanctioned mission in Afghanistan because it is noble and necessary. Canadians understand that development and security go hand in hand. Without security, there can be no humanitarian aid, no reconstruction and no democratic development. Progress will be slow, but our efforts are bearing fruit. There is no better measure of this progress than the four million Afghan boys and two million girls who can dream of a better future because they now go to school.

The Canadian Forces mission has been approved by Parliament until February 2009, and our Government has made clear to Canadians and our allies that any future military deployments must also be supported by a majority of parliamentarians. In the coming session, members will be asked to vote on the future of the Canadian mission in Afghanistan. This decision should honour the dedication and sacrifice of Canada’s development workers, diplomats and men and women in uniform. It should ensure that progress in Afghanistan is not lost and that our international commitments and reputation are upheld.

Our Government does not believe that Canada should simply abandon the people of Afghanistan after February 2009. Canada should build on its accomplishments and shift to accelerate the training of the Afghan army and police so that the Afghan government can defend its own sovereignty. This will not be completed by February 2009, but our Government believes this objective should be achievable by 2011, the end of the period covered by the Afghanistan Compact. Our Government has appointed an independent panel to advise Canadians on how best to proceed given these considerations.

In our own neighbourhood, the Americas, Canada is back playing an active role. The Canadian model of constitutional democracy and economic openness combined with social safety nets, equitable wealth creation and sharing across regions has much to offer those countries struggling to build a better future.

Canada’s efforts in Haiti are a compelling example of how we can work with our neighbours to ensure security and development. Canadians understand that our country has a responsibility to help countries struggling to make a better life for their people—particularly in promoting democratic governance in fragile states. In Haiti and elsewhere, our Government will bring greater focus and effectiveness to Canada’s international assistance to ensure that Canadians’ money is well spent.

The best hope for fostering development and our common security in the hemisphere and beyond is through bolstering international trade. Through renewed focus on trade and investment arrangements, Canada has already secured a deal with the European Free Trade Association, the first new agreement in more than half a decade. Our Government will keep advancing Canada’s trade interests in the Americas and around the world to open up new markets for Canada’s innovators.”

Sam’s Ponderings: Wow. Can you ever tell that this comes from the Harper’s government. I especially like the part about how we are succeeding in Afghanistan and if we were to leave in ’09, all the progress we have made would be for naught. Besides the rhetoric they say they are trying to avoid, I think it is generally a good plan. I would like to see Canadian’s helping in Afghanistan beyond military power, assisting in developing countries like Haiti and fostering changes at home. It is about time we regained our influence. We must prove that Canadians help, cooperate and stand strong. We are going to need that when it comes down to the arctic situation because the message is loud and clear from Russia, Holland and alike. They aren’t prepared to give up on the arctic so easily; they want a piece of the action as well. We must cooperate with the other governments, but we also can’t back down from what is ours. That is one thing I like about Stevie- he is giving Canada its power back, but he has to watch how far he pushes it.

The Book on Greed

As I had previously mentioned on Sam’s Pondering in the “Go Baby Go” article, I was wondering why my damn books still were so much more expensive compared to the American price. Apparently, I wasn’t the only one. With our strong currency, it should make shopping cheaper, however that has not yet happened. Instead, retailers have used the strong dollar for pure profit. If you can believe it, their ROI is even higher than the gas and oil industry. I guess that proves there is something more valuable out there than the black gold, I’m just surprised it’s Diesel clothing.

Ok, so far we have this new found wealth not being passed on to the consumer, could it possibly be going to the hard working employees? Nope, in fact their wages have been cut by five percent in the last year alone. The government’s only solution thus far is to cut corporate tax, which would only boost profits more. Clearly there needs to be better intervention from the guys in Ottawa. When the same book costs 25 percent more here than across the border, problems will arise. It only makes sense that they deal with this now before I take a little trip South, and the people gets up in arms about the greed of Canada.

Sam’s Ponderings: I still maintain that the rising dollar is a good thing. However, the consequences as well as the benefits should be passed on to the consumer. There is no need for such profit and greed. I am concerned for the future; if this isn’t handled correctly there will be serious adverse effects. But what to do?

Update: It seems this issue is all the rage these days. Which is good, hopefully the more aware we become, the more pressure there is to lower prices. The new angle is that it isn’t the retailers that are charging the big bucks, it is actually suppose to be the fault of wholesalers, manufacturers, and the Government through tariffs and such. They are dragging their feet in lowering the price tags. Another to blame is the dollar itself, because it rose so fast, the inventories the companies had still had stock from when the dollar was lower. So if they now used the current value, they would be losing money. They say we won’t actually get accurate prices until next spring. What’s another six months of price gorging? They can point the finger at anyone (I don’t think they have tried Santa yet, but I’m sure there is an angle somewhere-perhaps price undercutting), but in the end, I don’t really care whose pocket this is going into, I just want a solution now. (However, with the busy Christmas season coming, that ain’t happenin’)

WWIII

George W. Bush foretold a nuclear-armed Iran could lead to World War III. He is using his usual tactic of fear to reinforce international and domestic opposition to Tehran’s aspiration for a nuclear power plant. His concerns fall on deaf ears in Russia, whom is skeptical over Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Russia, a veto-holding member of the Security Council, backed two sets of limited UN sanctions against Iran but has resisted any tough new measures and would not accept any military action against Iran. Bush is now pushing for a third round. He also asked that Russia allow the US to sit in on any conferences it has with Iran’s nuclear activities. Although Russia understands the international concern and believes that its nuclear programs “should be as transparent as possible”, they trust that Tehran has no plans to develop nuclear weapons. Tehran says their interest in nuclear technology is for benign purposes including power generation. Bush’s take is a little different; it is his opinion that a nuclear-armed Iran would pose a “dangerous threat to world peace”. Bush keeps reiterating that the US is committed to diplomatic solutions and working with the UN, but is keeping his options open.

Sam’s Ponderings: Boy, doesn’t this sound like the usual propaganda. The US and Russia are beguiled in their eternal power struggle. One can’t compromise with the other and this generally leads the UN to a stale mate. Not that the US really minds what the UN has to say, judging on previous behaviour, they will do as they will anyway. What gives the US the right to be the moral compass for the world? How can they say what should and should not happen in other’s countries? Does the US use nuclear technology? Yes. So why can’t anyone else? There is an eerie parallel to Iraq, the only difference is I think he has stepped it up a notch, throwing around the term WWIII brings a whole new level to Bush’s fear mongering techniques. Soon we will hear about the new coalition of the willing, consisting of the US and… perhaps that one solider from Iceland, if he/she isn’t too busy.

Eyes Wide Shut

Saturday was International Day of Action for Burma. If you are sorry you missed it, no fear because you can still contribute by:

Signing the online petition to Chinese President Hu Jintao and the UN Security Council
http://www.avaaz.org/en/stand_with_burma/c.php?cl=19988569
Sending a letter of protest to Foreign Minister Nyan Win:
http://web.amnesty.org/pages/mmr-270907-action-eng
Donating to Burma Issues/Peaceways International’s grassroots peacebuilding efforts:
http://www.burmaissues.org/donate.htm

Regina had it’s own rally on Thursday, Sept. 27 where approximately 100 met in Victoria Park to support democracy for Burma. The people assembled heard from Buddhist monks U San Dawara and Nya Arakon about the military junta’s crackdown against pro-democracy uprising currently underway in Burma. There have been countless atrocities against the peaceful people of Burma. Including massacres of Buddhist monks, as well as Christian and Hindi casualties in their attempt to help. It is a war against all of the people of Burma, no one excluded, even children and peaceful demonstrators. It is a war against democracy from the military. It is a war that isn’t covered enough. I urge you to get involved, get informed and get the message out there.

Sam’s Ponderings: There has been too little coverage in the media. Especially exposure on what Regina residents are doing for Burma; there was no mention of the rally on Sept. 27 and little information about how and where you can do your part. I realize there are many places out there that need our help, but I believe that once you start killing peaceful monks in their house of worship for wanting democracy, something needs to be done. China and Russia need to stop blocking the UN and allow them to do what their original goal was- help people in need.

A Career Nowhere near Ordinary… and Nowhere near Canada

Have you ever dreamt about wearing a funny cowboy hat, oddly fitting pants and riding a horse? Well do I have a career for you! The RCMP has kicked into a rather aggressive recruiting effort to boost the dwindling numbers of Mounties. The first step is to make your way down to little old Regina, spend six months of your life running around and then you get shipped off to a small town in the middle of nowhere where you live for the next couple of years. For some, the small town isn’t Flin Flon, but Camp Nathan Smith in Afghanistan. That’s right, there is a small contingent of Mounties helping train the Afghan police; one of the most dangerous jobs in the world. The mission is to turn the Afghan National Police into a more professional, functioning police force. The training they receive is similar to what Regina Cadets receive at home. The theory goes that there cannot be a healthy and safe state without law and order. Issues that are being addressed included corruption, high mortality rate (especially at spot check posts) and even basic needs such a uniforms and others necessities. Once they are trained the hope is that they will form a police force that will stand as the foundation to a stronger nation. That will hopefully lead to self-sufficiency and finally our boys, girls and Mounties can return safe at home.

Sam’s Ponderings:Granted the RCMP’s that find themselves in Kandahar aren’t fresh cadets, but seasoned trainers. It raises the question that if you find yourself wanting a career with the RCMP does that mean that you may eventually find yourself outside of Canada on a myriad of missions? Are the international aspects a way to attract the much-needed candidates?

I think it is a good step to establish that Canada has a respected police program and that we are willing to share our knowledge and human resources with other nations. It is a way to show that Mounties are more than the funny uniforms they wear. (Although I think it will take a little more than that to get over what the Swiss guards wear at the Vatican. I don’t know what Da Vinci was thinking)

Is this an alternative to just sending the military? Equip the citizens of the country with the training and supplies so they can defend their nation, so we don’t have to impose our order on them.

Go Baby Go!

I understand there are several drawbacks to the climbing Canadian Dollar. People are freaking out over the impending tourism bust, drying up of exports and Canadians choosing to go South for a little Vaca and spending their hard earned (and now equal) dollars. But all I can help thinking is GO BABY GO!! I’ve been watching the dollar climb for a long time now and I can’t help but cheer it on. Especially after the struggles when it was around 65¢ and the fact that this hasn’t happened for 31 years, I feel that this is a point of pride for Canadians. Although we can’t get too cocky, there was a bit of a drop the last couple days, but with the booming oil markets and sluggish American economy, I think we are coming back for more.

The American economy is of special interest because it is both helping and hurting ours. Since their dollar is sinking, it gives advantage to ours. It may become a problem by slowing down our growth through exports and manufacturing. Hopefully, with yet another surplus budget, a possible interest hike and our black gold, there won’t be any stopping our economy.

I can’t help but think that there are several countries out there that have strong currency and they seem to be doing just fine. The euro and pound crush my poor little loonie and when I do the conversion in my head just as I am about the drop a good chunk of change it almost brings a tear to the eye. So clearly spending still happens even when it is not in one’s favor. Why can’t it be the same for here. Granted trade with the US will be a little strained, but that would clearly happen irregardless due to their economic difficulties. There is also a lot that the US can’t do without, our resources are pretty important and no matter how high the loonie gets, the demand will never diminish. I’m sure the same is true for some of our other trade partners. It may be more expensive, but they are still getting the 50% discount in London. Tourism is also crying out, but I think there is a chance that once everything calms down a little, the people will still come back, that Canadian charm is hard to resist. If not, I think the tourism industry needs a little revamp anyway, people shouldn’t just come here because it is cheap, they should come here to see something. We need to become a place that has more than mountains and mounties. I suggest we steal the Eiffel Tower; it seems to be a crowd pleaser. The same is true for Saskatchewan. A significant portion of the Americans that head north are here to kill things and they will pay dearly for the privilege. The rest, well I’m not sure why they come here, but I hope to give them a reason to in the future.

Sam’s Ponderings: I was recently perusing a local bookstore and one thing that I wish would change with the dollar is the price of damn books!! I mean, the price still says $13 for Americans and $19 for Canadians!! What the hell is that?? Normally, the government wouldn’t have to worry about me making a quick stop in Montana, but if this continues I just might. [And if books aren’t your thing, substitute the word book for booze.]

Canada, the Green and White

What does the future hold? Will Canada become a bridge for the Kyoto Accord and the Pacific Rim deal? Or is it another way for Steven Harper to slip through the cracks? Allow me to consult my crystal ball…

In order for me to predict the future, I first must commiserate the past: Remember the days when Stevie didn’t even want to acknowledge global warming, he seemed to think of it as a longer and warmer summer. Then with the pressure of the people and the cold, hard facts (the way we are going they will be the last thing cold) he decided to “do” something. As usual for him this was a lot of hot air(which isn’t helping). Between the wishy washy commitment to the Kyoto accord, then the outright “there is no way we can facilitate such rigid deadlines”, finishing with a weak Canada made solution. All very sad and frankly kinda embarrassing and disgraceful on the international scene.

Now to observe the present: There was a rather significant and optimistic meeting of over 70 national leaders at a UN Summit, including our beloved Stevie, intending to get legislation from governments to combat global warming. It was at this summit that he announced Canada’s strong involvement in controlling climate change. He describes the vision as Canada being a bridge between the Pacific Rim and Kyoto Accords. He declared that Canada is leading by example by implementing new policies to cut greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution from industries. The real question is, is this enough. Is it a plan that will make an impact? Based on past performance, this could likely be just another ploy to pacify Canadian concern for climate, without damaging industry or the bottom line.

Now to the crystal ball: I have reservations that he may just be putting up a front. A ploy to not have to actually make any significant changes now or by extending deadlines later. However, the optimist in me wants to believe that by becoming this “bridge” we may reclaim some of our forgotten leadership in the world. In principle, agreeing to both plans would suggest that we would actually be having more of an impact on climate change. That we would be able to convince other countries to do the same and we would all live happily ever after; sans 300 SPF sunblock. I hope that this will work, I hope that it is Harper that implements it (or realistically the next government, because hope in Harper can only take you so far) and I hope that we will once again become the leaders that I have been lead to believe we once were.

Sam’s Ponderings: After all of the obstacles and changes of heart Stevie has faced, made and overcome, can we ever believe that this same man is now taking this seriously and has real plans of solving it? Can the international communities believe this to be a legitimate plan of action or is their skepticism too great to overcome?

Free Knowledge+ Free Thought= Independent Media at the University

You couldn’t put a price on knowledge at the university this past Thursday. A full day extravaganza on free thought from wheelchairs for a third world country to the always enlightening independent media. I, a fan of free speech and press, decided to catch a little bit on the Indy Media around town. It featured the guest lecturers Trish Elliott and Dave Oswald Mitchell. They spoke primarily on their website and magazine interests, the Act up in Sask and the briarpatch magazine, and mentioned the prairie dog in passing. [now don’t get me wrong, I was very interested in the topic and, having never heard about Act up in Sask, I also learned a lot, but I still got the nagging feeling that this was not only about free knowledge, but also free advertising.]

They began with the origins of the Indy Media, some Australian mates got together and decided media shouldn’t be controlled by one entity but contributed and shaped by all. That idea made its debut in Saskatchewan in 2005 in Saskatoon by of Act up in Sask. It later went debunk and was stolen by some opportunist activists in Regina and is now up and running and thriving. Anyone can contribute, all you need to do is take the time, go to the website, register and unleash your voice. As a warning, I would avoid taking the Chris Crocker route by unleashing your tears, as well as your voice, over poor Britney Spears, there are more important things out there. I think Miss Carolina counts. On a more serious and interesting note, it was on this website that Trish broke the story about the good ol’ mayor having some good ol’ conflict of interest regarding the south west housing development. All fine things to know.

As a loyal reader of the Prairie Dog and Carillion, I am familiar and fond of the Independent Media in Regina and it is good to know that there are always other sources out there. So if you aren’t so familiar, you should give one or all of them a once over, heck you might even become fond of them.

Sam’s Ponderings: In this age of Wikipedia and blogs, we seem to get our information from many sources outside of conventional media; in my mind that leads to the decentralization of the mainstream and gives voice to many different opinions and perspectives. It can also be hard to find the truth in all the white noise. Skepticism has become more widespread, which is beneficial to a more discerning society, but a clear truth is very difficult to find. Do you trust the face on the 6 o’clock news, a well researched and radical editorial in the indy media or a seemingly legit piece made by liar in hopes of leading you astray. Ah, to find the truth…

Stephen Harper goes to Australia with Old Piece Of Paper

On September 11, Prime Minister Stephen Harper visited Australia to repatriate a theatrical playbill, Jane Shore, from 1796 found in Canadian archives. It’s importance lies in the fact that the playbill is the oldest surviving document printed in Australia as well as creates goodwill between the two nations:

“Canadians and Australians share a passion for the preservation of our cultural heritage,” said the Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages. “We were thrilled to discover this extraordinary artifact, and we are proud to return it, in the spirit of the great friendship between our countries, to the keeping of the Australian people.”

Sam’s Ponderings: It’s interesting to see the comradely between the countries and the apparent similarities that are highlighted with this exchange. One should also note that the meeting took place on Sept. 11, could it be due to wanting good news on 9/11 or has the world moved on?