Paul Martin was quoted after the historic vote in the house of Commons talking at a special caucus meeting, "This was not just about a budget. It was about a vision of Canada. It was about a perspective on the nation."
Paul Martin's vision is very short-sighted. I do not think that he can even see the BIG E!
On his last comment, he is correct. Our nation is broken and needs to be fixed.
We need a country with more independent provinces, more like the Switzerland cantons.
Failing that, there is no alternative either than the Alberta and/or Western Canada Republic
Friday, May 20, 2005
Thursday, May 19, 2005
153-152
The Liberals have survived a confidence vote by a squeaker today (as predicted by seismicdeath Tuesday, May 17, 2005). One vote by the speaker saved the government to survive until a further confidence vote. 153 to 152. It is too bad that it did not go into sudden death!
If Belinda had not been turned to the dark side, the Liberal Empire would have fallen. A truly dark day in the history of Canadian politics.
If Belinda had not been turned to the dark side, the Liberal Empire would have fallen. A truly dark day in the history of Canadian politics.
NBA MVP Nash
What more can be said about the Sensational Steve Nash?
His first ever triple double in the playoffs - 34 points, 13 rebounds and 12 assists!
Go Phoenix Go!
His first ever triple double in the playoffs - 34 points, 13 rebounds and 12 assists!
Go Phoenix Go!
Saturation News Networks
Tim Russett of NBC's "Meet the Press" was a guest on CNN's Larry King last night discussing general media issues. The main thrust of the conversation was the "Newsweek" Koran article fiasco, but he did entertain questions from callers as well. One caller made a comment regarding the cable news channels almost blinder-like focus on certain stories, foregoing the investigation of "real news". Mr. Russett agreed with the caller saying that major networks tend to saturate the airwaves with coverage of only one or two stories. I tend to agree as well.
More than one cable news channel is involved in the Saturation News Network. It seems that the major players - including CNN, MSNBC, and FOXNews - are in a continuous melee to track the popular story. Currently, that two dominating stories are the Michael Jackson trial and the Senate filibuster.
This different type of media bias recently had me thinking about the difference between real news and popular news. April 08, 2005 saw two terrorist attacks in Egypt that targeted tourists. It was of special interest to me, as I was planning a trip there this summer. I only had access to the U.S. cable news channels here in Oklahoma City, so I continually switched between the networks mentioned above. It turned out to be an exercise in frustration as the story of the moment was the "Run-away Bride" - Jennifer Wilbanks. Useless news from hell! I yelled at the television "Come on! Show some real news!" The same people were interviewed by different reporters, asking the same questions! It was so pathetic I felt like wrapping an ugly coloured towel around my head to hide! This continued for about twenty or thirty minutes with just the tickers providing semi-real news. Finally, one of the stations cut for some other news. It took all of two minutes, before returning to the crazy-eyed fiancée. AAgggggghhhhh!!!!
This type of media focus is not restricted to the cable news of the United States. It is apparent in Canadian news programs, local news, and even radio news. Part of the problem is the commercialization of news, with many stations buying their information from the same sources instead of doing investigations themselves. Maybe it is just my problem as I like to be informed about more than just one issue. Personally, I do not care what Macaulay Culkin had to say on the stand, just give me the results at the conclusion of the trial. Then again, perhaps there are just too many slow news days......
More than one cable news channel is involved in the Saturation News Network. It seems that the major players - including CNN, MSNBC, and FOXNews - are in a continuous melee to track the popular story. Currently, that two dominating stories are the Michael Jackson trial and the Senate filibuster.
This different type of media bias recently had me thinking about the difference between real news and popular news. April 08, 2005 saw two terrorist attacks in Egypt that targeted tourists. It was of special interest to me, as I was planning a trip there this summer. I only had access to the U.S. cable news channels here in Oklahoma City, so I continually switched between the networks mentioned above. It turned out to be an exercise in frustration as the story of the moment was the "Run-away Bride" - Jennifer Wilbanks. Useless news from hell! I yelled at the television "Come on! Show some real news!" The same people were interviewed by different reporters, asking the same questions! It was so pathetic I felt like wrapping an ugly coloured towel around my head to hide! This continued for about twenty or thirty minutes with just the tickers providing semi-real news. Finally, one of the stations cut for some other news. It took all of two minutes, before returning to the crazy-eyed fiancée. AAgggggghhhhh!!!!
This type of media focus is not restricted to the cable news of the United States. It is apparent in Canadian news programs, local news, and even radio news. Part of the problem is the commercialization of news, with many stations buying their information from the same sources instead of doing investigations themselves. Maybe it is just my problem as I like to be informed about more than just one issue. Personally, I do not care what Macaulay Culkin had to say on the stand, just give me the results at the conclusion of the trial. Then again, perhaps there are just too many slow news days......
Wednesday, May 18, 2005
And now for something completely different
I guess I have been concentrating my posts on Canadian politics a little too much. My brother says that I sound like a frustrated angry individual. I guess that is true, when I write the posts. I just find it hard to believe the antics, scandals, corruption, and....ooops there I go again.
On another note:
GO PHOENIX SUNS!!!
Steve Nash has shown he is truly an MVP. Now he just needs a little bit of support.
It is a best out of three now - series tied 2-2.
Suns in Seven!
On another note:
GO PHOENIX SUNS!!!
Steve Nash has shown he is truly an MVP. Now he just needs a little bit of support.
It is a best out of three now - series tied 2-2.
Suns in Seven!
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
Political Whore
Belinda Stronach has proven her political aspirations are just visions of personal leadership and not beliefs and conviction. Her defection today - May 17 - to the federal Liberals is akin to political prostitution. She would rather associate with schemers, liars, and crooks than be on the outside of government and decision-making power. I am flabbergasted, astounded, and disgusted at this action by Ms. Stronach. I am sure that her beau will be following her to the Big Red Machine soon enough.
I predict the government will not fall. Enough Maritime Conservative MPs have been pressured by the linkage of the Maritime Accords to the confidence-vote budget to add at least two or three votes for the government. Add Stronach, independent Kilgour (after getting his ill-prepared and ill-equipped troops into Darfur, Sudan), and the whole NDP caucus to the voting mix and the budget will pass with flying colours.
I do not know what the Liberals have to do to lose the confidence of the electorate. There has already been scandal after scandal, political interference, dirty money, and more third-world type controversies. I feel like banging my head against the Welcome to Ontario signs!
I predict the government will not fall. Enough Maritime Conservative MPs have been pressured by the linkage of the Maritime Accords to the confidence-vote budget to add at least two or three votes for the government. Add Stronach, independent Kilgour (after getting his ill-prepared and ill-equipped troops into Darfur, Sudan), and the whole NDP caucus to the voting mix and the budget will pass with flying colours.
I do not know what the Liberals have to do to lose the confidence of the electorate. There has already been scandal after scandal, political interference, dirty money, and more third-world type controversies. I feel like banging my head against the Welcome to Ontario signs!
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