John Proctor's Ghost

Not the Ghost of John Proctor...



Mr. Proctor had his own personal ghost.



My home town of Brighton, Ontario had but one real Ghost and as I said, it was not John Proctor.



Proctor was a wealthy businessman who lived during the 1800s and during that time he built a large mansion that overlooked our fair village. His home was to the north of town less than a rifle shot away from the village grave yard.



On top of the Proctor home was a widow's walk where it is said Proctor kept close watch on his many ships entering and leaving Brighton harbour which in turn led to Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence.



As a prosperous businessman, Proctor had many workers toiling on his behalf one of which was a poor soul by the name of Nix. Nix was married and no doubt had a bevy of little Nixes. What he did not have was money. In fact he was in debt to old man Proctor for advances made on his puny pay.



All would have gone along okay except for the fact Nix up and died. No doubt from being worked to death by Proctor.



His distraught wife came to John Proctor requesting the body of her husband for burial. To her absolute dismay, Proctor refused her request. Nix, he said, owed him $20.00 and his body would not be released to the family until said debt was paid in full. No doubt he put in an additional request for interest on the loan.



The widow having no means whatsoever, went home sans husband.



Proctor then placed Nix's body in the dank cellar of this mansion and there, over the years, it rotted - so to speak.



Now some strange happenings occurred. People living in the vicinity of the Proctor Mansion began to see at night a bright ball of fire emanate from the vicinity of the basement and fly through the air to the Town's grave yard which was located a short distance to the east. No doubt Proctor had an unrestricted view of these occurrences from his perch on high in the mansion's widow's walk.



But these occurrences unfortunately did not persuade Proctor from doing the right thing and turning over the body of Nix over to his wife and family.



I say unfortunately, since a short time later it cost Proctor, himself, his life. He was working on the barn roof next to the mansion and inexplicably fell (was pushed?) to his death.



No accident, said the locals - olde Nix had just taken his just revenge.



That's the story of Proctor's Ghost.



But let's move ahead a little.



It is now the 1950s in fair olde Brighton and yours truly and several other contemporaries are attending Johnny's 10th birthday party in February - in the evening. It was dark and on leaving the party we all decided to walk one of our number - Eric - home. Eric lived near the olde Proctor mansion and to save time we decided to cut across a few fields that cut just south of the mansion and behind the homes on Yonge Street where Eric lived.



On route, we ran into a chap by the name of Kenneth. Kenneth lived just below the mansion and indeed his home was closest in the village to the Proctor mansion. We naturally began talking about the Ghost Story.



Had Kenneth ever seen the Ball of Fire trying to enter the Grave Yard? - we asked. Of course he had - "numerous times". Our imagines went wild.



Just as we were approaching a wooden bridge - that crossed a small creek - that then led to Yonge Street, a man jumped out from under it and headed directly for the Proctor Mansion. Well you can imagine. We had scared ourselves quite enough before this happening - now with it - we screamed bloody murder and raced to the safety of Eric's home.



An unforgettable moment they say.



Now let's flash further ahead.



I am grown and once again living in Brighton and decide one day to take my 3 children to the Proctor House which has now become a museum.



Of course I tell them first about the Ghost - to get them in the right frame of mind.



A pleasant middle age woman greets us at the door and then accompanies us around the house pointing out various things of interest. Of interest to her that is. My children and I are only thinking about one thing - the Ghost in the Basement.



After she concludes the tour she asks if we have any questions. Only one I blurt out - "would it be possible for us to go down in the basement"?



"Whatever for" she replied. "There is nothing down there except the gardener's tools".



Nonetheless, I prevail upon her to let us see the basement telling her, in my pitch, about the John Proctor Ghost. She looked at me as if I had two heads - obviously the woman is a transplant from Toronto.



Anyway - we creep down the olde wooden stairs - and the lady was right - no Ghost, only a bunch of rakes and shovels.



How disappointing.


"Galagher"

p.s. During public school, I delivered the Globe and Mail and one of my customers was Stella Proctor - the last of the Proctors. During the summer months, Ms. Proctor lived in the olde Mansion with a woman companion who served as her aide. Years later, my wife was the head nurse at a Nursing Home in Trenton, and one of her patients was a 105 year old by the name of Amelia. This lady told my wife about the wondrous Balls that the Proctor family held at their mansion, high on Brighton hill, in the late 1800s. I often wonder if, during those glorious Balls, any of the guests took it upon themselves to check out the basement?

The Senate or The Monarchy?

Which should go?




No question - the Senate. It is a waste of money and is just a retirement home for Flaks / Hacks / Ner-do-wells. And oh yes, it is undemocratic. I get a little carried away ...




So what about an Elected Senate?




It would only succeed in adding another layer to an already slow and bureaucratic legislative process. Better to spend the money on House Committees to make them effective and to provide the ordinary MP with some real power.




I have heard it said that we need a Senate because the USA has a Senate to protect their States (read Provinces). But America does not have our British North America which protects the Provinces through a division of power with the Federal Government.




And as for Sober Second Thought - I have yet to see it happen. Perhaps it's due to the 'Sober' requirement?




The sooner the Senate goes - the better. Indeed, I would like to see Stephen Harper include its abolishment as part of his next Election Platform.





So what about the Monarchy? Should it go too?




No.




Can you imagine a President Jean Chretien? I shudder.




With the Monarchy, we here in Canada have something very special - dating back to the year 924 A.D..




Once it is gone - it is gone forever and Canadians will be the poorer for it. That said, I am not optimistic about its future given that many Canadians are either apathetic to the Monarchy or outright antagonistic.

They do not stop to consider what its replacement would be.

Simply stated, it would consist of more politicians which in turn would mean more partisan politics.

The value of the Monarchy is that it is above Politics and as such is unbiased. This can be of great value in times of trouble.

Think back to the Prorogation crisis of last year. Although I disagreed with the Governor General's decision, I respected it for the reasons noted above.

Also think back to the Second World War when Britian was all but defeated. Who did the populace look to before Winston Churchill came officially on the scene. It was the King, whom they rallied around and it was the King whom they were prepared to die for if necessary.

But it wasn't King George the VI - the man; but rather King George the VI the instituiton that rallied the populace.

We have been blessed for many years in having one of the great Monarchs on the Throne - Queen Elizabeth II. I do not suspect that Charles will be so well received but I do have great hope for his son William. But as I have attempted to show above, it really does not matter who occupies the Throne per se, it is the long tradition and history of this institution that makes it special and of value to us all.

Again, I am fearful for the future of the Monarchy here in Canada, but much more fearful of its replacement.

As I see it..

"Galagher"

Democracies of the World Unite

The time has come for the Democracies of the World to truly Unite and become a force to be reckoned with.


Why, you ask?


For several reasons, including the fact that the United Nations - like the League of Nations before it - has failed. It has been taken over by a bunch of petty little dictatorships that have as their prime objective the belittling of Western nations and while so doing, to extract as much money from their victims as possible.


The absolute veto given to the five major powers is another major problem. It has resulted in paralysis - especially since two of their number include Russia and China with both out to protect their ruthless proxies from meaningful UN action.


And speaking of China, in a relatively few years hence, it will have the largest economy of any nation: while the United States' importance will continue to decline.

And last, but by no means least, is the growing Islamist threat toward our democratic way of life.

For all of these important reasons, we need an close association of democratic nations to help offset these serious deficiencies and growing threats.


And in fact, there is such an Organization - it is called the 'Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development' or OECD for short.


Its main function is have its member nations cooperate economically amongst themselves to enhance their democratic institutions.

Given the above problems though it needs to do more.

Specifically, the OECD should include mutual defence to its Mission (i.e. an attack against one, is an attack against all).

Moreover, it should admit to its membership any nation that supports Free Elections and the Rule of Law. It should also work closely with those nations interested in becoming democracies.

But it will quickly have to grow and assume greater importance. Currently only 30 countries make up the membership of the OECD which started life back in 1961.

It will also reqire a name change - how about: The Alliance For Democratic Nations or The AllIANCE for short?

For the past several hundred years the world has had the luxury of relying upon one of its numbers - first Great Britain and more lately, the United States - to ensure a semblance of stability in world affairs - i.e. a world cop.

This era is coming to a close and no other democratic nation stands ready to assume the mantel. From here on in, strength will have to come from numbers and the protection of our way of life will be a collective responsibility - as it should be.

I can see a day, even in my lifetime, when non-democratic countries will be knocking at the door of THE ALLIANCE begging to be taken into a life of freedom and prosperity.

As I see it..

"Galagher"

Canada's Incarceration Rate is Too High

But not nearly as bad as that of the United States.


We here in Canada have an incarceration rate of approximately 110 inmates per 100,000 population which pales in comparison with that of the United States which tops 1000 per 100,000. In fact, America's rate is the highest in the world - even higher than Red China.


But Canada's is too high as well.


That brings me to our Tory Government.


It wants to be tough on crime - which I am all for - as long as our incarceration rate declines.


An Oxymoron? No.


We need to find ways of punishment that do not entail imprisonment. And of course, this applies to the United States tenfold.


I speak with some authority as I have spent time in jail myself. Permit me to explain.


As a law student, our Criminology Class toured many of the penitentiaries in southern Ontario and as a Queen's student, many of those prisons were located right there in our home town.


But, I digress.


From my perspective, the only persons who should be incarcerated are those who are guilty of committing or planning violent crimes - including those who possess guns during the commission of a crime.


Let me try to be more specific. In my estimation the types of crime that warrant imprisonment are: murder; rape; kidnapping; terriorism; robbery; assault; traffickers; and serious damage to property (e.g. arson).


Pedophiles are sick people and should be confined to mental asylums for life or until they are so old or infirm that they cease to be a threat to our kids.


But for the rest, the druggies (users), thieves, embezzlers, fraudsters etc etc - alternative punishments need to be employed.


Punishments such as fines, house arrest, confiscation of property, black listing (e.g. no longer hold public or private office), and community service should be imposed. And, jail - only as a last resort.


In a nut shell, prisons should be used to protect the public from physical violence or serious damage to their property. Prisons are too costly, and really function as crime schools. The fewer housed in these facilities - the better for the public.


Now back to the Tories.

They have passed and are in the process of passing additional legislation that toughens the criminal code: lengthier terms; more minimum sentences; less generous parole provisions.

And that's okay for the violent offender.

But it is not okay for the non-violent offender. Find another way to punish him or her. Place a permanent tattoo on their foreheads if you want - but don't put them in jail.

I will end with a true case example - Conrad Black.

You will know that I am opposed to the punishment handed out to Black.

Here is a more appropriate penalty: surrender of his Title; confiscation of his many properties and wealth; and a life long ban on owning or holding office in any company - either public and private.

As I see it..

"Galagher"

It Never Fails ...at the Big Z

Time for something lighter ...

I avoid Zellers like the plague, but inevitably I get drawn back there for something of great importance...like yesterday, - to buy Anne some much needed wool. (Anne with the broken foot - a story for another time)

I know going in, that whatever check-out line I pick will end up being the wrong one and I was not to be disappointed.

Finding the product of my search is not a problem for me. Hasn't been for years, since the first thing I do upon entering a department store - or similar type 'box' store, is seek out a sales clerk - sorry, an Associate, to act as my proxy in finding the object of my adventure out. Anne would spend a lifetime looking herself but again, that is another story...

Anyway, the real problem for me - and always has been - is finding a way to quickly pay for the items of my quest and speedily be on my way.

As per usual, I carefully surveyed the half dozen lines with 'open' lights on and decided that my best bet was the one most closest to me, as it contained the least number of shoppers. In reality, I knew that I was only kidding myself because I have tried this approach on countless other occasions to no avail.

I was fourth in line, feeling a bit silly with my one ball of wool. In actual fact, it was not a ball but a small oblong shaped pink bundle of yarn. Anyway, back to the line - the first two patrons sailed through without issue- they always do. Then the clerk served the 3rd customer, you know the one directly ahead of me.


The woman had but 4 items - all Halloween in nature. Three packages consisting of false eye lashes, false finger nails, and some wicked type of makeup. The fourth and final item was the traditional, conical, witch's black hat.


Now I am thinking to myself maybe I have been worrying for nought. How long can it take to ring through 4 rather small items albeit unusual ones. In fact, the transaction went without incident. The clerk quickly scanned the 4 horror items through and presented the lady with her very modest bill. The women reached into her purse and started to pull out a twenty dollar bill in payment and then .....she stopped.


She looked at her bill and queried the price. Hadn't she seen signs indicating 40% off rather than the lousy 25% she'd been given?


The clerk went to the handy sales bill on top of her counter and flipped quickly to the Halloween items and showed the lady that 25% was precisely what she was entitled to.


"But the signs said 40%", the woman wailed.

The clerk, to her credit, kept her calm - they always do and I have to think that that is half the problem. Maybe if they'd give these customers the gears from time to time it would help put this petty-type nonsense to rest. I digress.


The clerk then picked up her phone and called the suspect department blasting out for all and sundry to hear that a price check was needed.

We all waited. By this time my line had grown by an additional 4 or 5 others.

Five minutes lapsed and nothing. We all stood there looking at the phone.

Another call went out and another non-reply. More time having elapsed.

And me with my ball - or oblong of pink wool.

I was beginning to think 'horror' thoughts of my own.

Anyway - back to the line, which now was shrinking as those behind me skirted off to other lines. I laughed to myself thinking it served them right for lining up behind me in the first place. They should have known better.

Finally, a manager approached to hear the woman's sad tale of 25% rather than 40% reduction for these modestly priced novelties and the clerk explained the trouble she was having in getting through to the delinquent department.

The manager made a decision, as managers are apt to do. Not the one I was hoping for mind you - that being to give the lady the lousy 40%. No could do, since it would probably amount to the princely sum of a couple of dollars. Heck all they had to do was ask me and I'd have gladly paid it over for her.

No the manager decided that she personally would go and do the price check herself. How noble of her.

In the stores of my upbringing this would be no big deal but in these modern box stores it can amount to a great deal of lost time and energy.

Off she cheerfully went into the bowels of the building.

We all stood transfixed on the phone. And waited.

Finally a ring - and an answer and a response.


The signs advertising 40% related to products other than Halloween items. Case Closed.


The customer was so apologetic, I even began to feel sorry for her.

I even asked her if the costume was for her or a child.

She sheepishly admitted it was for her.

She'll make a great witch.


As I see it..

"Galagher"

p.s. From a book by Walter Mosley: "A life worth remembering is hell to live".

It Makes Eminent Sense

Keep in mind as a Libertarian, the smaller the government, the better.

The Province of Ontario recently announced that it is considering giving its Police the power to arbitrarily stop motorists in their never ending search for drunk drivers.

It makes eminent sense, given the carnage that drunk drivers have caused to themselves and more importantly, to their innocent pax and to other vehicle occupants.

It is hard to imagine but there was a time, in the not too distant past, when drunk driving was "cool". Police turned a blind eye or if the driver was especially blitzed, they would chauffeur him home.

Then they started to stop drivers who evidenced erractic driving and put them through a series of physical tests to help determine the issue of sobriety.

Then came .08 testing and the road blocks (the ride program). So for the first time - everyone was inconvenienced and could be pulled over for no apparent reason other than they might have been drinking to excess. Even though a relatively small per centage of drivers would fall into that category.

Then came .05 and the 24 hour suspensions. Now even those who enjoyed a glass of wine at dinner could lose their driving privelges and presumably their triple A insurance rating irrespective of the fact that they did not pose a danger on the road.

So back to my premise as a Libertarian - big governments get Bigger and BIGGER - if left unchecked.

So now we are to give the Police the power to stop on the highways anyone they wish, for no visible reason whatsoever. Again, despite the fact that the vast majority of drivers are responsible and do not drive while under the influence.

In a Free and Democratic State - which Canada in theory more and more only professes to be - one of the fundamental freedoms of its citizens is to be free from arbitrary search and seizure. With this new proposal, what comes to mind are the old pictures on television of Nazis police stopping innocent citizens on the street and demanding to see their identity papers.

The difference between our current situation and the Nazis approach is one of degree only. And, as time passes, that difference is getting more difficult to discern.

What is becoming ever more apparent is that the basic freedoms of the Majority are being sacrificed in governments' attempt to control the actions of a few.

Yes it is an excellent idea that police be given the power to stop whomever they wish, wherever they like in their ongoing efforts to reduce the deaths and injuries caused by drunk driving.

These ideas are always excellent - they make good sense and each one leads to an even better idea but down a very slippery slope.

For the sake of Democracy and its core freedoms, these ideas too often strike at the very heart of what we are all about.

As I see it..

"Galagher"

ISRAEL...Had Two Friends..

Now there is but one.


Since the Election of Stephen Harper and prior to the Election of Barack Obama, Israel could count on only Canada and the US to defend its interest across the world.


With Obama's victory, it can now only count on Canada.


Obama has turned America away from Israel for two major reasons; first, his naive belief that he can successfully negotiate with their heretofore enemies and second, due to the America's left natural symapathy for all things Palistinian.


Sadly, there may be another factor at play. The Black community in the United States has a pronounced anti-Semitic streak. One would have to think, given Obama's background of life and work on the south side of Chicago, he could not have escaped some of that negative sentiment.


Regardless, for Israel, it could not have come at a worse time.

UN resolutions denouncing Israel are becoming more frequent and more vitrolic.


More important though, it comes at a time when Israel's main enemy, Iran, is on record as saying it intends to obliterate them from from the face of the earth and at a time when Iran has or is about to have the nuclear wherewithal to do just that.

There is really nothing Canada can do to stop it - other than to continue to speak out. Israel must continue to hope that in the final analysis, the USA will be by its side. But, given the above, they must be having serious doubt.

Israel is a very small nation, both real estate and population wise. Its population of less than 8 million people is even slightly less than the number of Palistinians, The country itself is a small sliver of land that borders on the Mediterranian and is surrounded by Arab Countries. Egypt alone - a bordering neighbour - has well over 80 million inhabitants.

It is also the only democratic nation in a sea of dictatorships. Talk about isolated and surrounded!!

And yet, Israel continues to be a beacon to the world on what it continues to accomplish in such a foreboding environment.

In his dying days of office, I fully expected that George W. Bush would have worked with Israel to smash Iran's nuclear capability. Why he did not - is a mystery. Even his VP - is on record as saying he tried to convince his boss to take that step. Perhaps Bush was simply tired with all the outrage that continued to come his way for trying to do the right thing for the world. In that regard, who could blame him.

But he left the issue undone. And now with Obama in place, is it looking less likely that anything will be done by the States.

It comes down to Israelis themselves. If they do bomb Iran - they are damned. If they don't bomb Iran, they risk being obliterated.

What would we in Canada do if faced with the same situation?

I leave it to each of you to decide in your own way.

"Galagher"







Israel is a light on a sea of darkness. With only ?