AFGHANISTAN

Trudeau's Waterloo?

When Trudeau launched Canada's Federal Election Campaign just short days ago, the very same day, the Taliban conquered Kabul and the whole of Afghanistan lay at their feet.

Up to that point, Trudeau and his Liberal Party were in line for a majority government come election day on September 20th. The only real issue standing in their way was that he had called the Election in the 4th Wave of the Covid 19 (Delta) Pandemic.  But with the fall of Kabul, he now faces a much bigger obstacle in realizing his electoral dreams.

Those who had helped Canada during our time fighting there were now trapped like rats along with their families.  The writing had been on the wall for some time but the Trudeau Government did diddly to bring them safely here to Canada. It looked like a safe bet since the so-called experts predicted the Fall but believed the timing was months away rather than mere hours. In other words, Trudeau and his Brain Trust believed that the Election would be well and truly over by that time.  Now of course it is too late. 

So Trudeau has discovered, to his overwhelming dismay, that it is most difficult to brag about his supposed Government's successes while watching Afghans fall from Aeroplan's' under-carriages. 

If Trudeau was smart, which we know is not the case, he would have immediately ceased campaigning in the face of this human tragedy and devoted all of his time to getting our allies and their families out of this doomed nation.  

This will likely mean minority status for the Liberals and even possibly minority status for the Conservatives.  In essence though minority status for the Libs really will equate to majority territory since they can count on the suppliant New Democrats to support them come what may.  Conversely, even if the Tories squeak a minority - it would last but minutes in the scheme of things since those same Liberals and NDP'ers will gang up and use their combined majority to throw O'Toole and his crew out.

Canada has after all become a most Progressive Nation but sadly not in a 'Progressive' Conservative way.  

But there is something that surpasses Elections...Win or Lose and that concerns the needless loss of life and on both of these two counts ...the Virus and Afghanistan he has failed miserably.  He put his full trust in China developing an effective vaccine that they would share with Canada.  They quickly reneged... dooming many to death.  No apologies from Justin.  In the case of Afghanistan, our troops have been gone since 2014 and yet not a finger did Trudeau lift to get our domestic allies out of harm's way.  Now of course it is too late and once again - no apology given in the face of their death at the hands of these Taliban Monsters.  How the guy can sleep at night ...I simply do not know. 

As I See It...

K.D. Galagher

 

Hypocritic Oath

The other more well known Oath is the Hippocratic Oath wherein Physicians  pledge to prescribe only beneficial treatments, according to his or her abilities and judgment and to refrain from causing harm or hurt to their patient.

The Hypocritic Oath, in contrast, turns the above up-side-down and extends its blessing to eliminating the patient entirely from the face of this earth.

Sadly, the Medical Community has more or less acquiesced to what politicians in their conscious effort to reduce health care costs on the basis that dead people use up less resources than sick ones.  

Your Mother was once the Chair of West Ottawa Hospice while I was a Board Member.  The Principle of Hospice is to provide a special kind of care that focuses on the quality of life for people and their caregivers who are experiencing an advanced, life-limiting illness. Hospice Care provides compassionate care for people in the last phases of incurable disease so the they may live as fully and as a comfortable as possible including free of pain.

At that time, our Hospice was Home Delivered Care by a vast team of specially trained volunteers ...and since then it now includes actual Hospice Premises with beds.

The idea behind Hospice was to celebrate life and to act as a counter to MAID - Medical Assistance In Dying, with the latter now taking on a life of its own ...pardon the pun. Since the inception of MAID in Canada in 2016 some 14,000 have chosen death by medical suicide and those numbers are growing with each passing year.  And they no longer have to be near death to qualify for this life ending procedure - most are elderly but the young and the disabled are also included.

To add insult, Hospices are now losing their funding if they refuse to include MAID in their tool box of help.

In her recent and most insightful letter to an Editor, Doctor E. Warner had this to say about MAID:

The decision of our political leaders to solve our health care crisis by convincing the Canadian Public that murdering our most expensive citizens - the olde, the disabled and the chronically ill - is the sign of an enlightened, compassionate society is beyond egregious. It not only signals the impending collapse of our health-care system but heralds the moral collapse of our society as a whole. 

I end with Dylan Thomas' immortal words:

Do not go gentle into that good night.

Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

We Will All Be Better Off For It.

As I See It...

K.D. Bell

 

HAS THE LIGHT GONE OUT ?

UPDATE:  From the UK's Sunday Telegraph, its article titled 'Democracy

In Decline' - here are some excerpts...Around the world democracy is in retreat. ...The generals have taken back power (in countless countries). Asia, Africa, South America. the Middle East ...(all over the world). And this does not even include China and Russia. The Democracy Index found recently that only 8.4% of the world's population lived in full democracies*  The late great Charles Krauthammer is quoted as saying in 2017..."and now in a development once unimaginable, mature Western Democracies are experiencing a surge of ethnonationalism a blood and soil patriotism a weariness with parliamentary dysfunction and an attraction ...to strongman rule."    The article goes on to note that 'American conservatism has suddenly been transformed into something much closer to European Authoritarianism. ...hardly anyone is making the case for constitutional democracy..the open society is slipping away unmourned ...By heaven we'll miss it when it is gone'. 

*I am not sure if our own country Canada is in this 8.4% but if it is, sadly I believe it is mis-classified.

As in the 'Beacon On The Hill'...The U S of  A

I have written a lot of late concerning the Decline of Democracy and Our Freedoms generally but in the past we could always count on America to our south to preserve these rights and to protect us.  This is becoming less evident though with the passage of time.

Crime is up big time in America - the murder capital - Chicago has seen its murder rate climb some 69% in less than 2 years.  Mass Shootings have become a daily occurrence and muggings no longer even warrant comment.  The Homeless have taken over their City Streets - drugs, needles, excrement, crime along with them.

And the Bad Guys - China, Russia and Their Ilk are on the rise.

I was going to do a Blog on this Subject but Allister Heath of the London Daily Telegraph beat me to it and in doing so ...did a far better job than I could ever do.

Allister Heath: America — the dying city on a hill 

LONDON — It was the land of capitalism, freedom, the melting pot and the American dream: its deep imperfections notwithstanding, I always held it to be a self-evident truth that there was much the United States of America could teach Britain. On visits during my teenage and student years, I was enthralled by the dynamism, the can-do attitude, the work ethic, the quality of life of the middle classes, the commitment to religious freedom and civil society, the brilliance of the universities, the romance of its great cities and the lifestyle epitomized by the homes and cars of its suburbs.

Much of what Alexis de Tocqueville described in his brilliant, premonitory “Democracy in America” in 1835 remained correct: there were crippling caveats, of course, but the U.S. was the greatest ever experiment in building a modern civilization based around constitutionally limited government, individualism and mass participation in wealth and decision-making.

Even America’s awful downsides, the hideous, shocking ways in which it deviated from its founding principles, some of which I witnessed first hand on an exchange program at a horribly divided school in Baltimore, appeared to be slowly improving. It was still possible to hope that the despicable evil of racism, the appalling legacy of slavery and segregation, were finally on the way out, that progress was being made, that Martin Luther King’s dream of judging people on the content of their character, not the colour of their skin, might one day be reached.

America’s other horrors, not least rampant violence, were also in retreat: the fight against crime was liberating cities such as New York and ushering in an urban renaissance, which other countries would eventually copy. There were other problems, of course, not least homelessness and poverty, but lesser versions of these were hardly absent in Europe, including the French banlieues.

A quarter of a century later, I still love America but the tragic reality is that today’s United States is no longer Ronald Reagan’s shining city on a hill. It is, instead, a republic in decline, plunged into a moral, economic, philosophical and existential crisis that may yet destroy it. Joe Biden’s useless presidency will merely intensify the forces driving the nihilism that is eating away at America’s soul.

So what happened since my student days? Automation, globalization and the failures of state education slashed the returns to blue-collar, unskilled work. Stagnant wages for such groups, combined with the increased cost of housing (caused by regulatory-imposed scarcity and cheap money) have affected poorer Americans severely, with falling life expectancy among certain demographics even before COVID, as well as a collapse in marriage and fertility and a surge in loneliness and addiction.

This economic crisis has gone hand in hand with the rise of secularism: just 47 per cent of Americans now belong to a house of worship, according to Gallup, the first time in 80 years that this has fallen below half, and down disastrously from 70 per cent in 1999. The result of all this has been to push working-class people towards populism and graduates towards a form of neo-Corbynite left.

At the same time, returns to Ivy League degrees increased sharply, creating a super-class of married, two-income families that congregate in cities or exclusive suburbs. In the 1950s, the average CEO or lawyer had largely similar tastes to the average worker, almost uniquely in the West; now tastes are radically different depending on class, as has always been the case in the Old World.

Their beliefs have diverged equally drastically: America’s elites, led by younger graduates, have abandoned their post-1960s liberalism and embraced instead what Wesley Yang has described as its “successor ideology”: the sinister “woke” secular religion of so-called “social justice warriors” who see the world through the distorted prism of “intersectionality,” oppression, identity politics and the catch-all of “white supremacy.” These people say they want to fight racism but, in reality, are balkanizing America and have no interest in a truly meritocratic, colour-blind society finally at peace with itself, the original liberal ideal.

In the authoritarian, anti-democratic worldview that now dominates universities, big business, government and cultural institutions, free speech is dismissed as violence, conservatism as fascism and differences of opinion as “micro-aggressions.” Capitalism is loathed, as is free enquiry. The old elite — whether left-liberal or Reaganite — tried to help the poor: the new elite dislikes the working class and seeks to deploy “cancel culture” to stamp out dissent. It attacks selective state schooling and campaigns to defund the police, moves that have led to an explosion of crime and are hitting minorities especially badly.

The right, for its part, has also gone mad: too many Republicans have ditched their old principles — be it free markets, limited government or social conservatism — and instead embraced a dumbed-down, populist demagoguery on a long list of issues. Many Republican voters still believe, against all facts and evidence, that the election was rigged; on COVID, conspiracies have been rife. Trumpism could be the death of the Republican party.

Left and right hate each other: they refuse to talk, to live together and they don’t want their children to marry one another. Race relations are also deteriorating again after years of gradual progress, according to polling.

The economic chaos to date is nothing compared to what might happen. The establishment believes it can borrow with impunity: the dollar remains the world’s reserve currency, granting it seigniorage, geopolitical and other privileges. Yet one day this will end, especially if America goes on consuming above its means. The U.S. continues to attract the best and brightest from all around the world, helping to prop up its world-beating tech industry. But how long can this last if hard work is being replaced by identity politics, and with the spectre of extortionate taxes being pushed by neo-Marxists? The tech giants — once disruptive, libertarian ventures that empowered ordinary people — have often become corporatized agents of the woke elites, and will eventually face a global reckoning. China, meanwhile, is powering ahead with its own tech and military investments.

Can America still be saved? I hope so, for the sake of its wonderful people and for what we used to call “the free world.” However, for the first time, I’m no longer sure.

                                                                                     -----

Stephen Harper Redeems Himself

 Last week, former Prime Minister Harper along with many other "eminent" Canadians including Paul Martin placed a Full Page Ad in our Daily Newspapers wherein they denounced Discrimination...

And as you know, I did a Blog about it.

This had to be the most un-newsworthy bit of the year and yet it was quite noteworthy since it excluded any reference to us Christians - i.e. the ones who are having their Churches Burned and Vandalized.  Some 60 Churches across the country to date have met this fate.  As I said in my earlier Blog, the only way this motherhood statement of Harper et al would have been newsworthy is if they had all come out for discrimination.  

Be that as it may, with his Article in the July 30th edition of the  National Post - Harper redeemed himself:  "The modern left ...its ethics are entirely nihilist. It's all about ripping everything down and seeking to end the democratic system. The adolescent egos of the woke university crowd is not an alternative governing philosophy for any society". 

As you know, I have been saying similar things but for me the underlying reason this is happening is that Societies of the World lack the Values and the Principles that our ancestors possessed. With Values and Principles come Vibrant Democracies along with the Rule of Law.  Their absence ensures the rise of dictators...that is to say -  authoritarianism.  

It use to be that our Members of Parliament at least paid lip service to the concept of representing their constituents.  Now they represent the Party's Leader to the Riding.  And once in Parliament, it gets even worse...they become trained seals at the bidding of the PMO. 

So with that in mind, let's take a look in some more detail at what has happened to our so called Democracy here in Canada since our "esteemed" Prime Minister J. Trudeau was first elected in 2015:

• He has increased our Debt to well over $1 Trillion Dollars and continues to spend Billions more by the Day...all without any Parliamentary Oversight.  The Independent Auditor estimates that it will take at least until 2070 to see a balanced budget... if even then;
• Parliament has been shuddered on numerous occasions with Governmental Decisions being made from the P.M.'s Porch Step;
• Vital Parliamentary Committees have been filibustered and made neutered; 
• Our Courts - populated by unelected officials have been left to do the heavy lifting when it comes to contentious issues.  It used to be that Judges interpreted the law...now they make it. 
• Trudeau's support for Quebec's Bill C-21 - and sadly as well as our other Leaders means He / They have little or no regard for Religious Freedom - one of the Main Pillars of any Healthy Society.;
• Recent Bills to limit Freedom of Speech go to the very Heart of how Dangerous a Character this guy Trudeau is...why the World's Dictators look on in Envy;
• And he has bought and paid for a good portion of the Press with Taxpayer Dollars.  His so-called Daily News Conferences are open to only Friendly Media hence the soft ball questions that He can so deftly deflect;
• Finally, His Distain for the Rule of Law was amply shown with His showing former Justice Minister Jody Wilson Raybould the door. 

I could go on but hopefully the above gives you a sense as to why here in Canada Democracy is under  attack as it is in many other countries...The Progressives Are Calling The Shots. 

Harper ends his missive by saying that even with Trudeau's attack on Our Failing Democracy ..Canada is still the Best Place in the World To Live.  Sad, but True.  But it could and Should be so Much Better.

Hopefully things will in time right themselves but regardless, at least we Canadians have our Families, Friends, and Faith to hold on to and a Standard of Living that is the Envy of Much of the World.  But as my first point indicates, even that is in grave danger thanks to the worst Prime Minister we have had to endure since the time of His Father ...the Infamous Pierre Elliott some 37 years ago.

As I See It...

K. D. Galagher

THE ANTI-VAXERS ARE PROVING THAT ...

 THE DARWINIAN THEORY IS ALIVE AND WELL !!

We are in a once in a 100 year Pandemic and these idiots have the nerve to complain about taking vaccine.

The fact that one was invented in a most timely fashion is incredible...that there are multiple good ones available for us is simply miraculous. 

As a Libertarian, I believe if an adult individual wants to injure his or herself ...that is their decision to make although as a Christian I would not want that to happen.  But when they risk the lives and health of others ...that is a non-starter.

A renowned Employment Lawyer stated that if these bozos pass on the virus at Work - the injured party(s) would have the right to sue Civilly for Damages - against the Offender as well as the Employer...as it should be.

As a Retired Lawyer, I can say too that such reckless behaviour can attract Criminal Charges ...as in Criminal Negligence causing Injury or Death.

So Take The Vaccine !!

Some will say that having the vaccine will not necessarily prevent you from contracting Covid 19 or from even passing it on.  True...but in the former case, the symptoms will most likely be minimal and in the latter case, if you have taken your shots you too will not be in any grave danger.  If, on the other-hand, you want to persist in your stupidity - then go live in a tent in the wilderness where you are not likely to encounter other humans.  

And that brings me to the issue of Passports - both our Prime Minister - Young Justin Trudeau and our Premier - Doug Ford are opposed to making Passports Mandatory.  I guess they are okay with having their conscientious citizens exposed to the deliberately (and silent) non-vaccinated.  Well I Am Not !! By their actions they are coconspirators by assisting the non-vaccinated to spreading death and destruction.  

Public facilities should not only have the right but the obligation to demand evidence from their patrons / employees that they have received the vaccine.

As They always say ..."We Are All In This Together" ... so get the shot.

As I See It...

K.D. Galagher

IS QUEBEC DESTINED TO BECOME EVEN MORE OF A BACKWATER ?

 MOST LIKELY...AND LET ME COUNT THE WAYS:

First off, it considers itself to be a Nation - so much for a partnership of equals in our Country still known as Canada.

Secondly, Polls show that a majority of Quebecers are xenophobic...they do not like Immigrants and that explains why Bill C-21 has received such vast support.  Since the Quiet Revolution, Anglos have left Quebec in droves and Immigrants will be doing so or either that or not coming to Quebec in the first place. 

Third, is Bill C-21 itself which renders any citizen who wishes to display symbols of their religion to be second class.  The new fast train to Toronto will not want for passengers fleeing the Province. 

And finally, Four, Quebec has made French as its Only Official Language- when English is the main language spoken in North America and where English is the main language of Business throughout the world.  Their people will be at such a disadvantage but I would bet you a dollar to a donut that the children of the Quebec Elite will still find a way to learn both languages...no fools them.  

So add them up; 1+ 2 +3 +4 =  Backwater. 

As proof of this, an article appeared in today's National Post Financial Section that dealt with the current negotiations underway wherein the Canadian National Railway HQ in Montreal is attempting to buy a Railroad based in Kansas.  CNR's rival is the Canadian Pacific Railway based in Alberta.  Negotiations are encountering some rough water from the Kansas City Rail Shareholders due to their concerns over Number 4 - they do not like the fact that English will not be welcomed in the new entity's Head Office.  They are also disillusioned by the fact that they view Quebec to be wedded to Socialism.  Will the merger go through ... possibly but there are rough waters ahead and to me this merely foreshadows much more difficulty for Quebec in the future.

So in its effort to preserve Quebec's language and distinct culture their Government is taking their Province...oh I mean their Nation... Out of Play.   

As I See It ...

K.D. Galagher

WHAT DID US CHRISTIANS EVER DO TO DESERVE THIS ?

 LAST WEEK, IN A FULL PAGE AD, A LARGE NUMBER OF 'DISTINGUISHED' CANADIANS INCLUDING FORMER PRIME MINISTERS HARPER AND MARTIN, CAME OUT AGAINST....ARE YOU READY FOR IT ... DISCRIMINATION.

They opposed Discrimination Against Blacks, Asians, the Indigenous and included in their list were followers of both the Muslim and Jewish Faith.  Missing, was any word of what they thought about Domestic Violence, Workhouses and Debtors' Prisons. 

As I was reading this, I thought to myself 'what a waste of space and money' - and who was paying for this?  From a newsworthy point of view it would only be so if they had all come out in favour of  discrimination.  In other words, their condemnation amounted to little more than apple pie and mother knows best.

But Their Ad was in fact Noteworthy for one reason... Christians were purposely left out !! This despite the fact that our Churches are being burned down or vandalized all over this country.  Not a Word. 

Is it possible that they too believe, as our 'esteemed' Prime Minister believes, that we Christians had it coming and that the burning of our churches in his considered opinion "was understandable".  (Another classic example of His having His Mother's Looks as well as His Mother's Brain). 

As you know, your Mother and I, along with 2 other Catholic Couples held a Rally on Parliament Hill a few years ago to bring awareness to the plight of Christians around the world... especially in the Middle East.  Some 2,000 attended on very short notice and all the major religions were represented, along with all the major political parties...save one - the Liberals. This was not totally surprising to us since one of the reasons we held our Rally was because the Liberals consistently went on about how badly Muslims were fairing over there but never once commented on the numerous deaths and destruction that  Christians were facing at the hands of Islamic Extremists.

Systemic Racism Does Not Exist In Canada.  But Stunts like Harper, Martin et al only serve to reinforce the impression that we are.  And to leave out Us Christians renders their effort even more derisible. 

What we need is greater effort to bring the various factions in Society together to Unite Us All in what is best for Canada and in the end what is Best for Each One of Us.  It comes down to Accentuating the Positive rather than Dwelling on the Negative since the Fact is, We Are ALL Most Fortunate To Live In The Best Country In the World.  

As I See It...

K.D. Bell