Ok, I am all over the media today.
First, I have a column in the Globe and Mail, wherein I suggest Prime Minister Stephen Harper would have been better off had he stayed at the National Citizens Coalition.
And I am in today's Toronto Star, talking about the feud between Harper and former Elections Canada boss, J P Kingsley.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Monday, August 27, 2007
Legal Conference
This October the Canadian Constitution Foundation is holding what sounds like a fascinating law conference in Toronto.
The conference, which brings together students, lawyers and judges, will examine the state of freedom in Canada today.
Topics include: What is freedom?; The state of free expression; Freedom and security; Religious freedom; and the state of property rights.
One of the keynote speakers is Supreme Court Justice Marshall Rothstein.
Oh, I almost forgot to mention that I will appear on a panel to talk about election gag laws.
This should be an interesting event. Go here to learn more about it or here to register online.
The Canadian Constitution Foundation, by the way, is a wonderful group that is fighting for freedom through litigation.
Right now, for instance, the CCF is financially assisting two Canadians who are legally challenging the federal government's monopoly on health care.
That's a case to keep an eye on.
The conference, which brings together students, lawyers and judges, will examine the state of freedom in Canada today.
Topics include: What is freedom?; The state of free expression; Freedom and security; Religious freedom; and the state of property rights.
One of the keynote speakers is Supreme Court Justice Marshall Rothstein.
Oh, I almost forgot to mention that I will appear on a panel to talk about election gag laws.
This should be an interesting event. Go here to learn more about it or here to register online.
The Canadian Constitution Foundation, by the way, is a wonderful group that is fighting for freedom through litigation.
Right now, for instance, the CCF is financially assisting two Canadians who are legally challenging the federal government's monopoly on health care.
That's a case to keep an eye on.
Media Alert
I am scheduled to appear on Adler Online this afternoon at approximately 2:30 PM EST to discuss my Sun media column.
Jack Meet Hugo
Check out my latest Sun Media chain column.
It examines a socialist dilemma facing NDP leader Jack Layton.
It examines a socialist dilemma facing NDP leader Jack Layton.
Friday, August 24, 2007
Tread Monster
Now that I am living my life in self-imposed exile, I have decided to plot my return to power in the basement of my Oakville home.
And while working in this subterranean hideout, I have come across some odd machines.
Like this one.
I am not sure what this evil-looking device is for -- some sort of torture I suppose.
Rest assured, I am not going anywhere near it.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Advice for Tory
The Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario is making me nervous.
It seems the Ontario Tories are complaining about some anti-Conservative TV spots that a group known as Working Families Coalition is airing.
The Tories say this group is a front for the Liberals. They further say the group's expenditures should be listed as Liberal campaign expenses.
Now while I worked for the National Citizens Coalition, we were always being accused of being a front for somebody --- the Reform Party, the Conservative Party, the Canadian Alliance, the Liberal Party, the CIA, the Masons, the League of Extraordinary Gentlemen.
So maybe the Working Families Coalition isn't a front for anybody but is a bunch of Working Families -- who are pooling their resources to make a political statement.
OK that's rubbish. You and I both know this "Coalition" is run by big union bosses.
But even big union bosses have a right to express an opinion. The Tories should respect that.
Complaining about third party spending leads to only one thing: election gag laws. And they deny free speech.
What they should do, however, is point out that this "Coalition" is probably funded with forces union dues. And that's wrong!
No one should be forced to subsidize a political cause against his or her will.
So here's my advice to Tory leader John Tory -- promise to change Ontario's labour laws so that union bosses can't use forced dues to finace political causes.
Leave the free speech part alone.
It seems the Ontario Tories are complaining about some anti-Conservative TV spots that a group known as Working Families Coalition is airing.
The Tories say this group is a front for the Liberals. They further say the group's expenditures should be listed as Liberal campaign expenses.
Now while I worked for the National Citizens Coalition, we were always being accused of being a front for somebody --- the Reform Party, the Conservative Party, the Canadian Alliance, the Liberal Party, the CIA, the Masons, the League of Extraordinary Gentlemen.
So maybe the Working Families Coalition isn't a front for anybody but is a bunch of Working Families -- who are pooling their resources to make a political statement.
OK that's rubbish. You and I both know this "Coalition" is run by big union bosses.
But even big union bosses have a right to express an opinion. The Tories should respect that.
Complaining about third party spending leads to only one thing: election gag laws. And they deny free speech.
What they should do, however, is point out that this "Coalition" is probably funded with forces union dues. And that's wrong!
No one should be forced to subsidize a political cause against his or her will.
So here's my advice to Tory leader John Tory -- promise to change Ontario's labour laws so that union bosses can't use forced dues to finace political causes.
Leave the free speech part alone.
Ken McDonald RIP
A true hero for freedom has passed away.
Ken McDonald died on August 20, aged 93 years.
He led a remarkable life. A bomber pilot with the RAF during World War II, Ken travelled the world first in his capacity with the military than as an executive with a commerical airline.
But to me what made Ken so remarkable was his unshakeable committment to fighting for freedom -- whether that meant fighting the Nazis abroad, or Pierre Trudeau's socialism at home.
Not content to simply sit back and watch Trudeau ruin his country, Ken -- at an age when most men retire -- battled socialism with his pen.
He wrote several best-selling books exposing and opposing the Truduea agenda, including the Red Maple, Keeping Canada Together and The Monstrous Trick.
Ken was also one of the founders of the National Citizens Coalition, where he edited and wrote the group's newsletters from 1975 until 1989. That's how I knew him.
The last time I talked to Ken was just after the NCC fired me. He called to express his shock at what had happened and to offer me whatever help he could.
Ken McDonald was a true gentleman of the old school. They don't make them like that anymore.
I will miss him.
Ken McDonald died on August 20, aged 93 years.
He led a remarkable life. A bomber pilot with the RAF during World War II, Ken travelled the world first in his capacity with the military than as an executive with a commerical airline.
But to me what made Ken so remarkable was his unshakeable committment to fighting for freedom -- whether that meant fighting the Nazis abroad, or Pierre Trudeau's socialism at home.
Not content to simply sit back and watch Trudeau ruin his country, Ken -- at an age when most men retire -- battled socialism with his pen.
He wrote several best-selling books exposing and opposing the Truduea agenda, including the Red Maple, Keeping Canada Together and The Monstrous Trick.
Ken was also one of the founders of the National Citizens Coalition, where he edited and wrote the group's newsletters from 1975 until 1989. That's how I knew him.
The last time I talked to Ken was just after the NCC fired me. He called to express his shock at what had happened and to offer me whatever help he could.
Ken McDonald was a true gentleman of the old school. They don't make them like that anymore.
I will miss him.
Victory for freedom in Quebec
Lawyer Brent Tyler is an English-rights crusader, who yesterday scored an amazing victory for choice in Quebec.
Tyler persuaded a Quebec court to strike down as unconstitutional Bill 104, a law which made it illegal for francophone children -- who previously attended private English-language schools -- to attend English public schools.
This now provides a "loophole" for francophone parents who wish to send their kids to English public schools.
Predictably, Quebec's political and intellectual elite are outraged.
"There is a consensus in Quebec as to the necessity to preserve the French language in Quebec," said Cultural Affairs Minister Christine St. Pierre, the minister responsible for the administration of the language law.
In other words, the preservation of French in Quebec is more important than the federal rights charter and more important than individual freedom.
But does St. Pierre really believe the French language is so fragile that permitting parents the choice of sending their kids to English schools will destroy it?
If French is truly that frail, no amount of dictatorial laws will save it.
Anyway, congrats to Brent Tyler -- though the fight is far from over, as this will likely be appealed to the Supreme Court.
And by the way, somebody should ask Prime Minister Stephen Harper where he stands on this case.
While he was president of the National Citizens Coalition, he sent Tyler money to finances similar court challenges.
Wonder if he has changed his mind since then?
Tyler persuaded a Quebec court to strike down as unconstitutional Bill 104, a law which made it illegal for francophone children -- who previously attended private English-language schools -- to attend English public schools.
This now provides a "loophole" for francophone parents who wish to send their kids to English public schools.
Predictably, Quebec's political and intellectual elite are outraged.
"There is a consensus in Quebec as to the necessity to preserve the French language in Quebec," said Cultural Affairs Minister Christine St. Pierre, the minister responsible for the administration of the language law.
In other words, the preservation of French in Quebec is more important than the federal rights charter and more important than individual freedom.
But does St. Pierre really believe the French language is so fragile that permitting parents the choice of sending their kids to English schools will destroy it?
If French is truly that frail, no amount of dictatorial laws will save it.
Anyway, congrats to Brent Tyler -- though the fight is far from over, as this will likely be appealed to the Supreme Court.
And by the way, somebody should ask Prime Minister Stephen Harper where he stands on this case.
While he was president of the National Citizens Coalition, he sent Tyler money to finances similar court challenges.
Wonder if he has changed his mind since then?
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Yes even more LSS Coverage
More Liberty Summer Seminar stuff.
Here's Peter Jaworksi presenting me with the first annual Peter M. Jaworski Freedom Medal -- AKA a cap from a bottle of Liberty Ale.
(And he kept the beer.)
And here's me in sort of what looks I have a broken arm or something. (What is there about me, that I just can't take a good photo?!)
And here's one, where I am thinking, "Is a bear going to come charging out of these woods?"
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Me on Video
Hey my friend over at Blue Blogging Soapbox has already posted on the Internet a video of my Libety Summer Seminar speech.
Have a look.
(Warning this video has conservative themes. Viewer discretion is advised.)
Oh and I am told the folks at the Institute for Liberal Studies will soon have an edited version of my talk on their website.
Have a look.
(Warning this video has conservative themes. Viewer discretion is advised.)
Oh and I am told the folks at the Institute for Liberal Studies will soon have an edited version of my talk on their website.
Monday, August 20, 2007
Liberty Weekend
I had a wonderful time this weekend attending the Liberty Summer Seminar.
Got a chance to give a talk entitled: "Pigs, Power and Politics: Fighting for Freedom Che Guevara style". That went over well.
Also got a chance to meet old friends and to make news ones.
But the the highlight of the weekend had to be when Seminar organizer Peter Jaworski presented me with an award.
That's right, I was the proud recipient of the Peter M. Jaworksi Freedom Medal, which really, really looks like the cap off a beer botte.
Oh and I was also named an "Associate" of the Institute for Liberal Studies.
So all in all, it was a pretty good weekend.
Got a chance to give a talk entitled: "Pigs, Power and Politics: Fighting for Freedom Che Guevara style". That went over well.
Also got a chance to meet old friends and to make news ones.
But the the highlight of the weekend had to be when Seminar organizer Peter Jaworski presented me with an award.
That's right, I was the proud recipient of the Peter M. Jaworksi Freedom Medal, which really, really looks like the cap off a beer botte.
Oh and I was also named an "Associate" of the Institute for Liberal Studies.
So all in all, it was a pretty good weekend.
Friday, August 17, 2007
Comrade Jack
One of the tactics left-wing politicians like to use to attack Prime Minister Stepehen Harper is to suggest he is a "George Bush clone."
They do this, I suppose, because both Bush and Harper are, at least nominally, conservatives.
So fair is fair. If it's OK to call Harper a Bush clone, it should also be alright to label NDP leader Jack Layton a "Hugo Chavez clone".
Chavez, the soon-to-be dictator of Venezuela, like Layton is a socialist.
So if Layton ever becomes Prime Minister here is what he will do if he follows the Chavez model:
* Change the constitution to allow himself to assume the role of "president for life".
* Shut down the country's private media.
* Expropriate private property on a massive scale.
* Nationalize oil companies.
* Set up alliances with terrorist-supporting regimes.
* Form deep friendship with Sean Penn.
All hail Chariman Jack!
They do this, I suppose, because both Bush and Harper are, at least nominally, conservatives.
So fair is fair. If it's OK to call Harper a Bush clone, it should also be alright to label NDP leader Jack Layton a "Hugo Chavez clone".
Chavez, the soon-to-be dictator of Venezuela, like Layton is a socialist.
So if Layton ever becomes Prime Minister here is what he will do if he follows the Chavez model:
* Change the constitution to allow himself to assume the role of "president for life".
* Shut down the country's private media.
* Expropriate private property on a massive scale.
* Nationalize oil companies.
* Set up alliances with terrorist-supporting regimes.
* Form deep friendship with Sean Penn.
All hail Chariman Jack!
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Media Alert
I am scheduled to appear on the London radio show Focus 980 this morning at about 10:15 AM to talk about two topics:
1. Metal Pipes Falling out of the Sky.
2. The cabinet Shuffle.
How many other people do you know who could discuss those two issues?
1. Metal Pipes Falling out of the Sky.
2. The cabinet Shuffle.
How many other people do you know who could discuss those two issues?
Soupcoff on Bernier
I mentioned a few posts ago, about how our new Foreign Affairs Minister, Maxime Bernier, was the star of the Harper cabinet.
Seems like National Post editor Marni Soupcoff also has a high opinion of this man.
In a Post editorial today, Marni writes of Bernier as: "Someone who had entered politics for the right reasons -- to defend his ideals and promote freedom ... This was someone who couldn't have known the prize (if a Cabinet position is to be considered a prize) that awaited him, but stuck his neck out just the same."
And she adds:
"Do I think that Maxime Bernier will ultimately have the ability to single-handedly overcome the Leviathan of our bloated government? Sadly, no. Stephen Harper has proven a good example of how the assumption of power inevitably bends and stretches once firmly held ideals. And physics seems to dictate that the greater the power, the bendier those ideals become.
But as a man who got into government because he wanted to promote liberty, rather than himself, Bernier should at least cause far less harm than most of his peers."
Actually it's kind of a sad commentary on today's political scene that the best we can hope for is that our leaders "cause far less harm" than their peers.
Seems like National Post editor Marni Soupcoff also has a high opinion of this man.
In a Post editorial today, Marni writes of Bernier as: "Someone who had entered politics for the right reasons -- to defend his ideals and promote freedom ... This was someone who couldn't have known the prize (if a Cabinet position is to be considered a prize) that awaited him, but stuck his neck out just the same."
And she adds:
"Do I think that Maxime Bernier will ultimately have the ability to single-handedly overcome the Leviathan of our bloated government? Sadly, no. Stephen Harper has proven a good example of how the assumption of power inevitably bends and stretches once firmly held ideals. And physics seems to dictate that the greater the power, the bendier those ideals become.
But as a man who got into government because he wanted to promote liberty, rather than himself, Bernier should at least cause far less harm than most of his peers."
Actually it's kind of a sad commentary on today's political scene that the best we can hope for is that our leaders "cause far less harm" than their peers.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
My steel bar generates headlines
My adventures with the "mysterious" steel bar is making me a celebrity.
Check out this story in the Oakville Beaver entitled, "Sky is Falling on Oakville resident".
Next step: Work out a book deal, then a movie.
Check out this story in the Oakville Beaver entitled, "Sky is Falling on Oakville resident".
Next step: Work out a book deal, then a movie.
The Dark Lords
My personal mentor -- the man who taught me everything I know about politics and who ingrained in me the importance of sticking to your principles --- is American political consultant Arthur J. Finkelstein.
AJF is a brilliant political strategist, a masterful pollster and more importantly he is my friend.
So that's why I was pleased to see he was officially proclaimed "An Evil Genius" and a "Dark Lord."
Congratulations Arthur.
Perhaps one of these days I too will be considered an evil genius. But until then I will have to content myself with being "One of the top five political minds in the country."
AJF is a brilliant political strategist, a masterful pollster and more importantly he is my friend.
So that's why I was pleased to see he was officially proclaimed "An Evil Genius" and a "Dark Lord."
Congratulations Arthur.
Perhaps one of these days I too will be considered an evil genius. But until then I will have to content myself with being "One of the top five political minds in the country."
More Cabinet Thoughts
Having had a chance to reflect over night on yesterday's cabinet shuffle, I can now officially conclude that I am disappointed.
If the shuffle indicated anything it's that the government plans to continue drifting aimlessly to the Left, at least on fiscal matters. Jim Flaherty is still at Finance, Jim Prentice is now Industry Minister, and the only true small "c" conservative in cabinet, Maxime Bernier, is out of the country on the Embassy circuit.
That's disappointing, but hardly surprising.
For other reactions to the shuffle, see here, here and here maybe here.
If the shuffle indicated anything it's that the government plans to continue drifting aimlessly to the Left, at least on fiscal matters. Jim Flaherty is still at Finance, Jim Prentice is now Industry Minister, and the only true small "c" conservative in cabinet, Maxime Bernier, is out of the country on the Embassy circuit.
That's disappointing, but hardly surprising.
For other reactions to the shuffle, see here, here and here maybe here.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Media Update
I am scheduled to appear on CHQR's The World Tonight at approximately 8:40 PM EST to discuss today's Cabinet shuffle.
The Cabinet Shuffle
Early thoughts about the federal cabinet shuffle:
* Gordon O'Connor gone as Defence Minister. No surprise. Once upon a time Defence was a minor post, usually given to some light weight. No more. With the war in Afghanistan, the government needs to communicate to Canadians as to why the effort is worth the high price we are paying. Will Peter MacKay be up to the job? Who knows? But he will be an improvement over O'Connor.
* Maxime Bernier to Foreign Affairs. Bernier is one of few stars in Harper's cabinet. And I think the man most likely to succeed the Prime Minister. Maybe that's why Harper wants him out of the country. I would rather have seen him as Finance Minister.
* Jim Prentice going to Industry. Not a good move. Prentice is a media darling, but a Red Tory and I fear he could do a lot of damage in that post.
* Diane Ablonczy in Cabinet. It's about time.
* Bev Oda out as Heritage Minister. Good news. Oda who is more liberal than the Liberals never met a government subsidy she didn't like. However, I doubt her replacement Josee Verner will be much of an improvement.
* Big disappointment. Jim Flaherty remains as Finance Minister. A sign the Tory drift to the left will continue.
* Gordon O'Connor gone as Defence Minister. No surprise. Once upon a time Defence was a minor post, usually given to some light weight. No more. With the war in Afghanistan, the government needs to communicate to Canadians as to why the effort is worth the high price we are paying. Will Peter MacKay be up to the job? Who knows? But he will be an improvement over O'Connor.
* Maxime Bernier to Foreign Affairs. Bernier is one of few stars in Harper's cabinet. And I think the man most likely to succeed the Prime Minister. Maybe that's why Harper wants him out of the country. I would rather have seen him as Finance Minister.
* Jim Prentice going to Industry. Not a good move. Prentice is a media darling, but a Red Tory and I fear he could do a lot of damage in that post.
* Diane Ablonczy in Cabinet. It's about time.
* Bev Oda out as Heritage Minister. Good news. Oda who is more liberal than the Liberals never met a government subsidy she didn't like. However, I doubt her replacement Josee Verner will be much of an improvement.
* Big disappointment. Jim Flaherty remains as Finance Minister. A sign the Tory drift to the left will continue.
McGuinty and the Crickets
Had a column in the Hamilton Spectator yesterday where I give some "advice" to Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty on how he should handle his latest PR problem.
So check it out.
So check it out.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
