Lost in Manitoba

Last week a friend of mine got a call from Revenue Canada. They were trying to track down his brother because he had not paid taxes in the last 3 years. The reason, unfortunately, was that he was killed in a car accident 3 years before. Now call me nitt-picky, but before the feds want to fingerprint me or tag my DNA for a database, should they not work with and organize the info they've got to at least know which of their citizens are alive or dead? (needless to say my friend was a tad upset)

I know we don't take too much stock in polls, 'round here, but how's it looking there in Ontario? Not my province but I would definitely feel sorry for you guys (even Craig ) if you had to put up with Eves for another term. I've been incommunicado for awhile, was there an election for Toronto yet? Or is Lassman still there?

I've always appreciated the role of the auditor general. Sure there is corruption in our gov't, in any gov't to be honest. People will abuse, lie, cheat, steal, and act in a dishonourable manner. I find it encouraging, though, to see the truth come to light. Or, at least, someone up there in the gov't commissioned and empowered to do so. From what I hear of Fraser's reports, the majority of all waste and 'scandal' comes from the Feds (liberals). If the trend of politics is going towards openness, transparency, and accountabillity, then I would say this is a good start. It's naive to think that if the CA or PC party was in charge that there would be no crooks in office. The A.G. would likely still be releasing reports on waste and underhanded dealings but she would be pointing the finger at the new guys in charge. What needs to be improved is the accountabillity factor, ie. prosecution, demotion, and firing. As I said though, I am encouraged and hopeful that watchdog positions will improve the overall honesty and efficiency of our gov't (who's being naive now right ) and as an extra comment: Coming from MR. Useless Nattering Organization, Dumbocrat, lie-brals, and so on... the buzz word of the month comment means very little.

How about all civil unions being equal in regards to rights and privelage. Just label the document with the process on which it was achieved. ie. 'Civil Union through Crown Magistrate' or 'Civil Union through Catholic Marriage Ceremony' or 'Civil Union through Islamic Marriage Ceremony', etc.

Fingerprints are intrusive. I would guess they would have to be stored in a Gov't database because no matter what, information on a card can be altered. So here's a huge database waiting to be abused. I leave prints everywhere (resteraunts, bathrooms, doorknobs), so what's to prevent the MAN from taking those prints in an unauthorized or secret fashion? Forget that. There are better ways that are harder to abuse. Greg says he will not travel stateside if a passport is required. I, on the other hand, will probably renounce my American citizenship. I want nothing to do with Orwell's Big Brother. Never did like that guy.

Way to go Borotsik! He was my mayor when I was a kid. Was disappointed he went with PC but he does do a good job representing his constituents. So Springer, do you really believe Harper will be the next PM? Or are you more realistic and think he'll just capture more of the vote?

But maybe we should privatize our school system, right Craig? When I took my aptitude tests to join the USN, I had to go to GrandForks ND, I believe. That was a central recruiting station for about 4 different states. I tied the top overall score for the testing which was standing for a few years at that time. Now what was the reason for this? I don't think I'm a genius by anymeans. I guess it could be that the millitary doesn't attract the brightest people. Or, and I happen to believe this, our public education system is leaps and bounds over that of the US. Maybe the Yanks should try paying their teachers a decent wage istead buying missles at $5million a pop.

I've been working too much and fall semester just started. I guess I'm out of touch. What are we talking about?

Sorry. Was that sarcasm that went over my head or did you just say you were going to vote NDP?

Good Post Riff. I agree with everything you said.

Good Luck Pell. Though lacking in experience, youth definitely adds to politics. Keep us updated on how things are going.

I do care about Grandma, however, and do listen to her ideas.

Everything I've heard and seen of Justin has been actually pretty good. He does quite a bit of charity work, is quite involved in helping children, and instead of going into politics (the freeride) he's taking an engineering degree, I believe. Don't fault the dude for his father or for wealth and privelage, he seems(keyword) to have turned out right. One interview I heard with him said he can't see himself going into politics because he has so many other interests, but he wouldn't rule it out 20-30yrs down the road.

Oh, you're right of course Hugo. The red colonies around here definitely rely on my capitalist city. As for faceless masses, there's usually about 200people and 2 last names; they know each other quite well.

From the interviews I've heard with Justin, I would question if his politics would go to the liberals

Being in MB I daily see an example of communism that works: hutterites. I'll give yout that they are small commie populations that draw from commerce of the larger capitalist population (machinery, clothes, etc.), but generally speaking they seem to be financially responsible and thriving.

Actually Neddy, I was asking more along the lines if a hetero couple have ever gone to court for the right to marry in a Church, or more specifically a Catholic marrying a Jew fought for marriage in his Church? I was at the gym today and I saw something on one of the TV's about 74% of Calif. supports gay marriage(I think). Can't find it on the CNN website though. Anyone else hear this?

I guess I would generally agree with that Hugo. Depending on the form of socialism, though, wouldn't working harder ensure better pension, maybe more benifits, etc...

Of course you'll look at it how you wish, but maybe the cause is just wanting to get out of such densley populated areas. Crime Rate, Fear, Effects of Congestion. There's plenty of reasons to leave NY. I will jump to conclusions, as you two have done, and say that a PoMo liberal might actually be more likely to leave such places because they want better quality of living (enviro/safety), whereas the capitalist hardcore will stay where the action is, being greedy of course.

About the last part of you post Craig. Benifits for the elderly are one of the only fair and legitimate special privelages a society can give. With luck, everyone in our society (rich or poor, black or white) will someday obtain that special status. You can look at them as a burden because they use more of our social net, but have they not paid taxes all their lives?

You could be right, Hugo, but I just can't see the justice there. I have a decidely utilitarian kind of view on that; not the 'most good for the most people' but more along the lines of us giving up certain rights and freedoms to have harmony in society.

I don't think it's as bad as all that, but I am definitely for reform. I worry about those who seem to think privatization is a cure-all, just as much as I worry about those who think everything is jim-dandy.

Hugo, the supposed right you mention to discriminate were fought by people like Rosa Parks and MLKjr, and the entire civil rights movement. I've wondered about that tangled argument before, if you owned a business why should you have to deal with customers that had lifestyles you didn't approve of? I think you could look at it in a authoritarian vs. libertarian light, but essentially it is more of an egalitarian / social contract issue; your rights will be upheld unless they infringe on someone elses. I see things in our society that runs contrary to that though. Curves for Women, Affirmitive action, etc...

OK. I'm in support of a strong millitary but not for traditional reasons. I strongly believe in National Defense but after that our primary goal should be peacekeeping/humanitarian missions. Greece has a different geographic location that makes them be more aware of the need national defense. The scenarios above are for international law and its enforcement. If a ship with sailors are taken hostage by some country, do you think we should just start launching missles until we get them back? Thats insanity and part of the cycle of violence that we seem to be trapped in.

Whats the population of Greece?