Posts Tagged by politics
Obama’s Life Expectancy
| 2/25/2008 | Posted by Patti under American Election |
Yeah, I really did write that title. As I’ve watched with some curiosity as Obama gained steam in his bid to become US President, actually the first black President, the thought has crossed my mind to wonder how long he’d be allowed to live during the quest. Face it, our American neighbours to the south do have a bit of a history in that regard.
It’s a question I have been loath to ask. It has been a generation or two since someone assassinated a prominent political leader in the US. It is possible that attitudes down there have changed and even the hard core revolutionary types can figure ways to fight other than through political murder. After all, Bush managed to get through his two terms without anyone taking a shot at him. (more…)
Hillier Calls for Clarity ASAP
| 2/23/2008 | Posted by Patti under Afghanistan, Canadian Politics |
Apparently I wasn’t really making a broad leap earlier this week when I speculated that the three suicide bombings in Kandahar province, one clearly targeting Canadians, may be as much about the Taliban terrorizing and killing as it was about them trying to influence politics back here in Canada:
Making a similar connection yesterday Canada’s top soldier, Rick Hillier, appealed to the government to bring the debate on the future of Canada’s mission in Afghanistan to a conclusion as soon as possible. He also suggested that once concluded that an all party motion declaring support of the troops could go a long way toward good troop morale. (more…)
American Politics
| 2/22/2008 | Posted by Patti under American Election |
I don’t normally pay much attention to American politics. I get a bit tired of it being spread all over Canadian media while our politics rarely grace the papers or airwaves in the US. I guess you could say I have a bit of a tit for tat attitude toward their politics. I have to admit though, this race between Clinton and Obama has caught my attention to a degree.
I really didn’t think that the Americans had yet progressed to the point that either a woman or a black person would even get past the gate toward running for President. I fully expected it would not happen in my lifetime. Now it is possible that when it comes time for Americans to make the final choice it will slide over to the Republicans simply because they are running a more ‘traditional’ candidate — that would be a white, male. (more…)
Time Marches on For Castro
| 2/20/2008 | Posted by Patti under World News, World Politics |
In a surprising nod to the march of time, Fidel Castro resigned as President of Cuba yesterday. Castro and Cuba have just always been in my life. I was just four months old when he wrested power and became dictator of the island.
Aligning his country with the Soviet bloc, Castro stood up to anything the US, and in particular the American CIA, threw at him. Of course, that was in the days before the fall of the Soviets and the era of making up excuses to invade countries to topple their leaders. Castro might not have fared well in today’s world climate.
Castro’s health has been deteriorating since at least the 1990s and became more profound in 2006 when he temporarily turned power over to his brother Raul. The exact nature of his illness wasn’t disclosed but he’s been rarely seen in public since then. His brother is his designated successor but it is expected that Fidel will remain a strong influence in the politics of Cuba. (more…)
Taliban Jack Wants to Bolt From Kandahar
| 2/2/2008 | Posted by Patti under General |
Jack Layton the leader of the federal NDP party has long advocated that Canadian troops should be completely withdrawn from Afghanistan and brought home. Now he’s stated his willingness to have Canada raise the white flag for the first time in our history. Great warrior and military analyst that Taliban Jack is, he’s decreed that no international troops can win against the Taliban in that region, it is pointless to be there and our troops need to be brought home now.
His remarks were part of a speech he recently gave at the University of Ottawa. Geeze, that is the best the university can find to speak to our young people? The text of the speech is rift with lies and misrepresentations of the mission in Afghanistan which twisted his way to the conclusion that Canada should run while the running is good. (more…)
Strange Harper Clone Appears Before National Media
| 1/29/2008 | Posted by Patti under Afghanistan, Canadian Politics |
Some guy looking like, sounding like and claiming to be Stephen Harper appeared before the media yesterday to talk about Manley’s report. What made the media, and others question, who this guy was is that what came out of this guy’s mouth was a bit of humble speak which included sounding like someone who would compromise and work with at least one other party to make the Afghanistan mission work.
It is a side of Harper that I don’t know I’ve ever actually seen in motion. I know I’d like to see more of it, a lot more. Who knows,
Canadians Increasingly non-Partisan
| 1/28/2008 | Posted by Patti under Canadian Politics |
A recent Canadian Press Harris-Decima survey indicates that Canadians are becoming increasingly non-partisan just as it seems that there is nothing in Ottawa that is not defined by partisan bickering. Maybe it is Canadians desire to see leadership shaped by what is good for the country more than the stroking of egos that comes with partisan politics.
Only a small number of those surveyed indicated a commitment to either the Liberals (13%) or the Conservatives (12%). Increasingly the two parties are seen as interchangeable. I suspect that view has a lot to do with overall behaviour than any particular stand on issues. While Dion stumbles around like the bumbling professor, Harper keeps a cone of silence firmly planted over him and his party, lashing out with vicious attacks on those he can’t control when they oppose him.
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