Afghanistan Time to Get out?

Keith Olbermann suggests that Obama makes good on his promise to find an exit strategy NOW instead of calling for more troops first. The republican's seem to suggest the job is not over but will it ever be? Is sending more troops going to lead to a peace when the people of Afghanistan believe more and more that this is not a war of reconstruction but one of occupation. If this is true, should we continue to send our troops there? I would love to hear some of your comments on this. Have a look.

Climate Change = More Armed Conflict?

When the UN secretary Ban Ki-moon suggests that the conflict in Drafur (Sudan) can be attributed to Climate Change (formally know as Global Warming) it is worth taking note...read on if you are interested.

Palestinian Solidarity

International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, is observed annually on 29 November. This day recognizes the plight of the Palestinian's to have their own homeland side by side to Israel. Ban Ki-moon, the Secretary General of the United Nations feels the need to create the homeland from the 1967 borders as set out by resolution 242 and the orignal resolution of 181 in 1947. To read Ban's short article, click here and/or to see a map of the two state solution would look like, click here.

Shades of 1984 ... OUR border patrol

This story shocked me but at the same time didn't surprise me. Amy Goodman is the host of an alternative and well respected new source Democracy Now in the United States. Given the health care debate raging in the United states, she wanted to explore Canada's system and it's key originators work Tommy Douglas (see older posts on Tommy Douglas). Her  experience with Canadian boarder patrol can be found here. To visit what Ms Goodman does (I do occasionally, as I do appreciate true democratic debate) click on this link. I find it unjustifiable that Canada can question the integrity of a person like Mr Goodman and give her a 'time limit' to be here. Perhaps next time I travel the mountains of Montana on my scooter, I'll be scrutinized as she was, after all I question the mainstream media (US, here and else where all the time)... hey will you donate to my release if I'm put behind bars? I'm reminded of a quote from George Orwell which captures this blog....  In a time of universal deceit - telling the truth is a revolutionary act!

Jane Goodall, more than Chimp Lady

In a marvelous audio interview with Bill Moyer's (world renowned journalist), Jane provides her experience working with Chimps and the lessons it's taught her about ourselves. My suggestion visit this website.  Then as you visit the website please read the page of Jane's reason for Hope for humanity. As you investigate the site click this link and listen to the first 10-15 minutes of audio as mentioned so you can listen to her key ideas. I believe you'll find it valuable if you are concerned about the environment. I was particular moved by the establishment of the Roots and Shoots youth program by teenagers in Tanzinia and now spreading throughout the world...maybe you have an idea for a local Roots and Shoots program? UPDATE I found the video interview for Ms Goodall, worth watching here.

Women of the world unite!

November 25th is recognized as the start of action against violence against women. This short article explains why the awareness period is needed and has links for further exploration. Read on

Sarah Palin advice for Canada

On health care Sarah gives our own star of this hour has 22 minutes some advice on Canadian Health care....let the private sector take over of course! Well, that sinks it, where's did I put that petition to privatize health care???? Hmmm... look for it soon, in the meantime take a couple of minutes to laugh...at least I did lol

Fighting Poverty in Alberta..

Recently we've discuss the increased use of the food bank thus poverty issues come along with this increase. This article focuses on what's needed for a strategy on dealing with poverty...your thoughts? Can also read the story from CBC on very issue, not the difference in coverage from Journal to CBC.  In a related story, joblessness increases...hmmm a connection I believe, read it here.

Only in America? think again...

Scary to think of Aryan racists in Canada, but of course it happens. Does it happen enough to be of concern? To me, one attack against anyone is attack against all, what do you think?

Olbermann's original health care pitch

As I watched Mr Olbermann's appeal for a system 'against death' I was shell shocked. It was an appeal for health care that made me so very proud to be a Canadian. That Canadian's took on this fight (see blogg on Tommy Douglas) in the late 60's and won against politicians and medical interests who wanted to keep the system private. Do you as an adult citizen feel our system is worth fighting for? Are you aware of the arguments against our system? What steps are you ready to take to defend our system? Perhaps a system of 'choice' as claimed down south is what you'd like, if so are you ready to defend and take a stand for it? Make no mistake about it, these choices are coming, what will your response be? Here's Olberman ...

Roots of the end of Cold War

Quite an interesting article and certainly a lot of truth in it. It is popularly believed that Reagan was key player in the end of the Cold War but not really. I used to tell student's back in the late 80's that Eastern Europe would want to revert back to their 'own' roots be it socialist or capitalist and this article seems to point to that...two page read.

The Military Industrial Complex

Late President Eisenhower in his farewell address in 1961 warned of a complext that would engulf America in a permanent military economy. This means, that war becomes as much a staple as building automobiles. I wonder if we could make some good coin peddling peace instead of war...what a thought? The 34 th Commander and Chief speaks.

1 minute to save the world

This is a interesting site featuring 1 minute videos on climate change and other environmental issues. I looked at a few and I enjoyed the one you see right away but please do click on the I minute to save the world to go to main site and preview more 1 minute videos. Let me know what you think of the site and if I should  post a link on the main social studies webpage. Click here to begin

COP15's Indigenous voices

Some information from Indigenous perspective on climate change in upcoming conference in Copenhagen. The accompanying video features clips from different videos to be shown. Some wonderful images to take in ...click here to view.  

The Nutballs are after Obama

Whether you are a fan of Obama or not, are the attacks against him warranted? I couldn't believe the citing of the bible against him, you gotta see it to believe it! Here it is. Yeah, there more, unbelievable!!!

Amazing how republicans can deny health reform

Look at this chart and tell me why a repulican would deny a health bill that would offer more coverage, it boggles the mind!

Here is an excerpt from article: 
The diagnosis isn't pretty for Republicans committed to denying the health care their constituents need most of all. The 2009 rankings (above) reveal that nine of the top 10 healthiest states voted for Barack Obama in 2008. Conversely, 9 of the 10 cellar dwellers backed John McCain in 2008; four years earlier, the 15 unhealthiest states voted for George W. Bush for President.

Tuition Caps Gone?

The Alberta government is considering letting post secondary institutions raise tuition as they need to avert debt. But what will it mean for students...take a look.

Tax Time...that will be $ per mile!

One way to discourage car usage and hence reduce environmental impacts, charge by the kilometer like the Dutch are planning to do. What do you think?

Voting Against Public Health Care

I was fascinated by the 'intelligent' and thought provoking thoughts of these republicans who were rushing to congress to vote AGAINST the public health care option. Perhaps our politicians in Canada who are supporting more private health care are listening to the type of wisdom spoken in these short videos... I sure hope not!!!.http://crooksandliars.com/mike-stark/three-unreal-videos-0

Mayan Calendar - Hilarious

According to the Mayan people, the world will certainly end in 2012 but not through the predicated disasters ... watch and find out why! http://crooksandliars.com/media/play/wmv/10704/32683


For something more serious on the 'end' check out this site, includes an informative video http://hubpages.com/hub/Mayan-Calendar

Media Manipulation

It is commonly thought that media is the 'vanguard' of democratic institutions. An independent media ensures that people get the 'real scoop' on what's happening. Below is a link to how manipulation is used to create a certain bias http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGqPxn7njqM&NR=1&feature=fvwp

Do conservatives really believe that if you mock conservatives you probably are one? Incredible, check this one out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0VacVwpF2E&NR=1

Pay for internet use?

Rupert Murdoch is a media mogul that believes the 'net' should not be 'free'. Are these moguls not 'rich enough'? Does the freedom allowed by the net threaten their existence (Lord if it was only true!)? This is the same guy who accuses Obama of being a 'racist'. Ok time to go play some resistance music...enjoy. http://crooksandliars.com/john-amato/rupert-murdoch-wants-charge-internet-se

Mouseland - Tommy Douglas

Mouseland is a story told by a man awarded the distinction of being the "greatest Canadian" in a nation wide vote in November of 2004. He is also known for being celebrated as the 'father of medicare' in Canada. I want you to look at this video:  http://unionsforsinglepayerhr676.org/videos/2009-07-25-video_by_tommy_douglas_father_of_canadian_healthcare As we are currently taking up political theory I would like you to respond to the following questions: What is the distinction/s between the cats and mice? Why do you think mice keep on voting in the cats? How can we use the message of the video to advance the purpose of democracy? Please send your thoughts via webct and a half page or more is worthy of a bonus mark towards next major exam.


For more on Tommy Douglas copy and paste this link into your browser :http://archives.cbc.ca/society/celebrations/topics/1455/

Marketing War

Short video shows how the propaganda machine worked (works) to sell war. This example used the invasion of Iraq of 2003 and features Bill Moyer an extraordinary journalist who puts it all together. What is the responsibility of media to report the 'truth'? How much evidence is needed before plunging a country into a war? How can we as citizens be sure that our Canadian soldiers are in a war that is just?  I'd love to hear your thoughts on these questions.

 There are several parts to the video, however first part provides most of what you need.http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/btw/watch.html

Shock Doctrine - Naomi Klein

Ms Klein's view of national 'shock' being the underlying cause of economic/political upheaval is an interesting and somewhat true statement. Her use of electro schock therapy certainly made an impact in showing the unsettling effects of shock. I'd love to hear comments from you on this short 6 minute film. Url is as follows.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSF0e6oO_tw

To visit Naomi Klein's web page to find out more about this and other work go to:

http://www.naomiklein.org/main