It never ceases to bemuse me that would-be leaders of countries where peace and personal security are pretty much the expected norm, reflexively vow to fight on behalf of voters, as opposed to work, which is what we actually pay them to do. The upcoming Canadian election is a case in point.… Read the rest
This weekend is Canadian Thanksgiving, six weeks before our American neighbours have theirs. We also beat them to the idea by 43 years. The Pilgrims feast dates to 1621. Sir Martin Frobisher’s expedition to find the northwest passage held one in present day Nunavut in 1578, to give thanks for the safety of its fleet.… Read the rest
The ancient Greek philosopher Plato (427–347 BC) wrote: “One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors.” For those whose participation includes choosing from the bloating melange of mediocrity being offered for the upcoming effort to preserve American democracy, it might help to apply the Latin word, “colligere , the origin of the word “cull”.… Read the rest
In any list of qualities that ideally ought to define people, especially those who aspire to, or hold positions of authority, I doubt there is much argument that it should include courtesy, personal integrity, concern for the common good and dignity.
Yet it has come to pass that these virtues, along with perhaps less important, but still valid ones, have not just fallen by the wayside, they are as good as scorned.… Read the rest
While on an early morning paddle this week I watched a pair of young white-tailed deer lock antlers and shove each other, practising for the upcoming struggle to find a mate. It made me glad I’m not a deer. In the random way that thoughts progress, it also brought to mind the question of whether “boomers” (like me) have had it better than subsequent generations.… Read the rest