Garth's World

Garth Turner, Maverick of Parliament?

Garth Turner's experiment at direct democracy through his website and daily weblog is unique to say the least. Garth understands that the medium is the message. He has three constituents, really. He has his riding, and e-supporters. He has the national media's attention every time he butts heads with the PMO squares. He has his fellow MP's, who he probably spends less time talking to than CTV Newsnet.

Garth Turner may yet revolutionize the role of the MP, if only by showing to what extent an independent minded member of Parliament can hijack national media attention. Truly, if all MPs did what he is doing, the resulting din would drown itself out. However, some elements of Garth's continuing 1993 leadership campaign (somebody should tell him that he lost, 1-2-3 not it) are definitely inspired. Using the internet is not new. Using an interactive website is probably not even new. However, blogging his experience as an MP in a very open and regular way is definitely unique. This presents an unprecedented research tool for political scientists. When we ask ourselves: "What was the sky like when Garth drove to Ottawa for the opening of the 39th Parliament?". No seriously though, if more MPs begin recording their activities and thoughts in such a way, this will create an extroardinary social science research database.

Clearly, Garth has got a lot of time on his ambitious hands. He definitely needs a job on the Hill. A committee chair would allow him to express his rambuctiousness under adult supervision. Parliament hasn't been in session yet, so it remains to be seen if Garth will primarily use his office as an internet website management and customer service department, or whether he will actually take parliamentary duties seriously.

Increasing the power of the presently disenfranchised Member of Parliament is hot. However, this is power that must be given back to the members in their parliamentary role. It is entirely natural that stifled MPs with unbridled enthusiasm will gravitate to high speed low drag outlets like webmania (let he who is without blog, cast the first stone). Yet the true systemic and structural problem is the lack of parliamentary initiative allowed to the individual MP. Rules limiting debate. Rules governing the asking of questions in QP. Rules preventing the consideration of private bills without undue process. These are the shackles on the initiative of the enterprising parliamentarian. Being the owner of a parliamentary Drudge report, with credentials, is cool. However, it is not the true task of a parliamentarian. Granted, parliamentarism is a dead art, killed by House of Commons standing rules. So, the only solution I see to this problem is for Garth's constituents to report to him, through focus groups and internet chat rooms, that the standing rules of the House of Commons need to be reformed. Then Garth, having consulted the oracle, to the cheers of the chorus, may propose reforms. Why do I doubt that that will happen?

If only all blogging had a pension plan.

Overheard

Overheard on Ideas, CBC Radio 1 tonight:

"these people lived lives on rumours, inspired by gossip."

Clearly, their cost of living is low.

Dad's Claimer

My e-dad, Dr. Smash, posted a comment recently advising me to post a disclaimer on this blog. Apparently, it is not already painfully obvious that my opinions are my own and they do not represent the policies, predilections, prejudices, or other synonyms, of my employer, or any other sane person. I thought the Oscar Wilde quote at the top of the page might be a good enough disclaimer. I also supposed that my March 02 caveat lector, which is my own latin version of "reader beware", might act as a disclaimer of sorts: "I am no more beholden to my opinions than is a dog to his fleas. If someone can rid me of them, all the better."

Clearly, the opinions expressed on this page do not represent any coherent philosophy or belief. Rather, they are like mental peppermints, used only to freshen the mind with mild doses of self-indulged humour. They do not represent any organisation. You could even say they represent disorganisation. They are not to be acted on, without child supervision. Most of the things I write do not even rhyme. So, while I find disclaimers generally well written and inspiring texts of legal absolution, I believe that my own incoherence is disclaimer enough for this blog.

Question of the Day

Since most of you who read this blog are either working on an MA or are finished one, I would like to know your answers to the following question:

Are liberal arts universities the academic equivalent to car manufacturers?

Is the MA the new BA?

I am a member of the post letter mail generation. Or, as I like to call it, the Post Canada Post generation. Haha. Hilarious. Anyhow, moving on. I will do anything to not have to actually put on my pants, leave the house, go to the post office and assemble a package with stickers and addresses on it.

Luckily, most things can be done by electronic, and non-social, methods. However, the odd time arises when the inevitable cannot be avoided, and destiny forces my hand. On these occasions, I tend to buy about 10 stamps, so that I won't have to by stamps the following time. So, as you have already guessed, I have a desk full of 46, 47, 48, 49, and 50 cent stamps. I always dread January, because it puts another set of stamps out of business. Its the One centers that get all the action. It really pays to be a one cent stamp in these inflationary times of ours. To put all my stamp collection in action, I have to buy lots of one-cent stamps... And then I don't have anything to mail, for now.

I'll have to come up with a better stamp management system. This will take time, and effort, but then again, the Roman postal system wasn't built in a day. Especially with all those viaie, which spanned 53,000 miles with 372 links. Think of all the milestones they had to set up... I'm guessing approximately 53,000... wow. Makes your head spin.

I suggest inventing a stamp that is actually a small share in Canada Post. That way, the value will go up every year, just like the price of stamps. As long as you have a Class A, voting stamp, you can use it in any year that you want. I'm an economic genious. I hope I've got more tricks up my sleeve like that. Now all I have to do is become a former Liberal cabinet minister so that I can get appointed CEO of Canada post. To become a former Liberal cabinet minister, I will have to become a Tory backbencher who contends for the leadership of the party... To do that, I will have to... whoa there... I think it'll be simpler if I stick to buying lots of one cent stamps.

Bad Idea (II)

Reference my last question: Has the EC overstepped his bounds?

John Ibbitson says yes, for the some of the reasons I have mentioned. It's good to have you on board John. Let's collaborate more often.

Bad Idea

The NDP and others want to prevent MPs from crossing the floor by forcing them to run in a byelection.

This will have the effect of making MPs even more subject to the party leadership in the House of Commons. An MP will not want to risk voting against his party, for fear of being kicked out of the caucus and losing his seat. The party leaders already hold enough power over the votes of their members... This will be one more tool to force MPs to tow the line.

Every once in a while, you hire someone who sounded great in the job interview but just isn't doing the job. Sometimes, you've been had by a con artist. Other times, you just showed plain bad judgement. And sometimes, you just have to live four years before you get another chance to fire the guy.

As much as betrayal and opportunism are unbecoming in members of Parliament, betrayal is not the only reason why members leave parties and join others. Imagine if you, Joe and Jane Citizen, had to quit your job every time you voted for a different party. The point is, people change, change their minds, and change their parties. Leaders are people. At the same time, parties change too. Parties change names, they amalgamate, they choose new leaders, they adopt new policies. Forced marriages between members and their parties will have far worse consequences than seeing the odd opportunist leave one pack to become a top dog in the other. In the end, voters will always have the final say. Patience may not be common, but then again, but it is a virtue. Besides, revenge is a dish best served cold.

Nincumpoopery

Bernard Shapiro had to investigate the allegations of impropriety levelled by certain members of Parliament. Quick, all you lawyers out there: Does being offered a minister's job constitute "furthering private interests"? The role of minister is a public job. Shapiro quickly concluded that ministerial perks are not "private interests" in the meaning of the act.

However, Shapiro should have ended his report at that. Beyond that, there was no subject for inquiry. Shapiro felt the need to explain how even though Emerson did not break the rules, what he did was problematic given the public reaction to his decision.

Should the Ethics Commissioner be telling parliamentarians that their rules may not be good enough? "Uh, sorry guys, he didn't break the rules... So maybe you should think about changing the rules. Better luck next time." This is the essence of Shapiro's message. Has he grossly overstepped his bounds?

What is Shapiro's job? According to the law, it is to 1) administer the Members code, 2) provide confidential opinions to members, and 3) conduct inquiries into whether there has been a breach of the code. Nowhere does it say that the EC should undertake to examine the code itself, or recommend changes to it, or recommend public debate. Has the EC overstepped his bounds?

This has nothing to do with the Emerson issue being gross and slimy. It has to do with the depoliticization and legalization of politics, the abdication of public responsibility by parliamentarians to censure its members according to their own judgements.

Ethical Stupidity

The codification of politics is the process by which politics and politicians are increasingly subject to rules and regulations in the way they conduct business. The upside of this is that politics, on the surface, becomes increasingly transparent, normalized and accountable.

The downside, is that political debate becomes legalized. The debate is no longer whether Minister X did something good or bad. The debate becomes whether or not he broke the rule. What politicians are doing is washing their hands of their responsibility to judge between right and wrong. Instead of debate between leaders, we have a poor middleman stuck in the middle. The Ethics Commissioner is being asked to do the impossible. Politicians seem to want a referee. This used to be the Speaker. Now, politicians want the Ethics Commissioner to judge impartially whether members and ministers are following the rules. Next they are going to want a quiet chair, where the EC can send the bad kids that don't follow the rules.

Politics is messy. Politics is not easily regulated. Politics can be transparent, without abdicating its responsibility to judge between right and wrong.

The new standard for ministerial responsibility will be: Did the EC find any wrong-doing? This is not the question that should be asked. Ministers must be responsible to the House, and not the EC. Ministers must resign when the House demands it, either through a motion of censure or through a unanimous sentiment within the chamber. This is a purely political process, and cannot become the sole purview of quasi-judges. Politicians, give yourself some credit. Take back the power to call a spade a spade, and stop contracting out the moral responsibility to a hired gun.

Para (II)

The first jump out of a flying aircraft is something of a frontier that must be crossed mentally several times before it can be attempted physically. Monday, February 6 2006, was too windy. The mild weather that had oppressed the wintery spirit of January had evaporated, allowing fierce winds to harrass the open sky and the now bare, re-frozen ground. Dropzone Hodgson, named after a former chief warrant officer of the now disbanded Canadian Airborne Regiment, was frozen solid. Deep puddles of water lay in wait of the unsuspecting paratroopers, crusted over with a layer of solid ice. The fiercer winds had retreated, and had left behind a fine, crystal clear Tuesday for jumping to commence.
The day began with a series of 5 chin-ups at the entrance to the Canadian Parachute Centre, which each candidate did in heavy winter clothing and some with large backpacks on their backs. We filed into the equipment lockers to get our helmets and do last minute preparations for the jump. The course was then called to form in two ranks with all of our equipment in front of us and ready to go. In keeping with the progressive spirit of instruction, the first jump would be "bareass", or without equipment. The term bareass should not be taken literally, but rather as a form of military jargon.
One by one, the senior jumpmaster called the names of the jumpers in his lift. He lined us up in two ranks, and ran us through the riggers’ locker to pick up our main parachutes and our reserve parachutes. Beginning methodically and sequentially, we dressed each other in the parachutes. Each man ensured that his partner was well fitted into his harness, that there were no straps loose or undone and that the reserve was well-fastened. Slowly, the student riggers, supervised by senior riggers, passed by to inspect individually every harness and parachute. This takes time even for senior riggers who know what they are doing. They literally check everything that could possibly go wrong on the whole system before giving you the thumbs up. Following this is the jumpmaster’s check. The jumpmaster checks virtually all the features of the harness to ensure that it is well fitted. He looks you in the eye and asks you how you are doing. If it is your first jump, you lie, and you say that you are doing great.
We are a lucky course. Most of the recent courses haven’t been able to jump out of the C-130 Hercules aircraft. Due to lack of availability, they have been forced to jump from the CASA 212, a small civilian aircraft which is rented by DND to replace the Hercules when it is unavailable.
In the Hercules, you can jump out of the side doors, starboard and port, or you can jump out the ramp. The door jump is more efficient, because both sides of the aircraft can jump all at once, so 2 jumpers are jumping at all times. During a ramp jump, only one side of the aircraft can jump at a given time, so it takes twice as long to jump everyone. Being the efficient animals we were, we did door jumps both times that we went up in the Hercules. Door jumps can be slightly dangerous, because there is always a chance that the two jumpers will fall under the aircraft and bump into each other mid-air. This happens on occasion, and calls for quick-wits on everyone’s part. Jumping out the door for the first time in my life, I was determined to get a good jab. The jab is the technique for leaving the aircraft. You kick with one foot out the door, curl your chin into your chest, keep your feet tight together, and put your hands on the side of your reserve chute. Well done, this technique prevents a whole host of problems. Poorly done, well, there is no limit to the bad things that can happen when this technique is poorly done. I had no idea how I was going to face the moment of truth. Bent over myself, suffering from an extremely tight harness, sweating from the internal heat of the aircraft, and nauseous from the sway of the aircraft, I underwent possibly some of the most uncomfortable moments of my life. This feeling had the fortuitous side-effect of producing in me a sincere desire to get off that plane as quickly as possible. In this case, the quickest way off the plane was to jump out the door behind all the rest of the gang who were in my exact predicament. As the jumpmasters walked up and down the line inspecting, they looked at our misery. And without a shred of sympathy, as men who had been there countless times before, the senior jumpmaster asked us "WHO ARE WE?". We shouted as best we could through the discomfort and subdued panic "AIRBORNE!". He repeated "WHO ARE WE?". In unison, and mostly convinced, the temporary passengers responded "AIRBORNE!" with a slight bit more of conviction. He seemed satisfied. "HOW FAR?" he shouted this time. "ALL THE WAY!" we responded. It was at times like this where I forcibly reminded me how badly I had wanted to go on this course over the past several years, and how hard I had worked to get on the course this time around. Competing in physical competitions, doing a pre-para selection course, and undergoing the 2 weeks of airborne training here in Trenton, these 5 real jumps were the culmination of a lot patience and effort.
My first jump went relatively well. My weak jab out of the aircraft forced me into a spin that caused twists in the suspension lines of my parachute. Also my head was trapped forward by the two risers leading up to the canopy. After my canopy opened, I recalled my twist drill that we had learned in ground training. I firmly grasped the two risers overhead and forced my head between the risers. I then pulled outwards and began kicking with my feet to gain momentum and undo the twist in my suspension lines. I quickly undid the twists and began preparing to land, looking around to make sure that I wasn’t heading into any other jumpers. I realized, far too late, that my harness was not tight enough. I resolved that next time, I would tighten my harness for all it was worth. The light wind was pushing me backwards, and the ground was approaching quickly at a rate of 15 feet per second. I turned my feet to the right, pointed my toes, and prepared to land using the side of the body, the ass and the back in a roll. I managed to land fairly well and not break anything, or even hit my head for that matter. But every landing hurts at least a little bit. Some jumpers may love the jump, but every newbie jumper hates the landing. However, landings were just about to become far more complicated when we started jumping with our rucksacks, weapons, and snowshoes. The Hollywood veneer of how cool airborne is was quickly wearing off.
One soldier, who had struggled with landings since the beginning of training, had assumed that the real landings might be easier. He had barely passed the landing tests in the controlled environment of the practice landings. After his first jump, he quickly realized that the real landings were in fact much more brutal than the practice landings. The only safe way to land was using the exact technique, which he had not yet mastered. Partly due to a twisted ankle, and partly due to a newfound realization that he was in over his head, he quickly declared that he was not jumping again and took himself out of the jumps. A hard decision to make, but probably very wise. He was definitely a broken bone, if not worse, waiting to happen.
By evening on the first day of jumping, everyone was moving slowly, moaning a lot, and applying ice. Many were taking pills, from Ibuprofen to Robaxacet, to relieve pain and swelling. One soldier went to hospital after failing to release his equipment in the air and taking a bad landing. A few others failed to release their equipment in the air yet managed to have "safe" yet painful landings.
My fifth and final jump was an experience of a lifetime. With full equipement, we were to do our first night jump. Jumping into the darkness is quite an experience, but landing in the darkness is anything but easy. With virtually no wind, I fell hard to the ground. Leaning hard to the side to brace for the percussion, I took the fall like a baby in a crib. Finally, a good landing. Finally done the course. We regrouped at the entrance to the Drop Zone, told some war stories, and congratulated each other. Getting my wings pinned to my chest was fun. The officer commanding the training company congratulated all of us and welcomed us to the Airborne family.
Too bad the airborne static line jump is no longer a cutting edge strategic capability. Did I do all of this just for a wicked maroon T-shirt and a shiny badge, or "bling" as Simone would call it? It is about the jump, the thrill.... But I'm afraid it might also be about the bling. They should create a wicked T-shirt and a shiny badge for people who don't want to jump out of airplanes. I think that would maybe lessen the bling factor in the airborne community.

What Would Jack Do? (II)

Last night's mini-series première of CBC's biopic of Tommy Douglas was great. He is the greatest Canadian ever according to a democratic vote of the self-selecting unwashed masses. I would watch that again tonight, and see how Tommy fights the all the fat cats and gives the workers their government-subsidized medical care.

Unfortunately, I have a scheduling conflict. Kung fu class, 24 and Tommy Douglas are all on at the same time. This is a nightmare. The worst of all is that I can't turn to Jack for inspiration in making my decision. Jack has a conflict of interest, because he is Tommy Douglas' grandson and he is the star of 24. So Jack would be ruled out of the equation by any competent Ethics Commissioner. Fortunately, Jack is not subject to the Ethics Commish (he is apparently not subject to the American Constitution or the United States Code either).

So I guess I'll have to make the call. Maybe Jack will take the time to watch the biopic on 24. Maybe he can negotiate an extra couple of hours from the Network Execs, the sweaty president and the terrorists, so that he can watch the biopic of his grandaddy. Then I could watch 24, only to see Jack watching a CBC miniseries. During commercials, Jack could reactivate his cellphone and manage a national emergency for 4 minutes at a time. I know this is wishful thinking, but it would be technically possible.

I'm not sure that I can handle all these competing priorities. I know, like Jack, that I have to sacrifice myself and everybody else for the national interest, but I just can't figure out what the national interest is in this case.

Virtual Dave

I will be adding this link to my page very soon.
Virtual Dave's Blog

Dave is a military officer with the Provincial Reconstruction Team under Canadian control in Kandahar province, Afghanistan. This blog chronicles his personal experience working to help Afghanis and support the Canadian mission. Not all bloggers are angry, young white males. Many are not angry. Totally readable for lay-persons, and must-read for mil/foreign pol junkies like me.

Help is out there

We're going to start support groups for young angry white males. We're thinking of calling the groups "blogs".

Running Tours

I enjoy running in Québec City. I like running by historical buildings, monuments and scenery. I like dodging tourists, deeking into alleys and sprinting down hills.

I have conjectured a way of commercializing this personal enjoyment of mine. I will soon be offering running tours of Québec City. Visiting tourists will be able to choose from the following tours:

The Citadelle Rat Race:
Start at the Prince of Wales Bastion in the mighty Citadelle. Run along the ramparts of the fortifications, jumping over the odd canon. View the magnificent 360 degree view as you circle the fortress. Get lost in the amazing labyrinthe of the serpentine that leads into the heart of the structure adorning the historic Cap Diamant. Play nicky-nicky nine-door at the Governor General's residence and the Commandant's residence... Dodge security for the rest of the run.

Stair Master:
Run down through the world famous Port St-Louis, part of the original wall that defended Québec City against the maudit Anglais. Breeze by famous old restaurants that charge down-payments for delicious meals. Run underneath the Chateau Frontenac, jumping over luggage and porters, and rich American tourists. Pass by the gianormous obelisk commemorating the deaths of Generals Wolfe and Montcalm, "two ambitious leaders who ultimately died heroes’ deaths on the frontlines" fighting for control of Québec in 1759 on the Plains of Abraham. Test your latin comprehension. Run down the staircases leading down to the lowertown, where Canadiens and British regulars beat off American invaders led by General Montgomery on New Years Eve in 1775. The narrow streets form a natural obstacle course, rendered impassable with throngs of tourists. Run up the 110 stairs to the Chateau, cross the boardwalk while overlooking the Fleuve and Lévis across the river. Run up the Promenade des Gouverneurs, that hugs the steep cliff of Cap Diamant under the Citadelle. Both the stairs and the view are breath-taking. Stop at every landing to catch your breath and take in the gorgeous view. Arrive atop Cap Diamant at the eastern edge of the Plains of Abraham, at the western edge of the wall of the Old City that now forms part of the Citadelle. Run down the nterminable staircase that runs down from the Plains to the lowertown. Repeat this staircase run until your lungs burn, and your sense of historical wonder is fulfilled.

The Plains Run
This is for those who prefer rolling hills to stairs. Run through the plains, stopping at the very spot where Montacalm was shot. Stop where Wolfe was shot. No more stopping! Enjoy the woods and natural beauty of the preserved parkland in the heart of Québec City.

Stay tuned for more "Choose your own adventure" historical runs. I'm also taking suggestions.

Change

Now that the Canadian dollar is so strong, I guess I can stop putting aside my American pennies for a rainy day. I think it's important to change strategies with the times.

Foreign Policy: Foreign to Politicians?

A disturbing trend has recently become evident in the media-centred debate over the CF deployment to Afghanistan. It seems that the most fervent supporters of Canada's foreign policy in Afghanistan are soldiers! It seems that the job of selling this mission to Canadians has fallen to those in uniform.

Theirs is not to reason why
I don't mean this literally. I think every soldier should think about why he is doing what he is doing, and for what greater purpose. In an ideal world, the soldier has fully integrated his mission with his personal political beliefs.

However, at the end of the day, our political opinions, as soldiers, are no more relevant than those of a police officer confronting protestors. We are there to do a job, at the behest of the Government of Canada. It is incumbent upon the Government of Canada, at the political level, to justify and defend its foreign policy. In other words, this is Peter Mackay's file.

Soldiers have political opinions like other citizens. Soldiers have the right to make statements with political implications or that belie their political orientations. In fact, many times when soldiers give their educated professional opinion, these cannot help but have political and public policy overtones. Many commentators have noted that highly placed military officers are loathe to express themselves freely, for fear of being politicized. Few generals want their names used as a source in parliamentary debates. There is a fine line to walk between expressing military opinions with political implications, which is the duty of high commanders, and taking on the responsibility of selling the foreign policies of the Government to the Canadian public.

There is one person responsible to Canadians for the deployment of Canadian soldiers. That is the Prime Minister, supported by his cabinet.

Generals and soldiers alike should be very wary of becoming the public voice for Canada's interventionist foreign policy. It is excellent that so many soldiers believe so strongly in what we are doing over there. Yet, we cannot lose sight of the fact that we are the sharp end, the boots on the ground, the arms and legs under the control of the Government. As much as we crave the support of the people back home, it is the responsibility of our government and the people themselves to show this support or bring us home.

Up to now the government and the people of Canada have done a pretty patchy job of showing support for their deployed troops. I find this as problematic as the next person, but I'm not comfortable with soldiers taking on the role of political apologists for Canada's foreign policy.

A Soldier Defends the Afghan Deployment
Mackay Defers to General Hillier on Length of Afghan Deployment

Finally, Somebody Gets It

Doctor shortage? Long wait-times for specialists? You can propose all the new funding possibilities that you want. You can propose public-private partnerships until the veterinarians come home with the cows.

Here's a marvel idea... What about training MORE doctors? Maybe that would alleviate, the er, doctor shortage and some wait-times. Granted, some wait times have nothing to do with a lack of doctors... But I can assure you that the only time in my life that I had to see a specialist, I had to wait too long because there simply were not enough of them.

The reverse side is this: Thousands of highly qualified applicants to medical schools are getting turned down every year because the competition is so fierce and the spaces are very limited. This fuels a race to the top for the medical profession, but handicaps qualified applicants not in the top 4% and the public, who needs more doctors.

Finally, the G of Ontario is leading the way and creating more spaces for doctors. Four new campuses across Ontario, including one in the Kitchener-Waterloo area. Virtually all medical schools in Ontario are seeing space increases, to the tune of 23% overall. This is on top of the new spaces created at the new medical campus in Northern Ontario last year.

The University of Waterloo is rightfully giddy at the new prospects of having a McMaster satellite medical campus on its turf. Waterloo Region is quickly becoming a brain-bank with all its new education-based growth. For a detailed article on the new med school spaces in Waterloo and elsewhere, trust nothing but the UW alumni newsletter: Medical Schools Article.

Debating Discipline

So the following takes place between 5pm and 6pm.

Lazy Jonathan: Well, I guess one kung fu class is enough for today.

Hard-Core Jonathan: Right.... But why go to one class in a day when you could go to TWO classes.

LJ: But, you see, blah blah, owww my body hurts, meow meow, wussa wussa.

HCJ: Ok, I see your point. Suck it up, my dear blueberry pie.

LJ: But, I was so exhausted after the last class, I slept 1.5 hours on the couch afterwards! You shot the afternoon! I only read 10 pages of Significant Incident.

HCJ: So what you're saying is; you're well rested for another go!

LJ: But, you know, it's not good to overtrain. You could really hurt yourself and put yourself out of training for weeks if not months.

HCJ: Ok, I see your point. Going to class doesn't mean you have to hurt yourself. Slack if you have to.

LJ: That sounds like something I would say.

HCJ: Damn, you're right. Well, we might have to settle this the old-fashioned way... (Commercial Break.)

HCJ and LJ duel Matrix-style in midair around Jonathan's head, until LJ loses his wind and falls to the ground gasping for water and mercy.

HCJ: Ok. So what's the verdict Jonathan?

Jonathan: HCJ, you're my hero. I'm promoting you to be my primary angel-over-the-shoulder. Here is your newly polished halo with sparkles. LJ, you're a good devil-over-the-shoulder, but you're no match for HCJ. Keep practicing in the mirror. You're in the big leagues now.

HCJ: That's my boy. That's my boy.

True story.

What Would Jack Do?

Tonight I face the dilemma of whether to watch a double episode of 24 or go to my martial arts class. 24 is on once a week, and I have five martial arts classes per week. So I could afford to miss one class. It is very tempting. In fact, I don't know what decision I'll make right up until the GO/NO GO instant where I have to commit to one course of action.

Upon reflection though, it seems obvious what Jack Bauer would have me do. First of all, I don't think Jack watches television. He is so productive in a given day, that watching TV would really cramp his style. Could you imagine watching an episode of 24 where Jack is watching television? I would feel betrayed. I would say to the TV screen, enraged, "Jack, get off your lazy ass and go do something wicked-cool!" Then I would, realizing the irony, shut up and keep watching. Second, I don't think Jack learned his wicked moves by watching TV shows either. He probably went to martial arts classes for years, going assiduously every evening, no matter what was on TV. If I want to be able to shoot down bad-guy helicopters with small-calibre, short range weapons like Jack, I'm going to have to learn from this guy.

So what would Jack do? Jack would leave 24 for the arm-chair warriors, by any means necessary, and go develop his discipline in kung fu training. I guess that's what I'll have to do. I couldn't let Jack down.

Dear Registrar

This may sound sick, but I've taken to applying to universities just so that when they accept me I can send them rejection letters.

I take sadistic pleasure in picturing the admission committee's pain and dejection when they read my polite and measured rejection letter. I know this is wrong, but I can't help myself.

This is a side-effect of my permanent insurance policy of keeping many irons in the fire, keeping a reserve parachute packed, or whatever metaphor you choose. I like to apply to different programs ever year, just in case I get sick of working where I'm working, or of living where I'm living. Or, just in case I need to hide from a psycho ex-girlfriend or something exciting like that.

However, I'm so constantly content with my little life that these admission letters keep coming in after I've forgotten that I applied for the programs. And so, I cleverly craft windy worded rejection letters to those great universities, trying to exact some retribution for all those people that didn't get in. On top of this, I know that for every rejection letter I write, another acceptance letter goes out, forcing the University to rescind a rejection and offer an acceptance.

While this is an expensive habit, it'll take some time to kick.

Insurgent Strategy and Late Great Debate

It is fair political debate for people to question Canadian foreign policy objectives in Afghanistan. It is fair to ask why we are there, and to question the methods for achieving our ends. I would suggest, however, that the time to debate these questions is before commitments are made. I do not blame the politicians for the late debate on Afghanistan. I blame the lazy media, above all the CBC, which sat on the story until troops were actually in theatre and then began making hay of the dangerous character of our mission. Former MND, Bill Graham, and the CDS, General Hillier, have been warning PUBLICLY since no later than September 2005 that the Afghanistan commitment would be dangerous and would involve casualties.

I remember, in the fall of 2005, being surprised that these bald statements were generating no public comment or debate! I should not have been surprised. The reason it didn't make the news is because there were no body bags yet. Now the body bags are coming home, the CBC and others are suddenly interested in airing critiques of Canada's Afghanistan policy. I am not going to criticize those who don't agree with the Afghanistan policy. They have the right to air their opinions at any time they choose. However, I hope they are aware of two very important problems with the sudden interest in criticizing the Afghanistan policy.

1) We've been there in various capacities since 2002. It was announced in advance that we would be moving into Kandahar with a new focus on counter-insurgency, with precisely the intent of providing fair warning and generating debate. So the newfound interest in Canada's Afghan policy is LATE. Editors, arm-chair generals, talking heads and commentators, you have the right to your great and LATE opinions. You're not dumb, you're just lazy. Like a hard-ass professor, I don't accept LATE assignments.

2) The extremist insurgency cannot defeat NATO forces in military conflict. However, they know that they are prepared to make more sacrifices than Western audiences are prepared to witness on their television screens. Their political and military objective is to feed the self-doubt and inevitable political criticism that human sacrifice creates in Canada. They know that the prevalent post-modern mentality does not hold any principles that it considers worth killing or dying for. And so, if the insurgents are the IRA, the LATE great debaters are the unwitting Sinn Fein: They are carrying forward, unaware, the political objectives of the insurgency, the withdrawal of the NATO security force from Afghanistan.

Soldiers like to do post-exercice evaluations and try to identify lessons learned after every operation. This promotes permanent self-improvement. I suggest the late great debaters take home the following lesson: Regardless of your political opinions, do not fall victim to the lazy media syndrome of waiting for body bags to make your political opinions known. Tread carefully when you, politically, attempt to undercut the resolve of your fellow Canadians to face danger on behalf of your country and your interests. When caskets are being carried at slow march from aircraft to hearses, we find your opinions somewhat irrelevant.

(A footnote to this debate: Those who complain about the fact that this does not appear to be a peacekeeping mission are apparently unaware of the strategic situation that has evolved since the end of the Cold War. I won't bother trying to educate you, because I think that's your responsibility. But I will recommend a series of books that will help you understand the difference between the peacekeeping myth and the strategic reality in international security that Canada has faced for the past 15 years. A good start is Doug Bland and Sean Maloney; Campaings for International Security: Canada's defence policy at the turn of the century.)

Say what what you need to say. As long as you know what you're talking about. And as long as you know what you're doing.

Every Father's Nightmare, A Son's Proud and Understanding Father

Jim Davis, whose 28-year-old son died yesterday while serving with the Canadian military in Kandahar, knows why we're in Afghanistan, even if some politicians don't.

"I'm very proud of my son, Paul," Davis said. "I believe Paul died serving his country and serving the free world." He did. Davis, of Bridgewater, N.S., became the ninth Canadian soldier to die in Afghanistan. Toronto Sun Editorial, 3 March 06

Jim Davis is not just a grieving father. Jim Davis is a man who understands his son's commitment to his country, his comrades and his profession. In eulogizing his son's service to Canada and Afghanistan, Mr. Davis exposes the deeper meaning of the sacrifice that his son offered voluntarily and made accidentally. Surviving soldiers take comfort in the understanding that Mr. Davis shows them.

None of us have death wishes. Yet, when we die, be it now or in 60 years, we all wish for someone we love to stand up and say what Mr. Davis has said of his son. We put our doubts and political opinions aside to honour our fallen comrades.

I am very proud of Paul Davis. I believe Paul died serving his country and serving the free world.

Incrementalism

Parliamentarism defeated communism and fascism in the Long War (1914-1990). In the process isms have gone a little bit out style, and they've deservedly gotten a checkered reputation. We only have to think of the ugly cousins, Racism and Sexism, to realize that isms have an uphill battle to repair their tattered image. Well, here to even the playing field is Incrementalism

I am exploring a new (to me) ism, and with very positive results. Incrementalism is the doctrine of slow, steady and directional change. Change is a constant in our lives, and yet change is so often left to its own devices; unchecked, uncontrolled.

The moral concept of free will defines us as perpetual choosers. As choosers, our consciousness is not constant. Some moments we are intensely aware of our choices, and other moments we are robotic in our execution of subconscious decisions. All of our choices operate in a multi-dimensional plane, with cause and effect rebounding throughout our lives in ways as complex as the displacement of warm water currents through the great oceans.

When we grasp the causes and effects long enough to identify our desires and goals, we can predict future choices and their consequences. Linking these choices and consequences often leads to resolutions. But the drive to self-reform is encumbered by the inertia of the deeply carved canals that channel our present mindframe and personality. To reroute these canals is as complex a task, at times, as digging into permafrosted bedrock. And this is why free will as a moral concept is contentious.

We can constantly evaluate ourselves, our choices. We can be our own fiercest critics. We can also ignore ourselves. Yet, the unexamined life is usually nasty, always brutish and often short. Self-criticism is the truest art, because it strikes at the heart of our own knowledge. Everyone's last frontier is their own minds. Yet, we live in such proximity to our own consciousness. Often, we are as miners sitting idly atop an untapped vein of gold, looking at faded pictures of foreign shafts.

The drive for self-improvement presupposes certain judgements about good, bad and ugly. Try as we might, these judgements are rarely avoided. Incrementalism is the principle of small changes. Baby steps. Minor adjustments. Yet like a sailor who veers slightly off course, the velocity and vector adjusted with small changes will take us to entirely new places. This course will be charted over long periods of time. The power of incrementalism is exponential and compounding.

So do a little bit, now.

Caveat Lector

I am no more beholden to my opinions than is a dog to his fleas.
If someone can rid me of them, all the better.

Ralph's Page Rage

So Ralph threw a tantrum, and threw a book at a parliamentary page in the Alberta legislature. Way to go Ralph. You showed her who's the big boss. You really taught her a lesson. (To read more, follow the link above).

You can tell a lot about a person by the way they treat their subordinates. Power tends to lay naked our consciousness in ways that are not immediately apparent. There is a marked difference between leaders who act like shepherds in a flock and those who act live drunken bumper car champions. Members of Parliament who treat parliamentary pages as their own children or grandchildren demonstrate their basic humanity at no cost. On the other hand, mistreatment of subordinates is the irrational and misdirected expression of one's will to dominate. The will to dominate is most pettily expressed when your below-average MP from a riding north of Waterloo, defeated in a recent election by the grace of all that is good, treats parliamentary pages and political staff as personal minions and lower-caste objects.

The will to power has its moments of glory. The rallying of a group towards a common cause, to defeat a common enemy... This resonates with a sense of fairplay, competition and motivation. The duel between equally matched foes, in a death-defying spectacle of might and skill... This captures our imagination and fires the ancient warrior spirit of even-handed combat.

Yet arrogance and pettiness are attributes that marr the spirits of the successfully mediocre. Their transparent self-aggrandizement is only effective while they apply their energies to coercing tokens of respect from their entourage. They display their anger at small matters.

For those who would, like Ralph Klein, mistreat the young pages of parliament, remember that they are the parliamentarians of the future. Abusing these young leaders is to ensure that you will forever be held by future leaders as a memory worthy of reproach and scorn, an example to be disgarded, a figure of contemptible comedy.

If you recognize some of the signs and symptoms, seek treatment for your page rage, before it's too late. Don't turn your rage on the page. Turn the page on your rage.

Lawyers and Soldiers

"Lawyers are men whom we hire to protect us from lawyers" says Elbert Hubbard. The same thing could be said of soldiers, whom we hire to, among other things, protect us from other soldiers. If only soldiers could also protect us from lawyers. Imagine the efficiency.