Spending some time in cold Phoenix. The temp actually got down to below freezing for this year's Fiesta Bowl Parade. As I wrote in earlier years, going to the annual parade is like going back to the fifties. Cheerleaders, marching bands, horses, floats, Sheriff Joe, politicians ( the governor, mayor etc.), football stars, the Shriners in small cars, police, etc.. you name it, it is on parade. It's good old fashion Americana at its best and I love it.
Hope everyone has a great 2011. It should be an interesting one politically in the USA, and who knows, maybe in Canada.. The minority government must be due for its periodic re-election and the Liberal party for a new leader. So I am looking forward to it all.
Happy New Year!
Friday, December 31, 2010
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Barack Obama and Same Sex Marriage
The political year seems to have ended very well for President Obama. Because of Republican co-operation he got his (amended) tax bill through, DADT was repealed, the Smart Treaty was approved, as was the bill to assist 9/11 first responders. It is interesting to consider why all of this has happened after the Nov mid-terms and why Obama has had more success with compromise now than before. It seems that the "party of no" has become the "party of yes". Interesting.
In his year end Press Conference, Obama was, as usual, very impressive. Smart and articulate. He answered the questions very adroitly. On one answer, however, Obama, in my opinion, fared very poorly - the one dealing with same sex marriage.
Obama continues to "struggle" with this issue, but apparently, from his answer, seems to still be opposed. Or in the least he is not prepared to come out, defend it and say he is in favour.
My question is simple: What in the world is the source of this "struggle"? For a person who speaks so passionately about fundamental values, basic dignity, and human rights, in relation to topics such as immigration reform, Don't Ask Don't Tell, redistribution of wealth, and education and health care rights, you would think that the issue of gay marriage would be an absolute no brainer. For persons truly committed to human rights and dignity for all, there is no question that gays and lesbian couples who want to make a marriage commitment to one another, should be free to do so. Marriage is obviously meaningful to them and deprives no-one else of anything. Traditionalists or religious people can continue to think it is wrong, weird, sinful or whatever, but so what? Gay marriage has nothing to do with them. It is simply none of their business.
So back to Obama. What is behind his "struggle"? Political expediency? Getting re-elected? His own personal religious beliefs? His links to his community? Bigotry? Indifference to the rights of others? Is he disingenuous when he talks about basic values and dignity?
Whatever the answer is, it is not good. This is not a small point. It goes to the heart of who President Obama is and what he really believes and is prepared to put himself on the line for.
In his year end Press Conference, Obama was, as usual, very impressive. Smart and articulate. He answered the questions very adroitly. On one answer, however, Obama, in my opinion, fared very poorly - the one dealing with same sex marriage.
Obama continues to "struggle" with this issue, but apparently, from his answer, seems to still be opposed. Or in the least he is not prepared to come out, defend it and say he is in favour.
My question is simple: What in the world is the source of this "struggle"? For a person who speaks so passionately about fundamental values, basic dignity, and human rights, in relation to topics such as immigration reform, Don't Ask Don't Tell, redistribution of wealth, and education and health care rights, you would think that the issue of gay marriage would be an absolute no brainer. For persons truly committed to human rights and dignity for all, there is no question that gays and lesbian couples who want to make a marriage commitment to one another, should be free to do so. Marriage is obviously meaningful to them and deprives no-one else of anything. Traditionalists or religious people can continue to think it is wrong, weird, sinful or whatever, but so what? Gay marriage has nothing to do with them. It is simply none of their business.
So back to Obama. What is behind his "struggle"? Political expediency? Getting re-elected? His own personal religious beliefs? His links to his community? Bigotry? Indifference to the rights of others? Is he disingenuous when he talks about basic values and dignity?
Whatever the answer is, it is not good. This is not a small point. It goes to the heart of who President Obama is and what he really believes and is prepared to put himself on the line for.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Back Home
Back home from Australia.
Tort Law conference in Sydney was quite impressive. Good line-up of speakers, including Lord Hoffmann, recently retired from the House of Lords. Lord Hoffmann is well known for his erudite tort law judgments, particularly in reference to issues of causation and public authority liability. Lord Hoffmann gave an excellent account of the economic torts, with particular reference to OBG v Allan. The Chief Justice of the Australian High Court, Chief Justice French, opened the two day conference with a very thorough and scholarly talk, over viewing the conference themes. My topic was on public authority liability discussing the Canadian experience, which is quite unique in the Commonwealth.
Kudos to the organizers, Jamie Edelman (Oxford) and Simone Degeling (UNSW) for a great job.
Soon back to politics.
Happy New Year!
Tort Law conference in Sydney was quite impressive. Good line-up of speakers, including Lord Hoffmann, recently retired from the House of Lords. Lord Hoffmann is well known for his erudite tort law judgments, particularly in reference to issues of causation and public authority liability. Lord Hoffmann gave an excellent account of the economic torts, with particular reference to OBG v Allan. The Chief Justice of the Australian High Court, Chief Justice French, opened the two day conference with a very thorough and scholarly talk, over viewing the conference themes. My topic was on public authority liability discussing the Canadian experience, which is quite unique in the Commonwealth.
Kudos to the organizers, Jamie Edelman (Oxford) and Simone Degeling (UNSW) for a great job.
Soon back to politics.
Happy New Year!
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Aussie Update
A little travel update.
Adelaide visit was great. Irene's etching exhibit at Port Adelaide at the Jackalope Gallery was very well done. Wonderful gallery, lots of attendees, great wines and cheese etc. The owners Kathy and Nancy did a great job.
Kangaroo Island visit - saw lots of animals on a beautiful island. Kangaroos, koalas, echidnas, seals, sea lions, birds, etc. Also beautiful, beautiful beaches.
Now in Sydney for the tort law conference. Excellent program. Starts tomorrow..
Big news here - the tragedy with the boat refugees. Unbelievable what people will do to leave despotic terrible regimes. Story is still developing.
More later.
Adelaide visit was great. Irene's etching exhibit at Port Adelaide at the Jackalope Gallery was very well done. Wonderful gallery, lots of attendees, great wines and cheese etc. The owners Kathy and Nancy did a great job.
Kangaroo Island visit - saw lots of animals on a beautiful island. Kangaroos, koalas, echidnas, seals, sea lions, birds, etc. Also beautiful, beautiful beaches.
Now in Sydney for the tort law conference. Excellent program. Starts tomorrow..
Big news here - the tragedy with the boat refugees. Unbelievable what people will do to leave despotic terrible regimes. Story is still developing.
More later.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Off to Adelaide
First some travel notes. Leaving Tasmania today for Adelaide. Went up East Coast for a couple of days to Freycinet National Park. Gorgeous beaches.. white sand for miles, and turquoise waters. The sand squeaked as you walked on it. Shore birds (eg the Pied Oystercatcher) nesting on the beach. But if you come you can leave your "bathers" at home.. water is freezing.
Had dinner last night with a mate who lives in Burnie. John Dewar, used to teach at U of Alberta and worked at the Law Reform Institute. Really good bloke. Finished off a lot of Tassie wine.
Ok.. now to current affairs.
Julian Assange has gone from wanted man to international cult hero. Thousands signing petition defending him. It has become a free speech and presumption of innocence issue. The belief is that the US wants him, will try to extradite him from Sweden, bring him back to US for trial. Obama Administration is not getting good press here over this whole affair.
Oprah tour continues. Apparently the Aussie tax payer is funding this thing to the tune of $3,000,000.00. Governments say it is good for tourism.. will bring throngs of Americans here. Sure.
I see that Congress has defeated DADT. That seems to put Obama Administration between rock and hard place. They could have let court ruling striking it down alone ( as I suggested ). But no.. they wanted to leave it to Congress. Well now what? Obama administration should have thought their strategy out a few steps ahead.
Cheers.
Had dinner last night with a mate who lives in Burnie. John Dewar, used to teach at U of Alberta and worked at the Law Reform Institute. Really good bloke. Finished off a lot of Tassie wine.
Ok.. now to current affairs.
Julian Assange has gone from wanted man to international cult hero. Thousands signing petition defending him. It has become a free speech and presumption of innocence issue. The belief is that the US wants him, will try to extradite him from Sweden, bring him back to US for trial. Obama Administration is not getting good press here over this whole affair.
Oprah tour continues. Apparently the Aussie tax payer is funding this thing to the tune of $3,000,000.00. Governments say it is good for tourism.. will bring throngs of Americans here. Sure.
I see that Congress has defeated DADT. That seems to put Obama Administration between rock and hard place. They could have let court ruling striking it down alone ( as I suggested ). But no.. they wanted to leave it to Congress. Well now what? Obama administration should have thought their strategy out a few steps ahead.
Cheers.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Julian And Oprah
Two big names in the news down under.
Julian Assange, Wikileaks founder, is front page on today's The Australian. Assange, an Australian citizen, has condemned his government for not stepping up to the plate to defend him against "the numerous public threats of violence against him". In an article published in The Australian, he notes for example the numerous calls in the US for him to be "taken out" by US special forces, and a call by "an advisor to the Canadian Prime Minister's office" that he be assassinated. The Australian angle is interesting. I wonder how the Canadian government would have reacted if Assange were a Canadian citizen?
Then there is the Oprah tour. About 300 Oprah fans, both from the US and Canada, are visting Australia compliments of Oprah. Although apparently mocked by Australia's "elites", the editorial in The Australian commends Oprah for the impact that this "extraordinary woman" has had on her fans. She is noted as having "pioneered discussion of social issues once taboo on mainstream American television". So there it is. All I can add is "good on you, Oprah".
Julian Assange, Wikileaks founder, is front page on today's The Australian. Assange, an Australian citizen, has condemned his government for not stepping up to the plate to defend him against "the numerous public threats of violence against him". In an article published in The Australian, he notes for example the numerous calls in the US for him to be "taken out" by US special forces, and a call by "an advisor to the Canadian Prime Minister's office" that he be assassinated. The Australian angle is interesting. I wonder how the Canadian government would have reacted if Assange were a Canadian citizen?
Then there is the Oprah tour. About 300 Oprah fans, both from the US and Canada, are visting Australia compliments of Oprah. Although apparently mocked by Australia's "elites", the editorial in The Australian commends Oprah for the impact that this "extraordinary woman" has had on her fans. She is noted as having "pioneered discussion of social issues once taboo on mainstream American television". So there it is. All I can add is "good on you, Oprah".
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
DOWN UNDER
Quick report from Hobart, Tasmania.
I am in Australia for tort law conference, and Irene has art exhibit in Adelaide. Came to Tasmania for a few days. Hobart is a picturesque, charming place. But haven't explored much yet.
Few interesting notes. Everybody here seems to be from someplace else. Our waitress last night from Flagstaff. She came to school here because she thought it was going to be like Hawaii. She got over it in a few months. Now likes it. Our hotel check in clerk is from Regina. Why he would have wanted to leave is beyond me. The waiter in Sydney was from England. Restaurant manager from South Africa. So we are still on the lookout for a real Tasmanian devil.
On the Sydney-Hobart flight watched two hours of live Fox News. O'Reilly, Hannity, Greta. No CNN. No MSNBC. Curious.
I guess big news back in US is Obama's cave in on Bush tax cuts. I gather Dems on the left are unhappy.. very unhappy. Hillary, where are you?? Will keep on eye on that.
Thats it for now. Just wanted to say hello. Hello.
I am in Australia for tort law conference, and Irene has art exhibit in Adelaide. Came to Tasmania for a few days. Hobart is a picturesque, charming place. But haven't explored much yet.
Few interesting notes. Everybody here seems to be from someplace else. Our waitress last night from Flagstaff. She came to school here because she thought it was going to be like Hawaii. She got over it in a few months. Now likes it. Our hotel check in clerk is from Regina. Why he would have wanted to leave is beyond me. The waiter in Sydney was from England. Restaurant manager from South Africa. So we are still on the lookout for a real Tasmanian devil.
On the Sydney-Hobart flight watched two hours of live Fox News. O'Reilly, Hannity, Greta. No CNN. No MSNBC. Curious.
I guess big news back in US is Obama's cave in on Bush tax cuts. I gather Dems on the left are unhappy.. very unhappy. Hillary, where are you?? Will keep on eye on that.
Thats it for now. Just wanted to say hello. Hello.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
"GET OVER IT"
I said it before Charles Blow of the New York Times did. I disagree with Charles Blow on a bunch of things. I also give Sarah Palin a lot more credit than he does.
But having said all of that, I agree with his recent piece in the New York Times totally. Advice to the anti-Paliners out there (whether on the "left" or the "right"):
"GET OVER IT"!
Read his piece.
But having said all of that, I agree with his recent piece in the New York Times totally. Advice to the anti-Paliners out there (whether on the "left" or the "right"):
"GET OVER IT"!
Read his piece.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
The Media's Obsession With Palin
It seems that almost everyday I look at the CNN website, there is at least one story about Sarah Palin. Examples of such juicy headlines include: "Rollins: Sarah Palin, you're no Reagan"; "Palin Lashes Out At The Media"; "Palin Delivers A Gaffe Filled Message"; "Palin Ratings Rebound"; "Palin's Intentions Questioned As She Heads Back To Iowa"; "Palin Hauls In Nearly $500k In Just Over A Month"; "Barbara Bush Tells Palin To Stay In Alaska"; "Rove Calls Actions By Palin Smart"; "Palin Must Be Stopped Says Scarborough"; "Palin Slams Obama Administration Over Wikileaks Fiasco"; "McCain Compares Palin To Reagan"; "Romney Takes A Swing At Palin" and on and on and on.
And that, my friends, is from only CNN, only from the last couple of days, and only after I spent about 15 minutes searching. Can you imagine what I would have turned up if I had done some real research and looked at other sources?
If you were a visitor from Mars and saw all of this Palin attention , you would legitimately wonder: "Who the heck is Sarah Palin? Boy, this Sarah must be a very, very important person!!"
And you might be surprised to find out, well, no. Palin WAS the governor of Alaska (population 700,000 - less than Edmonton Alberta!) Palin now holds no political office. She actually holds no political, governmental, bureaucratic, or any other office at all. She might not even have an office. She is not a big shot company executive. She ran for Vice-President and lost.(The winning Vice President, Joe Biden, is hardly ever talked about by the way.) She "might" run for President in 2012, but she will most likely not get her own party's nomination and if she did, by some fluke, she would get clobbered in a national Presidential election. So she is very unlikely to hold any political office ever, ever again.
So why all the fuss, you might ask? Well, frankly, I do not know. I am sure legions of future PhD students in political science, sociology, philosophy, psychology, anthropology etc. will spend years studying the topic of the "Sarah Palin Mystique" and try to find out why there is this incredible media Sarah Palin obsession.
You might also be interested in finding out, as was I, that this media obsession does not seem to be met with the same obsession by members of the ordinary public. In the Yahoo Buzz Index of top recent Yahoo searches, Sarah Palin's name does not even show up in the top 20. "Tony Parker" shows up. "Eva Longoria Parker" shows up. "Eliza Dushku" shows up. "Nina Garcia De Castellanos" shows up. But not Sarah Palin. (And please, please do not ask me who these people are. I do not know.) So go figure.
And that, my friends, is from only CNN, only from the last couple of days, and only after I spent about 15 minutes searching. Can you imagine what I would have turned up if I had done some real research and looked at other sources?
If you were a visitor from Mars and saw all of this Palin attention , you would legitimately wonder: "Who the heck is Sarah Palin? Boy, this Sarah must be a very, very important person!!"
And you might be surprised to find out, well, no. Palin WAS the governor of Alaska (population 700,000 - less than Edmonton Alberta!) Palin now holds no political office. She actually holds no political, governmental, bureaucratic, or any other office at all. She might not even have an office. She is not a big shot company executive. She ran for Vice-President and lost.(The winning Vice President, Joe Biden, is hardly ever talked about by the way.) She "might" run for President in 2012, but she will most likely not get her own party's nomination and if she did, by some fluke, she would get clobbered in a national Presidential election. So she is very unlikely to hold any political office ever, ever again.
So why all the fuss, you might ask? Well, frankly, I do not know. I am sure legions of future PhD students in political science, sociology, philosophy, psychology, anthropology etc. will spend years studying the topic of the "Sarah Palin Mystique" and try to find out why there is this incredible media Sarah Palin obsession.
You might also be interested in finding out, as was I, that this media obsession does not seem to be met with the same obsession by members of the ordinary public. In the Yahoo Buzz Index of top recent Yahoo searches, Sarah Palin's name does not even show up in the top 20. "Tony Parker" shows up. "Eva Longoria Parker" shows up. "Eliza Dushku" shows up. "Nina Garcia De Castellanos" shows up. But not Sarah Palin. (And please, please do not ask me who these people are. I do not know.) So go figure.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
