History has a habit of repeating itself...

It would appear that some people, Canadians, have particularly short memories.

Presently, in addition to the whinging and whining about Canada’s Government, there is a remarkable amount of wailing and gnashing of teeth regarding the newly established Liberal-NDP coalition.

Lest anyone for one moment forgets, on October 15, 2003, the Canadian Alliance (formerly the Reform Party), led by a younger, almost cherubic Stephen Harper and the Progressive

Conservative Party (under its new leader Peter MacKay), announced that they would merge to form a new party, called the Conservative Party of Canada. This was, no matter how one looks at it, a coalition. This “union” was ratified on December 5, 2003, with 96% support of the membership of the Canadian Alliance, and on December 6, 90.04% support of elected delegates in the Progressive Conservative Party. On December 8, the party was officially registered with Elections Canada, and on March 20, 2004, former Alliance leader Stephen Harper was elected as leader of the party. The new party was dubbed "the Alliance Conservatives" by critics who considered the new party a "hostile takeover" (does this rhetoric sound familiar?) of the old Progressive Conservatives by the newer Alliance.

The new Conservative Party would form Canada’s Federal government on February 6, 2006.

So endeth the lesson.

Adden-dumb to Wal-Mart post...

The family of a worker trampled to death in a "Black Friday" crush of bargain hunters at a New York Wal-Mart store filed a wrongful-death lawsuit on Wednesday, claiming store ads offering deep discounts "created an atmosphere of competition and anxiety" that led to "crowd craze."

In simple terms, the advertising made people do it.

Please.

As many of you know, by day, I own and run a small, full-service advertising agency based in Toronto. While I do believe strongly in the power of the written and spoken word, I am amazed that some lawyer saw fit to pursue this based upon the above premise. But wait. It is the US after all, perhaps the most litigious nation in the world. A lawyer or law firm took this case on a contingency basis – if successful, they will receive a percentage of the award and then goes about their normal business, listening to police scanners and chasing proverbial ambulances.

The lawsuit claims that besides failing to provide adequate security on Friday, November 28 for a pre-dawn crowd estimated at 2,000, Wal-Mart "engaged in specific marketing and advertising techniques to specifically attract a large crowd and create an environment of frenzy and mayhem and was otherwise careless, reckless and negligent."

Say what?

“Guns don’t kill people… people kill people.” Here’s a quote from the Urban Dictionary… "Listen, Buck, when the gun-control crazies protest the concealed carry legislation, all you got to say is 'guns don't kill people, people kill people'. I mean, it's just that simple. After all, when guns are outlawed, only outlaws will have guns, right?"

I digress.

Jdimytai Damour, 34, was 6-foot-5 and weighed in at around 270 pounds. He had been hired by an employment agency as a temporary worker at the Wal-Mart store and had been on the job a week when he died. Damour died of asphyxiation after being crushed by the crowd, which broke down the electronic doors in frantic pursuit of bargains. At least four other people were treated at hospitals, including a woman who was eight months pregnant. Interesting sidebar, here; Damour was as big as an NFL lineman. He was placed at the entrance of the store to assist with crowd control. Profiling?

I continue to digress.

Not wanting to leave out anyone lest they be offended, this action, in addition to the retailer, also named the realty company that manages the property and a security company hired to patrol the property, as defendants.

"Those hundreds of people who did make their way into the store, literally had to step over or around him or unfortunately on him to get into the Wal-Mart store," Nassau County Police Commissioner Lawrence Mulvey said this week. "Police are reviewing store video to identify possible suspects in Damour's death, but Mulvey conceded that criminal charges are unlikely.

So let’s be clear. No-one rolled up a flyer or newspaper and clubbed Damour with it. No one threw a barrage of mp3 files containing radio spots. No-one threw video tapes of 30-second commercials at him.

I am not for one moment absolving Wal-Mart of any blame or responsibility here. By all accounts, in this store at this location, security and security measures were perhaps not what they might have been. However, step back for a moment and ask yourself this; how many Wal-Mart stores are there in the United States? The answer, as of August 31, 2008 is 4,227. It would be a reasonably safe assumption that the vast majority of those stores participated in Black Friday sales. Across the nation, the air waves would have been crackling for days with advertising, urging consumers to part with their hard-earned dollars. Spend, spend, spend. At how many Wal-Mart stores was someone killed on that very day? One.

Advertising did NOT kill this unfortunate individual.

He was killed by a frenzied crowd of bargain hunters on a mission – to purchase something, anything at a ridiculously low price – because they could.

Nothing more. Nothing less.

The defense rests.

January 26, 2009 - who's kidding who?

Pop quiz: do Stephen Harper and his band of merry yes-men (and women) seriously believe that over the next seven weeks the mighty Conservative propaganda machine can undo the sentiment of the majority of Canadians?

I believe that the above sentence is a text book example of a rhetorical question.

After a secretive two and a half hour meeting with Canada's Governor General, Michaëlle Jean earlier today, Harper sought the dissolution of Parliament to buy some time and avoid the inevitable.

The official term is "prorogue".

Prorogue basically means to temporarily shut down the workings of the Parliament. It is a way for the government to hide from its constitutional duty to address Parliament, in this case avoiding a vote which could topple their already tenuous (death) grip on power.

Remember, in Canada, we do not elect a Prime Minister. We elect individual members of Parliament. The group of members (usually aligned to a formal political "party") who have the largest group, traditionally form the government. This gaggle of enlightened individuals is often comprised of former lawyers, car salesmen and zealots from all walks of life. They then choose from among themselves a Prime Minister and other Cabinet Ministers. That “elite” group continues to hold the reins of power until they "lose the confidence of the House". Losing the confidence of the house has usually meant losing a vote in the House of Commons on what is called a "money" bill. So they can lose a vote on the passage of a new law, but not on a budget, for instance. When a government loses a confidence vote, they are expected to resign. Now, when they resign, the Governor General chooses one of several options. These include calling an election, refusing the resignation (sending the government back to work it out like mature and responsible adults), or the Governor General can ask the opposition if they are prepared to form a government. That is what the current "coalition" wants her to do.

It's worth noting that coalition governments are perfectly legal and quite acceptable. Remember, we did not elect a Prime Minister, we elected members. Those members are free to form any alliances or coalitions they choose. That is all that the current coalition is doing; they are forming a fresh grouping that happens to include members of two parties - Liberal and NDP. It's legal, it's traditional, and it's even all quite democratic in the true sense of the word – but in the most basic of ways. Another important point to remember; at this point, the Bloc is not an official member of this alleged coalition.

The coalition, which would have a 24-member cabinet composed of six NDP and 18 Liberal MPs, has vowed to make an economic stimulus package a priority, proposing a multibillion-dollar plan that would include assistance for the auto and forestry sectors. Nothing for the man on the street, Joe the Plumber -- sorry, wrong campaign... wrong country... bad idea.

Harper's rational for this move? "The economy is the priority now, and the public is very frustrated with the situation in Parliament. We're all responsible for that." Harper even went so far as to make this statement in French. Now and only now does he choose to pander to the hard line sovereignists. I always thought that it was impossible to suck and blow at the same time, but Canada’s soon to be deposed leader, appears to have mastered the fine art. Kudos for that, Steve.

As was the mantra during the recent US election campaign, "It's all about the economy, stupid!"

By the way; C-SPAN is fast becoming "Must see TV!"

Life resembles art...?

It's all pretty pathetic, really.

The following muffled statement was heard from behind closed doors at 24 Sussex Drive over the weekend. "Put 'em up, put 'em up! Which one of you first? I can fight you both together if you want. I can fight you with one paw tied behind my back. I can fight you standing on one foot. I can fight you with my eyes closed. Oh, pull an axe on me, eh? Sneaking up on me, eh? Why, I'll... Ruff! "

Seven weeks ago, Canadians decided that we were not ready for a change in our Federal government and did not upset the Conservative party who were returned with another minority. It's not that we did not want a change. The problem lay with the leadership, or lack thereof within the Liberal party - who were the one possible viable alternative. The minority kept the ruling Conservatives on a relatively short leash.

Boy, was that leash ever short. Seems it was attached to a choke chain.

Governor General Michaëlle Jean - for the sake of this post, she might be referred as Dorothy, could be forced to decide the fate of the minority Parliament in the coming days. Prime Minister Stephen Harper could seek her permission to discontinue the current session of parliament, thus avoiding defeat at the hands of an NDP-Liberal coalition.

Or she could elect to hand power to the NDP-Liberal coalition, formally sealed yesterday, if they defeat the Conservatives as threatened next week. Yesterday, December 1, the Liberals and the Jack Layton led NDP signed a formal, unprecedented pact to replace the minority Conservatives, who were re-elected just seven weeks ago, with a coalition government. With guaranteed support from the separatist Gilles Duceppe's Bloc Québécois for at least 18 months, the Liberal-led coalition yesterday wrote to Jean to offer a governing alternative, claiming the Conservatives have lost the confidence of the majority of the House of Commons.

"We are ready to form a new government that will address the best interests of the people," said Liberal leader Stéphane Dion, who would lead the coalition government as Prime Minister. "It's all about the economy . . . it's why we are together, to fight this economic crisis."

But Harper and his Conservatives say they will fight to hang on to power in the face of an extraordinary opposition move to force them from office. Two senior cabinet ministers emerged after huddling with Harper last night to declare the coalition "undemocratic." Wow. Great response, guys. Feels like we’re back in a playground during recess - not dealing with a crucial milestone of this country's history during these tough economic times.

The three parties, with a combined total of 163 seats in the Commons, pledged to defeat the Conservatives, who have 143, at the earliest chance - perhaps next Monday, December 8. "There is no turning back."

Some background; Dion, who led the Liberals to their worst election showing in a generation on October 14, is now poised to become prime minister under the deal, until he is replaced by the winner of the Liberal leadership convention in May. You may recall shortly after the last election he decided to step down as leader. So it's entirely possible that Canada may be led by an already lame duck party leader. Talk about no brain!

Meanwhile, Layton, who reminds many of a long-since retired adult entertainment extra with his cheesy moustache, is just beside himself. His excitement is oh so obvious. A socialist-leaning ideologue looking to serve his own personal interests. Talk about no heart!

And then there's our separatist ami, Duceppe. Waiting anxiously working tirelessly behind the scenes to undo this united nation and declare Quebec a Sovereign state. Talk about the actions of a coward!

So, now I've drawn the parallel to TLATO's favorite movie of all time, The Wizard of Oz. My work is done. Except, perhaps to point out the obvious; the Wizard, the man behind the curtain is none other than Stephen Harper.

As his good buddy, George W. might say, "Nice job, Steve-o!"

But wait; there's more! Here’s something really far-fetched to consider. At some point in the coming months, there will be another general election. Let me posit this ridiculous notion. What if the coalition government does a fantastic job. At the polls would the choices be: (a) Liberal; (b) NDP; (c) Conservative; or, (d) all of the above?

Limp leftist Liberals and Socialist NDP'ers and barely disguised Reformers. Oh, my!

Inevitable? Probably...

Police say a worker, a contract security person at a Wal-Mart store in Long Island, New York, has died after being trampled by a throng of unruly shoppers.

It apparently occurred shortly after the store opened at 5 a.m. on so-called Black Friday (November 28, 2008), the traditional start of the holiday sales rush in the United States. Officials say several other people were injured in the incident.

It would appear that Nassau County police say the 34-year-old worker was taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead at about 6 a.m. The exact cause of death has yet to be determined. Really? News flash -- it probably was not a cough due to cold!

A 28-year-old pregnant woman was taken to a hospital for observation, and three other shoppers suffered minor injuries and were also taken to hospitals in the vicinity.

A police statement stated that shortly after 5 a.m., a throng of shoppers “physically broke down the doors, knocking [the worker] to the ground.”

Officials at Wal-Mart Stores Inc. in Bentonville, Arkansas, refused to confirm the reports of a stampede, but said a “medical emergency” had caused the company to close the store, which is in Valley Stream on Long Island. “Local authorities are looking into the situation,” said Wal-Mart representative Dan Fogleman. He said it would be “inappropriate for me to share any additional information” until authorities investigate further.

OK, so the running of the bulls in Pamplona, there is an expectation of injury - perhaps even death.

Working at a Wal-Mart, anywhere... death by rampaging likely grossly overweight bargain hunting Long Island residents? Wow...

By the way... do you think that Wal-Mart may quietly decide to change their slogan? See above, it reads, "Save money. Live better". I'm guessing that the family of the unfortunate soul that was crushed might have something to say about that privately and publicly since crazed bargain hunting shoppers terminated the life of a likely minimum wage employee.

The very premise of Black Friday is a recipe for disaster. Here, north of the Mason Dixon line we have our own retail ballyhoo to deal with traditionally on December 26th. It's called Boxing Day. And no, it has nothing to do with a Mike Tyson rematch.

People dying to save a few dollars. Truly tragic.

As that renowned philosopher from Los Angeles, Rodney King once said, "Can't we all just get along?"

Foreplay is always preferable...

At the time of writing, the price on the open market for a barrel of light sweet crude oil was $52.33; a vast improvement over previous rates - in fact, at one point during the month of June 2008, a barrel was selling for slightly more than $147.00.

OK, so there have been marked improvements of late.

I'm still at a loss regarding the apparent “shortage” of oil months ago. Has anything truly changed in the interim? The US is still raging an impossible war in Iraq; other western nations are involved in "peace keeping" initiatives in Afghanistan. So, why the reduction of around 60%?

Here's the thing. Have gas prices reduced by anywhere near the same ratio? Short answer; no.

This past Sunday, here in rural Ontario, a local gas station was selling a litre of gasoline for $0.733. A bargain, relatively speaking. I got quite excited since the night before, driving into Toronto, I had filled up for $0.745 a litre. Note to city folk; prices up here for gasoline are often 3 - 6 cents a litre better on regular!

Prices should, however, still be lower.

Our home is heated by oil. And yes, we've seen the price of oil come down these last few months, too. Heating our home and, in our case, hot water, is not a luxury. It's a necessity of life. My 910 litre tank was filled two days ago with 755.5 litres of oil. At a rate of $0.919 per litre. When I saw our bill, I was pleased - and simultaneously angry. Why is the price of home heating oil still way higher than gasoline? I understand that processing for both products is required. But why such a discrepancy?

I even conducted my own mini-survey on the phone yesterday. Seems when compared to those providers I contacted, our supplier was $0.02 more per litre.

Please... kiss me first - and don't blame everything on the Middle East.

To friends in Europe - I know, your prices are considerably higher.

To friends in the US, your prices are lower still - and that's using gasoline that Canada has sold to you!

One man's dream...

On August 28, 1963, a great and inspiring American, Dr. Martin Luther King made his historic speech in Washington.

Here is an excerpt...

I say to you today, my friends, that in spite of the difficulties and frustrations of the moment, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.

I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal."

I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slaveowners will be able to sit down together at a table of brotherhood.

I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a desert state, sweltering with the heat of injustice and oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.

I have a dream that my four children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.

I have a dream today.

I have a dream that one day the state of Alabama, whose governor's lips are presently dripping with the words of interposition and nullification, will be transformed into a situation where little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls and walk together as sisters and brothers.

I have a dream today.

I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight, and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.

And so it was, November 4, 2008, more than 45 years later, Dr. King's dream was realized. A tall, slim, earnest man, the son of an inter-racial marriage, Barack Obama, made history. He is the United States of America's 44th President; he is the first President of colour.

At the end of the day, many of us believe that he was the right man - at the right time. His colour? Not really a factor. It was his ideas; his energy; his charisma; his beliefs that overcame electoral adversity and made believers the world over. This man has an opportunity over the next four years, perhaps the next eight, to bring about major change to the USA specifically, but even to the world.

This will not be easy. It will be an uphill battle. There is much to overcome. America is in a recession. They are fighting a war that, like Vietnam before, they have no hope of "winning".

Yet today, the world seemed to wake up with a new feeling. It was hope. It was optimism.

Last night history was made. Today and this day forward, we all, each of us no matter where we are or what we do, have the ability to ensure that by working together, we can pull through and prevail.

We all deserve better. But it is not entitlement; it is earned.