On December 13 1776, in the dark days of the US War of Independence, Thomas Paine wrote a little book called “The Crisis”. He began with these words - “THESE are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country;... Continue Reading →
Andrew Coyne just made an argument that goes straight to the heart of Canada’s Trump problem. If Washington is going to punish Canada no matter what Canada does, then at some point Canada has to stop making every decision based on how Donald Trump might react. Coyne’s point was simple: “If you lose no matter... Continue Reading →
So now we know, at least according to pollster Angus Reid, that 63% of Canadians support a pipeline from Alberta to B.C. and that economic arguments prove most persuasive. There are some opponents to fossil fuel expansion who say that Canada should be more concerned about the environment. New data from the non-profit Angus Reid... Continue Reading →
The Rev. John Jackman, a man with a white beard and hair, and a boy of about 9 in a Scout uniform are shown at the altar of a church, with colorful confetti floating around them. Heard on US National Public Radio, June 28, 2026Noam Levey for KFF Health News WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Some issues,... Continue Reading →
Democrats must take on America's oligarchs. Here's how - By Robert Reich on Substack - Jun 23, 2026 Friends, The last time Americans faced such overwhelming evidence that the monied interests were screwing them over was the Great Crash of 1929 and ensuing Great Depression, resulting in the presidency of Franklin D. Roosevelt, starting in... Continue Reading →
Natalie Kyriacou | “How Will History Judge Us?” | Democracy, Climate & the Future Australian author and environmentalist Natalie Kyriacou delivers a powerful and deeply provocative address at the Reclaiming Democracy Together launch event. Opening with the question, “How do you think we will be written about in history books?”, Natalie reflects on the contradictions... Continue Reading →
Christopher Lamb on CNN Pope Leo XIV says control of artificial intelligence must not remain in the hands “of a few” while warning that technology is fueling world conflicts, setting out his proposals in the first major theological document of his pontificate. These include protecting the distinctive “grandeur of humanity” amid rapidly changing technology and... Continue Reading →
Reposted from Letters from an American, by Heather Cox Richardson on Substack. An audio version can be accessed here. [Heather Cox Richardson] On May 22, 1964, in a graduation speech at the University of Michigan, President Lyndon Johnson put a name to a new vision for the United States. He called it “the Great Society”... Continue Reading →
With thanks to The Conversation.com // Published: May 7, 2026 Dogs display many traits of great leaders − here are 5 breeds that can be your leadership role models I have been a dog lover ever since I was a kid and have spent years learning about the temperaments and histories of different dog breeds, as... Continue Reading →
From Adam Chan CHEK TV News Two pillars of the Victoria art scene are set to close down next month. Hermann’s Jazz Club and View Street Social will close their doors permanently on April 30, 2026. The Arts On View Society announced the upcoming closure on Thursday, saying the “difficult decision” came after extensive reviews... Continue Reading →
Take Note - Reflections on life, music, politics, retirement and more by Ken Gray 