Every activist needs a poet. Very few are poets; certainly I’m not; I don’t sit still long enough; my powers of observation are limited. Like chess, I find poetry overly demanding of my short social media-distracted attention span. To engage poetry I must concentrate: Read the text out loud, several times if necessary; savour the... Continue Reading →
Joke? No, definitely no joke here
Well I thought the joke was funny: “Cut the power on Superbowl Sunday.” Clever too. What do Americans like more than politics? Sports, and especially the Superbowl. Gather the neighbours; whip up some snacks; set up the video in case someone gets stuck in traffic; fresh batteries in the TV controller. Watch on Netflix? Let... Continue Reading →
For Canadian eyes only
With thanks to Charlie Angus MP Pplease read carefully Charlie's letter to Elections Canada sent on January 23, 2025 concerning potential foreign influence on the next Canaan Federal Election. If you are concerned about this matter I invite you to take your own action; details follow this letter originally published here. [Angus text follows] Stéphane... Continue Reading →
Apology? Yes, and No
A Sermon for the congregation of St. Saviour, Penticton — The Very Rev. Ken Gray — Sunday, January 26th, 2025 — The Third Sunday after the Epiphany The Sunday following the Tuesday, the day after the inauguration on Monday of this past week of President Donald Trump, when the Episcopal Bishop of Washington, the Rt.... Continue Reading →
Empty eyes of an empty man — An unfolding nightmare
With thanks to Richard Geoffrey-Leggett here is “another nail-on-the-head assessment of the unfolding nightmare” south of our shared border with the USA. Political blogger Charlie Pierce spares no words with his trenchant analysis of the Trump first day in office.” [Charlie Pierce] "In my life, I have watched John Kennedy talk on television about missiles... Continue Reading →
This is my final blog — on cruising
Readers of this blog, and of this blog, are likely sick of this particular thread. I join you in frustration. That said, the comments below, while hardly unique, take the conversation further and in interesting ways. They deserve publication — but that’s it. No more comments on cruising. I do have another couple of subjects... Continue Reading →
HOPE and exercise SOMOOD — A way towards peace in the Middle East
[Assis Naim Ateek, Sabeel Community] Dear Friends, What should our new year's message be when so many of our sisters and brothers in occupied Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, Syria, and throughout the Middle East are experiencing fear, despair, anxiety, and the prospect of an uncertain future? I believe that an appropriate message should be of hope... Continue Reading →
Elizabeth May to Justin Trudeau, with thanks
I thought Elizabeth's note following Justin Trudeau's resignation announcement yesterday particularly fine and worth sharing on this blog. [Elizabeth May] This morning, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau finally admitted the inescapable conclusion that he had to step aside to make room for new leadership. The fact that the announcement could surprise no one is to admit... Continue Reading →
Standing up to the bully — Old news is still news
Reposted from Facebook and Charlie's recent editorial in the National Observer [Charlie Angus] Donald Trump spent Christmas day publicly raging through his rolodex of political enemies. Canada remains near the top of his list. He has been insulting the Prime Minister, degrading our nation and musing about taking us over. CNN claims that these threats... Continue Reading →
HOME
Once again Kathie and I have returned home, at last. We have had other grueling travel adventures throughout 2024; and many more will likely occur. For now, however, we are home! Pardon the cliché, but there really is no place like home. Dorothy said it best, with other poets and prophets before her; there’s nothing... Continue Reading →