Happy Ending?

I haven't commented on this as of yet because I wanted to take a little while to let it sink in in spite of aggressive media saturation. Now that this whole incident in Iraq with the 3 now-freed hostages is mostly at an end, I offer my take on a few key points.

Firstly, it's always a good thing to see these kinds of endings. I can't even begin to imagine what must have been endured by the victims and their respective families. They credited their faith with giving them the courage to withstand these trials, and ultimately, for bringing this ordeal to an end. Here's though where it starts to get a little fuzzy.

I find it tremendously disappointing that Christian Peacemaker Teams refuses to acknowledge the efforts of the special forces who rescued them. I don't really care if you're staunch anti-war activists. You owe it to these organizations for the safety of your members. Your blatant ignorance in the face of such heroism is ridiculous and goes against the very principles of the movement you claim to represent. I don't doubt your sincerity... obviously you have people who are compelled to go into dangerous areas of the world to work for something good.

I know that God works in ways that we can't really understand, and often fail to appreciate. To the CPT I would ask if anyone in your group has even considered that perhaps God might have been working through various organizations (special forces included) in order to bring about the safe release of your workers? You may not wish to believe it but I don't think it would be wise to brush off these events as some random coincidence.

I'm happy you saw such a pleasant outcome but I think it's time to pull your head out of the sand and recognize some truly significant work instead of automatically avoiding it like you're trying to do.

UPDATE:
Heard a report on the CBC with some snippets from one of the victims as he returned to Canada. He was not so hesitant to thank the efforts of the government and the special forces who saved him. I should have mentioned earlier that much of my criticism was directed specifically at some of the leadership and PR of CPT, and not the victims. I should also note that I am not painting the whole group with the same brush. I don't know them well enough to give an entirely accurate take on their activities. What I did see and hear (or didn't in terms of a simple thank you) was what made me a little upset. Oh well. Nothing too get too worked up over.

Liberal Chest-Thumping

So I read in the Post that the Libs are willing to topple this minority government if the Tories don't back down from their pledge to install their own program for Child-care as opposed to the Liberal proposals. I'm gonna call that bluff right now. I'd like to think that the Liberal Party of Canada isn't that stupid to think that this would be a smart move.

I support the initiative to give my family a little extra cash. My wife wants to be a stay-at-home. She is one of many Canadians who do not want an insitutional day care system. What the Libs are saying is that the only to raise children in this country is to let the government decide how and when it is to be done. What the Conservatives have said is that they'll give families a little more help so that they can make their own decisions.

The Libs are a bunch of freaking idiots!! Honestly, who are they to tell me and my wife how we have to raise our family? Do they not think that parents can be trusted to use the funds in a responsible manner (beer and popcorn, anyone?)? Do they think that it's much more important for both parents to be in the workforce, therefore further helping the economy to grow? Of course they do. Why? I have a number of theories on this one but you could sum it up and say that they're out of touch with reality.

The Libs need to remember that they lost the election and that the Tories have earned the right to implement their own agenda. The also need to remember that they have no leader, no money, and are rapidly losing any shred of credibility that they have left. I doubt they've seriously considered what the consequences would be for a swift end to this minority parliament, mostly because they don't have the guts to follow through on this pre-throne speech BS.

Activism Schmactivism

Many people complain because of the horrible news stories they are constantly bombarded with when they turn on the TV or read the newspaper. Personally, I find there to be an even greater enemy on the general well-being of the species. Yes, I'm talking about activism and its often excessive incarnations.

As I've written before, I place great value on our ability to make our own choices. Most of us are intelligent enough to consider the impact of our actions and make those kinds of decisions that generally limit any negative impact upon ourselves and even others. I have a huge problem with some of the numerous groups seeking for attention today with their so-called 'causes.' I mean, think about how many there are: vegetarianism, environmentalism, save the ozone layer, ban trans-fats, no frankenfood, and numerous others. Frankly, too often they just bug me.

Now, I'm not saying that I don't necessarily like the message that they convey. For example, I think it's important to care for the environment. My family tries to cut down on garbage, drive less, and do what we can to be responsible in our own way. It's just one small example of people actually making real change. I actually know that I'm doing something as opposed to some nut who gets all worked up over depletion of the rainforests, or the seal hunt and does absolutely nothing.

When I don't agree, I have no problem with people going about their lives the way that they want to. If you want to eat only vegetables for the rest of your life, fine, more power to you. I'm going to keep eating the occasional steak because I happen to like it and you don't have the right to tell me what I should or shouldn't do. And before you counter with: What about the government? Yeah, I feel that it is more than reasonable to have limits placed upon society. I don't want some criminal being able to come and rob my home just because he feels like it. We have laws for a reason and it is our duty as responsible citizens to accept them, or work to improve what we can.

What bothers me about much of the activism I see today is just how much they flaunt it in our faces. They aren't content to just get the message out there. No, too often some movements rely on doing something crazy to get the attention they want. I'll point out PETA, as an example. One look at some of their TV ads and many will agree that they'll get their point across in a not so conventional manner. Unique, heck yes! Credible? Well... maybe not so much, especially when they use a skewed perspective and fail to acknowledge both sides of the issue.

You can't have an arsenal that is solely dependant on shock tactics and celebrity appeal. I think it's great that people care about... well.. what they care about. But I don't need the Paul McCartneys and the Pamela Andersons or some other activist to tell me that I'm some sort of inhumane dinosaur, a product of the system, and a bane upon this fragile world. You wanna get involved, fine, but you won't get any points in my book. Watch your own back and get off my case!!

Oh Good.... Just in time for Spring

Edmonton got tons of snow over the weekend. I guess Mother Nature is trying to catch up for the 2 and half months she was gone.

I, for one, love the snow. It makes everything look so clean and fresh. Every time I see a major snowfall, I become more and more proud to be a Canadian. Vehicles will always get stuck and there will always be people who are willing to give them a hand. It makes me feel good when I see, and help where I can, in random acts of kindness.

Last Week In A Nutshell

I've decided to take a bit of a break from writing my term paper to.... write in my blog. Wait a second...

In any case, I've had quite a bit on my mind looking back on the past week of happenings right here in Canada. There really isn't a good way to sum it all up so I'll just take a minute or two for some of the major issues that caught my eye.

First, I'm actually pretty happy to see that the PM made it out to Afghanistan as a show of support to the troops. I watched a little newscast on the CBC which in closing had the reporter saying that this probably wasn't one of the best times for this kind of visit. To that I would ask if in a country experiencing these kinds of challenges, is there really a good time to visit? I really believe that this visit marks a very big step for a Canadian PM. I see it as a very real sign that what our soldiers are doing really matters.

As for Mr. Shapiro, he may not have had the best week ever. I have to admit that I was disappointed with the initial reaction by the PMO saying that the PM "was loathe to cooperate with the Ethics Commisioner." This didn't really seem like something I would expect to hear from the party I had worked hard for and supported with my vote. This sounded very much like certain elements of previous Liberal governments in terms of sheer uninhibited arrogance. However, the more I've been bombarded with the story and taken the time to think about the issue, I've come to the conclusion that the PMO has a few very good points.

Mr. Shapiro was undeniably absent when both Scott Brison and Belinda Stronach crossed to floor to sit as Liberals, and as new cabinet ministers. I have heard no explanation for this lack of prudence on the part of the Ethics Commish... why? Although it has a somewhat negative appearance, I do think I can see why the PMO would say what was said. Also, I find the hypocrisy of the NDP is sickening. All but a few months ago they were calling for Mr. Shapiro to resign. Now, they've put on this ridiculous charade of pretending to be his biggest fan. I can't say I'm surprised though. I expect little more from a party that lacks any real vision for this country.

On a lighter and much less political note, I was privileged to be able to attend the wedding of my wife's cousin and his beautiful bride. It gave me the opportunity to really think about how I feel about my own marriage, which I might add is moving along well at a little more than a year and a half. A lot of my peers at the University think I'm a bit nuts to be married at only 23, and with a son on top of that. Sure it's tough but I wouldn't trade any of what I have now for anything else the world could offer me. I love my wife, my son, and I love the experiences that we are able to have together as a family.

Tim Hortons

Anyone who's lived in Canada long enough is probably familiar with Tim Hortons' 'Roll Up the Rim to Win' contest. I myself have even managed to win a free hot chocolate or two in the course of my rolling up of said rim. Now we are privileged to see humanity at its finest now that at least two people are feuding over one lucky cup for a new SUV. Here's my take.

First off, I have to say that both fathers in this situation are being ridiculously hardheaded and greedy. I don't care what you say your reasons are. The way I see it, you have no excuse for your behavior and should really be ashamed of yourselves. This isn't about higher principles and failed chances... it's about not wanting to show any weakness, and ultimately, it's about getting as much as possible.

Two words: grow up.

Back Again?

My posts have been somewhat.... nonexistent for the past little while. The little cold I caught on my return to Canada turned out to be a lot worse than I thought it would be. I've also been dealing with a few papers requiring attention.

My post today is somewhat short: I support our soldiers in Afghanistan. Sure it's tough and of course it has huge risks. Does it really come as a surprise? I hear a lot of people saying we should just pull out now before it gets worse and to that I say nonsense. We'd be cowards if we just turned tail and ran at the first sign of trouble. We've made a committment and we as Canadians should be willing and proud to support those who put their lives on the line as soldiers.

UPDATE:
While I'm not unsympathetic to the tragedy that some families deal with, I have to say that this kind of attitude really bothers me. A review: when people sign up to serve in the military there will be risks involved period. Don't be naive and expect that everything will always be fine and dandy. I would like to think that if my son were killed in action that, while I would struggle with the grief and loss, I would also be extremely proud of the service he had given. Again, saying we should pull out just because things get hot has more to do with cowardice than anything else. If you hate me for saying that, fine. Then get over it.