A Lesson in Canadian Politics

Currently in Alberta the governing party is going through a leadership battle. The current leader is retiring and the review for a new leader has just passed the first vote. In order to become a leader of a political party, the candidate must receive 50% + 1 of the votes of party members. Becoming a party member is easy. Just sign your name and pay your fee.
The oddity of Canadian politics is that the new leader of the party becomes the new leader of the province. No election of the people, just paying party members. Next Saturday is the second round of votes of the three top candidates from the first round. One of these three men, in this case, will be the Premier of Alberta (equivalent of a US State Governor). It will be up to that new leader when to call a general election to determine if the public want his party to rule the government.
This is because of another Canadian political oddity. You don't get to vote for who you want to lead the province or country. If he of she is the leader of the party that gains the more votes, by default that party leader becomes the Premier or Prime Minister. This is mighty frustrating for a Canadian voter who likes the party, but not the leader. Canada's great political system, established by a well known drunk and his friends, is a piece of work.

Cold War Alive and Well in Canada

Shock and disbelief on the coverage of the Russian Spy case in Montreal. Paul William Hampel is being held in a secret location as he prepares for trial. At his first court appearance for his deportation, Federal Court Judge Pierre Blais told the court he was 'very surprised and angry' that his orders were not followed as Hampel was not given an outline of the case against him in time.
It should be a very simple outline:
- You stand before the judge
- The judge will ask of you are a spy
- You say yes or no
- if 'yes' you get deported
- if 'no' you go to trial and then deported
What is more unbelievable is that there were 10 uniformed immigration and border services agents in the courtroom wearing bullet proof vests. Maybe there was a tip that his countrymen would come and break him out before the taxpayers could pay for his cushy flight home. Hampel apparently smiled at reporters when the judge stated that the case will be postponed until Nov 28. Another six days from now to find a way to signal his comrades where his secret prison is located. A delayed trial is no big deal. What is most amazing to themadhatter is the final sentence of the uncredited report from www.canada.com story from the CanWest news service:
"Some reporters attending the hearing could be heard talking with what sounded like a slight Russian accent."
Coincidently there were French accents as well. Since that is one of the two official languages of Canada, yes we have two, there is no suspicion of French spies.
Man, is Canada paranoid.

Canadian Security Threatened

A spy, suspected to be a member of the SVC successor of the KGB, was arrested in an attempt to leave Canada under an assumed identity. Paul William Hampel, as he was known, was detained after a security certificate was sent out regarding his activities. Here's the kicker. He'll probably be deported for his actions and the tax payers will have to pay for it. Way to go, Canada. he gets a free trip home.
It is not known what information he was spying for and where he was going.
It is presumed that he is not from Poland, as we all know their hockey team sucks because they do not know the formula for ice.
It is not plans for climate change as we know that Canada was placed 51st of 56 countries. We beat the US!! Shut up, Canada. It's not your turn!
We know it is not our plentiful oil. None to be found at Trudeau Airport or Aeroport de Trudeau.
Definitely not our silly language laws that only apply outside the sovereign nation independently living within Canada.
What does Canada have that the SVC wants so badly, especially in Montreal? Simple. Sandwich al a viande fumee de Montreal or the recipe for the Montreal Smoked Sandwich. Well comrads, Here it is. Bon apetite!

Interview with Canada on Climate Change

themadhatter: Hey, Canada! You received the fossil award from the Climate Action Network and Germanwatch has come out with a report card and you are number 51 of 56 countries ranked for performance and climate policy change. What is your reaction, Canada?
Canada: We are ahead of Kazakhstan and two ahead of the US. I am happy we beat the neighbour to the south. He thinks he is so great with his military, set election dates, and private health care. It feels good.
tmh: Isn't it embarassing to have 50 countries ahead of you.
C: Well I guess you could look at it that way. But we are ahead of the US and that is really important to me.
tmh: Have you thought of following the actions of Sweden, Denmark, or Britain in thier action for climate change.
C: Sweden does have a good hockey team, but I think we can beat them, eh?
tmh: So what is your policy on climate change?
C: I have a full closet with varying clothing to be ready for the weather. Did I mention we are ahead of the US?
tmh:ARGH!!Canada beats Sweden 2006 Torino Olympic Games

I Don't Know Much, But I Know I Hate Him.

Canadian news agencies are reporting with glee today as the US mid-term elections have given the Democrats control of the House of Representatives. The Senate is still being contested in Virginia and Montana. Kevin Newman, Global National news anchor will be most thrilled. He has always presented a skewed version of Americans living in Canada. During the last Presidential Race, the only people he interviewed were disgruntled Democrat supporters that fled the US, half of which were lesbian and didn't approve of George W.'s stand on family values.
A general dislike for the current president has made most ill-informed Canadians desire a Democratic government. Imagine on 9-11 if Al Gore was president. What would be his response? "Can't we all just get along?" Or maybe, "The burning fuel from the planes in the WTC is bad for the environment." I doubt that Gore would have the stones to take on Osama and company, but Canada mourned a Republican win. Now the tide has turned as it did for most presidents in their second term.
Congrats, Canada. You got what you want, but you don't know what you are getting.

Happy Voting!

The day has arrived and all the expected problems are occurring, People intending to vote Democrat are reviewing their ballot and finding that the computer registered a vote for Republican. Is it possible that all these voters are dyslexic? Maybe all those programmers hired by the government have a grudge against the Democrats and are sabotaging their chances to ruin ( I mean run) Congress. My best guess is if there is any judicial involvement, it will be in Florida.

Vacation Anyone?

I dream of Arizona, maybe Nevada, sometimes New England. Europe? Sure. Now a new destination should be considered and may be offered by your friendly travel agent. Why? For $20, if you are American. Sorry, Canada and other nations are a $10 bonus. Where is this beautiful location? None other than Iran. The premium payment is to show that Iran is in dispute with George W. Bush, not the common US citizen. Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad even wants direct flights resumed between the US and Iran that were halted over 25 years ago after Iranian militants stormed the American Embassy in Tehran, coincidently Nov 4, 1979. What benefits are there in visiting Iran labeled as an American. Iran sits squarely between Afghanistan and Iraq. Nightly fireworks that will rival the Fourth of July. You can visit the 30 provinces even though the country is roughly the size of Alaska. Access is easy as Iran boasts 129 airports with paved runways and 192 with unpaved runways.
It may be that Iran is more marketable labeled as its former name Persia. Sounds soft and friendly and most American students wouldn't connect the two. For your viewing pleasure, photos that will refute what you think Iran really looks like. Maybe I will check the travel sites.