It’s cold. It’s winter. There is snow. In Canada, no less!! THAT part we should know by now….but…well, it’s really cold, it includes all of Canada, even balmy Victoria and it is a smidge more winter-y than we (or anyone) expected mid February. Hell, we started seedlings in the latter part of February in other years but clearly, this is not going to be one of those years. This global warming-thing is something, ain’t it?
Oh, I know. It’s really climate CHANGE and the massive ‘dip’ of the polar vortex right down into the US midwest and further south means that we are all in the same weather conditions, give or take a few snow-inches, a few degrees and, of course, the wind chill. We islanders likely have it best. Still, I am now sucking water (siphon through a hose) out of the cisterns and carrying water totes into the house. It’s OK but I prefer the tap. I am getting a bit spoiled.
I am kinda following the impeachment trial but not as much as you might think I would. Why? Well, Trump is despicable and Trump is corrupt and Trump is blah, blah, blah and it really should NOT take even two sane people (let alone 100+ politicians) to know that. This is yet-another made-for-TV reality show. Of course, it is a real impeachment proceeding being exercised over a real high crime, misdemeanor and treasonable act aided and abetted by real liars, crooks, scum and camo-wearing idiots. The crime was and still is real. But the trial is a sham. It’s embarrassing for the US to claim any semblance of a justice system and it is totally condemning of not only the GOP members in the senate but it also makes the whole of Congress look really, really stupid.
All those lawyers and not a drop of morality or even legality! Yes, I know…impeachment is a political act and not a criminal one but why have laws and rules of evidence so sophisticated that there is a Supreme Court as the third branch of government? I mean, if laws, procedures, judges and lawyers are regarded as the highest form of justice, why is that all thrown out for Potus and the Privileged?
Trump is a criminal and his actions have wreaked horror and trauma on the country for four years. People have died as a result of his actions and almost 500K have died as a result of his inactions. But the REAL crime is the ‘rich white boy’ privilege he is enjoying so blatantly and contemptuously in front of the world. Trump has single-handedly destroyed the American Democratic myth. They have no credibility anymore. There is and never has been ‘justice-for-all’ in the US and this manifests that beyond any doubt.
How can any ‘leader’ representing the US chide, cajole, lean-on, persuade or just ‘educate’ any other country on their abuses of power now that this farcical clown has completely had his way with not-only-pussies-for-hire but politicians-for-hire, Bubbas-for-sacrificing and children in cages? One maniac single-handedly destroyed the American image.
The USA is a country that shoots and kills unarmed black people including women and children and yet call themselves ‘home of the brave’? This is a country that allows (if not encourages) crazed individuals to own automatic weapons some of whom now and then wipe out a school or a McDonalds? This is a country where half or more of the people can’t spell the name of their own state, have no idea where Canada is and have never traveled further than to a football stadium. How are they living in the land of the free? It is hard to make free choices when you know nothing!
This blog has rant-like aspects, I know that (I get worked up), but this is not a rant. That Trump is guilty is fact. That liars and cheats and sycophants are aiding and abetting him is fact. That the image of the US is in the gutter internationally is a fact. That their justice system is not anywhere close to fair and equal to all is fact. That their real God is money may not be a fact but it is definitely very, very high on their very, very short list of values.
If they convict him, they will be given a ‘break’, given a reprieve, given a ‘chance’ by the rest of the world to get their act together. But the wounds are deep, the faith is gone, trust has left the building and their leaders look like the fools they are. They have a deep hole from which to extricate themselves and, with their constant worship of money, they may be way too far gone to even see a better way.
BREAKING NEWS! Just as I sent this draft up to Sal for her to proof, the news was relayed in: Trump was acquitted. They could not find enough votes to tell the truth. Their inner turmoil just got worse.
Our Off the Grid Home 
Trump’s many days in court lie ahead as various states prepare criminal charges against Trump. Your observations about Trump have been proven to be true. The Republicans are thinking ahead to elections scheduled two years in the future. The Republicans see themselves regaining control of the Senate in two years so they will need to coattail Trump’s voter base. Some Republican Senators see themselves running for President in four years and will need Trump. The truly somber note here is that over 50% of Americans predict that more violence is to come as pressures to reduce inequality continue unabated.
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It seems I get my news from DJCox, and now I know the orange turd is acquitted. I am not surprised but mortified, and sad for my American friends. The great USA used to stand tall and is now just a large steaming pile of poop. George Reeves, the fine actor who taught me as a wee boy of “Truth, Justice and the American way!” must be spinning in his grave. I used to look at the US through those kid eyes, and I am truly sad at the loss of that wonderful BIG brother that the US was once to us. It is just dismal, and what a roller coaster! One day in a week we see such Excellence from Tom Brady and the Bucs then this pathetic rubbish. Just shameful. And so much of what you said there rings true to me. Uneducated, still believing they are that once great nation, using that arrogance and ignorance to puff out their chests because “look Mommy, I did a potty!” and expecting the rest of the World to bow!???! I am so happy to be away from there, and do not plan to ever return. Reason and common sense have also left the building, while the douche bags, con persons, the insane and thieves run the country. Lights out. I truly do not know if they can recover from this “Honey Boo Boo Effect”.
Thanks btw David for once again speaking my mind. I’m not totally sure if it is a good thing that we are on a similar page, but you most often reflect my views. These days looking in the mirror is not as pleasant as it once was but I don’t seem to mind your reflection and statement of My thoughts!😉☺😎
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PS I too am not a big fan of not having a good flow from the tap, but we stocked up on as much well water as we could store, so it’s not too bad. Hopefully a thaw will come soon before we have to drive up to the well and bucket it out!💪
Also, we stooped in at a neighbours today, a delightfully frigid boat trip, and they surprised us with lunch, and then thru discussion they decided to ‘give’ us a wee trailer for our utv for use particularly in picking up firewood! The quality of folk here is, like your neighbourhood, astoundingly exquisite!!!😊🙂☺
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In answer to your question, everyone. Sadly.
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The irony of Trump’s acquittal is…..he will be the worst thing for the Republican Party that refused to vote to impeach him.
He has shown no allegiance to anyone.
A wrecking ball that will careen this way and that smashing everything in it’s path.
He may even start a third Party and split the conservative vote…
Either way, a disaster for the Republicans.
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Who thunk it? “It can’t Happen here” a novel written by Sinclair Lewis, had a thesis about the rise of totalitarian government in America. We had a political party in Canada with the slogan of “Make Canada Great Again.” Realizing that such a slogan might be interpreted by some as slightly pejorative, this slogan was removed. Some of the critic roles in this party have been shuffled including MP Pierre Poilievre. He is no longer the Finance Critic because of his tone. He scared voters away. This party is claiming to be moving to the center right in hopes of broadening its electoral base. It claims that it will have a viable programme to fight “Climate Change.” This party “thunk it” as it realized that authoritarian governments are a hard sell to Canadians.
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Pierre Poilievre was the only Conservative opposition critic I actually took the time to listen to as he repeatedly eviscerated the out of their depth Liberal fashionistas.
O’Toole doesnt have a hope in Hell with his invisible, 1960’s campaign style.
The Cons need to wake up and realize most Canadians aren’t born again Christians that stand behind anti abortion leaders.
All they have to do is become the Liberals of 20 years ago, since the Liberals of today are now the NDP and the NDP are now Communists… ,
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The US was a long time considered to be the “police force” in the world, creating peace(?) and stability in large parts of the world. Together with NATO, we were a force to be reckoned with. With the US losing face in the world, who will step up and take this role? Europe does not have the unity and power to do so, and other forces are rising fast (Poetin, Erdohan, North Korea, China,…) Soon they might all be fighting to take up the leading role
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I think China’s new “Leader for Life” Xi has just the amount of arrogance and a deep seated, historical loathing for all things Western to take up the challenge.
It will be interesting to see the world under a “Pax China” with “Chinese characteristics” if their internal dealings with their own indigenous population of Uigher’s is any indication…… Concentration ( apologies, re-education) camps may be a harbinger of things to come.
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The USA economic policy under Trump followed an “America First” objective. For much of American history it was seen to be in America’s economic interests to oppose the spread of Communism. The People’s Republic of China is said to be the largest economic powerhouse in the world. How has Trump chosen to deal with economic rivals? By alienating competitors with embargos, tariffs, extra judicial arrests , violating and canceling trade deals, ignoring the rulings of the World Trade Organization (W.T.O) and other bully tactics. In the world of trade the USA far from supporting security promotes uproar and incivility. The USA is a bad actor and only acts in its strategic interests. The USA continues to wage economic war.
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Sooooo, the Uygher “re-education” camps are an “internal matter” with “Chinese characteristics”?
A dictatorship by any other name is still …. a dictatorship.
Trump is yesterdays news and a rising, militaristic, authoritarian China…..will be the new dominant force.
Enjoy being subjugated and kowtowing.
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I’d rather not be subjugated :-). But, I think US, Canada and Europe should follow a common course to withstand Chinese supremacy (economical and military). We should NOT be dependent on Chinese industry to supply us with basic stuff. Also we should not give away our knowledge just like that. So in that way I agree with Trump, we HAVE to get production, knowledge, craftmanship back to us and make the western world great again. For all I care, China can be great also, but not on our expense
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“………….it realized that authoritarian governments are a hard sell to Canadians.”
Someone should tell the Liberals…….
Todays National Post article about “secret sites” to secure International travelers.
https://nationalpost.com/news/canada/welcome-to-the-hotel-of-last-resort-a-government-run-quarantine-facility-where-you-really-dont-want-to-be
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Trump has not worked for Canadian economic interests…ever! That is why Canada has a trade relationship with the EU and various free traders around the world. Canada has been the victim of predatory economic tariffs authorized by Trump. The USA is not a free trader.
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Newsflash!
Trump is no longer the President….
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We (Europe and Canada) should also not (have to) rely on the US to make us “great again”. This is primarily something that needs to be done by our politicians (and therefore by us). But this means a drastical change from ourselves. We should for instance step away from cheaper and cheaper products. We are killing local business with this behaviour, and we can only find cheap stuff in China (with very poor quality). So we ourselves are responsible for killing local (western) business and we are forced into a situation where local business, craftmanship,…is barely existing in Canada, Europe and US. So yes, there Trump was right with his idea (but not the execution of his idea). Let’s bring back business to the western region, and not rely only on the poor quality stuff from China.
There was an article in the newspaper this week, that the price of a chicken has gone down to 0.75€ (I guess about 1 Canadian dollar). So a farmer gets only 75 cents for a chicken…do we have any idea how long it takes to breed a chicken, how much time, energy,food, stables, are needed to grow a chicken? So we kill again local (small scale business). And the only way for all these businesses to survive is scale up, make huge hangers full of chicken, mass production, bad quality, let’s buy our chickens from China, then massive outbreaks of diseases in these mass-facilities.
And basically we have only to blame ourselves
So the solution also lies within ourselves, let’s get back to basics!
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Getting back to basics is what OTG is all about….but staying local and basic is difficult.. Can’t be done anymore, to be honest. Best you can do is ‘some of it’. Still it’s worth it.
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Every step we take ourselves counts….I wanted to buy a combination square. I had the choice between a very high quality combination square from Starrett (US) at 240 dollar or a Chinese one of 20 dollars. They looked exactly the same, still I chose the Starrett one. So we can all play our little part in the game I think.
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What model is your Starrett? Many model 0of the Starrett available. Prices vary.
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In the USA some privately run medical clinics are offering a COVID-19 vaccine on a per shot basis at the rate of $450 US per dose. In India the wholesale cost of a COVID-19 vaccine is the equivalent of $2.00 US per dose. Same dose and same efficiency. The Federal Government of Canada is purchasing vaccines and supplying them for free as part of Canada’s universal medical care ‘not for profit’ insurance programme. The USA’s medical services are mostly offered on a ‘for profit’ basis. But Americans who can afford it can buy medical insurance. Canadians travelling to the USA are advised to buy private medical insurance. American medical bills can be ruinous. Not sure what American news reaches Belgium but in case you have not heard Trump is facing criminal prosecution and many citizens of the world recognize Trump as a grifter and a conman. He was impeached twice. Some think that Trump favoured authoritarian type rule and his abuses of power seem to uphold this opinion of him.
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that news even travelled to Belgium :-). To be clear, I do NOT like Trump at all! But we have given too much of ourselves away to the Chinese. When COVID hit us all, we were even not able any more to produce face masks, we had to rely 100% on Chinese production to supply us with face masks…to me, that’s totally not understandable and acceptable! We did not have the fabrics, nor the machines, nor the people to be self-supporting in something as simple as face masks! And the list is miles long of those items (even critical ones), where we depend fully on Chinese support and production. What if next time, China denies us the possibility to buy these masks? Easy to dominate the world in that way, no? do you know how many businesses worldwide are already owned by the Chinese? A few years ago, the Chinese tried to buy the power company that owns all the nuclear plants in Belgium (supplying virtually all electricity in Belgium). Luckily our government could prevent this.
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‘’America First”! Have a look at what that policy really means. Vaccines are produced in the USA but Canada bought some of its supply in Belgium…! Belgium has the protections and regulations of the EU. The USA under Trump did not respect the autonomy of world nations. Under Biden aspects of “America First” will continue. Building a bridge in the USA then America steel must be used…Canada produces steel and is a trading partner by treaty with the USA but Canada is blocked. Why ? ‘’America First.” Steel from all over the world is blocked for sale in the USA. This blocked steel is not junk steel. If the steel is produced cheaper than in the USA then the USA claims ‘dumping’.
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I don’t mean necessarily “America first”, but I also think we should not say always “China first”! We have to take good, smart decisions, and also keep part of the production and knowledge local. Last year, a steel bridge had to be replaced in Belgium. A local company entered in the bidding process. they are a well known and reputed constructor of bridges all over Europe. the bridge was located 10 km from their workshops. They lost the order to a Chinese producer. So now the bridge will be built in China and will be transported across the world. Only because the Chinese company is heavily sponsored by Chinese government. Does this make sense to you?? To me, that’s not a smart decision. Yes, we should allow some healthy competition, even from other countries. But transporting a 1000+ ton bridge from China to belgium when a local producer is 10 km away?
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Globalization says the lowest bidder gets the work and the taxpayers of Belgium save money. B.C. bought some car ferries and they were built in the EU not in China. An off shore deep sea drilling platform built in South Korea and towed to a deep sea oil exploration area. China has a growing wealthy entrepreneurial class buying luxury goods from all over the world. Canada bought COVID 19 vaccines from Belgium. Canada might have purchased the same vaccines in India for $2.00 a dose but Canada has a trade treaty with the EU and Canada honoured its treaties. China is a free trader the USA is not.
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Something to be said for your way of thinking….if this would be a “fair” game with China. they don’t care about pollution, they get huge sponsorship from their government, they don’t respect human rights….There are pro’s and con’s to every way of thinking. I just found it horrifying that we were not even able to produce a single mask during the first outbreak. hundreds of people died because we simply didn’t have the necessary protective equipment. Free market or not, our government should keep at least minimum knwoledge and production capacity available. What happens if China is hit by a massive earthquake or nuclear accident that cripples their production apparatus….the world stops???
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Wimdegendt, just to be very clear I am not a communist and I do not support the pernicious totalitarian aspects of the People’s Republic of China. My point was not to defend China but to illustrate that currently America is not the shining beacon of democratic hope because under Trump, America has drifted towards fascism. Trump lost the election and dozens of states are passing legislation designed to suppress American blacks from voting in future elections. Biden will try to reverse some of Trump’s policies but opposition will be ferocious. America is a very divided nation.
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Globalization was NOT intended to mean (at least in government-speak) the lowest bidder gets the job altho, in a money-driven world, that seems to be the most common result. Globalization was SUPPOSED to mean spreading the wealth, bringing us all together internationally in a cooperative system and developing the third world to add to overall production and progress. It was supposed to promote peace and harmony.
But that is not how corporations work. They work to eliminate the competition. Corporations are sociopathic and don’t care too much about peace and harmony.
So, what actually happened was that China garnered the bulk of the manufacturing world with what Wim describes as unregulated, polluted, unhumanitarian practices and a totalitarian government. By garnering market share (and complete markets) with cheap prices, China also ‘tipped the scale’ for the barely profitable companies in 1st world countries into unprofitable companies and those industries went out of business. Instead of adding to and growing the world’s output, China monopolized it.
Was that some kind of global conspiracy? People like Kevin think so. But they believe it was planned by international global companies rather than one country altho, they too, resent China for emerging ahead so quickly.
I am inclined to think like Kev to some extent. Globalization might have been dreamt up by Nixon and other politicians to ‘open’ the world for peace-generating trade but BIG business saw the opportunity and waded in to dominate basic industries like steel-making and ship building, auto-mfg’ing, aeronautics, financial houses and the like. And they squished unions or, if that didn’t work, they moved offshore. Globalization has come to mean domination and quasi monopolization. Globalization is killing local production and making us all dependent on ‘foreigners’ rather than making third world countries more independent. Blame a country? I guess so…but China is just following the Japanese model (Japan Inc) and is acting as ONE BIG company…in effect, ‘China First’. But the real culprits are the GIANT corporations (some of whom have higher gross evaluations than some countries have GDP). But are they to blame? Aren’t they doing just what Capitalism and companies do? Blaming corporations for practicing Capitalism is like blaming a pack of wolves for killing a deer. It’s in their DNA.
The problem, to my way of thinking, is not that the countries playing the game are better at it than we are, or that BIG Corp has no country loyalty, but rather that we have so quickly abandoned our own production capacity for short-term savings. I remember years ago, Sal and I and another couple went to a fancy restaurant in Vancouver and paid a staggering fortune for a pretentious French meal that left us hungry and the bill was something over $600.00 (La Lumiere). The next day I was in Costco and there was a 7500 watt genset on sale for $599.00. I could buy an inverter-equipped, fancy, shiny ‘durable good’ for the same price as dinner for four. I thought: “Hmmm…something is out of whack here…..the ‘balance of values’ has just shifted. How is that going to play out?” Well, now we know. Another example: I can buy a flannel shirt for less than the price of a White Spot burger. Globalization has turned ‘value’ on it’s head. Who do I blame? Chase-the-buck Capitalism regardless of who is playing it.
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Yes, I agree with you and I’m glad you mentioned the Genset issue. Yes, corporations seeking lower labour costs is in their DNA hence I assume that the big auto companies would rather for profit reasons have their cars built in Mexico. If effect screwing Canadian automotive workers of good paying job as work dwindles here in Canada. The Americans were able to tilt the car production formula by insisting that a percentage of a North American built must have a certain percentage made in America. I’m sure you have seen the coal trains at Roberts Banks because no port on the west coast of the USA will ship coal. The coal is bound for the People’s Republic of China where is fuels the Steel making furnaces. Cheap American coal creating pollution that can be seen from space in the jet stream from Asia to North America. An easy fix is to have America stop selling cheap coal to China’s steel Mills. But I know China could just but its coal from Australia. Capitalism eh! A lot of hypocrisy on full display.
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