Where is modern civilization heading?

As a society are we heading in the same direction as the ancient Romans? If so the question becomes.......

Are our leaders fiddling while civilization burns?

While we ponder the question I will post my personal thoughts on this blog. Often I will focus on current events that catch my interest, however I am not and do not pretend to be a news organization. I'm simply a guy with his own thoughts on issues that I believe affect our country and society.

Be forewarned, I have been accused of being a right wing thinker and if that is offensive please move on. Remember, this is my blog and my opinions, and unlike many facets of our already over-governed modern society they are not being forced on anyone.


However, please feel free to leave your comments, good, bad or indifferent, after all this is a free society we live in (at least for now).

Saturday, December 24, 2011

Rehabiltate Terrorists? Not likely but maybe there is a way to safeguard innocents

For those that argue terrorists are simply downtrodden individuals fighting against oppression and for a better way of life or that they have been forced into their actions by outside forces, give your head a shake!

Recently a Gaza suicide bomber serving a 14 year prison term was released from Israelly prison as part of a prisoner exchange. The would-be suicide bomber who failed in her past attempt to kill Israelis by exploding herself in a hospital proudly declared that she would do it all over again (next time she hopes successfully) just to “taste and smell paradise.”.

It's interesting that at one time suicide bombings were largely left to men, However Yasser Arafrat worked hard to change that and bring women into the fold. This would be the same Yasser Arafrat that took home a Nobel Peace prize! Find this hard to believe, well here is a quote from the man himself

“You are my army of roses that will crush Israeli tanks.” – Yasser. Arafat, encouraging Palestinian women to participate in the al-Aqsa. Intifada, 2002.


But lets get back to our lady in question, here is a video of her being interviewed after her release, judge for yourself.

Friday, December 23, 2011

Why do many government sponsored "Green" projects have the stench of something "Brown"?

Since the launch of the Chevy Volt, the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle built by GM (acronym for Government Motors (formerly know as General Motors) I have been watching to see one of these cars cruise down the road, unfortunately I am still waiting. The thought of an "electric car" intrigues me as much as the next guy, however I have a hard time imagining that they will become mainstream anytime in the near future. I say this for two reasons, first their limited range on battery power alone, and second the much higher initial cost .

Unfortunately neither of these issues on the surface are the real concern that any of us should have with this vehicle, the real concern is far more frightening....

Thursday, December 22, 2011

The 12 Days Of Obama Christmas...too funny

I know it is a little late, but I just found this gem last night and it is just too good not to pass on....hope you enjoy it as much as I did


It pretty much says it all so why add any comments of my own, I am off now to see if we have any creative Canadians out there who have produced the "12 Days Of Harper Christmas".

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Political Correctness , A bottomless Money Pit

If you have been keeping up with national news you have certainly heard about the problems facing our government over concerns regarding living conditions on the Attawapiskat Indian Reserve, or I should say the "Attawapiskat First Nations"(simply in the interest of being politically correct).

Now watching news reports there is no doubt that these Aboriginal People (oops, did it again, I mean "First Nations" people) are living in squalid conditions reminiscent of a third world country or more than likely what existed amongst the aboriginals when Europeans first settled North America. I for one find it sad that in a country as prosperous as Canada that this continues, we need a solution.

After doing little research here is what I come up with, in a nutshell.

Monday, December 19, 2011

How our Government is destroying everyday charity

With the Christmas season upon us it generally means that most individuals feel a greater compassion towards their fellow man. The most noticeable result of this is the increased donations to charity, everything from the "Sally Ann " kettle at the mall to the local food bank. Most charities count on the Christmas season to help fill their coffers so that they in turn can provide help to those that need it in society. Along with cash donations comes an army of volunteers that help collect donations, feed people, deliver toys, you name it. What we see at Christmas is the best of our society, people helping people, not because they have to but on their own accord and out of the goodness of their heart.

Unfortunately this whole idea does not sit well with big government, who in general tends to dislike the concept that individuals might just be able to accomplish what needs to get done on their own with the government having no say or control over it.

Let's discuss our governments role in charity and how they approach it using the concept of  "wealth redistribution".

Saturday, December 3, 2011

Federal Debt. and what 's never discussed ...Unfunded Liabilities

As of the writing of this post Canada's Federal debt sat around  $572 Billion  based on the debt counter to the right, unfortunately that is but part of the story.

In addition to the national debt, Canadian governments have committed themselves to providing programs that are not fully funded. In simple terms, as a country we have promised to provide a host of programs which current tax rates leave unfunded. Which means, the money to pay for them needs to be found in years to come.

But Frustrated Joe, whats the big deal? All we need is more immigration and to increase taxes a bit to cover all of this. Right?

Unfortunately  a bit won't cover it, here are some numbers to ponder.....

Friday, December 2, 2011

Adam... You hit the nail on the head!

Wow, driving to work yesterday I flipped on the radio and immediately was confronted with a political interview that sounded interesting. However after listening to it for just a few moments I thought that there must be a technical issue at the station as there was a continuous "beeping" sound present which cut out about every 4-5 words. Fortunately before I has the chance to change the station another voice cut in, one that I recognized and explained that what was being broadcast was a heavily censored political rant on the Occupy crowd by none other that Adam Carolla.

The reason for the censorship had nothing to do with the actual political content, but rather with the fact that Adam tends to use some colourful phrases (to say the least). However, listening around the "beeps" the message was loud and clear, and frankly as close to the truth as one could hope for. Adam's insight is something that I believe will strike a chord with most, in fact even those on the far left if they are honest with themselves will have to agree with a lot he has to say, although I suspect they would never openly admit it. He puts into words what most know, but fear to voice. Our boy Adam certainly has a pair of "stones".

But enough said, listen to Adam and let him explain. A word of caution, although this is the censored version you can fill in the blanks, but please don't ignore the message based on taking any offense to Adam's strong use of profanity.

Thursday, December 1, 2011

The "Nanny" state is alive and well, hide your Big Macs and Quarter Pounders

Well folks today is the day! The much needed and eagerly anticipated ordinance to ban free toys in children's fast food meals officially takes effect in the San Francisco region. If your not familiar with this particular ordinance here is a brief run down.

The Healthy Food Incentive Ordinance bans toy giveaways with children's meals at fast-food restaurants unless the meal meets San Francisco's strict nutritional standards, in this case meals of 600 calories or less. The ban targets Happy Meal-style toys, claiming that the inclusion of a a toy as an incentive unfairly targets marketing at children who are unable to make healthy decisions for themselves. The ordinance was easily passed by the San Fran Board of Supervisors in an 8-3 vote. Supervisor Eric Mar, who originally introduced the ban and has a young daughter argued that the "pester power" of a young child seduced by the toys can be enough to persuade parents to buy the unhealthy meals.

What's really interesting is that Mar was an elected member of the San Francisco School Board from 2001 to 2009, its president in 2005, and not once did he undertake the task of ensuring that student meals provided by the school district fell below the 600 calorie standard. In fact it turns out that not one meal in the current San Francisco school district qualifies to recieve a free toy. Not the 708-calorie beef dippers, not the 711-calorie cheese lasagna, not the 712-calorie chicken nuggets.

Whoa....... This is so wrong on so many levels I am almost at a loss where to start.