Catharine Johannson

Be my Yoko Ono

2011-04-08T16:45:00.002-05:00

So, Yoko had the YouTube video of Stephen Harper singing "Imagine" yanked (or as we say on the prairies, "kiboshed").

I remember attending an all-candidates meeting during the 1990 Manitoba election, and there was a guy there wearing a Spirit of the West T-shirt. Also being a fan, I said hello and commented on his T-shirt. Turns out he was a Conservative supporter. "You're kidding! And you're wearing a Spirit of the West T-shirt?!" I said. "I like their music," he told me. "Don't you listen to the lyrics?" I asked. That was the end of the conversation.

Bernier spices things up

2011-02-07T16:24:00.003-06:00

I kinda like it when Mad Max speaks his mind. Especially the part where he "won't be silenced by insults and mockery." I mean, sometimes a girl needs some spice in her politics. It can't all be wasting billions on unnecessary prisons and refusing to take action on climate change.

And hasn't Canadian politics been missing something lately? You know what I'm talking about. A nice big national unity fight. Are today's young politicos only going to know about these things through Heritage Minutes? Maybe. Maybe not.

George Reid: Great Canadian

2010-12-14T20:32:00.004-06:00

Last weekend Rob was in town, so I spent last Saturday afternoon wandering through the National Gallery with him. My favourite piece is still Mortgaging the Homestead. I debated whether to even post a reproduction here, because it does not do it justice.

Vegan Perogies

2010-11-02T22:03:00.000-05:00

I meant to post this yesterday, on World Vegan Day, but just thought I'd let the vegans out there know that I completely vouch for this recipe:
http://www.food.com/recipe/vegan-pierogi-dough-251626

I made vegan perogies with my own two hands about two weeks ago, and they turned out fine. Not a single one broke open, which is either the sign of a great perogy batch or due to the dough not being rolled out thinly enough. I choose to believe the former.

I made two kinds. Some kapusta (sauerkraut) and some cheese and potato. Unfortunately, the cheese was a bit of a fiasco. I bought soy cheese, thinking it must be vegan, but on further investigation, saw that it contained casein (a milk protein). I mean, what is the point of soy cheese that isn't vegan? I could have just used real cheese and it would have tasted better. Actually, I gotta say, didn't mind the soy cheese. In the perogies, that is. Not on crackers.

Really, Rocco?

2010-10-14T11:56:00.004-05:00

Really, Rocco? You're dropping out? You know, there's no shame in putting forward a comprehensive platform to improve your city and riding it out to the end. What happened to your bocce balls?

OK, so you're afraid of looking bad. Suck it up. It's not like you're dropping out to support Smitherman or Ford or Pantalone. It's just like Sunday's Mad Men episode. You want it to look like you broke up with her, not the other way around.

Newspapers, Conrad Black, and Calling-in to CBC

2010-10-05T10:49:00.001-05:00

I was talking to my parents a few days ago, listening to them opine about the Globe and Mail's new format, and I told them that recently the National Post actually had some really entertaining articles. There was, of course, the supremely bizarre article, Dave Bidini loves you, Rob Ford. I also enjoyed Conrad Black's recent article on the Toronto mayoral race, entitled Don't give up, Sarah. Well, Sarah did give up, but Conrad had a good point. Gotta give credit where credit is due. Which reminds me of the time, years ago, when Cross Country Checkup was discussing the charges against Black.

Now to get the full context, I need to go back even further. Many years ago, two friends of mine were listening to some call-in show on CBC (I think it was Cross Country Checkup, but don't quote me on that). The topic of the day was the plan of two teenagers to broadcast their first sexual experience live via web cam. This was quite a novel idea at the time.

Now, how these shows work is that one calls in and says what he or she plans to say. If they want to put you on the air, they will call you back. So, my first friend calls and explains that she is a sex-health educator who works primarily with teens and very professionally explains the importance of healthy sexuality. Then waits for the call back. Which never comes.

My friends continue listening to the program, and my second friend decides to call in. Her message is that if people want to showcase their private lives on the internet, go ahead. This is the wave of the future. She got on the air right away.

So when my dad called in to Cross Country Checkup to defend Conrad Black, he got on the air right away. Yup, the old man calls 'em as he sees 'em.

Oh, and if you're looking for some good reading, be sure to check out Matt Taibbi's latest at Rolling Stone: Tea & Crackers: How corporate interests and Republican insiders built the Tea Party monster. It's awesome.

Authenticity

2010-09-25T09:32:00.000-05:00

Last summer Betsy Myers was a keynote speaker at the NDP Federal Convention in Halifax.

At one point she talked about politicians finding their authentic voice. One example she gave was Al Gore. After losing the U.S. presidency, he seemed to find himself. His authentic self. Myers points out that he then went on to win an Academy Award and a Nobel Peace Prize. Another example she gave was John McCain, also after losing the presidency. During the 2008 presidential campaign the "real" John McCain seemed to appear less and less. And then, there he was.

Myers' comments resonated with me. I remember so clearly watching McCain's concession speech. It was a great and powerful speech. The real John McCain had come back. But was that really his authentic self?

Then, over the Christmas holidays I read Malcolm Gladwell's latest book, What the Dog Saw. It's great. In an essay entitled "The New-Boy Network" he reviews the research of various social psychologists. The science tells us that someone's behaviour in one setting "told you almost nothing about how he would behave in a different setting." Gladwell points out that this finding is the complete opposite of what we expect and that "we assume that people display the same character traits in different situations." There is even a name for this. Psychologists call it the "Fundamental Attribution Error."

Gladwell talks about this "attribution error" in the context of job interviews, but think of the broader applications. What if there is no authentic self?

So, I have been wondering about whether there is such a thing as an "authentic" self for a while. I thought of this again last Sunday, when the gospel reading was Luke 16:1-13. In this reading, Jesus contradicts Malcolm Gladwell's findings and clearly sides with Betsy Myers. Specifically, verse 10, where he says "Whoever is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much; and whoever is dishonest in a very little is dishonest also in much."

I must say that despite Gregor's excellent homily, I am not fully convinced. So many stories depend on the supposedly evil character having a change of heart, once again restoring our faith in humanity. Whether it be Quark in Deep Space Nine or VP John Hoynes in The West Wing, a good redemption makes for great TV.

Avaaz kicks azz

2010-09-15T21:41:00.002-05:00

I joined avaaz.org back in February when friends started posting links on their Facebook profiles about the avaaz.org petition against the proposed Ugandan bill to make being gay punishable by prison and in some cases the death penalty. I really respected the way Avaaz worked with church leaders and human rights activists to highlight public opposition to the bill.

So I was on their mailing list when they sent around an email about the proposed "Fox News North" - yes, I signed right away. And put a link on my Facebook profile.

I like Avaaz and I like what they do. So I was really annoyed today when Ian Capstick was belittling them on Power and Politics. The thing that upset me the most was when Capstick said that Avaaz sends him emails about things happening in other countries that he really doesn't care about. Yeah. Things like Iran stoning women to death.

I'm so glad that Avaaz is around to speak out for women like Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani. Keep doing your thing, folks. Taking names. Saving lives.

Good Intentions

2010-09-05T15:32:00.003-05:00

There is a part of me that is seriously considering making some perogies for next Sunday's pot luck lunch at St. Luke's.

International Support for the Release of Dr. Montes

2010-02-11T12:40:00.002-06:00

The World Council of Churches and World Student Christian Federation have joined the call for the immediate release of the 43 health care workers arrested in the Philippines five days ago. Please take a moment to join the call for their release.

Please help!

2010-02-09T22:29:00.002-06:00

For those of you out there who care about human rights, the following is an appeal from the United Church of Christ in the Philippines regarding the illegal arrest, detainment and torture of Dr. Alexis Montes, the uncle of a friend of mine. Dr. Montes is a devoted doctor who has provided his free service tirelessly to the sick, the poor and marginalized people in the Philippines. Please take a moment to call for the immediate release of Dr. Montes and his colleagues.

==============
United Church of Christ in the Philippines
L.M. Vasquez Street, Malate, Manila
Tel. # (02) 536-8005; Email Add: uccpnaof@yahoo.com

Release Dr. Alexis Montes and other detained health workers!

“Freedom is what we have—Christ has set us free! Stand, then as free people and do not allow yourselves to become slaves again.” Galatians 5:1

Dr. Alexis Montes, a lay leader in the health ministry of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines, is a victim of illegal arrest, disappearance and detention. The United Church of Christ in the Philippines resolutely calls for an end to de-facto martial law tactics on the part of the Armed Forces in the Philippines and the Philippine National Police. We call for the respect of the human rights of Dr. Alex Montes and the 42 other detained health workers, including their rights to legal counsel, access to visitors, and due process. The ludicrous allegation that Dr. Alex was involved in a bomb-making training is deplorable; Dr Alex is a respected leader in the healing ministry of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines. We stand united and call for his release!

In the early morning (6am) of February 6, 2010, Dr. Alexis (Alex) Montes was illegally arrested and detained by the 202nd Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army and the Rizal Philippine National Police. The Community Medical Foundation, Inc. (COMMED), where Dr. Alex Montes is currently employed, co-sponsored a First Responders Training for health workers in Morong, Rizal beginning February 1, 2010; Dr. Alex was assigned in the conducting of the training. Initial reports say that more than 300 military and police raided the retreat center at gunpoint. They arrested the 43 participants before even searching the premises. They later showed a shoddy search warrant for a certain Mario Condes as supposed basis for their raid. Dr. Alex was blindfolded and taken away in a military truck and we have not been able to confirm his whereabouts. It is suspected that Dr. Alex and the others are being held Camp Capinpin, Samaploc, Tanay, Rizal, but access has been denied to lawyers, family, colleagues and pastors who have tried to visit them.

The military alleges that the training was actually on bomb making. They claim to have found C4 explosives, a pistol, a revolver, three grenades, three Claymor mines and an improvised landmine. (Philippine Daily Inquirer, February 7, 2010) However, Dr. Melecia Velmonte who owns the retreat center where the training was being conducted asserted that the military had no witness to their search operations and would have easily planted the ammunitions. Dr. Velmonte also gave a lecture on infectious diseases at the training, but was not arrested with the other participants.

Dr. Alex Montes has been a long-time staff of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines. From 1988-2003, Dr. Montes served as the Health Ministries Coordinator of the Christian Witness and Service program of the UCCP. He also served as Executive Secretary of Bishop Elmer Bolocon from 2001-2002. Dr. Alex has been instrumental in the development of UCCP hospitals, but his passion as always been providing health services to the underprivileged. Dr. Alex Montes has helped develop the community-based health programs of many of our institutions. Immediately prior to his service with The Community Medical Foundation, Dr. Montes was developing community-based health programs of the UCCP Visayas Community Medical Center in Cebu City. He served as Assistant to the Administrator for Internal and External Programs and Projects from 2007-2009.

We appeal to your support through the following actions:
Pray that Dr. Alexis Montes and the other 42 health workers will be surfaced and released.
Write a letter to the following addresses and appeal for due process of the 43 detained health workers and especially for Dr. Alex Montes, respected UCCP lay leader.

You may send your communications to:
H.E. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
President of the Republic
Malacañang Palace,
JP Laurel St., San Miguel
Manila Philippines
Voice: (+632) 564 1451 to 80
Fax: (+632) 742-1641 / 929-3968
Cell#: (+ 63) 919 898 4622 / (+63) 917 839 8462
E-mail: corres@op.gov.ph / opnet@ops.gov.ph

Gen. Avelino Razon, Ret. PNP
Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process
Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP)
7th Floor Agustin Building I
Emerald Avenue
Pasig City 1605
Voice:+63 (2) 636 0701 to 066
Fax:+63 (2) 638 2216
osec@opapp.gov.ph

Norberto Gonzales
Secretary, Department of National Defense
Room 301 DND Building, Camp Emilio Aguinaldo,
E. de los Santos Avenue, Quezon City
Voice:+63(2) 911-9281 / 911-0488
Fax:+63(2) 911 6213
Email: osnd@philonline.com

Atty. Agnes Devanadera
Secretary, Department of Justice
Padre Faura St., Manila
Direct Line 521-8344; 5213721
Trunkline 523-84-81 loc.214
Fax: (+632) 521-1614
Email: soj@doj.gov.ph

Atty. Leila De Lima
Chairperson, Commission on Human Rights
SAAC Bldg., UP Complex
Commonwealth Avenue
Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines
Voice: (+632) 928-5655, 926-6188
Fax: (+632) 929 0102
Email: chr.delima@yahoo.com

The Legacy of Howard Zinn

2010-02-05T22:06:00.002-06:00

Howard Zinn, author of A People's History of the United States, passed away on January 27.

This past week I have been very moved by some lovely tributes to Zinn, so thought I would share them here.

Rabbi Arthur Waskow, Director of The Shalom Center:
http://www.theshalomcenter.org/node/1677

Alice Walker:
http://www.zmag.org/saying-goodbye-to-my-friend-howard-zinn-by-alice-walker

Amy Goodwin, executive producer of Democracy Now!:
http://www.rabble.ca/columnists/2010/02/remembering-howard-zinn-peoples-historian

Hope

2009-12-20T11:37:00.001-06:00

"The message is clear. To abandon hope, to abandon real targets is to abandon our children. Standing in solidarity with our children and grandchildren means denouncing the deceit and hypocrisy of those leaders who delay and deny. " - Elizabeth May, Leader of the Green Party of Canada

Offensive

2009-10-14T12:34:00.004-05:00

So, some conservatives in the blogosphere have noticed the Young Greens' new website and taken offence at the slogan "Your parents f*cked up the planet."

So here's the thing. Do they dispute the premise? No, of course not. They just find it rude to put it so bluntly.

Sorry, but the time for "nice" is past. Instead of shooting the messenger, maybe we ought to clean up our act and stop f*cking up the planet. What's really offensive? The Canadian government's shameful position during the recent climate talks in Thailand, promting a mass walkout of representatives from other countries. Now that's offensive.

Well done, Young Greens. Keep it real.

Also, once again Camille Labchuk's comments are right on the money in her blog on this topic:
www.camillelabchuk.ca/2009/10/14/young-greens-website-makes-waves/

New Photo

2009-10-03T22:20:00.004-05:00

So, I finally got around to updating my photo. It was actually two months ago when I was showing someone my story exposing RKRN for biased reporting and all he did was comment that my blog photo must be pretty old.

Now, I really like the photo I was using. It is actually cropped from a picture of me, my mother, and my mother-in-law, taken at my wedding shower. Next Saturday I will have been married for 10 years, so, yes, that photo is a little old.

A good photo is hard to find. Special thanks to Rob Schmidt's friend Chris Inch of See! iDesigns for helping out. Chris also took the excellent photo of Ottawa Vanier Green Party candidate Caroline Rioux.

BC poll results

2009-08-25T12:24:00.002-05:00

Camille Labchuk has written a great blog about Green Party fortunes in BC.

RKRN Accused of Biased Reporting

2009-08-03T20:39:00.001-05:00

OTTAWA - New Ottawa resident and movie-lover, Catharine Johannson, expressed frustration Sunday with what she described as "biased and lopsided reporting" on the Rob Kristjansson Radio Network.

"Rob's news service only covers news from Rob's point of view," explained Johannson. "Sure, now that we live in different cities he has no one cool to see movies with, but what about me? Who am I going to see movies with in Ottawa? The Rob Kristjansson Radio Network is all about Rob, Rob, Rob."

When questioned as to whether her public comments about biased RKRN reporting might affect her friendship with Kristjansson, Johannson replied, "If he can't take the heat, he should stay off the internet."

Spokesman for Kristjansson, Daniel Cormier, declined to comment on the controversy, only stating that his client was "able to take a joke." Cormier added that "She (Johannson) is just driving more traffic to his web site."

Blogging

2009-07-26T01:39:00.002-05:00

Rob: Blah, blah, blah, new media, blah, blah blah.

Catharine: I think I need to start blogging again.

Rob: Absolutely!

Catharine: I'm just concerned I'll say something inappropriate.

Rob: That's always the risk.

Green Party policies

2008-09-21T23:11:00.003-05:00

OK, some of you may be visiting my blog because I am a candidate in the October 14 federal election. Welcome! The Green Party's comprehensive policy document is called "Vision Green" and is available here:

http://www.greenparty.ca/en/policy/visiongreen

If you have any questions about Green Party policy, there is a 99% chance they are addressed in this document.

If you are looking for trivial and frivolous stories of the life of a Green Party candidate, yes, I will try to indulge you. Or I may not get time to blog. If not, you must find it in your heart to forgive me.

In the meantime, Elizabeth May will be in town on Tuesday, September 23 at the VIA train station at Main and Broadway at 11:20 AM. Come on down and meet Elizabeth. This is the regularly scheduled VIA train, so it may be late. More info on the cross-country Whistle Stop Tour here:

http://www.greentrain.ca/

And read Elizabeth's blog about the train trip here:

http://www.greenparty.ca/en/node/7098

Vote Green, Feel Good

2008-09-11T08:58:00.001-05:00

Ant Removal Results

2008-07-13T21:54:00.004-05:00

I'm quite surprised, but both ant removal methods seem to have worked. The first day, only the boiling water seemed to have any effect. There were still a few ants, but they appeared to be stragglers. Over on the icing sugar and baking soda hill, the ants seemed to be happy as could be. For the next two days I repeated the boiling water treatment on the "boiling water" anthill. Then on the next weekend I dug out the place where the ants had been, laid some new soil, organic fertilizer and grass seed and I've got a nice little patch of lawn where there was once an ant hill.

After the icing sugar and baking soda didn't work the first day, I thought I would need to use boiling water on the other anthill. I didn't really feel like dealing with it, so I just left it alone. On the weekend, when I dug out the old anthill in the place where I had used boiling water, I looked at the anthill that had been subjected to icing sugar and baking soda, and there were no ants there! It had worked, after all. It just took a few days.

I do still question my need to conform to mainstream concepts of lawn beauty. Why can't I just share my lawn with the ants? As I said to my little niece yesterday, "I'm a lover, not a fighter."

An experiment in ant removal

2008-06-19T09:44:00.002-05:00

My yard has ants. Also dandelions. Many, many dandelions. We'll deal with that later.

There are two anthills on the front lawn, one in the back yard. Now, my parents always told me that boiling water was the solution to ant removal. After consulting that ever reliable source: the internet search, it seems that many people agree with this non-toxic method of ant removal. There is also much support for an icing sugar/baking soda combination.

I have tried both. One on each anthill in the front yard. I have my doubts that either method will work, but, hey, what the heck.

The Silver Whistle - Sileas

2008-04-25T17:44:00.000-05:00

Lego Darth Vader

2007-11-30T15:50:00.000-06:00

This is hilarious, but be warned - Vader uses the "F" word...

SOA Pilgrimage

2007-10-23T14:18:00.001-05:00

It's Official

2007-08-11T00:42:00.000-05:00

Yes, I'm a candidate for the Federal Council of the Green Party of Canada. What I learned from last year is that most people are not plugged in at all. They make their decision entirely based on the write-up and the photo.

Well, dear reader, you have taken the time to visit my blog. I salute you!

If you vote for me, I will always answer your phone calls and emails. Quickly.

If you have any questions, please ask. I mean it.

internet perils

2007-04-28T01:12:00.000-05:00

When I joined the Green Party several years ago, I regularly told people that I was a former New Democrat. But as I met more and more Greens from various political backgrounds, I noticed that if someone told me which party they had belonged to in the past it immediately influenced my perception of that person. So I stopped volunteering the information. Of course, I told people if they asked.

Now, it turns out that a political button collector in Ontario has decided to put his button collection on-line. And his collection includes 2 handmade buttons from my campaign to be President of the New Democratic Youth of Canada in 1997. There were under 100 made, so the whole thing is kind of weird and creepy.

Many of my various adventures have made their way into the public domain, making me really wonder if I should have a public blog.

Bill C-31 is stupid!

2007-04-04T10:37:00.001-05:00

OK, I don't have time to really get into it, but Bill C-31 is extremely stupid. First of all, it's making it harder for people to vote - especially people who are already likely to be disenfranchised. Also, putting date-of-birth on the voters list is a really, really, really bad idea. DOB is one of the pieces of information very useful for identity thieves.

This year, when the Canada Revenue Agency asked me on my income tax form if I authorize them to give my info to Elections Canada - I said "No".

Manitoba Organizer

2007-02-24T17:46:00.000-06:00

The GPC is hiring a Manitoba Organizer. Anyone interested, send your resume to Sharon Labchuk.

***

MANITOBA ORGANIZER

Job type: Contract, part-time
Job Title: Manitoba Organizer
Location: home office in Manitoba or GPC office in Winnipeg
Remuneration: $700 - $1,000 per month
Languages: English required
Date posted: 20 February 2007
Closing date: 27 February 2007

The Green Party of Canada is seeking a Manitoba Organizer to begin work immediately. This is a part-time (13 hours/week), contract position. Remuneration is dependent upon experience.

JOB DESCRIPTION
The Manitoba Organizer will be a member of a national organizing team working at the grassroots level to ensure Electoral District Associations in Manitoba are formed and receive ongoing support. Organizers help to identify and register quality candidates and provide support so that campaigns are run as effectively as possible. Some travel within the province is necessary. Hours of work vary but often include weekends and evenings. During an election, organizers are required to work long hours.

QUALIFICATIONS
Previous experience as a political organizer, candidate, campaign manager, or campaign worker is strongly recommended. Experience designing and delivering workshops and some familiarity with Elections Canada regulations is preferred. Applicants should have good networking skills, and be resourceful and capable of working without close supervision. Organizers must like working with people and have the capacity to maintain friendly and co-operative relationships with party members and the public. The ability to work well under pressure is vital during an election.

Applicants must not be a member of another federal political party.

HOW TO APPLY
Email resume to slabchuk-at-greenparty.ca.
For more information please call Sharon Labchuk at 902-621-0719.

We thank all candidates for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Applications received will be screened based on information provided. Please ensure you include all relevant details about your qualifications for this position.

Missing CD

2007-02-06T13:03:00.000-06:00

Every Monday at noon, the SCM leads peace prayers at the St. John's College chapel at the U of M. I was there yesterday and one of the songs was by Pat Mayberry. It reminded me that my copy of Pat's first CD, Voice to Voice, has gone missing. I have looked everywhere for it, and I just can't find it. It really upset me because I thought that it would be really tough to find another copy of the independently produced CD. I bought my copy when I lived in Ottawa and attended the same church as Pat Mayberry, First United. But guess what? I can order another copy on the internet! Sometimes the global village does come in handy.

Officially Anglican

2007-02-01T13:50:00.000-06:00

I've been an Anglican for a while, but on January 14 I received the apostolic rite of confirmation. This was actually my second confirmation. I was confirmed in the United Church about a lifetime ago, but the UC doesn't have bishops, so I did it again, this time with a bishop. Did I ever think I would join an episcopal church? Nope. Never. But somehow it happened. This is me with the Right Reverend Donald Phillips, Bishop of the Diocese of Rupert's Land, and Rev. Dr. Cathy Campbell. The Bishop's hat (or as wikipedia calls it, "traditional, ceremonial head-dress") is called a mitre.

Cathy is the author of an amazing book about food and justice called Stations of the Banquet. While I'm linking to books, I'll let you know about another amazing author, Rev. Sharon Moon. Sharon was my minister when I lived in Ottawa and attended First United Church. She is awesome. I keep meaning to send Sharon a copy of Cathy's book and give Cathy a copy of Sharon's book. It's on my list of things to do, but pretty far down.

Belated post

2007-02-01T13:42:00.000-06:00

Hey folks. I have been super busy, so haven't had a chance to keep up with the blog. I was planning to post about the PM moving Ambrose to Intergovernmental Affairs. That was almost a month ago, so there you go.

My cute spouse got a copy of Paul Well's book on the 2006 election for Xmas. I was reading it around the same time Ambrose got shuffled out of Environment. "What the hell is Harper doing?" I thought. Then I remembered that Intergovernmental Affairs is run out of the PMO and the Minister usually isn't included in any important decisions.

Political Parties

2006-12-13T12:37:00.000-06:00

The Liberal Leadership Convention really has me thinking about the nature of political parties. Parties each tend to have their own culture and it is interesting how perceived notions of the Liberal Party were defied by the result. Really thanks to this guy. Although here's an interesting story about how Martha caused the upset. Well, even if it's not true, Martha still caused the upset by going to Dion. At that point the only thing that could have saved Kennedy was for Dryden to come over, but Dryden was a &*$%# and went to Rae instead.

Priorities

2006-12-01T10:09:00.001-06:00

OK, I've got an exam on Wednesday, so I should be studying but I really can't help myself. I'm doing some practice questions, but I've still got CPAC on in the background and I keep getting distracted.

London

2006-11-25T20:50:00.000-06:00

Well, here I am in London after a full day of travel, web site messing, some awesome homemade soup, and all the other great stuff the campaign has to offer. What a great campaign office. Great folks. Monday is going to be fun!

Remembrance Day

2006-11-11T20:53:00.000-06:00

This will have to be a quick post becuase I've got balsamic chard simmering.

This afternoon hubby and I went to see Martin Scorsese's latest flick, The Departed. Well, it wasn't that good, but before the movie there was a preview for the soon-to-be-released Bobby.

Now, here is where I upset all my progressive friends when I say I'm not a big fan of Bobby. If you look at the way he and Hoffa hated each other, it is so clearly a question of class. Well, I'm not a big Trudeau fan either, but I guess sometimes a person just captures the imagination of people (or a cohort, as Michael Marshall would say).

There was also a preview for The Good Shepherd, the story of the creation of the CIA. I may be able to get hubby out to that one. He hates going to the movies and I would spend every afternoon watching a matinee if I could.

Wednesday morning

2006-11-08T08:15:00.000-06:00

Yes, I haven't posted for a while - too busy volunteering and working on a massive, horrible assignment for a course I'm taking. I can't believe it's November already! My assignment is due today, but then I have to start studying for the exam.

I wish I was in London North Centre for the by-election excitement. Phil Spidle is heading up phone canvass for Elizabeth and has a blog on her site at https://www.elizabethmay.ca/blog/33. If you can do some phoning, let him know.

London North Centre

2006-10-24T10:56:00.001-05:00

Elizabeth May is running in London North Centre. Special thanks to Devon Rowcliffe for putting together a blog graphic. I would love to be in London for the campaign! I'm sure it will be a lot of fun.

Mercer site

2006-10-19T21:58:00.000-05:00

I usually work evenings, including this Tuesday, so I missed the Mercer Report and Elizabeth May cutting down a tree. (Just so you know, the tree was already dead.)

Well, I am delighted to report that the EMay segment is available on the CBC website at http://www.cbc.ca/mercerreport/.

Also, on Saturday I bought a guitar. Exciting times.

Pirates! Yar!

2006-10-06T22:13:00.000-05:00

My boss lent me a DVD of the first Pirates of the Carribean movie, which for some reason I never saw. Last week she went to see the sequel, and I told her that I saw the sequel, but not the original. Well, turns out she has the original on DVD and lent it to me so I can procrastinate this weekend watching movies. Yay!

Also, Trailer Park Boys was released today. To the theatre, mateys!

a Thursday post

2006-10-05T22:29:00.000-05:00

I'm glad the long weekend is coming, because it's been a long week. I was thinking that I don't have anything Green to blog about, but that's not true. The Winnipeg North EDA AGM is set for Sunday, October 29 at 1 PM at the GPM office above the Pantages (that's #202 - 180 Market Avenue (at Main)). Also, the GPM is holding a fall supper on the 13th at the Ukrainian Labour Temple. Only $10. Contact Gerald for tickets (fundraising-at-greenparty.mb.ca) or call the office.

Elizabeth May on The Big Picture

2006-09-30T08:56:00.000-05:00

My mom is in town for a few days. She had to come in for an eye appointment and is staying for the weekend to attend a Kairos event. (Their current campaign is called Water: Life before Profit)

So my mom went for lunch with some old friends, one of whom said that Elizabeth May was great on The Big Picture the other day.

Now, the thing about having a public blog is that it's public. So if someone from HelloCoolWorld wanted to contact bloggers who might be interested in seeing Elizabeth May on The Big Picture, they would likely find me. And they did. Chrissy did.

To tell you the truth, I almost deleted the email because the subject line was "Chrissy has sent you an email!" so I assumed that it was spam. My public email address is a yahoo address, and I like to go through my email one by one. Yahoo has a feature where instead of the "delete" button you can hit the "spam" button and it will give you a little message that says "Thanks! Every message you report helps SpamGuard perform better." And I get a great sense of satisfaction hitting the spam button. Although sometimes the email builds up and I have to just do a mass delete of what I'm pretty sure is spam.

Chrissy also told me that "The CBC is also linking blogs that are talking about the show to their blog trakker, should you be interested." Well, I don't really have time to look into that, but good for them.

For those of you who, like me, missed the show, it is being rebroadcast on Newsworld on Sunday, October 1 at 7 PM Eastern. I am going to tape it so I can fast forward through Glen Murray. I heard he rambled and rambled and said nothing, which sounds about right.

I am still completely disgusted that Paul Martin appointed Glen Murray to the National Roundtable on the Environment and the Economy after the Standing Committee on the Environment voted against it. Bob Mills and Nathan Cullen were both against the appointment.

analytics

2006-09-28T00:10:00.000-05:00

So, I found out that if I want to increase the number of hits on my blog, I just need to talk about Gerard Kennedy. Or Joy Kogawa. And some strange person out there is googling "johannson" and showing up here. The internet is fascinating. Or, as Homer Simpson says, "The internet? Is that thing still around?"

I started this blog to muse about Green Party stuff, but these days most of my volunteer time is taken up by my new role as Treasurer for the North American Region of the World Student Christian Federation. Whoops, now I've done it. I've outed myself as a person of faith. Well, I know Chris Tindal and Cameron Wigmore won't hold it against me, so what the hell.

When I get around to finishing the latest book I've been reading, I may just muse about it here. I need to finish it soon so I can move on to Colossians Remixed.

ahh, the senate...

2006-09-24T19:55:00.000-05:00

I had a nice Sunday today. The high point of my day was an argument with Gerard Kennedy on senate reform. I told him that, since he was from Manitoba and had lived in Alberta, I was disappointed with his answer on senate reform at the Vancouver debate. (Yes, I always try to catch the Liberal leadership deabtes on CPAC - I also watched most of the NDP convention two weekends ago. I'm a junkie. I admit it.)

Some Greens like Stéphane Dion, especially for his work at COP 11. I respect Dion, but I also respect Kennedy for his work as Education Minister in Ontario. The guy can get the job done and that's saying something.

Anyway, unlike Ignatieff, Kennedy is not in favour of opening up the constitution. And there can't be significant senate reform without opening up the constitution. So Kennedy figures there's no point in just tinkering, and without opening up the constitution Alberta would still have less seats than New Brunswick (for example). So if Alberta elected a senator, you wouldn't appoint him or her? "No," says Kennedy without batting an eye. I almost fell off my chair. It was clearly the wrong answer (for me), but he was unequivocal.

We had to agree to disagree, but I figure if he'll tell me straight what he thinks, even when I clearly disagree with him, I figure he's dishing the straight goods on what he thinks about Afghanistan. And the Globe and Mail is right. The guy has charisma.

So what's the GPC policy on senate reform? The following was part of the 1997 election platform, which was adopted as official party policy at the 1998 convention.

1997 - Senate Reform
a- At present, the Canadian senate is little better than a plush retirement home for the beneficiaries of government patronage.
b- While some Canadians see the senate as a waste of taxpayers' money, others seek a renewal of the senate based on its original role as a "chamber of sober second thought".
A- A Green Party Government would hold a referendum either by preferential ballot or a series of run-offs giving Canadians the opportunity to set the direction senate reform should take.
B- While constitutional amendments may be necessary to complete and formalize changes to the senate, virtually all plans for senate reform could commence without constitutional change. The proposed referendum would include but not be limited to the following choices:
B1- Abolition of the Senate:
c- A yes to this option would result in an immediate moratorium on filling any senate vacancies and strong encouragement for sitting senators to retire.
d- This would lead to a gradual reduction in the size of the senate while the government negotiated for a constitutional amendment to abolish the senate completely.
B2- Election of the Senate:
e- A yes to this option would result in the government filling senate vacancies through province-wide senate elections held concurrently with provincial elections.
-- In the event of more than one senate seat becoming available, seats would be apportioned based on proportional representation.
-- The government would negotiate for a constitutional amendment creating an elected senate on a similar model to the Australian senate which selects its members in at-large state elections by proportional representation.
B3- First Nations Senate:
f- A yes to this option would result in the government filling senate vacancies by appointing hereditary first nations leaders to fill any vacancies.
-- These appointments would be chosen from a lists forwarded by the Assembly of First Nations.
-- The government would negotiate for a constitutional amendment that converted the senate into an institution similar to the British House of Lords but retaining the senate's historic right of veto.

Chomsky and Chavez

2006-09-24T18:40:00.000-05:00

If you haven't heard yet, Noam Chomsky's book Hegemony or Survival has shot to the top of the best seller lists thanks to a nod from Hugo Chavez during his address to the United Nations. Check out this article in the NY Times.

Yar!

2006-09-21T00:09:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was International Talk Like a Pirate Day.

Some of my favourite folks will be holding a retreat for university students next weekend on the theme of Pirates and Dragons.

Me, I were disgusted t' see the devilish search engine "Yahoo!" be celebratin' Talk Like a Pirate Day by placin' a link t' a Pirates vs. Ninjas video on its main page.

What be happenin' to the world? I reckon twas only a matter o' time til the scurvy bilge-sucking conventional media try t' appropriate pirate culture.

youth blog

2006-09-16T13:18:00.000-05:00

if you haven't seen it yet, check out the new Green Party youth blog at:

http://generationgreenblog.blogspot.com/

treats and goodies

2006-09-09T21:29:00.000-05:00

So much great stuff on the net for those looking to lose themselves in hours of Green Party transmissions.

I'll start with the big file. Devon Rowcliffe has the whole convention available here.

Jim Fannon has video of his leadership speech and tribute to Jim Harris available here.

Ben West posted Joe Trippi's keynote speech to google video, so it is available here.

Trippi says I shouldn't embed links, so I really should have posted this info like this:

Click to get directions to download video of 2006 GPC Convention:
http://ididntgetwhereiamtoday.blogspot.com/2006/08/download-cpac-footage-of-green-party.html

Click to see Jim Fannon's leadership speech:
http://www.natureshemp.com/JimFannon/Candidate.html

Click to see Joe Trippi's keynote address to the GPC Convention:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6255903902595340341&sourceid=docidfeed&hl=en-CA.

Repentigny, gun control, Afghanistan, and VIA

2006-09-03T10:26:00.000-05:00

My father-in-law called last night and we were chatting about the Greens. He is a life long New Democrat and union man who always keeps an eye on the political landscape. I had a friend who once called him "right wing" because he didn't support the gun registry. I told her that he still doesn't buy gas at Shell because they supported apartheid. Right or left?

Before I handed the phone over to hubby, we talked about the timing of the next federal election and whether the Consrvatives could make further inroads into Quebec. He said, "Quebeckers don't like the war machine."

During the first Gulf War, a neighbour was ranting and raving to my father-in-law about how Canada should be more involved and send more troops. My dad (in-law) just said, "I'm a lover, not a fighter." Boy, the neightbour flipped out.

I'm heading down to the train station to say "hi" to EMay as she rolls through town. There's a lot of discussion here and some discussion here about whether Elizabeth should run in Cape Breton (and maybe Repentigny if Harper calls the byelection).

I think she has to run in Repentigny. Because she said she would.

Trippi

2006-09-02T01:44:00.000-05:00

So, I want to say something about meeting Joe Trippi. I can't even imagine what would happen if the GPC took his advice. I don't believe that we will. I know I should be more optimistic, but I just don't see it happening. Even with our awesome new leader. Heather-jane Robertson once said that behind every cynic is a broken-hearted idealist.

Thanks all!

2006-08-29T12:57:00.000-05:00

A big thank you to everyone who voted for me! I deeply appreciate your support. Convention was great, and now I'm just wading through my mountains of email from the last week.

On Sunday, Elizabeth May was on the front page of the Montreal Gazette - photo above the fold! Exciting times ahead!

Internal Elections / l'élection interne

2006-08-24T09:00:00.000-05:00

(le français suit)

Well, dear reader, I am now a candidate for Chairperson in the upcoming internal elections of the Green Party of Canada. I am pleased to join a fine crop of green activists running for this position: my fellow councillors Melanie Ransom and Kevin Colton, and long time party members from Ontario Constantine Kritsonis and Ted Alexander.

Feel free to ask me any questions or tell me what you think needs to happen for the party to improve.

catharinejo-at-yahoo.ca

Bien, cher lecteur, je suis maintenant une candidate à la présidence dans les élections internes prochaines du Parti vert du Canada. Je suis heureux de joindre un bon groupe de militants verts à poser leur candidature à cette poste: mes collègues conseillers Melanie Ransom et Kevin Colton, et deux membres de longue date de l'Ontario, Constantine Kritsonis et Ted Alexander.

Veuillez me poser toutes les questions ou me dire vos idées pour améliorer le parti.

catharinejo-at-yahoo.ca

endorsements/approbations

2006-08-24T08:30:00.000-05:00

I was nominated for the position of Chairperson by:
J'ai été nommé pour la poste du présidente par:

Mike Nickerson, current Ontario Rep on the GPC Council
Roger Benham, current Secretary on the GPC Council
Pauline Richards, Kitchener-Waterloo, ON
Michael Marshall, Nova Scotia Green Party organizer
Erich Jacoby-Hawkins, Barrie, ON
Victor Lau, former Leader, Green Party of Saskatchewan
Zev Rumstein, former Manitoba organizer

"Catharine has done a great job as MB representative. I look forward to more of the same."
Vere Scott, 2006 candidate, Winnipeg South Centre

"I would be honored to add my name to those GPC members who are nominating Catharine Johannson for the vacant position of GPC Council Chairperson - I saw her good work at the 2004 convention and followed her stalwart service on the GPC Council ever since - she's no quitter and she stays the course."
Michael Marshall, Former GPC Organizer for Nova Scotia
Coordinator of 2006 full slate in Nova Scotia provincial election

“I have known and worked with both Catharine Johannson and Constantine Kritsonis, both candidates for the position of chair of National Council. I think either would be an excellent chair.”
Elizabeth May, Officer of the Order of Canada, Candidate for GPC leader

"What makes Catharine to be the most suitable for the role is that she has an intimate knowledge of the Party's Constitution plus she forces Council to take a scrap of notice of the members of the Party. Were she not to have been on Council for the past two years, Council would have cared almost nothing about its obligations towards members nor towards the Constitution. Whether she has been good for Manitoba I cannot say but I can say that she has been one of the very best Councillors that we have had."
Roger Benham, GPC Secretary

"Vote Catharine!"
Holly Nelson, Leader, Green Party of Manitoba

"I am confident that Catharine Johannson is an excellent choice for Chair of federal council. She and I are both members of the current federal council. In this capacity I've come to know her as competent, smart, fair, co-operative and well-versed in the procedures and rules so critical to running an orderly and democratic council meeting. Catharine has what it takes to chair a council meeting that is not only professional but enjoyable."
Sharon Labchuk
Environment Critic
Co-chair Shadow Cabinet
Green Party of Canada candidate 2004 and 2006
Elizabeth May Campaign Manager
Leader, Green Party of PEI

"I have found Catharine Johannson true to Green values and principles, and a very competent Federal Councillor. I respect and rely on Catharine's fairness and good process, and knowledge of election law, constitutional matters, and decision making."
Steve Kisby, Membership Chair
Green Party of Canada Federal Council

"Catharine Johannson for Party Chair, because she has always stood up for her ethics and has voted for the membership."
Jim Fannon
Candidate for Leader

Mercury Lounge Invite

2006-08-19T22:24:00.000-05:00

For those of you attending the convention, Thursday night is the tribute to Jim Harris. It is scheduled to finish at 9 PM. Afterwards come by the Mercury Lounge for a martini and to mix and mingle with Greens from around the country.

I love those nieces to pieces

2006-08-19T00:52:00.000-05:00

My niece Gemma attended the 2004 Bragg Creek GPC Convention. She was 1 month old. Now she is 2 and scary smart. Observe her little brain in action:

Gemma (while trying to push my sister's friend Heather off the couch): Heather, sit over there.
My sister: Gemma! Heather can sit wherever she wants to.
Gemma: Heather, you want to sit over there.

I have three little nieces and they are all so wonderful. My other niece, Ally, loves to be outside. She has quiet parents, so she is not quite as boisterous as the two daughters of actors. The oldest of the three, 4 year old Isabella, threw her arms around a tree this week and announced "This tree is magnificent."

Morden and Winkler

2006-08-14T10:18:00.000-05:00

The grandfather of my spouse's co-worker died last week. The funeral was on Saturday, so I drove down to Morden with hubby and another co-worker to attend. We took a wrong turn at Carman (yes, how can you get lost in Manitoba?) but arrived in time for the sermon. I am always fascinated by the diversity of belief within religion.

We drove home through Winkler, stopping at Twisters for a bite to eat. Winkler now has a Wal-Mart, a Rona, a huge SuperStore (that's Loblaws for you folks out east), and Sobeys. But we went to Spenst Bros. to pick up our Bothwell cheese. Should I really say I bought cheese? I will lose the vegan vote!

Martini Contest

2006-08-07T18:15:00.000-05:00

Ok folks, get your thinking caps on. I've already let you in on the news that the big party August 24 will be at the Mercury Lounge. Part of the entertainment will be a martini contest. Members are invited to create GPC specific martinis - prizes for the most inventive. Sorry, the "Libel Chill" is already taken. I have heard that work is being done on the "Media Leak" and the "Expulsion Explosion" - so it looks like competition will be quite fierce...

Thanks Jim!

2006-08-03T23:58:00.000-05:00

Jim Fannon has distributed his 500 word leadership campaign email to this list. The party will send it to all members in a few days. Jim was nice enough to say some nice things about me, so I would like to reciprocate and say that I am very happy that Jim is in the leadership race. He has rasied serious issues about the direction of the party and I greatly appreciate his always positive attitude. Everyone knows that my vote is going to Elizabeth May, but after convention adjourns for the night on August 24, I'm certainly buying Jim a beer at the hottest party. All the cool kids will be at the Mercury Lounge in the market. Yes, you're all invited!

Here's what Jim said:

If you have not voted for Councillors yet, and if your ballot is still sitting on the dryer or coffee table, take it up, and check each candidate's story and/or Web bio. Two good picks I recommend for important positions, are Catharine Johannson for Party Chair, because she has always stood up for her ethics and has voted for the membership; and Kate Holloway for Chief Agent because she has likewise stood up for financial integrity and grassroots democracy.

About me

2006-07-22T14:46:00.000-05:00

I have received a few requests for more biographical information about myself, so here's a brief bio:

For the last several years, Catharine Johannson has been a strong voice for competent internal governance. She was appointed interim Manitoba Representative to the Green Party of Canada Federal Council in November 2003 and was elected in the party's internal elections of August 2004.

Catharine has a detailed and thorough knowledge of the GPC constitution. She has extensive experience chairing meetings using both Roberts' Rules of Order and Green Rules of Order and is familiar with various consensus decision making models.

Catharine joined the Green Party because of the green commitment to promoting a steady-state economy and using materials in continuous cycles as opposed to continuous economic expansion, with unsustainable exponential growth of production and consumption.

Catharine holds a degree in Economics from the University of Manitoba. She is currently the Financial Agent for the Winnipeg North EDA and served as Official Agent for 2 candidates in the 2006 federal election.

Her responses to Frank Cameron's council survey are available here:
http://greenlibrarian.atspace.com/

Letters from Lebanon

2006-07-16T10:56:00.000-05:00

Some of you know Roy Ball, Party Chair of the GPBC. His son, David, is a friend of mine. David is currently in Lebanon, so I have been checking his blog more regularly.

I was in Beirut in 1999. I remember the fresh olives and the beautiful countryside. The ruins at Baalbeck. The Jeita Grotto. My good friend Marcel, an electrical engineer who worked on the expansion of the Beirut International Airport.

Sorry I missed you, Mike

2006-07-14T12:07:00.000-05:00

Mike Nickerson and Donna Dillman were in Winnipeg on the 11th, promoting Mike's new book Life, Money and Illusion. Unfortunately, I had to work late and wasn't able to attend the event. Luckily, I had already bought a copy of the book, but it's no substitute for a real life presentation. Any Manitobans looking for a copy of Mike's book - you can purchase it from the Green Party of Manitoba ($20). Just contact the GPM office (488-2831).

Mike will be in Kingston on July 19, so if you're in the area, be sure to drop by!

Joy Kogawa and Metta Spencer

2006-07-09T21:16:00.000-05:00

Last night I attended an amazing reading by Metta Spencer and Joy Kogawa. They are road-tripping from Vancouver to Toronto, stopping at bookstores along the way.

My folks were in town (from Dauphin), so we all went together. Kogawa sat down beside my mother and we chatted about how I had met Joy several years ago at an ecumneical conference in Ontario. She had been a guest speaker and had read us sections of the poem she was working on: A Song of Lilith. I remember that it was so beautiful it made me cry.

Last night, Joy Kogawa was reading from Emily Kato, which is a reprint of Itsuka. There are also some significant re-writes, so even if you already have Itsuka, pick up Emily Kato. Art Miki, former President of the National Association of Japanese Canadians, was in the audience. He is featured prominently in the book because it tells the story of the redress movement and, of course, Art Miki was right in the middle of things.

Metta Spencer was promoting her book Two Aspirins and A Comedy and spoke about the role television could play in fostering a culture of peace. Very interesting stuff.

Joy Kogawa told the audience about how their last stop had been Yorkton, where they had met a Grade 12 student who had no hope for the world. He felt that the end of civilization cannot be avoided. The story of this Grade 12 student from Yorkton reminded me of similar conversations I have had with Roger Benham.

Despite the hopelessness of humanity's current situation, this student plans to become a massage therapist to help people one person at a time. You can read about him in Metta's blog.

Joy Kogawa then told us about how, during the fight for redress for Japanese Canadians, she didn't think that it would actually be achieved, but that didn't stop her. She told us about how she never dreamed that her house would be saved. She spoke about the need to do your part, even when hope is fleeting. Then she read the opening passage of Emily Kato. It was so beautiful it made me cry.

vote NO on the proposed constitution/ne votons NON sur les révisions constitutionnelles proposées

2006-07-08T12:10:00.000-05:00

(le français suit)

A number of people have asked me what I think about the proposed constitution and bylaws.

On June 30, Jim Harris said:

The Constitutional Review Committee’s proposed changes to the constitution, if adopted, will leave the party open to take over and merger.

I think the biggest problem with the proposal is the low threshold for amendment. The NDP and LIberals both require 2/3 to amend their constitutions, and the Conservatives require a double majority (of both delegates and provinces) to amend. At the 2004 general meeting, Jim Harris brought forward some important amendments (like the current Article 20) and included protection for them through the current Article 10. This is stripped from the proposal.

Some people plan to vote in favour of the proposal and suggest we fix all the problems later, but I don't think this is a good strategy. Jim fought for those articles to be included for a reason, and I don't want to gamble with the party's future.

Beaucoup de membres m'ont demandé ce que je pense à la révision constitutionnel.

Le 30 juin, Jim Harris a dit:

Les révisions constitutionnelles proposées par le Comité de révision constitutionnel, si adoptés, laisseront la partie ouverte pour succéder et la fusion.

Je pense que le plus grand problème avec la proposition est le bas seuil à modifier. Le NPD et les libéraux tous les deux exigent de 2/3 de modifier leurs constitutions, et les conservateurs exigent d'une double majorité (des deux délégués et provinces) de modifier. Lors de l'assemblée 2004, Jim Harris a avancé quelques amendements importants (comme l'Article 20) et a inclus la protection pour eux par l'Article 10. La proposition enlève cette protection.

my name

2006-06-10T13:39:00.000-05:00

When I was born, my parents spelled my name after the Ontario city of St. Catharine's. However, if someone is googling "Catherine Johannson" I still want them to be able to find my blog - so I will add this post.

high tech

2006-05-13T09:55:00.000-05:00

You're in for a treat today, folks.

Cool video.

daisy

2006-05-06T13:45:00.000-05:00

Those of you who spend serious time in the blogosphere will know that Warren Kinsella has started a new consulting group called Daisy. It is named for what most people consider the best political ad ever made.

Take a minute to watch the ad. One of the reasons it worked so well is that it struck a responsive chord with its audience. In fact, I would says that it still strikes a responsive chord.

fundraising for convention

2006-05-06T12:47:00.000-05:00

OK, even though I don't support the high fees being charged for the GPC general meeting in August, I do support EDAs and other local clubs fundraising to subsidize members' attendance. At some point I want to write down the history of the GPC Fundraising Committee, but that is for another day.

Even before she wrote the book on How To Save the World in your Spare Time, rumoured to soon be a GPC Leadership Candidate, Elizabeth May, put together these tips on how to be an activist.

Check out number 5 on the shopping list of campaign tactics - a lot of great ideas for fundraising. If your group is small, don't be afraid to do things on a small scale. If you only make $20, that's $20 more that can be used for good stuff like sending members to the general meeting.

Caledonia

2006-04-29T18:03:00.001-05:00

Yes, I may live a fairly sheltered life, but I am amazed at the people who will go on national television and spew racist trash. In fact, I am still shocked when a co-worker or acquaintance will make racist comments in front of me.

Friday morning, as I rolled out of bed, the radio informed me that a group of protesters were blocking traffic on Winnipeg's Midtown Bridge in solidarity with the Six Nations protesters. I didn't have time to join them, but I was there in spirit. Some Greens think protesting is bad for our image. Then again, some Greens think that promoting a shorter work week, steady state economy and zero waste is bad for our image.

kicking against the pricks

2006-04-29T17:49:00.000-05:00

I found out today that "kicking against the pricks" is actually a biblical expression (Acts 26:14). "Pricks" refers to oxen goads. Kicking against them has been defined as "to act in vain against discipline or authority."

convention fees

2006-04-27T23:52:00.000-05:00

Well, folks are getting riled up about the high cost of the proposed August 2006 General Meeting (GM). The early bird fee is $270. Yikes! By comparison, the Council of Canadians held their AGM in Ottawa in November 2005 with delegate fees of $50 (lower for low income/students).

Now, I'm not a big fan of camping, but lots of GPC members exercized that option at the 2004 GM in Bragg Creek, just outside Calgary. Now some people might think I'm in favour of holding the convention at someplace like this. Well, the price is right, but I was actually thinking that an Ottawa hotel could give us better rates than the Congress Centre, especially if we didn't insist on being right downtown.

In the past few days I've heard the responses of a Leadership candidate and a "rumoured to be thinking about being a" Leadership candidate to this issue. I must say that their different responses make me much more inclined to support one over the other. More on that as the contest unfolds.

Jim won't run again for Leader

2006-04-25T13:59:00.003-05:00

Well, I suspect that anyone who may be reading this has already heard that Jim Harris will not be running in the Green Party Leadership race this summer. Knowing Jim, he probably won't be taking any time off, but rather diving into his next project.

Today I received an email from an old acquaintance who wanted to know if I was supporting Elizabeth May or David Chernushenko. Our Leadership race may not have as many candidates as the Grits (yet), or be generating as much media, but we are on the radar.

Leadership politics

2006-04-23T22:29:00.000-05:00

Today Scott Brison entered the Liberal leadership race, stating that he wants "to lead the greenest Liberal Party ever." Of course, Stéphane Dion has already positioned himself as the "green" candidate for Liberal leader. Former Member of Parliament for Leeds-Grenville, Joe Jordan, is supporting Dion. Many Greens know Jordan for his work with Mike Nickerson (GPC ON rep) in championing a Genuine Progress Indicator for Canada.

Leadership politics can be truly fascinating. A great book on the PC 1983 Leadership Convention is Contenders: The Tory Quest for Power by Patrick Martin, Allan Gregg and George Perlin. Read it. You'll love it.

Comments on Patrick Moore

2006-04-20T09:15:00.000-05:00

OK, the lazy post. A link to someone else's comments, but thought folks might find this of interest:

Commentary on Patrick Moore's piece in the Washington Post on going nuclear.

everybody's doin' it

2006-04-18T23:11:00.000-05:00

Well, since blogging is what all the cool Green Party federal councillors are doing, I thought I might as well join the fun. As those who know me are well aware, I've got a lot to say. And I love to dish the dirt.

Greens across the country are buzzing at the news that Elizabeth May is considering running for GPC Leader. Of course, everyone wants to know: What about Jim? Will he run again for Leader?

Today Bruce Abel confirmed that he will not be running again in the upcoming internal elections. He said this many months ago, but I guess there was speculation that he would take another kick at the can.