rabble.ca

Adventures on the eBook Frontier - Dispatch 18

Cathi Bond — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 21:12:54 +0000

Today I have some exciting news to share. I’ve got a movie deal.

“What?” you shriek.

“Yep,” I reply. “I’ve got an option with Back Alley Films to make a feature out of of Night Town.”

WOO HOO!!!!!

Fracking in B.C.

Daniel Tseghay — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 18:46:02 +0000

“The introduction of shale gas extraction and hydraulic fracking methods in British Columbia could present the largest and most destructive industrial force that our waters have ever known,” warns a petition by the Fort Nelson First Nation. With over 24,000 signatories, it’s clearly resonating with people. The petition’s request for the provincial government to consider the effects of hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, and to make a greater effort to inform the public about the process should be taken seriously.

Official Opposition urges Harper to meet with Theresa Spence, now in second week of hunger strike

rabble staff — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 17:25:35 +0000

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

"From coast to coast to coast, an unprecedented wave of grassroots action is sweeping across First Nations communities."

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Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence is now on Day 9 of an indefinite hunger strike, and she has still received no direct response to her demand for a meeting with Harper.

On Tuesday, the NDP's Thomas Mulcair, leader of the Official Opposition, wrote to Prime Minister Stephen Harper:

"As you know, Chief Theresa Spence of Attawapiskat First Nation has also embarked on a hunger strike, living in a (teepee) on Anishinabe traditional territory of Victoria Island in the Ottawa River, barely a kilometre from Parliament. I ask that you please act swiftly to avoid a personal tragedy for Chief Spence...

Could foreign policy be Stephen Harper's Achilles' heel?

rabble staff — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 16:23:41 +0000

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Harper’s policies have spurred an unprecedented international backlash against Canada. And displays of opposition are growing.

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According to a recent Leger Marketing poll, Canadians care a great deal about their country’s international standing. Sixty-four per cent of respondents said that “our country’s reputation in the world” was “very important” to them and 29 per cent said it was “somewhat important”.

After universal health care, Canada's reputation was of second most importance among a dozen symbols, achievements and attributes (the monarchy and war of 1812 were at the bottom of the list).

Students call on Maclean's to rank universities by 'ethical investment'

Campus Notes — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 15:45:54 +0000

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Five thousand people have signed a petition launched by three recent university graduates asking Maclean's magazine to include an ethical investment category in their popular annual Canadian Universities Report.

Together, Canadian Universities invest billions every year in companies many consider to be unethical. In their petition Elysia Petrone, Kyuwon Kim, and Yasmin Parodi point out that investments in the tobacco companies, weapons companies, fossil fuel companies, in companies known to use sweatshops, or companies with ties to corrupt or violent governments are common to most Canadian universities.

'For the avoidance of any doubt': Pinehouse signs 'collaboration agreement' with Cameco/Areva

Council-of-Canadians — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 13:01:38 +0000

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Despite opposition from residents in the northern Saskatchewan village of Pinehouse, a controversial "collaboration agreement" has been signed, committing Pinehouse to support uranium giants Cameco and Areva's mining operations in the region in exchange for monetary payments and promises of preferential workforce and business development opportunities in Pinehouse.

Gender wage gap hurts economic growth

Progressive Economics Forum — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 12:54:05 +0000

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Breaking news: Women are paid less than men across OECD countries.

OK, it's not breaking news. Not even close. In Canada, the 'Female to Male earnings ratio' has hovered around the 70 per cent mark for the past 20 years. And for women with university degrees, the ratio peaked in the early 1990s, and has been below 70 per cent for 13 of the past 14 years.

Jean-Jacques Rousseau and the origin of equality

rabble staff — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 12:36:55 +0000

Story_publish_date:

December 19, 2012

Image: Stifts- och landsbiblioteket i Skara/Flickr

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"The first person who, having enclosed a plot of land, took it into his head to say this is mine and found people simple enough to believe him was the true founder of civil society. What crimes, wars, murders, what miseries and horrors would the human race have been spared, had someone pulled up the stakes or filled in the ditch and cried out to his fellow men: 'Do not listen to this impostor. You are lost if you forget that the fruits of the earth belong to all and the earth to no one!'"

- Jean-Jacques Rousseau

summary:

Jean-Jacques Rousseau's ideas, whether acknowledged or not, have permeated Western counter-hegemonic, progressive thought -- modern and postmodern -- for the last 250 years.

Idle No More: Interview with Darla Goodwin

The F Word Collective 2 — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 08:18:07 +0000

Publish Date:

December 19, 2012

summary:

The F Word's Ariana Barer and Charlene Sayo interview Darla Goodwin, the Vancouver representative of Idle No More, about the national movement for Indigenous rights in Canada.

The F Word's Ariana Barer and Charlene Sayo interview Darla Goodwin, the Vancouver representative of Idle No More. Idle No More is a movement urging the Canadian government to honour longstanding treaties that affect access to housing, food, education and Indigenous sovereignty to protect the land and water.

explicit:

Injured workers getting left behind in Ontario

rabble staff — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 07:35:40 +0000

John Bonnar reports on the dire situation facing injured workers in Ontario.

Injured workers falling deeper into poverty

The Stephen Harper model for Wildrose power: Promise free votes and deliver the Borg Hive

djclimenhaga — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 06:34:36 +0000

Alberta's Wildrose Party blossomed at the edges of the same muddy spring whence sprang the federal Reform Party of Preston Manning and Stephen Harper.

As is well known, the Reform Party went on to engineer the hostile takeover in 2003 of the old Progressive Conservative Party of Canada, after renaming but not successfully re-branding itself as the Canadian Alliance.

By this mechanism the Reform Party evolved over a short time from a populist Prairie uprising into the most autocratic and secretive government in Canadian history, including wartime governments, under Harper's mailed fist.

The death of innocents: Murder and guns in the USA

Christopher_Majka — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 01:15:28 +0000

In the wake of the death of 26 people in Newtown, Connecticut, inevitable calls have surfaced for a re-examination of American gun laws. In a departure from the customary platitudes of American leaders, normally homeopathically watered down to complete emptiness in deference to the gun lobby, United States President Barack Obama said something that sounded like it might actually portend action on this issue:

Injured workers falling deeper into poverty

johnbon — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 00:52:38 +0000

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He can’t collect employment insurance or workers’ compensation benefits.

He’s on the verge of selling his house. Spent $60,000 on his line of credit. $7,000 on his credit cards. And he owes a friend $3,000.

“Because the time since they cut me off and now, this eat up all my savings and my credit,” said Rene Pineta, an injured worker.

Two years ago, Pineta suffered injuries to his wrists, shoulder and back in a workplace accident.

“At this point I have no income,” said Pineta. “My employer is refusing to pay me or give me my record of employment.”

But what about the men? On masculinity and mass shootings

Feminist Current — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 21:59:52 +0000

“But what about the men?” It’s a question that’s been largely avoided by the mainstream within the context of mass shootings.

The recent tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut sparked thousands of conversations across the continent about gun laws, mental illness, and violence. And sadly, we’ve been here before.

2012 at Queen's Park: A year of eroding democratic rights

rabble staff — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 20:29:48 +0000

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

The last year has been a tumultuous one for education politics in Ontario and one that has seen democratic rights and principles die on the altar of political expediency.

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The last year has been a tumultuous one for education politics in Ontario and one that has seen democratic rights and principles die on the altar of political expediency.

The Liberals' approach to education sector collective bargaining, its draconian legislation (Bill 115), and Premier McGuinty’s decision to prorogue the Legislature just four weeks into the fall session are all examples of a government flouting democratic principles for political convenience.

Labour news this week: C-377 rammed through by MPs; no movement on CPP expansion; Canada opposes labour protection in trade deal

Lori Theresa Waller — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 20:20:23 +0000

Conservative government rams through anti-union Bill C-377

Elementary Teachers of Toronto stage one-day strike

johnbon — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 19:08:37 +0000

Publish Date:

December 18, 2012

summary:

On Tuesday, the Elementary Teachers of Toronto staged a one-day strike to demand Bill 115 be repealed.

On Tuesday, December 18th, the Elementary Teachers of Toronto staged a one-day strike to send a strong message to the Liberal Government that teachers will stand up and fight to protect worker's rights, free collective bargaining, and a strong public education system; and to demand that the anti-labour Bill 115 be repealed.

Listen to interviews with Andy Lomnicki, Vice President, Elementary Teachers of Toronto, Terri-Lynn Platt, released Executive Officer, Elementary Teachers of Toronto and Howard Kaplan, School Trustee, York Centre, Ward 5.

explicit:

Astroturf 'Ethical Oil' files CRA complaint against Sierra Club Canada Foundation

John Bennett — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 17:04:50 +0000

This time last year I told you about a storm gathering here in Ottawa that threatened to blow Sierra Club and other environmental groups out of existence. At the time I asked you to consider making a donation as it may be the last time you could do so and receive a tax receipt. I would have forgiven you for thinking I was overstating the seriousness of the situation at the time. Unfortunately, much of what I predicted came to pass in 2012.

ACTION ALERT: Shale gas in Ontario? No fracking way!

Making Waves — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 16:06:42 +0000

Tell Liberal party leader candidates to protect the Great Lakes by banning fracking in Ontario!

The Ontario government is brushing off concerns on fracking with promises to ensure fracking is "safe" before allowing permits even though the government has promoted shale gas development in the province. In 2010, the Ministry of Natural Resources released an aerial survey of shale formations in Ontario with the purpose of assisting gas companies in exploration. The Ontario Geological Survey, an arm of the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines, has been drilling in pockets across Southern Ontario to assess the shale gas potential.

Burning Rex Murphy's encyclopaedia: Promoting Idle No More

Nora Loreto — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 15:07:10 +0000

Sometimes I forget that Canada is a massive country where people are separated into silos.

Idle No More has reminded me that there exists massive gulfs between people, experiences and awareness.

I don’t actually fault the folks who aren’t aware of their ignorance. After an aggressive social media campaign, flash mobs, rallies, blockades, coordinated actions, letters of support from national unions and a hunger strike, the media coverage has still been significantly lacking.

How can someone know what’s going on if none of their friends are talking about it? How can they talk about it if there’s an effective media blackout?

Harper goes after trade unions with Bill C-377

rabble staff — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 13:45:36 +0000

Story_publish_date:

December 18, 2012

CLC President Ken Georgetti. Photo: Frank Saptel/Flickr

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The latest victory of business-funded politics was recorded last week when the Harper Conservatives passed Bill C-377 aimed at hobbling the ability of trade unions to participate in public life.

With its legislation (technically an amendment to the Income Tax Act), the Harper government is imposing new financial regulations that will add steep compliance costs and time-consuming administrative requirements to the normal activities of representing trade unionists.

summary:

The latest victory of business-funded politics was recorded last week when the Harper Conservatives passed Bill C-377 aimed at hobbling the ability of trade unions to participate in public life.

The growing power of the Canadian gun lobby

rabble staff — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 13:09:09 +0000

Story_publish_date:

December 18, 2012

Photo: elycefeliz/Flickr

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"Your shopping cart is currently empty."

This little notice popped onto my screen as I browsed the website of one of Canada's biggest gun retailers, surveying the wide assortment of assault weapons it offers for sale online -- including one virtually identical to the semi-automatic rifle used in last week's horrific school slaughter in Connecticut.

Canadians often take comfort in the notion that spectacles of gruesome gun violence are part of a U.S. pathology that has prevented Americans from putting in place sensible laws to limit the availability of personalized weapons for mass destruction.

summary:

The intense Canadian political focus on the federal gun registry may have ultimately been a distraction from an even bigger gun issue -- the ready availability of combat weapons in Canada.

Pollster's take on Alberta leaders' popularity sets stage for long Prairie slug-fest

djclimenhaga — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 12:52:09 +0000

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Alison Redford remains Canada's second most popular premier behind Saskatchewan's Brad Wall, who after months at a steady 67-per-cent level of belovedness is the unquestioned Mr. Congeniality of Confederation, according to the Vancouver-based Angus Reid Public Opinion polling company.

'Robocalls' Court case wraps up: Now we await the verdict

rabble staff — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 07:29:06 +0000

Concluding arguments were made Monday in the voter suppression trial in Federal Court. (Photo: m.gifford)

Voter suppression trial concludes: Now it's up to the Judge

Community Corridor, Part II: Front line allies and the new solidarity

rabble staff — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 00:08:45 +0000

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

As the world teeters on the brink of catastrophic climate change and societal collapse, it is clear that those of us with the knowledge and capacity to resist have a responsibility to do so.

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As the world teeters on the brink of catastrophic climate change and societal collapse, it is clear that those of us with the knowledge and capacity to resist have a responsibility to do so. It is not enough simply to withdraw or make lifestyle changes -- that is selfish and cowardly.

Rather we must turn to the front lines, where the battles which are determining our futures are actually being fought. One of those places is the Unist'ot'en Camp which rests along the bank of the river Wedzin Kwah (known in colonial society as the Morice River) on sovereign Wet'suwet'en Territory (in what you may know as Northern B.C.)

Voter suppression trial concludes: Now it's up to the Judge

karl nerenberg — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 23:16:50 +0000

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The biggest political news story of 2012, according to a poll the The Hill Times did of political staffers and Members of Parliament, was "Election fraud / robocalls."

A big chapter in that story closed on Monday in Federal Court. Lawyers for both sides completed their closing arguments, and it is now up to Judge Richard Mosley to decide whether or not to accept the arguments of six Canadians that the 2011 election in their ridings should be overturned.

Ceasefire means 'nothing' to Gaza fishers

Eva Bartlett In Gaza — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 19:25:20 +0000

GAZA CITY, Dec 17 2012 (IPS) - Shortly after Israel and Hamas signed a ceasefire agreement on Nov. 21, the Israeli navy abducted 30 Palestinian fishers from Gaza's waters, destroyed and sank a Palestinian fishing vessel, and confiscated nine fishing boats in the space of four days.

The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR) reported that 14 fishers from a single family, stationed just three nautical miles from the coast of the Gaza Strip, were all arrested on Dec. 1.

Labour unions support hunger striker Theresa Spence, urge federal government to meet

derrick — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 19:22:19 +0000

Monday, December 17, 2012

Two of the country's largest private sector unions are calling on the federal government to meet with Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence immediately.

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Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence has now been on hunger strike for nearly a week, and she has still received no direct response to her demand for a meeting with Prime Minister Stephen Harper. Many people have written, demonstrated and fasted to show their solidarity with Chief Spence. Yesterday, the Assembly of First Nations issued an urgent open letter to the prime minister, calling for a meeting. Today, two of the larger labour unions in Canada have written the following letter of support.

From Newtown to Afghanistan: Connecting the dots of a violent society

rabble staff — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 18:51:18 +0000

Monday, December 17, 2012

If you create lethal weapons and spread them widely among the populace, you should not be surprised when they discharge and kill people.

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Just as people in places like the Maldives, Bangladesh and Pakistan may have shook their heads at the cluelessness of Americans who suddenly woke up to climate change when Sandy came to town, people living in hot spots of violence around the world now have every right to be shaking their heads at the collective American refusal to see and understand how, in the wake of the Newtown massacre, we are much to blame for our own misery.

Federal government balking at first small step to rebuild Environmental Assessment

MiningWatch — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 18:19:06 +0000

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Nerd alert: Discussion of tedious yet vital regulatory procedure ahead.