These Pictures Tell A Real Story

Taken at Nathan Phillips Square in Toronto, these photos depict many of the tributes that have been written in chalk honouring the memory of Jack Layton.

‘Contempt of cop’ no crime

So read the headline in today's Hamilton Spectator in a story by Ken Peters.

In yet another blow to the patina of respect that used to envelop the police,

Ontario Court Justice Lesley Baldwin offered a scathing rebuke of Burlington OPP Constable Ryan Cox and Halton Regional Police Officer Erich Paroshy in connection with a June 20, 2009, arrest that left Burlington resident Kyle Davidson with a fractured left arm.

Apparently the young Mr. Davidson, who mouthed an obscenity when asked to approach the officers in question, was arrested on suspicion of drunkenness and resisting arrest (the latter, I suppose, a natural reaction when one feels he/she is being arrested for no cause). Unfortunately, during the arrest, in addition to the fractured arm, Davidson sustained injuries to his face and nose which he claims were the result of the officers grabbing his head and smashing it into a curb. The arresting officers claim that he 'slipped off the curb' (is this police code for brutality?) when they attempted to arrest him.

As usual, the SIU investigated and found no basis for further action. Thankfully, Justice Baldwin was not so timid, finding, “It is not an offence to be rude to an officer” and concluding that "the police conduct in this case was harsh and callous.” She also recommended "at a minimum, that both officers be retrained in the appropriate use of police force”.

Given the ever increasing incidence of police misconduct and abuse of authority, many would suggest that much harsher measures are called for.

Please sign this petition urging Prime Minister Harper to stop threatening Michaela Keyserlingk and to stop exporting asbestos.

Christie - blah blah blah - Blatchford

I read Chrisie Blatchford's reprehensible column yesterday on Jack Layton, and since the comment boards are ablaze with outrage over her remarks, allow me to briefly add my own thoughts about people of her ilk:

I have come to the conclusion that the right is unable to recognize the genuine grief over Jack Layton's passing because it challenges too sharply its notion that the only things of value are bottom lines, profitability, and the unalloyed 'joys' of unfettered capitalism and materialism.

To be shown that human beings are more than simply economic entities is just too much for the conservative mind.

Graeme MacKay Remembers Jack Layton

Editorial cartoonist Graeme MacKay has a poignant cartoon in today's Hamilton Spectator, which I am taking the liberty of reproducing below:

Jack Layton's Final Words To All Of Us

Despite the fact that we are still reeling from the news of Jack's sudden passing, he left something for all of us to cherish and to remember him by. Even as he realized his time here was coming to an end, he had the grace and generosity of spirit to leave a letter addressed to all Canadians that so perfectly reflects both the man and his beliefs. It is something we can take some comfort in during the times ahead that will undoubtedly be made more difficult by the loss of his prescient guidance.

A Ban on Shark Fin Soup

I have written previously about shark finning, the barbaric practice of cutting off the fins of sharks while abandoning the rest of the creature in the ocean to either drown or bleed to death. Despite the fact that sharks are vital to the ocean ecosystem and therefore to us, this illegal practice continues virtually unabated thanks largely to the apparently insatiable appetite of the Oriental communities throughout the world who regard shark fin soup as both a delicacy and a status-enhancing repast.

Two communities in Ontario, Brantford and Oakville, have already banned the sale of this soup, and now Toronto is considering prohibiting its sale. Unfortunately, as reported in The Toronto Star, restaurant owners in the area are claiming such a ban would be unfair, as it would drive those seeking the experience to neighbouring communities.

There are many issues over which we have little influence or control. This is not one of them. Refusing to succumb to one's thirst for status, refusing to aid and abet illegal and barbaric practices, should be, as they say, a 'no-brainer.'

People in communities across the country need to insist that their municipal representatives outlaw the sale of this soup.

We Few, We Happy Few, We Band Of Brothers

Sometimes, when I despair of anything positive happening in the world despite the efforts of some very good people, and despite the fact that the media overwhelmingly champions those with all the power, I think of this famous speech from Shakespeare's Henry V.

As they are about to go into battle against the French, and facing overwhelming odds against victory owing to discouragement within the ranks and the much greater power of the enemy, Henry gives the famous St. Crispin Day speech.

Although his words are used to bolster the spirits and resolve of his men in a war situation, the speech seem especially appropriate for any kind of battle where people face tremendous odds against success. Enjoy.

Please sign this petition urging Prime Minister Harper to stop threatening Michaela Keyserlingk and to stop exporting asbestos.