By Dave Johnson, Campaign for America’s Future: Updates:
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Northern Insights / Perceptivity: Contributions of two MLAs in BC Legislature
“I think this [Auditor General for Local Government] is a vital step forward for British Columbia, and long overdue, I think it’s going to make a difference, I think it’s going to mean taxpayers money will be spent better and will ensure they get value for every single dollar.” Every
Continue readingNorthern Insights / Perceptivity: To be different, we must do things differently
Alexandra Morton has a new blog entry. It starts with this: Dear Minister Ashfield: I would suggest you stop treating us like fools…Alexandra holds back little criticism because she has observed political lying and spin-doctoring first hand. Morton doesn’t pull punches. Science is on her side; also truth, the coastal
Continue readingNorthern Insights / Perceptivity: Photo Op Princess, come back to earth
Christy Clark pretended that justice would be swift and effective for hockey rioters. The problem was – and everyone knew this – BC’s court system had been starved for resources; systematically and consciously starved by the Liberal Government. Clark was promising what she knew could not be delivered. It’s her
Continue readingNorthern Insights / Perceptivity: Best and worst of CKNW
I am quick to criticize CKNW, mostly because I remember the years it did excellent work. Its newsroom, when run by Warren Barker, was the single quickest and best source for local news. Reporters like George Garrett were our trusted friends. The morning news talk show under matchless hosts Jack
Continue readingNorthern Insights / Perceptivity: A snail’s pace is quick by comparison
To emphasize that the Basi/Virk trial was merely meter-spinning theatre from the injustice system, I bring back a Northern Insights piece from almost 18 months ago. I think it captures reality, showing the trial was never about exposing truth. This week another insider of the Liberal government was caught reaching
Continue readingNorthern Insights / Perceptivity: CKNW charity boosts corporate profits
In early December, Corus Radio holds its annual pledge day, raising money for the CKNW Orphans’ Fund, a charity started when Bill Rea founded the station in 1944. A Northern Insights reader suggested I look at how financial management of the Orphans’ Fund had altered in recent years, changes made
Continue readingNorthern Insights / Perceptivity: Victoria’s old-time policing continues
Victoria police assault probe not over yet, CBC News, November 23, 2011: “A provincial court judge ruled [Victoria police sergeant] George Chong used excessive force in applying a chokehold that rendered Frank Blair unconscious in January 2010. “The judge sentenced Chong to one year’s probation and ordered him to take
Continue readingNorthern Insights / Perceptivity: A simple truth
For British Columbia Liberals, the BC Rail/Basi/Virk story is like a slow growing cancer. Left unresolved, it is metastasizing, nudging the afflicted party toward an inevitable conclusion. I’ve tried to understand why Liberals, or at least ethical members within the party, have not demanded an end to this distress through
Continue readingNorthern Insights / Perceptivity: Outrageous rhetoric from Clark Government
Hyperbole is an intentional and often outrageous overstatement, or exaggeration. This clips provides an example.
Continue readingNorthern Insights / Perceptivity: Rhetoric of Pepper Spray
The Rhetorica Network offers analysis and commentary about the rhetoric, propaganda, biases, and spin of journalism. This site features the Media Rhetoric Journal web log, comprehensive news media links, a rhetoric textbook, a primer of critical techniques, and information for citizens. The character of Rhetorica represents the purposes and canons
Continue readingNorthern Insights / Perceptivity: Moving forward by ignoring errors
Glenn Greenwald, Salon.com: “The UC-Davis Chancellor responsible for the pepper-spraying of her students, Linda Katehi, today went on Good Morning America and explained why she should not resign or otherwise be held accountable: “we really need to start the healing process and move forward.” On a radio program in the
Continue readingNorthern Insights / Perceptivity: Cost of $ilence = highest losses in BCR history
This partially updates a 2009 Northern Insights article, Patronage applied Liberally. Silence in the BC Rail affair has been a costly purchase for the people of British Columbia as the BC Liberal Gravy Train rumbles through obscure and remote locations, boarding a few special travelers. Despite disposition of its main operating assets
Continue readingNorthern Insights / Perceptivity: Deeply corrosive changes
Call to end ‘corrosive’ top pay deals, Brian Groom, Business and Employment Editor, Financial Times, November 21, 2011 Excerpts: Executive pay should be radically simplified to halt spiralling awards that are “corrosive” to the economy and threaten to create the type of inequalities last seen in the Victorian era, the
Continue readingNorthern Insights / Perceptivity: Voters trounce P3 proposal
One interesting result from Saturday’s municipal elections was Abbotsford voters’ indisputable rejection of water supply privatization. New mayor Bruce Banman, an opponent of water delivery through a proposed P3, believes the single most important message was that citizens wanted, “a more open, transparent government and more public involvement in important
Continue readingNorthern Insights / Perceptivity: Occupiers hold NYC park by force
NYPD Occupying Liberty Square; Demands Unclear “New York, NY — The NYPD have been occupying Liberty Square since 1:00am Tuesday morning, with the brand new occupation now set to enter its second day in just a few short hours. But will anyone listen to them when their message is so
Continue readingNorthern Insights / Perceptivity: Would law apply to all violent rioters?
News Item: “OTTAWA – It could soon be illegal for rioters to hide behind masks. “A proposed law would allow cops to arrest those participating in an unlawful gathering or a riot if they cover their faces with bandannas and balaclavas. “This is exactly the kind of thing we need
Continue readingNorthern Insights / Perceptivity: Duelling developers fuel city election
As the NPA goes negative, Vision and COPE get help from NDP big shots, Charlie Smith, Straight.com: “…the NPA launched its “Take Back Vancouver” campaign, which features a bunch of negative videos about Mayor Gregor Robertson. The tagline features this inexplicable line: “Play time is over. Take back Vancouver.” “…I
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