Wow, the police are really hammering all the Occupy encampments, it seems, everywhere. It's almost like there is a plan to remove them all at the same time. And it seems that the US at least there was a plan. Clearly someone in power is not happy about this movement.
And the funny thing is that if you look at it, these are just peaceful people spending time together, building interesting organizing structures and going on the occasional march. In some ways it's hardly a challenge to the powerful. Then again they are shining a huge bright light on the corruption at the heart of everything. I'm particularly happy that the occupiers are encouraging people to move their money out of banks to local credit unions.
This article presents a case why the reaction to the occupiers is so forceful. She makes an interesting point that if it was just a problem with people camping out then no one would be allowed to camp out for tickets to concerts and other shows.
Saturday, November 26, 2011
November News
So we are working on a greenhouse. We actually bought it last year but I was terribly intimidated so I thought to hire someone to put it up. No luck (Incidentally this is the funny thing about this region. People say there are no jobs but here is one that I would have gladly hired someone to do for me. Similarly we need an electrician to rewire our whole house--scary I know--but I guess they are all in the tar sands because even our 'local' friends can't find electricians).
So in the end I have to get over my worry about such a big project. We started in early November by hiring someone to level the ground and bring some gravel. Then we moved on to digging the foundation and putting down the tamarack 6x6s. Happily we had some really helpful and dedicated wwoofers in Hanna and Laurenz.
Then we put up the metal frame of the greenhouse. It actually only took one day! We had four of us working on that project. We actually realized that as much as we all complain about how there are 10 workmen but only one is working, some of the time that's just the way it is. We sometimes all stood around watching one person tightening a nut and bolt.
In the end, the greenhouse should look something like this. This is our friend Deb's who has the same kit as us. Go plastic!
But in between we have had snow and lots of it. Perhaps 20cm?
And for no reason here is Jane's cat Dulcie with our winter squash supply.
So in the end I have to get over my worry about such a big project. We started in early November by hiring someone to level the ground and bring some gravel. Then we moved on to digging the foundation and putting down the tamarack 6x6s. Happily we had some really helpful and dedicated wwoofers in Hanna and Laurenz.
Then we put up the metal frame of the greenhouse. It actually only took one day! We had four of us working on that project. We actually realized that as much as we all complain about how there are 10 workmen but only one is working, some of the time that's just the way it is. We sometimes all stood around watching one person tightening a nut and bolt.
In the end, the greenhouse should look something like this. This is our friend Deb's who has the same kit as us. Go plastic!
But in between we have had snow and lots of it. Perhaps 20cm?
And for no reason here is Jane's cat Dulcie with our winter squash supply.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Book Review
Wow, just finished reading Area 51: an uncensored history of America's top secret military base. It's amazing what you can piece together from declassified documents and interviews with former employees. And there is very little in the book about UFOs and aliens which are commonly associated with Area 51 (you must have watched X-Files at some point). The truth is much more sinister it seems.
It's mostly about nuclear weapons. Area 51 is part of a larger nuclear testing site/military base in Nevada. So many weapons were tested there as outlined in the book and many more remain classified. The US even tested a so called dirty bomb in the desert so they could see the results of this kind of blast. Of course they lined up animals to face the brunt of it.
Some other shocking highlights were Pacific Ocean tests in the upper atmosphere of the earth. Check out information on Teak. Though the entry doesn't really mention it, the US was unsure what the result of exploding this weapon would be. The altitude was so high (50 miles) it was close to the ozone layer. They almost blew up the ozone layer. Seriously.
And I never had heard about two instances of US bombers crashing in Palomares, Spain and near Thule, Greenland. In both cases B52 bombers crashed and their nuclear payloads spread radiation over the landscape. Both are now forgotten it seems but the release of so much radioactive material is shocking.
So what have I concluded on reading the book? Well I think I understand why cancer rates are so high around the world. The US and USSR (and China, UK, France, Israel, India, Pakistan, South Africa, North Korea) are guilty of releasing so many radioactive isotopes through their reckless testing of weapons. Similarly, the Fukushima meltdown and others have done the same. These isotopes are constantly irradiating anyone who is unlucky enough to respire or consume them.
I remember reading an article about how you can be exposed to radiation (those milisilverts we heard so much about after Fukushima) and how it may not be harmful in low doses. The real risk is inhaling or ingesting isotopes which irradiate you from within, constantly as they last for thousands of years.
All these nuclear tests and 'accidents' have just pumped up the potential for cancers to form. I truly believe that there is no use 'fighting' cancer unless you work for a complete abolition of all nuclear weapons and nuclear power.
Or maybe we can just turn Parliament pink and all will be well.
It's mostly about nuclear weapons. Area 51 is part of a larger nuclear testing site/military base in Nevada. So many weapons were tested there as outlined in the book and many more remain classified. The US even tested a so called dirty bomb in the desert so they could see the results of this kind of blast. Of course they lined up animals to face the brunt of it.
Some other shocking highlights were Pacific Ocean tests in the upper atmosphere of the earth. Check out information on Teak. Though the entry doesn't really mention it, the US was unsure what the result of exploding this weapon would be. The altitude was so high (50 miles) it was close to the ozone layer. They almost blew up the ozone layer. Seriously.
And I never had heard about two instances of US bombers crashing in Palomares, Spain and near Thule, Greenland. In both cases B52 bombers crashed and their nuclear payloads spread radiation over the landscape. Both are now forgotten it seems but the release of so much radioactive material is shocking.
So what have I concluded on reading the book? Well I think I understand why cancer rates are so high around the world. The US and USSR (and China, UK, France, Israel, India, Pakistan, South Africa, North Korea) are guilty of releasing so many radioactive isotopes through their reckless testing of weapons. Similarly, the Fukushima meltdown and others have done the same. These isotopes are constantly irradiating anyone who is unlucky enough to respire or consume them.
I remember reading an article about how you can be exposed to radiation (those milisilverts we heard so much about after Fukushima) and how it may not be harmful in low doses. The real risk is inhaling or ingesting isotopes which irradiate you from within, constantly as they last for thousands of years.
All these nuclear tests and 'accidents' have just pumped up the potential for cancers to form. I truly believe that there is no use 'fighting' cancer unless you work for a complete abolition of all nuclear weapons and nuclear power.
Or maybe we can just turn Parliament pink and all will be well.
Saturday, November 19, 2011
10 Things
Had this thought driving home tonight. I may have even generated this list before but here are 10 decisions that individuals (in North America) can make that I think would make a world of difference:
1) Move your money out of the big banks. Find a local credit union or caisse populaire instead. At the big banks profits from your money go to rich shareholders. With a credit union or caisse populaire you are a member and profits stay in the community. Members make decisions that decide how profits are spent and how funds are invested. Get involved in your credit union; don’t give your hard earned money to the banks of the rich.
2) Support democratic, transparent and local media. Since the corporate media represents the worst of journalism and corruption, more and more people are starting local media cooperatives. These groups need your involvement and your money. They don’t take money from advertisers and big corporations. This makes them credible and independent. They are the best investment you can make.
3) Minimize your contact with the global economy. All our dear leaders demand our allegiance to the global economy, sometimes shortened to merely the economy. It’s almost like we all have this family member who is a manic depressive and we have to all pray together that he stays happy. But what’s the goal of the global economy? How come we never ask that question? Is it to increase global greenhouse gas emissions to cook the planet? Sure looks that way. How about to turn all life into products (in other words dead)? Sure looks that way. A good start to escaping the clutches of the global economy is to . . .
4) Grow as much of your own food as you can. Start with potatoes, they are easy. Once you’ve gotten the basics down learn about fermenting, sprouting, preserving and canning. In case you are distracted and the weeds are growing . . .
5) Smash your television. Why are people paying to be advertised to? My crazy sister pays $70 a month for cable. Once the distraction is out of the way you should have more time for 4) above.
6) Make conscious decisions about how to donate. Most of us can probably set aside at least $100 for a worthy cause (or causes) each year. Then a tsunami strikes and we hand it over to the Red Cross in a knee jerk reaction. But is this the best use of your money? Only you can decide but I’m much happier giving it to Democracy Now! or the Halifax Media Coop (see 2) above).
7) Work less. Most of us hate our jobs, hate selling our labour. Selling our labour is very different from working, which is inherent in every organism. When you sell your labour someone tells you what to do, where to sit and how much you’ll be paid. Money is just energy, your energy, embodied in tiny pieces of paper or digits on a screen. Why not decide how you want to devote your energy? Working less gives you this chance.
8) Concentrate your political energy on the local. Engage with your municipality and work for change at this level. Politicians at the provincial and national level are bought and sold by big corporations and their ‘security’ keeps them well away from people like you. In other words they don’t listen. Local politicians in contrast live in your neighbourhood and, without party machines greased by big money, if they don’t listen you can actually throw them out. It’s also very possible for citizens to sit on local committees to guide elected officials. This is not the case provincially and federally where only experts and bought and sold politicians need apply.
9) Make time for human connections. Despite the rise of Facebook, people still like other people and want to be around them. Humans are social animals. Hold weekly potlucks with friends. Organize a monthly bike ride (no politics or conflict). Start a reading club. Coach soccer. Just be with other people. You’ll be happier for it.
10) So it’s too late and I’m off to bed. Any suggestions for #10? Use the comments button below.
1) Move your money out of the big banks. Find a local credit union or caisse populaire instead. At the big banks profits from your money go to rich shareholders. With a credit union or caisse populaire you are a member and profits stay in the community. Members make decisions that decide how profits are spent and how funds are invested. Get involved in your credit union; don’t give your hard earned money to the banks of the rich.
2) Support democratic, transparent and local media. Since the corporate media represents the worst of journalism and corruption, more and more people are starting local media cooperatives. These groups need your involvement and your money. They don’t take money from advertisers and big corporations. This makes them credible and independent. They are the best investment you can make.
3) Minimize your contact with the global economy. All our dear leaders demand our allegiance to the global economy, sometimes shortened to merely the economy. It’s almost like we all have this family member who is a manic depressive and we have to all pray together that he stays happy. But what’s the goal of the global economy? How come we never ask that question? Is it to increase global greenhouse gas emissions to cook the planet? Sure looks that way. How about to turn all life into products (in other words dead)? Sure looks that way. A good start to escaping the clutches of the global economy is to . . .
4) Grow as much of your own food as you can. Start with potatoes, they are easy. Once you’ve gotten the basics down learn about fermenting, sprouting, preserving and canning. In case you are distracted and the weeds are growing . . .
5) Smash your television. Why are people paying to be advertised to? My crazy sister pays $70 a month for cable. Once the distraction is out of the way you should have more time for 4) above.
6) Make conscious decisions about how to donate. Most of us can probably set aside at least $100 for a worthy cause (or causes) each year. Then a tsunami strikes and we hand it over to the Red Cross in a knee jerk reaction. But is this the best use of your money? Only you can decide but I’m much happier giving it to Democracy Now! or the Halifax Media Coop (see 2) above).
7) Work less. Most of us hate our jobs, hate selling our labour. Selling our labour is very different from working, which is inherent in every organism. When you sell your labour someone tells you what to do, where to sit and how much you’ll be paid. Money is just energy, your energy, embodied in tiny pieces of paper or digits on a screen. Why not decide how you want to devote your energy? Working less gives you this chance.
8) Concentrate your political energy on the local. Engage with your municipality and work for change at this level. Politicians at the provincial and national level are bought and sold by big corporations and their ‘security’ keeps them well away from people like you. In other words they don’t listen. Local politicians in contrast live in your neighbourhood and, without party machines greased by big money, if they don’t listen you can actually throw them out. It’s also very possible for citizens to sit on local committees to guide elected officials. This is not the case provincially and federally where only experts and bought and sold politicians need apply.
9) Make time for human connections. Despite the rise of Facebook, people still like other people and want to be around them. Humans are social animals. Hold weekly potlucks with friends. Organize a monthly bike ride (no politics or conflict). Start a reading club. Coach soccer. Just be with other people. You’ll be happier for it.
10) So it’s too late and I’m off to bed. Any suggestions for #10? Use the comments button below.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
The New Fascism
Having just finished Pierre Berton's The Great Depression it's both fascinating and scary to pay attention to the news these days. Now the book addresses only Canada but even in our so-called democracy the forces of totalitarianism were on the march. In Canada in the 1930s, there were serious calls by elites for the merging of the Liberal and Conservative parties into a one-party state (the only other option being the CCF, the precursor to the NDP but their members were being arrested and beaten over the head). And elected governments in Quebec and Alberta particularly restricted the press and targeted anyone who they designated a communist.
We are often taught in school about the Nazis and their treatment of Jews and other 'undesirables' and we rightly condemn them. And we rejoice in our fatherland. That could never happen in Canada! Such a beacon of democracy. But many of the same things did, including the targeting of Jewish Canadians and our very own kristalnacht. Seriously.
Check out the book, you'll be amazed with the parallels to today.
I'm currently reading a lot about the European Union's current crisis (one might even say this is a permanent crisis). Now Italy is on the chopping block. The most troubling thing is that this 'crisis' is being used to rollback democracy.
In Greece the (now former) prime minister called for a popular referendum on the massive bailout his country was going to receive. Makes sense for the people to make the call on such a big decision with wide reaching consequences. Though voting once in a while hardly a democracy makes, in this case, given the popular resistance it was a commendable move. The day after he said he was calling a referendum, the unelected elites who run the EU made the referendum disappear along, now, with the prime minister himself.
Now Italian democracy (such as it is) is the next target of these elites. In return for an Italian bailout one of the stipulations is the Italy rescind the results of a popular referendum rejecting the privatization of the nation's public water supply. This was not widely reported apart from on today's Democracy Now.
Then there is the Occupy Wall Street movement around the world. Much like in the 1930s there is to be no opposition to the plans of elites. The police will make sure of that. Below is some footage of police in Oakland shooting a peaceful protestor in the head and then afterward when others come to his aid, tossing a grenade into their midst.
Even peaceful nonviolent occupations are crushed even though these gatherings are theoretically protected by pieces of paper called constitutions. Occupy Vancouver is likely to face the same violence as Occupy Oakland in the coming week.
There is a new fascism on the rise especially in Europe. Politicians are bought and sold by corporations. But as always it's up to a small number of people to act. People are starting to stand up. Maybe we should join them.
We are often taught in school about the Nazis and their treatment of Jews and other 'undesirables' and we rightly condemn them. And we rejoice in our fatherland. That could never happen in Canada! Such a beacon of democracy. But many of the same things did, including the targeting of Jewish Canadians and our very own kristalnacht. Seriously.
Check out the book, you'll be amazed with the parallels to today.
I'm currently reading a lot about the European Union's current crisis (one might even say this is a permanent crisis). Now Italy is on the chopping block. The most troubling thing is that this 'crisis' is being used to rollback democracy.
In Greece the (now former) prime minister called for a popular referendum on the massive bailout his country was going to receive. Makes sense for the people to make the call on such a big decision with wide reaching consequences. Though voting once in a while hardly a democracy makes, in this case, given the popular resistance it was a commendable move. The day after he said he was calling a referendum, the unelected elites who run the EU made the referendum disappear along, now, with the prime minister himself.
Now Italian democracy (such as it is) is the next target of these elites. In return for an Italian bailout one of the stipulations is the Italy rescind the results of a popular referendum rejecting the privatization of the nation's public water supply. This was not widely reported apart from on today's Democracy Now.
Then there is the Occupy Wall Street movement around the world. Much like in the 1930s there is to be no opposition to the plans of elites. The police will make sure of that. Below is some footage of police in Oakland shooting a peaceful protestor in the head and then afterward when others come to his aid, tossing a grenade into their midst.
Even peaceful nonviolent occupations are crushed even though these gatherings are theoretically protected by pieces of paper called constitutions. Occupy Vancouver is likely to face the same violence as Occupy Oakland in the coming week.
There is a new fascism on the rise especially in Europe. Politicians are bought and sold by corporations. But as always it's up to a small number of people to act. People are starting to stand up. Maybe we should join them.
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