Author: Doug Rutherford

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Why I don’t gamble on sports

This would be another good time to illustrate why sports betting and I should be kept in separate containers. You’ll notice that I used the word “another” in the previous sentence, since the number of examples promoting this point is expanding faster than the universe after the big bang.

The latest example results with the FIFA Women’s World Cup. The US team is presently the world’s top rated, but that often has no real meaning. This is particularly true with the competition being held in Germany this year. Germany automatically gets a bye entry into the competition, meaning that they really don’t have to compete to get there. In this case, the bye is really a non-issue. The German women’s team hadn’t lost an international match in a long time and was the hands-down favourite to walk away as winners again. They won the last two tournaments in 2003 and 2007, and last time, did not give up a game or a goal through the entire tournament. Odds were so much in favour of them that most teams probably showed up simply because the tournament’s in Germany and the beer is good.

Of course, if some incredible disaster happened and, amazingly, Germany was knocked out of the playoffs, there is another sure winner in the wings. Sweden was undefeated through the round robin and looked very good, good enough actually that only Germanywas probably capable of beating them. Needless to say, my incredibly honed sports prediction skills seem to have conducted themselves as usual, with Japan winning both in the quarter and semifinals to advance to play the US in the final on Sunday.

This is where I throw in an interesting piece of trivia. Most international football teams do not have a team name. Some have nicknames, like the Italian men’s team who are known as the Izuri. When Japan thrashed the German team in the quarter finals, I thought they may want a new name. How do you say “giant killers” in Japanese? Today, this went a step further as they completely dominated the Swedes, who incidentally play much the same style of game as the American team that they will face in Sunday’s final.

I could use the prime other example of why I don’t bet on sports. As a long time Leafs fan, we can all pretty well guess my competence in selecting winners. I presume that, after reading this, my three younger, devout Boston-Bruins-fan brothers will probably take a spare minute to gloat profusely. There is a silver lining here though. No, we may not win playoffs, but you also don’t see too many riots over that either. And, given the incredible fan support the Leafs still get (people still have to die before you move up in the line for seasons’ tickets), I’m not the only one who can’t pick a winner…

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As the mission changes

With the end of combat operations for Canadian troops in Afghanistan, we are left to ask ourselves what was accomplished by this phase of our participation. There are probably a wide variety of answers to this question. My suspicion is that most of those answers are probably correct.

The human toll is easy to tally in terms of those who have been killed, injured or permanently changed by their service to the country. But, what of the benefits?

The common benefit we hear, girls going to school, is certainly an accomplishment. Actually sending more to schools in Afghanistan regardless of gender is an improvement. Remember that the aim of Canadian Forces trainers is to bring members of the Afghanistan Army and police forces to a Grade 3 level. Literacy in the country is at a dismal level and anything that increases that level is good. Also, at the beginning of the Afghan war, more than 4 million people were being fed by United Nations food development aid work. I heard an interview last year with Flora MacDonald who mentioned that there were now more than 1,100 NGO aid agencies working in the country. This is certainly a situation that would be impossible under the Taliban.

That being said, there is also a dark side to our participation. One of the more interesting items from the fall of the Taliban is that they were emphatically against the heroin trade and had drastically reduced the export of raw heroin. Now, no longer in power, the Taliban guerrillas are actively supporting heroin production for fundraising and Afghanistan is back to being the world leader in export of raw heroin. Also, it’s not like we are actively busy ensuring the survival of the “good guys.” Afghanistan has one of the most, if not the most, corrupt governments in the world. Most of the warlords whose support is a necessity to keep Hamid Kharzai in power are heroin producers and his own brother, a provincial governor, has been accused on numerous occasions to be active in the trade. Lastly, we can basically describe our participation to some extent as fighting someone else’s civil war for them.

So, after almost 10 years of combat operations and a horrendous human cost on all sides, the answer to the question of whether or not our participation in Afghanistan was worthwhile is probably impossible to determine. This is a question left to future generations and the application of hindsight. How the conflict will end, if it actually even does, will be seen by eyes younger than ours, and probably less biased by the currency of events…

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Steve Cardiff, MLA… but always “just Steve”

I am consistently learning to cherish each and every conversation I have with people. Last week, Steve Cardiff, MLA, former student and friend was killed in a car accident. It was a very sudden shock and suprise to all.

I started to think of the last time I had run into Steve. It was on Main Street within the last week or so, and both of us were running errands and didn’t have much time for a quick hello and apology for being rushed. I seriously regret that now and wished I’d had far more time for a quick gab on the side of the street as we often did.

I met Steve more than 15 years ago when he was taking an introductory computer course. The class ran in the evenings and I saw him in the hallway one morning talking with the Dean. We chatted for a bit and he left to do something and Aron, the Dean, pointed out that Steve was also, at the time, chair of the College Board of Governors. I have to admit being a bit gobsmacked over that, as the last impression you would have gotten from Steve is that he was anything other than just a regular person. He was a tradesman and proud of it. When he eventually took the plunge and ran for the MLA seat, and won, he was no different. He was always “just Steve,” and I will always continue to be impressed by that fact.

In the past few days, we have heard lots of stories about him. I’ll throw in one. Several years ago, we were both attending the same conference. During the first coffee break, when we were outside “checking the weather,” I asked Steve how things were going with his new job. He had just recently been elected for the first time. He said, “I have the greatest job in the world. I’m really amazed that people pay me to do this.” Since that job largely concerned helping people, I think that probably sums up what he was like more than anything else. Rest well, Steve. We will miss you…

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Goodbye, Atlantis

Part of my past really disappears on Friday with the launch of the last shuttle mission. That, of course, is assuming the weather is good enough for a Friday launch. The weather office is working with a 70% chance that the weather won’t permit the launch on that day.

I watched the first one, although a day later than planned when the first launch scrubbed because the computers’ times weren’t synchronized. And now, I’ll see the last. Yes, I also watched most of the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo launches as well. I think I’ll miss the shuttle more because it seemed, although it only seemed, to make space flight a bit more pedestrian and accessible (remember that, at the time the Challenger exploded, that there were 752 different systems that could fail on launch and result in the “destruction of the orbiter,” according to NASA). No, the shuttle was not like taking the bus, but at least, appeared more bus-like than Mercury with its single astronaut or even Apollo with its three. The first three projects gave you a hundred of millions to one chance you would ever travel in space. The shuttle, carrying crews of seven, upped the chances a small bit and there were far more launches because the orbiter was reusable.

But, this is not why I truly will miss the shuttle. It was due to be replaced due to technological reasons. They are older equipment and really need to be upgraded. The upgrade, however, the X-33 project, was cancelled due to funding restrictions several years ago. This left the STS project with a fixed timeline for ending with no system in place to replace it when gone. The resupply missions to the International Space Station will be done with Soyuz rockets. The ISS program is supposed to last until about 2020, with no real program planned for the west after that point.

We see some of the reasons for the termination of the project here as well as in the US. We see the same in Europe, too. There has become a call for tax relief and the call for “individual accountability” for taxes. Governments pander to the growing calls of the “what’s in it for me” crowd. For example, our federal government is planning to cut the per-vote payments to political parties on the grounds that taxpayers’ money may go to parties that individual people didn’t vote for. In short, the somewhat restrictive view of governments has turned from what can we actually do in the grander scheme of things to how can we save money. Sadly, progress is predicated on the former concept and once again, we seem a species destined to go its merry way, following the rule that states that 99.9% of all species that have ever existed have failed to adapt to changing environments and become extinct.

So, when Atlantis lifts off somewhere over the next week or so, and then returns, we should think on the one point that becomes evident as time goes on: we really have to stop leaving dinosaurs in charge of things…

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No word from the surgeon or the environment department

Not much new, I’m afraid. I see the surgeon tomorrow afternoon and should have a better idea of how my schedule will work out for the rest of the summer at that point. I know two people who have had similar things done and both were off work for three months after. I’m going to probably have to reschedule my classes for this.

On other fronts, it’s the same thing. I sent an e-mail to the department of the environment to see if they have made any headway with the neighbour across the street. I sent that last Wednesday. I did receive an out of office message saying they would be back Thursday and do hope to hear something, preferably something good, sometime soon. Given the few results, I have talked to a friend who produces the local CBC morning show and have rounded up some of the neighbours who are more than willing to talk to the press about our ongoing issues. They are, rightfully, incensed that someone would issue a permit to store hazardous wastes in the middle of a residential neighbourhood without checking, and this should become blatantly obvious rather quickly. The fact that more than a month has passed since this was brought to their attention and nothing seems to have been done has also been noted. Needless to say, someone is going to look rather bad over this one.

That’s all I have. I went back to work, even though I’m on vacation for the next few days, until I find out what’s happening. I’m not really up for work but there isn’t much choice as I have to get courses ready and will have no chance to get up to date if I don’t…

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Some thoughts for Canada Day

I’ll willingly admit that this is one of my favourite holidays. I know, nothing holds a candle to Hallowe’en but, this is close. Because, much as we are governed by idiots and often, our leaders aren’t sure of where we are going or what the handcart has to do with it, we still live in the greatest country in the world and the last 40 years of imbecilic governments at the Federal, Provincial/Territorial and Municipal levels have failed to destroy it, regardless of how hard they’ve tried.

Living in Canada:

  • I can e-mail my MP and tell him he’s an idiot and a liar.
  • I can get really pissed at my MP and run against him in the next election.
  • I can join a union.
  • I can join any political party I want to (and, when you consider how wing-y some of those parties are, that is really saying something).
  • I can choose to join the Armed Forces and serve my country, or not.
  • I can get an education in any discipline I choose and, while it helps, I don’t have to be rich to do it.
  • I can vote for whomever I want in an election.
  • I can marry anyone who will have me and don’t have to marry the person I’m told to.
  • I can practice any religion I choose, even Jedi. I can also choose not to believe in anything.

There are quite a few countries where this list is somewhat shorter. There are quite a few countries where this list doesn’t exist at all. The fact that it does exist, however, is what we celebrate on Canada Day. Remember, too, that this list was purchased by men and women who were willing to fight for it and many paid the highest price. and are still doing so, that you could have it.

So, enjoy the parade, the beer and the barbecue.  Enjoy the fireworks, if you don’t live in the Yukon (they’re kind of wasted here when it won’t get dark, but some of my neighbours will smuggle some for New Year’s Eve so it all works out). But remember to celebrate, because it really is worth the celebration…

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Warranty Curiosity

I bought a new Acer computer in February. It was a netbook, since it was inexpensive, I was curious about the portability factor and a small computer was really all I was looking for. It did fill that bill but had a minor problem from the very beginning. If you touched the bottom of the computer when the AC adapter was plugged in, you’d get shocked. Not a big one since the computer ran on low voltage DC, but a shock nonetheless.

I was in contact with the support department basically since March and finally, last week,  they asked me to return the computer and adapter for warranty service. It would be returned within 7 to 10 days after receipt.

However, here’s the rub. Packing materials to ship it cost about $35. Shipping it via courier with insurance would cost $140. The computer itself only cost $245 so I really didn’t see a great deal of sense in returning it. So I ordered a new one… yes, a different brand. I did turn around and send a note to the support department explaining that I would not be returning my computer for warranty service and why. Apparently, I’ll receive an answer in less than 24 hours. Or, not…

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Not much of a public speaker, is he?

Our MP, Ryan Leef, posted the following on his Facebook page today. It is the Hansard listing of his response to Joe Comartin in the house during the debate on Bill C-6.

Mr. Speaker, I was certainly encouraged to hear the member talking about evidence-based solutions. We are hearing this now in the wee hours of the night. When we ask that question of the NDP opposition, it is only going to be their solutions that are satisfying to them.

We heard much earlier in the evening about talking from the heart, and new members of Parliament being here. I, as a new member of Parliament, would rather talk from my heart and not from scripted notes that we had a feverish debate on earlier.

I would like to say that back in 1910, Inspector Fitzgerald of the RCMP led a group of RCMP officers from Fort McPherson to Dawson City to deliver the mail. That became famously known as the Lost Patrol. That issue, that commitment to deliver the mail, was done because they understood the needs of communication and commerce in the north. They did so on December 21, four days from Christmas.

They were not battling pensions. They were not worrying about wages. They were doing this because they understood how important commerce and communication was to the north and to the people of Canada.

Can the member please tell us, where have we lost that idea that this service to the north is so important? What is so wrong with a Conservative government trying to protect that and re-instill that for Canadian people?

Keep in mind that the Lost Patrol were doing a ceremonial mail delivery and the leader of the patrol got lost and every member died because he probably didn’t have any real experience in the country they were crossing.

That aside, is our Member asking the postal workers to carry the mail to their deaths? He seems to think that postal workers shouldn’t worry about their wages and pensions and, if their job is unsafe, just keep going. Hey, what’s the worst that could happen?

Actually, the worst that could have happened in the House didn’t. This irrelevant comment was made to Joe Comartin, one of the A-List debaters in the House and one known to not suffer fools gladly and has been known to verbally draw blood. His response was far more gentle than expected… he just treated Leef like a 10-year old.

Mr. Speaker, I know he is a new member of the House, and it is probably not fair for me to say this to him so I will say it to the two ministers who are here.

I would suggest to the member that he walk across the chamber and tell those two ministers to do their job. He should ask them to go to the Prime Minister and tell him to pick up the phone, call the CEO of Canada Post, and tell him to unlock the doors, honour the collective agreement, and go back to the negotiating table. If he wants to get something done and he wants it done right now and he wants to get those workers back to work who want to work, that is what he should do.

I, for one, would not be so willing to post such a comment on my page. Incidentally, he still hasn’t announced if he’s taking an 18% pay cut or changing his gold-plated pension plan. I’m not holding my breath for that to happen as he has already broken his main campaign promise less than two months into the job…

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More Correspondence

My last blog post was the letter I sent to Ryan Leef, our newly minted MP, regarding back to work legislation for Canada Post. He did respond rather quickly, as well he should as the main thrust of his campaign was that he would vote against party lines if asjked to do so by his constitutents. Here is the remainder of the conversation.

Thank you for your note Doug and Clara,

I am sure you can appreciate that I am receiving many emails from Yukon residents and businesses who support the back to work Legislation.   I have asked the Opposition (twice in the early hours this morning) to end the debate (which I think was essential, but is now just repetitive) and bring their proposed solutions to a Committee of the Whole.  They have refused to do so. 

I will continue to ask for this to move to a Committee of the Whole so I can hear the proposed solutions of the Opposition and see what would be in the best interests of all Yukoners, which now includes Postal Workers, residents, charities, and small business.

Thank you for taking the time to email me.  I am keeping record of all who contact me, and am reaching out to both sides of this issue. 

Kind Regards,

 Ryan.

Ryan Leef, MP
Yukon

 Our response to this was:

Ryan:

We seriously suspect, given the strong support Yukoners have shown for CUPW in the current lockout, that you have not received letters spefically stating “Break the union.” Rather, we assume, they reqested the resumption of mail services.

The fastest way to do so is to order Canada Post to end the lockout and allow good faith bargaing. This would allow a win-win situation without the jackboot tactics of enforcing back to work legislation.

Doug and Clara Rutherford

 I found his response to this, in spite of the fact that this would expedite what all seemed to wanting, very disappointing and simply a “party talking point” response.

Hi Doug,

Yes, some are just asking for an end…others, (including CUPW Members) are asking for the Legislation as they feel the Union has “mislead” and “bullied” them. Again, having to take all sides into account, I am continuing to reach out to both sides for balanced information so I can make an informed choice based on Yukoners wants, needs, and expectations. As the view is quite polarized, I want to move quickly but not in blind haste to ensure the choice and contributions I make best represent the Yukon. I appreciate your point about the support you see by Yukoners to CUPW.

Thanks again for forwarding your position.

Ryan. 

 Guiven the somewhat sheep-like response, particularly since there are a few problems with the legality of the points he brought forward, we decided to send another reminder.

Ryan:

We have issue with the terms “mislead” and “bullied” here, particularly if these reference the offer made to Canada Post and not relayed to the union membership. We see that those members of parliament making this point should learn a bit about labour law. Presenting an offer to the membership that has not been endorsed by the bargaining committee is termed bargaining in bad faith and is illegal under the Canadian Industrial Relations Board regulations.

 We suggest that you place yourself in the shoes of those who this legislation will affect, a vital step in the process of any legislation. We want to know if you, as a new member of parliament, are willing to accept 18% less salary than members who were sitting in the last election. And, are you intending to change your pension plan from a defined benefit to a defined contribution program? If you are not willing to accept these conditions you are legislating on others, we strongly suggest you allow the process of collective bargaining to resume.

 Douglas and Clara Rutherford

His response was, simply:

Thanks again Doug. Points taken. Might be moving into the Committee of the Whole now, so we’ll see what comes up.

Ryan.

In the end, he voted for the legislation. Needless to say, he has yet to public announce he is taking a pay cut and changing his pension plan. I would ask him to table the letters he received to get him to actually prove he received lots of requests to legislate the postal workers back to work, but I assumed he was lying with his campaign and don’t see much sense in rubbing his nose in it. Oh, well. I’m assuming that in four years time, we will probably have a new government and anything else would be a vast improvement…

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Open Letter to Ryan Leef, MP, Yukon

Ryan Leef, MP, Member for Yukon

Dear Ryan,

As a constituent, I wish to express my displeasure with the stand your party has taken in the introduction of Bill C-6, A Bill to Provide for the Resumption and Continuation of Postal Services. The bill is an uncalled for intervention in the time honoured and legal practice of collective bargaining.

Also, I find your party’s stance that the union is preventing the movement of mail offensive. Canada Post locked its employees out rather than deal with the inconvenience of rotating strikes and, as a Crown corporation, can be overruled by an order by Governor in Council. It would be easy for the lockout to be ordered ended and mail moving by Monday morning. Implying anything else is, quite frankly, dishonest.

You stated, during the election, that you would vote contrary to your party if asked to do so by your constituents. Consider this a request by two of your constituents to do exactly that, and vote against Bill C-6.

Douglas and Clara Rutherford