The Petty Fight for the Biggest Office

Last night I couldn't resist and I watched the first debate between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton.


I'll put this out there right now, Trump is nuts. Most of what he said was garbage. He lied. He went off topic. He really didn't respect the moderator. He didn't respect the time limits. He was rude at times. He didn't like it when his brand was attacked. All that being said, he controlled the room all night, for all the reasons I just stated.


Clinton had her moments. She counterpunched. She let Donald set her up and she hit him, sometimes scoring. However, she never carried the narrative. She never controlled the room. If you wanted to, you could defeat her by saying nothing and waiting for her to attack. She never had a tendency to attack and often her voice sounded unsure.


To me, even though she said the right words most of the night, it lacked confidence and conviction. Saying the right thing is important but making it believable and confident is also important, especially if you want to lead.


Now, being Canadian, I don't get to pick in this election, even though there will be spillover effects felt north of the border. Unfortunately, I can't see either of them being President of the United States of America.


I know, Hillary Clinton should be a shoo-in, but she's not. She's in a dog-fight with a buffoon. Trump clearly lost last night but it's because of his pompous arrogant slick talking ways with no regard for the truth and not because Clinton kicked his metaphorical feet out from under him, stepped on his chest, and drove a wooden stake through his bigoted heart. And, unless she does that in one of the two remaining debates, she risks losing. Donald Trump talks about winning and how he is a winner. It has been part of his narrative since he started down this path to the oval office. For me it feels like Clinton will only become President if she comes in second last in a two horse race. It feels like her only hope is Trump becomes even more horrible and people see how bad he is instead of how good she is.


I saw a meme a while back that said, "A software interface is like a joke, if you have to explain it, it isn't very good." If you are running for President and your strategy is to show how bad your opponent is, are you really very good?

Justin, You are Slipping

So I'm not sure which is worse, having a toddler rebuff your high-five or telling his parents, "Let's get this over with," as they line up for a photo. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, had both of these happen to him this weekend while meeting with Prince William and his lovely wife Kate in Victoria BC.


I can let the toddler thing slip. It's a cute, fun antic dote. It's a story they can all tell when they are old and sitting around. However, to say such a thing to the future King of Canada, after you specifically invited him and his family to visit your country is simply unacceptable.


Here's the thing, photo ops are all the Liberal government really does. It's the Prime Minister's specialty. That being said, he often likes to take his shirt off and that really would have been out of place in this instance.


I would understand that if the Prime Minister was busy passing legislation he may want to rush through this encounter however, as the Globe and Mail reported last week, since taking power, the Liberal Government has passed ten (10) bills into law. That is not a typo, ten.


This is hardly the work of an activist government.


People are starting to notice. Mr Trudeau was a media darling when he was elected and now the press is starting to ask question. They don't really know why a majority government isn't really doing anything. They aren't seeing the words and actions lining up. Why has the United States of America and China ratified the climate change accord that was agreed to in Paris last year when our Prime Minister walked in, said Canada is back and declared we would be taking a leadership position on climate change? Maybe he should have been paying attention to what was going on instead of taking selfies.


Canadians elected a party without a recent track record. It's hard to judge what someone will do when they really haven't done much. It looks like a lot of Canadians were duped.


With the Conservative Party of Canada and the New Democratic Party taking their time choosing a new leader, you would think it would be clear sailing for the Liberals to reset Canada to what they want. However, they are taking pictures and well, I'm not sure what else.


Mr Trudeau, it's only a matter of time before a majority of Canadians see how little you are doing for them. Of course this is often the result of being elected because of what you are not instead of what you are.

America, You Have a Problem

I'll save you the effort of reading my bio, I'm Canadian. I like America. I like to visit. I like your movies. I like your food. I like a lot of your people.

However, America, you have a problem.

I was originally going to title this post "Dump on Trump." The Trump phenomenon scares me. As I was building this in my head I realized that it's not Donald Trump that is the problem. Don't get me wrong, Donald Trump as President of the United States is a huge problem but it's only one of the symptoms. He's the disease that kills you when your immune system is weakened by something much more powerful.

Donald Trump is a very good carnival barker. He really is. He doesn't need cue cards. He interacts with the crowd and feeds off them while they feed off him. Next thing you know, you are inside the tent. Step right up America, I'm going to build a wall. Admit it, you are curious if he can build the wall and get Mexico to pay for it. I know I am. I also know that deep down I don't want him to run America.

America is a big country with big country problems. They do a lot of things well but when they mess up, it is a disaster.

America has not and is not doing such a good job of promoting diversity. This is a problem. If you don't see how a different point of view can make you stronger, you are losing an opportunity to get smarter. Trump is tapping into this and doing a good job at it too. He is making people angry that their version of America is being limited. He is giving them an outlet. He is giving a disenfranchised group hope. That build momentum.

America has an unhealthy attitude about guns. I have no problem with guns. I have shot guns and may do so again in the future. If private citizens are using guns for sport shooting or for hunting, these are good reasons to use guns. If you feel you need a gun to protect your self or your family, you are hanging around the wrong people. I know that guns don't kill people, but people kill people. I agree. However, if you think carrying a gun will protect you when a convenience store is being robbed, you woefully misunderstand what guns do. Guns shoot bullets. Guns do not stop bullets. If you think that someone so desperate that they are willing to hold up a gas bar is not going to pull the trigger first because you have a gun, you are sadly mistaken. I suppose if you sneak up behind him and shoot him in the back, you won't get shot but if he is pointing a gun at you there is a good chance you will be shot before you are pointing your gun at him. Guns are not designed to protect you, they are designed to project force. They are designed to harm others which is why they are so popular with militaries, who's whole existence is to fight and win wars for their country. Using a gun for protection is the using the wrong tool but so is building a wall to stop immigration. Donald Trump taps into that. It's not the right tool for the job, but it rings well with the people.

I know what you are thinking, it's and election, they won't pick him. Well, herein lies the problem. At the time of writing this post, seventy percent of Americans don't trust Hillary Clinton. I find that she comes off as phoney. She is the ultimate insider. Her husband cheated on her and she stayed with him for the opportunity for power. She flip-flops. She's a politician to the core and Americans are fed up with that as well. If Trump is the really bad candidate, she is the bad candidate. One candidate can whip the crowd into a frenzy about everything you don't want the president talking about the other can barely get anyone excited about anything at all.

This is a prime situation for an independent to come right up the middle and take it all. Someone moderate to appeal to the big clump in the middle. I'm not sure who this would be. The problem is these days Americans don't do anything half way. If it's going to be big, it has to be the biggest. If it's going to be loud, it has to be the loudest. If it's going to be hot, it has to be the hottest. 

America, you have a problem but the good news is you have time to fix it. You are a big country, I'm sure one of you has the courage to do the right thing, after all you say you are the land of the brave.

Elbowgate

On  May 18, 2016 the Prime Minister of Canada briskly walked across the house of commons to grab the arm of the Opposition Whip and in the process, elbowed another opposition Member of Parliament in the chest. She was surprised and he didn't mean to hit her. He has since issued the requisite apology. 

The New Democrats have gone on a big rampage about how this is workplace violence against women. It isn't. He didn't mean to hit her. She was not targeted because she was a woman. It was an unfortunate incident. He meant no harm. This is the hoopla surrounding the incident however the real issue is deeper.

There were ten votes scheduled for that evening. It was going to take a while to get through them all. Votes do not normally start until both the Government and Opposition Whips are in their seats. (That being said, you can start a vote when only the Government Whip is seated.)  There were a few New Democratic Party Members of Parliament impeding the progress of the Conservative Party of Canada Member of Parliament who acts at the Opposition Whip. This delayed the start of voting. 

This is political gamesmanship. Every party does it. Using procedure to make a point happens in every government around the world.

The House of Commons is a stage. It is a scripted pageant. Most of the real work happens behind the scenes. Members stand up and say things that result in clapping and booing. The opposition uses procedure to make their point, knowing that the government has the votes to do what they want. They do their best to hold the government to account. Some of it seems petty like slowing someone from getting to their seat. It can be frustrating but, it is known to be part of the game. These things happen and you move on.

Except Prime Minister Trudeau didn't just let it happen.

He got out of his seat and headed over to physically help the Whip get to his seat. This is where he messed up. 

Only six months into a four year mandate the Prime Minister has been tripped up by gamesmanship. He has sent out a notice that he can be rattled in a public forum. He can let his frustration boil over and react to the games that inherently come with his job. 

What is even more damaging is he ran on a platform which included a more inclusive House of Commons and better decorum.

Because he let his emotions get the better of him he inadvertently struck a woman on the floor of the House of Commons. This is not very good optics for a man who makes claims to being a feminist.

By acting without thinking, the Prime Minister has put a target on his back. He can't afford another incident like this. This opens the door to ramping up the games in the House of Commons. He can't react. He has to behave above reproach. He's given away a lot of power. His ability to get things done has taken a big step back. 

The discreet act of hiking across the floor wasn't so bad but all the fallout he is going to suffer because of it may severely hamper his ability to deliver on an ambition mandate. He didn't rave much of a record when he came into office but he is building one now, even if it isn't the one he wants.

Getting Fit

There are bad things to say about social media and there are good things to say about it as well. You see a lot of complaining, bragging, vaguebooking, and venting. You also see when good things happen.

Back in September I wrote this:

There were a bunch of likes, as you would expect. There were a bunch of congratulatory messages, as you would expect.

There was also one friend who messaged me and asked how I stayed motivated. I let her know how I plan and set my priorities. We chatted back and forth a bit about it. 

Today she put a post on Facebook saying that I was an inspiration and how although her weight had not changed her body composition did. I won't share the post, it's not my content to share, that's her story.

This all once again got me thinking about why I exercise. 

I exercise to make every day a bit better. I want to have the strength and endurance to take on the unusual. I want to feel young. I want to control stress. I want to be able to move and adapt. 

I exercise so I sleep better at night and wake up rested in the morning. When I'm active my body has a purpose for sleep.

I exercise to compete with myself. I'm not going to lie, I'm competitive, sometime too competitive. I know this. I can focus some of my energy on bettering my results. I think it makes me a bit more tolerable the rest of the time.

I exercise for that feeling. You may know that feeling after a good honest workout. your lungs feel cleaned out. Your muscles feel used. Your body if full of endorphins. You can take on the world. You stand a little taller. You put your chest out a little further, you believe in who you are. I love that feeling.

I exercise to be healthy. It's no secret that it helps ward off obesity, diabetes, intestinal problems, depression, high blood pressure, and a whole lot else. Exercise is not the only answer but it sure makes it easier to be healthy. I'd rather deal with injury than illness.

For all the reasons I exercise, there are a few reasons I don't exercise.

I don't exercise to weigh a certain weight. I do have to watch what I weigh so I can continue to fly in the glider but I don't chase a number and I don't let the BMI chart define me. I'm not an offensive lineman and have to keep my weight up and I'm not a race car driver and have to keep my weight down. I just don't want a bunch of unnecessary body fat, that doesn't make life easier.

I don't exercise to look a certain way. Don't get me wrong, looking fit is not a bad thing and I appreciate every compliment I get. I look at myself in the mirror and think it's good and also think it would be great if I could improve this or that area. However, that doesn't drive me and doesn't change how I approach fitness. I would rather be able to lift more or run faster than see my abs. (If I could do both that would be great but I'm creeping up on 40, so I won't be disappointed if it doesn't happen.)

Exercising is my happy time. When I go to the gym, I leave the phone in the locker, put in the earbuds, and get at it. Sometimes I get a bit lost in my own thoughts when I'm working out. Sometimes the world around me becomes very evident and I notice everything. I look at my week and plan out my workouts. I don't go everyday. I shoot for three times a week. I usually hit the target. If I don't, I try again next week.

Everyone should have some fitness in their life. It's an investment in yourself. Find the reasons to exercise for you and enjoy the ride.

Downtown!

Last night I went to an Ottawa Senators game. They won. It was fun. I've been before, I'll go again. I'm a big sports fan.

The Senator's play at Canadian Tire Centre, located in Kanata. If you are not familiar with the geography, Kanata is a part of Ottawa, in the west end, outside the green belt. In fact, it is pretty much the first thing you see when you drive into Ottawa from the west on the 417.

The arena is pretty good but it doesn't have the atmosphere of Montreal or Winnipeg. The crowd always takes a while to get warmed up and people are quick to get out of there. 

I think the issue is the arena is not downtown.

The team is competitive. The facilities and sight-lines are good. The beer is cold. However, it takes about forty minutes to get there from downtown in game traffic. If you live in the east end of the city, it's even longer. The trip to the game kills some of the enthusiasm. I'm not condoning binge drinking but a lot of people don't have a beer because they have to drive home. It leaves the what could be a great experience at the good level.

Now, the National Capital Commission has asked for proposals for an area of Ottawa known as Lebreton Flats. There are two proposals left, both with a NHL calibre arena.

Very Exciting.

The debates have started, as they should. 

The land is owned by the federal government and thus should benefit all Canadians. The current area is only twenty years old and doesn't need replacement yet. All the usual stuff.

Here's my two cents.

Professional sports arenas work downtown for so many reasons. 

Downtown is central and it shortens the trip for many patrons. Downtown is walkable which is healthy and good for the environment. People who work downtown can remain downtown after work and go to the game. It helps businesses in the area. (There is almost nothing around the current arena in the way of retail or entertainment.) If you are walking to the game you are more likely to have a couple of tasty beverages before and during the game. It loosens you up and the crowd gets into the game. After the game, local establishments are full of like minded folks having a pint or two.

Beyond hockey, a downtown area is great for other events. It sits within the community and can be the centrepiece for festivals and cultural events. People coming to our city for events can see the best part of town not a suburb outside the green belt. 

The debate will rage on and eventually a decision will be made. Then there will be all the construction. But, I think this plot of land should have an area on it. 

I'm not going to lie, I live walking distance from Lebreton Flats and that may be influencing my position.

We Need to Change How We Look at Things

I haven't been writing lately but I have been thinking a lot. I've been trying to wrap my head around what this world is coming to. People talk about it all the time but right now I think it's different.

I am good with change. I can usually adapt to the new reality. I often really like it. Right now I think it's different.

We are at a key time in our history. Perpetrators of terror are getting better at what they do. They have found new ways to make us scared, irrational, and angry. They have made Donald Trump (who I admit is very good at being a carnival barker but I'm not so sure he should be in charge of nuclear weapons) say things right out of 1930's Germany, albeit about a different group.

I've seen a lot of ideas to make it better. We need to hurt the bad guys. We need to realize how we are all similar. We need celebrate our diversity. We need to be sensitive and stop appropriating other cultures. This is what I know, we need to start looking at why we are so angry. 

Why is ISIS so mad at the west?

We can sit around and debate it but let's be honest, only the members of ISIS can answer the question. The thing is, they seem to be so angry that we never hear more than the target of their anger. It may be the answers are being provided and not reported. They feel they have a legitimate beef. Maybe if we really understood what is wrong, we could solve it.

It's scary. I like to solve things but I don't know where to start. I don't know how to reverse the hatred and xenophobia. Saying nice things won't work. We are past that. Isolation won't work as unfamiliar is always a great way to lead to misunderstandings. Integration is not known to be a great approach.

I don't know how to fix it. However, I know I want to be part of the solution. I want to be tolerant. I want to help people understand. I want to make people see the right way. I simply don't know how to do that today.

There is one thing I do know. If we don't change how we see this mess, we are going make bad decisions before we start to make good ones. I don't want to see this get any worse. Do you?