Sunday, September 23, 2012

Save the Beef

With the new E-coli beef recall just initiated in Canada, does anyone ever consider why our beef gets infected with this bacteria as much as it does? I give you the answer:


Industrial farming! Where cows never tread or eat grass, instead they walk all day in their own shit and are fed corn and grain. What part of this picture looks even remotely healthy enough to consider adding to your diet?

Friday, September 7, 2012

One Hard Step Closer To Iran

Canada, or should I say the Conservatives, have suspended diplomatic relations with Iran and expelled all Iranian diplomatic personnel from Canada, as well as closing the Canadian embassy in Tehran. In the increasingly polarized world that is divided between East and West, I'm sad to see the Conservative government getting behind the American and Israeli led smear campaign inflicted on Iran. The fact that Baird even speaks of the Geneva convention, when our neighbour to the south, have constantly been breaking it with threats of military action against Iran. And I further disgusted that they receive praise from Netanyahu, who's government and military is constantly guilty of war crimes and defying declarations by the United Nations and the World Court.

Let me reiterate that there is no direct physical evidence that Iran is attempting to build a nuclear weapon, and that many intelligence agencies have stated they do not believe Iran is and will attempt to do so. I'm curious if there is an ulterior motive in the closing of the embassy in Tehran. Embassies are also used by intelligence agencies to gather intelligence of the government and military of the country they are stationed in. Could this possibly be a way to pull down the blinders a little more on this issue? Will the government, in the future, after Iran has been bombed and no nuclear weapons found, say "we weren't sure and deemed military action worth the risk of preventing a nuclear armed Iran"?

I do agree with Canada's stance on Iranian support for Assaad. I don't agree with it, nor do I agree for support for Hezbollah. I also do no agree with a Zionist-dominated Middle East, nor with a Middle East dominated by cruel regimes supported by US foreign policy. If we are to speak of Human Rights, it is our responsibility to also look at the ones around us who are constantly violating them.

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Asian Strategic Posturing

Here's a perfect example of strategic posturing, which can be easily seen when you take two events and fit them together:

First, you have a news article about China and India, two of the world superpowers, agreeing to increase military and strategic cooperation with one another. This move solidifies the two countries' positions in the Asia-Pacific region, and is sure to draw attention from the United States.

Next, two hours later, another news article about US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton calling on ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations) to present a united front to China on disputes over the territorial disputes in the South China Sea.

And what does this all mean? China and India are continually increasing their strategic and political position in Asia, and America position in the same area is becoming weaker. In terms of Western economic and strategic dominance of Asia, this cooperation is a nightmare scenario. Both nations have the economic influence to sway position in the Middle East. China and India have been continually dealing with Iran despite the trade sanctions imposed by the US and Europe, one example of how the two powers could present an obstacle to US foreign policy. And in all fairness, China and India have shown just that towards the Middle East, while the US continues to support dictatorships and drop bombs.

Another Straw On the Horse's Back

If the horrible austerity measures being piled on Greece by the European Central Bank, the European Comission, and the IMF weren't enough, now they want to impose a six day work week on the Greeks! Boosting unemployment is going to help them get out of debt?

Saturday, September 1, 2012

Example of Privatisation

I am currently watching the documentary "the Corporation", and in it I've found a piece that sums up a horrible case of privatization that the World Bank continually inflicts on the developing world. This case is from Bolivia:




This is exactly how the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, which are both run by the US, impose a neo-liberal agenda on developing nations that have fallen into debt. Money is lent with conditions of privatizing certain resources or markets, which are then invaded by multinational corporations, many times with dire consequences for the local populace, as in this case. More often than not, the governments of these countries are corrupt dictatorships that are supported directly or indirectly by the US.

The current target for this is Greece, which is in such bad financial shape that the Eurozone and IMF is imposing such crippling requirements on the Greek people for a bailout that the future generations will surely be financially crippled, such as a 22% cut in the minimum wage, reduction in pensions, raising the retirement age, and reduction of seniors benefits. And the requirement that proves the point of this post: a $50 billion target for proceeds from the sale of public ports, airports, roads, and energy infrastructure. Who's to say what's next?