Canada has declared war on the environment. That is the only conclusion one can draw after viewing Tamara Lorincz’s presentation at the most recent annual meeting of Peace Alliance Winnipeg (of which I am a proud member). In her talk, Tamara discusses the key lessons contained in three reports –
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Views from the Beltline: How much for defence?
Chrystia Freehand’s recent budget, although modest, did have some goodies in it for the military, including more than $8-billion in new funding over five years. While less than expected, perhaps, it’s not a bad raise. It is expected to bring our defence spending up to 1.5 percent of our GDP,
Continue readingDead Wild Roses: The American Pentagod – William Astore
William Astore writes for Tom’s Dispatch on the overreach of the American Industrial complex. The reality of the situation is this, the only thing that arms manufacturers cannot create is peace. Paraphrasing Joe Biden, show me your budget and I’ll tell you what you worship. In that context, there
Continue readingViews from the Beltline: We Spend More Than Enough on Our Military
Once again the Americans are leaning on us to spend more on our military. The new U.S. national security adviser, Robert O’Brien, insists it is an “urgent priority” that American allies set their military budgets at two percent of their GDP. They spend 3.2 percent, we spend 1.3 percent, and
Continue readingPolitical Eh-conomy: Jason Kenney gets a growth portfolio
Jason Kenney has long been one of Stephen Harper’s trusted lieutenants and after yesterday’s cabinet reshuffle, he is now Minister of National Defence. In Harperland, this is a decisive promotion: from the “ugh, why are we still doing this?” of Employment and Social Development to the prestigious, patriotic defence portfolio.
Continue readingSaudi arms sales—the triumph of economics over morality
If nothing else, it illustrates how, in the world of international relations, economics trumps morality. I refer to General Dynamics Land Systems Canada landing a deal to sell light-armoured vehicles to Saudi Arabia. The deal was announced last month by International Trade Minister Ed Fast who praised it as a
Continue readingCalgary Grit: A brief history of Stephen Harper supporting our troops (updated)
“In 2006, after the Liberal ‘decade of darkness,’ we took action to rebuild Canada’s Armed Forces.” –Stephen Harper October 2010: “Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s government is scrambling to contain an ever-widening scandal in which officials deliberately tried to ruin the reputation of outspoken military veterans“ October 2011: Veterans Ombudsman Questions
Continue readingHow will the West react when the Sauds turn on their people?
Various Western nations, including Great Britain, the U.S. and France, are exhibiting great outrage against Syria’s assaults on its own people. And outrage is indeed called for. Yet there is no small measure of hypocrisy about the West’s righteous anger. Another dictatorship in the Middle East, the misogynous Saud family
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