John Ralston Saul
@JohnRalstonSaul
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Essayist, novelist & President Emeritus @PEN_int / Essayiste, romancier et President émérite @PEN_int Co-Founder of @inclusion_ca ()
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To use the notwithstanding clause to prevent a strike is such egregious overreach that, whether technically legal or not, is deeply unethical
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This may be the most corrupt government in the history of modern Canada.
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This really resembles old fashioned corruption.
Developers owning Greenbelt land now set to be developed appear to have given significant sums to Ford’s Progressive Conservative party, donation records show.
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The ON govt's attempt to develop part of the Greenbelt & attack municipal democracy is beyond scandalous. It shows contempt for the citizenry and the environment. There are other responsible ways of dealing with housing needs. Municipal democracy doesn't belong to developers.
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This is a strong argument. We believed the Charter was our ultimate protection against any return to the dark days of politics. If it is being erased one step at a time then the Federal Government has a duty to protect our rights.
@globeandmail
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None of this means anything unless the land is restored to the greenbelt. Without that the corruption remains.
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As I said, this may be the most corrupt government in the history of modern Canada.
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The treatment of
@theJagmeetSingh
yesterday was well beyond horrible. It was as close to physical violence as you can get. This was not inappropriate, it was an act of fascism designed to create fear. Exactly the sort of thing that was common in the 1930s.
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh says the aggressive verbal harassment he endured outside a campaign event in Peterborough, Ont. was one of the most troubling experiences of his political career.
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Re the Osgoode trees - this is moment when we see whether Toronto is capable of acting like a city and not just a technical space which doesn’t accept the primary role of the citizenry or aesthetics. This space is one of the most beautiful in the city.
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Just come from the protest against Metrolinx cutting down the Osgoode Hall trees. Minus 18 but a big crowd.
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A wonderful victory last night for
@WabKinew
and the NDP in Manitoba. This is such an important breakthrough for the province and for Canada. Canadians everywhere should be watching this with interest and a certain pride. Perhaps we can become the place we imagine we are
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Mr. Ford is right to back down on undermining the Greenbelt. This does not erase the unfortunate fact that the govt was ready trade the public good for the profit of their friends. Now we must deal the equally unacceptable attempt to destroy the public lands of Ontario Place
The resignation of a staffer is irrelevant. What is at stake is the Ont government attempt to convert important protected green lands into development space for 1) developers; 2) developers who support the govt’s political party. This is pure corruption.
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It takes a lot for these five former mayors from all different political parties to speak with one voice and with horror at what the govt is trying to do to the Greenbelt & to municipal democracy
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In a successful city you don't have to choose between public green space and accessible transportation. Public green space has always been linked to the rise of democracy
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Increasingly it seems that Mr Poilievre has a problem with simple truths.
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What is it about this government! Destroying the green space which belongs to the people and putting in a gambling den to make money for whom? His friends? We have never seen such moral corruption in charge of Ontario.
Just visited Ontario Place...so beautiful! I feel Ford's secret plan is to build a spa which will go broke when people quickly tire of spending $200 a person to go, and he makes a bargain sell-off to a CASINO!
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And don’t forget, Mr Ford still plans to build a completely unnecessary highway (413) across farmland - wonderful farmland, rare farmland - so his friends can make money? A destructive boondoggle.
Mr. Ford is right to back down on undermining the Greenbelt. This does not erase the unfortunate fact that the govt was ready trade the public good for the profit of their friends. Now we must deal the equally unacceptable attempt to destroy the public lands of Ontario Place
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What I heard yesterday was a convincing, deeply wounded, polite and dignified woman, followed by an hysterical man throwing a tantrum. The hysteria of a man worried he wont get what he thinks he is owed. A boy in a candy store. Not material for a supreme court.
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A smart university.
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The Meta story is just a reminder that big corporations turn into bullys when their money is limited. Their interest is not in freedom of speech. Not at all.
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It is a bad idea to do away with citizenship ceremonies. A very bad idea. The opposite of efficiency.
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I hope you Manitobans are out there voting. This is such an important elections. And I can’t help repeating
@WabKinew
will make a great premier
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I have so much admiration for the students who protested today. These are citizens! Ford should be ashamed for trying to demean them. A class average of 28 means 40 in many classes. In an era of growing confusion students need more attention not less.
#StudentsSayNo
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The resignation of a staffer is irrelevant. What is at stake is the Ont government attempt to convert important protected green lands into development space for 1) developers; 2) developers who support the govt’s political party. This is pure corruption.
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How can you have no regrets when you tried to hold on to power by turning Canadians against each other. Nothing could be more humiliating.
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People who think their rights as an individual empower them to refuse vaccination as a matter of principle misunderstand individualism. One half is indeed individual rights. The other half is to do no harm to other individuals - the other! - by infecting, perhaps killing them.
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This is the company which has agreed to cut down the trees which belong to the citizenry, not to Metrollinks.
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Some people say: why get worked up over a few trees? Ask the question differently: why are ministers ready to break the most basic rules over a couple of trees? The answer? This is a story about the public good versus betraying it.
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One thing is clear: Whatever the medical outcome, Mr. Trump alone is responsible for all these people having the virus. He is the leader. He sets the example. Had he worn a mask and insisted on distancing, they would not be sick. Instead he mocked mask wearers.
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Can I add - Why has the CBC started using the negative European word - migrant - when the correct words are immigrant or refugee or stateless person?
Hey CBC. The word you want is irregular and not illegal. Just saying.
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I wrote this some 6 years ago in The Comeback. It remains just as true. The single most important issue facing all Canadians - freshly sworn in citizens or here for 400 yrs - is the situation of Indigenous peoples. We must first judge all govts and potential govts on this issue.
A word for Turtle Island from
@JohnRalstonSaul
, as quoted in Geez 39: The Decolonization Issue.
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170 in prison. 170. 170. This should mean something to Turkey's allies, if they believe in democracy.
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And they need protection to cut down the trees.
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It is not complicated. Many Canadians hunt animals and shoot birds. Farmers need rifles to deal with invasive animals. Like or not this is all part of life in our gigantic country. Hand guns on the other hand have no use, no purpose, except to hunt humans.
While there is no single solution to gun violence, rigorous gun control is one critical piece of the puzzle. Handguns present an unacceptable risk in our city and country. It’s time to ban them.
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“Monopolies are monopolies are monopolies. It doesn’t matter if their leaders wear blue jeans and hoodies instead of white collars. Monopolies are not the friends of humanism, democracy, or justice.” Speaking today about digital oligarchies at
#RightsCon
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Perfectly said.
our tolerance for letting mediocre men ruin this city and province is really something
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I do not belong to a political Party. But Wab Kinew is a remarkable guy who has rebuilt his life and understands public service. I think he wld make a great Premier: via
@globeandmail
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This Minister knows full well that she is proposing the formalization of 2 tier health care. A class based system. Not a citizen based system. We are neither idiots nor ignorant. This is an insult to the intelligence of the citizenry.
In 22 years of being a doctor I have never once offered patients “options” as per Minister Jones or upselling - but rather offer them the standard of care regardless of their ability to pay more. Ontario is monetizing health and I think it is wrong.
@PnPCBC
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An amazing piece on the the link between lynching and the contemporary American legal system: via
@nybooks
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What a strange country. A bunch of provincial premiers and the leader of the opposition, happy to have their grand children fry, if it gets them a few votes today.
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A comment an hour before the judge's decision on Meng Wanzhou is released:
Her celebratory photo, taken over the weekend, revealed that she is either totally unconscious of the Canadian reality or believes unthinkingly the Beijing government position that independent...(1/7)
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Jody Wilson-Raybould: an Indigenous Women Minister of Justice. I begin to recognize a possible Canada.
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Democracies have birthdays too! Today is the 175th anniversary of Canadian democracy. See my essay in the
@globeandmail
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The GG is careful and apolitical. But she is also clear and explains the situation around the 94 calls to action. This is exactly what our effective Head of State can and should do. She is helping us as citizens to understand and do our job.
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I agree with QC. Our oath is an embarrassing leftover of colonial times. In the Australian citizenship oath you swear allegiance to the country. The British royals are not mentioned. Doing the same in Canada would be a good start.
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I can't think of a more important time to remember that the Quran has a vital message for us:
"People! We created you from male and female, and made you into nations and tribes, so that you may learn to know each other"
ie diversity is good, and is central to us living together
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Did I say gambling den? Oh yes, I forgot the interim phase. Take the people’s green space, where all citizens can walk; put in a spa for the rich; when it goes bankrupt in two years exclaim - Oh! Oh well we still have a big building. Say, that would make the perfect casino.
What is it about this government! Destroying the green space which belongs to the people and putting in a gambling den to make money for whom? His friends? We have never seen such moral corruption in charge of Ontario.
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Cindy Blackstock (
@cblackst
) expressed this morning what I hope we're all feeling. The terrible failure of the Canadian state over such a long period of time. And of all of us.
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Scandal of Metrolinx trying to cut down historic Osgoode Hall trees. I'll be there at the protest at 5:30pm
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Now here is a clear summary for a world (a province)) where ethics matter. Idealistic? That is the wrong question. If ethics don’t matter then you end up with a government like the one Ontario has given itself.
@JohnRalstonSaul
Five things still need to happen: 1. Steve Clark needs to vacate his seat. 2. Doug Ford must resign and vacate his seat. 3. All lands must be returned to the
#Greenbelt
. 4. The police must investigate these land deals and illegal lobbying. 5. An inquiry must be called.
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Dündar and GüI may be accused, but in truth the Turkish justice system is on trial. Does it serve a govt or justice?
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Really thrilled that Atlantic UK is publishing a new updated edition of The Collapse of Globalism, with a new prologue & epilogue. It should be in the stores in London by now. Amazing how these issues I first raised in 2004/5 are truer than ever, yet still resisted.
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76 years ago today my father, Capt. Bill Saul, 2IC of C Company, The Winnipeg Rifles, landed in the first wave on Juno Beach with his friends from school and university. D Day. They were an amazing group.
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(1/3) The passivity of the Ottawa police from the beginning has been disturbing. Correct, none of us want violence. But the answer is not to literally cooperate in massive illegal behaviour through inaction.
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And we don't like you very much, Mr. Trump. In fact, we don't like you at all. And we note that in the midst of an international negotiation you have abased yourself in order to personally attack a woman doing her job.
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I have now shaved.
It is so good for the morale to dress every day as though going to the office, or a meeting. For heaven’s sake wash your hair and don’t wear pyjamas or a sweat suit all day! And, guys, SHAVE!
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Here is an important and depressing paper on why gambling adverting should not be allowed. This has been put forward by people like Alan Broadbent, Bruce Kidd & John Sewell. Frankly, a democracy which encourages its citizens to gamble is in deep trouble
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Why are we doing this? Think about it. We are a G7 country with a technical head of state who doesn't live here & who appears every 5 years or so for a short visit. A G7 country! One of the richest countries in the world! Odd.
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Forgive this tiny comment on political style. It is not: ‘Mr Prime Minister‘. That is American, as in ‘Mr President’. In Canada you just say ‘Prime Minister’. Not deferential but formal. Simple and direct, as in: ‘Prime Minister, do you think…’
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So, here we are, with the logical outcome of the critique in Voltaires Bastards, The Unconscious Civilization and The Collapse of Globalism
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Don't usually say how I vote. Given situation in Toronto School Board Ward 10, it's worth being clear. I'm voting for Ausma Malik
@ausmalik
.
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A very foolish person, not worthy of our respect, whatever the outcome.
If I were her father and her employer (he is both) I would be instructing her to apologize immediately. (7/7)
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Yes, terrible things are happening out there. On the other hand, tonight I baked my first loaf of bread. Spelt! I know you wanted to know.
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DR Stall's words are clear. Ontario has betrayed the elderly.
A Covid-19 outbreak at Roberta Place facility in Barrie, Ontario has spread to 127 residents, 84 staff, and 21 other individuals.
32 people have died.
I asked Dr.
@NathanStall
if we have failed senior citizens.
He said "Absolutely."
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At the Chanie Wenjack - Gord Downie fundraiser concert with
@WabKinew
. Donate: downiewenjack.ca
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This is the second annual Truth and Reconciliation Day. So important! I walked by a school where all the kids were wearing orange t-shirts. People are beginning to recognize what this day really means.
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Canadians and our government must respond with the same enthusiasm + openness to the situation of Indigenous peoples as to that of refugees.
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This is what the election should be about - fair and equal services for indigenous people as a first step to rights.
Catch up: Boy’s death shows First Nations health care faults and other stories you may have missed
http://t.co/s2aC8QPszr
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Rewarding manslaughter.
Nursing home chains with some of the highest COVID-19 death rates are set to reap big financial rewards under the Ford government’s $6.4-billion expansion of the province’s long-term-care system.
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Discussion on health care system on cbc news. The wait times and shortage of doctors is the result of government underfunding and limits on the creation of doctors. Not of public health care. Wherever 2 tiered health care exists it is more expensive + class based.
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Today is the 174th anniversary of Canadian democracy. You can read my statement below👇
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What Canada becomes or fails to become will depend on the recovery of these languages, which come out of this place - Are true to the meaning of this place. Without these languages and cultures everyone loses purchase on the land and any hope of fundamental meaning.
With over 70 Indigenous languages in danger of disappearing within the next generation, it's time to stand up.
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Once you go down the private health care route, this is the kind of thing that happens. It’s all about money, NOT your health. The only answer? Public health care. via
@NYTimes
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ONTARIO: Paid sick leave. Paid sick leave. Paid sick leave.
Premier Ford, you have to decide. Are going to be a PC Premier in the tradition of the greats like Bill Davis? Or a plaything of the libertarian ideologues hiding behind you? The well being of Ontarians is at stake.
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2 tiered health care in other countries - 1) Does not save money; 2) Is likely more expensive because of the complexity 2 tiers introduces; 3) Encourages a class system; 4) likely weakens the public system because if the powerful are not there, their clout is absent. Evil.
Hi from London Ontario where the university based fertility clinic is closing after 50 years and going private. I think we’re going to see a lot of this.
Yes, we have a two tiered health system in Canada, had it before, but now the brakes are off
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This space around Osgoode has been slowly shaped since the 1840s. Much of our democracy was worked out here in the 1840’s. The
@CanadianOpera
was built with a sweep of windows designed to look out at Osgoode and its trees.
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A remarkable police officer who sets an example of professionalism and intelligence.
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The most important responsibility of anyone in authority is to do no harm. The single most harmful act is to set citizens against each other
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This is the exact comparison - two reasons to kneel. One on a man’s neck, to demonstrate racial superiority and the right to kill him. The other on the public turf to call for the kind of reform which will lessen racism and racial violence.
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Now that Remembrance Day is well passed, and we have honoured the real veterans and people who died for their country, a comment on the former hockey broadcaster. (1/8)
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This is really something. You can see why the national govt worries about what happens to the health care money they give to the provinces. Prov govts spend it where they wish. Then blame public health care.
Ottawa seeks provincial guarantees on hikes in health care funding
Here's why the feds are concerned: while federal health transfers quadrupled 2000-21, prov'l health spending "only" tripled. (Figures normalized to 2000=100 to show growth rates.)
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The situation in Nicaragua is worsening at an alarming rate. A tragedy for Nicaraguans. But also a dangerous development for the whole region - don't forget that includes Canada and the U.S.! Here's a very good summary of the situation by
@GiocondaBelliP
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1/2 China has done itself more harm in the last few weeks than any enemy could do. It has destroyed its credibility as a possible international partner outside of commerce. And its refusal to accept that in some countries the justice system is
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Mr Pence has broken the time rules - with abandon - virtually every time he speaks - treating the moderator - a woman - as if she doesn’t matter. Doesn’t exist.
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Where was the indigenous question in the first debate - the most important issue. Only Mulcair made a serious attempt. The PM - not a word
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Mr Trump’s speech tonight: sad. A man with so little self consciousness. So little sense of what people are hearing; of his responsibility as a public figure. A tragic human failure.
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Right. Arm a teacher. Then they'll go to the movie houses. So arm the ushers. Then they'll go to the football games. Arm the quarterback. Then they'll go to the hockey... then to the malls... then...Hey, look how many guns we sold. Jobs created. Just a few people killed. Thanks.
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This would be the Koch Brothers financed, not audited, strangely obscure, but of course apolitical fraser institute.
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State of the Union is now bad comic tragedy. The lowest point? The introduction of a military wife and young daughter - then surprise! Your father is back from war! He bursts through the door. A president exploiting a family's private emotions in this way is unconscionable.
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Here is another good piece. 1st, it is Trump’s fault. 2nd, leaders being taped at Buckingham Palace is the fault of the Queen’s staff. Someone shld be fired. 3rd, does anyone think it was different at Versailles 1919? Or Versailles 1719? A fool is a fool
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Ai Weiwei (
@aiww
) has created hand-printed face masks to counter the humanitarian crisis arising from COVID-19. All proceeds go to civil society organizations like
@MSF
and
@RefugeesIntl
. A great project. You can take part. Here's the link.
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Let’s be clear, an athlete’s agreement with a sports organizing committee does not trump a citizen’s right to free speech. And a committe does not own a sport or an international competition. They have no ethical or legal right to punish this athlete.
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Very exciting news from Mexico. And no, Obrador is not from extreme left. He was a solid mayor of Mexico City - reduced corruption + violence. And no, this is not a continuation of Trump populism. Obrador is against corruption and violence and the language of hatred. Trump....
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After 24 hrs of mulling: a sad little speech; not so much wrong as a Twisted way of seeing society. Invoking citizens, but without respect
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I don't live in MB but my family has been Manitobans since the late 19th c. My father left the province with the Winnipeg Rifles to fight in WW2. But, if I had a vote in MB I would be casting it for
@WabKinew
and his party. I think he'll make a remarkable premier
New Niigaan and the Lone Ranger: In the second of 3 pods with Manitoba party leaders,
@Niigaanwewidam
and
@danlett
do the deep dive with NDP Leader Wab Kinew, who is vying to become the first First Nations premier of a Canadian province.
#mbpoli
Listen:
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Mexico City - In front of the house where Roma was shot. Tomorrow morning - the inaugural 6 Degrees Ciudad de Mexico!
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WASHINGTON: No question, the more you look at it, the more the aggresive attack groups on Wed resembled the German Brownshirts. Stormtroopers new style. The non intellectual thugs Hitler used to get power. Then had its leaders murdered, to be replaced by more intel thugs - the SS
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“There have been many opportunities for non-Indigenous Canadians to be honest about historical figures like John A. MacDonald in our history. But we haven’t, and now the truth has come and banged us on the head.”
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