Rogue Political Mind

Raymond Chretien: "The Gomery Commission is Hurting Canada's Stature"

2005-05-25T16:08:00.000-07:00

I recently read an article by the Ottawa Citizen that made me say "what the %$#@?!" which caused one old lady to give me a dirty look and a group of teenage boys to gigle like school girls. My reaction is directed towards Raymond Chrietien's comments regarding the Gomery inquiry. He stated that that "Canada's stature in the world is being threatened by a bad combination of forces that include the Gomery inquiry, the country's rejection of the American anti-missile defence system and Mexico's growing influence in North America." In specifically in reference to his beliefs on the inquiry the article goes on to mention that "Mr. Chretien said that due to the Gomery inquiry, the Canadian government's credibility is being tested by foreigners who follow the country's affairs. "For those who have been following these debates for some time, the danger is that we will be perceived as less credible when it comes to governance," said Mr. Chretien.

I disagree with Chretien's comments vehemently. Shouldn't he say "the corruption and money swindeling of the Liberals has hurt the public's confidence in the party" or maybe something to the effect that "...because the Liberal party has grown so complacent that they have stolen from the pockets of every Canadian thus hurting public confidence and making Canadian politics seem more like Eastern European politics" Nooo ofcourse he won't say those things because uncle Jean Chretien helped me him get a swanky job as ambassador to the United States.

Come on, if it wasn't for the abuse of power of the Liberal party we wouldn't have this inquiry in the first place. The Gomery Commission is bringing everything into the public sphere for everyone is see just have rotten these scoundrels are.

"Sunt Liberi" (They're Free)

2005-05-22T17:12:00.000-07:00

After 56 days of being held captive in Iraq, BBC news reports that, journalists Marie Jeanne Ion and cameraman Sorin Dumitru Miscoci of Prima TV and Ovidiu Ohanesian of Romania Libera newspaper are now in the care of Romanian officials. This is wonderful news!! There is no word why they were released but I'm very thankful that they've regained their freedom. For those who are able to read in Romanian check out this link.

Liberate Us from the Liberals

2005-05-12T21:43:00.000-07:00

While watching TV with my fiance on a usual Thursday evening we came across a gem of a song. Its called "Liberate Us from the Liberals". A French-Canadian rap group called "Loco Locass" have become very popular this catchy and very witty song. Some political parties have even adopted it. Too bad it's in French. Its been a while since I've taken French in school and if anybody has the English version please let me know where I can find it.

Who is the Most Charismatic?

2005-05-11T17:47:00.000-07:00

A poll on Benjamin Bach's blog asks the question who is the "charismatic female Conservative MP"? The choices are Helena Guergis , Rona Ambrose and Belinda Stronach. This has inspired me to do my own poll.
So, tell me, who is the most charasmatic male Conservative MP?
Choices are:

-Stephen Harper
-Stockwell Day
-Peter MacKay

Liberals Need Time in Wilderness? I Say Leave Them There!

2005-05-11T17:18:00.000-07:00

Justin Trudeau, oldest son of Pierre Trudeau, recently stated that the Liberals need time in the wilderness. By spending time in the great outdoors they can regain perspective and clarity and come back to address Canada's problems with sound judgement.

I really can't see Liberal MP's in their bermuda shorts, tank tops and sandels roasting marshmellows and hotdogs by the campfire. Do you? On second thought, I don't even want to picture that. These guys have lost all sense of perspective and clarity that a couple of days of camping won't do it for them. I say take them in the wilderness and leave them there.

The Friendship of the United States: But at What Cost?

2005-05-02T20:01:00.000-07:00

Three Romanian journalists that have been kidnapped by a terrorist organization in Iraq. They have promised not to let them go until Romania withdraws their troops from Iraq. Their days are numbered and Romania can't do anything about it. Romania promised the United States they would send troops in the Middle East in exchange for their financial support. The United States also pushed for Romania to get accession into the European Union. Is this the price they have to pay for Big Brother's help?

Remembering Paul Klebnikov

2005-04-30T13:09:00.000-07:00

I got this from Johnson's Russia List.

Subject: Remembering Paul Klebnikov-CBS Report 4/30, Website

Tomorrow, on Saturday April 30th, at 10 PM (ET) CBS 48 Hours is
broadcasting an hour-long special on Paul Klebnikov's life and death,
called "The Man Who Knew Too Much". Paul (Pavel) Klebnikov, an American
journalist and editor-in-chief of Forbes Russia who was shot nine times on
July 9, 2004, in a contract killing as he left Forbes magazine's Moscow
headquarters. Klebnikov shocked many Russians when he published a list of
the 100 wealthiest Russians, complete with financial details. He also made
many potential enemies publishing his book about Berezovsky called
"Godfather of the Kremlin." In his most recent book, "Conversation with a
Barbarian," Klebnikov addressed the Chechen conflict. Just before he was
killed, Klebnikov was probing corruption in Moscow's real estate business
and investigating perhaps the most risky business of all, the auto industry
of Togliatti and a murder of another journalist, Vlad Listijev who had
exposed fraud at Togliatti years ago. In addition, there is a web site
which has a handful of family photos of Paul, as well as a video
introduction to the story airing Saturday evening.

This is a book review I wrote for "Godfather of the Kremlin":

Godfather of the Kremlin: The Decline of Russia in the Age of Gangster Capitalism
Paul Klebnikov
New York: Harcourt, Inc, 2000, pp. 354

To understand post-Communist Russia now we must understand its past. The cultural, political, social and economic inertia that accumulated during seventy years of Communist rule are important factors that continue to play a role in its democratic transition. The late Paul Klebnikov gives his readers a glimpse into the shady and very dangerous aspects of Russia’s era of privatization. The early 1990s marked a new beginning for Russia, but it seemed that old habits of crime and corruption would die hard. Russia in this period has often been called the “Wild East” for its dangerous mix of organized crime, political cronyism and fantastic business deals forged overnight, oftentimes amounting to billions of dollars.

The state in this period was attempting to transfer state-owned enterprises into the hands of private entrepreneurs in the hopes of embracing the calling of the market economy. Klebnikov outlines how Boris Berezovsky, the Godfather of the Kremlin and thus the main protagonist, emerges as the symbol of the “new Russian businessman”. Plucked from obscurity, Berezovsky manages to find his way into King Nero’s palace and become one of Russia’s new millionaires as well as one of its most wanted men. A dangerous mix of wealth and violence become part of his new life. In so doing, Klebnikov attempts to make sense of the initial stages of Russia’s transformation where it seemed that everything and everyone was for sale.

The book is a chronology of events that starts with the collapse of the old regime, through to the trader’s paradise, the lucrative selling of the country for vouchers, the great mob war and the emergence of the oligarchs on Russia’s political landscape. The author is skillful in illustrating the rise of gangster capitalism and the opportunities that arose for getting rich quick. He allows the reader to become part of his rollercoaster ride of adventures as he talks with several well-informed and very dangerous members of organized crime. As the reader listens in on some of the most candid conversations, the reader can’t help but have a bit of admiration for someone who was willing to ask sensitive questions to individuals so heavily involved in such lucrative and risky schemes.

Klebnikov chronicles how state enterprises and natural resources were sold for bargain prices while the rest of the Russian population combats starvation, homelessness and destitution. Klebnikov is quick to demonstrate that this was not the era of the “robber baron”. This observation stands contrary to some student’s impression that this is the natural evolution of market economics, similar to the America’s rise to economic greatness in the early nineteenth century. Russia’s new businessmen did not reinvest in the economy, but rather placed huge sums of money in bank accounts out of the country. They were not robber barons but simply robbers. The author pays close attention to details and the extent to which networks of influence and power reached the highest echelons of the Yeltsin government. The reader gains valuable background knowledge about this wild period in Russia’s transformation, the decline of Russia and the rise of gangster capitalism.
To gain a deeper appreciation of post-Communist Russia in the early 1990s, it is best to accompany this book with other texts that take an institutional and historical approach. It is important for students of post-Communist politics to learn about how the weakness of the judiciary and law enforcement agencies contributed to a rise in crime in post-Communist Russia. The presence of government corruption, clientelism and cronyism so powerfully depicted in the novel can also be greatly appreciated by supplemental readings on the organization and habits of the Communist party that continue to linger.

This book is rich in detail with candid interviews and insider information about the decline of Russia and is a valuable source of information on Russia’s first years with its democratic experiment. The recent assassination of Paul Klebnikov in Moscow reminds us of the importance of his work as it continues to bring relevance to the gangsterism and crime that has grasped Russia. He wrote vividly about contract killings and now he is himself such a victim. Klebnikov’s book is especially important in making sense of the present post-Communist Russia and how this once greatly feared state has disintegrated, leaving all its weaknesses exposed and itself engulfed by fear and uncertainty.

Be careful what you write. Big Brother is watching you!

2005-04-30T07:54:00.000-07:00

We are never alone when we write our thoughts on the internet. Someone is always there watching over our shoulder, checking to see if what we write is politically correct. Hey, I thought that blogging was supposed to be the "democratization of the internet" where people from all over the world can write down their thoughts about what's happening in their country, share them with others and grow from the experience.

However, a recent story in the Calgary Herald made me think otherwise. A couple in Calgary was operating a website where people, some were thought to be former police officers, would write about certain negative experiences that they were aware of in the Calgary Police Department. They spoke of racism, harassment, corruption and called Police chief Jack Beaton "a rotten apple". Their computer was confiscated and they were subsequently sued for $5000.00.

I See An Elephant in the Living Room! Do You?

2005-04-29T21:06:00.000-07:00

Checking out the news today I noticed that popularity has slightly increased for the Liberals and decreased for the Conservatives. I see that Canadians have a short attention span while sweeping everything under the rug is the perferred method for this political scandal. It seems that Canadians would rather cover their eyes while Canada faces its greatest political scandal in years. Can't everyone see there is an elephant in the living room? They would rather preoccupy themselves with what's on TV or the weather forecast rather then realize how much money the Liberal party stole from Canadian's pockets. Are we really that blind?

I had to wonder: why are Canadians uncomfortable with the idea that corruption has seeped into our political system? I think that understanding corruption as part of our political system shakes our image of what Canada is and what it has become.

Canadians are willing to forgive and forget and give Mr. Martin another chance. But why? Giving Paul Martin another chance at leading this country would continue years of corrupt behaviour form a political party that lacks principles. In essence, ignoring the fact that corruption has seeped in our political system, where favours, dishonesty and a lack of integrity prevail, would be irresponsible of Canadians. I want change. Bring on the election baby!

Putin's State of the Union Address: Is Russia Evolving Towards Democracy?

2005-04-25T17:56:00.000-07:00

President Vladimir Putin recently gave his state of the union address yesterday outlining Russia's goals and prospects for the future. Looking visibly older but nonetheless wiser he spoke with emphasis on how Russia will take its own course towards democracy. He said that the collapse of the Soviet Union was the "greatest geopolitical catastrope" and that he will uphold the values of a free society, a strong system of law and order and protection for all. He expressed faith in democratic values but said that Russia would define these and determine the pace of progress for itself. In considering the role of the tax authorities, the president stressed that it is not to terrorize business.

It has been almost 15 years since the fall of communism but the question still remains: is Russia evolving towards democracy? First of all, we should not expect that Russia will follow a liberal blueprint on the road to democracy. It has a different political culture, history and society then North America. We should not assume that we can transplat theories in Russia in the hopes that they will blom in the future. What Russia is going through is unprecedented and the ultimate democratic experiment. Who know how long it will take for Russia to become a democracy?

Second, Putin's state of the union address always speaks of terror, violence and uncertainty that is engulfing Russia Then Putin describes himself as the man on the white horse ready to save all. He justifies censorship of the press, absence of civil liberties and selective justice as a way to ensure law and order. These actions will in no way help develop democracy in a country that is trying so hard to take its place among developed countries.

Third, I don't understand what Putin means by "the president stressed that it is not to terrorize business". We need to look only the Mikhail Khodorkovsky trial to find a prime example of how a major oil company was torn apart by Putin and his goons. Khodorkovsky is the former president of Yukos and is now facing charges of fraud. His trial is wrapping up and everyone is expecting his sentence later on this week. In his final address to the court he states that investments in Russia have dropped by 6%. On the economic front, Putin needs to make some major changes.

The Princess of the Orange Revolution Whored Out

2005-04-24T21:40:00.000-07:00

Yulia Tymoshenko, the Ukrainian Prime Minister, whored out when she recently posed for Ukrainian edition of Elle. Wearing a fitting blue Louis Vuitton dress and sporting a hairstyle popular in the 1960s she hopes that this cover can help her gain appreciation in the male-dominated world of politics. Frankly if Ms. Tymoshenko, the so-called "princess of the revolution", wants to be taken seriously she will not accomplish this by posing on the front cover of a magazine that addresses everything from fashion trends, tasty recipes, "top ten ways to please your man" and the lastest form of birth control on the market.

If she wants to be taken seriously as a politician this is not the way to do it. Does anyone think that Condolezza Rice would fare well on the cover of Cosmopolitan right under the headline "28 Romantic Rituals to Do With Your Man"?

Afterall, Ukraine just had a revolution and elected a liberal president to lead them in the 21 century. They are seeking EU membership and emarking on many political, economic and social reforms. But what is evident, by Ms. Tymoshenko's publicity stunt, is that the role of women has not changed. In fact, the decision to pose for Elle magazine will not help her gain appreciation in the male-dominated world of politics but it will further entrench the traditional role of women in post-Communist Ukraine.

Martin and Layton Make Strange Bedfellows

2005-04-24T17:22:00.000-07:00

I have recently read an article that discusses an upcoming meeting between Mr. Jack Layton, the leader of the New Democratic Party, and Mr. Martin (notice that I don't call him "prime minister". He's not worthy of that title) where the two will discuss who will give what to whom in the hopes that the Liberal party can continue to govern as a minority government. Layton has stated that if Martin cuts corporate tax breaks then he will not vote to bring down the government. Therefore, he is willing to prop up a corrupt government in exchange for an increase flow of money from corporations. Martin risks to lose some friends in powerful places. This means he probably won't be invited to elegant soirees anymore, people that we used to call "friends" will no longer recognize him and he'll probably lose many votes. However, what Mr. Layton will lose is the respect of many people.

This move does not show any integrity on Layton part. I know you're a rookie but come on! You would rather have a corrupt party run this country in exchange for a couple of million dollars. The Liberal party used their power without shame and stole from the pockets of every Canadian. They gave kick-backs after kick-backs to their buddies and funneled money to their own party. They acted like the mafia and probably would have gotten away with it had it not been for the whisleblowers and the rift in the Liberal party. Mr. Layton where are your principles?

Mr. Layton, the Liberal's eagerness to bargain with you is pathetic. Do you honestly think that they have the best intentions when you're at the bargaining table? They need your support now because Martin risks losing his crown but once they're down with you they'll throw you out like yesterdays garbage. Martin also has a tendency not to stick to his promises. Beware you're bargaining with the devil

Wolves in Our Own Backyard

2005-04-23T19:44:00.000-07:00

By now most Canadians have some idea about what the sponsorship scandal is all about and some even tuned in yesterday evening to watch Mr. Martin's "address to the nation". I, however, was working at the time but I got a play-by-play recap from my fiance. The sympathy he was trying to evoke from the audience was simply pathetic. I will not, in anyway, give him any sympathy. In fact, I can't wait for the election to be called so that we can vote these bums out. What some Canadians don't realize is that we have wolves in our own backyard.

Corruption has probably been part of the Liberal party for some years now and it's only now that it has slipped over. Canadians must realize that corruption is not something that exists in far off places like Russia, Bulgaria or Romania. Corruption is part of any political system even Canada.

We should not give Mr. Martin a second chance, we should not forgive him for not being vigilent enough at the time and we should not wait for Justice Gomery's final decision before we go to the polls. He was finance minister at the time and probably knew what was happening. I'm not convinced of his innocence on that account and never will be.

I would like to see a capable man leading our country. A man with integrity, a conscience and a vision for this country. Mr Martin does not fit that profile.

Test

2005-04-22T11:46:00.000-07:00

"Blogging" as it is now called has taken many by storm. Some say that it leads to the "democratization of the internet" other say "its a waste of time". I've looked at a couple of blogs, disappointed by some, amusing by others and entertained by many. But it has captured my imagination nonetheless.

We all have things to say, we all have opinions. I am one of those people. I've never "blogged" before but I want to try it out. I'll probably discuss my opinions on politics; anything from Canadian to Eastern European politics. But I want to see what the craze is all about and see if I too will become "hooked" like some of my friends.