OBERLANDER'S DAUGHTER RESPONDS

Yesterday's Waterloo Region Record carrys the following opinion piece from Irene Rooney titled "Don't hold my father responsible for Nazi crimes". It is an excellent article more inclined towards the factual and less towards the emotional. All things considered that is quite amazing considering her relationship to Helmut Oberlander. Mr. Oberlander's affidavit to the Judge I believe makes for compelling reading unless of course one's mind has been made up long ago. That seems to be the case for many of those who's friends and family perished at the hands of the Nazis. That said painting everybody with the same brush is not justified. There were lots of true believers undoubtedly and many more who were just trying to get through the war alive. Read Irene rooney's article slowly and carefully and see if you still think a 17 year old conscript, without authority is a war criminal by any stretch of the imagination.

TRANSPORT CANADA STILL BEHIND THE EIGHT BALL WITH RAIL SAFETY

Yesterday's Waterloo Region Record carried this story titled "CN derailment shows new safety standards inadequate: watchdog". The recent (Feb. 14/15) derailment near Timmons has indicated that even the Class 111 railcars are not up to preventing ruptures and spills in the case of a derailment. In this most recent case the cars ruptured releasing crude oil which fed the flames after the accident. Transport Canada are being lobbied by the Transport Safety Board of Canada for enhanced protection standards to reduce the risk of ruptures and spills from these tank cars.

PROVINCIAL LIBERALS ARE REAPING THE REWARDS OF EDUCATION PROFLIGACY

Today's Waterloo Region Record carrys this article by Luisa D'Amato titled "Schools will close across the province to satisfy Liberal financial needs". As Luisa indicates the Liberals will bullshit and bafflegab and try and stickhandle around what they are doing which is basically cutting educational costs. This is from the party and government who are most responsible for sending the Education budget through the roof in the first place.

What they will be doing is closing schools that are not filled up. In rural areas this will create hardships and quite frankly is due to excessive wages and benefits being paid at all levels to school employees from starting teachers to superintendants. Perhaps the chickens have come home to roost; the sad part being the cuts won't affect the employees nearly as much as the parents and children involved.

RESPECTFULLY THAT PRINCIPAL & TEACHER NEED A BEATING

I wonder if there are any Principals that stupid in American schools. I tend to think not because there even imagined offenses tend to attract serious repercussions. I can just imagine a mother or father in an American school having a heated debate at home as to the appropriate response to their daughter being strip searched. Perhaps Dad would prefer a simple beating followed by a stripping of the principal and then leaving her in the hallway. Mom might argue against explosives in favour of a low calibre firearm in order to cripple but not kill the principal. Either way apparently here in Canada, school boards and their agents (Principals) have lost all fear of appropriate parental retribution for abuse of their children.

Saturday's Waterloo Region Record carrys this Editorial titled "Another view: A blatant abuse of authority". Well of course it is but are parents so far domesticated that they will do nothing but talk and yell when their children are assaulted by the authorities? Have you any idea how quickly a parent would be behind bars for stripping either their own teenage child or someone else's? Dear Lord protect me from the majority of wimp citizens (ie. sheep) and the wolves who herd them (politicians, school boards, police etc..).

PARTICULARILY ODIOUS PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT

Today's Woolwich Observer carrys this Editorial titled "Governance that's an insult to us all is now the norm". Between the fabulous cartoon taking a round out of our Regional government and the text taking a round out of our provincial Liberal government; it's not a really good day to be a politician. Steve Kannon is clearly fed up with those who think that just because they won an election they also won the right to govern us badly. Not so says Steve.

His focus is on our current Liberal provincial government and to date three different OPP probes ongoing into various scandal as well as the gas plant scandal, Ornge, e-health and now the Liberal by-election win in Sudbury. Of course let's not forget our federal scandals as well including the Senate expenses scandal and issues around supposedly non-partisan parlimentary mailouts.

In a nutshell our political leaders are unrepentant liars. They will say and do anything to get what they want including simply getting out of trouble. Hard to have any respect for any of them.

WHO ARE THEY KIDDING? - PROVINCE TO REVIEW WORKERS' RIGHTS LAWS

Apparently there is no end to the bullshit coming from our currwent provincial government and also no end to the naivety of the media to fall for this bullshit. The Waterloo Region Record published this story on Februray 17/15 titled "Province to review workers' rights". Allegedly somebody somewhere is worried about workers in "precarious" /"insecure" jobs. Give me a break. This has been exactly the intent of our political leaders over the last thirty years to basically undermine workers in this province at every opportunity. Make them feel insecure and desperate and they'll be less likely to unionize or demand either better wages or heaven forbid , serious on the job protection from accidents.

This mess has been caused by free trade agreements at the federal level, temporary foreign workers and contrived high unemployment. Our idiot political leaders are all about their short term gain, certainly not the public interest. The neverending on the job deaths and injuries combined with falling unionization rates are the Canadian reality. Premier Wynne and her posse of incompetents and their multiplying scandals can still get elected in this province. That is to our shame for believing one word out of her mouth. Reform to workers' rights? Sure they'll reduce them further.

OPP INVESTIGATE BRIBERY ALLEGATIONS IN SUDBURY LIBERAL WIN

Just when we thought provincial Liberal scandals and misbehaviour was slowing down, they are at it again. Yesterday's Waterloo Region Record carrys this article titled "Liberals face fire over new Sudbury MPP". Apparently a bribe of some sort was allegedly offerred to Andrew Olivier to step aside and allow Glenn Thiibeault to be the Liberal candidate in the riding. As NDP leader Andrea Horvath has stated "Integrity can not be bought and sold" in reference to the scandal. She also pointed out that currently the provincial Liberal Party are facing three separate OPP investigations the other two being the gas plant scandal and the Ornge air-ambulance fiasco. Hmm where there's smoke there's fire ?

ONE JUDGE APPROPRIATELY CHASTISED: IT SHOULD HAPPEN MORE OFTEN

Today's Waterloo Region Record carrys this story titled "Trial judge chastised for online sleuthing". What gets me is the apparent ignorance and arrogance of the judge in that he totally violated the basic principle that judges and jurors must make their judicial decisions based solely upon evidence presented in court. This judge (Timothy Ray) of the Superior Court did his own independent research into the facts of the case after the trial was over and prior to his Decision being released. That is both outrageous and patently illegal.The Ontario Court of Appeal has thus ordered a new trial for the defendant in the case. I would suggest that more scrutiny of judges' behaviour would lead to more revelations of outrageous judicial behaviour.

MONIED INTERESTS, SLAPP SUITS & FREEDOM OF SPEECH

Last November 20, 2014 the Waterloo Region Record published their Editorial titled "Chilling days for Canadian writers". "...award winning Guelph writer Tom King suggested the climate for tackling certain "hard hitting" subjects is more challenging than ever.". "King who has also won such awards as the RBC Taylor Prize for "The Inconvenient Indian" adds a weighty name to the list of those who have claimed that greater public attention and action is needed in the area of strategic litigation launched to limit public participation and discourse surrounding criticism of powerful entities linked to sensitive subjects.'. The acronym for this lengthy discription of the problem is "SLAPP" suit or Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation. That is exactly its' purpose. I myself have been a victim of such behaviour.

When a monied individual or corporation don't like legitimate criticism, they abuse the legal system in order to get their way. The problem is that the entire legal system is already based upon abuse of citizens hence the judicial system don't even blink an eye at this abuse. More grist for the mill as judges and lawyers just keep on rolling in the big money while honest citizens go bankrupt trying to extricate themselves from the further abuses of our legal system. It is intentionally obtuse, glacially slow and fraught with legal loopholes specifically to enhance the need to bankrupt ourselves to the benefit of the legal system participants. Looked at this way why would the legal system themselves try to discourage frivolous or vexatious laswuits from anyone?

COUNCILLOR ETHERINGTON GIVES APPROPRIATE WHATFOR TO HIS KITCHENER COLLEAGUES

$8 million taxpayers' dollars are being given to an unelected group of probably talented individuals to assist in economic development within the Region. The group will be known as the Waterloo Regional Economic Corporation. Both Regional Councillor Strickland and Etherington have suggested that at least one elected Councillor be involved with this group of private entrepreneurs spending taxpayers money. Apparently that isn't going to happen. It also appears that all corporation meetings will be closed door meetings. No grubby members of the public or elected politicians are welcome. this is just so wrong on so many levels. The Record article is titled "Local taxpayers deserve more accountability".

POLITICS & POLITICIANS ARE A DIRTY BUSINESS

Today's Waterloo Region Record carrys this story by Martin Regg Cohn titled "Ontario politics being polluted by money". The only surprise for me was how much money you are legally permitted to use to bribe and buy influence in this province. I always figured there were a hundred ways to do it under the table, but hey why bother under the table when above it is all legal. What a province. The details are in this article but it's all about patronage politics and expecting and receiving legislative perks in exchange for your "donations". Gad and to think some people still think that laws are made in the public interest. Such crap. They are made to benefit those who have ponied up appropriate amounts of money. Why are any of us sur[prised when the odd ethical scandal comes along. You can't buy and sell influence and favours without eventually becoming totally corrupt.

SO REGIONAL POLITICIANS HAVE LIED ABOUT THE LRT?

Today's Waterloo Region Record carrys this Opinion Piece by Peter Shawn taylor titled "Region's champagne taste in transit doesn't come free". Apparently studies done by a provincial transit body (Metrolinx) determined that the Region of Waterloo's proposed Light Rail Transit system simply could not pass a cost-benfit analysis and that is why the Region are not getting full funding for it. This is contrary of course to Hamilton, Mississauga and Toronto that are being paid for by higher tiers of government namely provincial and federal.

According to Peter Shawn Taylor "We chose the most expensive transit option on offer. Now we're paying for it. If That's an outrage, it's entirely self-inflicted.".

HARPER GOVERNMENT CONTINUE TO MALIGN THE ACTIONS OF A SEVERELY INJURED FIFTEEN YEAR OLD

Unbelieveable is the only word I have for the behaviour of the federal Conservatives. They continue to condemn so called "heinous" acts committed by a wounded fifteen year old in the middle of a firefight. These acts apparently include throwing one grenade and then having the gall to survive his multiple wounds. Omar Khadr is approaching his release date and the Tories will not permit him to be interviewed beforehand. They have the usual bureaucratic and political rhetoric and excuses for not so doing. It seems apparent that they are afraid that media outlets might find, despite the worst intentions of U.S. and Canadian authorities, a relatively sane and stable individual. One who long ago was ready to be reintegrated into society. No legitimate excuse has ever been offerred for his thirteen years plus incarceration. If every combatant who killed one soldier had to serve thirteen years jail time there wouldn't be any space for our everyday thieves and robbers. Today's Waterloo Region Record carrys this story "Let us interview Khadr: media outlets".

WHY SO MANY IN CAMERA MUNICIPAL MEETINGS?

I was quite surprised once I started looking into closed session (in camera) meetings of Woolwich Council at the north end of the Region of Waterloo. At an estimate I would say that close to three out of four Woolwich Council meetings start with a closed session of an hour or so. A rationale is given wherein they quote various sections of the Municipal Act but it is really as clear as mud as to whether these in camera meetings are appropriate or not. Therefore I have filed a formal complaint to the Ontario Ombudsman regarding this and a few other concerns I have with how the township operates. I have also asked for data regarding committees of council and how often they hold in camera meetings. We have been advised that all committees of council are to hold public meetings versus private ones. Generally that is very appropriate however there have been some private ones and to date I've seen absolutely zero rationale for those. Recent legislation plus further in process legislation have greatly expanded the Ombudsman's role. This is all to the good as to date municipal councils have been abusing both their authority and the Municipal Act essentially at will.

FORMER WOOLWICH MAYOR CHARGED WITH FRAUD, BREECH OF TRUST

Today's Waterloo Region Record carrys the following story titled "Former Woolwich mayor charged with fraud". Todd Cowan has claimed a lack of expertise in accounting matters but apparently the O.P.P. and Crown aren't buying that. One thing going against the mayor's word is that he is a liar. This I have personal knowledge of regarding statements he has made to me regarding others as well as statements he has made to past council members about myself. Therefore admittedly I am hardly unbiased in this most recent matter of criminal charges.

That said I am of the view that these charges are "piling on" especially in light of the fact that he has paid back $2,700 of the undisputed $3,200 he double expensed. He lost the election and his mayor's seat over the scandal and quite frankly his name is mud. I am doubtful that even if he is convicted of fraud and or of breech of trust that any significant punishment is either due or appropriate. Being a liar is not a criminal offence and if it was 98% of all politicians would have criminal records. Todd is one of the few cases of ethically challenged politicians quickly receiving their due. Point is he's already received his due.

MORE REASONS TO HOLD THE WATERLOO REGION DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD IN CONTEMPT

On January 29/15 Peter Shawn Taylor wrote the following article, published in the Waterloo Region record namely "Public school board finally drops plan to muzzle parents". Par for the course. Instead of cooperating with parents to provide quality education for their children it's all about power and control. The Board desperately need it constantly. It's like a fix. This is the sad state of our educational system here in Waterloo region and most likely the rest of the province.

The Board changed the rules for the express purpose of avoiding any future showdowns where parents have let them know exactly how displeased they were with the Boards' behaviour. This included Delegations having to provide complete transcripta ahead of time presumably so they could be headed off if Board Staff disapproved. Similarily last minute delegations were to be refused and more. As usual the only dissenting voice who spoke against the onerous and ridiculous new rules was Cindy Watson from Cambridge. She is one of the very few bright and honest lights on that Board.

COMMITTEES OF COUNCIL ARE POLITICAL APPOINTEES

Merit my ass! Monday's Waterloo Region Record spells it out pretty clearly. A veteran member who is extremely well credentialed was dropped from the City of Kitchener Citizens advisory Heritage Committee. Despite so called arms length nominations Kerry Kirby who's been on the committee for twelve years and is an outspoken advocate for the protection of historic buildings and properties got dumped. The title of the article is "I was blacklisted: Heritage Kitchener veteran was snubbed in latest round of appointments".

The same thing goes on with municipal advisory committees everywhere. Councillors can't help but interfere in matters which they are ill informed but nevertheless have the authority to do so. Here in Woolwich Township I've been snubbed by various idiots on various councils for the last seven years. Granted the immediate last Council were blatantly lied to by the Mayor regarding myself; nevertheless all they had to do was ask me the question. They didn't and I didn't find out the reason until after they and the Mayor all got booted out of office. Except of course for one idjit who most likely is in bed with the polluter. That would be councillor Mark Bauman who seems to swing from one extreme to the other on the Chemtura Public Advisory Committee.

COMMON SENSE AND SPEED LIMITS

Most automobiles are capable of speeds of one hundred and twenty-five to two hundred kilometres an hour. Highway speed limits are between 80 and 100 kilometres an hour. Highways based upon construction and maintenance can usually handle 120 to perhaps 150 kilometres an hour. Drivers are all over the map. Generally those that routinely and carefully drive a little over the posted speed limits are well within their and the road's capabilities. Similarily those who drive 80 km/hour on dry, well maintained highways in daylight aren't capable of much more. In fact about 1/2 of them probably shouldn't be there at all. That half will however never get pulled over until they demonstrate their incompetence in a possibly lethal manner.

Same thing with city streets. Low traffic, dry, well maintained roads should never be travelled below 50 km/hour with the exception of course of posted school zones during the school year. Again drivers under excellent conditions driving less than 50 km/hour should be pulled over and ticketed, often and repeatedly. Currently our system whether highway or city rewards inattentive, careless, slow drivers by not confronting their behaviour. What a surprise that we have so many.

Todays Waterloo Region Record carrys this Editorial by the paper titled "Caution needed on speed change". Similarily last Saturday's Record carried an article by Jeff Outhit titled "Lowering speed limits is an empty gesture that won't make roads safer". Both of these articles are long overdue and need to be noticed by our idiot politicians and senior police administraters.

THE FINE ART OF DISSENT

Last Saturday's Waterloo Region Record carrys an Opinion piece by Luisa D'Amato titled "Conduct codes shouldn't stifle debate". Luisa gives honourable mention to a number of local dissenters such as John Gazzola, Anthony Piscitelli, Stephen woodworth, Cindy Watson and finally Bob Mavin. "without these outsiders, it becomes too easy for councils and school boards to become cosy little clubs. The pressure to play nice cab be so powerful, its easy to forget the people who put you there. It's not only peer pressure that is used to control dissenters. It's also those codes of conduct, often deeply flawed, that politicians must follow.".

One section of the City of waterloo Code of Conduct says that "...if a member of council wants some extra information from staff on which to base a discussion or a decision, the rest of the group has to agree. An unpopular dissenter cab easily be disempowered in this situation." Further Luisa states "Dissenters help create a healthy exchange of ideas. That's what we all need. And any part of any code that gets in the way of that should be thrown in the garbage.". Hear, hear! Up here in Elmira, Chemtura Canada (Uniroyal) are big on Codes of Conduct and further muzzling of outspoken critics.