Year: 2012
Political Power – a necessary transition
We don’t have to look very far to witness the excessive use of political power by those who control governments. Any modicum of a majority is enough to push radical change, widespread policy shifts or approval of the most nebulous of projects. There is no need to engage people in the debate; the fact that […]
What’s Hidden Behind the Curtain
(Viewing a polling booth for an election in Ukraine) My recent experience in Ukraine has brought home to me how much is hidden or disguised from view of the public in our society by a curtain of illusion, misinformation and downright lies. It was quite evident during the election in Ukraine, because of the arrogance […]
The Forgotten Soul of Society
An assignment to visit Eastern Europe for a couple of months has provided the writer an opportunity to meet a very interesting man of some stature. His background is in public administration, diplomacy and politics. He met with a group of us and described his region, his country and politics in a very global sense. […]
Masters of Our Own Destiny
A new mantra has appeared in the continuing effort to justify the Muskrat Falls Hydro project, with its ever escalating price tag and dubious provincial benefit package. Other arguments have apparently proven less than credible and much less believable for most of the people in Newfoundland and Labrador. The Premier is now posing the question […]
Corner Brook Pulp andPaper – a sad but necessary demise
In Newfoundland and Labrador since its beginning giveaways were a big part of economic development. The list of enterprises that have been built with government support is endless. The losses over the years are no less significant when you count the cost of our natural resource depletion, environmental destruction and the resources and benefits that […]
Community Development – an age old solution
There appears a singular definition of development that is being promoted as the world navigates its way through an economic crisis unlike any that it has seen before. This definition suggests that development is about economy, economy is only money and money come from business. This definition has led most governments to conclude that the […]
A Reawakening
After the near collapse of the global economy and its financial institutions in 2008 there was much talk about “green shoots” of recovery emerging. They are having great difficulty germinating in the corrosive soil of austerity being imposed by extremist right wing agendas in many countries, including our own. The reason for this collapse can […]
The Search for a Solution
My last article (Insulting Elders – Abusing Youth) prompted from someone who regularly responds to my articles a question for me of “What is the solution?”. Over the years other friends, colleagues and readers have asked this same question. It is a valid question to ask of one who is perceived as most often trying […]
Insulting Elders – Abusing Youth
Most traditional societies revere their elders and their wisdom and celebrate and cherish their youth for their innocence and energy. These societies have been premised on the elders being supported when they are past their age of labour. The youth in these societies are supported through informal/formal education and care to understand their world and […]
