The Halifax Rebrand

Good evening cyberspace. I hope that time has found you well. It has greeted me with a few challenges as of late but that is just alright; how else would I learn, grow and become a stronger, wiser individual? I decided to repost a Facebook post I made in regards to a recent re-branding of the Halifax Regional Municipality due to a lot of negative feedback on the matter. I could have taken the time to touch it up here but I felt I would just leave it as it was. It was written with only a general idea, some personal experience and a desire to see the city I call home come together at least for this. It's intention is good and our actions will determine the result. Before I continue rambling on about the topic, here is my original thread:

"As someone not born and raised in Halifax, someone who has only recently in the last few years lived here, someone who has always had a connection simply because it is the focal point of Nova Scotia, someone who knows and knew Halifax without being a true Haligonian I would like to share this sentiment with all of you born and raised in any of the communities that comprise the HRM:

Most people from the "outside" call it all Halifax anyway; always have and most likely always will. It isn't a slight to anyone (Dartmouth, I'm looking your way; you too Sackville and Bedford), it's just that Halifax is the geographical capital city of Nova Scotia and it is much easier for someone who does not live here to bring all the citizens of the HRM under that umbrella; especially post amalgamation but it was happening long before. And while we refer to that umbrella of communities as Halifax, we are aware that there is a difference between the rest of the communities and we take due diligence (especially those of us from Nova Scotia or the Maritimes in general) to ensure we refer to the actual names of proper communities, big or small, that aren't "Halifax". The new Halifax brand, intentional or not, is just taking that unspoken definition and turning it into a defining brand (see what I did there?). 

So with that in mind, I think that the real haters of this new rebranding should stop looking at it as though some uppity Haligonians are trying to take the credit for the success of the city as a whole or are trying to take away the history of the communities that encompass the HRM and the new Halifax brand. This branding is an attempt, perhaps a weak one, to sell us to the world and I'll let you in on something: we need the economic boosts where we can get them here in the Maritimes. Will it make us all rich and wealthy? No. What will it do? It will make us united; it will makes us connected; it will make us strong; it will make us all work toward the future together. It will do all this as a brand, not as a definition to who you are and where you are from. 

And yes, 200k is a ton of money (though I heard somewhere it was closer to 300k but the number is irrelevant) but take a look at what some of your governments, at any level, have wasted on lesser plans and objectives in the past. Take a moment to review the ill-fated financial decisions made before this and you'll surely find greater financial wastage to be upset about. The reason I can accept the cost is because this was a promise made by Mayor Savage; he said he would rebrand the city and he has done just that. Regardless of the success or failure of it, Savage said he would do, did it and will now stand by it until it flies or dies. As the Mayor, the figure head of representation for all the communities that fall under the HRM, he has unified each one of us behind a strong and bold grab for positive economic growth that will benefit us short and long term, regionally and globally. We have a new edge to compete with the mega-cities across the country like Toronto, Montreal, Calgary, Vancouver and we have all of that without having to be mega. 

If for no other reason, you should be in support of the rebranding because it is happening regardless of your dissent. A unified support of such an undertaking would definitely go a long way to furthering it's potential for success; petty and juvenile infighting does the opposite and quite frankly, makes us look foolish and the people across the HRM that I know, and I've met a great deal of you, are no fools.

I love Halifax. I love the HRM. I love the whole damn city and it really doesn't matter how we sell ourselves to the world because it is the people, not the place, that really sell our city. Once you've been here, you will always come back. That is my word on this matter."

I know many residents are very passionate about their community and I don't expect anyone to just be alright with this marketing change; it's change and that can be scary but change can be whatever you want it to be. I have lived in this city for almost three years now and the feeling of community I feel here, everywhere here, is stronger than many rural communities I've lived or visited. We have a rare thing here in Halifax; we have history (however good or bad) and we have wisdom and the cities sense of pride and community is build behind that time and experience. We have true strength and true strength cast behind such a project can only bring success.

Stay safe, be at peace and love one another. 

Ukraine: The New Georgia?

Good day my friends. I hope that the morning has found you well and that today brings with it many moments of happiness. I am back again after a two days of being absent from writing. I am determined to continue writing as often as possible; if only to maintain my writing skills. Today I wanted to discuss some thoughts about what is happening in Ukraine right now.

For those of you who may have missed what has been happening, and it is quite possible that you have as things really reached a tipping point during the Olympics and well, mainstream media found the 2014 Winter Olympics to be more newsworthy than the political upheaval and eventual revolution that happened in Ukraine. Here are a few news stories, chronologically ordered, to help give you some brief understanding of what's happening:

Ukraine split after two months of protests.
Ukranian President calls for truce.
Violence shatters truce.
Sanctions on Ukraine.
Former President freed becomes Interim leader.
Russia ready to invade Ukraine; approved.

If you were completely out of the loop before and took the time to read those news links then you probably have a basic understanding of the violence and upheavel occurring in Ukraine right now. Russian flags have even been observed being raised and flown in some Ukranian cities even before Putin went looking for approval to send troops in.

The situation in Ukraine is volatile and poses a dangerous threat to the global community. As we speak, Russian military forces have already entered Ukraine and the US, as well as Canada, have both demanded that Putin remove his forces. This very tense international incident has the potential to cause serious tensions between two international powers, Russia and the USA, that have a long history of war and threats of war with one another.

It is a positive and encouraging sign that the media is addressing and reporting on the current crisis happening there. It wasn't so long ago, just back in 2008, when Russian forces invaded the country state of Georgia committing genocide against its people. The world didn't blink an eye and not a single news media outlet reported on the growing violence and death. Had it not been for some video recordings that were leaked/smuggled out of the country, the world may not have noticed until it was too late. Comparisons have already been made.

So why is what is happening in Ukraine important to you or me or anyone who isn't living there? It's important because what happens there will inevitably draw us in. Our troops, our economy, our resources. It is important because it is another country whose economic instability has led to nothing short of a civil revolution. Country after country across the world for the past several years seem to be imploding in on themselves and all primarily cause to economic failures under the current global financial system. Of course there are plenty of other socio-economic and geo-political reasons involved as well; let us not put the blame solely in one place.

What is happening in Ukraine is concerning and a further indication of global instability. It carries with it rumors of war and threatens to plunge the planet further into war and global chaos. Super powers have already begun a war of words and egos and given the history of the countries in question, there is little doubt that the situation will escalate quite quickly especially after the Iran debate between Russia and the USA. It is important to pay attention; Ukraine could act as a catalyst for rising tensions that need very little encouragement to spill over into a second Cold War...or worse yet, a third global conflict.

I will leave you with this comparison I saw online after Russia's government approved military action:

"World War II started shortly after Adolf Hitler hosted the Olympics in Berlin; World War III started shortly after Vladimir Puton hosted..."

Let us hope that a peaceful resolution is found before countless more lives are unnecessarily lost. Love one another and be thankful that you live in a country not divided by violence and/or revolution. And if you do, then my thoughts and positive energies are with you.

Poverty, Health Care & Leo Glavine

Good day my friends out in Cyberspace! I hope that the day has found you well. Mine started abruptly this morning shortly after four when one of the residents in my domicile decided to cook some supper and make an international phone call. However, it has improved significantly. I start a little four day vacation later today so there is that to look forward to. Today I just want to share some thoughts I've been carrying around since reading and hearing about the remarks of the Provincial Health Minister, Leo Glavine, where he blames poor health on poor people; going so far as to single out those on income assistance. You can read it here.

If you took the time to read this, and unless you're an extreme right-wing conservative, you're probably somewhere between annoyed and 'I can't believe he said that'. The truth is, the Minister made a number of particularly disturbing and insulting statements in his release. While some have demanded an apology and few requested his resignation, I don't think either would really suffice. The problem isn't in the statements, it's that he believes in them and worse, they indicate much deeper, underlying and disturbing thoughts are lingering below the surface. 

"Years and hundreds of programs have tried to help people understand their part in the healthcare equation and everyone needs to put these teachings into practice."

When I read this what I'm actually hearing is: "You had your chance to do it your way and you didn't so watch out because it will soon be my way." Now, it could be that I'm biased in terms of politics or it could be that I'm swayed by statements like this because they're similar to other tyrannical statements I've read but I find that statement one of the scariest in the entire piece. Onto the next.

"As minister of health, it is my job to improve the health of all citizens. To do this, we need a population that looks after its own health."

It's all your fault.

"Do we need to take further drastic measures? Some have suggested looking at the banking model."

This is another extremely frightful statement. Treat Health Care like a banking system? Has Mr Glavine taken a recent look at financial state of the global economy? While he does go on to reference the Canadian banking system, I stand by my question. The banking systems of the world, even Canada, are flawed and based entirely on debt. I'm not going to get into a rant on economics, there are plenty of other posts available on that topic, but what I will say is that before we go trading out our current system that we don't trade it for one equally flawed and broken.

"They must prove that they practice a healthy financial lifestyle before being able to borrow money."

This is a terrible, terrible analogy of how good old Leo wants to run things. If you can't prove you meet a certain standard of health, you don't get to see a doctor? How discriminating is that? Who will determines these standards and guidelines? How long do I have to be "healthy" before I am applicable for Health Care? Are we just shutting the door on all senior citizens once they reach a certain age because the older we get, the more health care we need. 

And if we can "prove" our health Mr Glavine, then what? We get the same free health care services as before? And do those who are deemed too unhealthy for health care still continue to pay for it? Obviously this statement was not thought through.

"But, copying this approach would be archaic and inhumane, and it is not for me to judge those who are dependent on the system."

It's not for him to judge yet the entire article is nothing but judgment. Judging people who don't fall under his perception of healthy; or living a good life; or being a good citizen. This individual is sitting in an elected position of public office with near inscrutable power and he uses it to chastise the very citizens who elected him there. It really feels like Mr Glavine has an Iron Fist when it comes to who should be receiving Health Care.

"Then there are people who are cognizant abusers of the system. They accept government assistance, yet still have money to travel.  These people are abusing their neighbours’ hard-earned money. The goal of assistance programs is to help people out of a difficult time, not give people free money."

Where to begin....and end. I think I will try to be brief on this despite the fact that I could probably write an entire other blog post simply off those few sentences. The fact is that there are people abusing all systems, in all places, at all times. Not just the poor but the middle class and the upper class and the wealthy on top of them as well. There are bad seeds among any socially labelled group, class or organization you wish to name. It is, currently, an inescapable fact. To state that a small minority of individuals abusing the social assistance program are responsible for high costs in health care is absurd. One might point out the high costs of politician's pensions as a contributor to the high costs of health care and other social programs; but we won't.

"Proactive healthcare is the best way to restore long-term wealth to our province."

This is an accurate statement and claim. No argument that the best way to save money on health care is through preventative measures and proactive treatments. At least Mr Glavine had one intelligent statement to make.

That concludes thoughts about some of the things the Health Minister had to say in his op-ed piece. I now have a few general statements to make as well. Firstly Mr Glavine, I have been on social assistance and while I am unsure who you are speaking of, I can assure you that the only travelling I could afford was on a public bus to get to and from potential places of employment. The amount of money provided was barely sufficient enough to survive and had it not been for the services of local food banks, I most certainly would have had a much worse time.

As for poverty, have you ever tried it Mr Glavine? Have you tried to eat healthy food from a grocery store when you have to choose between rent or power? Do you know that corporations market unhealthy products towards those living in poverty and make those products MORE affordable then health food? Does Mr Glavine understand the difficulties in putting children in extra-curricular activities when you can barely afford their lunches? I doubt Mr Glavine has any real sense of the reality that those who live in poverty have to go through just to survive; let alone to live a life. 

We are all human and we all deserve to live a happy and healthy life. In order for that to happen yes, we all need to make a personal choice to lead better lives but it becomes a much more complicated affair when that personal choice is between leading a better life or surviving through the day. I worry about the possible day where I may find myself once again fighting for survival and needing to visit a hospital for health care; I may well not be welcomed. 

The Communist Manifesto: Marx's Revolution on the Horizon?

Good day my friends out there in Cyberspace as well as those I am fortunate enough to see in person. Still trying to get back into the habit of writing regularly. Unfortunately inspiration has been lacking and thus my writing suffering. However, I have exciting news: I started reading books again! And with books come ideas and ideas are something worth writing about; even if they're only for my own self-reflection. The first book I started reading, this will be my second time reading it, is The Communist Manifesto.

The last time I read it, I was still a little young and didn't retain and cannot recall much of what I read. This time around I am older, have lived some life and gained some knowledge and wisdom. I am not completely finished, despite it being a rather short piece of writing, but I have been stricken with some thoughts so far that I'm going to share here now. Please enjoy and feel free to leave your own insights. Here we go:

Marx wasn't wrong about the proletariat eventually taking control of the means of production and replacing capitalism with socialism; he just had no way to realize the lengths that the bourgeois would go, or the amount they would part with, to keep the proletariat under control. Marx thought he might see the fall of capitalism but he was mistaken and did not realize this until later in life. He did not take into account that the bourgeois would evolve as the means of production also evolved. With new capital wealth, the bourgeois, over time, could easily part with old forms of capital and hand them down to the proletariat ensuring their happiness and staving off revolutionary change by convincing them of increased prosperity disguised only as alms. I think that now, today, in our present time, Marx would be more excited than ever to see what is happening. Capitalism is collapsing globally as the proletariat are becoming aware that the gifts they thought they were receiving were nothing but alms devised as a curtain to keep them veiled from the real destruction and appropriation being undertaken by the bourgeois. The proletariat is rising and the bourgeoisie should be afraid because the revolution Marx spoke of, wrote of and dreamed of could be just beyond tomorrow's horizon.

Democracy, suffrage and law are nothing more than mirages created to convince the proletariat that they have power when in fact they do not. By these means the people can be convinced that true change can be effected through non-revolutionary means. In these three social creations, the bourgeois have tamed the revolutionary spirit of the proletariat.

People will remain conservative until suffering forces them to break from the norm. As long as the bourgeois can maintain a balance of suffering versus reward in the eyes of the proletariat during the accumulation of wealth/capital, they will continue to retain their authority and power.

Communism is nothing more than a Democracy without the illusion of vote. A member of the bourgeois (upper class/wealthy) being the representative and ruler over the proletariat (working class) for the better of society.

Capitalism is de-evolving. During it's initial onset and subsequent growth over the last century it took in members of the lower class and spit them back out as the working class creating economic and social prosperity. However, capitalism has arrived near or past it's ability to continue being productive to the evolution of society. The evolution of technology has caused a shift in the means of production and the necessity of the proletariat. This is causing the forceful reduction of individuals from the working class to the poor class; reversing the initial and long term growth gained through Capitalism.*

Some interesting quotes from Marx & Engels:

"Higher wages are in fact not a contradiction of capitalism or a defeat of it. On the contrary, they protect capitalism and actually make it work better."

"In a great society, a few men will aspire to run things and the great majority will allow them to do it."

"The working class cannot simply lay hold the ready-made State machinery and wield it for its own purposes."

I hope you enjoyed some of the thoughts that came to exist while I was reading this interesting piece of political literature. While I may not hold true Communist nor Capitalist values, there are values and ideas from both I can support and agree with. There is definitely a sociological paradigm shift on the horizon and from it we may the rise of a new form of government and economic system; a lack thereof; or something we may not even recognize. The future is near and we should all be excited.

*some ideas borrowed and expanded upon by the author

Happy Valentine's Day

I hope that everyone has had themselves a good day today and for those of you with a significant other, I truly hope you had a wonderful Valentine's Day. Unfortunately like many other people today, I find myself with no one to share my love with. While that is something that is alright for me, for many today is a day full of contempt or bitterness for being alone. It can be tough being single and alone any day of the year but even more so when love is everywhere you look, see and go. I was sifting through some old poems and I found one I wrote on Valentine's Day a decade ago for a sweet woman who was a little down because she was single on Valentine's. Needless to say, she got a smile and I hope you will too. Have an open heart and be ready for love will find you when you are least expecting it to and if you're heart is closed it may pass you by. 

Happy Valentine's Day

Alone at work you'll sit and stay

As others share this Valentine's Day.

There is no one to send you gifts

And give your day that special lift,

I have not flowers nor any sweets,

So I hope this poem will be a treat;

Cheer you up when you're feeling down,

To make you smile instead of frown.

A special day for lover's all,

Young and old, short and tall.

Do not be worried by love eluding,

But focus more upon the meaning:

It's not a flower, it's not a card

But how you feel inside your heart.

Happy Valentine's Day.

However you spent your day, I hope it was touched by love at least once. And if you're feeling bitter or resentful today because you feel scorned or betrayed, I feel you and I completely understand but your past scars will heal; don't let the wounds of yesterday stop you from finding a love a tomorrow. Stay safe and love one another.