Month: February 2020

With all due respect to all the college student councils of the world, our country currently seems to be led by a college student council, instead of a government that is governing it (i.e., likely well-meaning yet idealistic teenagers).

Yes, believe it or not, already two weeks into a small crisis that could have been solved in a couple of days, to use the words of Mr. Mario Dumont.

Here is an open letter by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business that expresses the concerns of these small businesses over the rail blockades:

https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/open-letter-to-prime-minister-trudeau-small-business-concerns-about-ongoing-rail-blockades-831815074.html

Usually, the more we wait to act in an assertive way (with leadership), the more our belated response would have to be larger than what it would have been in the early hours or days. Of course, there is also the risk of chaos when situations drag on endlessly, like in some other places.  

From what it seems today, the provinces seem to be asking Mr. Trudeau to show leadership by fixing a clear deadline to end this crisis. If not, they will have to do what needs to be done themselves:

https://www.journaldemontreal.com/2020/02/19/blocus-ferroviaire-francois-legault-evoque-une-intervention-policiere

Is this what Mr. Trudeau wants? If so, why does our country have federal police then? Weird all this, to say the least.  

Anyhow, Bambi will stop here and below is a smart text by Mr. Mario Dumont from the Journal de Montréal (February 19, 2020):

https://www.journaldemontreal.com/2020/02/19/derriere-la-nouvelle-barbe

“Justin Trudeau has revised his image for his second term. His beard is part of the new style.

Weakened in the October election by an image that was too light or even at times disguised. His image broke with the previous one. The beard is part of the new character: serious, poised, capable of making courageous decisions and imposing his authority.

Unfortunately, events are showing us that this is just a mirage. Behind this new image of a stronger leader hides exactly the same politician, with the same flaws. His inability to assume leadership worthy of the name in the face of the rail service blockade reminds us of how bad he still is in a crisis.

His calls for reconciliation and his calls for patience ring hollow in the absence of a game plan. His speech yesterday sounded more like the prayer of an overwhelmed prime minister. No announcement, no solution. Besides, how dare his government still speak of the “rapid settlement” of a situation that has already lasted two weeks? A small crisis [i.e., “crisette”] that should have been dealt with within two days.

Sterile speech … or worse

His speech to the nation yesterday was useless. Justin Trudeau said it to sound like he was doing something. You could even call it counterproductive. What better way to dramatize the issue than to see the head of government interrupt the regular proceedings of the House to make a solemn address?

Two results are likely. The demonstrators see the incredible impact of their action despite their small number: in full what it takes to encourage them. The international press will become even more interested in the matter: exactly what makes it difficult for the Government of Canada.

To explain the anger of the natives, Justin Trudeau recalled yesterday that certain communities are not adequately supplied with drinking water. True, but irrelevant in this crisis. First, the Tyendinaga Mohawks, who block the railroad, received $42 million from the federal government last July to address their water supply problems.

Second, most communities with real water problems are not at all involved in the blockade. And finally, after almost five years in power, the Prime Minister arrives at the moment when he whines about a problem said to be of high priority, we want to answer: “What are you doing? Fix it! “

Extremism encouraged

The government’s attitude risks encouraging radicalism among First Nations. Need we recall that the pipeline project that caused the unrest is located in British Columbia, a province governed by a coalition of the NDP and the Green Party? The most pro-native government imaginable.

Some still found a way to use extreme pressure tactics. If these radicals succeed by blocking the train, what will the others understand?”

It is unclear why Mr. Trudeau went out of his way in the behaviour described above at the Munich Security meeting.

Ironically, he began by behaving well domestically when it became clear that the airplane was downed. Mr. Trudeau did what he does well. He comforted those families with good words. He even did regular press releases. He was articulate and genuine. He visited the families and even cried with them.

But what happened now abroad with our PM? He surprised Bambi. He may have perhaps even surprised Mr. Champagne who seemed professional, as usual.

Is it because, as he said, he has promised the families of the victims to have answers?

Is it because he was too focused on that UN seat or taken by his global views of the world that he completely forgot about Canada, for 20 seconds?

Or maybe he was too jet-lagged and did not behave wisely?

Or perhaps he had a conscious moment of passive-aggressiveness toward Mr. Trump or the United States? Could it be?

Or he so much wanted to prove to himself and to that Iranian politician that he is Canadian, not American (so he is softer or kinder?).

Unless he has a secret admiration for totalitarian regimes? Could it be?

Anyhow, below is a translation of Mr. Martineau’s article on the topic (Journal de Montréal, February 18, 2020):

https://www.journaldemontreal.com/2020/02/18/serrer-la-main-du-diable

“The video, shot at the Munich security meeting last Friday, is about 20 seconds long.

Justin Trudeau is seen warmly shaking the hand of Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif.

When I say “warmly”, it’s “warmly”.

A broad smile like that in the face, holding the minister’s hand between his two hands, and tilting his head as a sign of respect.

As if he had met the Dalai Lama.

GIVES ME SHIVERS

However, Mohammad Javad Zarif is not a spiritual leader.

He is a senior minister in a country who deliberately and coldly shot down a commercial aircraft that transported 176 innocent people, including 57 Canadians.

The video only lasts about 20 seconds, but it makes your back cold.

Besides, who made it public?

The Iranian government itself.

Not surprising…

Can you imagine the gift that Justin Trudeau gave them?

President Hassan Rohani probably still cannot believe it.

We imagine him rubbing his hands: “Look, even the Prime Minister of a country who lost 57 people in this incident does not hold it against us! He is happy to shake hands with our Minister of Foreign Affairs! “

As for the families of the Canadian victims, they are absolutely furious.

(https://www.journaldemontreal.com/2020/02/17/ecrasement-davion-en-iran-des-familles-en-colere-contre-justin-trudeau).

We understand them.

The Canadian Prime Minister who bows his head in respect to a senior minister of a government who killed 57 of his compatriots!!!

THE PRICE OF DIPLOMACY?

“I made a promise to these families that they would get their questions answered,” said Justin Trudeau to justify his behaviour.

In other words: this is the price of diplomacy, you have to be courteous to move a file forward, you don’t gain anything by clashing with heads of state.

We understand, we are not idiots.

Diplomacy rhymes with hypocrisy, everyone knows that.

But there is a difference between shaking the hand of a politician in a “diplomatic” way, while remaining a bit reserved (because it is the tradition and one does not want to poison the relationship between the two countries)… and posing in an exaggerated reverence!

Taking the guy’s two hands in his, multiplying the smiles, tilting his head to show his esteem…

How about a friendly pat on the back, whilst you are at it?

‘A little gin and tonic, my Mohammad?’

ALL ON THE SURFACE

I am sure that even those who voted for Justin Trudeau have questions now.

Could it be that he is not up to the task and does not have the required skills to be a PM?

My answer: “Duh! “

Look at the speed of his response in the following files: the railway blockade and the Canadian prisoners of the “Diamond Princess”!

Justin Trudeau is all on the surface, and the surface is cracking everywhere.

The election of Justin Trudeau as leader of the Liberal Party of Canada was nothing more than a vast public relations operation intended to make the choices of Stéphane Dion and Michael Ignatieff at the head of the party forgotten.

A bit like the Planters company that got rid of Mr. Peanut.”

Music is like love. It transcends death.

Music is international and it must remain above politics.

By remaining a free expression, music can contribute to keeping the channels of communication open, to foster peaceful moments, and hopefully to encourage justice.

Celine’s songs are about love. Love is for all.

Céline Dion has fans around the world, including Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, Iran, Saudi Arabia, China, North Korea, etc.

Céline has friends who may be Palestinians, Arab-Israelis, or Israelis. They may be tourists too. Who knows?

Some fans may be Arabs or Muslims and they would be attending her concert in Israel. Who knows?

Why is Dr. Amir Khadir, former MLA (or “député” from Québec Solidaire), being a bully to Céline Dion, circulating a petition to force her to boycott Israel?

https://www.journaldequebec.com/2020/02/18/une-petition-demande-a-celine-dion-de-boycotter-israel

Who is he to tell her how to live her life and her career?

She was supposed to sing in Beirut this summer, but she sadly has cancelled her tour due to the circumstances there.

Imagine if one day things change and a certain lobby in Canada decides to call for the boycott of events in Lebanon because its current  (or future?) governments are backed by the Hezbollah, closed to Iran (Dr. Khadir himself is of Iranian origins; he can imagine why Bambi is saying this, if he ever reads her post ?).

Would it be OK to resort to boycott then?

Why now and why not then?

Why then and why not now?

What if someone decides to boycott another entity because of another cause he/she thinks is morally superior?

Why are we getting into this totalitarian logic and imposing our own views or values on others?

Why are we getting into silencing artists? Arts is above boundaries and political conflicts.

Bambi is writing this and she has the UTMOST respect for the Palestinian cause that she has defended in many ways over her lifetime, and especially in her youth.

She was born in Lebanon, which was dragged into civil war in big part following this historical injustice in the neighbourhood of her birth country.

Bambi knows Israel way too well. No, she has never visited (she cannot) and she is not interested anyways. Israel came to her rather, without asking her permission. It has occupied her country for 20 years and invaded her Beirut when she was 10 years old. Israel has also bombarded her country many times since then (thank you Hezbollah/Iran for putting Lebanon at increased risk of Israeli wrath ☹).

Yet, Bambi is against boycotting Israel.

Against boycotting Iran (controlling Lebanon now).

Against boycotting Syria (another former occupier of Lebanon).

Against boycotting Saudi Arabia (would have perhaps dreamed to be in charge of Lebanon now, instead of Iran).

She is against boycotting energy companies, especially when the latter are Canadian ones. She also has other logical reasons not to endorse the latter.

In sum, Bambi is with music, arts, free thinking, free trade (which is currently blocked in our country because of radical protesters), and free expression of feelings and thoughts.

Ms. Céline Dion, you are free to sing on the moon if you wish or on “Planet B that does not exist”, as Greta Thunberg would have said.

Bambi is a fan, even if she has never been to one of your concerts (yet?).

Bambi respects your free will. Just be safe… and please keep on singing, as the world (and especially the bloody Middle East!) needs your voice… and your humanity!

The cartoon above appeared in the Journal de Montréal on February 17, 2020:

https://www.journaldemontreal.com/2020/02/16/la-caricature-de-marc-beaudet

Ironically, the latest slogan of Trudeau’s federal campaign in the Fall of 2019 was “Choose Forward” (OR “Choisir d’avancer”).

Canadians voted for the Liberals again (a minority government this time). Perhaps they were hoping to see their country moving forward, that is in a direct horizontal line. As things are now, the train hasn’t left the station for over a week.

More seriously, here are thoughtful insights for a deep long-term solution, of course after addressing this crying crisis we are in: Interview with the Honourable Jody Wilson-Raybould (Global News, February 16, 2020):

https://globalnews.ca/video/rd/f038174c-503c-11ea-9a30-0242ac110003/?jwsource=cl

Sadly, our First Nations people remind Bambi of Lebanon, which finds itself always at the mercy of the manipulation by external forces. Some instrumentalize it. Some speak in its name. We also have people who are surely well-meaning but too illuminated to remain lucid (by either this cause or by the climate change cause or whatever other cause in the future).

Last Canada Day, our town did not celebrate July 1st and we did not see any of our beautiful flags on our streets. This did not prevent Bambi from celebrating elsewhere (nearby towns) or googling as she does every year Oh Canada in both languages and searching for the most beautiful performance, according to her non-expert ears, just for fun. She even once accepted a challenge by her spouse and invented an Arabic version of our beautiful anthem ?.

Anyhow, this is how she searched for messages of politicians (when she was able to find them, in preference to silence or lectures about morality). Anyhow, she came across the Honourable Elizabeth May’s message (Green Party), a joyful one… up until its end. Indeed, in her recorded message, she invited Canadians to have fun, to wear red, to celebrate Canada (nice up until now) and ended it with something like “let’s remember to thank our First Nations for ‘hosting’ us on their land”. With that sentence, she lost Bambi. The word “hosting” was a bit too odd for her ears, especially on this day of pride and celebration.

Even Ms. Jody Wilson-Raybould does not use such words? Indeed, she talked in the video above about the importance of a newer model for self-governance for First Nations People (reform of the current Indian Act that is the legacy of colonialism) within a “strong Canada”, with a more modern federalism, to use her own words.

Why does Ms. May (whom Bambi likes a lot), and along her SO many of the 37 million Canadians, need to outbid this form of collective guilt and/or political correctness to the point of dismissing themselves, their country, their heritage, their culture, and… their pride as Canadians?

Couldn’t we achieve reconciliation with our First Nations People without having to resort to self-flagellation or to kill our economy, and punish our railways?

A young adult woman or an older adult woman are absolutely free to decide to wear a hijab (head scarf) or not, if they feel like it. It is their choice and it is their call. Bravo to them if they find a more meaningful (or spiritual) life like that.

However, a five-year old child (or a 6-9 year-old one) is by definition still a child.

Is a child as young as the one in the picture above able to consent to medical care or to other adult-like-decisions, including the adherence to strict Islam?

Why is one of our Canadian federal banks promoting Islamism in children then?

Why is it normalizing the sexualization of the body of a young girl (who is not even into puberty yet!)?

Why is it encouraging this sort of a barrier between her and the look of others on her (i.e., men)? Why are we contributing to making her feel as if something is wrong with her, just because she is a female, and she is just an innocent child?

Acceptance and tolerance of others is one thing. That is noble. However, the promotion of Islamist values is a totally different thing.

In other parts of the world, and likely in some highly religiously conservative circles in our country, women are daily fighting hard against oppression and for their emancipation.

Can’t we keep being the “kind Canadians” that we are whilst avoiding being too naive in our kindness?

The idea here should be respect, tolerance, and even love of Muslims. Period. We can do this without naively promoting Islamism in our society.

Just as a reminder: Islam is a religion. It is one of three major monotheistic religions (along with Judaism and Christianity). Islamism is a political ideology. It is usually very radical (e.g., Wahabism, Shia Islamism, Muslim Brotherhood, ISIS, etc.). It is VERY far from being fair to women… as well as LGBTQ communities.

The tittle of this CTV article below (with a video) is “Canada doesn’t tell police what to do, Trudeau says of rail blockades”.

Bambi does not know if she should laugh to this statement by our PM or cry. Since when Canada does not tell the RCMP what to do? Are we in a police state or in a democracy?

Canada as a federation appears like a joke now ☹. Ottawa’s responsibility is clear: 1. First Nations and 2. Railway stations to ensure inter-provincial trade.

https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/canada-doesn-t-tell-police-what-to-do-trudeau-says-of-rail-blockades-1.4811999

Our Prime Minister is clearly too weak (and this has nothing to do with a current minority government). He is too weak in his own mind and leadership (with all due respect). Who knows? He may be also be a bit hypocritical, or… too illuminated by his own idealistic ideology. Perhaps all the above at once?

By his statement above, he is putting Canada’s police and the provinces in a very bad situation.

Why and how will you be negotiating Mr. Trudeau? Hopefully by not trying to solve this crisis by bribing those protestors to shut them up. That would be caving in to “economic terrorism”.

Bambi does not care by whom. This time it is by those so-called “Hereditary Chiefs of the Wetʼsuwetʼen” and a bunch of fanatic activists (https://vancouversun.com/news/local-news/who-is-behind-solidarity-action-for-wetsuweten-hereditary-chiefs). Tomorrow it will be by another group, God forbid. Imagine if Islamists decide to do this? Or Sikhs? Or francophones? Or radical feminists? Or any Jewish group of some sort? Or a Palestinian group? How about a far-right group of some sort?

Will you allow this Mr. Trudeau?

From Bambi’s past experiences in other countries with groups that have been marginalized AND from her experiences as a foster parent/educator or any citizen with a minimum of common sense: Your so-called strategy of negotiation at this point will not work, Mr. Trudeau. Actually, it may be even already too late to solve this crisis that would have been simpler in its early moments: You just remove them from railways (arrest some if you have too, as well written by Mr. Mario Dumont: https://www.journaldemontreal.com/2020/02/14/les-fabricants-de-crises).

By not acting properly and timely, those protesters (perhaps just 0.09% of the whole population) have now learned that tantrums and illegal acts paralyze nations. They will learn that radicalism and taking countries and populations hostage work.

Is this a good lesson to teach, Mr. Trudeau?

On that sad day, Lebanon’s Prime Minster was assassinated in a horrific car bomb in Beirut, and along with him many innocent people. Many other journalists, academics, and/or politicians have also been killed following this “earthquake” that hit Lebanon, to use the same term as the France24 documentary below:

In Bambi’s mind, a Prime Minister is the country itself. Killing him or her would be equivalent to killing a whole country.

Where is the accountability in Lebanon?

Bambi did not have the chance to know Mr. Rafic Hariri as a politician, as she left the country in 1990 at the very end of civil war. She is talking in general.

What she knows is that we owe him the re-construction of the Lebanese capital after the destructive 15-year-old civil war.

Below, you can see pictures she recently took at Beirut airport (that now carries his name), featuring Beirut before and after (war).

She remembers that, during war, many of the Red Cross cars/ambulances had Hariri’s name written in tiny letters (“a donation of Rafic Hariri”).

Another memory that comes to her mind is the LARGE number of Lebanese students who were able to receive bursaries from Hariri Foundation to study either in Beirut or abroad. She personally knows many colleagues and friends. Some came to North America. These students were from all regions and confessions. They had/have one thing in common: the excellence of their work. No one asked them about their religion.

Of course, Mr. Hariri may have been disliked (at least by those who ordered his killing) or those who did not like his work or his ties to Saudi Arabia, etc. Some did not like the business style of his company that has built Beirut. “Solidere” may have indeed operated in an unfair way with some citizens. However, in Bambi’s mind, seeing a prosperous Beirut is by far nicer than the destruction of war or current vandalism.

So, if only for that, Bambi would like to say: Thank you Mr. Hariri. Hope you are resting in peace… despite the economic unrest in Beirut that you have loved and cared for in your own way. You loved your capital so much that your name and hers are forever associated with Valentine’s Day. Sadly, as mentioned earlier, many other citizens as well. They had nothing to do with politics. They just happened to be present at the wrong place and time. May they all rest in peace.

First, here is Mr. Martineau’s article in French, published in the Journal de Montréal today:

https://www.journaldemontreal.com/2020/02/13/grand-parleur-petit-faiseur

Second, before presenting the English translation of the article in question, Bambi would like to weigh in as follows:

She is fascinated, yet not surprised, how neither the Honourable Jody Wilson-Raybould nor Dr. Jane Philpott (congrats on her new role as Dean of Queen’s University faculty of health sciences) are mentioning this story on their social media channels. Why? Likely because they are for real these two women. They act, they do not talk just to talk. They also do not endorse ridiculous or illegal acts, regardless by whom. Needless to add that Ms. Wilson-Raybould currently serves as an Independent Member of Parliament for the British Columbia riding of Vancouver Granville. She is also a member of the We Wai Kai Nation and to use her own words “a proud Canadian”. In addition to her forthcoming academic role, Dr. Philpott is the Special Advisor on Health for Nishnawbe Aski Nation and we all know about her genuine care for our First Nations people.   

Third and last, below starts Mr. Martineau’s article, which is surely food for thought, to say the least (sarcastic yet full of truth).   

“Oh he speaks well, our Prime Minister!

Women’s rights, blahblahblah.

The environment, blahblahblah

First Nations, blahblahblah.

Comfortable, in control, with just the right amount of emotion.

The gloomy days

And what about his new disguise – that short beard (i.e., salt and pepper goatee) he found in the bottom of his trunk, between a Sikh turban, a fakir tunic, and a pair of slippers?

It suits him perfectly, adding to his personality a “je ne sais quoi” of wisdom and maturity…

Gone, the little guy with the wet navel. Now, he has the look of an experienced head of state!

Who knows? In six months, we may see him with a pipe, thinking aloud about the state of the world in front of a fireplace, an open atlas on a pedestal table …

In short, when the time comes to speak, there is no one like our “national” Justin.

But when the time comes to act, however, as is the case now with the railroad blockade, our PM is as comfortable as a fish on an ironing board.

Where’s Justin?

He went to take his Bovril, come on!

AN EXPLOSIVE SITUATION

I know what you are going to tell me…

“The matter is however simple: a citizen disobeys the law? Send the police to arrest him, thank you, have a good evening”.

In theory, indeed, the matter is simple.

But in practice, it is not.

Because the citizens who are currently blocking railways and taking the country by the family jewels are members of the First Nations.

And in this era of exacerbated political correctness, where one climbs the curtains as soon as a “White” dares – oh scandal! – to make sushi in the kitchen, you don’t mess with the First Nations.

Not a gala, a show or an event that begins without an announcer reminding us, in a serious and dramatic tone, that “the performance you are going to see this evening takes place in unceded Native territory”…

So imagine what would happen if the police charged in the pile and arrested the culprits!

The images would go around the world in three and a half seconds.

“Look how we treat the members of the First Nations in the country of Justin Trudeau!” The UN should get involved! “

The image of our Prime Minister would be shattered.

And he cares about his image, Justin. After all, that’s all he has…

MARC GARNEAU IS IN THE HOUSE!

So he’s trying to buy time.

Especially since he’s in Africa, doing what he enjoys most in the world: talking.

The greatness of Africa, blahblahblah.

The guilt of the West, blahblahblah.

The importance of bringing Canada to the Security Council, blahblahblah.

And then, why bring the PM back when Marc Garneau is so well seated in Ottawa?

We had to see the Minister of Transport makes this Québec’s problem.

Go stop them, these Amerindians, that’s not our problem!

Oh no? The First Nations file is not a federal responsibility?

Come on. I may be alarmist, but I find (excuse my cultural appropriation) that this whole story is starting to smell like lasagna…”

First, despite a widespread lack of trust by angry citizens, the Parliament of Lebanon voted to give its confidence to the government. That happened yesterday. Today, this government asked for the technical support of the IMF (International Monetary Fund):

https://www.thechronicleherald.ca/news/world/lebanon-to-request-imf-technical-help-government-source-410111/

We can either think: (1) Finally, one concrete action to try to solve the deep crisis, even if it is a shy move OR (2) Why are they giving mixed signals if Lebanon cannot commit to a full IMF Program because of its tough conditions? And of course, there is always a question in the background (an elephant in the room): What does Hezbollah want?  Because in reality without its silent or loud approval, nothing can happen in Lebanon, according to Bambi’s non-expert opinion (they are the strongest link). People have been protesting for four months against all the political leaders in vain.  

Second, Bambi would like to share two comments by anonymous protesters she has watched online in the media. There is truth to their insights. The first protester said: “I bet this government will be more concerned in helping the banking sector than the poor population; even if some may be very competent folks, they have been nominated by the same political parties. Plus, one of the so-called “technocrats” in this government is related to the banking sector”. The second protester said: “Usually when a treatment protocol does not work anymore, we change the treatment. We do not prescribe the same drug or its generic” (he was referring to the government being a continuation of the same old…).

Last but not least, after reading the serious (perhaps promising?) news, Bambi did not want to go to bed without laughter. This is how she decided to re-watch an older video about “dating a Lebanese man” that a Canadian friend from PEI shared with her. She hopes it will make you smile too. One thing is sure in her mind: Lebanese men are cute, even if they are at the antidote of her spouse ?!