Author: Bambi

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-lebanon-crisis-hezbollah/hezbollah-says-it-opposes-imf-management-of-lebanon-crisis-idUSKBN20J1Y6

As reported in the article above, Hezbollah opposes the IMF bailout, which assists countries that are on the brink of failure or bankruptcy, in return of implementing specific conditions meant to put government finances on a sustainable track and restore growth.

It is disappointing, yet not surprising, that the Hezbollah would refuse the conditions of reforms and accountability attached to the IMF rescue plan. Instead, it only gave the green light for a “technical help/financial counselling” by this international organization.

If you were part of an organized militia and/or a political entity like the Hezbollah, whose funder (i.e., Iran) is under economic sanctions, would you accept external barriers imposed on potential sources of funding of your activities?

Of course not.

Hezbollah is part of the Lebanese fabric, true. It is perhaps no more corrupt than the rest of other Lebanese political leaders. However, it is clearly the most powerful (and potentially destructive!) force in the country.

Sad to see how far it has pushed Lebanon in the direction of war and warrior mindset, both on the military and economic levels. It has taken Lebanon hostage of its own radical political agenda. The latter is rooted in its loyalty to its external funder, and ideological master, that is the Iranian regime.

In the article above, we can see a picture that is quite symbolic and read under it: “An Iranian carries the Iranian and Hezbollah flags during the commemoration of the 41st anniversary of the Islamic revolution in Tehran, Iran February 11, 2020. Nazanin Tabatabaee/WANA (West Asia News Agency)”—“via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS – THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY”.

We can also read the following statement within the text:

“We will not accept submitting to (imperialist) tools … meaning we do not accept submitting to the International Monetary Fund to manage the crisis,” said Hezbollah’s Sheikh Naim Qassem, deputy leader of the heavily armed Shi’ite group.”

The word “imperialist” is obviously directed at the United States.

Two comments here: (1) What about the Iranian imperialism in the region? Why is OK to submit to it and not to the tough conditions of the IMF? And (2) How funny that the language used by the Hezbollah is comparable to the style of language of our domestic radical left (this is for another post ?).

To come back to Lebanon, what is next for this heavily indebted country?  

Some, like the President of the Lebanese Republic, are excited by the recent drilling off Lebanon to finally begin the exploration of oil and gas, after years of delays. He even called this day “historic” (he may be right, even if he often seems to live on a different planet called “Hezbollistan”):

https://www.france24.com/en/20200225-drillship-off-lebanon-to-start-oil-and-gas-exploration

Clearly, the country needs to diversify its economy; now that its banking sector was hit hard by the crisis.

Perhaps this new economic sector carries hope indeed?

In a bankrupt country, such new development is usually a piece of good news that could perhaps eventually help lift the population out of poverty.

In the case a Lebanon that is resistant to change and reforms, what does all this mean, especially that past behaviours are known to be the best predictor of future ones? This applies to corrupt actions as well.

Anyhow, even if the future of Lebanon will be brighter because of this drilling, whom will be benefiting from a potential source of richness? Will it be the same entity/ties who benefited from a pervasive corrupt system coupled with a crying lack of accountability?

It is particularly disturbing for an old immigrant, who has recently witnessed her birth country dive deeper into its economic crisis, to see Canada shattered like this and our economy being paralyzed and gradually being destroyed in the longer term. Why are we doing this to ourselves? Bambi expects the next decades not to be promising, unless we collectively wake up.

Anyhow, on a more personal joyful note, Bambi feels proud of herself because she did not vote for a second Trudeau’s mandate. One was more than enough for her (as we say in her mother tongue, “we can guess the content of a letter from its title” ?).

Below is a translation of Mr. Joseph Facal’s article published today in the Journal de Montréal:

https://www.journaldemontreal.com/2020/02/25/levaporation-de-justin-trudeau

“It is not a collapse, it is an evaporation.

At the rate at which Justin Trudeau’s leadership is going up in smoke, there will soon be no more moisture on the ground.

No one knows what the consequences of the Aboriginal crisis will be.

But whatever these consequences, Justin Trudeau will not recover from the last days.

Image

This crisis will have been the ultimate revealer of its radical shortcomings, visible for a long time to those who refused voluntary blindness.

It is not said that he could not win another election. We never know.

But he is sure and certain that he will only be strong now out of the weakness of his opponents.

He will be in power, but he will not really exercise power. For that, you have to be respected and, to a certain extent, feared.

He will no longer be either.

He is like these boxers who no longer know where they are and stand up by reflex.

These days, we were wondering if the Prime Minister, by a kind of bewildering overthrow, was not… the leader of the Bloc.

Modern politicians are often criticized for being self-conscious.

This is a somewhat unfair reproach insofar as the politician who does not care about his image is condemned, in a society where everything is publicized, to fail.

The supreme skill is to build an image of a guy … who does not care about his image, which François Legault, for example, has succeeded very well so far.

The important thing is to know if, behind the image, there is a content, a basic solidity.

Behind Justin Trudeau’s image, there’s nothing, absolutely nothing, except a little machine for making tears and looping apologies and empty sentences.

Obviously, the more you put on the image, the harder the fall.

We had a spectacular demonstration of his shortcomings in the SNC-Wilson-Raybould affair.

Today, there is no longer any doubt: this now naked, spectacularly hollow man is an authentic empty shell.

Cowardice

Worse than empty, this man also turns out to be a coward.

To “toss the ball back in the court” of provincial governments is to pretend that the aboriginal question is not a federal jurisdiction.

It is as if inter-provincial freight transportation is not a federal responsibility.

It is as if Canadian energy policy is not ultimately a federal responsibility.

There is something deliciously ironic in the fact that the current crisis concerns both the aboriginal issue and the energy issue.

It was on these two issues more than any other that Justin had wanted to establish his alleged difference from “old” politicians.

On these two issues, he has drifted from one pitfall to another for five years.

He cannot even invoke surprise. Who had not yet understood that the aboriginal question is a match near a barrel of powder?

How much longer do we have to endure it?”

This story is about two victims who happened to be former students of an ultra-orthodox Jewish school (illegal yet tolerated for years, in the name of reasonable accommodation).

According to Bambi, the victims could have been from any other religion. Who knows? Maybe also from secular yet cultic-like movements, even when they can radicalize minds in apparently different (perhaps more socially acceptable?) ways.

Anyhow, Bambi will stop here. Here is a translation of Mr. Dumont’s article:

https://www.journaldemontreal.com/2020/02/22/victimes-daccommodements-deraisonnables

“It’s a trial that has been going on for two weeks. Yochonon Lowen and Clara Wasserstein attack the Québec government for failing to protect them by providing them with adequate education.

Providing a good quality education to all children, at least up to age sixteen, is indeed a legal obligation in Québec.

This man and woman, who fled the ultra-Orthodox Chassidic community of Boisbriand, consider that the government has failed in its responsibility with regard to a fundamental right of children: the right to education.

You understand that they went to school… but in a religious school, where education was given in Yiddish, skipping a lot of the basics. French and English? Not necessary. Sciences? Dangerous. Geography and history? Only notions related to the religious history of the Jewish people. This is what their lawyer argued in court.

Excluded

The couple in their forties say they are having considerable trouble integrating into Québec society, and especially into the job market. They ended up on social assistance. One can easily imagine how their lack of education deprives them of the basic tools to hope to position themselves on the job market.

Live isolated, live in poverty. The questions asked by these two people are very important, and unfortunately remain very current issues. Are the Québec government, the Ministry of Education and the DPJ [Youth Services] really jointly responsible for looking after the well-being of the children of Québec?

Compulsory school attendance is enshrined in law. It is not just a wish. School attendance also implies that the school offers a true, complete education, which prepares for life and allows access to higher education.

The option of educating your children at home must be framed and marked to ensure a follow-up of the program. This option should not be used to justify the absence of the child from a regular school in order to better wedge him/her in an illegal religious school camouflaged in a basement.

More news

The government defends itself by citing progress made under recent laws. There is truth. But examples of illegal schools are still in the news today. If you’ve seen the reports of the J.E. TV show on the Mission of the Holy Spirit, you understand that there is still work to be done.

Orthodox religious groups seek to fall through the cracks to keep their children locked in a strictly religious lap and to deprive them of the broader knowledge that school has to offer. These children did not choose to give up education.

Religious schools were tolerated — as a reasonable accommodation. As long as normal school subjects are covered, they can be qualified as well. But when they deprive children of basic education, when they ruin the future possibilities of young citizens, they become the most unreasonable accommodation. A shame not to be tolerated.”

Is climate change the new religion of globalism? You may wish to watch the video produced (funded?) by Dubai, published in the Guardian, to make up your own mind.

For Bambi, especially after watching this video, climate change seems like the new religion of the world, at least as featured in this production.

Like a religion, it has truth (along with absurdity), good/inspiring deeds combined to hypocrisy, cute kids, “armies” of Saints/Angels, and an expanding educational form of fanaticism, which is instrumentalizing innocent children in the name of a noble faith… with accreditation by the UN (watch until the end).

First, here is Dalida and Alain Delon’s famous song entitled “Paroles, paroles, paroles” (“words, words, words). Bambi was able to find a remix with English sub-titles. It has been on her mind for two weeks now, since the beginning of this crisis. It is about empty love words.

Second, here is Mr. Jonathan Trudeau’s article (Journal de Québec, February 22, 2020). A French text entitled “Trudeau and empty words” [Trudeau et les paroles creuses]:

https://www.journaldequebec.com/2020/02/22/trudeau-et-les-phrases-creuses

Now, here is the English translation of this article:

“Justin Trudeau has only himself to blame for the gravity of the current situation.

It was he who led the country into a crisis with as many and dramatic repercussions. Politically, economically, socially. It’s his fault.

I mention that I usually hesitate to personalize my words excessively during political crises or tragedies. Having worked in this environment for years, I can testify to the burden that falls on women and men who direct the destinies of our society.

I normally prefer to talk about the institution, the government or the function.

But in this case, the responsibility of the one who is supposed to rule our country is so convincing that one cannot help but name the obvious.

Justin Trudeau is weak. Disorganized. He has no leadership and his judgment is flawed.

Signals

Across the country for the past two weeks, voices have been heard denouncing the soft attitude of the government and its leader.

Had to hear from the Prime Minister yesterday afternoon. From empty sentences to empty sentences, he tried to be firm but never succeeded in formulating a clear and convincing message.

At one point, he mentioned that from the start, he feared that government action would worsen the situation and make it even more explosive.

Yet that’s exactly what he did. By being unable to show firmness while fostering dialogue, establishing clear boundaries while demonstrating flexibility, he effectively made the situation worse.

So much so that the whole country holds its breath. A country that is already suffering the consequences of incompetence whilst wondering when and how to end this crisis.

This country that will remember that its head of state dropped the ball. Across the board.”

https://www.journaldemontreal.com/2020/02/21/blocus-ferroviaire–coup-declat-du-maire-de-louiseville-1

In the article above (Journal de Montréal, February 21st), we can read the following (and watch an amusing video :)):

“Exasperated by the rail blockade that continues in Canada, the mayor of Louiseville, Mr. Yvon Deshaies, blocked a railroad in order to protest against JustinTrudeau’s lack of leadership.

Mr. Deshaies installed himself on a railway line that crosses the municipality of Mauricie with a sign. On the latter, the mayor asked the First Nations if they could “adopt him into their family” so that he could advance his own claims at the federal level.

With this coup, the mayor wanted above all to show the demonstrators how to follow the laws when the authorities ask for the lifting of the barricades.

“Right now, from coast to coast, people are suffering,” he says. It doesn’t make sense what we’re going through. I can’t believe there’s nothing moving.”

His demonstration lasted about an hour, after which the Sûreté du Québec asked Mr. Deshaies – who was acting as a citizen – to settle next to the railway. The mayor packed up and left afterwards, he who had meetings at the town hall in the afternoon.”

The sign of this “illuminated” young man who has been blocking the CN railways in Saint-Lambert on the South shore of Montreal reads as: “Strike for the climate” in Swedish.

Not surprising as Greta Thunberg (or the entity or person managing her twitter) supported this movement twice within the past two weeks (Bambi checked that account for fun over the past few days). Anyhow, even without this recent public endorsement, years of “indoctrination” by this movement have already brain-washed our brains and the brains of our youth.

It is one thing to be conscious of environmental problems or to want justice for all, and especially to our First Nations people, but it is another thing to be blinded by the climate change cause to the point of blocking busy railways/intersections in the middle of a freezing -20 degrees Celsius ?. One must be really too passionate to do so.

One must also be too naive in order not to wonder which external force (or country or entity) would be benefiting from the self-destruction of our energy sector in the longer-term.

Another question that begs itself: Which energy company will dare to invest in our economy after all this circus? One wonders if this is not the real purpose, instrumentalizing “natives” whilst doing so?

Bambi’s mother-in-law is a smart lady who can be sarcastically funny sometimes. About 30 years ago, a group of ecological young activists were loudly demonstrating in Montreal in front of McDonald’s. Why? They were calling for the boycott of meat products. Sounds noble to you and quite contemporary? Well wait to hear the end of the story. Bambi’s mother-in-law approached one young girl and took her jacket between her fingers gently whilst asking her” “Nice outfit. Is this made of leather”? The young girl naively said: “Yes, thanks”. The sarcastic yet accurate answer back to her was: “Do you know from what leather is made of? Silence followed the latter question. “From cows”, said Bambi’s mother-in-law. Oups ?.

Today, we have a group of activists who are “illegally” preventing our trains from moving. In their overzealous social justice/ecological activism, they did not stop to think about all our first nations people (i.e., Wet’suwet’en in BC) who could benefit from this project by becoming richer, and thus, perhaps even more independent from the government. They also forgot about the rest of us (including first nations), taken hostage by all this Canadian drama. An economic blockade does not distinguish between people. We are all in the same boat, as we cannot be in the same train yet.

Today, Bambi learned that there is a company in this Wet’suwet’en community of BC that would have been doing business with the natural gas Canadian company in question. Our activists who walked out of university campuses (e.g., McGill University in Montreal and perhaps Toronto as well) forgot about this reality, just like the young lady in the 30-year-old story above.

Pushed to the extreme, we can even argue that their “anti-colonial” activism is now falling into a new form of colonialism, to use the words of journalist Richard Martineau (today’s article): the one that is keeping our first nations people (and in a few years, keeping us with them, Bambi is adding) stuck in an economically under-developed place (to save our planet). Plus, in their particular case, some seem to be fantasizing about keeping them in a certain romanticized stereotype. Regardless of all this, how sad when we, voluntarily or not, forget about diversity in groups (there are so many different native communities, including the Cree Nation who just 3 days ago signed a 30-year-economic deal with Québec!). In addition, it is a shame when we do not politically address governance issues for real, not just in empty words.

Another example of a contradiction in activism came from the Middle East today (i.e., Lebanon). It seems that Mr. Nasrallah, the Chief of the Hezbollah, called for the boycott of US products. However, he forgot that in one of the public pictures, his own son is seen wearing a T-shirt made in the United States. Lebanese people went on social media to mock this contradiction ?.

Even worst than that, in the name of justice for the Palestinian people (in relation to the “deal of shame” of Mr. Trump in the Middle East), Hezbollah’s supporters produced a video, as part of a large movement of so called BUP (“Boycott US products” by Muslim countries, like Pakistan, etc.).

Bambi was able to locate the video on FB: https://www.facebook.com/BUP.LB/videos/2555735801330142/

Needless to add that the video is disturbing to Bambi for two reasons: (1) It seems (even if that was not the purpose) anti-semitic, mocking (Orthodox) Jews. Mind you, Bambi does not use this term lightly as she finds that people jump on this word too fast whenever someone criticizes Israel (and she is one of the first people to do so). Anyhow, to come back to these people who are disguised as so-called Jews in the video, the producers of the video were probably thinking of Israelis or observant Jewish-Israelis (the idea is to “boycott American products so these folks do not come to you”). However, the men in the video may have been Canadians from Montréal’s Avenue du Parc or Van Horne Street. They may have been Jews who also fight for the same cause, who knows? They could have been the owners of Saint-Viateur’s, the delicious bagel place in Montreal? Or closer to Beirut, they could have been perhaps Jewish-Lebanese (if they still exist in any significant number?) or Jewish tourists/guests or international journalists and (2) In all the three languages used in the ads (Bambi can understand two of the three), they are shaming people for using US products. We can see the reactions of the drivers: “Who are those freaks?”, they seem to be silently thinking. Perhaps they were on their way to their banks to spend a few hours to get US$150 for this week in the middle of Lebanon’s financial crisis? Or maybe they were eager to go home to use their iPhones and maybe WhatsApp, now owned by Facebook? Or to watch their Netflix or wash their Jeans? Aren’t all these US products?

Whether in Canada or in Lebanon, human beings are full of contradictions, Bambi cannot help not to think to herself. Deer too for sure, make no mistake ?… but on the topic of imposed train blockades, Bambi clearly thinks that this should stop, regardless of the protesters, including those with noble causes. As for boycotts, Bambi is of course for free self-boycott (eat what you want or listen to the music you like!) but, for God’s sake, do not impose it on the rest of us and do not shame us if we are not interested in embarking… OR if we think that you are being stupid, despite your (so-called) noble intentions.    

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.”