Local unions that encompassed members who performed garbage collection duties in the City of Toronto engaged in a strike throughout the summer. Parks were used to store garbage in 30C heat and day care centres werepicketed and closed. Direction from the city's managers, acting on the alleged instructions of councillors, permitted the strikers to harass members of the public who travelled to public dumps with their garbage. Police did nothing to enforce the freedom of movement of Canadian citizens, supposedly enshrined in the Charter of Rights. Perhaps, brighter minds than mine can explain the legal basis for a civic employee instructing citizens not to exercise their right to freedom of movement. Maybe, the better minds could also explain why non-union citizens should not pass through a picket line to conduct their own affairs. Undoubtedly, the unions are free to strike, but their freedom should not impinge upon the rights of others to act freely.
The core complaint of the unions was that their members wanted to be able to bank up to 18 days of sick leave per annum until they retire. In other words, they wanted an extra 18 "vacation" days paid for every year that they worked if they had not used these days because they were sick. My initial error was that I thought sick days were to be used for when one is sick and unable to work, however, the fearless and feckless Mayor David Miller worked it all out for everyone before moving on with his anti-car agenda.
Miller was upset that no one congratulated him for "settling" the strike. Miller managed to talk the unions down from demands for a 7.2% raise over 4 years to a mere 6% over 3 years and this less than magnificent achievement is a subject that should henceforth be included in business school studies. He managed to leave the unfunded sick day liability to fester for another administration, and he almost was able to set up an additional new funded sick day entitlement! The timing of Miller’s capitulation on the City’s behalf was just in time to ensure the strikers get overtime pay for working over the weekend of statutory holiday. Pure genius!
There was absolutely no point to the Mayor allowing a strike to go ahead if he was just going to give the unions all that they demanded. Why make the populace suffer for weeks if he was going to give in?
David Miller has been supported in his candidacies for mayor by certain unions ( let's call them CUPE Local 416 and 79 for example), whose members comprise most of the workforce of the city. CUPE employees were even seconded to his campaigns. David Miller and his cohorts “negotiated” with the unions and managed to settle on rises far above inflation, in recessionary times. There would appear to be a conflict of interest here.
The fabulous Mayor David Magnificent Miller refused to contemplate refunding 1/365th of increased property taxes for every day that his unionized support was on strike.
Somewhere, there must be a handbook of how to ruin a city, its finances and traffic flow by overtaxing the populace for niche feel-good schemes whilst producing less services. It has been implemented in cities across Europe, and David Miller should have a chapter devoted to him now.
Miller has now announced that he will not seek re-election. It will be interesting to see if CUPE give him a job.
Miller claimed that nobody won in the strike. Nobody won in the strike…er… except for Local 416 and 79.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Monday, June 22, 2009
Football Economics
I think that it is fabulous news for the UK economy that the Abu Dhabi crew at the City bluesers are spending enormous sums of petrodollars on players transfer fees, and on their wages. For once, instead of seeing our petrol money flooding out of the country to support dictators’ lifestyles, the dictatorships are finally ploughing the money back into the UK via transfer fees, and via the increase in income taxes arising out of the bulging pay packets of moderately skilled footballers. The money flooding back in now is not simply to buy property around Kensington and Chelsea, but actually improves the entertainment value of the country’s game for those oppressed souls living within the UK. I think this is great, and we should encourage this reverse flow with bail-out stimulus for SUV purchases. More petrol purchases = better economy = Premier League retaining some averagely skilled players.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Worstest referee - Rothlisberger vs. Tom Henning Overdo
Although I have sympathy for Chelski and their supporters, apart for the cheats Ballack and Drogba, and Cashley Cole of course, the poor refereeing was not the worst experienced. Time and again that dishonour fell to a Swiss cheat called Kurt Rothlisberger. Even UEFA banned him for life, supposedly only because Rothlisberger suggested to Grasshoppers a colleague could be bribed. However, we know that UEFA would not ban the man who was their top referee for life if there was not much more going on. One rumour was that Rothlisberger offered a bribe to the Spanish referee of a World Cup qualifying match between Switzerland and Norway. Switzerland lost 1-0 in the end.
Rothlisberger was a german speaking referee who in the 1994 World Cup refereed the Fatherland versus Belgium and failed to award a blatant penalty that would have allowed the Belgians to draw, and thence qualify for the next round. This was a ref who made terrible decisions in the Manchester United vs. Galatasary Champions League game and sent off Cantona when he politely inquired if he was a cheat. No mention or protection for the United players in the referee’s or UEFA’s report when the Turkish police assaulted the team after the game. Turkey is not known for its high standing in the transparency and anti-corruption standings of countries’ business dealings. Rothlisberger refereed the 1993 European Cup final between Marseille and Milan. Hmm, Marseille were stripped of the French title and relegated for bribing a referee in the game before the European Cup Final. A game that they won 1-0.
So, for bad refereeing, we really must start a review with Rothlisberger. At the time, we were told he was simply a referee that made bizarre errors, even though it was to the continuing benefit of one team. Now we know better, and he was a cheat. At least Tom Henning Overdo was consistently poor, and that is the magnifying glass through which we should examine the men in black.
Rothlisberger was a german speaking referee who in the 1994 World Cup refereed the Fatherland versus Belgium and failed to award a blatant penalty that would have allowed the Belgians to draw, and thence qualify for the next round. This was a ref who made terrible decisions in the Manchester United vs. Galatasary Champions League game and sent off Cantona when he politely inquired if he was a cheat. No mention or protection for the United players in the referee’s or UEFA’s report when the Turkish police assaulted the team after the game. Turkey is not known for its high standing in the transparency and anti-corruption standings of countries’ business dealings. Rothlisberger refereed the 1993 European Cup final between Marseille and Milan. Hmm, Marseille were stripped of the French title and relegated for bribing a referee in the game before the European Cup Final. A game that they won 1-0.
So, for bad refereeing, we really must start a review with Rothlisberger. At the time, we were told he was simply a referee that made bizarre errors, even though it was to the continuing benefit of one team. Now we know better, and he was a cheat. At least Tom Henning Overdo was consistently poor, and that is the magnifying glass through which we should examine the men in black.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Broken Britain #1
Broken Britain is a correct description of life there. However, the reason given by a Professor Ninian Mellamphy living in his ivory tower at the University of Western Ontario is so far off base to be laughable, and simply parrots a post-modern PC idiocy. The argument that the cause of the lost generation of British citizens has arisen due to the loss of an empire that they have never known is simply ludicrous. This is nothing to do with the breakdown. Schools barely teach those Empire years now, and if they do, they mostly do it through the revisionist history of colonialism, and that bringing hygiene, learning and rights to a population was oppressive. Britain had been nearly bankrupted by World War II, but had regrown. There are a large number of reasons as to why the quality of life has dropped. There are extortionate indirect taxes, a non-working health system, violence on the streets, incredible levels of theft, a destroyed social welfare system, and an anti-motor vehicle biased policy that makes travel anywhere unpleasant and expensive.
As examples, there is a two tier health service that has insufficient funds in the public system to do what needs to be done, and challenged spending at every level in the private health sector, because treatment costs eat into the profits of the corporate providers.
The over-riding destruction has come with the breakdown of the social welfare system, which has come about for many reasons. There has been a loss of moral certainty. Prior to Thatcher, strong unions had been wrestling with the government and national interest by seeking support for over-priced and under-performing products (sounds familiar today on a different continent). The unions put their members’ interests above that of coherent society. Thatcher effectively destroyed union power, but Thatcherism also made the individual and their wants paramount, and communal responsibility diminished.
During this time, there was any influx of immigrants that were different from previous waves. They did not share or admire the values of the British people for democracy, or a feel any duty to preserve a civilized Judeo-Christian society. This batch of immigrants did not seek to improve their lives by hard work and study in order to raise their personal standards and contribute to a greater society, nor did they want to become part of the British society generally. This was unlike previous generations that improved their positions without any national welfare support. Rather, the social welfare network, instead of being a net for those unfortunate in society, became a way of life for these later immigrants, which could immediately be accessed upon arrival, whether or not they were entitled to stay. Thatcherism introduced the “me-first” philosophy to the UK, and this was the only value picked up by the new style immigrants. Now demands are overwhelming on public facilities and funding.
Morals began to lapse, such that 14 year old schoolgirls who are unable to achieve any qualifications would deliberately get pregnant because councils provided single mothers with apartments and living expenses from the government. This lack of qualifications was in spite of the government enforcing a drastic “dumbing-down” of national examinations so that anyone could get a certificate provided they could use the correct colour crayon to sign an X for their name. There was no need for these young women to work, because they had everything paid for and the next generation of this group has now emerged with a repeating pattern. It remains politically incorrect to admonish this sector of the population for their choice of life-style. It is immediately deemed racist and politically incorrect to admonish the recent immigrant population for their choice of life-style. And now, thanks to the EU’s open borders, there has been a flood of immigrants, some of whom have chosen to work hard (Polish) and others, who have availed themselves of the welfare state. It is in this environment that a person such as Jade Goody becomes a national hero, and shining example. She made the best of what she could for herself in her short life, but there are a myriad hoping to step into her shoes who are also barely literate or competent to hold a job.
As a result of having to pay for these systems, those citizens that do work have to pay more taxes. On the face of it, the income tax rates appear lower than many parts of North America, however once essential though indirect taxes are factored in, the burden on the cost of living is immense. This is why tourists to the UK complain about the cost of everything, except soccer boots. The government’s grasp for cash has extended to the road systems, with speed cameras everywhere enforcing limits set in the 1950’s and drivers simply receiving bills in the mail for very minor excesses. London has set up a toll centre, yet very little of these funds are re-invested in roads. Instead, many roads have been closed and pedestrianized areas brought to the centre of cities, leading to increased congestion and pollution. The green lobby agitates against the congestion and pollution that they have caused, leading to a vicious cycle in which city councils then close more roads to keep motor vehicles away. This leads to delays in travel, stress and significant expressions of road rage that have even ended in murder. Public transport is generally expensive, has poor coverage and is often dangerous, due to the general level of violence in society.
Crime is endemic, and one is unable to leave anything on display in a car even furry animals without the likelihood of returning to find a broken window. Even a “nice car” will be scratched with keys or coins for the sake of it. Houses are safe-guarded with alarms, double locks and light systems in working, middle and upper class neighbourhoods. There is a sense of entitlement flowing through a great part of the population, such that even if someone else has an asset that they have achieved through hard work, then “I deserve it because they are no better than me”. Thus, respect for others and their possessions has disappeared. In the meantime, the economic meltdown in the UK has exacerbated this feelings.
On top of this, the government’s descents into sleaze and doing anything to stay in power (e.g. the current Labour government and the end of the Tories under John Major), has shown that the ends justify the means.
Britain is broken due to its lack of modern day morality, and the stress placed on a society largely supporting an immigrant culture that does not share its historic values. America and Canada beware
As examples, there is a two tier health service that has insufficient funds in the public system to do what needs to be done, and challenged spending at every level in the private health sector, because treatment costs eat into the profits of the corporate providers.
The over-riding destruction has come with the breakdown of the social welfare system, which has come about for many reasons. There has been a loss of moral certainty. Prior to Thatcher, strong unions had been wrestling with the government and national interest by seeking support for over-priced and under-performing products (sounds familiar today on a different continent). The unions put their members’ interests above that of coherent society. Thatcher effectively destroyed union power, but Thatcherism also made the individual and their wants paramount, and communal responsibility diminished.
During this time, there was any influx of immigrants that were different from previous waves. They did not share or admire the values of the British people for democracy, or a feel any duty to preserve a civilized Judeo-Christian society. This batch of immigrants did not seek to improve their lives by hard work and study in order to raise their personal standards and contribute to a greater society, nor did they want to become part of the British society generally. This was unlike previous generations that improved their positions without any national welfare support. Rather, the social welfare network, instead of being a net for those unfortunate in society, became a way of life for these later immigrants, which could immediately be accessed upon arrival, whether or not they were entitled to stay. Thatcherism introduced the “me-first” philosophy to the UK, and this was the only value picked up by the new style immigrants. Now demands are overwhelming on public facilities and funding.
Morals began to lapse, such that 14 year old schoolgirls who are unable to achieve any qualifications would deliberately get pregnant because councils provided single mothers with apartments and living expenses from the government. This lack of qualifications was in spite of the government enforcing a drastic “dumbing-down” of national examinations so that anyone could get a certificate provided they could use the correct colour crayon to sign an X for their name. There was no need for these young women to work, because they had everything paid for and the next generation of this group has now emerged with a repeating pattern. It remains politically incorrect to admonish this sector of the population for their choice of life-style. It is immediately deemed racist and politically incorrect to admonish the recent immigrant population for their choice of life-style. And now, thanks to the EU’s open borders, there has been a flood of immigrants, some of whom have chosen to work hard (Polish) and others, who have availed themselves of the welfare state. It is in this environment that a person such as Jade Goody becomes a national hero, and shining example. She made the best of what she could for herself in her short life, but there are a myriad hoping to step into her shoes who are also barely literate or competent to hold a job.
As a result of having to pay for these systems, those citizens that do work have to pay more taxes. On the face of it, the income tax rates appear lower than many parts of North America, however once essential though indirect taxes are factored in, the burden on the cost of living is immense. This is why tourists to the UK complain about the cost of everything, except soccer boots. The government’s grasp for cash has extended to the road systems, with speed cameras everywhere enforcing limits set in the 1950’s and drivers simply receiving bills in the mail for very minor excesses. London has set up a toll centre, yet very little of these funds are re-invested in roads. Instead, many roads have been closed and pedestrianized areas brought to the centre of cities, leading to increased congestion and pollution. The green lobby agitates against the congestion and pollution that they have caused, leading to a vicious cycle in which city councils then close more roads to keep motor vehicles away. This leads to delays in travel, stress and significant expressions of road rage that have even ended in murder. Public transport is generally expensive, has poor coverage and is often dangerous, due to the general level of violence in society.
Crime is endemic, and one is unable to leave anything on display in a car even furry animals without the likelihood of returning to find a broken window. Even a “nice car” will be scratched with keys or coins for the sake of it. Houses are safe-guarded with alarms, double locks and light systems in working, middle and upper class neighbourhoods. There is a sense of entitlement flowing through a great part of the population, such that even if someone else has an asset that they have achieved through hard work, then “I deserve it because they are no better than me”. Thus, respect for others and their possessions has disappeared. In the meantime, the economic meltdown in the UK has exacerbated this feelings.
On top of this, the government’s descents into sleaze and doing anything to stay in power (e.g. the current Labour government and the end of the Tories under John Major), has shown that the ends justify the means.
Britain is broken due to its lack of modern day morality, and the stress placed on a society largely supporting an immigrant culture that does not share its historic values. America and Canada beware
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Charity begins at Hamas
Britain is to provide 20 million pounds and Canada is to provide 4 million dollars of taxpayers’ money to Gaza. Gaza has received more aid per capita than anywhere in the history of humanity, and it has just been tunnelled towards terrorism. Taxpayer donations were announced and made on the very same day that we heard about another Canadian hero being killed whilst defending freedom and every single day, we hear about another NATO soldier being killed or maimed by the spiritual kin of Hamas. Even in the remote chance that these donations will not find its way directly to Hamas, or be siphoned off, it will save Hamas, and their puppet-master Iran, from funding their people’s real needs and so allow additional funding to flow to terrorists in Gaza. The chain reaction is that Iran can send more funds and weaponry to their blood brothers in Afghanistan; those who are killing our boys with sneaky IEDs. What an insult to the memory of our fallen soldiers. Lions led by donkeys, indeed. Give the 20 million pounds and 4 million dollars to the families of the fallen heroes, not to the terrorists and their supporters in Gaza that hold the same aims as the Taliban. Give it to Trooper Brian Good’s family, and don’t spend a cent bringing Khadr to his Canada of convenience.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Don't worry, be happy
In these trying times for those whose retirement plans are in ruins after the markets' crash, and global climate change accelerates, there is some good news. We no longer have to worry about the economy or environment.
The Great Obama, whose middle name is “Appeasement”, is still inviting the ruling theocratic tyrants of Iran to debate global responsibility and democratic reforms. Iran will therefore gain the nuclear weapons they crave with no further hindrance (actually, some reports today are identifying 2 recent earthquakes in Iran as nuclear tests). Hezbollah, Hamas, Islamic Jihad and other terrorist groups with names that change daily but who all have similar aims, will be the beneficiaries of these weapons, and they will use them. Iran will thus maintain plausible deniability, yet still hopefully (in their eyes) hasten the “return of the Mahdi”. Once the a few warheads have been lobbed at Israel, and Iran has distributed nukes to its terrorist allies for use elsewhere, then retirement and pollution are not going to be major worries for those of us living in democracies. At that time, the economy, healthcare, abortion rights and green programs will pale into insignificance. So, don’t worry about your disappearing retirement, be happy and just enjoy yourself now.
The Great Obama, whose middle name is “Appeasement”, is still inviting the ruling theocratic tyrants of Iran to debate global responsibility and democratic reforms. Iran will therefore gain the nuclear weapons they crave with no further hindrance (actually, some reports today are identifying 2 recent earthquakes in Iran as nuclear tests). Hezbollah, Hamas, Islamic Jihad and other terrorist groups with names that change daily but who all have similar aims, will be the beneficiaries of these weapons, and they will use them. Iran will thus maintain plausible deniability, yet still hopefully (in their eyes) hasten the “return of the Mahdi”. Once the a few warheads have been lobbed at Israel, and Iran has distributed nukes to its terrorist allies for use elsewhere, then retirement and pollution are not going to be major worries for those of us living in democracies. At that time, the economy, healthcare, abortion rights and green programs will pale into insignificance. So, don’t worry about your disappearing retirement, be happy and just enjoy yourself now.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Hamas' (Final) Solution
It is simple how the current problems in Gaza can be solved. Hamas can stop its deliberate targeting of Israeli civilians which number over 10,000 missiles in the past 8 years, and more than 500 in the so-called recent truce. Israel will not have to finally respond, and will stop targeting the Hamas terrorists that hide amongst the Arab civilians of Gaza. The UN can assist by not employing Hamas members on its staff and allowing use of UN resources. After that, having seized control of Gaza by violent means, Hamas should concentrate on creating the theocratic state that they claim they yearn for. Hamas are the ones who have a solution, although they are the ones who want a Final Solution.
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