Please take the time to read and sign this petition.
The political dialog in Canada is already less honest and respectful than I would want. Giving media outlets license to lie will not help improve the state of affairs.
In other news, today I file my nomination papers for the Ontario NDP Thunder Bay - Superior North riding. If you would like to support my nomination, now would be a great time to join the NDP, so you can come out to the Nomination meeting in March and vote for the candidate.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Monday, January 24, 2011
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Unitarian Fellowship
I would like to thank the Unitarian Fellowship for allowing me to speak at the service this morning, "Moving from Cynicism to Hope". It was a wonderful experience, and I was happy to meet such a great group.
I believe that a few dedicated individuals can make significant change for the better in our society. This group seems to be a wonderful incubator for this type of change.
I believe that a few dedicated individuals can make significant change for the better in our society. This group seems to be a wonderful incubator for this type of change.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Unitarian Fellowship
I have been invited to speak at the Unitarian Fellowship service this Sunday (the 16th). My topic is "From Cynicism to Hope", how I have maintained (and restored) my idealism in the face of a cynical age. There will also be poetry and music, and the service is open to all.
The Unitarian Fellowship is at 129 South Algoma, and the service starts at 10:30am.
Next week gets me in to the swing of things, my classes have started up for my "victory lap" semester. I have returned to LU to complete the 3 half-courses required to get "Honours" attached to my existing BA in Political Science.
Next week also has me in meetings for the Cambrian Players Board, the Public Library Board, and the Earthwise Advisory Committee. I am looking forward to the new challenges these groups will offer me.
The Unitarian Fellowship is at 129 South Algoma, and the service starts at 10:30am.
Next week gets me in to the swing of things, my classes have started up for my "victory lap" semester. I have returned to LU to complete the 3 half-courses required to get "Honours" attached to my existing BA in Political Science.
Next week also has me in meetings for the Cambrian Players Board, the Public Library Board, and the Earthwise Advisory Committee. I am looking forward to the new challenges these groups will offer me.
Friday, December 17, 2010
Appointments
I would like to thank City Council and Administration for appointing me to the Thunder Bay Public Library board of directors and the EarthWise Advisory committee.
I appreciate the opportunity to get involved in these important groups, and I look forward to participating.
I appreciate the opportunity to get involved in these important groups, and I look forward to participating.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Another short-sighted blunder by the Conservative senate: They have quashed a bill which would protect former Nortel workers' disability benefits. The neoconservative attack on our social safety net marches on.
Remember the main tenet of neocon ideology: Lie to the sheep, because they don't know what's good for them. Give the power to the elite, because they know how to use it. Don't help those who fall behind, because they are just drains on our society.
Look around and see how well that is working in the US - poverty, ignorance, violence. This is not a coincidence.
The political culture in Canada is largely based upon short-term problems and solutions. Elections are won and lost on the issue of taxes. Taxes are slashed by one party, and debts soar, social programs crumble, and the costs of society go up. Taxes are raised by other parties, and the holes are plugged, but there is no real progress.
We need a generation of politicians and administrators who are willing to look at the long-term health of the economy. It will be unpopular amoung people who are socialized to expect rapid "solutions" from government which only lead to more long-term problems. There are no simple issues - anyone who tells you differently is either lying or foolish. The economy of our society is a hugely complex dynamic system, being managed by people who either do not understand it, or wish to turn it into something else.
This year, we will likely see a federal election, and will certainly see a provincial one. As you are entertaining door-knocking hopefuls, be wary of those who try and sell you simple ideas and quick fixes. I believe it is time to make some progress.
-Jay Stapleton
Remember the main tenet of neocon ideology: Lie to the sheep, because they don't know what's good for them. Give the power to the elite, because they know how to use it. Don't help those who fall behind, because they are just drains on our society.
Look around and see how well that is working in the US - poverty, ignorance, violence. This is not a coincidence.
The political culture in Canada is largely based upon short-term problems and solutions. Elections are won and lost on the issue of taxes. Taxes are slashed by one party, and debts soar, social programs crumble, and the costs of society go up. Taxes are raised by other parties, and the holes are plugged, but there is no real progress.
We need a generation of politicians and administrators who are willing to look at the long-term health of the economy. It will be unpopular amoung people who are socialized to expect rapid "solutions" from government which only lead to more long-term problems. There are no simple issues - anyone who tells you differently is either lying or foolish. The economy of our society is a hugely complex dynamic system, being managed by people who either do not understand it, or wish to turn it into something else.
This year, we will likely see a federal election, and will certainly see a provincial one. As you are entertaining door-knocking hopefuls, be wary of those who try and sell you simple ideas and quick fixes. I believe it is time to make some progress.
-Jay Stapleton
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Setting my sights on the provincial seat.
I am going to be seeking the provincial NDP nomination for Thunder Bay - Superior North. I am looking to put together a team to help me manage the nomination campaign. If you are interested, please send me an email to jstaplet@lakeheadu.ca
This is an exciting decision for me, I thank all of you who approached me and suggested it. I will work hard to get our voices heard down in Queen's Park!
This is an exciting decision for me, I thank all of you who approached me and suggested it. I will work hard to get our voices heard down in Queen's Park!
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