I am saddened, frustrated, and most of all, really angry. And I find my anger is very widely directed.
Like you, I'm sure, I have been watching images from the G20 in Toronto, which continues today. More to the point, watching images of the violence that has destroyed some of the main streets of Toronto... which is also, we're told, likely to continue today.
I'm angry at the thugs and criminals who have seized the opportunity to go on a rampage. They may see some vague connection between terrorizing a city, destroying private property, burning police cars, and achieving world peace... but it is tough to make that connection, isn't it?
I suspect they really only accomplish one thing -- they turn moderate people into right-leaning people. They push many of us who would at least tolerate peaceful protest to become opponents of protest, because of the inherent dangers.
That's an entirely counter-productive result.
I'm also angry at our Prime Minister. He knew -- everyone knew -- that events like the G20 now attract the lunatic fringe, and none the less he invited them to downtown Toronto. He and his advisors created a situation that has led to violence in the streets, destruction of property -- while thousands of Toronto residents hide behind locked doors in the apartments above those very streets.
I recognize that this is not entirely fair to Harper. If we simply re-order our lives to avoid thuggery, eventually we will have surrendered the streets to the thugs. None the less, this seems to have been a circumstance where the outcome was completely predictable, $2 billion for security or not.
It may also be that the $2 billion was focused on the security of the world leaders gathered at the G20 and if things continue as they are this morning, that may be a resounding success. But at what other cost?
I am angry that the business people and residents of downtown Toronto are left completely to their own resources. It has been made clear that, while the feds could foster the situation that led to the violence, the feds will take no responsibility for the outcome. All those who have lost property are on their own -- it's up to them and their insurance companies.
I am angry with the media. I've been following the story in the media, of course -- on TV, on line, in newspapers. I have noticed a couple of things. First, the live television coverage, a voracious consumer of images, keeps showing us the same video, time after time. I think I heard that four Toronto police cars have been burned; I have seen a Toronto police car burning at least two dozen times. The same images recur, and our concept of what is really happening is skewed by this.
But I am more angry at the attention given to those perpetrating the violence, and those who appear to protest for the sake of protesting. This past week, on particular protester managed to have his picture on the front page of the paper about three times.
This same person is notorious for throwing chocolate milk on Stockwell Day, surely a significant moment in Canadian political history. Or not.
I have long been involved with the Stratford Garden Festival; a few years ago, this fine event was to be visited by then-Prime Minister Paul Martin. That would have been a real feather in the caps of the organizers and all the volunteers and participants in an utterly non-political event.
The protester noted above showed up; I saw him walking through the show. He didn¹t look much like a gardener. Sure enough, when Martin's security people spotted him, the entire Prime Ministerial visit was cancelled.
Now there is a victory for the people, wouldn't you say? And that certainly justifies triple exposure on the cover page of our regional daily. No, it doesn't.
That's an inconsequential story, compared to what is happening in Toronto. But it does show the impact a few thoughtless rowdies -- or worse -- can have. They are certainly having an impact today they're drowning out legitimate protest, they're
terrorizing citizens, they're damaging property, they're alienating every sane Canadian... and they're having no impact at all on the G20 itself.
Makes you angry, doesn't it?
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
I expected the work, but not as much fun
When I agreed to run for mayor, I knew it would be hard work. I didn't, however, realize how much fun it would be.
But believe me, it is. Both hard work, and fun.
Last week, for instance, I participated in my first two coffee and conversation meetings, both in Stonecroft here in New Hamburg. A dozen or so people came to each one, and they came with questions, comments, and issues they wanted to raise. It was invigorating, and challenging, and... I believe I mentioned this... fun. The desserts served by our hostess helped, of course.
I totally enjoyed interacting with two dozen people who are brimming with ideas, issues... and well-thought-through solutions.
Last weekend, I was invited to help judge the dessert contest at the St. Agatha Strawberry Festival. (Add to this my pie-making event earlier on, and it seems that desserts may well become the dominant theme of this election. Heck, we could do worse!)
The Strawberry Festival is really well planned and presented; there's lots for everyone to do, plenty of interesting displays and activities, good food and
I was especially impressed by this wonderful activities for the smallest children. There was one blow-up, climb-in attraction that was surrounded by smiling parents, and contained what seemed at first glance to be an ant colony of pre-schoolers. Terrific.
I shared the judging responsibility with two other judges one of my opponents in the mayoral race, and MP Harold Albrecht, strategically placed between us.
There were five fabulous desserts. As I tasted the final one, and remembered I was going to participate in eliminating two from the prize list, I realized this was an impossible and thankless task.
At the auction that immediately followed the judging, my wife had the great good sense to buy one of the two superb desserts that didn't get a ribbon; it was terrific, and I realized once again that so is she.
I met a lot of interesting people at the Strawberry Festival old friends, acquaintances, and strangers who quickly became friendly acquaintances. I was especially impressed with the work being done by the couple who run the Bella Misty Meadows Animal Sanctuary, just west of St. Agatha. They -- Kara and Kris -- had organized the petting zoo. They deserve our thanks and support for the work they are doing.
All around the grounds in St. Agatha, I found people who were warm and conversational and interested in the unfolding election for mayor. The buzz is pretty substantial already; it's an exciting year to be involved.
We skipped down to Baden later Saturday afternoon for the Baden Family Fun Fair, a free day of activities organized by four local churches. There was a well-produced puppet show, more animals to pet, games and activities and refreshments and still more friendly people to chat with and share opinions with.
Monday, I helped run the New Hamburg Board of Trade golf tournament, at Dundee. Actually, the organizing committee, which I chair, does all the advance work, but when the day comes, our generous wives take over, and the organizers don our golfing hats and play in the tournament. Not well, but we play.
We raised about $10,000 for the community work of the Board of Trade, and had a ton of fun doing it.
I will say this at the community events, I am greeted with kindness; among golfing buddies, the respect is diminished considerably. It's amazing how many golfing insults can contain the word "mayor".
But a good time was had by all -- and again, I got the chance to spend time with great people from this township.
I signed up for this election because I love these communities; every day the campaign continues, I discover more and more evidence to support that position. And I'm having a really good time.
But believe me, it is. Both hard work, and fun.
Last week, for instance, I participated in my first two coffee and conversation meetings, both in Stonecroft here in New Hamburg. A dozen or so people came to each one, and they came with questions, comments, and issues they wanted to raise. It was invigorating, and challenging, and... I believe I mentioned this... fun. The desserts served by our hostess helped, of course.
I totally enjoyed interacting with two dozen people who are brimming with ideas, issues... and well-thought-through solutions.
Last weekend, I was invited to help judge the dessert contest at the St. Agatha Strawberry Festival. (Add to this my pie-making event earlier on, and it seems that desserts may well become the dominant theme of this election. Heck, we could do worse!)
The Strawberry Festival is really well planned and presented; there's lots for everyone to do, plenty of interesting displays and activities, good food and
I was especially impressed by this wonderful activities for the smallest children. There was one blow-up, climb-in attraction that was surrounded by smiling parents, and contained what seemed at first glance to be an ant colony of pre-schoolers. Terrific.
I shared the judging responsibility with two other judges one of my opponents in the mayoral race, and MP Harold Albrecht, strategically placed between us.
There were five fabulous desserts. As I tasted the final one, and remembered I was going to participate in eliminating two from the prize list, I realized this was an impossible and thankless task.
At the auction that immediately followed the judging, my wife had the great good sense to buy one of the two superb desserts that didn't get a ribbon; it was terrific, and I realized once again that so is she.
I met a lot of interesting people at the Strawberry Festival old friends, acquaintances, and strangers who quickly became friendly acquaintances. I was especially impressed with the work being done by the couple who run the Bella Misty Meadows Animal Sanctuary, just west of St. Agatha. They -- Kara and Kris -- had organized the petting zoo. They deserve our thanks and support for the work they are doing.
All around the grounds in St. Agatha, I found people who were warm and conversational and interested in the unfolding election for mayor. The buzz is pretty substantial already; it's an exciting year to be involved.
We skipped down to Baden later Saturday afternoon for the Baden Family Fun Fair, a free day of activities organized by four local churches. There was a well-produced puppet show, more animals to pet, games and activities and refreshments and still more friendly people to chat with and share opinions with.
Monday, I helped run the New Hamburg Board of Trade golf tournament, at Dundee. Actually, the organizing committee, which I chair, does all the advance work, but when the day comes, our generous wives take over, and the organizers don our golfing hats and play in the tournament. Not well, but we play.
We raised about $10,000 for the community work of the Board of Trade, and had a ton of fun doing it.
I will say this at the community events, I am greeted with kindness; among golfing buddies, the respect is diminished considerably. It's amazing how many golfing insults can contain the word "mayor".
But a good time was had by all -- and again, I got the chance to spend time with great people from this township.
I signed up for this election because I love these communities; every day the campaign continues, I discover more and more evidence to support that position. And I'm having a really good time.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
The "award-winning" New Hamburg Live!
Forgive me, but I must go on a bit about the just-completed New Hamburg Live! Festival of the Arts.
Nancy and I started this thing two years ago, with two admitted goals, and one slightly hidden agenda.
The first goal was to bring the best professional performers available to New Hamburg audiences. The second was to give local singers, writers and artists opportunities to shine.
The hidden agenda was to produce concerts and events that we would love to attend.
For two years running, mission accomplished.
As you may have read elsewhere, the success of the 2010 Festival was underscored on Sunday evening as we received the Kitchener-Waterloo Arts Scotiabank Award as Best New Festival or Event in 2009. We couldn't even be there to collect the award -- we were cleaning up after the final New Hamburg Live! concert -- but we could not be more proud of that accomplishment.
The 2010 Festival left us with a lot of things to be proud about, actually. And more importantly, the events once again gave us the chance to work with wonderful, generous people -- the performers and artists, our volunteers, and the people who attended the events.
For me, these were five days filled with highlights, which started well before the Festival opened its doors. As a bunch of us decorated the community centre (guided by the very talented Wayne and Kevin from Urban Country), we already knew something special was happening.
The opening gala was sold out -- a first for New Hamburg Live! -- and the Toronto All-Star Big Band was terrific. On Wednesday afternoon, one of the band's roadies was sweating profusely, hauling heavy equipment, moving risers, working like a fiend. I was impressed with his energy.
I was even more impressed that evening, when the same guy showed up on stage in a very sharp suit as one of their featured singers. That kind of attitude -- "I'll do anything for the cause" -- lies at at the heart of New Hamburg Live! We have volunteers who gladly take on any task, just so the show can go on. It's really impressive.
Thursday's Gilbert & Sullivan night was a delight, as some of my favourite singers (including my voice teacher, Erin Bardua), not only sang astonishingly well, but also showed their comic acting abilities.
The sleeper hit of our festival was the Capella Intima concert Friday afternoon, as six talented musicians entranced a full house at St. George's church with the music sung by nuns in the 1600's in a program created by tenor Bud Roach. People are still taking about the magic of those moments.
Friday night was historic, as the Elmer Iseler Singers came to New Hamburg, happy to be "back home", and introduced by a knowledgeable and enthusiastic talk by author/educator/politician Walter Pitman. We were very touched that Jessie Iseler chose this occasion for a presentation of a significant Canadian literary award to Dr. Pitman, honouring his book, "Elmer Iseler, Choral Visionary".
The four fabulous singers of Quartette were with us on Saturday night. They told us after the well-attended concert that they had had a ball, and would come back any time. I love their music (see "hidden agenda", above), so when I got the chance to talk to Caitlin Hanford for 20 minutes before the show, I was thrilled. I wanted to talk about their music; she wanted to talk about gardening.
We talked about gardening. It was fun. She's a vibrant, interesting person.
And Sunday afternoon was amazing, as Ken Whiteley again brought his band to town to join Vicki St. Pierre and the New Hamburg Live Mass Choir, pianist Caitlin Hayes, and the very talented Tom Cummings on vibraphone. That was an event full of highlights, especially the moment when our great friend Vicki -- a well known operatic mezzo soprano who performs internationally -- set arias aside and belted out an incredible gospel song. It was spellbinding.
There were super author events organized by Kristen Hahn, and a fascinating art show presented by 16 artists in eight New Hamburg businesses. I mention this last because, if you missed the Festival, the art show continues for a week or two in most venues, so you have one more chance to see at least a bit of our award-winning (did I mention "award-winning"?) New Hamburg Live! Festival of the Arts.
And a word to the proactive -- book June 1-5, 2011. We'll be back!
Nancy and I started this thing two years ago, with two admitted goals, and one slightly hidden agenda.
The first goal was to bring the best professional performers available to New Hamburg audiences. The second was to give local singers, writers and artists opportunities to shine.
The hidden agenda was to produce concerts and events that we would love to attend.
For two years running, mission accomplished.
As you may have read elsewhere, the success of the 2010 Festival was underscored on Sunday evening as we received the Kitchener-Waterloo Arts Scotiabank Award as Best New Festival or Event in 2009. We couldn't even be there to collect the award -- we were cleaning up after the final New Hamburg Live! concert -- but we could not be more proud of that accomplishment.
The 2010 Festival left us with a lot of things to be proud about, actually. And more importantly, the events once again gave us the chance to work with wonderful, generous people -- the performers and artists, our volunteers, and the people who attended the events.
For me, these were five days filled with highlights, which started well before the Festival opened its doors. As a bunch of us decorated the community centre (guided by the very talented Wayne and Kevin from Urban Country), we already knew something special was happening.
The opening gala was sold out -- a first for New Hamburg Live! -- and the Toronto All-Star Big Band was terrific. On Wednesday afternoon, one of the band's roadies was sweating profusely, hauling heavy equipment, moving risers, working like a fiend. I was impressed with his energy.
I was even more impressed that evening, when the same guy showed up on stage in a very sharp suit as one of their featured singers. That kind of attitude -- "I'll do anything for the cause" -- lies at at the heart of New Hamburg Live! We have volunteers who gladly take on any task, just so the show can go on. It's really impressive.
Thursday's Gilbert & Sullivan night was a delight, as some of my favourite singers (including my voice teacher, Erin Bardua), not only sang astonishingly well, but also showed their comic acting abilities.
The sleeper hit of our festival was the Capella Intima concert Friday afternoon, as six talented musicians entranced a full house at St. George's church with the music sung by nuns in the 1600's in a program created by tenor Bud Roach. People are still taking about the magic of those moments.
Friday night was historic, as the Elmer Iseler Singers came to New Hamburg, happy to be "back home", and introduced by a knowledgeable and enthusiastic talk by author/educator/politician Walter Pitman. We were very touched that Jessie Iseler chose this occasion for a presentation of a significant Canadian literary award to Dr. Pitman, honouring his book, "Elmer Iseler, Choral Visionary".
The four fabulous singers of Quartette were with us on Saturday night. They told us after the well-attended concert that they had had a ball, and would come back any time. I love their music (see "hidden agenda", above), so when I got the chance to talk to Caitlin Hanford for 20 minutes before the show, I was thrilled. I wanted to talk about their music; she wanted to talk about gardening.
We talked about gardening. It was fun. She's a vibrant, interesting person.
And Sunday afternoon was amazing, as Ken Whiteley again brought his band to town to join Vicki St. Pierre and the New Hamburg Live Mass Choir, pianist Caitlin Hayes, and the very talented Tom Cummings on vibraphone. That was an event full of highlights, especially the moment when our great friend Vicki -- a well known operatic mezzo soprano who performs internationally -- set arias aside and belted out an incredible gospel song. It was spellbinding.
There were super author events organized by Kristen Hahn, and a fascinating art show presented by 16 artists in eight New Hamburg businesses. I mention this last because, if you missed the Festival, the art show continues for a week or two in most venues, so you have one more chance to see at least a bit of our award-winning (did I mention "award-winning"?) New Hamburg Live! Festival of the Arts.
And a word to the proactive -- book June 1-5, 2011. We'll be back!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
