I am a Canadian writer and blogger, and a former MP. This site reflects my interests in politics, social justice, rhetoric and books. You will see on the sidebar that I write two Blogs which I invite you to follow. I have written or edited eight Books, which I would be delighted to have you read. Some of my Journalism is posted on the site as well. Please check out my New to Know, Want to Know, and Quotable Quotes sections below to see what I am following and writing. I refresh this page regularly. You can follow it, but if you prefer to receive an email when I post, please Contact Me and I will add you to the list.
Need to Know
Pleased to attend recent AGM of OMRA Shelter Corporation in Ottawa. OMRA is helping to subsidize rents for 39 refugee households, which includes 57 adults and 38 children from 15 countries. OMRA raises money through a successful grocery card program and is also registered as a charity. There is a crying need in Ottawa (and elsewhere) for affordable rental housing. OMRA helps at least some of the many families struggling to get by. OMRA is entirely run by volunteers. Kudos to them.
Canada performed well on covid-19: A study in the Canadian Medical Association Journal says that “Canada handled the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic and weathered the ensuing upheaval better than several other nations with comparable health-care and economic infrastructure.” Our rate of COVID infections and deaths per capita were the lowest for any of the countries dubbed the G-10, save for that of Japan. Why? “Restrictive, persistent public health measures and successful vaccination campaign.” This is something for big minds to ponder as they head for Ottawa in their pickup trucks for another round of foolish protests on Canada Day and beyond. Hey folks. What’s left to protest? Stay home.
Want to Know
Why the working class embraced right-wing populism? Can the left win them back? There are a variety of theories about the rise of right-wing populism. Here is one from Maclean’s magazine.
Graham Greene: a new biography: Eleanor Wachtel, host of CBC Radio’s Writers & Company, interviews Canadian poet and editor Richard Greene about his new biography of noted English writer Graham Greene.
Quotable Quote
“Try in your dealings with others, to harm not, in order that you not be harmed” – Seneca, 1st century Roman philosopher
Dennis Gruending 