I would also point out that serious politicians who seriously want to be Prime Minister would be willing to get a security clearance, which the leader of the Official Opposition is apparently not. Over my own years of service I must’ve met 10-12 MPs from different parties, including at least three sitting MNDs. After meeting them there were precisely two I would’ve voted for myself, both because they were the only ones who asked serious questions about defence issues and seemed to actually be interested in what we were doing.
I think there's a bit of a performance behind the whole security clearance business, but I can't imagine what the objective might be. I do know that the PM looks mighty unserious himself by bringing it up after every question. There's a reason I have little time for politicians.
I have a real issue with someone who wishes to be our PM but won't, likely can't, get a security clearance. My brother is also retired military but thinks PP walks on water and actually suggested it was because PP was adopted that he can't get a security clearance. WTF? I said I believe in nature versus nurture, and so yes, his actual parents were likely also assholes, but I just can't see how being adopted could possibly have anything to do with the fact that the man CAN'T get a security clearance. He has drank the maple flavoured Kool-Aid.
I doubt it’s because he was adopted - which happened when he was an infant, and even then the identity of his birth mother is known because it’s on his Wikipedia page. If I wanted to be snarky I would say that it’s because his work history would have only one entry - politician - but I’d rather not leave it at that because I actually consider it to be a serious issue. My *fear* is that he actually has connections with far right/white nationalist groups in the US and Europe. Less likely is that he is a Chinese or Russian asset. Either way, his “I want to speak freely” excuse is completely nonsensical so we know either that he is lying or he doesn’t understand how security clearances work.
Hi Doug, as someone who used to answer Ministers' correspondence, may I suggest that you use this letter as a base but perhaps customize it a bit to your particular circumstances? Politicians receive a lot of letter-writing campaigns and anything that resembles a form letter tends not to get the attention that a one-off, from the heart version does. Perhaps wrong but that's the way it works. Good luck.
Do you gentlemen know if there's any movement underway to prevent Twitter et al from disseminating lies and hatred here like what is happening in the states. Some European countries are working on some guidelines, I firmly believe we should be too, so we don't end up with PP as our next PM. I am not a huge fan of Trudeau but he is miles ahead of PP. And I fear for our country if he becomes PM.
I agree with everything except the Elementary school in N.S. Everyone dumped on them including the Premier of N.S. who actually nailed it. It is an example of what is going badly wrong in this country. Instead of actually using their intelligence and using it as a teaching moment, maybe even using Lynn Johnston’s famous Remembrance Day cartoon, they wanted to rid the day of a national symbol. PC, woke, whatever adjective you want, decisions such as this have become far too common. Otherwise, politicians of all stripes should do nothing other than promote the importance of remembering those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. As a veteran of 32 years, I’m not too keen on much attention even being paid to us.
But that’s not what happened. A little school had refugee students. The staff, probably with an abysmal knowledge of anything military related, decided to try to protect these kids. All she asked was that serving members not wear uniforms to their ceremonies. That’s it. No “national symbols” were involved. Was it wrong-headed? Sure. Was it with ill intentions? Absolutely not.
Instead, the principal was doxxed, the pile-on started, and she found herself in the centre of a politically motivated attack. It was utterly against everything I chose to serve for.
Wow. Did you read at all what I wrote? Why did I say it?
It's all culture war with you types. Nothing of substance. Just whining and butthurt.
Which was the point of the letter...which obviously sailed right over your head.
As for anonymity, that's my business. I've publicly stated my reasons, and have no need to justify them further, least of all to a rando on the internet. The original had my signature.
BTW, I match tone for tone on here. If you're civil I will be too.
Yikes! Black Cloud Six is the first Canadian with decades of military service who has crossed my Substack readings. I think his writings are very informative and I have no problem with his calling out PP even though I will likely vote for him. Also, I suggest you take cues from Black Cloud Six in the tone of your writing style and comments. Thank you.
I would also point out that serious politicians who seriously want to be Prime Minister would be willing to get a security clearance, which the leader of the Official Opposition is apparently not. Over my own years of service I must’ve met 10-12 MPs from different parties, including at least three sitting MNDs. After meeting them there were precisely two I would’ve voted for myself, both because they were the only ones who asked serious questions about defence issues and seemed to actually be interested in what we were doing.
I think there's a bit of a performance behind the whole security clearance business, but I can't imagine what the objective might be. I do know that the PM looks mighty unserious himself by bringing it up after every question. There's a reason I have little time for politicians.
I have a real issue with someone who wishes to be our PM but won't, likely can't, get a security clearance. My brother is also retired military but thinks PP walks on water and actually suggested it was because PP was adopted that he can't get a security clearance. WTF? I said I believe in nature versus nurture, and so yes, his actual parents were likely also assholes, but I just can't see how being adopted could possibly have anything to do with the fact that the man CAN'T get a security clearance. He has drank the maple flavoured Kool-Aid.
I doubt it’s because he was adopted - which happened when he was an infant, and even then the identity of his birth mother is known because it’s on his Wikipedia page. If I wanted to be snarky I would say that it’s because his work history would have only one entry - politician - but I’d rather not leave it at that because I actually consider it to be a serious issue. My *fear* is that he actually has connections with far right/white nationalist groups in the US and Europe. Less likely is that he is a Chinese or Russian asset. Either way, his “I want to speak freely” excuse is completely nonsensical so we know either that he is lying or he doesn’t understand how security clearances work.
Absolutely right. Remembrance Day should not be used to score cheap clickbait/YouTube view points. Well said!
Hi Mark. Good to see you here.
I came for the kittens, stayed for the analysis!
I need to write, but there’s so much lunacy happening right now that I can’t keep up!
I would love to send this to my MP. Any chance you could make available a version that can be forwarded for that purpose?
You'll have to cut and paste it, I'm afraid
Hi Doug, as someone who used to answer Ministers' correspondence, may I suggest that you use this letter as a base but perhaps customize it a bit to your particular circumstances? Politicians receive a lot of letter-writing campaigns and anything that resembles a form letter tends not to get the attention that a one-off, from the heart version does. Perhaps wrong but that's the way it works. Good luck.
Do you gentlemen know if there's any movement underway to prevent Twitter et al from disseminating lies and hatred here like what is happening in the states. Some European countries are working on some guidelines, I firmly believe we should be too, so we don't end up with PP as our next PM. I am not a huge fan of Trudeau but he is miles ahead of PP. And I fear for our country if he becomes PM.
I can 100% understand how a uniformed person could be traumatic for refugees. Not all uniforms are friendly.
I agree with everything except the Elementary school in N.S. Everyone dumped on them including the Premier of N.S. who actually nailed it. It is an example of what is going badly wrong in this country. Instead of actually using their intelligence and using it as a teaching moment, maybe even using Lynn Johnston’s famous Remembrance Day cartoon, they wanted to rid the day of a national symbol. PC, woke, whatever adjective you want, decisions such as this have become far too common. Otherwise, politicians of all stripes should do nothing other than promote the importance of remembering those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. As a veteran of 32 years, I’m not too keen on much attention even being paid to us.
But that’s not what happened. A little school had refugee students. The staff, probably with an abysmal knowledge of anything military related, decided to try to protect these kids. All she asked was that serving members not wear uniforms to their ceremonies. That’s it. No “national symbols” were involved. Was it wrong-headed? Sure. Was it with ill intentions? Absolutely not.
Instead, the principal was doxxed, the pile-on started, and she found herself in the centre of a politically motivated attack. It was utterly against everything I chose to serve for.
Well said, Sir!
Wow. Did you read at all what I wrote? Why did I say it?
It's all culture war with you types. Nothing of substance. Just whining and butthurt.
Which was the point of the letter...which obviously sailed right over your head.
As for anonymity, that's my business. I've publicly stated my reasons, and have no need to justify them further, least of all to a rando on the internet. The original had my signature.
BTW, I match tone for tone on here. If you're civil I will be too.
You started this. I’ll finish it now. Good bye
Yikes! Black Cloud Six is the first Canadian with decades of military service who has crossed my Substack readings. I think his writings are very informative and I have no problem with his calling out PP even though I will likely vote for him. Also, I suggest you take cues from Black Cloud Six in the tone of your writing style and comments. Thank you.