- Get link
- Other Apps
Latest JUSTCAWS Columns
- Get link
- Other Apps
So as this state of emergency goes on and on my frustration, disappointment and disbelief only grows. I don't know how emergency powers that destroy people lives and livelihoods have been allowed to continue for this long. I fully support state of emergencies that exist for 30 days. I could even be persuaded for a one time extension of equal length, but you cannot call yourself a functioning democracy if you can suspend people's personal rights and freedoms for months on end.
Too many people have had their own businesses and legitimate sources of income taken away. Not everyone, thank god, wants to live on the public dole or be buried in debt. They want to create jobs, build wealth for themselves and their communities. In doing so, they submit to market forces to determine their success.
Government and public health do have a role to play in this pandemic and their leadership is essential. Warn people of the dangers to health, encourage responsible behaviour and if necessary shut down parts of the economy under direct control. They should not, however, be able to shut down private concerns for extended periods. That is up to the public to decide. If upon, listening to public health you choose not to patronize a business that is your call. I am sure that many businesses will find it difficult to survive in this current environment, but the ones who demonstrate they are doing all they can to protect their customers, can thrive. Any that show blatant disregard - should be shut down.
The argument I hear is that if we let people decide they will make unhealthy choices and we can't let that happen with this virus. The actions of individuals have an impact on the collective. That is why I support temporary state of emergency orders. They buy the government time it needs to learn more, build necessary infrastructure and prepare for when orders are lifted. This time is precious and should not be squandered by inaction that occurs when timelines are continually extended. I have been gobsmacked by how lock downs extensions have been done as a matter of course, and not given the respect and gravity they deserve.
The scope of state emergency orders and the length of time they are kept in place do say a lot about a society. Sweden opted for a partial lock down in part, because there is strong mutual trust between the government and the people. While many have said their approach is wrong, it is far too early to condemn a plan that was made for the long haul. Ironic how one of the most socialist countries on the planet, allowed private enterprise to remain open because they trust their citizens to do the right thing.
Now let's look closer to home and our neighbours to the south. As a dual citizen of Canada and United States, I have always taken keen interest in the differences between the countries I love. The pandemic has only amplified the contrast in values. America's entrepreneurial spirit and work ethic are on full display. They did shut down their private businesses, but for much shorter time periods than in Canada, and they have a higher number of per capita deaths. In Canada, this is viewed as dangerous, but even in states ruled by Democrats, they know the importance of work and self-reliance. Not so, here in Canada. Before the pandemic Canada's per capita productivity rates have lagged behind the industrious Americans. This gap will only grow. Who would want a private sector job in Canada now or risk their life savings opening up a restaurant or cafe? Best to leave that to Tim's or some other deep pocketed corporation who can survive a bad year. Americans protest this attack on Main Street and shout "we want to work ". Canadians mock them.
When Conrad Black suggested that Canada should open up the economy he was pilloried by many on the left, for being out of touch and that he is only looking to make his deep pockets deeper. If anything, Mr. Black is going against his own interests because the response to this pandemic will make the rich, richer. The pain of this shut has been felt most by the poor and women, the very people liberals purportedly care about. Yet, when it comes to pushing that we should get back to work - not a peep is heard by the left, only scorn. Their main solution is to throw more printed money at the problem which fuels greater inequity and hampers future government's ability to fund needed social programs.
Thankfully, Alberta is finally seeing the light and is ending its state of emergency orders and this economic chemo response. Many frightened Canadians call this reckless. In the U.S., where the desire for liberty reigns supreme, leaders pushing to open up the economy are labelled populists. In play it safe, stay home Canada, when a politician goes against the grain to say we need to get back to work, we should call it what it really is - leadership.
Gregory Cawsey
Too many people have had their own businesses and legitimate sources of income taken away. Not everyone, thank god, wants to live on the public dole or be buried in debt. They want to create jobs, build wealth for themselves and their communities. In doing so, they submit to market forces to determine their success.
Government and public health do have a role to play in this pandemic and their leadership is essential. Warn people of the dangers to health, encourage responsible behaviour and if necessary shut down parts of the economy under direct control. They should not, however, be able to shut down private concerns for extended periods. That is up to the public to decide. If upon, listening to public health you choose not to patronize a business that is your call. I am sure that many businesses will find it difficult to survive in this current environment, but the ones who demonstrate they are doing all they can to protect their customers, can thrive. Any that show blatant disregard - should be shut down.
The argument I hear is that if we let people decide they will make unhealthy choices and we can't let that happen with this virus. The actions of individuals have an impact on the collective. That is why I support temporary state of emergency orders. They buy the government time it needs to learn more, build necessary infrastructure and prepare for when orders are lifted. This time is precious and should not be squandered by inaction that occurs when timelines are continually extended. I have been gobsmacked by how lock downs extensions have been done as a matter of course, and not given the respect and gravity they deserve.
The scope of state emergency orders and the length of time they are kept in place do say a lot about a society. Sweden opted for a partial lock down in part, because there is strong mutual trust between the government and the people. While many have said their approach is wrong, it is far too early to condemn a plan that was made for the long haul. Ironic how one of the most socialist countries on the planet, allowed private enterprise to remain open because they trust their citizens to do the right thing.
Now let's look closer to home and our neighbours to the south. As a dual citizen of Canada and United States, I have always taken keen interest in the differences between the countries I love. The pandemic has only amplified the contrast in values. America's entrepreneurial spirit and work ethic are on full display. They did shut down their private businesses, but for much shorter time periods than in Canada, and they have a higher number of per capita deaths. In Canada, this is viewed as dangerous, but even in states ruled by Democrats, they know the importance of work and self-reliance. Not so, here in Canada. Before the pandemic Canada's per capita productivity rates have lagged behind the industrious Americans. This gap will only grow. Who would want a private sector job in Canada now or risk their life savings opening up a restaurant or cafe? Best to leave that to Tim's or some other deep pocketed corporation who can survive a bad year. Americans protest this attack on Main Street and shout "we want to work ". Canadians mock them.
When Conrad Black suggested that Canada should open up the economy he was pilloried by many on the left, for being out of touch and that he is only looking to make his deep pockets deeper. If anything, Mr. Black is going against his own interests because the response to this pandemic will make the rich, richer. The pain of this shut has been felt most by the poor and women, the very people liberals purportedly care about. Yet, when it comes to pushing that we should get back to work - not a peep is heard by the left, only scorn. Their main solution is to throw more printed money at the problem which fuels greater inequity and hampers future government's ability to fund needed social programs.
Thankfully, Alberta is finally seeing the light and is ending its state of emergency orders and this economic chemo response. Many frightened Canadians call this reckless. In the U.S., where the desire for liberty reigns supreme, leaders pushing to open up the economy are labelled populists. In play it safe, stay home Canada, when a politician goes against the grain to say we need to get back to work, we should call it what it really is - leadership.
Gregory Cawsey
Popular Posts
Teacher Unions - You Need To Calm Down
Been tapping my thumbs quite a bit on twitter lately, as it seems many educators have expressing their concerns of various school re-opening plans. While many of my colleagues have been critical of various governments, my ire has been directed at the teacher unions and their fervent followers. Obviously, my comments have been questioned by teacher union supporters, What they fail to grasp is how a teacher and passionate public education supporter would take issue with their own unions. Perhaps a little background is in order for how my view has developed during my 20 + year career. Being politically minded, I was very interested in the teachers union and its role in public education. Early on I was voted by peers to be my schools collective bargaining rep and later a district federation VP. Here, I received further negotiation training and sat on multiple rounds of negotiations with my corresponding school board. My rose coloured, idealistic glasses were soon broken, by these experie
When The School Bell Rings - We Must Be Ready For All
Been certainly enough speculation from concerned parties about what is going to happen in Ontario Schools this fall. Since I have more than a little skin in the game, I wanted to share my thoughts on the matter. Knowing first hand as an educator and parent the vital role teachers play in the development of young minds I was very satisfied to hear that Sick Kids recommended that school return back to the classroom (with enhanced cleaning and safety measures of course) this fall. I thought this would be met with relief, and it was for some. But for many it seemed to only bring anxiety. I can understand this feeling of unease coming from some parents, but I thought educators would embrace being relevant and essential again. Teachers know the dark side of abuse and neglect that occurs in homes of the vulnerable. For these students, school is their safe space. We also know that e-learning does not work for many students with special needs and those facing tech inequity. So barring a chang
When Will This End? If You Live in The States - Early Next Year.
Update - I am an dual citizen and have discovered I have an American mindset, so I stand by my prediction, as it has come true in the U.S. and many parts of the world, but sadly not in Canada. Limited capacity in our healthcare system, little risk tolerance and the power of the collective over the individual has kept Canada in paralysis. Even with higher case counts in some states than all of Canada, red and blue America has moved on. If you are trying to find a sliver lining to this pandemic a popular one is to appreciate its historical significance. You may have been told or said to others to think of the stories you can tell your grandkids about the pandemic of 2020. Sadly, it will be a sombre tale. But it will be one that I am glad to proclaim will come to an end after one year. Yes, the pandemic will stop as soon as we decide to put an end to the pain and suffering caused. Of course I am not talking about the disease. Sorry, but that's not coming to end just yet.
10 Ideas For The Jays New Ball Park
Kids and I have toured quite a few ball parks prior to the pandemic. Love doing the tours and taking notes of what works and doesn't. Had noted some of my observations for ideas on how to improve the Rogers Centre for baseball. With a new ball park now hopefully on its way soon, I did some revising. Ultimately, I don't believe it will be in its current location as its in too valuable a spot already. Better to leverage cheaper real estate down by the lake and build up around it. The Jays also have few options of where they could play while a new park is being built. So I expect, it will eventually end up by lake, so let's not make it another mistake. But either way here are … My top ten suggestions for the Jays new ball park... Let's end this post appropriately, with a walk off from many fans fav park - PNC.
This Disease Is Fought Standing Shoulder To Shoulder
I am heartened to see many videos and images this morning of Police joining with peaceful protesters in the wake of the murder of George Floyd. While racism in society is pervasive and progress toward true equality moves at a frustratingly slow pace, the relationship citizens have with those sworn with a duty to protect them is at the core of this anger. I am not a police officer and I have no family connection to law enforcement. However, like many of us I know many and some very well. I have heard their stories and have nothing, but respect for the job they do. Many of the officers I know are also black. I have deep admiration for these heroes because I would imagine their sense of duty to their communities comes with an inner battle that must be won before they join that group and don that uniform. So I am careful not to suggest solutions in policing, or offer changes to law enforcement structures that I don’t understand. I am a member of another professional tribe a
JUST Archives
JUST Archives
- June 20211
- March 20211
- January 20212
- November 20201
- October 20203
- August 20201
- July 20202
- June 20206
- May 20204
- April 20201
- March 20201
- February 20201
- January 20201
- December 20191
- November 20191
- July 20192
- May 20191
- April 20192
- March 20192
- January 20191
- December 20181
- November 20181
- December 20101
- May 20101
- August 20081