Why do I support Michael Ignatieff?

I had some good friends over for dinner a couple of weeks ago and the topic of politics came up. I was asked why I like Michael Ignatieff and I thought that is a great question.

I don’t believe many people ask themselves why they support their political leaders enough. In fact I think most people just follow the pack without really even understanding who they support. How else can one explain Rob Anders, a virtual buffoon of a man who is the MP for Calgary West?

Even in his own party he is an embarrassment and yet the sheep of Calgary West continue to elect him just because he is part of the Conservative Party. It is the scariest most mindless and uneducated way of exercising one’s vote. If you don’t believe me, I dare you to look up his record on the internet and you will be astonished that a person like that can lead. Anyway, I apologize for getting off topic, but the stupidity of mechanical Conservative support provokes that in me. The main reason for this is so that I can express why I support Michael Ignatieff and I’m proud to do that very thing.

To me, I believe Mr. Ignatieff is a good person, who is well educated and represents the ideals of the Liberal Party. He is a man that has been engaged in the world and in my opinion truly understands the complex world of international relations. This is clearly demonstrated by his involvement in the world we live. Whether it is teaching at one of Canada’s top schools or at Oxford or Harvard, he is engaged in the bigger picture and is able to promote Canadian ideals around the globe.

After all, Oxford and Harvard are two establishments are two of the most respected educational institutions in the world and have educated some of the great leaders from every corner of the globe. They picked Mr. Ignatieff to contribute to that and understand the great amount of insight and knowledge he has to share.

His background includes being Director of the Carr Center for Human Rights Policy at the John F. Kennedy School of Government and the Chancellor Jackman Professor in Human Rights Policy at the University of Toronto. Those two facts alone make him better qualified than Stephan Harper to be leader of Canada, but that alone is not why I think he should lead Canada.
Yes, he is a man that has studied the past, a PH.D in History from Harvard, and in the words of Sir Winston Churchill, “Those who fail to learn from the past are doomed to repeat it” and with his understanding of the past, he is well position to lead in to the future, but there is more to him. I’ve been keeping track of him as he has gone out to visit all parts of Canada, and I truly believe he has a love for this country and its people.

Mr. Ignatieff has everything it takes to be a great leader. Yes, he has made some mistakes, but with his background and commitment, I do believe once elected he will be a great leader of Canada and I will proud to call him Prime Minister.

Why I am a Liberal!

I am a Liberal for many reasons, the first being the very fact that it was under the Liberal Government that, as a gay man, I was able to marry the man I love. This is the first thing I will forever be indebted to the party for. However, that does not define solely why I am a Liberal.

I am a Liberal as I believe strongly in Canada. I believe in sovereignty as a country. I do not want to be an American. Yes, I understand that we are closely tied, but still very different and I believe in Canada’s strengths and the subtleties that make us truly distinct. Our agenda needs to be strongly defined within a diplomatic and reasonable context.

I love our country and all it stands for. I believe we should take care of each other with strong social programs. I believe in Universal Health Care. I believe in the CBC, a strong Canadian voice broadcasting and embracing the wonderful differences of all corners of the country.

I believe we live in a small world that has all its inhabitants closely intertwined. I believe in diplomacy. I believe in understanding other cultures and nations and not pushing ourselves on the world, but working with others to create strong and mutually beneficial relationships.

I believe in a Canada that is made up of many different cultures. I love the fabric of the country that is made up of many different ways of thinking. I DO NOT believe we are a melting pot, where everyone has to become one idea of Canada. I believe in a cultural mosaic that is full of all the wonderful things that come with a diverse country. I believe our country continues to evolve as the make up of our country changes. I do understand that change will not always be easy.

Being Liberal is not easy, especially in Alberta. This is a culture that is conservative without even really knowing why they are Conservative. This is a province full of people that can’t pass the word Liberal through their lips without some kind of physical reaction. However I think the majority of “Conservatives” in Alberta are more Liberal than they care to admit.

These are the people that want to be fiscally conservative, but they also enjoy and are proud of having universal health care, great education systems, pensions for when they are old and employment insurance for when they lose their jobs. These are the good people that want to take care of their fellow Canadians. They want a strong economy with safeguards that don’t let greed destroy the very lifestyle we have all worked hard to create.

These conservatives I speak of just don’t realize that things they hold so dear are some of the most basic fundamentals of being a Liberal in Canada. This is very far from where the Conservatives would take this country if they reach a majority under the leadership of Stephen Harper and therefore the main reason why I will never be a Conservative. I believe if the Conservatives had won a majority earlier, I believe their “be American” laissez-faire government philosophy would have seen changes that would have allowed regulations to be relaxed and put as a greater risk for an even worse recession then we are right now.

Why I am not a Conservative. I do not believe that we have to bow down to the Americans. I do not believe that we have to follow the agenda of the United States. I do believe they are great neighbours that offer us a lot, but that does not mean we do not need to stick up for ourselves as Canadians.

I do not believe in squashing people who don’t meet a certain criteria. I do not believe that religion has any place in government. I believe in allowing people of all faiths, sexual orientations, genders and cultures to have equal freedom and respect.

I am a Liberal and proud of it.

Why?

Last night I had to go out to run an errand (aka wine run). As I crossed the street next to my building I ended up being caught behind a very attractive couple. The lady walking her small little shih tzu and the man walking his great big black lab. Very sweet and how reflective of the need to assert your gender identity through the ownership of the stereotypical type of dog. Why do men always feel the bigger dog, the more manly they are. Guess that is the same idea as some men and their trucks, the bigger the better. Well in my mind I always think the bigger the truck, the smaller the penis. Anyway I digress.

This couple I was walking behind were both dressed in that relaxed, I don't give a care manner that seems to prevail today. That is fine when you are out walking the dogs in the shadows of the evening darkness. God knows on those early morning walks I ain't so pretty either. However, I did have one very big problem with the lady. She was wearing sweats and not just any sweat pants, but ones with letters on her ass. I ask you why? Why does anyone think this is at all attractive or cute or flattering or at all appropriate.

Even the most attractive person, who might have a great body, looks like trailer trash when sporting sweats with a big old word slapped across the cheeks. It can be "Roots" or "Husky" or some other pathetic promotional gimmick, but whatever the word they are sporting is, I'm sorry to say, makes you look like an ass. If you are reading this and you own a pair you may feel this a bit harsh, but maybe this is the direct intervention you need to just say "NO" to this kind of thing.

Sweats, in my opinion, are the downfall to society and at the very least the down fall to fashion. However, when I see those words riding so close to the asshole of its owner, all I think is ASS! It is not my fault, If you are going to force me to look there, then I'm naturally going to make the association.

Please, throw out those sweats and stop annoying me already. Think of tossing those trashy pants as your contribution to a better world, a world where the ass doesn't lead the discussion, but follows discreetly behind.

My best friend!

I met my best friend over 12 years ago. I don't remember the actual year, but we were both in college at the time. She was as she is today, a fabulously funny confident woman. Full of wit and full of love and an amazingly sincere, thoughtful lady. Through the years we have gone through so much together. We even ended up being a couple for a while!

Yes, I'm gay and she is straight, but there was a time when I was in denial and we became fast friends, which grew to a deep sense of caring and eventually love. Yes, a gay man and a straight woman can fall in love. It is a different kind of love. For a while it masked itself in a pseudo hetrosexual relationship, but eventually we evolved to what it is today, the love of a true friend and soul mate, and a kind of love that I will always be able to count on.

As I already mentioned, she is a thoughtful amazing lady. I am constantly astounded by the fact that she always remembers to call at the right time and a card always arrives for Christmas and birthdays on time. She has a special gift for making people feel loved and cared for.

My life is truly better with her in it and I'm so grateful for such a lovely person to call a friend. Thank you Joanne for always being there and always taking the time for me. Now that I'm married you treat Szejn the same way. Your card of course arrived today, perfectly timed for Szejn's birthday, making him feel special and loved. For that and so much more, I love you.

Okay, time to close this off. I feel like I'm writing a request to one of those crapy late night radio shows. Well no Delilah for me! Joanne, you know what I'm talking about.

Monday I had a great day and met one of my milestones in regards to cooking. I was able to make pizza. Now that may not sound like a lot, but I've been quite intimidated by making the dough from scratch. After all, my mom has made pizza's from scratch my whole life and not just your average pizza. She makes amazing pizza and is legendary with most of my friends. She even made pizza with some of the other mom's in High School to raise money for our High School graduation. I knew one day I'd try too, but being the procrastinator that I am, I waited and waited, but I knew one day I'd go for it. So, Monday was the day I decided to try my luck at the process and take the plunge. With the help of Ina Garten's pizza dough recipe from one of my new Barefoot Contesa cook books (love, love, love her), I was off and running.

The dough was a lot easier than I ever imagined. With the help of my handy dandy, red kitchen aid mixer (thank you Jason and Capri for the lovely wedding gift). Add flour, water, yeast, honey and salt and your good to go. Okay there were a few steps, but rather easy. Then just let let it rise for 30 minutes.

While I was waiting I started putting together the pizzas. A lovely bruschetta top with lovely vine ripen tomatoes, a whole head of garlic (yes not good to eat with company), salt, pepper, italian parsley and some lovely extra virgin olive oil. The bruschetta was my base for all the pizzas, but how I changed it up was with the other toppings. The cheese was the main way to shake things up. Some were coated with some fabulous brie, some with havarti and others with a lovely blue cheese. The blue cheese isn't for everyone, but I just love the intensity of this cheese and it really makes a pizza zing. Another way to make a pizza dance is jalapeno peppers. Nothing makes something jump like the heat from a good pepper.

Well, anyway, I'm so very happy to have jumped this hurdle in my culinary adventures. What next? Hmmm... Just wish that I didn't love food so much or at least didn't indulge so much. My waist is punishing me. Ha!Ha!

Marriage, what is the debate about anyway?

I find it so funny that the debate of gay marriage always seems to be in the hands of those that are not in the least affected by it. That is especially true in the recent discussions regarding the issue in the US and as always the religious right is at the forefront. The majority of of this group believe it is the end of the family and an attack on their way of life. Society will suffer! Please!

It will not affect them at all if they are indeed straight. They will continue to marry, they will continue to reproduce and they will continue to divorce all on their own. Whether men can marry men and women can marry women will not change that. Canada is the perfect example of the fact that society will not crumble, marriage will not end and the sky won't fall.

Yes, heterosexuals have had the opportunity to do it for as long as anyone can remember. It is hard to give up the idea that you are some how superior because you have been born a certain way and should have the privilege that comes along with that. After all society as we know it has always provided a special positioning to those that have taken the leap into marriage.

Once you are married and have proven to be “stable” I believe the climb up the corporate ladder seems more accessible, partly because of the social status that comes with being married. After all you know that married couples tend to want to socialize more with other married couples. At least that is how I’ve witnessed things from both the perspective of a single person and a married person. Success in business comes mostly from networking and if you are already part of the club, the doors open just a little bit easier in to those offices of power.

Now, I’m not saying that all gays want marriage either. I have read things where it takes away the special type of cult status for many and they don’t feel the need or want to take part in the customs of straight society. However, I find this extremely annoying that this group of gays wants to have their beliefs stop other gays from getting married. After all, it just comes down to allowing those, whether you are gay or straight, from just making up their own mind about the situation.

Why don’t we just stop trying to push our beliefs on others? Be religious, get married have kids if you want. Be as gay as you want, march, have sex with more than one person and don’t by in to the social customs of the day. Whatever you want to be, believe what you need to, just don’t try to decide what others can do with their lives, how they can love and how they decide to express that love, whether it is marriage or some other sort of commitment. Lets just stop and let everyone love the way that best suits them.

What evolution?

What drives us to do things that aren’t necessarily good for us and in some ways can be self destructive? There is a list as long as there are people in the world. Just think about it, we as humans have habits such as over eating, drinking too much, smoking, drugs, sex. All things that drive us to do things that aren’t necessarily good for us. Even war, there are some areas in the world where war and violence seems to be a habit. Why do we as the human race engage in these kinds of things?
We should all know that the outcome of abusing these activities. It doesn’t leave us feeling better. We get sick, we destroy relationships and lives and most often we are left with more guilt then we can possibly handle. If so, then why? Is it that we have an animal type instinct in us that pushes us forward to do the act with the option of ignoring the outcome? Is it pleasure, ego or some other void that we are trying to fill?
So many questions and I guess there is a whole industry based on trying to fix or control these activities, but it really is something so interesting to comprehend. Thousands of years of people making the same mistakes and still we have not evolved to a place where we no longer do the things we should not do. Hmm…I feel like a snack.

Clutter be gone!

It is early Saturday morning. The sun is shining. I’m sitting in my office enjoying my first cup of coffee of the day. My fantastic dogs are at my feet and in a little while my husband will wake. We are going to spend the morning clearing our home of clutter.
Szejn has been talking about this activity for a while now. He is convinced that having too much stuff around you ways down the mind. At first I didn’t agree, but I’m slowly converting to his way of thinking. The more that I’ve thought about the idea, the more I realize that clutter around you does affect you.
It is as if all those things, silently lurking in the peripheral of your being does some how cause your mind to have to process more. It is therefore less available to focus, to relax and just be calm. What a better reason for the removal of clutter than just the need for peace.

Where are you going to be in 10 years?

Most people would think this would refer to their career, and of course that does encompass part of that question, but beyond just career, where would you want to be? In asking that of myself, I had a shock of excitement and nervousness. Where do I want to be? What kind of person would I like to evolve in to?

I think I like the second question more than the first. After all, I would like to think I will be in a position where I’m very content with who I am and how I look. I want to love and I want to be loved. I want to be respected. I want to be a good person who cares about people and things. I want to be more concerned with the present, than worried about the future. To actually fully feel every moment, be observant of what is around me. To be focused on stopping to smell the roses over rushing to get to the end of the garden path.

Maybe that is why when we get older, our bodies force us to slow down. Maybe then and only then can we move at a pace where we focus and enjoy the smallest things, like sitting on a bench and taking in the smell of fresh cut grass or the fragrances flowing from a garden. Maybe understanding happiness can be the enjoyment of the sun from the coolness of the shade of a large tree.

Okay, granted, that picture is a little farther out than 10 years for me, but I think the idea of being more content and present is certainly a good place to be. That is the kind of place I would like to evolve to while all the while feeling love and happiness as much is available to any one person.

The path not taken...

How does someone know when he or she has reached a crossroads? What does that mean? Could we quickly go down the wrong path without evening knowing that choices were present? After all, sometimes when you are driving and distracted you may find yourself at home without remembering the twists and the turns that made up a journey home.
What about life? How do we engage so that we don’t make the little decisions each day that might lead us down a different path, the wrong path, or maybe not even the wrong path, but rather just missing out on the most optimal path. After all, no one wants to miss out on the best life, the most exciting life possible. The perfect life where someone looks back on their deathbed and says I did everything I wanted, I regret nothing, and I’ve had the best experience available to me.
As I’m getting the older, I think the best way to experience the perfect way for me is to really get to understand whom I am. What makes me happy? What do I enjoy? How do I get the best experience out of life? I think part of this includes understanding my values. What do I hold true and how do I unsure my daily existence doesn’t conflict with my values.
To understand my values, I had to understand my choices. What are values? It seems like a very simple thing, but I’m sure that when asked, most people wouldn’t even know what to say. To do a bit of a discovery of what my values are, I’ve done a little review of the web and have come up with the following:
- Having a sense of humour
- Having enough time for myself
- Being free to do what I want
- Embracing diversity (understanding and accept cultures and individual and group differences)
- Having a feeling of tranquility
- Having good self-esteem
- Using my imagination
- Being creative
- Receiving credit for my work
- Having financial security
- Value the arts
- Being respected and valued
Once a person knows their values, I believe they have to keep them present with every choice that a person makes. This will, I’m starting to believe, is how a person can help navigate their path so they really do live the optimal life.

Friday night after what seemed like a very long week. The highlight was a wonderful lunch with a friend at Zen 8. Wow, what an amazing meal. Probably one of the best selection of sushi I've ever enjoyed. Granted I'm not a sushi expert, but it really was wonderful and terrific service, which at many times can be difficult to come by in Calgary. Anyway, I would highly recommend a visit to Zen 8. It is at a new location on 3rd street. It use to be at a lovely place called Penny lane. It was a wonderful character block that was torn down for one of Calgary's many growing skyscrapers which is in the process of growing from the ground and one day will reach for the sky.

Check it out:
http://driveit.clickspace.com/webpage/1002265/1000243

French a love hate relationship!

Went to my french class last night after missing one of the classes and not looking through the materials I missed prior to the class. Must say that I was a little lost. Who knew trying to learn a new language could be so difficult. Sometimes I feel as if my thick head is never going to absorb the wonderful language I so long to understand. It is one of my big goals in life to learn French and I will have to stick with it, even if it takes me my whole life to learn. I absolutely love the sound of someone speaking French. After all, take the word "Merde", which sounds like you are proclaiming something victorious when it is nothing more than "shit". Yes, my friends, even the most vulgar word sounds triumphant when pronounced in the french language. Au Revoir my friends!

be still my beeting heart...

I made a wonderful culinary discovery on the weekend, Candy Cane beets. Just the name itself intrigued me enough to purchase them. I got home and immediately sliced one up to see what I might find. Sure enough they had a lovely white inside with pretty pink rings. I had never heard of them before, but it was part of what I love about going to the farmers market. The chance of discovery. I also love the notion of buying local produce during the summer months. I know that is all the rage these days, but the freshness of the local produce offered at this time of the year at the markets is quite wonderful. Although you do still have to watch out if you are trying to buy local. We picked up some absolutely delicious nectarines, but when we were washing them we discovered they were from the United States. Now, they were delicious, but if things aren't grown in the immediate area, then I try to buy from Canada when I can.
Another thing the farmers market is perfect for is that it provides an amazing venue for people watching. Talk about a cultural mosaic, which is part of what makes Canada so great. You have the chance to interact with many different cultures and see people from many different social classes. It is one of the most entertaining and relaxing way to shop for groceries. Okay, it can get a little tense when the little old ladies are trying to strong arm their way to the vine ripen tomatoes, but nothing that a good bitch slap can't correct. Ha!Ha! Just kidding, they could take me with one arm tied behind their back.

http://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/candy-cane-beet-salad-with-orange-and-fennel

The thing that I've been remembering these past couple of months is when I was a child the world seemed to have such an immense possibility of joy.  That joy and excitement experienced over the smallest things, like an ice cream cone (aka fat boys heroine) or the immense adrenalin rush experienced when Christmas was only a few hours a way. Those feelings just can't seem to be replicated as an adult. Not that I would every want to go back. 

Being a chubby boy, who was gay and wasn't able to comprehend that yet, living in a small town where hunting, fishing and off roading were past times for the average boy. A time when I'd rather play with dolls than trucks and road hockey was a punishment paid for wanting to actually hang out with friends. Yes, I'm very happy childhood is behind me now. However I'd still love to have that ability to feel that kind of pure happiness again.

Maybe it is 37 years of taking the hits of life on the chin that beats that out of you. The ever growing cynicism and the wilting optimism. Don't get me wrong, I have a fantastic life, with a loving husband, two wonderful dogs and amazing friends, but I just would like to feel that sense of awe and wonder again. 

Hmm... something to ponder... how to rev up your happiness meter when you are getting close to 40. I've tried wine and shopping therapy, which can both make me pretty dam happy, but there must be something I'm missing. Not giving up though, will need to think more about this. Maybe I'm just heading to an early mid-life crisis. Oh joy!

What the Hell?

A little girl in Phoenix is lured to a shed with the promise of chewing gum. The boy who lures her there rapes her along with 3 other boys. If that isn't the most horrible thing you have ever heard it does get worse. The girl's parents blame her for what happened and say she has brought shame on the family. The girl is now with child protective services.
I just can't seem to even begin to understand how horrible people can be. How can parents toss their little girl away with such little regard at the time she needs them so much? How is this type of thing not considered a hate crime on its own. After all it is simply that she is female that she is being treated this way.
My only hope is that she ends up being placed with a family that will love and take care of her and give her the opportunity to heal from the trama she has endured, first by her attackers and then by her family.