Subscribe to our Free Newsletter - Be Truly Informed


Enter your E-mail address

We respect your privacy and use email communications in a very appropriate manner.

Here are two interesting stories on jobs which is quite surprising.  You can click on the respective headlines below and they will open up in a new window.  I do find the news about these additions of jobs in a recession to be quite interesting.  Below the story headlines I will tell you why.

America adds 103, 000 in September 

Canada adds 61,000 jobs in September

America’s population is over 300 million people  and Canada’s is about 33 million.  Yet Canada added 61,000 jobs and the US only 103,000.  Obviously there is a recession like atmosphere but relatively by comparison Canada is doing quite well.

Why?

Much in part because Canada got its spending under control in the 90s but just as important it has appropriate regulations concerning its financial institutions.  I say appropriate because I certainly believe it’s very possible to over-regulate or incorrectly regulate.  Unfortunately when these mistakes are made in regulations then you fuel the large groups of people opposing government incursion.  But when regulations are done correctly and not excessively they can enable the free market.  This is key for capitalism.

If you have had the opportunity to deal with bureaucratic institutions he US you probably have noted that it can be quite unpleasant.  There sometimes does not appear to be that reasonableness that one might expect.  Not that the same is never true in Canada, but I believe Canada pales in comparison.  There are so many laws and regulations and institutions permitting and prohibiting various activities that there is in many senses more latitude in Canada.  Obviously there are differences between Canadian and US law. Canada is common law (except Quebec which is the Civil Code, Louisiana has some French and Spanish heritage in law) and differs from US law even though they have the same Common Law origins, and our federations differ.  Click here for more information about the US Federal Government and here for info on the Canadian.  The US is certainly a great melting pot of regulations.   Many people think of the US as being freer than Canada but in many ways it is not.  I think that Canadians are coming to see the “The True North strong and free!” which can be an example for other countries.  Where as many in the US say it is spreading democracy and freedom, Canada can be an influencing example of common sense.

Don't Forget to Subscribe to our Free Newsletter - Be Truly Informed

Enter your E-mail address

We respect your privacy and use email communications in a very appropriate manner.

I want to wish everyone a happy new year!

Don't Forget to Subscribe to our Free Newsletter - Be Truly Informed

Enter your E-mail address

We respect your privacy and use email communications in a very appropriate manner.
Real Efficiency

Real Efficiency

One of my interests is looking at what we all can do to help the planet with regard to climate change, particularly with regard to our actions.

I have thought about the issue fundamentally from the standpoint of clean energy sources.  I see two fundamentals that I think must be kept in mind.

Firstly, any of the processes that are happening should waste no energy.

Secondly, any energy can be converted from one form to a useful form.

This is just the beginning as I will include more posts on the topic but I really wanted to throw these thoughts out here and see what folks had to say.  Feel free to share your thoughts and any ideas.

Don't Forget to Subscribe to our Free Newsletter - Be Truly Informed

Enter your E-mail address

We respect your privacy and use email communications in a very appropriate manner.

In my dealings with various bureaucracies and individuals in different organizations over the years I have come to see very clearly many people are overzealous in their authority.  It certainly can be extremely difficult and troubling to deal with someone who is being unnecessarily heavy handed.

Moreover, although it would never be fair to excuse anyone who performs an act of violence and puts the blame on individuals in positions like the ones I’ve mentioned, I can’t help but think over the years that systemically if this has been a person’s experiences with bureaucracies, then perhaps from that person’s perspective he/she feels justified in trying to get revenge.  Again I’m not saying this reduces in any way the person’s total responsibility for their actions who commits an act of violence or crime but I do have a point to make.  My point is that common sense is so sometimes missing or not being used by folks that work for various organizations.  They of course have very good reason to follow rules (i.e. they’re just “doing their job”, but there is no official rule that these folks have to be rude to other people (as is sometimes the case) or that they have to go beyond the rules / their authority to show the person who is boss.  My point is that a person who already feels mistreated is going to be more provoked and convinced that this is the case if they’ve been subjected to this treatment again and again.

Ultimately I am really expressing an opinion that the people who fall into the group of bureaucrats I’m describing really need to use common sense and fairness when dealing with people.  I don’t think it’s just a nice thing to do but really the only prudent way to function. So for those who are over zealous without common sense it is my hope that someone reading this might consider heeding and/or passing on the message where applicable.

Don't Forget to Subscribe to our Free Newsletter - Be Truly Informed

Enter your E-mail address

We respect your privacy and use email communications in a very appropriate manner.

One of the points that I’ve raised in this blog is that if you become truly empowered you’ll want to reach out to others so you can be of service.  One of the great ways you can be of service is by living an example of what you’d like to see more of in the world.

The famous non fiction writer Malcolm Gladwell, in his book The Tipping Point, discusses how individuals can set trends. Many trends have resulted because of someone’s decision to do something a certain way.

One simple example: if you would like to see a more friendly and conscientious society then the first step is to make an effort to consistently act that way in your interactions with people.  These things, like many, have a tendency to create a ripple effect.  So you see: this is a simple yet true example of how one individual can make a difference.

If I can be so bold as to make a suggestion it would be this: do some brainstorming on what values or whatever you’d like to see in the world and make a commitment to consistently bring those into your day-to-day interactions.  You know the old adage that actions speak louder than words, well what are you waiting for?

Do take care.

Don't Forget to Subscribe to our Free Newsletter - Be Truly Informed

Enter your E-mail address

We respect your privacy and use email communications in a very appropriate manner.
Don't Forget to Subscribe to our Free Newsletter - Be Truly Informed

Enter your E-mail address

We respect your privacy and use email communications in a very appropriate manner.

You can click here and read a story that was covered in the media.

My take on this matter is that how we handle criminals has to involve a balanced approach.  Simply put, while we need to be more attentive to mental health issues and psychological roots driving criminal behaviour so that we can frame appropriate interventions, we should not be arrogant about our ability to simply reform everyone.  We need to at the same time be cognizant of the greater good of society.

An example, if you are schizophrenic and have murdered someone, it is very possible that you can be found not criminally responsible and it is also possible that you can go on medication for the rest of your life and not endager society BUT the key is to have a very strict monitoring system in place ensuring that this person remains on medication at all times.  So the crux of the matter rests with: Can we ensure such strict adherence remains in place at ALL times? I think that if the answer is yes we can accomplish much.  What are your thoughts?

Don't Forget to Subscribe to our Free Newsletter - Be Truly Informed

Enter your E-mail address

We respect your privacy and use email communications in a very appropriate manner.
© 2011 Best Knowledge Suffusion theme by Sayontan Sinha