September 25, 2013

Canadians Baffled By U.S. Health Care System, And By Extension, ‘Breaking Bad’

The show Breaking Bad is about Walter White, a high school chemistry teacher in Albuquerque, New Mexico, who is diagnosed with lung cancer in the first episode of the series. Because he does not want to be a financial burden to his family, he uses his chemistry skills to produce and sell a super pure methamphetamine, and in the process become “Heisenberg,” his menacing alter ego. During the course of the series, we watch the Walter White character transform from seemingly meek and innocent to astonishingly scheming and rancorous. But it didn’t have to be that way. Had Breaking Bad taken place in say, Winnipeg, Manitoba (Canada), it would have looked more like this:

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July 2, 2013

Is The United States-Mexico Border Fence A Symbol Of Freedom Or Racism?

When I see images of the U.S.-Mexico border fence, I know I don’t think strength. I don’t think freedom. I don’t think liberty. I don’t think compassion. I don’t think empathy. No, when I see that fence, I think of oppressive regimes. Now, to be fair, those regimes usually build fences to keep people in, not out, but still, does a country that prides itself on freedom need a fortified border fence? And if so, why is there no such fence separating us from Canada?

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August 27, 2012

For Republicans, Duality is a State Of Mind, a Means To An End

Republicans exist in their own special place and time. A place that is loose with facts, stuffed with contradictory statements and topped off with hyperbolic rhetoric. Whatever will get the job done. Their soon-to-be nominee for president, Mitt Romney is the poster child of Republican duality. For Republicans this is simply a state of mind. The goal is to win the White House and take full control of U.S. government. Convictions are less important than ultimate power, and so Republicans willingly trample on their own statements and previous policy positions. It’s a means to an end.

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