I’m still trying to get up to speed after only a few days away from news and internet connections. From a quick scan of news articles it doesn’t seem like a whole lot happened over the weekend.
It’s very healthy to get away from the minutia of politics though. Out there in the real world, very few people actually care about the ‘inside baseball’ world of governments at any level – unless it starts to impact you negatively.
Which brings me to today’s topic.
Lawyer Michael Polowin has a rather amusing article in the Ottawa Citizen where he discusses what it means to be a liberal (both small and large L) - “My Name is Michael and I am a liberal. Really.” He refers to “King Dalton”, “Emperor Michael”, etc. and decides that they are more authoritarian than liberal.
He really gives it to King Dalton:
...Authoritarianism run rampant. In recent years, we have seen our city try to prohibit pesticides, without the slightest work to determine if there is a justifiable reason to do so. Now King Dalton has done so, even though investigation by Health Canada says there is no reason to. Spraying for weeds? Off with his head!
King Dalton has decided that in a couple of years, I may no longer use incandescent light bulbs. He has done so in the interests of collective rights. Notwithstanding that I may wish to pay for the additional electric costs, I may not do so, since His Majesty believes that compact fluorescent bulbs are a better idea. Global warming and all that, you know. Now in this space last year, I discussed the potential environmental risks of the royal light bulbs. Turns out that Health Canada now agrees with me — they are potentially hazardous to children and other living things. Not to worry — King Dalton has decreed that I must use the dangerous, mercury-laden time bombs, in the interests of all Ontarians…
But here I have to take off my partisan hat and remind Michael Polowin that the Federal Government is also complicit in this light bulb fiasco. The Gazette’s Henry Aubin recently wrote a column outlining several of the grave dangers involved with the CFL bulb and ends with the following warning:
…Meanwhile the federal government has decided that Canada will phase out all incandescent bulbs by 2012. Unless this country launches very serious public-education and recycling initiatives, that’s a reckless objective. The alarming complexity of dealing with busted bulbs is but a small part of the problem.
If you check out this Global 16:9 episode – Rays of Rash?, you’ll begin to have an understanding of the disconcerting health problems associated with compact fluorescent light bulbs. Health Canada is doing a study which should be out in the fall. Meanwhile they’ve posted a list of caveats but still maintain the the bulbs are ‘considered safe’.
So I’m left here feeling betrayed by both the Provincial and Federal governments that they would even talk about banning incandescent bulbs until safe replacement products can be found.
My suspicion is that both the McGuinty and Harper governments are selling out to the green lobby, although King Dalton is the master in that area.
I just want to have a choice as to what kind of bulb to use. I want to be able to buy a safe light bulb.
Is that too much to ask in a supposed democracy?
* * * *
Update: Big-time authoritarianism in Torontostan – Law applies to some more than others: David Menzies (National Post)
I think you’ve hit on two of the most fundamental problems of modern governments at all levels. They’ve overstepped their authority in peoples’ lives and they’ve become more responsive to special interest groups than to the voter. Dalton McGuinty is a quintessential example what ails our deteriorating democracy.
Fluorecent bulbs of any size give off flickering light (can’t think of the proper name) and this can and does cause seizures in epileptics. (I know from experience, we had to get rid of all our fluroecent 8foot tubes)
Guess I better start hoarding bulbs.
Greetings. I tried one of those bulbs years ago and did not like them. Since The announcement of the Phase Out I have been stock piling the incandescent bulbs. Every time I go to Canadian Tire I grab a few more.
My goal is to have enough to last until they sort this whole fiasco out.
As a firefighter, I can tell you that the proceedures laid out by Health Canada are of similar nature to the cleanup of the worst Chemical Spills.
The reality is, they are a ticking time bomb, which if not a fire hazard, are going to be responsible for FLiK.
That is a term used by airforce pilots who are irridated by to much radiation for Radar.
FLiK (Funny Looking Kids)
How could anything be happening with Count Iggy still MIA. Is he somewhere in Europe with Suzzzee, supping the fruit of the grape and planning his next lecture?
[...] Read more from the original source: Authoritarianism is alive and well in Canada – Blue Like You – [...]
According to a CTV report yesterday “There has been an almost viral, false campaign suggesting he’s been holidaying at the family villa in France, something his office emphatically denies“.
So where in the world IS I-Michael ??? Enquiring minds, and a media desperate to write something/anything about him, want to know.
And if he’s not in France, it should be pretty easy for him to pop up and disprove the rumours.
This will be known as the time that governments everywhere in the “free world” have ‘jumped the shark’. It took nearly 50 years but we are now officially working for the government instead of the other way around and paying for the privilege!
I suspect the old Igg-meister is at Harvard with the PC reved up, going over the resume.
Line 70,098
period Jan 2009-June 2009
I suspect the old Igg-meister is at Harvard with the PC reved up, going over the resume.
Line 70,098 on resume
Jan 2009-June 2009, almost the prime minister of a small northern country which it’s name escapes me right now.
June 2009 – present 4th smartest man in the world
I have been using CFLs for over 10 years and have had no problem at all with them. My first was the outside garage light – it is controlled by a photo cell (like in most new neighbourhoods) I was replacing the incandescent bulb every 3 months. After the first couple of times, I slapped in a CFL and it lasts at least 3 years. The tubes are another story altogether – hate those things but the curly or globe CFLs are excellent – especially the soft white ones.
I use them because of the power saving and the lower heat output.
As for McGuinty – well, I can complain since I never vote anything but Blue but as for Ontario in general – tough – you voted him in twice.
Anyway – that’s my bit for today…so far.
Joanne,
On this issue I disagree. Phasing out into new technology is a good thing especially when it reduces our electricity demands.
There will always be adjustment issues and new challenges, but we have to move forward.
I don’t think it is a totalitarian move at all. Look at what other countries deal with, and we complain about the kind of light-bulbs we can buy because we are used to the older versions. Seems rather silly to label someone a dictator when you look at what African citizens deal with.
I hate to sound like a hippie here, because I hate hippies, but for decades we’ve been spraying, dumping, and using crap that over time soaks up electricity and leaks garbage into our water supplies and river systems. I am glad that governments are wising up and using their regulatory powers to change behaviour for the better.
As you said, this isn’t really a partisan matter. Responsible governments need to start taking action. In my opinion, light bulbs are only a tiny step in the right direction, but its a step.
sorry double post..
Riley and East, it’s always interesting to have the other side of the story represented, but neither of you have addressed the health concerns.
And here’s another thought: A lot of that so-called green technology doesn’t really pan out in cold climates. Battery-powered cars, solar panels and wind turbines can all have special challenges in our northern climate.
And check out Right from Alberta about the use of CFL bulbs in Canadian winters.
Great in la-la land on the coast and in California but not so practical here.
Joanne,
When you say “health concerns” you mean…? I have read the health canada page, and those “risks” are no different than a zillion things found in your home. Ex: You can’t leave sharp objects around in front of children, but there are plenty of sharp objects in a home. You can’t let a current broken bulb explode or rest on the ground either, so what would be the difference between this new one and the old one? The clean up, maintenance and monitoring is the same.
The real health risks are the financial burden and environmental detriment of continuing to ignore climate issues. Not because I think global warming is all man-made, but because as a young person I want to ensure our government promotes practices that reduce electrical demands, clean our waters, and reduce our general impact on the environment. This is just general good sense regardless of whether global warming exists or does not.
Regarding the specific “health concerns”, I think they should be studied, just as they are, and addressed appropriately. Good on you for pushing for that. But to insinuate that our governments are dictators because they want to implement bulbs that reduce electrical use and are less harmful to the environment? That is silly.
And regarding the special challenges of green technology, of course you are right. So should we just abandon it? Solar panels can still charge on cloudy days, just check out my solar lights in my garden. Battery powered and biofueled cars are more a challenge in northern climates, but I am sure there are solutions we can find to address those needs.
As a productive, economically viable country I am always astounded that Canada decides to take a back-seat to studying and developing new technologies. Do we want to let China and India become the new frontiers of development? For me, as a national security nerd, the whole green technolgy issue really hits home.
Canada can step up and try to lead, or we can let China and India take over the long-term prospects for global advantage. Dalton McGuinty and Harper aren’t saving us all by mandating new light bulbs, but my goodness it has got to be at least a step in the right direction.
We should be embracing new technologies and saying “that’s good, but we need it to be better”. I have no problem with that. Arguing that we should be making the new light bulbs more safe is a very good cause. Arguing that we should all just stay the course and let others pass us by, is not.
LED lights are the future, these CFL’s and FL’s for that matter are toxic crap.
But to insinuate that our governments are dictators because they want to implement bulbs that reduce electrical use and are less harmful to the environment? That is silly.
Well then I guess Michael Polowin is guilty of the same sin.
Bruce, that’s what the Global episode said that I referred to in the post. LED’s will replace the CFL’s.
I can get behind LED’s no problem. Happy to promote that technology.
What are the Dim Bulbs up to? It’s amazing! Can people be so stupid?
http://animal-farm.us/change/dim-bulbs-535
I can get behind LED’s no problem.
Riley, I agree. I just hope they can make one bright enough to read by.
If a person chooses to use and more electrically expensive fixture or appliance that should be their choice.
Those who argue that something as petty as “improper” light bulb choice is morally wrong and environmentally irresponsible are silly. Anyone who believes the government should actually make those choices for them through law has no understanding of small government, free markets and liberty.
Ditto for believing that government has the ability to direct markets, create better businesses and pick winning technology. Never in history has anything been more successful at this than the free market. Conversely, government control inevitably leads to stagnation, rationing, corruption, decay and failure.
I find that generally the young (a product of 13 years of the progressive public education system)and the weak-minded are more susceptible to progressive social conditioning.
use a (not and) more expensive…
The banning of the old light bulbs is on my WTF list for the Government…
I am a big fan of PM Harper, the PM and the government are able to justify what they do on many issues very well. But this issue is not one of them.IMHO
This one ranks up there with the cancellation of MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates’ space-technology division sale. I did not like that one bit.
But what can you do, differet strokes for different folks. There is alot of people who agree with this. But I am just not one of them..
The AGW-Goreacle Report.
Goreacle-AGW is a fraud/hoax/scam rivalling the A.I.G.F.P.* fraud.
…-
>>> “World’s deserts getting greener despite global warming
Contrary to the assumption that global warming
would cause an expansion of the world’s deserts, some scientists are predicting that water
and life may slowly reclaim these arid places.
According to a report by BBC News, the evidence is limited and definitive conclusions are impossible to reach, but recent satellite pictures of North Africa seem to show areas of the Sahara in retreat.
It could be that an increase in rainfall has caused this effect.
The Sahara is experiencing a shift from dryer to wetter conditions, according to Farouk el-Baz, director of the Centre for Remote Sensing at Boston University.”
urlm.in/ctju
…-
*”Joseph Cassano, former head of A.I.G.’s Financial Products unit, at London’s High Street Kensington subway station in June. From Bauer-Griffin.”
*”The Man Who Crashed the World”
urlm.in/csnq
PS:
I hope you had a good get away Joanne. It is always good to step back a bit.
Politics is very addictive once you get into the inside ballgame stuff. It is always good to take a step back.
And I have a feeling it is going to be a intense fall session. But I still don’t think there will be a election for a long time..LOL
“But to insinuate that our governments are dictators because they want to implement bulbs that reduce electrical use and are less harmful to the environment? That is silly.”
Hi Riley… I agree that responsible monitoring of ones behaviour is important but I disagree that the government has to stick it’s nose in everything. Enough already!
I agree with Joanne’s post completely, on this one.
Thanks Bec. I think “build it and they will come”.
ie. If you have a very good, safe alternative that is more efficient, then people will buy it.
But to force people to buy it because you ban everything else? Something’s wrong there.
“Ditto for believing that government has the ability to direct markets, create better businesses and pick winning technology. Never in history has anything been more successful at this than the free market. Conversely, government control inevitably leads to stagnation, rationing, corruption, decay and failure.”
Amen to that! Nice to see there are a few libertarian conservatives left in the country. So, now who do we vote for, considering all parties have signed on to massive intervention in the market?
Bec, et al.
I am not saying that the government has to stick its nose in everything. I am a proponent of efficient government, not bloated. Don’t over-react to a simple government policy.
Governments have a responsibility to protect their populations. They have a responsibility for the collective good.
When CPC commenters cry bloody murder over the slightest intervention on behalf of the public good, you make centrist voters turn back to the Liberal Party. Like any policy, there has to be compromise. This is such a case. I agree I don’t want super-large interventionism in the economy, but there IS a role for regulation and direction.
Strict non-intervention into the market would cause chaos and anarchy. On the other hand, complete control would cause zero growth and zero productivity. The canadian system of government is a fair handed approach.
When it comes to the environment, as is this case, forget what you believe about global warming. You must notice that we use way too much electricity (check your monthly bill), we dump way too much garbage (check your local landfill) and we dump way too much sewage (check your local sewage system).
This is public behaviour. Governments need to take small steps to nudge the public good towards increased productivity, decreased consumption and impact, and greater benefits to the population as a whole.
I use CFC bulbs everywhere in my house. Guess what? I’m not growing a third leg or third eye. They are safe and I dispose of them the same safe way I do a normal bulb.
When it comes to health and environment, the government has a role to change policies that improve our lifestyles. Do I want the government to intervene everywhere? no, of course not. But there are roles for the government, and this is one of them.
PS: If I had my way and I was the PM, I would introduce a bill to make all cars sold in Canada electric or fuel cell powered by 2020. Would that be outrageous or would that provide for the public good?
There have been several articles written on how to dispose of those twisty bulbs when they break. Call the hazmat people.
as a frequent reader (but very infrequent poster) of this Blog … I gotta weigh in here:
Joanne, I believe you are ‘right on the money’ regarding this topic.
How utterly arrogant are those who believe their actions in the incredibly tiny moment in time that we humans exist, versus that of the Earth (and Universe), can affect the overall long term environment (for good or bad).
I believe that major eruptions of large volcanoes, over time, or lack thereof, will affect the Earth’s climate far more significantly than whether you and you and you and I ride our bikes to work, or take the bus, or walk, or drive our terrible 4-cylinder gasoline (oooooooo, scary, scary) drinking cars, or buy a GM Volt cause Dalton says “its just the right thing to do”.
I am so incredibly sick and tired of local, and provincial, and maybe even federal governments, and the media telling me what I can and can’t do, or use, on my own property. I take care not to cause undue waste … it only makes sense … but the Al Gores of the world don’t have the right, in a democracy (if it still exists) to run my life. Time for the silent majority to say – Enough is Enough.
btw, I actually had one of those CSA approved, CFL bulbs fail (in a rather bad way) in my kitchen fixture. Pop-pop-dust-smoke-bad smell-cough, etc. Whatever was in it was NOT contained after the failure. I removed em all, and will not buy any more until they are proven safe. Glad to see they are being seriously looked at by Health Canada.
Time for the silent majority to say – Enough is Enough.
I agree Dave. I think we’ve just about hit the wall on bans and Nanny State decrees.
“Governments have a responsibility to protect their populations.”
From what? Whatever THEY decide?
If an individual dislikes the cost of their power or heat, THEY WILL react appropriately. If they dislike the running and maintenance costs of their vehicle, THEY WILL again react appropriately.
What government intervention accomplishes is nothing. It punishes the responsible and conscientious by forcing them to pay (taxes)to CONTROL those that are not.
Joanne said it all….
“I think “build it and they will come”.”
Prove it first through the free market and they will indeed come.
How far can an electric car go before recharging. I don’t think most of us have any idea of how involved in our daily lives the govt is. And most of the decisions are forced on them by rights groups and NGOs. We read about some UN decision and think, ok, doesn’t affect me, so what. Well today I learned that it does affect me. Their document re childrens rights ect, and of course the Charter. People have a right to make their own decisions, and the right not to be restrained. So, today I had to sign lots of papers saying it is not restraint to have a seatbelt on my g/childs wheel chair, or bed rails, or to use a lift for transporting him. I have to get a doctor to say he needs these things for safety. On the other hand, I can be fined if I don’t restrain everyone in my car via a seatbelt. I also discovered that if he says no at medicine time, or other needed daily aids, the caregiver can not make him take it or do the necessary exercises. He has independence. He does do everything required, but what about those that don’t or can’t. So far I have been able to ban the twisty bulbs, but how long will that last.
And as for using less power, gas etc, try it and then wait for the price to go up due to less consumption.
Build a better road and they will die.
How will the socialism of McGuinty react to this*?
Socialism tends to tyranny. Watch for the draconian/tyrannical laws/rules/regulations to come from the McGuinty socialists.
…-
*”A cyclist’s nightmare”
http://www.ottawacitizen.com/health/cyclist+nightmare/1810804/story.html
Riley Hennessey said @ #32:
“Governments have a responsibility to protect their populations. They have a responsibility for the collective good.”
Define toilet paper. Definest is the asbestos of the religion of socialism.
…-
“Someone inside EPA has brought to my attention how Oregon Rep. Earl Blumenauer has proposed legislation calling on a federal agency to define toilet paper.
Really. It says it right in the bill, the “Water Resources Protection Act” (I know, I know — you were expecting it to be called the Protecting Infrastructure and Sewer Systems Act):
‘‘SEC. 4172. DEFINITIONS AND SPECIAL RULE.
‘(b) WATER DISPOSAL PRODUCT. — For purposes of this subchapter —
(4) TOILET TISSUE. — The term ‘toilet tissue’ means toilet tissue, as determined under regulations prescribed by the Secretary.”
No, it’s not as silly as it sounds. It’s sillier.
The rulemaking to define what rises to the level of a bottom-wipe is in the name of a good cause: to tax the stuff.”
“Governmental environmental tax soon to be up your…”
http://wattsupwiththat.com/2009/07/20/governmental-environmental-tax-soon-to-be-up-your/#more-9492
Talk about a nanny state!! I walked into the bank and I was told my puny RSP was overloaded with growth funds. They told me my 100% investment in growth funds had to be reduced to 80% due to the usual, various factors.
I was told it was government/bank policy. I said baloney!! Imagine, now they’re telling you what you’re permitted to do with your pittance!!
We better fight back now!! I do not want the government dictating to me in all aspects of my life. The dumbing down of society leads to more government control and loss of freedom. What seems to be occurring is the development of a society totally dependent on government. Personal responsibility has been lost. What a frightening state of affairs!!
Oh the tragedy of raping virgin forests to make bum wipes!
Watch for Suzuki to be popping out of your toilet tank.
When incandescent bulbs are banned, You will still be able to buy halogens. They behave just like the old ones but a re a little more efficient (and prettier).
LED’s will be an increasingly practical alternative as well.
I don’t have much reason to ever buy an incandescent again. Still, I agree there is something wrong with banning them.