Podcasts about manitobans

Episode 28 brings listeners an interview with a driver victimized by a black mark on his driving abstract, even though the cell phone ticket he was issued was withdrawn by the Crown Attorney. We reported on his case in Sunday's edition of The Winnipeg Sun.7.30 Part 2 - Brian Kaplan tells TGCTS how he crossed paths with a radar cop who had a surly attitude.The unmarked speed trap unit was parked on a grass boulevard aside the Disraeli Freeway. North Point Douglas residents, including Kaplan, had already complained about the damage caused by the police cars tearing up the lawn.After he pulled over to take a photo, the incensed officer ("he was pissed") punished Kaplan with a $672 ticket falsely alleging he had been driving while taking the picture- and that infraction came with an automatic "administrative" three day suspension.The case was so weak the Crown dropped the charge- and Kaplan “figured they gave me the disposition that the charges are stayed, and I said ok great the good guys won.”13.30 - Two months later, Kaplan discovered his drivers abstract listed the suspension, even though the underlying allegation was dropped. Potential employers see the word "suspended" and back away, even though there was no conviction.Hear him describe what happened in traffic court, and the injustice of Manitoba Public Insurance and the NDP government hiding behind bureaucratic rules to ignore the court result and impair his ability to work, all a result of retaliation by a rogue cop.29.40 Part 3- Independent Manitoba MLA Mark Wasyliw offered some blunt comments to Marty Gold about the unfairness of administrative suspensions.The veteran lawyer has extensive experience defending drivers in court and has a lot of insight into the politics behind these laws . Along with a lack of oversight on traffic stops creating distrust of the police, "this attitude is class based - Many working class jobs require a driver's license and people cannot work without one... The law hurts some Manitobans more than others and doesn't operate in a way that a reasonable Manitoba would expect."Most notably, Wasyliw says the process is "Procedurally unfair and most likely would not survive a constitutional challenge."******Check out our Sun column that revealed how late night shiftworkers, such as nurses at Health Sciences Centre and St. Boniface Hospital, will face a risky walk and wait at a bus stop if they need to catch a bus home after work, all thanks to a new Transit plan that ignores genuine public safetyand convenience. Nurses, late workers get raw deal in city's Transit plan revampThat's just another example of what we specialize in delivering - investigations and analysis that unearths government unfairness, neglect and wrongdoing. This isn't the kind of journalism that gets government handouts or would ever take them- our commitment is to the community. And it is only through the financial support of the community that our work can continue to grow and succeed.The Season Six funding campaign has grown to $1730-- and you can help us get over the $2000 mark by the end of June using our Donate Page and contributing via PayPal, E-transfer or by directly contacting MartyGoldLive@gmail.com

As the prairie fires force Manitobans from their home, the head of the province's nurses union tells us how her members are caring for others, when their own homes and loved ones are at risk.A Swiss village manages to evacuate, but not to save their historic community, as a massive glacier collapses and buries their homes under millions of tons of rock and ice.We hear from with an Alaskan man who got trapped under an enormous boulder while out hiking, and his wife, who helped rescue him – just in the nick of time.A new study suggests horses use a wide range of facial expressions to communicate, not just with their human keepers, but with one another.Taylor Swift announces that after all of the drama, and all of the Taylor's Versions, she is now the proud owner of her entire catalogue of music.The Hollywood hit "Sinners" is a Jim-Crow-era horror set in Clarksdale, Mississippi, where locals were excited to see it but couldn't because the city doesn't have a movie theatre. We hear from one of the people who pulled off a special showing, with some special guests.As It Happens, the Friday Edition. Radio that always screens with excitement.

Guest: Elsaida Alerta, evacuee from Flin Flon.

Wildfires - provincial state of emergency (1:40); Premier Wab Kinew wildfire recap (7:55); Manitobans will be stepping up to be good neighbours for those in need, so let's discuss being a good neighbour, our good neighours (15:25); CAA - WORST ROADS REVEALED! (22:30); Parts of the Whiteshell are open, but people are scared to go and businesses are struggling like Barrier Bay Resort (30:35); Emergency preparedness: The importance of communication (38:10); Winning entry on being a good neighbour (49:40); Manitoba Metis Federation calling for volunteers for wildfire (53:05).

If you missed hearing Ashley and James live in conversation at the launch of Cold Truth, we've got the full event recording for you here, complete with fake nazi invasions, terrifying cybercrime stats, and the satisfying crunch of James being forced to try genuine Manitoban dill pickle chips.  Thanks to local bookseller Roaring Stories for hosting this event!  Upcoming events: Ashley is teaching Online: Writing Crime for Faber, 8 weeks starting Tuesday 6 May  Ashley is launching Jay Martin's debut novel at Better Read Than Dead on Sunday 18 May, 3pm Ashley is teaching a multi-day memoir masterclass as part of the Writers at the Woolshed Winter Writing Retreat in the Southern Highlands, 13-18 July  Join Ashley and podcast fav Hayley Scrivenor for the Mystery and Mayhem Readers Retreat at the 5-star Tamborine Mountain Glades, 3-5 October Learn more about Ashley's thrillers, Dark Mode and Cold Truth, and get your copies from your local bookshop, Booktopia or your library.  Learn more about James's award-winning novel Denizen and get your copy from your local bookshop, Booktopia or your library. Get in touch! ashleykalagianblunt.com jamesmckenziewatson.com Instagram: @akalagianblunt + @jamesmcwatson

Emily Potter is a proud Manitoban, a stud hooper and a long time member of Canada basketball! Her journey starts out at a young age being addicted to ringette, loving the game and what came with it but also realizing she was super competitive as well! After a few long seasons of Ringette and being 5'11 in Grade 9, Emily figured she would give hoops a try and it was over from there. That summer she tried out and made the U17 Manitoba Provincial Team, an experience that shaped her career forever.  From dominant high school years, to being cut and then making the Canadian team, Emily decided to take the jump to big time Division 1 and attend the University of Utah. The decision was tiring and stressful but it became easier knowing how many former and current Canadians had played at Utah! Emily now finds herself finishing her 7th overseas season, one in which her team went an astonishing 27-0, won the cup and she was named MVP! Emily is back home training and getting ready for Canada Basketball training camp, working hard in her somewhat veteran role and continuing to grown as much as she can! Thanks to Emily for being with us, tap in! Emily Potter  - Guest https://www.instagram.com/empotter10/?hl=en https://www.basketball.ca/athlete/emily-potter Aaron Mitchell - Host Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_a_mitch/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahoopsjourney/ Website: https://www.ahoopsjourney.com/

In 2018, the Federal Cannabis Act was proclaimed. This federal act gave the provinces many of the responsibilities of managing the recreational use of cannabis. Although the recreational consumption of cannabis became legal throughout Canada, the Manitoba conservative government of 2018 placed several restrictions on cannabis, including not allowing Manitobans to grow cannabis at home. This despite our neighbors in Saskatchewan and Ontario being allow to grow their 4 plants at home as laid out in the federal act.As of May 1, 2025 the New Democratic Party government, made some changes to the Manitoban cannabis regulations. In this episode Amanda Creasy, MBA, a Director within the Liquor Cannabis Gaming Authority (LCGA), discusses the new Manitoba regulations. She explains the rational for the changes that were made and also why other changes were not made. Have a listen to discover how Manitobans can now grow four indoor plants and why the prohibition of public consumption of cannabis remains.LGCA Cannabis Site - WebsiteAmanda Creasy, MBA - LinkedInAdditional Music:Desiree Dorion desireedorion.comMarc Clement - FacebookTranscripts, papers and so much more at: reefermed.ca

WAKE UP! - GO JETS GO / the pope (1:40); SOUNDS OF THE GAME! (8:05); Times someone else's fun got in the way of our fun! Sarah went to her first Whiteout Party, but the giant hats made it tough to see (17:50); Canada election 2025: Liberals cling to narrowing polling lead / Poilievre yet to release full Conservative platform / Marty Morantz signs hit with graffiti, possibly antisemitic (24:40); Jets talk with the CJOB Sports Show's Christian Aumell (31:55); Earth Day - Research team including some from the U of M are working to extract a 600 metre ice core from northern Canada (43:35); Winning entries on someone else's fun getting in your way (51:00); Manitoban who winters in the U.S. back from Florida... and is selling! (55:05).

Lemay Forest / election polling / Breakfast with the Bombers / Big announcement coming! (0:30); JD Vance fumbles college football trophy during Ohio State visit to White House... Things that go sideways during formal / semi-formal events (6:35); Honourary street naming for BTO / Things we've botched at events (14:50); BREAKFAST WITH THE BOMBERS - Brady Oliveira! (18:00); EVENT ANNOUNCEMENT! / More things we've botched at important events (27:15); Community committee meetings... Safe consumption site Joseph Fourre, Manitoban whose son died of fentanyl poisoning (34:50); Winning entry on things we've botched during important events (45:45); Jocelyn House Hospice needs some help fundraising! (50:35).

After a streak of bad luck, the Women's Health Clinic (WHC) has secured a $10M federal investment, ensuring critical upgrades to its aging facility.

Giant flag raised on the Legislative Building. Fills Brett with joy and hope, but fills X with rage cuz of course (1:40); Trudeau speech, Kinew speech, Trump speech... let's talk about giving speeches! (9:25); With escalating talk of conflict and war... some are thinking and worrying about conscription. Which countries have it? CJOB's Lauren McNabb! (17:20); Speech stories (25:05); New clinic opens in West St Paul... Doctor's journey from Nigeria to the UK to Manitoba (27:35); The effect of tariffs on a Manitoban farmer and a Manitoban trucker. Good so far for the farmer, not so much for the trucker (37:55); Weekly Wednesday Jets chat - Leah Hextall (45:00); Winning entry on speeches (55:30); Would the extension of Chief Peguis Trail pay for itself? Greg speaks to ELMWOOD GUY (59:05). 

Manitoban snowbird Laurie Fischer is selling his condo in Florida, in part because of U.S. President Donald Trump's threats of tariffs and annexation against Canada. Matt Galloway talks to Fischer, as well as Florida motel owner Richard Clavet, who thinks that the pushback from Canadians is an overreaction.

Eleni Kelakos "The Speaker Whisperer" on the art of interrupting. CTPF on why Manitobans need tax relief. Plus, John Hodge from 3 Down Nation, on the Bombers off-season.

Manitoba took an L at the Scotties Tournament of Hearts (National Curling Women's Championships) over the weekend, but we're just so proud of Kerri Einarson's rink as Manitoban's.  Dave fills in for Bryan Lotocki for Talking Movies with a review of "The Monkey", and Dave talks Tyler off the ledge for an impulse buy.Get the VIDEO VERSION of the Podcast HERE!!!! @TylerCarrfm@Energy106fmTyler Carr on Tik Tok

Like the rest of the country, citizens of Manitoba were deeply divided not only by their own beliefs, but by the draconian actions taken by their provincial government during the Covid-19 pandemic. On Thursday, Wally Daudrich announced that if he becomes leader of the Progressive Conservatives, he's going to reverse former Premier Brian Pallister's onerous ticket-and-fine scheme and give back the monies collected and still owing. We broke the story in the Winnipeg Sun.4.05 Part 2- He's out fighting for votes every day as he tries to win the Tory leadership race, and Wally Daudrich hears it everywhere he goes: the party has to make amends after failing to respect the rights of people and businesses during the pandemic."We need to go back and do something about that. We should have done this when we were in government but we didn't. I wanted to do that," said Daudrich in an exclusive interview.He called on Premier Wab Kinew to "make these changes so that we can actually bring back the fine money that people paid out to the Province and then forgive the fines of people that have been unable to pay to this point." If Daudrich becomes PC leader and wins the next election, "I will make sure that we are making the wrongs right again."Hear Marty Gold go over the numbers with Daudrich about his proposed Covid ticket amnesty, how many tickets would be refunded, how many forgiven, and Daudrich's estimate of the cost to the provincial treasury. He believes that churches and organizations that paid huge fine amounts for "illegal gatherings" and other violations would re-invest the refunds into charitable works in their communities. Daudrich says he's had his own run-ins with bureaucrats during the 30 years of operating Lazy Bear Lodge in Churchill and is sympathetic to those who suffered "during that dire time which unfortunately claimed a lot of small businesses and discouraged a lot of Manitobans. I want to give hope back to Manitoba."21.06 Part 3- Episode 8 wraps up with an analysis of the Daudrich gambit to bring disaffected conservatives back into the party fold, and a reminder of how listeners can support our work during Season 6. Our ⁠Donate page⁠ on ActionLine.ca has handy lists of our Top Podcasts of 2024; interviews with political leaders, public figures and crime victims; and our reports on City Hall and the Legislature.To send E-Transfers, comments, story tips, or inquiries about personal appearances: martygoldlive@gmail.com *****Our recent reports in The Winnipeg Sun:Family hunts down stolen car after being told no cops available Why do City wages for Safety Officers outpace pay for cops?

00:57 Extreme cold ending? / 4 Nations final tonight / Brett's latest I Love to Read adventure 07:40 Manitobans buying local, nixing U.S. trips: PROBE poll  10:28 GOOD NEWS ON THE WEATHER! Trump lies, calls Zelenskyy a 'dictator without elections' / Some Ukrainians in Canada say what Trump wants to do is 'insane' 16:37 Times where everything went your way, like Brett experiencing a small miracle on the way into work 23:58 Western Canada manufacturing leaders embrace tech for efficiency, says new manufacturing survey 31:10 When things just went right 33:42 SMALL TOWN SALUTE! Clint Masse, A Maze In Corn/World's Largest Snow Maze 45:09 Trudeau promises Toronto-Quebec City high-speed rail line / Is Canada's high-speed rail plan just a political train to nowhere? 51:54 Four-in-five say they're buying more Canadian products in face of tariff threat 1:02:42 When things just went right 1:05:59 Daylight shooting in the North End, video online 1:11:37 Winning entry on when things just went right

This week we're excited to present a conversation from the 62nd New York Film Festival with Universal Language director Matthew Rankin, cast members Ila Firouzabadi & Pirouz Nemati, and producer Sylvain Corbeil. A Currents selection of NYFF62, Universal Language is now in select theaters, courtesy of Oscilloscope. With deadpan, absurdist charm, Manitoban filmmaker Matthew Rankin triangulates a group of interconnected storylines set in a wintry, bleakly beautiful Winnipeg. Two kids discover a bank note frozen in a block of ice, which they hope to retrieve to buy their classmates a new pair of glasses. A tour guide brings befuddled visitors on a walking tour of the city's modest environs. A melancholy man (Rankin, in an autobiographical role) returns home from Montreal to reunite with his family after many years. Imagining a city in which Farsi is the predominant language, Rankin's visually and narratively inventive film was inspired by Iranian films of the 1970s, frequently humanistic children's fables, in this case transferred to a world of beige, concrete brutalist buildings and increasingly surreal, Tati-esque humor. Universal Language was the winner of the Directors' Fortnight Audience Award at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival. NYFF62 Currents features are sponsored by Mubi.

When a government releases 300 pages of audits only minutes before a press conference, everyone knows they have something to hide. In Episode 6 we dive into the details, and tell you just how much of a failure the NDP's health care reforms have been with front-line staff.Part 1-“If the disease in our health-care system is a culture of dysfunction, then the symptom of that disease is fiscal mismanagement.”- Manitoba Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara on Wednesday.If anyone's an expert on dysfunction and fiscal mismanagement, it's the Manitoba NDP.You'll hear a few of the unmentioned costs rung up by Shared Health, who the NDP expects you to trust to turn that ship around, and a budget preparation model proposed by the auditors that for some reason isn't good enough for Winnipeg councillors.21.05- Part 2-"After years of losing nurses in Manitoba, we've … started to turn the corner."- Premier Wab Kinew on Friday.That's exceptionally wishful thinking. You'll hear why around that corner, is a cliff. And the NDP has 481 new passengers- em, newly hired nurses - being driven off it.As reported in The Black Rod, a survey of nurses by the union revealed that only 1% of members agreed the Kinew/Asagwara "listening tours" scored an A for responding to what they heard needs fixing.The survey results also show a startling number of nurses"reconsider(ed) how long you anticipate remaining in your nursing career".From workload to workplace violence, the results add up to a solid F - despite the earnest pro-NDP stance of union management.Nurses on the front lines aren't willing to suffer in silence. An MNU Instagram post in January hints that the problem is with the double-dribbling point guard Kinew expects to lead the team."Manitobans need transparency. Manitobans need action." Can Kinew convince Manitobans they need Asagwara? He may have to convince himself first.See also-https://winnipegsun.com/opinion/gold-no-wonder-nurses-quit-really-sick-go-to-the-er-at-your-own-risk******In the Winnipeg Sun on Sunday- my discussion about the proposed drug user site in Point Douglas with a federal official revealed the feds had a little problem with NDP Addictions Minister Bernadette Smith and CBC. And, a day care parent has a problem with a gap in the Health Canada guidelines for public consultations that Smith and the proponents of the site might be taking advantage of.******The Season Six funding campaign has received our first contribution, even before we kicked it off!Your support, whether it's for $100, more, or less, all counts towards ensuring this platform can continue to deliver the analysis, information and interviews you need to know- with no Tru-dough!Our ⁠⁠Donate page⁠ ⁠on ActionLine.ca lists our Top Podcasts of 2024; interviews with political leaders, public figures and crime victims; and reports on City Hall and the Legislature. It includes links for PayPal and E-transfer donations!

Between the fire on Main Street and then the big blizzard, posting Episode 3 was unexpectedly delayed- but we hope you'll agree it was worth the wait! Part 1- We get caught up on some recent events, including the passing of long time friend Norm Dahmer, who wrestled in Canada as Killer Austin in the 1980's; the CKY reunion with Steve Vogelsang that was a great time organized by Peter Young; and the Celebration of LIfe for Ted Wyman, the fun-loving musician and Winnipeg Sun sports editor who passed away far too soon. 15.20 Part 2 - An analysis of the press conference held by Premier Wab Kinew and Mayor Scott Gillingham to announce the "Your Way Home' plan to eradicate illegal encampments. Here was Marty's report in the Sun: https://winnipegsun.com/news/provincial/manitoba-introduces-plan-to-end-chronic-homelessness As you'll hear, the blame for the situation getting out of control rests with former Mayor Brian Bowman, who refused to let police or council crack down on homeless criminals and now evades accountability after his politically-motivated appointment by Justin Trudeau to the King's Bench. We note why the plan was rushed into the public realm, the selling job, how the plan will supposedly work, and whether the new apartments will truly be safe. There's an explanation of how the NDP is botching- or rigging, depending on who you ask- the public consultation process, including the use of a malfunctioning website. To send feedback, topic or interview suggestions, or E-transfers to support our work - martygoldlive@gmail.com 36.20 Part 3 details some of the listener and reader reaction to the interviews with former police sergeant Loren Schinkel and PC leadership hopeful Wally Daudrich. https://actionline.ca/2025/01/jan-6-2025-get-cops-back-to-basics-of-policing-says-schinkel/ https://actionline.ca/2025/01/jan-11-2025-wally-daudrich-aims-to-fix-pc-manitoba-brand/ Still as of this weekend, no police chief has been hired. It's a total embarrassment for city hall. 46.50- A Free Press story about a Daudrich campaign event displayed the open bias of the Free Press reporter, who ignored his extensive remarks about the economy and instead tried to smear Daudrich because- horrors- he and some of his supporters have "right wing" opinions the newspaper doesn't approve of and wants their readers to find revolting. How many times has the Green Party been described as "far left"? Never. How many sexes does Carol Sanders think exist? She should tell us. 52.10- A column by Tom Brodbeck continued the Free Press scare narrative about Covid. He's obsessed with the fact almost 85% of Manitobans don't line up for more boosters. The province's health mandarins are letting him down. We fill in the blanks of why that is that Dr. Tom won't discuss. ******* Our Donate page on ActionLine.ca has handy lists of our Top Podcasts of 2024; interviews with political leaders, public figures and crime victims; and our reports on City Hall and the Legislature. It's a great way to get caught up on important issues that matter, and the lists serve as proof that when we kick-off the Season 6 funding campaign in February, we ALWAYS earn your support. Go to WinnipegSun.com to read columns and news reports from Marty Gold.  https://winnipegsun.com/search/?search_text=marty+gold

This episode we learn Manitobans can soon grow their own cannabis – indoors, we look at the last year of varied activity in the cannabis space, more talk of one excise stamp across the country, some confusion with delivery for an Ontario retailer and on Cultivar Corner, brought to you by Up In Smoke, back to Rocky Mountain Cannabis and their new direct delivery exclusive Banjo! Manitoba can grow cannabis - indoorsFew pardons issuedOne excise stampDelivery ConfusionCannabis in 2024 

Rainbow Stage's ticket system crashed for the first time due to overwhelming demand as fans rushed to secure seats for the highly anticipated 2025 season, featuring shows like Frozen and A Christmas Carol with a Manitoban twist. Artistic Director Carson Nattrass and playwright Cory Wojcik aim to celebrate Métis history and culture while creating a unique theatrical experience that embraces diverse stories and inspires future generations. https://u-channel.ca/rainbow-stages-ticket-system-crashes-amid-2025-season-frenzy/

As flu season approaches, Manitobans are encouraged to get vaccinated against influenza and COVID-19 to prevent severe illness, particularly in high-risk groups. Health authorities stress the importance of vaccines as a first line of defence, alongside basic health practices like handwashing and staying home when sick, to reduce the spread of respiratory viruses. https://u-channel.ca/whra-encouraging-early-vaccinations-as-flu-season-arrives-in-winnipeg/

Hey Listeners! This episode features an interview with Dr. Reece Malone and explores the significance of intersectionality and decolonization to the sex therapy process. Dr. Malone spoke about erotic racism and its impact on desirability of bodies, the internalization of these experiences, and impact on clients. Dr. Reece Malone is an award-winning certified sexologist with a Masters of Public Health and a Doctorate of Human Sexuality. He is a sex therapist and a Certified Sexuality Education Supervisor through the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT), and acquired Diplomate status with the American Board of Sexologists. Complementing his private practice, he is an adjunct professor at Antioch University Seattle Couple and Family Therapy Department and an instructor at the California Institute for Integral Studies. Dr. Reece Malone is the CEO and founder of Sexuality Consultants and Support Services in Manitoba and his counterpart company, Diversity Essentials. As an advocate for sexual health and comprehensive human sexuality education and as an internationally respected sexologist, he has provided assistance to organizations such as The World Health Organization – Pan American Health Organization, The Canadian Human Rights Commission, and many others. As a popular culture commentator, he has appeared on Dan Savage's Savage Love and many other media outlets. Collaborating with Mariotta Gary Smith, Marla Renee Stewart, and Dr. James Wadley, he is the co-editor of An Intersectional Approach to Sex Therapy: Centering the Lives of Indigenous, Racialized, and People of Color, published by Routledge Press. As a community-based researcher, Dr. Reece, along with his colleagues, is researching patient engagement and examining mental health outcomes experienced by gender diverse Manitobans. You can find out more information about Dr. Malone's work here! If you want to catch up on other shows, just visit our website and please subscribe! We love our listeners and welcome your feedback, so if you love Our Better Half, please give us a 5-star rating and follow us on Facebook and Instagram. It really helps support our show! As always, thanks for listening!  

Manitoba is launching a working group to tackle Islamophobia in K-12 schools, aiming to foster inclusivity and counter discrimination with resources, training, and policy input. Premier Wab Kinew emphasized the government's role in uniting against hate, with the group's diverse membership working to address Islamophobia and broader forms of violence affecting marginalized communities. https://u-channel.ca/new-provincial-k-12-working-group-to-tackle-islamophobia-and-hate-in-manitoban-schools/

Cannabis robberies and the cost for store owners, at least one US presidential candidate says yes to cannabis legalization, a big company turns to autoflower research, Manitoban's hope 2025 will be the year they can actually grow cannabis at home, not surprising that we hear little about cannabis in any of our current provincial election campaigns, a city councilor suggests the provinces need to step up to create positive change. On Cultivar Corner, we welcome Up in Smoke as a sponsor and start with an exclusive limited drop of Organic Sweetgrass Cannabis Sherbadelic – we've got the details on episode 176 of The Cannabis Potcast. Kelowna store cleans up after break-inAurora looks at auto-flowersManitobans still waiting to grow weedHarris says yes to legalizationCannabis not on election agendaGreat ideas from city council memberIt's up in Smoke!Sweetgrass Limited Edition Sherbadelic 

For today's daily NYFF62 podcast, directors Guy Maddin, Evan Johnson, & Galen Johnson, and cast members Cate Blanchett and Denis Menochet discuss Rumours, a Spotlight selection of the 62nd New York Film Festival, with NYFF programmer Rachel Rosen. The world's wealthy democratic world leaders have come together for the annual G7 summit, trading quips and nervous smiles as they do their best to diplomatically discuss vague matters of international emergency and draft statements of import between sips of wine. Yet a major, unforeseen crisis looms on the horizon for the presidents, prime ministers, and chancellors—nothing less than potential human apocalypse, hastened by the arrival of unearthed “bog men” from the Iron Age and a giant pulsating brain perched ominously in the woods. This sci-fi pulp satire finds Canadian trickster extraordinaire Guy Maddin (My Winnipeg) and fellow Manitoban co-directors Evan Johnson and Galen Johnson in a particularly wacky mood, corralling an outstanding, starry cast—including Cate Blanchett, Alicia Vikander, Denis Ménochet, Charles Dance, and Nikki Amuka-Bird—for a merciless, midnight-movie skewering of the bureaucratic processes that govern our precarious reality. A Bleecker Street release. Tickets to the New York Film Festival are moving fast! Get up-to-date information on all available tickets on a daily basis by visiting filmlinc.org/tix.

An unexpected Episode 14 tells the story of what really happened in Niverville on August 8th, when the public demanded to be heard by a shocked Winnipeg Metropolitan Region board. Interviews and audio help deliver the details about the scene. 6.10 Part 2 - Marty Gold reviews the obvious red flags and how WMR staff completely failed to prepare for the groundswell of public concern. No one should have been surprised the second hearing attracted a bigger crowd than the first one. 9.30 Don Woodstock describes the RCMP on the scene- "the organizers of this event recognized very early when the room was 3/4 full, that there was more people outside than in the room." Hearing chants of "let them in" from those granted entry and "shut it down!" from those excluded, "I recognized this won't go away quietly" and the RCMP could not get them to leave. 13.00 - "They cannot have the meeting inside and have more people outside who want to have a voice." Woodstock criticizes how "all the able bodied men" on the WMR board including Mayor Scott Gillingham took no action and "they let this little lady (a staff member) face that crowd and she was petrified." Helping her address the angered crowd in the lobby he says the WMR "wanted to ram this hearing through until I insisted those people outside are not moving until we move." 17.00 - Hear audio of the announcement by WMR chair Michael Moore of the postponement of the hearing, which dispels fake news it was caused by "incidents". 23.00- While the audience was told the session would be reconvened in a larger venue and 40 days notice would be given, "nobody's making a move" to tell the 300 waiting in the lobby. "Gillingham and all of the mayors and so-called men, if they were leaders, they would have got up and talked to them... if they didn't make a decision inside soon, that would have boiled over. " 27.30 - It was left up to Don Woodstock and Marty Gold to calm the people down. At ActionLine.ca, we show Steinbach Online video of Marty addressing them. 30.00 - "Why did none of them (think) it best to come out and address the crowd?" Woodstock portrays the Mayor as being afraid to deal with concerned Winnipeggers, which numbered approx. 75% of those excluded- "He was the first person at the table to run away." 35.40 - Marty's theory is that the process is set up to make sure Winnipeg council is bound by Gillingham's decisions. Read his call in the Winnipeg Sun last week for Gillingham to hold a referendum at this link. E-transfers, News tip, comments, email: martygoldlive@gmail.com 42.15 Part 3-- A CJOB newscast falsely claimed there were 'incidents' forcing the postponement and then host Richard Cloutier piled on. He said texts from his stooges alleged 'there has been some disruption at this hearing by a group that wants to get all sorts of publicity, not going to give them the publicity they're looking for". Hear why that was all Fake News. 48.00 Failing to sneak the hearing past the public, a compliant media was recruited to parrot the narrative of Metro planners. Is this a harmless plan to boost job creation? They will baselessly try to smear opponents of the bylaw as rednecks, hayseeds and an extremist fringe and the planners as their all-knowing superiors. 52.00- A brief review of the fears in outlying communities- including those not yet part of the WMR club- about how the plan would infringe on their rights. Would CJOB tell their story? 54.00 Hear Patrick Allard's take away - "if they can't plan a meeting how can they plan our municipalities?" With lockdowns making Manitobans more aware of government over-reach, he explains many believe "private entities staffed by government officials should not control municipal bylaws and zoning and planning and development." He calls on the city to advertise the next public hearing so residents aren't kept in the dark. FOR LINKS TO POPULAR EPISODES & WINNIPEG SUN COLUMNS, AND TO DONATE TO THE SEASON 5 FUNDING DRIVE - ⁠⁠⁠CLICK HERE.⁠⁠⁠⁠

The frequent messaging finally gets through to the federal government on cannabis regulations.  We'll look at some of those changes and encourage you to add your comment by July 8. We identify the source of the skunk smell in cannabis, discover that Manitobans are still waiting to grow their weed,  find some senior's challenged by edibles, Salt Spring island only big enough for one cannabis store and we review an industry gathering in Kelowna last week.  I stop on Cultivar for more delights from the Kootenays, Sweetgrass '91 Octane.Changes proposed for regulationsGrowing relationshipsSalt Spring not big enough for twoRegulation changes and your commentsSweetgrass 91 OctaneSeniors and ediblesBC Craft farmers heardManitobans still can't growHealth Canada recall

The ‘Sport of Kings' has been thrilling fans of thoroughbred racing at ⁠Winnipeg's Assiniboia Downs ⁠since 1958. TGCTS returns to covering the world of sports with this special interview. Last year ASD set a betting record, but there's a lot more happening at the west Portage Avenue destination than just 'playing the horses'. It's an important part of our history and social fabric and brings the community together with exciting events like Indian bareback horse racing, the Manitoba Night Market, musical acts, the circus and the best buffet in town! 5:50 Part 2- With the 67th season going to the post on Monday, Marty Gold spoke with Darren Dunn, CEO of the track. They talk about the history of the local sport and the legendary sportsmen who led the way, ASD's enormous impact on the local economy with their partners - using the hashtag #DoTheDowns to drive online engagement. You'll hear how the facility rebuilt the business model to fit into the entertainment habits of Manitobans and customers worldwide after the pandemic "shut off our revenues like a light switch within 48 hours." Racing has shifted to a Monday to Wednesday schedule and now all sorts of shows and gatherings- including weddings - are taking place there the rest of the week. Comments, news tips, Interac donations- martygoldlive@gmail.com 11.53- By the numbers, it's an amazing success story. Dunn describes ⁠the Downs supporting the agriculture industry⁠ with quality full time jobs and sustaining a tradition of sports excellence, with dedicated owners, expert trainers, skilled jockeys, and world-class breeders that engineered the Manitoba heritage of⁠ the last 2 Kentucky Derby Winners.⁠ "The skill and talent that resides in our barn area, in our jockey's room, that's on display on our racetrack, can race anywhere." Dunn is thrilled about the upcoming ⁠Western Canada Derby Series⁠, where the stakes are high and the best from ASD prove they are championship calibre. It kicks off August 5th with the Manitoba Derby. 16.20- To end the podcast, Darren Dunn talks about the late Jim Farrell, deeply involved with ASD for decades both on the microphone and behind the scenes. As a mentor and a friend, the old-style CKND news anchor brought warmth, good humour and a true love of the sport to the ASD community. This summer- on Mondays kids get in free for Family Night and they'll light up in wonder at the spectacle, sounds and sights. For the grown-ups- "Pick a name, pick a number, throw a couple of dollars down" and be part of the action at Assiniboia Downs ! ⁠Check out the top episodes⁠⁠, make a donation towards our costs, and help our community affairs coverage spring into Summer !

In 2018, Janis Thiessen, Kimberley Moore, and collaborator Kent Davies refashioned a used food truck into a mobile oral history lab. Together they embarked on a journey around Manitoba, gathering stories about the province's food and the people who make, sell, and eat it. Along the way, they visited restaurant owners, beer brewers, grocers, farmers, scholars, and chefs in their kitchens and businesses, online, and on board the food truck. The team conducted nearly seventy interviews and indulged in a bounty of prairie delicacies, from Winnipeg's “Fat Boys” to Steinbach's perogies to Churchill's cloudberry jam. Thiessen and Moore serve up the results of this research in Mmm... Manitoba: The Stories Behind the Foods We Eat (U Manitoba Press, 2024). Mixing recipes, maps, archival records, biographies, and full-colour photographs with fascinating stories, they showcase the province's diverse food histories. Through the sharing and preparing of food, the authors investigate food security and regulation, Indigenous foodways and agriculture, capitalism's impact on the agri-food industry, and the networks between Manitoban food producers and retailers. The book also explores the roles of gender, ethnicity, migration, and colonialism in Manitoba's food history. From kjielkje and schmauntfat to snow goose tidbits, chicken karaage to pork inihaw, mmm... Manitoba offers a thoughtfully nuanced, deliciously digestible, and wholly unique regional history that is sure to satisfy. Jen Hoyer is Technical Services and Electronic Resources Librarian at CUNY New York City College of Technology. Jen edits for Partnership Journal and organizes with the TPS Collective. She is co-author of What Primary Sources Teach: Lessons for Every Classroom and The Social Movement Archive. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

In 2018, Janis Thiessen, Kimberley Moore, and collaborator Kent Davies refashioned a used food truck into a mobile oral history lab. Together they embarked on a journey around Manitoba, gathering stories about the province's food and the people who make, sell, and eat it. Along the way, they visited restaurant owners, beer brewers, grocers, farmers, scholars, and chefs in their kitchens and businesses, online, and on board the food truck. The team conducted nearly seventy interviews and indulged in a bounty of prairie delicacies, from Winnipeg's “Fat Boys” to Steinbach's perogies to Churchill's cloudberry jam. Thiessen and Moore serve up the results of this research in Mmm... Manitoba: The Stories Behind the Foods We Eat (U Manitoba Press, 2024). Mixing recipes, maps, archival records, biographies, and full-colour photographs with fascinating stories, they showcase the province's diverse food histories. Through the sharing and preparing of food, the authors investigate food security and regulation, Indigenous foodways and agriculture, capitalism's impact on the agri-food industry, and the networks between Manitoban food producers and retailers. The book also explores the roles of gender, ethnicity, migration, and colonialism in Manitoba's food history. From kjielkje and schmauntfat to snow goose tidbits, chicken karaage to pork inihaw, mmm... Manitoba offers a thoughtfully nuanced, deliciously digestible, and wholly unique regional history that is sure to satisfy. Jen Hoyer is Technical Services and Electronic Resources Librarian at CUNY New York City College of Technology. Jen edits for Partnership Journal and organizes with the TPS Collective. She is co-author of What Primary Sources Teach: Lessons for Every Classroom and The Social Movement Archive. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/food

The Manitoba Agriculture and Immigration Department recruited from the schoolyard in it's endless battle against gophers! In 1917, some 100,000 gopher tails were turned in during four days of effort. GET LIVE SHOW TICKETSLeave us a message: https://www.speakpipe.com/canadianpoliticsisboringSocials: twitch.tv/canadianpoliticsisboring/aboutInstagram: https://bit.ly/3yc6ujzTwitter: https://bit.ly/2Wp9IDoOur Merch Store: https://bit.ly/3sTWR7ZThis podcast is hosted two idiots and created purely for entertainment purposes. By accessing this Podcast, I acknowledge that the CIB Podcast makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in this Podcast. The information, opinions presented in this Podcast are for general entertainment and humor only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. However, if we get it badly wrong and you wish to suggest a correction, please email canadianpoliticsisboring@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A tradition returns to TGCTS as we welcome the Canadian Taxpayers Federation for Episode 36! Part 1- Gage Haubrich, CTF Prairie Director, starts off by tackling the City of Winnipeg budget. We dig into the under-the-radar subject of the $200M civic 40-Year Bond, and the interest cost to taxpayers. Despite the city carrying a higher than Canadian average debt load, somehow $82,000 of support for residential services like Happyland Park pool just didn't fit council's "urban vision". Gaubrich urges all taxpayers to tell their councilor they "want the government to focus on basic priorities: recreational pools, roads, keeping the streets clean and safe" not spending on travel to conferences, adding bureaucrats, or exorbitant severance pay to outgoing ward assistants. It's an uphill fight since special interest lobby groups often get government funding to advance their narrow goals. You can support our interviews and analysis by contributing via PayPal or Interac, or arrange by emailing us! Email martygoldlive@gmail.comJoin us on Facebook⁠ 17:38 Part 2- Wab Kinew's new budget flaunted a huge $1.4B increase in spending and falling revenues, but WFP columnist Devryn Ross called out the Finance Minister for trying to cover it up. The Tories had set aside half a billion for new civil service contracts, and Adrian Sala lied to try and explain away the deficit. That's not the only lie connected to the NDP approach to the budget. While the 14 cent a litre tax break "helps a lot of people out", an $800M deficit and billions wasted on interest payments- $1520 per Manitoban - trends our province in a dangerous direction. Haubrich addresses the change in the education tax credit to a flat $1500, contrary to Kinew's election promise to keep the discount at 50% of the bill. We walk through the escalating net cost to homeowners as the NDP farm club on school boards ratchet up taxes. While Tom Brodbeck claimed "it's a good thing" for Kinew to break that election promise, Haubrich says "they shouldn't have promised it in the first place... that's a big problem that contributes to cynicism and hurts taxpayers' walletbooks." Marty Gold raises the way governments are chipping away at the intergenerational transfer of wealth within the working and middle class while delivering less value for dollar to taxpayers. Corporate welfare such as E-car rebates, millions allotted for a safe injection site that Kinew's crew won't be living anywhere near, Nahanni Fontaine jetting an entourage to the United Nations, are part of the expensive priority of the NDP- feeding their base, and claim the budget will be balanced in 4 years in time of the next election. In the meantime, Manitobans will be paying $9.6B in interest over that term. In the overall scheme of things, providing a paltry $300 credit for property security systems- which can save millions in losses, insurance hikes, and policing costs- shows it's difficult to get a caucus with no experience in making a payroll "to understand the plight of the everyday taxpayer, when your paycheque has been coming from the government," concludes Haubrich. 40:00 Part 3- A fast wrap up, and pitch for last-minute support as the final contributions to the winter funding drive are being collected up this week. We earn your support! All our episodes with full descriptions and photos, are at ActionLine.ca Links to our best podcasts by category, are on the Donate page Important Columns and Articles on the Blog tab - Just added-  https://actionline.ca/2024/04/a-quiz-about-israel-and-hamas-for-politicians-pundits-and-protesters/

After a brief recap of our winter funding campaign and a preview of a few upcoming items, we turn to the NDP government of Wab Kinew. What direction will his Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara try to steer addictions policy towards? If they intend to emulate British Columbia, that direction is- Scandal after Scandal after Cover-up. Comments, news tips, interview inquiries & Interac donations - Email— martygoldlive@gmail.com 9:43 Part 2- There's already signs that Kinew skirts accuracy when trumpeting 'improvements' to adding beds at HSC. He announced "50" but the media missed that 27 were already in "temporary" use- meaning the net gain was really 23 beds. How else will the NDP try to fool Manitobans? Well, they already won't discuss the actual number of new hires in health care. The radfem 'Squad' in his caucus are champions of decriminalization and a $2.5M legal injection site as a "harm reduction" strategy. We know none of them- especially Nahanni Fontaine- will have it built near their own homes and won't experience for themselves the associated decline in neighborhood safety. Their supporters want them to next rush into "safer supply". Kinew played coy, saying he's moving "one step at a time" and will follow where the evidence leads." We discuss the evidence he will no doubt ignore; how "Most studies which support the strategy use low-quality research methodologies that are considered unacceptable in most healthcare studies." Lessons from BC- the NDP government spent nearly a year dismissing safer supply diversion as an “urban myth,”  Provincial Health Officer Bonnie Henry assured the public that diversion was being closely monitored- which was recently exposed as a lie. It took a challenge from the Alberta government, dealing with the impact of criminal gangs flooding 'safer supply' drugs into their communities, for the BC scam to be exposed. 22.00- Nurses in BC got a memo ordering them to allow open drug use in maternity and other wards and not to call the RCMP. And reporting it to their bosses was futile. Premier Dave Eby and his Ministers denied fentanyl was being smoked inside hospitals, and also cited an RCMP press release claiming “there is currently no evidence to support a widespread diversion of safer supply drugs in the illicit market in BC or Canada.” Nurses called out the lies about their workplace safety. Then it was learned a gag order was placed on RCMP detachments about safe supply drugs seized in raids or any other aspect of the program, because Eby is facing an election. And the opposition uncovered that no data (evidence) was being collected to begin with. These were NDP deceptions to protect their policies on drug decriminalization and safer supply. 32.00 - That isn't the only NDP cover-up in BC. You'll hear of a grant system (funded by Carbon Taxes) for electric truck manufacturers, where MNP pressured companies to pay them to write up their applications and kick back 20% if successful. Conveniently, MNP was empowered to decide on which applications to recommend for the grant awards. When one company raised an alarm about the racket, they were shunned by Eby's government, which coincidentally announced a review of the controversial grant program- to be conducted by MNP. An opposition motion to investigate was voted down by the NDP majority- but after the whistleblower exposed the kickback cover-up, Eby was forced to reintroduce the motion and vote for it after voting against it. We saw NDP operatives who ruined Alberta pack their bags and get handsome raises to take on roles in the Kinew government in Manitoba. Will he next absorb refugee hacks from BC, and import their advanced style of cover-up, corruption and kickbacks? Don't bet against it. 37:17 Part 3 - Future episodes will include interviews with families questioning police and 911 dealings with their deceased relatives, city councilor interviews, and a Taxpayers Federation overview of the City and Provincial budgets.

A wisecrack from a listener has Marty Gold recounting the history of "Hail Aurtarlia" to open Episode 34. Another listener commented about a retirement at CBC-TV, who the new Winnipeg anchor might be, and what needs to be improved in local CBC coverage- but won't be. 6.00 - Researching into the provincial budget, we flagged a few items for our upcoming interview with the CTF- including a meagre break for home security systems that the NDP refused to implement 15 years ago despite their own Speaker at the time, George Hickes, supporting our idea. We only need $405 to reach our funding goal - Donate here to help us succeed today! 12:43 Part 2- The Wab Kinew government has alloted funding to "anti-racist" education and Holocaust curriculum. Marty Gold says it's giving false hope to the community. That's because, last year the Winnipeg media blackballed coverage of the incident involving an outburst by "Free Free Palestine" University of Winnipeg Collegiate athletes at the Gray Academy Jewish campus. The Free Press couldn't even bring itself to admit the chants and gestures were antisemitic. And the Department of Education and the schools involved did nothing to get to the bottom of it. In other words, the authorities are all talk and no action when it comes to harassment and intimidation of Jewish students - and the media sides with the "protesters". 17.00 Three local newspapers have allowed bizarre, antisemitic narratives disguised as "pro Palestinian" activism to be published without balance or challenge to the inherent anti-Zionist messaging. - The Manitoban has ceaselessly promoted a concept put before the University of Manitoba Student's Union to adopt a definition of "Anti-Palestinianism' invented by an national Arab lawyers group. You'll hear how Rhonda Spivak dismantled the notion the proposal is any equivalent to the IHRA definition of antisemitism. "The proposed definition of anti-Palestinian racism will not allow for supporters of Israel to present their viewpoint on campus, or criticize Hamas or the Palestinian side in any way, without running afoul of the definition of "Nakba Denial" ... anyone speaking in favour of a two-state solution, Canada's stated policy, will run afoul of the definition of Nakba Denial in the proposed definition before UMSU." In other words, it's antisemitic. - The Winnipeg Sun without hesitation printed a letter to the editor that claimed the October 7 massacres was a "false flag" operation falsely blamed on Hamas - as rancid a conspiracy theory as can be imagined. Yet the newspaper published it. 21.30 Meanwhile the Free Press, still reeling from the blowback to a Jen Zoratti column about October 7th, was embarrassed by an Honest Reporting Canada investigation into a column by far-left Faith reporter John Longhurst. Longhurst performed stenography duty for the antisemitic Mennonite Central Committee, which claimed Israel was withholding food aid from Gazans. "On the day Longhurst's article was published, well over 200 trucks filled with humanitarian aid entered Gaza, in addition to 159 tonnes of additional aid airdropped over the coastal territory. The next day, 258 humanitarian aid trucks entered Gaza, 166 of which carried food, well over twice the amount that was entering the enclave prior to the war." As we explain, when the media repeats misinformation and slanted reporting assailing Israel for carrying out a "genocide" and deliberate starvation, Marxist politicians like Nahanni Fontaine repeats the narrative of Jew-haters, citing the Fake News media reports. To the dismay of militant Palestinians, Mayor Gillingham has stood his ground and refused pressure to add a "ceasefire now" motion to a city council agenda, after Wab Kinew caved in to them. MSM won't ask, but we do- When the Iranian-funded "Al Quds Day" comes to Winnipeg, will the Mayor and Premier tolerate a thousand pro-terrorist marchers calling for "Intifada revolution" and the ethnic cleansing of Jews from Israel?

Feedback from listeners kicks off Episode 32, including about Nahanni Fontaine's MArch MAdness, already at #11 All-Time. - A Bell MTS employee caught our podcasts about layoff plans for Winnipeg and on Canada Day in Brandon and she's disgusted at how there's not been a peep from local MLA's or MP's about MTS favoring contracting out Call Centre jobs to cheap undertrained overseas labour. - Another comment came from a donor about MSM with 'perimeteritis' completely ignoring the legitimate values of Manitobans south of the city who have "a very real understanding of what government overreach is." Our funding campaign has an April 7 deadline- we're within $700 of our $3800 goal! Please help push us over the top by using the ActionLine.ca Donate Page 15:21 Part 2 - City Hall Round-up - Is the new Director of Property and Development, Hazel Borys, behind the harsh demand to alter the Fulton Grove housing plan? Considering it would chop 485 units from the development and make it unfeasible, you'd think the rail setback requirements would have been settled a long time ago- like say, before the City lost the lawsuit to Andrew Marquess. 23.30 - Transcona Councilor Russ Wyatt made a long Facebook post after the City budget was passed and he pulled no punches. Now council's official contrarian, you'll hear how he called "petty cuts" like closing neighborhood pools "mean-hearted" and the kind of idea bureaucrats used to be told to "stick in their ear!" Noting there are never suggestions to cut senior management expenses, Wyatt claimed "The City Hall system keeps councillors running from meeting to meeting, where they end up spending more time with unelected city staff," and his colleagues lose sight of their obligation to the voters that gave them their jobs, because of 'Stockholm Syndrome'. Wyatt also lauded the efforts of average residents from St. Boniface and Weston who spent countless hours trying to convince council to save their pools. 30.00- Happyland Park pool users launched a fundraising drive and Marty tells the details of the Happy Sport Campaign... We also give a shout out to Will and Courtney Gault for the tremendous charitable causes they've raised money for through Willy Dogs this season. We work hard to tell the stories of neighborhood businesses and residents and be YOUR VOICE! 36:37  Part 3- Crime And Public Safety Update - It's more than 3 inner-city convenience stores that have been torched in the last month, when Marty adds them all up- including one down the block from Dr. Joss Reimer's office. What's behind it, we wonder, a firebug? "competition"? or is it a protection racket? - Someone tell Nahanni Fontaine that late night shift workers on north Main Street face their own food desert- all the fast-food and convenience stores are closed overnight due to harassment and violence. - 44.00- According to a homeowner near Inkster and Main, a social services agency has abandoned proper supervision of a group home that "provides person-centered, crisis and treatment services to low and high-risk vulnerable and marginalized individuals living with mental illness and intellectual challenge in our community." The result? Seven visits by cops and 3 ambulances attended - IN A 24 HOUR Period. (This location is also, in Nahanni Fontaine's constituency. But since she sleeps at night in Lindenwoods, she doesn't care.) Other people with similar experiences chimed in with their own problem being labeled a 'NIMBY' for expecting a safe neighborhood where their girls aren't cat-called and exposed to degenerate behavior. "You're lucky you're still alive" wrote one woman - beaten in a home invasion - about Winnipeg, "the capital of CRISIS and CRIME." You can combine all 4 evening TV newscasts and you won't get as much important information and insight as we provided in this single episode. WE EARN YOUR SUPPORT! Send story comments and tips, interview inquiries and Interac donations to -- martygoldlive@gmail.com

Last week a listener emailed us: "To add fuel to the fire with the Bell layoffs, us Bell MTS employees don't know what will be happening to us." "When Bell bought out MTS, they said they will “invest in the community” but as you'll hear in Episode 18, "the future seems bleak to say the least."  Click to donate today-⁠ Winnipeg's Public Affairs Watchdog – Funded by You!⁠ Part 1- A letter from Unifor's Director for telecom members was sent the day after Bell Media dumped radio and TV employees. There's more layoffs planned across Canada, but in Manitoba, the idea "faces obstacles in targeting specific positions" and Marty Gold tells listeners why. But that's not all... 12:26 Part 2- Once, MTS was a coveted employer and source of pride for Manitobans. But insider details about the downward spiral under Bell's ownership tell a sad tale: - "I like my job, the pay, benefits and pension but things have gotten toxic and rotten to the core after Bell took over." - A 66% decrease in staffing levels, as two flagship sites are half or less full. - "The error rate with the Nordia representatives are so high" that management approaches experienced Bell MTS reps for their own customer service needs directly at work "instead of calling in like a customer."  - Buyouts, people quitting "due to the high stress levels/toxic work environment and outsourcing of our jobs" to low-pay companies such as Nordia and Sitel, which is "why you get inferior customer service." - "Moral at work is at all time low, cutting hours for casual part time and regular part time employees to the point where they have to get a second job or quit."  - A layoff clause that's the "obstacle" the union mentioned that makes mass buyouts prohibitive, so "if they can't get rid of us, they will make life miserable where we quit." To send in story tips, sponsor podcasts, and contribute support for our expenses by Interac: martygoldlive@gmail.com Our source also took aim at the hypocrisy of Bell BCE's avowed commitment to the community- and their annual PR campaign.  "Don't be fooled if this company Bell says “yes we have 1000 Manitoba employees. Ask them this, are then directly employed by Bell or are contractors? I bet they avoid the question."  "They wonder what causes mental issues? It's bullshit like this and I find it so ironic that they have this Bell Let's Talk Day. So Bell, let's talk about the bullshit you clowns are doing that is causing mental issues. " The Union local is Unifor Local 7 (https://uniforlocal7.ca/) and has a General Membership meeting set for March 27. TGCTS will continue to report on the situation. 30:42 Part 3- Marty Gold explains that tips like these come to ActionLine.ca and not corporate media for a reason- we can be trusted to stand up for the truth and to get information you need on the record. While the Prime Minister attacks social media platforms that hold him and his subsidized media accountable, we continue to represent the community. Take a minute to contribute to our $3800 fundraising drive and ensure we can continue to make a difference- Check out our Donate page for the links.

Episode 13 looks at antisemitism in Winnipeg media, concealed under the guise of far-left "intersectionality" and claims that it's only anti-Zionism, not antisemitism. Even with Justin Trudeau shoveling millions of dollars annually into the newspaper, the Winnipeg Free Press needs every reader and advertiser they can get. But when the pages are filled with slanted reporting and mean-spirited opinions that insult the public, it's a losing battle. 3.00 - To stem the tide, WFP editor Paul Samyn emailed a mea culpa to readers on Jan. 24. This was after blatant failures to flag a sexist column by Tom Brodbeck about former Premier Heather Stefanson ("for that we apologize"); an unhinged attack on unvaccinated Manitobans that "provided us with no immunity against the criticism that came our way"; and ongoing complaints about coverage of the Gaza War. You'll hear how his "adjusting the mix on our letters page" instead opened the door last Saturday to Hamas-supporting leftists- who laugh about the paper being their useful idiots. Samyn assured readers their feedback was "helping the Free Press be stronger, a trusted place you can turn to for defining the news of the day and debating the issues of our time." In less than 48 hours, he was forced to eat his words. 11:00 Part 2- Three columns in the Winnipeg Jewish Review provided a scathing rebuke to a review by Jen Zoratti of an event hosted by Gail Asper exposing the sexual violence of Hamas on Oct. 7. First, Marty Gold reads some of the unbelievably rancid comments from Zoratti. Then, he recaps the op-ed of Jessica Cogan, herself a feminist, who was at the program on January 24 at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. "I am left wondering how Ms. Zoratti could have left that program with the viewpoint that she did, without even a shred of compassion for the victims discussed that evening... she goes on to scold us for the way we are being forced to "bear witness". Does Ms. Zoratti live under a rock?"  "Ms. Zoratti then accuses the Jewish Community, including Jewish women, of exploiting "women's bodies to drive a political agenda and justify violence." This is victim-blaming of the highest order. In what gender studies classes did Ms. Zoratti learn this approach?" Cogan asked, "Would Ms. Zoratti go to an event hosted by the Muslim, Black, or Indigenous communities and have the audacity to "what about" them? Tellingly, Ms. Zoratti had no hesitation in doing so to the Jewish Community. Again, it speaks for itself." Samyn may have to issue another mea culpa, since "The one glaring omission from Ms. Zoratti's opinion was any hint of compassion or empathy towards the Israeli victims or the members of Winnipeg's Jewish community who assembled that evening." 22:54 Part 3- We tell you how Larry Pinsky, a Winnipeg lawyer, went even further in his op-ed, Holocause Remembrance And October 7: How Do You Fix A Problem Like Zoratti? "Ms. Zoratti, who usually is held out in the paper as an entertainment columnist... denigrated the survivors and victims of the mass sexual assaults and other crimes committed by Hamas and their co-conspirators." "Ms. Zoratti paid lip service to believing that these vile crimes were committed, using the word "ostensibly" (and) takes aim at the solemn presentation of the proof of Hamas's crimes... She said that the solemn evening veered into "agitprop". " "While Ms. Zoratti might have a political agenda, and while she might want to gas light in the tradition of her Marxist forbearers, the facts are the facts... To top off this tripe, Ms. Zoratti abused her presence at this earnest evening to accuse Israel of apartheid." 31:32 Part 4- WJR editor Rhonda Spivak piled on another problem for Samyn, after Faith reporter John Longhurst tweeted "great column" to Zoratti. "(He) has set back interfaith relations... How does Longhurst  propose to repair that which he has damaged?" And, we wonder, how will his boss? Comments/Support via Interac: martygoldlive@gmail.com

To support the show & keep the ParaPower Mapping office lights on, join the Independent Cork Board Researchers Union by paying your ICBRU dues over on Patreon. Also, pls rate & review the show so others can discover our patent brand of meticulous audio parapolitical power maps. ⁠patreon.com/ParaPowerMapping Every sub goes towards kibble for Davey the Podcast. Wow, we're so lucky. Today on PPM, we're joined by Laihall, who is running point on this charge into the windswept Manitoban past, as we unpack the equal parts remarkable, tragic, & hopeful history of the visionary poet & indigenous resistance leader Louis Riel, organizer of the Red River Rebellion & a primary player in the North West Rebellion after it. In this first part, we lay some of the necessary groundwork in preparation for weaving this multi-decade saga of righteous armed resistance against Anglo-Canadian settler colonialism. We discuss the forces of capitalist extraction; the paramilitaries such as the Orange Order that have so often served as the imperial pawns on the frontier, linking the power structure of the colonial system; the secret societies such as freemasonry which are a hierarchically a step above & which manipulate groups like the Orangemen as their farm leagues or feeder schools... To synopsize, we learn about Métis culture & life ways; Laihall teaches us about the ethnogenerative process that gave rise to the rich & wholly unique Métis ethnicity & culture, formed from the unions of Cree, Ojibwe, & Algonquian women and French, Anglo, & Scottish fur traders; we talk French voyageurs; we learn about how Métis men frequently contracted with the Hudson's Bay Company or American competitors as fur trappers, connecting this investigation to our "Fur Connection" series; we learn how Louis Riel, Sr. opposed the HBC's monopoly in Rupert's Land—or to be even more accurate, that he brought about the monopoly's death knells through his savvy organizing & legal advocacy, an economic history that prefigures his son's rebellious organizing; we learn about Louis's early life; his vast family; some of Laihall's Métis lineage & his unique vantage point into this saga; we talk about Louis Riel the volcel seminarian; we begin to assemble the array of adversarial forces that would attempt to quash the Métis self-determination (and, if need be, annexation to America) movement; this brings into view some of our primary villains, such as Canada's first prime minister John MacDonald, who facilitated the purchase of Rupert's Land (what would become the Northwest Territory) from the HBC & who set in motion the involuntary surveys of Métis land that served as a flashpoint; we introduce John Christian Schultz, the founder of the Canada First movement & party, who sought to create a Nazi-esque, Anglo majority, frostbitten nation on the high plains and who founded the very first Masonic lodge in the NW; we talk about his crony, Thomas Scott, the Ichabod Crane looking m'fer & Orangeman (meaning a member of the Protestant & Northern Irish paramilitary that served as a cudgel for British imperialism); and we conclude Pt. I of our Riel narrative w/ the surveyors who have been sent to annex & prepare the way for the displacement of Métis peoples on behalf of their Anglo-Canadian overlords getting run off... And then, before we sign off, we enjoy a brief coda where we tie in Laihall's Qs & Clues prompt and pose a challenge to all ParaPower Mappers who will heed the call: to aid us in a mapping of the sus Surrealist networks that included figures like Andre Breton & various Canadian "Indian agents" who misappropriated sacred Coast Salish regalia intended for potlatch ceremonies. This leads us to an extended riff on "Gollum Klonny" & the dangers of parapolitical "nugget" covetousness. Songs: | Jon Maytwayashing - "Orange Blossom Special" | | "Kispi Kisagitin" | | Gordon McGilvery - "Cree Round Dance Song" |

In Episode 10 we pivot to the Legislature to take a look at the first hundred days of Premier Wab Kinew. What has he done so far as leader of Manitoba? It appears the honeymoon is waning and coming to an end. 2:18 - Marty Gold walks through the first actions of the Wab Kinew regime, which was heavy on the virtue signaling and light of genuine deliverables. As reliant as any NDP government on sin taxes, making gambling and booze more accessible can lead to the collateral damage to families and the community. It's not clear if Kinew has calculated that. The promise of a downtown “safe consumption” site still has no details, but Marty has an idea for a location. So far we've seen schools, day cares, personal care homes, all canceled. The sell-off of derelict Manitoba Housing is also on hold. Some were designated to be sold to low-income families. Ideology over common sense? We are your voice - your contributions keep us on the beat- Click here to donate 11.58 - By canceling the out-of-province surgery program with no idea how to get patients slated, Kinew has sentenced the sick to suffer in pain. Yet the whole election campaign pivoted on improving health care.  Defunding the overseas recruitment of nurses goes under the microscope. You'll hear how successful the PC plan was, and we use our Faye Hochman high school math to add up how many nurses are already booked. But the NDP didn't want that? It's part of a pattern where promises were made with no path to fulfill them, because the objective was to get elected and blame the PCs for forcing Kinew to break his promises. 15.43- The Free Press cited the nursing crisis as a line in the sand. An editorial stated “It's true that Wab Kinew's NDP government has inherited a terrific mess in the form of our current health-care system. But it can, and should, be held accountable for failures to act quickly on the file… and if Manitobans can't get into an ER (or even get a health card) for love or money, it won't be acceptable to look backwards for an excuse.” 16.38 - We have a snapshot of the results after the first 4400 responses to the NDP's budget priority survey. Wait till you hear which NDP favorites languished in the basement. The most noticeable (to the public) decision Kinew made was to suspend the gas tax. He had a couple of other ideas that were sensible like having workers downtown go back to the office… except for the intersecting issues of crime and public safety. Kinew also failed to meet his promise on bail reform. Too shy to ask his buddy Justin Trudeau to help keep criminals in jail? The most remarkable thing he's done since being elected, as Marty explains, is that Kinew has largely kept a tight rein on the far-left radicals in his cabinet and caucus. But ultra-feminist heroine, Nahanni Fontaine has gotten Kinew's government into trouble after the Families Minister kept parroting pro-Hamas propaganda and never once denounced the sexual violence committed on October 7. Voters who don't support terrorists have noticed. Considering how he's scrubbed working for Al Jazeera from his resume, he may want to talk with her about it. 25:36 Part 3- A fast wrap up with a look towards upcoming podcasts. On deck we have a request to interview Councilor Sherri Rollins regarding her security concerns about City Hall; following up on the murder of Kyriakos Vogiatzakis and the failure of the ambulance service, and an upcoming analysis piece about education, Math is Hard- for Lefties. To sponsor podcasts, or contribute support by Interac: Email-- martygoldlive@gmail.com

Emily Potter, the Winnipeg Queen, pulls up on Canada Hoops! Emily sits down with your boy Matty to share her basketball story thus far. Emily talks about her stellar season so far with the Perth Lynx and what her approach and mindset has been this season. Emily tells us about growing up in Winnipeg, Manitoba and how basketball is a family affair. Emily lets us know why she is a proud Manitoban and how the “Emily Potter” basketball court became a reality in Winnipeg. Emily talks about her time at Glenlawn Collegiate and the impact her Head Coach Brian Kornberger made on her and so many other players. Emily tells us how she narrowed down her college recruiting and why she ultimately chose to attend and play basketball at the University of Utah. Emily talks about her time as a Ute with fondness and references many other Canadians that have played at Utah as well; and their guidance and support in helping her. Emily shares with us her thoughts on the college basketball landscape with the respect to the NIL opportunities as well. Emily talks about growing pro, her training camp opportunity with the Seattle Storm in the WNBA and her career overseas. Emily tells us about the places she has played and why her current team and situation in Perth is likely her favourite so far. And you know we talk Canada Basketball with Emily! Emily tells us what playing for Canada means to her, the support of her family and some of her close teammates from the SWNT.  Emily talks about playing for Head Coach Victor Lapena and his basketball genius. And you know Emily drops a great Top 5 of all time for Canada Basketball on us. Much love to Emily Potter for joining us on Canada Hoops!Hit us up on Twitter: @canadahoopspod @TheMattyIrelandHit us up on Instagram: @canadahoopspodcastEmail: canadahoopspodcast@gmail.comhttps://canadahoopspodcast.buzzsprout.com/

Millard - 2024-01-03, 4.16 PM Summary Sports broadcasting and podcasting with Daren Millard 0:00 Daren Millard shares his story of going from Brandon, Manitoba to hosting for the Vegas Golden Knights and having a podcast, including his experience with the Olympics and curling. Hockey, TV hosting, and podcasting. 1:38 Daren hosts pregame and postgame shows for the Vegas Golden Knights does radio and podcasts, and covers the Olympic Games. Sports broadcasting and home team bias. 6:05 Daren reflects on his experience working with the Vegas Golden Knights, mentioning the challenges of balancing objectivity and enthusiasm in their commentary. Daren reflects on their experience holding the Stanley Cup, mentioning they've been around it but never hoisted it due to rules Daren shares a personal moment with Mark Stone, captain of the Vegas Golden Knights, and holds the Cup for a second before being given it by Stone Hockey, podcasting, and career path. 14:17 Daren, a hockey enthusiast with a passion for announcing, started in radio broadcasting in Brandon, Manitoba, and worked with Darren Dreger before joining Sportsnet. His diverse background in radio included farm reports, news, and funeral announcements, and they emphasized the importance of being comfortable with unfamiliar topics and having a wide range of experiences. Sports broadcasting careers and job changes. 20:04 Daren discusses the early days of sports television in Canada, highlighting the rise of Sportsnet and the opportunities it provided for talent. Daren shares their personal experience with Sportsnet, including their decision to join the network over TSN and the impact of the Bell Media purchase on the company. Daren was blindsided by their contract termination and had no idea where they would go next, but leaned on their relationships to find a new opportunity in Vegas. Moving to Las Vegas and its pros and cons. 25:23 Daren discusses moving to Las Vegas with his wife from Hamilton and their children, who love the city. Manitoba's culture and sports success. 29:22 Brent and Daren discuss the pride and hard work of Manitobans, with Daren highlighting the lack of ego and entitlement among people from the province. Daren recounts his experiences covering various sports events, including the Olympic Games and NHL alumni trips, with a focus on the thrill of being in Kandahar, Afghanistan for a hockey game. Hockey broadcasting and fandom. 35:23 Daren reveals he is more of a fan now due to his close proximity to the athletes and coaches. Podcasting, hockey, and personal passions. 39:22 Daren enjoys his job as a sports broadcaster and appreciates the relationships he's formed with colleagues and players. Daren's personal passion project is a podcast where he interviews friends and enjoys conversing with them, exposing them to new people and personalities. #NHL #darenmillard #vegasgoldenknights

Our guest this week is Radhika Desai, Professor of Political Studies and Director of the Geopolitical Economy Research Group at the University of Manitoba, Winnipeg Canada. You can find me and the show on social media by searching the handle @DrWilmerLeon on X (Twitter), Instagram, and YouTube. Our Facebook page is www.facebook.com/Drwilmerleonctd All our episodes can be found at CTDpodcast.com.   TRANSCRIPT: Dr. Wilmer Leon (00:14): Welcome to the Connecting the Dots podcast with Dr. Wilmer Leon. I am Wilmer Leon. Here's the point. We have a tendency to view current events as though they occur in a vacuum, failing to understand the broader historical context in which most events take place. During each episode, my guests and I will have probing, provocative, and in-depth discussions that connect the dots between current events and the broader historical context in which these events occur. This will enable you to better understand and analyze the events that impact the global village in which we live on today's episode. The question before us is what has happened to academic freedom and free speech? For example, there's an article in the Manitoban, the student newspaper of the University of Manitoba Canada, and it's entitled you of Manitoba, professor Soft on Putin, an Alumnus, thoughts on a Professor's Interactions with President Putin. My guest is a professor in the Department of Political Studies and Director of the Geopolitical Economy Research Group at the University of Manitoba, Winnipeg Canada. She's an author of numerous books, and she's the subject of this article. She's Dr. Radhika Desai. Dr. Desai, welcome to the show, and let's connect some dots. Dr. Radhika Desai (01:44): Absolutely. Wilma, let's get going. Dr. Wilmer Leon (01:46): So you and your husband attended the Valdi Discussion Club and all expenses paid trip to Sochi Russia. You went earlier this month and this forum, the Valdi Forum, is billed as a wide ranging conference about international issues. Russian President Putin speaks at the conference every year. Now, as a result of your attending this revered and respected international conference, you and your husband have come under attack. So if you would please, first let's explain to the audience what is the VALDI Conference? Dr. Radhika Desai (02:25): So the Valdi Club is called the Valdi Discussion Club, and as its name indicates, every year, well, first of all, it holds discussions of course, throughout the year. It has a very good website with some leading commentators from around the world posting analysis of what's going on in the world, in the world economy, in world politics, et cetera. And then every year it has an annual conference to which it's an invitation only event. And of course the press is there as well. And every year they essentially analyze the world context in which the fast changing world context, shall we say, it's been going for 20 years. Indeed, the last conference we went to was the 20th Anniversary conference. A couple of other things about it that are important is that firstly, because Russia has been, if you think about the last 20 years from 2004 onwards, Russia has really been sort of in the eye of the storm that is changing the world so quickly and so rapidly, particularly over the last few years. (03:28) So that conference is actually a very fascinating conference to be at because people from, as I say all over the world, experts and academics, and even people, former diplomats, et cetera, all these sorts of people who really know what's going on attend the Wildlife Conference. So these conversations are absolutely fascinating. And second, the second thing I wanted to say is that of course the organization was set up by a few academics. As you say, president Putin always speaks at it. And in a certain sense, it will be interesting to think of it as the Russian equivalent of, for example, the Council of Foreign Relations in the United States or the Royal Institute of International Affairs, otherwise known as Chatham House in the United Kingdom. Dr. Wilmer Leon (04:17): And so you and your husband attended the conference and you even were able to submit a, well, you and your husband were able to submit a question to President Putin. And one of the things that for me is utterly amazing is he takes all comers, the questions aren't really screened. You're able to ask him anything that's relevant to world events, and he will at times speak for two and three hours just openly engaging with the press. Absolutely. I can't imagine Joe Biden, I can't imagine Barack Obama, bill Clinton. I could see doing it, but because it's so, it's structured but unstructured. Dr. Radhika Desai (05:12): Yeah, I mean, you are absolutely right about that. And I think the fact that we have political leaders who can barely read a teleprompter, let alone talk for four hours to essentially unscripted questions. This is really quite interesting. But anyway, to get to the point, president Putin, I've asked questions before. So I remember earlier in a 2014 Valdi Club conference when I had a previous possibility of asking a question, it was completely unscripted. And I had asked him about his economic policies for Russia and why he wasn't being, shall we say, more developmental in his policies. In one of my criticisms of President Putin would be that his economic policies remain a bit too neoliberal even today. I mean, of course they've become much more developmental than they were in 2014, but that's a small point. But anyway, this time around Dr. Wilmer Leon (06:05): Minute, it's important I think for people to realize that not only is Vladimir Putin and attorney, he has a PhD in economics. Dr. Radhika Desai (06:17): Yes. Dr. Wilmer Leon (06:18): A lot of people don't know that. Dr. Radhika Desai (06:21): True. Exactly. And as I say, I mean, in fact, I have a very good friend of mine pointed this out to me years ago that Putin is one of the few people who can simply give speeches that are really interesting, historically informed as he did this time around, and then engage with the audience on unscripted questions, giving a wealth of information and detail about what his government is doing. So it is really quite interesting. But anyway, this time around in more recent years, we have been asked to submit questions. So I submitted a question last year, but I wasn't called upon to ask my question, but this year I was called upon, and the question, I actually hadn't submitted a question when we set off, but then the Canadian Parliament engaged in the most astonishing act, essentially the Canadian Parliament on the occasion of President Vome Zelinsky visit to Canada, invited to Parliament, a man, a very old man, a 98-year-old man who was billed as a great hero veteran who had fought against the Russians. And the entire Parliament stood up and clapped. And by the next day, however, essentially the, you know what had hit the fan and the entire country was a Russian news stories about how this man was a Nazi. Now, how could such a thing happen? The fact of the matter is we have a deputy prime minister who is of Ukrainian heritage, who has a PhD in Russian and Ukrainian studies. There's absolutely no way that the Canadian government did not know that it was bringing a Nazi to Parliament. There were Dr. Wilmer Leon (08:08): Hoka is his name. Dr. Radhika Desai (08:11): Exactly. So Mr. Hunka, the Parliament, not even a single person in the hundreds of people in Parliament actually thought to ask, wait a minute, if he was fighting the Russians in the Second World War, who was he fighting with? And then it emerged that he was a member of a certain Kian division in the Waff ss. And this was actually totally a collaborationist Nazi unit which had participated in the genocide of Jews, Russians polls, and of course, Roma President Putin, in response to my question, also reminded us that an uncounted number of Roma people had also been attacked by these people and eliminated by these people. So anyway, no one in parliament had the guts to ask this question. And to me, and the whole country, of course, was shocked and really, and I felt it was really important to give President Putin a chance to have his say on this matter, because which is the country that is most wronged by this, it is Russia. Because of course, the direct target of this action was of course Russia. We were applauding Mr. Hunker because he had fought the Russias. So what better thing to do than to ask the president of that country, who by the way, is also the target of a demonization campaign in the Western media. (09:43) It's as though Putin is some kind of a macabre, omnipotent person who runs everything in Russia. Everything that happens in Russia, and quite frankly, everything that happens abroad, which is not good, is usually attributed to Russia, which is so the point. Dr. Wilmer Leon (09:59): Russia, I even wonder, was he responsible for the kidnapping of the Lindbergh baby, and did he murder Jimmy Hoffa? I mean, he gets accused of everything. Dr. Radhika Desai (10:11): Of everything, exactly. And the fact is, we have to remember that if it had not been for the Russian contribution to the Second World War, if it had not been for the Russian effort, which cost Russia anywhere between 25 and 30 million lives, I mean, this is, Dr. Wilmer Leon (10:27): We'd all be speaking German now. Dr. Radhika Desai (10:30): Well, exactly. I mean, it was the critical contribution to the defeat. I mean, think about it this way. The Soviet Union rescued the capitalist west from its own, shall we say, from the very monster that it had created, namely fascism and Nazim. So in that sense, in this current war, which is essentially a proxy war, that the US is waging against Russia using Ukraine as proxies, fighting Russians, as John Muir Heimer likes to say, to the last Ukrainian in this war, all we hear in the West about Russia is of course the wall to wall propaganda that is everywhere. It's anti Putin and it's even anti-Russia. We are de platforming Dostoevsky and Tchaikovsky. I mean, this is ridiculous. And so it has gone to such an extent. And so one of our purposes in attending the conference was that we want to remain in touch. (11:32) We have many friends in Russia. We have had long collaboration with a whole variety of Russian scholars and academics, so why shouldn't we go? And in fact, just a few days before we were to arrive in Russia, the Canadian government imposed sanctions on Russia, and we immediately got down, Valdi wrote to us saying, we have have been sanctioned by your government. If you do not come, we would understand. Please make up your mind and let us know whether you'll be coming or not. We sat down and read the sanctions law. We realized that it does not apply to attending a conference. It applies essentially to doing business with providing buying and selling goods, providing finance, et cetera, et cetera. So these were the sorts of activities to which it applies. Anyway, so we decided to go and we went. And so essentially, I am being pilloried, we are being pilled foregoing at all. (12:29) And for asking this question, which according to the media gave, it was a sort of softball question to Putin, which allowed him to essentially talk about how ridiculous Canada had been. This was called by some people who are, of course, we can talk about who these people are as well, but they're highly politically motivated, and this was called morally reprehensible. I ask you, what is morally reprehensible for 400 plus people who are the elected representatives of the nation who have the, shall we say, the honor and dignity of the nation to maintain, to indulge in and act like this, and to applaud Mr. Somebody like Mr. Hunker, or is it reprehensible to ask the president of the country, which is already the target of so much attack, giving him a chance to say something meaningful about how bad Canada Canada's leaders have been? Essentially the entire political class in Canada, in a single act discredited itself. I mean, this is how bad things have got. Dr. Wilmer Leon (13:36): And as a result of this, your prime minister, Justin Trudeau, apologized profusely called the honoring of Mr. Hunka in your parliament, a joint session of Parliament as an accident. But here's what I find to be really, really confusing, is Zelensky was there, and Hunka was brought in as a kind of a tangential honoring of Zelensky. And what we know very clearly, even though many in Western mainstream media don't want to discuss this, is that with organizations like the Wright sector and the as Ofv Battalion in Ukraine, that there are Nazis many call, but they ain't nothing neo about 'em. They are Nazis who honor the late Stefan Bandera, who was a just brutal, horrific war criminal. And so all of this was orchestrated as a way to pay homage to Zelensky and then pay homage to the Nazis that the United States is paying training and organizing with in Ukraine. Now, is that rhetoric on my part or is that supported by the data? Dr. Radhika Desai (15:09): Absolutely supported by the data. I mean, and by the way, it's not just the United States, the Canada, and the Oh yeah, absolutely are also contributing to the training and equipping of this army, of which Nazis are such an important and big part. In fact, I would say they're the kind of cutting edge of the army. So absolutely this is the point. But the other thing that occurs to me when you were sort of reeling out all these facts is that we are often told when we point out that there are Nazis, Ukraine has a Nazi problem, we are told, oh, well, of course Ukraine has no Nazi problem because President Zelensky is Jewish, Dr. Wilmer Leon (15:47): A Jewish. So here Dr. Radhika Desai (15:47): You are, you want to respect this Jewish gentleman who is, and you bring a Nazi and applaud him in front of this guy. What kind of a ridiculous thing it is. Wilma, I think many people, of course, prime Minister Trudeau said, oh, it was a regrettable mistake. It was a tragic accident, et cetera. There was nothing accidental about it. The fact of the matter is that nobody gets into Parliament without being vetted. The people would've known there's an entire process of vetting, and even if there was no process of vetting, the fact of the matter is that our Deputy Prime Minister, Christia Freeland, is not only of Ukrainian origin in Canada, her ancestors have been the beneficiaries of laws that explicitly encouraged Nazis to immigrate to Canada in the post-second World War period at a time when it was difficult for Jews to immigrate to Canada. (16:50) Jews who had been fleeing what remained of the Jews in Europe who were fleeing Europe at the time, even they were not welcome in Canada, but the Nazis were welcome. And what's more Christia Freeland, she is the granddaughter of one of these people. Now, nobody can help who our parents and grandparents are. I mean, that's not her fault. But what she has done is she has consistently maintained that she's very proud of her grandfather. She believes he's a great hero, even though it has been revealed that he too was a close follower of Bandera, was working very closely with them. All this stuff has come out in the newspapers, and it has simply the mainstream press after one or two stories are published, they completely sort of forget about it. And Christia Freeland also has a PhD in Russian and Slavic studies. She speaks Russian, she speaks Ukrainian. She speaks many other European languages, absolutely no way. She did not know that Mr. Hunker was, this person was essentially a Nazi. So the idea that it was a mistake that only the speaker has to resign, and then everything is fine. This is completely ridiculous. Dr. Wilmer Leon (18:12): What, if anything, does this say to you about the broader issue or context of white supremacy? And what I mean by that is when I was in high school and learning history, oh, the Nazis were evil, Hitler was evil. All of that is true, and Hitler was vilified. The Nazis are vilified, and oh, the one thing you don't want to be called other than anti-Semitic, you don't want to be called a Nazi. But what we find out now is the United States worked with them in World War ii, the United States insured Safe Passage, and I say United States, and also in that is United States allies insured safe passage of a lot of Nazis to the United States, to Canada, to South America. So one, then I think this only begs the question was or was the conflict, or is the conflict not so much ideological, but procedural? Oh, because does that make sense? I think you got my question. Dr. Radhika Desai (19:32): Yeah. I mean, I think that of course, during the, first of all, in order to understand the second World War, you have to see in a certain sense, the first World War and the second World War as a single conflict, it was a single inter imperialist conflict. So in that sense, the First World War, everybody recognizes that it was an inter imperialist conflict in which although Western countries, the Anglo-American part of the west continues to maintain the silly idea of German guilt. In reality, all the imperialist powers, the United Kingdom, the United States, Germany, everybody included, were all equally complicit in the outbreak of the First World War. So there was this conflict, and then after it ended the versa, so-called Versailles settlement actually settled very little. It simply laid the foundations of the causes that would lead to the Second World War, because as I say, it settled very little. (20:35) So in that sense, the second World War also has to be seen as an inter imperialist conflict with one big difference. And that is that the Soviet Union and also Chinese forces, communists, but also nationalists, but mostly communists, these forces were the ones who were able to turn the tide and save the liberal west. I put this in quotes because, but in name, at least these were the liberal west as against the fascist west, and they were able to save the liberal west from the fascist west. But of course, contrary to the notion that somehow fascism and communism are closely connected, in fact, fascism is the progeny of capitalism. Many would say that once you get to the monopoly stage of capitalism, which we were at basically in the early 20th century, already fascism is inherent in the system. It is a permanent temptation, a permanent possibility. And it is not surprising by the way, that today we are seeing the resurgence of fascist forces. And this resurgence is also facilitated by something else you alluded to, which is that, so we fought the Nazis in the Second World War, but you know that before the onset of the Second World War, many major world leaders were sympathetic to the Nazis. Many major western leaders were sympathetic to the Nazis, to the fascists in Italy and so on. George Dr. Wilmer Leon (22:06): Bush's grandfather, Prescott Bush was sympathetic to the Nazis in World War ii. Dr. Radhika Desai (22:11): Very interesting, very interesting. I didn't know that. But yes, or people like Churchill and so on, they were secretly or openly the royal family for that matter, everything. So I mean this already then of course, there was this terrible war and the discovery of the Holocaust and all of these things, but even thereafter, in order to preserve capitalism, in order to ensure that the enormous sympathy that communism in general and the Soviet Union in particular had among the masses of Europe, would be pushed back essentially the West Connived in keeping many fascists in power in countries like Germany, Italy, and elsewhere. So in that sense, there was already this collaboration. And since that time, I mean, the fact of the matter is that, take for instance, something very recent, the Bernie Sanders Trump thing, Sanders campaign as a left-wing politician, he was absolutely not allowed to come anywhere near power. I mean, not within sniffing distance of power, but the election of Trump could be tolerated. (23:27) And so we see that fascist temptation is always there, and it is, the bias of the system is so much to the right. And today we are in this absolutely awful situation in which we have completely useless leadership, but the only opposition to this completely useless leadership that western countries have comes from the right because the left over the last so many decades has been completely beaten down. You began this conversation by asking about academic freedom and freedom of speech and what is happening. I should say, by the way, for the record, that my university has maintained the academic freedom stance, and I'm glad that is so that's very good. However, the fact that you can be pilled on Twitter and by personal emails that I'm sent on Facebook, et cetera, for essentially doing something very simple like putting a question in a conference, this kind of behavior, this kind of cancel culture that exists, this is essentially, you can say it is the verbal version of the sort of vigilante action which is associated with fascism. There's absolutely no doubt about it. Dr. Wilmer Leon (24:47): In this article that I referenced in the Open an Alumnus thoughts on professors' interactions with Russian President, I'm going to read a bit of it. I'm an alumnus of the Department of Political Studies, and I am a former student of Professor Desai. I cannot say that I aligned with all of her positions at the time, but after finding out that she had spent part of last week shilling for War Mongerer Putin, I found her actions to be particularly disgusting. The student continues, former student continues, A discussion club may seem like a noble endeavor in a free and democratic society. However, in Putin's Russia, public discourse is manipulated and dissenters are repressed and punished. I would be shocked if this Valdi forum was anything more than premeditated theater for Putin to stoke his own ego. Couple of things. One, if this was a former student of yours, this individual obviously didn't spend a lot of time paying attention in class. (25:52) That's the first point. And this idea that in Putin's Russia public discourse is manipulated, I would ask the individual that wrote this, if they know anything about Julian Assange and what the United States is doing, what Joe Biden is trying to do to Julian Assange, then this idea that public discourse is manipulated. This individual obviously knows nothing about what Tony Blinken did before he became Secretary of State trying to kill the story of Joe Biden's son Hunter and the Hunter Biden laptop story. So all of this is subterfuge and rhetoric, but this is just one example. There are what, five or six articles that have been written against you. Speak to that, please. Dr. Radhika Desai (26:48): Yeah, I mean, first of all, let me just say that this idea that there is no freedom of speech in Russia, and for that matter in China, I often encounter this because as it happens, I have a very big range of academic connections, both in Russia and China. And I visit these countries regularly for conferences and so on. And what I found is very ironic, but the actual spectrum of opinion in both of these countries in Russia and China is actually much broader. In all of these countries, you have sort of open expression of neoliberal positions on the one hand on the right, and then socialist positions on the other. And everything in between is at least expressed. Whereas what we find here is that there is a systematic suppression by the mainstream media of anything but a set of views within a fairly narrow spectrum of opinion. (27:47) And people like the author of this article, some of the authors of the reporters and others who have written other articles who have been participating in an attempt to create a Twitter storm against me, which hasn't been very successful. But nevertheless, the attempt is made. What these people do is they're sort of what I call the ankle biting little yappy dogs of the authorities who kind of try to do some of the little work for the authorities. So that's what they're trying to do. Now, I do want to say one or two other things about it. There is no doubt that there is a certain amount of censorship in Russia. For example, my very good friend Boris Kaki, who is one of the contacts, he's a very fine scholar, a very prominent historian, sociologist of Russia. He's also a political activist. He has run for parliament. (28:37) He works actively for essentially trying to promote some sort of socialism in Russia. Now, as it happens, he is deeply opposed to this war. I mean, I'm opposed to any war as well. I don't think it's a very good way of settling things. But by not entirely agreeing with Boris, I think that I understand his position. Anyway, Boris has essentially been jailed by some part of the state apparatus for essentially allegedly AB betting terrorism. I can't believe that. And few people who have been pillaring me for asking Putin this question about what happened in the Canadian parliament mentioned the fact that I had actually two things to ask President Putin. The first was about this matter that we've already discussed about the Canadian Parliament, and the second was a personal appeal that he himself look into the matter of Boris Kaki, along with some friends. (29:37) We delivered a letter to him, in which we also pointed out that there was absolutely nothing to be gained by doing this in any case. So my point is that there is a certain amount of censorship in these countries, but as you rightly point out, such censorship also exists in our country. Look at what we are doing to Julian Assange or Edward Snowden or Chelsea Manning or a whole range of other academics who've actually lost their positions for the views they've expressed and so on. So I mean, this sort of persecution is going on all the time, but in the West, we don't just have this censorship of what I call the censorship of sticks. We also have the censorship of carrots. And what do I mean by that? Essentially, the entire media world and the academic world is manipulated by essentially giving out everybody, making it known that if you repeat what we want you to repeat, you will get a good job. (30:36) You will get promotion, you will get grants, you will get preferment, you'll get tenure, tenure. You'll get to hold the, that is the media. So all of these things are available provided you do certain things. And a lot of people, too many people, I would say most people in academia tend to fall for some version of this. I don't say all because there are still independent voices in academia and more power to them and more power to us. But nevertheless, too many people fall for this because it's just so easy and it's so convenient. So anyway, the point is that both of these forms of censorship exists, and what they have done is they have narrowed the spectrum of opinion. (31:21) And this is a very serious problem because the West is now part of the reason why nobody said anything in Parliament is because also in parliament where our leaders, our elected representatives are supposed to speak their mind, to represent the ordinary people. They are essentially not doing their job. So our political systems are broken. As a result, we desperately need to widen the spectrum of opinion to have more voices speaking out. This is key. Now, I think if we continue, because it's also fueling the wars that our countries are promoting around the world. Now we have, until recently we had Ukraine. Now we also have Israel Gaza, which is getting to be exceedingly dangerous. And tomorrow, by the way, we might have one with China. Dr. Wilmer Leon (32:10): And to your point about censorship and what's going on in Gaza, and to your student that talks about suppression in Russia, university of California, Berkeley law professor Stephen Davidoff Solomon called out some of his students for supporting anti-Semitic conduct on campus. What this law professor did was wrote a open letter to the law firms that he is in touch with telling them not to hire certain of his students who have proven to be pro-Palestinian. Quote, my students are largely engaged and well-prepared, and I regularly recommend them to legal employers. But if you don't want to hire people who advocate hate and practice discrimination, don't hire some of my students. anti-Semitic conduct is nothing new on university campuses, including here at Berkeley. That's just one example of the stifling pressure that academics are imposing upon their own students. We know what happened at Harvard, thank God the president of Harvard, I think her last name is professor President Gay, did not succumb to the requests and the pressure to turn over the names of Harvard students that were protesting in support of Palestine. I believe the same thing has happened at Columbia University. So these are just examples, real clear examples of how stifling the pressure can be in the United States. Dr. Radhika Desai (33:59): Absolutely. And when you do that with students, it's a bit like get them young, so that sort of slap them into shape before they get into bad habits sort of thing, according to the authorities. But this sort of thing is going on around the world in the uk. They're trying to ban the Palestinian flag and trying to essentially, they're persecuting people for going to pro-Palestinian demonstrations. But you know what? Wilmuth around the world, what we are seeing, especially in the Western world, is that the Western world's leaderships, which are all repeating the same mantra of Israel, has the right to defend itself completely ignoring the context, et cetera, the historical context and everything. They are completely out of touch with the vast majority of the people. Dr. Wilmer Leon (34:51): And they're ignoring international law. Dr. Radhika Desai (34:55): Indeed. And they, in fact, absolutely, they keep saying that they should abide by international law. But the fact of the matter is Israel is not abiding by international law. It has already declared that it is at war, but at the same time, it is essentially by corralling all the people of Gaza into Gaza, not allowing them to leave, depriving them of water, electricity, sanitation, bombing hospitals killing children over 2000 of them already. This is completely against international law and Dr. Wilmer Leon (35:33): It, it's called collective punishment. And collective punishment is a war crime. Now, I don't think you're making that up. I know I'm not making that up. If you pay any attention to the International criminal court, if you know anything about, and this conversation is not anti-Semitic Pro, international law and collective punishment is a war crime. Dr. Radhika Desai (36:06): Absolutely. And it is. It is also pro justice. I mean, at the end of the day, what these people Dr. Wilmer Leon (36:11): And pro morality Dr. Radhika Desai (36:14): And promo, they decontextualize, everything Hamas, everything begins in this discussion of the West today. Everything begins from the 7th of October when Hamas attacked Israelis and killed many of them and so on. But the fact that Palestinians have been living, Palestinians have had their land occupied since 1948 and before 1948, this is completely forgotten the fact that Palestinians have been displaced, that the Palestinians have the right to resist, and they have the right to self-determination. All of these things are completely swept under the carpet. It's really shocking. And this is entirely a result of the fact that the spectrum of opinion has been narrowed. The forms of censorship that I pointed out earlier operate both in media and in scholarship, so that more and more we are hearing either completely irrelevant things or things that are only repeating what the authorities want repeated. Dr. Wilmer Leon (37:17): And let me give an example of that. President Obama published an op-ed thoughts on Israel and Gaza, and I'm going to read the three opening paragraphs. It's been 17 days since Hamas launched its horrific attack against Israel, killing over 1400 Israeli citizens, including defenseless women, children, and the elderly. In the aftermath of such unspeakable brutality, the US government and the American people have shared in the grief of families, prayed for the return of loved ones and rightly declared solidarity with the Israeli people. As I stated in an earlier post, Israel has a right to defend its citizens against such wanton violence. And I fully support President Biden's call for the US to support our longtime ally in going after Hamas, dismantling its military capabilities and facilitating the safe return of hundreds of hostages. But even as we support Israel, we should also be clear how Israel prosecutes this fight against Hamas matters. In particular, it matters as President Biden has repeatedly emphasized that Israel's military strategy abides by international law, including those laws that seek to avoid to every extent possible, the death or suffering of civilian populations. I just wanted to read the opening here because this is really where I formulated the earlier question to you about white supremacy. And this being not a matter of ideology, but a matter of strategy. Because what I take away, there are a number of fallacies in what Obama wrote, but what I take away in that last paragraph is Obama saying this slaughter, slaughter Hamas, as you want to just be a little nicer in how you go about doing it, Dr. Radhika Desai (39:13): But it gets worse than that Wilma, because the very next paragraph. So it says all of these things that we should try to avoid as much as possible, not try to avoid, only try to avoid as much as possible, which is already a big qualifier. But then, or Dr. Wilmer Leon (39:29): Don't do it because you're violating international law. Dr. Radhika Desai (39:33): That's right. Yeah. How about that? He already is giving Israel a free pass there, but then he says, this is an enormously difficult task, so trying to minimize the suffering of the civilian population is already too difficult, so it may not be possible to minimize it anyway. And then he says, the United States has fallen short of this high values when we are engaged in war. And then he says, it is understandable that Israelis have demanded that their governments do whatever it takes to root out Hamas. And then he repeats the, oh my God, if I hear it one more time, my head will explode. They are using civilians as human shields. So he repeats this old trope that the Israeli government sources never fail to repeat. And so the thing is that this whole thing is really a gift. He's doing nothing. He seems to be calling for sympathy for Palestinians and so on, but Israel has rights. (40:39) Palestinians only have our sympathies. And there is a big difference. Sympathies is, at the end of the day, an empty sentiment, especially if it is not backed up with action, of real support, of real solidarity, of a real, even-handed attempt to try to, I mean, the whole thing is, I talked about the earlier history, the fact that Palestinians have, have had that land occupy for decades. So all of these things are true. And throughout this time, the United States has always intervened in this situation in a way that is heavily loaded in favor of Israel while trying as best as possible to make a show of even handedness. The fact of the matter is that this article by Obama, which completely supports the Biden administration, essentially is just repeating what the Biden administration is doing, and it is simply showing the pronounced US bias in favor of Israel. And he says at one point he says that we should try to minimize civilian casualties because it'll otherwise alienate the people of the world. The fact of the matter, it's Dr. Wilmer Leon (41:58): Bad for business Dr. Radhika Desai (42:01): And it's bad for business. But also the fact is that at this rate, there will, and he says that there will not be enough actors in the region who support Israel's right to exist and also support the Palestinians will not be able to broker a deal. But at the rate at which Israel is going and the way in which the United States is completely behind Israel, there will be very few actors in the region who will continue to recognize Israel's right to exist because the street will not allow them, the ordinary people. I already read in today's newspaper a report that the Tunisian parliament is going to outlaw any kind of normalization of relations with Israel, and also essentially prevented citizens from engaging in any kind of contact with Israelis. So this is already one of the reactions. And I would say that if as the collective punishment of Gaza continues, as children continue to be killed in Gaza, the whole world is going to turn against Israel. It's not good for Israel, actually, for the way in which this is unfolding. Dr. Wilmer Leon (43:14): Libya, I believe, has taken a similar action as Tunisia is taking. And we know that based upon the Abraham Accords that the United States was trying to broker reproach monk between Saudi Arabia and the Zionist colony of Israel, and that as a result of Hamas' action, the Saudis have put that whole thing on hold because to your point, they see what's happening in the street and they don't want to be overthrown following the United States down this rabbit hole. And they see what's happened in Ukraine. They see what the United States is doing relative to Taiwan, and they see that's a formula for World War iii. Dr. Radhika Desai (44:10): Absolutely. And I just like to add one other thing. I mentioned street. You mentioned street. The fact what we know is that you, many, many of the governments of the Middle East, including Arab countries, would have been happy to compromise with Israel. But what has held them back, what has kept the Palestinian cause on the front burner throughout all this time is popular protest and P, we talk about how the Arab Street has been essentially the defender of the Palestinian cause, the people who have essentially not allowed it to be snuffed out. But today, I would say that people in the West are also fed up with this one sided support. I mean, I'm reading in the papers not only about big demonstrations in the capitals and big cities of Middle Eastern countries, but throughout Europe as well, and also in North America. I mean, you folks, you've had huge demonstrations in your big cities in the United States. We've had big demonstrations. London apparently had a demonstration that was 300,000 strong, which is the biggest demonstration of its sort since the 2003 February, 2003 demonstrations against the Iraq War, which were historic, as you will remember. (45:30) And already, it's such an irony because Kier has become the leader of the Labor Party precisely on the antisemitism bandwagon where anybody who supports Palestine is essentially branded as Antisemite. Kier and his gang have essentially participated in a process of pushing out Jeremy Cobin as the leader of the Labor Party on these completely flimsy grounds. But today, STAMA is facing a revolt from within his own party because he, like all the other Western leaders, is essentially backing the US position and the Israel position. Without question. I mean, people are saying, look, folks, there's got to be a ceasefire. There's got to be a negotiated settlement. Anybody with a small amount of knowledge of the Palestinian Israeli situation can easily see that, but the leaders cannot, and they are really getting say, completely unstuck from the people who support they will need come the next election. Dr. Wilmer Leon (46:40): The title of the show is Connecting the Dots. Is it hyperbolic for me to look at, again, Ukraine, look at what the United States is trying to do with Taiwan, and look at how now the United States is involved in this conflict in Palestine and see similar traits. And I'm just using the three most recent events. I don't have to go too far back in history. I can talk about Afghanistan, I can talk about Iraq, but just looking at where we are right now, again, Ukraine, Taiwan, Juan, and Palestine. Am I wrong to connect those dots? Dr. Radhika Desai (47:24): Absolutely. No. And you know what? All three of them are interesting proxy wars. And by the way, the United States has developed the idea or developed the practice of proxy wars into a fine art because the United States used Islamic fundamentalists to fight Russia in Afghanistan, for example, and other such. There have been many such ways in which they have done so in the present context. Yes. So the United States, Dr. Wilmer Leon (47:53): The United States is doing that in Congo right now. Dr. Radhika Desai (47:56): Yes, exactly. Dr. Wilmer Leon (47:57): Doing the same thing in Dr. Radhika Desai (47:57): Congo. The United States is fighting Russia via using Ukrainians. The United States hopes one day to fight China using the Taiwanese. And today, think about this, what is probably given the possibility that if Israel stages a land invasion of Gaza today, it may be very difficult for Iran to stay uninvolved. And Iran has been the consistent defender of Palestinian rights throughout this period. Really an important and interesting point now in this context, then what will happen, the United States will use Israelis to fight Iran. And so again, as I like to say, everyone who's in our countries in the US and Canada who's saying we are standing up for Ukraine, et cetera, et cetera, they are the ones contributing to the destruction of Ukraine. And it may ironically be the case that everyone who will say we stand up for Israel's rights to exist, et cetera, et cetera, and to defend itself, will essentially be contributing to the destruction of Israel. So there may be one of the biggest ironies of all, Dr. Wilmer Leon (49:08): You mentioned people standing up and saying that they're trying to prevent the destruction of Ukraine, but what they are also supporting in that is a destruction of the United States. Because when you look at the budget, when you, I think very recently, or Joe Biden's now trying to get another 125 billion to be sent to Ukraine, and people need to understand what this money is doing. The United States is paying the salaries of Ukrainian civil servants. The United States is paying for the pensions of Ukrainian civil servants when the UAW is on strike in the United States trying to get pensions restored in the United States. All of this under the pretext of democracy and defending democracy, when it was the United States in 2014 with the Maidan coup that went in and overthrew the democratically elected jankovich government in Ukraine, which was the precipitant to where we are today, the hypocrisy in all of this is nauseating. Dr. Radhika Desai (50:28): And also when they say, I mean anybody knows when the United States says that it's defending human rights and democracy, what it's really doing is first of all, it's using usually some sections of the middle class as essentially the protesters who will protest against the government that the United States does not like, et cetera. So they're again using them as instruments and appealing to their liberal principles, et cetera. But more to the point that the kinds of rights and freedoms the United States wants to see realized in all the other countries of the world are those rights and those freedoms of US corporations to go there and do as they please engage in whatever economic activity that they want to, and all sorts of exploitative activities that they want to get into. So that's what the defense of human freedom and human rights actually amounts to. Anyway. And then on top of that, the irony is that the United States requires all its partner countries. Whoever wants anything from the United States must enact neoliberal policies. What are neoliberal policies? They're precisely the policies that make democracy impossible, because in a capitalist society, you cannot have anything like a functioning democracy without making some substantial material concessions in the form of good wages, good welfare states, et cetera, to the ordinary people. But this is precisely what is made impossible. So what is there for ordinary people to vote for? Dr. Wilmer Leon (52:05): And that's a great, great point. And there's something else I think from a societal and a cultural perspective that needs to be taken into account here. And that is the United States, and this has been a stated objective since this whole Ukraine conflict started. The United States wants to engage in regime change in Russia. They want to get rid of Vladimir Putin. But I've seen independent polls, and what I mean independent, I mean from Princeton University and other US Ivy League institutions that say over 86% of Russian people support their government. I've seen independent polls from, again, American institutions, 96% of the Chinese people support President Xi and the Chinese government, we tried to overthrow Ade in Syria. He won the last election with 86% of the vote. And I have friends of mine that were election observers in Syria who said, free and fair election. Same thing with Maduro in Venezuela, free and fair elections. So my point is there forms of democracy because of their histories and their cultures are different than our form of democracy. But that doesn't mean they're not valid. That doesn't mean they're not supported by the people, and that means that does not mean that they should not be supported by us. Dr. Radhika Desai (53:44): Absolutely. I mean, I remember I used to teach a course on democracy and capitalism, and my students had to read this particular text written in the seventies by CB McPherson, a very important Canadian Marxist philosopher, but also very widely respected. And you read there in the seventies, it was completely natural for people to say, you know what? We may have our form of democracy, but it is a liberal democracy. But in the communist countries, which existed at that time, they also have their own form of democracy, and that's a different one. And third world countries are trying to realize their own forms of democracy. So this type of pluralism had to be accepted because the fact that the Soviet Union existed was an important restraint, constituted an important restraint on the West and on the United States. The moment the Soviet Union has ceased to exist, the United States has gone full fledged into this completely delusional quest for supremacy around the world, which is an impossible quest. (54:48) The United States can never enjoy that form of supremacy, but the problem with the United States is failing that it has no plan B. So US leaders keep trying to achieve that supremacy, as you rightly put it, destroying the United States itself in that process. But also I would say, of course, causing mayhem around the world, causing economic crises, wars, financial crises across the board, essentially making people's lives a misery. I mean, it's no wonder that China is today welcomed with open arms in so many countries where the United States and the West more generally have historically visited very little but abuse on these countries. Dr. Wilmer Leon (55:34): We have just about probably four minutes left and you saying that just made me think. When you listen to President Putin, he talks about the shift away from the unipolar dynamic to a multipolar dynamic. When you listen to President Xi, he talks about the shifting away from a unipolar dynamic to a multipolar dynamic. And I just heard Joe Biden say recently, we're getting the sense that the world is shifting and we need to consider a new world order. I've heard that before. And then he says, and the new world order needs to be led by the United States. I said, Joe Biden, man, you are, if not senile, you are at least out of your mind. Dr. Radhika Desai (56:28): Absolutely. Absolutely. I mean, as I said, there is a certain level of delusion. I mean recently, I can't remember the exact words, but President Joe Biden was asked whether the United States could fight a two front war, and he said, of course we are. Of course we can. Of course we can. We're the United States. I mean, the fact of the matter is Wilma, if you think about it, and you are the historian, I'm not. But if you think about it, the United States has never won a single war, which it has fought on its own. I mean, not counting it later, Dr. Wilmer Leon (57:01): Ii, since World War ii, the United States, maybe we could say Grenada, and maybe we could say Panama, other than those two, the United States hasn't won a thing where didn't win Vietnam. I could tick off the didn't win. Afghanistan didn't win. Iraq we're like, oh, for five. Dr. Radhika Desai (57:26): And so the question arises. We are told in the same breath that the United States, we are told that the United States spends almost a trillion dollars a year on its military. What good does that do if the United States can't win wars? Dr. Wilmer Leon (57:44): What if the United States spent a trillion dollars on its infrastructure? Dr. Radika Desai, how can people reach you and connect and read your work? Dr. Radhika Desai (57:54): Well, my email is very easy to find. So if you just Google ika dea, university of Manitoba, you'll find my email and my website is ika dea.com. Dr. Wilmer Leon (58:05): I want to thank my guest, Dr. Rika Desai for joining me today, and thank you all so much for listening to the Connecting the Dots podcast with me, Dr. Wilmer Leon. Stay tuned for new episodes every week. Also, please follow and subscribe. Leave a review, share my show, follow us on social media. You'll find all the links below in the show description. And remember, folks, this is where the analysis of politics, culture, and history converge because talk without analysis is just chatter, and we don't chatter on connecting the dots. See you again next time. Until then, I'm Dr. Wier Leon. Have a good one. Peace

Chris and Kristie return for #GCBS Spice week. In this episode, they complain about the lack of Spice Girls mentions, discuss expensive ingredients, and ponder the importance of shipbuilding in their lives. 

It was impossible to look away once CBC released the story and Fifth Estate documentary questioning Buffy Sainte-Marie's Indigenous identity. How well did the CBC do in its reporting? And an update on the Greenbelt scandal under Doug Ford - including an RCMP investigation. Kim Wheeler co-hosts. Host: Jonathan GoldsbieCredits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor), Karyn Pugliese (Editor-in-Chief)Guest: Kim Wheeler Further reading: Who is the real Buffy Sainte-Marie? - CBCInvestigating Buffy Sainte-Marie's claims to Indigenous ancestry - The Fifth Estate Those who pretend to be Indigenous only distract from the things that really matter - The Globe and MailGreenbelt, farmland planning favoured secrecy, not environment: docs - The NarwhalEnvironmental group releases thousands of government documents on Greenbelt, urban boundary scandals - The TrilliumDeparting premier Heather Stefanson apologizes for 'hurting Manitobans' with landfill-search ads - CBC NewsDoug Ford denies involvement in municipal land decisions - The Globe and Mail Sponsors: Douglas, Squarespace, BetterHelp If you value this podcast, Support us! You'll get premium access to all our shows ad free, including early releases and bonus content. You'll also get our exclusive newsletter, discounts on merch at our store, tickets to our live and virtual events, and more than anything, you'll be a part of the solution to Canada's journalism crisis, you'll be keeping our work free and accessible to everybody. You can listen ad-free on Amazon Music—included with Prime. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The death toll of Israelis and Palestinians - many of them innocent civilians - killed over the past ten days is staggering, and you get the sense this war is only just beginning. As everyday Canadians publicly declare their support for Palestine *or* Israel, it's easy to feel like society is painfully divided. Who really wants to pick a side when it comes to children and the elderly being killed by missile strikes?  5:00 | Charles Adler tells us what prompted his newspaper column "Never Again. Again" over the weekend. Plus, we look at the Supreme Court's decision against the federal government's Impact Assessment Act (remember the "No More Pipelines" bill?), Premier Scott Moe invoking the notwithstanding clause in Saskatchewan, Heather Stefanson's apology to Manitobans, and Jagmeet Singh's dwindling popularity among NDP members.  59:45 | We love the story of 72-year-old Sam Kaplan keeping his promise to his 99-year-old Mom. It's this week's Positive Reflection presented by Kuby Renewable Energy!  SEND US YOUR POSITIVE REFLECTION: talk@ryanjespersen.com  GET A FREE SOLAR QUOTE: https://kubyenergy.ca/ BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: https://www.patreon.com/ryanjespersen WEBSITE: https://ryanjespersen.com/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@realtalkrj TWITTER: https://twitter.com/RealTalkRJ INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/RealTalkRJ/ THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

Fresh from his election win in Manitoba, NDP Leader Wab Kinew talks to Matt Galloway about becoming the first First Nations provincial leader in Canada; and delivering on campaign promises around health care, affordability and searching a landfill for two missing women.

I have a message for every farmer in Manitoba, no matter what crop they grow, or type of animals are under their care — now is the time to engage with all local candidates. Governance matters. On October 3rd, Manitobans will elect 57 Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs). Every one of them will influence,... Read More

When to break a line, Slushies. And why? What's the shape your poem takes, and how does the poem's form serve its complexities, subtleties, and heart? Three poems by Karl Meade are up for consideration in this episode of The Slush Pile, and they call the editors into conversation about trauma in literature, narrative (in)coherence as craft, and the pleasurable risks of stair-stepped stanzas. Poet L.J. Sysko joins the conversation on this  episode  of The Slush Pile as we discuss “Beach Fall,” “Christmas Break,” and “Doom Eager.” (If a tree falls in the woods, Slushies. Ammiright?)   At the table: Kathleen Volk Miller, Marion Wrenn, L. J. Sysko, Jason Schneiderman, Samantha Neugebauer, Alex J. Tunney   Karl Meade's work been published in many literary magazines, a few of which he didn't even donate heavily to, or previously serve as editor—including Literary Review of Canada, Tusculum Review, Arc Poetry Magazine, Grain Magazine, Chronogram, Umbrella Factory Magazine, Contemporary Verse 2, Event Magazine, The Fiddlehead, Open Letter, Under the Sun, and Dandelion. His work has also been mistakenly longlisted for four CBC Literary Prizes, shortlisted for The Malahat Review's Open Season Creative Nonfiction Award, and Arc Poetry Magazine's Poem of the Year. His novel, Odd Jobs, written as a solemn literary manifesto, was a finalist for the Foreword Reviews Book of the Year for Humor, and an iTunes Top 20 Arts and Literature podcast—“Laugh Out Loud,” one listener said of this grave work.   Karl's chapbook “Doom Eager” has just been released in September 2023 by Raven Chapbooks, just in time for us to publish this podcast, which has waited longer than it should for release!    Author website: www.karlmeade.com Guest Editor: L.J. Sysko   L.J. Sysko's work has been published in Voicemail Poems, The Pinch, Ploughshares, Rattle, Best New Poets, and elsewhere. She is the author of a poetry chapbook, BATTLEDORE (Finishing Line Press, New Women's Voices series). Poetry honors include several Dorothy Sargent Rosenberg awards, two fellowships from Delaware's Division of the Arts, and poetry finalist recognition from The Fourth River, The Pinch, and Soundings East. Sysko holds an MFA in poetry from New England College.   X: @lj_sysko Instagram: @lesliesysko Facebook: @lesliesysko Author website: http://www.ljsysko.com   beach fall for Holli and Terry   Mountain to stone, prairie to sand, redwood to ash, from here I can see the heart of the sea, but not the beach   he fell on. I can see the picture window you sit in—waiting, watching the shore, iPad in lap, short-haired   Flossy at your side, the one who dug your dad's water bottle from under him. I don't know why   you brought his suitcase to his wake empty—what it was between you. Only he knew the words   you could not say. The doctors' words for you—non-verbal, spectral—sent him back to rage. He said they weren't worth the hair   on a dead chicken, that aut-ism was just too much self for them to take from you. He knew what his raging   love could do: four hours a night on the couch, talking through your iPad. He called himself Manitoban, the prairie farm-boy   who watched his dog run away for three days, the rain-man to lead you out, teach you how to mouth the O, the awe   in Holli. Yes, from here I can see the redwoods fall, the mountains decay, his sea-bed—   they say all the big hearts of the earth love where they fall, that his heart stopped   before he hit the beach. But we both know why his mouth was full of sand.     Christmas break for Doug and Arlene   The earth heaves, the ice cleaves. Erosion cuts the heart from every stone, while every night   I watch you drive your family past a starving glacier, turn from a truck laden with salt. You head off   the head on, take the bumper to the heart, leave your family straining your lungs' last   words from the floor of the minivan. I'm on the floor beneath my desk, straining   to plug in the phone that I will blame for years: why did I plug it in? Every night   I watch the driver's stoned eyes, petrified as your broken daughters in the back. Every night   I piece you all back together: brake, I say, turn over and over while the glacier leaves   its terminal moraine. I gather the stones, offer them to the moon, last witness   to your last turn. I turn to your wife, try to face her head on   with what the earth knows: core to crust, mouth to lung   the rupture comes, the rupture stays. Every Christmas   she wakes to the words brake, turn.     doom eager*       because one of us took a spike to the lung               a minivan to the chest                            hit the beach with his heart                                          to say nothing of the one                                                       whose only breath was broken water   because I believe               the hand, the wound, the moon                             is how I show you where I fell                                          through the hole I thought I was                                                       diving for pearls through the green                                                                     fuse of ice in my dream of you                             because I run naked                                         through the forest on a moonless night                                                        with a penlight in the hand that broke                                                        my mother's heart waning at the seed                                                                     of light the moon won't show me                                                                                    because its dark side calls all of us                             because I believe                                         I'll find your heart in the east                                                      your marrow in the moon                                                                     fever just before the sun rises                                                                                   I'll swim for it all day forgetting                                                                                                how the earth turns east south west                                                                                                                        circling all night forgetting                                                                                                                                                                                 there is no moon                                                                                                                                                                                 in the new moon                                                       because the only way out                                                                   is my hand on your chest                                                                                  I walk the shore all night                                                                                               dream back the back of the moon                                                                                                                                                               because the only cure                                                                                                                                                                                   for the wound                                                                                                                                                                                      is the wound     *after Ibsen, Graham, Moore: an Icelandic term for the isolation, restlessness, caughtness an artist experiences when sick with an idea