Consider This

My beautiful dog, Paisley, has died.

After 11 years, she was sick with cancer and nothing could be done to save her. Next to my wife and daughter, I cannot think of anyone who was closer to me. She was my shadow, always following me around the house. She sat with me in my office, next to me watching TV and slept next to my side of the bed on her pillow. We walked daily.

It may seem like a strange post, but for those who knew me, she was a major fixture in my life. Also, for some, you will recognize her because you saw us together somewhere around town. There were also the countless students who knew her, as well. And, for all those wonderful dog lovers, you appreciate how the loss of a pet can affect someone.

I wanted to write something brilliant, a tribute to her. But, after several draft, it falls short. But, I must admit, the act of writing something helped me feel better about the loss. Still, it is muddled.

Maybe in the future, I might try to craft an obituary or a remembrance. But, for now, this is it.

Goodbye, my beloved Paisley. R.I.P.

There is so much wrong at Brighton council it is difficult to know where to start.

First, this is a clear case where the current climate of disrespect toward government and public service is made crystal clear. For decades, right-wing ideologists have pushed the notion of government as a business, not a public service. It completely distorts the notion of governance and the function of all levels of government.

Public service is not a business, period. Mayor Mark Walas admits he is used to having the final decision. Sorry, but that notion went out with monarchs as rulers.  We live in a democracy (certainly under siege), but it still means decisions are collective and action/direction comes from council as whole, not individuals. But don’t feel bad; Toronto Mayor Rob Ford suffers from the same delusion. Continue reading »