Ronald Reagan

'The trouble with our liberal friends is not that they're ignorant; it's just that they know so much that isn't so.'

-Ronald Reagan

2 for 1 Legislation

The now effective legislation that ends the 2 for 1 credit that is applied on time served by people charged who are waiting for their cases to be heard in court is generally accepted by Saskatchewan people. There are other concerns regarding this issue. The courts are apparently a large part of the problem as those charged have to wait to have their cases heard and this is historically why the 2 for 1 credit came about in the first place. Abuse of this credit is also an issue.

The government’s decision to remove the 2 for 1 policy may cause even more congestion in the courts, but we will have to wait to see if that materializes. For now the government looks good on this issue as it makes them appear to be acting tough on crime. If prolonged, complicated bail hearings add more congestion to a judicial system already backed up then the government may have to make further adjustments. That would involve spending significant dollars to improve the judicial system with facilities and personnel at a significant cost to the taxpayers.

Tough on crime policies come at a cost, but if they are effective then it is money well spent. It will be interesting to see the long term effect of the removal of the 2 for 1 credit. Only time will tell.

2010 Winter Olympics

Has the “Own the Podium” slant of the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver by bureaucrats and promoters put too much pressure on Canadian athletes to win? Only the athletes know the answer to that question. We will likely never know because athletes generally accept full responsibility if they fail to meet expected performances.

It really doesn’t matter because Canadians from across the country have made these games a success where being Canadian is more important than owning the podium. They have rallied behind our athletes regardless of their performance. They have brought this country together again as they did in the later part of the 1972 Summit, which was a series of games between Russia and Canada. Canada eventually won the series in the last game.

I have been emotionally moved by the performance of all our athletes in these games. I have found myself watching sports I never knew existed along with those we all know very well like hockey and curling. The relentless support of Canadians behind our athletes is a spirit that will never be defeated. The pride of Canada is for all athletes and for all nations. Thanks to all our athletes we are, at this time in our history, a more united nation. Is there anything more our athletes could have done for Canada? Is there anything more Canadians could have done for our athletes? Not likely. Way to go Canada!

Ronald Reagan

'The most terrifying words in the English language are: I'm from the government and I'm here to help.'

_Ronald Reagan

Tiger Woods

Tiger Woods, in a public statement today, made a sincere apology to everyone for all his failings. The media forecast Tiger Woods would speak for no more than two or three minutes. They were wrong it was over thirteen minutes. The public statement by Tiger Woods was an outright apology wherein he accepted full responsibility for his conduct. He made it very clear that he is going to make every effort to turn his life around. He made it clear that there is nothing more important to him than his wife and family.

In December of 2009 I wrote; “Tiger Woods and his family need our support, deserving or otherwise, not the continual damnation he is getting from those who are as less than perfect in some other way.” I stand by my view now more than ever, but this is unlikely, as many will continue to criticize Tiger Woods. In reality, there is absolutely nothing Tiger Woods could have said to satisfy everyone. Nor is there anything he can do to satisfy everyone.

Tiger Woods should be left alone to deal with his personal challenges in life. His critics should allow him to get on with his process of redemption. Tiger Woods is not perfect and nor are his critics. Let it go already! I want to see him do well, play golf again and win.

Olympic Poem

VANCOUVER, B.C. - A transcript of Shane Koyczan's poem, "We Are More," as delivered during the opening ceremonies of the 2010 Olympic Games:

"Define Canada
You might say the home of the Rocket
Or The Great One
Who inspired little No. 9s and little No. 99s

But we're more than just hockey and fishing lines
Off of the rocky coast of the Maritimes
And some say what defines us
Is something as simple as 'please' and 'thank you'
And as for 'you're welcome,' well, we say that, too

But we are more than genteel or civilized
We are an idea in the process of being realized
We are young, we are cultures strung together then woven into a tapestry
And the design is what makes us more than the sum totals of our history

We are an experiment going right for a change
With influences that range from A to Zed
And yes, we say 'Zed' instead of 'Zee'

We are the brightness of Chinatown and the laughter of Little Italy
We dream so big that there are those
Who would call our ambition an industry
Because we are vineyards of good year after good year

We reforest what we clear
Because we believe in generations beyond our own
Knowing now that so many of us
Have grown past what we used to be

We can stand here today
Filled with all the hope people have
When they say things like 'someday'
Because we are more
Than a laundry list of things to do and places to see
More than hills to ski
Or countryside ponds to skate

We are the abandoned hesitation of all those who can't wait
We are first-rate greasy spoon diners and healthy living cafes
A country that is all the ways you choose to live

A nation that can give you variety
Because we are choices
We are millions upon millions of voices
Shouting, keep exploring
We are more
We are the surprise the world has in store for you, it's true
Canada is the 'what' in 'what's new'

So don't let your luggage define your travels
Each life unravels differently
And experiences are what make up
The colours of our tapestry

We are the true North
Strong and free
And what's more
Is that we didn't just say it
We made it be"

Ronald Reagan

'Here's my strategy on the Cold War:

We win, they lose.'

_Ronald Reagan

Bravo Rod Gantefoer

I say "Bravo" for Rod Gantefoer on how he has handled being recently diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. He has served the people of Saskatchewan with honesty and humility. I am pleased to hear he will stay on and continue working for his constituency and for the people of Saskatchewan. He has earned the respect of Saskatchewan people and now deserves their support. I wish him all the best with his health and his politics.

Ronald Reagan

"Socialism only works in two places: Heaven where they don't need it and hell where they already have it."

_Ronald Reagan

Roger Federer

Roger Federer is the greatest tennis player the world has ever known. He holds almost every record in the game and is a 16-time Grand Slam Champion. His most recent slam victory was the Australian Open.

Unfortunately, very few people here in Canada even know his name. His next appearance is the French Open and even if you know nothing of the game take the time to watch him play. What he does on a tennis court is a testament to the wonder of the human mind and body, as it is with many professional athletes.

On and off the court Roger Federer is one of the finest, if not the best, of what an athlete should be to their sport. For those who know or play the game of tennis none will have enough adjectives to describe the greatness of Roger Federer at this time in our history. And with all respect to his competitors, Roger Federer is the best.

Health Care

There are two health related issues that have popped up in the news recently. One is the decision of Danny Williams, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, to have heart surgery in the US. Politicians and others have had surgery in the US. The important issue is that Premier Williams has the surgery where he wants, he is paying for it, and that his health is restored. It is his decision and he owes no one an explanation or an apology. He has promised a full explanation after his surgery and when he is prepared to answer questions. Discussion over issues relating to the quality and availability of health care in Canada versus the US is pointless.

The other issue is the matter of Canadians funding abortions outside of Canada in the interest of foreign policy. I would rather support a Canadian policy of reducing abortion and stream lining adoption. Adopting displaced Haitian children was fast tracked so we know it can be done. The federal liberals have embraced a foreign policy that supports safe abortion abroad. I support prevention and the right to life. Health care needs funding here in Canada. Why should Canadian taxpayer’s fund abortions outside of Canada? Funding pregnancy prevention would be a better solution.

If the governments of Canada want to spend some money then let it be on drug abuse, especially for our youth. This will save lives and reduce crime and health care costs.