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Attack Ads Toxic to Democracy

As published in the Victoria Standard: June 5, 2019

Political attack ads have returned to Canada’s airwaves and social media as federal political parties seek to undermine their electoral opponents. In spite of its corrosive effect on public discourse, this ugly tactic has proven consistently successful, particularly for dominant parties who can afford to hire expert advisors.

Cruelty-Free Cosmetics Act Long Overdue

As published in the Victoria Standard: May 8, 2019

There is no justification for testing cosmetics on mice, rabbits or other animals. I’ve seen video footage of this cruelty and the unsettling images linger in my memory. Thankfully, some Canadian politicians are prepared to legislate against animal testing in cosmetic research. The law would mainly apply to the importation of animal-tested cosmetics since only a tiny percentage of Canadian animal testing is conducted for non-medical research.

Canada’s Venezuelan Meddling a Pre-election Diversion

As published by the Victoria Standard: April 10, 2019

As a member of the Lima Group, Canada has chosen to interfere in the politics of Venezuela, a troubled but sovereign state. Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland has publicly declared Canada’s intentions regarding so-called democracy promotion.

Remembrance Day: The Guns did not Stop Firing

As published in the Inverness Oran: 13 November 13, 2018

Dear Editor,

Recent Gaza Turmoil: Missing Context

As published in the National Post (National Online Edition): April 3, 2018

Historical Context Absent from Gaza Commentary

As published in the Washington Report on Middle East Affairs, January/February 2019, pp. 5-7

Economist Magazine Content With Israeli Policy

As published in the Washington Report on Middle East Affairs, March/April 2019, pp. 6-7

A recent issue of The Economist featured a short opinion piece that mentioned anti-Israel bias at the United Nations Human Rights Council but fails to provide even a glimpse at the historical context that might explain this stance. The author seemed particularly unimpressed with the fact that Israel’s illegal occupation of the West Bank and the Golan Heights continues to be a standing issue on the council’s agenda.

Rare Book Suggests North American Holocaust

As published in the Victoria Standard: March 13, 2019.

I have absolutely no doubt that the Nazis pondered a North American version of their European genocide against the Jews and others. However, the Nazi record is no excuse for Canada’s official marginalization of a people who played no role in the Holocaust.

Indigenous Sovereignty Impacting Canada’s Evolving Energy Sector

As published in the Victoria Standard: February 13, 2019

Unlike most Canadian Indigenous groups, only a minority of British Columbia’s First Nations signed treaties with British colonial authorities or the Canadian government. This unique situation complicates matters for all parties with an interest in hydrocarbon extraction. That list includes Indigenous groups for and against pipelines, environmentalists, resource companies and governments.

Cuts to Carbon Emissions must be Greater, Faster

As published in the Victoria Standard: January 16, 2019.

Delegates at the recent UN Climate Summit in Poland received a stark warning from elite investment fund managers about the dire need to cut carbon emissions and eliminate coal-fired power generation to protect the global financial system. The Investor Agenda lobby group represents 415 global investment firms managing over $32 trillion.