Et Tu Hubris?

In the classic school-yard bully scenario, the big tough-guy, singles out the weaker kids and picks on them one by one. Sometimes - not always, but sometimes the kids catch on and realize that while individually weak, as a group they're stronger. As a group they're powerful, and the bully doesn't stand a chance. Unfortunately, this doesn't happen often.

So imagine my glee, when I looked at the front page of the newspaper today, and saw a photo of Stephen Harper nearly in tears.

He's spent the last two years pushing the opposition parties - daring them to call his bluff and topple the government in a confidence vote. And almost every time they blinked. Until now.

This time, the Liberals and NDP just needed to say the word coalition loud enough and suddenly Harper and his minions retreat - grumbling like a defeated cartoon villain.

There's something so satisfying about the bully getting slapped back.

Calling your bluffs

I have to first admit that I haven't been following this story closely, but if I had to fall on one side of the debate I'd be for the wind farms off the Scarborough Bluffs.

I've seen the wind farm north of Shelburne on highway 10 and I think it looks fantastic. Even residents who were opposed to the turbines have come around.

But as I don't live in Scarborough (thank God for that) I suppose it's not really up to me. Although when I read statements like this I wish it was:

"I am worried that the bluffs are not rock and stone, and are very much vulnerable. I wonder what the vibrations would do to the bluffs."

Yup...some lady is worried that 60 or so turbines being erected between Ajax and the Leslie Spit will in fact bring the Scarborough Bluffs crashing into Lake Ontario. They've some how survived eons of weather and planetary shifting - but the vibrations of the (near silent) wind turbines will finally do what nature could not - topple the Scarborough Bluffs.

I hope this woman saw her quote in the paper today and suddenly realized how outrageously stupid she sounded and that she'll think twice about opening her mouth in the company of others. In fact - lady, do us all a favour and maybe just stay in doors for a little while.


Photo by Light Collector - Flickr photostream - http://www.flickr.com/photos/whitebeard/

Hard-core Lactivist

I had grown fearful lately that I had nothing to write about in this space. Had I grown so content with my life that I didn’t need this outlet to vent and rant and rave? Was I….happy?

Then - whilst contemplating my more human side, I read this story and it all came back to me. Welcome home.

This woman is claiming her right to breast feed in public was infringed on, and now she’s going after the pool’s owner. Well of course she is.

First – she was politely asked not to feed the baby in the pool. Good Christ, I won’t swim in a public pool let alone drink out of one. And this is a pool for babies – babies who pee themselves on dry land…what do you think they do in a warm pool?

Second – she was offered a number of alternative places for breast feeding, all of which weren’t in the pool. She wasn’t kicked out – just asked not to do it in the water. I’m not allowed to eat a hoagie in the pool, why is this kid? I don’t care how nice the water is, don’t be lazy, walk 10 steps to a chair and feed your kid.

Third – Gross. A public pool? Seriously? What’s next, are you going to let your baby teeth on a subway door handle?

Now I’m amongst those who believe breast feeding in public is fine (great even). Ladies if you choose to feed your baby in public – fair game and more power to you. But shouldn’t the respect you’re afforded go both ways? If someone asks you politely not to breast feed your 20 MONTH OLD baby – that’s actually a 2 year child – in a public swimming pool, then perhaps you should abide.

Plus, your kid is nearly 2 years old and if you keep breast feeding it there are bound to be psychological repercussions down the road. I’m no therapist, but that seems like trouble.

I’m calling for people to put a little perspective around things, because this is really not a big deal. Not everything is a cause to be rallied against. Maybe you just had a difference of opinion and you should move on with your life.

nuff said