Monday, October 19, 2015

Elections 2015

I wonder if Canadians will be able to sleep come Monday’s October 19th Elections 2015 results… If at all. Canadians who have been promoting ABC (anything but Conservative) have taken this slogan to new heights. Songs have been written, poems, satires, editorials, you name it it’s been done.  Social media is on fire, everyone has an invested interest in this final electoral outcome. The prospect of electing another Conservative majority government has mobilized Canadians. It even runs contrary to the long standing tradition of not caring about participating in the electoral process. Whatever you political inclinations, or motives, you can thank Mr. Harper for this. 
"He alone has done the unthinkable--forcing Canadians to look past the end of their noses."
According to Statistics Canada, “…approximately 14.8 million of the 24.3 million citizens on the (2011) electoral list cast a ballot, for a turnout rate of 61%.”  Judging by the early advance poll results released by Elections Canada this will not be the case in 2015.
   Brigette DePape who is currently the Council of Canadians' Pacific regional organizing assistant, hopes to influence her peers into action, "My generation has been accused of being glued to our devices, but we are also using them to bring about change. Inspired by Rick Mercer's rant, 140,000 people, including me, have changed our profile pictures to "I will vote on October 19th."

   DePape’s and others of her generation have not sat quietly during this election.  If anything her leadership has shifted long set opinions about the vote. Clearly the level of apathy remains high but in this instance; the Conservative branding upon the Canadian landscape for the past 10 years was significant enough to demand action.  Schools are staging mock elections. Candidates are invited to speak and engage the next generation about politics. Antipathy is no longer acceptable.  Universities are making the task of voting easier for those who cannot vote on site. The word change can mean many things, and in this case during this election none more important than galvanizing, urging, demanding, every registered voter to do just that—vote.

   Mobilizing the indigenous vote among First Nation’s communities and in urban cities has been intense. Many FNs leaders and Idle No More activists are of the opinion that “opting in” the electoral process will do very little to further FNs sovereigntist agenda.  Self-determination remains the focal issue according to the Assembly of First Nations (AFN).  Professor at the University of Victoria in British Columbia, Dr. Taiaiake Alfred remarked in a 2011 interview that, “(FNs participation in Canadian politics) is a sign not only of the failure of our leadership [but] the slow, and gradual and fading away of any real sense of being Native.”

   The idea of nationhood has never been to far from the topic when discussing indigenous issues. While Mulcair promises ‘nation to nation’ relationship building he steers widely from its standard definition-at least from an indigenous perspective.

The Liberals and the NDP acknowledge that FNs have been historically ill served. Both have promised enhanced financial supports in the area of education, training, and infrastructure. Indigenous representation (22) is also significant within the NDP.  As with all parties, promises were made towards indigenous communities.  
“To create a cabinet-level committee chaired by the prime minister, to ensure that all government decisions respect treaty rights, inherent rights and Canada’s international obligations, including the principles of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.”-NDP promise platform.
Mulcair’s last campaign stop in Kenora, Ontario reiterates the need for increased federal support were 25 FNs reserves are still living under boil water advisories (17 years for some).  Promises as the one stated above will not solve infrastructure issues. But the NDP platform is far more palpable and clearly identifies indigenous priorities as NDP priorities. Will it be enough to claim all 51 ridings that are within reach of ‘Rocking the Vote’ and give Mulcair and the NDP their long awaited break and form government?

   Judging by the latest polls the Liberals under Trudeau’s leadership seem poised to form a minority government. Many Canadians are of the opinion that minority governments can work. Should the next party win a minority, expectations are high to form government across party lines. Canadian minority governments have poor track records. Since Confederation there are only two minority governments which have lasted more than 360 days. That of Lyon Mackenzie King (1922-25) and Stephen Harper (2006-2008).  

   Somehow this inability, or unwillingness to pursue Canadian interests across party lines runs deeply. The NDP have already stated that should a Conservative minority be successful, it would trigger another election by voting against the Conservative’s first parliamentary budget (automatic non confidence vote). Canadians are engaged and earnestly hoping for the resumption of the status quo or its complete obliteration.  There are no ‘in between’.  

   Monday’s election results will not be the end. It will be the beginning of another messy process where a minority government will be expected to work, or in the event of a clear majority the mandate-- to have the courage to follow through campaign promises. Repealing the first-past-the-post (FPTP) in time for the next election proposed under a Liberal government will drastically alter the way we vote in future elections. And it’s high time.  

   As for the status quo the latest Nanos Poll indicate Conservative national support sits at 30.5%. Appealing enough for some in spite of Harper’s weaknesses as Prime Minister. Is it to protect what is left of the party as a Progressive? Or is it that policies introduced by Harper actually find resonance among the 30.5%? Perhaps a little bit of both?


Touted as the Vote of the Century, the 2015 decision assuredly will indicate in which direction Canada will take. Let us hope that direction is not downwards.

Monday, September 14, 2015

Going through the paces....

Renowned Flamenco dancer and Instructor Carmen De Torres will be hosting series of workshops, in Winnipeg, for the month of September. These workshops were organized by Helena Infante, who determined that studios of this sort filled a need. Lifelong friends, these two enterprising women hope to solidify future expositions of Iberian cultural arts to Winnipeg.

Carmen De Torres
“Having Carmen host a series of workshops in Winnipeg was just pure timing,” explained Infante.  As it were, she had already scheduled to spend some time with her family, “…So I just decided to organize some time tables and ask who would be interested. And here we are.” De Torres currently lives and earns a living teaching flamenco in Sevilla, Spain.
“(De Torres) is my married name. The reason I chose to retain the name was for artistic reasons. As you know, I had of lot of exposure in the press at that time. So when I moved back to Spain in 1989, it was a logical thing to do.”
Culture takes root in dance. And for families of Spanish ancestry such as Carmen Garrido-De Torres it began with the Pabellón de España. The Pabellón’s Artistic Director Carmen Infante, has formed most of today’s flamenco artists based from Winnipeg.  Infante (Helena) is taking her mother’s lead and hopes to further all artistic forms of art of Iberian expression.
 “Arranging flamenco classes is just the beginning. Carmen is just one example of how Iberian culture can be introduced, performed, and taught in Winnipeg.  I have ideas. For me I would like to make available these kinds of workshops to everyone living in this city. I would be a great way to showcase the Iberian Peninsula.” -Helena Infante
Perceptions about what flamenco is or is not seldom worries De Torres.  In her opinion, flamenco is not proprietary and you do not have to be of Spanish origin to perform flamenco, “Andalucía has been invaded by many cultures throughout the centuries and has infused some of their own ethnic markers within flamenco itself. So we can really say that flamenco belongs to the world.”
  During the Spanish Civil War flamenco foundered. De Torres harbors no illusions, "It became a lesser form under Franco. Flamenco was rendered lifeless, cheap, really it just became some sort of venture without any substance."

She went on to describe Lorca's assassination and subsequent efforts of de Falla to rejuvenate the old teachings in Spain. Carol A. Hess writes in her book Manuel de Falla and Modernism in Spain-1898-1936 the influences and cultural aspects of flamenco during that time.
The cante jondo contest grew out of the conviction--shared by Falla, Lorca, and a host of Spanish intellectuals--that flamenco was being overtaken by urban popular song. The organizers' stated desire to hear the " 'admirable sobriety' of the classic cantaores" shows the extent to which the contest was, in effect, a classicizing gesture, in  this case, an effort to return to the "ancient purity" of "Oriental peoples," that is, to the "East."
Francisco Sánchez Gómez (Paco de Lucia) and fellow compatriot José Monge Cruz, (Camerón de la Isla) were most influential during the 1960’s. Today, there are many variances with respect to flamenco. Pedro Aurelio surmises his thoughts philosophically, "You need a proper foundation in order to incorporate other artistic forms of dance." Palos has different meanings and with respect to flamenco; can be metaphorically said to signify a 'category'. There are more than fifty genre of palos which is defined by a rhythmic pattern referred to as a (compàs). Many students remark about its complexity.



Many contemporary schools have flooded the market in order to satisfy the growing demand-and not all of them successful. In this sense, De Torres is fortunate. Averaging forty students during a nine month course gives her the necessary means to earn a living teaching flamenco, “I also have foreign students from all parts of the world who opt to take day classes. In some cases this would extend to a week or a month of classes, it all varies…and that’s not including organized group sessions.”
    According to Infante, the participants are impressed, “Students often share their impressions and most of them didn't realize the skill level needed to just show up and take Carmen’s classes. What is important is that everyone is enjoying themselves. And so far it seems to be working.”  


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Advanced - Tarantos
Intermediate /Beginners - Tangos Festeros, Bulerias
Cante - song forms taught in Advanced and Intermediate levels.

1 course 4.5 hours - $120.00

2 courses 9 hours - $210.00
3 courses 13.5 hours - $275.00
4 courses 18 hours - $315.00
8 courses 36 hours - $520.00



September 18, 19, 20 @ 6:00-9:00
Course 5 Tangos Intermediate level
Course 6 Seguiriyas Advanced level

September 25, 26 (2 hours and fifteen minutes each day because we only have 2 days) 
Course 7 Review of Tangos and Bulerias Intermediate level
Course 8 Tarantos Advanced level 

Drop in class $45.00 per hour.
Observing classes $22.00 per hour.
Private classes available per request.
Children's/Youths Alegrias workshop $20.00 per hour at TBA.

Location - St.Philips Norwood Anglican Church @ 240 Tache Avenue; only for September 4th,5th,6th and September 11th,12th,13th.

Cante classes location TBA

For early registration contact: 
Helena Infante 204-990-6135
helenainfante@gmail.com


Tuesday, June 2, 2015

Will Sagkeeng find a better way?

There are many adjectives used to describe reserves across Canada. Very few possess the very meaning and derivative such as the word ‘Ishkonigan’. Many Canadians wonder why these
"leftover" reserves continue to exist at all. Author David Treuer, an Ojibway from the Leech Lake reservation in Minnesota speaks of this, “What are these places that kill us every day but that we’d die to protect and are like no place else on earth?”

The same issue can be said about Treaty. Why should they remain? Councillor Marilyn Courchene does not preoccupy herself with trying to make sense of it all. Recently appointed Councillor on the Sagkeeng First Nation Chief and Council; she recognizes the sheer magnitude to bring about positive change in her community.  Reflecting on her own election results, she readily admits the outcome is very un-rez like, “I don’t have a large family, so yes in a sense typical family ‘block style’ voting would have made me a long shot.”

This small victory, is a precursor of what Courchene hopes will become the future for her people. Running against the current is never easy, “You have to prove yourself to the community. People know me and what I've done in the past. Every season there was something happening. I was involved in it or I was at the forefront of it. I think that helped me quite a bit.”

Elections on reserves are not a foregone conclusion.  The Canadian Taxpayers Federation insistence on having Chief and Council salaries divulged under the First Nations Financial Transparency Act had a field day across media outlets in 2014. Everyone clamored change; however, under the Indian Act, reserves do not have the authority to establish alternative systems of governance. They have some ability to develop their own election codes, but is subject to AANDC approval. Needless to say, those that do put their names forward face adversity. Especially women.

Efforts across First Nations (FNs) to alter the outcome of the reservation system is a constant irritant. Canadians do not like to be reminded of its colonial past. It pokes and pries open old wounds. It compounds the level of animosity towards indigenous peoples having resisted and continue resisting the assimilation process into the ‘multicultural’ fabric of Canada.

Courchene believes that the process of changing the mindset of indigenous and non-indigenous people alike; begins with small steps. In particular, for the Sagkeeng First Nation this would be the re-introduction of its two fundamental traditional laws, “Give us two three seasons, and we will be okay to pass these laws. Every law has an amendment component to them, so as we go along and find obstacles, then we make adjustments and go back to the people and ask them if we need to change this? And all they have to say is yes or no.”

Sagkeeng is not the first reserve to re-establish traditional laws. Since Idle No More, there seems to be a real push by grassroots activism to incorporate more of what worked prior to the mass colonial influx into their traditional territories. A natural schism arose from this process, among FNs themselves. Traditionalists (Defenders of the Land) among others feel that their needs a permanent shift towards the attitude and policies concerning the harvest of natural resources. This is not exclusive to natural resources however. It extends to self-governance, and obliterating the Indian Act. Indigenous enterprises that are profiteering alongside non-indigenous corporations are seen as ‘sellouts’.

What some within the indigenous community refer to as the elite, “…an oligarchic social structure of society, acceptance that an elite minority makes decisions on behalf of the majority, and thus (to) legitimate a hierarchical decision-making structure.” (Bertrand &Valois, 1980, p173)

FNs do not have clear alternatives. As such, the use of a Chief and Council endures. But it does have the capacity to change, and lead. Courchene believes that at its core; Sagkeeng’s traditional laws will enable the membership to ‘buy-in’ into their own value based way of life. Distinctly different from their rights within the Canadian Charter; and yet parallel to those rights. Once firmly in place, she is of the opinion that ongoing cyclical destructive behaviours will cease. 

Expectations run high. Careful not to offend, Courchene allows her actions, and decision making process speak for themselves. Like her, there are more and more indigenous women, influential women, who are raising their voices and speaking on issues that are affecting their respective communities.  A great number of them reside in urban centers, occupy senior posts in universities, media, and departments of health, justice, and political parties.

The decision is never made easy. Band members who relocate to larger urban centers are not guaranteed a favorable outcome. Lateral violence by their own band members are forcing them to make an impossible choice.
“I find this type of mentality really destructive. Urban band members are spokespersons for our community. This is where they come from, where their parents come from, and they still have the right to cast a ballot. This type of lateral violence against our own people has to stop,”-Courchene.
The arts are fast becoming the medium of choice for indigenous people such as KC Adams to shed common misconceptions of what ‘Indians’ look like, talk like, and behave like. While Adams artistic platform projects an alternate reality; much still needs to be done.

Housing is a national FNs crisis; a crisis in the making actually, “I may have to hire someone to do a survey of all these homes,” stated Courchene. If Sagkeeng’s traditional laws are to succeed, it must be in conjunction with its ability to build, and repair homes. All reserves have either a housing portfolio or management team who are responsible to review applications. The issues are who are admissible, and who are not.

“There are many that take care of their homes. But then again, there are many that don’t,” she explained. It is a very steep curve to climb. Neglect is corrosive. Willful neglect is something else. And for Sagkeeng's Chief and Council, navigating between the two will prove difficult. People who identify themselves as indigenous or Métis are the largest growing demographic in Canada. If solutions are to be found, it is certainly among this demographic where answers will come forth.

“The young adults are the ones who are coming up with ideas. Some are mentioning a point system. Some want to start a list. Others want housing to go to people who will take care of these units. My personal conviction is that housing be attached to the child. Whichever party assumes guardianship should live in the house with the child.” While not every idea will see the light of day; Courchene suggests that the leadership remain at arm’s length of the process.

The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation recently reported that, “Manitoba’s Sagkeeng First Nation has the highest number of cases of unsolved missing or murdered indigenous women in Canada.” When including the number of children in the care of Child and Family Services; establishing children at the core of its future housing program, Courchene hopes to considerably decrease those numbers.

While the reservation system brought about unimaginable consequences to FNs; it is their last tangible landmark. On the issue of land most 600 plus Canadian reservations are unanimous. FNs are mandating more land from its traditional territories. This also includes the right and ability to impose its own will as to who, what, when and where can harvest its natural resources.

Crown corporations such as Manitoba Hydro and the Sagkeeng First Nation are experiencing difficulties in reaching a mutual agreement on the matter of compensation. Sagkeeng has numerous dams on its vast territory. Six to be exact. It is an acrimonious piece of business. Unlike other agreements made elsewhere, Sagkeeng band members are not exempt and have to pay the Manitoba Hydro to provide electricity to the community residential and commercial facilities.

This longstanding dispute over utility rates still simmers. Courchene remains steadfast in her opinion that both parties need a resolution, and Manitoba Hydro must come to terms with its past practices concerning the creation of its six dams on Sagkeeng’s traditional territory.  A recent proposal by the crown corporation was nullified by a margin of 260 to 120 in June of 2014.  The $200 million settlement was to operate within a 40 year cycle.

“What I disagreed with was a clause in the agreement where we would lose the ability to make future claims against them. Another consideration was the time-line. On the whole had the membership voted in favour of that agreement, we would have been poorer for it. They (Hydro) have been operating in our territory without a license for the past ten years.  We all know that.”

Using social media such as Facebook is not ideal. But it gives Courchene the opportunity to clearly state developments on the reserve. She explained that using FB as a point of reference to relay information will only be useful if the information given to the people, is not a launching pad to create dissent. 

Time will tell if Courchene’s endeavours bring about the necessary changes needed to make Sagkeeng a place that offer real opportunities for its membership. 



Monday, February 16, 2015

Buoyancy is a great equalizer.

Ruth Jacklin is the Pool & Fitness Supervisor for the City of Dryden. She and her dedicated crew will be able to offer in the near future; full access to the big pool for peoples with disabilities and seniors with mobility impairments to enjoy and fully participate in all recreational activities.
“We received a water accessible wheelchair in 2003 as a donation from the Lions Foundation of Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario,” explained Jacklin, “At the time, we partnered with and had the support of the Dryden Regional Health Centre’s Occupational Therapy Department.”

Jacklin describes that the permanent wheel chair accessible ramp has been giving people with disabilities and senior’s access to the small therapeutic heated pool since it was built in 1983. And that, right now, they are missing just one step to make the whole facility truly accessible.
“Thadeus Weiss contacted me and asked me about accessibility for people with disabilities and how far we had come towards achieving that goal. I told him (at the time) that the only step we are missing is lift for the main pool that would allow people with disabilities to be lifted into the water.”
Weiss was born and raised in Dryden. A spinal cord injury resulting from a diving accident in 1980 changed the course of his life. As a result; Weiss became a quadriplegic with great challenges, and strives to further the advances of public accessibility for people with disabilities and seniors in Ontario.

Ruth Jacklin pushing staff in chair.
“There is a big focus on accessibility,” said Jacklin, “We (the City of Dryden) have to provide access to a very diverse population and that includes people who have mobility issues. It’s something that we have always been able to do quite successfully. A lift for the main pool would bridge the existing small gap and greatly improve accessibility to the big pool."  

According to the City of Dryden’s multi-year Accessibility Plan, Jacklin believes that obtaining a chair pool lift will become a reality within two years, “It shouldn't take much longer than that, as it was identified and listed in our Multi-Year Accessibility Plan”. Weiss hopes his fund-raising efforts will bring about a faster time table in which residents of Dryden can enjoy a new lift, “…I talked it over with a friend that was behind me all the way on this project and we’re here.”

The City of Dryden’s Human Resources Project Coordinator, Colleen Brosseau believes collaborative efforts such as Weiss, is welcome news, “I am pleased to hear that there is someone from the public who would like to raise money for a pool lift. The City is working hard to look at all of its facilities and services to identify barriers and seek opportunities to eliminate them.”

Weiss wishes that the identity of his supporter to remain anonymous for the time being. Funding efforts would be made in a form a cheque. As well Weiss explained that there will be discussions made between himself and a member of the Dryden council to make all council members aware of what Jacklin and Weiss are trying to actualize. In addition, quotes for the necessary equipment needs to be done prior to identifying proper time-lines for the desired project.

Thunder Bay Community Living is a trust which Weiss hopes can provide long term funding, “It’s specifically designed for the inclusion of all disabled individuals. Not only the physically disabled but the intellectually disabled as well.” Weiss did not deny he misses home. Currently living in Thunder Bay, and serving on the Board of Directors of HAGI; he admits that finding the proper level of care and accessibility in Northwestern Ontario to be dismal. Raising funds for a portable chair lift for the main pool in Dryden would not only assist persons with disabilities living in the Dryden area; it would bring a community together.

“It’s an interesting situation to say the least,” commented Weiss, “This includes all multi-disabled aspects including our aging population with mobility issues, and trying to get everyone more involved within their community activities.”

Jacklin described it succinctly, “Buoyancy is a great equalizer.”

Thursday, January 15, 2015

Mon pauvre Charlie....

12 people have lost their lives representing and defending their ideologies. 17 more have been injured in the process of resisting what some refer to as “…religious totalitarianism.” Shifting values in a time where ‘isms’ seems to be the flavour of the decade; did not bode well for those who have been killed and injured in France on January 7th, 2015.

Hebdo Journalist Laurent Léger stated in a Time Magazine article that, “We (reserve the right and) want to laugh at the extremists — every extremist. They can be Muslim, Jewish, Catholic. Everyone can be religious, but extremist thoughts and acts we cannot accept.”

Ideas have a price, and the French continue to pay for them…in blood. And the world continues to re-affirm through vigils and demonstrations fundamental beliefs that, “…Secular values for all, and the promotion of freedom and equal opportunity…” should become the mantra for all of humanity. Charlie Hebdo caricatures goes beyond the pale. While some find their subject matter amusing, funny and deserving of ridicule; others take exception to the fact that their faith and religious beliefs are being used as a form of entertainment.

So far the vast majority of Frenchmen agree that secular values trump religious values. Value…What an interesting word. By its current definition the value of a life means very little these days. A cheap commodity; exchanged by every political and religious governing faction in the world.  Having world leaders in unison marching in the streets of Paris is a great visual falsification of that truth.

The distinction between radical Islamists and those who practice the faith of Islam is dwindling. It has escalated to the point where freedom of religion rights are being openly challenged. Media outlets are directly taking Islam itself to task. Columnist John Robson for Sun Media explains his argument in this fashion.
“…I think the ban even on depicting him, let alone criticizing him, is rank idolatry. There. Did you get all that? I don’t like Mohamed or the Qur’an, and I’ll mock them when, where, and how I like.”
Provocation is never a good defense. Charlie Hebdo and Robson media pundits (and the like) are projecting Western values. Insisting that they are above and beyond reproach smacks of conceit. Responsibility lies from within. To act in favor or against, to protest or to be silent, to have others dictate a course of action or to resist actions made on our behalf.  

Charlie Hebdo seems to be acting on behalf of us all; and standing in solidarity with them…we are equally responsible for its consequences. There is a growing rationalization among western societies that free speech is in fact a ‘right’; which includes the ability for anyone to mock, deride, satirize, politicize, sexualize, and dehumanize what and who they see fit. Does this ‘right’ include full indemnity?

Caricatures printed in Charlie Hebdo are offensive. Rejecting terrorist acts of violence by Al Qaeda and the Taliban should not include ways to incite law abiding citizens who practice the faith of Islam…Or any other for that matter. Reactionary spontaneous action such as #jesuischarlie is endearing. Identifying ourselves with the victims and resisting terrorist acts is laudable. But as a society we have to examine the limitations of our civil liberties and the scope of its powers. Just because we have the ability to offend doesn’t mean we should.

The French are fast adopting Charlie Hebdo as their own terrorist brand…their own 9/11.  Galvanizing French sentiment against terrorist groups will certainly assist the French government to control and sanction its own brand of violence. The push to democratize the Middle East and other Arab nations will continue; but is it really a viable solution?

Khaled Hroub is the Director of Cambridge University’s Arab Media Project and is of the opinion that western governments are playing devil’s advocate.
“In a nutshell, it was much easier in the post-colonial Middle East for the West to do business with un-democratic regimes where deals could be made without accountability or transparency. The result of this decades-long trade-off has been the transformation of cultural specificity pretext into a (somehow racist) alienation of local democratic and liberal forces and a paving of the way for the rise of Islamist radicalization.”-The West’s hollow talk of Arab democracy.

Hroub explains how US foreign policy is influencing the Middle East western agenda, “…. (The push for) reform and democracy has been used more often than not as a threat, a typical message being: “help out in the war against Iraq or we press for democracy and human rights in your own country. An Arab message in return would be: “stop pressing on the reform issue or we won’t cooperate in the ‘war on terror’!”

Attributing its effectiveness to offend and incite Jihadists; Charlie also has blood on its hands. As the world continue to express its indignation and stoic affirmation that its cause against Islamist radicals is a just one; no one living in the western hemisphere should expect anything less from Arab nations who feel equally justified in resisting western influence…by any means necessary.

Nathan J. Brown is the Professor of political science and international affairs at George Washington University and senior associate at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, and wrote a commentary in reply to Hroub’s opinion piece. 
“This discussion usually leads directly to the familiar question of whether the West should “engage” with Islamists? The answer is that this is the wrong question. The right ones are: “What can the West do to encourage Arab regimes to engage with Islamists?” and “How can the West encourage Arab regimes to allow reformers to convert armchair theorizing into effective – but non-revolutionary – mobilization?” Engagement must be among competing political visions in the Arab world. Western policymakers can help in modest ways, and if they fail to do so they risk continued political cynicism and radicalism in the region. And even if they opt to do so they must be aware that the pay-off may be a generation away.”

It is easy to point the finger. It is much harder to point the finger at ourselves and admit that our actions have consequences. Judging by Charlie’s latest edition, that lesson still needs to be learned.