Internet Copyright Laws + Conservatives = No Privacy

Many Canadians are not aware of the new Bill S-4 in parliament at the moment, however they should be, as it compromises the most basic internet privacy rights.

National Post Article Here

Personally, it makes me kind of scared that the government can just peek into your internet usage if the bill passes (I don't believe it will). With all of the internet privacy problems recently from the NSA to the "new" Heart Bleed bug, internet privacy is at it's highest risk since being created. While there are the issues of piracy and other crimes, they will still have other means of preforming these crimes. There will always be some crime, its just part of human nature. However, if the bill DOES pass, it will affect only the 99.99% of the population that DOES have a conscious. It is a really scary thought and I believe that the government has a ways to go in finding a properly balanced solution to their problem.

Funding Cutbacks in Cadets Canada

An old photo of me and fellow Cadet friends with our winter Cadet parkas, a soon to be extinct uniform part.

With budget cuts across the board, the Cadets are once again affected. Now, cadets are only going to receive ONLY one uniform, and that is it. No more PT gear (gray cadet gear such as shirts and shorts), no more running shoes and most surprisingly, no more parkas. The last one really surprised me. Sea, Air and Army cadets throughout Canada operate all year around, and they are losing so much. The organization is run out of love for the program, and many volunteers as well. I know for a fact that my old squadron and it's sponsoring committee has some of the greatest volunteers out there, and now, after all of their hard work, they can no longer warm their cadets because Harper wants to spend millions of dollars on his election ads instead of parkas for Cadets across Canada.

While the effects of the cuts are actually from the Department of Defense (DND) they are indeed cut from the reduced DND funding from the government, which, could have vocalized its support for the Cadets program; a youth program which indeed creates amazing new generations of aspiring Canadians.

Both myself, as well as many other fellow retired Cadets are saddened by the recent years' decline in many fields of the cadet program, and wish that the next generation will be able to experience those amazing adventures we were able to experience. I encourage you to write to your MP if you live in Canada, and help support Cadets Canada.

After being involved with it for more than 7 years in my life, I still make connections through the program, and will always be, inside, a proud cadet.

Carry on.

The Government Returns (Today)

Today marks the first day back for the Canadian government after Prime minister Steven Harper prolonged parliament. As a youth in College, and eventually University and beyond, I am interested in the progress that parliament can achieve. I believe it is important for us all to vote our government in, and believe it is even more important for my generation to vote. While fostering a good habit, voting will also make sure that the government supports our ideas and beliefs, something many are forgetting and becoming ignorant with (Which the government hopes for) We can make change in the government, but we have to get off our butts and at least say what we want.

Personally, I am not a fan of Steven Harper nor his Conservative party, and I am more of a left/ centre Liberal voter. I am very excited for Justin Truduea, for I have met him, and agree with much of what he has said, but once again, this is just me, and my own personal experience and opinions. It is up to you to make your own choice.

When parlement returns today, I hope for less fighting, crimes, etc.. And more positive change...

Privacy Please

Online privacy has always been an issue, but recently it has been on the front pages of most news sources. With the United States’ top secret internet division exposed and multiple American companies being part of PRISM, and even the government being allowed to look at ones desktop, one may ask if there is there even such thing as privacy anymore?

From being children, we all understand that what happens on the internet stays on the internet, so we try to use common sense and avoid doing stupid things on facebook or Twitter, etc.. However, when the government is allowed to track your phone records, personal e-mails, texts, photos, calendars and uses on devices you bought from Apple, Microsoft, Google, etc… It is all getting out of hand.

While governments say that it is for “protection” it seems that this is no longer the case. Now, it seems that governments just want to watch their own people instead of real problems such as terrorism and hate crimes. If the government really cared about these negative topics, they would create filters, ASK people to use info, and actually follow their own charter of rights and freedoms! Be transparent and let the public have a choice! THEY are the ones who have elected YOU in! Without THE PUBLIC you don't have a job!

I feel concerned how much technology is becoming part of living, and how many people continue to remain oblivious to the privacy crisis currently at hand. If this is the shape of “privacy” now, what will governments do in ten, or even five? Any thoughts? Add your comments bellow.

What is the government doing?! More on the ACGP / Power pilot problems from Harper

Just a quick update: A recent document that appeared on the "Save Air Cadet Gliding" web site revealed e-mails between cadets and officers. According to the Officer staff, this year, the program will be experimenting with giving 5 cadets per flight center their "recreational pilot permit" instead of giving them their full fledged private pilots license. They want to get ten times more cadets flying, but at the cost of the countries best scholarship. I wont be surprised if this "experiment" goes well, that they will scrap the power pilot scholarship all together, and replace it with this cheaper, easier permit option. These seem to be VERY dark days for the Air Cadet flying programs, as Steven Harper spends money on purchasing ads for things that aren't even passed by parliament yet, instead of giving the millions of dollars to support Air Cadet flying. Way to go, money pants :^P

Drones = Debate!

An MQ-9 Predator drone taxing. Source

Today, technology has come such a large way in a mere hundred years. For example: flight. Starting off with a little wood and canvas, the flying machines then gained larger fuselages, better engines and eventually weapons as a tool of war. Throughout time, the airplane has become such a remarkable feat of human engineering. Being able to take people around the world, transport cargo anywhere you want, send relief supplies around the globe and of course, be a means of military air superiority.

Today, drones are being used by countries around Earth, most notably the United States. While it is remarkable what they can do while not putting a human pilot's life on the line such as having the drone fly over Afghanistan while the pilot drinks coffee at home in the good 'ol USA. Drones are becoming today's keepers, but without the human element.

It is a very scary thought that these machines can have a mind of their own. Executing orders without human interaction. The loss of the human element of decision making means that it basically comes down to the numbers. When human judgement can save lives, a drone only has programming that serves as its morals. One day, the US may be in the situation when drones such as the MQ-9 predator drone (see photo above) may be authorized to patrol across the United States. It is a very scary thought that a government can have so much control with machines.

A big concern is a sense of "Battlestar Galactica Syndrome."  While the machines may not start thinking for themselves, hackers can basically hack into any computer. It has already been proven that hackers can hack into, and control US drones.

While they can provide protection, drones can also become the bars of the cage that can hold the world under fear.

Source

Air Cadet Gliding Program Dead?

Flying out at CFB Borden

Scary Article

A few weeks ago, I received an e-mail from my local Cadet Gliding Center that was concerned about the topic of budget cuts to the Air Cadet Gliding Program (ACGP) To my sad realization  it appears that those realizations are coming true. While not confirmed yet, many do believe (including myself) that the current government is stupid enough to go through with these cuts, if not destroying the gliding program all together. Check out the multiple support groups that are everywhere, including on facebook here.

Kids have too much protection today.

It really is one of those "delicate" topics to mention, yet as a 1990's baby, I can definitely vouch for that statement.  In elementary schools today, Kids are no longer allowed to hug, play tag, dodge ball, show certain feelings, etc.. And this in in Canada. If is very sad how children are being put into a bubble and are no longer allowed to have certain adventures that I had with my friends when I was a kid. Even with television programming, the home environment and just society overall. It seems that people believe that putting their children into a "safer, more protective" environment will benefit then, yet I think that this is the entire opposite.

The entire idea of being a "kid" has also changed. kids today have smart phones, facebook, online games, etc... Things we NEVER had when me and my generation were in their shoes! I am only 18, but now I am starting to know the feeling my parents felt with the generation gap in technology.

We just have to remember to let kids be, well, kids! Let them get dirty in the mud, or go for adventures!

USA Needs gun control and common sense

 Warning: If you are a very highly patriotic American, or love guns, please refrain from reading this article. Yes, that means you.

From the bellow link *Moms Demand Action" - Very powerful, and sadly true.

CNN Story 

The Globe 

http://momsdemandaction.org/

Above are just a few of an unlimited amount of links relating to people asking the question of "how is it possible that anyone can buy a military assault weapon." They are not used for hunting, that is what hunting rifles and bows, etc... are for. The assault style weapon is made for one use: killing people. If the USA wants to see less gun related deaths, I believe that gun control really is something the government should  take more seriously instead of bickering with the NRA who says that they want to "put guns in schools..." WHAT?!

I find it VERY sad how the US senate can pass bills on banning gay rights for certain areas (I know, its only certain individual states that do it) but they say NO to banning assault style weapons, because it is their "right" to defend themselves. Well, I am sorry, but this fact is just plain stupid. Firstly, once again the assault style weapon such as an M4 Carbine is used to attack and invade countries. If you want to feel safe, how about having a better community and banning weapons used to kill people instead of ENCOURAGING everyone to have them?! Secondly, the declaration of independence in SEVERELY out of date. Mind you that it was created right after the civil war, when there were still many parts of north America overrun with wilderness. Having a weapon was helpful to survival. Today, these facts are exactly the opposite. You no longer need a weapon to survive, just go to your American Walmart or Target.

The Link above from Moms Demand Action provides some VERY powerful pictures and facts about the entire subject. All I can really say is do your research and make your own opinion. Any thoughts? Comment bellow!

Not allowed to play doge ball, but want to put guns in school

Can't have junk food, but can have guns *NRA wants to put guns in schools

Justin Treadeau - Liberal Leader

Me and Justin after a very interesting conversation in Barrie, 2012.

I am truly happy that Justin Trudeau has achieved the role of being the new Liberal party's leader. I remember when he first started his campaign in the later stages of 2012. He visited many communities around Canada, and I was fortunate that he visited mine. just a three minute drive from my home, Justin stopped in at a local restaurant to give his people a speech, as well as promoting his campaign. I never felt so empowered by an individual before. One can watch speeches on television and in films, but when you have a Trudeau in the room, you emotional state changes with a surge of excitement and dedication to change. Possibly the most memorable part of his speech was when he talked about being a Canadian. Something that I really loved he mentioned was Vimy Ridge, the WWI battle when Canada first fought as one as all four Canadian divisions held their ground and took the ridge. Justin explained that this is when he believed, Canada became united as a country. This, I absolutely agreed with.

I shook his hand and looked into his eyes, and for that brief few moments, when we hugged, I felt that true connection. I am proud to be a Canadian, and as a young man, I support him with his new leadership role, and hope when elections roll around, that I shook the hand of the future prime minister of Canada.

Why Canada REALLY doesn't need the F-35 OR the Conservative government

While a beautiful aircraft, it really isn't the right fit for Canada... At all.
(Picture from article mentioned bellow)

For many, many long months now, the Canadian acquisition of the still under construction high tech F-35 fighter jet has been in the news in a negative light. In both a professional, and personal voice, I cannot see why we as a country need the F-35. With problems with flight systems, avionics and multiple design problems (National post article here ) The aircraft is plagued with horrible budget problems, and is millions, if not billions of dollars over budget, and is STILL not approved for active flight status.

Even if the aircraft WAS approved, the overall design would still be inadequate for what Canada needs it for. At the moment, Canada's aging CF-188's are old, but reliable. The two engines they have provide at least one back up in case one is shut down due to problems. Having two engines are a must for Canada's next fighter, due to them having to patrol thousands of kilometers of unforgiving arctic.

What I absolutely love is this article from the National Post. The CF-105 was, and in my opinion one of the best aircraft ever produced. Even today, it could outperform most aircraft, and it was 100% Canadian designed and built. Unfortunately due to the narrow-sighted conservative government (who probably made a deal with the USA) They canceled the program and bought poorly made American aircraft instead and Nuclear missiles that we would never use (Never a nuke in Canada that we know of) So why can't the conservatives  TODAY suck it up and avoid this black main from the US? We need better leadership (but that's for another rant)

In conclusion, the conservative has to grow a pair, admit that they made a LOT of mistakes, and look for another aircraft like we did in the 50's. Who knows, we might get the newer F-18F (would be cheap due to less training for pilots and mechanics due to the similarity of the CF-188) or maybe even bring the Arrow back. Only Time will tell.

Yes, we Canadians rule.

Leave your comments below, people! Thoughts?