Letter to Globe & Mail regarding Leader Debate E-42

Your decision to exclude Elizabeth May from the leaders’ debate being hosted by the Globe and Mail this week was undemocratic and unjustifiable.

The CPC, LPC, and NDP have controlled the narrative and constrained our perception of threat and opportunity for generations. In recent years they have become even less differentiated, to the extent that the Press is debating today whether or not the Liberals are "left" of the NDP. Party policies are driven by electoral strategies to secure power, not to serve this country.

The whole point of Parliament as an institution is to have multiple perspectives recommend, challenge and collaborate to develop better solutions than any one perspective could arrive at alone.

Elizabeth May is the finest parliamentarian of her day. She is a party leader who brings a perspective more firmly grounded in science than any of the others, who understands law and parliamentary procedure, and who is committed to working with others to come up with solutions that serve Canadians. She is exactly the kind of voice we want bringing forward and challenging ideas.

An effective democracy cannot function without an engaged and critical Press. By excluding May from the debates, the Globe and Mail has elected to contribute to a narrowed perspective, over-ruling the clear majority wishes of the Canadian Public that she participate.

I am gravely disappointed in your decision.

3-story, conveyor-belt driven vertical farm in Wyoming. Article.

In a year, the greenhouse should be able to crank out over 37,000 pounds of greens, 4,400 pounds of herbs, and 44,000 pounds of tomatoes... 

Inside, the plants move throughout each greenhouse floor on a conveyor belt that the founders compare to a moving rack at a dry cleaner. As they rotate, each plant gets an equal amount of time in natural light on the south side of the building, saving energy in artificial lighting. On the top level, the system also pulls plants up to the ceiling, effectively creating an extra floor. The conveyor also brings each plant to workers who can transplant or harvest the crops. 

Letter to PM Harper - Fair Elections Act

Right Honourable Mr. Prime Minister and Honourable Minister Poilievre,

When I first read the details of the Fair Elections Act, I was gravely concerned by it and resolved to write and express this to you. The reduced role of Elections Canada in promoting participation in our democracy, and the overly reactionary response to the non-problem of voter fraud take us in the wrong direction as a country. Then the wave of concern from across the country erupted and I felt certain the Act would be retracted or amended. 

And yet your Government continues to pursue this course. Ten years ago, Mr. Prime Minister, you would have fought endlessly to prevent such a flawed piece of legislation from being forced on us, and you would have been correct to do so. 

Why are you focusing on the phantom of voter fraud and not the serious case of electoral fraud in 2011? That you pursue one over the other appears cynical and partisan, and is an insult to the values you once vigorously defended.

Please pull or amend the Fair Elections Act.

Tal Henderson

Toronto Centre

cc:

Honourable Chrystia Freeland, MP Toronto-Centre

Honourable Thomas Mulclair, Leader of the Opposition

Honourable Justin Trudeau, Liberal Party Leader

Honourable Elizabeth May, Green Party Leader

Gorgeous Montpellier Apartment

Love this

Letter: ELA and Anti-Drought Convention

Right Honourable Prime Minister,

I strongly oppose two recent moves by your government to close the Experimental Lakes Area and pull Canada out of the UN Anti-Drought Convention. Research in the environmental sciences is of an all-time importance and these decisions run counter to an informed and evidence-based approach to determining policy and governmental response. That this is becoming a hallmark of your administration is gravely concerning. 

In the interest of good and informed governance, please reverse these decisions. 

Tal Henderson

Toronto-Centre

cc\

Honourable Bob Rae, MP Toronto-Centre and Liberal Party Leader

Honourable Thomas Mulclair, Leader of the Opposition

Honourable Elizabeth May, Green Party Leader

High Speed Rail Sweet-Spot

This article on Slate discusses a recent, fictional map of high-speed rail in the US by Alfred Twu that has rejuvenated discussion on the topic. The most interesting point to me, though, was this:

Experts who study light rail often mention a “sweet spot” of between 100 and 600 miles for high-speed rail corridor trips. Shorter than 100 miles, and a rider is more likely to want to take a conventional train, a car, or a bus. Longer than 600 miles and a rider is better off flying.

Letter to PM Harper - First Nations and Bill C-45

The Right Honourable Stephen Harper

Prime Minister of Canada

You once stood against omnibus bills as a threat to democracy. Despite all criticism, the Harper Government regularly uses this approach. You know this is a tactic that thwarts the function of Parliament, yet you continue the practice.

The First Nations of Canada have alleged that Bill C-45 violates Treaty Rights. This is a serious charge and should have been debated in the House long before this budget and its long string of non-budgetary issues was rushed through. Now there are protests across the country and Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence holds her hunger strike to move you to listen. 

Parliament exists and functions to prevent this disruption to the country. By your actions, you have brought us to this state of affairs.

The Canadian people look to you now for leadership. It is time for an open discussion with First Nations and other Canadians that builds a consensus regarding our shared future. It is time for you to meet with Chief Spence. 

Sincerely Yours,

Tal Henderson

Toronto-Centre

cc/

Chief Theresa Spence, Attawapiskat Nation

Honourable Bob Rae, MP Toronto-Centre and Liberal Party Leader

Honourable Thomas Mulclair, Leader of the Opposition

Honourable Elizabeth May, Green Party Leader