Democrats v. Democracy 🇺🇸
Where news meets rational thinking
Good morning, It’s Monday, July 22nd. In today’s news, the largest global tech outage in history highlights the dangers of internet centralization, Trudeau’s $10-a-day childcare is under fire from the Auditor General, Interim CSIS Chief labels parental rights advocates ‘extremists’ in report, Biden officially drops out of race endorsing Harris, and much more.
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Largest Global Tech Outage in History Highlights Danger of Internet Centralization
Last week, an antivirus software update from CrowdStrike led to a catastrophic disruption, causing over a billion Windows-based computers to malfunction and affecting essential operations globally. This included airports, hospitals, 911 centers, police departments, jails, and corporate operations.
CrowdStrike CEO George Kurtz clarified, “This was not a cyberattack,” attributing the outage to a defect in a software update for their Falcon security system. He assured, “We quickly identified the issue and deployed a fix, allowing us to focus diligently on restoring customer systems as our highest priority.”
However, the impact was severe. Rex Lee, a security advisor, remarked, “They’re saying that this isn’t a cybersecurity attack, but it had the same net result as a cybersecurity attack, and that bad kernel caused over a billion computers to lose access to back office systems.” He highlighted the vast scope: “We’re talking about government agencies, we’re talking about Fortune 500 business, airlines … the cascading effects of this are unbelievable.”
Lee also emphasized the potential for real-world harm: “If you look at the critical infrastructure that’s being affected, this is actually going to cause harm and people may be dying as a result of this because first responders are being affected, hospitals are being affected.”
Troy Hunt, a regional director at Microsoft, echoed these concerns, comparing the event to Y2K: “This is basically what we were all worried about with Y2K, except it’s actually happened this time.” He added, “This will be the largest IT outage in history.” More
Tiny Thought: This tech outage only further highlights the dangers of centralized control. Decentralization will create a more resilient, secure, and dependable society, reducing the need to place blind trust in government and large corporations.
AG Audit: Trudeau’s $10-a-Day Childcare Under Fire
Canada’s auditor general, Karen Hogan, has announced plans to assess the effectiveness of the federal childcare program amid growing concerns from providers about its impact on the sector. The audit will focus on the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) program and may involve the provincial auditors general.
The Association of Day Care Operators of Ontario (ADCO) had requested this review, questioning the program’s sustainability for taxpayers, provincial governments, and childcare providers. Andrea Hannen, ADCO’s executive director, expressed concerns that the program might be so detrimental that families could lose access to their $10-per-day spaces, or any licensed spaces at all.
Launched in 2021, the federal daycare program aimed to spend $27.2 billion over five years to create 250,000 daycare spaces and reduce fees to $10 a day by 2026. While the government claims success in creating up to 40,000 spots and achieving fee reductions in many provinces, providers argue the funding is insufficient. The YMCA Ontario, a major provider, reported funding shortfalls leading to program closures and financial deficits.
Additionally, the sector faces labour shortages exacerbated by low wages and the pandemic, further straining the ability to maintain or expand childcare services. Hannen has urged the auditor general to investigate whether the number of licensed spaces has increased or decreased due to the federal program and to address staffing shortages impacting full-capacity operations. More
Tiny Thought: The idea of $10 childcare is great. Unfortunately, this policy was a dumpster fire that essentially nationalized childcare without an adequate budget, and has now made childcare operations financially untenable.
Biden Drops Out of Race, Endorses Kamala Harris
As expected, President Joe Biden has withdrawn from the 2024 presidential race. However, unexpectedly, he has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee. This move has stirred questions about how the Democratic Party will proceed with the nomination process.
Biden made the announcement on July 21, stating that he wants to focus on his duties as President for the remainder of his term. He praised Harris as his best decision in the 2020 election and called on Democrats to unite behind her to win against Trump More
With Biden stepping down, the Democratic Party now has until late August to finalize their nominee for state ballots, giving them a few weeks to make the necessary arrangements. Harris is likely to become the nominee, but the Democratic National Convention in August will be crucial in formalizing this decision. More
Tiny Thought: We all knew this was coming, but if I was a Democrat I would be pretty upset right now. Democratic Party elites essentially bypassed a primary process, waited until Joe Biden had secured the nomination, and then replaced him with their preferred candidate. For a party that constantly says ‘Trump will destroy democracy,’ they sure seem like the partyliving up to that narrative.
Also, Kamala consistently polls worse against Trump than Biden.
Interim CSIS Chief Labels Parental Rights Advocates as Extremists in Report
The new interim director of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), Vanessa Lloyd, has stirred controversy with a report labelling pushback about gender ideology as a domestic security threat. As deputy director of operations, Lloyd oversaw the 2023 CSIS report, "Mission Focused: Confronting the Threat Environment," which identified the anti-gender ideology movement as a significant extremist threat to Canada.
The report cited the 2023 attack at the University of Waterloo by Geovanny Villalba-Aleman as evidence of the persistent violent threats posed by this movement. Villalba-Aleman, an international student, injured two students and a professor during a gender studies class. The report warns that such violence is likely to continue and may inspire further attacks against the 2SLGBTQIA+ community or supporters of gender ideology policies.
It highlights that while violent rhetoric alone does not always lead to violence, it becomes more dangerous when combined with other extreme worldviews. The document suggests that exposure to anti-gender extremist rhetoric could incite serious violence against those supporting pro-gender ideology.
Earlier, documents from the Integrated Terrorism Assessment Centre had similarly categorized the "Freedom Movement" alongside extremist groups like QAnon and neo-Nazis, noting that anti-2SLGBTQIA+ rhetoric is prevalent among such groups. However, the CSIS report did not address violence faced by those opposing radical gender ideology, such as attacks on parental rights protesters. More
Tiny Thought: I feel less safe with this woman in charge, and much less interested in raising my family here.
Supreme Court Rules Government Isn’t Completely Immune from Enacting Charter-Violating Laws
On July 19, Canada’s Supreme Court ruled that the government is not fully immune from paying damages if it enacts unconstitutional legislation. The decision, made in the case of Canada (Attorney General) v. Power, states that if legislation is clearly unconstitutional or enacted in bad faith, the state may be liable for damages. The case involved Joseph Power, who was denied a record suspension due to retroactive changes in the law, which he argued were unconstitutional. The Court's 5–4 ruling emphasizes that while parliamentary privilege is important, it does not grant absolute immunity from accountability under the Charter. The Canadian Constitution Foundation praised the ruling, noting it will help hold governments accountable for unconstitutional laws. More
Bangladesh Court Scraps Job Quotas Following Massive Protests and Violent Clashes
After the police in Bangladesh were granted “shoot-on-sight” orders and a nationwide curfew was imposed, the Supreme Court conceded and dramatically cut job quotas for veterans' relatives from one-third of public sector positions to just 5%. This decision follows widespread student protests and violent clashes that have resulted in over 100 deaths. The ruling aims to reserve 93% of jobs for merit-based recruitment, with the remaining 2% for minorities and people with disabilities.
The unrest erupted after a lower court reinstated the quota system, sparking harsh government crackdowns, including curfews and communication blackouts. The protests have also led to significant property damage. Despite the court's decision, student leaders vow to continue their protests until all demands, including justice for killed protesters and the restoration of internet services, are met. More
Israel Strikes Yemen After Houthi Rebel Attack
Powerful airstrikes hit the Red Sea port city of Hodeidah, Yemen, a day after Israeli officials vowed retaliation for a drone attack on Tel Aviv that killed one person and injured ten. The strikes targeted a refinery and electricity infrastructure, causing significant damage, killing at least five and injuring another 87. This marks the first direct Israeli response to Houthi attacks from Yemen since the Houthis began targeting Israel with missiles and drones last year. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized that Israel will reach any target deemed necessary. Meanwhile, Yemen's Houthis vowed further attacks on Israel. Source: The Guardian
Elections Canada Wants Non-citizens Barred from Voting in Nomination Races
Elections Canada is considering new rules for political nominations to address foreign interference. Proposed changes include barring non-citizens from voting in candidate nominations, requiring parties to publish contest rules, and prohibiting multiple votes. These measures aim to enhance transparency and reduce irregularities. The discussion guide, prepared for chief electoral officer Stéphane Perrault and the Advisory Committee of Political Parties, follows concerns about foreign exploitation of nomination processes. Recommendations also include mandatory financial disclosures for candidates and banning bulk membership purchases. More
Protesters Clash with Police After French Port Blockade
Protests in La Rochelle, France, against massive irrigation reservoirs turned violent. Conservationists and small farmers rallied against the reservoirs, which they argue benefit large farmers and harm the environment. During the protests, clashes with police broke out, resulting in damage to shops, looting, and injuries to both protesters and officers. Approximately 400 radical protesters clashed with police, who used tear gas and water cannons. More
US Reporter Evan Gershkovich Sentenced to 16 Years on Russian Espionage Charges
Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich was convicted of espionage in Russia and sentenced to 16 years in prison. Gershkovich, detained in March 2023 while reporting in Yekaterinburg, was accused of spying for the US, but both his employer and the US government have denied these claims. The trial was conducted in secret, and the charges are widely regarded as fabricated. This conviction may pave the way for a prisoner swap between Moscow and Washington, although no details have been confirmed. More
LCBO Strike Ends: 10,000 Unionized Employees Back to Work, Stores Opening Tuesday
A two-week strike by about 10,000 staff at Ontario's Liquor Control Board (LCBO) has ended. Initially, a tentative deal was announced, but disputes over new demands and bad-faith bargaining briefly extended the strike. The LCBO and the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) eventually signed a return-to-work agreement, with workers scheduled to return on July 22 and stores reopening on July 23. The deal includes an 8% wage increase over three years, converting about 1,000 casual employees to permanent part-time, and a commitment to avoid store closures. OPSEU views the agreement as a win for workers and the public, while concerns over Premier Doug Ford's expansion of alcohol sales continue. More
Tiny Thought: The re-opening of stores is a win for the public, but the deal itself is not. Despite their commitment to ‘avoid store closures,’ I predict that 25% of their stores will close in the next few years.
Organ Supplements—The New Multi-vitamin
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These supplements are sourced from 100% grass-fed, grass-finished cattle raised by Canadian regenerative farmers, and are crafted specifically to address those nutritional deficiencies.
Want to try it out? Head over to HigherHealths.ca and use promo code ‘Blendr’ (case sensitive) for a 10% discount on any bundle purchase. Higher Healths—connecting people to real food.
Bill Gates-Backed Startup Makes Butter Out of Thin Air and Water
Savor, a California startup backed by Bill Gates has developed a method to produce butter-like fat using just carbon dioxide and hydrogen. Their patented thermochemical process creates fat molecules that mimic the texture and taste of real dairy products while significantly reducing environmental impact. This method avoids greenhouse gas emissions, requires no farmland, and uses a fraction of the water compared to traditional agriculture.
Currently, in the pre-commercial phase, Savor is working through regulatory approvals and doesn't expect to start sales before 2025. Savor aims to expand its offerings to include dairy-free milk, cheese, and ice cream in the future. More
Tiny Thought: These products actually sound incredible. However, Bill Gates has some of the worst brand equity in the world, so I’m actually skeptical of them just because he's involved.
Study: Canada Can Balance the Budget While Cutting Income Taxes
A Fraser Institute study suggests that Canada could reduce income taxes for most citizens and still balance its budget if it cuts spending by 2.3% over the next two years. The report proposes that by reducing federal spending by $11 billion annually, the government could achieve a budget surplus by 2028, down from the projected $39.8 billion deficit this year. More
Scientists Design Spacesuit Which Turns Urine into Drinking Water
Astronauts on future lunar missions may benefit from a new sci-fi-inspired spacesuit that turns urine into drinking water. This prototype modelled after the still suits from Dune, collects and purifies urine, delivering potable water through a drinking tube within five minutes. Designed for NASA's Artemis program, the suit features a vacuum-based external catheter and an advanced filtration system, which recycles urine into clean water with 87% efficiency. This development addresses issues with current waste management solutions and aims to support longer spacewalks. Testing with 100 volunteers in New York is planned for the fall to assess the suit's comfort and functionality. More
New Humidity-driven Membrane to Remove Carbon Dioxide From the Air
Researchers from Newcastle University have developed a new membrane that uses ambient energy to capture carbon dioxide from the air. The membrane, which operates based on natural humidity differences, addresses the challenges of removing CO₂ from the air by utilizing the presence of water to speed up the process and reduce energy demands. The work, published in Nature Energy, demonstrates the membrane's ability to enhance carbon dioxide capture and could advance direct air capture technologies. More
British Open: Xander Schauffele Wins Second Major of 2024
Xander Schauffele won the British Open at Royal Troon after a dramatic final round in challenging weather conditions. Overcoming a one-stroke deficit with a final-round 65, Schauffele finished 9 under par, two shots ahead of Justin Rose and Billy Horschel. Despite 12 players being within four strokes of the lead on Sunday, Schauffele’s six birdies over 11 holes propelled him to victory. This win, following his PGA Championship triumph, makes Schauffele the first player since Brooks Koepka in 2018 to win two majors in a year. Schauffele will next represent Team USA in the Paris Olympics. More
Jake Paul Rolls Over Mike Perry with TKO Win in 6th Round
Jake Paul dominated Mike Perry in their fight at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida, winning by sixth-round TKO. Paul now 10-1 with 7 ko’s, delivered two early knockdowns, with a powerful jab and left hook ending the match. Perry struggled throughout, enduring a cut and multiple blows. Despite pre-fight antics, Paul showed his boxing skills against a legitimate opponent. Although he was initially scheduled to fight Mike Tyson, that bout was postponed to November. Paul now shifts his focus to preparing for Tyson and future matches. More
Best Friends Battle 40ft Waves in Fastest Row Across the Pacific by a Duo–Beating Men’s Record by 2 Days
Best friends Jessica Oliver and Charlotte Harris have set the record for the fastest duo to row across the Pacific Ocean, completing the 2,800-mile journey in 37 days, 11 hours, and 43 minutes. Their achievement, which surpassed the previous men's record by two days, took place during the 2024 World’s Toughest Row Pacific Challenge. Battling 40-foot waves, extreme cold, and equipment failures, they finished nine days ahead of the previous women’s record. Known as Wild Waves, the pair had previously set the record for the fastest female row across the Atlantic in 2021. More
24-Year-Old Mukbang Streamer Dies Live on Stream Due to Overeating - Pan Xiaoting, a 24-year-old Chinese streamer specializing in mukbang (eating large quantities of food for viewers’ enjoyment) recently died during her livestream due to consuming too much food.
700 Cats Rescued After TikTok User Finds a Texas Tabby–and Rescues a Sanctuary in Trouble - Spencer from SB Mowing used his TikTok and YouTube fame to rescue a cat named Esbee and save Edgar and Ivy’s Cat Sanctuary from financial ruin. His GoFundMe campaign, sparked by his personal donation, raised $190,000 in days, rescuing the shelter from debt. The shelter named its new building in his honour, The SB Mowing Wellness and Recovery Center. Thanks to the donations, the shelter has since rescued 700 cats.
Hello Kitty is Not a Cat, Creators Declare — Despite Whiskers, Ears and Name - On the 50th anniversary of Hello Kitty, fans were shocked to learn that their beloved cat-inspired character is, in fact, not a feline at all. “Hello Kitty is not a cat,” said Jill Koch, the senior vice president of marketing and brand management. “She’s actually a little girl.”
Nice plug for the organ supplements... I'll need a bit more convincing and Blendr reporting on the claims and efficacy of the product. Don't drop the ball now guys.