Trudeau's Independent Senate
Where news meets rational thinking
Good morning, It’s Wednesday, August 21st. In today’s news, Trudeau’s ‘independent’ senate adds two more loyal Liberals, RFK Jr. considers dropping out to ‘join forces’ with Trump, Liberal Party drops ‘Capital Pride’ following anti-Israel statements, Putin offers asylum to foreigners rejecting woke ideology, and much more.
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Trudeau's 'Independent' Senate Adds Two More Loyal Liberals
Despite Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s promises of an "independent" Senate, his recent appointment of Tracy Muggli, and Charles Adler highlights the continued partisan influence.
When veteran broadcaster Charles Adler was appointed to the Canadian Senate, it unleashed a wave of mixed reactions—cheers from some and fierce criticism from others. The loudest voices accused him of being a "Liberal" and a "hypocrite," pointing to his past critiques of Conservatives, anti-vaxxers, and even the Senate itself.
Mugglie, a long-time Liberal supporter, social worker and healthcare executive, has donated over $18,000 to the Liberal party between 2006 and 2020 and ran as a Liberal candidate in two federal elections. Her appointment, recommended by a supposedly independent advisory board known for its ties to the Liberals, adds to the growing list of senators with deep Liberal connections.
Adler and Muggli’s appointment shines a light on the so-called "independent" Senate reform championed by Justin Trudeau. Back in 2014, Trudeau expelled Liberal senators from his party’s caucus, claiming to strip partisanship from the Upper House. He even set up an Independent Advisory Board for Senate appointments, allowing any Canadian to apply. This move was touted as a major step toward making the Senate a true check on prime ministerial power.
But was it really? Despite the “independent” label, many appointees still share close ties with the Liberal Party or align with Trudeau’s priorities. Take, for example, scientist Rosa Galvez, who authored a paper on aligning Canadian finance with climate commitments, or dentist and social justice advocate Mary Jane McCallum, who worked to expand dental care to First Nations.
This isn’t just about Trudeau, though. The roots of today’s Senate issues trace back to the Conservatives’ failure to reform the institution. When Stephen Harper tried to implement term limits and allow provinces to elect their Senate nominees, the plan was struck down by the Supreme Court, requiring a constitutional amendment that was never going to happen. Instead of pushing forward, Harper left Senate seats vacant, hoping the provinces would push for reform or even abolition. They didn’t, and three months later, Harper was out of office. Trudeau, in turn, filled the vacancies and reshaped the Senate in his own image.
Now, with reforms that grant standing to various groups in the Senate, the stage is set for conflict should a future Conservative government propose legislation that clashes with these Liberal interests. Despite Trudeau’s promises, the Senate is still far from independent. Instead, it’s become a battleground of special interests, setting the stage for future political strife. So, while Trudeau’s Senate reform may be a sham, the mess we’re in is as much a Conservative creation as it is a Liberal one. More
Tiny Thought: The Senate should have term limits, and members should be elected, not appointed by the Prime Minister.
RFK Jr. Considers Dropping Out to 'Join Forces' With Trump
Nicole Shanahan, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s running mate, revealed that their campaign is at a crossroads: either continue their presidential run, risking that they might inadvertently boost Kamala Harris's chances of winning, or withdraw and team up with Donald Trump. This candid admission follows months of criticism from Democrats who accused the Kennedy campaign of indirectly aiding Trump rather than mounting a serious independent challenge.
During the interview on "Impact Theory with Tom Bilyeu," Shanahan didn't hold back her frustrations with the Democratic Party, accusing them of trying to sabotage their campaign. She reflected on her past support for the Democrats as one of her "biggest mistakes" and acknowledged that their campaign's prospects are dimming. In the same breath, she questioned whether Trump could be trusted to uphold his promises if he wins and whether he would continue to include voices like theirs in the conversation.
The Kennedy campaign, once a media sensation, has faded in recent months, struggling with fundraising and ballot access issues, notably being removed from the New York ballot by a judge. This has led to further internal debates about the future of the campaign.
The Democratic National Committee quickly condemned Shanahan's remarks, with a spokesperson pointing out that her comments confirmed their belief that Kennedy's campaign was merely a spoiler for Trump.
Shanahan's remarks have sparked a fierce debate within the campaign and among its supporters, leaving the future of their independent bid uncertain. More
Liberal Party Drops ‘Capital Pride’ Following Anti-Israel Statement
The Liberal Party of Canada has joined several major institutions in cutting ties with Ottawa’s Pride organization ahead of its annual parade, following Capital Pride's refusal to retract an anti-Israel statement made earlier in the month.
The Liberals, alongside Jewish community groups, the Mayor of Ottawa, and others, criticized Capital Pride for its decision to align with the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement and accuse Israel of "pinkwashing" its treatment of Palestinians.
In response, the Liberal Party announced they would not participate in Capital Pride events this year, instead hosting their own event to celebrate the 2SLGBTQI+ community in Ottawa. The growing backlash has also led other institutions, such as the University of Ottawa and the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, to withdraw their support for Capital Pride.
Despite the criticism, Capital Pride has not indicated any intention to change its stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict, maintaining its commitment to inclusivity and combating hate. Their annual parade is scheduled for Sunday, August 25th. More
Tiny Thought: This situation continues to baffle me. The Palestinians do not support any aspect of the LGBT+ movement; in fact, under Hamas' interpretation of Islamic law, homosexuality is illegal.
Putin Offers Asylum to Foreigners Rejecting Woke Ideology
Russia's new policy, reported by TASS, offers temporary asylum to foreigners who reject "neoliberal ideals" and embrace conservative values. Under President Putin's decree, these individuals can apply for three-month visas without needing to prove Russian language proficiency or knowledge of Russian laws. The policy aims to attract those disillusioned with Western cultural shifts, particularly on issues like gender identity and morality. This move aligns with Russia's broader strategy to appeal to conservative expatriates and reflects ongoing criticism of Western values. The policy is set to start in September, with Russia also developing a list of countries it views as imposing negative values. More
Israel to Recall 15,000 Reservists to Boost IDF Forces
Israel's Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has ordered the recall of about 15,000 reservists under 35 to bolster military manpower. This decision comes amid ongoing manpower challenges following heavy losses and injuries in the war against Hamas, which began last October. The IDF aims to address shortages by reactivating reservists previously released due to force reductions and establishing additional reserve divisions. The move reflects the military's efforts to manage high-impact sectors and prepare for potential conflicts on multiple fronts. More
WHO Official: Mpox Is Not the New COVID-19, Lockdowns Not Likely
WHO official Han Kluge confirmed that mpox, also known as monkeypox, does not warrant lockdowns or similar measures, like COVID-19. While the virus has been declared a public health emergency, it is not expected to lead to widespread restrictions. Mpox typically spreads through close physical contact and is not airborne. The WHO is focusing on managing outbreaks and improving responses, particularly to a new, more transmissible subvariant called Clade Ib. Current global cases are mostly linked to the Clade II strain, with about 100 new cases reported monthly in Europe. The CDC notes that mpox poses a low risk to the US but remains vigilant for changes. More
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UN Says Record Number of Aid Workers Killed in 2023, This Year May Be Even Higher
In 2023, a record 280 aid workers were killed in conflicts, more than double the previous year’s toll. Over half of these deaths occurred after the start of the Israel-Hamas war on October 7th. The UN warns that 2024 may be even deadlier, with 172 aid workers killed by early August. Most casualties were Palestinians working for UNRWA amid the Gaza conflict, with significant violence also reported in Sudan and South Sudan. The UN calls for an end to impunity and better protection for aid workers. More
Iran Now Says It May Take ‘Long’ Time to Retaliate Against Israel
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has indicated that retaliation against Israel for the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh may take a long time, emphasizing a calculated response. While Iran and Hamas blame Israel for Haniyeh's death, Israel has not confirmed its involvement. The US is urging de-escalation in the region, but tensions remain high. A recent attempted suicide bombing in Tel Aviv has led to speculation about possible Iranian or Hezbollah involvement, though Hamas has claimed responsibility. More
Canada’s Inflation Rate Falls to 2.5%, Paving Way for Another Interest Rate Cut
Canada’s annual inflation rate fell to 2.5% in July, meeting forecasts and reinforcing expectations for a third consecutive interest rate cut in September. The decline was driven by lower prices for travel, vehicles, and electricity, though high shelter costs remain a concern. Shelter price growth slowed to 5.7%, down from 6.2% in June. Inflation has been below 3% since January, showing progress in controlling price increases. With grocery prices and many goods seeing modest changes, the Bank of Canada is expected to continue cutting interest rates to support economic growth. More
Tiny Thought: We are one of the most heavily indebted countries in the world. We have no innovation, industry or growth. Lower interest rates won’t help with the big picture. We need new leadership.
Rail Strike Would Affect More Than 32,000 Commuters in Canada’s Three Biggest Cities
A work stoppage at Canadian Pacific Kansas City Ltd. this week could disrupt rail services for over 32,000 commuters across Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver. If dispatchers and 3,200 other workers strike, key commuter lines, including Vancouver's West Coast Express and Montreal's Exo lines, will be suspended. The railway has warned of a lockout if a new contract or arbitration is not agreed upon. Transit authorities are exploring alternative routes and services to mitigate the impact. More
China Now Mass Producing Humanoid Robots for Only $16,000 a Piece
Advanced Chinese-made humanoid robots are entering the global market, with prices ranging from $16,000 to $90,000. The more expensive model, developed by Unitree Robotics, can run at speeds of up to 11 mph, while the cheaper version can absorb impacts and perform maneuvers. US lawmakers, concerned about potential security risks, are calling for a ban on these robots, fearing they could be used for espionage or sabotage. These concerns echo previous actions against Chinese tech like TikTok and Huawei, highlighting ongoing tensions over technology and national security. More
Spider Species Uses Male Fireflies as Bait to Trap More of its Prey
The orb-weaving spider Araneus ventricosus from China, Japan, and Korea exhibits a cunning strategy to capture prey. It lures male fireflies by manipulating them to emit signals that mimic those of female fireflies, attracting more males to the spider's web. Research shows that the spider’s bite may alter the fireflies' signaling behavior, leading them to flash in a way that draws additional fireflies into the web. This deceptive tactic increases the spider's catch rate, highlighting a sophisticated form of biological manipulation. More
Giant Scorpions Once Ruled Seas — and May Have Traversed Entire Oceans
Giant sea scorpions, known as eurypterids, were formidable predators that lived over 400 million years ago. New research by paleobiologist Russell Bicknell reveals that these creatures were not just large but also capable of extensive migration. Fossils found in Australia show that these scorpions could reach up to 2.5 meters in length, were able to travel thousands of kilometers across ancient oceans, indicating they were adept endurance swimmers. This finding expands their known range and suggests they migrated similarly to modern whales. The cause of their extinction around 393 million years ago remains uncertain, but understanding their migration patterns and gigantism may offer clues. More
Tennis Star Jannik Sinner Tested Positive for a Steroid Twice But Will Not be Suspended
Top-ranked tennis player Jannik Sinner tested positive for the banned anabolic steroid Clostebol twice in March but will not be suspended. The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) determined the steroid entered his system unintentionally through a massage. Sinner will forfeit $325,000 in prize money and 400 rankings points from the Indian Wells tournament but can continue competing. Despite his cooperation and the ruling of no fault or negligence, some, like Canadian player Denis Shapovalov, criticized the lack of suspension, suggesting inconsistent rules for players. More
Disney Reverses Course on Bid to Block Wrongful Death Lawsuit by Widower who had Disney+
Disney has agreed to let a wrongful death lawsuit proceed in court after initially arguing that a subscriber agreement to Disney+ required arbitration. Jeffrey Piccolo alleges his wife died from an allergic reaction to a meal at a Disney resort in 2023. Disney claimed Piccolo’s use of Disney+ and the park’s website shielded them from court action. However, Disney has now waived its arbitration rights, allowing the case to be heard in court. Piccolo is seeking over $50,000 in damages for wrongful death, mental suffering, and other related costs. More
Alex Cooper’s ‘Call Her Daddy’ Podcast Sign Deal with SiriusXM for $125 Million
Alex Cooper, host of the popular podcast "Call Her Daddy," is ending her exclusive partnership with Spotify to sign a $125 million deal with SiriusXM. The multi-year agreement grants SiriusXM exclusive advertising and distribution rights, plus access to Cooper's Unwell Network podcasts. Starting next year, SiriusXM will feature Cooper's exclusive content and has global ad rights for her other shows. Despite the move, "Call Her Daddy" will remain available on Spotify. This deal marks a significant shift as SiriusXM continues to invest heavily in podcasting, while Spotify has faced challenges with its podcast investments. More
Maria Branyas, World's Oldest Person, Dies in Spain at 117 - Maria Branyas, who was the world's oldest person, has died peacefully in a Spanish nursing home at the age of 117, according to her account on the X platform and a spokesperson at the home on Tuesday.
Woman Claims Daughter Became Preganant by Wearing Underwear Purchased Online - Apparently, a woman claiming to have purchased underwear from the company on Taobao, one of China’s largest online retail platforms, contacted customer support to complain that her daughter had become pregnant after wearing a pair of brand-new underwear. Despite staff’s attempts to convince the disgruntled woman that such a thing wasn’t possible, she insisted that it was the only way her daughter could have gotten pregnant and demanded an explanation.
World's Biggest Spider From South America, Can Measure as Large as a Dinner Plate - The Goliath birdeater, or theraphosa blondi, if using the scientific name, is ranked the largest for its overall size and mass. The massive size can make these spiders very intimidating, but their venom is not lethal to humans, according to National Geographic — though a bite would cause a sting. A typical Goliath birdeater weighs 6 ounces and is typically 11 inches long, according to Discovery Magazine.
“Capital Pride has not indicated any intention to change its stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict, maintaining its commitment to inclusivity and combating hate.”
Combating hate with more hate? For a woke culture they sure do need a wake up call.