National Aboriginal Health Organization Axed
In a stunning example of action speaking louder than words, the Harper Government cut funding to the National Aboriginal Health Organization — sneakily announced on Thursday afternoon before the Easter weekend. I wrote the following letter to John Baird, Foreign Minister and my MP: Dear Minister Baird, I am sure that, as Foreign Minister, you are aware that the state of Indigenous communities in Canada is well known around the world and greatly diminishes Canada’s stature as a modern democracy. Certainly, the Prime Minister has apologized for the residential schools horror; but...
Read MoreLetter to the Editor supporting Hassan Diab
Just before the Easter holiday (timed to minimize attention from the press), Minister Nicholson signed the extradition order for Hassan Diab to be sent to France. Fortunately, Chris Cobb of the Ottawa Citizen covered this distressing news. Check it out. In response, I sent the following letter to the editor, which was published. Flimsy evidence presented By Jo Wood Ottawa Citizen April 10, 2012 Re: ‘We expected this decision, but not this way,’ April 6. I’ve followed the Hassan Diab case closely and am shocked that Minister Rob Nicholson signed the...
Read MoreAND THE VERDICT IS…
Who is guilty for the killing of 16 Afghan civilians in their homes? Public opinion says it’s the one person who indeed fired the shots. But who is really guilty of wartime atrocities and civilian deaths? Is it the politicians who decide on these wars and send young people to do the actual killing? Is it the military who carefully brainwash them into thinking it’s OK to kill provided you limit it to “them”? Is it the Commanders who insist on forcing soldiers into no-win situations in which their emotions are heated to the point of explosion? And what of those...
Read MoreJoin the Ottawa Raging Grannies
Are you an older woman who has a keen interest in doing something about the issues we face, and would like to do it the Grannie Way – in satirical song and theatre? What you DON’T NEED is to be a Grandmother or have a wonderful singing voice. There’s no audition or tryout. We’re political activists, not entertainers. What you DO NEED is a sense of outrage at what’s wrong in our society and the larger world, a determination to help make it right, by protesting publicly and dramatically, often on the street or in demos or marches. We’re “in your face” but never...
Read More