This Week's Just A Minute Thoughts
JAM Thoughts From This Past Week - June 9th - June 13th 2025.
June 9th
Good to be out socializing more and listening to what people are talking about. The Trump - Musk fall out has seemed to capture the attention of many. Even though it involves two of the most powerful people on the planet, it still feels tabloid-esque to me. It is why I haven't bothered to weigh in on it or the latest in the Diddy Trial. What did strike me as quite alarming in their war of words was another example of Trump weaponizing the office of President. Trump threatened Musk if he decides to support Democratic candidates. Of course, Trump doesn't specify what the threat might be, but it sounded very much like something Putin would say or do to his political enemies. As I said last week, I await word on the American Supreme Court demonstrating that it can act as the final check on abusive power coming from the executive branch.
Closer to home I am hopeful that the Ontario and Canadian government's gesture to evacuate First Nations in northwestern Ontario from the forest fires can build some goodwill. It does underscore the point I tried to make last week, that when under attack from the U.S. or in this case the environment - we're all in this together.
June 10th
Had to rise very early this morning and was pleased the sun was up to greet me before 6 am. The beauty of this time of day is the peace and tranquillity with so few fellow humans up and about yet. You really do feel like you’re getting a head start on everyone. Every-time I am up this early during this time of year, I wonder why I don’t do this all the time. Then I remember early morning hockey practices in the winter months and the cold, darkness at 7 am. Back to bed it is.
The protests going on L.A. really do encapsulate the divisions in America, but I don’t believe they represent any major turning point in Trump support. Seeing crowds waving Mexican flags and burning American ones is not going to cause a Trump voter to reflect on their choice last November. If anything it probably only emboldens them as Trump’s illegal immigrant crackdown is what they voted for.
As for the decision to call in the national guard, it is about the optics for each side. If the protests resonate and grow in size and locations, it would be a bad look for Trump and his party because there is no way to make rounding up people - illegals or not - look good. It is an ugly process that even supporters want done in the shadows. So Democrats will cry foul of any moves that tries to quell protests that they would prefer to hi-lite.
Discuss more tomorrow.
June 11th
The Auditor General’s report in Canada is something I hold in high regard. It’s a non-partisan accounting of the government’s track record of spending taxpayers money. The recent report is scathing. Poor results, lack of oversight and questionable priorities are summarized in discussions about the Arrive Canada app and fighter jet procurements. For this report to have some impact, I believe it should be given 30 days prior to the date of an election. Not sure it would have changed much, but voters should be as informed as possible.
Promised more on the L.A. protests, but would like to see and read more before further comment.
June 12
Getting back to the immigration protests happening in LA and soon to be in major cities across the States. It is more than disappointing that the political pendulum can’t stay in the middle a little longer as it swings back to the extremes. As I said earlier in the week, there is broad political support in the United States supporting the removal of illegal aliens involved in criminal activity and gangs. But the indiscriminate, fire then aim approach being used to round up illegals is also grabbing sympathetic figures who fled persecution and have been productive non-citizens. The moderate MAGAS, if there is such a thing, didn’t vote for that. But it will take a disciplined response from Democrats to protest the methods of deportations and not the intent.
Canadians getting caught up in this protest and throwing shame at Americans should remember that we didn’t have people flooding across our southern border. Trudeau did open up immigration irresponsibly, but we never had caravans coming from Central America. The States is trying to fix that problem now, as is Canada with slowing our immigration levels. But again, it is the way you go about fixing a problem. People like me in the middle, still believe that the ends don’t justify the means.
June 13
Happy Friday the 13th. My spidey senses are telling me the G7 meeting beginning this weekend in Alberta is going to be rather eventful. With Israel’s attack last night on Iran there will be plenty to discuss. Will see what also develops.
Going to comment more next week on all these speed cameras that cities are deploying rather than employing traditional methods involving actual police officers. Get the sense this is more about raising money than safety. Garbage incineration and AI impact on the classroom are also on the agenda.
Finally’ looking like my Jays playoff prediction is solidifying itself, but still a long way to go. Long way to go in the Stanley Cup Final with Edmonton winning last night. You know a game or series is entertaining when you are drawn to watch even if you have no rooting interest in the outcome. The hockey has been fantastic.