At present, there is much to-and-fro –ing over the fate of the once mighty General Motors, and, of course, of the fates of those so closely aligned with it.
Every report on the proposed restructuring of GM involves major stakes being held by the United Auto Workers and the US government. While Ottawa and Queen’s Park are bound to pony up some cash, their influence in the new company will be marginal. That fact may become painfully clear when layoffs and plant closures are on the table.
It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to discern that a company that is controlled mostly by Washington and an American trade union will not look to north of the border to exact the necessary cuts. After all, we see how good President Obama’s assurances over the application of the “Buy American” clause in their stimulus bill were.
Yes, the demise of GM could potentially lead to the demise of the Canadian industry – or maybe its rebirth?
As we speak, there is a very good chance that Magna may end up taking over GM’s European operations – including the Opel, Vauxhall, and Saab brands.
Maybe I am a bit naïve, but if an American dominated company wants to pull manufacturing out of Canada, and a Canadian company now controls car brands that are, on the whole, more energy efficient, and technologically advanced than their North American cousins, it seems like a no brainer.
If the Yanks close a GM plant in Canada, let the federal and provincial governments do what it takes to help Magna retool the lines, and start manufacturing Opels, Vauxhalls and Saabs for the North American market.
My dad once owned a Vauxhall that he purchased used from the GM dealer in Verona, Ontario. They have sold them here before, and they could do it again.
Besides, nothing warms my heart like seeing a rebirth of a proud Commonwealth brand!
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
The Commonwealth, Conrad Black, and a canoe...
I must confess that I have neglected this journal for quite some time. What I have noticed about life, or at least my own specifically, is that it does not progress at a steady pace, but, like some rollercoaster from hell, it stops and starts with dramatic rapidity.
Nevertheless, there are some things that I want to share.
First, it looks like a paper I wrote some time ago is being included in an edited work. Dr. Mark Baimbridge, of the University of Bradford, in England, is editing a collection called “Britain in a Global World”. I was asked if a paper I wrote on the prospects for Canada – UK trade could be included. Naturally, I said yes, although it is hard for me to believe that my essay is worthy of this project. I hope it is a success for the sake of Dr. Baimbridge and those involved.
Second, I have had some passing interest in the elections for the European Parliament on June 4th. Because of my writing on Commonwealth trade, I have had occasion to meet with, discuss, and make friends with several British MP’s and MEP’s from the various UK parties. Although, as a Canadian, I really have no opinion on who should win, or whether Britain should define its EU status, it is a matter of some satisfaction that one of the parties has actually put the thesis of my book in their manifesto. Two gentlemen from that party, from whom I have had many communications over the past couple of years, look as though they will be elected to the European Parliament next week. While I hope they succeed, I sincerely hope it is not at the expense of sitting MEP’s from other parties who are equally enthusiastic about the idea, and for whom I have a great deal of admiration.
Lastly, I want to mention the recent news concerning the US Supreme Court’s agreement to hear the appeal of the conviction of Conrad Black. I have read a lot of to and fro concerning this development. Sadly, a lot of it devolves into a commentary on Lord Black’s persona, rather than the facts of the case. That is bad enough, in itself, but even worse when much of the opinion is based on heresay and third- and fourth-hand opinion.
Almost three weeks to the day of the Supreme Court’s decision, I was in Florida. I had taken a side trip to Coleman, and had a very interesting and pleasant visit with Conrad Black for a couple of hours. Lord Black is a keen proponent of the Commonwealth, and has written on the subject, and my association with him came from this shared interest. We have corresponded over the years on primarily this topic, and was glad to have an opportunity to sit down with him and talk about a range of topics.
Despite what the chattering classes say, I have always found him to be a very open and accessible to talk with. Personally, I have seen more arrogant and conceited behaviour on the streets of the town I work in and live near than I have ever seen from Lord Black.
He’s a smart man, well read and with a prodigious handle on the English language. Call it intimidating or impressive, but arrogant? Not on your life. This supposedly ‘elitist’ man, even before the court proceedings at Chicago, didn’t think it beneath himself to associate with the grandson of an eastern Ontario dairy farmer.
As someone who considers himself a friend of Conrad Black, I can only hope that the Supreme Court’s willingness to entertain an appeal brings him one step closer to a vindication.
Anyhow, at present, beyond the usual activities of home and hearth, work, and politics, I am about half-way through the first draft of a manuscript. It is fiction this time, which I am finding both easier and more challenging – if that makes sense. It has political overtones, and is meant to be funny, so we’ll see if it actually accomplishes that feat.
Spring is a time of new beginnings at Cole Lake, and thoughts turn to the warm days of summer – of boating and barbeques, of good friends and long sunsets.
This weekend marks the third anniversary of my grandfather’s passing. His grandfather originally settled our land, and I was honoured to become the 5th generation to carry on. What stands out for me were the times he would take me canoeing around the shores of the lake. When it gets warmer, I think I’ll dig that same canoe out and take my kids on that same trip. It seems like the best memorial I can think of.
Nevertheless, there are some things that I want to share.
First, it looks like a paper I wrote some time ago is being included in an edited work. Dr. Mark Baimbridge, of the University of Bradford, in England, is editing a collection called “Britain in a Global World”. I was asked if a paper I wrote on the prospects for Canada – UK trade could be included. Naturally, I said yes, although it is hard for me to believe that my essay is worthy of this project. I hope it is a success for the sake of Dr. Baimbridge and those involved.
Second, I have had some passing interest in the elections for the European Parliament on June 4th. Because of my writing on Commonwealth trade, I have had occasion to meet with, discuss, and make friends with several British MP’s and MEP’s from the various UK parties. Although, as a Canadian, I really have no opinion on who should win, or whether Britain should define its EU status, it is a matter of some satisfaction that one of the parties has actually put the thesis of my book in their manifesto. Two gentlemen from that party, from whom I have had many communications over the past couple of years, look as though they will be elected to the European Parliament next week. While I hope they succeed, I sincerely hope it is not at the expense of sitting MEP’s from other parties who are equally enthusiastic about the idea, and for whom I have a great deal of admiration.
Lastly, I want to mention the recent news concerning the US Supreme Court’s agreement to hear the appeal of the conviction of Conrad Black. I have read a lot of to and fro concerning this development. Sadly, a lot of it devolves into a commentary on Lord Black’s persona, rather than the facts of the case. That is bad enough, in itself, but even worse when much of the opinion is based on heresay and third- and fourth-hand opinion.
Almost three weeks to the day of the Supreme Court’s decision, I was in Florida. I had taken a side trip to Coleman, and had a very interesting and pleasant visit with Conrad Black for a couple of hours. Lord Black is a keen proponent of the Commonwealth, and has written on the subject, and my association with him came from this shared interest. We have corresponded over the years on primarily this topic, and was glad to have an opportunity to sit down with him and talk about a range of topics.
Despite what the chattering classes say, I have always found him to be a very open and accessible to talk with. Personally, I have seen more arrogant and conceited behaviour on the streets of the town I work in and live near than I have ever seen from Lord Black.
He’s a smart man, well read and with a prodigious handle on the English language. Call it intimidating or impressive, but arrogant? Not on your life. This supposedly ‘elitist’ man, even before the court proceedings at Chicago, didn’t think it beneath himself to associate with the grandson of an eastern Ontario dairy farmer.
As someone who considers himself a friend of Conrad Black, I can only hope that the Supreme Court’s willingness to entertain an appeal brings him one step closer to a vindication.
Anyhow, at present, beyond the usual activities of home and hearth, work, and politics, I am about half-way through the first draft of a manuscript. It is fiction this time, which I am finding both easier and more challenging – if that makes sense. It has political overtones, and is meant to be funny, so we’ll see if it actually accomplishes that feat.
Spring is a time of new beginnings at Cole Lake, and thoughts turn to the warm days of summer – of boating and barbeques, of good friends and long sunsets.
This weekend marks the third anniversary of my grandfather’s passing. His grandfather originally settled our land, and I was honoured to become the 5th generation to carry on. What stands out for me were the times he would take me canoeing around the shores of the lake. When it gets warmer, I think I’ll dig that same canoe out and take my kids on that same trip. It seems like the best memorial I can think of.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
