Notes From London

Hello and sorry for so few posts as of late. I am on vacation in London and I have had “better things to do.”

There are some interesting parallel observations on what is happening in England and the US around the economy, leadership and Iraq. The anxiety over a recession is palpable here. Housing prices are plummeting, caught in the American sub-prime mortgage fiasco fall out and inflation is taking hold.

The future of the military involvement in Iraq is under debate but not an open question in reality…the Brits are in for the long haul and may be coming more engaged in Afghanistan too. There is some sense of shock and dismay over allegations of Iraqi prisoner abuse that are in the hands of the British military. While the Americans mollify their consciences by saying if they do something to a prisoner like water boarding, it can’t be torture…because, as Dubya says…”America does not torture prisoners. “

The Prime Minister is suffering from declining respect and confidence too. The media makes more of his getting “lost” (the Queen’s “observation” on an open microphone) at a recent state dinner; mistakenly thinking he was to be in a receiving line versus when he was to be seated at the head table.

All this unease and nervousness about where the world of the Brits is going is caught in the mortifying mess in the opening of Heathrow’s new Terminal 5. A magnificent botch up of monumental proportions that further undermines the confidence of a nation that brought us the Industrial Revolution. The chatter on the street and in the cafes is all about how embarrassing the Terminal 5 fiasco is for the reputation of England in the world.

Seems to me the angst over Terminal 5 as a national humiliation is simple transference. The sense |I get is that London at least is prepared to focus on some relatively meaningless management mistakes like Terminal 5 so they don’t have to face the stark reality of the really big and looming monsters under the national bed.

Off for a tour of Spencer House…and China's Terracotta Army display at the British Museum - BFN

Hillary Picks Hubris and Hyperbole Over Honesty and Honour

When the phone in the White House rings at 3:00 am I don't want the President of the United States of America and the Commander in Chief of the most powerful military on the planet not remembering what was talked about...intentionally or otherwise.

I don't what hyperbole to pass for honesty. And I sure don't want another liar in the White House who will continue to abuse the office by also making up facts as a means to justify a political end.

This is not an honest mistake. It is a fundamental character flaw.

Bill Richardson Tells Us Why He Endorses Obama

Bill Richardson breaks the mould of old-style politics and speaks his mind and stakes out a new territory of inclusive leadership. He brings a depth of experience in foreign policy and the United Nations.

Cynics will say this is Richardson's bid for VP - I am for that.

Alberta is Ready for High Speed Rail

High speed rail between at least Edmonton and Calgary is an idea whose time has come. Perhaps extending it to Fort McMurray and even Banff could be considered now too. I know Ed Stelmach likes the idea. Heather Douglas the CEO of the Calgary Chamber of Commerce has a well written piece on the concept in the Calgary Herald today.

It makes much more economic, social and ecological sense than adding two more highway lanes to the current highway between Edmonton and Calgary. That old-school “solution” will only add to problems when you consider all aspects of the pressures of growth in our "Corridor" and the transportation and other challenges that is causing

There are feasibility studies already done on high speed rail and some more detailed study efforts are underway and soon to be completed. High speed rail is green, clean, safe, quiet and quick. It is audacious enough that it triggers the imagination of forward thinking progressive Albertans too. I have been a fan of high speed rail in the Corridor since the late 1970’s and early 80’s. It was before its time then but not any more. Let’s get on with it.

"A More Perfect Union" by Barack Obama

Every freedom loving and engaged citizen living in any part of the planet who appreciates leadership, sees a purpose in positive progressive politics and values good government should take the time to listen to the “A More Perfect Union” speech of Barack Obama.

Get a cup of coffee or a glass of wine and site back and take the time to listen and revel in the moment of a candidate for President of the United States actually talking to you as an adult about racism.