A Map of the New Normal from Jeff Rubin

Previous blog on this book was accidentally deleted.   Actually read the book for a 2nd time.  The circumstances have changed a bit, but I understand a bit better what the author was trying to point out.

 The world certainly has changed in the last few years.  The Covid 19 Pandemic and the Russian assault on Ukraine are two factors.  Jeff Rubin contends between sanctions, the Russian invasion and inflation we have made a new world that will affect everyone.

 One movement identified by Rubin was that nations that have been sanctioned by the United States have been forming new relationships.  Trump has made tariffs a big part of his economic warfare.  Canada and Mexico have been targeted although they are allies and have their economics tired into America.  They are being forced to consider alternatives.

Covid 19 cut supply chains and governments decided to print money and we have been adjusting since.  One of the adjustments was inflation.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has spurred sanctions, but it is no longer like in the past.  Russia can now join other countries with sanctions such as Iran and China.  The BRICS group has greatly increased and the members take advantage of new ties at the expense of the United States and other western powers.  Now Canada finds itself looking for new trade connections.

Russia and Ukraine are both major food exporters.  Ukrainian wheat and other agricultural products are necessities for many third world countries.  Climate change, although considered a "hoax" by Donald Trump is having an impact on food supplies and very much on immigration patterns.  Continued avoidance will lead to ever increasing consequences.  China is buying up farmland in Africa.

At one time the United States had an arrangement with Saudi Arabia that all purchases of their oil were in American dollars.  Other oil producers took up the same arrangement that boosted the American currency.  Now however that is no longer the case and the oil producers led by Saudi Arabia accept a wide variety of currencies.

China is becoming the major money lender and they no longer are favoring the United States as in the past.  They are also dominant in rare earth metals buying up mining rights in Democratic Republic of the Congo and Indonesia.  Chinese cheap skilled labor is still critical for many companies such as Apple.

Trump became president since completion of the book.  Rubin predicted that Ukraine would lose leverage.

The map of the world is now topsy turvey and going in different directions.  Jeff Rubin keeps an eye on it.  Good to read his books.

The 2025 Canadian Election

The Canadian election is on April 28th and like all the others is the most important to date.  Elections are great opportunities to make improvements, but I am skeptical.  There are always emotional elements that seem to overwhelm important issues.  Those with big money have a way to appealing to our baser needs.  To top it off, the reality afterwards never matches the will of the people, including those who elected not to vote.

Would you like your vote to really count?  After you take time from something you enjoy or have to do and get in a line.  The candidate who gets the most votes in your riding is the only one that gets to vote in the legislature.  Every other vote doesn't advance a candidate even if they all add up to more than the winner.  Another wasted vote is the extra ones that put the winner on top.  That is why some people indulge in strategic voting.

I line up with the Greens and sympathize with the progressive parties.  It seems that the conservatives are mostly against climate change and in general seem to have less respect for civil rights.  I do respect their concern for financing as the government paying avoidable interest hurts us.  But not all government programs are bad for the budget   Health care is a prime example.  An ounce (gram) of prevention is worth a pound (kilogram) of cure.  

How about you?  Do you favor the NDP or the Liberals (against the Conservatives).  Depending on your riding you could vote for your preferred party or choose a second or even third choice for your best chance to stop the Conservatives.  Maybe you prefer the Conservatives, but you could also find yourself trying to stop the dreaded opposition depending on your riding.

Climate change is guaranteed to get worse even if government policies change as it will take time to readjust from more than a century of abuse.  Wealthy investors want to protect their investments and have more convincing resources than the rest of us.  Alberta relies a lot on fossil fuels and has the legislature to support them.

Most people think that somehow the Covid 19 pandemic is behind us.  Unfortunately the impact is still with us.  Inflation has been very definitely aggravated by it.  Consumers tend to look at current prices and get upset when they are up.  Certainly there might have been different choices made, but supplies were cut and consumer and work patterns changed.  Compared to other nations Canada wasn't so far behind.  More of us survived than in many more reckless nations.  Someone who supported the Convoy protest, like Poilievre love to point out inflation as though there was no connection to forces outside government forces.

 The fear against Conservatives leaves the progressives split.  In many elections the progressive parties (Liberals, NDP, Green) do collect more votes, but are often losers.  Bloc Quebecois are unique in that they want to be free of English Canada, but are now concerned about American influence.  I believe they could be a coalition partner with a progressive party

Don Trump is a critical election issue all by himself.  As soon as he was officially president he started making offensive statements.  He referred to Governor Justin Trudeau and Canada as the 51st state.  Since then he has become even more aggressive.   On the economic front he is promising heavy tariffs against Canada and other countries claiming to want businesses to relocate to America.  Our two economies are very integrated that optimizes both nations, although Trump insists America has been subsidizing Canada. He has shown favors to Putin from whom he has probably picked up a plan to expand America.  He feels that the Panama Canal should belong to America even suggesting military action may be necessary.   Greenland needs to be turned over as a security tool.  Mexico is also being treated very roughly.  See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2025/03/why-isnt-trump-in-prison.html

Scary for me is Trump plans to dismantle the Department of Education and turn it over to the states, some of whom have racist tendencies.  Canada also has our provinces responsible for education. 

Taxation is always an issue.  The poorer citizens need more money to survive.  The wealthy resent sharing their wealth with ordinary people.  Governments (those that get elected) try to spread the wealth around with a variety of programs, but they have to get the money from somewhere.  Unfortunately as there is much resistance to taxes they end up borrowing money and in turn paying interest.  A progressive tax system should help, but the top end is the most resistant and has developed all sorts of wrinkles that cut their contribution.  Somehow they have to figure out a fair system benefits everyone, even themselves.

The dilemma of many voters is that their riding has a history and maybe even current polling suggesting a party they want to avoid.  The closest they can get to that is to vote for an opposition party that has the best chance to upsetting the hated one.  This works against all parties in particular ridings.  Sometimes their vote does make a difference, but not always. and not their preferred candidate.

There is a better system adopted by much of the world.  Proportional representation allows your preferred vote to make a difference.  It encourages all politicians to be politer to their opponents because there is a good chance they will have to work with them.  More people are willing to make the effort to vote and even to study the issues.  More views are considered before policies locked in.

To understand how unjustly voting is distorted under our First Past the Post system check out the recent Ontario provincial election...http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2025/03/ontario-voters-were-cheated-again.html

Don't be fooled by ranked balloting.  Only one candidate is elected per riding and although you may have contributed to the winner it is not necessarily your first choice that would better reflect your preferences.. 

Should you get a chance to talk to a candidate ask them what they think of proportional representation.  Tell your friends and neighbors.  Candidates want to know how they can get more votes.

Who Saw the Peacock Dance in the Jungle? an enjoyable Japanese series

 

"Who Saw the Peacock Dance in the Jungle?" is a well constructed mystery series.  Like the best it is layered with interesting complications.

We first meet a daughter, Kamugi and her father,  Haruo having a traditional Japanese meal at a favored vendor.  Before too long there is a house fire and the father, a former police officer dies.  It takes awhile before we learn that the fire might have been deliberately set.  This is our first acquaintance with an annoying journalist Kamii.

Before too long we learn that Kamugi is not the natural daughter of Haruo.  Haruo's former police partner Akazawa is involved and decides an investigation is  not needed, but again more characters get involved.  We learn the Akazawa and his wife, Kyoko were the ones who delivered the infant Komugi to Haruo and his wife.  Kamugi is directed to a lawyer, Matsukaze who is mystified as to why he was selected.   There is lots more going back to a grisly mass murder several years before with false accusations and we learn there are others with vested interests.  Endless surprises.

It takes a lot of talented people to put together such an enjoyable series.  Here are a few.

Takahiro Aoyama was the director.  He has 13 directing credits including "Light of My Lion" (2024).  See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2024/12/light-of-my-lion.html

Rito Asami wrote the original maga  (a sort of Japanese comic strip) and has done two others.

Tomako Kanazawa was one of the script writers.  He has 13 writing credits.

Alisa Okahazama composed the music.  She has 18 music credits.

Junichi Nakaura was a cinematographer.  He has 7 cinematography credits and 3 for the camera and electrical department including "First Love" (2022).  See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2022/12/first-love.html

Seiji Harimoto was an editor.  He has 12 editor credits including "Light of My Lion" (2024). 

Suzu Hirose played Komugi.  She started out as a model and has been a popular commercial actress.  She has 47 acting credits and 3 for soundtrack including "Our Little Sister" (2015) and "The Third Murder" (2017).  

Ken'ichi Matsuyama plays Matsukaze, the helpful lawyer.  He has  95 acting credits including "Norwegian Wood" (2010) and "Japan Sinks:  People of Hope" (2021).  See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2021/12/japan-sinks-people-of-hope-emigration.html 

 Lily Frank played Haruo who we see in several flashbacks.  He has 108 acting credits and 2 for directing including "Like Father, Like Son" (2011), "Our Little Sister" (2014), "Shoplifters" (2018), "Cottontail" (2021),  "Call Me Chihiro" (2024) and "The Parades" (2024).   See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2024/03/the-parades-japanese-fantasy-film-on.html

Takahiro Fujimoto played Akazawa, the former police partner.  He was a medley swimmer who competed in two Olympics.  He has 31 acting credits including "Jin" (2009).

Naomi Nishida played Kyoko, the wife of Akazawa.  She is a likeable quiet individual, but is hiding more than the others.  Was a fashion model. She has 177 acting credits.

Hayuto Isomura played Kamii the annoying and clever journalist.  Just started Japanese dubbing for foreign films.  He has 61 acting credits and 2 for directing.  

You can enjoy this series subtitled on Netflix.

As usual I have bolded the first mention of films I have seen.  They are not necessarily a recommendation, but generally I found them worthy of my time and if you follow the links you should be able to determine if any film is worth following up.

Jeffrey Toobin's "The Pardon"

 Donald Trump has brought pardons into our awareness.  A presidential  pardon is unique in that the president doesn't need Congressional approval and there is no expiry date.

The focus of "The Pardon" (2024) is on the pardon to Richard Nixon.  There are some similarities, but significant contrasts comparing the situation with regard to Donald Trump.

Pardons all have a political element.

Nixon seemed to feel that the promise of a pardon would encourage witnesses not to testify against him. 

Other political events opened up an opportunity to declare a new vice president.  Gerald Ford did not aspire to the responsibility.  He wasn't selected for his ties to Nixon, but also as they thought he was clean and could be manipulated.

Ford traveled around the United States, but avoided learning any more than necessary.   However as legal affairs moved forward he was let in what was expected.    Before too long Nixon did resign and  Ford was made president. 

Nixon wanted a pardon, but not directly.  Ford wanted Nixon to admit involvement and tried to word his proclamation and Nixon's acceptance speech to in effect be an admission of guilt.  Nixon bent very little in that regard.  Having resigned he was eligible for a pension.

Ford wrestled with the notion.  He knew Nixon was guilty and the court proceedings were progressing slowly.  He was honestly concerned about the effect of dragging on Nixon's legal battles.  The trick was to get Nixon to admit guilt.  Not quite done, but pardon announced.

The initial response was negative, from both political parties, the press and the public.  They knew Nixon was guilty.  It doomed his election chances.

Attitudes mellowed a bit years later.  Ted Kennedy had strongly criticized the Nixon pardon, but came to believe it was in the best national interest, even presenting Ford with the Profiles in Courage Award (in honor of brother John F. Kennedy's book) in 2001.  Bob Woodward, the top Watergate journalist also mellowed his attitude.  Jeffrey Toobin did not modify his opinion feeling Nixon was guilty and his fate should have had more impact on the public.

Toobin notes pardons from subsequent presidents.   George H.W. Bush pardoned some men who had been involved with the Iran-Contra case, that may well have impacted an election.  Jimmy Carter pardoned the draft dodgers which wasn't appreciated by many.  Surprising to me was that 50, 000 of those pardoned elected not to leave their adopted homes.

The book came out after Trump's 2020 election victory, but before he took office. Unlike other presidents Trump  developed his own procedures for his own personal needs.  During the Mueller Investigation Trump hinted there would be pardons for Michael Flynn and Paul Manafort so they would keep secrets.  He did in fact pardon those who were convicted.  He also pardoned Joe Arpaio, a prominent racist and Charles Kushner, the father to Jared Kushner.  Some of those pardoned went on to commit more crimes.

At the end of his first term on January 6, 2021 Trump encouraged his supporters to help overturn what he declared an unfair election. People died and many have been convicted.  One of Trump's first acts of his second term was a blanket pardon on the rioters from January 6th. 

In summary, pardons can be positive as when a past injustice can be rectified.  On the other hand pardons are easily abused.  Toobin has written an excellent book

Canada Reads

For book lovers, "Canada Reads" is wonderful entertainment.  The 2025 version just finished.  It really is a successful promotional contest helping more readers discover Canadian books.  This is the 24th edition of the contest.  Having read many of the winners as well as a few of the others I look forward to each years' contest. 

 It is the discussion that makes it so worthwhile.  You will come to appreciate the merits of each selection.  The five champions criticize each other and respond in a respectful, polite and intelligent manner.  The show presents a few outside comments including the authors and families.  One interesting inclusion was a library watch party indicating there is a lot of anticipation.

Below are the five nominated selections four of which were eliminated over a four day period  until the winner is declared.

"Watch For Her" (2022) by Samantha M. Bailey is a mystery.  Two women misunderstand one another tragically.  I found this very compelling putting other books and movies aside to find out what happens next.  It was the first eliminated--first thriller type    Maggie MacNeil an Olympic gold medal swimmer was the champion.

 

 

 

"Jennie's Boy" (2022) by Wayne Johnston is in effect an autobiography of his childhood in small town Newfoundland, Goulds.  He was very sickly and coughed so much it interfered with family activities.  They were very poor and his father drank too much.  Although educated his father was a poor manager of the money.  The dialogue from a sick youngster to the grownups in his life was interesting. 

Linwood Barclay, a prolific author of fiction was the champion.  Linwood thinks authors will get better- over time.  He has been nominated for literary awards himself, but never won.

2nd book eliminated

"Etta and Otto and Russell and James" (2015) by Emma Hooper is a story of relationships over several years.  Etta and Otto marry and Russell was a lifelong friend.   James was a talking coyote.  Otto had gone overseas to fight in he war while Russell stayed back and comforted Etta.  Etta who had never gone outside the Prairies took it in her elderly head to get to the Atlantic Ocean.  One form of dementia.  Different time lines.

Michelle Morgan, the champion is known for acting in popular CBC series, "Heartland" and has also been a director and producer.

Third eliminated-after a tied vote broken.

"Dandelion" (2022) by Jaies Chai Yun Liew is about the daughter of a Chinese immigrant (from Brunei) who goes to seek her mother who had abandoned the family a decade or so previously.  She married a Ukrainian and had a baby girl.  In reality the author was a lawyer working on immigration issues and lived in Ottawa. 

Said D'Homa was a neuro scientist who made a big switch to being a noted pastry chef.  As an immigrant himself he explained some of the issues involved.  As a pastry chef he pointed out that food is a way of communicating.

 

"A Two Spirit Journey" by Ma-nee Chacaby, assisted by Mary Louise Plummer was autobiographical of an Ojibwa woman who was visually impaired, alcoholic and later opened up as a lesbian.  She didn't learn English until age 20. As it happened I was able to read the four eliminated books, but am still waiting for this one.

Shayla Stonechild, an indigenous model, actress and health advocate was the champion.  Every book had its merits, but Shayla had done her research and articulated beautifully.   I look forward to reading the book.  After winner declared, the viewers were treated to a congratulation clip from the author.

 

 I enjoyed the discussions,  The drop outs were gracious and observant.    Lots of points were made about human relations and writing styles.  Each book was unique and each champion came from different perspectives.

 The current episodes are available using your Google.

http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2018/10/canada-reads.html 

http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2020/09/the-book-of-negroes.html 

 http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2021/11/two-trees-make-forest-canada-reads.html

http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2021/11/two-trees-make-forest-canada-reads.html 

 http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2023/09/ducks-my-first-graphic-novel.html

http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2024/09/hotline-canada-reads-nomination.html

The Revenge of the Tipping Point

 Malcolm Gladwell is unique.  He finds connections that escape the rest of us.  The truth is that existence is full of connections that we take for granted, ignore or most often don't know.  

 In the year 2000 he wrote "The Tipping Point" which rocketed him to fame.  A few other books got my attention. "The Revenge of the Tipping Point" elaborates further on how things work.

Tipping point is the point where some idea barely noticed rapidly gains popularity.  He helps us better understand the process

Epidemics love monocultures, that is cultures with few or any variations.  One example was cheetahs who eventually were almost reduced to only one female meaning that each subsequent generation had the same set of genes.  This resulted in extreme difficulties for breeding.   In their efforts to breed cheetahs they brought them into close contact with one another and somehow one caught a fatal disease common only with domestic cats.  It created a deadly epidemic spurred on by the common gene pool. 

 Another example was provided by a high school district that was noted for high marks and stellar achievements.  The students  were clean cut and studious, but through freaky events one student committed suicide.  It wasn't too long before suicides became a regular ocurence.  

The concept of super spreaders was displayed with Covid epidemic.  Coughing and sneezing were considered  prime causes, but delving into it further and learned that merely talking could spread it.  Furthermore they learned that rare humans could be what might be called super spreaders.  

The Holocaust provided a surprising example of an initially slow moving trend that reached epidemic proportions.  The survivors of the Holocaust were embarrassed and wanted to forget it.  A group of 3 living in Los Angeles wanted to forget their time in concentration camps and decided to put their mementos into a museum., known as the "Martyrs Memorial Museum".  It turned out to be more popular than anticipated, but it was another twenty two years before anyone else was willing to open a similar museum.   In 1984 four museums opened and afterwards a series of what were now known as Holocaust Museums opened.   Gladwell identifies two tv executives who decided it was time to present a mini series on the Holocaust.  Prior to that there had been a few references in historical literature.  The idea became acceptable, even urgent for some people.

Gay marriage is an example of how quickly a tipping point can be reached when the Overstory changes.  Gladwell credits television with softening up general attitudes.  Although there were references to gay character they were generally off to the side.  Will & Grace won over a good segment of the population.  Once the overstory was changed legislators found it much easier to make for more tolerant laws and authorize gay marriage.  It all happened in about a ten year period.

Harvard athletic scholarships  According to Gladwell, universities were aware of a tipping point and had decided they wanted to avoid minorities reaching it.  The net result is that athletes with lower academic credentials are favored over minorities who also have lower academic credentials.  

The opioids crisis is at the beginning and then apparently not mentioned until near the end.  But actually some of the forces that helped bring about the crisis are explored in a seemingly random way.  It all makes sense in the end.

Many of Gladwell's conclusions are reached by taking thought from different scientific studies.  The problem is that scientists are so specialized and are often unaware of relevant other specialties.  We might think of Gladwell as a generalist.  He does look at problems and approaches them from a wider perspective.  Specialists are definitely important, but the world needs intelligent generalists as much.

You have to read the book to really appreciate his method of connecting different topics to make a point stronger.

A previous blog  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2020/01/talking-to-strangers.html

Why Isn't Trump in Prison?

There isn't going to be any new information on Donald Trump that hasn't already been aired--there are no secrets, although a lot of details that have been overlooked or forgotten.  

Before and during his first presidential time he very loudly proclaimed he had nothing to do with Russia and has since made fun of the Mueller Report.  He actually had a history with Russia.  He visited Moscow and had planned to build a Trump Tower there.  He did in fact take one of his beauty pageants to Russia.  When he had financial problems leading to bankruptcy with casinos it has been speculated that he laundered money for the Russian mob--in any case he did get back on his feet.   We don't know, but Putin and those before him have a reputation for seeking compromising material on foreigners who might have influence.

Not sure how well they might have succeeded, but on television with Putin beside him in Helsinki he proclaimed that he felt Putin told the truth against 16 American federal agencies who felt otherwise.  More recently he blamed Ukraine for attacking Russia and that Zelensky was a dictator.  With his Vice President he demanded an apology.  He agreed with Russia that Ukraine should not join NATO.  Ignoring an agreement when Ukraine voluntarily gave up its nuclear arsenal.  Recently while Ukraine is being bombed the U.S. cut off intelligence that could have allowed some lives to be saved. Again we are left with the notion that Trump admires Putin; he is stupid or there really is some sort of hold on him.  More perspective on Russian connections:  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2019/06/house-of-trump-house-of-putin.html

The Mueller Report has been dismissed by Trump supporters.   Much of it had been redacted, but nonetheless there were convictions with some of the guilty parties exiled in Russia.  Read more...http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2019/07/the-mueller-report-and-american-voter.html

Further Trump has indicated he thinks NATO is not a good deal for America.  The trans Atlantic alliance has worked well as a deterrent and has been called to action a number of times.  I don't quarrel that other members do not all have 2% of their budget on defense.  The truth is that most of them spend more money on different priorities like health and education.

How does one define treason?  At what point is it considered punishable by prison?  

What many people consider criminal occurred on January 6, 2021.  There was a riot in which some were injured and some died directly and indirectly.  Why?  A little speculation, but is obvious that Trump did not accept the voter's verdict.  Not necessarily unusual or unjustified, but there is a system of courts that determine the truth.  Again he didn't like the result and encouraged people to come to Washington to "fight like hell or you're not going to have a country".  He tried to get the Vice-President to refuse to verify Joe Biden's election ignoring advice from many experts that it would be unconstitutional.  

The House of Representatives was able to put together a hearing which is not by itself constitutionally binding.  Cleverly the only witnesses were Republicans, many of whom were close to the President during the events of January 6th.  To outsiders this was impressively damning evidence.  The catch was that it was not legally binding.  It should have been brought to the proper courts, but for various reasons it kept getting delayed along with another damning accusation regarding government archives.  Some of us would think this would be among the very highest priorities, but the case NEVER made it to where it could be finally decided.  See more... http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2022/10/january-6th-hearings.html

Trump is a rich, powerful man with a lot of experience being sued.  Occasionally he has paid a fine, one of the most spectacular ones over the Trump College where he paid $25 million before the 2016 election.  He found delaying was the most reliable way and he hired lawyers skilled at it.  A study on how he got away with avoiding legal problems check  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2023/08/untouchable-how-they-get-away-with-it.html

How did he get elected.  Partly by appealing to prejudice, but that is not necessarily his fault--he just took advantage and admittedly fanned it.  Many extreme right wingers thought he had the necessary appeal so the legislature could favor the wealthy more than the constitution currently allows

Perhaps I really do have Trump Derangement Syndrome   http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2025/02/is-trump-derangement-syndrome-valid.html

Instead of praising him for all the good things he has done his supporters should reflect on what non-indictable decisions he has made that have harmed all the citizens.   http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2019/10/the-non-indictable-sins-of-trump.htm   

There is much more anti-Trump material in my posts and I wonder what I would do if he finally disappears.

At a Loss for Words

Words are critical and how they are used is meaningful.  Carol Off laments how some important words have been transformed.  Un-fortunately the transformation are impacting our lives.  Words have become weapons.

The first word is Freedom.  One example was how the Freedom Convoy defined freedom as not obeying government protocols for masks, distancing and vaccinations.  The author suggests that your freedom ends near the tip of my nose.  I would go further and suggest your freedom should be restricted to not harming me.  The point is that one person's freedom should be balanced against other people, but so many view personal restrictions as a lack of freedom.  One conclusion is that freedom needs to be more inclusive.  

The second word is Democracy.  At one time kings made the decisions.  A few centuries ago only white men who owned property could vote.  Over time and with a great deal of effort men without property (renters), women, people of different racial minorities were allowed to vote.  The voting age has gradually been lowered.  Some jurisdictions make it easy for eligible voters to actually vote while others make it difficult.  Alexis de Tocqueville wrestled with the notion that democracy and equality were difficult to balance.  The author noted that the United Empire Loyalists were not in favor of democracy.  Early suffragettes wanted to exclude Asians and indigenous.  

Project 2025 is the product of key backers for Donald Trump.  If he goes the plan will likely go forward as long as nobody stops them. 

The third word is Truth.  Misinformation is prolific.  The media tries to convey true facts but much of their "freedom" is restricted by corporations.  Those with vested interests have command of our personal data and have targeted people who can be easily persuaded of their truths.  Prejudices have long been a tool of politicians, but now they can be used in a nuanced and more effective manner.

The fourth word is Woke.  This is a relatively new word, now used to mock people who have different family values.  Newt Gingrich is credited with using words to attack rivals, regardless of reality..  Black Lives Matter has been used to make whites feel uncomfortable in fact to make them feel guilty.  

Ron De Santis uses "woke" to characterize progressive thinkers as unworthy to discuss or debate.  Others think the world needs to wake up before it is too late. 

The fifth word is Choice.  It refers mainly to the abortion issue.  The laws were all set by males.  At one time it was noted that deaths related to (illegal) abortions were the leading cause of deaths for women of child bearing years.  It took a number of champions including Dr. Morton Shulman and Dr. Henry Morgentaler among many others.  Pierre Trudeau is famous for "There is no place for the state in the nation's bedrooms", but nevertheless did not change abortion laws.  After much effort American politicians forced the reversal of their abortion laws despite most of the public supporting them.  

Margaret Atwood famous for  "The Handmaid's Tale" asked "If you are going to ban abortion what are the alternatives.  What are you proposing?  Are you going to take care of all these children?". 

The final word is Taxes, an offensive word to some.  Most politicians prefer to talk about reducing taxes, but in fact a lot of problems would be resolved with higher taxes, especially from the wealthy.  It seems that one of the underlying strategies appealing to prejudices is a strategy to distract voters from efforts to reduce taxes.  It is more than just money, but a resentment from wealthy people that lesser people should share in their hard earned money.  One new idea for me comes from Carol Off is that workers are subsidized by government programs.  The worker is more pleased with working conditions and have more money to spend.

The years 1945-1980 were ones with the closest equality.  There have always been those manipulating to get a bigger share of the wealth.  Ronald Reagan, famously said "the government is the problem".  He brought forth much lower taxes for the top income groups:  from 90% to 28% and did much more to increase the equality gap. 

The Koch brothers were confronted some legal response to environmental abuses.   They also resented their tax rates and started behind the scenes efforts to change the laws.  They spent literally hundreds of millions of dollars.  They found ways to legally increase donations to groups who fought their battles.  Some money was given to the "spontaneous" Tea Party and to Rush Limbaugh among many others. Much money was funneled to compliant politicians.

Here in Canada Stephen Harper was in the battle to lower taxes and de-regulate annoying environmental laws.  He was stopped by the courts at one time, but continued his efforts.  Since then the equality gap has widened.

 Some earlier thought on taxes:  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2023/06/the-role-of-taxes.html 

 There is much more than I can convey in a blog post.  I have skimmed over many points and left out many relevant points.  Carol Off has much more to say and is worth the effort.

Bolehkah Sekali Saja Kumenangis

 A tongue twister for a title and something picked as a time filler.  The plot includes an abusive father, group therapy and a bit of a romance.  Nothing very original, but very (I mean very) well done. Indonesian films are now getting more attention.

They had done research for abusive fathers and group therapy.  The writing made sense, the acting was very believable and the directing precise.

Tari goes to her room to try to avoid hearing her father shout and hit her mother.  She has been going to therapy, but at this stage is not willing to share with the other participants.  We are introduced to Baskara who seems to be well regarded, but when teased violently hits a fellow and is persuaded to go to the same group therapy as Tari.  They become "friends" with a hint of romance.

The father Pras at various times hits his wife, Tari, and Baskara.  Not excessively, but very firm.  But he has work stresses.  Surprisingly he joins a therapy group.

Does it have a happy ending?   Sort of, but it is realistic.

This is very well done and here are some of the contributors.

Reka Wjaya is the director.  She has 17 director credits, 9 for writing and 3 for acting.

Uma Shahab was one of the writers and a producer.  Uma is well known as a singer, once winning for children's music.  He wrote and performed two songs, one of which I bought.

Alim Sudir was another writer.  He has 92 writing credits, 2 for acting and 1 for producing including for "Heartbreak Motel" (2024).  See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2024/12/two-year-end-film-reviews.html

Prilly Latuconsina was still another writer and an executive producer and critically played the lead female, Tari.  She has been a successful singer.  Prilly has 30 acting credits and 11 as producer and 1 for writing, including "Andragogy" (2023).  Check http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2024/03/andragogy.html

Andi Rianto was responsible  for the music.  He had been to America for high school and then graduated from the Berklee College of Music.  He has been the leader of the Magenta Orchestra.  He has 79 composing credits plus 6 for the music department and 4 for acting.

Amalia T.S. was the cinematographer.  She has 24 cinematography credits, 3 for the camera and electrial department and 2 for producing.

Oliver Sitompul was the editor with 17 editor credits.

Pradikta Wicaksono played Baskara.  He had been a singer.  Pradikta has 6 acting credits.

Surya Saputra played Pras, the abusive father.  Also another singer.  He has 57 acting credits.

Dominque Sanda played Devi, the mother.  She has 20 acting credits.

I regret I could not confidently identify the woman who played the group therapy leader.  She was very good.  Overall the cast was very believable. 

The film is available subtitled on Netflix.  A quiet gem.

As usual I have bolded the first mention of films I have seen.  They are not necessarily a recommendation, but generally I found them worthy of my time and if you follow the links you should be able to determine if either film is worth following up.

Ontario Voters were Cheated Again.

 Doug Ford, the winner of the recent Ontario election self righteously declared he has a mandate that includes new highways, a tunnel and control over bike lanes amongst others.   Does he really have a mandate?  The listed policies are ones that he advocated in his campaign, but not necessarily ones favored by the other parties.  Mandates are pretty serious, but the term is much abused.  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2023/01/do-elections-guarantee-mandates.html

 Our current electoral system is known by many as "first past the post" meaning only the one who gets the most votes wins.  Only a plurality is required, not a majority.

One of the most important details is that only approximately 45% of eligible voters actually were able to get to the voting polls.  You might think of the other 55% as lazy and I am sure many would have some sort of excuse.  On the other hand many of them were actually smart.  They knew that their favored party was extremely unlikely to win.  In individual ridings it is only the winner who gets to go to the Ontario Parliament and vote on legislation.  All the votes for the losers get virtually nothing for their efforts.  Their candidate will not vote on any legislation.  We don't know who the non voters would have chosen, but it doesn't really matter much.

Getting back to those who did vote there was as almost always, a distortion.  The Conservatives were able to get 43% of the votes which translated to 64% of the seats meaning they don't require the support of the other 56% of voters who were only able to obtain 34% of the seats that could oppose the party who got the majority of seats.  So in a very real sense the votes of the losers don't have much impact.  It must be said that they are allowed to voice their opinions, but their actual votes don't add up to make the difference.    

Politics is really about getting elected to make policies.  In the recent election there were a few odd results.  The Liberals got almost 30% of the votes, but only about 11% of the seats.  A bonus for them is they now qualify as an official party with some significant benefits, but although they might have been the official opposition, that honor goes to the NDP who got only about 18% of the votes, but over 21% of the seats.  Many observers commented that they were more efficient.  In truth they were concentrated in enough ridings to overcome the overall voting of the Liberals.  The NDP will get a chance for better media coverage.

Next, a confession.  My first choice is the Green Party because I believe climate change is the most critical issue for our future.  There is some support from the other two progressive parties, but not as much effort.  The Greens did get almost 4% of the overall vote, but ended up with only 2 seats.  So their impact will be based on speaking in the Parliament Building.  In a tight minority government they might have some influence on legislation, but not so much in a majority government.

Voters have a big decision to make--who would they prefer to win their riding and who do they actually vote for.  A lot try strategic voting which often boils down to who they don't want to win.  They then try to guess who has the best chance to defeat the unwanted candidate.  Sometimes this might work, but often it just distorts what the people really want.  The so-called progressive parties find themselves split against the conservative party leaving the false impression that conservatives have the most public support and in this particular case have a mandate.

Proportional representation offers a different outcome.  There are many variations, but essentially it means a party gets as much legislation power as it gets a voting percentage.  In the recent election no party would have gotten majority control and definitely no mandate.  To some people that sounds frightening, but in actual fact such systems offer benefits.  For starter your vote actually COUNTS.  To get any legislation passed elected candidates will have to talk to one another and cut down insults.  International polls pretty consistently show that proportional representative governments make more progress in such issues as the environment, pollution and most interesting to me is they top the happiness surveys.  Part of the reason is that each individual has some real power.

What does all this mean for YOU.   If your candidate won your riding your efforts paid off.  If your candidate's party won a majority hopefully the promised agenda will be carried out.  If we have a minority government your candidate will be listened to.   If your candidate did not win your riding all your effort resulted in virtually nothing.  If your candidate's party won a majority hopefully the promised agenda will be carried forth.  If you have a minority government your candidate's party may have some influence on what gets decided.

 Politics is more than policies, it is getting elected so that policies can get enacted.  The established party usually gets to decide when an election can be held and of course they have ideas on which time best increases their chances of being re-elected.  My opinion for this election is that the party in power thought they had an issue they could exploit.  In this case American threatened tariffs even though that is mainly a concern of the federal government.  Others speculated that there was some bad (even criminal) news coming out soon that could be avoided with an election.  Generally speaking conservatives have learned their supporters are more steadfast in their opinions and are stronger motivated to deal with bad weather, so winter is an advantage. 

Proportional representation is avoided by those who got their power through the current electoral system.  That also includes most of their financial supporters.  They are happy that most people appear ignorant of proportional representation.  Look at it closely--it gives you more power.

One source for information is https://www.fairvote.ca/

Paddle to the Sea in print and film

 Most of my book and/or film posts are about adult interests.  Initially it was a bit of a haul to adult literature for me, but children's literature (thanks to the R.S. McLaughlin Public Library in Oshawa with a separate children's department) helped pave the way.

 The author Holling Clancy Holling (originally Holling Allison Clancy) was born and raised in Michigan, United States around the Great Lakes.   He was a graduate of the Art Institute of Chicago.  He worked in the taxidermy department at the Field Museum of of History in Chicago.  Aside from writing and illustrating numerous children's books he wrote and illustrated a Sunday comic strip that included that included a cutout that could be used in a 3-D format
 

It is possible my mother first read the book to me.  Probably not more than eight or nine when I first read.  Oshawa is on Lake Ontario, but this book expanded my awareness of the other Great Lakes and their connection to the Atlantic Ocean.  The whole idea of connections was gradually developing in my mind.  I took out the book several times.  

From school and my parents I understood that Lake Ontario was part of the Great Lakes.  Paddle-to-the-Sea starts with a young Indian (now called indigenous) boy in Lake Nipigon that feeds into Lake Superior.  He carves a canoe with an Indian paddler and a message to help keep the canoe on its way to the ocean.  It is not an easy journey, at different places being stuck in a beaver pond, or a heavy storm and of course it goes over Niagara Falls (one of the places my parents took me to as a child).  At times humans needed to intervene, but the message on the canoe encouraged people who picked it up to to put it back in the water.  On one occasion a rescuer cleaned it up, repainted it, made the message more readable and suggested add the names of some of the places the boat arrived at.  For some this might be one of their first geography lessons.

Holling is an illustrator and uses his talents to make the story more understandable.  On each of 27 chapters he has a full color page painting.  At the end he a two page color map of the route taken.  On the text pages he adds in a few sketches to help clarify some of the details. 

Paddle-to-the-Sea won a Caldecott Honor as well as the Lewis Carroll Shelf Award in 1962. 

A 28 minute short film, nominated for an Oscar was filmed in 1966.  Bill Mason was director, cinematographer and editor.  In 1998 he was honored in postage stamp in Canada.  Filming was done starting in Lake Nipigon and moving through most of the book stops including Niagara Falls.  They used most of the original writing of Holling Clancy Holling, but some commentary was written and narrated by Stanley Jackson who also was an associate producer.  Louis Applebaum was the music composer. 

 

Reading was a key to better understanding the world and there were many other books that opened up my mind. My mother was the key to the process.  I was lucky to be in walking distance of R.S. McLaughlin library in Oshawa and to many supportive teachers. 

More recently read a comment by Parag Khanna, at first on tv. (Fareed Zakaria show) and later reading his book.  Talking about world climate conditions he claimed that the Great Lakes region was the safest which seemed amazing as he lived in Singapore.    See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2022/04/move.html

Is the Trump Derangement Syndrome valid?

 If you are progressive or even politically neutral it is very difficult to avoid really serious criticism of Donald Trump and his gang.  They shrug and dismiss it all as merely "Trump Derangement Syndrome" meaning the critics are all deluded.  Their supporters nod in agreement.  On my side of the table this is outrageous.

 It is implied that any criticism is irrelevant.  Democracy doesn't work that way.  We don't want a king or dictator to make all our decisions. 

Rather than using carefully thought out policy ideas Trump seems to prefer mocking people and ideas that stand in his way.  Lying is a tool to make his points.  Being provocative seems to appeal to a segment of his audience who find him entertaining and serious policy debates boring, if  not offensive.

After his victory in 2016 he said he loved the "poorly educated" and now we learn he wants to close the Education Department.  To my progressive nature it seems obvious education is the key to progress.  Most poor people realize they would be better off if they had more education, however there are also many who resent educated people who seem to boss them.

Rather than debate policy issues they prefer to mock in an attempt to de-humanize.  He has nicknames for some of his strongest opponents---Kamala Harris (Laffin Kamala), Joe Biden (Sleepy Joe), Elaine Chao (Coco Chow), Liz Cheney (Low IQ Warhawk), Hilary Clinton (Crooked Hilary) and Jack Smith (Deranged Jack Smith).  Outsiders might find these derogatory addresses are a poor way to develop trust. His supporters look forward to what innovative insults he comes up with.  Breaking the law has no consequences for Trump, but his precedents bode ill for our future.

Catering to prejudices with such remarks as "shithole countries"  and "very fine people on both sides".

Many of his actual policies are harmful.  Climate change is real and guaranteed to get worse, but Trump has aligned himself with the fossil fuel financial interests.  He feels the very rich are hard done by and it would be better if they paid less in taxes and so what if the poor lose tools to improve their lives.   He expresses support for international abusers of democracy (some who kill their opposition).

I am sure that most of the people in my choir can think of many (many) examples how the voters have been abused and that "Trump Derangement Syndrome" is a pathetic defense of his actions.  Thank you, however few you might be to let me rant.  Maybe Hilary Clinton was not wrong.

More on what I consider essential--education  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2011/11/education-and-our-future.html

When the Stars gossip

 Some people  are put off by science fiction, but they are missing some films that relate to our everyday living.  Science fiction can be an amazing piece of technology, but it can also be a tool to explore humanity.

"When the Stars Gossip" (2025) portrays a space station run by Koreans with one Spanish speaking scientist which means some of the dialogue is in English, a common language.  Their work deals with fertility in a zero gravity environment.  For that they use mice and fruit flies.  The series covers both in a space station, but also back on earth involving many of the characters on both locations.

One of the main characters is an obstetrician working on his own secret mission as a patron had spent enough money to allow him to travel as a "tourist".  There are a lot of dramatic and romantic complications that make this series very gripping.

This is a mammoth project with top professionals.  Here are only a few:

Park Shin-Woo was the director.  He has 10 credits including as the creator of "It's Okay Not to Be Okay" (2020).  See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2021/03/its-okay-not-to-be-okay.html

Seo-Sook Hyang wrote the script.  She has 5 credits for writing.

Nam Hye Seung wrote the music.  She has 77 composing credits including "Crash Landing on You" (2019), "Vagabond" (2020), "It's Okay Not to Be Okay" (2020) and "Queen of Tears" (2024).  See   http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2020/02/crash-landing-on-you-very-addicting.html  I confess I have bought a few of her songs.

Lee Min-ho plays Gong Rygong, the tourist and obstetrician.   He is very popular in not only Korea, but also Japan, Philippines, China, France and Latin America.  He has appeared on Chinese television.  In 2000 early in his career he was involved in an auto accident that killed two others in the same car and hospitalized both him and one other.  He has 26 acting credits.

Kong Hyo-jin  played Eve Kom, the commander.  As a teenager she went with her family to Australia for three years.  She has 41 acting credits.

 Kim Joo-Hun plays one of the astronauts.  He has over 20 plays acting on stage.  He has 31 film acting credits including "Train to Busan" (2016), "Designated Survivor: 60 days" (2019), "It's Okay Not Be Okay" (2020), "Extraordinary Attorney Woo" (2022) and "Castaway Diva" (2023).  See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2021/10/designated-survivor-60-days-remake-of.html and  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2022/08/extraordinary-attorney-woo.html

Oh Jung se plays another of the team.  He has 91 acting credits including  "It's Okay Not To Be Okay" (2020), "Little Women" (2022) and "Queen of Tears" (2024).  See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2024/05/queen-of-tears.html

 Alex Hafner played the Spanish speaking astronaut.  He is fluent in in German, Spanish, English and French.  He has 34 acting credits, 4 for producing credits and 2 for directing.

Lee El plays the ground crew captain.  She has 34 acting credits including "My Liberation Diary"(2022).

Paul Battle plays a family member to a key role.  He played a saxophone in a jazz band.  He is from Canada and first went to Korea to teach English (as did my son).   A second visit resulted in a film career speaking Korean with 22 acting credits, 2 for directing and 5 for producing including  "You Are my Spring" (2021), "Vincenzo" (2022) and "Melancholia" (2022).   See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2024/07/melancholia.html

"When the Stars Gossip" is now fully available subtitled and dubbed on Netflix.  Very engaging.

As usual I have bolded the first mention of films I have seen.  They are not necessarily a recommendation, but generally I found them worthy of my time.  If you follow the links you should be able to determine if a particular film is worth following up.

Stolen--film on the Saami people

 As a youngster, one amusement was watching newsclips about strangely clothed foreigners herding deer.  We called the people Laplanders and spent little time thinking about them.  For me watching "Stolen" (2024) was my first awareness that they consider the term insulting with Saami being more acceptable. 

Many of us in the Western world think there are many strange tribes with quaint, but backward habits.  We do not examine closely our own habits except to modify them to fit in.

The Saami as they prefer to be called are found in northern parts of Norway, Sweden, Finland and Russia.  They are not all reindeer handlers, but basically have worked in the natural environment.  Today of course many have adapted to the urban life.  Many are still wearing unique colorful clothing while others have moved to the big cities for jobs.   Suicide was a concern as many felt out of place.

This is a story involving sometimes violent discrimination, but we also see an adaptation to the modern world with some respect for the natural environment.   At one time they were not allowed to speak Saami and forced into boarding schools.  I am reminded of colonial patronizing and controlling indigenous people of British North America.

As a young girl,  Elsa witnessed a man killing a reindeer calf.  Although taken to the police department she decides not identify any illegal killers.  A decade or so later Elsa is confronted with more hostility from those who resent the few Saami privileges.  She is smart enough to go elsewhere, but stays around defending the Saami. 

The cast and crew responsible for presenting the modern Saami, but also an enjoyable movie include the following.

Elle Marg Eire with a Saami background was the director.  She has 6 directing credits, 4 for writing and 3 for composing including a short film, "The Saami Have Rights (2015).

Peter Birro was the writer.  He has 18 writing credits, 1 for directing dn 1 for producing.

 Khalil Al Harbin was a producer.  He has 11 credits for producing, 12 for additional crew and 4 for production management including "A Man Called Ove" (2015) and "The Girl with the Dragon Tatoo" (2009).

Lasse Enerson was one of the composers.  He is Finnish and has 34 composing credits and 9 for the msic department including "Tom of Finlamd" (2017).

Ken Are Bongo was the cinematographer.  He has 17 credits for cinematography, 8 for the camera and electrical department 6 for directing including "The Saami Have Rights" (2015).

Kristofer Nordin was the editor.  He has 61 editor credits and 13 for the editorial department.

Elin Oskal played the lead character, a young Saami.  This was her first feature film.

Martin Wallstrom had a leading role.  He narrates audio books.  Martin has 59 acting credits.

 Jakob Granqvist had a supporting role.  He has 5 acting credits including "Force Majeure" (2015).

The film will remind you of many you might have seen involving indigenous peoples up against modern settlers.   We have seen many films with the indigenous hunting buffalo and cowboys herding cattle.  Inevitably there are conflicts, some of which have carried on to modern times.  With this film we see that such conflicts were not confined to North America   "Stolen" can be seen subtitled or dubbed on Netflix.

Ice

 The world watches as America has been taken over.  Trump and his crew are changing the laws for their personal benefit.  The suckers who voted for them have not quite caught on yet, but the conversions will start slowly.

 I live in a fairly safe place among the Great Lakes.  Last year I only shoveled my sidewalk on a corner once.  There was more ice than on previous years.  This year there has definitely been a much more serious problem with ice  and  on the Valentine weekend more snow than I can remember.

Climate change is dismissed, often with a laugh.  But the situation only gets more obvious.  Looking in your own backyard only tells a small part of the story, but the evidence is getting closer to home each year.

Most of us in Ontario have figured out that climate change is for real, but haven't suffered too much yet.  Americans have had lots of opportunities to reflect on the changing weather.  Mammoth hurricanes have hit the Southeast whose myopic citizens mostly voted for Trump crooks.  Forest fires have been more severe on the west coast who mostly have voted other than Trump, but their votes don't have as much impact.  From my Canada we have had severe forest fires that sent smoke to New York City.  

Do you really believe that self serving bullshit from the Trump gang?  Don't be too embarrassed to admit you made a serious mistake, but unfortunately we will all suffer for at least a couple of years.  I understand (I do believe scientists) that the effects will continue for quite a few years to come regardless.  The solution will take time and a lot of effort and sacrifice.  Trump's oil buddies will resist as much as possible. 

The weather was only one big LIE.  There are many others being uncovered.  Remember always the rich take care of themselves for they feel the need for more money.

It is hard to understand Trump siding with Putin.  One bully to another might be one explanation, but it seems likely Putin has some sort of hold over Trump.  In any case favoring Putin over Ukraine is very bad for the rest of the world.  Rewarding criminal behavior only encourage more of it.   Ultimately the more money comes from the rest of us.

The rich get richer and the poor continue downhill.  The law is made by rich people who got elected by the masses.  It is no accident about inequality.  Too many of us are easily manipulated, but at some point you need to WAKE UP.  The smug think saying "Woke" is an insult, but they are the ones who are dishonest.  The Greens were not wrong, just didn't get started soon enough.

As a Canadian perhaps you think my opinion doesn't matter.  The whole world is watching and suffering and hoping somehow the powers that be come to their senses or in other words WAKE UP.

Peter Beinart's "Being Jewish After the Desgruction of Gaza"

At the beginning of "Being Jewish After the Destruction of Gaza" (2025) is a small section addressed to a "former friend".  As a Jew Peter feels his views are not compatible with many Jews, including some long time friends.  Benjamin Franklin said "For having lived long I have experienced many instances of being obliged by better information or fuller consideration to change opinions even on important which I once thought right, but found to be otherwise".  At great personal loss to himself Peter Beinart over a period of time has changed his opinion.  As an outsider my views had been formed in one direction for close to 70 years.

October 7th was a shock and the initial response was horror.  As time went on some of the horror shifted to the bombardment of Gaza.  Hostages were used as bargaining chips including women, children and a few foreigners.  Some hostages noted that their greatest fear was of Israeli bombs and in truth some died as result.  We heard very upsetting accounts of what had been inflicted in the initial attack and subsequently on hostages.  

After World War II a lot of colonies wound down, however Israel was the exception where Jews took over land that was already occupied by a larger number of Arabs.  In North America we seldom stopped to realize that we took over land occupied by indigenous humans who actually co-existed better with nature.  For years we were led to believe the Arabs fled on their own initiative.  We came to learn they fled intimidation and violence.  Like being forced out of your house that your family had lived in for generations.  Actually about 750,000 Arabs were displaced in 1948 and several hundred thousand in 1967.

It was considered a problem what to do with the Jewish Holocaust survivors.  None of the Europeans wanted to take it on.  One thought was that they should be compensated with choice land in Germany.  However there had been a political movement called Zionism that advocated settling in the Holy Land.   Nations that had blocked Jewish refugees before the war supported this notion, most notably the United States, that not only supplied money, but also weapons.

Since the formation of Israel it has gained in strength with Jews around the world viewing it as a safe haven in a world with lots of anti-Semitism.  They have developed some psychological props.  They are quick to point out how they have been victimized over centuries.  Beinart points out "There are still fewer Jews alive today than there were in 1939".

Another force boosting Israel is surprisingly (mostly 'American) Evangelicals who have interpreted Biblical verse that Christ will have a second coming, but only if the Jews control Israel.  They actively support Jewish settlers in Palestine and surprisingly some Jews join in the effort to influence American Evangelicals.  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2019/12/evangelists-and-trump.html   The Evangelical voting block strongly supports Republicans who in turn support Israel

Dehumanizing is a standard practice.  Palestinians are always characterized as lazy, poorly educated, violent and most critically want Jews dead.  Since October 7th we have heard and seen barbaric acts against Jewish citizens.  Israeli citizens minimize Palestinian deaths even suggesting they are made up, but in fact they compile their numbers from actually identified.  The stories of individual Palestinians suffering are dismissed. 

Alternatives to violence were tried with little success.  The real problem is to build trust in a hateful environment.  Netanyahu boasted that he killed the Oslo Accords, an attempt for peace.  He then encouraged settlements (that are illegal) in occupied Palestine.  What some would call terrorism, others would call freedom fighting.  Are you sure you don't have a bias?

The BDS  (Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions) movement offered another way to get the world's attention.  Essentially it was an organizational attempt to use economic warfare instead of violence.  Israel saw this as an attack (which it was), but instead of countering with arguments and incentives they tried to make it illegal and had success.  Israel did everything it could for the world to ignore this non violent effort.  The world mostly ignored the Palestinian case for freedom. http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2018/12/the-bds-movement.html

Beinart suggests there is hope for a peaceful resolution.

One example comes from South Africa.  Afrikaners expressed disdain for the blacks, deeming them to be lower humans.  They feared that if ever they got control there would be a massacre  They fought five different African nations declaring armed groups as terrorists, but  actually after the blacks got a vote anti-government violence within almost disappeared while the armed battles against ceased. 

Palestinian doctors are 30% of Israeli doctors, 25% of nurses and 60% of pharmacists, all jobs require trust by Jewish patients. 

There are Israelis who are trying to bridge the two cultures often through music, art or sports.

Trump recently demonstrated his insensitivity by suggesting the Palestinians should be sent over to Jordan or Egypt and that would leave their homeland partly into a Mediterranean resort.  It would please some of his supporters, but certainly exasperate the problem.  If American voters prefer Trump solutions, the Mideast will be in continual turmoil.  It is difficult to predict the future, but until more people understand there are two sides to the dispute it will be impossible to negotiate peace.

A previous blog about Peter Beinart  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2012/07/crisis-of-zionism-book-review.html

 Another respected Jewish thinker is Yuval Noah Harriri and he has a relevant perspective http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2018/12/21-lessons-for-21st-century.html

Ballot

Elections are what allows the average person a chance to confirm their satisfaction or dissatisfaction of those who run the government.  Elections interest people with resources to circumvent the process for their own greedy ends.

 Emmy, a teacher  is also a  poll clerk for a local election.  Before the election we see some people attempting to buy votes.  After the voting is done she volunteers to accompany a driver taking the ballot box to a government counting station.  Police are in on it with only one excepton.  Her son, Enzo and two other young adults are in jail.  Her son is brought to a phone and she gives her location before learning her son was coerced.  A former student after a reward attempts to capture her. She encounters one  of the two (corrupt) candidates who attempts to cajole her into giving up the ballot box.  She plays along, but the situation gets rougher.  

One spoiler I would like to give is she abstained from voting.   Another spoiler--the last words are "Son of a Bitch"  Finding out what prompted that might not be too big a surprise, but might indicate oncoming problems.

Another character states she doesn't believe change comes through elections, but more what happens between elections.

Below are some of the contributors to this film.

Kip Oebanda was the director, writer and an executive producer.  He graduated with a master of economics degree.  He has 6 credits as director, 6 for writing and 5 for acting.

Emerzon Texan composed the music.  He has 198 composing credits, 38 for the music department and 3 for acting.

 Tey Clamor was the cinematographer.  She has 45 cinematographer credits, 47 for the camera and electrical and 9 for additional crew including "Barcelona:  A Love Untold" (2011), "Isa Pa with Feelings" (2019) and "Lola Igna".  Check with Barcelona as the entry at the end:  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2019/10/four-filipino-movies.html  Check for another of my favorite Filipino films:  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2021/12/isa-pa-with-feelings-really-helps.html

Chuck Gutierrez was the editor.  He has 44 editor credits, 6 for the editorial department and 22 producer credits.      

Marian Rivera played Emmy.  She graduated with a psychology degree.  Marian started as model and was a popular tv hostess. She was elected to the FMH Philippines Hall of Fame due to being voted the sexiest woman in the country 3 different years.  She and her husband have been heavily involved in charitable activities.   She has 63 acting credits and 2 for producing including "Rewind" (2023).   Check out  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2024/08/two-filipino-movies-with-message.html

Will Ashley played Enzo, Emmy's son.  He has 24 acting credits.

Gardo Versoza played Edralin, one of the two corrupt candidates.  He has 154 credits.

 "Ballot" is available subtitled on Netflix.

As usual I have bolded the first mention of films I have seen.  They are not necessarily a recommendation, but generally I found them worthy of my time.  If you follow the links you should be better able to determine if a particular film is worth following up.

Another blog about politics in the Philippines:  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2023/07/how-to-stand-up-to-dictator.html

Having been a poll clerk a couple of times this film attracted my attention..  Here is my take http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2014/06/a-few-thoughts-on-recent-ontario.html

The Breakthrough

"The Breakthough" (2024) was based on a brutal double murder of two people (an 8 year old boy and a 56 year old woman( that took 16 years to solve.  They actually got some DNA from the killer, but checking national and international data bases could not find a match.  The breakthrough came when the chief investigator learned of an American genealogist helped solve an American crime.  Seeking a local expert (with his own unique strategy) they did find the culprit.

The script apparently is based on the investigator and the genealogist and are fairly accurate.  Emphasis was on the victim families, but very little on the perpetrator.  But with the victim families they fictionalized to make it more interesting.

The investigator, John Sundin is depicted as being obsessed to the point his wife leaves him and he has an awkward relationship with his son.  Paralleling this is the family of the genealogist, Per Skogkvist who is also obsessed (and feels unappreciated) and is also a bit stressed.  The two men clash as the investigator feels more urgency and the genealogist wants to be more careful.  

A reporter, Stina Eriksson brings up the issue of privacy as the new method is to link up to family genealogical charts and threatens to reveal if she isn't given a private interview with the genealogist and wants the identify of the suspect.  The genealogist only agrees if she (and investigating staff) agree to a swab test to determine DNA.  Ironically the reporter's DNA provides the link that solves the murder.

Privacy can be abused.  Personally, misunderstandings are possible and can do great harm. 

What makes this series worth watching are the talented people involved.  Here are a few of them.

Lisa Siwe was the director.  She has 12 credits as director, 1 for writing and 1 for the editorial department including "The Bridge" (2011).

 Oskar Soderlund was the writer.  He has 11 writing credits, 7 for the additional crew and 2 for the script and continuity department.

Lejla Besic was the producer.  She has 5 credits for producing, 13 for additional crew and 14 for production manager including "Bergman Island" (2021).

Matti Bye composed the music.  He was a pianist who was given an opportunity to play piano for old silent films.  Matti's  improvisations made him realize he was now a composer and he decided to pursue that direction.  He has 51 composing credits and 13 for the music department including "Everlasting Moments" (2008) and "The 100 Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared" (2013).

Rasmus Arrildt was the cinematographer.  He has 36 credits for cinematography and 26 for the camera and electrical department.

Marinella Angusti was an editor.  She has 29 editor credits, 7 for the editorial department and 1 for writing.

 Sara Tornkvist was a casting director.  She has 67 casting director credit, 20 for casting department and 3 for assistant director including "A Royal Affair" (20121) and "The Hunt" (2012).  Both films are coverd in blog on Mads Mikkelsen http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2014/05/mads-mikkelsen-helping-denmark.html

Peter Eggers played John Sundin, the investigator.  He has 47 acting credits.

Mattias Nordkvist played Per Skogkvist, the genealogist. He has acting credits including "The Wife" (2017).

Annika Hallin plays Karin.  She has 66 acting credits including "The Girl with the Dragon Tatoo" (2009),  "The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest" (2009),  " The Girl Who Played with Fire" (2009) and "Drottningoffret" (2011).

Jessica Liedberg played Francy, a fellow investigator.  She has 40 acting credits.  

Julia Sporre played Stina Eriksson, a reporter.  She has 28 acting credits and 4 for the script and continuation department including "The Girl with the Dragon Tatoo" (2009) and "The Square" (2017).

Bahador Foladi played Saad Abbas, the faher of the 8 year old victim.  His family left Iran and moved to Sweden when he was 3 years old.  He has 21 acting credits including "Tehran" (2022) and "Kandahar" (2023).

"The Breakthrough" (2025) is available subtitled and dubbed on Netflix.
 

As usual I have bolded the first mention of films I have seen.  They are not necessarily a recommendation, but generally I found them worthy of my time.