Category Archives: Politics and Policy

Musings provoked by political and election posturing, and thoughts on public policy debates.

Electrical Failure, Logical Failure, and Political Discourse

Posted on 28 June 2015 by Isabel Gibson

We now join the conversation in progress . . . Engineer (casually): “It’s a condition called thermal runaway.” Editor (wide-eye-ed-ly): “It melted?” Engineer (indignantly): “No, we unplugged it before it melted. We’re not idiots.” While the Editor considers the evidence … Continue reading →

Posted in Laughing Frequently, Politics and Policy, Thinking Broadly | Tagged | 4 Comments

I Know Just How you Feel

Posted on 16 February 2014 by Isabel Gibson

Sometimes, life intervenes. I have no new blog this week. Instead, I offer an op-ed piece I had published after the Australia Summer Olympics, but not previously seen in this space. The players may have changed; the game, not so … Continue reading →

Posted in Politics and Policy, Sports and Exercise, Thinking Broadly | Tagged , | 14 Comments

Anthem Anxiety

Posted on 12 January 2014 by Isabel Gibson

A non-standard version of “O Canada” catches me by surprise in Winnipeg, and provokes some more thought about our changed, changing, and changeable lyrics. O Canada! Our home and native land, True patriot love . . . I’m primed to … Continue reading →

Posted in Politics and Policy, Thinking Broadly | Tagged | 8 Comments

With Glowing Hearts

Posted on 05 January 2014 by Isabel Gibson

A reasoned argument (aka rant) about the lack of gender inclusiveness in our not-very-ancient Canadian national anthem. O Canada! Our home and native land! True patriot love in all thy sons command. As I worked away, head down, I heard … Continue reading →

Posted in Politics and Policy, Thinking Broadly | Tagged | 6 Comments

Subversively Yours

Posted on 08 December 2013 by Isabel Gibson

An admittedly insane lapse – donating money to a political party – leads to an apparently endless series of letters from them seeking more money. Eighteen months ago, I lost my head: I admit it freely. I gave money to … Continue reading →

Posted in Laughing Frequently, Politics and Policy | Tagged | 16 Comments

Bein’ Green

Posted on 28 July 2013 by Isabel Gibson

Different protocols for recycling drive me crazy. OK, crazier. It’s not that easy bein’ green. Kermit the Frog How old am I? I’m so old, I remember when being environmentally responsible — not that anyone called it that — simply … Continue reading →

Posted in Politics and Policy, Thinking Broadly | Tagged , | 18 Comments

Who’s smart? Who’s dumb?

Posted on 10 March 2013 by Isabel Gibson

A look at the verbal stylings of George W. Bush and societal presumptions about who’s smart, and who’s dumb. Who’s smart? Who’s dumb? I rest my case. Ross Perot Just back from a cruise (on which, more to follow later … Continue reading →

Posted in Politics and Policy, Thinking Broadly | Tagged | 4 Comments

Where’s an Ancient Greek When You Need One?

Posted on 16 December 2012 by Isabel Gibson

Exploring the construct of shaking things up in a paper bag to reach the golden mean.   As I step into my direct report’s office, he steps back, increasing the distance between us to just under the raise-your-voice-to-be-heard distance. I … Continue reading →

Posted in Politics and Policy, Thinking Broadly | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

What’s Our Excuse?

Posted on 18 November 2012 by Isabel Gibson

Practical suggestions for how we can work for peace in the Middle East.   If experience counted for something in this world, Israel should be more sophisticated: they’ve been fighting with various neighbors since 1948. Yet they don’t seem to … Continue reading →

Posted in Politics and Policy, Thinking Broadly | Tagged | 5 Comments