Interesting that in the ad, mom (the woman) is the brave one, the one who supports non-compliance; dad (the male) is the coward, willing to submit. It’s also clear the son aligns with his mom’s view but without dad also behind him he’s pushed into acquiescence.
Read 1984 by George Orwell to see where trump is heading!
But in case you haven’t a copy of the novel at hand watch this:
I just got home from having lunch with a friend. She came into the restaurant raring to talk. She’s a regular panelist on a couple of CBC radio programs. She’d spent the morning trying to negotiate the next panel opportunity. She was more than a bit exasperated.
The topic the panelists were being asked to weigh in on had something to do with their thoughts on why Canadians are feeling jumpy, grumpy, a bit scared – but please don’t talk about politics!
I’d say the majority of Canadians are steeped in the mess happening in the US and more than a bit concerned that we could be next.
And while we’re not paying as much attention to Canadian politics, we’re keeping half-an-eye on what’s going on and a bit uneasy about the economy and social issues here at home. As much as anything, it’s politics driving the uncertainty we’re all feeling.
Poilievre is back in the House of Commons playing his broken record again, sounding just the same as he did before the election in, when was it, past March (no, I just looked it up – April 23/2025) – feels like years ago!
I can’t believe anybody is listening to him, paying him any attention. He’s at it again, tearing down, making no effort to be constructive. He’s still doing his best trump imitation.
And the fact that PP is back in the House of Commons, still campaigning in an election he lost both as potential PM, as well as his seat in his Ottawa riding, is having a chilling effect on the CBC.
Since PP introduced his defund the CBC campaign even before the election campaign itself, the CBC has tried instituting policy to limit political discussion on its talk shows. A couple of the program hosts have joked about censorship. This was the first time I understood what’s actually going on.
So I’m not just wearing my paperclip in solidarity with Americans fighting to preserve most of their constitutional rights, including freedom of speech, freedom of expression, freedom of religion,….
I am wearing my paperclip to remind people here in Canada our freedom of speech is also under attack. I’m wearing it to protest censorship right here in Canada!
Hell, if the CBC can be forced to self-censor, quietly gagging program panelists before there has been any discussion of defunding the CBC in Parliament, then we all need to be proudly wearing paperclips!
I’ve been following Dave Pell for a long time. I’m fascinated by his ability to read widely and offer succinct synopses of what he reads. So daily, I read his newsletter, The Next Draft, keeping up with a range of happenings I wouldn’t otherwise know anything about. He’s one of those news aggregators who does a great job, and I find his take on the world, and his humour worthwhile.
Here’s his take on what the cancelling of the Jimmy Kimmel Show represents.
Even when it comes to his business, it’s always been personal for Jimmy Kimmel. He’s been taking major career risks by fighting for what he believes in for a long time. In 2017, motivated in part by his son’s medical challenges, he began using his monologue to challenge a terrible health care bill being pushed by the Senate GOP. Back then, some politicians and members of the media referred to a Jimmy Kimmel Test — used to determine whether a kid who was born with certain health difficulties would be covered and get everything they need (regardless of cost) during the first year of life. I suggested we adopt a different Jimmy Kimmel Test: Will a person take personal and professional risks to stand up for what’s right? As I wrote at the time, I can’t say many good things about Donald Trump, but I’ll give him this: Donald Trump is a values clarifier. He’s a living, breathing reminder of which values you cherish and what you’re willing to stand up for. We’ve spent countless hours analyzing the character of Donald Trump. But that’s a settled issue.
The real character being tested is ours. We’ve seen that character wilt in our halls of Congress, our institutions, our universities, and our corporate boardrooms, as a parade of rapid-fire knee-bending has heralded in a new era of American exceptionalism—one in which we prove that no country capitulates to authoritarian tendencies faster than us. We’ve been let down over and over.
But Jimmy Kimmel didn’t let us down. He kept calling out the Trump administration, even though he knew he was being targeted. Even though he knew that he had much at stake, given his career and huge public profile. It’s that kind of courage that inspires so many of us to wake up each morning, fire up the laptop, and continue to fight the good fight. Jimmy Kimmel is one of the best, most caring, most generous, and most popular people in Hollywood.
Let’s hope his colleagues pass the 2025 Jimmy Kimmel Test: Will you stand up for someone who has been standing up for you for years?
And let’s hope the rest of us pass that test too, because if his show’s coerced suspension isn’t stopped, the cancellations won’t stop there. Kimmel has always known that it’s personal. The rest of us better get that message soon.
The Jimmy Kimmel Test – it’s about speaking truth to power. So far, the mainstream media (print, TV, radio) have failed the test. They’ve kowtowed to trump et al. They seem to think that if they pay him off, in cash, in flattery, whatever, he’ll let them carry on. But pay once, and you keep on paying.
At some point, people (who have easily given in) will learn they, too, will have to pass the Jimmy Kimmel Test.
Joyce Vance today shared the Paper Clip Protest that’s just getting going – to symbolize opposition to the attacks on free speech by trump et al.
It seems E. Jean Carroll started it on Thursday: Paper Clip Protest – Comely Reader! I suggest we all start wearing the paper clip. Subtler than a red hat, more powerful as a CONNECTION,” she wrote, explaining they were also worn during World War II as a sign of resistance against the Nazis.
I just found a small pink paper clip in my stash of “office” stuff. I intend wearing it (I’ll see if I can find a large pink one at Dollarama!).
True North HQ is a grassroots movement based in Canada, formed in response to the actions of the current U.S. administration.
The group started on social media in February 2025 and later grew when a few additional members met while gathering outside the US consulate in Toronto on March 4, 2025. Realizing there was a lack of coordinated action, we decided to team up and fill the gap.
Our goal is to organize and promote events that unite people in peaceful, non-violent protest during this challenging time. We also aim to support others in promoting and organizing similar events in their own communities.
We are a collective of individuals and not affiliated with any political party or other organization.
Guiding Principles
Our movement stands as a unified expression of solidarity and hope, rooted in the shared values of equality, justice and fundamental human rights. As Canadians, we rise to affirm our role as global leaders and defenders of democracy, freedom and unity.
Together, we transcend opposition and focus on supporting human rights across the globe. We gather not in anger, but in courage and commitment to a brighter and more equitable future.
Guided by our shared principles, we stand against oppression and authoritarianism. In the face of challenges we remain steadfast in our vision; to be a beacon of unity, freedom and hope for all.
For folks in the US – a protest is planned for April 5th!
We are facing a national crisis. Our democracy, our livelihoods, and our rights are all on the line as Trump and Musk execute their illegal takeover.
They’re dismantling Social Security and Medicare—forcing seniors and disabled Americans to jump through hoops to access the benefits they’ve already paid into.
They’re handing trillions to billionaires—while forcing the rest of us to pay higher prices for food, rent, and healthcare.
They’re gutting protections for working people—so payday lenders, banks, and credit card companies can scam Americans with zero consequences.
They’re assaulting our communities and our rights—targeting veterans, kids, seniors, farmers, immigrants, transgender people, and political opponents.
They won’t stop there.
This is not just corruption. This is not just mismanagement. This is a hostile takeover.
So the RESISTANCE is mobilizing!
We’re past the point where each person can turn away. We can’t just complain. We can’t say “We didn’t think he’d do THIS!”
The time is NOW to show you’re ready to fight back.
I’ve just spent the past hour scrolling through my Substack feed and posting a comment on every entry that had 1K or more viewers! My comment to Canadians:
March on March 24! With a link to the True North website!
My comment to US folks:
March on April 5! With a link to the Hands Off! website!
I will do that again tomorrow and maybe the day after. My role, I think is likely to be to inform people – to make sure people understand what’s at stake; who’s writing stuff we all should read and understand; where and how we can take action.
Today: I’m letting you know about the national protests.
Tomorrow I’ll write my synopsis of where I think we are and what we can do about it. There are lots of terrific writers sharing their thoughts. I’ll link you to that information and that writing so you, too, understand what’s going on!
Welcome to the RESISTANCE – in Canada and in the US.
jmn 