Old Sword Gal 🍁 🏳️🌈
@oldswordgal.bsky.social
Proud Canadian. Retired security analyst. Canadian Forces Veteran. Nature lover, woodworker, and student of HEMA (Historical European Martial Arts). Unapologetic bitch dyke warrior STILL willing to die for her country even though an arthritic senior!
Watching US elections: Glad to see 2 new female Democratic Governors (VA& NJ); Z. Mamdani (Dem) as NYC Mayor and hopeful for California Prop 50 to pass. All good indicators of a swing vs the autocrat in the White House. Hope this trend holds for next year's mid-term elections and Dems win House.
November 5, 2025 at 3:59 AM
Watching US elections: Glad to see 2 new female Democratic Governors (VA& NJ); Z. Mamdani (Dem) as NYC Mayor and hopeful for California Prop 50 to pass. All good indicators of a swing vs the autocrat in the White House. Hope this trend holds for next year's mid-term elections and Dems win House.
I see folks I thought I was in sync with turn vs Carney. As an NDPer, turned Lib, I made a choice - vote Carney - get us out of danger (tariffs, annexation) & bring CA to int'l partners, less US. Carney doesn't do fast ExecOs - thoughtful, & planned. Give him time to put us in good position 1st!
September 21, 2025 at 1:00 AM
I see folks I thought I was in sync with turn vs Carney. As an NDPer, turned Lib, I made a choice - vote Carney - get us out of danger (tariffs, annexation) & bring CA to int'l partners, less US. Carney doesn't do fast ExecOs - thoughtful, & planned. Give him time to put us in good position 1st!
I want to keep my homemade sign up, but I am thinking of changing the text on the right hand side. Instead of "NEVER Poilievre" I am thinking of something like "Welcome Bruce" (Fanjoy), or more generic like "Elbows up!" Any suggestions?
April 30, 2025 at 2:25 AM
I want to keep my homemade sign up, but I am thinking of changing the text on the right hand side. Instead of "NEVER Poilievre" I am thinking of something like "Welcome Bruce" (Fanjoy), or more generic like "Elbows up!" Any suggestions?
One thing not mentioned during campaign: Chrystia Freeland dumped Trudeau's budget in his lap 1 day before she was to deliver it; Anita Anand said she wasn't going to run again (same with Sean Fraser). But once Trudeau left, all 3 are back. Carney dynamics/policy made a real difference?
April 28, 2025 at 11:22 PM
One thing not mentioned during campaign: Chrystia Freeland dumped Trudeau's budget in his lap 1 day before she was to deliver it; Anita Anand said she wasn't going to run again (same with Sean Fraser). But once Trudeau left, all 3 are back. Carney dynamics/policy made a real difference?
The theft of Liberal lawn signs is ridiculous. I've never heard of so many in previous elections. I got a Liberal sign for a friend in P.P.'s riding. Up three days, then stolen. Is this the kind of integrity we should expect from PP and his supporters? The Cons don't play by the rules.
April 22, 2025 at 8:26 PM
The theft of Liberal lawn signs is ridiculous. I've never heard of so many in previous elections. I got a Liberal sign for a friend in P.P.'s riding. Up three days, then stolen. Is this the kind of integrity we should expect from PP and his supporters? The Cons don't play by the rules.
I went to vote today for Bruce Fanjoy (against PP) in Carleton. I was in and out of the voting place (West Carleton Community Center in Kinburn) in under 5 minutes! Stupid long ballot! I like his concern for climate change. See Ottawa Citizen article. ottawacitizen.com/news/local-n...
Could a Liberal defeat Pierre Poilievre in his own riding? Bruce Fanjoy thinks so
Liberal Bruce Fanjoy always believed there was a way to defeat Pierre Poilievre on his home turf in Carleton. Now the country is watching.
ottawacitizen.com
April 19, 2025 at 7:23 PM
I went to vote today for Bruce Fanjoy (against PP) in Carleton. I was in and out of the voting place (West Carleton Community Center in Kinburn) in under 5 minutes! Stupid long ballot! I like his concern for climate change. See Ottawa Citizen article. ottawacitizen.com/news/local-n...
Made a protest/political sign (it's 8 ft long) and put it up on the edge of my property, facing a busy road in P.P.'s riding (Carleton).
April 17, 2025 at 5:17 AM
Made a protest/political sign (it's 8 ft long) and put it up on the edge of my property, facing a busy road in P.P.'s riding (Carleton).
5/5 forwarding this letter to all my progressive friends and contacts. Shame on you!
April 2, 2025 at 3:54 AM
5/5 forwarding this letter to all my progressive friends and contacts. Shame on you!
4/5 played by the far-right wing extremists? If Poilievre wasn’t distributing disinformation, he wouldn’t care about this fact-checking segment. It was your duty to expose them.
CTV has no journalistic integrity, and has lost any credibility you may have had. I will be boycotting CTV and will be
CTV has no journalistic integrity, and has lost any credibility you may have had. I will be boycotting CTV and will be
April 2, 2025 at 3:54 AM
4/5 played by the far-right wing extremists? If Poilievre wasn’t distributing disinformation, he wouldn’t care about this fact-checking segment. It was your duty to expose them.
CTV has no journalistic integrity, and has lost any credibility you may have had. I will be boycotting CTV and will be
CTV has no journalistic integrity, and has lost any credibility you may have had. I will be boycotting CTV and will be
3/5 that points out mis- or disinformation during the election campaign is very important.
This is a terrible decision and sends the message to other journalists, especially women, that they can be silenced. This is the exact same crap Trump is doing in the USA. Don’t you realize you are being
This is a terrible decision and sends the message to other journalists, especially women, that they can be silenced. This is the exact same crap Trump is doing in the USA. Don’t you realize you are being
April 2, 2025 at 3:52 AM
3/5 that points out mis- or disinformation during the election campaign is very important.
This is a terrible decision and sends the message to other journalists, especially women, that they can be silenced. This is the exact same crap Trump is doing in the USA. Don’t you realize you are being
This is a terrible decision and sends the message to other journalists, especially women, that they can be silenced. This is the exact same crap Trump is doing in the USA. Don’t you realize you are being
2/5 Producer’s decision to cancel the ‘Fact-Check Friday’ is a disaster during this very important election period. While Canadians are facing huge tariffs imposed by Trump, and the threat of being annexed, Canadians need to be able to make an informed decision on election day. Certainly a program
April 2, 2025 at 3:51 AM
2/5 Producer’s decision to cancel the ‘Fact-Check Friday’ is a disaster during this very important election period. While Canadians are facing huge tariffs imposed by Trump, and the threat of being annexed, Canadians need to be able to make an informed decision on election day. Certainly a program
1/5 Email sent to [email protected]: I am appalled by CTV cancelling a “Fact-Checking” segment on ‘election misinformation’ with journalist Rachel Gilmore that was planned for “CTV Your Morning”. Your capitulation to political pressure from Pierre Poilievre’s campaign is a huge disgrace. Your
April 2, 2025 at 3:49 AM
1/5 Email sent to [email protected]: I am appalled by CTV cancelling a “Fact-Checking” segment on ‘election misinformation’ with journalist Rachel Gilmore that was planned for “CTV Your Morning”. Your capitulation to political pressure from Pierre Poilievre’s campaign is a huge disgrace. Your
7/7 he supported the Freedumb Convoy that crippled Ottawa& blocked vital Canada-US commerce travel. Where did most funding for convoy come from? The US! I wouldn't trust Poilievre as far as I could throw him. Clearances must be updated on a regular basis, 10 yrs (S) or 5 yrs (TS) or when changes.
March 28, 2025 at 4:50 AM
7/7 he supported the Freedumb Convoy that crippled Ottawa& blocked vital Canada-US commerce travel. Where did most funding for convoy come from? The US! I wouldn't trust Poilievre as far as I could throw him. Clearances must be updated on a regular basis, 10 yrs (S) or 5 yrs (TS) or when changes.
6/8 were elected PM, do we really want a PM who may have been compromised in some way and CSIS hasn’t
had an adequate chance to evaluate his loyalty to Canada? IMHO (I worked in gov’t sec over 25 yrs), if you are too scared to do sec cl checks, you have something serious to hide. We already know
had an adequate chance to evaluate his loyalty to Canada? IMHO (I worked in gov’t sec over 25 yrs), if you are too scared to do sec cl checks, you have something serious to hide. We already know
March 28, 2025 at 4:46 AM
6/8 were elected PM, do we really want a PM who may have been compromised in some way and CSIS hasn’t
had an adequate chance to evaluate his loyalty to Canada? IMHO (I worked in gov’t sec over 25 yrs), if you are too scared to do sec cl checks, you have something serious to hide. We already know
had an adequate chance to evaluate his loyalty to Canada? IMHO (I worked in gov’t sec over 25 yrs), if you are too scared to do sec cl checks, you have something serious to hide. We already know
5/7 Secret (& above) involve info that is much more serious. Its compromise = serious consequences to Canada & may endanger lives. I know Cdn Ministers (incl. Prime Minister) can get an "Order-in-Council" clearance if they are elected. But even tho PP could get access to classified info if he
March 28, 2025 at 4:45 AM
5/7 Secret (& above) involve info that is much more serious. Its compromise = serious consequences to Canada & may endanger lives. I know Cdn Ministers (incl. Prime Minister) can get an "Order-in-Council" clearance if they are elected. But even tho PP could get access to classified info if he
4/7 and "Enhanced Reliability" for access to "Protected" info (only personal info). "Confidential" is higher, & the first true "security clearance" level, often related to budget stuff (which is time-sensitive, so once a budget is released, it’s no longer classified). But Secret and Top
March 28, 2025 at 4:44 AM
4/7 and "Enhanced Reliability" for access to "Protected" info (only personal info). "Confidential" is higher, & the first true "security clearance" level, often related to budget stuff (which is time-sensitive, so once a budget is released, it’s no longer classified). But Secret and Top
3/7 had a "sec cl" when a Mbr of Cabinet. A. you don’t carry it over from job to job. 1st rule of sec cl: you have a "NEED TO KNOW". If you don't have a need for T.S., you don't get it. Period. B. He doesn’t say what LEVEL he had. There are lower level "security statuses" of "Reliability"
March 28, 2025 at 4:43 AM
3/7 had a "sec cl" when a Mbr of Cabinet. A. you don’t carry it over from job to job. 1st rule of sec cl: you have a "NEED TO KNOW". If you don't have a need for T.S., you don't get it. Period. B. He doesn’t say what LEVEL he had. There are lower level "security statuses" of "Reliability"
2/7 lack of sec knowledge. Hence my opposition to PP as the leader of the Cdn opposition. Not willing to obtain a sec cl? What’s he hiding? Having a sec cl & being briefed on classified matters does not "muzzle you” (PP's words). ALL classified material is muzzled for good reason! He claims he
March 28, 2025 at 4:41 AM
2/7 lack of sec knowledge. Hence my opposition to PP as the leader of the Cdn opposition. Not willing to obtain a sec cl? What’s he hiding? Having a sec cl & being briefed on classified matters does not "muzzle you” (PP's words). ALL classified material is muzzled for good reason! He claims he
1/7 Security "Amateur Hour" in WH! We who worked in security field are spinning from "Signal-gate" fiasco. This is what happens when you appoint unqualified people to security-related positions. The clowns Trump appointed to security jobs (with no background) are dangerous due to incompetence &
March 28, 2025 at 4:40 AM
1/7 Security "Amateur Hour" in WH! We who worked in security field are spinning from "Signal-gate" fiasco. This is what happens when you appoint unqualified people to security-related positions. The clowns Trump appointed to security jobs (with no background) are dangerous due to incompetence &
Our nephew came for a visit, and it didn't take long for the conversation to turn to politics. He's 25 yrs old and VERY up to date on news events, esp in the US. He said if Trump tries to invade Canada he'd go to fight, as an insurgent, learn to make Molotov bombs. Me too. Good kid! Keep in touch!
March 18, 2025 at 6:42 PM
Our nephew came for a visit, and it didn't take long for the conversation to turn to politics. He's 25 yrs old and VERY up to date on news events, esp in the US. He said if Trump tries to invade Canada he'd go to fight, as an insurgent, learn to make Molotov bombs. Me too. Good kid! Keep in touch!
Glad to see Bill Blair is still Min of National Defence - good continuity. Hope they take a hard look at fighter jets other than the US F35. Also, I have emailed my Ont MPP (a former LtCol), my MP, and Minister Blair on the idea of establishing a civil defence force, outlining possible curriculum.
March 14, 2025 at 11:50 PM
Glad to see Bill Blair is still Min of National Defence - good continuity. Hope they take a hard look at fighter jets other than the US F35. Also, I have emailed my Ont MPP (a former LtCol), my MP, and Minister Blair on the idea of establishing a civil defence force, outlining possible curriculum.
Doug Ford is backing down on the 25% surcharge on electricity. For now. WTF? Ford calls Trump a very smart businessman! Geez!
March 11, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Doug Ford is backing down on the 25% surcharge on electricity. For now. WTF? Ford calls Trump a very smart businessman! Geez!
I'm watching that lying bitch of a WH Press Secretary and am at risk of breaking my TV! The utter BS coming out of her mouth is unbelievable. MAGA are so brainwashed. They need to be reversed. Maybe Anonymous could hack their (fake) news feed and run a de-programming program to counter this BS.
March 11, 2025 at 5:42 PM
I'm watching that lying bitch of a WH Press Secretary and am at risk of breaking my TV! The utter BS coming out of her mouth is unbelievable. MAGA are so brainwashed. They need to be reversed. Maybe Anonymous could hack their (fake) news feed and run a de-programming program to counter this BS.
85% of the votes! Now that's a landslide! Congrats Mark Carney!
March 9, 2025 at 10:33 PM
85% of the votes! Now that's a landslide! Congrats Mark Carney!
I heard about this video on CBC Radio. The lyrics to Gloria Gayner's "I Will Survive" were changed by a retired school teacher (re tariff angst). A friend of his got it recorded by a Canadian band.
IT IS FABULOUS! This weekend they are recording a french version.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=8pei...
IT IS FABULOUS! This weekend they are recording a french version.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=8pei...
We Will Survive
YouTube video by Jesse McFaul
www.youtube.com
March 6, 2025 at 4:50 AM
I heard about this video on CBC Radio. The lyrics to Gloria Gayner's "I Will Survive" were changed by a retired school teacher (re tariff angst). A friend of his got it recorded by a Canadian band.
IT IS FABULOUS! This weekend they are recording a french version.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=8pei...
IT IS FABULOUS! This weekend they are recording a french version.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=8pei...