The question with President Donald Trump is competence. Just like the Trump travel ban's difficulties resulting from a poorly planned policy, that was publicly rushed to create the illusion of an administration "accomplishing things," there is much about the Republican health care proposal (American Health Care Act) that can be perceived the same way.
Since Justin Trudeau's formal confirmation that his pledge of a reformed electoral system will not occur, he has been on the receiving end of a great deal of criticism, most of it characterizing him as a liar and a cynic. This is all fair game in politics, but it should be noted that his opponents are just as guilty of promoting their self interest.
For all the wailing, gnashing of teeth, and hand-wringing displayed by Democrats since the upheaval of Nov. 8, and the surprising election of Donald Trump, one should note that their political situation isn't quite as disastrous as first reported.
It is certainly true that Republicans now organize the White House and both branches of Congress, and will be able to repeal Barack Obama's "executive orders," but Democrats have sufficient strength in the Senate to use the filibuster just as promiscuously as did the Republicans in blocking Obama's agenda over the past six years.
In addressing the recent Netanyahu-Kerry spat over Israeli settlement policy, let me clarify that I oppose settlements in the West Bank, support a two-state solution, and have little sympathy for Benjamin Netanyahu within the context of Israeli politics.
The U.S. presidential election and the Brexit referendum are the most recent prominent examples of the shortcomings within the polling industry. They are by no means unusual or isolated illustrations. Indeed we have witnessed some provincial elections in Canada, notably in Quebec, British Columbia and Alberta, where late pre-election polls have also been substantially off the mark.
