Every week, it seems I’m reading something that makes me wonder how much better I would have turned out as an adult if I had people hovering over me twenty-five years (or more) ago the way people are baby sat today. The National Post had an article last week that indicates Canada is leading the world in doing away with year-end exams for students because they are considered to be an affront to human nature and dignity. It’s thought that a high stress exam gives a false picture of a student’s abilities. Yet, nowhere in the article does it seem to pinpoint what would be a better measuring stick when it comes to knowledge of subjects learned in the classroom. Admittedly, I can recall being very nervous leading up to exams, but I can also remember being very excited about some of them because it was an opportunity for me to bring my grade up to expectation if I was behind what I had anticipated. Somewhere along the way, decision makers have determined that working under pressure is a bad thing and rather than force people to handle it, we are just eliminating it altogether. I used to think we’d reach a point where young people are no longer young and will not be able to cope in situations where stress becomes an issue; but I think it is, one day, going to be okay to just get rid of the stress. Maybe you are too far in debt and don’t know how to dig your way out. So, someone will just sue the people you owe money to because it will be the creditor’s fault for letting you get carried away. I foresee this day.
Before you scoff at my last suggestion, take into account there is an advocacy group out there trying to put an end to debt collection calls. The group says even though a consumer has racked up debt and are unable or unwilling to pay, that person has a right to be immune from such calls. It’s been stated ‘aggressive and threatening’ tactics are often used to try and get people to pay. It’s suggested email be used instead of phone calls. Yes, a strongly worded email will move you to pay up as opposed to a personal call, right? I don’t suppose you could say ‘Oh I never got that email’ as a means to continue being delinquent. See… the stress is removed.
People who suggest we should respect rules and laws from other countries when we receive immigrants won’t have too much to say about a Thai man sentenced to 25 years in jail because he insulted the monarchy. If we did that in Canada, everyone would be in prison. You can’t open a single news site and not find a criticism of our government of the day. But, hey let’s embrace what other countries do. It’s the Canadian way, until some liberal draws an imaginary line as to what is okay and what isn’t.
Former foreign affairs minister John Baird took some heat last week because he left public office to accept a position in the private sector with a company that lobbied him when he was in government. I’m not sure what Baird is supposed to do. To me, this is all above board. If he was still in government, then it’s an issue. But, clearly, the private company liked Baird while they were lobbying (and all companies lobby) and were able to lure him away. It’s called good business.
My sports comment for the week is reserved for Major League Baseball player agent Scott Boras, who says it’s unethical for the Chicago Cubs to keep slugging third baseman Kris Bryant in the minors for two weeks in order to ensure a lower salary for one additional season down the road. I’d like to see guaranteed contracts go the way of the dinosaur in exchange for putting an end to salary caps, luxury taxes, and certain rules put in place that are designed to keep salaries down. If a team wants to pay a player like Bryant $12-million a season they can go ahead but if the player doesn’t perform up to snuff, the team can cut him next year or renegotiate and if some other team is willing to pay him, so be it. Players in all sports (NFL aside as they don’t have guaranteed contracts) will never go for this. Phil Kessel likes making $8-million a year without fear of being put on the street. Personally, I think the Maple Leafs should be allowed to cut him.. Boras has been great for his clients. He’s been bad for fans. Under the current rules, I see no reason why the Chicago Cubs shouldn’t keep Bryant’s salary depressed for as long as possible.
