Some people have opinions, and some people have convictions......! What we offer is PERSPECTIVE!

(For example!)

THE LEFT WING IS CRAZY. THE RIGHT WING SCARES THE SHIT OUT OF ME!

Showing posts with label Canada. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Canada. Show all posts

Tuesday, 17 June 2025

Canadian Star Trek!

It might not be quite as smart as "The Enterprise" ...but it's getting there! AI-Powered Gripen: Saab's Leap into Autonomous Air Combat

AI-Powered Gripen: Saab's Leap into Autonomous Air Combat

June 2025 — In a groundbreaking fusion of aerospace engineering and artificial intelligence, Saab has successfully tested an AI-enabled Gripen E fighter jet, featuring a reinforcement-learned AI agent named Centaur. Developed in partnership with the German AI defense company Helsing, this new capability is positioning Sweden as a leader in the race for autonomous air combat systems.

Centaur: The AI Copilot with Decades of Virtual Training

The Centaur AI was embedded into the Gripen E’s open-architecture avionics and trained using advanced reinforcement learning. In simulation, it rapidly gained experience equal to tens of years of human pilot training in mere weeks. During a series of real-world flights, it autonomously executed air combat maneuvers including beyond-visual-range (BVR) engagements, threat tracking, and simulated missile cueing.

Human–Machine Teaming, Not Replacement

Saab emphasizes a model of human-machine collaboration, not replacement. The pilot remains in control while Centaur acts as an intelligent decision-support co-pilot—boosting situational awareness, responsiveness, and resilience in complex engagements. This approach reflects the broader trend in 5th and 6th generation fighter design.

What Makes the AI-Enabled Gripen Unique?

  • ✅ Modular, open software architecture
  • ✅ No physical redesign required to integrate AI
  • ✅ Can simulate degraded communications or lost links
  • ✅ Future pairing with uncrewed drone wingmen envisioned

Implications for the Future of Aerial Warfare

This successful integration of AI in an operational fighter suggests a significant paradigm shift in air force doctrine. Unlike older jets requiring hardware upgrades, the Gripen’s digital backbone means it can evolve through software updates alone, keeping it tactically relevant far into the future.

What’s Next?

Saab and Helsing will continue test flights throughout 2025, gathering data to refine Centaur’s capabilities. Although production deployment has not yet been confirmed, the technology is ready for export if demand arises. Expect further experiments involving AI-led team combat with drones and networked sensor-sharing systems.

Final Thoughts

The AI-powered Gripen may not be a “killer robot,” but it is certainly a herald of what’s to come. The fusion of machine learning and fighter aircraft is no longer science fiction—it’s in the air right now over Swedish skies.

For more on this story, see: Reuters' coverage.

Published by Children of the Divine | Tagged under: AI in Combat, Saab Gripen, Military Innovation, Future Warfare

It's time to take the gloves off!

It’s Time for Canada to Play Hardball on Trade

It’s Time for Canada to Play Hardball on Trade – Starting with Our Natural Resources... Because Trump is Playing Us!!!!

By Allan W. Janssen

As Donald Trump floats back into the political spotlight with talk of a renegotiated U.S.-Canada trade deal "within 30 days," Canadians would be wise not to hold their breath. We've been here before—empty deadlines, bluster at the podium, and a looming threat of tariffs aimed at our industries, jobs, and sovereignty.

But what if—for once—Canada were the one to lay down the terms?

Let me be clear: Canada is not a vassal state. We are a resource superpower. Our hydroelectric dams light up American cities. Our oil keeps U.S. refineries humming. Our lumber frames their homes. Our potash grows their food. And our rare earth minerals will one day power their electric vehicles and smart bombs.

If Trump and his entourage of economic nationalists want to weaponize trade again, it's time Canada responded in kind—with something they can't ignore.

The Power We Hold

Imagine a 50% export tariff on Canadian oil, gas, electricity, potash, lumber, and rare metals headed south. Overnight, fuel prices rise, construction slows, and Midwestern farmers feel the pinch. The American supply chain, already fragile from global shocks, would be hit squarely where it hurts: inputs.

This isn't about starting a trade war. It’s about defending ourselves in one that Trump has already signaled he's willing to reignite.

Canada has long played the polite partner. We've endured steel and aluminum tariffs, Buy America schemes, softwood lumber disputes, and thinly veiled threats to our dairy sector. We’ve met these provocations with reason and compromise—sometimes too much of it.

But what if we flipped the script?

Retaliation Isn't Reckless—It's Rational

The World Trade Organization may frown on unilateral export tariffs. Fine. Let’s build strategic pricing mechanisms, carbon border adjustments, or export quotas that achieve the same goal. Let’s use climate goals, energy security, and market stability as the rationale—because they are.

And let’s not just prepare these measures quietly behind the scenes. Let’s signal them publicly. Because the mere threat of retaliation—when backed by real economic muscle—can be more effective than the act itself.

This isn’t economic brinkmanship. It’s economic realism.

Diversify, But Don't Disarm

Yes, we must accelerate LNG terminals to Asia. Yes, we must strengthen our internal east-west pipelines and transmission infrastructure. Yes, we must decouple from American overdependence wherever possible. But we must also be prepared to use the power we already have—now, not 20 years from now.

Let the Americans know: if no trade deal is reached within 30 days, Canada is prepared to impose strategic export controls. We are not begging for fairness. We are demanding it.

A Sovereign Country Acts Like One

To be a serious country in today’s world, you need more than resources—you need the courage to use them. Just as the U.S. uses its dollar, military, and markets to enforce its interests, Canada must be prepared to use its natural resource dominance to protect its own.

Let’s stop being polite. Let’s start being powerful.

Monday, 16 June 2025

Trump the Madman!

Donald Drumpf is upset!!!!! 

 Apparently... by not inviting Putin to the G7 meeting in Canada this week... they hurt his feelings!



Alaska and Maine want to join Canada... and so does Greenland!

Now all we need is for the Turks and Caicos Islands to get on board... so we don't have to go to Florida or Arizona in the winter anymore!!!!!!

Saturday, 14 June 2025

HEY... Let's all join the United States!!!!!!!!!!

Canada has a lot of issues as a nation. Is the solution to join the United States and form an even stronger nation?

Joining a failing republic is hardly the road to strength. The biggest ‘issue’ Canada has is that its closest ally is suddenly turning against it like a mad dog. So, you think Canadians would give up their universal healthcare and embrace being ass-deep in guns and paranoia like the Americans? Sending their kids to school with bulletproof backpacks, subjecting them to the trauma of shooter drills as if school is a warzone? When the US right-wingers have just elected their first openly fascist Hitler-quoting president? Pfft, as if.

Tolerate unlimited anonymous political donations so the government can be bought and corrupted? That's wacko. I'm over 60, and in my lifetime, I've only met two people who wanted to be American. One was a crazy Russian immigrant, and one was a far-right extremist nutcase. I have NEVER encountered a single normal Canadian who wanted to join the rotten 19th century backwater shitshow to the south that blithely buries shredded schoolchildren and does nothing about guns, where hundreds of thousands go medically bankrupt every year, where countless thousands die of treatable ailments, where people would happily starve a hundred just to avoid feeding one freeloader, where women are dragged back into the dark ages. Uncivil and uncivilized.

The US is loud and full of itself, but not viewed as the ‘strongest’ anymore. It doesn't even rank in the top 20 when it comes to health, longevity or freedoms. It's become just a degraded plutocracy, existing only to enrich its 1%. The Trump Reich will accelerate its decline. The fact that Diapered Donald thinks he can just absorb sovereign nations because the United States wants them is insulting and megalomaniacal. (Although he'll likely drop the idea when someone finally gets around to telling him that most Canadians would be Democrats.)

If it ever did happen, I would be a hardcore resistance member and fight to the death to avoid becoming American. 🇨🇦

***


Friday, 6 June 2025

Let Canada Fix the United States of America!

10 Bold Reforms to Fix American Democracy After Trump

Fixing America: 10 Bold Reforms to Heal a Broken Democracy

By Allan W. Janssen | Allan's Canadian Perspective

It’s no secret that America is struggling to recover from the political and institutional chaos of the Trump era. But Donald Trump didn’t cause this crisis alone—he simply exposed the cracks that were already there: money in politics, broken representation, rampant misinformation, and growing inequality. If the United States wants to reclaim its promise, it needs a bold, comprehensive roadmap to repair the damage and reimagine a more resilient democracy.

1. Restore the Rule of Law and Institutional Integrity

  • Hold bad actors accountable: Prosecute proven crimes—no more immunity for elites.
  • Protect the DOJ and courts: Shield the justice system from political interference.

2. Overturn Citizens United and End Dark Money

  • Reverse the Supreme Court’s disastrous Citizens United decision, which allowed unlimited corporate money to flood the political system under the guise of “free speech.”
  • Enact full campaign finance reform, including real-time transparency and strict donation limits.

3. Eliminate Lobbyist Control and Legalized Bribery

  • Ban corporate PACs and lobbying by former officials, especially ex-members of Congress and cabinet members.
  • Institute lifetime bans on lobbying for federal regulators and senior government advisors.

4. Break the Two-Party Monopoly

  • Adopt ranked-choice voting and open primaries to allow third parties to thrive without becoming spoilers.
  • Support fusion voting to allow coalition-building across ideological lines.

5. Deliver Universal Healthcare

  • Implement Medicare-for-All or a public option to guarantee healthcare as a human right.
  • Lower prescription drug prices by giving the government negotiating power.

6. Reform Elections and Representation

  • End partisan gerrymandering through independent redistricting commissions.
  • Abolish the Electoral College and shift to a national popular vote.
  • Grant statehood to DC and Puerto Rico to fix representation disparities.

7. Make Voting Easy and Universal

  • Automatic voter registration and national vote-by-mail systems.
  • Election Day as a national holiday to ensure everyone can participate.

8. End Political Polarization with Civic Renewal

  • Invest in civic education to fight disinformation and empower critical thinking.
  • Create a national public service program for youth to serve and learn together across political lines.

9. Tackle Economic Inequality

  • Raise the minimum wage and protect labor unions.
  • Tax wealth fairly by closing loopholes and implementing a billionaire tax.

10. Rebuild Global Credibility Through Values

  • Rejoin international agreements like the Paris Climate Accord.
  • Lead with diplomacy and democracy, not brute force or autocratic alliances.

Conclusion: The Time for Boldness is Now

This isn't about politics anymore—it's about democracy itself. If America wants to survive and thrive, it must overhaul the systems that led it to the brink. The Trump era wasn’t a fluke—it was a symptom. But symptoms can be treated, systems can be reformed, and a better future can still be written.

Let’s not waste the warning.

Published on Allan’s Canadian Perspective. For more essays on politics, democracy, and reform, subscribe to the blog or follow Allan on social media.

Sunday, 1 June 2025

Why is there no big outcry from Americans?

Answered by David Shapton:

Why is there no big outcry from Americans for what Trump is doing to Canada's economy? 

Do the majority of Americans not care about their northern neighbour?

This is one American’s take on this debacle.

By Robert Meadows (Circuit Court Judge, Florida).

"Have you ever stopped to consider how lucky we Americans are to have the neighbours we have? 

Look around the globe at who some folks have been stuck sharing a border with over the past half century:

North Korea / South Korea

Greece / Turkey

Iran / Iraq

Israel / Palestine

India / Pakistan

China / Russia

"We’ve got Canada! 

Canada. About as inoffensive a neighbour as you could ever hope for. 

In spite of all our boasts of “American exceptionalism” and chants of “America first,” they just smile, do their thing and go about their business. 

They are, on average, more educated, have a higher standard of living, free health care, and almost no gun problems. 

They treat immigrants respectfully and have already taken in over 35,000 Syrians in the last two years.

"They’re with us in NATO, they fought alongside us in World War I, World War II, Korea, the Gulf War, the Bosnian War, Afghanistan, the Kosovo War and came to our defense after 9/11. There was that one time when Canada took a pass on one of our wars: Vietnam. Turned out to be a good call.

"They’ve been steady consumers of American imports, reliable exporters of metals and petroleum products (they are the biggest importer of U.S. products from 37 states), and partnered with NASA in our space missions.

"During 9/11 many aircraft were diverted to Newfoundland, an island province off Canada's east coast where Americans were housed in people's homes for two weeks and treated like royalty. In return for their hospitality, this administration slapped a 20% tariff on the products of Newfoundland's only paper mill, thereby threatening it's survival.

"And what do Canadians expect of us in return? To be respected for who and what they are: Canadians. That’s what I call a good neighbor.

"But the King of Chaos couldn’t leave well enough alone. Based on his delusions of perpetual victimhood, out of the clear blue, he’s declared economic war on Canada. On CANADA! And he did it based on Canada being a national security risk to the US! For no good reason, other than the voices in his head that told him it was a war he could win. So why not do it, then?

"Again, we’re talking about Canada. 


Our closest ally, friend and neighbour!


Saturday, 3 May 2025

Saturday Morning Confusion: G7 meeting in Canada!

 Trump... when he tries to come to the G7 meeting in Canada!

OH... BY THE WAY!
Here's a smuggled photo of a rehearsal for Drumpf's military parade on his birthday!


Friday, 25 April 2025

U.S. States That Almost Became Part of Canada!

 The map of North America could have looked very different today. 

Many U.S. states nearly flew the Canadian flag instead of the stars and stripes due to border fights, land deals, and political battles that happened long ago.

The shared border between the United States and Canada wasn’t always clear, and both countries fought over land for years. 

These States were caught in the middle of these fights and almost ended up on the Canadian side of history, changing what both countries would look like forever.

Maine:

Big toss-up on whether Maine should go with the "Americans" or the British... decision still up in the air!
Vermont:

Vermont existed as an independent republic from 1777 to 1791 and considered joining British North America. Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain Boys held discussions with British representatives about Vermont potentially becoming a Canadian province. Vermont officials negotiated with both nations to determine the most beneficial arrangement. The territory ultimately became the 14th U.S. state in 1791, though historical records indicate this decision was not unanimous.

Minnesota:

The northern Minnesota territory was disputed, with Britain seeking the mineral-rich Mesabi Range for Canada. Initial boundary proposals placed the northern shore of Lake Superior under British control. This resource-rich area became an important consideration during negotiations following the War of 1812. The boundary established by the 1842 treaty placed Minnesota’s northern border at the 49th parallel, securing these natural resources for the United States.

Montana:


Northern Montana was claimed by Britain during multiple border disagreements throughout the 19th century. The Hudson’s Bay Company established trading posts and developed relationships with Native American tribes across the region. British diplomats attempted to secure territories south of the 49th parallel, particularly focusing on areas with strategic water routes. The Oregon Treaty of 1846 established Montana’s northern boundary at the 49th parallel, though the physical border survey wasn’t completed until the 1870s.

Michigan's Upper Peninsula:


British forces occupied Mackinac Island and influenced the Upper Peninsula region following the War of 1812. Military authorities requested that the entire Upper Peninsula remain under British control as part of Canada. Their territorial claim was based on military presence and established commercial networks throughout the region. The Treaty of Ghent in 1814 returned the peninsula to American control, though the final Great Lakes boundary wasn’t fully determined until the Webster-Ashburton Treaty of 1842.

North Dakota:


The border placement along the 49th parallel created territorial uncertainty in North Dakota for several decades. Hudson’s Bay Company established trading operations while Métis communities developed settlements near the unmarked boundary. Survey errors regarding Fort Pembina’s location contributed to geographical misunderstandings about the exact border. The boundary was officially designated in 1818 but remained unmarked until surveys were conducted in the 1870s, creating an area of jurisdictional uncertainty.

Alaska:


Russia approached both Britain and the United States when seeking to sell its Alaskan territory. Canadian representatives showed interest in acquiring the territory to extend their western territories to the Pacific Ocean. Secretary of State William Seward completed the purchase for the United States in 1867 for $7.2 million. This acquisition prevented Alaska’s substantial natural resources from becoming Canadian assets.

Wisconsin:


The fur trade made northern Wisconsin strategically important during early boundary negotiations between the United States and British North America. The Great Lakes watershed boundary was contested, with Britain claiming areas farther south than the current border. British commercial enterprises had established trading networks that they sought to maintain through territorial control. The Treaty of Paris in 1783 created a preliminary boundary, though disputes continued until the Webster-Ashburton Treaty established the final border in 1842.

New York:


Northern New York remained under British military presence for years following the American Revolution. The regions surrounding the St. Lawrence River and Lake Champlain were considered strategically significant by both nations. British military forces maintained control of forts despite treaty obligations to withdraw from American territory. The Jay Treaty of 1794 finally secured British military withdrawal, though border questions continued into the early 19th century.

Wednesday, 23 April 2025

Why is Maine not a part of Canada?

 ALLAN:

When you look at the Maine / New Brunswick / Quebec border, one of the things that becomes immediately obvious is that there’s hardly anything there, even now. 

They all have thriving lumber industries in an area that has hosted timber harvesting for over 200 years.

Maine was originally part of the Massachusetts Colony and when the United States formed in 1787, it was still a part of the state of Massachusetts. 

It didn’t become a state on its own until 1820. 

At that point, it still had a population of only 298,000.

Both Maine and New Brunswick largely developed along their respective coasts. 

In early days, before the highways were built, residents largely got around by boat.

And along that part of the coast, that was problematic. 

The coast of Maine is very uneven. 

Although that means “lots of harbors” it also means “it’s tough to get from one community to another”

In addition, the current border area similarly separates one colony from the other. New Brunswick starts at the Bay of Fundy, where 15 meter tides are the norm... That’s a wild ride in the 18th century..

New Brunswick was, instead, more closely tied to Nova Scotia on the other side of the bay. Going to Maine meant crossing open ocean.

So, when the 13 colonies split, that part that’s now Maine went with the United States... and Britain was just fine with that. (But not Canada!!!)

It held onto its New Brunswick colony, which was too far away for the Americans to influence to any great degree. 

However, since Maine was already part of Massachusetts, which was tied to the United States, there were lots of ties there already.

BUT NOW.. BECAUSE OF TRUMP... MAINE (AND POSSIBLY ALASKA) SHOULD BE INVITED TO JOIN CANADA AS OUR ELEVENTH AND TWELFTH PROVINCES!!!

(Plus Greenland and the Turks and Caicos Islands should come aboard as TERRITORIES!)


MEANWHILE... IF DRUMPF CAN'T TAKE OVER ALL OF CANADA... HE WANTS SOUTHERN ONTARIO... BECAUSE THAT'S WHERE ALL THE MONEY IS!!!!!


Hey... that would make me an AMERICAN... no fucking way!

BUT... THERE'S A LOT OF OTHER AMERICANS WHO WANT OUT!


This is why Carney is good for Canada!



It's not often you see Stewart face off against a politician who's an intellectual equal and just as appealing. That was fantastic.
56
This American citizen loves and Respect Canada 🇨🇦 👏 🙌
63
You know what I like about Mark Carney after this interview? Unlike some politicians that abruptly intervene when a question is asked or when answer in a rude manner, Carney actually takes a minute to sit back and interpret what he is asked and eventually answers the question to the best of his knowledge. I think he has a real potential to lead the LP.
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309
Just rewatched this. Since then, Mr. Carney became the leader of the Liberal party and took over the role of PM and called an election for late April. Honestly, I am even more impressed with this interview now. He has also lead admirably as PM in this short time. He is the intelligent and calm adult in the room. We are so lucky to have him! He has my vote and I hope he will serve Canada well into the bright future.
36
Mark, you are exactly what we need in Canada!!! I'm voting for you in the leadership and for Canada!
203
I have watched this many times. Mark is a serious politician who is not prone to talking points and slogans. He is pragmatic and it shows. I like watching the show because he is also witty and refreshing sharp.
94
Lovely to see a well-spoken intelligent person now leading Canada in these times. Calm, measured, determined. Elbows up!
200
I loved it when our new PM Mark Carney (who did run for Liberal Leadership, and won) could go toe-to-toe with Joh Steward, which is no easy thing to do! Bravo PM Carney, you're Canada's new hope! Amazing... 💪🇨🇦
207
Thanks Jon! What a great way to introduce Mark Carney to the Canadian electorate. I hope you'll have him on again. Thanks a million!
276
Love this man. Three Irish grandparents, how could he not be adorable, smart and liberal.🇨🇦 ❤ 🇮🇪
148
Mark Carney, yes, you make so much sense and I love the fact that Mark, he is not a politician; it's super refreshing! Its nice to see Mark as Canada's next Leader, who actually is a highly educated man! Mark Bachelor Degree in economics, Harvard University, Master's degree Oxford University, a earned a doctoral degree! Love his sense of humor, and his confidence!
115
I haven’t seen this till today. I didn’t realize Mark Carney has such a great sense of humour. I sure hope he wins the election and remains Canada’s PM. He’s so smart, but now I like him for his sense of humour. Great interview. The two of you together have great energy.
216
Mr. Carney appears to be the best for Canada! This interview was incredibly interesting due to the use of the relationship metaphor. Not only was it funny but easily informative and easy to understand. Excellent job!
156
Carney is not only CHARMING but extremely savvy… lucky Canada! Sending them all the best!!♥
317
This aged sooooooo well!!! I'm very happy he is the Prime Minister for Canada
151
That's a real leader! 🇨🇦 The Banker versus The Bankrupt. He didn't just get out of therapy, Jon. He IS the therapist. We love you, America. We just don't want to be you!
216
Hi from Quebec, learning to know our new PM. I like him, hope he will stand strong to Trump.
306
Carney is like many Canadian I know of; humble, self-respecting, confidence, and standing firm when being pushed. Could be great leader at this challenging tine
137
The video that made Mark Carney Prime Minister.
190
Mark Carney is the most impressive mind. I have discovered in the recent couple of months. He is refreshingly direct, knowledgeable, pragmatic, and I hope the people of Canada are fortunate enough to have him lead their country.
10
This aged like fine wine
360
Great interview! I'm so glad Mark Carney is now the Liberal leader of Canada.
121
Jon I've watched this several times. Loved this interview! Hilarious and refreshing. As an Albertan, I will be proud to cast my vote for the Liberal Party in the upcoming election. Thank you Jon and Prime Minister, Mark Carney!
298
(Dane here 🙋‍♀️🇩🇰 ) Wow, the difference in quality between the leadership of Canada and USA is mind blowing
175
Every time I watch this interview I am in awe of how well informed Jon Stewart is. Plus his ability to mix humour with very intelligent questions.
126
I love that so many American talk shows are paying attention to Canadian politics and learning about us! We Canadians know so much more about the United States than what you know about us. Thanks for having us!! 🇨🇦❤️🇨🇦
2K
Voting for this wonderfully intelligent man. Makes me feel like a proud Canadian again! 🇨🇦PM Carney🇨🇦
160
I am a french Canadian and Mark Carney get's my vote always!
194
I'm typically NDP, I'll be voting for Carney. We need policy wonks back in politics!
74
Jon You are well prepared as usual — Mark Carney is breath of fresh air — let’s make it work!!
93
We are proud to be Canadians!!! Not for sale!! 🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦
237
I appreciate this interview with mark carney!! It shows his lighter side while he is defending Canada sovereignty!! Proud to be Canadian !!
91
Those of us that still have our sanity in the States don't want Canada. We love having our awesome neighbours to the north. We're honoured to have Canada as a neighbour and ally. See, I even spelled those words with a "u."
5.4K
Hi! I'm Canadian and just finished watching this interview and was blown away by Mark Carney's wit and calm demeanour as Jon threw humorous questions at him left, right and centre. 👏 I didn't know all that much about him before this video (which I watched twice in a row, btw) and laughed all the way through! The Liberal Party of Canada just got back my vote tonight.
788
Watching this after Carney took leadership. I have never been so proud to be Canadian.
102
Great show Guys! Vermonter here, I wish we had Mark Carney as our President!
22
Im Swedish, not that's its significant in these matters. But honestly this is one of the best interviews I've ever seen with a politician. So smart and so humourous! I honestly think the world would be a better place if we had more people like him 🎉🙏🏻👍🏻 Canada, 90% of Europe is having your back🇨🇦
1.3K
Best show I’ve seen in awhile. This is great - thank you Jon and Mark. Mark Carney has my vote here in Canada. #proudcanadian
86
Great show. Great couple. Great happy ending. Mark Carney won the Liberal Leadership race this past Sunday, Mar 9.🎉
110
He's the man! He has knowledge, intelligence, diplomacy and class. His background, education and accomplishments are impressive. The other parties are trying to bash him about his holdings. He had a life before being elected; he was successful. They are just jealous. I wish he stays for 2 mandates.