gdp's Comments

TransGriot : The Canadians Have A Point-Hate Speech Should Be Regulated

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 12:25:41 +0000

A lot of people think that free speech isn't allowed in Canada. It is. It's just that if you do any speech that basically incites hatred of another group, then that's a crime. I think the Supreme Court said it was akin to yelling Fire in the movie theatre: whether true or not, people will believe it.

TransGriot : Happy 17th Anniversary To The First Couple

Fri, 9 Oct 2009 12:41:22 +0000

Congrats to both as they show how a couple can get through the trails of politics with grace. And an even happier one with a Noble Peace Prize!

TransGriot : Feeling A Little Blue Today

Mon, 5 Oct 2009 14:38:14 +0000

:( Take the time to recharge your batteries and come back when ready. We all be here. :)

TransGriot : Shut Up Fool! Awards- Cougars Rock Edition

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 13:31:15 +0000

I'm surprised anyone is still his sponsor. I don't understand how anyone could advertise with someone who so blantantly lies in general.

TransGriot : Diane Sawyer To Become ABC News Anchor In 2010

Thu, 3 Sep 2009 15:43:24 +0000

Wow. I didn't know she was still doing that. I guess I got so used to her being on 60 min. Didn't she anchor the evening news somewhere else before? I remember Brian Williams (IIRC) from Canadian news (CBC?) for a while.

TransGriot : More Flight Anxiety For Transpeople As New TSA Rules Implemented

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 15:48:59 +0000

Well, as promised I'd post about my experience. Now I regularly fly American (I have gold status and that often can mean cheap upgrades on those long flights). Last week I went from JFK-SFO and then back again. And while I look nothing like my picture I was allowed through and "Sir'd" all the way through. The staff were very respectful. In fact, TSA never asked to see my passport, work visa or anything -- other than a valid boarding pass. And that didn't have a gender marker (no Mr., Ms, nothing). Now, I am white so I have no delusions about the fact that skin colour would have impact but I'm hopeful that it wasn't the factor and that perhaps some sensitivity training was done.

TransGriot : More Flight Anxiety For Transpeople As New TSA Rules Implemented

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 12:04:09 +0000

It's interesting. I travel lots and definitely do not look like my picture anymore. And have yet to be challenge. I have a suspicion of two things: being an FTM means I'm a guy and thus, wouldn't be an issue, and second, I'm white. White male privilege is probably keeping things at a minimum -- for now. Today happens to be name change day and then I'll have to figure out how to get to Canada to address this for my BC, passport (my main form of ID) and work visa. I may just head to Toronto for a week to visit friends and such. Anyways, next week I'll get to find out how much of a hassle this will be. I do have a letter from my doctor that I carry always with me with my ID (just in case someone asks). So we'll see if I get challenged this time and if the letter is helpful.

TransGriot : Computer Down

Sun, 19 Jul 2009 12:25:06 +0000

Oh... definitely not a good thing. :( I suppose one could view it as a vacation in a sense ;)

TransGriot : Canadian Transwoman Thrown Out Of Casino Rama Restroom

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 11:57:10 +0000

Even in Canada, ignorance and stupidity abound. Rural Canada is no different than other places (very conservative). I wouldn't be surprised if someone came in, all scared and claimed some "man" was in there stalking women or some crap like that. Good for her for standing up and voicing her rights. And, having been to Casino Rama before (but never again) there is NO unisex washroom so that was a crap statement by the guard.

TransGriot : I'm 'Hard To Take'? Please!

Mon, 6 Jul 2009 11:53:08 +0000

I have to agree with Sparky. A lot of people don't really want to look at or admit their privilege because it probably distorts their view of themselves (likely seen through somewhat rosy glasses). I personally do not find you hard to take, Monica, but rather find my own privilege hard at times and it's something **I** have to address. I've always like learning about other views, cultures and opinions. That said, I wonder if the poster just didn't like learning about a part of himself/herself. Anyways, don't change.

TransGriot : Why The Ignorance About Canada?

Thu, 2 Jul 2009 11:29:01 +0000

Heh.. I personally would prefer Timmy's (while hot) caramel pecan chocolate chip cookies. If you've never tried them, give 'em a whirl. For all the good things about Canada we do have our less than stellar stuff but I know the nation is working through it. A few years ago (10?) they issued an apology and became working on reparations for treatment of aborginals (what's referred to as Native Americans in the US). What's really ironic is that Canada is the US' **LARGEST** trading partner (http://www.census.gov/foreign-trade/top/dst/curre... You'd think given that kind of importance more Americans would know about us (I still chuckle about the American family that came to Ottawa with skiis and winter jackets in the middle of July asking where all the snow was -- uh.. ya. We get hot summers too). In this day and age of internet there is even less reason to not know about each other. One of the reason's why I love my job is that I can travel. As an expat living here in the US (NYC to be exact) I find Americans fascinating and as diverse, in some respects, as Canada (although it seems to be more of a diversity of "Americanism" rather than distinct cultures like I've found in Canada). Now the only things that could improve my stay here in the US would be more hockey and better beer :)

TransGriot : Why No CBC On US Cable Systems?

Sat, 30 May 2009 12:12:56 +0000

Heh. I would love to see CBC down here in NYC. CBC was created in Canada to allow Canadians instant access to Canadian culture and was funded and run by the gov't. It actually has a requirement of about 80% Canadian culture, mainly because of the overwhelming news and entertainment feeds that come from the US (and to ensure that every Canadian could have access to Hockey Night in Canada on Saturday nights ;) ) I suspect that some Americans might be put off by the pokes at American culture and knowledge (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=seYUbVa7L7w The video is from 2004 and the clip with Bush is hilarious). "You can bet the Rethuglicans will do everything possible to smear the Canadian single payer universal healthcare system like they always do when we crank up these periodic discussions." They've begun this already (Conservatives for Public Health or something like that) where they claim and suggest that they always experience delays and denials of health care (as if it never happens in a "private" health care system). It would be great to let people see that the health care system, while not perfect, at least ensures that everyone has basic coverage and it could help improve the overall quality of life for **ALL** Americans and not just the privileged few. As a Canadian down here in the US, I can tell you: I hugely miss my Canadian Health Care system.

TransGriot : Obama Administration-Day 100

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 15:01:49 +0000

I can add one: Presidential speeches are in english? Check.

TransGriot : 1-20-13

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 11:45:41 +0000

I suspect it won't be his last day. I have a feeling that he'll have another term.

TransGriot : 1,500 Posts

Sat, 11 Apr 2009 11:20:46 +0000

Congrats! Looking forward to reading the next 1,500 posts :)