A government investigation reported in 2009 that BC Ferries’ process of setting executive compensation was out of whack. The Comptroller General of British Columbia shocked no one with the report, except for […]
Giant paydays proved unsinkable
Norm Farrell
Gwen and I raised three adult children in North Vancouver. Each lives in this community, as do our seven grandchildren. Before retirement, I worked in accounting and small business management. Since 2009, I have published commentary about public issues at IN-SIGHTS.CA.
Ma Barker orders a review of the Barker Gang
Vaughn Palmer’s online column “View from the Ledge” carries a preposterous headline and less than dubious content. Liberals increase scrutiny of B.C. Hydro starts: Concerned about rising B.C. Hydro rates, Premier Christy […]
Explaining irrational exuberance
Exporting logs exports jobs too
From Adrian Dix, today: VANCOUVER- NDP leadership candidate Adrian Dix has committed to specific new policy actions to discourage the export of raw logs and the loss of BC forestry jobs. “The […]
An old problem: elder abuse
Excellent comments here in the last few days after we introduced the case of Kathleen Palamarek, the 88-year old woman rescued by BC Ambulance paramedics from near fatal narcotic poisoning in the care facility where […]
They who pay little now want to pay less
Here is a followup to our story Bringing good things to life — like no taxes. Once more we see the capacity of mega-corporations to reduce or avoid income taxes. ProPublica combined […]
Trouble brewing in seniors’ care
This reprints an In-Sights article first published January 10, 2010. It deserves review because of the Granny Napping article published here April 4, 2011. I have already had a number of private […]
How things work, when they don’t work
World War II ended September 1945 when Pacific surrender documents were signed. Precisely nine months later I was born in Vancouver and my future one and only wife arrived in Powell River. […]
Who creates and pays for news stories
Vancouver Sun last week published a report aimed at diluting public concern over the dangers of nuclear power. It was written by public relations operative Pamela Groberman, whose company serves a diverse list […]
Globe and Mail facilitates BC Liberal falsehood
Another example of dishonest stenographic journalism, this time from Justine Hunter at the Globe and Mail: Mr. [Liberal Attorney General Barry] Penner said he shares the concern of taxpayers about the defence […]
Stiglitz looks at the 1%
Nobel laureate economist Joseph Stiglitz writes about inequality in Vanity Fair, Of the 1%, by the 1%, for the 1%. Americans have been watching protests against oppressive regimes that concentrate massive wealth […]
Auditor General: oil and gas production oversight needs improvement
The Auditor General of BC today reinforced warnings raised repeatedly at In-Sights about the inadequacies of oversight and regulation in the northeast oil and gas industry. Mainstream media in this province have […]
Justice or injustice
Most of us pay little attention to the superior courts in our province. Perhaps we do when high profile criminal or civil cases are reported but mostly, the courts grind on without […]
Disagreement and debate
The Internet should facilitate debate but too often encourages unfocused argument. By reading mainly opinions and versions of fact from those with whom we are likely to agree, our intellectual inquiry is […]
The Big Lie
From a German book published in 1925: All this was inspired by the principle–which is quite true within itself–that in the big lie there is always a certain force of credibility; because […]
A sad and dangerous trend
This follows my post of the Ralph Nader video. I have read much lately about the growing unfairness of income distribution in North America and the organized efforts of our richest citizens […]
Attacking the middle class
Famed international journalist Riz Khan talks to legendary Ralph Nader. Follow this link to the video.
Spreading democracy by atrocity
Rolling Stone, iconic magazine of pop culture, presents a shocking Special Report, The Kill Team. …While the officers of 3rd Platoon peeled off to talk to a village elder inside a compound, […]
Not even a tawdry veil of objectivity
In October, Sun pundit Vaughn Palmer wrote that if Carole James were to resign as leader, the NDP would become involved in “a bitter, divisive contest” leading to selection of a leader […]
An alternative view of Vancouver
From Rail for the Valley: “. . . You don’t meet people of substance here. You meet flakes. The press is dominated by yellow journalism. Rarely if ever have I read a […]
in-sights.ca 
Historians have not been kind to elites who opposed scientific innovation. For centuries Belief among guardians of executive authority rarely…