An IN-SIGHTS reader reminded me of the work of Robert Michels, a sociologist best known for creating the Iron Law of Oligarchy: All complex organizations—regardless of how democratic they start—inevitably develop into oligarchies, where power is concentrated in the hands of a few elite leaders. It asserts that bureaucratic, technical, and psychological factors force power to centralize, making true democratic control unsustainable.
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.
More American crime
Over the past decade, the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency (Ice) has amassed millions of data points that it uses to identify and track its targets – from social media posts to location history and, most recently, tax information. And there’s been one, multibillion-dollar tech company particularly instrumental in enabling Ice to put all that data to work: Palantir, the data analytics firm co-founded by Peter Thiel, the rightwing mega-donor and tech investor.
“The most powerful crime syndicate in history”
James Speyer, writing in The New York Daily News, says:
It is time to acknowledge what has become tragically obvious: the Trump administration is essentially acting as a massive criminal enterprise. It lies, steals, extorts and murders — all while cloaked in the awesome authority of the state. It is on a crime spree that puts Al Capone to shame.
Norway’s national wealth fund now C$3 trillion
In British Columbia, both the governing NDP and the Conservative opposition maintain that natural resources primarily belong to the companies extracting them today. Taxes are kept low, subsidies are plentiful, and the idea that future generations deserve a share of today’s resource wealth is effectively dismissed.
Urban challenges
I’ve been reading two books: Broken City by Patrick Condon, and Happy City by Charles Montgomery. Both are compelling and deeply researched, and each offers practical, evidence-based ways to improve urban life.
Lessons from Finland.
At the Canada West Forum website, you’ll find a video contrasting two very different responses to homelessness. It shows formerly unhoused people in Finland now living securely and comfortably in permanent homes — a testament to that country’s commitment to long-term solutions. The video also examines American efforts to provide compact, temporary shelters — an approach that may offer short-term relief but is far less effective for people facing chronic housing instability. The Finnish model is explained by Juha Kahila, who will be a featured participant in the upcoming online Canada West Forum event, Housing: The Affordability Challenge.
BC’s uncomfortable political reality — REDUX
The material below the separator line was first posted at IN-SIGHTS in April, 2013. Today, an acquaintance reminded me about Sean Holman’s important work across many years. In the early days of […]
Darlene Marzari on local governments
UBC Professor Patrick Condon used Facebook to circulate an opinion from former NDP Minister of Municipal Affairs, Darlene Marzari. It had been published in BC Orders of the Day, a journal for BC MLAs.
Housing and homelessness online forum – February 23
Affordable housing is a major problem, with many Canadians struggling with high costs and the inadequate supply of suitable homes. These struggles can impact health, happiness, and financial stability, and may lead to homelessness and a cycle of housing insecurity. Can this situation in Canada be changed? Can we learn from other regions? The answer to both questions is a resounding YES!
MAGA deals with climate change
White House For Sale — Trump’s Profiteering Hits $4+ Billion
The New Yorker is one of many prestigious properties owned by the Newhouse Family. Their wealth is estimated at about C$33 billion. So if one of the most respected journalists working for […]
From A Reader
In 1814, soldiers from British North America (the precursor to modern Canada) were part of the military force that burned Washington DC. 2025 saw the end of a peaceful friendship between two neighbours that lasted over 150 years
After words of the Presidente-for Life
This is a response from A. Reader to Mr Stewart’s comment at the post Middle powers must act together because if we’re not at the table, we’re on the menu.,,
Immigration questions
Different questions asked and answered in different countries.
About Canada’s sick neighbour
One of the most articulate critics of Donald Trump and his warriors is Boston College historian Heather Cox Richardson. Below the separator is the text of her recent Substack post:
Middle powers must act together because if we’re not at the table, we’re on the menu
A friend who worked in the PMO years ago says Mark Carney was known in Ottawa as a straight-shooter who often wrote his own speeches and did so very quickly. He didn’t need speechwriters for this admirable address to important people in Davos.
18 years
In 2026, this personal blog will begin its 19th year. Financial contributions from readers keep the lights on. If you judge IN-SIGHTS to be worthwhile, please contribute by clicking on this post and following the link provided.
Affordable housing is a major problem, with many Canadians struggling with high costs and the inadequate supply of suitable homes. These struggles can impact health, happiness, and financial stability, and may lead to homelessness and a cycle of housing insecurity.
Towering arrogance in the White House
I generally avoid spending money on American publications, but The Atlantic remains indispensable. Today, staff writer David A. Graham describes a deeply dangerous individual whose towering arrogance convinces him he understands the world better than anyone alive…
Wealth inequality — How did it get so extreme, and what can we do about it?
Wealth inequality is a lot like the climate crisis. Both are slow-moving train wrecks of immense proportions. Just as climate change is wreaking societal destruction around the globe, so is wealth inequality. Society tends to think they can ignore these problems, until they can’t anymore.
in-sights.ca 
Believe me, taxpayers in Greater Victoria grouse about having to pay for our treatment plant, but I suppose we were…