Privatization, Deregulation and BC's Natural Gas Crisis
  The BC Federation of Labour explains that British Columbians are about to learn what Alberta and California consumers are already learning about the cost of utility deregulation.

The Straight Goods Forum: The limits of charity... Larry Solway says those who think voluntarism and charity will reduce the growing gap between rich and poor should think again. Silver Donald Cameron writes from D'Escousse, Nova Scotia, that things are a bit more complex at the ground level in small towns like his. June Callwood agrees adding that the growing extent of child poverty is not going to be addressed by corporate largesse or charity. Now it's your turn. What do YOU think of frequent invocations of the spirit of giving and voluntarism? State your views and see what others have written... Take the Straight Goods poll.

Downsized water expert found no profit in protecting Walkerton residents
  In an interview from May 2000, with former provincial environment official Gary Palmateer, Ish Theilheimer shows how downsizing, downloading and government cuts combine to threaten everyone's health and safety.
 

The economics of poverty
By Mel Watkins
  A year-end reflection on the many bizarre and destructive effects of poverty and the gap between rich and poor both within and between nations.
 
 

Canadians love TV history, sponsors don't
  Linda McQuaig writes that CBC's epic TV history project had no celebrities, no bouncy teens in spandex tops, but drew 2.5 million viewers despite corporate indifference.

The Koebel Brothers and Mike Harris... Good ol' boys who kill
  Publisher's Welcome from Ish Theilheimer
 
 
 

Religion and politics - a volatile mix
By Barrie Zwicker
  The media's treatment of religion as an issue was pivotal in the Canadian federal election of 2000.
 

Health alternatives under the gun
By Bruce Livesey
  Is Ontario's College of Physicians and Surgeons persecuting alternative health practitioners?

Will Canada host the $14 Billion ITER fusion project?
  Canada's Nuclear Safety Commission is hearing license renewal applications this month, as noted in two recent items in Hot Headlines, and concerns have been raised about existing nuclear facilities. The biggest one yet may be coming, as Suzanne Elston reported last April in Straight Goods.

Stuff we really don't want for Christmas
  New holiday animation from Jim Kempkes. Consumer stuff that does no one a favour.
  (You need Shockwave^® software to view this cartoon and others in the Straight Goods cartoon gallery - it takes a few minutes to download, but it's not hard to install and it's absolutely free.)

The Straight Goods Forum: Jewish and loving it... Larry Solway comments on Chanukah, Christmas envy and the elevation of the humble latke to the status of plum pudding. Others join him in his reminiscence and reflection, including Bram Morrison, who agrees, and Rabbi Gunther Plaut, who doesn't. Now it's your turn. What do YOU think of the Silly Season? State your views and see what others have written... Take the Straight Goods poll.

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